DE202013009943U1 - Plate system, in particular for use as a running surface covering for skating rinks - Google Patents

Abstract

Plate system, especially for use as a running surface for ice rinks, comprising a plurality of matching, essentially rectangular plate elements (2) made of plastic, each plate element having an upper plate surface (4) and a lower plate surface (6) and four side surfaces (8a, 8b, 8c , 8d), each side face being provided with projections (10) and recesses (12) which interlock with complementary projections and recesses of an adjacent plate element, the projections being provided with an undercut (14), and with each plate element on two side surfaces arranged side by side, the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate protrude from the upper half of the plate in the plane of the plate, and on the other two side surfaces the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate protrude from the upper half of the plate in the plane of the plate step back, characterized in that at least some of the projections in the plate half on top are equipped with a groove (16) running parallel to the plane of the plate and the corresponding recesses in the plate half on top are equipped with a web designed to engage a groove in an adjacent plate element (18) are provided.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a plate system, in particular for use as a running surface covering for skating rinks.

State of the art

Skating rinks with plastic tread coverings are known in principle. The material used for such applications is often referred to as "synthetic ice", meaning not the composition, but the intended use as a substitute product of conventional ice cream. Skating rinks made of synthetic ice have several advantages over those of conventional ice. In particular, they can be installed in a wide variety of environments and, in particular, operated at comparatively high temperatures. In addition, they require less maintenance than conventional ice rinks and require less energy because of the elimination of cooling. Thus, ice rinks made of synthetic ice can be operated in the open air throughout the year as well as in sports halls and are basically suitable for warm countries.

In the US 8,129,005 B2 For example, a skating rink made of synthetic ice is described which comprises a plate system of a plurality of mating plate elements of an unspecified synthetic material. To avoid highly undesirable gaps between the individual plate elements, these are designed in the manner of a puzzle system, ie, a positive connection between each adjacent plate elements is formed. However, this form-fit only acts against shifts in the disk plane. In order to avoid an equally undesirable shift out of the disk plane, are in the US 8,129,005 B2 additional locking elements provided in the form of cooperating webs and grooves. However, due to their arrangement, these blocking elements are inevitably rather small in size, so that their blocking effect perpendicular to the plane of the plate is considerably less effective than that of the puzzle-shaped members in the plane of the plate. As a result, stability to offset of the plate elements perpendicular to the plane of the plate appears suboptimal.

A generic plate system is also from the DE 20 2008 016 878 U1 known. This comprises a plurality of square plate members made of plastic, which are provided on all side surfaces with projections and recesses which engage with complementary projections and recesses of a abutting cover plate. In each plate member protrude on two juxtaposed side surfaces, the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate opposite the upper half of the plate in the plane of the plate, while on the other two side surfaces, the projections and recesses in the lower plate half opposite the overhead plate half in the Withdraw plate level. This embodiment avoids unwanted breaking of a plate element from the plate plane.

In practice, for cost and weight reasons alone, there is a need to use not too thick plate elements, for example with a thickness of approximately 20 mm. On the other hand, to enable a quick assembly and disassembly, the format of the plate elements should be rather large, for example of the order of 1 × 1 m. With such dimensions, it has been found that the stability against a vertical displacement of two adjacent plate edges is not sufficient. This is due to the fact that in the plate system according to DE 20 2008 016 878 U1 preventing the vertical pivoting of a panel member upwardly through the upper panel edges of two adjacent panel members. Due to the specific outline shape, these are adjacent elements adjoining two side surfaces of the plate element that are adjacent to one another. Thus, the vertical Ausscheren especially in the common corner of the two side surfaces is prevented. In contrast, a vertical anchoring is missing especially in the area of the diagonally opposite corner of the plate element.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved plate system, which is not only easy and seamless laying and ensures safe power transmission in the plate surface, but also a swinging a plate up or down from the plate plane in all regions of the plate member reliable prevented. The plate system according to the invention should be suitable in particular for use as a tread covering for skating rinks such as ice rinks and ice hockey surfaces.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by the plate system defined in claim 1. This comprises a plurality of mating, substantially rectangular plate members made of plastic, each plate member having an upper and lower plate surface and four side surfaces, each side surface is provided with projections and recesses, which with complementary projections and Recesses of an adjacent plate member engage with each other, wherein the projections are provided with an undercut, and wherein each plate member on two juxtaposed side surfaces protrude the protrusions and recesses in the lower plate half opposite the overhead plate half in the plane of the plate and also the other two Side surfaces, the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate with respect to the overhead plate half recede in the plane of the plate. Characterized in that at least a portion of the projections in the overhead plate half are provided with a plane parallel to the plane of the plate groove and the corresponding recesses in the overhead plate half are provided with a formed for engaging a groove of an adjacent plate member web can in all Areas of the Plattenumrisses a good barrier effect against a vertical displacement of adjacent plate elements are effected. This makes it possible to produce a total area of high planarity without unevenness in the joint area.

In principle, the plate system according to the invention can be used for a wide variety of applications in which a highly planar, seamless usable area is to be provided. In the preferred field of use as a tread covering for artificial skating rinks such as skating rinks and ice hockey surfaces, the plate elements must be made of a plastic having good lubricity and toughness such as polyethylene.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below and defined in the dependent claims.

The term "plate element" is understood in the present context to mean that it is a one-piece plate-shaped component.

The term "rectangular" is to be understood in the context of the inventive plate elements so that the plate elements are rectangular when viewed perpendicular to the plate plane apart from the projections and recesses of the side surfaces.

The projections as well as the recesses provided for receiving them are provided in a manner known per se with an undercut in order to create a form fit in all directions of the plate plane. In addition, webs and grooves are provided, which engage with each other when joining two plate elements and thereby produce a blocking effect perpendicular to the plate plane. The engagement of the webs in the associated grooves requires overcoming an elastic force due to the mentioned undercuts. At the same time prevents the undercut shape of the projections and recesses that the web-groove connection all too easy disengage. The web-groove connections thus act as latchable and latchable resilient locking members.

Preferably, all plate elements are identical, with a square shape is particularly advantageous (claim 2). The side length of the square shape may be selected from a wide range of, for example, 500 to 2,000 mm, and is preferably 800 to 1,200 mm, more preferably about 900 to 1,100 mm. The thickness of the plate elements is in the range of 10 to 30 mm, preferably 15 to 25 mm and especially about 17 to 20 mm.

Although the plate members used are each provided with protrusions and recesses on all four side surfaces, special plate members may be provided for the edges of skating rinks having no protrusions and recesses on one side surface and on two adjacent side surfaces, respectively.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the projections as well as the associated recesses in the manner of a dovetail profile with rounded corners are formed (claim 3). It has proved to be particularly advantageous for the assembly and disassembly of the plate elements when the projections have a concave side surface region and the recesses have a correspondingly shaped convex side surface region (claim 4).

It is understood that the groove depth defined perpendicular to the side surface must be greater than the web height defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate, since otherwise there would be an undesirable gap between adjacent plate elements (claim 5).

In principle, the web thickness defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate could be approximately as large as the groove thickness defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate, as a result of which the webs would fit snugly in the grooves (claim 6). However, it is more advantageous for handling when assembling the plate system if the web thickness is dimensioned smaller than the groove thickness and, for example, is only approximately half, ie approximately 40 to 60% of the groove thickness. However, in this embodiment, the webs and grooves to be positioned such that in the assembled state of two plates, the respective webs at the top of the associated Resting grooves in the adjacent plate element (claim 7).

Incidentally, it goes without saying that the length of the webs defined in the direction of the plate plane is advantageously approximately as large, but in no case greater than the corresponding length of the grooves.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the plate elements are formed from a sintered-pressed polyethylene with lubricant contained therein (claim 8). Sintered high molecular weight polyethylene ensures good mechanical stability over the entire temperature range of any sports complex. In particular, such a high impact resistance, a good resistance to indentations and a good abrasion resistance is guaranteed. Thanks to the added lubricant, a good sliding comfort is also achieved. In addition, no external lubricants or waxes are required, which greatly simplifies the maintenance of the skating rink. Conveniently, the plastic also contains a UV stabilizer to avoid unwanted embrittlement under sunlight.

Ways to carry out the invention

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

1 a plate member, in plan view;

2 the cutout II in the upper right corner of the plate element of the 1 , in an enlarged plan view, a) with and b) without representation of the invisible edges;

3 a section in the area of the lower right corner of the plate element of 1 in perspective view;

4 the plate element of 1 , in lateral view from the right; and

5 the cutout V in the right lower corner of the plate element of the 3 , in enlarged side view from the right.

That in the 1 to 5 illustrated plate element 2 has an upper plate surface 4 and a lower plate surface 6 as well as four side surfaces 8a . 8b . 8c . 8d on. Each of these side surfaces is with protrusions 10 and recesses 12 provided, which engage with complementary projections and recesses of an adjacent plate element not shown here in one another. As in particular from the 2 and 3 As can be seen, the projections 10 with an undercut 14 Mistake; the recesses provided for cooperation with the undercut projections are shaped accordingly.

As especially by the 1 . 2 and 3 is clarified, in the present example, the projections are formed as a dovetail profile with rounded corners, wherein the projections have a concave side surface region and the recesses have a correspondingly shaped convex side surface region.

As well as from the 1 is apparent, the plate element shown in the present example 2 essentially square, ie the side masses A and B of the outermost contour edges in plan view are identical. In principle, however, non-square embodiments could also be used, for example only in certain sections of an ice skating rink. Provided, however, is that even in such cases, a complete occupancy of the area must be possible.

From the 1 and 2 is also evident that the plate element 2 on two side surfaces arranged side by side, namely on the side surfaces 8a and 8d the projections and recesses in the lower plate half 4 opposite the upper half of the plate 6 recede in the plane of the plate by a projection V, while on the other two side surfaces 8b and 8c the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate 4 opposite the top half of the plate 6 protrude by the same projection dimension V in the plane of the plate. Thanks to this geometry, the plate element becomes 2 in the assembled state of the plate system by two adjacent plate elements (here: on on the sides 8a and 8d adjacent) at a Ausscheren upwards prevented. At the same time, the plate element exercises 2 on two other adjacent plate elements (here on the sides 8b and 8c adjoining) a barrier effect against outward swings.

With the features described so far would be in the plate element shown, the corner between the pages 8a and 8b more effectively secured against breaking up than the corner area between the sides 8b and 8c , To ensure a balanced barrier effect are the projections 10 in the upper half of the plate with a groove running parallel to the plane of the plate 16 are equipped and the corresponding recesses 12 in the upper half of the plate with a web formed for engagement in a groove of an adjacent plate element 18 Mistake.

The groove depth T defined perpendicular to the side surface must be greater than the web height H. defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate.

In principle, the web thickness DS defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate could be approximately as large as the groove thickness DN defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate, as a result of which the webs would fit snugly in the grooves. However, it is more advantageous for handling when assembling the plate system if, as in the example shown here, the web thickness DS is only approximately half the groove thickness DN. The webs and grooves are positioned on the plate element so that in the assembled state of two plates, the respective webs rest against the upper side of the associated grooves in the adjacent plate element. This is especially the case 5 according to which the distance D1 of the upper edge of the web 18 from the upper surface 4 of the plate element is identical to the distance D2 of the upper edge of the groove 16 from the upper surface 4 ,

• • an die Seitenfläche 8a wird eine Seitenfläche identisch zu 8c angesetzt;
• • an die Seitenfläche 8b wird eine Seitenfläche identisch zu 8d angesetzt;
• • an die Seitenfläche 8c wird eine Seitenfläche identisch zu 8a angesetzt;
• • an die Seitenfläche 8d wird eine Seitenfläche identisch zu 8b angesetzt.

When assembling two plate elements they are joined together in identical orientation. This would result in the following connections:

• • to the side surface 8a becomes a side surface identical to 8c set;
• • to the side surface 8b becomes a side surface identical to 8d set;
• • to the side surface 8c becomes a side surface identical to 8a set;
• • to the side surface 8d becomes a side surface identical to 8b stated.

• • Kantenlänge A = B = 983 mm
• • Plattendicke D = 18 mm
• • Höhe der vorstehenden Plattenteile DH = 9 mm
• • Vorsprungmass zwischen oberer und unterer Plattenhälfte: VM = 3 mm
• • Länge der Vorsprünge und Ausnehmungen in oberer Plattenhälfte LO = 69 mm
• • Länge der Vorsprünge und Ausnehmungen in unterer Plattenhälfte LU = 63 mm
• • Nutlänge LN = 32 mm
• • Steglänge LS = 31 mm
• • Nutdicke DN = 3 mm
• • Stegdicke DS = 1.5 mm
• • Abstand von der oberen Fläche D1 = D2 = 3 mm
• • Nuttiefe T = 2.5 mm
• • Steghöhe H = 0.5 mm

Exemplary dimensions of the plate elements are:

• • Edge length A = B = 983 mm
• • Plate thickness D = 18 mm
• • Height of protruding plate parts DH = 9 mm
• • Projection dimension between upper and lower half of the plate: VM = 3 mm
• • Length of the projections and recesses in the upper half of the plate LO = 69 mm
• • Length of the protrusions and recesses in lower half of the plate LU = 63 mm
• • Groove length LN = 32 mm
• • Bar length LS = 31 mm
• • groove thickness DN = 3 mm
• • Bar thickness DS = 1.5 mm
• • Distance from the upper surface D1 = D2 = 3 mm
• • Groove depth T = 2.5 mm
• • Bar height H = 0.5 mm

The material used for the plate elements is advantageously a sintered high molecular weight polyethylene having an average molecular weight of about 10 ⁶ g / mol is used, which contains a uniformly distributed therein lubricant and a UV stabilizer. For the preparation of the plate elements first corresponding plates are pressed and then the necessary recesses, projections, grooves and ridges milled.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 8129005 B2 [0003, 0003]
• DE 202008016878 U1 [0004, 0005]

Claims (8)

Plate system, in particular for use as a running surface covering for skating rinks, comprising a plurality of mating, substantially rectangular plate elements ( 2 ) made of plastic, each plate element having an upper plate surface ( 4 ) and a lower plate surface ( 6 ) as well as four side surfaces ( 8a . 8b . 8c . 8d ), each side surface having projections ( 10 ) and recesses ( 12 ) which engage with complementary projections and recesses of an adjacent plate member, wherein the projections with an undercut ( 14 ) are provided, and wherein at each plate member on two side surfaces arranged side by side protrude the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate opposite the upper half of the plate in the plane and also on the two other side surfaces, the projections and recesses in the lower half of the plate over the recede at the top plate half in the plate plane, characterized in that at least a portion of the projections in the overhead plate half with a plane parallel to the plate plane groove ( 16 ) and the corresponding recesses in the upper half of the plate with a formed for engagement in a groove of an adjacent plate member web ( 18 ) are provided. The panel system of claim 1, wherein the panel members are substantially square in shape. The panel system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusions have a dovetail profile with rounded corners. The panel system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusions have a concave side surface area and the recesses have a correspondingly shaped convex side surface area. Plate system according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the groove depth defined perpendicular to the side surface is greater than the web height defined perpendicular to the plate plane. Plate system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the web thickness (DS) defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate corresponds approximately to the groove thickness (DN) defined perpendicular to the plane of the plate. Panel system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the web thickness (DS) is less than the groove thickness (DN) and the webs ( 18 ) and grooves ( 16 ) are positioned such that in the assembled state of two plates, the respective webs bear against the upper side of the associated grooves in the adjacent plate element. A panel system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the panel members are formed of a sintered polyethylene with lubricant therein.

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