KR100362309B1 - Artificial ICE Skating Rink Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

It relates to an artificial ice skating link assembly which can be used indoors or outdoors all weather, requires only a few assembly parts and accessories for assembly, and is easy to assemble and maintain. In one embodiment of the invention, there is an artificial ice skating link consisting of a plurality of panel means for providing an ice skating surface, each panel means having an elongated channel in which longitudinal and transverse axes are arranged. The elongated spline means are slidably inserted into the channel in the lateral direction along the transverse axis of the channel and slidably received in other channels of the other panel means which are in sliding engagement with the spline and are laterally forced. In this way, separate panel means are fully supported by spline means for relative movement along the transverse axis of each panel. The skating link assemblies of the present invention are not laminated and can provide a low frictional strengthening of the surface for skating with a relatively high level of lubricant contained in the panel components. In addition, the skating link assembly is wood-free, making the assembly well suited for the outdoors, where it is exposed to elements year after year.

Description

Artificial Ice Skating Rink Assembly

The present invention relates to an assembly with reduced surface friction, which is particularly suitable for artificial ice skating links.

In the past, ice skating is one of many sports that many people enjoy. When doing this exercise on natural ice, either an appropriately sized outdoor or indoor link should be provided. The construction and management of outdoor links depends on moody weather and such links cannot be used in warm climates or in warm seasons. Indoor links using natural ice, on the other hand, must be equipped with a centralized cooling system to keep the ice surface at an appropriate temperature and to prevent the ice from melting. Ice skating rinks made of natural ice, whether outdoors or indoors, need to be resurfaced periodically to maintain a smooth ice surface and enough to skate. Such resurfacing typically consists of an expensive self-propelled ice surface retouching device, often referred to as a Zamboni device.

To solve this difficulty, several types of artificial skating links have been proposed previously. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,771,891 to Nirenski et al teaches an artificial ice skating link consisting of panels of plastic sheeting connected together by integrating a groove formed integrally at the edge of the rectangular panel. The edges are carefully mechanized for precise fit so that when they are joined together, no cracks or bumps are typically created at the joints where the edges of separately adjacent panels are joined together. Moreover, in U.S. Patent No. 3,771,891 to Nirensky et al., A grid of steel straps operating along the bottom of a link where the panels are held together by opposing pairs of channel members held on the outer surface of the link assembly and fixed under pressure of the channel members. Describes stretching together. In terms of the equipment and labor required in the installation process, it is desirable to eliminate the need for external tightening and fastening means when assembling artificial ice skating links.

Toshio, U.S. Patent No. 4,169,688, teaches an artificial ice skating link floor, in one embodiment wherein a plurality of plastic plates are provided with edge channels and common inserts, such as metal or synthetic resins, It is fed into the opposing panel channel, and then the inside diameter must be drawn through the plate, the fastening pin is inserted into the insert and the pin head is cut to make the plate surface smooth and even. However, the need for such fastening pins makes the assembly or disassembly of the skating link more complicated and more labor intensive. In a second embodiment of Tosio's U.S. Patent 4,619,688, the plate is disposed on a cushioning layer, and the plate is then connected using an U-shaped, T-shaped or tapered shaped insert or alternatively an mechanical hook-like inter An adhesive tape should be placed under the plate seam where no lock occurs between the channel and the insert. The use of a cushion layer in the second embodiment of Toshio's' 688 patent is costly and expensive, and also requires a complex three-dimensional shape for the insert and a complementary channel shape at the plate edge, thus producing costs and complexity. This increases and is expensive and laborious when using other adhesive tapes in the plate seam.

Moreover, the interlock design used in one of the Tosio designs (see FIGS. 9A-B) can crack, break and bend in complex shaped connecting splines. The ice skating link assembly material expands and contracts and the force exerted by the skater must be absorbed by the ice skating flooring. That is, the inconsistency of expansion and contraction between the various parts in the assembly is not limited to buckling, but also to any small plastic part used for connecting splines that tend to absorb stress from adjacent large plastic panel weights. Problems such as breakage and / or warpage problems can be caused. Thus, the Tosio patent can expect that complex shapes or small plastic parts proposed to be suitable for interlocking patterns increase the risk of assembly failure. In a third embodiment of Tosio's 688 patent, the plates are reassembled on a cushion layer and the edges of the plates are melted or heat bonded together. Such heat bonding requires special equipment and results in a permanently integrated link structure that is difficult to disassemble later if necessary or desired.

Low friction composite structural elements for artificial ice skating links are also described in US Pat. No. 5,387,343, invented by the presently mentioned inventors. Generally, conventional designs and structures have included panels each formed as a stack of thin polyolefin plastic layers (eg, 4-7 mm) bonded to both sides of a thick central wood core part. These composite panels were assembled with the channel and spline arrangement using plastic splines embedded in channels formed by the wood cores of adjacent panels. Compared with the prior art, the production of adhesives and relatively thin plastic surface layers used in the lamination process associated with the invention have been consistently improved over the prior design.

However, a problem associated with the conventional wood core base design of US Pat. No. 5,387,343 is that it cannot exist in an outdoor skating environment. In other words, it has been found that exposure to water, high humidity and other sources of moisture causes unwanted expansion of the wood cores in the composite. They also found that continued exposure to water caused mold and eventually caused the wood to rot. Water damage to the wood core components of our prior design ultimately made the panel assembly unstable and inadequate for ice skating. Another problem associated with conventional plastic wood composite panel structures is incompatibility due to mismatches in the expansion and contraction behavior of the two different laminate materials involved. Wood expands and contracts at a slower rate than plastics (eg polyethylene), so that thin (4-7mm) plastic surface sheets are peeled from the wood core regardless of the use of adhesive. Due to such peeling of the thin plastic sheet, the surface becomes rugged and it becomes difficult to skate.

Thus, permanence, stability to solve the prior art problem of buckling, peeling and / or water damage problems to make it suitable for skating while providing an improved artificial ice skating surface that is easier and less expensive to manufacture, install and manage. It satisfies performance conditions in terms of low abrasion, low water absorption, low surface friction, and high surface maintainability.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a junction section between panels in an artificial skating link assembly process according to the AA ′ section of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing a junction section between assembled panels of an artificial skating link according to the AA ′ section of FIG. 2 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. FIG.

2 is a plan view showing an assembled section of a skating link panel according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is an end view showing one of the assembled panels shown in FIG. 2, according to the first embodiment of the invention in the direction B-B 'of FIG.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a junction section between panels in an artificial skating link assembly process according to the AA ′ section of FIG. 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a junction section between assembled panels of an artificial skating link according to the AA ′ section of FIG. 2 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

It is understood that the drawings are not necessarily shown for comparison.

The problem in the art is solved with the improved artificial ice skating link assembly of the present invention. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, thick monolithic, uniform plastic based panels are joined together into a link assembly using only plastic grooved assemblies. The artificial link assembly of the present invention successfully supports the panel during installation and use, despite relying solely on frictional engagement between the plastic spline and the flat opposing surface of the channel or groove of the panel. All unique plastic designs for the synthetic ice skating links of the present invention are well suited for outdoor applications and are irrelevant to water exposure. In addition, after servicing the link, the panel assembly neither buckles nor has a surface layer on which the core layer can curl, peel or break. Thus, ice skating links constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are more permanent and stable than conventional designs and eliminate the disadvantages and many significant problems of the design associated with the prior art.

In one embodiment, the artificial ice skating rink of the present invention consists of a plurality of panels for providing an ice skating surface. Each panel is arranged with an elongated channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. An elongated spline is provided for slidingly inserted into the lateral channel along the transverse axis of the channel and slidingly engaged with the spline when slid in engagement with the spline. In this way a separate panel is fully supported by the spline for relative motion along the transverse axis of its respective channel. To achieve this, the panels and splines used in the present invention are specially fabricated to ensure accurate dimensional tolerances.

An important feature of the artificial skating link of the present invention is that only the channel and spline connections are used so that adjacent panels can be attached to at least one other panel without the use of separate adhesive bonds or mechanical attachments, machinery or measuring instruments. It can only be assembled together into a stable assembly for skating using only. Thus, the present invention assembles the assembly panel in a stable and integrated structure suitable for skating in all aspects by using adhesive tapes, glues, binders, heat adhesives, attachment pins, nails or projections (in whole or in part), straps, and the like. And the need for reinforcement is eliminated. The invention also uses interlocking means of complex three-dimensional shapes, such as T- or U-shapes and tends to bend, plastic aging effects and breakage and eliminate the need to connect more fragile adjacent panels.

Another important feature of the artificial skating link of the present invention is that the assembly panel is positioned such that the major surface of the bottom of the panel is in direct physical contact with a floor substrate that does not require any intervening cushion (eg foam) layers. This aspect of the invention reduces the number of assembly components and accessories required to install the skating links. Another advantage of the present invention is that the skating link of the present invention provides a stable skating surface even without wood parts or components, and the absence of wood parts is more suitable for outdoor use where improper exposure to water and / or humidity may be involved. The skating rink of the present invention also provides a skating pleasure comparable to that of natural ice without causing excessive wear to the edges of the skate blades.

Moreover, the link assembly panel component used in this artificial ice skating link is a uniform single slab that is not laminated or combined with wood or the like. Taking advantage of this, in another embodiment of the present invention, plastic panels can be loaded with relatively large amounts of lubricant during its manufacture and extrusion process because no laminated or wood components are needed or used in the assembly. The panel surface inherently has improved lubricity due to such a high level of lubrication in use. Higher loading levels of lubricants impart higher sliding factors to the panel and reduce the need for periodic repackaging with external sliding aids such as silicone oil. This effectively reduces the downtime associated with the skating link of the present invention.

As will be appreciated, the artificial ice skating link assembly of the present invention represents a significant improvement in the art.

It will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments of the present invention.

1A and 1B, the artificial skating link assembly of the present invention is assembled in a separately parted manner as initially illustrated through two panels. As shown, the first panel member 10 is connected to the second panel member 10 '. In the above operation, the panels 10 and 10 'have channels or grooves 2 and 2' mechanized at the respective side edges 4 and 4 '. The spline 3 is inserted in two channels 2 and 2 'in a straight line, either manually or mechanically, until the panel sides 4 and 4' facing each other are fitted as shown in FIG. 1B. 10) and 10 'are simultaneously pushed in the horizontal direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1A.

In order to ensure a stable insertion without gaps, the spline 3 is provided with a vertical thickness of a size equal to or slightly larger than the vertical thickness of the channels 2 and 2 ', with the lateral width of the spline 3 being adjacent to the channel. Equal to or slightly larger than the combined side width of (2) and (2 '). Importantly, these parameters are set within very precise tolerances, which are described in more detail below. 1A and 1B, the spline 3 is generally rectangular in cross section except that the corner is slightly rounded. Preferably the channels 2 and 2 'are located in the center of the sides 4 and 4' of the panels 10 and 10 ', respectively.

The seam 6 where the panel sides 4 and 4 'meet is smooth between each upper major surface 7 and 7' of the assembled panels 10 and 10 'and the connection is not interrupted. It is formed as a transition. The seam 6 is relatively smooth so that the skater is not only noticed, but also does not seep the water. Moreover, the coefficients of friction of the plastic materials used for the panel members 10 and 10 'and the spline 3 are adjacent to each other, even if the spline 3 is free of any physically interlocking protrusions on the spline or separate attachment means. It is enough to support the panel members 10 and 10 'which are opposed. None of the adhesive tapes, glues, fusion bonds, pins, straps, etc., are used to assemble and connect panels 10 and 10 'together. The lower major surfaces 8 and 8 'of each panel 10 and 10' are arranged in direct contact with the substrate support surface 9 where no intervening cushion is required or used. The upper major surfaces 7 and 7 'of each panel 10 and 10' form an intended skating surface portion.

As shown in FIG. 2 showing the large segment of the skating link of the present invention, the position of the channel 30 at the side 35 of the panels 31, 32, 33 and 34 is indicated by the dotted line. The splines 3 provided in each panel channel of the assembled panels 31, 32, 33, and 34 are indicated by diagonal lines. Each channel 30 has a longitudinal axis l ₁ and l ₂ and a transverse axis and a longitudinal axis indicated by each transverse axis t ₁ and t ₂ for adjoining the connected panels 33 and 34. . As shown in Fig. 2, the spline 3 need not be drawn to the channel into which it is inserted and preferably short, for example 36 "x 60" (91.44 cm x 152.4 cm). Panels are used in combination with each 34 "x 58" (86.4mm x 147.3mm) spline.

If the spline is slightly shorter, for example approximately 2-7.5% shorter than the length of the channel extending the length of the panel side, the spline cannot protrude further from the panel side for some reason, such as a slight misalignment of the panel channel at the seam. On the other hand, the spline cannot be made so short compared to the side length of the panel that an insufficient mechanical / friction interlock is generated by the channel and the spline for supporting the panel together. Again, suitable parameters can be determined experimentally for a given assembly, if necessary.

As applied to panels 10 and 10 'and panels 31-34 shown in FIG. 2 in the manner described above in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the panel assembly process typically includes the channels shown in FIG. Do the same for the other side of the panels, such as 20) and (20 '), and connect them with the other panels to form as many large links as desired. Channels 20 and 20 'and the like on the other panel side are formed in the same manner as channels 2 and 2'.

The contributions and aspects of the present invention alone can be better understood by the following description of the exact structural content embodied by the present invention. Generally, the major surface of the panel is rectangular in shape, but the dimensions are approximately 48 to 60 inches (121.9 to 152.4 cm) by approximately 36 to 48 inches (76.2 to 106.7 cm) and have a thickness defined between the upper and lower major surfaces. It may be a rectangular or other suitable shape to accommodate the channel and spline connection system described herein that is approximately 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2.0 to 3.0 cm). These panels have a weight of approximately 70 to 100 pounds (31.8 kg) in the case of high molecular weight polyolefin panels as described herein. Splines are provided in two different lengths, the rectangular shape of the short and long sides, depending only on the length into which the panel to be assembled is inserted into a channel on the long and long side of the panel.

In either case, the plastic preparations used to make the panel member blanks are derived from the following plastic compositions which are mixed twice for consistency and extruded into 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) thick sheets using a high capacity double screw extruder. . It has been found that this process is relatively slow compared to conventional thinner sheet extrusion but is required to produce a robust, flat and uniform sheet material. In one embodiment, the plastic sheet is initially extruded as a fairly large blank with dimensions 49 inches by 61 inches (124.5 by 154.9 cm). The solidified blank is then transferred through both sides and finished to a thickness of 0.960∀0.010 inch (2.44∀0.025 cm). As a result, the thickness deviation of these flat blank panels and all non-uniform surfaces from the average thickness values of the panels is less than 1.5% in size. The planar process makes the opposing major surfaces formed on the sheet flat and parallel. 3, the outer edge 33 'of the sheet 33 is trimmed to form a rectangle, and the dimension is 48∀0.30 inch × 60∀0.30 inch (121.9∀0.76cm × 152.4∀

0.76 cm) panel with opposite flat major surfaces 36 and 37 are provided. The sheet is then placed on a CNC router table and the above edge channels are cut.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the edge channel 30 has a depth of 0.750 (+ 0.30 / -0.000) inches (1.905 + 0.76 / -0.000 cm) "D" at the side edge 33 'of the panel 33. And a channel thickness "T" of 0.187 (+ 0.000 / -0.002) inches (0.287 + 0.000 / -0.005 cm). Channel thickness T is ∀0.003 inch of centerline “C” of full panel thickness T ₀

It is centered within (∀0.008cm). Thus, the acceptable tolerance of the present invention allows the edge channel fabricated in the panel to be very slightly smaller at the thickness indicated, such as 0.187-0.185 inches (0.475-0.470 cm), but can be larger than the specified channel depth D. none. This ensures that once inserted the spline is properly received and supported. The center line C of the panel 33 is extended parallel to the horizontal axis of the channel 30 shown in FIG.

In Fig. 3, the spline 3 used in the present invention is made from a uniform plastic product. Preferably the spline is formed as polyalloy of polyolefin and PVC which will be described in more detail below. The spline 3 is manufactured to a size that fits precisely into each edge channel 30 formed on the opposing side edges of adjacent separate panels. The corner of the spline is preferably slightly inclined or rounded to facilitate insertion into the channel (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). The spline dimension is 0.187 + 0.003 / -0.000 inch (0.475 + 0.076 / -0.000 cm) thickness T _s in the direction measured parallel to the thickness parameter T of the channel 30 and the transverse axis t of the panel 33. ₁ ) in a direction measured parallel to 1.40 inches (3.56 cm) wide (D _s ).

The spline 3 is preferably manufactured to a thickness T _s of 0.001 to 0.003 inches (0.025 to 0.076 mm) thicker than the panel channel thickness T for insertion of the gap between the spline 3 and the channel 30. The acceptable tolerance of the present invention is that although the spline is very slightly larger at the thickness indicated, such as 0.187-0.190 inches (0.475-0.483 cm), it cannot be made smaller. The spline thickness T _s is 0.0 to 2.0%, preferably 0.5 to 2.0% larger than the thickness T of the channel 30. This preferred "negative clearance" provided between the spline and the 0.187 inch (0.475 cm) channel allows the original to fit properly into the squared channel inside. Also, the width D _s of the spline 3 is exactly twice the depth D measurement of the channel 30. In this way, the spline 3 is inserted deeply into the adjacent channel of the opposing panel edge.

In addition, in FIG. 3, as a result of the cutting of the channel 30, the stress is relieved from the edge 33 ′ of the panel sheet 33 during the reduction and removal of the material. This was observed to close the channel 30 of the edge 33 'very slightly so that it would have a grabbing or clamping action on the spline 3 when inserted into the channel 30. This generates an insertion pressure between the panel sheet 30 and the spline 3. This proper friction bond connects the sheets properly and seamlessly with each other.

In order to assemble the panel into an ice skating surface, such as panels 31-34 in FIG. 2, tap the spline 3 with a hammer or apply another physical force to laterally engage the first channel in the first panel. do. The second panel is then slidably moved by hammering or applying force at a position on the remaining exposed portion of the same spline so that the spline is forced to the side with the second channel on the second panel under sufficient physical force. Slip on and achieve the result. If a spline is inserted into the two panels in this way, the panels will be in close contact with the side opposite edges. This process is repeated for the other edges of the panel until the desired full size skating surface is assembled, combining the additional panels with the original panel, and then repeating this process for the additional panels. The outermost panel of the assembly has an outer side without being connected to any other panel. A retainer or channel like member (not shown) may be inserted on the side of the panel that forms the outer or perimeter of the link to border the skater at the link edge or the like. Alternatively, it is not necessary to install special fixing means on the outer surface of the skating link of the present invention to ensure the stability of the assembly of the panel.

The large panel size used in the present invention provides more stability for the link assembly by weighing each panel. The weight (approximately 70-100 lbs. Per panel) allows the panel to be fixed, to maintain shifting and to allow rough or very acrobatic skating. The assembled panels also provide a smooth surface with no gaps or bumps at the joints of the panels. The assembled structure is very stable in use and the panel is not misaligned by the force exerted by the skater or by the expansion or contraction of the polymeric material. The artificial skating link assembly of the present invention is dimensionally stable in the absence of wood and, in a preferred embodiment, consists essentially of a uniform monolayer connected through a spline. The panel has a uniform cross section defined between two flat surfaces.

4A and 4B show another embodiment of how the side edges of panels 10 and 10 'are to be mechanized, wherein the slanted or chamfered side edges 40 and 40' are mechanized into panels. do. The angle of inclination can be chosen so as not to reduce the effective depth of the channels 2 and 2 'so that the spline 3 can fit deeply into each panel to maintain the mechanical connection. This parameter can be determined experimentally if necessary.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides an assembly means for assembling a link from a plurality of portable sections. The assembly can be easily installed using a reusable portable element that allows the link to be conveniently transported, assembled and disassembled (if desired). The link is suitably used as an indoor link or an artificial skating link for outdoor / all season / all weather.

Having discussed the structure of the skating link assembly of the present invention, we now look at certain preferred types of materials for use in the components or components discussed above used in the skating link assembly.

The panels described herein are derived from a synthetic resin-based preparation that is extruded or molded into the base desired slab size, and then machined to introduce the channels to the panel side. Synthetic resin polymers used as primary components of panel preparations are polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polydiallyl esters, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymonochlorotrifluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene and hexa Copolymers of fluoropropane, copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, epoxy resins, polyurethanes, melamine resins, polyvinyl alcohols, and polyvinyl chlorides. Preference is given to polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

More preferably the polymer is polyethylene, such as high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). The polyethylene is preferably an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a viscosity based molecular weight (M ₀ ) of about 250,000 to 2,000,000.

Particularly suitable polyethylenes are high molecular weight polyethylenes (HMWPE), such as the 5100 series of high molecular weight polyethylenes, available from various sources such as General Electric, often referred to as "HMWPE 5100". Similar polyethylenes are also available under the trade name PAXON BA5O-100 from Allied and under the trade name MARLEX HXM 50100 from Phillips. Other polyethylene resins may also be used, such as DuPont ELTREX B5920 High Density Polyethylene.

Small amounts of additives and auxiliaries are typically included in plastic preparations used to make panels. For example, the plastic article used to make the panel may further comprise a hydrophobic component. This hydrophobic component can be, for example, a fatty acid ester of an alkaline earth metal or a fatty acid selected from calcium stearate, calcium palmitate, magnesium stearate, magnesium palmate, stearic acid and palmitic acid. Preferably the hydrophobic component is calcium stearate. Such hydrophobic components are multifunctional aids and are also used as release agents to facilitate the manufacture of flat panels, for example by extrusion processes. These hydrophobic components also tend to impart an inherent degree of lubrication to the surface of the panel. Other conventional hydrophobic components can also be used for the extruded plastic.

The panel preparation may further comprise an antistatic component selected from glycerol, glyceryl monooleate, glyceryl monostearate, other glycerol esters, ethyl monostearate and glycerides. Preferably the antistatic component is glycerol or glycerol esters. Glycerol and glycerides also serve to provide inherent lubricity to the panels and their surfaces. ATMER 129 ANTI-STAT is a trade name for a useful antistatic agent.

The panel article may further comprise at least one ultraviolet stabilizer. Ultraviolet light stabilizers are for example 2-alkyl- (2-hydroxyphenyl) -2H-benzotriazole, benzophenone triazine, phosphonate, resorcinol monobenzoate, bis (2,2,6, 6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate (TINUVIN 770), 2- (2 "-hydroxy-3 ', 5'-di-tert-amylphenyl) benzotriazole (TINUVIN 328), TINUVIN 111FDL , TINUVIN 327, TINUVIN 328, TINUVIN 622 and TINUVIN 783, SIASORB UV531, SIASORB 3346 and UVASORB HA88 (from 3-V Chem) TINUVIN is a trademark of Ciba-Geigy.

The panel article may further comprise at least one heat stabilizer. The heat stabilizer can be selected from, for example, WESTON 618-HT (Borg-Warner), WESTON HPM-12 and TLPE.

The panel preparation may further comprise an antioxidant. Antioxidants include, for example, butylhydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, and octodecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate (IRGONOX 1076, IRGANOX B225, from Ciba-Geigy, And commercially available as DOVERNOX 76). Preferably the antioxidant is butylhydroxy-toluene or octodecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate.

The panel article may further comprise at least one release agent to facilitate the extrusion process and provide an inherent degree of lubrication to the composite structure surface. This release agent is in addition to the hydrophobic component. The release agent may be selected from the group consisting of CYTEC 3346, CYTEC 6411, and polyethylene glycol 2000.

The composite structure may further include titanium dioxide (eg, RCL-4, RCL-9 and RCL-11) as a colorant to make the surface appear uniformly white in the polymer layer.

Other colorants and optical bleaches can be used in the polymer layer. Particularly preferred colorants include ultramarine blue 5151, ultramarine violet 5052 and blue dye type 82 known as marine blue. Particularly preferred optical bleaches are coumarin derivatives known as UVITEX OB (Ciba-Geigy) or LEUCOPHOR EGM. Various inorganic pigments may also be used.

Optionally, other components may be included in the polymer of the composite structure. There are compounds such as chlorides or phosphate ions, or triethylenephosphoramide, which provide fire and / or self-extinguishing. Alternatively, the polymer layer may contain at least one component that provides the structure with erosion resistance, antibacterial or anti-eddy currents. Such components may include isomers of trichlorobenzene, orthodichlorobenzene, 2-pivaloyl-1,3-indadione, benzophenone and tin derivatives. Other additives known in the art can also be used.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the panels used in the artificial skating links of the invention comprise, by weight percent, 97.00 to 99.50% polyethylene, 0.30 to 0.70% titanium dioxide, 0.09 to 0.50% hydrophobic component, 0.40 to Any small amount of pigmentation, such as 0.50% UV stabilizer, 0.09-0.10% antioxidant, and 0.01-0.02% total conventional ultramarine coloring ingredients (e.g., Ultramarine Blue 5151 and / or Ultramarine Violet 5052) It is formed from a plastic based preparation comprising the component. To further increase the inherent lubricity of the finished panel surface, the panel preparation is optionally a plastic preparation consisting of at least 0.19% by weight total lubricant selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glycerol esters, glycerides, fatty acids, fatty acid esters of alkaline earth metals and mixtures thereof. It is formed from.

One exemplary panel preparation for the artificial skating link of the present invention with good sliding is listed in Table 1 as follows.

Table 1

ingredient weight% HMWPE 5100 98.430 RCL-4 0.650 ATMER 129 ANTISTAT 0.095 Calcium stearate 0.250 IRGANOX B225 0.095 TINUVIN 111FDL 0.480 Sum 100.000

This exemplary preparation is for illustrative purposes only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

The panels used in the assembly of the present invention preferably showed no water absorption when tested by ASTM-D-570. The panel preparations described above meet this criterion. Absorption of water is undesirable, as can result from surface irregularities or cracks, localized expansion due to thermal expansion or contraction due to temperature changes from the absorbed water.

The spline is preferably formed from a permanent synthetic resin product, more preferably from a plastic product useful for making panels such as the panel product described above. The spline is preferably a minor component (e.g., slightly modified to contain a small amount (e.g. 1-10 wt%) as well as one or more of the above additives in the indicated amounts to form a polyalloy (i.e. > 90% by weight of spline plastic product). Splines can also be prepared from acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymers such as ABS POLY-LAC.

The spline used in the present invention is preferably used as a homogeneous blend of polyolefin and PVC, strong enough to prevent cracking even if hammered during installation, but not hard enough to damage the polyethylene panel. The splines of the present invention have also been developed to be flexible enough to occur when the panel expands and exports, but hard enough to be easily inserted into the channel. The spline and channel must be inserted exactly as described in the text for proper pressure to prevent buckling or detachment of the ring assembly together.

Mixtures of polymers, fillers, additives, auxiliaries and the like can be produced in high capacity double screw extruders to tailor desired shapes to panel or spline plastic preparations. Extruders, dies, and aids (eg, cooling, dimensioning, postforming, pulling, milling, or cutting) select appropriate dimensions and scales to provide a panel that meets the subject matter described herein. Screw extruders can be used to process many plastics such as HDPE. It can be processed by screwless (ram) extrusion for very viscous polymers such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The panels of the invention are preferably extruded into slabstock sheets for subsequent accurate planarization and mechanization into finished panels with peripheral sides with channels formed by mechanization. The panel layer is typically extruded to a thickness in the range of about 0.8 to 1.2 inches (about 20.3 to 30.5 mm) as it is partly affected by the expected frequency and stringency of use and the desired service life.

Typically, high molecular weight polyolefin (eg polyethylene) slabs or sheets are extruded with a smooth finish on the top used as the skating surface and a matte finish on the side used as the bottom surface of the panel on the substrate floor or surface. The bottom surface can be rougher if desired. Matte finish increases the surface area of the sheet, increasing the friction between the bottom surface and the substrate.

After the panel has been assembled with the skating link as described above, the friction reducing component selected from silicone resin and silicone oil can be applied to the exposed surface of the top of the assembled panel. Although the artificial ice skating links of the present invention are assembled and operated without a friction reducing component, it is generally desirable to apply the friction reducing component to the panel to further provide stability and comfort.

Preferably the friction reducing component is a high viscosity silicone oil such as General Electric GE-SF-96-5 silicone oil, Dow Corning 200STC silicone oil and Rhone Poulenc 47V5 silicone oil. These silicone oils are preferably used at about 5 centistokes.

Silicones for skating purposes are typically applied every other day, for example every other day, to preserve and maintain the surface as well as to ensure and maintain a constant sliding factor of 90%. In comparison, wet (natural) ice begins with an initial slide factor of 100% but gradually decreases the slide factor to 85% during the second hour of skating. By the third hour of skating, the slide factor was reduced to 78% or less for natural ice. At this time, natural ice should be resurfaced with a machine. As will be appreciated, the artificial ice skating surface of the present invention is much less demanding than natural ice.

While neither desirable nor necessary, the panels can be reinforced and dimensionally stabilized with initially included reinforcements such as glass fibers added to the extrusion or molding of the panels. In addition, although not required, the link structure of the present invention may optionally be installed on at least 6 mm jute or industrial carpet lines, providing additional elasticity to the surface and automatically flattening slightly uneven substrate surfaces. A foam cushion layer is not needed between the bottom of the assembled panel and the substrate support surface.

The present invention provides a low friction, divided assembly that is suitable as an ice skating surface. Contrary to conventional ideas and expectations, all plastic grooved assemblies of the present invention, which rely solely on frictional engagement between flat plastic surfaces of the same plane height with respect to each other, are relatively inexpensive, even if rougher surfaces such as wood are not included in the design. Despite being a smooth plastic component, the panel is properly and completely maintained during ice skating applications. The synthetic ice skating links of the present invention are certainly superior to prior art designs because they avoid buckling problems by the easier design associated with spline and panel frictional engagement without the need to intervene parts that are mechanically interlocked in three dimensions. .

In addition, conventional ice skates can be used to skate on the surface of the present invention. The surface can simulate the slidability of the natural ice while eliminating the high initial installation costs required when using the natural ice as a skating surface, the excessive energy requirements associated with the management of the natural ice without daily maintenance or cooling.

The assembled structure according to the invention also skates on it more easily than natural ice because of the constant 90% sliding factor and the surface without the actual channel.

Also, because you don't need to cool the surface, you can skate "safe than wet ice", so you have less muscle strain and fatigue than skating on natural wet ice. Primarily teachers can teach at long intervals and watch over students, so students can learn skating from leaders faster and in less time. Conventional steel blade skates can be used on the artificial ice skating surface of the present invention without the need for modification. The downtime required to refinish the skating surface, to manage only the empty surface after the closing time of the link, to clean the surface once or twice a month and to periodically apply the friction reducing component is significantly reduced.

The artificial ice skating rink according to the invention is quick and easy to install and can be used for one year and twelve months without the need for piping or cooling when used on the skating surface. Costly, no harmful cooling gases are needed. The composite structure according to the invention is antimicrobial, nonflammable and nontoxic. It can be installed on any rigid substrate surface or flooring and can be installed in a portable or permanent manner.

The link assembly components of the present invention can be easily assembled to a stable skating surface without the need for an outer cushion layer or without panel attachment equipment such as glue, nails, pins, straps or adhesive tape. In addition, the assembly panel used in the present invention does not need to be formed with a complicated mechanical interlock structure at the side edges. The skating surface of the invention can also be assembled without the use of wood, glue or laminated composite panels.

The reduced friction assembled structures of the present invention can be used for other applications than skating links that require low friction surfacer with similar advantages.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in more detail above, it is intended that many variations and / or variations of the basic inventive concepts apparent to those skilled in the art are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. I understand clearly.

Claims (20)

Artificial ice skating rink, A first panel means for providing an ice skating surface, comprising: first panel means in which a first elongated channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis is disposed; A second panel means for providing said skating surface, said second panel means being disposed with a second elongated channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; And 17. An elongated spline means comprising: an elongated spline means which is slidably inserted into a first channel in a first lateral direction along a transverse axis of said first channel and said second panel means is slidably engaged with a spline to receive a force in a lateral direction; An elongated spline means for slidingly received in two channels, said first panel means and said second panel means being fully supported by said spline means for relative movement along said transverse axis; Skating Links. 2. The spline means of claim 1, wherein the spline means comprises a spline having a thickness value of 0.5 to 2.0% greater than the thickness of each of the first channel or the second channel, wherein the first panel means and the second panel means each have a uniform surface. An artificial skating link comprising one first panel and a second panel, wherein the average panel thickness variation is less than 1.5% of the average thickness value of each panel. The artificial skating link according to claim 1, wherein said panel means comprises a panel made of polyolefin. The artificial skating link according to claim 1, wherein said panel means comprises a panel made of polyethylene. The artificial skating link according to claim 1, wherein said panel means comprises a panel made of polypropylene. 2. The artificial skating link of claim 1 wherein said spline means comprises a spline made of a polyalloy of polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride. The artificial skating link according to claim 1, wherein said panel means comprises a panel made of high molecular weight polyethylene having a viscosity-based molecular weight of about 250,000 to 2,000,000. The method according to claim 1, wherein the panel means comprises 97.00 to 99.50% polyethylene, 0.30 to 0.70% titanium dioxide, 0.09 to 0.50% hydrophobic component, 0.40 to 0.50% UV stabilizer and 0.09 to 0.10% by weight. An artificial skating link, comprising a panel made from a plastic article comprising an antioxidant of the same. 2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the panel means comprises a panel made from a plastic preparation comprising at least 0.19% by weight of a lubricant selected from the group consisting of glycerol, glycerol esters, glycerides, fatty acids, fatty acid esters of alkaline earth metals, and mixtures thereof. Featured artificial skating rink. The artificial skating link according to claim 1, further comprising a friction reducing component selected from the group consisting of silicone resin and silicone oil present as a coating applied to the upper major surface of the panel included in the panel means. 11. The artificial skating link of claim 10 wherein the major surface of the panel is rectangular in shape. 11. The artificial skating link of claim 10 wherein the major surface of the panel is rectangular in shape. 11. The panel of claim 10, wherein the panels each consist of a high molecular weight polyolefin, wherein the major surface of the panel is about 48 to 72 inches by 30 to 54 inches in dimension, and the thickness between the upper and lower major surfaces is 0.8 to 1.2 inches. Wherein the panel is rectangular in shape and the panel weighs about 70 to 100 pounds. The artificial skating link of claim 1, wherein said spline means comprises a spline having a length shorter than an inserted channel length. Artificial ice skating rink, Flat substrate surface; CLAIMS 1. A first panel means for providing an ice skating surface, comprising: first panel means having a top major and bottom flat major surface and a first elongated channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; A second panel means for providing said skating surface, said second panel means having upper and lower flat major surfaces and having a second elongated channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis; And 17. An elongated spline means comprising: an elongated spline means which is slidably inserted into a first channel in a first lateral direction along a transverse axis of said first channel and said second panel means is slidably engaged with a spline to receive a force in a lateral direction; Stretched spline means for slidingly received in two channels are combined, and the first panel means and the second panel means are connected to each other so that the main surface of the lower part of these panel means is physically directly connected to the flat substrate surface. Wherein the panel is positioned in contact so that the panel is supported in an adjacent relationship without a separate attachment means, and is fully supported by the spline means for relative movement along the transverse axis. 16. The artificial skating link of claim 15 wherein the flat substrate surface is selected from the group consisting of concrete, asphalt, wood and the remainder. Artificial ice skating rink without wood, glue and lamination, Flat substrate surface; A first panel means comprising a panel for providing an ice skating surface, the first panel means being made of a polyolefin resin and having a flat major surface at the top and bottom and arranged with a first elongated channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. 1 panel means; A second panel means comprising a panel for providing said skating surface, said second panel means being made of polyolefin resin and having a flat major surface at the top and bottom thereof, said second stretched channel having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis disposed therein; Two panel means; And 15. An elongated spline means comprising splines made of a polyalloy of polyolefin and polyvinyl chloride resin, said spline means being slidably inserted into a first channel in a first lateral direction along a transverse axis of said first channel and said second panel means A combination of elongated spline means for slidingly accommodating the spline and slidingly received in the second channel when slidably engaged with the spline, the first panel means and the second panel means being connected to each other A flat substrate surface wherein the major surface of the lower part of these panel means is positioned in direct physical contact and is fully supported by the spline means for relative motion along the transverse axis. 18. The artificial skating link of claim 17 wherein the flat substrate surface is selected from the group consisting of concrete, asphalt, wood, and bare ground. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the spline has a thickness value of 0.5 to 2.0% greater than the thickness of each of the first or second channel, wherein the first panel and the second panel each have a uniform surface so that the average panel thickness variation is angular. Artificial skating links, characterized in that less than 1.5% of the average thickness of the panel 18. The panel of claim 17, wherein the panels each consist of a high molecular weight polyolefin, the major surface of the panel having a dimension of about 48 to 72 inches by 30 to 54 inches, wherein the thickness between the top and bottom major surfaces is between 0.8 and 1.2 inches. Wherein the panel has a weight of about 70 to 100 pounds.