For Foot-attached Gliding Vehicle (e.g., Ski Slide, Ice Skating Surface, Etc.) Patents (Class 472/90)
  • Patent number: 11931646
    Abstract: A module for the construction of a recreational track, particularly a bicycle track having a frame on which the modules are placed, wherein the module has an upper part intended for riding and making a curved surface, and in the top view it has a quadri-lateral-like shape with two sides in the shape of arches, a rear wall and a front wall, wherein the rear wall and the front wall form the base of the module, as well as the left face wall and the opposite right face wall, which are placed between the rear wall and the front wall, characterized in that in the side view, the rear wall has the quadrilateral shape, the sides of which converge upwards at an acute angle, and in the side view the front wall has the shape of an arc connecting the upper part with the base of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: PARKITECT s.r.o.
    Inventor: Erik Burgon
  • Patent number: 11441275
    Abstract: A safety surface material for a playground facility employing a monolithically mixed and troweled Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) polypropylene/polyurethane cushion course base layer—which, for water park/spray park use is overlain by a Thermoplastic Rubber wear course top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: William H. McGrath, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11389691
    Abstract: An exercise platform for use with a resilient exercise band includes a body formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The exercise platform includes a pair of intersecting channels one side and a support surface on another side upon which a user stands. When the platform is in use, the channels are spaced away from a floor surface, and are dimensioned to allow a portion of the exercise band to be retained therein, as the user performs an exercise movement employing the exercise band while he or she stands on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Floyd E. Reed, III
  • Patent number: 11351440
    Abstract: A ring for a fighting sport has a circular fighting area defined by a plurality of circular fence rings that are held up by posts. Shock absorbers connect the fence rings to the posts. Position markers are provided to indicate the starting positions of the participating fighters at certain points during the bout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: David Feldman
  • Patent number: 11318976
    Abstract: A cart storage system for storing a movable cart includes a storage plate inclined with respect to a floor in a first direction crossing a moving direction of a cart, a stopper along a back side of the storage plate in the moving direction, and a first holding plate extending along the moving direction, configured to stop movement of the cart in the lateral direction, and disposed a first predetermined distance away from a lateral side of the storage plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya Ogishima, Masakazu Kato
  • Patent number: 11274809
    Abstract: A system for lighting a volleyball court has four corner light assemblies, two side center light assemblies, and four mid-court light assemblies. Each corner light assembly has an upper light fixture adapted to emit light outward and downward at a level generally below a player's eye level and a lower light element mounted in a manner to emit light outwards and upwards. Each side center light assembly has two lower light fixtures adapted to emit light outward and downward at a level generally below a player's eye level and an upper light assembly adapted to emit light outwards and upwards at a level generally above a player's eye level. Each mid-court light assembly has a light fixture adapted to emit light outward and downward at a level generally below a player's eye level. By ensuring that no light is emitted at a player's eye level, glare is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Francis J. Henkel
  • Patent number: 11199310
    Abstract: A system for lighting a volleyball court has four corner light assemblies, two side center light assemblies, and four mid-court light assemblies. Each corner light assembly has an upper light fixture adapted to emit light outward and downward at a level generally below a player's eye level and a lower light element mounted in a manner to emit light outwards and upwards. Each side center light assembly has two lower light fixtures adapted to emit light outward and downward at a level generally below a player's eye level and an upper light assembly adapted to emit light outwards and upwards at a level generally above a player's eye level. Each mid-court light assembly has a light fixture adapted to emit light outward and downward at a level generally below a player's eye level. By ensuring that no light is emitted at a player's eye level, glare is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Francis J. Henkel
  • Patent number: 11040289
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: WhiteWater West Industries, LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 10493350
    Abstract: A therapy system combining sensory input configured to enhance patients balance and stepping is provided. The system may include a mat that selectively receives a plurality of targets. The targets are contacted by the patient's feet and return an audible signal. The system allows a healthcare professional or patient to analyze gait and balance, and correct the same if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Step and Connect, LLC
    Inventor: Erica DeMarch
  • Patent number: 10337151
    Abstract: The movable track for barefoot walking is designed to provide healthy exercise and to prevent and heal chronic and casual diseases by walking in bare feet while executing a marathon on the movable track. The movable track for barefoot walking includes a movable/portable, lightweight, waterproof, fiberglass platform or base having a connected assembly of waling surface sections thereon. Each section has unique physical and medical benefits for use by a marathoner. The sections include: a first section having high and low areas of ground; a gravel and stone section; a sand section; a grass section; a water section; and a clay section. Provisions are made within the confines of the track for a water tank, pumping capabilities, clothing storage, bath facilities and appropriate controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Zabin S. S. Alotaibi
  • Patent number: 9878255
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a surfing device comprising at least one energy projector for projecting energy, at least one energy recycling mechanism for recycling at least some of the projected energy, and at least one energy projecting structure. The energy projecting structure is configured for supporting the energy projector to provide a plurality of energy projecting positions for the projection of energy therefrom. The projected energy provides a simulated surfing surface, positioned a distance from the plurality of energy projecting positions. The energy projecting structure is also configured for supporting the energy recycling mechanism for projecting recycled energy from one or more recycled projection positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: WHITEWATER WEST INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen Con Kriticos
  • Patent number: 9675869
    Abstract: The jumping platform has a lateral mounting portion and a lateral lapping portion respectively formed on two lateral surfaces of the jumping platform. The extendable jumping platform assembly has multiple jumping platforms, multiple extending boards, and a jumping board. The jumping platform assembly has a lateral mounting portion and a lateral lapping portion so that the jumping platforms and the extending boards can be juxtaposed for extending lateral leaping range safely and extending sliding length according to the usage. One end of the extending board is mounted on the jumping platform, the other end of the extending board is mounted on the jumping board, and each one of the extending board and the jumping board has a leg assembly for supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: T. K. CHIN COMPANY LTD.
    Inventor: Howard Chin
  • Patent number: 9486711
    Abstract: A system for shielding a rider's back from a ride surface. The system includes a slide ride having an entrance and an exit and configured such that the rider's back slides substantially parallel along a slide ride surface when the rider slides from the entrance towards the exit. The system includes a plurality of shielding devices disposed relative to the slide ride such that the rider may put on one of the plurality of shielding devices prior to sliding on the slide ride, each of the plurality of shielding devices configured to be worn by the rider such that the shielding device covers the rider's back, and adapted to slide upon the slide ride surface to shield the rider's back from the slide ride surface when the rider slides from the entrance to the exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Whitewater West Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Brassard, Raymond J. DuBois, Timothy B. Kwasnicki, Richard A. Sebulsky
  • Patent number: 9400130
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a skating rink that includes a skating area, a wall at least partially surrounding the skating area, and a visible mark extending along a perimeter region of the skating area to indicate to a skater traveling head first toward the wall that the skater should look up and to related methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Thomas E. Smith Fight to Cure Paralysis Foundation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150133228
    Abstract: A system with at least one sliding surface element (1), preferably as run-in track systems for ski jump system/ski jumps, wherein the height and/or the course of the sliding surface elements (14) has to be adjusted to any profile by spacer elements (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: CeramTec-ETEC GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Kropp
  • Patent number: 8905853
    Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprising, a flexible rubber sheet having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is connected to the second end thereby forming a sidewall, wherein the sidewall is positioned on a horizontal surface to form the border of a closed geometric shape thereby defining a skating surface area, and a flexible, water-proof slip draped over and connected to the sidewalls, thereby forming a liner of a structure capable of containing a liquid inward of the sidewalls to create a skating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Ruffino, Joseph Pinelli
  • Patent number: 8784223
    Abstract: A system and method for improving skating speed and strength of skaters, particularly ice skaters, employs an inclined skating ramp. The skating surface itself may be any of the conventional or yet-to-be-invented artificial ice surfaces. The inclination of the ramp provides a greater challenge for the skating student than a conventional flat skating surface. While the inclined ramp may have more than one lane, so that more than one student may skate side-by-side in competition with each other, it is preferred to have only a single lane and employ a timing system so that a student is skating “against the clock” and therefore focused on improvement of individual performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Dean C. Talafous
  • Patent number: 8690695
    Abstract: This invention provides a terrain system comprising a set of metal tubes having a rounded cross section The tubes are separated at a width that defines the appropriate terrain. The tubes are supported by a base located on at least two spaced apart positions therealong. Each leg assembly includes a bottom bar that allows it to be implanted in packed snow. Optional outriggers can be attached to each side of the bottom bar so that the legs can afford increased stability. The legs include telescoping sections that allow for height adjustability. One leg can be omitted, thereby creating a ramp. Each end of the top portion contains male and female connection points, which accommodate curved end caps. Two end caps can also be joined with a double-axis hinge assembly that allows the adjacent top portions to be joined together and articulated along two parallel hinge axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew L. Pittman
  • Patent number: 8550926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of water ride surfaces and comprises at least one layer of soft permeable material built into the padded substrate of a structurally supported ride surface. The permeable material connects to a drainage system and is preferably sandwiched between a slick skin upper waterproof membrane, and a supporting substrate beneath it. The advantage to this improvement is when water leaks through the waterproof membrane, the permeable material prevents water from building up inside the padded substrate, and allows the water to be drained out, rather than blistering and bubbling up under the waterproof membrane, thereby helping to preserve the integrity and longevity of the ride surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 8535168
    Abstract: A snow sports apparatus (10) including: a hollow housing (12) having an internal generally cylindrical surface (12) and supported, with its axis having a major horizontal component, for rotation about said axis; and means (60) to provide on said internal generally cylindrical surface (30), a surface that, as the housing (12) is rotated, is relatively traversable downwardly on skis or a snowboard on the initial rising part (115) of the surface's travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Darren Visser
  • Patent number: 8517848
    Abstract: A carousel ride in which vehicles may move at differing speeds, in differing directions, and each be independently positioned relative to a load/unload platform. In one embodiment, a carousel ride is provided that includes: (1) an inner ring assembly including a first ring supporting vehicles and a drive system operable to rotate the first ring about a center axis of the carousel ride; and (2) an outer ring assembly including a second ring, concentric to the first ring, supporting vehicles and a drive system operable to rotate the second ring about a center axis of the carousel ride. During a portion of a ride, the drive system of the inner ring assembly operates to rotate the first ring at a first rotation rate, and the drive system of the outer ring assembly operates to rotate the second ring at a second rotation rate differing from the first rotation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 8313389
    Abstract: A carousel ride in which vehicles may move at differing speeds, in differing directions, and each be independently positioned relative to a load/unload platform. In one embodiment, a carousel ride is provided that includes: (1) an inner ring assembly including a first ring supporting vehicles and a drive system operable to rotate the first ring about a center axis of the carousel ride; and (2) an outer ring assembly including a second ring, concentric to the first ring, supporting vehicles and a drive system operable to rotate the second ring about a center axis of the carousel ride. During a portion of a ride; the drive system of the inner ring assembly operates to rotate the first ring at a first rotation rate, and the drive system of the outer ring assembly operates to rotate the second ring at a second rotation rate differing from the first rotation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Edward A. Nemeth
  • Publication number: 20120122596
    Abstract: A hydroplaning device for a rider to perform liquid sport athletic maneuvers, which comprises a support member having a height relative to the ground and a slope; a surface member disposed on the support member, wherein the surface member forms at least an angled surface and a catchment area. The device also comprises a liquid circulation system, having a liquid source, at least one feed line and at least one return line with the liquid source being in fluid communication with the at least one feed line and the at least one return line being in fluid communication with at least one of the liquid source and a disposal location. The device includes at least one liquid dispenser disposed adjacent to the support member or the surface member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Dale NORTHAM, Shon Michael Northam
  • Patent number: 8167731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly (10) and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly which can be moved between deployed and storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Brown
  • Patent number: 7985142
    Abstract: An indoor ski slope (1) comprises a continuous peripheral wall (2) and a floor (3) which extends obliquely downwards relative to the peripheral wall (2). A roof (5) is arranged on the peripheral wall (2). Furthermore, a layer of snow is provided on the surface of the floor (3), as well as a cooling installation (9) for cooling the floor to a temperature which is suitable for maintaining the layer of snow. The surface of the floor (3) is at least partially curved concavely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: LF Snowconcepts B.V.
    Inventor: Barend Alexander Ernst Lokhorst
  • Publication number: 20110159973
    Abstract: A snow sports apparatus (10) including: a hollow housing (12) having an internal generally cylindrical surface (12) and supported, with its axis having a major horizontal component, for rotation about said axis; and means (60) to provide on said internal generally cylindrical surface (30), a surface that, as the housing (12) is rotated, is relatively traversable downwardly on skis or a snowboard on the initial rising part (115) of the surface's travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Darren Visser
  • Patent number: 7854689
    Abstract: An ice skating training device including an arcuate conveyor belt, the belt having a skateable surface; and a plurality of conical rollers supporting said arcuate conveyor belt, at least one of said frusticonical rollers being driven by a motor, ends of said rollers being mounted so that one end is vertically adjustable relative to the opposite end depending on the speed that the ice skater is going.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Blaylock
  • Publication number: 20100197416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly (10) and, in particular, but not exclusively, to a collapsible artificial ski slope assembly which can be moved between deployed and storage positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Edward Brown
  • Publication number: 20100144454
    Abstract: An indoor ski slop (1) comprises a continuous peripheral wall (2) and a floor (3) which extends obliquely downwards relative to the peripheral wall (2). A roof (5) is arranged on the peripheral wall (2). Furthermore, a layer of snow is provided on the surface of the floor (3), as well as a cooling installation (9) for cooling the floor to a temperature which is suitable for maintaining the layer of snow. The surface of the floor (3) is at least partially curved concavely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: LF Snowconcepts B.V.
    Inventor: Barend Alexander Ernst Lokhorst
  • Patent number: 7547255
    Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Publication number: 20090039636
    Abstract: A non-motorized Riding Vehicle for transport of a rider on a surface. The Riding Vehicle includes a shoe body or platform for supporting at least one foot of the rider during the transport and at least one Riding Element under the shoe body or platform that rotates on an axle to facilitate the transport while supporting the rider. The at least one Riding Element includes stimulating elements for creating a periodic vibration during the transport that makes the transport on the surface less smooth than the transport would be if the at least one Riding Element did not include the stimulating elements. Also, a kit and method for converting the Riding Vehicle to a Riding Vehicle with a more or less (intense) vibratory ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ralph CHARELL
  • Patent number: 7481712
    Abstract: An artificial snow skiing surface has a number of spaced-apart rigid projections extending from a base. The surface is formed by joining like tile members that attach at side-by-side and end-to-end joints to form the mat. The joints and inherent flexibility of the tiles enable the mat to conform to irregular or non-planar substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Kent D. McBrien
  • Publication number: 20080293505
    Abstract: A hydroplaning device for a rider to perform liquid sport athletic maneuvers, which comprises a support member having a height relative to the ground and a slope; a surface member disposed on the support member, wherein the surface member forms at least an angled surface and a catchment area. The device also comprises a liquid circulation system, having a liquid source, at least one feed line and at least one return line with the liquid source being in fluid communication with the at least one feed line and the at least one return line being in fluid communication with at least one of the liquid source and a disposal location. The device includes at least one liquid dispenser disposed adjacent to the support member or the surface member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Dale NORTHAM
  • Publication number: 20080293506
    Abstract: The present invention provides hydroplaning equipment, such as boards, skis, bindings, boots and poles for use in connection with a hydroplaning device for a rider to perform liquid sport athletic maneuvers, which comprises a support member having a height relative to the ground and a slope; a surface member disposed on the support member, wherein the surface member forms at least an angled surface and a catchment area. The device also comprises a liquid circulation system, having a liquid source, at least one feed line and at least one return line with the liquid source being in fluid communication with the at least one feed line and the at least one return line being in fluid communication with at least one of the liquid source and a disposal location. The device includes at least one liquid dispenser disposed adjacent to the support member or the surface member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Dale NORTHAM
  • Patent number: 7347788
    Abstract: A synthetic ice surface system includes a plurality of sections of synthetic ice and a plurality of dowels. At least a portion of an outer periphery of each section of synthetic ice has one or more passages. Each of the dowels has a pair of opposing ends and one end of one or more of the dowels mates in one of the passages in one of the sections of synthetic ice. Another end of the one or more of the dowels mates in another one of the passages in another one of the sections of synthetic ice to secure the adjacent sections of synthetic ice together and form a substantially smooth ice surface. The sections of synthetic ice and the dowels are made of substantially the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Crowson Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: George T. Smith, II
  • Publication number: 20080020852
    Abstract: An artificial snow skiing surface has a number of spaced-apart rigid projections extending from a base. The surface is formed by joining like tile members that attach at side-by-side and end-to-end joints to form the mat. The joints and inherent flexibility of the tiles enable the mat to conform to irregular or non-planar substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kent D. McBrien
  • Patent number: 7311464
    Abstract: An internally illuminated snowboard track for recreational areas or parks which are operated at night is made up of a continuous elongated transparent rail which is supported a predetermined distance above the ground by a base support member, and a light source extends longitudinally and internally of the rail to project light outwardly therefrom. A base stabilizer beneath the support member can either be planted in the snow or anchored to the ground surface in the track system may be inclined, curved, straight or provided with one or more bends. A snowboard ramp may be constructed in the same basic manner to serve as a jump for snowboarders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Craig Swartz
  • Publication number: 20070287548
    Abstract: Soft caps for absorbing player impact against dasher boards are disclosed. The soft cap can include an elongated body defining a number of absorption ribs and channels for absorbing impact forces against the dasher board. The elongated body can be formed from a material having a relatively low durometer adapted to displace and absorb the impact energy when a player strikes the dasher board. One or more curved sections of the elongated body can be configured to fit adjacent to the hard edges of the dasher board. The soft cap can be provided as part of a dasher board assembly including a lower frame assembly and a number of upper shielding panes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: PREMIER RINKS, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Irving, Matthew Robert Palumbo
  • Patent number: 7250004
    Abstract: Ski run provided with a means for preserving snow on the skiing surface, said means comprising at least pipes suitable for the flow of a cooling agent for cooling the snow present on the skiing surface, said pipes (1) being embedded and located in a layer (5) enabling, when the layer (5) has a temperature of at least 2° C., a water percolation through the layer (5). Below the layer (5), a draining system (6,7) is placed for collecting and draining at least substantially all the water percolating through the layer (5) in which the pipes (1) are embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: Henri Mollin, Raimund Crammer
  • Patent number: 7204763
    Abstract: An ice skating arena having at least a first ice rink having a first side wall of a first wall length and a second ice rink having a second side wall of a second wall length; the first side wall being parallel to the second side wall at an inter-rink distance therefrom; the first side wall comprising a first protective spectator viewing window; the second side wall comprising a second protective spectator viewing window, a ceiling extending the inter-rink distance from the first wall and the second wall along at least a portion of the first and second walls; a floor extending the inter-rink distance from the first wall and the second wall along at least a portion of the first and second walls; wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the ceiling and the floor define therebetween a chamber comprising a climate controlled spectator viewing space. The area provides enhanced spectator comfort in a maximum unencumbered viewing manner and reduced capital cost expenditures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Murray Beynon
  • Patent number: 7104895
    Abstract: A compact, hinged, foldably deployable ramp is provided in a base configuration which includes three evenly radiused sections which connect to a deck member and have a tube, known as a coping, separating the ramp from the deck. In the base configuration, a top section, mid section and lower section each have a pair of ladder structures which share a middle flange. The deck member includes a pair of angled leg members which are designed to provide support throughout the range of engagement of the ramp. Even size and radiusing of the sections enables continued extension of the ramp by adding sections in conjunction with longer support legs for the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Roger William Hickey
  • Patent number: 6962534
    Abstract: A winter recreational park is provided for amusing and entertaining one or more participants, the park being intended for location in semi-arid or desert regions. The winter park includes a plurality of interconnected housing structures adapted to safely house the participants as well as winter facilities built with artificial snow and/or ice. The housing structures are adapted to maintain inside temperatures below the freezing point, despite the normally high outside temperatures. The recreational park further includes a plurality of active devices, such as skis or ice skates, adapted for use in each of the respective winter facilities to create the desired effect on ice and/or snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hans-Rodolf Kaelin
    Inventors: Rico Richter, Christian Pfluegler
  • Patent number: 6957546
    Abstract: A portable ice skating rink comprises, in a kit, a plastic sheeting, a protective band for the sheeting, and a number of rigid tubular members, flexible connectors and corrugated clips. To assemble the kit, the tubular members are connected to each other in a closed loop using the flexible connectors inserted in facing ends thereof and with corners of the loop being formed by curving some flexible connectors. The sheeting is then laid over the ground of the area enclosed by the loop while extending outwardly over and past the loop. The protective band is laid over the sheeting opposite the loop and the clips are installed thereat to secure the sheeting to the so formed frame with the clips running continuously all along the frame such as to protect the sheeting. Portions of the frame can be raised to level it and the sheeting can then be pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Farley Ice Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Farley, Nicolas Farley
  • Patent number: 6939236
    Abstract: A rotary ski slope comprising an inclined disc which is rotatable about an axis and has a diameter of at least 100 meters. The disc may be divided into a number of concentric rings (1) which are rotatable at different speeds. Means are preferably provided to circulate coolant across the entire under surface of the disc to prevent the snow from melting. The entire surface of the disc is preferably available for skiing with snow conditioning and grooming apparatus (49, 52) being mounted away from the surface, or selectively retractable from the surface. The upper surface of the disc may be non-planar to set up “wave” allowing a variety of skiing conditions to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Snowvolution Limited
    Inventors: David McLaren, Rolf Fyne
  • Patent number: 6866589
    Abstract: An ice rink defines a predetermined shape and includes a source of black and/or white light for illuminating the surface of the rink. In one form, the rink includes a plurality of rectangular synthetic panels and a plurality of adjusting elements for forcing the panels tightly together and for compensating for changes in temperature. The panels also include a plurality of grooves and a plurality of metal splines which are dimensioned to fit into the grooves of adjacent panels to provide a smooth skating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Products Incorporated
    Inventors: Kent L. Widrick, John D. Ross, John H. Ross
  • Patent number: 6722995
    Abstract: The facility includes an enclosed space provided with a floor on which a layer of snow can be formed, an apparatus for cooling the space and a device for forming the layer of snow in the space so as to make a predetermined course. The course includes at least one continuous section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Unlimited Snow Indoor B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Johannes Pieter Albers
  • Patent number: 6676530
    Abstract: A ride surface for water ride attractions and the like is provided. The ride surface is fabricated from a reinforced membrane material tensioned over a supporting framework. The tensioned membrane ride surface serves the dual role of providing structural support for water flow and riders thereon while at the same time providing an impact safe surface that is non-injurious to riders who may fall thereon. The tensioned membrane can be adjusted actively and/or passively in order to accommodate different and varied ride experiences. Optionally, the shape of the membrane ride surface can be changed either dynamically or passively by special tensioning techniques and/or by using auxiliary support structures such as air bladders, pressure/suction, foam supports or/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Light Wave, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 6672968
    Abstract: A modular skate park system comprising one or more platform portions, and one or more ramp members. The ramp members are connectable to the platform portions, and the platform portions can be connected to one another along their edges to accomplish an enlarged platform with one or more ramps providing access to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Compass Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Montolio
  • Patent number: 6634953
    Abstract: A downhill sliding course of sliding track for sliding objects and persons down a slope or a hill includes covering or cladding elements for covering the surface of the slope and a water source to moisten the elements with water. The sliding elements include pools located one below the other, wherein the pools are forming water filled micro-terraces (10). The micro-terraces (10) are formed by a sheet covering the slope in a water-tight manner and flexible ribs (2) are emerging from the sheet, furthermore each pool is bordered by the covering sheet (5) and the rib (2) and is closed by a flexible transverse sectioning rib joined to the covering sheet (5) and the flexible rib (2). With suitable accessories activities similar to skiing, sleighing and surfing can be performed on the sliding course. Accordingly, the invention includes also accessories that can be used to perform these activities. The invention provides individual appliances to implement the sliding course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Csongor Czintos
  • Patent number: RE38326
    Abstract: A molded plastic ramp is made in a one-step molding process. The ramp includes reinforced side and rear walls and a smooth radiused ramp surface. The ramp includes laterally extending side and rear supports that engage a ground surface and the forward portion of the ramp surface extends forward of the forward extent of the side supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Mapp