Abstract: The present invention provides a fingerboard ramp having a base having at least one riding surface and a metal rail or a metal coping attached to the base to provide an additional riding surface for a fingerboarder.

Abstract: Platinum snow is described as a surface element forming a gliding surface for snow skiing and snowboarding. The surface is fluffy and slick. The process works medium-grain vermiculite (an inert mineral of the phyllio-silicate group) into the surface, such as geo-textile carpeting, Petromat or placed directly on the ground. Then, apply a fine-mist spray of water over the entire surface. Some uses (but not limited to) are of fine-nozzle misters, circulating sprinklers and soaker hoses. This action causes the vermiculite to embed into the surface forming a slick-surface element for gliding.

Abstract: Obstacle apparatus includes at least one ramp for launching a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblade rider into the air. The apparatus may also include a second similar ramp and a bridge for releasably connecting the elevated ends of the two ramps in-line so as to produce an in-line obstacle over which riders may roll. The apparatus may also include a grind rail which may be releasably attached to the elevated end of one or both of the ramps so that the ramp/rail assembly may be used by skateboarders and the like to perform various acrobatic feats. The apparatus components are rugged and reliable yet they can be made in quantity at minimum cost. Furthermore, because of their unique designs, they may be shipped and stored in a minimum amount of space.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus having a composite landing surface for sports equipment, such as bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards, in-line skates, skis and snowboards, is provided. The invention includes a base member or structure, a shock absorbing layer, and a rigid material on top of the shock absorbing layer. The shock absorbing layer absorbs impact forces generated when sports equipment lands on the landing surface. The rigid layer provides a stiff top surface that distributes loads and limits surface deflection during a landing. When an athlete performs an aerial maneuver using sports equipment and lands on the composite surface, the athlete experiences a cushioned landing but is able to roll or slide on the landing surface after the landing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enclosure which has a plurality of utilities such as a portable ice skating rink, a wading pool, a volleyball area, and a garden enclosure. The enclosure has a pair of opposed sidewalls and a pair of opposed end walls. Each of the sidewalls is defined by at least one elongated sidewall member and each of the end walls is defined by at least one elongated end wall member. A plurality of corner members define an enclosed area with the end walls and the sidewalls. The enclosure further has at least one sheet member positioned over the sidewalls, the end walls, and the corner members. The enclosure further has cover members which fit over the elongated sidewall members, the end wall members, and the corner members to hold and protect the at least one sheet member.

Abstract: A skate park system comprises interlocking pieces enabling quick assembly and disassembly. The disassembled pieces can lay flat, enabling storage in minimal space. Ramp, funbox and grindrail portions may be used separately or combined in varying manners to provide a variety of configurations.

Abstract: Skiing facilities, which supply artificial snow onto the ski slope floor to form a ski slope, the skiing facilities, comprises a movable ski slope floor provided in a part of the ski slope floor along a width direction, a movable floor driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for driving the movable ski slope floor in up and down directions, a cover member, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for covering a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor when the movable slope floor is driven, and a cover member driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for closing a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor by driving the cover member.

Abstract: In skiing ground facilities having a plurality of artificial snow manufacturing apparatuses of ice crushing type, this invention provides a system that is capable of precisely monitoring the respective artificial snow manufacturing apparatuses. This system comprises a monitoring apparatus, connected to the artificial snow manufacturing apparatus, for monitoring the operation state of each artificial snow manufacturing apparatus. This system has an outer monitoring apparatus, which is provided at an outer monitoring site positioned at a location away from the skiing ground, and is selectively connected to the monitoring apparatus provided at each skiing ground, whereby making it possible to monitor the operation state of each artificial manufacturing apparatus of each skiing ground.

Abstract: In skiing ground facilities having a plurality of artificial snow manufacturing apparatuses of ice crushing type, this invention provides a system that is capable of precisely monitoring the respective artificial snow manufacturing apparatuses. This system comprises a monitoring apparatus, connected to the artificial snow manufacturing apparatus, for monitoring the operation state of each artificial snow manufacturing apparatus. This system has an outer monitoring apparatus, which is provided at an outer monitoring site positioned at a location away from the skiing ground, and is selectively connected to the monitoring apparatus provided at each skiing ground, whereby making it possible to monitor the operation state of each artificial manufacturing apparatus of each skiing ground.

Abstract: An ice skating rink structure comprising a plurality of boards and a plurality of brackets is provided. Each of the brackets has a U-shaped support for holding one or more of the boards and has at least one downward projection for insertion into the ground. The downward projection of the bracket is inserted into the ground and boards are placed within the U-shaped support such that the boards define the shape of an ice skating rink. A liner is placed inside of the ice skating rink and water is poured onto the liner and allowed to freeze and form an ice skating rink. By using boards with different heights, the present invention allows for the quick assembly of an ice skating rink on level or unlevel ground.

Abstract: A floor structure for use on an ice surface includes sheets of rigid, lightweight material each having a topside and a bottom side which includes a margin and geometric recesses and recess dividers. Only the margins and recess dividers are in contact with the ice surface when this floor structure is laid upon the ice. The recess dividers effectively seal the geometric recesses creating sealed pockets which trap ambient air thus creating a thermal insulating effect which substantially prevents the coldness from the ice from penetrating the sheets to the topsides and prevents condensation from forming on the topsides making it safe for the users to move about upon this floor structure unlike other floor structures which are used on ice. In addition, this floor structure does not stick or freeze to the ice unlike the other floor structures, because it has a substantially smaller surface area which is in direct contact with the ice, making it much easier to remove and reuse.

Abstract: A sliding exercise apparatus used as a recreational device. The device includes at least a pillow or a case for a pillow or similar cushioning material having top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface of which is clad with a low friction durable coating. The pillow can be employed with any number of services similarly clad with a low friction durable coating including a sheet, blanket, sliding case or similar expedient or even a sleeping bag having the required low friction durable clad surface.

Abstract: Artificial ice skating rink assemblies that can used indoors or outdoors, in all seasons, that can be readily assembled with a reduced number of assembly parts and accessories being required, and it can be used with reduced maintenance demands. In one embodiment of this invention, there is an artificial ice skating rink consisting of a plurality of panel means for providing an ice skating surface, in which each panel means has an elongate channel disposed therein having longitudinal and transverse axes. Elongate spline means are provided for slideable insertion into a channel in a lateral direction along the transverse axis of that channel, and for slideable receipt of another channel of another panel means which is forced in a lateral direction into slideable engagement with the spline. In this way, separate panel means are retained together exclusively by the spline means against relative motion along the transverse axes of their respective channels.

Abstract: A recreational facility with multiple rinks and connecting corridors. Moveable partitions allow segregation of rinks and corridors. Segregated rinks and corridors are usable simultaneously for a variety of recreational and competitive activities.

Abstract: An inline floor hockey playing surface including a main playing surface provided with a goal or net close to either end of the playing surface and opposite thereto. A ramped half-pipe surface surrounds the main playing surface. An upper deck platform extends for a portion along the sides of the main playing surface. A launch area is provided in the middle of the playing surface and is elevated from the rest of the playing surface by the inclusion of two ramped half-pipes. Side walls and end walls enclose the upper deck platform. Players can utilize the ramped half-pipe surfaces as well as the upper deck platform surface during game competitions.

Abstract: In an indoor type skiing ground having a ski slope formed by sprinkling artificial snow to a predetermined thickness on a slope inside a building, a predetermined height range from the surface of the artificial snow is defined as a low temperature region, while an ordinary temperature region is defined above the low temperature region, and cold air ports for blowing cold air into the building are formed in a side wall of the building so as to be located in the low temperature region, while air outlets are formed so as to be located above the cold air ports.

Abstract: A body has a substantially flat and very smooth support surface having a plurality of holes therein which intersect the support surface to form sharp edges around the holes. Connectors are provided on the sides of the body for connecting similar bodies to one another. A plurality of projections extend outwardly from the surface to enhance the glide properties of inline hockey pucks. The projections have a base dimension at the support surface in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm and extend outwardly from the surface a distance in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.6 mm. The projections are spaced from one another a distance in the range of about 3 mm to about 10 mm, and the density of projections per square centimeter of the support surface is in the range of about 1 to about 9.

Abstract: A magnetic strip of material formed into a loop which is placed around two pulleys. The pulleys rotate, thereby moving the magnetic strip. Skiers have skis which are attracted to the magnetic strip and are thereby moved with the loop as the loop is pulled around the pulleys. As the skier reaches the top of the upper pulley, the ski is lifted off the magnetic strip and onto the ski jump ramp. At the top of this ramp, the skier is held by a magnet located beneath the top of the ramp. Rotating with the upper pulley is a cam which moves the magnet at the top of the ramp between two positions. The first positions holds the magnet against or adjacent to the underside of the ramp holding the skier at the top of the ramp and the second position holds the magnet rotated slightly away from the ramp which releases the figure to descend the ramp and perform its ski jump. Optionally there is a flag that drops when the magnet releases the skier.

Abstract: A new sport of skill, SurfSliding having an open pipe ramp system covered in artificial turf and a lubricating means. SurfSliding allows a participant to glide downhill by gravity and kinetic energy while maneuvering a lawnboard strapped to the participants feet. The new sport provides for a sport similar to surfing while executing movements similar to skateboarding and snowboarding.

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.

Abstract: A modular rink assembly for facilitating the assembly of a hockey rink structure includes two sets of side boards, two sets of end boards, and corner members arrangeable into a rink forming an enclosed area for playing a game. The corner members include a rounded face and T-shaped flanges for engagement to slots in the boards near the corners of the enclosed area. In a preferred embodiment, all the side and end boards include a lengthwise upper groove to facilitate attachment of plexi-glass panels or netting to further enclose the playing area. Also provided are floor panels engageable to each other for providing a uniform playing surface.

Abstract: A low-friction composite structure according to the present invention comprises: (1) a core material with a uniform cross section and having dimensional stability, the core material having two substantially planar surfaces; and (2) at least one polymer layer adhesively attached to one of the substantially planar faces of the core material, the polymer layer having applied thereto a friction-reducing ingredient selected from the group consisting of silicone resins and silicone oils. Preferably, the low-friction composite structure is constructed in segments, with the segments being assembled by groove-and-spline assembly to form the structure, such as through splines. Various additives, such as anti-oxidants, titanium dioxide, thermic stabilizers, ultraviolet stabilizers, hydrophobic ingredients, release agents, and anti-static ingredients, can be added to the polymer layer. Preferably, the polymer is polyethylene.

Abstract: A portable modular outdoor playing arena having a plurality of modular floor panels and a plurality of generally vertically oriented modular side panels. The floor panels have a generally smooth flat upper surface and side surfaces that depend therefrom at approximate right angles. The floor panels are adjoined in a closed polygonal configuration to create a playing surface. The side panels surround and abut the floor panels and exert a compressive force on the floor panels to prevent lateral separation of adjacent floor panels. A seal forms a fluid tight connection between adjacent floor panels and at the juncture of the floor panels and the side panels. Each of the floor panels include adjustable legs to support the floor panels on the ground or on a sub-surface. The legs are vertically adjustable to allow for the levelling of the floor panels so that adjacent floor panels can be individually levelled and supported to provide a level playing surface.

Abstract: Sports apparatus having a variably tilting platform providing a continuously sloping surface. The platform is mounted to permit tilting in a plurality of planes. An actuating mechanism for tilting the platform includes at least two actuators and a fixed pivot or at least three actuators. The actuators may comprise rams or a crank mechanism. The actuators operate simultaneously and sequentially to cause a progressive and circulatory movement of the highest point of the tilting platform around the periphery of the platform. The sloping surface of the platform can be used for such sports activities as skiing, skateboarding and even hang gliding.

Abstract: A skiing slope is specialized for artificial skis. The slope is formed by longitudinally and laterally laying and connecting mats (1). Each mat has a predetermined area on a slanted surface (17). Each of the mats (1) has a plurality of retainer projections (2) on its rear side. At least one connector member (4) has side walls which engage with circumferential surfaces of the retainer projections (2) in a convex/concave manner. The connector member (4) is disposed between the retainer projections (2) of the mats (1). The connector member (4) is coupled with a hard longitudinal member (3) provided in the longitudinal direction of the slanted surface (17). The connector member (4) is coupled with the mats (1) under the condition that the circumferential surfaces of the retainer projections (2) and the side walls of the connector member (4) are engaged with each other in the convex/concave manner between the retainer projections (2).

Abstract: An aerobic exercise platform including a bench step portion and a slick slider surface attached to the step portion for stepping and sliding exercises whereby a user may exercise with the step portion only, slide portion only and/or combine the two. The exercise platform may include several levels of bench steps with the slide portion connected adjacent the uppermost level.

Abstract: A variable resistance slide board comprises a thin flexible sheet having a low friction upper surface. The sheet may include start-stop blocks located on the sides or elsewhere for engaging the foot or hands of the user while starting or pushing and while stopping. The start-stop blocks may be permanently attached or adjustably mounted. The sheet is mounted on a compressible mat. Additionally, the sheet is made from a deformable material so that the resistance can be controlled in accordance with the characteristics of the compressible mat.

Abstract: A surface element used for forming a gliding surface includes a frame unit provided with at least one attachment element and a joining point, attachment element connecting the frame to a base, a gliding unit formed of a plurality of flexible gliding elements connected to the joining point of the frame unit, and a support unit forming a supporting surface and connected to the frame unit, wherein when a plurality of successive surface elements are arranged in the longitudinal direction to form the gliding surface, the supporting unit of the next surface element supports the gliding unit of at least one preceding surface element.

Abstract: An aerobic exercise platform comprises a rigid base having a smooth and slick surface for practicing sliding exercises. Elastic or rigid holding elements are securable to a series of anchoring points located about the periphery of the base. An alternate embodiment of the invention combines a sliding exerciser with a stepping exercise stool. The stool is constituted by the two symmetrical halves of an enclosure housing a web wound around a drum. When the two halves of the enclosure are spread apart the web is deployed. The slick upper side of the web acts as a sliding surface. Alternatively, the web may be a completely separate sheet, stored in the enclosure or attached between the spread apart halves for sliding exercises. Additional features such as extensions for raising the height of the stool and bumpers for protecting the user's feet and providing an angled sliding surface may be stored within the enclosure. The angled sliding surfaces and stabilizing poles provide ski-type exercise capability.

Abstract: A winter scene space study uses a space separated from the surroundings by transparent walls. The space is provided with refrigerator equipment as well as with equipment for producing water vapor and water jets or running water in the space. Temperature of the space is controlled or set in a manner that water vapor crystallizes into snow crystals and/or frost or water jets or running water at least freeze. By arranging the temperature to fluctuate on either side of 0.degree. C., the ice, frost and/or snow crystals can be alternately melted and re-formed. By adjusting temperature and the amount of water vapor properly, it is possible to create snowfall in the space.

Abstract: A wave-generating apparatus that is used for various types of surfriding water sports, such as body-surfing, boogie-boarding, and belly-boarding and is defined by a horizontally positioned, rotatable, cylindrical housing cradled in a frame structure, wherein a suitable amount of water is contained within the housing by means of end caps member that define a reservoir within the cylindrical housing, whereby a continuous wave pattern is formed in the stored water as the tube is rotated about its horizontal axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic blade-skating pavement, i.e. made of materials different from ice and thus usable without the aid of cryogenic systems. The composition of the invention can be restored by melting the layers affected by wear, it comprises one or more organic paraffinic materials and is characterized in that it has:a) penetration index, measured by needle penetrometer, ranging between 2 and 20 at operating temperature;b) glass transition temperature higher than operating temperature;c) dielectric constant lower than 2.5 at 10.sup.6 Hz;d) viscosity at 200.degree. C. not exceeding over 3000 cps.

Abstract: A method of forming an artificial snow layer is disclosed. Water content is added to to atmosphere above a floor by a humidifying device, or water mist is added to the atmosphere by a water-mist supplying device. The water content or the water mist is frost-frozen by a refrigerating device 6 incorporated at the floor, thus forming on the floor an accumulated frost layer as an artificial snow layer. A method of maintaining the formed artificial snow layer is also disclosed. After the formation of the artificial snow layer, an atmosphere refrigerating device is stopped or reduced in its operation so as to release the maintenance of the atmosphere below the freezing point. Then, the refrigerating device of the floor is operated to prevent melting of the formed artificial snow layer so as to prevent coagulation of water content in said atmosphere on a surface of the artificial snow layer through humidity adjustment of the atmosphere by a humidity adjusting device.

Abstract: An aerobic exercise platform comprises a rigid base having a smooth and slick surface for practicing sliding exercises. Elastic or rigid holding elements are securable to a series of anchoring points located about the periphery of the base. An alternate embodiment of the invention combines a sliding exerciser with a stepping exercise stool. The stool is constituted by the two symmetrical halves of an enclosure housing a web wound around a drum. When the two halves of the enclosure are spread apart the web is deployed. The slick upper side of the web acts as a sliding surface.

Abstract: Material for the paving of rinks suitable for skating with blade-skates, of synthetic type, characterized in that it exhibits a chemical composition gradient between the upper skating surface (A), consisting of hydrocarbons having a melting point of 30.degree.-130.degree. C., and the innermost surface (B) consisting of polymers having high mechanical properties and low brittling point.

Abstract: A flexible sled and slide construction (10) wherein both the sled unit (12) and the slide unit (11) are fabricated from hinged cardboard panels (30) and (20) which are provided with hard wax coatings (31) and (21) to allow the bottom (38) of the sled unit (12) to slide easily over the top (24) of the slide unit (20).

Abstract: A method of forming an artificial snow layer is disclosed. Water content is added to to atmosphere above a floor by a humidifying device, or water mist is added to the atmosphere by a water-mist supplying device. The water content or the water mist is frost-frozen by a refrigerating device 6 incorporated at the floor, thus forming on the floor an accumulated frost layer as an artificial snow layer. A method of maintaining the formed artificial snow layer is also disclosed. After the formation of the artificial snow layer, an atmosphere refrigerating device is stopped or reduced in its operation so as to release the maintenance of the atmosphere below the freezing point. Then, the refrigerating device of the floor is operated to prevent melting of the formed artificial snow layer so as to prevent coagulation of water content in said atmosphere on a surface of the artificial snow layer through humidity adjustment of the atmosphere by a humidity adjusting device.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided whereby snow is made in an indoor environment over extended periods. Within the indoor environment temperature and humidity conditions are set up to enable snow to be produced by a spray of water in the air. Such conditions are maintained for an extended time by the use of thermal storage means. The thermal storage means is cooled to a low temperature by coolant in turn cooled by refrigeration apparatus. The thermal storage means uses a mass of relatively high conductivity material through which the coolant is circulated and the coolant is used to cool and dry air to be discharged into the indoor environment.

Abstract: An artificial ski slope assembly is disclosed, which includes an upwardly moving inclined skiing zone formed as a zone on a moving endless conveyor assembly. The latter is suitably in the form of an inclined, distorted disc having one side part, which has a substantially horizontal portion at which snow may be added or refurbished, and an opposite side part which is inclined to form the skiiing zone.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus for a speed skater or similar athlete including a base having a plurality of board members arranged in side-by-side relationship. Hinges pivotally connect adjacent board members to each other. A flexible plastic sheet overlays the board members and has a smooth glide surface on which the skater can slide. Bumpers are located at opposite ends of the base. Clamps releasably interconnect the base, the sheet, and the bumpers.