Surface Or Enclosure For Athletic Or Exhibition Event (e.g., Arena, Track, Court, Playing Field, Etc.) Patents (Class 472/92)
  • Publication number: 20030114234
    Abstract: A transparent, shatter-resistant glass shield for mounting atop the dasher board of a hockey rink includes at least one glass panel. A glass-retaining plastic film is adhered to a surface of each glass panel. The plastic film substantially covers the surface. The plastic film has a thickness of at least about 0.014 inch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Donald C. Martin, Tonya M. Cockman, Patrick Haden Jennings
  • Publication number: 20030114233
    Abstract: There is provided a facility management support apparatus which manages visitors in a facility area, the apparatus is characterized by comprising: place information storage unit storing the degree of crowdedness in each of places in the facility area; receiving unit receiving, from a terminal, information which enables identification of the location of the terminal; extraction unit extracting one of the places to which one of the visitors should move on the basis of the degree of crowdedness and the location of the terminal; and transmission unit transmitting, to the terminal, information which enables identification of the place to which the visitor should move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Hajime Hiei
  • Publication number: 20030092531
    Abstract: Vertical to horizontal draining system and a synthetic turf having such a system. The draining system of the present invention prevents water from accumulating on the turf surface, which could cause the top-dressing layer to “float” and be moved by water inundation. The draining system of the present invention also obviates the need for extensive excavation, underdrain systems and free-draining replacement materials. The draining system of the present invention incorporates a dynamic drainage blanket, preferably sandwiched between two permeable porous geosynthetic or non-woven materials. The synthetic turf system of the present invention allows the use of an infilled synthetic turf over impermeable or semi-permeable surfaces, including impermeable soils, asphalt and concrete without having to remove such surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel A. Daluise
  • Patent number: 6551429
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a structural laminate for use as a dasher board comprising a first layer of fiberglass, a layer of rigid foam made of polyvinylchloride, a first bonding layer operatively arranged to bond with the first fiberglass layer and the foam layer, a second layer of fiberglass, and a second bonding layer operatively arranged to bond with the second fiberglass layer and the foam layer. The invention is also directed to a method of making the structural laminate, comprising the steps of bonding a first layer of fiberglass to a foam layer; bonding a second layer of fiberglass to the foam layer; and sealing the bonded layers of fiberglass and foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: McCourt North Construction Company
    Inventor: Franklin D. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20030061769
    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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Murray Beynon
  • Publication number: 20030033779
    Abstract: A substrate for use in a flooring system which has a subfloor and a decorative upper layer. The substrate is made in a continuous sheet which has a bottom surface, a top surface, side surfaces and end surfaces. The top surface and the oppositely facing bottom surface are essentially parallel to each other and are spaced apart by the thickness of the substrate. Voids are provided in the substrate, the voids are provided between particles of rubber or other similar material. When the substrate is positioned between the subfloor and the decorative top layer, the particles of rubber provide the strength required to prevent deformation of the substrate in the direction of the thickness and the voids contribute to the sound dampening characteristics required to provide decibel reduction across the thickness of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Charles Downey
  • Publication number: 20030032490
    Abstract: A transparent, shatter-resistant glass shield is provided for mounting atop the dasher board of a hockey rink. The glass shield includes at least one glass panel having a front surface, a back surface, and a plurality of edges. A glass-retaining plastic film is adhered to a surface of each glass panel such that the plastic film substantially covers the surface of each panel. Preferably, the plastic film is polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T) or polyearbonate, has a thickness of about 0.014 inch, and includes three plastic layers. At least one edge retainer is engaged on an edge of each glass panel such that the edge retainer extends over substantially the full length of the engaged edge of the glass and overlaps the plastic film. The edge retainer portions preferably are U-shaped channels constructed of transparent polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the glass panels are rectangular, and may include cutouts at their top corners to assist in mounting the glass shield atop the dasher board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Donald C. Martin, Tonya M. Cockman
  • Patent number: 6517442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert E. Post
  • Patent number: 6474023
    Abstract: Seating tiers are used in a stadium to position rows of spectators at progressively higher levels, the tiers having a reverse slope such that each row is closer to a playing field than the next lower row, thereby providing spectators with an excellent view of action on the field. Walkways extend along the fronts of the seats and windows are adjacent the walkways to allow viewing of the field while protecting spectators. Cross-beams support the rows of seats and provide the walkways and are supported between stairway units that are part of a supporting frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur S. Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6472041
    Abstract: A monolithic surfacing system is capable of being applied to almost any stable, compacted base which is capable of supporting the weight of the system. The system provides an economical solution to the cracking and degradation which is experienced with conventional artificial surfaces which are exposed to the elements or extended wear. The surfacing system includes a bottom layer comprised of a pile fabric having a flexible backing and a plurality of upstanding pile elements. Each of the pile elements has an upper and a lower end. The pile elements are in-filled with a quantity of in-fill material which is sufficient to form a layer of substantially uniform density extending from the flexible backing of the bottom layer to substantially the upper end of the pile elements. A quantity of binder is added to the system, and a top layer comprising a wear coating having an upper and a lower surface is applied to the in-fill material and binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Burke
  • Patent number: 6470631
    Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for fabricating a skating ring. One such apparatus is a curved element for skating rings which includes a plurality of vertical sup5 ports which are adapted to any curve shape. The apparatus further includes a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs and abutting double-curved shell segments made of several plane-like wood layers which are glued to each other. By being fixed to the support elements and ribs, the shell segments form a skating surface to be ridden on by skaters or the like. The shell segments are pre-shaped as at least one of single- or double-curves such that they can be fixed essentially stress-free onto the support elements and ribs. One method of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing shell segments for curve elements for skating rings. The shell segments include a plurality of plane-like layers of wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Bowl Construction AG
    Inventor: Erwin Rechsteiner
  • Patent number: 6402642
    Abstract: A method of playing a game on a rink including a center planar playing surface surrounded by end and side boards. Two goals are provided opposite to one another on the planar playing surface. Each player utilizes a modified lacrosse stick used to manipulate a ball into the opponent's goal. Unlike, lacrosse, the ball may be rolled on the ground as in hockey, although the main movement of the ball will be airborne from net to net. Passing maneuvers are caught, carried, rolled or thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Eden Enterprises
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Tim Lowry
  • Publication number: 20020068642
    Abstract: An amusement system for infants is provided which gives a player a special bodily sensation that cannot be experienced in daily life. The amusement system comprises: a main body (10) including a mattress (11) of a generally flat rectangular solid shape housed in a frame (13), and pressing means (17) for externally pressing the mattress (11); and an enclosure (20) surrounding the frame (13). The mattress (11) comprises a bag (12) formed of a transparent flexible urethane sheet, and a liquid component including differently colored water and oil filled in the bag (12). The pressing means (17) includes a driver (18) incorporating a hydraulic cylinder, and a press plate (19) connected to a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The press plate (19) is pivoted by the operation of the hydraulic cylinder to press a side face of the mattress (11) from the outside toward the inside, whereby the upper surface of the mattress (11) is waved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: ORIENTAL SANGYO, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Ochi
  • Patent number: 6398455
    Abstract: A grass field such as a football playing ground comprises an underground heating and heat distributing plant below the uppermost growth layer (10). In order to provide a grass field built up, layer on layer, and heatable from below, as well as exhibiting a structure which will not be able to settle in the course of time, and wherein the pitch-corer substantially maintains its flat, plane, essentially horizontal original condition, the grass field is based on the use of air-carried heat energy, heated air being brought to distribute itself in a lower hot air distributing cavity layer covering the basal area of the pitch, and wherein some heat energy of the supplied air is liberated to wall faces (4, 5) defining said lower cavity layer, whereafter return air within an upper cavity layer assigned air communication holes (5′) in a partition wall can be drawn off for reheating and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Vølstad Energy AS
    Inventor: Ove C. Vølstad
  • Patent number: 6394918
    Abstract: In a playing-field enclosure, particularly for ball games, having a peripheral, vertical band-including a plurality of sheet-type band elements that can be connected to one another with a form-fit in order to assure simple assembly and storage connecting elements are disposed between two respective sheet-type band elements, the connecting elements having a support surface and a connecting rib that extends vertically upward from the support surface; the connecting rib has vertically-extending U profiles on opposite sides or sides that are offset from one another by 90°, the band elements being inserted into the profiles with a form-fit; and the support surface has upwardly-extending retaining mandrels in the positioning region of the band elements, the mandrels engaging corresponding retaining recesses of the band elements inserted into the U profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Erhard Sport International GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Kurt Erhard
  • Patent number: 6340334
    Abstract: A portable fight ring for allowing users to quickly assemble their own fighting rings in their own back yard. The portable fight ring includes a base assembly; and also includes a deck assembly being removably mounted upon the base assembly; and further includes rope support members including posts extending upwardly from said deck assembly for removably interlocking said base assembly; and also includes rope members being extended between the posts and along a perimeter of the deck assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventors: Jeff P. Olsen, Joseph Gambino
  • Patent number: 6327864
    Abstract: A kit having: a border assembly with a plurality of elongate elements that are capable of being placed against a subjacent surface to define a border around a predetermined area within which a frozen surface is to be formed; and a flexible liner that is selectively reconfigurable between a) a collapsed state and b) an operative state. The elongate elements each have an inside surface, a top edge, and an outside surface. The flexible liner has a shape and size preselected to cover a subjacent surface in the predetermined area and to be placed against the elongate elements in a predetermined manner so as to define a receptacle for a liquid that can be cooled to form a frozen surface over the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel T. Crowe
  • Patent number: 6296580
    Abstract: Paint-ball playing fields are characterized by empty envelope elements fastened together creating a continuous interior volume filled with air, under a predetermined pressure of approximately 1.5 bars. A motor furnishes air to compensate for losses of pressure in the elements of the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Laurent Hamet
    Inventor: Laurent Hamet
  • Patent number: 6287049
    Abstract: A layered foundation for a play surface includes an upper layer formed of wood mulch or another landscaping loose-fill material, a support layer composed of multiple fragments of a resilient material such as vulcanized rubber, and a landscaping fabric sheet disposed between the upper layer and the support layer. The support layer, preferably 3-4 inches in depth, contributes considerably to the shock-absorbing capability of the foundation, to provide a foundation that meets or exceeds recommended levels of impact attenuation, yet has a total depth less than that considered necessary in conventional foundations or support systems. The support layer also effectively drains water from the upper layer, due to multiple, interconnected passages between fragments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Shane E. Keinholz
  • Patent number: 6202356
    Abstract: A multifunctional building for providing accomodation to events, said building comprising a sports field (1) for an outdoor sport, whereby at least part of the sports field is provided in a container (4) which can be moved in vertical direction, in such a manner that in raised condition said container forms the roof of a space which can be utilized for indoor activities. The sports field may be a grass field which comprises sports facilities fixedly provided thereon. Stands (6) may be present outside the sports field, which stands can be moved to a position under the container when the container occupies a raised position. Roofed-in stands may furthermore be present, the roof of said stands abutting the container when said container occupies a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Frans Hock
  • Patent number: 6199335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: SpaceAge Synthetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Brenot, Arnold G. Althoff, Randy M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6170278
    Abstract: An ice rink is provided having a thermal storage reservoir arranged to regulate the temperature of the ice rink. The ice rink includes a sheet of ice and a sub-floor for supporting the sheet of ice thereon. The reservoir is mounted adjacent a bottom face of the sub-floor. The reservoir is substantially larger in volume than the sheet of ice, being filled with particulate material having a high heat capacity. A fluid surrounds the particulate material having a freezing point which is below that of water. Cooling pipes extending through the reservoir and the sub-floor are arranged to have cooling fluid pumped therethrough for freezing the sheet of ice mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Greg S. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 6168532
    Abstract: A sports/recreation facility is provided with seating bank around a playing area (2), and a grass playing surface (12) which is withdrawable from the playing area. The playing area is defined within one end of a shallow dock (16), the dock extending over the playing area and also extending sufficiently outside the playing area in one direction to define an area outside the playing area and seating banks having dimensions at least equal to the playing area. A shallow barge (14) is floatable within the dock and supports the playing surface for movement within the dock between the playing area and the outside area. The water (18) for introduction into the dock is stored within the barge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Hatch Associates LTD
    Inventor: Felim P. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 6159550
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously coating particulate such as rubber with liquid binder and applying the same to a substrate to form resilient athletic surfaces. Total encapsulation of the particulate with the liquid binder is accomplished prior to applying the mix to the substrate. In addition, the method of delivery of the particulate and binder maintains the ratios thereof uniform. In its method aspects, the instant invention involves separately introducing a stream of particulate and a stream of binder into a spray nozzle, where they are combined and delivered to the substrate. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having a central lumen and an elongated tip, the lumen being formed so as to force the particulate introduced therein to follow a circuitous or indirect path therethrough and thereby decrease its velocity prior to being ejected from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel A. Daluise
  • Patent number: 6149529
    Abstract: A modified football game requires that players wear in-line skates and the field has a flat surface area having a substantially rectangular shape with two straight long sides and two second convexly curved short sides, a partial circular concavely curved second surface area bounding the first area and having a lower edge and an upper edge, the lower edge being contiguous with the edge of the first flat surface area, and the upper edge being remote from the flat surface area, and an upper flat lip surface area extending around the curved second surface area contiguous with its upper edge, and lines defining end zones proximate each of the second curved short sides of the flat surface area, each end zone having a flat surface area portion and a curved surface area portion of the curved second surface. The players skate on the flat area, the curved area and the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hemisphere Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Fowler, Ronald A. Holland, Bruce E. Austin, Joseph M. Skorpen
  • Patent number: 6126551
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Robert A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6122925
    Abstract: The invention is an insulation system that enables the ice sheet of a skating rink to be economically established and maintained outdoors even at relatively high ambient temperatures. A part of the insulation system is a removable cover member that can be raised and lowered. The cover is raised to allow access to the ice and can serve much as a patio cover in this position. In the lowered position the cover forms a surface similar to a deck attached to a domestic dwelling and enables the area occupied by the ice rink to be used for other purposes when it is not being used for ice-related activities. The embodiment described is directed to residential use outdoor. The invention can be adapted for commercial use and for indoor use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: John Alan Rawlins
  • Patent number: 6106401
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a structural laminate for use as a dasher board comprising a first layer of fiberglass, a layer of rigid foam made of polyvinylchloride, a first bonding layer operatively arranged to bond with the first fiberglass layer and the foam layer, a second layer of fiberglass, and a second bonding layer operatively arranged to bond with the second fiberglass layer and the foam layer. The invention is also directed to a method of making the structural laminate, comprising the steps of bonding a first layer of fiberglass to a foam layer; bonding a second layer of fiberglass to the foam layer; and sealing the bonded layers of fiberglass and foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Franklin D. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 6093109
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Eden Enterprises
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Tom Lowry, Todd Grossman
  • Patent number: 6089035
    Abstract: The process of creating and maintaining an Integrated Mini Ice Surface is through the combination of a continuous pattern of copper pipe filled with freon covered with water connected to a series of thermostatic expansion valves which are connected to a 6 horse power condenser/compressor with a dehumidifier within the space which produces 3 mini ice surfaces. These ice surfaces allow an individual to practice or receive instruction in a confined shooting alley or lane which eliminates the risk of injury to another participant and the utility of quick ice hockey puck retrieval for continuous reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Steve Mildengren
  • Patent number: 6061979
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Johannes
  • Patent number: 6021646
    Abstract: A floor system having the versatility to be used for ice or in-line skating, ice, in-line, or floor hockey, or any other of a whole host of activities. The floor system includes a number of floor elements that extend the length of the playing or skating surface. The floor elements are interlocked with its adjacent floor elements to form a completed continuous upper planar surface. Supports, having fluid channels therein, support the planar upper surface a fixed distance from a foundation. The upper planar surface has a plurality of holes therein to permit fluid communication between the passages below the upper surface and the region immediately above the upper surface. This arrangement enhances the strength of the ice surface as the water that freezes inside the holes prevents portions of the ice from shearing off. Ice level indicators are frozen within the ice to provide a visual warning when the layer of ice falls below a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Burley's Rink Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Burley, Michael R. Moncilovich, John Charles Hicks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6004217
    Abstract: A flexible dasher board assembly and system that utilizes four different aspects for providing shock absorbing features in order to absorb any of four different types of forces imparted thereon by players. In a first aspect, the entire dasher board assembly is provided with rotational flexibility such that the entire dasher board assembly will pivot about a point substantially near the bottom of the dasher board and close to the ice. In a second aspect, the entire dasher board system is provided with translational flexibility, such that the entire dasher board assembly can be pushed substantially parallel with and away from the ice. In a third aspect, only the shielding panel is provided with rotational flexibility such that the shielding panel (and its support struts in a supported assembly) will pivot about a point within the dasher board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Athletica, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Johnston, Bruce W. Irving
  • Patent number: 5993335
    Abstract: A method of playing a game on a rink including a center planar playing surface surrounded by a ramped area which in turn is surrounded by an upper platform area. Two goals are provided opposite to one another on the planar playing surface. Each player utilizes a modified lacrosse stick used to manipulate a ball into the opponent's goal. Unlike, lacrosse, the ball may be rolled on the ground as in hockey, although the main movement of the ball will be airborne from net to net. Passing maneuvers are caught, carried, rolled or thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Eden Enterprises
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Tim Lowry
  • Patent number: 5961389
    Abstract: A recreational and sport surface which contains a particulate composition containing an intimate mixture of sand, polyolefin fibers, polyolefin particles, tire fibers and a coating of wax on the ingredients of the composition. The surface is preferably placed over a crushed aggregate layer which provides drainage to an area and may also contain a separator layer to prevent the passage of particulate material from the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Michael W. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 5947502
    Abstract: A portable stage, transportable in a stacked configuration on a conventional truck trailer, has two modular units manually or vehicularly positionable side-by-side to define the platform of the stage. The platform of one unit is laterally and angularly relocatable relative to the supporting frame to position it contactingly adjacent the platform of the other unit. A plurality of carts, nestable as pairs intermediate the stacked units during transport, are deployed to convey the equipment used on the stage from a source or depot to the assembled stage and return. A pair of ramps serve multiple functions of loading and unloading the units and the carts and are configured to be anchored to different load bearing receiving elements. A specifically configured detachably attached yoke permits turning of pivotally mounted paired wheel trucks while positioning a unit to assemble or disassemble the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: K-Zell Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Kammerzell, Don T. Engler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5937586
    Abstract: An inflatable skating rink made up of a plurality of base modules positioned adjacent to one another to define a perimeter of the skating rink. Base modules are made of a flexible material which is substantially impermeable to air. The base modules can be conveniently inflated and deflated. The adjacent base modules include air portals for providing a fluid passageway between the interior of the two adjacently positioned base modules so that the base modules can be mutually inflated and deflated. The adjacent base modules may be connected together in a manner so that they may be separated from one another during disassembly of the skating rink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Scherba Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Scherba
  • Patent number: 5927022
    Abstract: Provided are a method for moving a multipurpose field and an apparatus for the same wherein the multipurpose field can be caused to float above a basic floor plate under a fluid pressure and can be moved and placed in a desired position by delivery means. The moving apparatus comprises a nozzle provided over a basic floor plate common to a field region of a roofed stadium and an outdoor region for detecting existence of the multipurpose field and for jetting a fluid upward in response to a detection signal, and delivery means for alternately moving the multipurpose field between both the regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki
    Inventors: Hajime Hirakawa, Kazuyuki Akimoto, Shigemi Okada, Sadaaki Murakawa, Shinichi Sugiyama, Taizo Tsutusi
  • Patent number: 5906373
    Abstract: A WATER TAG.TM. game (10) that consists of a maze structure (14) having an outer perimeter wall (16) enclosing a plurality of sections (20,22,24,26) and protrusions (40). An opening (36) admits players armed with water guns (12) into the maze structure (14). Once inside the players circulate among the sections (20,22,24,26) and the protrusions (40), firing their water guns (12) at each other. The maze structure (14) is inflated when the WATER TAG.TM. game is being played and can be deflated for storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Gary M. Sanders
  • Patent number: 5906545
    Abstract: An inline floor hockey playing surface including a substantially horizontal planar 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 horizontal planar surface. An upper deck platform surrounds the top of the ramped half-pipe surface. Side walls and end walls enclose the upper deck platform. Players can utilize both the ramped half-pipe surface as well as the upper deck platform surface during game competitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Eden Enterprises
    Inventors: Robert Eden, Tim Lowry
  • Patent number: 5904021
    Abstract: A modular flooring surface freely supported on the upper surface of a flat floor. The modular flooring surface is made up of shaped tiles which snap together to form a playing surface for sports such as roller hockey, tennis, basketball and the like. The tiles of the flooring surface are preferably not rectangular in shape and thus, the resulting playing surface has no long straight seams. The flooring surface preferably has a pattern formed so that it is not completely smooth but instead has small ridges extending upwardly from a base. A preferred shape of modular tile of the playing surface is hexagonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Kirk R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5897438
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Joann Kunz, Kenneth R. Kunz
  • Patent number: 5853265
    Abstract: A resilient edge adapter is provided for defining an edge of a drainable athletic playing surface formed of a moldable material. The edge adapter includes a base portion for cooperably engaging an upper portion of a drainage channel and an upstanding portion extending upwardly from the base portion for restraining the moldable material when applied adjacent to the drainage channel, thereby defining an edge of the athletic playing surface. The upstanding portion may be formed of a resilient and elastically deformable material and the base portion may include an elongate continuous plug portion to cooperably engage a corresponding slot defined in the upper edge of the channel. An edge adapter is also provided which has a pair of upstanding portions extending upwardly from a base portion for forming a running track surface over both opposed edges of a grate. Associated methods for forming athletic playing surfaces are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5820470
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory Saunders
  • Patent number: 5771706
    Abstract: A new ice skating rink for easily and conveniently forming a sheet of ice for ice skating. The inventive device includes a plurality of water holding trays disposed on the ground and connected together using connectors. When the water within the trays freezes, a substantially continuous sheet of ice is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Peter P. Lavigne
  • Patent number: 5749787
    Abstract: A floor covering, in particular for sport fields, based on elastic plastics, has a substantially flat top side on which one can walk and a bottom side spaced apart therefrom. The covering has an anisotropic elasticity in the desired running direction, so that it dampens more strongly the impact of a shoe of a runner running on the top side in the desired direction than the impact of the shoe of a runner running on the top side in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Werner A. Jank
    Inventor: Werner A. Jank
  • Patent number: 5746028
    Abstract: A new moveable grass field for providing natural turf playfields for enclosed sports stadiums. The inventive device includes a suprastructure base secured to and spanning a system of wheels for movement in and out of a sports stadium. A layer of cement is disposed above the suprastructure base. A layer of rocks are disposed above the layer of cement. A layer of gravel is disposed above the layer of rocks. A layer of sand is disposed above the layer of gravel. A layer of soil is disposed above the layer of sand. A layer of sod is disposed above the layer of soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: John DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 5738588
    Abstract: In a playing field boundary, particularly for ball games, that encompasses a peripheral, vertical band comprising a plurality of plate-like band elements that can be connected to one another, in order to make the boundary easy to transport and assemble, as well as highly stable in the assembled state, it is provided that the band elements (1) can be connected to one another form-fittingly, and that a peripheral, tensible belt arrangement (belt 28) is provided which encompasses the band elements (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Erhard Sport International GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ralf Esser
  • Patent number: 5667444
    Abstract: Improved sports flooring for practicing sports indoor as in sports halls, for example basketball, football, handball, volleyball, etc. It has improved biomechanical characteristics and the vertical bouncing height is higher than 90%, having also a friction coefficient appropriate to run and rotate rapidly. It is comprised of a double-panel marine (quality) plywood (1,3) joined to each other with angle offset of 45.degree.. Elements or feet (2) made of rubber or the like, in contact with the ground, are added or stapled to the lower panel (1). On the visible face of the second marine panel (3) is applied a layer of glue for lying sticking the agglomerated cork sheets (4), in a joined configuration. Finally, two varnish layers (5) are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Josep Lluis Mencheta Caballero
  • Patent number: 5660595
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable and expandable track or velodrome 10 for racing bicycles indoors and outdoors. The portable velodrome 10 includes a support structure network 18 that circumscribes an infield area 12 and a plurality of modular track surface sections 30 removably mounted on the support structure network 18 to form a banked track 22 having a racing surface. The modular track sections 30 are mounted on the support structure network 18 with track section mounting elements that do not interrupt the racing surface. The portable velodrome 10 further includes a substantially horizontal track section 28 extending from a bottom of the banked track 22 toward the infield area 12, and a transition surface between the banked track 22 and the horizontal track 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: F & V Sports Marketing, L.P.
    Inventors: Peter A. Ferro, Jr., John C. Vande Velde, Robert J. Sutphen, Valere F. Vande Velde, Robert Jensen, Cecil R. Behringer, deceased