Abstract: The portable ice rink consists of plastic sheeting with edges overlapping a perimeter-defining sectional barrier which is on the order of a couple of inches high and clips are provided to hold the sheet in place on the barrier for formation of the ice. In one embodiment, flexible closed cell polyethylene rods are fitted into "off the shelf" straight and angled schedule #40 plastic pipe couplings so as to define a barrier for virtually any desired rink configuration. The durable and light weight polyethylene rods are sufficiently rigid to maintain the desired perimeter during ice formation and are sufficiently compressible and pliable to ease the slip fit of the ends of the rods into the couplings and to more easily accept the sheet retaining clips thereon during set-up of the rink. In the unlikely event that one of the rods should break during handling or the like, it is a simple matter to reconnect the two pieces of the rod together by means of an additional straight pipe coupling.

Abstract: Temporarily insulating frozen surfaces, such as ice rinks, from the ambient air by spreading a metastable liquid foam over the ice surface to remain thereon when the ice surface is not in use, then prior to the next use period, removing the aged, partially frozen foam. Fire fighting foam liquids are preferred embodiment foaming agents.

Abstract: A thermal barrier device provides a heat insulative cover having low to negligible permeability to water vapor and a remote controlled reeling and unreeling mechanism for deploying and harvesting the cover onto and off of the exposed surfaces of ice rinks, curling rinks, ski jumps, toboggan runs, and the like. The length and width required for covering a particular exposed surface is readily adjustable by lengthwise and edgewise coupling means.

Abstract: A membranous thermal barrier and means for its placement on and removal from an ice surface, such as a rink, are provided. The barrier comprises a flexible, sheet-like covering having low moisture permeability and thermal insulation properties sufficient to substantially reduce heat transfer to the ice surface when emplaced on the ice during non-use hours. Reel means are provided to wind, transport, store and dispense the covering quickly and with minimal labor.