Goal Post Retention System and Synthetic Ice Surface

Abstract

The invention discloses a goal post retention system comprising a playing surface with a top face, a bottom face and a thickness, a ferromagnetic goal post and a magnet having a top face and a bottom face, the top face of the magnet being positioned adjacent to the bottom face of the playing surface, with the magnet magnetically attracting the ferromagnetic goal post and thereby preventing the ferromagnetic goal post from becoming dislodged without application of sufficient force. The invention further discloses a uniform synthetic ice surface comprising a first synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and a first side surface, with the first side surface having a first recess, a second synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and a second side surface having a second recess, and an indicia panel disposed between the first side surface of the first synthetic ice panel and the second side surface of the second synthetic ice panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an improved synthetic ice surface and goal post retention system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Synthetic ice surfaces are used in a variety of environments and offer distinct advantages over natural ice. Synthetic surfaces can be installed indoors or outdoors and do not require the same level of upkeep or constant refrigeration required of natural ice. This leads synthetic ice surfaces to be usable year round and in climates where natural ice surfaces would be impractical to install and/or maintain.

A typical synthetic ice surface consists of a plurality of panels installed over a sub-floor or directly onto the ground if the environmental conditions are acceptable for installation. Given that synthetic ice surfaces inherently have seams where the panels are joined, it is important to have panels which fit as tightly as possible in order to prevent accidents which may occur if a skating blade becomes caught in a seam.

Another issue arises when synthetic ice surfaces are used for games which require demarcation of various areas, such as ice hockey. When using synthetic ice surfaces for hockey, the rules of the game call for lines, face-off circles, goal creases, etc. in order to properly lay out the playing surface. On natural ice surfaces, demarcation lines are typically painted on the sub-surface of the rink and then the ice layer is formed on top of the subsurface, allowing the demarcation lines to show through the ice. With synthetic surfaces, given the properties of the panel materials and their opacity, the methods employed with real ice are impractical.

In addition, methods employed with other artificial playing surfaces are impractical when applied to synthetic ice surfaces. For example, previous designs related to modular rink assemblies have employed tape or other such surface-mounted substances for use as a line demarcation tool. Utilizing tape on a synthetic ice surface would lead to an non-uniform surface which would effectively render the surface unplayable as skating over taped areas would place participants in danger of falling or otherwise losing their balance given the frictional differences between synthetic ice and tape. Thus, there is a need for a synthetic ice surface with demarcated areas for sports or other activities which provides participants a contiguous playing surface.

As previously mentioned, synthetic ice surfaces are often used to play hockey either during the summer months in northern climates or year-round in warmer climates where natural ice is not in abundance. Goals are an integral part of playing hockey on either natural or synthetic surfaces, but also can be a dangerous addition to the playing surface if not properly designed. Typically, hockey goals are designed to “break away” when impacted by a player in order to prevent injuries which may be sustained if the goal was rigidly affixed to the surface. Typical existing designs for “break away” goal post retention systems employ some form of plug or mounting post which is rigidly affixed to the playing surface and projects some distance from the surface. The goal post (normally hollow) is then installed over the plug or mounting post and kept in place by a combination of the plug and magnetic forces. The plug is normally not long enough to overly inhibit the goal post from breaking away upon impact, but nevertheless presents a safety issue for players because of the plug's raised profile and rigid installation.

Thus, there exists a need for a goal post retention system which retains a goal post for playing purposes, but leaves an unobstructed playing surface when the goal post is dislodged during play.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a goal post retention system comprising a playing surface with a top face, a bottom face and a thickness, a ferromagnetic goal post and a magnet having a top face and a bottom face, the top face of the magnet being positioned adjacent to the bottom face of the playing surface, with the magnet magnetically attracting the ferromagnetic goal post and thereby preventing the ferromagnetic goal post from becoming dislodged without application of sufficient force.

The invention further discloses a uniform synthetic ice surface comprising a first synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and a first side surface, with the first side surface having a first recess, a second synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and a second side surface having a second recess, and an indicia panel disposed between the first side surface of the first synthetic ice panel and the second side surface of the second synthetic ice panel.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system.

FIG. 2 a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved synthetic ice surface.

FIG. 8 is a three dimensional view of one embodiment of the present invention for an improved synthetic ice surface.

FIG. 9A is a top view of an indicia panel as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of an indicia panel as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention taken along the line A-A.

FIG. 10A is a three dimensional view of a synthetic ice panel as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the synthetic ice panel shown in FIG. 10 as taken along the line B-B.

FIG. 11 is a three dimensional view of one embodiment of an improved synthetic ice surface as contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a top view of an indicia panel as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a cross sectional view of an indicia panel as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention taken along the line C-C.

FIG. 13A is a three dimensional view of a synthetic ice panel as contemplated by one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the synthetic ice panel shown in FIG. 10 as taken along the line D-D.

FIG. 14 is a three dimensional view of one embodiment of an improved synthetic ice surface as contemplated by the present invention.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the improved goal post retention system 10 of the present invention is described. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a playing surface 100. Playing surface 100 can be made from any natural or artificial material as is know in the art. For example, playing surface 100 could be made from natural ice, synthetic ice or any other artificial material used for sporting or recreational purposes (e.g., SPORT COURT®). Playing surface 100 includes a top face 102, a bottom face 104 and is further defined by a thickness dimension D₁. The improved goal post retention system 10 as shown in FIG. 1 further includes a magnet 110 having a top face 112 and a bottom face 114. Magnet 110 is further defined by a thickness dimension D₂ and a width dimension W₁. The present embodiment of the improved goal post retention system 10 further includes a ferromagnetic goal post 120 having a terminal end 122 and a width dimension W₂. Terminal end 122 of ferromagnetic goal post 120 is located adjacent to the top face 102 of playing surface 100. Additionally, the top face 112 of magnet 110 is located adjacent to the bottom face 104 of playing surface 100. In such orientation, the magnet 110 exerts a magnetic attraction through playing surface 100 and against ferromagnetic goal post 120 such that ferromagnetic goal post 120 remains stationary unless dislodged by an impact during play. In a preferred embodiment, width dimension W₁ of magnet 110 is greater than width dimension W₂ of ferromagnetic goal post 120, however the present invention can be employed with a magnet 110 and ferromagnetic goal post 120 of varying widths.

By increasing the thickness dimension D₂ of magnet 110, it is possible to increase the force necessary to dislodge ferromagnetic goal post 120, thereby providing for an goal post retention system 10 which is customizable by the user based on the skill level or size of the players. For example, one may select a relatively weak magnet 110 (i.e., a magnet 110 with a small thickness dimension D₂) for use with players of a smaller overall size, but a larger magnet 110 for players who are physically larger. An additional benefit of the improved goal post retention system 10 as shown in FIG. 1, and a feature not present in the prior art, is that once ferromagnetic goal post 120 is impacted and dislodged, there are no protrusion or other obstacles which extend from the top face 102 of playing surface 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a alternative embodiments of the improved goal post retention system 10 as previously described in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, magnet 110 is inset within playing surface 100 by a distance D₃ thereby permitting a closer physical distance between magnet 110 and the terminal end 122 of ferromagnetic goal post 120. Further, by insetting magnet 110 into playing surface 100, the smooth uniform appearance of playing surface 100 is maintained. As is apparent to one skilled in the art, ferromagnetic goal post 120 typically has a circular cross section as a safety precaution to prevent hard edges or corners from injuring players upon impact. Further, as magnet 110 is located below the top face 102 of playing surface 100, magnet 110 can have any one of a myriad of geometric cross-sections provided that top surface 112 has sufficient surface area to magnetically interact with terminal end 122 of ferromagnetic goal post 120. It is specifically contemplated by the present invention to utilize a magnet 110 and ferromagnetic goal post 120 having any type of geometric cross-sections or other such configuration without straying from the confines of the invention. In another embodiment, magnet 110 need not be solid but could be shaped like a ring or doughnut with a circumference approximately equal to or greater than that of ferromagnetic goal post 120.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system 20. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a playing surface 200 which can be made from any natural or artificial material. Playing surface 200 includes a top face 202, a bottom face 204 and is further defined by a thickness dimension D₄. The improved goal post retention system 20 as shown in FIG. 3 further includes a magnet 210 having a top face 212 and a bottom face 214. Magnet 210 is further defined by a thickness dimension D₅ and a width dimension W₃. The present embodiment of the improved goal post retention system 20 further includes a goal post 220 having a terminal end 222 and a width dimension W₄. Terminal end 222 of goal post 220 is located adjacent to the top face 202 of playing surface 200. Additionally, the top face 212 of magnet 210 is located adjacent to the bottom face 204 of playing surface 200.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 further comprises a ferromagnetic collar 230 having a top face 232 and a bottom face 234 and an inside width dimension W₅. Inside width dimension W₅ of ferromagnetic collar 230 is of sufficient size such that goal post 220 can be placed within ferromagnetic collar 230 as shown. Ferromagnetic collar 230 is further defined by a height H₁ which can vary depending on the desired physical setup of goal post retention system 20. For example, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ferromagnetic collar 230 has a relatively small height H₁ and has an inside width dimension W₅ nearly equal to that of the width dimension W₄ of goal post 220, resulting in a very snug fit between the two. In another embodiment, ferromagnetic collar 230 can have a relatively tall height H₁ and a correspondingly larger inside width dimension W₅, thus permitting goal post 220 to be easily inserted or removed as desired.

In the orientation shown in FIG. 3, magnet 210 exerts a magnetic attraction through playing surface 200 and against ferromagnetic collar 220 such that ferromagnetic collar 230 remains stationary unless dislodged by an impact during play, thus maintaining goal post 220 in proper position. In a preferred embodiment, width dimension W₃ of magnet 210 is greater than outside diameter of ferromagnetic collar 230, however the present invention can be employed with a magnet 210 and ferromagnetic collar 230 of varying widths.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an additional variant of the embodiment of the improved goal post retention system 20 as previously described in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4 magnet 210 is inset into playing surface 200 by a distance approximately equal to the thickness dimension D₅ of magnet 210. In this orientation, the bottom face 214 of magnet 210 is flush with the bottom face 204 of playing surface 200. As is apparent to one skilled in the art, goal post 220 typically has a circular cross section as a safety precaution to prevent hard edges or corners from injuring players upon impact. Further, as magnet 210 is located beneath the top face 202 of playing surface 200, magnet 210 can have any one of a myriad of geometric cross-sections provided that top surface 212 has sufficient surface area to magnetically interact with terminal end 234 of ferromagnetic collar 230. In another embodiment, magnet 220 need not be solid but could be shaped like a ring or doughnut with a circumference approximately equal to or greater than that of ferromagnetic collar 230. Further, as is apparent to one skilled in the art, the geometric cross-section and design of ferromagnetic collar 230 can vary and is only dependent on the cross section chosen for goal post 220.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention for an improved goal post retention system 30. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 includes a playing surface 300 which can be made from any natural or artificial material. Playing surface 300 includes a top face 302, a bottom face 304 and is further defined by a thickness dimension D₆. The improved goal post retention system 20 as shown in FIG. 5 further includes a magnet 310 having a top face 312 and a bottom face 314. Magnet 310 is further defined by a thickness dimension D₅ and a width dimension W₆. The present embodiment of the improved goal post retention system 30 further includes a goal post 320 having a terminal end 322 and an internal diameter W₇. Terminal end 322 of goal post 320 is located adjacent to the top face 302 of playing surface 300. Additionally, the top face 312 of magnet 310 is located adjacent to the bottom face 304 of playing surface 300.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 further comprises a ferromagnetic plug 330 having a top face 332 and a bottom face 334 and an outside diameter W₈. Ferromagnetic plug 330 has an outside diameter W₈ less than the internal diameter of goal post 320 such that ferromagnetic plug 330 can be placed within goal post 320 as shown. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, ferromagnetic plug 330 has an has an outside diameter W₈ nearly equal to that of the internal diameter W₇ of goal post 320, resulting in a very snug fit between the two.

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an additional variant of the embodiment of the improved goal post retention system 30 as previously described in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6 magnet 310 is inset into playing surface 300 by a distance equal to inset dimension Dg. In a preferred embodiment, inset dimension D₈ is approximately equal to thickness dimension D₇ of magnet 310. In this orientation, the bottom face 314 of magnet 310 is flush with the bottom face 304 of playing surface 300. As is apparent to one skilled in the art, goal post 320 typically has a circular cross section as a safety precaution to prevent hard edges or corners from injuring players upon impact. Further, as magnet 310 is located beneath playing surface 300, magnet 310 can have any one of a myriad of geometric cross-sections provided that top surface 312 has sufficient surface area to magnetically interact with bottom face 334 of ferromagnetic plug 330. In another embodiment, magnet 320 need not be solid but could be shaped like a ring or doughnut with a circumference approximately equal to or greater than that of ferromagnetic plug 330. Further, as is apparent to one skilled in the art, the geometric cross-section and design of ferromagnetic plug 330 can vary and is only dependent on the cross section chosen for goal post 320.

In addition to an improved goal post retention system, the present invention contemplates an improved synthetic ice surface. Specifically, a goal of the present invention is to provide an improved synthetic ice surface having various indicia (lines, circles, etc.) as part of the synthetic ice surface without sacrificing playability. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the improved synthetic ice surface 70 contemplated by the present invention. In this embodiment, improved synthetic ice surface 70 comprises a first synthetic ice panel 700 having a top surface 702, a bottom surface 704 and a first side surface 706. First side surface 706 further contains a recessed portion 708. Additionally, there is a second synthetic ice panel 710 having a having a top surface 712, a bottom surface 714 and a first side surface 716. First side surface 716 further contains a recessed portion 718. An indicia panel 730 is disposed between the first synthetic ice panel 700 and the second synthetic ice panel 710. Indicia panel 730 further comprises a top surface 732, a bottom surface 734, a first side surface 736 and a second side surface 738. Each of first side surface 736 and second side surface 738 further contain a recessed portion, 740 and 742, respectively.

FIG. 8 illustrates a three dimensional view of the improved synthetic ice surface shown in FIG. 7. In practice, when indicia panel 730 is engaged with the first synthetic ice panel 700 and second synthetic ice panel 710, the first side surface 736 engages into recessed portion 708 and second side surface 738 of indicia panel 730 engages into recessed portion 718 forming a tight fit and preventing indicia panel 730 from becoming dislodged during use of synthetic ice surface 70. Indicia panel 730 can be constructed from the same material as is first synthetic ice panel 700 and second synthetic ice panel 710, thus providing a smooth, uniform surface for use and preventing potential injuries from skates being caught in seams. Indicia panel 730 can be colored in any manner desired in order represent game-specific indicia such as red lines, blue lines, goal creases, etc. Indicia panel 730 can also be curved, straight or of any other geometry desired in order to conform improved synthetic ice surface 70 to a specific game.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an additional embodiment of the improved synthetic ice surface contemplated in FIG. 7, but are illustrated using an indicia panel which is not located on a seam of a particular synthetic ice panel. In this particular embodiment, indicia panel 900 is a circle for use in a hockey face-off, but indicia panel 900 could be of any desired geometric shape. As shown in FIG. 9B, indicia panel 900 contains a top surface 902, a bottom surface 904 and at least a first side surface 906. First side surface 906 further contains a recessed portion 908. In the present example, as indicia panel 900 is a circle, there is only a first side surface 906, however if other geometric shapes are used (as is contemplated by this invention), such shapes (i.e., rectangles, squares, etc.) will have additional side surfaces. Top surface 902 has a width dimension W₉.

FIG. 10A illustrates a synthetic ice panel 1000 which has a top surface 1002 and a bottom surface 1004. Synthetic ice panel 1000 contains a void 1008 which, at the top surface 1002 of synthetic ice panel 1000 is sized to accept the top surface 902 of indicia panel 900 with a width dimension of W₉. FIG. 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of synthetic ice panel 1000 taken along the line B-B. The inner edge 1010 of synthetic ice panel 1000 which defines void 1008 further contains a recessed portion 1012. When indicia panel 900 is engaged with synthetic ice panel 1000, first side surface 906 of indicia panel 900 engages with recessed portion 1012 of synthetic ice panel 1000 providing a snug fit. Further, top surface 902 of indicia panel 900 is flush with top surface of synthetic ice panel 1002, thereby creating a smooth, continuous surface for use as is shown in FIG. 11.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an additional embodiment of the improved synthetic ice surface contemplated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this particular embodiment, indicia panel 1200 is a circle for use in a hockey face-off, but indicia panel 1200 could be of any desired geometric shape (e.g., a line, goal crease, etc.). As shown in FIG. 12B, which is a cross sectional view of the indicia panel 1200 in FIG. 12A taken along the line C-C, indicia panel 1200 contains a top surface 1202, a bottom surface 1204 and at least a first side surface 1206. First side surface 1206 further contains an extended portion 1208. In the present example, as indicia panel 1200 is a circle, there is only a first side surface 1206, however if other geometric shapes are used (as is contemplated by this invention), such shapes (i.e., rectangles, squares, etc.) will have additional side surfaces. Extended portion 1208 can run for the entire length of first side surface 1206, or, alternatively for some distance less than the entire length of first side surface 1206. Likewise, if other geometric shapes are used for indicia panel 1200, such as a rectangle (which would have four side surfaces), extended portion 1208 can run along some or all of those side surfaces in whole and then along some or all of the length of each individual side surface. Top surface 1202 has a width dimension W₁₂.

FIG. 13A illustrates a synthetic ice panel 1300 which has a top surface 1302 and a bottom surface 1304. Synthetic ice panel 1300 contains a void 1306 which, at the top surface 1302 of synthetic ice panel 1300 is sized to accept the top surface 1202 of indicia panel 1200 with a width dimension of W₁₂. FIG. 13B illustrates a cross-sectional view of synthetic ice surface 1300 taken along the line D-D. The inner edge 1310 of synthetic ice panel 1300 which defines void 1308 further contains a recessed portion 1312. When indicia panel 1200 is engaged with synthetic ice panel 1300, extended portion 1208 of indicia panel 1200 engages with recessed portion 1312 of synthetic ice panel 1300 providing a snug fit. Further, top surface 1202 of indicia panel 1200 is flush with top surface of synthetic ice panel 1302, thereby creating a smooth, continuous surface for use as is shown in FIG. 14. It is also within the scope of the present invention to alternate the placement of extended portion 1208 onto synthetic ice panel 1300 and place recessed portion 1312 on indicia panel 1200 without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Further, while extended portion 1208 is illustrated as a rounded “bump”, it is within the scope of the present invention to utilize other cross-sectional shapes for extended portion 1208 and corresponding shapes for recessed portion 1312.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. A goal post retention system comprising:

a playing surface having a top face, a bottom face and a thickness,

a ferromagnetic goal post; and

a magnet having a top face and a bottom face, said top face of said magnet positioned adjacent to said bottom face of said playing surface, said magnet magnetically attracting said ferromagnetic goal post.

2. The goal post retention system of claim 1 wherein said magnet is inset into said bottom face of said playing surface a distance less than said thickness of said playing surface.

3. The goal post retention system of claim 1 wherein said playing surface is located on top of a base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface.

4. The goal post retention system of claim 3 wherein said magnet is inset into said top surface of said base layer such that said top face of said magnet is flush with said top face of said base layer.

5. The goal post retention system of claim 3 wherein said magnet is inset into said bottom face of said playing surface and said top surface of said base layer.

6. The goal post retention system of claim 3 wherein said base layer is deformable.

7. A goal post retention system comprising:

a playing surface having a top face, a bottom face, and a thickness;

a goal post having a hollow terminal end;

a ferromagnetic plug fixedly inserted into said hollow terminal end of said goal post; and

a magnet having a top face and a bottom face, said top face of said magnet positioned adjacent to said bottom face of said playing surface, said magnet magnetically attracting said ferromagnetic plug.

8. The goal post retention system of claim 7 wherein said magnet is inset into said bottom face of said playing surface a distance less than said thickness of said playing surface.

9. The goal post retention system of claim 7 wherein said playing surface is located on top of a base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface.

10. The goal post retention system of claim 9 wherein said magnet is inset into said top surface of said base layer such that said top face of said magnet is flush with said top face of said base layer.

11. The goal post retention system of claim 7 wherein said magnet is inset into said bottom face of said playing surface and said top surface of said base layer.

12. The goal post retention system of claim 7 wherein said base layer is deformable.

13. A goal post retention system comprising:

a playing surface having a top face, a bottom face and a thickness;

a goal post having a terminal end;

a ferromagnetic collar fixedly attached to said terminal end of said goal post; and

a magnet having a top face and a bottom face, said top face of said magnet positioned adjacent to said bottom face of said playing surface, said magnet magnetically attracting said ferromagnetic collar.

14. The goal post retention system of claim 13 wherein said magnet is inset into said bottom face of said playing surface a distance less than said thickness of said playing surface.

15. The goal post retention system of claim 13 wherein said playing surface is located on top of a base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface.

16. The goal post retention system of claim 15 wherein said magnet is inset into said top surface of said base layer such that said top face of said magnet is flush with said top face of said base layer.

17. The goal post retention system of claim 13 wherein said magnet is inset into said bottom face of said playing surface and said top surface of said base layer.

18. The goal post retention system of claim 15 wherein said base layer is deformable.

19. A uniform synthetic ice surface comprising:

a first synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and a first side surface, said first side surface having a first recess;

a second synthetic ice panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and a second side surface having a second recess; and

an indicia panel disposed between said first side surface of said first synthetic ice panel and said second side surface of said second synthetic ice panel.

20. The uniform synthetic ice surface of claim 19 wherein said first synthetic ice panel, said second synthetic ice panel and said indicia panel are made from the same material.

21. The uniform synthetic ice surface of claim 19 wherein said first synthetic ice panel and said second synthetic ice panel are of the same color.

22. The uniform synthetic ice surface of claim 20 wherein said indicia panel is of a color other than the color of both said first synthetic ice panel and said second synthetic ice panel.