Abstract: A system and method of providing a wheelchair accessible path through a variety of impact attenuating surfaces including loose fill materials. The combination of a tarmac and loose fill material provides an ASTM compliant impact attenuating surface for playgrounds and other activities. The modular tarmac 15 is also used in wet conditions to improve the traction and impact attenuation over traditional materials used in water parks, and also for reducing wear to park patrons' feet.

Abstract: An artificial snow skiing surface has a number of spaced-apart rigid projections extending from a base. The surface is formed by joining like tile members that attach at side-by-side and end-to-end joints to form the mat. The joints and inherent flexibility of the tiles enable the mat to conform to irregular or non-planar substrates.

Abstract: A layered, artificial surface including plural components filled with microbeads of pre-selected sizes, shapes and depths. The microbeads of the pre-selected sizes and shapes and depths provide plural different types of resistance and firmness for the artificial surface. Pre-determined chemical compounds can also be applied to the microbeads to change a surface charge on the microbeads, or produced with a desired surface charge to provide different interactions and thus different types of resistance and firmness for the artificial surface. The artificial surface does not require the application of a vacuum to maintain a shape or resistance.

Abstract: Our invention creates portable adjustable boundary lines for any ground surface. These boundary lines create portable adjustable fields, by attaching the webbing lines to lightweight sandbags that can be laid out by anyone on any desired playing surface. Any coach, player, or parent can use this invention to establish a field, a training grid, or a playing area for any sport such as, but not limited to, soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, hockey and baseball. These fields can be created on any ground surface such as grass, synthetic or artificial turf, indoor gymnasium, asphalt, concrete and sand.

Abstract: A method of making and reconstructing a uniquely shaped baseball field. Components of the invention create a measuring system allowing a person to build a uniquely shaped ballpark, record its dimensions, take the outfield wall down, and then rebuild it in the same shape.

Abstract: A racing facility is arranged to accommodate various types of automotive racing, including Indy, CART, Formula 1 cars etc., and is disclosed to include a super oval or complex oval arrangement of racing surface in at least two loops of racing surface each looping about a common central area, and connecting to one another at an overpass feature. The racing facility of the present invention is a continuous closed circuit speedway with at least two loops which loop about a common center area and with speedway passing over itself at least once at a crossing which is not of a common grade level, such as an overpass, underpass or bridge, and so that the speedway does not have a crossing at a common or the same level, to thus allow a vehicle making an entire circuit of the speedway the option of only making turns in one direction and not passing over any portion of the racing surface more than once is a single complete circuit or lap of the racing surface.

Abstract: A method of constructing a play area with an all-weather resilient surface, the thickness and degree of resilience of which is objectively related to the height of the play equipment to be erected on the surface of the play area. Thicker, more resilient surfaces underlie higher equipment or decks. Single and multiple thickness surfaces can be constructed using a mixture of shredded rubber in a urethane binder. The cured surface is covered with a synthetic turf.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports complex comprising: a floatable carrier body (3) with a playing field disposed thereon, a basin (4) which can be filled with liquid, in which basin (4) the carrier body (3) is situated, in which the carrier body (3) is displaceable with respect to the basin (4), and in which the basin (4) comprises a first basin part which is adjacent to a first side of the carrier body (3) and a second basin part which is adjacent to the opposite side of the carrier part, a filling means for filling the basin with liquid. The sports complex according to the invention is characterized by the fact that the sports complex furthermore comprises a liquid displacement means in order to create a difference in liquid pressure between the first basin part and the second basin part.

Abstract: A movable frame may be positioned about a playing surface and defines a substantially straight pathway for a tool to follow while altering a playing surface, such as by cutting or marking the surface. A template that may be used to accurately define key positions of a playing surface, like a tennis court. Various pairs of the key positions may, in turn, be used to define each line that is to be marked or altered on the playing surface. Patterns of sensor circuits are defined for indentifying whether a ball impacts the tennis court at a position that is in play, or out of play.

Abstract: An outdoor game court may include a porous sports floor. The sports floor may be configured to allow water to flow through the sports floor to the ground below. The sports floor may also be configured to be easily removed. Thus, the game court may be installed in areas where conventional game courts would not be allowed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a harness safety system that can be used while riding, for example, a skateboard, a bike, rollerblades, etc. on a flat base. Specifically, the invention comprises a flat base having a free-running cord and harness hanging therefrom that allows the rider to proceed on a flat base optionally comprising a start deck, obstacles, jumps or combinations thereof while retaining tension on the rider throughout the process and arresting the rider's fall, thus preventing the rider from serious injury.

Abstract: A racetrack designed to accommodate various types of auto racing class including Indy, CART, Formula 1 etc. is disclosed. The race track of the present invention is a continuous closed circuit track with at least two loops which loop about a common center area and with track passing over itself at least once by a nonlevel crossing such as an overpass so that the track does not have a level crossover and thereby allowing a vehicle making an entire circuit of the track the option of only making turns in one direction and not passing over any portion of the track more than once is a single circuit of the track.

Abstract: A system and supporting mechanisms for practicing the art of shooting at a lacrosse goal maximizes the area to practice running and shooting movements, while minimizing the area required doing so, while best representing the field's dimensions. The invention comprises simple structures, uniquely optimized complex structures and specifically designed mechanisms for lacrosse skill practice that is utilized within the structures. A rectangular alley is formed by a ball retaining material having a front, rear and side walls. The alley has sufficient width and height to permit easy shooting by a player of a lacrosse ball into a rotationally moveable goal which presents various angles of goal openings to the player shooting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports floor, or a part thereof, comprising a substrate disposed on a support base. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for constructing such a sports floor. The object of the present invention is to provide a sports floor, or a part thereof, which requires a minimum amount of maintenance, which exhibits a good compatibility with the support base and which is moreover remarkable for drainage.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hide-behind bunker system and kit for enabling a user to take cover behind at least one stand-alone, impact dampening structure. The system comprises at least one inflatable hide-behind structure cooperatively associated with an impact dampening anchor system. The hide-behind structure comprises an inferior bunker end, an opaque outer bunker surface, a matter-retaining inner bunker surface, and air inlet-outlet structure. The inner bunker surface defines an inner structure volume for receiving and retaining structure-erecting air. The impact dampening anchor system or assembly is attached to and extends outwardly from the outer bunker surface adjacent the inferior bunker end. The anchor system comprises at least three elastic link anchor assemblies, which assemblies each comprise a looped elastic member. The elastic member functions to absorb certain bodily impact when users collide therewith. The system and kit thus enable a user to take cover behind at least one stand-alone, impact dampening structure.

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: A method and system are provided for supporting, installing, and removing a safety net or other partition in a multiple use facility. The support system is comprised of a number of linear or substantially linear segments that are coupled together in a configuration that approximates the shape of the area being partitioned. The support system may be easily assembled and the safety net or other partition secured thereto. The support system is attached at various points to a lifting system that can lift the support system, and safety net or other partition, into position. Similarly, the support system may be lowered, disassembled, and stored for further use.

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: A playing surface structure includes a resin impregnated textile layer (1) having a resin bonded layer of particulate rubber (7) adherent to its undersurface and overlying a fibrous random pile mat (8) incorporating a random pile layer (9) and a relatively compact, resin impregnated backing layer (10).

Abstract: The system contains an infill for drainage by using crusher fine to absorb and dispense water to a piping system that releases the water into a leech field system, using a final pipe to dispense the water out of the artificial turf covered field. The specified crusher fine not only adds to the absorption and the drainage, but it also has the ability to give which enables the turf to have the ability to be safer and drain faster. The drainage system also has perforations in the turf for drainage which is installed with nailers over the prepared filed. In addition, specific mixtures of non-compacting silica sand and a symmetric rubber grind make up the infill system.

Abstract: There is provided a facility management support apparatus which manages visitors in a facility area, the apparatus includes: a place information storage unit for storing the degree of crowdedness in each of the places in the facility area; a receiving unit for receiving, from a terminal, information which enables identification of the location of the terminal; an extraction unit for 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 a transmission unit for transmitting, to the terminal, information which enables identification of the place to which the visitor should move.

Abstract: A floor support assembly including first and second subfloors is disclosed. The first subfloor is supported over a substrate by a plurality of pads. Each pad is housed in a corresponding recess formed in the first subfloor. Each recess includes a ridge that is in contact only with its respective pad when the floor is in a lightly loaded position. In a more aggressively athletically loaded state, the pad contacts the ridge and a portion of the top of the recess. In a non-athletic fully loaded state, the first subfloor plate near the load rests on the substrate. The second subfloor is located above the first subfloor and is supported by the first subfloor. A method of installing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surface material is particularly suited for non-turf baseball field applications such as the pitcher's mound and base paths. The material generally comprises clay, wax and sand and has a putty-like consistency. Cleats can penetrate the material but are not likely to pull it out in clumps upon removal of the cleats. Method for forming the surface includes spraying emulsified wax on a surface and mixing it with the surface material.

Abstract: A track for equestrian sports and the like, comprising a base layer of compacted polymeric particles, the majority of which have a size in the range from 20–60 mm, an intermediate layer overlying the base layer and comprising compacted polymeric granules whose mean particle size is in a range from 3–25 mm and a top layer comprising finely divided composite particles formed from a thermoplastic polymer, a finely divided filler material such as sand and a wax-based binder. The invention also provides a method of making a particulate material which comprises blending a polymer-coated finely divided filler material with wax and a particulate elastomer, in the presence of an organic solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus for an a method of closing a fixed gap in an activity surface such as a turfed race-track is described. The apparatus comprises a movable turf tray having an upper surface with the same characteristics as the activity surface and means for guiding the tray into the gap so as to wedge the tray releasably in the gap and thereby to provide a substantially continuous activity surface. The apparatus can be used to provide a reconfigurable racetrack crossing with the permanent road gap in the racetrack being closeable by means of the movable turf tray. Overlapping edges of the turf tray provide a weight wedging action which provides reliable pressure joins. This also has application for creating reconfigurable turfed activity surfaces such as are used in sports stadia and the like.

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. An edge retainer may be mounted on at least one edge of the glass panel.

Abstract: The present invention is an athlete training device and method useful in training athletes for track and field events including the high jump, pole vault, discus, long jump and shot put. The ramp may be adjusted to a number of discrete ramp angles with the use of either supports and stops or supports and channels.

Abstract: An ice hockey arena having an ice rink surrounded by tiers of spectator seats, wherein said ice rink has a playing surface above a first concrete base having a first width and a first length, a first series of cooling pipes within said first base and an insulation layer between said first base and the ground, the improvement comprising a second concrete base having a second width and a second length above said first base wherein said second width is greater than said first width; and a second series of cooling pipes within said second base. The method allows for the enlargement of a standard NHL ice playing surface to International Ice Hockey Federation width playing surface in a cost-effective manner while maintaining acceptable spectator sight lines.

Abstract: A unique playground play surface that is safe and suitable for use by physically challenged individuals and those that require the assistance of wheelchairs or other devices. The playground play surface consists of a base layer, a covering layer, a bag layer, a loose particles layer, and a top layer. The bag layer consists of a plurality of bags each filled with loose or shredded rubber. The bags are aligned side by side forming a single layer of rows and columns. A retaining border defines the playground play surface and contains the layers.

Abstract: A polo training apparatus comprises a dummy horse and conveyor belts arranged one each side of the dummy horse. A ball located on one of the conveyor belts will be displaced relative to the dummy horse, thereby simulating the movement of the horse relative to the ground and the ball. The dummy horse may also be movable to simulate the movement of a horse and the speed of movement of the dummy horse may be linked to the speed of the conveyor belts to simulate the riding of a horse more closely.

Abstract: A mega stadium-convention center complex is disclosed comprising an impressive pyramid building with a 670-foot pinnacle and a base covering more than 20 acres. The complex contains a 60,000-seat football stadium with a central playing field located more than 180 feet above the ground. The four-sided pyramid can be clad in tinted reflective glass or the like and has 8 or more floors below the playing field that provide several million square feet of floor space for a variety of different business and entertainment facilities. The pyramid roof structure above the stadium and the playing field is adjustable and convertible and includes more than a dozen narrow retractable roof panels or strips and associated guide rails.

Abstract: An improved surface material is particularly suited for non-turf baseball field applications such as the pitcher's mound and base paths. The material generally comprises clay, wax and sand and has a putty-like consistency. Cleats can penetrate the material but are not likely to pull it out in clumps upon removal of the cleats. Method for forming the surface includes spraying emulsified wax on a surface and mixing it with the surface material.

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.

Abstract: A hybrid tennis court with one type of surface applied to one side of the net from the net to the back fence and a different type of surface applied to the other side of the net from the net to the back fence. A hybrid court is useful as a teaching tool, for exhibitions, for injured players, and for adding a new dimension to the game of tennis. Also included in this invention is a golf course with two or more different types of surfaces used on different putting greens or a putting green with two ore more different types of surfaces on the same green or different types of surfaces on different fairways.

Abstract: A hybrid tennis court with one type of surface applied to one side of the net from the net to the back fence and a different type of surface applied to the other side of the net from the net to the back fence. A hybrid court is useful as a teaching tool, for exhibitions, for injured players, and for adding a new dimension to the game of tennis. Also included in this invention is a golf course with two or more different types of surfaces used on different putting greens or a putting green with two ore more different types of surfaces on the same green or different types of surfaces on different fairways.

Abstract: A track for equestrian sports and the like, comprising a base layer of compacted polymeric particles, the majority of which have a size in the range from 20-60 mm, an intermediate layer overlying the base layer and comprising compacted polymeric granules whose mean particle size is in a range from 3-25 mm and a top layer comprising finely divided composite particles formed from a thermoplastic polymer, a finely divided filler material such as sand and a wax-based binder. The invention also provides a method of making a particulate material which comprises blending a polymer-coated finely divided filler material with wax and a particulate elastomer, in the presence of an organic solvent.

Abstract: A rink layout and rules of play for speed hockey. The rink defines a substantially square play area, preferably with chamfered corners. A preferred size is approximately eight five feet (26 meters) by one hundred feet (30 meters). Goal creases define an approximately twelve and one half foot (4 meter) radius, and red zones define an approximately thirty two and one half feet (10 meters) in radius. Goals are recessed into dasher boards, and referee positions may be defined above each goal. Each team preferably comprises three players and a goal keeper in play, and an additional three players and one goal keeper in reserve. A team receives one point for goals scored inside the red zone, and two points for goals scored from outside the red zone. Over Time (OT) preferably comprises a first OT period with full teams, a second OT period with a first reduction, and a third OT period with one player for each team.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing a track that is operative to hold a shielding panel. A front support and a rear support are positioned on respective sides of the track. A pivot member is disposed beneath the front support and the rear support. The pivot member includes a portion that extends upwardly, between respective sides of the front support and rear support, so as to be secured to the track. An elastic member is positioned between the track and the rear support. The elastic member is operative to bias the track and the shielding panel in an upright position. The elastic member is also compressible by the track when the shielding panel is subjected to a lateral force.

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 polycarbonate, 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of recreational, entertainment or amusement sports. More particularly, the invention relates to an air pool and riding device that enables participants and/or passengers to fly freely in the riding device and experience unprecedented flying amusement. Advantageously, the air pool and riding devices therefor may be efficaciously utilized by most individuals of the general public without any type of training. The air pool and riding devices not only provide for free-flying and bumping experiences but desirably also provide motion control, by allowing three-dimensional acceleration of the device, through the individual ride participant's control.

Abstract: The facility includes an enclosed space provided with a floor on which a layer of snow can be formed, an apparatus for cooling the space and a device for forming the layer of snow in the space so as to make a predetermined course. The course includes at least one continuous section.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and an outer sidewall in which is defined in large opening, preferably located so as to provide favorable outdoor views to the occupants of the stadium. A movable wall member is advantageously position so as to be able to open or close the large opening. When the movable wall member is in a first, retracted position spectators will be provided with a view of the outdoors and a great deal of outdoor air and sunlight. When outdoor conditions are unfavorable for an intended event within the stadium, however, the movable wall member may be repositioned in order to partially or fully close the opening. Such unfavorable conditions may include undesirable sun position, an undesirable amount of wind or humidity; or unfavorable temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is an economical and easily installed irrigation system for agricultural products covering large areas. The invention comprises top and bottom layers of geosynthetic material having a non-cohesive, porous material between the layers. A water distribution system is also placed between the layers. This system can be placed directly on the area to be irrigated without digging a trench or hole. Agricultural products, such as turf or row crops, are placed with top soil directly on the system.

Abstract: A baseball practice facility for practicing individual skills in baseball. The baseball practice facility includes a plurality of station areas being designed for receiving users to practice individual skills in baseball. A plurality of walkways are positioned around each of the station areas. The walkways are designed for permitting the users to walk between the station areas. A plurality of ball delivery assemblies are selectively positioned in the station areas. Each of the ball delivery assemblies is designed for launching a ball at one of the users for testing a particular skill of the associated one of the users.

Abstract: A shock absorbing safety floor comprising tile minimizes injury by absorbing the energy created when a portion of a diver's body impacts the bottom or sides of the pool. By absorbing a portion of the energy at impact, the floor decreases the amount of energy absorbed by the diver's body thereby subsequently minimizing injury to the diver. The shock absorbing safety floor compresses to absorb the energy.

Abstract: A shield panel support, for providing a vertical side edge support for a shield panel, comprises a transparent shield panel support pillar.

Abstract: An athletic floor assembled on a foundation having a capacity to absorb vibration, eliminate dead spots, and remain stable and resistant to the damaging effects of moisture which comprises discrete sections of reproducible subflooring constructions which are separated from each other so there are gaps between every section which prevents the ripple effect transmission of vibration forces which combines a wood nailing bed underlayment engaged inside the open face of a c-channel support system in which such engaged components are held in fixed elevation over the foundation and supported on strips of resilient material and further comprising anchoring clips having a vertical riser member and engagement tabs at a top and which are engaged to the channels inside deflexure slot aperture cut in the channels and engaged to the foundation by fastening tab means at the bottom end and adapted to permit the entire floor construction to experience slidable vertical deflexure movement as limited by the limits of the deflex

Abstract: A stable artificial putting green which includes a base, an intermediate layer, an artificial putting surface including a pile fabric supported by the intermediate layer, and an edging defining its outer limits. The pile fabric extends over the upper edge and down an outer side of the edging where it is secured. Fine sand fills the interstices about the pile yarns. The intermediate layer includes a PYRACELL layer. The PYRACELL layer includes a synthetic sheet formed with a plurality of raised conically shaped hollow cells over its upper surface. A plurality of drainage holes are formed in spaces between the cells and a non-wove porous web is secured to the lower surface of the sheet. Finally, a coarse sand is laid over the sheet up to substantially top surfaces of the cells.