CA2777394A1

CA2777394A1 - Ice skating rink side board frame structure

Info

Publication number: CA2777394A1
Application number: CA2777394A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Nicolas Farley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-16
Filing date: 2012-05-16
Publication date: 2013-11-16

Abstract

An ice skating rink frame structure comprising a plurality of boards and a plurality of brackets is provided. Each of the brackets has a cone shape for packaging purpose and has a top horizontal support member for holding a horizontal board member. A plastic sheeting is placed inside of the ice skating rink and it is fastened to the horizontal board member. A plurality of vertical board members are then installed over the plastic sheeting and the top of the vertical board member are fastened to the horizontal board member. Water is poured into the plastic sheeting and allowed to the freeze and form an ice skating rink. By inserting levelling block under or into the bracket a portions of the frame structure can be raised for levelling purpose.

Description

PTITLE
ICE SKATING RINK SIDE BOARD
FRAME STRUCTURE
BACKGROUD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ice skating is a popular activity but requires that one wishing to skate on ice go to the local city indoor arena or outdoor winter rinks and these facilities are not always available, being subject to organized hockey schedules and the like.
Also such public ice skating rinks are often very populated or busy, aside from being located remotely from one's home.

[0003] Accordingly, portable ice rinks have become popular. Portable ice rinks constructed directly onto lawns are difficult to level as the water use to make the ice will follow the geometric grade of the lawns surface. Water will have a tendency to overspill the peripheral frame structure.

[0004] U.S. pat No 6230451 B1 issued to stoller on may 15th 2001 disclosed a portable ice rink comprising plastic sheeting, a plurality of board members and a plurality of brackets. Each of the brackets has at least one downward projection for insertion into the ground and a support member to hold the vertical board.
Once the peripheral frame structure has been assembled, the plastic sheeting is laid draped over the vertical board. No provision is made to level the frame structure and no provision is made to protect the plastic sheeting from skate and shovel cut.

[0005] Presently, the technique used to make a plastic skating rink is to build a perimeter made of board and brackets, then place a sheeting in the perimeter, fill it with water and let it freeze. However, when there is a slope in the ground, as in most areas, the perimeter must be made so that the board on the downward part of the slope are high enough to contain the deepest portion of the water. Often times during construction of the rink structure, because a field will often look more level than it is, the height of the water is not taken into account until water is poured into the rink.
After its impossible to correct the slope in the side board frame structure of the ice skating rink.

[0006] Also, the construction generally must begin early in the season while the ground is still soft enough to drive the downward projection of the bracket into the ground. Also another method consists in driving large pieces of lumber into the ground to construct the frame structure of the rinks. These methods cause considerable damage to a field, or backyard, which must be repaired in the summer time.

[0007] Also those rinks require large quantity of brackets that are bulky and expensive to ship. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bracket for an ice skating rink frame structure that is easy and quick to construct on frozen soil.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a bracket for ice skating rink frame structure that can be easily used on level or sloped ground.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bracket for an ice skating rink frame structure that can easily be stack in each other to reduce volume of the packaging and shipping cost.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide an ice skating rink frame structure which can be easily levelled by inserting levelling block under the bracket so that a portion of the frame structure can be raised for levelling purpose.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a skating rink frame structure that can be installed and removed without causing any damage to a field or lawn.

[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an ice skating rink frame structure which can be easily levelled by inserting dimensional lumber such as two-by-four into the bracket so that a portion of the frame structure can be raised for levelling purpose.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an ice skating rink frame structure which can protect the plastic sheeting for skate and shovel cuts.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved portable ice skating rink frame structure.

[0016] It is also an aim of the present invention, to provide a ice skating rink frame structure, comprising a plurality of horizontal and vertical boards' member and a plurality of brackets, each bracket having a conical shape for packaging purpose.

[0017] It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a bracket used to support the boards of the frame structure, having a top horizontal support member to hold a horizontal board member to which one or more vertical board may be attach to the horizontal board member.

[0018] It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a bracket, comprise a hollow base having a perimetrical lip and an opening in witch a "T"
shape spikes, may be driven into the ground for holding the bracket to the ground.

[0019] It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a bracket with a plurality of holes at the top of the bracket so that the bracket and the horizontal board member may be fastened together, by screws, nails or other fasteners. In one embodiment, the bracket as generally a conical in shape, a base and the supports braces joined to form two reinforcing triangles.

[0020] It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a method of constructing an ice rink frame structure including the steps of levelling the frame structure, a water impermeable plastic sheeting within the rink and filling the rink with water.

[0021] It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a portable ice skating rink in which the brackets are adjustable in height by inserting levelling block under the bracket.

[0022] It is a still further aim of the present invention to provide a portable ice skating rink in which the brackets are adjustable in height by inserting dimensional lumbers such as two-by-fours into the bracket.

[0023] A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Therefore in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable ice rink comprising plastic sheeting means, a plurality of brackets members, plastic sheeting means being adapted to be laid across frame structure whereby water deposited onto said plastic sheeting means inwardly of said frame structure means and then having frozen thereon forms an ice sheet, wherein said board members and said ice sheet completely cover said plastic sheeting means at upper and side portions of said frame structure means.

[0025] Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable ice rink comprising plastic sheeting means, a plurality of bracket members to hold horizontal and vertical board member, said plastic sheeting means being adapted to be laid across said frame means whereby water deposited onto said sheet means inwardly of said frame means and then having frozen thereon forms an ice sheet.

[0026] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable ice rink comprising frame bracket members means, plastic sheeting means a series of levelling blocks of different thickness to be inserted under or partially into the bracket, said plastic sheeting means being adapted to be laid across said frame members means and to be connected thereto, whereby water deposited onto said sheet means inwardly of said frame members means and then having frozen thereon forms an ice sheet, wherein said frame members is raise using is levelled using said levelling blocks.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of levelling a portable ice rink on a surface, comprising the steps of:
a) Laying frame bracket means on a lawn or any surface;
b) Installing the horizontal board member;
c) Bring the horizontal board member to level by inserting levelling blocks under the bracket;
d) If the slope is too pronounce for levelling blocks then bring the horizontal board member to level by inserting dimensional lumber into the bracket;
e) Laying the plastic sheeting means across and onto said frame horizontal board member;
f) Securing the plastic sheeting to the horizontal board member and with vertical board member means said plastic sheeting means to said frame means and continuously along said frame means and;
g) Depositing water on said sheet means and within said frame means, levelling said frame means using a number of levelling blocs mean of different height to level the frame means and allowing the water to freeze thereby forming an ice sheet.

[0027] Wherein said vertical board members means and said ice plastic sheeting cooperate to conceal said plastic sheeting means at least inwardly of said frame means such as to protect said plastic sheeting means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially broken apart, of an ice skating rink structure constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the top of the bracket of FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the ice skating rink taken along the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lateral and corner reinforcing plates for the horizontal board member.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a other cross sectional view of the ice skating rink shown with levelling blocks, taken along the plane of line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a other cross sectional view of the ice skating rink shown with levelling dimensional lumbers, taken along the plane of line 7-7 of FIG.
1.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a plurality of package brackets.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a "r shape spike.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0038] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ice skating rink 1 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The ice rink 1 comprises a plurality of vertical board member 2, a plurality of horizontal board member 4 and a plurality of brackets 3, which when assembled make an ice rink frame structure assembly. Boards 2 are preferably made of plywood; however, any type of board, having any variety of thicknesses, widths and heights, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, plywood having a length of approximately eight feet and a height of approximately 16 inches is used. A
plastic sheeting 5 is placed in the back of the boards 2 and laid within the ice rink frame structure so that water may be poured into the ice skating rink 1 and not escape into the ground 8.

[0040] Also in the preferred embodiment levelling of the ice skating rink 1 frame structure is made possible by inserting levelling block 21 under the bracket 3 or by the use of vertical dimensional lumber 24 and secondary dimensional lumber which are inserted into the bracket 3 to correct a sloping ground 28.

[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the bracket 3 of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is a conical shaped bracket 3 having a generally top horizontal support member 6 for holding a horizontal board member 4.
Brackets 3 are designed to hold horizontal board member 4. A perimetric lip 7 is use to stop the bracket from sinking into the ground 8. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a perimetric base 7 has an reinforce "T" shape opening 9 in the perimetric base 7. It is to be understood that a perimetric base 7 may have any number and shape of opening without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0042] Bracket 3 may be _ constructed of any material, including aluminium, steel, fibreglass or other material without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0043] Bracket 3 is shown having a bracing member 10 which extends between the top of the horizontal member 6 and base 7. Bracket 3 is illustrated having four fillets 11 for added strength. Bracket 3, further, is constructed so that laterals openings 12 and back opening 13 are use to reduce the weight of the bracket 3.

[0044] A stopper 21 at the edge of the horizontal support member 6 is shown in FIG. 2. In the illustrative embodiment, stopper 21 is use to align the horizontal board member 4 and the two holes 14 to allow for the easy attachment of a bracket 3 to the horizontal board member 4, by means of screws, nails or other fasteners. Attachment of a bracket 3 to a horizontal member 4, in this manner, adds strength to ice skating frame structure. It is to be understood that any number of holes 14 may be defined in top horizontal support member 6 without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to drawing FIG. 3, bracket 3, further defines an reinforce "T" shape opening 9 and sides openings 15 in perimetric base 7, such that a separate "T" shape spike, may be driven into the ground through the reinforce "T" shape openings 9 and 15 to assist in holding bracket 3 in ground 8.

[0046] Referring to the drawing, FIG. 4 is a cross-section of the ice skating rink 1, taken along the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 1, is shown. It can be seen that "T" shape spike 16 inserted in the bracket 3 and within the ground 8.
Horizontal board member 4 has been placed over the top horizontal support member 6 and screws have been driven into horizontal board member 4 through screw holes 14 in bracket 3.
Screws 17 provide added strength to the ice skating rink frame structure.
Horizontal board member 4 is installing again stopper 21.

[0047] A "T" shape spike 16, which in the illustrated embodiment is driven into the ground 8, through reinforce openings 9 of bracket 3. "T" shape spike provides a sturdy assembly of the bracket 3 into the ground allowing better support of ice skating rink 1 frame structure. Reinforce opening 9 as the shape of a "T"
29.

[0048] FIG. 4 further shown a plastic sheeting 5 laying behind vertical board member 2 and inside of ice rink frame structure. Plastic sheeting 5 contains ice 18 within ice rink structure. As opposed to stoller U.S. pat No 6230451 B1 described herein above, the portions of the plastic sheeting 5 of the present invention which are not covered by ice are shielded again damage for instance from cuts resulting from contact with the skates' blades or with shovels in show clearing operations by the vertical board member 2 which run continuously along the ice skating rink 1 frame structure assembly whereby the plastic sheeting 5 is not exposed.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, brackets 3 are placed four feet apart for the entire perimeter of the desired ice skating rink 1.

[0050] Referring to the drawing FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the horizontal board member 4 being reinforce at joint by reinforcing plate 19 and 20. The ice skating rink of the present invention may include reinforcing lateral plates 19, and reinforcing corner plates 20. Corner plates 20 and lateral plate 19 are made from the same embodiment, which is simply rotated.

.

[0051] Referring to the drawing, FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the ice skating rink 1, taken along the plane of line 6-6 of FIG. 1. Bracket 3 is raised with the inserted 'levelling block 20. "T" shape spike 16 is inserted in the bracket 3 and true the levelling block 22 and into the ground 8. Secondary spike "23 is inserted true bracket and into the front levelling blocks 22. By inserting levelling block 22 under the bracket 3 a portion of the frame structure can be raised for levelling purpose.

[0052] Referring to the drawing, Fig 7 is a cross-section of the ice skating rink 1, taken along the plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 1. Bracket 3 is raised with the inserted dimensional lumbers such as two-by-fours. If it is discovered that due to the slope of the ground 9 the levelling block 22 would be insufficient in height then one will use a vertical dimensional lumber 24 and a secondary dimensional lumber 25 to elevate the bracket 3 to a level positions. Reinforcing ridges 26 on the inner side of the bracket 3 provide a guide for the dimensional lumber and add strength for the assembly.
A
plurality of holes 27 is provided to fasten the vertical dimensional lumbers 24 to the bracket 3. A plurality of holes 30 is provided to fasten the secondary dimensional lumber 25 to the bracket 3.

[0053] Referring to the drawing, Fig 8 is shown a plurality of bracket 3 stake for packaging and shipping purpose.
I Referring to the drawing, FIG. 9 shown a perspective view of the "T" shape spike 16.

[0054] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM

[0055]

1. An ice skating rink frame structure comprising a plurality of horizontal and vertical boards member, a plurality of brackets each of said bracket having a top horizontal support member and stopper to support such that said horizontal and vertical boards define the perimeter of an ice skating rink.

[0056] 2. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein a water impermeable plastic sheeting is laid behind and within the vertical board member forming the perimeter of said ice skating rink.
[0057] 3. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said bracket comprise a reinforce "T" shape opening and a "T" shape spike for insertion into the ground.
[0058] 4. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said bracket have a hollow conical shape for easy staking in each other to reduce volume of the packaging and shipping cost.
[0059] 5. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the horizontal board member is attach to the bracket and vertical board member to be attach to the horizontal board member.
[0060] 6. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the frame structure assembly can be easily levelled by inserting levelling block under the bracket so than a portion of the frame structure can be raise for levelling purpose.
[0061] 7. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the frame structure assembly can be easily levelled by inserting dimensional lumbers into the bracket so that a portion of the frame structure can be raise for levelling purpose.
[0062] 8. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the interconnecting of horizontal board member to be reinforce by the use of reinforcing plate.
[0063] 9. An ice skating rink frame structure as defined in claim 1 wherein the corner connection of the horizontal board member to be reinforce by the use of a reinforcing comer plate, comer and lateral plate as defined in claim 8 are to be the same member.

[0064] 10. The method of constructing and levelling an ice skating rink frame structure, including the steps of providing a plurality of horizontal and vertical board member; providing a plurality of bracket each said bracket having a top horizontal support member to hold the horizontal board; inserting a "T" shape spike into the said bracket and into the ground; placing a water impermeable plastic sheeting within said perimeter, attach the outer edge of the plastic sheeting to the horizontal board; placing the vertical board over the plastic sheeting; attach the top of the vertical board to the horizontal board to form a perimeter in the shape of an ice skating rink;
filling said perimeter with water and allowing said water to freeze.
[0065] 11. The method of constructing an ice skating rink of claim wherein the frame structure may be levelled by the insertion of levelling block under said bracket.