초록 ▼

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 wi

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. Additionally, when the flooring system is used for in-line or floor hockey, forced air may be directed into the passages and through the holes to lower the friction between the projectile and the floor surface. When the flooring system is used outdoors in harsh environmental conditions for floor-based sports, a coolant can be pumped within the floor system to prolong the useful life and desired characteristics of the flooring system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for providing a playing surface in a rink, said apparatus comprising: a floor element having a length and including an upper floor with a generally-planar top surface, a plurality of parallel supports vertically supporting the top surface above the foundation

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for providing a playing surface in a rink, said apparatus comprising: a floor element having a length and including an upper floor with a generally-planar top surface, a plurality of parallel supports vertically supporting the top surface above the foundation for substantially the entire length of the floor element, channels located within the parallel supports that extend substantially the entire length of the floor element, passages located below the top surface and between adjacent parallel supports, that extend substantially the entire length of the floor element, and a plurality of holes in the upper floor permitting fluid communication between the passages and the region immediately above the upper surface.