U.S. patent application number 12/035543 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for method of and water-impermeable sheet for ice rinks.
This patent application is currently assigned to HINSPERGERS POLY INDUSTRIES LTD.. Invention is credited to Peter Hinsperger.
Application Number | 20080202129 12/035543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39709141 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080202129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hinsperger; Peter |
August 28, 2008 |
METHOD OF AND WATER-IMPERMEABLE SHEET FOR ICE RINKS
Abstract
A method for increasing the ability of a water surface to cool
and freeze is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing
a substrate surface adapted to support a layer of ice, and
providing a water-impermeable flexible sheet on top of the
substrate surface which supports the flexible sheet, the sheet
including at least first, second and third layers. The first layer
includes a heat reflective coating for reflecting heat transmitted
from the substrate back into the substrate, a second or middle
layer which may be an insulative layer, and a third or uppermost
layer including a non-reflective coating to reduce heat absorption,
and providing a layer of water or ice on top of the
water-impermeable flexible sheet whereby the flexible sheet
enhances or lowers the temperature of the water on the surface by
reducing the temperature transmission through the substrate surface
and the upper surface or layer providing non-reflective properties
to reduce heat transmission therethrough.
Inventors: |
Hinsperger; Peter;
(Mississauga, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARTER, DELUCA, FARRELL & SCHMIDT, LLP
445 BROAD HOLLOW ROAD, SUITE 225
MELVILLE
NY
11747
US
|
Assignee: |
HINSPERGERS POLY INDUSTRIES
LTD.
Mississauga
CA
|
Family ID: |
39709141 |
Appl. No.: |
12/035543 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 13/105 20130101;
F25C 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/66 |
International
Class: |
F25C 1/12 20060101
F25C001/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 22, 2007 |
CA |
2579384 |
Claims
1. A method of increasing or enhancing the ability of a water
surface to cool and freeze comprising the steps of providing a
substrate surface adapted to support a layer of ice; providing a
water-impermeable flexible sheet on top of said substrate surface
with said substrate surface supporting said flexible sheet, wherein
the sheet includes at least first, second and third layers, the
first layer including a heat reflective coating for reflecting heat
transmitted from the substrate back into the substrate and in
juxtaposition with the substrate, the second layer positioned
between and in juxtaposition with said first and third layers, and
the third layer including a non-reflective coating to reduce heat
absorption; providing a layer of water or ice on top of said
water-impermeable flexible sheet whereby the flexible sheet
enhances or lowers the temperature of the water on the surface of
said flexible sheet by said reflective side of said sheet reducing
temperature transmission through said substrate surface and with
said upper layer of said flexible sheet providing non-reflective
properties to said sheet in order to reduce transmission of heat
therethrough; and allowing the layer of water on top of said
water-impermeable flexible sheet to freeze to thereby provide a
frozen water layer.
2. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of
providing a source of coolant in direct or indirect communication
with said layer of water.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first and third
layers are integrally affixed to said second layer.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second layer is an
insulating layer.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second layer is of
a polyethylene material.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said polyethylene
material is a woven material.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second layer is a
foam.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said second layer is of
a bubble type material.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said bubble type
material includes foam.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second
layers are of a low density polyethylene material.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said first and third
layers are of a mesh weave.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said mesh weave is
made of a polyolefin.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of effecting
freezing of a water layer on a water impermeable sheet, and more
particularly for use with ice rinks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved method of
increasing the ability of a water surface to cool and freeze by
reducing the upward flow of ground temperature.
[0003] Typically, clear plastic or other similar liners or sheets
are placed within a specific area to be flooded with a layer of
water, so that the water sits on the top of the liner in order to
prevent the water from escaping into the ground. The water is
allowed to freeze in order to provide a surface for skating.
Typically such sheets are one time use liners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of increasing or enhancing the ability
of a water surface to cool and freeze comprising the steps of
providing a substrate surface adapted to support a layer of ice,
providing a water-impermeable flexible sheet on top of a substrate
surface with the substrate surface supporting the flexible sheet,
wherein the sheet includes at least first, second and third layers,
the first layer including a heat reflective coating for reflecting
heat transmitted from the substrate back into the substrate and in
juxtaposition with the substrate, the second layer preferably an
insulating layer, and the third layer including a non-reflective
coating to reduce heat absorption, providing a layer of water or
ice on top of said water-impermeable flexible sheet whereby the
flexible sheet enhances or lowers the temperature of the water on
the surface of the flexible sheet by the reflective side of the
sheet reducing the temperature transmission through the substrate
surface and with the upper layer of the flexible sheet providing
non-reflective properties to the sheet in order to reduce
transmission of heat therethrough and providing a source of coolant
in direct or indirect communication with the layer of water in
order to provide a frozen water layer on top of the
water-impermeable flexible sheet.
[0005] In accordance with the above aspect, the first and third
layers are intricately bonded to the second layer. Preferably, the
second layer is of a polyethylene material, where the polyethylene
material is a woven material.
[0006] In accordance with a further aspect the second layer may be
of a foam or bubble type material, or a combination of the two.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Having thus generally described the invention, reference
will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water-impermeable multi
layered sheet for use in ice rinks or bodies of water in accordance
with the present invention; and
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] The present invention is directed to a method and cover for
protecting ice rinks or bodies of water which through the use of
the cover or membrane, allow the water to freeze at a quicker rate
or stay frozen longer. As will be understood by those of skill in
the art to which the present invention pertains, the term ice rinks
as referred to herein, may be indoor or outdoor rinks. Moreover,
the present invention may be used in professional hockey rinks such
as those used in stadiums, outdoor arenas or professional sports
hockey arenas, or alternatively may be used by the general public
when creating an outdoor hockey rink. As noted above, a primary
advantage of the present invention is the creation of ice at a
quicker rate by reducing the upward flow of transmission of the
inherent warmth or raised temperature of the ground or
substrate.
[0011] With reference to drawing FIGS. 1 and 2, a cover for use
with ice rinks, generally designated by reference numeral (10),
includes a first, second and third layers, when viewed in an in use
orientation, with the first or "bottom" layer positioned adjacent
the ground or substrate surface and the third or "upper" layer
adapted to receive a quantity of water thereon.
[0012] As illustrated, the first or bottom layer (20) is preferably
of a membrane or sheet, one side (22) of which is of a reflective
coating or similar surface or material. As illustrated, the
reflective coating or surface is adjacent to, or in juxtaposition
with the substrate or ground.
[0013] The middle layer (30) is preferably an insulating layer, and
may be a woven polymer for strength and longevity, or in the form
of insulating foam or bubble material, or a combination of the two.
If no insulating layer is desired, a mesh weave may be used, such
as a woven scrim of polyethylene, whereby this scrim or layer would
provide additional support or strength to the overall
structure.
[0014] The third or uppermost layer (40), includes a top surface
(42) upon which the water is placed to be frozen. This top surface
(42) is preferably of a non-reflective or similar colour. The upper
layer (40) is solid (non-impermeable) so as to prevent water from
seeping in to the ground. In other words, the upper layer (40) is
waterproof and functions as a moisture or water barrier for the
protection of the substrate underneath and allows the water to
freeze or stay frozen longer.
[0015] As such, one of the main advantages or benefits by using the
cover permits one to create ice or allow a body of water to quickly
freeze or stay frozen longer by reducing the upward flow or
transfer of heat from the ground. As such, the ground temperature
or warmth is reflected from the lower or bottom layer (20) back in
to the ground or substrates. As such, less energy or power is
required through the use of the cover (10), regardless whether the
cover is used indoor or outdoor for ice rinks.
[0016] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
the present invention is particularly useful in covering a
substrate or ground surface for use as an ice rink. In use, the
cover with the reflective side of the first or bottom layer (20)
facing the substrate is placed over the ground and water is allowed
to freeze on top of the cover, as the cover is solid (non-porous).
Suitable materials or structures known in the field may be used to
construct and maintain the rink such that the water is confined.
For example, a convention board structure or other similar
apparatus (such as a wooden board rink structure) may be used with
the sheet of the present invention to allow the water to freeze in
place on the top surface of the cover or sheet (10).
[0017] When used as a ground cover for an ice rink or body of water
which is to be frozen, the present invention generally referred to
by reference numeral (10) is placed with the first layer (20), and
its reflective or bottom layer surface (22) adjacent to or in
contact with the substrate. A layer of water or ice is then placed
or allowed to pool on top of the water-impermeable sheet (upper
surface 42) such that the flexible sheet enhances or assists in
lowering the temperature of the water on the surface of the sheet.
This lowering of the temperature is permitted in that the
reflective side of the sheet reduces temperature transmission
through the substrate or ground surface while the upper layer of
the flexible sheet provides non-reflective properties which reduces
transmission of heat or absorption of heat into the cover. In a
preferred embodiment the insulating or second (middle) layer (30)
provides a temperature barrier to separate the potentially warmer
ground surface or substrate temperatures from the colder or
freezing temperatures of the water surface on the top of the
flexible sheet.
[0018] The step of allowing the water layer of the top surface of
the sheet or cover may be accomplished by allowing the water to
freeze naturally (i.e., providing water to pool and freeze when
outside or ambient air temperatures are below freezing) or by
providing or reducing (i.e., manually or mechanically) the
temperature of the water layer. Conventional or known means or
techniques may be employed to freeze the water layer.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the upper and lower layers,
separated by the middle or second layer, may be of an interwoven
warp and weft strips that are impermeable to water. Such
impermeability may be obtained by a coating on top of the
interwoven warp and weft strips which form the mesh, such that the
cover becomes solid to prevent the water on the top layer from
seeping into the ground. The thickness of each layer may also be
varied, depending upon the end use of the cover, materials used in
the layers, coatings, etc.
[0020] As will be understood, the method and cover of the present
invention may be used in arenas, or other professional arenas or
hockey centres. Further, additional layers may be used if desired,
made from similar or conventional material known or used in the
particular field of use. Although embodiments of the present
invention have been described hereinabove, those skilled in the art
will understand that it is not limited thereto, and that numerous
modifications may form part of the present invention insofar as
they do not impart from the spirit, nature in scope of the claimed
and described claimed invention.
* * * * *