Weather-resistant runway

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller track comprising a support structure and a roller surface, wherein the roller surface comprises at least one plastic and a coating. The use of the roller track is further described.

Description

[0001] The subject of the present invention is a runway and the use of the runway.

[0002] Recreational sports facilities, such as skateboard ramps, are becoming increasingly popular. These ramps are often installed in public parks and recreational facilities.

[0003] Classic skateboard ramps consist of a steel substructure and a running surface made of hardwood or sheet metal. An example of a skate park with a wooden running surface is described in EP 0 796 641 A1. An example of a skate park with a metal running surface is described in DE 10 2005 034 444 A1.

[0004] Hardwood, as a renewable raw material, offers a certain degree of environmental friendliness, but the lifespan of hardwood ramps is limited. Even with proper maintenance, hardwood decomposes and offers only limited weather resistance. Sheet metal as a walking surface has a longer lifespan than hardwood, but the noise pollution caused by ramp use is enormous.

[0005] Skateboard ramps made of plastic are also being described. DE 09112648 U1 discloses a skateboard ramp made of prefabricated polyethylene elements.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a runway that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] This object is described by a runway according to claim 1 and the use of the runway according to claim 10.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] A runway according to the invention comprises: - a supporting structure and - a rolling surface, wherein the rolling surface comprises at least one plastic and a coating.

[0010] The roller track can be a ramp, for example, a ramp for a skateboard park. The roller track can be designed as a halfpipe, quarterpipe, or even a flat track. A flat track can also have an incline or a decline.

[0011] The roller track can also be a scooter ramp. A role-play ramp and / or a mobile ramp for rolling are also conceivable.

[0012] A roller track according to the invention has a rolling surface comprising at least one plastic. The plastic is preferably a non-degradable material. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic is a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0013] A fiber-reinforced plastic, also known as a fiber-reinforced plastic composite, is a material consisting of a plastic matrix in which fibers are embedded. The fibers can have a reinforcing effect. Fiber-reinforced plastics generally exhibit high specific stiffness and strength. This makes them suitable materials for lightweight construction applications, especially for flat applications.

[0014] The mechanical and thermal properties of fiber-reinforced plastics can be adjusted using a variety of parameters. In addition to the fiber-matrix combination, the fiber angle, the fiber volume fraction, the layer sequence, and much more can be varied.

[0015] Fiber-reinforced plastics belong to the class of fiber-reinforced materials (fiber-reinforced composites), which in turn belong to the class of composite materials.

[0016] The fiber-reinforced plastic can be a thermoplastic composite. Fiber-reinforced plastics can be manufactured by extrusion, compression molding, injection molding, and thermoforming, where fibers are dispersed in a molten plastic mixture. Tensile and compressive strength, for example, can be adjusted by adjusting the hardness and particle structure of optional additives.

[0017] The use of fibers in fiber-reinforced plastics also allows the weight of the material to be adjusted. Low-density fibers can reduce the weight of the material while simultaneously achieving reinforcement and stabilization effects.

[0018] The fibers can be textile fibers. Examples of textile fibers include cellulose fibers, glass, carbon, or aramid fibers. The textile fibers can be processed into a woven or nonwoven fabric. An example of a fiber-reinforced plastic is WPC (wood-plastic composite). WPC can consist of cellulose fibers in a plastic matrix.

[0019] The fiber-reinforced plastics can also contain fillers and / or additives. Depending on the application, fillers such as glass or carbon fibers or additives such as flame retardants, dyes, or UV stabilizers can be added.

[0020] By using suitable fibers, the carbon footprint can be reduced and the sustainability of the material increased. By using biocompatible fibers and / or recycled fibers, the carbon footprint can be reduced while simultaneously increasing sustainability.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the fiber-reinforced plastic comprises recycled textile fibers. By using such fibers, the amount of CO2 can be reduced by up to 60%, preferably up to 70%, and more preferably up to 85% compared to a plastic without fiber reinforcement.

[0022] Sustainability can be increased through the use of recycled textile fibers.

[0023] The proportion of recycled textile fibers can be up to 100% based on the amount of textile fibers. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the proportion of recycled textile fibers can be up to 70%, preferably up to 80%, more preferably up to 90%, based on the amount of textile fibers.

[0024] The fiber-reinforced plastic further comprises at least one plastic. The plastic can be selected from at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polybutylene, polyamide (PA), or polyester (PET). The plastic can be made of one type of polymer or a combination of different polymers. The polymer(s) can be shaped into the desired form by heating and molding.

[0025] The polymer of the fiber-reinforced plastic can be made from biogenic monomers or petroleum-based monomers. The polymer can also be a recycled polymer. If the polymer is made from biogenic monomers and / or a recycled polymer, the product's sustainability can be further increased.

[0026] The proportion of recycled polymer in a fiber-reinforced plastic, based on the total weight of the fiber-reinforced plastic, can be in the range of 5 wt.% to 70 wt.%, preferably in the range of 8 wt.% to 60 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 10 wt.% to 50 wt.%.

[0027] In one embodiment, the polymer is polyethylene. Polyethylene is produced by polymerizing ethylene and is the most important plastic in terms of volume. Polyethylene can be divided into different types based on its density and manufacturing process. These include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), etc. The fiber-reinforced plastic particularly preferably comprises LDPE.

[0028] The proportion of fibers and polymer in the fiber-reinforced plastic is preferably within a specific range. Relative to the total volume of the fiber-reinforced plastic, the proportion of fibers can be in the range of 10 vol.% to 70 vol.%, preferably in the range of 20 vol.% to 60 vol.%, more preferably in the range of 25 vol.% to 50 vol.%.

[0029] The fiber-reinforced plastic may have certain advantageous technical properties. In one embodiment, the fiber-reinforced plastic has a density in the range of 900 to 1200 kg / m 3 Preferably, the fiber-reinforced plastic has a density in the range of 950 to 1150 kg / m 3 , more preferably in the range of 1000 to 1100 kg / m 3 , on.

[0030] The fiber-reinforced plastic can also have a density gradient, with a region of higher density and a region of lower density. Preferably, the density in the core is lower than the density in the edge regions of the fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0031] The fiber-reinforced plastic can be sound-absorbing, making the rolling surface particularly quiet during use. Compared to roller tracks with hardwood as the rolling surface, the rolling surface according to the invention can be up to 50% quieter during use.

[0032] The fiber-reinforced plastic can have a thermal expansion coefficient in the range of 5·10 -5 1 / °C to 9·10 -5 1 / °C. Preferably, the fiber-reinforced plastic can have a thermal expansion coefficient in the range of 5.5·10 -5 1 / °C to 8.5·10 -5 1 / °C, preferably in the range of 6·10 -5 1 / °C to 8·10 -5 1 / °C, more preferably in the range of 6.5·10 -5 1 / °C to 7.5·10 -5 1 / °C.

[0033] The fiber-reinforced plastic preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient in the range of the other materials of the runway. This ensures sufficient stability of the runway when exposed to changing ambient temperatures. Runways installed outdoors, in particular, are subject to seasonal and daily temperature fluctuations. If the thermal expansion coefficients of the individual components are in a similar range, the components will also behave similarly at the respective ambient temperatures. This also helps prevent screw connections, adhesive joints, etc. from coming loose as easily due to temperature fluctuations.

[0034] The fiber-reinforced plastic can have a tensile strength in the range of 2 to 4 MPa. Preferably, the fiber-reinforced plastic has a tensile strength in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 MPa, more preferably in the range of 2.8 to 3.2 MPa. This tensile strength can enable screws to be particularly firmly held in the fiber-reinforced plastic and not loosen even over an extended period of time.

[0035] By using fiber-reinforced plastic compared to materials such as hardwood, the runway can have a longer service life.

[0036] The plastic can have a sound-absorbing effect and thus absorb a certain amount of the noise generated when the runway is in use.

[0037] Fiber-reinforced plastic can also have a sound-absorbing effect. Compared to materials such as sheet metal and hardwood, fiber-reinforced plastic can better absorb the sound generated during use, making the runway quieter during use.

[0038] The rolling surface further comprises a coating. The coating can be a film, a paint, or a plastic layer. Preferably, the coating is a plastic layer. The plastic can be a thermoset.

[0039] The coating preferably exhibits high mechanical strength, moisture and heat resistance, chemical resistance, and high flexural rigidity. The coating is particularly advantageous if it exhibits a specific feel and grip. The coating exhibits grip, particularly in damp and wet conditions, thus achieving optimized slip behavior.

[0040] The coating can comprise a specific number of cellulose sheets impregnated with curable phenolic resins and pressed together under high pressure and heat. Furthermore, the coating can have a decorative layer, such as a decorative paper layer impregnated with melamine resin. For example, the coating can be an HPL board. An HPL board is a high-pressure laminate board formed into a board under pressure from paper impregnated with melamine or phenolic resin.

[0041] The coating can be in direct contact with the fiber-reinforced plastic, meaning they can be directly bonded. The coating can be bonded to the fiber-reinforced plastic using adhesives, screws, rivets, or form-fitting fasteners such as tongue and groove joints.

[0042] Preferably, the coating completely covers the fiber-reinforced plastic on at least one surface. More preferably, the coating covers the fiber-reinforced plastic on at least one surface by at least 80%, in particular by at least 90%.

[0043] The coating may have a thickness in the range of 4 mm to 20 mm, preferably a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferably in the range of 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0044] The ratio of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) to coating can be present in a specific ratio. The ratio refers to the thicknesses of the plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) and the coating at their respective greatest extents. In one embodiment, the ratio of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) to coating is in the range of 1:3 to 1:10. Preferably, the ratio of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) to coating is in the range of 1:4 to 1:8, more preferably, the ratio of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) to coating is in the range of 1:5 to 1:7, and even more preferably, the ratio of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) to coating is approximately 1:5.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the rolling surface consists of a fiber-reinforced plastic and a coating (e.g., an HPL panel). The fiber-reinforced plastic and the coating can be the fiber-reinforced plastics and coatings described herein.

[0046] A runway according to the invention further comprises a support structure. The support structure can be made of various materials, such as steel, plastic, wood, concrete, gravel, etc. The support structure can also be a combination of several materials.

[0047] In one embodiment, the support structure comprises hot-dip galvanized steel. The support structure can be a frame or a mold into which the rolling surface can be placed. Preferably, the support structure is a frame that supports the rolling surface.

[0048] The supporting structure can be covered with additional components such as sheets (e.g. perforated sheets), end edges, etc.

[0049] The runway may also include additional components such as railings, soundproofing, support pillars, feet, etc. A railing may be made of steel, plastic, wood, etc. to protect users of the runway from falling. The railing is particularly preferably made of the same material as the support structure. This material is preferably hot-dip galvanized steel.

[0050] The support pillars can be made of suitable materials, such as steel, concrete, plastic, wood, etc. The support pillars can further stabilize the support structure and serve as a base for the support structure. Preferably, the support pillars are designed to provide a durable and stable foundation for the support structure. The support pillars are preferably made of concrete.

[0051] To compensate for uneven floors, the support structure can be mounted on feet. The feet can be made of materials such as steel or plastic. They can be height-adjustable or designed at different heights.

[0052] The runway can also incorporate soundproofing components. In particular, soundproofing components further reduce the noise level generated during use of the runway. These components can be perforated metal sheets or other acoustic components, such as perforated panels, or other panel materials with broken surfaces or other 3-dimensional shapes and structures. The components can also incorporate fillings made of steel, gravel, plastic, or water, which fill the cavities of the ramps and thus prevent the sound from spreading and amplifying in the cavity, similar to a drum. For example, the components can be attached to the supporting structure. However, the soundproofing components can also be mounted at other locations on the runway.

[0053] The present invention further relates to the use of a roller track according to the invention in a recreational sports facility. The recreational sports facility can be a skate park, a playground, an amusement park, a roller play area, a biker park, a biker ramp, a scooter park, a scooter loop, a flyout loop, a flyout park, etc. The roller track is preferably used as an area for riding skateboards, kick scooters, inline skates, pedal cars, or other wheeled vehicles.

[0054] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary section of a runway. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary runway. Fig.Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an exploded view of a runway. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exploded view of a runway. Fig. Figure 5 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a component made of recycled plastic. Fig. Figure 6 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a component made of recycled plastic. Fig. Figure 7 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a wooden component. Fig. Figure 8 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a wooden component.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical or similarly functioning components are provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated elements and their relative sizes are not to scale. Rather, individual elements, particularly layer thicknesses, may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary section of a runway 100. 101 shows part of a support structure. The rolling surface 102 is arranged on the support surface 101. The rolling surface 102 comprises the plastic 103 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) and the coating 104.

[0057] Fig.2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary roller track 200. The roller track 200 includes a support structure 201. The support structure 201 can be solid or a clad frame. The plastic 203 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) coated with the coating 204 is located on the support structure 201. The roller track 200 further includes a rolling edge 207. The rolling edge 207 can be formed from a variety of materials (e.g., steel, fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.). The rolling edge 207 can be coated with the coating 204 or can be uncoated.

[0058] Fig.3 shows an exploded view of another exemplary runway 300. The runway 300 has a support structure 301. The support structure 301 is preferably made of hot-dip galvanized steel. As a closure to the environment, the support structure 301 has a terminal edge 306. The terminal edge 306 can be formed from the same material as the support structure 301. The support structure 301 rests on support pillars 305, which are made of concrete, for example. The support structure 301 or the support pillars 305 can rest on a layer of gravel. The runway further comprises the plastic 303 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) and the coating 304. The runway 300 also includes a rolling edge 307. The rolling edge can also be formed from the plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic).

[0059] In an example runway, the plastic may be a fiber-reinforced plastic with a thickness of approximately 40 mm and the coating may have a thickness of approximately 8 mm.

[0060] Fig.4 shows an exploded view of another exemplary roller track 400. The roller track 400 has a support structure 401. The support structure can be made of hot-dip galvanized steel. The plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) rests on the support structure 401. The plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) can have a thickness of approximately 40 mm. It can be screwed onto the support structure 401. The coating 404 is located on the plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The coating can have a thickness of approximately 8 mm. The coating 404 preferably borders completely on the plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The coating 404 can be screwed to the plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The coating 404 can also be connected, e.g. screwed, to the support structure 401 together with the plastic 403 (e.g. fiber-reinforced plastic).The runway 400 further has a rolling edge 407. The rolling edge 407 can also be made of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The runway 400 rests on support pillars 405, which can be made of concrete, for example. To compensate for uneven ground, the runway 400 is in... Fig. 4 on feet 408, which are preferably height-adjustable or are designed in different sizes. Furthermore, the runway 400 has a railing 410. The railing can also be made of hot-dip galvanized steel or another material. The railing 410 can serve, in particular, to prevent users of the runway 400 from falling into the surrounding terrain. The runway 400 also has a soundproofing 409. The soundproofing 409 is, as shown in Fig.4, it is attached to the support structure 401. However, the soundproofing can also be attached to other components of the runway 400. The soundproofing 409 serves in particular to absorb the noise generated by the runway 400, especially during use, and thus to make the runway 400 quieter. Examples1. Measurement methods

[0061] Density: Density was determined by measuring the test specimens and determining their volumes using dimensional measurements.

[0062] Coefficient of thermal expansion: Thermal expansion was determined using rectangular test specimens (150 x 15 x 3 mm) obtained from a board. The expansion in length during heating at a rate of 1°C / min of the test specimens was measured in the temperature range between 20 and 100°C.

[0063] Young's modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break: Determination according to ISO 527 of July 2019. The tests were carried out at a drawing speed of 50 mm / min at a temperature of 23°C and a relative humidity of 50%.

[0064] Flexural modulus, flexural strength, flexural elongation: Determination according to ISO 178 of April 2019.

[0065] Water absorption: Water absorption was determined by immersing a test specimen (190x90x5mm cut from a board) for 48 hours. It was determined that the weight did not increase further over time. The test specimen was dried at a higher temperature. The measured weight loss was used to determine water absorption.

[0066] Creep modulus: Determined according to ISO 899, September 2017. The expansion was determined using rectangular test specimens (150 x 15 x 3 mm) cut from a board. The test specimen was heated to 100°C at a rate of 1°C / min and cooled at the same rate.

[0067] Shrinkage: The change in length was measured after heating to 100°C. 2. Material properties

[0068] Table 1 shows the properties of an example fiber-reinforced plastic compared to conventional plastics.

[0069] The fiber-reinforced plastic is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with recycled textile fibers. The composition of the fiber-reinforced plastic is 5% LDPE and 95% recycled textile fibers. Table 1 Characteristic Fiber-reinforced plastic Flexural modulus (MPa) 1130±20 Flexural strength (MPa) 17±1 Flexural elongation (%) 4,1±0,1 Young's modulus (MPa) 430±100 Tensile strength (MPa) 3,1±1,1 Elongation at break (%) 2,9±0,6 Water absorption <0,5% Shrinkage at 100°C <0,3% Thermal expansion coefficient (1 / °C) (7±2)×10 -5 Density (kg / m 3 ) 1050±10 Creep modulus (decrease per decade) 20% 3. Sound measurements

[0070] Fig. 5 to Fig.8 shows the comparison of the sound emissions of two samples

[0071] A - with recycled plastic (WPC, high density, no longitudinal fibers); the WPC plastic board has a thickness of 40 mm and is coated with an HPL coating of 8 mm

[0072] B - with wood (larch, medium hardness, longitudinal fibers); the wooden board has a thickness of 25 mm and is covered with an HPL coating of 8 mm Experimental setup:

[0073] A sound pulse was generated by projecting steel balls onto the samples from a defined height. Measurement points were taken above and below the samples (measurement microphone with omnidirectional pickup, recorded as a 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV file). The audio data was analyzed for sound pressure level and frequency spectrum (Izotope RX / LogicProX software was used).

[0074] Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows the results of the measurements. Fig.Figure 5 shows the frequency spectrum of the coated WPC board (wood-plastic composite). Fig. Figure 6 shows the frequency spectrum of the coated wooden board. The microphone position is in the experimental setup for Fig. 5 identical to that in Fig. 6.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 shows the frequency spectrum of the coated WPC board at a different microphone position. Fig. Figure 8 shows the frequency spectrum of the coated wooden board. The microphone position is in the experimental setup for Fig. 7 identical to that in Fig. 8.

[0076] Compared to sample A, sample B with wood shows higher overall sound levels. The frequency spectrum shows that in sample B, especially lower frequencies (natural resonance) are emitted much more strongly, since the vibration of the panel is much less damped, which is partly due to the longitudinal fibers of the wood (see Fig. 7 and Fig.8). (See Wood in Instrument Making).

[0077] Due to their longer wavelength, sound waves with low frequencies are louder at the same distance or can be heard at a greater distance than high frequencies.

[0078] Therefore, sample B is expected to have greater noise emissions and thus cause more noise pollution in the area surrounding the plant.

[0079] The measurement data thus show that particularly quiet runways can be realized through the use of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0080] The invention is not limited by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, including in particular any combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments. List of reference symbols 100, 200, 300, 400 runway 101, 201, 301, 401 supporting structure 102 Rolling surface 103, 203, 303, 403 plastic (e.g. fiber-reinforced plastic) 104, 204, 304, 404 coating 305, 405 supporting pillars 306 End edge 207, 307, 407 rolling edge 408 feet 409 Sound insulation 410 railings QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 796 641 A1

[0003] DE 10 2005 034 444 A1

[0003] DE 09112648 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising: - a supporting structure (101, 201, 301, 401) and - a rolling surface (102), wherein the rolling surface (102) comprises at least one plastic (103, 203, 303, 403) and a coating (104, 204, 304, 404). [2] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the plastic (103, 203, 303, 403) is a fiber-reinforced plastic. [3] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic comprises recycled textile fibers. [4] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polybutylene, polyamide (PA), and polyester (PET). [5] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic has a density in the range of 900 to 1200 kg / m 3has. [6] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fiber-reinforced plastic has a thermal expansion coefficient in the range of 5·10 -5 1 / °C to 9·10 -5 1 / °C. [7] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coating (104, 204, 304, 404) is a thermoset. [8] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of plastic to coating is in the range of 1:3 to 1:

10. [9] Runway (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support structure (101, 201, 301, 401) comprises hot-dip galvanized steel. [10] Use of a roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9 in a leisure sports facility.

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