Weather-resistant roller track

Description

[0001] The subject of the present invention is a roller track, as well as the use of the roller track.

[0002] Recreational sports facilities, such as skateboard ramps, are becoming increasingly popular. These ramps are frequently 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 resource, has a certain degree of environmental friendliness; however, the lifespan of ramps made from hardwood is limited. Even with good maintenance, hardwood decomposes and offers only limited weather resistance. Sheet metal as a walking surface has a longer lifespan compared to hardwood, but the noise pollution from using the ramp is considerable for the surrounding area.

[0005] Skateboard ramps made of plastic are now also being described. DE 09112648 U1 discloses a skateboard facility made of prefabricated polyethylene elements. Rolling surfaces comprising plastics are also disclosed in CA 2087554 A1 and WO 2023 / 215983 A.

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

[0007] This task is described by a roller track according to claim 1 and the use of the roller track according to claim 10.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] A roller track according to the invention comprises: a supporting structure and a rolling surface, wherein the rolling surface has at least one plastic and one coating, and the ratio of plastic to coating is in the range of 3:1 to 10:1.

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

[0011] The ramp could also be a scooter ramp. A roller skating ramp and / or a portable ramp for rolling are also conceivable.

[0012] A roller track according to the invention has a rolling surface comprising at least one plastic material. The plastic is preferably a non-biodegradable 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 into which fibers are embedded. The fibers can provide reinforcement. Fiber-reinforced plastics typically exhibit high specific stiffness and strength. This makes them suitable materials for lightweight applications, especially for sheet applications.

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

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

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

[0017] The use of fibers in fiber-reinforced plastics also allows for the adjustment of the material's weight. By using low-density fibers, the material's weight can be reduced while simultaneously achieving reinforcement and stabilization effects.

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

[0019] 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, may be added.

[0020] Using suitable fibers can also reduce the CO2 footprint and increase the sustainability of the material. The use of biocompatible and / or recycled fibers can reduce the CO2 footprint and simultaneously increase sustainability.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the fiber-reinforced plastic comprises recycled textile fibers. By using such fibers, the CO₂ emissions 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] The use of recycled textile fibers can therefore increase sustainability.

[0023] The proportion of recycled textile fibers can be up to 100% based on the total amount of textile fibers. It is also conceivable to use embodiments in which the proportion of recycled textile fibers is up to 70%, preferably up to 80%, and more preferably up to 90%, based on the total amount of textile fibers.

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

[0025] The polymer of the fiber-reinforced plastic can be composed of biogenic monomers or petroleum-based monomers. The polymer can also be recycled. If the polymer is made from biogenic monomers and / or is recycled, 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 the polymerization of ethene and is the most widely used plastic. Polyethylene can be classified into different types based on its density and manufacturing process. These include, among others, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), etc. The fiber-reinforced plastic preferably comprises LDPE.

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

[0029] The fiber-reinforced plastic can exhibit certain advantageous technical properties. In one embodiment, the fiber-reinforced plastic has a density in the range of 900 to 1200 kg / m³. Preferably, the fiber-reinforced plastic has a density in the range of 950 to 1150 kg / m³, and more preferably in the range of 1000 to 1100 kg / m³.

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

[0031] The fiber-reinforced plastic can be sound-absorbing, thus making the rolling surface particularly quiet during use. Compared to rolling surfaces made of hardwood, the rolling surface according to the invention can be up to 50% quieter during use.

[0032] The fiber-reinforced plastic can have a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 5 × 10⁻⁵ < 1 / °C to 9 × 10⁻⁵ < 1 / °C. Preferably, the fiber-reinforced plastic can have a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 5.5 × 10⁻⁵ < 1 / °C to 8.5 × 10⁻⁵ < 1 / °C, more preferably in the range of 6 × 10⁻⁵ < 1 / °C to 8 × 10⁻⁵ < 1 / °C, and further 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 coefficient of thermal expansion within the range of the other materials used in the roller track. This ensures sufficient stability of the roller track when exposed to fluctuating ambient temperatures. Roller tracks installed outdoors are particularly susceptible to seasonal and daily temperature variations. If the coefficients of thermal expansion of the individual components are within a similar range, the components will behave similarly at varying ambient temperatures. This also helps prevent screws, adhesive bonds, etc., from loosening 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 allows screws to be held particularly firmly in the fiber-reinforced plastic and not to loosen even over a longer period of time.

[0035] By using fiber-reinforced plastic compared to materials such as hardwood, the roller track can have a longer lifespan.

[0036] The plastic can have a sound-absorbing effect and thus absorb a certain proportion of the noise generated when using the roller track.

[0037] Fiber-reinforced plastic can also have a sound-absorbing effect. Compared to materials like sheet metal and hardwood, fiber-reinforced plastic can absorb the sound generated during use of the roller track better, thus making the roller track quieter in operation.

[0038] The rolling surface also includes a coating. This 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 stiffness. A particularly advantageous feature of the coating is its specific feel and grip. Especially in damp and wet conditions, the coating provides excellent grip, thus achieving optimized slip resistance.

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

[0041] The coating can be in direct contact with the fiber-reinforced plastic, i.e., directly bonded to it. The coating can be bonded to the fiber-reinforced plastic using adhesives, screws, rivets, or interlocking mechanisms 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 at least 80%, and particularly at least 90%, of the fiber-reinforced plastic on at least one surface.

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

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

[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 roller track 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. The support structure can be clad with additional components such as sheets (e.g., perforated sheets), edge trims, etc.

[0048] The roller track may also include other components such as railings, soundproofing, support pillars, feet, etc. A railing can be made of steel, plastic, wood, etc., to protect users of the roller track from falls. Preferably, the railing is made of the same material as the supporting structure. This material is preferably hot-dip galvanized steel.

[0049] 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 its base. Preferably, the support pillars are designed to form a durable and stable foundation for the support structure. Preferably, the support pillars are made of concrete.

[0050] To compensate for uneven ground, the support structure can stand on feet. The feet can be made of materials such as steel or plastic. They can be height-adjustable or come in different heights.

[0051] Furthermore, the runway may incorporate soundproofing components. In particular, these components further reduce the noise level generated during runway use. These components may consist of perforated metal sheets or other acoustic elements, such as perforated panels or other sheet materials with textured surfaces or other three-dimensional shapes and forms. The components may also include fillings of steel, gravel, plastics, or water that fill the cavities of the ramps, thus preventing sound from propagating and amplifying within the cavity, similar to a drum. For example, the components may be attached to the supporting structure. However, the soundproofing components may also be mounted at other points along the runway.

[0052] 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 skating rink, a bike park, a bike ramp, a scooter park, a scooter loop, a flyout loop, a flyout park, etc. Preferably, the roller track is used as a surface for riding skateboards, kick scooters, inline skates, ride-on toys, or other wheeled vehicles.

[0053] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention will result 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. 2 shows a schematic representation of an example runway. Fig. 3shows a schematic representation of an exploded view of a runway. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an exploded view of a runway. Fig. 5 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a component made from recycled plastic. Fig. 6 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a component made from recycled plastic. Fig. 7 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a component made of wood. Fig. 8 shows the result of a relative sound emission of a component made of wood.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical or similarly functioning components are each designated with the same reference numerals. The depicted elements and their relative sizes are not to scale. Rather, individual elements, especially layer thicknesses, may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0055] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary section of a roller track 100. Figure 101 shows part of a support structure. The roller surface 102 is arranged on the support surface 101. The roller surface 102 comprises the plastic 103 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) and the coating 104.

[0056] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary roller conveyor 200. The roller conveyor 200 comprises a support structure 201. The support structure 201 can be solid or a frame that is clad. The plastic 203 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic), coated with the coating 204, is located on the support structure 201. The roller conveyor 200 also includes a rolling edge 207. The rolling edge 207 can be made of various materials (e.g., steel, fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.). The rolling edge 207 can be coated with the coating 204 or can be uncoated.

[0057] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows an exploded view of another exemplary roller track 300. The roller track 300 has a support structure 301. The support structure 301 is preferably made of hot-dip galvanized steel. The support structure 301 has a finishing edge 306 at its boundary with the surroundings. The finishing edge 306 can be made of the same material as the support structure 301. The support structure 301 rests on support pillars 305, which are made, for example, of concrete. The support structure 301 and / or the support pillars 305 can rest on a layer of gravel. The roller track also includes the plastic 303 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) and the coating 304. The roller track 300 also includes a rolling edge 307. The rolling edge can also be made of the plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic).

[0058] In an example of a roller track, the plastic can be a fiber-reinforced plastic with a thickness of approximately 40 mm, and the coating can have a thickness of approximately 8 mm.

[0059] Fig. 4Figure 1 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 to the support structure 401. The coating 404 is located on the plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The coating 404 can have a thickness of approximately 8 mm. The coating 404 preferably abuts the plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) completely. The coating 404 can be screwed to the plastic 403 (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The coating 404 can also be connected to the support structure 401 together with the plastic 403 (e.g. fiber-reinforced plastic), e.g. screwed together.The roller track 400 also has a rolling edge 407. The rolling edge 407 can also be made of plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic). The roller track 400 rests on support pillars 405, which can be made of concrete, for example. To compensate for uneven ground, the roller track 400 rests in... Fig. 4 on feet 408, which are preferably height-adjustable or available in different sizes. Furthermore, the roller track 400 has a railing 410. The railing can also be made of hot-dip galvanized steel or of another material. The railing 410 can, in particular, serve to prevent users of the roller track 400 from falling into the surrounding area. The roller track 400 also has sound insulation 409. The sound insulation 409 is, as in Fig. 4The sound insulation is shown attached to the support structure 401. However, it can also be attached to other components of the runway 400. The sound insulation 409 serves in particular to absorb the noise emanating from the runway 400, especially during use, and thus to make the runway 400 quieter. Examples 1. Measurement methods

[0060] Density: The density was determined by measuring the test specimens and determining their volumes using dimensional measurements.

[0061] Coefficient of thermal expansion: The thermal expansion was determined using rectangular test specimens (150x15x3mm) 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.

[0062] Modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, elongation at break: Determined according to ISO 527 from 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%.

[0063] Flexural modulus, flexural strength, elongation at break: Determination according to ISO 178 of April 2019.

[0064] 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 this time. The test specimen was then dried at a higher temperature. The measured weight loss was used to determine the water absorption.

[0065] Creep modulus: Determined according to ISO 899, September 2017. The expansion was determined for 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.

[0066] Shrinkage: The change in length was measured after heating to 100°C. 2. Material properties

[0067] Table 1 shows the properties of an exemplary fiber-reinforced plastic compared to conventional plastics.

[0068] 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 at break (%) 4,1±0,1 E-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% efficient coefficient of thermal expansion (1 / °C) (7±2)x10 -5< Density (kg / m³< ) 1050±10 Creep rate (decrease per decade) 20% 3. Sound measurements

[0069] Figs. 5 to 8 show the comparison of the sound emissions of two sample pieces A - with recycled plastic (WPC, high density, no longitudinal fibers); the WPC board is 40 mm thick and coated with an 8 mm HPL layer. B - with wood (larch, medium hardness, longitudinal fibers); the wood board is 25 mm thick and coated with an 8 mm HPL layer. Experimental setup:

[0070] A sound pulse was generated by throwing steel balls at the sample pieces from a defined height. Measurement points were located above and below the sample pieces (measuring microphone with omnidirectional characteristic, recording as a 24-bit / 48kHz WAV file). The audio data was analyzed for sound pressure level and frequency spectrum (using "Izotope RX / LogicProX" software).

[0071] Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 , Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 The results of the measurements are shown. Fig. 5 shows the frequency spectrum of the coated WPC board (wood-plastic composite).

[0072] Fig. 6 The frequency spectrum of the coated wooden board is shown. The microphone position in the experimental setup is for Fig. 5 identical to the one in Fig. 6 .

[0073] Fig. 7 shows the frequency spectrum of the coated WPC board at a different microphone position. Fig. 8 The frequency spectrum of the coated wooden board is shown. The microphone position in the experimental setup is for Fig. 7 identical to the one in Fig. 8 .

[0074] Compared to sample A, sample B, made of wood, exhibits higher overall sound levels. The frequency spectrum shows that sample B emits significantly stronger lower frequencies (natural resonance) because the vibration of the panel is much less damped, partly due to the longitudinal grain of the wood (see [reference]). Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 ). (See wood in instrument making).

[0075] Due to their longer wavelength, sound waves with low frequencies are heard louder at the same distance or can be heard at a greater distance than high frequencies.

[0076] Therefore, sample B is expected to have a higher sound emission and thus cause more noise pollution in the vicinity of the plant.

[0077] The measurement data thus show that particularly low-noise roller tracks can be achieved through the use of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0078] The invention is not limited by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly specified in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list

[0079] 100, 200, 300, 400 Roller track 101, 201, 301, 401 Support structure 102 Roller surface 103, 203, 303, 403 Plastic (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic) 104, 204, 304, 404 Coating 305, 405 Support pillar 306 End edge 207, 307, 407 Roll-off edge 408 Foot 409 Sound insulation 410 Railing

Claims

1. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) comprising: - a support 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) and characterised in that the ratio of plastic (103, 203, 303, 403) to coating (104, 204, 304, 404) is in the range of 3:1 to 10:1.

2. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the plastic (103, 203, 303, 403) is a fibre-reinforced plastic.

3. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the fibre-reinforced plastic comprises recycled textile fibres.

4. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fibre-reinforced plastic comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polybutylene, polyamide (PA), and polyester (PET).

5. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fibre-reinforced plastic has a density in the range of 900 to 1200 kg / m3.

6. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fibre-reinforced plastic has a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of 5·10-5 1 / °C to 9·10-51 / °C.

7. Roller track (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. Roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the support structure (101, 201, 301, 401) comprises hot-dip galvanised steel.

9. Use of a roller track (100, 200, 300, 400) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9 in a recreational sports facility.

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