Platinum snow

Abstract

Platinum snow is described as a surface element forming a gliding surface for snow skiing and snowboarding. The surface is fluffy and slick. The process works medium-grain vermiculite (an inert mineral of the phyllio-silicate group) into the surface, such as geo-textile carpeting, Petromat or placed directly on the ground. Then, apply a fine-mist spray of water over the entire surface. Some uses (but not limited to) are of fine-nozzle misters, circulating sprinklers and soaker hoses. This action causes the vermiculite to embed into the surface forming a slick-surface element for gliding.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] It is the purpose and use of the present invention and process to eliminate some disadvantages of existing costly sliding surfaces. This includes, but is not limited to artificial blown snow, expensive artificial snow polymers, as well as unpredictable results, lack of control over, and high maintenance cost of natural falling snow. This design and use is a sliding surface that can be used year-round without melting and approximates similarity to the characteristics of real snow at a cost advantage over other artificial sliding surfaces.

[0002] The present invention does not require freezing or very cold temperatures or climate-controlled areas, structure of a building and can be applied in areas of more temperate climates; therefore, allowing individuals to participate in snow related sports who could not often, or otherwise, travel to colder climates to enjoy these sports. The present invention would also allow Olympic teams to practice daily year-round on a surface requiring less costly maintenance.

FIELD OR SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to creating a sliding surface suitable for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, transporting persons, materials or objects more quickly from a higher elevation to lower ground.

[0004] The method and use of the invention comprises a sliding surface made up of hydrated vermiculite (a phyllosilicate mineral) placed over a substrate composing materials which show both soil drainage and erosion prevention, bound on both sides as needed for safety and hydration to decrease friction and improve sliding speed and ability of surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0005] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments contained herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a sliding surface prepared having varying degrees of pitch and angles as seen in FIG. 1. A shallow depression is formed in the soil base (10) of a width generally not less than 15 feet wide.

[0007] Depending on the condition of said soil base (10), it may be necessary to use an additional substance, such as sand (12) and/or gravel (12) to improve or assist with proper drainage of any excess hydration.

[0008] An optional secondary material product composed of geo-textile carpet (14) may be used to secure the soil base, if the area is prone to erosion.

[0009] An optional safety fence (16) can now be placed along both sides of the surface and of the geo-textile carpet (14) can be attached to the fence (16) for stability to anchor the carpet.

[0010] For this process, the vermiculite (a phyllosilicate mineral) (18) is now spread over the entire area approximately 1-6 inches in depth.

[0011] Once the vermiculite (18) is in place, the misters, sprinklers, soaker hoses (20) and/or other irrigation devices can be used to hydrate the vermiculite.

[0012] Participants begin at the top of the slope and slide down on skis, snowboards, sleds and/or other devices or apparatus for sport, recreation, adventure, escape, or other indicated need to move persons, objects, materials or anything to a lower elevations more efficiently and quickly.

[0013] While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claims or including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.

SUMMARY

[0014] Platinum Snow is a sliding surface comprised of hydrated vermiculite and a wetting system to irrigate the vermiculite. The wetting system comprises one or more misters, sprinklers, and/or soaker hoses. A restraining barrier can be placed near the sliding surface comprised of fencing or mesh material. The sliding surface is made by placing hydrated vermiculite on a slope with or without substrate material under the vermiculite for better drainage and/or erosion control.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0015] FIG. 1: Shows a perspective view of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 2: Shows a cut away view of the invention with point “A” designating view orientation.

[0017] FIG. 3: A condensed picture of various materials enhancing the function of hydrated vermiculite. This allows for proper drainage and prevents erosion.

[0018] FIG. 4: A method of irrigating the surface with misting foggers along the surface borders.

[0019] FIG. 5: A method for creating a safe boundary to keep participants on the surface.

[0020] Drawing Reference Numerals Worksheet

PART NAME
10 Soil base
12 sand and/or gravel
14 geo-textile
16 safety fence
18 vermiculate
20 irrigation devices
22 zip tie (12″)
24 plastic coated candle
26 steel T-post w/2″ PVC cover
28 PVC or supply hose
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Claims

1. A sliding surface comprising: Hydrated vermiculite and a wetting system to irrigate the vermiculite.

2. The sliding surface of claim 1 wherein said wetting system comprises one or more spray misters.

3. The sliding surface of claim 1 wherein said wetting system comprises one or more sprinklers.

4. The sliding surface of claim 1 wherein said wetting system comprises one or more soaker hoses.

5. The sliding surface of claim 1 further comprising a restraining barrier substantially near hydrated vermiculite.

6. The sliding surface of claim 5 wherein said restraining barrier comprises of fencing material.

7. The sliding surface of claim 5 wherein said restraining barrier comprises of mesh material.

8. The sliding surface of claim 1 further comprising one or more substrate materials being in contact with said hydrated vermiculite.

9. A method for creating a sliding surface comprising the steps of: Placing hydrated vermiculite on a slope; and irrigating said hydrated vermiculite by a wetting system.

10. The method of creating a sliding surface of claim 9 comprising placing one or more substrates on said slope and then placing said hydrated vermiculite on said one or more substrates.