WATER STORING AND ICING DEVICE FOR ICE SKATING RINK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a water storing device, and particularly relates to a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, a greater variety of products using water storing devices as home entertainment devices are available. Taking family backyard ice skating rinks as an example, the current methods for creating backyard ice skating rinks include but are not limited to the following methods. Firstly, people may spray water directly onto frozen ground until an icy surface is created. However, much of the water applied ends up would being absorbed into the ground or runs downhill and away from the area sought to become the skating rink area. Based on the method aforementioned, other people may attempt to use very large sheets of plastic to prevent the water from seeping into the ground directly, but they still face the challenge of the water running away from the area as a result of the ground surface being not level. Moreover, others people will further pack snow around the perimeter of the rink area or will utilize wooden or other vertical barriers to retain the water in the rink area in conjunction with using some form of a plastic sheet barrier, so as to store the water until it freezes. However, the said method is still very difficult and time consuming.

In addition, other people may take conceptions of the family backyard swimming pools as the water storing and icing devices to store the water and be set up outside with low evening temperatures (below 32° F. or 0° C.), such that the water in the water storing and icing devices will naturally freeze and change to ice. However, a properly constructed ice skating rink requires the ice surface to be only a few inches thick (typically 2-8″ thick) and very near the ground level for easy access to/from the ice surface. Although the family backyard swimming pools could be used to store the water until it freezes, most such devices are too deep and would be easily damaged if used for this purpose. Furthermore, most devices for the ice skating rink rely on tubular frames or rigid side boards to be installed in order to support the vertical sides of the devices, and some actually require the user to purchase wooden boards from a local lumber store to create the rigid side supports. These techniques result in a higher cost to the user and much loner set up time required. Accordingly, there are no good commercially available products on the market today that are quick and easy to set up and can be re-useable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink having an easier way to use and may be used repetitively season after season.

The water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink of the invention includes a bottom wall, a sidewall, a plurality of fixing parts, and a plurality of fixing members. The sidewall is connected to and surrounds the bottom wall to form a containing space for storing and icing water. The fixing parts are disposed at an outer side of the sidewall. The fixing members are correspondingly connected to the fixing parts and adapted to be connected to or trapped at the ground. When the containing space is used to store and ice water, the fixing members support the sidewall, so as to make the sidewall stand on the bottom wall, and the fixing members are adapted to be removed after water is frozen in the containing space, so as to use the water storing and icing device as the ice skating rink.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixing parts include a plurality of sleeves fixed to the outer side of the sidewall. When the containing space is used to store and ice water, the fixing members are inserted into the corresponding sleeves and fixed to the ground, so as to pull the sidewall outward and support the sidewall.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixing parts include a plurality of sleeves detachably disposed at the outer side of the sidewall, when the containing space is used to store and ice water, the fixing members are inserted into the corresponding sleeves and contact the ground, so as to pull the sidewall outward and support the sidewall.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the sleeves has a fixed side and an adhering side opposite to each other. The fixed side is fixed on the sidewall, and the adhering side is adhered to the sidewall or removed from the sidewall. Thus, each of the fixing members is fixed to the corresponding sleeve or removed from the corresponding sleeve.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the fixing members includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other and is configured in an L shape. Each of the fixing members is connected to the corresponding fixing parts with the first end, and is inserted between the bottom wall and the ground with the second end, so as to limit an included angle between the sidewall and the bottom wall and support the sidewall. In addition, each of the fixing members is adapted to be removed from the bottom wall and the ground.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixing parts include a plurality of hook holes located at the outer side of the sidewall and adjacent to an upper edge of the sidewall. When the containing space is used to store and ice water, the fixing members hook to the corresponding hook holes and are fixed to or contact with the ground, so as to pull the sidewall outward and support the sidewall.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fixing parts include a plurality of hook holes formed by an annular sleeve and a wire. The annular sleeve is located at the outer side of the sidewall, adjacent to an upper edge of the sidewall, and has a plurality of openings. The wire penetrates through the annular sleeve and is exposed by the openings to form the hook holes. When the containing space is used to store and ice water, the fixing members hook to the corresponding hook holes and are fixed to or contact with the ground, so as to pull the sidewall outward and support the sidewall.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the fixing members includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other and is configured in an L shape, and the first end is adapted to rotate with respect to the second end. Each of the fixing members is connected to the corresponding fixing parts with the first end and is inserted between the bottom wall and the ground with the second end, so as to limit an included angle between the sidewall and the bottom wall and support the sidewall. In addition, each of the fixing members is adapted to be left in place between the bottom wall and the ground after the first end rotates with respect to the second end.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the fixing members is adapted to conversely rotated back into a vertical position with L shape to support the sidewalls when another layer of water is to be applied and frozen to create a new, smooth and clean layer of ice.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall, the sidewall, and the fixing parts are connected to each other to form a main body, and the main body is adapted to be folded for storage or unfolded for use.

Based on above, in the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink in the invention, the sidewall is connected to and surround the bottom wall to form the containing space for storing and icing water. In addition, the fixing parts are disposed at the outer side of the sidewall, and the fixing members are correspondingly connected to the fixing parts and adapted to be connected to or trapped at the ground. Thus, when the containing space is being used to store and ice water, the sidewall may stand on the bottom wall with the support of the fixing members. Moreover, after the water is frozen in the containing space, the fixing members may be removed, so as to use the water storing and icing device as the ice skating rink. Accordingly, the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink of the invention has an easier way to use and may be used repetitively.

In order to make the aforementioned and other features and advantages of the invention comprehensible, several exemplary embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial schematic views illustrating the support members surrounding the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic perspective views illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to other embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic perspective views illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial schematic perspective view illustrating a fixing member shown in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view illustrating the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in this embodiment, a water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink includes a bottom wall 110, a sidewall 120, a plurality of fixing parts (including sleeves 130a and 130b), and a plurality of fixing members 140a and 140b. The sidewall 120 is connected to and surrounds the bottom wall 110 to form a containing space S for storing and icing water. Moreover, the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) are disposed at an outer side of the side surfaces 122 or the corners C of the sidewall 120, and the fixing members 140a and 140b are correspondingly connected to the fixing parts (including sleeves 130a and 130b), and are adapted to be connected to or trapped at the ground. Accordingly, the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink may be placed outside and on the ground and further store and ice water through the containing space S. In addition, when the containing space S is being used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140a and 140b support the sidewall 120, so as to make the sidewall 120 stand on the bottom wall 110. After that, the fixing members 140a and 140b are adapted to be removed after water is frozen in the containing space S, so as to use the water storing and icing device 100 as the ice skating rink.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) are connected to each other to form a main body, and the main body may be folded to be stored or unfolded to be used. In other words, the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) may be formed of the same material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other suitable materials, and may be connected integrally by welding. In this way, the main body formed by the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) may be folded to be stored, or may be unfolded to be used. Preferably, the material used for the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) may allow these components to be low temperature-resistant, mold-resistant, ultraviolet ray (UV)-resistant, and scratch-resistant, so as to increase a durability of the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink. However, the invention does not intend to limit materials and a manufacturing processes of the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b), the material and the manufacturing process thereof may be modified according to the practical needs.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the bottom wall 110 is a rectangle, and the sidewall 120 surrounds the bottom wall 110 and has four side surfaces 122, such that the containing space S formed by the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110 has four corners C and is a rectangular block. However, in other embodiments, the bottom wall may be circular, elliptic, or polygonal, and the sidewall surrounds the bottom wall and has one or more side surfaces, such that the containing space does not have a corner and is configured as a cylinder or an elliptic cylinder, or has a plurality of corners and is configured as a polygonal body. The invention does not intend to impose a limitation on the shapes of the bottom wall and the containing space, and the shapes thereof may be adjusted based on the practical needs.

In addition, in this embodiment, the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink adopts the two different types of sleeves 130a and 130b used with two different types of fixing members 140a and 140b. The following descriptions are made with the accompany drawings to describe the structures of the sleeves 130a and 130b and the fixing members 140a and 140b and how these components are assembled.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are partial schematic views illustrating the support members surrounding the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in this embodiment, the fixing parts include the sleeves 130a, and the sleeves 130a are fixed sleeves. The sleeves 130a are fixed to the outer side of the sidewall 120, and when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140a are inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130a and fixed to the ground, so as to pull the sidewall outward and support the sidewall 120. Specifically, left and right sides of the sleeve 130a are welded to the sidewall 120, and the fixing members 140a may be inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130a through upper and lower ends of the sleeves 130a. In addition, the sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a are configured at positions on the sidewall 120 corresponding to the corners C, so as to provide a desired support. However, the invention does not limit the quantity and positions of configuring the sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a, the positions may be adjusted based on the practical needs.

In addition, in this embodiment, the fixing members 140a may be steel nails or other suitable components. The invention does not intend to limit the type of the fixing members 140. Since the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120 are made of a foldable material, when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140a may be inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130a from top to bottom and pull the sidewall 120 outward, so as to support the sidewall 120 and make the sidewall 120 stand on the bottom wall 110. After being inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130a, the fixing members 140a may be further inserted into and fixed to the ground. Accordingly, in addition to making the sidewall 120 stand to expand the containing space S, the fixing members 140a may further support the sidewall 120 from the outer side of the sidewall 120 when the containing space S is being used to store and ice water, so as to prevent the sidewall from being deformed or collapsing when the containing space S is being used to store and ice water.

Referring FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, in this embodiment, the fixing parts include the sleeves 130b, and the sleeves 130b are detachable sleeves. The sleeves 130b are detachably disposed at the outer side of the sidewall 120, and when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140b are inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130b and contact the ground, so as to pull the sidewall 120 outward and support the sidewall 120. Specifically, each of the sleeves 130b has a fixed side S1 and an adhering side S2 opposite to each other. The fixed side S1 is fixed to the sidewall 120, and the adhering side S2 may be adhered to the sidewall 120 or removed from the sidewall 120, such that each of the fixing members 140b may be fixed to the corresponding sleeve 130b or removed from the corresponding sleeve 130b. In other words, the fixed side S1 of each of the sleeves 130b is welded on the sidewall 120, and the adhering side S2 may be correspondingly adhered to the sidewall 120. For example, adhering members 124 may be disposed at corresponding positions on the sidewall 120, and the adhering side S2 of each of the sleeves 130b may be adhered to the adhering member 124, so as to fix the corresponding fixing members 140b, or the adhering side S2 may be removed from the adhering member 124, so as to remove the corresponding fixing members 140b from the sleeves 130b.

Moreover, in this embodiment, each of the fixing members 140b includes a first end E1 and a second end E2 that are opposite other. Accordingly, the fixing member 140b is in an L shape, as shown in FIG. 2. When the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140b are connected to the corresponding fixing parts (namely, the sleeves 130b). Specifically, each of the fixing members 140b is inserted into the corresponding sleeve 130b with the first end E1, and is inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground with the second end E2, so as to limit an included angle between the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110 and support the sidewall 120. In other words, since the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120 are made of a foldable material, when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140b may be inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130b with the first end E1 and be inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground with the second end E2, such that the first ends E1 and the seconds E2 are respectively pressed to the outer sides of the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110 to make the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110 an L shape.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the fixing members 140b may be inserted inwardly between the bottom wall 110 and the ground with the second ends E2, and the first ends E1 are pressed to the sidewall 120. Then, the corresponding sleeves 130b are adhered to the sidewall 120 with the adhering sides S2 to fix the first ends E1, such that the first ends E1 are in a state of being inserted into the sleeves 130b. Alternatively, before the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140b may be inserted upwardly into the sleeves 130b with the first ends E1, and the second ends E2 are pressed to the outer side of the bottom wall 110. Then, the bottom wall 110 is placed on the ground, such that the second ends E2 are in a state of being inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground. Accordingly, in addition to making the sidewall 120 stand to unfold the containing space S, the fixing members 140b may further support the sidewall 120 from the outer side of the sidewall 120 when the containing space S is being used to store and ice water, so as to prevent the sidewall 120 from being deformed or collapsing when the containing space S is being used to store water. Besides, each of the fixing members 140b is adapted to be removed from the corresponding sleeve 130b after the corresponding adhering side S2 is removed from the sidewall 120. However, in other embodiments not shown herein, the shape of the fixing members 140b may be adjusted based on the practical needs. The invention neither intends to limit the shape of the fixing members 140b nor impose the limitation that the sleeves 130b must be used with the fixing members 140b (the sleeves 130b may also be used with the fixing members 140a or fixing members of other types).

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, when the fixing members 140a and 140b are correspondingly inserted into the sleeves 130a and 130b to make the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120 that are integrally formed form the containing space S, the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink may start storing and icing water. Here, the said “storing and icing water” indicates that water is stored in the containing space S of the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink, and the stored water is frozen in a low-temperature environment. When the containing space S is being used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140a and 140b are configured to support the sidewall 120 from the outer side of the sidewall 120, such that the sidewall 120 stands on the bottom wall 110 to prevent the sidewall 120 from being deformed or collapsing when the containing space S stores water. The operation of storing and icing water may repeat several times or continue for several days, so that an ice layer is cumulatively formed in the containing space S. When the ice layer accumulating in the containing space S meets a required thickness, the water storing and icing device 100 may serve as the ice skating rink. Namely, the user may skate on the ice layer in the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink.

Moreover, in this embodiment, after water stored in the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink is frozen, the fixing members 140a and 140b may be removed from the corresponding sleeves 130a and 130b, so as to prevent the user from being hurt by the fixing members 140a and 140b when skating. Specifically, the fixing members 140a and 140b are configured to support the sidewall 120 when the containing space S is being used to store and ice water. After water is frozen in the containing space S, relative positions of the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120 are approximately fixed. Thus, even if the fixing members 140a and 140b are removed from the corresponding sleeves 130a and 130b, the sidewall 120 may not be defo ied or collapse. In addition, since the fixing members 140a are inserted into the fixed sleeves 130a from top to bottom and inserted into the ground, thus the fixing members 140a may be removed from the sleeves 130a by pulling the fixing members 140a upward from the ground. As for the fixing members 140b, since the first ends E1 of the fixing members 140b are fixed by the sleeves 130b, and the second ends E2 are inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground, thus being pressed by the bottom wall 110 and the ice layer above the bottom wall 110, thus the fixing members 140b may removed by detaching the adhering side S2 of the detachable sleeve 130b and moving the L-shaped fixing members 140b outward from the bottom wall 110 and the ground. In this way, the fixing members 140a and 140b of this embodiment may be assembled and dissembled easily.

Besides, when the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink does not need to be used, the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink may be dissembled and folded for storage after the ice layer in the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink is removed (by pumping or pouring out the water after the ice layer melts). When the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink again needs to be used, the main body formed by the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the sleeves 130a and 130b may be unfolded and used, and the fixing members 140a and 140b are disposed to the sleeves 130a and 130b, so as to support the sidewall 120 when the containing space S is being used to store and ice water. Thus, water can be stored and iced in the containing space S of the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink again, and the water storing and icing device 100 may serve as the ice skating rink again. When the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink does not need to be used, the device may be dissembled and folded for storage again. In this way, the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink in this embodiment has an easier way to use and may be used repetitively.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic perspective views illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to other embodiments of the invention. In addition to using the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) and the fixing members 140a and 140b together, there may be only one type of fixing parts and fixing members used in the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, a water storing and icing device 100a for the ice skating rink mainly differs from the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink in that only one type of fixing parts (e.g., the sleeve 130a) and one type of fixing members 140a are used in the water storing and icing device 100a for the ice skating rink. The fixed sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a are disposed at the corners C on the sidewall 120, and the side surfaces 122 are made without sleeves 130a and 130b. The sleeves 130a are fixed to the outer side of the sidewall 120 at the corners C, and when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140a are inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130a, so as to pull the sidewall 120 outward and be fixed to the ground, thereby supporting the sidewall 120. Structural features about the sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a may be referred to the foregoing description, and are thus not repeated in the following.

Further, since the water storing and icing device 100a for the ice skating rink are supported through the fixing members 140a only at the corner C, and the side surfaces 122 of the sidewall 120 are made without sleeves 130a or 130b, snow or other material could be placed along the outer side of side surfaces 122 to provide the necessary support to the sidewall 120 until such time as the water has frozen to a solid sheet of ice, but the invention does not limit thereto. Also, even though the embodiment is described with the rectangular sidewall 110 (forming the containing space as a rectangular block) using four sleeves 130a and four fixing members 140a as an example, in other embodiments not shown herein, the shape of the sidewall 110 and the containing space S and the numbers and the positions of the sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a may be adjusted based on the practical needs. For example, in an embodiment not shown where the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink has a round bottom part that form the containing space S as a cylinder with the sidewall, there may be only one type of sleeves (i.e., the sleeves 130a) used with one type of fixing members 140a, and the invention does not intend to impose a limitation in this respect.

Moreover, referring to FIG. 6, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, a water storing and icing device 100b for the ice skating rink mainly differs from the water storing and icing device 100a for the ice skating rink in that only one type of fixing parts (e.g., the sleeves 130b) and one type of fixing members 140b are used in the water storing and icing device 100b for the ice skating rink. In addition, a bottom wall 110b used in the water storing and icing device 100b for the ice skating rink is round. In this way, the containing space S formed by a sidewall 120b surrounding the bottom wall 110b is formed as a cylinder. Specifically, the sidewall 120b is disposed on and surrounds the round bottom wall 110b and has a side surface 122. Thus, the containing space S formed by the sidewall 120b and the bottom wall 110b is formed as a cylinder and does not have the corners C. However, in other embodiments not shown herein, the bottom wall may also be elliptic or polygonal, such that the containing space is formed as an elliptic cylinder or a polygonal body. The invention does not intend to limit the shapes of the bottom wall and the containing space, and the shapes thereof may be adjusted based on the practical needs.

Moreover, the detachable sleeves 130b may be arranged at an outer side of the sidewall 120b in the same pitch. It should be noted that the number and positions of the detachable sleeves 130b may be adjusted based on the practical needs. In this way, the sleeves 130b may be detachably disposed at the outer side of the sidewall 120b, and the fixing members 140b are inserted into the corresponding sleeves 130b and contact the ground. Structures and assembling methods of the detachable sleeves 130b and the L-shaped fixing members 140b may be referred to the foregoing description, and are thus not repeated in the following. However, in other embodiments not shown herein, the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink with the round bottom wall is not limited to using the combination of the sleeves 130b and the fixing members 140b. The combination of the sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a, or the configuration of using the sleeves 130a and 130b and the fixing members 140a and 140b together, may still be adopted for the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink with the round bottom wall. The invention does not intend to limit the types of sleeves and the fixing members used in the device for storing and icing water for a rink in a variety of shapes. The types of sleeves and fixing members that are used may be adjusted based on the practical needs.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic perspective views illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to other embodiments of the invention. Except for the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and 130b) and the fixing members 140a and 140b, other types of fixing parts and fixing members may be used in the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink.

Referring to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, a water storing and icing device 100c for the ice skating rink includes the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, a plurality of fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and hook holes 130c), and a plurality of the fixing members 140a and fixing members 140c. Details about the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the containing space S may be referred to the foregoing description, and are thus not repeated in the following. Besides, in the water storing and icing device 100c for the ice skating rink in this embodiment, the fixed sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a may be disposed at the corners C of the sidewall 120 for reinforcement. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the water storing and icing device 100c for the ice skating rink mainly differs from the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink of FIG. 1 in that the fixing members 140c used in the water storing and icing device 100c for the ice skating rink in this embodiment include a plurality of hook parts 142c, and the fixing parts include the hook holes 130c. The hook holes 130c are located at the outer side of the sidewall 120, and are adjacent to an upper edge of the sidewall 120. Accordingly, when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140c hook to the corresponding hook holes 130c with the hook parts 142c and are fixed to or contact with the ground, so as to pull the sidewall 120 outward and support the sidewall 120 in a vertical orientation. However, in the water storing and icing device 100c for the ice skating rink, there may also be only one type of fixing parts (e.g., the hook holes 130c) used with one type of fixing members 140c, or multiple types of fixing parts (e.g., the fixed sleeves 130a, the detachable sleeves 130b, or the hook holes 130c) used with multiple types of fixing members (e.g., the fixing members 140a, 140b or 140c). In addition, the shapes of the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120 may also be adjusted based on the practical needs. The invention is not limited thereto. In this way, the fixing members 140c of this embodiment may be assembled and dissembled easily.

Similarly, referring to FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a water storing and icing device 100d for the ice skating rink includes the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, a plurality of fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and hook holes 130d formed by an annular sleeve 132 and a wire 134) and a plurality of the fixing members 140a and fixing members 140d. Details about the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the containing space S may be referred to the foregoing description, and are thus not repeated in the following. Besides, in the water storing and icing device 100d for the ice skating rink in this embodiment, the fixed sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a may be disposed at the corners C of the sidewall 120 for reinforcement. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the water storing and icing device 100d for the ice skating rink mainly differs from the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink of FIG. 1 in that the fixing members 140d adopted by the water storing and icing device 100d of this embodiment include a plurality of hook parts 142d, which are substantially similar to the fixing members 140c of FIG. 7, but the invention does not intend to limit a shape of the fixing members 140d. Moreover, the fixing parts include the hook holes 130d formed by the annular sleeve 132 and the wire 134.

Specifically, the annular sleeve 132 is located at the outer side of the sidewall 120 and is adjacent to the upper edge of the sidewall 120. In addition, the annular sleeve 132 has a plurality of openings 132a. The wire 134 penetrates through the annular sleeve 132 and is exposed by the openings 132a, so as to form the hook holes 130d. In other words, the annular sleeve 132 surrounds and is connected to the upper edge of the sidewall 120, and the wire 134 penetrates through the annular sleeve 132 to form an annular shape. In addition, portions of the wire 134 are exposed by the openings 132a of the annular sleeve 132. In this way, the wire 134 and the openings 132 of the annular sleeve 132a form the hook holes 130d.

Accordingly, when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140d hook to the corresponding hook holes 130d with the hook parts 142d and are fixed to or contact with the ground by, for example, inserting the hook parts 142d between the wire 134 and the corresponding openings 132 and pulling the wire 134 outward, so as to pull the sidewall 120 outward and support the sidewall 120. However, in the water storing and icing device 100d for the ice skating rink, there may also be only one type of fixing parts (e.g., the hook holes 130d) used with one type of fixing members 140d or multiple types of fixing parts (e.g., the fixed sleeves 130a, the detachable sleeves 130b, or the hook holes 130c, 130d) used with multiple types of fixing members (e.g., the fixing members 140a, 140b, 140c or 140d). In addition, the shapes of the bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 120 may also be adjusted based on the practical needs. The invention is not limited thereto. In this way, the fixing members 140d of this embodiment may be assembled and dissembled easily.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a water storing and icing device for an ice skating rink according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 is a partial schematic perspective view illustrating a fixing member shown in FIG. 9. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in this embodiment, in addition to the fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a, 130b, and the hook holes 130c and 130d) and the fixing members 140a to 140d, other types of fixing parts and fixing members may also be used in a water storing and icing device 100e for the ice skating rink. Here, the water storing and icing device 100e for the ice skating rink includes the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, a plurality of fixing parts (including the sleeves 130a and hook holes 130e), and a plurality of fixing members 140a and 140e. Details about the bottom wall 110, the sidewall 120, and the containing space S may be referred to the foregoing description, and are thus not repeated in the following. Besides, in the water storing and icing device 100d for the ice skating rink in this embodiment, the fixed sleeves 130a and the fixing members 140a may be disposed at the corners C of the sidewall 120 for reinforcement, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the water storing and icing device 100e for the ice skating rink mainly differs from the water storing and icing device 100 for the ice skating rink of FIG. 1 in that the fixing parts of the water storing and icing device 100e for the ice skating rink include the hook holes 130e located at the outer side of the sidewall 120 and adjacent to the upper edge of the sidewall 120. In this way, when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140e hook to the corresponding hook holes 130e and contact with the ground, so as to pull the sidewall 120 outward to support the sidewall 120 in a vertical orientation.

Further, in this embodiment, each of the fixing members 140e includes a first end E1 and a second end E2 opposite to each other and is configured in an L shape (as shown in FIG. 10). In addition, the first end E1 is adapted to rotate with respect to the second end E2. In other words, the fixing members 140e are movable L-shaped frames, and the first ends E1 and the second ends E2 of the fixing members 140e may be pivoted together with a pivot, such that the first ends E1 may rotate with respect to the second ends E2 according to the practical needs. Moreover, the fixing members 140e include a plurality of hook parts 142e located at the corresponding first ends E1 and corresponding to the hook holes 130e. Accordingly, the fixing members 140e are connected to the corresponding fixing parts, for example, hook to the corresponding hook holes 130e, with the hook parts 142e of the first ends E1, and are inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground with the second ends E2, so as to limit the included angle between the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110 and support the sidewall 120.

More specifically, in this embodiment, when the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140e may be inserted inwardly between the bottom wall 110 and the ground with the second ends E2, and the fixing members 140e may hook to the corresponding hook holes 130e with the hook parts 142e of the first ends E1 to fix the first ends E1. Alternatively, before the containing space S is used to store and ice water, the fixing members 140e may hook to the corresponding hook holes 130e with the hook parts 142e of the first end E1, and the second ends E2 are pressed to the outer side of the bottom wall 110. Then, the bottom wall 110 is placed on the ground, such that the second ends E2 are in the state of being inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground. In this way, the first ends E1 and the second ends E2 are respectively pressed to the outer sides of the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110, such that the sidewall 120 and the bottom wall 110 are also in an L shape.

Besides, in this embodiment, after water is frozen in the containing space of the water storing and icing device 100e for the ice skating rink, each of the fixing members 140e is adapted to be left in place between the bottom wall 110 and the ground. In detail, once the water has been frozen, the hook parts 142e at the first end E1 may be removed from hooking to the corresponding hook holes 130e. After that, the first end E1 can be rotated downward with respect to the second ends E2 since it is no longer required to support the sidewall 120, and the second ends E2 can be left in position between the bottom wall 110 and the ground after the first ends E1 rotate with respect to the second ends E2.

More specifically, since the first ends E1 of the fixing members 140e hook to the corresponding hook holes 130e with the hook parts 142e, the hook parts 142e need to be removed from the hook holes 130e in advance. Thus, the first ends E1 and the second ends E2 of this embodiment may be manufactured by using a rigid material to provide a preferable support. However, the hook parts 142 may be manufactured by using a flexible material, so that the hook parts 142e may be removed from the hook holes 130e by applying a force, but the invention does not intend to limit a material of the fixing members 140e. After the hook parts 142e are removed from the hook holes 130e, since the second ends E2 are inserted between the bottom wall 110 and the ground and pressed by the bottom wall 110 and the ice layer above the bottom layer 110, the second ends E2 are difficult to remove from the bottom wall 110 and the ground, so that the second ends E2 is preferred to be left in position between the bottom wall 110 and the ground. On the other hands, for the purpose of preventing the user from being hurt, the first ends E1 may rotate downward with respect to the second ends E2 to be adjacent to the ground since it is no longer required to support the sidewall 120. However, the second ends E2 of the L-shaped fixing members 140e also may be removed from the bottom wall 110 and the ground 110 by moving outward and the movement of the second ends E2 from the bottom wall 110 and the ground does not depend on whether the first ends E1 are already rotated downward or not. Even if the first ends E1 do not rotate with respect to the second ends E2, the second ends E2 may still be removed from the bottom wall 110 and the ground by moving outward after the hook parts 142e are removed from the hook hole 130e. However, the invention does not limit the fixing members 140e is still placed between the bottom wall 110 and the ground or removed from the bottom wall 110 and the ground, it may depend on user's choice and the according to the actual conditions.

Further, since the second ends E2 are still placed between the bottom wall 110 and the ground, if more water needs to be added to freeze a new layer of ice in the containing space S, each of the fixing members 140e is adapted to conversely rotated back into a vertical position with L shape to support the sidewall 120 when another layer of water is to be applied and frozen to create a new, smooth and clean layer of ice in the containing space S. In other words, the first end E1 can be rotated upward with respect to the second ends E2 again and the hook parts 142e are reconnected to the hook holes 130e. Once the new layer of ice is completely frozen, the hook parts 142e at the first ends E1 can be disconnected from the hook holes 130e and the first ends E1 are rotated downward once again for the way in a safe position. Accordingly, the hook holes 130e of this embodiment may also be used with fixed L-shaped fixing members (i.e., fixing members whose first ends E1 are unable to rotate with respect to the second ends E2), and the invention is not limited thereto. In this way, the fixing members 140e of this embodiment may be assembled and dissembled easily.

In view of the foregoing, in the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink in the invention, the sidewall is connected to and surround the bottom wall to form the containing space for storing and icing water. In addition, the fixing parts are disposed at the outer side of the sidewall, and the fixing members are correspondingly connected to the fixing parts and adapted to be connected to or trapped at the ground. In addition, the main body formed by the bottom wall, the sidewall, and the sleeves may be folded for storage or unfolded for use. Thus, when the containing space is used to store and ice water, the sidewall may stand on the bottom wall through the support of the fixing members, so as to prevent the sidewall from being deformed or collapsing. After water is completely frozen in the containing space, the water storing and icing device may serve as the ice skating rink. At this time, since the relative positions between the sidewall and the bottom wall are approximately fixed, the fixing members may be removed to prevent the user from being hurt by the fixing members. When the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink does not need to be used, the ice layer in the containing space may be removed, and the device may be folded for storage. Then, the device may still be unfolded for use again based on the needs. Accordingly, the water storing and icing device for the ice skating rink of the invention has an easier way to use and may be used repetitively.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

WATER STORING AND ICING DEVICE FOR ICE SKATING RINK

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