Field of the invention

The present invention relates to indoor winter recreation facilities, and particularly indoor recreation facilities which have snow and/or ice.

Background

Indoor winter recreation facilities take many different forms, but often have areas of snow and ice for winter recreation activities such as skiing, sledding, snow tubing, ice skating, snowball fights, snowman building, snowmobiling, snow soccer, alpine curing, ice climbing, ice carving, and many more. These facilities are often located in warmer climates which do not typically experience snow or ice, and thus the facilities must support an indoor climate that is sometimes substantially colder than the outdoor area. Additionally, some of these facilities are located in desert climates where the availability of water for supporting such a facility is low.

The facilities are typically kept at a temperature below freezing to ensure proper temperatures for the snow and ice. This results in high energy costs, and can require cooling even below the floor when the facilities are located in warmer climates.

As people use the facilities, the snow and/or ice become packed down and dirty, and needs refreshing. Additionally, with the below freezing temperatures, the snow gets packed down and turns into ice, making it difficult to remove. The snow removal in many areas has to be done manually, due to the difficulty of grooming machines to access some areas, such as a sled run or various snow play attractions or tracks.

Further, the icy snow is a less desirable experience for guests, as most prefer fresh and lighter snow. The older packed snow also prevents some activities such as snowman or snowball building. Further, snow below freezing does not pack, so it is not possible to build a snowman or snowballs in below freezing temperatures.

EP1756489 discloses a method for maintaining the quality of snow cover in an indoor ski or winter sport area that involves temperature cycling. The temperature is kept above freezing to partially melt the snow at times and then is cycled to a different temperature below freezing for production of snow. The above freezing temperature is typically kept for 12-18 hours, with the below freezing temperature between 6 and 12 hours, for a total cycle time of 24 hours.

US6962534 also discloses an indoor winter recreation facility, in this case specifically for semi-arid or desert regions. The temperatures are kept below freezing, and water from the facility can be melted and used to form new snow. US5272883 discloses a similar system, though states that the melted snow cannot be solely relied upon to produce the new snow due to contaminants, and one third of the liquid for the new snow needs to come from fresh water.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention, a climate facility comprises one or more recreation areas with an ice or snow cover; a climate control system which keeps the facility at a temperature above freezing in a range such that a portion of the snow or ice melts on a predetermined cycle; a drainage system to collect the melt; and a recycle system to use the melt in the formation of new snow.

Such a climate facility can be a permanent structure or could be a mobile climate facility. By including a climate control system which keeps the facility at a temperature above freezing in a range such that a portion of the snow or ice melts on a predetermined cycle, the climate facility can keep persons within the facility at more comfortable temperatures, enabling a more pleasant experience for guests while ensuring that the recreation areas have sufficiently cold temperatures and are refreshed with new snow and/or ice on a regular basis. By ensuring that a portion of the snow or ice melts on a predetermined cycle, new snow or ice can also be generated on that cycle to replace the old snow or melt, thereby giving users a more desirable experience. Further, the use of a drainage system to collect the melt and a recycle system to use the melt provides an overall energy efficient climate facility, which requires less energy for maintaining the facility than past indoor climate facilities.

According to an embodiment, the one or more recreation areas with an ice or snow cover comprises one or more of: a skiing area, a skating area, a sledding area, a tubing area, a slide, a snow circuit area, a snow sport area, a winter village and a winter eating and/or drinking area. Other winter recreation areas and/or configurations could also be present depending on guest wants and needs, available space, etc. The current climate facility system allows for a variety of different winter recreation areas to be supported and maintained in a very energy efficient manner through the use of the climate control system, drainage system and recycle system.

According to an embodiment, the drainage system comprises a collection system to collect the melt; and a flow system to transport the melt from the collection system to the recycle system. Such a system could include, for example, drainage channels, odor traps, valves, filters, specific drainage inlets or other features tailored for the specific system. The drainage system can facilitate the collection of the melt which is melting on the predetermined cycle from any number of recreation areas and transport to an area for recycling.

According to an embodiment, the recycle system comprises a filter system to clean the melt for reuse. Such a filter system can enable the easy and efficient cleaning of melt for reuse in the climate facility.

According to an embodiment, the climate control system keeps the facility at a temperature in the range of zero degrees C to 20 degrees C. By maintaining the temperature in the range of zero degrees C to 20 degrees C, visitors and workers in the climate facility are able to enjoy the facility at a more comfortable temperature. This is especially useful for outdoor eating areas or other areas where people are not as active.

According to an embodiment, the climate control system keeps the facility at a temperature such that about 3% of the snow melts in the predetermined cycle. A 3% melt rate could enable sufficient melt and replacement of all snow and ice in regular cycles. Optionally, the predetermined cycle is a 24 hour cycle. If a 3% melt rate were used with a 24 hour predetermined cycle, all snow and ice would be melted and replaced within about 3 month cycles, ensuring that guests have relatively new snow and ice at all times.

According to an embodiment, the climate control system operates at different temperatures to achieve a desired cycle melt rate. Optionally, the climate control system changes operation temperature based on one or more of: expected visitors, outside temperature, events in the facility and snow quality. This can allow the climate facility to achieve the desired melt rate under a variety of different conditions.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of operating an indoor winter recreation facility, the method comprising: operating the facility such that the temperature is above zero degree C and such that a daily snow and/or ice melt is achieved; collecting the melt; and recycling the melt. Operating an indoor winter recreation facility in such a manner provides a very energy efficient system that is pleasant for visitors to enjoy. Operating the facility such that the temperature is above zero degree C provides a more pleasant environment for persons inside, and ensures that at least some melt is constantly happening. This results in ensuring that old snow is melted and replaced regularly for users to experience fresh ice and snow in the facility.

According to an embodiment, the step of operating the facility such that the temperature is above zero degree C and such that a daily snow and/or ice melt is achieved comprises operating the facility at a temperature between zero degree C and 20 degree C. Such a temperature range allows for a certain percentage of melt and provides for an ideal temperature for visitors using the facility.

According to an embodiment, the step of operating the facility such that the temperature is above zero degree C and such that a daily snow and/or ice melt is achieved comprises operating the facility at a temperature such that a daily snow and/or ice melt of 1 % - 5% is achieved. Such a melt rate can result in an ideal timeline for refreshing all snow and/or ice to avoid the buildup of old and/or dirty ice or snow in the facility. This makes for a more pleasant and desirable user experience and also ensure some of the activities which are best or only possible with fresh snow or ice are available to visitors.

According to an embodiment, the step of collecting the melt comprises draining the melt to one or more collection devices; and flowing the melt to one or more collection tanks. This can ensure that the melt is able to be collected and stored for recycling.

According to an embodiment, the step of recycling the melt comprises recycling the melt to form new ice and/or snow. This is a very efficient way of forming new ice and/or snow as the melt is already at a low temperature, and does not need a lot of energy for bringing to a freezing temperature for forming the ice or snow.

According to an embodiment, the step of recycling the melt comprises filtering the melt for reuse. Such a filtering step can ensure that the melt is at a very clean condition for forming very clean new ice and/or snow.

Short description of drawings

The present invention will be discussed in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Fig. 1 shows an indoor winter recreation facility.

Fig. 2A shows a second indoor recreation facility.

Fig. 2B shows a schematic view of a cross-section of a ski area of Fig. 2A. Fig. 2C shows a schematic depiction of the indoor recreation facility of Fig.

2A.

Description

Fig. 1 shows and indoor recreation facility 10, with a number of different areas for a number of different winter activities. These include areas throwing snowballs 16, playing ice hockey or ice skating 17, snow diggers and snowman building 18, curling 20, sledding or tubing 22, and other winter activities. Area 23 could also be used as a downhill ski area, or a portion of slope 22 could be used for skiing in some versions. Indoor recreation facility 10 also includes a winter village 26 with outdoor eating and drinking areas. Such an indoor recreation facility 10 can be fixed, or could be mobile for moving around to different locations.

As various areas of facility 10 require snow or ice for the recreation activities, a climate system which supports the maintenance of the various areas is provided. Such a climate system is operated at a temperature above freezing (zero degrees Celsius). The temperature can be in the range of, for example zero degrees C to 10 deg. C, 2 deg. C to 5 deg. C, 0.5 deg. C to 3 deg. C or other ranges, even at normal air conditioned temperatures. This temperature is set at a point or range such that a portion of the snow or ice melts on a predetermined cycle. The predetermined cycle can be, for example, a 24 hour cycle with the goal that a certain percentage of snow or ice will melt in 24 hours. This percentage can be based on how often the snow or ice needs fully replaced, and could be, for example, 1 %-3% melt per cycle, resulting in a full melt over a period of weeks to months. In some cases, the desired melt rate may be even lower, only wishing to fully replace all the snow or ice on a yearly cycle.

Climate system 1 1 could also control other factors which influence the environment of indoor recreation facility 10, such as the humidity. The humidity can influence the quality and sustainability of the snow, and thus is preferably kept as low as possible in combination with the suggested temperature.

An example facility 10 could be maintained at a temperature range of about 2 deg. C to about 3 deg. C. This would provide a daily melt rate of approximately 3%, ensuing all snow and ice is melted and replaced in about 3 month cycles.

The temperature and melt rate can be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to expected visitors, outside temperature, events in the facility and snow quality; and thus the climate control system may adjust the temperature to achieve the desired melt rate based on a change in any of these factors or others. Thus, the temperature could be varied even more, for example going up to a fairly high temperature of about 7 deg. C to 20 deg. C for an event lasting a few hours, and/or going to a lower temperature at night or when replacing snow and/or ice.

Using a climate control system which keeps the facility 10 at a temperature above freezing at least during usage hours keeps persons within the climate facility at more comfortable temperatures. This enables a more pleasant experience for guests and employees, as it is not as cold. This can be particularly advantageous in outdoor eating or drinking areas where persons in the facility are not as active as in other areas and may become colder quicker.

Additionally, by keeping a temperature above freezing, the melt cycle can be controlled such that the snow and ice can be refreshed regularly. Users of the climate facility generally desire clean and new snow or ice as the ideal surface for activities. This can be especially true for certain activities such as skiing and skating. By melting a percentage of the snow or ice on a predetermined cycle, new snow or ice can also be generated on that cycle to replace it, thereby giving users a more desirable experience.

In past systems, the temperature was typically kept below freezing in such climate facilities to ensure proper temperatures for the snow and ice. However, this meant that there would be little to no melt and the snow and ice would become dirty and packed down from use or lose its consistency like thereby acting like sand. The older snow also became unusable for some purposes, for example, making snowmen or snowballs. The old snow and ice would then need to be periodically removed, typically by bringing in a forklift or other fairly large grooming machine to remove the old snow and ice and make way for new. This was a difficult task, especially in areas that were difficult to reach with the removal machines used, for example snow play types of attractions. By keeping a climate control system which maintains a temperature above freezing in a range such that a portion of the snow or ice melts on a predetermined cycle, the removal of old snow and ice by separate machines is no longer necessary. The melting of a portion of the snow and/or ice on a predetermined cycle ensures that some snow and/or ice is constantly melting, making way for new snow and/or ice and a more pleasant user experience. This constant replenishing with new snow and ice provides a fresh look and snow which is ideal and able to be used for all purposes. This also helps to avoid ice accumulation where not desired, especially on ski hills or other high-traffic areas prone to snow compaction and icing over.

Keeping climate facility 10 at a temperate above freezing can also benefit the overall structure or building which houses climate facility 10. At colder temperatures, construction and buildings tend to have more structural issues, such as cracking of concrete, icicle formation, condensation, the need for insulation and different materials which will stand up to colder below freezing temperatures, etc. Thus, by keeping climate facility 10 at a temperature above freezing, many of these issues can be minimized or avoided.

The temperature above freezing also ensures efficient melting and draining away of snow tracked to areas that snow is not desired, keeping snow only in areas where desired. This has the advantages of keeping areas where snow is not desired free from snow and ice, making the areas easier to clean and maintain, warmer for general standing on, and less prone to be areas where users slip from unexpected snow or ice.

Fig. 2A shows a second indoor recreation facility 10, which includes track 12 which can be used for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, biathlon and/or dogsledding; igloo village 28 and winter sport court 30. Fig. 2B shows a schematic view of a cross-section of track 12, which includes snow layer 32, snow mat 33, drainage layer 34, concrete layer 35, insulation layers 36, 37, levelling layer 38, waterproof membrane 39 and existing floor 40. A drainage channel 41 extending from drain layer 34 through exiting floor 40. Fig. 2C shows a schematic depiction of facility 10, with recreation area 10 with climate control system 1 1 , drainage system 42 and recycle system 44.

As seen in Fig. 2B, the snow layer 32 sits on snow mat 33, which rests on drainage mat 34. Snow mat 33 keeps snow in place, and drainage mat 34 allows liquid to drain through drainage channel 41 to drainage system 38. Drainage channel 41 can include a variety of features, such as odour traps, valves, filters, specific drainage inlets, etc. Drainage mat can have various drainage features to guide melted snow to drainage channel 41 . Snow mat 33 and drainage mat 34 also prevent the melt from eroding snow layer 32 from below as it melts and enters drainage system 42.

Concrete layer 35 can be reinforced and waterproof to help insulate and support various areas of facility 10. Concrete layer 35 can also be sloped to help guide drainage into drainage channels 41 . Insulation layers 36 and 37 can help to preserve the temperature desired for snow layer 32 and facility 10, and screed layer 38 can help to level out toward existing floor 40. Membrane 39 helps to keep exiting floor 40 dry to maintain desired structural conditions.

After flowing through snow mat 33 and drainage mat 34, the melt enters drainage channel 41 and then drainage system 42, which can include a flowing system with flow or drainage channels and/or pipes. The melt can be channelled to be collected in a certain area, for example, a dirty water tank 43. Different materials and/or devices can be used in drainage system 42 for the collection and transport of the melt, such as membranes, pipes, tanks, pumps, etc. For example, areas with the most accumulating melt water, such as the bottom of snow slides or ski slopes, and could have separate water collectors where the melt is collected and then pumped away through drainage pipes to recycle system 44. Dirty water tank 43 can be directly connected to a drainage system as well as recycle system 44.

The drainage system 42 transports the melt to the recycle system 44, where the melt can be cleaned for reuse. The recycle system can include one or more filters 45, UV water disinfectant device 46 and/or other devices for cleaning the melted snow and/or ice. The recycle system 44 can also include a fresh water supply if desired and a clean water tank 47 for collecting the clean water. The recycle system 47 can then deliver the cleaned liquid for reuse in climate facility 10, for example to an ice or snow maker 48, which uses an airblower 49 for distributing snow to desired snow areas. This clean water could also be used in other ways, for example, in watering plants or other wildlife or in cleaning the facility. A number of pumps, valves, etc. could be used through the drainage and recycle systems depending on system setup.

By having a complete system in which climate control system 1 1 controls the temperature inside climate facility 10 to be at a temperature above freezing and in a range to achieve a certain melt per predetermined period; a drainage system 42 that then drains the controlled melt to recycle system 44 which prepares it for reuse; climate facility 10 is able to operate more energy efficiently and provide a more desirable user experience. As discussed above, the control of the temperature by climate control system 1 1 allows for a more desirable user experience in a number of ways. The user gets to enjoy climate facility 10 and recreation activities at a temperature more pleasant and less cold. Additionally, the temperatures allow for a controlled melt, allowing for the refreshment and replacement of snow and ice regularly and increasing snow quality by avoiding old snow which can get packed down and icy through use of climate facility 10. The temperatures also benefit the overall climate facility 10 and building in which climate facility is housed by minimizing or avoiding problems associated with construction and building maintenance at colder temperatures below freezing.

The drainage system 42 provides a simple way to remove and collect old snow and ice without the need for large machines to navigate the various areas of climate facility 10 for physical removal of the snow and ice. Drainage system also provides flow paths to deliver the melt to recycle system 44 for cleaning and reuse. Recycle system 44 can be especially advantageous when climate facility is located in an arid or desert climate where water is scarce. Further, by using the melt to make new snow or ice, less energy is needed to transform the melt liquid into snow or ice as the temperature is already quite cold as compared to liquid delivered at ambient temperature, and does not have to be cooled as much to achieve the temperature needed for snow and/or ice production. While climate facility 10 has been shown in two specific configurations, these are examples only, and the climate facility 10 could have many different configurations with many different activity areas and/or arrangements of activity areas.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular or preferred embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.