Funbox
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A funbox is a standard element of a skatepark. Its main characteristic is the table component in the middle which varies by height and surface area and is usually surrounded by ramps and transitions. There is a huge variety of possible compositions, beginning with the simplest form a table followed by a ramp. Modern funboxes can be sophisticated constructions that offer further features like ledges, rails, spines or copings.
Utilizer
The funbox can be used by skateboarders, inline-skaters or BMX-riders. The used surface materials mostly provide sufficient grip for each user group.
Position within the skatepark
Because air jumps above the funbox are liked it is common to place the funbox in line to the outlet of a bigger ramp. The higher the central table, the more space is needed around the funbox. If there are ramps or transitions on all sides of the table, the funbox should be placed in the middle of the park.
[edit] General kinds of funboxes
standard funbox (jump box)
The table is positioned between two ramps (here tabbed as first and second ramp). The rider can go up the first ramp while performing a trick and leave the table by jumping to the ground or using the second ramp to accelerate again. To enable jumps from the one ramp to the other, the table should not be longer than 1.5 m. In general the table’s height is about 30-40 inches, a favorable elevation angle of the ramps is 20°.
funbox with ledge
In many cases the ledge extends from the beginning of the first ramp to the end of the second. The legde offers the possibility to perform grinds and slides. The edges of the ledge are usually fitted with coping tubes, the space between the tubes is paneled with plywood or steel making it easy to perform 50-50 tricks. The relative height of the ledge to the table is usually less than 15 inches.
funbox with rail
The rail provides similar benefits like the ledge, but it is easier to upgrade an exciting standard funbox to a rail-box.
funboxes with special features
Boxes made out of concrete may deviate from the described structure and offer more kind of forms. For example, the box is connected to a wall making wallrides possible.
[edit] Requirements of the material
The construction must resist to transient dynamic loads resulting from air jumps onto the funbox. Therefore it must be considered that a rider arrives the table's plane in its middle causing high bending moments, while the arising tension level is dependent on variables like the rider's weight or the altitude of the jump. The constructor has to plan with reserves, so that the material's yield point is never be reached. Elastic materials are able to soften the rider's impact. But, in fact, the surfacing may be the most significant matter. Firstly, it has to withstand the bounce of the axles for a long time without splintering. In outdoor-parks the atmospheric conditions must be regarded additionally. Therefore it is important that damp does not cause the surfacing getting slithery. Weather resistant materials are concrete, special kinds of plywood and zinced steel for the copings and rails. Secondly, the noise originated by using the funbox should be limited. Some fabricators offer special surfacing with silent properties.
Constructive requirements
Because the funbox can get into contact with vandals the screwed connections should be hidden and as few as possible. It is useful to design the table with adjustable feet to reach an appropriate balance, such as on uneven ground. Care should be taken that the funbox can't slide away when used.
