AU2020103912A4 - Water jump using artificial/ synthetic grass/ turf or similar. - Google Patents

Abstract

A water jump made from or containing artificial/ synthetic turf/ grass of any colour. The size of the water jump as set up to jump in competition changes the name. If the length that the horse jumps does not exceed 2m, it is known as a Liverpool. If the front width is 4m or greater and the length that the horse jumps is 2m-3.6m and is sky blue (as current FEl and EA rules state) it is known as a water jump, and requires a take off element. If there is no rail over the water jump it is known as an open water. A Liverpool can be other sizes, shapes and colours. The innovation can be any shape, size or colour for training. Optional Lathe to define the limits of the waterjump. Optional materials to make parts inflexible. Optional materials to make the water jump impermeable/ permeable/ able to hold water or not, as desired. Figure 1.1. Example of artificial/ synthetic turf/grass Figure 1.2 Example of typical vinyl water tray.

Description

Figure 1.1. Example of artificial/ synthetic turf/grass

Figure 1.2 Example of typical vinyl water tray.

EDITORIAL NOTE 2020103912 There are four pages of description only

DESCRIPTION FIELD

[0001] The present innovation is related to water jumps (water trays) for horse jumps. It relates to the material used to being artificial/ synthetic grass/ turf or similar.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Water trays are used in showjumping and eventing to 'decorate' a jump to make it more challenging (Liverpool) or to be the jump itself (open water). These names are based on their size (Follow Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), Equestrian Australia (EA) or other local rules if they change). Liverpool is maximum 2m wide. The Liverpool is a decoration, it is not faultable itself. It is placed under a jump where if the horse changes the height or width of the jump, it obtains faults. Open water is sky blue, with a minimum 4m wide across the front, and 2m to 3.6m long, must have a solid front that is not faultable (ie flowers/ picket fence 40-50cm high) with a white lathe 6-8cm wide to define the back of the open water that the horse must clear (not touch). If a rail is placed over the open water, that becomes the faultable object, not the horse touching the open water.

[0003] The 'jump' and 'decoration' are used interchangeably, as the use of rails can change the Open water from a jump to a decoration. Irrespective of the term or other terms used ie water jump or water tray, it refers to the Liverpool or Open Water as in the FEI and or EA and or local rules. Water trays have previously been made from one or combination of rubber, vinyl, concrete or metal with or without a boundary and or lining to comply with FEI or local rules.

[0004] FEI rules currently state that the Open Water must be dug into the ground. EA rules override this in Australia, saying the Open Water can lay on top of the ground.

[0005] Typically, vinyl has been used for liverpool and open water jumps as it is easier to move and transport than rubber backed liverpool or open water jumps. Vinyl Liverpool and open water jumps can move with the wind and can move/ make noise if a horse steps on them (often frightening the horse, which can be unsafe for the rider). Typical vinyl liverpool and open water have an enclosed boarder that enables it to hold water. These boarders are not typically the required size or colour to be called a lathe. Vinyl is not as hard wearing as artificial grass.

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for an alternative material for Liverpool and Open Water jumps. A material that is UV stable for outdoor use, easy to move and transport, yet is unlikely to move in the wind, or make a noise or move if a horse steps on it, which occurs with the current vinyl water jumps.

[0007] The present innovation uses artificial/synthetic turf/ grass/ as a Liverpool or Open Water jump with the option it as a 'fill' (solid look) decoration for jumps. The material is not limited to artificial turf (or other names it is known by). In an embodiment, UV stable, flexible, water resistant material. Including rubber or foam. The material may be permeable or impermeable and of any colour. It may be constitute a combination of materials, but not the form of vinyl with boarder (Figure 1.2) as this is a pre existing product.

[0008] The present innovation using flexible material allows the Liverpool to be rolled or folded to make the decoration/ jump smaller in size and easier to move and transport.

can be attached to one side or both (ie wood plank) to make part of artificial turf inflexible.

[0010] Eyelets, magnets, VELCRO @, sewing, glue or other methods may be used to enable the artificial grass to fold back on itself, to for example create a pocket for a rail, or to attach a boundary and or to enable the artificial turf to hold water. Other materials including rubber, foam, earth, sand, wood or rolling or folding the edges can be used to raise the edges to enable the artificial grass to hold water.

[0011] The present design has an option that the front can have an inflexible attachment that means the front can fold back and be held up by wings and cups, or other methods, to become 'fill' or giving a 'solid' look.

[0012] The present design has an optional design/ pattern on the front and or back. The material used for the design includes (but not limited to), paint, tape, vinyl, stickers or artificial grass.

[0013] The present design may allow the artificial turf to go over the top of a solid object to be able to be used as a 'fill'for any jump, including providing a 'solid'front for a Open Waterjump.

[0014] The present design includes an optional lathe also made from the same material, but could also be of another material. A lathe is 6-8cm of contrasting colour (typically white) to define the edge of the Liverpool or Open Water. Current EA rules state that classes with more than $5000 prize money, FEI events in Australia or at the Australian Championships must use a plasticine of a contrasting colour.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the innovation.

[0016] Figure 1.1 Example of artificial grass. Figure 1.2 Examples of typical vinyl water tray

[0017] Figure 1. Top elevation view Liverpool

[0018] Figure 2 top elevational view open water

[0019] Figure 3 top elevational view optional designs

[0020] Figure 4-7 side view showing that the artificial grass can be flat, lifted, folded, rolled or objects placed underneath to change the style/ function of the jump

[0021] Figure 8-13 some examples of different ways artificial grass jump can be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] As shown in Figures1 to 13, the artificial grass jump, the shape, design or materials or combination of materials is not limited the examples stated.

[0023] According to Figure 4 -8,11,12 the width or length may be altered by rolling, folding the artificial grass or hanging over objects, placing objects underneath.

[0024] Figure 8-13 illustrates that an inflexible can be attached, at the same or different lengths, to any side. In this example, it is shown with wood planks attached to both sides at the top and bottom. This can act as a lathe. The wood in this example is wider at the top, to enable the turf to hang from 'cups' to give vertical lift, so it can be used as a 'fill' to decorate a jump.

that can be used for critical fall heights. It is also known as a non-slip properties. In the case of an accident, the artificial grass is soft and can move. If used in a vertical manner, it is recommended to use flat cups to enable it to fall/ collapse easily if it is touched by a horse or rider, to minimise injury in an accident.

[0026] Depending on the context, all references herein to the "innovation" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it may refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments, versions and examples of the present innovation, which are included to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the innovations when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology, the innovations are not limited to only these particular embodiments, versions and examples. Other and further embodiments, versions and examples of the innovation may be devised without departing from the basic scope on the innovation.

Claims (5)

1. EDITORIAL NOTE 2020103912 There is one page of claims only

   Claims 1. A water jump:

   Made from or containing artificial/ synthetic turf/ grass of any colour.
2. 2. The water jump.

   The size of the waterjump as set up to jump in competition changes the name. If the length that the horse jumps does not exceed 2m, it is known as a Liverpool. If the front width is 4m or greater and the length that the horse jumps is 2m-3.6m and is sky blue (as current FEl and EA rules state) it is known as a water jump, and requires a take off element. If there is no rail over the waterjump it is known as an open water.
3. 3. The water jump.

   A Liverpool can be other sizes, shapes and colours.
4. 4. Thewaterjump.

   The innovation can be any shape, size or colour for training.
5. 5. The water jump Optional Lathe to define the limits of the water jump. Optional materials to make parts inflexible. Optional materials to make the water jump impermeable/ permeable/ able to hold water or not, as desired.

   Figure 1.1. Example of artificial/ synthetic turf/grass 06 Dec 2020

   Figure 1.2 Example of typical vinyl water tray.

   Figure 8 -13. Examples of artificial grass water jump (Liverpool). Optional colour used. 06 Dec 2020

   Optional inflexible material (wood) used at each end to act as a lathe and also enable the artificial grass water jump to be used as a ‘fill’ (solid) decoration on a jump. Also showing option for it to be hung over a another object (rail), or to be rolled up to change the height of the fill when used vertically, or width if used horizontally. Figure 8- flat Figure 9- hanging as a fill (front). 2020103912

   Figure 10- hanging as fill (back) Figure 11- Rolled up used as a small fill

   Figure 12- hanging over an object (ie Rail) Figure 13- used as a sloping front