AU2021107331A4 - Gas Discharge System - Google Patents

Abstract

A goalpost lighting solution including gas discharge assemblies 23 coupled to the upper distal ends of goal posts 2. Each gas discharge assembly 23 includes a gas egress aperture 24 and a gas supply 25 of super atmospheric gas. The gas supply 25 is connected to the gas egress aperture 24 to discharge the gas during use. An igniter 27 is included to ignite the discharged gas. Figure 2 4 2 6 3 8 15 7 - - - - - - - - - ------------- ------------ .... .. .. - - - - - - - - IfI 10, - - - - - - - - - - - - ----------------------- -

Description

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Gas Discharge System

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to improvements in goalpost systems. In particular, the invention relates to a gas discharge system for use with goalposts on sporting playing fields.

BACKGROUND ART

Sporting venues are progressively looking for methods and initiatives to enhance the crowd and viewer experience. Recent examples of such initiatives include the deployment of flaming gas burners that ignite on demand to brightly illuminate and stimulate the venue attendees. However, such gas burners are typically located at ground-level behind the goal posts, separated from the playing area and adjacent crowd seating.

Various systems of illuminating goalposts have been implemented. It has been shown that the effectiveness of such goalpost lighting may be influenced by several factors including the:

- discernible illumination level or brightness of the system during operation; - electrical power available to generate the illumination level; - physical location and packaging of the electrical power supply,

and the

- homogeneity of the post's external surface appearance when not illuminated; - customisability or variability of the illumination transmitted, and/or, - environmental robustness, integrity and/or durability of the post's external surface.

Existing attempts at illuminating goalposts have incorporated both battery and mains powered solutions, operated wired or wirelessly. However, in order to tangibly enhance the crowd experience during both day and night events, the goalposts are required to be illuminated with a sufficient brightness to overcome daylight or stadium lighting illumination levels.

Direct sunlight may produce an illuminance of up to 120,000 lux (120,000 lumens per square meter) upon a perpendicular surface. The illuminance of direct sunlight varies by season, time of day, location and sky conditions. By way of reference, full daylight (with direct sunlight obscured by cloud) will produce an illuminance of approximately 10,000 - 25,000 lux on a playing field surface. Stadiums typically supplement natural sunlight with flood lighting once natural sunlight on the playing surface falls below approximately 5,000 lux.

Typically, international sporting fixtures are flood-lit to ensure a minimum of 3,000 lux is applied to the playing surface to meet tv broadcasting camera requirements. Furthermore, a recognised rule of thumb states that for an object to project meaningful light that may be distinguishable from reflected sunlight (or projected flood light), then the object must produce lighting of illuminance many multiples greater than that of the reflected sunlight / floodlight illuminance.

Turning to the above-referenced physical properties of the goalposts; despite the existence of prior lighting techniques applied to goalpost structures, a barrier to widespread adoption has been the resulting distorted / non-homogenous appearance of goalpost structures when these aforementioned systems have been implemented to goalpost structures.

Where the physical lighting products are fitted to or incorporated into the goalpost structure, the lighting product and materials are typically externally visible and alter the appearance of the goalposts structures. The effect of this alternation may include altering the physical profile of the goalpost structure to the extent that the structure become substantially non uniform, thus generating unorthodox trajectories from ball impacts and deflections.

A further barrier to the widespread adoption of illuminating goalposts has been the challenge of developing an improved technique / method / approach that provides waterproofing of the lighting solution incorporated on or into the goalpost structure.

Typically goalpost structures are modular, comprising multiple members that are sleeved or bolted together to form a structure of continuous length. Complications arise when incorporating a lighting solution on or into elongate goalpost structure member(s), with respect to:

i) achieving waterproofing of the underlying lighting solution along elongate goalpost structure member(s);

ii) maintaining waterproofing between modular, interlocking (or sleeved) sections of the goalpost structure member(s).

Health and safety considerations also present a barrier to the use of ground-level gas burner systems and/or other gas discharge systems inside the playing surface perimeter.

Reference throughout the specification is made to the invention as relating to goalposts although this should not be seen as limiting.

It is an object of the present invention to address at least some of the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It has been determined that in order for an illuminated goalpost structure to emit sufficient illuminance to become discernible from reflected daylight off the goalpost structure, and to be notably visible to crowds in all directions, a typical goalpost structure would need to produce more than 500,000 lumens, with increased lumens producing greater impact on the crowd experience.

It would thus be desirable to provide a means of delivering sufficient power to a goalpost structure that will enable that structure to illuminate at particular moments of a game with substantial illuminance that will enhance the crowd experience, by delivering millions of lumens of illuminance from a goalpost structure.

Current LED lighting technology typically is efficient at producing light at approximately 20 200 lumens per watt with the efficiency varying by wavelength of light emitted. It follows therefore in order to produce 2 million lumens of illuminance from a typical goalpost structure for the short burst involved (typically 5 - 10 seconds), the electrical power requirements could be as large as 100kW.

Supplying this amount of power to a goalpost structure in a stadium environment from mains power presents challenges. Stadiums are readily able to supply single phase 3kW mains supply to the goalpost structure, while many stadiums can also supply 3 phase 20kW mains supply, albeit less economically. However, although not impossible, the requirement to supply power in excess of this for short durations as triggered during an event present greater challenges. This level of power cannot be easily and economically supplied in a stadium environment, and furthermore the near instantaneous power requirements required to illuminate the goalpost structure in a rapid on/off fashion cannot easily be delivered by a larger power supply (and power source) without ramp-up delay, and thus deleterious for implementing which is material when rapid illumination repetition of illumination is to be implemented.

Additionally, considering the power consumption patterns associated with spectator goalpost lighting is typically on- demand, and in bursts after points scoring or other trigger events and not typically required continuously. The economics of providing a power supply configured to be fully rated to the maximum power requirements when only it is used sporadically (e.g. a 100kW power supply rated to 100% for operation with a duty-cycle of less than 10%) is inefficient and uneconomic.

Furthermore, to enhance the match experience of attendees, a typical 90-minute sporting game may incur 5 minutes of cumulative illuminated goalpost activation.

Additionally, it will be readily appreciated, that space constraints inside of the goalpost structure or in the surrounding proximity of goalposts typically prevent high power conversion systems being implemented. Consequently, the necessary power conversion or power supply systems are often implemented remotely (on the stadium boundary) or below the playing surface/within the turf.

According to one aspect, there is provided a system within the confines of the goalpost structure or near thereto (including on the boundary of the field), that is capable of supplying the on-demand power requirements to fulfil the illumination requirements.

According to one embodiment, there is provided the application of an energy storage product that exhibits high energy storage capacity, typically in the vicinity of 200 Farads or greater, capable of supplying 200kW of power in short duration bursts, typically comprising low ESR (equivalent series resistance) "supercapacitor banks'.

As used herein, the term 'supercapacitor' includes ultracapacitors and any other electrolytic, film, ceramic or other capacitors and any other capacitor having a greater (more than double) energy density than conventional electrolytic capacitors. Supercapacitors typically have over times more energy per unit mass or volume in comparison.

As used herein, the term 'lighting solution' includes any lightning system, layer, array, panel, arrangement, configuration, or other light, gas and/or particle-emitting devices, regions or components or the like, whether integrated with, embedded into, or located inside, or positioned about a structure including any portion of a goalpost.

Supercapacitors allow significantly more electrical energy storage per volume than conventional electrolytic, ceramic and film type capacitors, though still less than a battery. However, as a supercapacitor works by storing static electric charges on solids, while a battery relies on charges being produced slowly through chemical reactions (often involving liquids) a supercapacitor can release energy virtually instantaneously - significantly more rapid than a battery. Storing a given amount of energy on a supercapacitor is also far more rapid than charging a battery with the same energy. Indeed, since working electrostatically and having little or no internal resistance means supercapacitors also store and release energy at close to 100 percent efficiency (97-98 percent is typical) and may be charged/discharged in the order of millions of times without detriment.

Thus, although a battery power supply may offer a greater energy density, supercapacitors provided a far higher power density and are thus particularly suited to the needs of goalpost lighting.

Preferably, said supercapacitors are located:

- inside the goalpost structure;

- outside the goalpost structure;

- at or below the playing surface surrounding the goalpost structure; or

- remotely within control equipment on the perimeter of the field.

In one embodiment, the supercapacitors are configured to be fully charged over an extended duration utilising a power supply rated to the weighted average of the use requirement of the goalpost illumination structure. For example, the 200 Farad supercapacitor may take 1 minutes to charge from a 3kW mains supply, and then be discharged into the lighting illumination over a duration of 5 seconds.

Preferably, the supercapacitors are configured in conjunction with the lighting solution employed on (or incorporated into) the goalpost structure such that power conversion between the supercapacitor and lighting solution is minimal and optimised when the on demand lighting is triggered.

In one embodiment, the supercapacitor is capable of supplying burst power of 50kW for 5 secs. It will be appreciated however, that the invention is not limited to same and may be scaled with additional supercapacitors to provide longer output durations.

In use, the lighting solution is able to be readily and reliably triggered on-demand and/or in pre-determined sequences due to the ability of the supercapacitors to supply the significant power requirements to the lighting elements without material delay, and with no practical restraint to illumination requirements.

Preferably, the supercapacitor performance is monitored to ensure performance specifications of the supercapacitor are not exceeded.

Typically the system may comprise a bank(s) of supercapacitors configured to supply power to a lighting solution located on or integrated into a number of goalpost structure members, or alternatively a single bank of supercapacitors may be allocated to the lighting solutions associated with each goalpost structure member. Either option may be achieved with the supercapacitors residing within the confines of inside or outside of the goalpost structure; within the turf surrounding the goalpost structure; or remotely within control equipment located on the perimeter of the field in some instances.

Known in the art is a lighting system for a structure (hereinafter termed 'goalpost') including at least one longitudinally elongate goalpost structure member, the lighting system (hereinafter termed goalpost lighting system') including:

• at least one electrical conduit, and

* at least one lighting solution.

Preferably, said electrical conduit includes conductive busbars, cables, panels, layers, mesh, inductive circuitry and/or any other convenient forms of electrical power connectivity.

According to a first aspect, there is disclosed herein a goalpost lighting power supply system, connected with a lighting solution including one or more light-emitting means located on at least one goalpost, said goalpost lighting power supply system including at least one high-energy-density storage and release system, wherein said at least one high-energy-density storage and release system is configured with:

• a power/weight ratio of at least 10 Wg- (Watts per gram); • energy storage capacity of at least 10 Wh (Watt hours), and * an ESRof <10 mQ (milli Ohms).

In one embodiment said, goalpost lighting power supply system is further connected with a recharge power supply, configured to recharge said at least one high-energy-density storage and release system.

In one embodiment, said at least one high-energy-density storage and release system includes at least one supercapacitor.

In one embodiment, said at least one high-energy-density storage and release system includes at least one battery.

In one embodiment, said at least one high-energy-density storage and release system is located inside said goalpost.

In an alternative embodiment, said at least one high-energy-density storage and release system is located externally to said goalpost.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a goalpost including:

* a lighting solution, and * goalpost lighting power supply system as hereinbefore described.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of installation of the goalpost as hereinbefore described, said method including:

Connecting said goalpost lighting power supply system to said lighting solution. Preferably, said lighting solution includes light-emitting means including an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), though alternative illumination technologies may also be employed.

According to one embodiment, said recharge power supply is an electrical mains supply, located externally to said goalposts. The goalpost lighting power supply system is connectable to said electrical mains supply.

In an alternative embodiment, said recharge power supply is a storage battery, preferably located inside a goalpost. The storage battery is electrically connected to the goalpost lighting power supply system.

According to a further embodiment, there is provided a goalpost illumination cladding system and associated implementation that maintains a substantially homogenous appearance and uniform physical external face of the goalpost structure whilst providing transmissivity of the illumination from the underlying lighting solution to illuminate the goalpost structure very brightly on-demand.

According to a further aspect, the cladding may provide waterproofing of the lighting solution on each elongate goalpost structure member. According to a further aspect, the cladding may provide waterproofing of the entire lighting solution positioned over the goalpost structure.

According to one aspect, a cladding layer may be applied to an elongate goalpost structure member. Preferably said cladding is sleeved over the elongate goalpost structure member or alternatively wrapped around the elongate goalposts structure member.

Preferably, said cladding is held in position to said elongate goalpost structure member by adhesive or by heat-shrinking into position. The cladding thereby envelopes the underneath lighting solution irrespective of whether the lighting solution surrounds the goalpost structure or is incorporated into the goalpost structure.

The cladding is preferably coloured to substantially correspond to the colour of the underlying goalpost structure, or some other desired colour, to produce a uniform and substantially homogenous appearance similar to that typical of an underlying goalpost structure. However, the cladding is also configured to provide for high transmissivity of the light distributed from the underneath lighting solution.

Preferably, the cladding is toned by:

- printing on the cladding substrate,

- by pigmentation during or after manufacture, or

- by other conventional means of applying a colour tone to or on a substrate.

The cladding positioned above, outside, or exterior to, the lighting solution is toned to a degree that allows the illumination from the lighting solution underneath to be transmitted through the cladding with sufficient transmissivity such that the goalposts retain the illumination impact to audiences. A core function of the cladding is to substantially diminish the visibility of the underlying lighting solution when viewed by spectators when the lighting solution is not emitting light (such that the goalpost structure assumes a default appearance similar to that of a conventional goalpost structure not containing a lighting solution) and to achieve this function whilst retaining the ability to transmit substantial light from the underneath lighting solution when activated to the audience.

It will be appreciated that it's desirable that the cladding balance antagonistic requirements in order to both

a) obscure any visual pattern, contrasts, shapes or any otherwise discernible indication of the presence of the lightning solution light emitting elements when not illuminated, and

b) provide the minimum impediment to the transmission of illumination (i.e. a low transmissivity) from the lighting solution through the cladding layer to the audience.

To maximise both options a) and b) would, respectively, result in a completely opaque or transparent layer. It has been shown that an effective balance may be achieved by judicious control of the optical properties of the cladding layer, including the optical transmissivity and reflectance.

As used herein, the term" cladding" includes any layer, sheet, wrap, tape, sleeve or material having at least a portion with a uniform transparency, transmittivity, opacity, thickness, colour, saturation, hue, pattern and /or any other visual, mechanical or thermodynamic property. The cladding may also be an 'outer layer' or'external layer', though this is not mandatory. It will be appreciated that an additional transparent layer overlaid outside the cladding layer need not compromise the optical properties desired from the cladding layer.

According to one embodiment, the cladding is formed as a sleeve, configured to encircle at least a portion of the elongate goalpost structure member and shrunk through heating (or other convenient means) to form a tight-fitting layer enveloping the lighting solution elements underneath. The cladding thus provides a robust, waterproof, substantially physically uniform and rugged layer capable of surviving impact with balls and other sporting objects typical commensurate with the performance of a conventional goalpost structure.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art the cladding need not necessarily be limited to a sleeved heat shrinking product, but may also include adhesive sheets (and/or strips) of product material, either pre-printed or capable of being printed on. Such adhesive sheets applied over the lighting solution are also able to perform the same partial illumination transmissivity function whilst providing a default goalpost appearance to the audience. It will be further apparent that a cladding layer formed by such sheets of material could be layered to achieve water proofing or water-resistant properties and/or may rely on adhesive additions to enhance waterproofing properties.

According to one embodiment, the cladding material is printed (via digital or mechanical means (including screen printing or other mechanical printing technique) to achieve a desired appearance that mimics that of the unadorned or conventional goalpost structure, typically a uniform white appearance. The density of the print product (ink or equivalent) may be specifically selected to produce a predetermined light transmissivity from lighting solution underneath. Typically, a cladding layer would provide 40-80% light transmissivity, with the exact level of transmissivity being selected to meet specific deployment requirements to balance the lighting solution transmission requirements against the requirement for the appearance of the posts to assume a substantially homogenous appearance of conventional goalposts when not illuminated. According to a further embodiment, to encompass a very broad range of possible environmental factors that may conceivably be encountered at different sporting venues, a transmissivity between 10% - 95% may be selected.

According to a further aspect, the cladding may include a clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) heat shrink substrate, preferably provided with a UV-resistant coloured ink, applied to adhere the coloured ink to the substrate, preferably at a tone to balance the light transmissivity against the coloured external appearance of the substrate. The density of the printing application may be tailored to achieve the desired reflectivity - transmittivity balance.

The optical reflectance (i.e. the fraction of visible light reflected by a given material) refers to light which is reflected at the interface and redirected back into the media through which it was already propagating and is a proxy for the appearance of the cladding layer viewed by the audience when the lighting solution is unilluminated. Thus, the cladding layer is toned (by printing or other means) to produce a high reflectance across the intended visible spectrum (typically no lower than 20%), achieves the outcome of sufficiently disguising the lighting solution underneath, and providing a "homogenous" appearance.

Transmissivity refers to the fraction of visible light passing through the media. Consequently, transmissivity is a measure of the amount of visible light produced by the lighting solution being emitted through the cladding layer. The cladding layer is thus toned to produce a high transmittance from the lighting solution; typically configured to give a transmittance of greater than 80%, though may, for example be reduced to 40% when a greater reflectance is sought.

In one embodiment, after the PVC cladding layer is positioned to encircle the elongate goalpost structure member, the PVC is heated to shrink-fit to cover the lighting solution, whether embedded into the post structure or not. The cladding may be in intimate contact with the lighting solution or one or more intermediate layers may be interposed in between the cladding and the goal post. he resultant uniform, tight and continuous physical finish to the exterior of the goalpost structure provides the same kinematic interaction from any contact with balls as a conventional goalpost.

Preferably, the cladding layer provides a waterproof layer over the lighting solution.

Typically, the cladding layer exhibits properties to provide electrical insulation between the external environment (people included) and the underlying lighting solution.

According to another aspect, there is provided a goalpost cladding configured for attachment to cover a goalpost lighting solution located on a goalpost, wherein, said cladding has an optical transmittivity of at least 30%.

In one embodiment, said goalpost cladding is formed from a transparent sheet material, e.g. PVC, with a layer of printing ink applied thereto, thereby defining the cladding layer transmissivity.

According to another aspect, there is provided a goalpost structure member including a waterproof goalpost cladding substantially as hereinbefore described.

According to a further preferred embodiment, there is provided a goalpost including:

* a lighting solution; and * at least one goalpost structure member as hereinbefore described.

According to a further preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of applying a goalpost cladding as hereinbefore described, to a goalpost structure member by:

* heat shrinking and/or * adhesive.

In one embodiment, said goalpost cladding is formed as a substantially elongate sleeve.

In an alternative embodiment, said goalpost cladding is formed as a sheet of material.

Preferably, the goalpost lighting power supply system includes conductive busbars, cables, panels, layers, mesh, inductive circuitry and/or any other convenient forms of electrical power connectivity for connecting the goalpost lighting power supply system components and for connecting to the lighting solution/means.

Preferably, said goalpost lighting power supply system further includes a control unit.

Preferably, said goalpost is a modular structure constructed from multiple goalpost structure members including a plurality of reversibly interlocking elongate portions.

Preferably, the goalpost forms part of a sports or other entertainment facility such as sporting goalposts, e.g. rugby posts or soccer goalposts.

Preferably, said cladding exhibits a default appearance and provides mechanical strength and durability

It will be appreciated that visually distinctive, impacting and/or informative displays provided by said lighting solution need not necessarily be generated solely or partially by an electrical lighting system. According to further embodiments, the lighting solution may include combustible, incandescent, luminescent, reflective, radiant, incendiary, pyrotechnical and/or luminous emissions, in gaseous and/or particulate form.

As used herein, the term 'gas', or'gaseous', includes a substance of any particulate concentration and/or composition and unless otherwise denoted, includes said substance in its gas, liquid and solid states.

As used herein, the term 'egress aperture' includes any opening, space, void or the like allowing egress of gas, said egress aperture including, but not limited to holes, slots, slits, mesh, nozzles, jets, valves, flaps, wastegates, permeable membranes and so forth.

As used herein, the term 'super-atmospheric gas' denotes gas at an elevated pressure in comparison to atmospheric pressure.

As referenced previously, gas flares/gas burners have previously been used to add visual impact at sporting grounds. However, understandable safety concerns over the proximity to players and audiences from jets of naked flames has hitherto confined such gas flares from the playing areas.

According to a first aspect, there is disclosed herein a goalpost lighting solution including at least one gas discharge assembly configured to be located on at least one goalpost, said gas discharge assembly including,

- at least one gas egress aperture; - at least one gas supply of super atmospheric gas, connected to a said gas egress aperture to discharge said gas during use.

It will be understood that a goalpost lighting solution may include multiple gas discharge assemblies formed as individual discrete assemblies, each with one or more gas egress apertures and, optionally, being individually controlled.

Depending on the configuration of the goalposts, it may be preferable to place separate individual gas discharge assemblies at physically separated distal locations e.g. the upper distal uprights of rugby posts. This would offer less complexity than having the corresponding gas egress apertures on the separate posts connected and controlled by a single gas discharge assembly with corresponding gas and electronic control interconnections linking the separate locations.

In one embodiment, at least one gas discharge assembly is located at the goalpost zenith with at least one gas egress aperture orientated vertically upwards. Gas egress apertures may also be located at other positions and orientations and thus fall within the scope of the invention. It will be noted however, several advantages accrue from locating one or more gas discharge assemblies at the goalposts' distal zenith, namely:

- positioning the gas emissions at the greatest separation from both the players and attendees; - maximising the conspicuousness and visibility of the gas emissions to the attendees; - allowing the goalpost lighting solution to be readily retrofitted to existing goalposts.

The extended vertical height of typical goal posts allows a significant separation between the on-field individuals and the gas discharge allowing the safe use of ignited gas discharges from the gas discharge assemblies, without needing the large horizontal separation buffer of prior art ground-level gas discharge systems.

In one embodiment, said goalpost lighting solution is retrofitted to an existing goalpost. In an alternative embodiment, said goalpost lighting solution integrally formed with goalpost during manufacture.

It will be appreciated that gas emissions from said gas discharge assemblies need not necessarily be flammable or combustible and the invention is not restricted to same. However, the ignition of a combustible emitted gas produces a powerfully striking, visually arresting experience for viewers, drawing their focus to the goalposts.

Thus, when applied to rugby posts, a goalpost lighting solution attached to the vertically uppermost position of the two upright posts would enable the emission of a combustible gas upwards from a corresponding gas egress aperture upon activation by an activation control signal.

According to a further aspect, the goalpost a lighting solution further includes a gas ignitor, configured to ignite said gas emitted through the egress aperture upon receipt of an activation control signal. The activation control signal is preferably transmitted to the goalpost lighting solution via a wired or wireless connection from a remote location. The gas egress and ignition may be activated by authorised monitoring or officiating personnel after a scoring event or other noteworthy incident.

The construction of gas discharge systems is well established and typically includes some form of gas supply, an exit nozzle, gas accumulator, a gas ignitor, associated control and safety valves and electronics, appropriate conduits and physical interconnections. The gas supply may either be continuous, from a reticulated supply or more typically, from a containerised source, e.g., a replaceable gas cylinder or cannister. All such configurations and componentry are contemplated by the present invention and fall within its scope. In practice, providing a continuous gas supply to goal posts on a sporting pitch requires a level of complexity, cost and inconvenience that would typically be outweighed by using a replaceable containerised gas supply.

According to one embodiment, the goalpost lighting solution further includes a replaceable or rechargeable/refillable gas reservoir, and preferably, includes an egress aperture control valve associated with said gas egress apertures.

Any convenient and practicable gas may be employed, such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG) which is typically composed of propane, butane or a mixture of the two. LPG is both a liquid and a vapor within storage containers (e.g., gas cylinders). A propellant is the combination of fuel and oxidizer. Thus, the LPG pressurized vapour in equilibrium with its liquid inside its storage container can be considered a propellant, i.e. as the egress aperture control valve is opened and the pressurised gas vapour egresses through the gas egress aperture, some of the liquified LPG vaporises, thus maintaining the elevated pressure within the gas reservoir and thereby facilitating continued or repeated pressurised gas egress until the LPG reservoir is substantially exhausted. Ubiquitous aerosol delivery devices utilise such a propulsive mechanism to efficiently expel a pressurized liquid/vapour and the present invention is well suited to utilise same.

It will also be understood that alternative means of discharging a defined quantity of gas are also possible (e.g., active propulsive mechanisms such as pumps, drives, pistons, and the like) and as such, fall within the scope of the invention. It will also be understood that the gas need not be restricted to propane and/or butane LPG, and that ethanol, methanol and the like may also be utilised by the present invention.

Similarly, in the present invention, ignition of the gas need not necessarily be performed externally to the gas egress aperture and may instead occur as part of an internal combustion process whereby the ignited gas is exhausted through the egress aperture under pressure after ignition. It will also be understood that the principles of such an internal combustion systems are well known in the art and as such are not discussed in greater detail herein.

Preferably, the goalpost lighting solution further includes an ignition controller configured to activate said gas ignitor.

Preferably, the goalpost lighting solution further include a gas discharge control means capable of:

- receiving remote electronic control inputs; - controlling release of gas from said gas supply via said egress aperture control valve, and - instructing said ignition controller to activate said gas ignitor.

It will be readily understood that the release and ignition of gas from a gas discharge assembly can be coordinated with or synchronised with the above-described electronic lighting system in embodiments where both systems are combined in a goalpost lighting solution.

A notable advantage of the present invention is the capacity for retrofitting to existing goalposts, thereby avoiding the cost, inconvenience, and complexity of replacing existing goalposts.

According to one aspect, a gas discharge assembly includes a housing, configured to form one part of a mutual coupling with an upper elongate distal portion of the goal post.

It will be understood numerous mutual coupling configurations may be utilised to releasably mate the gas discharge assembly and the elongate distal portion of the goal post.

In one embodiment, a gas discharge assembly is formed with a cylindrical housing, configured with an opening at one distal end to form an encircling mating coupling with an upper elongate distal portion of the goal post.

In an alternative embodiment, a gas discharge assembly is formed with a cylindrical housing, configured at one distal end as a socket to be sleeved within a mating opening in an upper elongate distal portion of the goal post.

Thus, the gas discharge assembly is able to be closely sleeved with the end of the goalpost, thereby only changing the goal post shape by an increased vertical extension. Predominantly, sports such has rugby only prescribe minimum post heights and consequently, such a vertical post extension creates no adverse consequence. Additional (or alternative) securement means such as screws, clips, Velcro®, screw-fit or the like may supplement (or replace) the sleeved coupling as required.

Preferably, the goalpost lighting solution is configured to be sleeved with least one distal elongate portion of a goalpost to form a mutual coupling therebetween.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a goalpost and a lighting solution, said lighting solution including at least one gas discharge assembly including:

- at least one gas egress aperture; - a at least one gas supply of super atmospheric gas, connected to a said gas egress aperture to discharge said gas during use.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of coupling a lighting solution, including at least one gas discharge assembly to a goalpost,

said at least one gas discharge assembly including:

- at least one gas egress aperture; - at least one gas supply connected to a said gas egress aperture to supply super atmospheric pressure gas during use,

wherein said method includes the step of sleeving at least one gas discharge assembly to form a mutual coupling with at least one distal elongate portion of said goalpost.

Reference herein is made to various aspects and embodiments of the present invention. For clarity and to aid prolixity every possible combination, iteration or permutation of features, aspects and embodiments are not described explicitly. Thus, it should be appreciated that the disclosure herein includes any combination, iteration or permutation unless explicitly and specifically excluded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 Shows an exemplary playing field with goalposts at opposing ends thereof;

Figure 2 Shows a goalpost lighting power supply system according to one preferred embodiment;

Figure 3 Shows a playing field goalpost and the goalpost lighting power supply system of Figure 2;

Figure 4 Shows a goalpost lighting power supply system according to a second preferred embodiment;

Figure 5 Shows a goalpost lighting power supply system according to a third preferred embodiment;

Figure 6 Shows a goalpost lighting power supply system according to a fourth preferred embodiment;

Figure 7 Shows a goalpost lighting power supply system according to a fifth preferred embodiment;

Figure 8 Shows a modular goalpost structure;

Figure 9 Shows another modular goalpost structure;

Figure 10 Shows a connection between two modules of the goalpost structures shown in Figures 8 and 9;

Figure 11 Shows a goalpost cladding according to one preferred embodiment;

Figure 12 Shows a goalpost cladding according to another preferred embodiment;

Figure 13 Shows the goalpost cladding of Figures 11 or 12 applied to the connection of Figure 10.

Figure 14 Shows a goalpost structure fitted with a lighting solution including two gas discharge assemblies according to a sixth preferred embodiment

Figure 15 Shows an enlarged section view of a gas discharge assembly as shown in figure 14.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 Playing Field 20a Male fitting 2 Goalposts 20b Female fitting goalpost lighting power supply 3 system 21 Play boundary 4 Lighting system 22 Field boundary 5 Lighting solution (LED array) 23 gas discharge assemblies 6 Electrical cabling 24 gas egress aperture high-energy-density storage and 7 release system 25 gas reservoir 8 Control unit 26 egress aperture control valve 8a Power supply control unit 27 gas ignitor 8b LED control unit 28 ignition controller Recharge power supply (Mains 9 power) 29 housing - upper portion 10 Goalpost structures 30 housing - lower portion 11 Mains power transmission line 31 flange 12 Cross-bar 32 screw 13 Battery bank 33 gas discharge control means 14 Power socket 34 accumulator 15 Housing 35 reservoir and accumulator release valve 18 Goalpost modules 36 cabling 18a Goalpost module one 37 control electronics 18b Goalpost module two 38 pressure regulator 19 Cladding 20 Spigot interlock

Figure 1 shows an exemplary playing field 1 with goalpost structures 10 at opposing ends of the field of play boundary signified by dashed boundary 21. The physical playing field extends to turf boundary 22.

The preferred embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for lighting the goalposts 2. The goalposts 2 may include lighting to provide a visual indication of a 'goal' being scored, for other play indications, promotional purposes or for any other purpose.

Figure 2 show a first embodiment of a goalpost lighting power supply system 3 for an exemplary goalpost 2. It will be understood that different sports employ different goalpost configurations, including H-shaped, Y-shaped "goose-necked, rectangular, individual posts and so forth, and the specific shape of the goalposts 2 illustrated herein are exemplary only. The goalpost lighting power supply system 3 is connected with a lighting solution in the form of an array 5 of LEDs attached to the goalpost 2 and forming a band about the goalpost

2.The lighting solution may be provided as strips, bands or any other configuration depending on the application and the desired visual characteristics.

It will be appreciated that lighting solutions could be applied to one or both the goalposts 2 and/or to the cross-bar 12 (shown in fig 5, 6, 8) of a goalpost structure 10.

Power is delivered to the LED array 5 via electrical cabling 6 that is located under playing field 1 and within the internal structure of the goalpost 5. The cabling 6 may include cabling, electrical bus-bars, any equivalent electrical system that can deliver power to the LED array or any combination thereof.

The goalpost lighting power supply system 3 includes at least one high-energy-density storage and release system in the form of supercapacitor bank 7 located remote to the goalpost 2 within protective housing 15. Reference herein is made to use of the high-energy density storage and release system as a supercapacitor bank 7 but it will be appreciated that the high-energy-density storage and release system may alternatively be provided by a battery (or battery bank) with a suitably high energy density and charge/discharge characteristics. The battery can provide a high-capacity, high-discharge rate to provide a similar function to the supercapacitor bank 7.

The supercapacitor bank 7 includes multiple supercapacitors to provide the necessary power to drive the LED array 5. The supercapacitor bank 7 in this embodiment includes eighteen individual supercapacitors which collectively are rated to provide about 200kW of power and have a stored energy capacity of about 60Wh. It will be appreciated that differing applications may have higher or lower energy requirements for the supercapacitor bank 7. However, it has been found that to achieve the desired lighting results for sporting grounds the supercapacitor bank 7 needs:

- a power/weight ratio of at least 10 Wg- (Watts per gram),

- an energy storage capacity of at least 10 Wh (Watt hours), and

- an ESR of less than 10 mQ (milli Ohms).

Supercapacitors have significant benefits over batteries in applications requiring intermittent high-current power as supercapacitors can discharge far more rapidly than batteries. The supercapacitor bank 7 in the preferred embodiment for example can provide a current of about 500A per goalpost 2, peaking at about 1500A for a 2 second flash of the LED array 5.

The supercapacitor bank 7 also has a lower Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) than batteries with equivalent energy storage, thereby enabling rapid charge and discharge cycles of the supercapacitor bank 7.

The goalpost lighting power supply system 3 includes a control unit 8 which in the embodiment of Figure 2 is also located remote to the goalpost 2 and is electrically connected to the supercapacitor bank 7 and cabling 6. The control unit 8 includes power supply conditioning for regulating power delivery to the LED array 5 and to control the lighting system 10.

The lighting solution 5, cabling 6, and goalpost lighting power supply system 3 collectively form a goalpost lighting system 4.

The control unit 8 also controls the charge and discharge of the supercapacitor bank 7. The supercapacitor bank 7 is connected to a recharge power supply 9, in this embodiment provided by grid or'mains' power supply connected to the control unit 8 via transmission cable 11. The mains power supply is configured to recharge the supercapacitor bank 7. Alternatively, the recharge power supply 9 may be provided as one or more batteries.

The control unit 8 is configured to receive operation signals from a remote operator. The signals may be transmitted by a wired connection or wireless protocol such as Bluetooth, WiFi, InfraRed, Radio, Cellular network connection or other wireless communication protocol. In response the control unit 8 generates and distributes the requisite control signals to the supercapacitor bank 7 and LED array 5.

The supercapacitor bank 7 provides significant capacitance that is capable of storing and supplying significant quantities of electrical current to the LEDs 5 in a relatively short duration. In the embodiment shown the supercapacitor bank 7 includes a 200 Farad supercapacitor exhibiting low ESR (Effective Series Resistance) capable of discharging 1,000 Amps for a duration less than 10 seconds.

To set up and operate the lighting system 4, the goalpost lighting power supply system 3 is connected to the lighting solution 5 and to the recharge power supply 9 to charge the supercapacitor bank 7. When the goalpost lighting solutions 5 are desired to be illuminated, a signal is sent to the control unit 8 which is configured in response to close the circuit between the supercapacitor bank 7 and LED array 5 to illuminate the LED array 5.

The distance of the goalposts from the perimeter 22 of the stadium field 1 may present power loss challenges in transporting significant power (when required on-demand) from the mains power connection 9 to the goalposts 2 without suffering significant power loss across the transmission cables 11, thereby limiting the amount of power that may be delivered on demand from a remote location. In Figure 3, by way of example, if mains power conversion techniques are employed to convert from AC mains to DC by the control unit 8 located on the perimeter 22 of the field, then distributing the power to the goalpost structure 10 becomes a challenge due to the power and voltage loss through the cabling 6 as a consequence of the resistance of the cabling 6.

One method to overcome power distribution loss is to locate the high-energy-density storage and release system (in this embodiment the supercapacitor bank 7) within (or proximal to) the goalposts 2. Figure 4 shows such an embodiment with a supercapacitor bank 7 located within goalpost 2. The supercapacitor bank 7 is formed from a cylindrical stack of supercapacitors connected together to form a long (typically cylindrical) supercapacitor bank 7 that can fit within the interior of the goalpost 2.

Two control units 8 are provided, one system 8a located within the goalpost 2 for controlling power distribution to the LED array 5 from the supercapacitor bank 7 and one control unit 8b located near the playing field boundary 22 for AC/DC conversion and for controlling charging of the supercapacitor bank 7.

The control unit 8b is configured to deliver continuous low power recharge from mains power 9 to the supercapacitor bank 7 located internally within the goalpost 2.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the supercapacitor bank 7 is located within the cross-bar 12 of the goalpost structure 10.

Where mains power is not available, or cabling between the field boundary 22 and the goalposts 2 needs to be avoided, another form of recharge power supply may be required. Figure 6 shows such an embodiment with the recharge power supply provided in the form of battery bank 13 located in the cross-bar 12. The battery bank 13 is not connected to mains power during play of the sporting match to avoid the need for burying or otherwise managing the cabling 6. A power socket 16 is located at the base of the goalpost 2 for wired connection to the mains power supply 9 and thus the battery bank 13 can be recharged by connecting to mains power 9 (or other power source) between matches or other suitable interludes.

The battery bank 13 is also connected to supercapacitor bank 7 via control unit 8a to recharge the supercapacitor bank 7.

It will be appreciated that the battery bank 13 may be located in the goalpost 2, underground, adjacent the post 2 or other suitable location.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a goalpost lighting system 10 that is generally similar to that shown in Figure 1 but instead of locating the cabling 6 within the goalpost 2 the cabling is affixed to the outer surface of the goalpost 2.

Figures 8 and 9 show two different examples of goalpost configurations that use goalposts constructed from interlocking goalpost structure members provided in the form of modules 18. Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary connection between two modules 18a, 18b which includes a 'spigot interlock'type mating connection with one module 18a having a male fitting 20a insertable into a corresponding female portion of the other module b. The spigot interlock connections enable the modules to be longitudinally interlocked to form a continuous goalpost 2.

As described with respect to figures 2-6, the cabling 6 and other components can be located inside the modules 18. The modules 18 may include multiple cable apertures (not shown) in the wall of the goalpost module 18 for the purpose of electrically connecting the lighting solution 5, power supply 9, supercapacitor bank 7 or battery banks 13, control system or any other connections.

Protecting the LEDs 5 and associated circuitry 6, 8 from water ingress can be difficult to achieve in prior art solutions given the modular nature of many goalposts used in Rugby, Rugby League, AFL and similar codes.

As described previously, prior art lighting systems applied to goalpost structures have not been able to provide lighting while also presenting a uniform visual appearance when not in the illuminated state. Prior art lighting systems typically use a lighting strip or similar attached to the exterior of the goalpost. This means that the lighting strip is visible and can be visually distracting. Moreover, the lighting strip can present an irregular surface thus affecting the deflection of balls impacting the goalpost.

To ameliorate these problems, preferred embodiments include cladding for the goalpost 2 that is configured for attachment to cover the goalpost lighting solution 5 located on the goalpost 2. The cladding 19 has an optical transmittivity of at least 30%, i.e. permitting at least 30% of the light from the lighting solution 5 to pass through the cladding.

As shown in Figures 11-13, the cladding 19 is constructed from PVC and formed as an elongate sleeve that is fitted over, and encircles, the goalpost 2 while covering the LEDs 5.

The cladding 19 is formed from a transparent sheet material, e.g. PVC, with a layer of printing ink applied thereto, thereby defining the cladding layer transmissivity.

Figure 11 shows the lighting solution 5 formed as a layer external to the goalpost 2 while Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment with the lighting solution 5 incorporated into the goalpost 2.

In both embodiments the cladding 19 wraps about the goalpost 2. The cladding 19 is constructed from PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) tubing such that it shrinks on application of heat, i.e. a 'heat-shrink' material. The cladding 19 can thus be passed over the goalpost module 18 and heat applied to shrink the cladding 19 and thereby tightly compressing the cladding 19 around the goalpost 2 and lighting solution 5 to produce an external finish that is uniform in appearance, physically uniform, and physically robust, in contrast to the prior art.

The application of cladding 19 also serves as a barrier to stop or at least hinder water ingress onto the underlying lighting solution 5 which could otherwise cause damage such as short circuits or corrosion.

In order to provide a uniform appearance, the cladding 19 is of a similar colour to the underlying goalpost 2, thus providing the appearance to spectators that the goalpost 2 isn't modified. Thus, the cladding 19 may, for example, provide a white appearance when the lighting solution 5 is not illuminated. When the lighting solution 5 is illuminated, the cladding 19 will display an appearance that corresponds to the colouring produced by the lighting solution 5. The colouring produced by the lighting solution 5, will thus not be discernible by the spectators until the lighting solution 5 is powered and illuminates.

Although the cladding 19 could be transparent to provide maximum transmission of light from lighting solution 5, the cladding 19 would then not provide such a uniform appearance of the goalpost 2 when not illuminated. A balance must thus be achieved between permitting enough light transmission through the cladding 19 while providing a visually uniform appearance when not illuminated.

Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11 the cladding 19 has a transmissivity of about %. In Figure 12 the cladding 19 has a transmissivity of about 30%. It will be appreciated that the level of transmissivity may vary with the application and characteristics desired by the operator. However, for standard white goalposts it has been found that a transmissivity between 30-90% is effective.

Alternatively, the cladding 19 may be a clear shrinkable sleeve and the appearance of the goalposts will assume the appearances of the lighting solution 5 and any other arrangement fitted underneath the cladding 19.

Figure 13 shows the cladding 19 applied to two modules 18 to be connected. The cladding 19 forms a sleeve substantially about the entirety of the length of the module 18 and also about a portion of the male fitting 20a to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing between interlocked modules 18 when connected, thus hindering water ingress to the interior of the goalpost 2 and associated lighting solution 5.

The cladding 19 need not be applied to every module of the goalpost 2. In some applications for example, the lower modules adjacent the ground for example may not need to be illuminated and so may not need to be covered by the cladding 19.

The cladding 19 on different modules may also not need to share the same transmissivity, construction and other characteristics.

Figures 14 and 15 show a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention with a further goalpost lighting solution in the form of gas discharge assemblies (23), each gas discharge assembly (23) including at least one gas egress aperture (24). A gas supply, in the form of a gas reservoir (25) is coupled to the gas egress aperture via an egress aperture control valve (26). It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, that alternative configurations (not shown) are possible, including multiple valves and/or gas chambers (and/or conduits to provide fluid passageway therebetween) to provided increased control and safety.

Adjacent to the egress aperture (24) is a gas ignitor (27), operated by an ignition controller (28). The gas reservoir (25) contains a compressed gas such as LPG at a super-atmospheric pressure. When the control valve (26) is opened the gas is discharged from the aperture (24) due to the pressure differential between the gas in the gas chamber (25) and / or the accumulator (34) and the atmosphere.

The gas discharge assembly (23) is formed with an elongate cylindrical housing with an upper (29) and lower housing portion (30), separated internally by an inner flange (31). The lower housing portion (30) is open at its distal end to form a cylindrical sleeve dimensioned to pass over the vertically upright upper end of a goalpost (2) to form a plug and socket type coupling with the goalpost (2). A screw (32) may also be applied to further secure the gas discharge assembly (23) to the goalpost (2). Alternatively, the gas discharge assembly (23) may be coupled to the goalpost via a screw thread (not shown).

The gas discharge assembly (23) further includes a gas discharge control means (33) capable of receiving remote electronic control inputs and controlling release of gas from the gas reservoir (25) via said egress aperture control valve (26) and instructing said ignition controller to activate said gas ignitor (27).

In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, gas from the gas reservoir (25) is first passed into a gas accumulator (34) via a pressure regulator (38) prior to being discharged through the reservoir & accumulator release valve (35) and an egress aperture (24) and ignited. In the embodiment shown in figure 15, the gas accumulator (34) contains an enlarged gas exit aperture and serves the purpose of storing a defined volume of gas at a regulated pressure that is then able to be discharged more rapidly than relying on the gas reservoir alone.

The gas discharge assembly (23) may be operated remotely, either wirelessly, utilising a wireless receiver and a replaceable/rechargeable battery electrical power supply (not shown) or (as shown in figure (15) via a wired connection using cabling (36) passing through the goalpost (2) to corresponding control electronics (37) and electrical power supply (not shown).

In operation, the discharge and ignition of a burst of gas from the gas discharge assembly (23) can be coordinated with or synchronised with the LED lighting solution (5) descripted previously to provide an enhanced visual impact.

It should be understood that there exist implementations of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects, as may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and that the invention is not limited by specific embodiments described herein. Features and embodiments described above may be combined with and without each other. It is therefore contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic underlying principals disclosed and claimed herein.

Claims (5)

EDITORIAL NOTE 2021107331 THERE IS ONE PAGE OF CLAIMS ONLY Claims:

1. A goalpost lighting solution including at least one gas discharge assembly configured to be located on at least one goalpost, said gas discharge assembly including, - at least one gas egress aperture; - at least one gas supply of super atmospheric gas, connected to a said gas egress aperture to discharge said gas during use.

2. A goalpost lighting solution as claimed in claim 1, further including a gas ignitor, configured to ignite said gas discharged through the egress aperture upon receipt of an activation control signal.

3. A goalpost lighting solution as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, configured to be sleeved with at least one distal elongate portion of a goalpost, to form a mutual coupling therebetween.

4. A goalpost including a lighting solution as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 3.

5. A method of installation of a lighting solution as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 3, said method including sleeving at least one gas discharge assembly with at least one distal elongate portion of said goalpost to form a mutual coupling therebetween.

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