EP1894608B1 - Mutlifunctional sport field protective cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a chassis-case displaced entirely on its length of a sports ground i.e. football ground, while folding and unfolding a translucent protecting cover (2) by using a folding and unfolding mechanism, where the cover serves as an advertising medium. The chassis-case is connected to a network of cables (3) that is deployed on the sports ground. The network of cables is driven by motorized pulleys (4) for ensuring displacement of the chassis-case on the sports ground.

Description

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a multifunctional system for protecting a sports field, and in particular to a simple and fast device adapted to deploy a protective cover on a sports field to protect it against climatic hazards.

State of the art

The protection of sports fields is a constant concern and various systems are known from the prior art.

In the document US-A-4,050,972 describes the in situ mounting of a lap for sports fields consisting of unrolling rolls of plastic sheets which are mounted on spaced vehicles. The axes of the rollers are parallel and staggered so that the sheets overlap and can be joined tightly and tightly as they are unwound.

The documents EP 0236983 , EP 0427677 and DE 4137295 also disclose various means for unwinding and winding a protective cover for a sports field.

In the international patent application WO 95/09681 , the recovery of a sports field is achieved by a set of panels connected so telescopic to be able to pass from a covering position to a position of uncovering the surface.

The request for International patent WO 88/05678 discloses an automatic apparatus for the covering of sports fields, comprising a series of modular blades movable between them and actuated by unwinding or winding means.

Finally, the document WO 99/01187 discloses a motorized vehicle for the deployment of a protective cover on a sports field, likely to move on the ground to unfold or fold a sheet. The motorized vehicle comprises a frame provided with wheels or rollers and a transmission system for moving on the sports field, it also comprises a sheet arranged accordion in its folded position and means for causing the deployment and folding of the cover synchronously with a transmission system for moving the frame. One of the difficulties encountered with this device lies in the synchronization of the speed of movement of the various modular elements secured to the chassis-chest necessary to cover the entire width of the sports fields. This is related to the surface condition of the ground which is not homogeneous and which therefore opposes a different resistance to the wheels or the rollers according to the places and thus does not allow an optimal synchronization when the various elements of sitting (solidarisés the to each other) are driven by individual motors. Furthermore, the guide ropes in this system are not collected effectively during the folding of the cover and the rings or loops are not effectively guided to ensure correct folding of the cover.

Goals of the invention

The present invention aims to provide a protection system for a sports field not having the disadvantages of the state of the art and allowing not only to deploy in the simplest and fastest way a tarpaulin on a sports field but also a folding of this tarpaulin without trouble.

Summary of the invention

The present invention discloses a protection system for a sports field comprising a trunk-chassis containing a protective cover, said frame-trunk can move over the entire length of the ground while unfolding or folding said protective cover using an unfolding and folding mechanism, characterized in that said frame-chest is connected to a network of cables previously deployed on the sports field, said cables being driven by motorized pulleys, to ensure the displacement of said chassis-chest on said sports field.

• le châssis-coffre est divisé en plusieurs éléments modulaires se déplaçant de manière synchrone sur le terrain de sport grâce audit réseau de câbles auxquels ils sont reliés et qui sont mus par lesdites poulies motorisées lors du dépliage ou du repliage de ladite bâche ;
• le mécanisme de dépliage ou de repliage de la bâche comporte des rouleaux de pinçage, lesdits rouleaux de pinçage étant eux-mêmes motorisés et munis d'un réglage de la force d'appui par l'intermédiaire de bras muni d'un ressort exerçant une force d'appui sur des rouleaux d'appui appuyant ceux-ci sur ladite bâche, la bâche se trouvant pincée entre lesdits rouleaux de pinçage et les rouleaux d'appui ;
• le mécanisme de dépliage et de repliage de la bâche comporte des cordages guides fixés au bord du terrain qui sont enfilés dans des boucles d'enfilement situées sous ladite bâche et qui guident ladite bâche lorsque celle-ci est repliée ou dépliée ;
• lors du repliage de la bâche, lesdits cordages guides et lesdites boucles d'enfilement sont enfilés respectivement à travers et autour d'un tube d'enfilement ;
• le mécanisme comporte un enrouleur desdits cordages guides, muni d'un ressort d'embobinage permettant d'emmagasiner ou de délivrer progressivement le cordage guide respectivement lors du dépliage ou du repliage de ladite bâche ;
• le mécanisme de dépliage ou de repliage de la bâche comporte un système de synchronisation, synchronisant la vitesse de déplacement dudit châssis-coffre par l'intermédiaire desdites poulies motorisées avec la vitesse de repliage ou de dépliage de la bâche par l'intermédiaire des rouleaux de pinçage motorisés ;
• le réseau de câbles ainsi que lesdites poulies motorisées sont dissimulés au bord du terrain lorsque celui-ci est débâché ;
• le réseau de câbles est ramené au bord du terrain à l'aide de plusieurs treuils ;
• le châssis-coffre comporte un système de chauffage de ladite bâche ;
• le châssis-coffre comporte un système d'arrosage ;
• le châssis-coffre comporte un semoir pour semer des graminées ;
• le châssis-coffre comporte des supports à des enseignes publicitaires ;
• la bâche peut servir de support publicitaire;
• la bâche est translucide.

According to particular embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features:

• the chassis-box is divided into several modular elements moving synchronously on the sports field through said network of cables to which they are connected and which are driven by said motorized pulleys when unfolding or folding said tarpaulin;
• the mechanism for unfolding or folding the tarpaulin comprises nip rolls, said nip rollers being themselves motorized and provided with a control of the support force by means of arms provided with a spring exerting a pressing force on support rollers pressing them on said tarpaulin, the sheet being pinched between said nip rolls and the support rollers;
• the mechanism for unfolding and folding the tarpaulin comprises guide ropes attached to the edge of the ground which are threaded into threading loops located under said sheet and which guide said sheet when said sheet is folded or unfolded;
• when folding the tarpaulin, said guide ropes and said threading loops are threaded respectively through and around a threading tube;
• the mechanism comprises a retractor of said guide ropes, provided with a winding spring for storing or delivering progressively the guide rope respectively during the unfolding or folding of said tarpaulin;
• the mechanism for unfolding or folding the sheet comprises a synchronization system, synchronizing the speed of movement of said frame-box through said motorized pulleys with the speed of folding or unfolding of the sheet through the rolls of motorized pinching;
• the network of cables as well as said motorized pulleys are concealed at the edge of the ground when it is released;
• the cable network is brought back to the edge of the ground using several winches;
• the chassis-chest comprises a heating system of said tarpaulin;
• the chassis-chest comprises a watering system;
• the chassis-chest has a seeder to sow grasses;
• the chassis-chest includes supports to advertising signs;
• tarpaulin can serve as an advertising medium;
• the tarpaulin is translucent.

Brief description of the figures

The figure 1 represents a general view of a sports field with the network of cables and the chassis-chest elements positioned at the edge of the sports field.

The figures 2 and 3 represent the deployment mechanism of the cable network all over the field before generating the synchronous displacement of the chassis-trunk elements. The representation of the cable network is schematic and does not show the double cable for each pulley.

The figure 4 represents the sports field with the network of fully deployed cables.

The figure 5 represents the chassis-chest consisting of several elements in the middle of the sports field, with a half-open cover.

The figure 6 represents the sports field, with a tarpaulin completely deployed using the system of the invention.

The figure 7 represents a profile view of the system with the chassis-box including the deployment mechanism of the tarpaulin, and a view of the motorized pulleys with the double cable used to move the chassis-chest in the manner of a cable car, once that the cable network is in place. The size of the ground is strongly contracted on the figure.

The figure 8 represents a detail view of the chassis-chest with a possibility of arranging advertising banners. The other functions are not shown in detail.

The figure 9 is a detail view of all the components of the deployment mechanism of the tarpaulin on the frame-chest.

The figure 10 is a detail view of the mechanism which folds the tarpaulin including in particular the retractor guide ropes and the stringing tube guide ropes and loops attached to the tarpaulin.

The figure 11 globally represents the option heating and watering on the chassis-chest. The arrow represents the direction of movement of the chassis-chest.

The figure 12 represents a front view of a section through the chassis-box, comprising a little more than a modular element, with a view of the connecting pieces connecting the modules of the chassis-chest.

Definitions

The term "cable" in "cable network" should be interpreted broadly and may, of course, mean "wire" or "rope". The nature of the material used is of no importance as long as sufficient mechanical strength and the desired result are achieved.

The expression "tarp" is also to be understood in the broad sense and as a covering in general and may for example mean "canvas"

The term "rope" or "rope guide" is also to be understood in the broad sense and in the winding system of the tarpaulin with the aid of loops fixed on the sheet, "rope" may mean "rope" or "wire" "

The expression "chassis-chest" is also to be understood in the broad sense and means that it is in fact a carriage having a frame with support pins comprising wheels and / or rollers and a trunk allowing store the tarpaulin.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention discloses a multifunctional system for protecting a sports field, in particular football, rugby, hockey, tennis and other fields, against climatic hazards such as overabundant rains, permanent frost or snow, .. .

• 1a bâche 2 ou toile de protection peut servir de support publicitaire de grande taille, elle peut donc être financée par un mécène;
• la résistance d'un terrain protégé, rarement gelé ou détrempé est très supérieure à un terrain non protégé et permet donc l'organisation de nombreux matchs même en période creuse ou lorsque les autres terrains ne sont pas disponibles ;
• le nombre de terrains d'entrainement pour un même club peut être diminué ce qui engendre des avantages fonciers importants;
• enfin, l'amélioration des conditions de jeu permettant à chaque époque de l'année une diminution générale des blessures et un jeu plus technique.

The system according to the invention has many advantages that are not limited to the simple protection of sports fields. Without being limiting, the following elements may be mentioned:

• Tarpaulin 2 or protective cloth can serve as a large advertising medium, so it can be financed by a sponsor;
• the resistance of a protected ground, rarely frozen or soggy is much higher than unprotected ground and thus allows the organization of many matches even in hollow period or when the other lands are not available;
• the number of training grounds for the same club can be reduced which generates significant land benefits;
• and finally, the improvement of the playing conditions, allowing each time of the year a general decrease in injuries and a more technical game.

The protection system of the present invention comprises two essential elements, on the one hand a network of cables 3 to be deployed by operators on the sports field, and on the other hand a frame-box 1 able to fold and to Unfold the tarpaulin 2. These cables, to which the chassis-chest is fixed, will serve to cause the displacement of the frame-chest 1, in the manner of a cable cabin, which will deploy or fold the protective cover on the ground. This frame-chest is generally composed of several modular elements 22 to cover the entire width of the land. Each modular element of the frame-chest 1 preferably has a width of 4 to 10 meters, preferably 5 to 8 meters and particularly preferably 6 meters. For a football field, it will require twelve elements of 6 meters to reach a width of 72m in total. The modular elements 22 must move in a perfectly synchronous manner to ensure a correct deployment of the protective cover 2. The elements are interconnected by connecting pieces 21 visible on the figure 12 .

It turned out that by equipping each individual element of a motor, this synchronous displacement was not ensured optimally for the reasons explained above (state of the ground). To remedy this problem, the present invention discloses a network of cables 3 to which the frame-chest 1 is attached and which will drive and guide the various elements thereof in the manner of a cable car with motorized pulleys 4 incorporated in the edge of the field. The figure 7 shows how these pulleys 4 are positioned in a pit 10 at the edge of the ground. These pulleys can also be attached to the ground without being buried if there is enough space on the edge of the ground. This embodiment is not shown in the figures. The location of the engine 9 is also indicated. It can also be seen that the frame-boot 1 is attached to these cables below the frame which is supported by the mobilization rollers 7 allowing it to move when the pulleys 4 will rotate and put the cables and consequently the chassis-chest in motion . The cables 3 have a length approximately twice that of the ground since at each point of attachment, two cables 3 are in parallel. For the example of a football field 72 meters wide, as shown in the Figures 1 to 6 , the cables 3 are stretched between twelve pulleys 4 located on either side of the ground. The cable network 3 should only be removed when you want to play in the field. This network of cables 3 can remain in place during the periods when we cover and discover the terrain according to the weather forecast.

For the storage of the cables 3 which are relatively heavy at the edge of the ground there are winches 5 on the lateral sides which are used to pull the network of cables 3 and bring it back. In the Figures 1 to 3 these winches 5 are visible and they are four in number. The way these cables are replaced is not shown in the figures but is provided by means well known to those skilled in the art. It is also possible to wind the cables 3 on reels that can be rolled on the ground after the sheet 2 is folded or before it is unfolded (not shown).

On the most sloping side of the ground are reservoirs 6 for the flow water that would stagnate on the tarpaulin. These are intended to receive excess rainwater and can be equipped with an empty cellar pump or connected to the sewer.

The sheet 2 may be made of a single piece or reconstituted as a patchwork of rectangular or square pieces (strips of technical fabrics or fabrics, a certain width and length infinite). It is generally translucent and is placed on the ground, but it can also be raised if it is planned to blow air under the sheet 2. The cover 2 has on its underside loops 12 for threading guide ropes 11. These loops 12 allow the creation of folds in the canvas / tarpaulin 2 when it is folded into the chassis-chest 1. For a football field, there will be for example "x" times 73 loops under the canvas / tarpaulin, (= 73 loops x "strips" of canvas necessary to make up the more than 7000 m ² of a tarpaulin covering a football field).

The guide ropes 11 have an important function since they allow a uniform deployment of the cover 2 over the entire width of the ground. The guide ropes 11 are attached to the edge of the ground and when the sheet is deployed by the displacement of the frame-chest 1 on the ground, they gradually leave their housing 16 where they are retained by a winding spring 18 to always present a certain tension, this is done in the manner of a dog leash that is dislodged from its case. If we consider a guide rope by meter width on a football field, 73 reels / boxes will be needed for the 72 meters of chassis-chest. When folding the tarpaulin, the guide ropes pass inside the tubes 9 and wind up progressively in the reels / boxes 16, at the same time as the loops 12 are threaded on these tubes 9.

For the folding of the tarpaulin 2 during the movement of the frame-chest 1, motorized webbing rollers of the fabric 8 come into action. The clamping force is adapted by a tension spring exerting a force on an arm on which is a support roller 13. The rollers 8 and 13 are generally provided with a gripping surface to facilitate the clamping of the cover 2. There is generally about one motor 23 per frame-boot member 1 for the nip rollers 8 which are interconnected by bearings. This is visible on the figure 12 . The adaptation of the pinching force by means of the spring 14 is necessary to raise possibly a water pocket on the sheet 2.

When the tarpaulin is folded, the guide rope 11 and the buckles 12 are threaded into or onto a tube 17. The ropes passing inside the tube 17 and the loops 12 placed on the outside around the tube 17 allowing the sheet 2 to be perfectly folded accordion in the frame-chest 1. These different functions are represented at the figure 9 . It will therefore require as many threading tubes 17 per meter of width of the tarpaulin as there are loops 12 and guide ropes 11.

The system of the present invention, and in particular the frame-box 1, can be equipped with a whole series of options. Apart from the advertising function mentioned above and represented at the figure 8 , the most classic options being represented at figure 11 where the frame-chest 1 comprises a heating system 20 of the tank 2 and a sprinkler system 19. The heating system shown in FIG. figure 11 consists of several radiant heaters 20. These limit heat losses and heat the tarpaulin 2 to dry and make it less rigid in case of frost before folding in the frame-chest 1.

Other options are of course possible such as a mechanism for sowing grass seeds in the field (not shown).

The frame-chest according to the invention is constructed as a mechanic by an assembly of parts that can be easily replaced in case of wear. All elements can be easily dismantled and reassembled.

Legend of the reference numbers in the figures

1.

Frame-chest

2.

Tarpaulin

3.

Cable network

4.

Motorized pulleys

5.

Winch

6.

Tanks for flow water

7.

Mobilization rolls of the chassis-chest

8.

Roller pinching the canvas

9.

Pulley motor

10.

Pulley pit

11.

Guide rope

12.

Loop loop

13.

Support roll for clamping

14.

Tension spring

15.

Protective canvas of the chassis-chest

16.

Guide ropes retractor

17.

Loop tube loop and rope guide

18.

Winding spring

19.

Irrigation system

20.

Heating system (radiant heating)

21.

Connecting part of the chassis-trunk elements

22.

Modular frame-chest element

23.

Clutch roll motors

Claims (15)

1. Protection system for a sports ground comprising a frame-chest (1) with a protection cover (2), said frame-chest (1) being able to move across the entire length of the ground whilst unfolding or folding said protection cover (2) by means of an unfolding and folding mechanism, wherein said frame-chest (1) is connected to a network of cables (3) spread out in advance over the sports ground, said cables (3) being operated by motorised pulleys (4) in order to ensure the motion of said frame-chest (1) over said sports ground.
2. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said frame-chest (1) is divided into several modular elements (22) that move synchronously over the sports ground thanks to said network of cables (3), to which they are connected and which are operated by said motorised pulleys (4), when said cover (2) is being unfolded or folded.
3. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said mechanism for unfolding or folding the cover (2) comprises nipping rollers (8), said nipping rollers (8) being themselves motorised and equipped with a regulation for the pressure force by means of arms equipped with springs (14), exerting a pressure force on the pressure rollers (13), pressing them onto said cover (2), the cover (2) being nipped between said nipping rollers (8) and the pressure rollers (13).
4. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said mechanism for unfolding and folding the cover (2) comprises guiding ropes (11) attached to the edge of the ground that are threaded into threading buckles (12) located underneath said cover (2) and guide said cover (2) when it is being folded or unfolded.
5. Protection system as in Claim 4, wherein, when said cover (2) is being folded, said guiding ropes (11) and said threading buckles (12) are threaded through and around a threading tube (17), respectively.
6. Protection system as in Claim 4, wherein said mechanism comprises a reel (16) for said guiding ropes (11) equipped with a winding spring (18) which allows to progressively wind up or unwind the guiding rope (11), during the unfolding or folding of said cover (2), respectively.
7. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said unfolding or folding mechanism for the cover comprises a synchronisation system that synchronises the motion speed of said frame-chest (1) by means of said motorised pulleys (4) with the folding or unfolding speed of the cover (2) by means of the motorised nipping rollers (8).
8. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said network of cables (3) as well as said motorised pulleys (2) are concealed at the side of the ground when it is uncovered.
9. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said network of cables (3) is gathered up at the edge of the ground by means of several winches (5).
10. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said frame-chest comprises a heating system (20) for said cover (2).
11. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said frame-chest comprises a watering system (19).
12. Protection system as in Claim 1, wherein said frame-chest has a seeder for sowing grass.
13. System as in Claim 1, wherein the frame-chest (1) comprises supports for advertising signs.
14. System as in Claim 1, wherein said cover (2) may serve as an advertising support.
15. System as in Claim 1, wherein the cover (2) is translucent.

Images