EP3821960A1

EP3821960A1 - Sports venue

Info

Publication number: EP3821960A1
Application number: EP19000520.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ángél Fernández FERNÁNDEZ
Original assignee: Codere Newco SAU
Current assignee: Codere Newco SAU
Priority date: 2019-11-15
Filing date: 2019-11-15
Publication date: 2021-05-19

Abstract

Sports venue, with a complete perimeter wall (1), approximately rectangular and a floor (4), with dimensions for two or more players within the venue, where the corners (3) of the wall (1) are chamfered and comprise a plurality of air outlets (5) under pressure distributed over the floor (4), connected to one or more turbines or compressors, and configured to reduce the friction of a disc (6) on the floor (4); at least three goals (7) on each short side of the rectangle, with at least one goal (7) in each corner (3).

The goals (7) can be pressure plates, preferably with an energy return mechanism (8).

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This invention refers to a sports venue for the practice of a sport similar to football, but with more spectacular and attractive games and situations.

STATE OF THE ART

Football is a mass sport that requires large pitches and many participants. Therefore, different versions have been created, such as futsal, 7-a-side football, which have easier conditions to comply with.
In other sports, such as tennis or basketball, faster and more spectacular versions have been created to demonstrate skill and attract more spectators. For instance, 3x3 in basketball or paddle in tennis. However, football has only had a reduction in size.
It is true that attempts have been made to introduce external elements aimed at increasing attractiveness, as in application US3854721 . However, these systems have not been sufficiently appealing.
The applicant does not know of any sports venues similar to that of the invention.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a sports venue according to the claims. Its novel features are listed in the characterizing part of the independent claim.
The sports venue has a complete perimeter wall, and is approximately rectangular; generally, it has at least one door. The floor is large enough for two or more players, divided into two teams, to participate within the venue. In addition, the corners of the wall are chamfered, and the venue consists of a floor with little friction. For this purpose, the floor has a plurality of pressurized air outlets distributed over its entire surface and connected to one or more turbines or compressors. In order to take advantage of this condition, the "ball" takes to form of a disc. As a consequence, the speed of the disc increases and the control of the rebound is complicated, providing technical difficulty and spectacle.
In addition, the venue comprises at least three goals on each of the short sides of the rectangle, with at least one goal in each corner. This results in more possibilities for scoring and, in particular embodiments, it is even possible to score two goals in a single shot.
It is preferable that the goals include sensors for the computing of scored goals. These sensors would preferably be connected to a control unit comprising a timer. It is thus possible to activate timed game modes, modify the score of each goal according to specific conditions or, for example, to configure the control unit so that it successively selects at least one goal. This goal can then become unusable, be worth double during that time, or any desired variant.
In the most preferred embodiment, the goals are flat pressure plates that detect when they have been hit by the disc which does not have to enter a net. In addition, an energy return mechanism can be coupled, which forcefully drives the pressure plate outwards so that the disc does not lose energy in the impact or is even accelerated. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a pneumatic accumulator or a spring that is triggered off when the disc hits the pressure plate.
The result is a venue prepared for very fast and spectacular matches, which require a high technical skill to master the technique and which, consequently, have a high attractiveness.
Other particular embodiments are contained in the rest of the specification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For better understanding the invention, the following figures are included.

Figure 1: Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2: Example of an electrical diagram applicable to the invention.

POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following is a brief description of the way in which the invention is implemented, as an illustrative and not limiting example.
The example of a sports venue shown in the figures includes a perimeter wall (1) that completely encircles the venue and which generally has one or more doors (2) for access. The shape of the venue is approximately rectangular and is provided with chamfered corners (3). The exact dimensions are not relevant, but they must allow the entry and movement of two players for each team. For example, it can have an effective length of 10 meters and a width of 5 meters. Other dimensions are possible, especially if it is intended for more or fewer players.
The floor (4) of the venue comprises a plurality of air outlets (5) under pressure to reduce the friction of a disc (6) which acts as a ball. The disc (6) is made of a soft material so that it can be hit by the players. For example, it can be made of EVA (ethylvinyl acetate) rubber, with a height of 12 cm and a diameter of about 40 cm. The air outlets (5) are fed by one or more turbines, compressors or any other similar equipment. The floor (4) shall have marks in the form of lines, straight lines or curves, which may have meanings in the rules of the game. For example, a center line of the field that cannot be overstepped by the players.
The venue has a series of goals (7), at least three on each side, distributed on the short side of the walls (1), so that in each chamfered corner (3) there is at least one goal (7). Each goal (3) may be worth one point but more value can be given to goals scored in specific goals (7).
Preferably the goals (7) are pressure plates with sensors (9) to detect when they have been hit by the disc (6). Lights (10), e.g. LEDs, indicate when they have been hit, and a warning sound can also be emitted. The goals (7) are connected to a control unit (11) which coordinates the lights. This control unit (11) includes timers (12) that keep the lights (10) on for a preset length of time and, in addition, make it possible to recognize when a team has managed to score in all or certain predetermined goals (7), in less than a preset period of time, to grant a bonus.
For example, it can be programmed to double the points for each goal when all the goals (7) are activated in less than 1 minute or another preset period of time. It is also possible to rotate the lights (10) on the goals (7) to give bonus to the team which scores in the given goal.
The goals may have an energy return mechanism (8) to ensure that the disc (6) does not lose speed after scoring, or even accelerate it.
The venue is complemented with an electronic marker (12) commanded by the control unit (11) which receives the readings from the sensors (9) and records the corresponding scores, including any applicable bonuses.
The venue can be completed with video cameras, screens, and other elements to create scenic and audio-visual effects. All electrical or electronic elements have a power supply which will generally be a mains power outlet.

Claims

Sports venue, with a complete perimeter wall (1), approximately rectangular and a floor (4) with dimensions for two or more players within the venue, characterized by the fact that the corners (3) of the wall (1) are chamfered and the venue includes
a plurality of air outlets (5) at pressure distributed over the ground (4), connected to one or more turbines or compressors, and configured to reduce the friction of a disc (6) on the ground (4);

at least three goals (7) on each minor side of the rectangle, with at least one goal (7) in each corner (3).
Sports venue, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also includes one or more doors (2) in the wall (1).
Sports venue, according to claim 1, characterized by the goals (7) comprising sensors (9) of scored goals.
Sports venue, according to claim 3, whose sensors (9) are connected to a control unit (11) comprising a timer (12).
Sports venue, according to claim 4, whose control unit (11) is configured to select successively at least one goal (7).
Sports venue, according to claim 3, whose goals (7) are pressure plates.
Sports venue, according to claim 6, whose pressure plates are provided with an energy return mechanism (8).