GB2198322A

GB2198322A - Sports surface construction

Info

Publication number: GB2198322A
Application number: GB08626159A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Lodge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-11-01
Filing date: 1986-11-01
Publication date: 1988-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2006-11-01
Also published as: GB8626159D0; GB2198322B

Abstract

A surface construction particularly, but not exclusively, for use as an equestrian sports surface construction comprising a foundation (12) including a base (11) and one or more side walls (13) whereby the foundation provides a generally water impermeable container, and a surfacing (21) in the container, means (20) to control the water content in the container (12), the control means (20) comprising means (17, 20, 22) to permit water to pass at least from the container (12) when the water level rises above a predetermined maximum level within the container. <IMAGE>

Description

Sports surface construction Description of Invention This invention relates to a surface construction and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an equstrian sports surface construction.

Examples of such surfaces are race tracks for horse racing, training gallops, arenas for show jumping or dressage events, walks and the like. Such a sports surface is described in prior British patent 2142960, and the present invention provides an improvement over this prior construction.

In British patent 2142960 a foundation has a water permeable base layer on top and a surface dressing comprising granulated fibre reinforced elastomeric material on top of the base layer. The foundation is generally permeable having drainage channels. Thus the water content of the surface cannot be controlled and an object of the present invention is to provide a new or improved sports surface in which the water content of the surface can be controlled.

According to the invention I provide a surface construction comprising a foundation including a base and one or more side walls whereby the foundation provides a generally water impermeable container, and a surfacing in the container, means to control the water content in the container, the control means comprising means to permit water to pass at least from the container when the water level rises above a predetermined maximum level within the container.

The water control means may comprise a weir so that when the water level in the container rises above the level of the weir, water may pass from the container to a drain or soak-away for examples.

The weir may be provided in an auxiliary vessel connected to the container via a conduit, although if desired the weir could be provided in an opening in a side wall of the container below the level of the top of the side wall.

In both coses, preferably the height of the weir is adjustable so that the water level within the container and hence water content can be adjusted to an optimum level for the activity to take place on the surface, whatever the weather.

The water control means may include means to introduce water into the container, for example through the auxiliary vessel. Thus water introduced into the auxiliary vessel, where provided, can flow into the container via the conduit until the water level reaches the height of the weir.

Preferably the height of the weir can be adjusted to a level above the level of the side wall or walls of the container, so that water can be introduced into the container until the water overflows the side walls. Thus the surface dressing can be washed to remove dust and other contaminates although in addition mechanical agitation of the surface dressing may be required.

The foundation may be made of concrete although other generally impermeable materials could be used, or the foundation may comprise a support structure of sand or hardcore for examples, or other water permeable material, with a water impermeable membrane supported by the support structure.

Preferably the surfacing comprises a surface dressing of granulated fibre reinforced elastomeric material, for example, rubber.

The fibre reinforcement may comprise nylon, rayon or another non metallic fibre. The fibres may comprise multi-filiment fibres and at least some of the fibres may have fibrilated parts projecting outwardly of the rubber.

The elastomeric material may have a maximum mesh size of 5 cm and preferably a maximum mesh size of 2.5 cm and a minimum mesh size of 1/4 mm and may have a minimum mesh size of up to I cm.

Each grain of elastomeric material may comprise a plurality of layers of parallel fibres, the fibres of each layer lying in a plane, and the planes of each layer being parallel, but the longitudinal direction of the fibres in adjacent planes being inclined at an angle lying in the range 300 to 900.

The grains of elastomeric material are preferably of a regular shape and size, and the surface dressing may comprise a mixture of such elastomeric material with grains of sand or gravel.

The surface dressing may have a thickness lying in the range I cm to 1 5 cm.

Alternatively, or in addition, the surfacing may comprise a matting such as a porous polypropylene material.

A base layer for example of hardcore, no fines concrete, porous asphalt, or any other porous material may be placed in the container beneath the surface dressing. Drainage channels may be provided in the base layer, for example by laying water porous pipes in the base layer.

An example of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE I is a fragmentary diagramatic cross section through a surface construction embodying the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the surface construction of Figure I.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a surface construction 10 for use as an arena for show jumping. It should however be understood that the surface-construction described may be used for any other equestrian surface or may be used for other purposes, such as a sports surface for other sports, for example athletics, or may be used as a road or other way for pedestrians or motor vehicles, for example at agricultural shows.

The surface construction 10 comprises a foundation 12 made in a generally rectangular configuration in plan view, and having a base 11 from which side walls 13 extend upwardly on all four sides of the rectangle. The foundation is made by casting concrete and thus the foundation 12 provides a generally water impermeable open topped rectangular container. It will be appreciated however that the shape of the container may be of other configurations as required.

Further, a single container may provide the entire area of the arena, or where the surface construction is not an arena, such as a raceway or walkway, the shape of the track or walkwoy is required, or a plurality of containers such as that shown may be provided to cover the entire area on which a surfacing is to be provided.

A permeable base layer 18 of small size hardcore such as quarry scalpings, gravel, no fines concrete, or even porous asphalt or the like is provided in the container on the base I I. A drainage system for example of porous pipes 17 is laid in the base layer, preferably in the configuration shown in figure 2, so that water tends to be drained towards one side wall indicated at 13a, for a reason hereinafter explained.

Within the side walls 13 on top of the base layer 18 is provided a surface dressing layer 21 which in the example shown, is about 10 cm thick and is made of granulated fibre reinforced rubber material, but could be a mixture of such material and sand or gravel.

The rubber material is obtained by granulating fibred rubber material, in the present example scrap motor vehicle tyres of the type which are fibre reinforced, and passing the resultant chips or grains through a sieve having a mesh size of, in the present example, 2.5 cm so that the grains have a maximum size such that they will pass through a square mesh of 2.5 cm side length, and a minimum mesh size such that they will not pass through a mesh of approximately 1/4 to I cm side length, although there is usually a relatively small proportion of smaller particles. Preferably this proportion does not exceed 150Yo of the surface dressing material. If desired other fibred material such as conveyor belting may be used or a mixture of materials, or indeed any other surface material provided that a porous surface dressing 21 is provided.

Although the surface dresssing has been described as being about 10 cm thick, the thickness may lie preferably in the range I cm to 15 cm, or outside this range.

The grain size may iie outside the above mentioned limits for example particles may have a maximum mesh size of up to 5 cm.

Each grain is of irregular shape and comprises a plurality of layers of parallel multi-filament nylon fibres, the fibres in each layer being parallel and lying in a plane, the planes of adjacent layers also being parallel but the longitudinal direction of the fibres in adjacent planes being mutually inclined 0 at, in the present example approximately 60 . The granulation process causes fibrilation of at least some of the fibres to provide fibrilated portions projecting outwardly of the rubber mass in at least some of the grains.

The surface dressing 21 is described in more detail in previous British patent No. 2142960, and hence further detailed description is not considered necessary.

In accordance with the present invention, a control means 20 for controlling the water level within the container 12 is provided.

The drainage system of pipes 17 extends to an opening 21 in side wall 13a which is preferably in a position as shown immediately above the base I I of the container 12.

The control means comprises an auxiliary vessel 22 which, in the present example, is connected to the opening 21 via a conduit 23 so that water may flow between the auxiliary vessel 22 and the container 12.

The auxiliary container 22 is generally rectangular in plan view, and has a base 24 and four upstanding side walls 25 and is generally water impermeable. However, an outlet 26 extends from the vessel 22 and extends to a drain or soak-away, through which water from the vessel 22 can be discharged.

Within the vessel 22 is a weir 27 which in the example shown, comprises a penstock structure having a pair of adjustable plates 28 and 29 so that the height of the wier within the vessel 22 can be adjusted. As shown, an opening 30 between the two plates 28 and 29 permits any water within the container 12 above the level indicated at L, to pass over the weir provided by the lower plate 29 and hence to the outlet 26. By adjusting the plates 28,29, the water level within container 12 can thus be adjusted.

In the example shown, the weir extends generally diagonally, but could extend parallel to one or other of the side walls 25.

It will be appreciated that for different events which are to take place on the surface construction 10, different water levels may be required for optimum performance. Further, because of rain or other precipitation, the water level within the container 12 could rise without the provision of the water level control means 20 as described. A water supply 32 is provided to enable water to be introduced into the auxiliary vessel 22 on the side of the weir remote from the outlet 26. In the event that the weir 27 is set at a level above the actual water level within the container 12, water can be supplied from the supply 32 and hence pass along conduit 23 into the container 12 until the water level within the container 12 reaches the level at which the weir is set.Of course, if desired additives could be mixed with the water, for example to prevent freezing of the water within the container 12 during cold conditions.

Thus the water level control means 20 enables the surface construction 20 to be used in all weather conditions.

It will be appreciated that after prolonged use, the surfacing 10 will become contaminated with dust and the like which falls on the surfacing 10, and permeates the surface dressing 21 and the base layer 18.

The water level control means 20 can be used as follows to at least partially wash the surfacing free of such dust contamination.

The level of the weir 27 is set above the height of the top 32 of the side walls 13, which preferably are all at approximately the same height. Water is then introduced into the vessel 22 from the supply 32 until the water level within container 12 reaches and overflows top 32 of the side walls 13. By mechanically agitating the surface dressing 21, any dust entrained therein will tend to float and hence be removed from the surfacing over the side wall 13.

If desired, a low region may be provided at the top of one of the side walls 13 to enable such contaminated water to flow directly from the container 12 into a drain or soak away.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. As described, the weir 27 has been provided in an auxiliary vessel 22, although could be provided in an opening in a side wall 13 of the container if required.

The weir in the example described comprises two relatively movable plates 28 and 29, although any other weir arrangement, which is preferably adjustable to enable the height of the weir to be adjusted, could be provided.

Although the water supply 32 in the example described, discharges water into the auxiliary vessel 22 so as to flow along conduit 23 into the container 12, of course the water supply could feed water directly into the container 12 if required.

In place of a weir 27, if desired the level control means may comprise a plurality of valves suitably adjusted to control the level of water within the container 12.

In place of a surface dressing of base fibrilated granules, if desired the surfacing may comprise a suitable matting, such as a porous polyproplene, or other porous, waterproof material. This may be laid on top of the surface dressing 21 to provide an alternative floor surfacing when the surface construction is to be used for other than equestrian or like events, and thus would be removable. Alternatively, the matting may be laid on the base layer 18 and covered with a surface dressing 21 when it is required to use the surface construction for equestrian events.

Thus a surface construction in accordance with the invention can be used for indoor and outdoor use as required.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the accompany- ing drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

I. A surface construction comprising a foundation including a base and one or more side walls whereby the foundation provides a generally water impermeable container, and a surfacing in the container, means to control the water content in the container, the control means comprising means to permit water to pass at least from the container when the water level rises above a predetermined maximum level within the container.
2. A surface construction according to claim I wherein the water control means comprises a weir.
3. A surface construction according to claim 2 wherein the weir is provided in an auxiliary vessel connected to the container via a conduit.
4. A surface container according to claim 2 wherein the weir is provided in an opening in a side wall of the container below the level of the top of the side wall.
5. A surface construction according to claim 2 or claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the height of the weir is adjustable so that the water level within the container and hence water content can be adjusted to an optimum level for the activity to take place on the surface.
6. A surface construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the water control means includes means to introduce water into the container.
7. A surface construction according to claim 6 where appendant to claim 3 wherein the water is introduced through the auxiliary vessel and flows into the container via the conduit until the water level reaches the height of the weir.
8. A surface construction according to any one of claims 2 to 7 where appendant to claim 2 wherein the height of the weir is adjustable to a level above the level of the side wall or walls of the container, so that water can be introduced into the container until the water overflows the side walls.
9. A surface construction according to any one of the preceing claims wherein the foundation is made of concrete.
10. A surface construction according to any one of claims I to 8 wherein the foundation comprises a support structure of a water permeable material, with a water impermeable membrane supported by the support structure.
II. A surface construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the surfacing comprises a surface dressing of granulated fibre reinforced elastomeric material.
12. A surface construction according to claim II wherein the elastomeric material comprises rubber.
13. A surface construction according to claim II or claim 12 wherein the fibre reinforcement comprises a non-metallic fibre.
14. A surface construction according to claim 13 wherein the fibres comprise multi-filiment fibres, at least some of the fibres having fibrilated parts projecting outwardly of the rubber.
15. A surface construction according to any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the elastomeric material has a maximum mesh size of 5 cm.
16. A surface construction according to claim 15 wherein the elastomeric material has a maximum mesh size of 2.5 cm.
17. A surface construction according to any one of claims II to 16 wherein the elastomeric material has a minimum mesh size of 1/4 mm.
18. A surface construction according to claim 17 wherein the elastomeric material has a minimum mesh size of up to I cm.
19. A surface construction according to any one of claims 11 to 18 wherein each grain of elastomeric material comprises a plurality of layers of parallel fibres, the fibres of each layer lying in a plane, and the planes of each layer being parallel, but the lonqitudinal direction of the fibres in adjacent planes being inclined at an angle lying in the range 300 to 900.
20. A surface construction according to any one of claims II to 19 wherein the grains of elastomeric material are of an irregular shape and size.
21. A surface construction according to any one of claims 11 to 20 wherein the surface dressing comprises a mixture of elastomeric material with grains of sand or gravel.
22. A surface construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the surface dressing has a thickness lying in the range I cm to 15 cm.
23. A surface construction according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the surfacing comprises a matting of a porous polypropylene material.
24. A surface construction according to any of the preceding claims wherein a base layer of a porous material is placed in the container beneath the surface dressing.
25. A surface construction according to claim 24 wherein drainage channels are provided in the base layer, by laying water porous pipes in the base layer.
26. A surface construction substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and ds shown in the accompanying drawings.
27. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.