GB2377646A

GB2377646A - Rebound panel for a ballcourt

Info

Publication number: GB2377646A
Application number: GB0212643A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Binks
Original assignee: Heras Fencing Systems UK Ltd
Current assignee: Heras Fencing Systems UK Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-02
Filing date: 2002-05-31
Publication date: 2003-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-31
Also published as: GB0113553D0; GB2377646B; GB0212643D0

Abstract

Rebound panel 11 comprises a mesh rebound surface supported by a framework 20, 22. The rebound surface may comprise upper 14 and lower 15 mesh portions, with lower portion 14 having a smaller mesh size than upper portion 15. The mesh may comprise first wires or rods (30, fig. 3A) with second wires or rods (31, fig. 3A) welded orthogonally to the first wires. The second wires may be in pairs, one wire of each pair being welded to each side of the first wires, and the mesh may include third wires (32, fig. 3A) welded between and parallel to the pairs of second wires. The mesh may be welded steel mesh, and the framework may include vertical posts 20 having a ground engaging portion 23 which projects below the rebound surface. The panels 11 may be linked together to form a perimeter for a ballcourt, e.g. a soccer court (fig. 1), and may be disconnected from one another for storage. The panels may also be linked together to form a goal recess (fig.5), which may have rounded external corners (fig. 6).

Description

Ballcourt Rebound Panel This invention relates to rebound panels for ballcourts, such as courts used for playing 5-a-side or 7-a-side football.

Ball games such as 5-a-side or 7-a-side football are typically played in an area which is surrounded by panels which constrain the ball within its perimeter. The playing area thus defined is termed a ballcourt, and the panels are known as rebound panels.

The rebound panels will often be dismantlable for storage, enabling the space to be used for other sports when required.

Rebound panels are typically 1. 25 metres in height, and this height serves to define the maximum permitted height which the ball may attain whilst remaining in play.

The function of the rebound panels is to form a rebound surface off which the ball will bounce during the ball game, and this function is integral to the ball game.

Rebound panels should therefore be distinguished from perimeter walls or fences, which are typically much higher and which merely serve to prevent a ball such as a football from being lost.

Ballcourts may be either indoor or outdoor, and may be exposed to the effects of weather and vandalism. In order to perform their function of providing a rebound surface, rebound panels should be resistant to these effects and in particular to the effects of the impact of the ball during play, which might otherwise alter their rebound properties.

Rebound panels are typically made from timber such as phenolic coated plywood.

However, whilst these traditional materials provide an effective rebound surface, such rebound panels are vulnerable to arson and other vandalism, and tend to absorb atmospheric moisture which distorts their shape and hence affects their rebound properties. After some time they also begin to look worn on the surface and at the edges, and may become covered in graffiti.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved rebound panel.

According to the present invention there is provided a rebound panel for a ballcourt, the rebound panel comprising a rebound surface supported by a framework, wherein the rebound surface is in the form of a mesh.

The rebound surface may comprise a lower mesh arranged below an upper mesh, the lower mesh having a smaller mesh size than the upper mesh so as to provide a greater resistance to damage from impact.

It is found that an open mesh rebound surface provides acceptably even rebound properties irrespective of the angle of incidence of the ball, provided that the mesh size is sufficiently small. The size of the mesh will influence both the rigidity of the panel and the evenness and predictability of its rebound properties. A mesh having too large a mesh size may cause the ball to rebound at unpredictable angles depending on its angle of incidence and which part of the mesh it strikes, and may be insufficiently rigid to provide a sufficiently reliable and robust rebound surface.

Preferably the mesh size of the lower mesh is 50mm X 70mm or less, and the mesh size of the upper mesh is 50mm X 200mm or less, and it has been found in tests that these mesh sizes produce a consistent rebound by a ball of the diameter of a football.

It is an essential characteristic of a rebound panel that it should be both sufficiently strong and sufficiently rigid to withstand the impact of a football in play. By way of comparison, a rebound panel should ideally cause a football when kicked vigorously from a short range to rebound similarly to the way it would if it were kicked at a solid masonry wall. Thus for example a panel which has a dampening effect on a ball which strikes it, will be completely unsuitable to form a rebound panel. Similarly, a panel mounted on a lightweight, freestanding frame will be insufficiently strong to withstand the considerable forces generated by a football during vigorous play in the

confined space of the ballcourt. The construction of the present panel is found to meet these demanding requirements.

It was further found during tests that the rebound characteristics of the preferred size of mesh are particularly consistent where the wires or rods forming the rebound surface of the mesh are distributed evenly in the same plane. In a preferred form, the mesh of the present panel is formed from a plurality of first wires or rods with a plurality of second wires or rods arranged in pairs, one of each pair being respectively on the first and second side of the mesh. The paired, second wires or rods add strength and rigidity to the panel. In a particularly preferred form, as shown in more detail below, a plurality of third wires or rods are evenly spaced between and in parallel with the second wires or rods, but on the first side of the panel only, which then forms the rebound surface. In this way the ball strikes a plurality of wires or rods which all lie in the same plane, presenting a particularly even and regular surface which enhances the behaviour of the ball in play.

It is also important that the rebound surface should be effectively continuous; thus panels of mesh which are supported by protruberant frames, or by frames which are separated by a substantial gap from the mesh, are unsuitable for use as rebound panels, because a ball striking the frame of a panel may then rebound at an unpredictable angle. The present panels are thus arranged to carry an effectively continuous mesh rebound surface, with the panels closely linked together and the mesh extending over the frames so that the ball rebounds in substantially the same way, irrespective of the point of impact.

The open mesh rebound panel offers improved resistance to the effects of weather compared with the traditional timber panel, does not distort due to moisture absorption, and is fire resistant. It also offers good strength and rigidity and reduced maintenance requirements when compared with the timber panel.

The traditional rebound panel offers a solid surface which is attractive to graffiti artists and those who would conceal themselves behind the panels for undesirable purposes. Since it does not present a solid surface, the open mesh rebound panel is therefore better suited to use in an exposed or public environment than is its traditional alternative.

Various illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I is a perspective view of a ballcourt ; Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of one of the rebound panels as shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 2A is an enlarged perspective view of portion 2A of Figure 2; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the rebound surface of the rebound panel shown in Figure 2; Figure 3A is an enlarged perspective view of portion 3A of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a plan view according to an alternative embodiment of a post supporting two rebound surfaces on two contiguous ballcourts ; Figure 5 is a plan view of one end of a ballcourt according to a further alternative embodiment; and Figure 6 is a plan view of one comer post of Figure 5.

Referring to Figure I, a number of contiguous ballcourts 10 are provided in an indoor sports centre for playing 5-a-side football or the like.

Each ballcourt is enclosed by a plurality of rebound panels 11 which are attached together at their edges 12 and fixed to the ground to define the perimeter of the ballcourt. The rebound panels may be detached from each other and released from the ground, then removed and stacked for storage, enabling the space occupied by the ballcourts to be used for other purposes. Doors 13 incorporated into the rebound panels afford access to each ballcourt. Each rebound panel comprises an upper section 14 and a lower section 15.

Referring to Figures 2 and 2A, each rebound panel 11 is supported at each edge 12 by a vertical post 20, which is conveniently formed from a hollow rectangular steel section. Horizontal rails 22, also formed from hollow steel section, are attached to the posts 20, for example by welding, to form a rigid framework which supports the rebound surface 21. An additional upper rail may be fixed at the top end of the posts.

The lower portion 23 of each post 20 projects below the lower edge 24 of the rebound surface, and may be inserted into a socket permanently installed in the floor of the sports centre to install the rebound panel in place. This enables each rebound panel 11 to be quickly and firmly fixed to the ground, yet easily removed for storage when required. Alternatively the base of each or some of the posts may terminate in a flat foot, which may be fixed to the surface of the floor using expanding bolts or the like.

Alternatively only one post may project below the lower edge of the rebound surface, the other post being fixed to the projecting post of an adjacent rebound panel. Alternatively neither post may project, the rebound panel then being fixed to separate posts which are inserted into sockets independently of the rebound panels.

Each post 20 may be furnished with brackets 26 by which it may be attached closely and securely to a post 20 of an adjacent rebound panel to form the continuous perimeter of the ballcourt as shown in Figure 1. In an alternative embodiment as

further described below with reference to Figure 4, each post may support two adjacent rebound panels on one or both sides.

The rebound surface 21 comprises an upper section 14 and a lower section 15, both formed from welded steel open mesh. The upper and lower sections are supported and stiffened by the posts 20 and rails 22, to which they are attached by any suitable means, such as steel strips 25 which are screwed or riveted to the framework. This makes the rebound surface 21 sufficiently rigid to ensure that the ball will rebound from it predictably and reliably when in use.

It is found that in order to ensure that the ball rebounds consistently when it strikes the attachment means, it is important that the attachment means have a low profile.

Thus the steel strips 25 are preferably not more than 5mm, and most preferably not more than 3mm in thickness, so that the ball will not be unduly deflected in the event that it strikes the edge of the strip. Similarly the screws or rivets are provided with low profile, rounded heads, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 6. This ensures that the ball will not be deflected if it strikes a screw or rivet head, and also ensures the safety of the players in the event of bodily impact during a rough game.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 3A, the lower section 15 of each rebound panel is more exposed to damage when in use for 5-a-side football or the like than is the upper section 14. The lower section 15 is accordingly formed from a welded steel mesh which is of a smaller mesh size than that forming the upper section 14, giving the lower section 15 greater resistance to damage from the impact of the ball when in use. Preferably the mesh size of the upper section is 50mm X 200mm or below, and the mesh size of the lower section is 50mm X 70mm or below, so as to ensure that the rebound panel has adequate rigidity and robustness and sufficiently reliable rebound properties.

The mesh forming the lower section 15 comprises a plurality of parallel, spacedapart first wires or rods 30 to which a plurality of further parallel, spaced-apart wires or rods 31,32 are affixed by welding in an orthogonal configuration so as to form a mesh. The second wires or rods 31 are arranged in pairs, one on either side of the mesh, and the third wires or rods 32 are arranged between them on the side of the mesh which forms the rebound surface 21. The reverse side is not used as a rebound surface. In this way one second wire or rod 31 of each pair, and all of the third wires or rods 32, lie together in the same plane so as to form an even and regular rebound surface.

The mesh forming the upper section 14 is formed in a similar way to that of the lower section 15 but without the wires or rods 32. It thus comprises a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart wires or rods to which a plurality of further parallel, spacedapart wires or rods are affixed by welding in pairs, one on either side of the mesh in an orthogonal configuration so as to form a mesh. The mesh forming the upper section is therefore the same on both sides, either of which may be arranged to face outwardly from the framework so as to form the rebound surface.

Alternatively the third wires 32 may be used on both the upper and lower sections. In a further alternative embodiment, each rebound panel I I may be formed from a single panel of mesh.

Referring to Figure 1, the ballcourts are separated by rows 19 of rebound panels. The rebound panels forming these rows 19 may be equipped with mesh on both sides of the framework, such that each side of the framework presents a rebound surface, and this embodiment is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

Alternatively each row 19 may comprise pairs of rebound panels arranged back-toback; these may be attached together for additional rigidity.

Referring to Figure 4, the dividing wall between two contiguous ballcourts comprises a row of posts 40, joined by rails 41 to form a supporting framework. The

top of the post 40 is shown finished with a blanking cap. Rebound surfaces 42, 43 are formed respectively on each side of the wall, and comprise contiguous panels of mesh 44 which are conveniently fixed at each edge to the posts. Each panel of mesh comprises first and second wires or rods 30,31 as described above, the lower panels further including third wires or rods 32 which cannot be seen in this drawing.

The panels 44 are attached to the posts 40 by means of vertical steel strips 45, which cover the edges of the adjacent panels, protecting the players and ball from the ends of the wires or rods 30,31, 32. The strips 45 are attached to the posts by dome headed, low profile fasteners 46 which are screwed into threaded inserts in the posts.

Preferably a saddle 47 is located between the strip 45 and the post 40 to hold the panels in position. The saddle 47 is shown hatched for clarity, and comprises a flat plate, conveniently formed from metal or plastics material, with notches 48 in which the first wires 30 are located. This holds the edges of the panels in the correct position and provides for an even clamping effect between the saddle and strip. The fastener 46 passes between the meshes of the panels and through the strip and the saddle and holds the assembly securely in place. Equivalent arrangements will easily be conceived, but it is important to the correct operation of the rebound panels that the attachments are formed with a sufficiently low profile to avoid deflection of the ball.

Each panel 44 is arranged to terminate at its upper and lower edges at a pair of second wires or rods 31, and is attached to the rails 41 by means of horizontal steel strips. The horizontal strips lie outside the first wires 30 and flush with the outer second wire 31 of each pair, and thus cannot be seen in this drawing as they lie beneath the upper wires or rods 31. The horizontal strips are attached to the rails 41 in a similar way to that in which the vertical strips 45 are attached to the posts 40, and the ends of each horizontal strip are captured beneath the vertical strips 45.

In this way a single line of posts 40 is arranged to support rebound surfaces which form a dividing wall between two adjacent ballcourts.

Referring to Figure 1, a goal 50 is provided at each end of each ballcourt. Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, a goal recess 51 may alternatively be formed at one or both ends of each ballcourt. In the embodiment shown, the rebound surface 52 extends continuously around the goal recess, and a box section post 40 with a blanking cap is conveniently located at each of the internal 53 and external 54 comers, the panels again including top rails 41 at their upper edges.

Referring to Figure 6, it is seen that each external comer 54 is formed with a smoothly rounded radius, which is important in avoiding injuries to the players during a vigorous game. The radius may be formed from a smoothly formed, rounded plate 55, which may be made from metal or plastics material, and which is fastened to the post 40 in a similar way to the strips 45 of Figure 4 using fasteners 46 and saddles 47, and thus takes the place of the strips 45 in fastening the panels to the posts and rails.

In an alternative embodiment the external comer 54 may be formed from smoothly formed, rounded mesh.

It is found in practice that the fasteners 46 in the region of the goal tend to loosen with the vibration caused by the frequent heavy impact of the ball. The fasteners in this area are preferably therefore inserted with an adhesive or locking compound to prevent loosening in service.

In a further alternative embodiment the lower portion of each post may be permanently fixed in the ground, for example using concrete, to form a permanent installation.

The rebound panels 11 are conveniently finished with a paint or other coating system to give good corrosion resistance, and the upper and lower sections may be finished in contrasting colours to add aesthetic appeal.

Many further advantages and embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art on studying the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings, and it is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practised in other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A rebound panel for a ballcourt, the rebound panel comprising a rebound surface supported by a framework, wherein the rebound surface is in the form of a mesh.
2. A rebound panel according to Claim 1, wherein the rebound surface further comprises a lower mesh arranged below an upper mesh, the lower mesh having a smaller mesh size than the upper mesh so as to provide a greater resistance to damage from impact.
3. A rebound panel according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the mesh comprises a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart first wires or rods to which a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart second wires or rods are affixed by welding in a configuration orthogonal to the said first wires or rods so as to form a mesh.
4. A rebound panel according to claim 3, wherein the second wires or rods are arranged in pairs, one wire or rod of each pair being on a first side and the other being on a second side of the mesh.
5. A rebound panel according to either of claims 1 or 2,

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wherein at least part of the mesh comprises a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart first wires or rods to which a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart second wires or rods are affixed by welding in a configuration orthogonal to the said first wires or rods so as to form a mesh having a first side forming a rebound surface, and a reverse side ; the second wires or rods being arranged in pairs, one wire or rod of each pair being on the first side and the other being on the reverse side of the mesh ; the mesh further comprising a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart third wires or rods arranged parallel with the second wires or rods on the first side of the mesh.
6. A rebound panel according to any preceding claim wherein the mesh size of the mesh is 50mm X 200mm or below.
7. A rebound panel according to claim 2, wherein the mesh size of the lower mesh is 50mm X 70mm or below.
8. A rebound panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the mesh is welded steel mesh.
9. A rebound panel according to any preceding claim, wherein the framework further includes two vertical posts, at least one of the posts having a lower portion which projects below a lower edge of the rebound surface,

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the lower portion being inserted into the ground so as to fix the rebound panel to the ground when in use.
10. A rebound panel according to any preceding claim, wherein means are provided for linking together a plurality of rebound panels so as to enclose the perimeter of a ballcourt.
l l. A rebound panel according to Claim 10, wherein the rebound panels may be disconnected from each other and removed for storage.
12. A rebound panel according to claim 10, wherein means are provided for linking together a plurality of rebound panels so as to form a goal recess at an end of the ballcourt.
13. A rebound panel according to claim 12, wherein the goal recess is provided with a rounded external comer.
14. A rebound panel substantially as described herein with reference to the foregoing description and attached drawings.