IT201900006594A1 - MODULAR SYSTEM FOR SPORTS AND / OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING THE SAME - Google Patents

Description

MODULAR SYSTEM FOR SPORTS AND / OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND METHOD OF IMPLEMENTING THE SAME

DESCRIPTION

Field of application

The present invention is generally applicable to the technical sector of systems for practicing sports and / or recreational activities, and particularly relates to a modular system having a rigid base structure.

State of the art

It is known that for the practice of sports and / or recreational activities a supporting base structure with a walkable operating surface is required.

For this purpose, systems are known which comprise a concrete plate which can be used for different sports, such as a dance floor, or other uses.

It is also known that, if necessary, the concrete plates must be equipped with a fence and / or cover.

For example, sports fields have a playing area having a substantially flat and substantially continuous floor or base surface and a fence delimiting this area, and possibly a cover.

The fence must be able to withstand the impact with a user during the performance of the activity, such as when playing sports such as tennis, squash, padel, football, volleyball or the like. In general, the fence must withstand the shocks due to the practice of sport, accidental shocks and any lateral thrusts of the wind.

On the other hand, if there is a cover, the latter is subject to the so-called lateral thrusts due to the wind and / or the configuration of the cover itself.

In any case, it is therefore necessary to provide a plurality of uprights to support the fence and / or cover to be coupled to the concrete plate.

For these purposes, the known systems comprise a supporting base structure made with a so-called reinforced concrete casting.

Such known systems are therefore expensive, require specialized workers and long manufacturing times.

In addition, there are situations in which it is not possible to create a reinforced concrete casting, for example when the sports field is of a temporary type or is indoors, for example inside a shed.

Presentation of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks encountered above, by providing a modular system for sports and / or recreational activities with high functionality, simple construction and low cost.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a modular system for removable sports and / or recreational activities.

Another purpose of the invention is to make available a modular system for sports and / or recreational activities that is easily achievable.

Another purpose of the invention is to make available a modular system for sports and / or recreational activities equipped with a fence and / or cover.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a prefabricated modular system for sports and / or recreational activities.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a method for creating a modular system for sports and / or recreational activities.

These purposes, as well as others that will appear more clearly below, are achieved by a modular system for sports and / or recreational activity and by a method for its realization in accordance with what is described, illustrated and / or claimed herein.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident in the light of the detailed description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a system 100, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing tables in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment example of a system 100 with a rigid base structure 1 and a fence 104;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively bottom and top views of the rigid base structure 1;

FIGS. 4A, 5A and 6A are bottom views of different embodiments of a base module 10, 10 ', 10' with in FIGS. 4B, 5B, 6B and in FIGS. 4C, 5C, 6C sectional views of Figures 4A, 5A and 6 ° respectively;

FIGS. 7 to 10 are schematic views of two modules 10, 10 ', 10' adjacent during different operating phases;

FIG.11 shows a schematic view of two adjacent modules 10, 10 ', 10' 'connected.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments With reference to the cited figures, a system 100 is described for practicing sports / recreational activities such as for example the practice of padel, squash, tennis, badminton, volleyball, a multisport plate, or the like. Such examples are not exclusive.

The system 100 can be positioned on a terrain T such as for example a lawn, a courtyard, a square, a floor or the like.

Essentially, the system 100 may comprise a base structure 1 which may be substantially planar so as to have a substantially flat operating surface 3 defining a plane π and intended to be walked on by one or more users during the practice of activity or intended to support a pavement that can be walked on by users.

On the other hand, the basic planar structure 1 may comprise an opposite surface 2 which can then be facing the ground T, possibly in contact with it.

The system 100 may further comprise one or more uprights 105 which may be designed to support a fence 104, a partition wall, and / or a cover or the like. These uprights 105 can be coupled with the base structure 1 as better explained below.

For example, the system 100 may be a padel court, as schematically illustrated in the attached figures, having the base structure 1 and the fence 104. It is understood that the padel court 100 may also comprise a cover not shown in the attached figures. The coverage may in fact be of any type in a manner known per se.

Although in the attached figures only the padel court 100 has been illustrated, it is understood that the system 100 can be a football, basketball, tennis or similar field, as well as a play area for children, a dance floor. , or the like without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Eventually, the system 100 can include the cover and be without fence 104.

Conveniently, the base structure 1 can be a load-bearing base structure. For example, the base structure 1 may be able to support a load greater than 300 kg / square meter.

The system 100 may be of the removable type so as to allow its assembly and disassembly.

Conveniently, the base structure 1 can be modular so as to allow to realize a base structure 1 having different dimensions according to the needs, and therefore of a system 100 of different dimensions.

In addition, thanks to the modularity and removability of the system 100, the latter can vary the dimensions even after its assembly on the ground T.

In particular, a plurality of base modules 10 can be provided that are mutually connected in a removable way to form the base structure 1.

Preferably the modules 10 can comprise a main body 25 of concrete 25 and a reinforcing element 20 which can be embedded in the main body 25.

For example, the reinforcement element may be a reinforcement 20 in order to create a base module 10 in reinforced concrete, also called "reinforced concrete". The armature 20 may be made of metallic material, for example it may include a plurality of steel bars 21 suitably shaped and / or dimensioned in a per se known manner and / or may comprise a plurality of metal nets 21 so that the base 10 has a high mechanical resistance. For example, there may be two metal meshes 21 spaced apart.

Possibly the reinforcing element 20 may include fibrous elements to reinforce the cement matrix in order to create a module 10 in "fiber-reinforced concrete". The fibrous elements can be of different nature: steel, plastic, glass, cast iron or the like.

Optionally, different types of reinforcements 20 may be present, for example a metal mesh 21 and polymeric fibers.

Each module 10 may have the shape of a parallelepiped and may have a substantially rectangular plan shape so as to have a pair of opposite short sides 18 and a pair of opposite long sides 19. For example, a module 10 may have a height H of about 15 cm, a length LU of about 360 cm and a width LA of about 200-250 cm. It is understood that the modules may have different sizes without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

In any case, the modules 10 can have a lower surface 11 and an opposite upper surface 12. In particular, once the modules 10 are connected together, the lower surfaces 11 can cooperate to define the lower surface 2 of the base structure 1 while the upper surfaces 12 will be able to cooperate to define the upper surface 3 of the base structure 1.

Each module 10 may have an internal area 14 and a peripheral area 15. For example, the peripheral area 15 may have a minimum thickness of about 25 cm.

Conveniently, one or more recesses 13 may be provided in order to lighten the total weight of the single module 10. For example, the recesses may have a depth of about 5-10 cm. The module 10 may have a weight of less than 300 kg, preferably less than 250 kg.

The recesses 13 may have an elongated shape and may preferably be placed in correspondence with the internal area 14 of the module 10 so as not to compromise the structural strength of the module itself.

In particular, the lower surface 11 may include these recesses 13 while the upper surface 12 may be devoid of them so that the latter is substantially continuous.

Optionally, the interspaces between the modules 10 may be closed or sealed by means of a sealant in a per se known manner.

Conveniently, means may be provided for connecting the modules 10 so as to provide a rigid base structure 1 as better explained below.

Thanks to this characteristic, the base structure 1 can have high resistance and can be suitable both to support high loads and to support fences, covers, partition walls or the like.

In particular, once the uprights 105 are coupled with the base structure 1, it will be possible to prevent the lateral thrusts, i.e. the forces parallel to the plane π, acting on the uprights 105 from damaging the base structure 1 and therefore the system 100.

For example, each upright 105 will be able to support a lateral thrust of at least 100 kg / square meter.

Preferably, the base structure 1 can be prefabricated. In particular, each module 10 can be prefabricated and subsequently connected with other modules by means of the connection means as better explained below.

In this way, the system 100 is particularly economical and easy to store. In fact, the modules 10 and the connection means can be made and possibly stored, which may then be available to make the system 100 as needed.

Optionally, the modules 10 may allow the dimensions of the system 100 to be varied, for example by connecting further modules 10 so as to expand and / or modify the dimensions of the base structure 1 and therefore of the system 100.

Furthermore, both the modules 10 and the uprights 105 may be removable so as to allow the modules 10 to be repositioned, to reduce or vary the size and / or shape of the base structure 1 as well as the position of the uprights 105 and therefore of the fence. and / or coverage.

Conveniently, the connecting means may comprise a plurality of fixing plates 30. Preferably, the fixing plates 30 may be made of steel.

In particular, the fixing plates 30 can be coupled with the modules 10 to mutually connect the latter. Preferably the fixing plates 30 can be coupled with the modules 10 in a removable way.

More in detail, each fixing plate 30 can be coupled with two or more modules 10 so as to connect the latter. In particular, the fixing plates 30 can be coupled with the modules 10 in correspondence with the peripheral area 15 of the latter.

Conveniently, male and female elements may be provided to allow the coupling of the fixing plates 30 and the modules 10.

More in detail, the peripheral area 15 may include at least one seat 16 for coupling with the fixing plate 30 defining the female element. On the other hand, the fixing plate 30 may comprise a base area 31 and at least one protuberance 32, preferably at least a pair of protuberances 32 extending from the base area 31 in a substantially orthogonal way to the same. The protuberances 32 will thus be able to define the male element.

In this way, a fixing plate 30 can have a pair of protuberances 32 which can be inserted in the seats 16 of two adjacent modules 10 to mutually connect the latter.

It is understood that the fixing plates 30 and the seats 16 can therefore be sized in such a way as to allow the insertion of the protuberances 32 in the seats 16.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the seats 16 may all have the same distance from the edge 15 'of the peripheral area 15 and may all have substantially the same configuration, for example the same size and / or depth and / or diameter. In this way, also the fixing plates 30 and the respective protuberances 32 can all be identical to each other.

Thanks to these characteristics, the connection of the modules 10 can be particularly simple and fast.

Preferably, the peripheral zone 15 can comprise a step 17 in correspondence with the seats 16. In particular, this step 17 can be configured in such a way that when the fixing plate 30 is coupled with the module 10, the first is substantially flush with the upper surface 12 of module 10.

More in detail, the step 17 can have a height and / or dimensions substantially equal to the base 31 of the fixing plate 30 so that once the fixing plate 30 is coupled with the module 10, the base 31 is flush with the surface 12 of the module 10 so that the operative surface 3 of the base structure 1 is substantially continuous.

Preferably, the male and female elements can be configured in such a way as to promote the mutual insertion and therefore the coupling of the fixing plates 30 with the module 10.

For this purpose, the protuberances 32 and the seats 16 may be mutually configured so as to act as a reciprocal invitation for the insertion of the first in the second. In particular, the protuberances 32 may have a substantially convergent shape, for example conical or truncated cone. On the other hand, the seats 16 may be substantially cylindrical, preferably they may have a substantially diverging shape, possibly they may be counter-shaped with respect to the protuberances 32.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the fixing plates 30 can be coupled with the base elements 10 both in correspondence with the lower surface 11 and in correspondence with the upper surface 12. Thanks to this characteristic, once the modules 10 have been connected together , it will be possible to realize a base structure 1 of high rigidity.

In particular, both the lower surface 11 and the upper surface 12 of each base module 10 can comprise at least one seat 16. In this way the fixing plates 30 can be coupled with the modules 10 both at the upper surface 12 and at correspondence of the lower surface 11 of the same.

It is understood that the coupling of the fixing plates 30 and the modules 10 in correspondence with the lower surface 11 can be achieved in the same way as described for the upper surface 12.

In fact, the seats 16 and the steps 17 of the lower surface 11 may mirror the seats 16 and the steps 17 of the upper surface 12. In other words, the fixing plate 30 coupled at the top and the fixing plate 30 coupled at the bottom can be placed in correspondence with the 'one of the other. In other words, it is therefore possible to define pairs of corresponding fixing plates 30.

In this way, moreover, the fixing plates 30 can be all the same, whether they are positioned at the lower surface 11 or at the upper surface 12.

Conveniently, means 50 can be provided for reciprocally fixing the corresponding fixing plates 30. In this way it will be possible to avoid the decoupling of the fixing plates 30 and the modules 10.

For example, such means 50 may comprise a screw passing through the module 10 to mutually connect the corresponding fixing plates 30.

In particular, the module 10 may comprise a through hole 52 to allow the passing screw 51 through the same modules 10. Preferably, this through hole 52 can be placed in correspondence with the seat 16.

Optionally, the through holes 52 may be equal in number to that of the seats 16 of each module 10, i.e. each module 10 may have a seat 16 and a corresponding through hole 52.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the protuberances 32 may include an internal area 35 threaded for the screw 51. In other words, the screwing of the screw 51 into the protuberances 32 will allow the mutual approach of the corresponding plates 30.

In other words, each module 10 can remain interposed between a pair of fixing plates 30. More generally, the base structure 1 can have a plurality of side by side modules 10 and a plurality of fixing plates 30 placed on opposite sides of the surface. base 1 and mutually fixed by means 50.

Thanks to these characteristics, the base structure 1 will be able to have a high rigidity. Eventually the modules 10 may be different from each other. For example, the modules arranged centrally, side modules and the head modules may have different dimensions from each other.

As for example illustrated in Fig. 4A, the central modules 10 may comprise four seats 16 located in the peripheral area 15 at the corners, while the fixing plates 30 may comprise four protuberances 32 so that the same fixing plate 30 can be coupled with four adjacent modules 10. In this case the peripheral area 15 may have a reduced thickness, of the order of 20-30 cm, while the recesses 13 may have large dimensions, for example a length of about 300 cm.

As illustrated for example in Fig. 5A, the side modules 10 'may be intended to have a portion 15' facing outwards. In particular, the peripheral area 15 may include a larger area 15 'placed along a short side 18, for example greater than 70 cm. Conveniently, one or more seats 16 can be placed in correspondence of one or two corners of the peripheral area 15 in a similar way to the central module 10 to allow the connection with the latter and one or two pairs of seats 16 can be placed in correspondence of the 15 '' area to allow connection with another 10 'side module.

In this way the side modules 10 'can be rigidly connected with other side modules 10' and / or with the central modules 10. Preferably, the same plates 30 having four protuberances 32 can be used.

Moreover, as illustrated for example in Fig. 6A, in a similar way, the head modules 10 '' can also be provided which can comprise two contiguous sides 18, 19 each having a seat 16 in correspondence with the angle formed between them and a pair of seats 16 placed at the opposite ends with respect to the corner.

These modules have areas 15 'of larger dimensions placed in correspondence with a pair of sides 18 or 19 and the side between the latter.

The 10 '' head modules may have recesses 13 of reduced dimensions, for example 65x100 cm, and 15 '' areas of the peripheral area 15 of large dimensions, for example of at least 70 cm.

As shown in the attached figures, the seats 16 can be positioned appropriately to allow the connection between the head 10 ', lateral 10' and / or central 10 modules.

Furthermore, the distance between two seats 16 can always be the same in order to allow the connection of all modules 10, 10 ', 10' by means of a single fixing plate 30.

Advantageously, the base structure 1 can be made starting from a kit comprising a plurality of modules 10 and a plurality of fixing plates 30. Preferably, the kit can comprise a plurality of central modules 10, a plurality of side modules 10 'and a plurality of 10 '' head modules.

It is understood that the number of modules 10, 10 ', 10' 'may vary depending on the size of the modules themselves and / or the basic structure 1 as well as the size of the field 100 to be created.

Operationally, a plurality of modules 10 can then be prepared, for example the central 10, side 10 'and top 10' modules and a plurality of fixing plates 30.

In particular, as schematically illustrated in Figs. 7 - 10 it will be possible to position the fixing plates 30 on the ground T and then a module 10 which can be coupled with the fixing plates 30 by inserting the protrusions 32 in the seats 16.

Subsequently, it will be sufficient to place additional fixing plates 30 on the ground T and an additional module 10, 10 ', 10' which can then be connected with the previous one by means of one or more fixing plates 30 in common.

The corresponding fixing plates can then be fixed to each other by means of fixing means 50, for example by means of the screw 51 screwed into the thread 35.

By repeating this operation it may therefore be possible to create the entire basic structure 1. In other words, each module can be connected with the adjacent module by means of at least one, preferably by means of at least two fixing plates 30.

Advantageously, modules 10, 10 ', 10' can be lowered from above using a crane or the like. In this way, thanks to the configuration of the protuberances 32 and the seats 16, the latter can act as an invitation for the coupling of the modules 10, 10 ', 10' and the fixing plates 30.

Subsequently, the plates 30 can be positioned at the upper surface 12 of modules 10, 10 ', 10'.

Preferably, as schematically illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, once two adjacent modules 10, 10 ', 10' 'have been connected by means of the fixing plates 30 located at the bottom, the plates 30 can also be coupled at the upper surfaces 12 of the same adjacent modules already connected.

Preferably, each module can be connected to the adjacent module by means of at least one pair of fixing plates 30 which can be coupled together by means of the fixing means 50.

In this way it will be possible to avoid the bending of two adjacent modules.

Moreover, thanks to the configuration of the modules 10, and of the step 17, and of the plates 30, the upper surface 12 and the base zone 31 will be able to cooperate to define the operative surface 3 of the base structure 1.

This operation can be repeated for the following modules 10, 10 ', 10' until completing the basic structure 1.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the side modules 10 'and the head modules 10' 'may have an operating area 15' 'of the peripheral area 15 without recesses 13. In particular, once the modules 10 have been connected together, 10 ', 10' such areas 15 '' will be able to cooperate to define a perimeter curb 4.

The latter can therefore have a high resistance. In this way the base structure 1 can have high structural rigidity.

Preferably but not exclusively, the uprights 105 can be coupled with the base structure 1 in correspondence with the perimeter curb 4, preferably in a removable way, for example by means of a screw-nut system.

If the system 100 is a sports field, a plurality of planar elements 106 may be provided interposed between the uprights 105 and fixed thereto in a per se known manner, preferably in a removable way, to form the fence 104.

Furthermore, a canopy can be provided which can be coupled with the uprights 105 in a per se known manner to provide the cover.

The uprights 105 may have a substantially square section. The 105 uprights may have a height greater than 2 meters, preferably greater than 3 meters. Preferably but not exclusively the uprights 105 may have a mutual distance comprised between 1 and 3 m, preferably of about 2 m.

The uprights 105 can be made of metal, preferably of steel.

The planar elements 106 may be substantially continuous, optionally transparent, for example sheets of glass or PMMA, non-transparent or substantially non-continuous, for example a metal mesh. Furthermore, the planar elements 106 can be configured to allow the ball to bounce or not to allow it.

It is understood that the planar elements 106 may include a support frame which may remain facing outwards so that the internal face 107 of the fence 104 is free of protrusions.

In any case, the fence 104 can be configured to withstand the impacts of the athletes, and / or the thrust of the wind and / or allow the ball to bounce for sports such as padel or squash.

Possibly the fence 104 may include more than one type of planar elements 106, for example some continuous areas to allow the ball to bounce and some discontinuous areas to delimit the playing area.

Advantageously, the planar elements 106 can be coupled with the uprights 105 so as to remain substantially flush with them.

In this way, the face 107 of the fence facing the playing area, i.e. the inner face, can be substantially continuous, while the uprights 105 can remain substantially external to the playing area.

Thanks to this feature, it will be possible to prevent the user from being injured during use, making the system 100 particularly safe.

The planar elements 106 may have a height substantially equal to the uprights 105, or even greater, for example they may have a height greater than 3 meters, and may have a width substantially equal to the distance between a pair of consecutive uprights 105.

In general, the fence 104 may have a constant height or may have portions with lower heights and portions with higher heights in a per se known manner.

Eventually, as shown in the figures, the fence 104 may not be continuous along the entire perimeter. For example, one or more discontinuities may be envisaged which can thus define access / exit to / from the playing area.

The fence 104 and the base structure 1 can be mutually configured so that the upper surface 3 of the base structure 1 and the inner surface 107 of the fence 104 are substantially continuous, preferably with a mutual angle of about 90 °.

Operationally, therefore, it will be possible to first realize the base structure 1 and then couple the uprights 105 to it by means of a known type of screw-bolt system, possibly with the aid of plates or angles.

Subsequently, the planar elements 106 can be coupled with the uprights 105 to make the fence 104 and / or the canopy to make the cover.

Thanks to these characteristics, the system 100 can be easily assembled and / or disassembled by non-specialized operators.

From what has been described above, it is evident that the invention achieves the intended purposes.

The invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the inventive concept expressed in the attached claims. All the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials can be different according to the needs, without leaving the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described with particular reference to the attached figures, the reference numbers used in the description and in the claims are used to improve the intelligence of the invention and do not constitute any limitation to the scope of protection claimed.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A modular multipurpose system (100) for sports and / or recreational activities that can be positioned on land (T) including: - a plurality of base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') having a substantially parallelepiped shape so as to have a first lower surface (11) and a second opposite upper surface (12), said base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') comprising a main body (25) made of concrete and at least one reinforcing element (20); - means for the mutual connection of said plurality of base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') to create a rigid base structure (1); wherein said rigid base structure (1) has a substantially planar operating surface (3); in which said connection means are of the removable type so that said rigid base structure (1) is removable. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprise a plurality of fixing plates (30), each of the latter being connectable with at least two adjacent base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') in order to mutually connect the latter. System according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one first of said fixing plates (30) is coupled with said base module (10, 10 ', 10' ') at said first lower surface (11) and at least a second of said fixing plates (30) is coupled with said base module (10, 10 ', 10' ') at said second upper surface (12), said at least a first and a second fixing plate (30) defining at least one pair of corresponding fixing plates (30), said base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') being interposed between said at least one pair of corresponding fixing plates (30). 4. System according to the preceding claim, comprising means for reciprocally fixing (50) the plates of said at least one pair of corresponding fixing plates (30) when the latter and said base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') are mutually coupled. 5. System according to the preceding claim, wherein said base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') comprise at least one through hole (52), said at least one pair of corresponding fixing plates (30) being coupled with said base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') in correspondence with said at least one through hole (52), said fixing means (50) comprising at least one screw element (51) passing through said through hole (52) . System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixing plates (30) comprise at least one pair of male elements (32), each of said base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') comprising at least a corresponding female element (16), each male element (32) of said at least one pair being capable of interacting with a corresponding female element (16) of two adjacent base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') to mutually connect this last. 7. System according to the preceding claim, in which said male elements (32) can be inserted in said female elements (16), said male (32) and female (16) elements being mutually configured to promote the insertion of the former into the second. System according to any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one post (105) operatively coupled with said rigid base structure (1) to support a fence (104) and / or a cover. 9. A method for creating a modular multipurpose system (100) for sports and / or recreational activities that can be positioned on a ground (T), the method including the phases of: - arrangement of a plurality of base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') having a substantially parallelepiped shape, said base modules (10, 10', 10 '') comprising a main body (25) in concrete and at least a reinforcing element (20); - reciprocal removable connection of said plurality of base modules (10, 10 ', 10' ') by means of connection means (30) to form a rigid base structure (1), the latter having an operating surface (3) substantially planar. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps of: - preparing a plurality of uprights (105); - coupling said uprights with said rigid base structure (1) to support a fence (104) and / or a cover.