IT202000030374A1 - BARRIER DEVICE USABLE AS A GAMING NETWORK - Google Patents

Description

Description of industrial invention

Barrier device that can be used as a play net

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a barrier device usable as a play net, for example as a volleyball net.

[0002] State of the art

[0003] In the practice of volleyball, the net is an essential element for the players. The net not only divides the playing field into two adjacent sectors (9 x 9 meters) intended to be occupied by opposing teams, but? indispensable for the dynamics of the game as it allows players to take advantage of a correct vision in depth? the movements of the ball with respect to the playing field.

[0004] A drawback of known volleyball nets (emerged in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that started in 2019)? intrinsically connected to their structure. Every volleyball net ? in fact it consists of a weave of threads, which are mutually crossed and knotted so? free spaces to be defined, i.e. the meshes. Inevitably, the meshes of the network are ?transit routes? freely traversable by liquid substances, such as for example the so-called droplets, i.e. emissions of respiratory and/or salivary secretions in the form of microscopic drops that are expelled from cavities oral and/or respiratory tract due to coughing and/or sneezing.

[0005] In volleyball, an example of a game situation in which the passage of droplets through the mesh of the net can happen very easily? the CD. ?attack against the wall?, in which players of a team jump in proximity? of the net, raising hands and arms over the top edge of the net, to intercept the ball hit by an opposing hitter. AND? clear that, in the above situation, the distance between two players positioned on opposite sides of the net? particularly small and ? therefore such as to allow an unwanted exchange of droplets between two or more? players.

[0006] There? becomes significantly dangerous if one of the players is, for example, an individual who ? asymptomatic positive for SARS-CoV-2 and ? therefore able to unknowingly spread the infection to other players.

[0007] Furthermore, apart from the specific case of SARS-CoV-2, there are other dangerous pathogenic microorganisms, such as for example meningococcus and pneumococcus, of which a volleyball player could be an unaware healthy carrier and which could therefore be transmitted via droplets.

[0008] In short, the only way to avoid, or at least minimize, the potential risk caused by droplets would consist in avoiding game situations such as that of the attack against the block, which however would lead to a significant impoverishment of game dynamics .

[0009] Another drawback of known volleyball nets, also due to their structure, is the substantial difficulty? of sanitization. In fact, due to the presence of empty spaces (the meshes of the net), isn't it? easy to properly apply a cleaning or disinfectant product on the mesh (for example by spraying or nebulizing the product) while the mesh is ? mounted on the corresponding support elements (posts). In fact, in order to completely sanitize the net, it would be necessary to disassemble the net from the poles, wrap the net and immerse it in a detergent or disinfectant solution. However, the aforementioned procedure, if applied, would imply a significant expenditure of time by the operators used to clean the playing field and the sports equipment used by the players.

[0010] In the light of the above, ? clear how the technicians of the sector (coaches and players of volleyball, as well as of other sports in which the use of a half-court net is required) strongly feel the need for a game net which allows to overcome the above drawbacks described.

[0011] Objects of the invention

[0012] A purpose of the invention? improve known game nets, especially volleyball nets.

[0013] Another purpose? provide a game net, in particular a volleyball net, which can be used in suitable safety conditions even in game situations in which the distance between the players is such as to favor an unwanted and risky exchange of droplets between the players.

[0014] A further purpose? provide a game net, in particular a volleyball net, which can be sanitized in a suitable way and avoiding an excessive waste of time.

[0015] According to the invention, ? a barrier device usable as a gaming net is provided, as defined in claim 1.

[0016] Thanks to the invention the aforementioned objects are achieved, in that a barrier device is made available, which is effectively usable as a game net, for example as a volleyball net, and ? easily sanitizable.

[0017] The barrier device according to the invention comprises a mesh element and a transparent barrier element, which are placed side by side in such a way that the plurality of of meshes forming the mesh element faces the transparent barrier element. The transparent barrier element ? consisting of a strip of transparent flexible material. In this way, near of each of the meshes of the mesh element? positioned an adjacent portion of the transparent barrier element and, consequently, the empty space included within each mesh is ?closed? from the adjacent portion of the transparent barrier element.

[0018] Therefore, when is the barrier device according to the invention? in use, the element on the net ? always optimally viewable through the transparent barrier element, which allows players to take advantage of correct depth vision the movements of the ball with respect to the playing field. At the same time, since the transparent barrier element ?closes? the meshes of the net element, suitable safety conditions are guaranteed even in game situations in which the distance between the players is ? reduced (for example, attack against the wall) as a possible exchange of droplets between the players is prevented.

[0019] Furthermore, unlike known gaming nets, the barrier device according to the invention does not need to be sanitized necessary to disassemble the net from the support posts and immerse the latter in a detergent or disinfectant solution. Given that the barrier device according to the invention has a substantially ?continuous? - that is, without the empty spaces corresponding to the meshes of a known game net - an operator in charge can? easily apply, for example by spraying or nebulizing, a detergent or disinfectant product on the surface of the barrier device, leaving the latter mounted on the poles. There? it allows a substantial saving of time when cleaning the playing field and sports equipment.

[0020] Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The characteristics of the apparatus according to the invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment thereof, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 ? an interrupted and incomplete perspective schematic view showing an embodiment of the barrier device according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 ? an interrupted and incomplete perspective schematic view showing another embodiment of the barrier device according to the invention;

[0024] Figures 3 to 5 are three schematic front views, interrupted and incomplete, of corresponding embodiments of the barrier device according to the invention.

[0025] Detailed description of the invention

[0026] In the context of the present description, as well as of the attached claims: - the terms ?gaming network? and ?sports net? are considered synonymous and can be used interchangeably with each other;

- the term ?droplet? defines an emission of respiratory and/or salivary secretions in the form of microscopic drops, these microscopic drops being expelled from the cavity? mouth and/or from the respiratory tract of a subject when the latter sneezes and/or coughs and remaining suspended in the ambient air for a variable time;

- the adjective ?sanitisable? indicates the capacity? of an object, such as a playing net, to undergo cleaning and/or disinfection procedures.

[0027] Figures 1 to 5 show a barrier device 1 according to the invention, comprising a mesh element 2 and a transparent barrier element 3. The barrier device 1 ? suitable for use as a volleyball net (Figures 1-4) or as a mini-volleyball net (Figure 5).

[0028] The transparent barrier element 3 comprises a pair of strip portions 4, 4a, each of which ? shaped in the shape of a rectangular strip and ? manufactured in a suitable transparent and flexible material of the known type, in particular transparent PVC, for example PVC of the Cristal type. The strip portion 4 comprises a pair of mutually parallel and opposite sides 5, 6. Similarly, the strip portion 4a comprises a pair of mutually parallel and opposite sides 5a, 6a.

[0029] Although in Figures 1 and 2 the two strip portions 4, 4a are shown mutually diverging and spaced apart, in the barrier device 1 ready for use the two strip portions 4, 4a are mutually side by side and parallel, since the two strip portions 4, 4a are mutually heat sealed along respective peripheral edges 4b and 4c during manufacture. In this way, a two-layer transparent barrier element 3 is obtained.

[0030] In an embodiment of the barrier device 1 suitable for use in volleyball (Figures 1-4), each strip portion 4, 4a has the dimensions shown in the following Table 1:

[0031] Table 1

[0032] In an embodiment of the barrier device 1 suitable for use in mini-volleyball (Figure 5), each strip portion 4, 4a has the dimensions shown in the following Table 2:

[0033] Table 2

[0034] Each strip portion 4, 4a can be manufactured using known methods and apparatuses for making plastic materials into films.

[0035] The mesh element 2 comprises a mesh pattern 2b defining a plurality of of meshes 2a, i.e. a design reproducing a volleyball net made up of the plurality? of stitches 2a.

[0036] By way of non-limiting example, in the drawing of the net 2b the dimensions of each link 2a can be as follows:

- 3cm x 3cm

- 4.5cm x 4.5cm

- 7cm x 7cm

- 10cm x 10cm.

[0037] The network design 2b ? printed using known methods and apparatuses, for example by digital printing, on the strip portion 4. Pi? exactly, the network design 2b ? printed on side 5 that ? overlooking, and ? then in contact with the adjacent and opposite side 5a of the adjacent strip portion 4a. In other words, the network design 2b, and therefore the network element 2, is interposed between the two strip portions 4, 4a.

[0038] In this way, the mesh element 2 ? protected from possible mechanical wear, i.e. from possible damage produced by the ball when the latter hits the external surface of the barrier device 1. Furthermore, the mesh element 2 is protected from possible mechanical wear. protected from possible chemical wear, which could be caused by detergents and disinfectants used to clean and sanitize the barrier device 1.

[0039] It should be noted that, when the mesh pattern 2b is printed on the stripe portion 4a, ? it is also possible to print logos or writings on the strip portion 4a, which allows the barrier device 1 to be customized according to the user's requirements.

[0040] The barrier device 1 also comprises other elements, the presence of which? required in regulation volleyball nets: two horizontal bands 7, 8 (ie, two bands parallel to the striped portion 4, 4a) in white PVC, which extend along the opposite horizontal portions of the peripheral edges 4b and 4c; two vertical bands 9 (i.e., two bands perpendicular to the striped portion 4, 4a) in white PVC (of which only one is shown in Figure 1), which have a width of 5 cm and are positioned in correspondence with the sidelines of the field gaming (not shown); two vertical end bands 13 (shown in Figures 3-5 ) made of black PVC, which have a width of 3 cm wide; two bicolor antennas 10 (of which only one is shown in Figure 1), manufactured in a suitable shockproof material (for example glass fiber) and protruding vertically from the horizontal band 7 by 70 cm.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the barrier device 1 which differs from the embodiment of Figure 1 only in that the network design 2b ? printed both on side 5 of the strip portion 4 and on the adjacent and opposite side 5a of the adjacent strip portion 4a. Therefore, all the elements of the barrier device 1 previously described with reference to Figure 1 are designated with the same reference numbers in Figure 2 and are not described again below.

[0042] For the mesh element 2 different embodiments from the mesh design 2b are possible, which are described below always with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0043] In one embodiment, the mesh element 2 comprises a plurality of of threads 2c (Figure 1; Figure 2), which are mutually intertwined or knotted and define the plurality? of stitches 2a. In other words, in this embodiment, the mesh element 2 comprises a mesh of known type, interposed between the two strip portions 4, 4a.

[0044] In another embodiment, the mesh element 2 comprises a plurality of of 2d strips, which are mutually crossed in order to define the plurality? of stitches 2a.

These 2d strips consist of an adhesive material of a known type - for example, a double-sided adhesive - and are glued onto one or more of the strips. of the sides 5, 6, 5a, 6a of the strip portions 4, 4a. This embodiment allows logos and/or writing to be easily printed on the mesh element 2.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the mesh element 2 comprises a plurality of of LED strips 2e, which are mutually crossed so as to define the plurality? of stitches 2a. AND? It is possible to use LED strips 2e of known type, for example LED strips having a width of 4 mm and interposed between the two strip portions 4, 4a.

[0046] How can a technician in the sector be able to easily understand, the barrier device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 can? also comprise a single-layer transparent barrier element 3, i.e. a transparent barrier element 3 comprising a single strip portion 4, or 4a. In this case, the network element 2 ? printed, glued or positioned (depending on the embodiment of the mesh element used) at one or both sides 5, 6 of the strip portion 4, or at one or both sides 5a, 6a of the strip portion 4a.

[0047] By way of non-limiting example, the weight of the barrier device 1 for volleyball (length: 10 metres) comprising the two-layer transparent barrier element 3 ? of 15 kg, the weight of the barrier device 1 for volleyball comprising the single-layer transparent barrier element 3 ? of 8 kg and the weight of the barrier device 1 for mini-volleyball (length: 7 metres) comprising the single-layer transparent barrier element 3 ? of 6 kg.

[0048] Figures 3 to 5 show the front aspect of the barrier device according to the invention in three different embodiments (the drawings shown are not to scale with each other). All the elements of the barrier device according to the invention previously described with reference to Figure 1 are designated by the same reference numbers in Figures 3 to 5 and are not described again in the following.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a barrier device 1 for volleyball such as that of Figure 1, in which the net element 2 comprises a plurality of of 2a links having dimensions: 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm. Figure 4 shows a barrier device 1a for volleyball, in which the net element 2 comprises a plurality of of 2a links having dimensions: 10 cm x 10 cm. Figure 5 shows a barrier device 1b for mini-volleyball, in which the mesh element 2 comprises a plurality of of 2a links having dimensions: 7 cm x 7 cm.

[0050] Each barrier device 1, 1a, 1b ? mounted on a respective pair of support poles 11 by means of a steel cable 12a (arranged above) and a fabric cable 12b (arranged below). The 12a steel cable can? be replaced with a cable made of another known material, which is able to suitably support the barrier device 1, 1a, 1b. As evidenced by the aforementioned Figures 3-5, after being mounted on the support poles 11, the barrier device 1, 1a or 1b has an appearance which ? substantially indistinguishable from that of a known volleyball or mini-volleyball net. In use, ie during a game or a training session, players can therefore take advantage of a correct vision in depth? the movements of the ball with respect to the playing field.

[0051] Furthermore, once the match or training session is over, an assigned operator can easily apply, for example by spraying, a detergent or disinfectant product on the surface of the barrier device 1, 1a or 1b while the latter ? mounted on support poles 11. As a suitable product can? For example, a known type of disinfectant/detergent (Rifrax San) containing alcohols, anionic and non-ionic surfactants and sodium 2-phenylphenolate can be used.

[0052] From what has been described and exemplified above, one can affirm that the barrier device 1 according to the invention effectively overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and obtains multiple advantages.

[0053] Variations and/or additions to what has been described above and/or to what is illustrated in the attached drawings are also possible. For example, although the embodiment of the invention described with reference to Figures 1-5 is suitable for use as a volleyball or mini-volleyball net, one skilled in the art will understand easily that, by varying the dimensions of the mesh element 2 and of the transparent barrier element 3, It is possible to manufacture a play net suitable for use in other variants of volleyball, such as beach volleyball or snow volleyball, or a play net suitable for use in a sport other than volleyball, such as badminton or tennis.

Claims (10)

1. Sanitizable barrier device (1; 1a; 1b), usable as a play net and able to act as a barrier against respiratory and/or salivary secretions, said barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) comprising a net element (2) and a transparent barrier element (3), said mesh element (2) and said transparent barrier element (3) being mutually side by side so that a plurality of of meshes (2a) included in said mesh element (2) ? facing said transparent barrier element (3). 2. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1, wherein said plurality? of meshes (2a) included in said mesh element (2) ? in contact with said transparent barrier element (3). 3. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1, or 2, wherein said transparent barrier element (3) comprises a strip portion (4, 4a) of transparent material, said mesh element (2 ) being placed alongside one side (5, 6, 5a, 6a) of said strip portion (4, 4a). 4. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 1, or 2, wherein said transparent barrier element (3) comprises a pair of strip portions (4, 4a) of transparent material, said mesh element (2) being interposed between two mutually facing sides (5, 5a) of said strip portions (4, 4a) of said pair. 5. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mesh element (2) comprises a mesh design (2b) defining said plurality of of meshes (2a), said net design (2b) being printed on one or more? of said sides (5, 6, 5a, 6a) of said strip portion (4, 4a). 6. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mesh element (2) comprises a plurality of of threads (2c) mutually intertwined or knotted and defining said plurality? of stitches (2a). 7. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mesh element (2) comprises a plurality of of strips (2d) mutually crossed and defining said plurality? of links (2a), called plurality? of strips (2d) comprising strips of adhesive material glued to one or more? of said sides (5, 6, 5a, 6a) of said strip portion (4, 4a). 8. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said mesh element (2) comprises a plurality of of LED strips (2e) mutually crossed and defining said plurality? of stitches (2a). 9. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein said transparent material ? flexible. Barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) according to one of claims 1 to 9, usable as a play net in a game selected from the group consisting of volleyball, mini-volleyball, beach-volleyball, snow-volleyball, badminton and tennis.