WO2022123322A1

WO2022123322A1 - Barrier device that is usable as a game net

Info

Publication number: WO2022123322A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/050259
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matteo Zingaro
Original assignee: Matteo Zingaro
Priority date: 2020-12-10
Filing date: 2021-01-14
Publication date: 2022-06-16
Also published as: WO2022123325A1; IT202000030374A1; US20220184478A1

Abstract

A barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) that is usable as a game net is able to act as a barrier against respiratory and/or salivary secretions. The barrier device (1; 1a; 1b) is sanitizable and comprises a net element (2) and a transparent barrier element (3), said net element (2) and said transparent barrier element (3) being reciprocally side by side in such a manner that a plurality of meshes (2a) comprised in said net element (2) faces said transparent barrier element (3).

Description

BARRIER DEVICE THAT IS USABLE AS A GAME NET

Technical Field

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

[0002] Background Art

[0003] In the volleyball practice, the net is a fundamental element for the players. Not only does the net divide the court into two adjacent sectors (9 x 9 metres) that are intended to be occupied by opposing teams, but it is indispensable for the purposes of the dynamics of the game inasmuch as it enables the players to benefit from a correct vision in depth of the movements of the ball with respect to the court.

[0004] A drawback of known volleyball nets (which drawback emerged during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic that started in 2019) is intrinsically connected to the structure thereof. Each volleyball net in fact consists of an interlacement of threads that are reciprocally crossed and knotted so as to define free spaces, i.e. the meshes. Inevitably, the meshes of the net are “transit routes” that are freely traversable by liquid substances such as for example the so-called droplets, i.e. the emissions of respiratory and/or salivary secretions in the form of microscopic drops that are expelled from the oral cavity and/or the respiratory tract through the effect of coughing and/or sneezes.

[0005] In volleyball, an example of game situation in which the transit of droplets through the meshes of the net can occur extremely easily is the so-called “attack against block”, in which players of one team jump up near the net and raise their hands and arms beyond the upper edge of the net to intercept the ball hit by an opposing hitter. It is clear that, in the above situation, the distance between two players positioned at opposite sides of the net is particularly reduced and is thus so as to permit an undesired exchange of droplets between two or more players.

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

[0007] Furthermore, regardless of the specific case of SARS-CoV-2, other dangerous pathogenic microorganisms exist, such as for example meningococcus and pneumococcus, which a volleyball player could be an unknowing healthy carrier of and which he/she could thus transmit by the droplets. [0008] Briefly, the only manner of preventing, or at least minimizing, the potential risk caused by the droplets would consist of preventing game situations like the one of the attack against block, which would nevertheless lead to a significant impoverishment in the dynamics of the game.

[0009] Another drawback of known volleyball nets, which is also due to the structure thereof, is the substantial difficulty of sanification. In fact, owing to the presence of empty spaces (the meshes of the net), it is not easy to apply suitably a cleaning or disinfecting product to the net (for example by spraying or vaporizing the product) whilst the net is fitted to the corresponding supporting elements (poles). In fact, in order to sanitize the net completely, it would be necessary to dismantle the net from the poles, wrapping the net and immersing the net into a cleaning or disinfecting solution. Nevertheless, the aforesaid procedure, if applied, would imply a significant expenditure of time by the operators employed to clean the court and the sporting equipment used by the players.

[0010] In the light of what has been pointed out above, it is clear that the persons skilled in the art (volleyball trainers and players, as well as trainers and players of other sports in which the use of a half-court net is required) feel a strong need for a game net that enables the above-disclosed drawbacks to be overcome.

[0011] Objects of the invention

[0012] An object of the invention is to improve known game nets, in particular volleyball nets.

[0013] Another object is to provide a game net, in particular a volleyball net, that can be used under suitable safety conditions even in the play situations in which the distance between players is such as to promote an undesired and risky exchange of droplets between the players.

[0014] A further object is to provide a game net, in particular a volleyball net, that can be sanitized suitably and avoiding an excessive expenditure of time.

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

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

[0017] The barrier device according to the invention comprises a net element and a transparent barrier element, which are reciprocally side by side so that the plurality of meshes forming the net element faces the transparent barrier element. The transparent barrier element consists of a strip of transparent flexible material. In this manner, near each of the meshes of the net element an adjacent portion is positioned of the transparent barrier element and, accordingly, the empty space comprised inside each mesh is “closed” by the adjacent portion of the transparent barrier element.

[0018] Accordingly, when the barrier device according to the invention is in use, the net element can always be visualized in an optimized manner through the transparent barrier element, which enables the players to benefit from a correct vision in depth of the movements of the ball with respect to the court. At the same time, as the transparent barrier element “closes” the meshes of the net element, suitable safety conditions are assured also in the game situations in which the distance between the players is reduced (for example, attack against block) because a possible exchange of droplets between players is prevented. [0019] Furthermore, unlike known game nets, in order to sanitize the barrier device according to the invention, it is not necessary to dismantle the barrier device from the supporting poles and immerse the barrier device in a cleaning or disinfecting solution. As the barrier device according to the invention has a substantially “continuous” structure - i.e. devoid of the empty spaces corresponding to the meshes of a known game net - an assigned operator can easily apply, for example spray or vaporize, a cleaning or disinfecting product onto the surface of the barrier device, leaving the barrier device fitted to the poles. This enables a considerable time saving during cleaning of the court and of the sporting equipment.

[0020] Short description of the drawings

[0021] The features of the apparatus according to the invention can be better comprised and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate an embodiment thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective, fragmentary and incomplete schematic view showing an embodiment of the barrier device according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a perspective, fragmentary and incomplete schematic view, showing another embodiment of the barrier device according to the invention;

[0024] Figures 3 to 5 are three front, fragmentary and incomplete schematic views 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 “game net” and “net for sporting use” are considered to be synonyms and can be used in a reciprocally interchangeable manner;

- 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 oral cavity and/or from the respiratory tract of a person when the person sneezes and/or coughs and remaining suspended in the ambient air for a variable time;

- the adjective “sanitizable” indicates the ability of an object, such as for example a game net, to be subjected to cleaning and/or disinfection procedures.

[0027] Figures 1 to 5 show a barrier device 1 according to the invention, comprising a net element 2 and a transparent barrier element 3. The barrier device 1 is suitable for the use as a volleyball net (Figure 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 is shaped in the form of a rectangular strip and is manufactured from a suitable transparent and flexible material of known type, for example transparent PVC, such as Crystal type-PVC. The strip portion 4 comprises a pair of reciprocally parallel and opposite sides 5, 6. Similarly, the strip portion 4a comprises a pair of reciprocally parallel and opposite sides 5a, 6a.

[0029] Although in Figures 1 and 2 the two strip portions 4, 4a are shown reciprocally divergent and spaced apart, in the barrier device 1 that is ready for use the two strip portions 4, 4a are reciprocally side by side and parallel, because the two strip portions 4, 4a are welded together along respective peripheral edges 4b and 4c during manufacture. In this manner, a two-layer transparent barrier element 3 is obtained.

[0030] In one embodiment of the barrier device 1 that is 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 that is suitable for use in the minivolleyball (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 by using known methods and apparatuses for producing plastic film materials.

[0035] The net element 2 comprises a drawing of a net 2b defining a plurality of meshes 2a. In other words, the net element 2 consists of a drawing, which reproduces a volleyball net consisting of the plurality of meshes 2a.

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

- 3 cm x 3 cm

- 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm

- 7 cm x 7 cm

- 10 cm x 10 cm.

[0037] The drawing of a net 2b is printed by using methods and apparatuses of known type, for example by digital printing, on the strip portion 4. More exactly, the drawing of a net 2b is printed on the side 5 that faces, and is thus in contact with, the adjacent and opposite side 5a of the adjacent strip portion 4a. In other words, the drawing of a net 2b, and thus the net element 2, is interposed between the two strip portions 4, 4a.

[0038] In this manner, the net element 2 is protected from a possible mechanical wear, i.e. from possible damage produced by the ball when the latter knocks against the outer surface of the barrier device 1. Furthermore, the net element 2 is protected from a 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 drawing of a net 2b is printed on the strip portion 4a, it is further possible to print logos or messages on the strip portion 4a, which enables the barrier device 1 to be customized according to the needs of the user.

[0040] The barrier device 1 further comprises other elements, the presence of which is required in regulation volleyball nets: two horizontal bands 7, 8 (i.e. two bands that are parallel to the strip 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 that are perpendicular to the strip portion 4, 4a) in white PVC (only one of which is shown in Figure 1), which have a width of 5 cm and are positioned at the side lines of the court (not shown); two vertical end bands 13 (shown in Figures 3-5) in black PVC, which have a width of 3 cm; two two-colour antennas 10 (only one of which is shown in Figure 1), that are manufactured in a suitable shockproof material (for example glass fibre) and protrude vertically from the horizontal band 7 by 70 cm. The aforesaid horizontal and vertical bands can be made by using a known plastic film material other than PVC.

[0041] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the barrier device 1 that differs from the embodiment of Figure 1 only by the fact that the drawing of a net 2b is printed both on the 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 disclosed with reference to the Figure 1 are indicated by the same reference numbers in Figure 2 and are not disclosed again below.

[0042] For the net element 2, embodiments are possible that are different from the drawing of a net 2b, which embodiments are described below still with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

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

[0044] In another embodiment, the net element 2 comprises a plurality of strips 2d, which are reciprocally crossed so as to define the plurality of meshes 2a. These strips 2d consist of an adhesive material of known type - for example, a two-sided adhesive - and are glued onto one or more of the sides 5, 6, 5a, 6a of the strip portions 4, 4a. This embodiment enables logos and/or messages to be easily printed on the net element 2.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the net element 2 comprises a plurality of LED strips 2e, which are reciprocally crossed so as to define the plurality of meshes 2a. It is possible to use LED strips 2e of known type, for example LED strips that are 4 mm in width and interposed between the two strip portions 4, 4a.

[0046] As a person skilled in the art can easily understand, the barrier device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 can also comprise a single-layer transparent barrier element 3, namely a transparent barrier element 3 comprising a single strip portion 4, or 4a. In this case, the net element 2 is printed, glued or positioned (depending on the used embodiment of the net element) 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 is 15 kg, the weight of the barrier device 1 for volleyball comprising the single-layer transparent barrier element 3 is 8 kg and the weight of the barrier device 1 for mini-volleyball (length: 7 metres) comprising the single-layer transparent barrier element 3 is 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 in the same scale). All the elements of the barrier device according to the invention previously disclosed with reference to the Figure 1 are indicated by the same reference numbers in Figures 3 to 5 and are not disclosed again below.

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

[0050] Each barrier device 1, la, lb is fitted to a respective pair of supporting poles 11 by a steel cable 12a (arranged above) and a fabric cable 12b (arranged below). The steel cable 12a can be replaced with a cable of another known material, which is able to support suitably the barrier device 1, la, lb. As highlighted by the aforesaid Figures 3-5, after being fitted to the supporting poles 11, the barrier device 1, la or lb has an appearance that is substantially indistinguishable from that of a known volleyball net or mini-volleyball net. In use, namely during a match or a training session, the players can benefit from a correct vision in depth of the movements of the ball with respect to the court.

[0051] Furthermore, once the match or training session has terminated, an assigned operator can easily apply, for example vaporize, a cleaning or disinfecting product onto the surface of the barrier device 1, la or lb whilst the barrier device 1, la or lb is fitted to the supporting poles 11. A disinfectant/detergent of known type (Rifrax San) containing alcohol, anionic and non-ionic surfactants and sodium 2-phenyl phenolate can for example be used as a suitable product.

[0052] From what has been disclosed and exemplified above, it can be stated that the barrier device according to the invention enables the prior art drawbacks to be overcome easily and multiple advantages to be obtained. [0053] Possible variations on and/or additions to what has been disclosed above and/or what has been illustrated in the attached drawings are possible. For example, although the embodiment of the invention disclosed with reference to Figures 1-5 is suitable for being used as a volleyball net or mini-volleyball net, a person skilled in the art will easily understand that, by varying the dimensions of the net element 2 and of the transparent barrier element 3, it is possible to manufacture a game net that is suitable for use in other versions of volleyball, such as beach-volleyball or snow-volleyball, or a game net that is suitable for use in a sport different from volleyball, such as badminton or tennis.

Claims

9

CLAIMS Sanitizable barrier device (1; la; lb), which can be used as a game net and is able to act as a barrier against respiratory and/or salivary secretions, said barrier device (1; la; lb) comprising a net element (2) and a transparent barrier element (3), said net element (2) and said transparent barrier element (3) being reciprocally side by side, so that a plurality of meshes (2a) that are comprised in said net element (2) faces said transparent barrier element (3). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of meshes (2a) that are comprised in said net element (2) contacts said transparent barrier element (3). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said transparent barrier element (3) comprises a strip portion (4, 4a) made of a transparent material, said net element (2) being flanked to a side (5, 6, 5a, 6a) of said strip portion (4, 4a). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said transparent barrier element (3) comprises a pair of strip portions (4, 4a) made of a transparent material, said net element (2) being interposed between two reciprocally facing sides (5, 5a) of said strip portions (4, 4a) of said pair. Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said net element (2) comprises a drawing of a net (2b) defining said plurality of meshes (2a), said drawing of a net (2b) being printed onto one or more of said sides (5, 6, 5a, 6a) of said strip portion (4, 4a). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said net element (2) comprises a plurality of threads (2c) that are reciprocally intertwined or knotted and define said plurality of meshes (2a). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said net element (2) comprises a plurality of stripes (2d) that are reciprocally crossed and define said plurality of meshes (2a), said plurality of stripes (2d) comprising stripes made of an adhesive material that are glued onto one or more of said sides (5, 6, 5a, 6a) of said strip portion (4, 4a). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said net element (2) comprises a plurality of LED strips (2e) that are reciprocally crossed and define said plurality of meshes (2a). Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein said transparent material is flexible. Barrier device (1; la; lb) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which can be used as a game net in a game selected from the group consisting of volleyball, minivolleyball, beach- volleyball, snow-volleyball, badminton and tennis.