An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches

Abstract

An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches comprises at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy-duty material that is substantially air tight; at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element. The boundary element comprises first, second, and third central sections 61a-c, extending from a central point at which their inner ends are connected to one another so as to form a Y-shape. The first one of the central sections 61a further comprises two short end pieces 62a extending from the outer end, the first section end pieces 62a aligned at an angle to each other and to the first central section. The second and third central sections 61b-c each comprising second and third section end pieces 62b-c at the outer ends of the second and third central sections respectively. The second and third section end pieces 62b-c aligned at an angle to the central section to which they are connected. Further disclosed are inflatable boundary systems having shapes as shown in figures 2-5.

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches. BACKGROUND In sports such as football, there are common game or rule variations to allow the use of smaller pitches and teams with fewer players than the ‘standard’ 11-a-side, such as for example 5-a-side football. One common subset of these variations is to use a rebounder or ball-wall system to mark out the perimeter of a pitch. When the ball impacts on the boundary barrier during play, the ball bounces off the boundary barrier, back into the field of play, and thus remains in play. These types of system can therefore be used to keep the ball in play for longer so that the flow of play is maintained. Boundary systems are usually used to mark out a playing area or pitch that is smaller than that of a full-size professional pitch, so that games can be played by teams with fewer players than those required for a full-sized game. Systems of this type are used to play games with rulesets where passing is encouraged and shooting accuracy, ball receiving and return training, volley shot training, etc can all be effectively trained and practiced. Rebounder / ball-wall systems of the known type are often small, heavy, or take time to set up and take down, and do not allow much, if any, flexibility in the overall size or the shape of the pitch. Population density and lack of resource in certain areas has led to sports halls or playing fields being used for multiple sports, with multiple sets of floor markings used to indicate boundaries or similar. It is also not uncommon for a field or hall to be subdivided, so that multiple games can be played simultaneously using a single space. However, if this is the case, then some games such as soccer or floor hockey require the use of a fenced or barrier boundary system that prevents the ball or puck from escaping the line boundaries that are typically used for such games, so as to avoid disturbing an adjacent game. Although permanent fence boundary systems for ball games are known, these are not suitable if the area is also used for other activities such as athletic sports where a permanent fence boundary system would hamper such activities, or where the sport is seasonal and the fence boundary system needs to be demountable. Consequently there exists a need for a modular temporary portable boundary marking system that can be demounted once play has ceased, or at the end of a sports season. There are several known fence boundary system constructions. Ball game netting systems that can be used to set up a boundary for a temporary pitch are known. These are generally formed from upright solid one-piece fence posts from which netting is extended and hung. In use the fence posts are driven into the ground, or connected to bases that allow them to stand upright, with the netting extending from the posts. Akon skirting and bellows produce a retractable safety barrier that has a sheet barrier portion that can be pulled or extended from an upright cylindrical roller unit, the sheet portion spring-loaded so that in use the sheet portion is held in tension, and will return and roll into the cylindrical storage unit when tension is released and not in use. The upright cylindrical roller units are permanently fixed in position where required. Tigrox produce a portable roller that can be used for crowd direction and routing and for displaying advertising. However, the barrier is not 'full height' as the barrier sheet itself only covers / blocks the upper half of the full height of the barrier Rapid Roll Inc. produce a lightweight retractable fencing system that is intended for use as a roadworks fence barrier, where the fence barrier portion is manually rolled and unrolled from the storage upright. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice. The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both. As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun. Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight; at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element; the boundary element comprising first, second, and third central sections extending from a central point at which their inner ends are connected to one another so as to form a Y-shape; the first one of the central sections further comprising two short end pieces extending from the outer end, the first section end pieces aligned at an angle to each other and to the first central section; the second and third central sections each comprising second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections respectively, the second and third section end pieces aligned at an angle to the central section to which they are connected. In an embodiment, the three central sections are connected at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to one another. In an embodiment, the two short end pieces on the first one of the central sections are aligned so as to point outwards. In an embodiment, the two short end pieces on the first one of the central sections are aligned so as to point outwards at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to the first one of the central sections. In an embodiment, erein the second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections are aligned to point inwards. In an embodiment, each of the second and third section end pieces are aligned at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to the second and third central sections. In a second aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight; at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element; the boundary element comprising a central section and shorter end cross-sections at each end extending perpendicular to the central section across the end of the central section. In a third aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight; at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element; the boundary element comprising two arms connected at their inner ends so as to form an L-shape. In an embodiment, the two arms of the L-shape are arranged at substantially 90 degrees to one another. In an embodiment, the two arms are substantially the same length. In an embodiment, one of the two arms is longer than the other. In a fourth aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight; at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element; the boundary element comprising a central section and two end arms connected at each end of the central section at an angle, each of the two end arms angled towards the same side of the central section so that the boundary system has a U-shape. In an embodiment, each of the two end arms is arranged at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the central section. In an embodiment, the end arms are substantially the same length. In an embodiment, the end arms are between one third and one half the length of the central section. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which: Figure 1 shows a first type of boundary element shape according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a second type of boundary element shape according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows a third type of boundary element shape according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a fourth type of boundary element shape according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows a fifth type of boundary element shape according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a sixth type of boundary element shape according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows the boundary element shapes of figures 1 to 6 being used to create playing areas of various shapes and sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the invention, and variations thereof, will now be described in detail with reference to the figures. General The inflatable boundary system of the present invention generally comprises a number of separate boundary elements that are used together to form the overall boundary system. Each of the separate boundary elements is formed from a heavy duty material that is substantially air tight (such as for example rubberised canvas or a similar material), and which is shaped so as to form a hollow closed container. Each boundary element has a valve or valves that allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element. Each inflatable unit has a certain shape once inflated. The specific shapes of various embodiments are described below. In use, a number of the inflatable units are used to form the overall boundary system. These are fully inflated and laid out in a pattern or in a hall or field in order to create the boundary or boundaries of a games pitch or pitches. After use, the inflatable units are deflated and folded or rolled for storage. For all of the embodiments below, the bodies of the boundary elements are circular in profile or cross-section, and have a diameter of between 40cm and 50cm. Other shapes are also possible, such as square or rectangular cross-sections. First Boundary Element Shape - Long Straight Side Wall or l-Shape A first type of boundary element shape is shown in figure 1. As shown in this figure, the first boundary element shape 10 generally has the overall shape of an elongate cylinder. The cylinder can be formed in a variety of lengths, such as for example 5m, 7.5m, 10m, 15m, and 20m, and has a diameter of between 40cm and 50cm as outlined above (although other dimensions can also be used). Two different lengths are shown in figure 1 - 10a and 10b. Second Boundary Element Shape - L-shape A second type of boundary element 20 shape is shown in figure 2. As shown in this figure, the second boundary element shape is generally L-shaped. The two arms 20a, 20b of the L-shape can be the same length as in figure 2, or one of the arms can be longer - e.g. twice or three times as long as the shorter arm. In some embodiments, the shorter arm of the ‘L’ could be very short - just sufficient to provide a corner that curves round to extend substantially perpendicularly to the longer arm of the ‘L’, allowing a continuation of the boundary. Third Boundary Element Shape - U-shape A third type of boundary element shape 30 is shown in figure 3. As shown in this figure, the boundary element shape 30 is generally U-shaped. The element 30 is formed so that the end arms 32 of the ‘U’ extend substantially perpendicularly to the central section 31 of the ‘U’. As for the ‘L-shape’ of the second type of boundary element shape, the end arms and central section can be formed in a number of different lengths, so that for example the end arms are each half the length of the central section, or one-third, or very short - just sufficient to provide a continuation of another element that in use extends substantially perpendicularly to the longer arm of the ‘U’. Fourth Boundary Element Shape - C-shape A fourth type of boundary element shape 40 is shown in figure 4. As shown in this figure, the first boundary element shape is generally C-shaped. The C-shape has a central element 41 and two shorter arms 42 at each end. The C-shape differs from the U-shape of the third boundary element as the main central element is formed from two subsections 41a, 41b aligned at an angle to one another. The angle between the two central subsections is 120 degrees. The angle between the outer ends of the central section of the ’C’ shape and the shorter arms is also 120 degrees. Fifth Boundary Element Shape - Double-T shape A fifth type of boundary element shape is shown in figure 5. As shown in this figure, the first boundary element shape 50 generally has the shape of a ‘double-T’ - that is, there is a central ‘upright’ section 51, and a shorter end cross-section 52 extending perpendicular to the upright section, across the end of the central section. As this shape is a ‘double-T’ shape, it has a shorter cross-section extending across each end of the ‘upright’ section - cross-sections 52a and 52b. Sixth Boundary Element Shape -Y-shape A sixth type of boundary element shape 60 is shown in figure 6. As shown in this figure, the sixth boundary element shape generally comprises three central sections 61 extending from a central point at which their inner ends are connected to one another. The three central sections are connected at an angle of 120 degrees to one another. A first one of the central sections - section 61a - has two short end pieces 62a extending from the outer one of it’s ends, aligned at an angle of 120 degrees to each other and to the central section 61a, and thus pointing outwards away from the central connection point. The two other central sections 61b and 61c also have end pieces 62b, 62c on their outer ends, aligned at an angle of 120 degrees to the central section to which they are connected, and pointing inwards - that is, ‘bent’ towards the outer end of the section 61a. Use The elements above can be laid out in order to mark out subsections of a greater area - that is, pitches or similar within a larger field or hall. A user places the elements in the required locations - e.g. in the corners of a pitch or similar. This allows areas to be sectioned off to form pitches or similar with boundaries formed by the boundary elements, used together to form an overall boundary system. This allows the creation of training environments that allow rebound / ball-wall exercises on outdoor fields. A primary use will be for ball sport, mainly football / soccer training exercises and games like passing practice, target practice, one-on-one games, multiplayer games. The inflatable sections have an innate rebound function that tends to rebound the ball back onto the playing area. This creates advantages for game play and training exercises. As shown in figure 7, different shapes and sizes of play area can be formed by using a number of separate boundary elements to form an overall inflatable boundary system, of different sizes and shapes. Goals 70 can be positioned on the boundary as required.

Claims

1. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising:at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight;at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element;the boundary element comprising first, second, and third central sections extending from a central point at which their inner ends are connected to one another so as to form a Y-shape;the first one of the central sections further comprising two short end pieces extending from the outer end, the first section end pieces aligned at an angle to each other and to the first central section;the second and third central sections each comprising second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections respectively, the second and third section end pieces aligned at an angle to the central section to which they are connected.

2. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the three central sections are connected at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to one another.

3. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the two short end pieces on the first one of the central sections are aligned so as to point outwards.

4. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the two short end pieces on the first one of the central sections are aligned so as to point outwards at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to the first one of the central sections.

5. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections are aligned to point inwards.

6. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 5 wherein each of the second and third section end pieces are aligned at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to the second and third central sections.

7. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising:at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight;at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element;the boundary element comprising a central section and shorter end crosssections at each end extending perpendicular to the central section across the end of the central section.

8. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising:at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight;at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element;the boundary element comprising two arms connected at their inner ends so as to form an L-shape.

9. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the two arms of the L-shape are arranged at substantially 90 degrees to one another.

10. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the two arms are substantially the same length.

11. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein one of the two arms is longer than the other.

12. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising:at least one boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight;at least one valve located so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element;the boundary element comprising a central section and two end arms connected at each end of the central section at an angle, each of the two end arms angled towards the same side of the central section so that the boundary system has a U-shape.

13. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 12 wherein each of the two end arms is arranged at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the central section.

14. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the end arms are substantially the same length.

15. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the end arms are between one third and one half the length of the central section.12

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