A sports field barrier device

Abstract

A sports field barrier device comprises a frame and a screen 10, the frame arranged to extend along a sports field boundary line and to extend above a spectator’s height. The screen is arranged to move from a first closed position colinear the boundary to a second open position where at least some of the screen is displaced from the boundary line to allow spectators to pass through the frame and over the boundary line. The screen may be lockable in the closed position by a wirelessly operated solenoid lock. The screen may comprise a display section with an OLED display. The frame may comprise two spaced apart uprights, each carrying an upper laterally extending member, the laterally extending members extending towards each other along the boundary line and defining a gap between their ends. The locking device may be comprised in the laterally extending members. A barrier may comprise a plurality of barrier devices arranged along a sports field boundary.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sports field barrier device, in particular a barrier for a sports field. Background In many societies across the world there is an increasing number of spectators attending sports activities such as soccer and the like. Such spectators are typically well-behaved however in some instances may be liable to cause trouble, for example invading the field or pitch. Such pitch invasions may cause damage to the pitch as well as potentially leading to injuries to players and the like. As a result in many circumstances, barriers have been erected around pitches. These in turn can be very dangerous in instances of crowd-disturbances, where spectators at the front may get crushed against the barrier. Prior Art GB 2017 21 017 (HARRISON) discloses a method of installing a sports-activity playing-surface access system for providing unmanned access to a sports surface, wherein the method comprises providing a modular entry barrier kit to be installed comprising a modular openable and closable entry gate, a modular frame and an electrically operable locking assembly, the modular openable and closable entry barrier including a first rail member and a second rail member, the first rail member being at least in part receivable within the second rail member to alter a dimension of the entry barrier; the modular frame including a right-hand lock jamb and a left-hand lock jamb. GB 2 475 607 (ROGERS) discloses a barrier assembly for forming a boundary between spectators and a playing area, said fencing comprising at least one fixed lower barrier member forming a boundary wall around the playing area and at least one folding upper barrier member, said at least one upper barrier member being pivotally mounted on the lower barrier member to be pivotal between a raised position, wherein the upper barrier member can prevent unauthorised access to the playing area, and a lowered position, wherein the barrier assembly does not obstruct the view of spectators, actuating means being provided for moving said upper barrier member between its raised and lowered positions. WO 0 134 924 (NAVAS) discloses an improvement in fences and security walls for sport fields in general comprehended at least around part of the perimeter of a playing field and placed between it and the watching public, a plurality of spaced apart vertical posts wherein between each pair of said vertical posts is placed a rod defining with the floor a frame, inside which is individually fixed and held a portion of metal wire net or metallic gauze and over each rod is placed a flat panel made of transparent material and is created through the metal wire net or metallic gauze a bottom zone of air, water and / or gas free passage wherein the top panels create a barrier for the temporary contention of gases (as tear gas) and at the same time induce an air stream to quickly dissipate them and the plates, without impeding the view of the watchers, define a barrier against things thrown from the tribune to the playing field. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sports field barrier device comprising a frame arranged to extend along a boundary and extend above a spectator, and a screen arranged to move from a first closed position colinear the boundary, to a second open position where at least some of the screen is displaced from the boundary to allow spectators to pass through the boundary. In this way the device enables spectators to enjoy spectating and at the same time be prevented from entering the field or invading the pitch, however enabling the spectators to pass the boundary in event of danger or crowd-crushing. In some embodiments of the device the screen is transparent or translucent, for example comprising (at least in part) a glass or plastic section, such that spectators are enabled to easily see through. It may be envisaged in this way that the screen is of sufficient height to prevent passage over or under it, but spectators are not impeded in spectating in any way. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises perforated material in addition or the alternative. Such material may comprise a metallic mesh for example, so as to prevent passage. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a locking mechanism arranged to releasably lock the first position, such that the device may be held in a closed position for standard usage, and preventing passage of spectators onto a sports field until the locking mechanism is released. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises solenoid valves, which may allow for an easy release as and when required, by electrical activation which may be controlled remotely. In some embodiments of the device for example the device comprises wireless connectivity, so as to allow for a controller to be enabled to operate the locking mechanism, open the device and permit spectators to pass through the boundary, thereby enabling a crowd crush situation to be avoided. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises one or more hinge, for example wherein the screen is enabled to hinge on the frame to the second position, providing a large opening through which the spectators may pass. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises two sections, which may be envisaged to hinge on the frame and thereby provide a wide door opening. In some embodiments of the device the frame comprises two uprights, which provide the posts for the screen or screen sections. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises a lateral lower member, which lower member may be envisaged to provide structural rigidity to the device and may be envisaged to extend along the boundary. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises laterally extending upper members, which may be envisaged to extend partially coaxial with the lateral lower member, wherein the upper members may be envisaged to be discontinuous so as to prevent blocking when the screen is in the second position. In some embodiments of the device the locking mechanism is comprised in the laterally extending members. In some embodiments of the device the device comprises an electronic display section, for example a light emitting diode (LED), liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) or other electronic display means. In this way the device may be used to provide advertising, instructions or information, in one or both directions from the boundary. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier comprising a plurality of devices substantially as described herein with reference to the figures. According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a stadium with one or more of such barriers. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which: Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1; and Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1, in the second position; and Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 5. Detailed Description of Figures With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a sports field barrier device 99 generally comprising a frame 2 arranged to extend along a boundary, and a screen 1 arranged to move from a first closed position colinear the boundary, to a second open position (as shown in Figure 5) where at least some of the screen is displaced from the boundary so as to allow spectators to pass through the boundary. In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a frame 2 formed of two uprights 23, which have lowermost ends that will be embedded in the ground in use, for example in a concrete footing. The frame further includes a lowermost lateral member 25, extending between the uprights proximate their ends. The frame is formed of rigid metal material or alloy such as aluminium, formed in a robust hollow bar format. This lateral member 25 serves as a lower perimeter for the screen. At the top edge of the screen there are two partial uppermost lateral members 24, which extend from the top end of the uprights coaxial the lowermost lateral member. The uppermost lateral members have an inner projection 21 that only extends partially along the top edge of the screen, such that when the screen is in the second position these upper members will not impede passage of spectators through the device. An outer projection 22 may continue to another such device, or provide an end to the barrier. The projections comprise plastic caps 27. The screen 1 comprises two sections 10, which are each provided by one or more plates of translucent or transparent glass or plastics material, with a rigid metal surround. The sections thereby form two doors, which are connected to the members at vertical hinges, so as to hinge between 90 degrees for the two positions. The screen further comprises a rigid metal or alloy surround 13. In a lower rectangular section of each door there is provided a display screen 11, which may be OLED, LED or similar. This is used to display advertising when the doors are closed with the screen in the first position. A locking mechanism for the first position is provided by solenoid valves 26,62, which are electrically controlled, and remotely activated. The locking mechanism comprises two solenoid valves in a unit 62 spaced apart along the lowermost lateral member 25 and a solenoid valve 26 each located at the end of the uppermost inner lateral members 21. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A sports field barrier device comprising a frame arranged to extend along a boundary, and a screen arranged to move from a first closed position colinear 5 the boundary, to a second open position where at least some of the screen is displaced from the boundary to allow spectators to pass through the boundary wherein the frame has two uprights, a lateral lower member and laterally extending upper members that are discontinuous extending partway between the two uprights.

102. A sports field barrier device according to claim 1 wherein the screen is transparent or translucent.15 3. A sports field barrier device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the screen isperforated.

4. A sports field barrier device according to any preceding claim comprising a locking mechanism arranged to releasably lock the first position.

205. A sports field barrier device according to claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism is electrically activated.

6. A sports field barrier device according to claim 5 wherein the locking 25 mechanism comprises a plurality of solenoid valves.

7. A sports field barrier device according to claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the locking mechanism is remotely operated.30 8. A sports field barrier device according to any preceding claim comprisingwireless connectivity.

9. A sports field barrier device according to any preceding claim comprising a hinge.

10. A sports field barrier device according to any preceding claim wherein thescreen comprises a plurality of sections.

11. A sports field barrier device according to any preceding claim comprising a 5 locking mechanism comprised in the laterally extending members.

12. A sports field barrier device according to any preceding claim comprising an electronic display section.10 13. A sports field barrier device according to claim 12 comprising an organic lightemitting diode display section.

14. A barrier comprising a plurality of devices according to any of the preceding claims.1515. A sports field with one or more barrier according to claim 14.LDCM

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