Temporary flooring installation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a temporary flooring installation for preserving a surface. The temporary flooring installation comprises a temporary flooring assembly comprising a flooring deck and a plurality of structural members for supporting the flooring deck, a plurality of support members for supporting the temporary flooring assembly, and at least one maintenance system for preserving the surface during extended periods of use.

Description

[0001] TEMPORARY FLOORING INSTALLATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a temporary flooring installation for protecting and preserving a surface, to an enclosed area comprising said temporary flooring installation, and to a kit of parts for installing the same.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Multi-use venues are becoming increasingly prevalent in many countries as investors seek to maximise revenue streams and hence obtain increased value for their capital investment. However, multi-use venues can also present owners and operators with several challenges.

[0006] For example, many venues (such as multi-use soccer stadiums) are designed with a specific sport or purpose in mind and therefore often use natural or synthetic-natural hybrid playing surfaces. Whilst such playing surfaces are often preferrable for the primary intended use of the venue (e.g., soccer), they also tend to be relatively soft and hence are poorly suited for withstanding heavy loads and / or significant footfall.

[0007] It is therefore common for multi-use venues to install temporary flooring (such as ground protection mats) prior to crowd events (e.g., concerts) to help afford some level of protection to the playing surface.

[0008] However, even when conventional ground protection mats are used, significant loads may still be applied onto the underlying surface which may cause damage to the natural grass. Furthermore, conventional ground protection mats can also starve the underlying surface of sunlight which may cause the natural grass to die if such ground protection mats are left in place for significant periods of time. As such, even when conventional ground protection mats are used, the underlying surface often has to be re-laid after crowd events which is a costly and disruptive endeavour.

[0009] More recently, retractable playing surfaces have become increasingly prevalent as a means for protecting a playing surface during crowd events. However, retractable playing surfaces require a lot of additional space for storing the playing surface in the retracted condition and can be extremely costly to implement. As such, the use of retractable playing surfaces is often not feasible for many multi-use venues, particularly those which are situated in built-up areas.

[0010] It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to address one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with such prior solutions.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a temporary flooring installation for protecting and preserving a natural surface, said temporary flooring installation comprising:

[0012] a temporary flooring assembly comprising a flooring deck and a plurality of structural members for supporting the flooring deck;

[0013] a plurality of support members for supporting the temporary flooring assembly; and at least one maintenance system for preserving the natural underlying surface during extended periods of use.

[0014] Advantageously, it has been found that by integrating one or more maintenance systems into the aforementioned temporary flooring installation, the underlying surface can be better preserved during extended periods of use. As such, unlike other solutions, the temporary flooring installation of the present disclosure can be used for extensive periods of time without risking damage to the underlying surface.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the temporary flooring assembly may comprise at least one energy capturing device comprising:

[0016] an energy converter configured to, in operation, convert kinetic energy applied onto the flooring deck into electrical energy; and

[0017] an energy storage unit for storing the electrical energy captured by the at least one energy converter, wherein said energy storage unit is electrically connected to the at least one maintenance system.

[0018] Advantageously, the provision of such energy capturing device(s) enables the temporary flooring installation to capture kinetic energy applied onto the flooring deck during crowd events (due to pedestrian footfall and movement etc.) and convert said kinetic energy into electrical energy which can be used to sustainably power the integrated maintenance system(s).

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the flooring deck may comprise a plurality of flooring panels, and each of said flooring panels may comprise at least one energy converter.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one maintenance system may comprise a lighting system configured to, in operation, emit visible light onto the underlying surface.

[0021] Advantageously, the provision of such a lighting system helps to supply the underlying surface with sufficient amounts of light to keep the underlying surface alive whilst the temporary flooring installation is in place.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes.Advantageously, light-emitting diodes (or LEDs) are able to produce light without generating significant amounts of heat and hence the use of LEDs helps to prevent the lighting system from burning (or otherwise damaging) the underlying surface during extended periods of use.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system may be configured to produce visible light having wavelengths in the range of 300nm to 1500nm.

[0024] Advantageously, it has been found that red and blue visible wavelengths in the range of 300nm to 1500nm tend to be most beneficial for supporting plant life.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system may be configured to produce visible light having wavelengths in the range of 400nm to 500nm.

[0026] Advantageously, visible blue light wavelengths (between 400nm to 500nm) supress extension growth and encourage root formation thereby resulting in thicker, leafier vegetation.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system may be configured to produce visible light having wavelengths in the range of 600nm to 700nm.

[0028] Advantageously, visible red light wavelengths (between 600nm to 700nm) encourage stem, leaf and vegetative growth.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one maintenance system may comprise an irrigation system comprising an inlet port for connecting to a fluid source and a plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with said inlet port, said nozzles being configured to, in operation, distribute fluid (e.g., water) from said fluid source onto the underlying natural surface.

[0030] Advantageously, the provision of such an irrigation system helps to supply the underlying surface with sufficient amounts of fluid to keep the underlying surface alive whilst the temporary flooring installation is in place.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the irrigation system may further comprise one or more valves positioned between the inlet port and the plurality of nozzles.

[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the temporary flooring installation may be arranged such that an airgap is defined between an underside of the flooring deck and the underlying natural surface.Advantageously, the provision of such an air gap helps to provide the underlying surface with sufficient air circulation to help keep the underlying surface alive whilst the temporary flooring installation is in place.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the air-gap defined between the underside of the flooring deck and the underlying natural surface may have a height in the range of 500mm to 1000mm.

[0034] Advantageously, it has been found that an air-gap having a height in the range of 500mm to 1000mm is generally preferred in order to ensure sufficient air circulation without causing the temporary flooring installation to become excessively tall and / or cumbersome.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one maintenance system may comprise a ventilation system configured to convey air into and / or out of the air-gap defined between the underside of the flooring deck and the underlying natural surface.

[0036] Advantageously, the provision of the claimed ventilation system helps further improve air circulation about the air-gap and therefore further aids in keeping the underlying surface alive whilst the temporary flooring installation is in place.

[0037] In exemplary embodiments, the at least one maintenance system may comprise a climate control system configured to regulate a temperature of the airgap.

[0038] Advantageously, the provision of the claimed climate control system further aids in keeping the underlying surface alive whilst the temporary flooring installation is in place.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the temporary flooring assembly may comprise a plurality of legs which define the plurality of support members.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of support members may be provided as separate components.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the temporary flooring assembly may be a modular assembly.

[0042] In otherwords, the flooring deck, the plurality of structural members and, optionally, the plurality of support members may be made up of a plurality of interchangeable, modular components.

[0043] Advantageously, providing the temporary flooring assembly as a modular assembly enables the temporary flooring installation to be quickly and easily assembled and dis-assembled and also helps to reduce the amount of storage space required for storing the temporary flooring assembly when it is not in use.According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an enclosed area comprising a natural surface and the temporary flooring installation according the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, the enclosed area may comprise a stadium structure surrounding, or at least partially surrounding, the surface.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the natural surface may be a natural playing surface.

[0046] In exemplary embodiments, the natural playing surface may be a natural grass playing surface.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments, the enclosed area may further comprise a plurality of mounting piles embedded in at least a portion of the natural surface.

[0048] In exemplary embodiments, said mounting piles may be formed of a material having a compressive strength which is greater than that of the surface.

[0049] In exemplary embodiments, each support member may extend through the natural surface and be supported by a respective one of the plurality of mounting piles.

[0050] Advantageously, the aforementioned features help to reduce the amount of loading (and hence damage) that the surface will be subjected to during crowd events or the like since loads associated with crowds or stage equipment (which are typically applied onto the flooring deck) will be transferred, via the plurality of support members, onto the plurality of mounting piles rather than directly onto the underlying surface.

[0051] This helps to prevent such loads from being transferred directly onto the underlying surface and hence significantly reduces the amount of loading (and hence damage) that the surface will be subjected to during crowd events or the like.

[0052] Furthermore, the aforementioned temporary flooring installation also provides a less costly and more space-efficient solution for protecting and preserving surfaces when compared to retractable playing fields.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of mounting piles may be permanently embedded in the natural surface.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the plurality of mounting piles may incorporate supply points for one or more utilities (e.g., water, electric, etc.).In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of mounting piles may be pre-cast piles, in-situ piles or steel screw piles.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the natural surface may be supported on a foundation.

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the foundation may be formed of a material having a compressive strength which is greater than that of the surface (e.g., concrete).

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the foundation may comprise a plurality of mounting points, and, in operation, each of the plurality of support members may be supported via a respective one of the plurality of mounting points.

[0058] Advantageously, the aforementioned feature enables loads associated with crowds or stage equipment (which are typically applied onto the flooring deck) to be transferred, via the plurality of support members, onto the foundation thereby reducing the amount of loading (and hence damage) that the surface will be subjected to during crowd events or the like.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the plurality of mounting points may incorporate supply points for one or more utilities (e.g., water, electric, etc.).

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, the enclosed area may further comprise a plurality of moveable units which are supported on the foundation, and each of said moveable units may support a portion of the natural surface.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of moveable units may be movable between a first position, in which the plurality of mounting points are concealed, and a second position, in which the plurality of mounting points can be accessed.

[0062] Advantageously, the provision of such moveable units helps to ensure that a substantially continuous (or “seamless”) surface is maintained when the temporary flooring installation is not in use.

[0063] It shall also be appreciated that the provision of such moveable units also removes the need for filling elements for filling the spaces defined between the mounting piles and the humus layer of the surface when the temporary flooring installation is not in use.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, each support member may comprise one or more rolling elements.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, each of said rolling elements may be in contact with the foundation.Advantageously, the provision of such rolling elements enables the temporary flooring assembly to be easily conveyed across the foundation.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of support members may be integrated into the foundation.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, each support member may be moveable between a first, extended, configuration, in which at least a portion of each support member protrudes beyond the natural surface, and a second, stowed, configuration, in which the support members are housed beneath the natural surface.

[0068] Advantageously, the provision of such retractable support members helps to further improve installation times and also, since the plurality of support members can be housed beneath the surface, also further reduces the amount of space which is required for storing the temporary flooring assembly when the temporary flooring installation is not in use.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of mounting points and / orthe plurality of mounting piles may be arranged in a regular array.

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, the temporary flooring installation may cover only a portion of the natural surface.

[0071] It shall be appreciated that the temporary flooring installation may be provided at specific areas of the surface for example in area(s) where staging or rigging is likely to be positioned during a crowd event.

[0072] It shall also be appreciated that providing the temporary flooring installation at specific areas of the surface helps to reduce installation times.

[0073] In exemplary embodiments, the temporary flooring installation may cover substantially all of the natural surface.

[0074] It shall be appreciated that the temporary flooring installation may be provided over substantially all of the surface to ensure that all areas of the surface are sufficiently protected during crowd events.

[0075] A third aspect of the disclosure provides a kit of parts for installing a temporary flooring installation for protecting and preserving a natural surface, said kit of parts comprising:

[0076] a plurality of mounting piles for embedding into the natural surface;a temporary flooring assembly comprising a flooring deck and a plurality of structural members for supporting the flooring deck;

[0077] a plurality of support members for supporting the temporary flooring assembly, wherein, in operation, each support member is supported by a respective one of the plurality of mounting piles; and

[0078] at least one maintenance system for preserving the underlying natural surface during extended periods of use.

[0079] It shall be appreciated that optional features of the first and second aspects of the disclosure may be combined with the third aspect of the disclosure.

[0080] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0082] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an enclosed area comprising a temporary flooring installation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic side-view of the temporary flooring installation illustrated in Figure 1 in which some aspects of the temporary flooring installation have been omitted so that the lighting and irrigation systems integrated into the temporary flooring assembly are clearly visible;

[0084] Figure 3 is a schematic side-view of a flooring panel of the temporary flooring installation illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, said flooring panel comprising an energy capturing device for converting kinetic energy applied onto the flooring panel into electrical energy for powering one or more of the integrated maintenance systems;

[0085] Figure 4 is another schematic side-view of the temporary flooring installation illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 in which some aspects of the temporary flooring installation have been omitted so that the ventilation and climate control systems integrated into the temporary flooring assembly are clearly visible; and

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic side-view of a temporary flooring installation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0088] Figure 1 shows an enclosed area 10 having a temporary flooring installation 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosed area 10 is a stadium which is made up of a stadium structure 12 comprising one or more stands 14 which surrounds, or at least partially surrounds, a surface 16.

[0089] It will be appreciated that stadium structures include a large number of different design and constructional features and so, for the purposes of this application, only the features that are relevant to the invention will be described herein.

[0090] As shown in Figure 1 , the one or more stands 14 include a plurality of seats or safe-standing areas (often referred to as “terracing”) for housing spectators. The enclosed area 10 may also comprise a space (or “technical area”) 18 which is defined between the stadium structure 12 and the surface 16.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface 16 is a natural surface. The term “natural surface” is defined herein to mean a surface which is partially or completely covered with plant and / or other organic matter.

[0092] It shall be appreciated that the natural surface 16 may be a fully natural surface (and hence may be solely covered with plant and / or other organic matter) or, alternatively, may be a synthetic-natural hybrid surface comprising a mix of both plant matter and one or more synthetic materials.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the stadium is a “bowl” stadium and hence the stadium structure 12 features a single, continuous stand 14 which fully encircles the natural surface 16.

[0094] However, it shall be appreciated that in other embodiments, the stadium may be an individual “box stand” stadium and hence the stadium structure 12 may be made up of a plurality of stands 14 disposed at various locations about the natural surface 16. For example, the stadium structure 12 may comprise four individual (or unconnected) box stands 14, said box stands 14 being located along the sides of the natural surface 16 and at opposing ends of the natural surface 16 respectively.

[0095] Although omitted from Figure 1 for clarity, it shall also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the stadium structure 12 may also comprise a roof structure (not shown).

[0096] The roof structure (not shown) may partially or fully cover one or more of the stands 14 and, in some embodiments, may also partially or fully cover the natural surface 16. However, it shall be appreciated that in other embodiments, the stadium 10 may be an open-air stadium and hence the roof structure (not shown) may be omitted.Referring still to Figure 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the natural surface 16 is a natural playing surface.

[0097] The term “natural playing surface” is defined herein to mean a surface which is partially or completely covered with plant and / or other organic matter (e.g., grass) and which is primarily intended for use as a playing surface for one or more sports or games.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the natural playing surface is a football (or soccer) pitch. However, it shall be appreciated that in other embodiments, the natural playing surface may be primarily intended for use as a playing surface for other sports including, but not limited to, track and field athletics, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, baseball, tennis, American football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, lacrosse, field hockey, etc.

[0099] Referring to Figure 2, it shall be appreciated that the natural surface 16 may be made up of a plurality of layers.

[0100] As shown in Figure 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the natural surface 16 comprises a humus layer 16a, a topsoil layer 16b which is located beneath the humus layer 16a, and a base layer 16c which is located beneath both the humus 16a and topsoil 16b layers.

[0101] The humus layer 16 is the uppermost of the aforementioned layers and features a covering of plant matter (e.g., grass) which defines the playing surface of the enclosed area 10.

[0102] The topsoil layer 16b is sandwiched between the humus layer 16a and the base layer 16c and comprises mostly organic matter (e.g., soil) which provides nutrients and support to the plant matter provided in the humus layer 16a. It shall be appreciated that the topsoil layer 16b will usually extend to a depth of between 100mm to 300mm beneath the humus layer 16a.

[0103] Finally, the base layer 16c provides structural support to the overlying humus 16a and topsoil layers 16b. It shall be appreciated that the base layer 16c may be formed of compacted aggregate and / or other suitable materials.

[0104] Referring now to the temporary flooring installation 100 illustrated in Figure 2, the temporary flooring installation 100 is made up of a plurality of mounting piles 102, which are embedded in at least a portion of the surface 16, and a temporary flooring assembly 110 which is supported on said mounting piles 102 via a plurality of support members which extend between the temporary flooring assembly 110 and the plurality of mounting piles 102.The plurality of mounting piles 102 are each formed of a material having a compressive strength which is greater than that of the natural surface 16 and are designed to both support the temporary flooring assembly 110 and also take up any loads which may be applied onto the temporary flooring assembly 110 (due to the weight of stage equipment and / or pedestrians supported thereon) to prevent such loads from being applied directly onto the humus layer 16a of the natural surface 16.

[0105] In some embodiments, the plurality of mounting piles 102 may be formed of concrete.

[0106] For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of mounting piles 102 may be provided as pre-cast piles which are poured and dried off-site using suitable moulds before being driven into pre-excavated holes provided in the natural surface 16. In other embodiments, the plurality of mounting points 102 may be provided as in-situ piles which are poured on-site directly into preexcavated holes provided in the natural surface 16.

[0107] It shall also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the plurality of mounting pilesl 02 may be formed of other materials such as structural steel. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of mounting piles 102 are provided in the form of steel screw piles 108 which are screwed directly into the natural surface 16.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of mounting piles 102 are designed so as to be permanently embedded within the natural surface 16 and, as such, the plurality of mounting piles 102 remain in place even when the temporary flooring assembly 110 is not in use.

[0109] In some embodiments, the plurality of mounting piles 102 may also incorporate supply points for one or more utilities (such as outlets for water and / or electrical power) which may be used for supplying electrical power and / or fluid(s) to various parts of the temporary flooring assembly 110 (as shall be described in greater detail below).

[0110] To help maintain a substantially continuous playing surface (which is a prerequisite for many sports and games), the temporary flooring installation 100 may also comprise a plurality of filler elements (not shown) which are configured to substantially fill the respective spaces (or gaps) defined between the mounting piles 102 and the humus layer 16a when the temporary flooring assembly 110 is not in use.

[0111] The plurality of filler elements may comprise plant and / or other organic matter (e.g., wads of turf) or may be provided as a series of synthetic covers configured to seamlessly fill the respective gaps defined between the mounting piles 102 and the humus layer 16a such that a substantially continuous playing surface can be maintained when the temporary flooring assembly is not in use.Referring back to Figure 1 , in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of mounting piles 102 are arranged in a regular array (or grid) which covers substantially all of the natural surface 16 and also covers at least a portion of the “technical area” 18.

[0112] However, in alternative embodiments, the plurality of mounting piles 102 may only cover a specific portion of the natural surface 16. For example, in some embodiments, the array of mounting piles 102 may only be provided in specific areas of the natural surface 16 such as the end regions 16d,e provided at opposing ends of the natural surface 16 where staging and / or rigging is often installed during crowd events such as concerts.

[0113] Considering now the temporary flooring assembly 110, as shown in Figure 2, the temporary flooring assembly 110 is made up of flooring deck 120 and a plurality of structural members 130 for supporting the flooring deck 120.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, the flooring deck 120 is made up of a plurality of flooring panels 122 (although only one panel is depicted in Figure 2) which can each be interchangeably connected to adjacent panels 122 so as to form a substantially continuous flooring deck 120.

[0115] Similarly, the plurality of structural members 130 may also be joined together to form a grid or framework for supporting the flooring deck 120. It shall be appreciated that the structural members 130 may be formed of steel, timber, composite and / or other suitable materials.

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the temporary flooring assembly 110 also comprises a plurality of legs 140 which define the plurality of support members. However, it shall be appreciated that in other embodiments, the plurality of support members may be provided as separate components.

[0117] The plurality of legs 140 each comprises a first end 140a which is connected to the flooring deck 120 (either directly or via the one or more of the structural members 130) and a second end 140b, distal from the first end 140a, comprising a foot 140c which is configured to contact with a respective one of the plurality of mounting piles 102 embedded in the natural surface 16. As such, the plurality of legs 140 each extend partially through the natural surface 16.

[0118] It shall be appreciated that the plurality of legs 140 enable loads (for example due to the weight of stage equipment and / or pedestrians), which are applied onto the flooring deck 120 during use, to be transferred onto the plurality of mounting piles 102 thereby significantly reducing the amount of loading which is exerted directly onto the underlying natural surface during crowd events (e.g., concerts).It shall also be appreciated that by significantly reducing the amount of loading which is exerted on the natural surface 16 during crowd events, the likelihood of the underlying natural surface 16 becoming damaged due to said loading is also significantly reduced.

[0119] As shown in Figure 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of legs 140 each extend downwardly away from the flooring deck 120 and have a length which is sufficient to create an air-gap (G) between an underside of the flooring deck 120 and the natural surface 16 when the plurality of legs 140 have been brought into contact with the respective mounting piles 102 embedded therein.

[0120] An air-gap (G) having a height in the range of 500mm to 1000mm is preferred since this helps to provide the underlying surface 16 with sufficient air circulation to help keep it alive whilst the temporary flooring assembly 110 is in place. However, it shall be appreciated that in other embodiments, differently sized air-gaps may instead be utilised.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the temporary flooring assembly 110 is provided as a modular assembly. In other words, the flooring deck 120, structural members 130, and optionally the plurality of support members, may each be made up of a plurality of modular, interchangeable components which can be joined together to form the temporary flooring assembly 110.

[0122] Advantageously, providing the temporary flooring assembly 110 as a modular assembly allows it to be quickly and easily assembled and dis-assembled in preparation for crowd events (e.g., concerts) and also helps to reduce the amount of storage space which is required for housing the temporary flooring assembly 110 when it is not in use.

[0123] Referring still to Figure 2, the temporary flooring assembly 110 also comprises one or more integrated maintenance systems for preserving the underlying surface 16 during extended periods of use.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the temporary flooring assembly 110 comprises an integrated lighting system which is configured to, in operation, emit visible light onto the underlying natural surface 16 to help keep the underlying natural surface 16 alive during extended periods of use.

[0125] As shown in Figure 2, the integrated lighting system is made up of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (or LEDs) 150 which are configured to produce visible light having wavelengths in the range of 300nm to 1500nm (which tend to be most beneficial for supporting plant life).

[0126] It shall be appreciated that since light-emitting diodes (or LEDs) 150 are able to produce light without generating significant amounts of heat, the use of such light-emitting diodes 150 alsohelps to prevent the integrated lighting system from burning (or otherwise damaging) the underlying natural surface 16 during extended periods of use.

[0127] It shall also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting diodes (or LEDs) 150 may be further tailored to produce specific wavelengths (or frequencies) of visible light.

[0128] For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting diodes 150 may be configured to produce blue visible light having wavelengths in the range of 400nm to 500nm. It has been found that blue visible light supresses extension growth and encourages root formation thereby resulting in thicker, leafier vegetation.

[0129] In other embodiments, the plurality of light-emitting diodes 150 may be configured to produce red visible light having wavelengths in the range of 600nm to 700nm. It has been found that red visible light encourages stem, leaf and vegetative growth.

[0130] The integrated lighting system may be powered by electrical energy supplied via one or more external supply points, or, in further embodiments, may be powered by electrical energy captured by one or more energy capturing devices 160 (or “kinetic tiles”) located about the temporary flooring assembly 110.

[0131] An example of one such energy capturing device 160 shall now be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0132] As shown in Figure 3, the aforementioned energy capturing device 160 is integrated into one of the respective floor panels 122 which makes up the flooring deck 120.

[0133] More particularly, the floor panel 122 illustrated in Figure 3 comprises a first floor panel element 122a which defines a top surface of the floor panel 122 and a second floor panel element 122b which defines a bottom surface of the floor panel 122. The first 122a and second 122b floor elements are spaced apart in the vertical direction such that a space (or cavity) S is defined therebetween within which the energy capturing device 160 is housed.

[0134] It shall be appreciated that whilst only a single floor panel 122 having a single energy capturing device 160 is depicted in Figure 3, in practice, the flooring deck 120 will typically comprise a plurality of such floor panels 122 with each floor panel 122 comprising at least one such energy capturing device 160.As shown in Figure 3, the energy capturing device 160 is made up of an energy converter 162 and an associated energy storage unit 164 (e.g., a battery unit) which may be electrically connected to the energy converter 162 via a suitable electrical connector 166 (e.g., a cable).

[0135] The energy converter 162 is configured to, in operation, convert kinetic energy applied onto the flooring deck 120 (e.g., due to pedestrian footfall) into electrical energy which may be used to power one or more of the integrated maintenance systems.

[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the energy converter 162 comprises a piezoelectric material and spans the full height of the cavity (S) defined between the first 122a and second 122b floor panel elements.

[0137] As such, when a load is applied onto the first floor panel element 122a thereby causing the first floor panel element 122a to deflect, the energy converter 162 becomes compressed accordingly which causes the piezoelectric material to generate an electrical signal which can be transmitted to the energy storage unit 164 via the connector 166 for storage.

[0138] In other embodiments, the energy converter 162 may comprise a moveable element (not shown) connected to a dynamo (not shown). The moveable element may be configured to tilt or pivot upon deflection of the first floor panel element 122a thereby driving the dynamo (e.g., via a gearwheel) and hence causing the dynamo to electromechanically generate electricity which can be subsequently stored in the energy storage unit 164.

[0139] An example of such an energy converter 162 is described in US Patent 2010 / 0295322 A1 filed in the name of SUSTAINABLE DANCE CLUB B.V, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0140] The energy storage unit 164 is electrically connected to one or more components of the integrated maintenance system (such as the aforementioned lighting system) via one or more further electrical connectors 168 thereby enabling said systems to be sustainably powered with electricity captured by the one or more energy converters 162.

[0141] Referring back to Figure 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the temporary flooring installation 100 also comprises an integrated irrigation system 170 for supplying fluid (e.g., water) to the underlying natural surface 16 whilst the temporary flooring installation 100 is in place.

[0142] As shown in Figure 2, the integrated irrigation system 170 comprises an inlet port 172 for connecting to a fluid source (F) and a plurality of nozzles 174 in fluid communication with the inlet port 172 (e.g., via a manifold 176) for distributing fluid (e.g., water) from the fluid source (F) onto the underlying natural surface 16.It shall be appreciated that the fluid source (F) may be a water main accessible via an external supply point or may be a dedicated reservoir.

[0143] It shall also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the integrated irrigation system 170 may further comprise one or more valves 178 positioned between the inlet port 172 and the plurality of nozzles 174 (e.g., along the manifold 176) for controlling the supply of fluid (e.g., water) from the fluid source (F) to the plurality of nozzles 174.

[0144] Referring now to Figure 4, another schematic side-view of the temporary flooring installation 100 is depicted in which the integrated lighting and irrigation 170 systems have been omitted for clarity.

[0145] As shown in Figure 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the temporary flooring installation 100 further comprises an integrated ventilation system 180 for conveying air into and out of the airgap (G) defined between the underside of the flooring deck 120 and the natural surface 16.

[0146] Notably, the integrated ventilation system 180 comprises a supply fan 182 which is configured to draw external, ambient air into the air-gap (G) and a further comprises an exhaust fan 184 which is configured to exhaust old, or stale, air from the air-gap (G).

[0147] Advantageously, it has been found that the aforementioned ventilation system 180 helps to further improve air circulation about the air-gap (G), and therefore further aids in keeping the underlying natural surface 16 alive during extended periods of use.

[0148] It shall also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the ventilation system 180 may also comprise ducting for conveying air about the air gap (G). For example, said ducting may comprise a fresh air inlet (not shown) through which ambient air may be drawn into the air-gap, an exhaust air outlet through which old, or stale, air may be expelled from the air-gap and a series of ducts for conveying fresh and / or exhaust air to different locations about the air gap (G).

[0149] Referring still to Figure 4, the temporary flooring installation 100 depicted in Figure 4 also comprises a climate control system 190 which is configured to regulate the temperature of the airgap (G) whilst the temporary flooring installation 100 is in use.

[0150] More particularly, the climate control system 190 comprises a temperature sensor 192 configured to monitor the temperature of the air gap (G) defined between an underside of the flooring deck 120 and the surface 16, and a series of heating I cooling elements 194 for adjusting said temperature when it reaches a temperature above and / or below a predetermined temperature threshold.It shall be appreciated that whilst the aforementioned ventilation 180 and climate control systems 190 are depicted separately in Figure 4, in other embodiments they may both be integrated into a single HVAC system.

[0151] It shall also be appreciated that the aforementioned ventilation 180 and climate control 190 systems may be powered by electrical energy supplied via one or more external supply points, or, in further embodiments, may be powered by electrical energy captured by one or more of the energy capturing devices 160 (or “kinetic tiles) illustrated in Figure 3.

[0152] Referring now to Figure 5, a temporary flooring installation 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure shall now be described.

[0153] It shall be appreciated that the temporary flooring installation 200 has many features in common with the temporary flooring installation 100 described in Figures 2 to 4 and hence, for the sake of conciseness, only the differences shall be described herein.

[0154] Notably, as with the temporary flooring installation 100 depicted in Figure 2 to 4, the temporary flooring installation 200 illustrated in Figure 5 comprises a temporary flooring assembly 210 which is made up of flooring deck 220 and a plurality of structural members 230 for supporting the flooring deck 220.

[0155] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 5, the temporary flooring installation 200 also incorporates one or more integrated maintenance systems for preserving the underlying surface 16 during extended periods of use.

[0156] However, unlike the temporary flooring installation 100 in which the natural surface 16 is substantially immovable, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the enclosed area comprises a plurality of moveable units 22a, 22b which each support a portion of the natural surface 16.

[0157] As shown in Figure 5, the moveable units 22a, 22b are each supported on a set of rolling elements 24a, b which are in contact with a foundation 30 and hence permit movement of the moveable units 22a, 22b in the fore and aft directions relative to the foundation 30 (which remains permanently static). However, it shall be appreciated that in other embodiments, the moveable units 22a, 22b may be supported via other types of suitable elements such as tracks or guide rails.

[0158] The foundation 30 is typically formed of a material having a high compressive strength, such as concrete, and comprises a plurality of mounting points 202 which provide support to the plurality of support members 240.As shown in Figure 5, the moveable units 22a, 22b are configured to move between a first position (not shown in Figure 5) in which the moveable units 22a, 22b are in close contact with one another such that the plurality of mounting points 202 embedded in the foundation 30 are substantially concealed, and a second position (depicted in Figure 5) in which a series of slots 24 are formed between the respective moveable units 22a, 22b which provide access to the plurality of mounting points 202.

[0159] It shall be appreciated that when the moveable units 22a, 22b are in the first position, the respective portions of the natural surface 16 which are supported thereon join together seamlessly to define a substantially continuous playing surface. As such, the moveable units 22a, 22b will typically be arranged in the first position when the temporary flooring installation 200 is not in use.

[0160] However, during assembly ofthe temporary flooring installation 200 (e.g., priorto a crowd event) the moveable units 22a, 22b may be moved (or actuated) into the second position to reveal the respective mounting points 202.

[0161] In some embodiments, the plurality of support members 240 may be provided as separate support poles 240 which may be manually inserted through the respective slots 24 such that a first end of each support member 240 engages with a respective one of the mounting points 202 and such that a second end of each support member 240 protrudes out of the surface 16 (i.e., beyond the humus layer 16a) such that the temporary flooring assembly 210 can be mounted thereon.

[0162] It shall also be appreciated that in some embodiments, the plurality of support poles 240 may each comprise one or more rolling elements (e.g., wheels) which contact the foundation 30 to allow the temporary flooring installation 200 to be easily wheeled along the respective slots 24 defined between the moveable units 22a, 22b.

[0163] In other embodiments, the plurality of support members 240 may instead be integrated into the foundation 30.

[0164] For example, the plurality of support members 240 may be provided as a series of retractable columns which may be moveable between a first, extended, configuration (shown in Figure 5) in which at least a portion of each support member 240 protrudes out ofthe natural surface (i.e., beyond the humus layer 16a) such that the associated temporary flooring assembly 210 can be mounted thereon, and second, stowed, configuration (not shown) in which the plurality of support members 240 are housed beneath the natural surface 16.Advantageously, the provision of such retractable support members helps to further improve installation times and also, since the plurality of support members 240 can be housed beneath the natural surface 16 when the moveable units 22a, 22b are in the first position, this arrangement can also help to further reduce the amount of storage space which is required for storing the temporary flooring assembly 210 when the temporary flooring installation 200 is not in use.

[0165] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A temporary flooring installation for protecting and preserving a natural surface, said temporary flooring installation comprising:a temporary flooring assembly comprising a flooring deck and a plurality of structural members for supporting the flooring deck;a plurality of support members for supporting the temporary flooring assembly; and at least one maintenance system for preserving the underlying natural surface during extended periods of use.

2. The temporary flooring installation according to claim 1 , wherein the temporary flooring assembly comprises at least one energy capturing device comprising:an energy converter configured to, in operation, convert kinetic energy applied onto the flooring deck into electrical energy; andan energy storage unit for storing the electrical energy captured by the at least one energy converter, wherein said energy storage unit is electrically connected to the at least one maintenance system.

3. The temporary flooring installation according to claim 2, wherein the flooring deck comprises a plurality of flooring panels, and wherein each of said flooring panels comprises at least one energy converter.

4. The temporary flooring installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises a lighting system configured to, in operation, emit visible light onto the underlying natural surface.

5. The temporary flooring installation according to claim 4, wherein the lighting system comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

6. The temporary flooring installation according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the lighting system is configured to produce visible light having wavelengths in the range of 300nm to 1500nm.

7. The temporary flooring installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises an irrigation system comprising:an inlet port for connecting to a fluid source; anda plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with said inlet port, said nozzles being configured to, in operation, distribute fluid from said fluid source onto the underlying natural surface.

8. The temporary flooring installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the temporary flooring installation is arranged such that an airgap is defined between an underside of the flooring deck and the underlying natural surface.

9. The temporary flooring installation according to claim 8, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises a climate control system configured to regulate a temperature of the air gap.

10. The temporary flooring installation according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one maintenance system comprises a ventilation system configured to convey air into and / or out of the air gap defined between the underside of the flooring deck and the underlying natural surface.

11. The temporary flooring installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the temporary flooring assembly comprises a plurality of legs which define the plurality of support members.

12. The temporary flooring installation according to any preceding claim, wherein the temporary flooring assembly is a modular assembly.

13. An enclosed area comprising a natural surface and the temporary flooring installation according to any preceding claim.

14. The enclosed area according to claim 13, wherein the natural surface is a natural grass playing surface.

15. The enclosed area according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the enclosed area further comprises a plurality of mounting piles embedded in at least a portion of the natural surface, wherein said mounting piles are formed of a material having a compressive strength which is greater than that of the natural surface, andwherein, in operation, each of the plurality of support members are supported by a respective one of the plurality of mounting piles.

16. The enclosed area according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of mounting piles are permanently embedded in the natural surface.

17. The enclosed area according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the natural surface is supported on a foundation.

18. The enclosed area according to claim 17, wherein the foundation comprises a plurality of mounting points, and wherein, in operation, each of the plurality of support members extend through the natural surface and are supported via the plurality of mounting points.

19. The enclosed area according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the enclosed area further comprises a plurality of moveable units which are supported on the foundation, and wherein each of said moveable units supports a portion of the natural surface.

20. The enclosed area according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of moveable units are movable between a first position, in which the plurality of mounting points are concealed, and a second position, in which the plurality of mounting points can be accessed.

21. The enclosed area according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of support members are integrated into the foundation, and wherein each support member is moveable between a first, extended, configuration, in which at least a portion of each support member protrudes beyond the natural surface, and a second, stowed, configuration, in which the support members are housed beneath the natural surface.

22. The enclosed area according to claims 15 or 19, wherein the plurality of mounting points and / or the plurality of mounting piles are arranged in a regular array.

23. The enclosed area according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein the temporary flooring installation covers only a portion of the natural surface.

24. The enclosed area according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein the temporary flooring installation covers substantially all of the natural surface.

25. A kit of parts for installing a temporary flooring installation for protecting and preserving a natural surface, said kit of parts comprising:a plurality of mounting piles for embedding into the natural surface;a temporary flooring assembly comprising a flooring deck and a plurality of structural members for supporting the flooring deck;a plurality of support members for supporting the temporary flooring assembly, wherein, in operation, each support member is supported by a respective one of the plurality of mounting piles; andat least one maintenance system for preserving the underlying natural surface during extended periods of use.

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