Patent

Date

March 28, 2022

Court

Right

Case

2021 (Gyo-Ke) 10063

Intellectual Property High
Court, Fourth Division

number- A case in which the court determined that in consideration of the statements in thedescription, the statement of the claims cannot be considered to be unclear to theextent that it causes unpredictable damage to third parties.
- A case in which the court determined that the statement of the detailed explanationof the invention in the description is clear and sufficient enough to enable a person
skilled in the art to work the invention stated in the claims without the need to go
through an excessive trial and error process, etc. and is thus not in violation of theenablement requirement.
- A case in which the court determined that the JPO decision contains no error in its
determination concerning common features and differences between the primaryprior art found in the JPO decision and the invention in question and determination
concerning whether a person skilled in the art could have easily conceived of theinvention.
Case type: Rescission of Trial Decision to Maintain
Result: Dismissed
References: Article 29, paragraph (2), Article 36, paragraph (4), item (i), and Article 36,
paragraph (6), item (ii) of the Patent Act
Summary of the Judgment
1. The outline of the case is as follows.
(1) The Defendant filed a patent application for an invention titled "Method of hanging
and spreading a body to be hung and spread, such as an indoor net, and the device
related thereto" (Patent Application No. 2004-101282; priority claim: July 17, 2003;priority number: Patent Application No. 2003-297966; priority country: Japan;
hereinafter referred to as the "Application") on March 3, 2004, and received theregistration of establishment of a patent right (Patent No. 3598508; number of claims:
4; hereinafter this patent is referred to as the "Patent") on September 24, 2004.
(2) On December 11, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a request for a trial for patent invalidation
seeking the invalidation of the Patent (Invalidation Trial No. 2019-800107).
On April 6, 2021, the JPO rendered a decision stating as follows (hereinafterreferred to as the "JPO Decision"): "The patent for the invention claimed in Claim 4 ofPatent No. 3598508 shall be invalidated. The request for a trial in relation to theiinventions claimed in Claims 1 to 3 of Patent No. 3598508 is groundless." The certified
copy of the JPO Decision was served to the Plaintiff on April 15, 2021.
(3) On May 12, 2021, the Plaintiff filed this lawsuit to seek the rescission of part of the
JPO Decision stating that "The request for a trial in relation to the inventions claimedin Claims 1 to 3 of Patent No. 3598508 is groundless."
2. As grounds for the rescission of the JPO Decision, the Plaintiff alleged [i] an error in
the determination concerning violation of the clarity requirement (Ground for
Rescission 1), [ii] an error in the determination concerning violation of the enablement
requirement (Ground for Rescission 2), and [iii] an error in the determination
concerning lack of an inventive step (Ground for Rescission 3).
3. In this judgment, the court instructed as follows and dismissed the Plaintiff's claim.
(1) Ground for Rescission 1 (excerpt of the judgment relating to the invention claimedin Claim 1 (Invention 1))
The statement of the claims pertaining to Invention 1 specifies the adjustment means
as means for adjusting the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction"
by a body to be hung and spread or/and the "other end" (floor side) of a lifting wire. In
consideration of the statements in the description in question (the "Description"), it ispossible to understand that the adjustment means is structured in a manner that it lifts
up a body to be hung and spread after the lifting wire is lifted by the distance according
to the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction." Therefore, even if
the statement of the claims pertaining to Invention 1 does not specify the specificstructure of the adjustment means, it cannot be considered to make it difficult for third
parties to understand the content of the invention pertaining to the patent and cannot be
considered to be unclear to the extent that it causes unpredictable disadvantage to third
parties.
(2) Ground for Rescission 2
A person skilled in the art can easily understand the following: in the structure
disclosed in a working example in the Description, when winch 10 is activated after the
distance between a pair of cylindrical bodies 15 is adjusted to be the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" (L; hereinafter sometimes referred
to as the "difference") at the lower end (floor side) of a lifting wire, a stopper 14 andcylindrical bodies 15 move a distance equivalent to the "length corresponding to the
distance in the height direction" (L) in conjunction with the upper part of a lifting wire
9 along with the movement thereof, and after that, they abut on a wire insertion body
16 and a body to be hung and spread 12 is engaged with the lifting wire 9; andfurthermore, the body to be hung and spread 12 is lifted upward in conjunction with theiiupward movement of the lifting wire 9; thereby, the body to be hung and spread 12 islifted in sequence according to the difference from the standard lifting wire (9b in Fig.
1), and can be hung and spread on a circular-arched ceiling.
In some aspects, the statement of the detailed explanation of the invention in the
Description cannot be considered to give full explanation about individual working
examples and drawings, but it can be considered to be clear and sufficient enough toenable a person skilled in the art to work the invention stated in the claims without theneed to go through an excessive trial and error process, etc.
(3) Ground for Rescission 3
Invention 1 and Exhibit Ko 1 Invention differ in the operation mechanism for liftinga net in a circular-arched shape, and the specification of an adjustment means thatcauses such difference in operation should be positioned as a difference. Therefore, thedetermination in the JPO Decision contains no error.
The Plaintiff alleges an error in the determination concerning whether a person
skilled in the art could have easily conceived of Invention 1 on the premise that"hanging and spreading a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, by moving lifting
wires after adjusting the 'distance in height on a circular-arched ceiling' by adjustment
means" falls under a common feature. However, this point does not fall under a common
feature but a difference. Therefore, the Plaintiff's allegation is groundless in terms of
its premise.
A person skilled in the art cannot easily conceive of Invention 1 by applying thematters stated in Exhibit Ko 2 (Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1995 265553) or Exhibit Ko 3 (Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1993187134) to Exhibit Ko 1 Invention. Therefore, the determination in the JPO Decision
to the same effect contains no error.

iii

Judgment rendered on March 28, 2022
2021(Gyo-Ke)10063, Case of seeking rescission of the JPO decision
Date of conclusion of oral argument: January 26, 2022
Judgment
Plaintiff: T.N. Net Co., Ltd.
(omitted)
Defendant: Higashidasyoukou Inc.
(omitted)
Main text
1. The Plaintiff's claim shall be dismissed.
2. The Plaintiff shall bear the court costs.
Facts and reasonsNo. 1 Claim
Of a decision rendered by the JPO on Invalidation Trial No. 2019-800107 on April
6, 2021, the part stating that "the request for a trial in relation to the inventions claimedin Claims 1 to 3 of Patent No. 3598508 is groundless" shall be rescinded.
No. 2 Outline of the case
1. Procedures at the JPO, etc. (There is no dispute between the parties.)(1) The Defendant filed a patent application for an invention titled "Method of hanging
and spreading a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, in an indoor space and thedevice related thereto" (Patent Application No. 2004-101282; priority claim: July 17,
2003; priority number: Patent Application No. 2003-297966; priority country: Japan;
hereinafter referred to as the "Application") on March 3, 2004, and received theregistration of establishment of a patent right (Patent No. 3598508; number of claims:
4; hereinafter this patent is referred to as the "Patent") on September 24, 2004.
(2) On December 11, 2019, the Plaintiff filed a request for a trial for patent invalidation
seeking the invalidation of the Patent (Invalidation Trial No. 2019-800107).
On April 6, 2021, the JPO rendered a decision stating as follows (hereinafterreferred to as the "JPO Decision"): "The patent for the invention claimed in Claim 4 ofPatent No. 3598508 shall be invalidated. The request for a trial in relation to theinventions claimed in Claims 1 to 3 of Patent No. 3598508 is groundless." The certified
1

copy of the JPO Decision was served to the Plaintiff on April 15, 2021.
(3) On May 12, 2021, the Plaintiff filed this lawsuit to seek the rescission of the part of
the JPO Decision stating that "The request for a trial in relation to the inventions
claimed in Claims 1 to 3 of Patent No. 3598508 is groundless."
2. Statement of the claims
The claims pertaining to Claims 1 to 3 of the Patent are as follows (hereinafter theinventions claimed in Claims 1 to 3 are referred to as "Invention 1," "Invention 2," and"Invention 3," respectively, and Inventions 1 to 3 are collectively referred to as the"Invention").
[Claim 1]
A method of hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space wherein a winch
wire is moved along a circular-arched ceiling in a tense state by means of a winch andlifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at one end are moved, and thereby,a body to be hung and spread that is provided on the other ends of the lifting wires ishung and spread for the purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circula r-archedceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple compartments by means of a body to behung and spread, such as a net, hanging and spreading a body to be hung and spread for
stopping balls when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading a basket-shaped bodyto be hung and spread, which is characterized in that the length corresponding to the
distance in the height direction of the aforementioned lifting wires between the positionin an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire and the position in thestandard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to thewinch wire is adjusted in advance by an adjustment means that is provided on the bodyto be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires, and then abody to be hung and spread, such as a net, is hung and spread by moving the lifting
wires[Claim 2]
A device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space, which comprises
a winch wire that is provided along a circular-arched ceiling, a winch that moves said
winch wire in a tense state, and lifting wires which are connected to said winch at one
end and are provided with a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, at the other end
for the purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling, such as a
gymnasium, into multiple compartments by means of a body to be hung and spread,such as a net, hanging and spreading a body to be hung and spread for stopping balls
when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading a basket-shaped body to be hungand spread, which is characterized in that an adjustment means for adjusting the length2

corresponding to the distance in the height direction of the aforementioned lifting wires
between the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire andthe position in the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be
attached to the winch wire is provided on said body to be hung and spread and/or at theother end of each of the lifting wires[Claim 3]
A device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space stated in Claim 2
wherein said adjustment means comprises a wire insertion body that is provided on the
body to be hung and spread and a stopper that is provided on the lower end of each of
the lifting wires that is inserted in said wire insertion body
3. Summary of the JPO Decision (limited to parts related to grounds for rescission)(1) The summary of the JPO Decision is as follows: [i] as Inventions 1 and 2 cannot be
considered unclear, the statements of Claims 1 and 2 in the claims in question satisfy
the requirement provided in Article 36, paragraph (6), item (ii) of the Patent Act (clarity
requirement); [ii] as the statement of the detailed explanation of the invention in thedescription attached to the written application for the Application (hereinafter thisdescription, including drawings, is referred to as the "Description") regarding
Inventions 1 and 2 is clear and sufficient to enable a person skilled in the art of theinventions to work the inventions, the patent pertaining to Inventions 1 and 2 was
granted for an application that satisfies the requirement provided in item (i) of the same
paragraph (enablement requirement); [iii] as a person skilled in the art would not have
easily been able to make the Invention by applying matters stated in publications thatwere distributed before the priority date of the Invention, namely Unexamined Patent
Application Publication No. 1995-265553 (Exhibit Ko 2; hereinafter referred to as"Exhibit Ko 2 Document"), Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1993 187134 (Exhibit Ko 3; hereinafter referred to as "Exhibit Ko 3 Document"),
Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 1992-64829 (Exhibit Ko 4; hereinafterreferred to as "Exhibit Ko 4 Document"), and Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 1992-62326 (Exhibit Ko 5; hereinafter referred to as "Exhibit Ko 5
Document") to the invention stated in Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2003-117046 that was distributed before the priority date of the Invention (Exhibit Ko
1; hereinafter referred to as "Exhibit Ko 1 Document"; the relevant invention ishereinafter referred to as "Exhibit Ko 1 Invention"), the patent was not granted for an
application that was filed in violation of the provisions of Article 29, paragraph (2) of
the same Act. The details of these grounds are as stated in (2) and (3) below.
(2) Exhibit Ko 1 Invention and common features and differences between Invention 1
3and Exhibit Ko 1 Invention as found in the JPO Decision are as follows.
A. Exhibit Ko 1 Invention"A method of hanging and spreading a net in an indoor space wherein a net is hungand spread along a ceiling in a circular-arched shape by providing a winch wire along
a substantially circular-arched ceiling in a constantly tense state and by moving multiple
lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at one end and are connected to
the net at the other end by automatically moving said winch wire by means of an endlesswinch that is provided within the indoor space for the purpose of dividing an indoor
space with a circular-arched ceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple compartments
or hanging and spreading a net that is used for stopping balls when playing a ball sport,
wherein each of said lifting wires is attached to the winch wire through a connecting
tube, only the connecting tube of the lifting wire that is connected to the winch wire at
the top is fixed to the winch wire, each of the other lifting wires is attache d to acylindrical connecting tube that is inserted into the winch wire in a movable manner,and each of the connecting tubes is structured to move the other lifting wires upward
by abutting on a stopper that is fixed to the winch wire,
and the positions where said stoppers are fixed to the winch wire are determinedbased on the distance in the height direction between each of the other lifting wires andthe top (L1, L2) in a state where the net is placed on the floor of the indoor space andthe net moves upward in sequence from its top in a circular-arched shape and can behung and spread"B. Common features and differences between Exhibit Ko 1 Invention and Invention 1<Common features>"A method of hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space wherein a winch
wire is moved along a circular-arched ceiling in a tense state by means of a winch andlifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at one end are moved, and thereby,a body to be hung and spread that is provided on the other ends of the lifting wires ishung and spread for the purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circular-archedceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple compartments by means of a body to behung and spread, such as a net, hanging and spreading a body to be hung and spread for
stopping balls when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading a basket-shaped bodyto be hung and spread"<Differences>
In Invention 1, the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction "of
the aforementioned lifting wires" between the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be
attached to the winch wire and the position in the standard lifting wire at the top or in4the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire is adjusted by an adjustment
means that is provided on the "body to be hung and spread and/or at the other end ofeach of the lifting wires." On the other hand, in Exhibit Ko 1 Invention, the positions
where stoppers are fixed to the winch wire are determined based on the distance in theheight direction between each of the other lifting wires and the top (L 1, L2) in a state
where the net is placed on the floor of the indoor space.
(3) The summary of the JPO Decision concerning the Plaintiff's allegations is as follows.
A. Concerning violation of the clarity requirement(A) Concerning the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction"
Based on the phrase "of the aforementioned lifting wires" in Claim 1 of the Patent,
it can be said that the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction"means the "length" of the "lifting wires." In addition, based on the word "of" in thephrase "'of the aforementioned lifting wires," it can also be said that the same length
does not refer to the "overall length" of the lifting wires and that the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" refers to part of the "lifting wires."
Therefore, it cannot be said that the meaning of the phrase "length corresponding to the
distance in the height direction" is unclear. The same also applies to the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" in Invention 2 and Invention 3that cites Invention 2.
(B) Concerning the specific structure of the "adjustment means" in Inventions 1 and 2
In invention 1, it is specified that the "adjustment means" is provided on the "bodyto be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires," and is also
specified that "the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction … isadjusted in advance by an adjustment means." Therefore, in Invention 1, it is specified
that the "adjustment means" is a means that has the capability to adjust the length ofthe lifting wires. Then, even if the specific structure of the "adjustment means" is not
specified in the matters required to identify the invention, if adjustment of the length ofthe lifting wires is specified as a capability exerted by the adjustment means, thestructure of Invention 1 can be understood. In light of this, it cannot be said that
Invention 1 is unclear to the extent that it causes unexpected disadvantage to third
parties.
B. Violation of the enablement requirement
Based on the matter required to identify the invention, "the length corresponding to
the distance in the height direction of the aforementioned lifting wires between theposition in an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire and the position in
the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to the5winch wire is adjusted in advance by an adjustment means that is provided on the bodyto be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires," in Invention
1, and the matter required to identify the invention, "adjustment means for adjusting thelength corresponding to the distance in the height direction of the aforementioned lifting
wires between the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire
and the position in the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to th e top
to be attached to the winch wire … on said body to be hung and spread and/or at theother end of each of the lifting wires," in Invention 2, the "adjustment means" isconsidered to adjust the "length in the height direction" of the "lifting wires."(A) Where the "adjustment means" is a "locking body that is provided on a net body"
In consideration of the statement in [0058] in the Description "it is also possible toadjust the length of a lifting wire 9 by providing a body to lock the lifting wire 9 (forexample, a detachable clip) on a net body 12," it can be understood that the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" is adjusted by adjusting theposition where a "locking body provided on the net body" is locked to a lifting wire,
and it can thus be considered clear for a person skilled in the art that the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" is adjusted by adjusting theposition where a "locking body provided on the net body" is locked to a lifting w ire.
Therefore, it can be said that the Description states the case where the "adjustment
means" in Invention 1 is a "locking body that is provided on a net body" to the extent
that a person skilled in the art can easily work Inventions 1 and 2.
(B) Where the "adjustment means" is a "locking body that is provided on a lifting wire"
In consideration of the statement in [0058] in the Description "it is also possible toadjust the length of a lifting wire 9 by providing a body to lock the lifting wire 9 (fo rexample, a detachable clip) on a net body 12," it can be understood that the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" is adjusted by adjusting theposition in a lifting wire where a "locking body provided on a lifting wire" is provi ded,and it can also be understood that the length of a lifting wire from the position to be
attached to the winch wire up to a locking body is adjusted by the position of the locking
body.
Therefore, [i] in the case where a "locking body that is provided on a lifting wire"
is a locking body that locks the lifting wire and a body to be hung and spread, the"locking body that is provided on a lifting wire" is locked with the part closest to the
top of the body to be hung and spread, and it can be said that it is clear for a person
skilled in the art that the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction"is adjusted by adjusting the position where the "locking body that is provided on a6

lifting wire" is provided; therefore, it can be said that the detailed explanation of theinvention in the Description states the case where the "adjustment means" in Invention
1 is a "locking body that is provided on a lifting wire" and it locks the lifting wire anda body to be hung and spread to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily
work Inventions 1 and 2. [ii] In the case where the "locking body that is provided on alifting wire" is a locking body that locks the lifting wire itself, it can be understood thatthe length of a lifting wire 9 up to a net body 12 is adjusted by adjusting the position
where a lifting wire 12 that is folded back after passing through the net body 12 isfastened by means of the art that is disclosed in Exhibit Otsu submitted by the
respondent (Defendant); therefore, it can be said that the detailed explanation of theinvention in the Description states the case where the "adjustment means" in Invention
1 is a "locking body that is provided on a lifting wire" and is a locking body that locks
the lifting wire itself to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily work
Inventions 1 and 2.
C. Concerning involvement of an inventive step(A) Concerning Invention 1
Invention 1 and Exhibit Ko 1 Invention clearly differ from each other in that the
subject of adjustment is part "of the lifting wires" in Invention 1 while it is the position
where a stopper fixed to the winch wire is fixed in Exhibit Ko 1 Invention. It cannot be
considered easy to change the subject of adjustment from "part of the lifting wires" tothe position where a stopper is fixed. In Exhibit Ko 1 Invention, each of the lifting wires
is attached to the winch wire through a cylindrical connecting tube that is inserted in
the winch wire in a movable manner and the connecting tubes are structured to movethe lifting wires upward by abutting on stoppers that are fixed to the winch wire, so as
to make it possible to divide an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling into multiple
compartments by smoothly hanging and spreading a net and to efficiently hang andspread an easy-to-use net with a circular-arched ceiling. Therefore, there is adisincentive to change the design so as to provide the adjustment means on the "bodyto be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires."
Although a mechanism for adjusting the position where a curtain body 2 is rolled
up which comprises rings 32 that are provided at the lowest end of the curtain body 2
and weights 33 that are provided at the lowest ends of elevating cords 31 is stated in
Exhibit Ko 2 Document, the connecting tubes and stoppers in Exhibit Ko 1 Invention
are provided on the winch wire, and they adjust the timing of lifting the lifting wires sothat a body to be hung and spread can be hung and spread along a circular-arched ceiling.
However, the aforementioned matter stated in Exhibit Ko 2 Document differs in the7position where the adjustment means is provided and also differs in the purpose.
Therefore, it cannot be said that there is a motivation to apply the same matter to Exhibit
Ko 1 Invention.
Moreover, Exhibit Ko 3 Document also does not state any structure pertaining to
the difference.
Therefore, it cannot be said that a person skilled in the art would have easily beenable to make Invention 1 based on the matters stated in Exhibit Ko 1 to Ko 3 Documents.
(B) Concerning Invention 2
Invention 2 was created by changing the category of invention from a "method of
hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space" of Invention 1 to a "device for
hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space." Therefore, for the same reason as
Invention 1, it cannot be said that a person skilled in the art would have easily been able
to make Invention 2 based on the matters stated in Exhibit Ko 1 to Ko 3 Documents.
(C) Concerning Invention 3
Invention 3 was created by further limiting the "method of hanging and spreading anet, etc. in an indoor space" of Invention 2. Therefore, for the same reason as Inve ntion
1, it cannot be said that a person skilled in the art would have easily been able to makeInvention 3 based on the matters stated in Exhibit Ko 1 to Ko 5 Documents.
(omitted)
No. 4 Judgment of this court
1. Concerning matters stated in the Description, etc.
The Description (Exhibit Ko 12) contains statements as indicated in Attachment 1.
According to these statements, it is found that the detailed explanation of the invention
in the Description discloses the following matters in relation to the Invention.
(1) The "present invention" relates to a method of hanging and spreading a body to behung and spread, such as a net, in an indoor space which is used for surely dividing alarge indoor space with a substantially circular-arched ceiling, such as a gymnasium,
roofed practice area for rainy weather or roofed ballpark (commonly called domed
stadium), into compartments according to the intended use (for example, making
multiple tennis courts or other courts or dividing the space into a space for combination
practice of infielders and outfielders and a space for batting practice, etc. in baseballpractice), stopping balls (preventing balls from flying out into the audience or aneighboring court) when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading a basket-shaped
net body, and the device related thereto ([0001]).
8

(2) There is a device for dividing an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling, suchas a gymnasium, into multiple compartments or hanging and spreading a net to stopballs when playing a ball sport, which comprises a winch wire that is provided along a
substantially circular-arched ceiling, lifting wires which are connected to said winch
wire at one end through a connecting body, a winch for moving the winch wire, and a
net body that is connected to the other ends of the lifting wires, wherein connecting
bodies are structured to move along the winch wire according to the distance from thetop. Such device for hanging and spreading a net had the following disadvantage: asconnecting fittings move along a winch wire that is provided on a circular-archedceiling, it is necessary to provide at least two stoppers on each lifting wire to stop the
movement of the connecting fittings according to the distance from the top; as the work
to adjust the stoppers (especially, fine adjustment that is conducted after the installationof the winch wire) must be conducted on the ceiling side, it is necessary to conduct thework using a crane car, etc. indoors; therefore, a high cost is required and the adjustment
work becomes cumbersome. In addition, the device also had the following problems: inthe case of changing the state of hanging and spreading of a net body on the ceilingside, for example, to be horizontal to the floor, it is necessary to change the posit ionsto attach the connecting fittings on a case-by-case basis, and relevant work must also
be conducted on the ceiling side and is cumbersome; in addition, maintenance work isalso cumbersome ([0006], [0008], and [0009]).
(3) The "present invention" solves such problems of the conventional structure, and it
is designed to make it possible to easily and safely make fine adjustment of lifting wires
and to safely conduct maintenance work ([0010]).
(4) In the device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space, such as a
gymnasium, of the "present invention," only the winch wire moves on the ceiling.
Therefore, when hanging and spreading or storing a net body, fewer breakdowns andtroubles occur in the device compared to conventional devices. In addition, as theadjustment means is provided on a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, and/or on
the lower end (floor) side of each of the lifting wires, it is possible to easily conduct
maintenance, etc. only by lifting down a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, tothe floor side. Moreover, as the adjustment means has a simple structure and is provided
on a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, and/or on the lower end (floor) side ofeach of the lifting wires, it is possible to shorten required time and reduce required steps
in the case of installing the device indoors ([0024] to [0026]).
2. Concerning matters stated in Exhibit Ko 1 Document(1) Exhibit Ko 1 Document contains statements as indicated in Attachment 2. According9

to these statements, it is found that the same document discloses as follows.
A. The present invention relates to a method of hanging and spreading a net in an indoor
space, which is used for dividing a large indoor space of which the ceiling is formed ina substantially circular-arched shape, such as a gymnasium, into compartments
according to the intended use or surely hanging and spreading a net that is provided
when playing a ball sport, and the device related thereto ([0001]).
B. In the case of dividing a large indoor space of which the ceiling is in a substantiallycircular-arched shape (arch-like shape), such as a gymnasium, roofed practice area forrainy weather or roofed ballpark (commonly called domed stadium), into compartments
according to the intended use and smoothly using those compartments at the same timeor securing safety by stopping balls when playing a ball sport, the indoor space issometimes divided into compartments by means of a net and is used. However, in thepast, when hanging and spreading a partition net to be used, employed procedures wereas follows: first placing the net on the floor of the indoor space, attaching a winch wire
to the net, attaching said winch wire from one side to the other side of the periphery of
the ceiling, and then hanging and spreading the net in a linear manner by moving thewinch wire in a tense state by means of an automatic or wind-up winch, and dividing
the indoor space by attaching no net to the circular-arched part above the net hung andspread or by providing a net fixed in advance to that part. When detaching a net thatwas hung and spread, the net was detached by first loosening the tensed winch wire bymeans of an automatic or wind-up winch and then hanging the winch wire to the floor([0002] to [0004]).
C. Such conventional method had the following disadvantages: as it took a long time
(several hours) and a great deal of labor to hang and spread a net in a large indoor space,such as gymnasiums and roofed (domed) ballparks, which are recently getting larger, a
lot of preparation was required to hang and spread a net and work efficiency was low;in addition, regarding a net to be provided on the circular-arched ceiling part, itinterfered with the use of the entire indoor space, and if the net was not attached to saidpart, balls were likely to fly out into another compartment through the part and theindoor space could not be surely divided into compartments ([0005] and [0006]).
D. The present invention is intended to provide a method of hanging and spreading a
net in an indoor space, which makes it possible to easily and smoothly hang and spreada net in all types of indoor space, such as a gymnasium or roofed (domed) ballpark, forthe purpose of dividing the space into compartments or stopping balls, and in particular,
to divide such space into compartments along the circular-arched shape of the ceilingby means of a net, and a device related thereto ([0007]).
10

(2) Then, putting together [Claim 1], statements in [0014] to [0018] and [0021] to[0023] in the [Detailed explanation of the invention], and [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 4] in Exhibit
Ko 1 Document, it is found that the same document states Exhibit Ko 1 Invention as
found in the JPO Decision.
3. Concerning Ground for Rescission 1 (error in the determination concerning violationof the clarity requirement)(1) The statement of the claims of a patent application is required to comply with therequirement that "the invention for which a patent is sought is clear" (Article 36,
paragraph (6), item (ii) of the Patent Act). The purport of this requirement is considered
to be based on the idea that the patent system is intended to encourage inventions
through promoting the utilization of inventions by protecting inventions for patentees
through granting patent rights, which are exclusive rights, to persons who discloseinventions and by having third parties understand the content of patented inventions,
thereby contributing to the development of industry. In consideration of such purport,
compliance with the requirement referred to in the same item should be determinedfrom the perspective of whether or not the statement of the claims is clear to the extent
that it does not cause unpredictable damage to third parties in light of the details of thestatement of the claims, statements in the Description, and common general technicalknowledge at the time of the filing of the application.
Hereinafter, determinations are made on the premise of the above.
A. Concerning Invention 1
Invention 1 is a method of hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space
wherein a winch wire is moved along a circular-arched ceiling in a tense state by meansof a winch, and lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at one end are
moved, and thereby, a body to be hung and spread that is provided on the other ends ofthe lifting wires is hung and spread for the purpose of hanging and spreading a body to
be hung and spread, such as a net, in an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling,such as a gymnasium, which has the following matters required to identify theinvention: the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction [iv] of theaforementioned lifting wires [i] between the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to b e
attached to the winch wire [ii] and the position in the standard lifting wire at the top orin the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire [iii] is adjusted in advanceby an adjustment means that is provided on the body to be hung and spread and/or at
the other end of each of the lifting wires [v], and then a body to be hung and spread,such as a net, is hung and spread by moving the lifting wires.
Here, according to [0037], [0040], and [Fig. 1] in the Description as well as the11statement of the claims, the "length corresponding to the distance in the height
direction" refers to part of the lifting wire, and it can be considered as the length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction between the "position in anarbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire" and the "position in the standard
lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire."
That is, in [Fig. 1], the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction ([iv]above) between the position in a lifting wire 9a to be attached to the winch wire ([ii]above) and the position in the standard lifting wire 9a in the place closest to the top to
be attached to the winch wire ([iii] above) can be considered as L 1.
According to [0031], [0032], and [Fig. 1] in the Description as well as the statementof the claims, the "adjustment means" can be considered to refer to a means for adjustingthe "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction" of the lifting wires bya body to be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires. In [Fig.
1], it can be understood that there is a means for adjusting L 1, which is the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction," on the floor side of a lifting wire([v] above). According to [0040] and [0041] in the Description, it can be understoodthat the adjustment means is structured to lift up a body to be hung and spread after thelifting wires are lifted by the distance (L 1, L2 ) according to the adjusted "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction."
Then, it is specified in the claims pertaining to Invention 1 that the adjustment
means is a means for adjusting the "length corresponding to the distance in the he ight
direction" by a body to be hung and spread and/or at the "other end" (floor side) of eachof the lifting wires. In consideration of the statements in the Description, it can beunderstood that the adjustment means is structured to lift up a body to be hung andspread after the lifting wires are lifted by the distance according to the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction." Therefore, even if the statementof the claims pertaining to Invention 1 does not specify the specific stru cture of theadjustment means, it cannot be considered to make it difficult for third parties tounderstand the content of the invention pertaining to the patent and cannot be
considered unclear to the extent that it causes unpredictable disadvantage to th ird
parties. Therefore, Invention 1 satisfies the clarity requirement.
B. Concerning Invention 2
Invention 2 is a device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space
which comprises a winch wire that is provided along a circular-arched ceiling, a winchthat moves said winch wire in a tense state, and lifting wires which are connected tosaid winch wire at one end and are provided with a body to be hung and spread, such12

as a net, at the other end for the purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circulararched ceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple compartments by means of a bodyto be hung and spread, such as a net, hanging and spreading a body to be hung andspread for stopping balls when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading a basketshaped body to be hung and spread, and which has the following matters required to
identify the invention: an adjustment means for adjusting the length corresponding to
the distance in the height direction [v] of the aforementioned lifting wires [ ii] between
the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire [iii] and theposition in the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be
attached to the winch wire [iv] is provided on said body to be hung and spread and/or
at the other end of each of the lifting wires [i]. As mentioned in A. above, the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" that is to be adjusted by the
adjustment means refers to part of the lifting wires in consideration of the statementsin the Description, etc., and it can be considered as the length corresponding to the
distance in the height direction between the "position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be
attached to the winch wire" and the "position in the standard lifting wire at the top orin the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire."
Then, it is specified in the claims pertaining to Invention 2 that the adjustment
means is a means for adjusting the "length corresponding to the dist ance in the height
direction" by a body to be hung and spread and/or at the "other end" (floor side) of eachof the lifting wires. As mentioned in A. above, in consideration of the statements in the
Description, it can be understood that the adjustment means is structured to lift up abody to be hung and spread after the lifting wires are lifted by the distance according
to the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction." Therefore, even if
the statement of the claims pertaining to Invention 2 does not specify the specificstructure of the adjustment means, it cannot be considered to make it difficult for third
parties to understand the content of the invention pertaining to the patent and cannot be
considered unclear to the extent that it causes unpredictable disadvantages to third
parties. Therefore, Invention 2 satisfies the clarity requirement.
C. Concerning Invention 3
Invention 3 is an invention created by limiting the adjustment means in Invention 2
to one that comprises "a wire insertion body that is provided on the body to be hungand spread and a stopper that is provided on the lower end of each of the lifting wires
that is inserted in said wire insertion body." As long as the clarity requirement issatisfied in relation to the adjustment means in Invention 2 as mentioned in B. above,it can also be said that Invention 3 satisfies the clarity requirement.
13

(2) On the other hand, as mentioned in No. 3, 1.(1)A. above, the Plaintiff alleges that
the Invention does not satisfy the clarity requirement as the claims pertaining to theInvention contain neither statement of the specific structure of the adjustment means
for adjusting the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction" norstatement of a method for adjusting the "length corresponding to the distance in theheight direction." However, as instructed in (1) above, it is not necessary to state thespecific structure, etc. of the adjustment means as alleged by the Plaintiff in thestatement of the claims. Therefore, the Plaintiff's allegation pertaining to this point isgroundless.
In addition, as mentioned in No. 3, 1.(1)B. above, the Plaintiff alleges as follows:[A] a mechanism for forming a circular-arched shape is not clear; [B] the adjustment
methods of the adjustment means in Working Examples 2 and 3 alleged by the
Defendant are not clear; [C] a structure for producing the function and effect of"adjusting the folded state of a net when lifting the net while folding it in sequence" isnot stated in the claims; [D] a means for solving a problem pertaining to a mechanism
wherein a member attached to a lifting wire is locked at a ring-shaped wire insertion
body along with the elevation of the lifting wire is not stated in the claims. However,as indicated above, what matters in determining compliance with the clarity
requirement is whether or not the statement of the claims is unclear to the extent that it
causes unpredictable disadvantage to third parties. Even if a matter pertaining to a detailas alleged by the Plaintiff is not stated, the clarity of the statement of the claims is notdenied. In the first place, the Plaintiff's allegations can only be considered unreasonable
as they include an allegation questioning the clarity of the working examples allegedby the Defendant and an argument mixing up violation of the clarity requirement andviolation of the enablement requirement.
(3) According to the above, the statement of the claims pertaining to the Invention
complies with the clarity requirement, and Ground for Rescission 1 alleged by the
Plaintiff is groundless.
4. Concerning Ground for Rescission 2 (error in the determination concerning violationof the enablement requirement)(1) The enablement requirement provided in Article 36, paragraph (4), item (i) of the
Patent Act requires that the statement of the detailed explanation of the invention in a
description is clear and sufficient enough to enable a person skilled in the art of theinvention to work the invention stated in the claims without the need t o go through anexcessive trial and error process, etc. As mentioned in No. 3, 2.(1)B. above, regarding
Working Examples 1 to 4 alleged by the Defendant, the Plaintiff alleges a failure to14

satisfy the enablement requirement from the perspective of whether or not theseworking examples can be worked. Therefore, the Plaintiff's allegation can only beconsidered unreasonable in the first place.
(2) Leaving aside this point, putting together the statement of the claims and thestatement of the detailed explanation of the invention in the Description, the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction" is the length of part of an arbitrary
lifting wire and is the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction
between the position in the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the
top to be attached to the winch wire and the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be
attached to the winch wire, and the "adjustment means" that is provided on a body to
be hung and spread or the other end of each of the lifting wires is a means for adjustingthe "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction" of the lifting wires,and it refers to a structure that lifts up the body to be hung and spread after the lifting
wire is lifted by the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction, as
instructed in 3.(1)A. above.
Then, regarding a specific structure of the adjustment means, the detailed
explanation of the invention in the Description discloses a structure comprisingspherical stoppers 14 that are provided at the lower end of each of the lifting wires 9 ina fixed state, cylindrical bodies 15 that are provided above said stoppers 14 while being
inserted into the lifting wires 9, and ring-shaped wire insertion bodies 16 that areprovided on a net body 12, as one of the modes for carrying out the Invention ([0032]
and [0057]). In consideration of [0031], [0037] to [0042], [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], and [Fig.
4], a person skilled in the art can easily understand the following: in such structure,when a winch 10 is activated after the distance between a pair of cylindrical bodies 15
is adjusted to be the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction" (L;hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "portion of the difference") at the lower end(floor side) of a lifting wire, a stopper 14 and cylindrical bodies 15 move a distanceequivalent to the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction" (L) in
conjunction with the upper part of a lifting wire 9 along with the movement thereof,
and after that, a body to be hung and spread 12 is engaged with the lifting wire 9 inabutting contact with a wire insertion body 16; and furthermore, the body to be hungand spread 12 is lifted upward in conjunction with the upward movement of the lifting
wire 9; thereby, the body to be hung and spread 12 is lifted in sequence according to
the portion of the difference from the standard lifting wire (9b in Fig. 1), and can behung and spread on a circular-arched ceiling.
Then, in some aspects, the statement of the detailed explanation of the invention in15

the Description cannot be considered to give full explanation about individual working
examples and drawings, but it can be considered to be clear and sufficient enough toenable a person skilled in the art to work the invention stated in the claims without theneed to go through an excessive trial and error process, etc.
(3) Although the Plaintiff makes various other allegations, all of them are justconsidered unreasonable or unacceptable. It should also be considered clear from Figs.
1 and 2 in Attachment 4 of this judgment that were graphically described by the Plaintiff
as the working examples of the Invention that the Plaintiff originally has not correc tly
understood that the essential part of the Invention (adjustment means for the "length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction") is designed to adjust the lengthof lifting wires, that is, the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction
between the position in the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the
top to be attached to the winch wire and the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be
attached to the winch wire, at the other end (floor side) of the lifting wires. Therefore,
the Plaintiff's allegation should be considered to contain an error in its premise.
Moreover, the Plaintiff also alleges as follows: folding a net and adjusting the folded
state of the net (Function and Effect [ii]) is stated as the "second means for solving the
problem" of the invention in the Description and is stated as the effect of the invention;
therefore, it is a matter required to identify the Invention and is a matter subject to theenablement requirement. However, in the Description, the aforementioned Function andEffect [ii] is not stated in the [Problem to be solved by the invention] section but isstated only as one of the functions produced by the means for solving the problem.
Therefore, such matter does not become subject to the enablement requirement.
(4) According to the above, the statement of the detailed explanation of the invention
in the Description can be considered clear and sufficient enough to enable a person
skilled in the art to work the Invention. Therefore, the statement of the detailed
explanation of the invention complies with the enablement requirement, and Groundfor Rescission 2 alleged by the Plaintiff is thus groundless.
5. Concerning Ground for Rescission 3 (error in the determination concerning lack of
an inventive step)(1) Error in the finding of common features and differences
A. As mentioned in 2.(2) above, it is found that in Exhibit Ko 1 Invention, a winch wirethat is provided along the ceiling is provided with "connecting tubes," each of which isconnected to each of the lifting wires, and stoppers, which are fixed to the winch wire
according to the distance in the height direction between the top and the position where
each of the other lifting wires is attached, and a body to be hung and spread (net) is
16

lifted in a circular-arched shape along the ceiling by changing the timing when each of
the lifting wires is moved upward by the abutment of the connecting tubes on the
stoppers that are fixed to the winch wire.
On the other hand, as instructed above, in Invention 1, the length of each of thelifting wires is adjusted to become longer by the portion of the difference equivalent to
the "length corresponding to the distance in the height direction" between the positionin the lifting wires to be attached to the winch wire and the position in the standard
lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire,
and thereby, the lifting wires move upward at the same time when the winch is activated ;however, part of a body to be hung and spread (net) that is connected to the lifting wireat the top or in the place closest to the top is lifted first and part of the body to be hungand spread (net) that is connected to a lifting wire closer to the top is lifted in sequence,and thereby, the body to be hung and spread (net) is lifted in a circular-arched shape.
As mentioned above, Invention 1 and Exhibit Ko 1 Invention differ in the operation
mechanism for lifting a net in a circular-arched shape, and the specification of an
adjustment means that causes such difference in operation should be positioned as adifference. Therefore, the determination in the JPO Decision contains no error.
B. On the other hand, as mentioned in No. 3, 3.(1)A. above, the Pl aintiff alleges asfollows on the premise that the stopper and connecting tube in Exhibit Ko 1 Invention
correspond to means for adjusting the length corresponding to the "difference in heightat the circular-arched ceiling" and have the same function as the adjustment means in
Invention 1: the structure wherein "a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, is hungand spread by moving lifting wires after adjusting the 'difference in height at thecircular-arched ceiling' by adjustment means" should be found as a common feature.
However, this allegation is just considered as an allegation made in disregard of the factthat the operation mechanisms of Invention 1 and Exhibit Ko 1 Invention differ fromeach other, and it is thus not acceptable at all.
(2) Error in the determination concerning whether a person skilled in the art could have
easily conceived of Invention 1
A. The Plaintiff's allegation of an error in the determination concerning whether aperson skilled in the art could have easily conceived of Invention 1 in the JPO Decision
as mentioned in No. 3, 3.(1)B.(A) above is based on the premise that "hanging andspreading a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, by moving lifting wires after
adjusting the 'difference in height at the circular-arched ceiling' by adjustment means"
falls under a common feature. However, as mentioned in (1) above, this point does not
fall under a common feature but a difference. Therefore, the Plaintiff's allegation is17

groundless in terms of its premise.
B. In addition, regarding the Plaintiff's allegation as mentioned in No. 3, 3.(1)B.(B)above, elevating codes 31 for lifting a curtain body 2 and a structure for lifting a curtain
body 2 wherein multiple rings 32 are longitudinally attached at prescribed intervals,
into which the elevating cords 31 are inserted, and weight 33 is attached to the lowest
end of each of the elevating cords 31 is disclosed in [0037], [0038], and [Fig. 4] (seeAttachment 3-1) in Exhibit Ko 2 Document. However, connecting tubes and stoppers,
which constitute the adjustment means of Exhibit Ko 1 Invention, are attached to thewinch wire on the ceiling, and there is no motivation to apply a matter stated in Exhibit
Ko 2 Document, which only discloses a mere mechanism for lifting a curtain body, to
Exhibit Ko 1 Invention. In addition, even by applying such structure to Exhibit Ko 1
Invention, a person skilled in the art does not conceive of the difference, the adjustment
means in the Invention, that is, a structure wherein the length of an arbitrary lifting wire,that is, the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction (the portion of
the difference) between the position where the standard lifting wire is attached to thewinch wire and the position where said arbitrary lifting wire is attached to the winch
wire, is adjusted in advance at the other end (floor side) of each of the lifting wires.
Next, regarding the adjustment means stated in Exhibit Ko 3 Document, the Plaintiff
seems to focus attention on a structure using a member (turn buckle) provided on the
net side. However, according to the statement in [0014] in the same document, a turnbuckle 12 is attached at the lower end of a wire lock 11 and is designed to make fineadjustment for aligning protective nets in one line. The same document neither states
nor suggests a structure pertaining to the difference. Therefore, a person skilled in th eart does not conceive of the structure of the adjustment means in Invention 1 even by
applying the matter stated in the same document to Exhibit Ko 1 Invention.
(3) According to the above, the JPO Decision contains no error in the finding ofcommon features and differences, and a person skilled in the art cannot easily conceiveof Invention 1 by applying the matters stated in Exhibit Ko 2 Document or Exhibit Ko
3 Document to Exhibit Ko 1 Invention. Therefore, the determination in the JPO
Decision to the same effect contains no error. Moreover, a person skilled in the art also
cannot easily conceive of Invention 2 that is a "device for hanging and spreading a net,
etc. in an indoor space," which is characterized in that the adjustment means relating to
the "method of hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space" of Invention 1 isprovided thereon, and Invention 3 wherein the adjustment means in the "device for
hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor space" of Invention 2 is limited to a
structure comprising a wire insertion body and a stopper that are provided on a body to18

be hung and spread by applying the matters stated in Exhibit Ko 2 Document or Exhibit
Ko 3 Document to Exhibit Ko 1 Invention. Therefore, the determination in the JPO
Decision to the same effect contains no error.
Therefore, Ground for Rescission 3 alleged by the Plaintiff is groundless.
6. According to the above, all grounds for rescission alleged by the Plaintiff are
groundless. Therefore, the Plaintiff's claim should be dismissed.
Accordingly, the judgment is rendered as indicated in the main text.
Intellectual Property High Court, Fourth Division
Presiding judge: KANNO Masayuki
Judge: NAKAMURA Kyo
Judge: OKAYAMA Tadahiro

19

(Attachment 1)[Detailed explanation of the invention][Technical field][0001]The present invention relates to a method of hanging and spreading a body to behung and spread, such as a net, in an indoor space which is used for surely dividing alarge indoor space with a substantially circular-arched ceiling, such as a gymnasium,
roofed practice area for rainy weather or roofed ballpark (commonly called domed
stadium), into compartments according to the intended use (for example, making
multiple tennis courts or other courts or dividing the space into compartments according
to the type of baseball practice (the case of dividing the space into a space for
combination practice of infielders and outfielders and a space for batting practice, etc.),
stopping balls (preventing balls from flying out into the audience or a neighboringcourt) when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading a basket -shaped net body,and the device related thereto.
[Background art]
[0002]In the case of dividing an indoor space, such as a gymnasium, into two (or more)
spaces and using them at the same time for a ball sport (a game, practice, etc.), theindoor space is divided into compartments by means of a net body and used for the
purpose of smoothly playing a game, doing practice, etc. (preventing balls used in one
court from flying out into another court) or for safety.
In this case, a device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. that has been usedconventionally comprised multiple wind-up winches that are provided on the side of
the indoor space, pulleys that are provided on the ceiling, multiple lifting wires that arehung from the wind-up winches to the floor through the pulleys, and a net body that is
attached to said lifting wires for the purpose of hanging and spreading a net body, andthe lifting wires were moved by rotating each of the wind-up winches in the reeling
direction, and thereby, the net body was hung and spread.
In addition, in the case of detaching a net body, the lifting wires were moved byrotating the wind-up winches in the pullout direction, and thereby, the lifting wires werehung to the floor. Thereby, the net body was detached.
[0003]
Moreover, when hanging and spreading a net for preventing balls from flying out
into the audience, in the same manner as above, the net was also hung an d spread bystraining a wire from one side to the other side of the periphery of the ceiling by means
20

of wind-up winches after attaching the net to the wires.
[0004]The manual method as mentioned above had problems relating to the hanging andspreading of a net. For example, as it took a long time (several hours) and a great dealof labor to hang and spread a net in a large indoor space, such as gymnasiums androofed (domed) ballparks, which are recently getting larger, a lot of preparation was
required to hang and spread a net and work efficiency was low. In particular, when
hanging and spreading a net by dividing it into multiple parts, additional preparation
required time.
[0005]
In particular, in the case of a roofed (domed) ballpark, as the ceiling is in a circularached shape, it is necessary to hang and spread a net there by obliquely providing awire. However, by this method, the circular-arched part cannot be surely divided.
Furthermore, the manual method had a disadvantage that it required more labor in thecase of hanging and spreading a net on the circular-ached ceiling as a net needed to be
obliquely moved.
[0006]
Therefore, a device comprising a winch wire that is provided along a substantiallycircular-arched ceiling, lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at one end
through a connecting body, a winch for moving the winch wire, and a net body that isconnected to the other end of each of the lifting wires, wherein the connecting bodies
are structured to move along the winch wire according to the distance from the top, wasdevised for the purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling, suchas a gymnasium, into multiple compartments or hanging and spreading a net to stopballs when playing a ball sport (see Patent Document 1).
[0007]In this device, when the endless winch is activated, the winch wire moves along thecircular-arched ceiling, and the lifting wires that are provided on said winch wire move
upward.
Then, as the moving distance of each connecting body is determined according to
the distance from the top, the lifting wire at the top first lifts up the net body, and forthe other lifting wires, only connecting bodies move in a direction opposite to themoving direction of the winch wire according to the distance from the top. After that,the lifting wires lift up the net body in order closer to the top, and thereby, the net bodycan be hung and spread along the circular-arched top.
[Patent Document] Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-117046
21

[Disclosure of the invention][Problem to be solved by the invention][0008]
However, a device for hanging and spreading a net as mentioned above had thefollowing disadvantage: as connecting fittings move along a winch wire that is provided
on a circular-arched ceiling, it is necessary to provide at least two stoppers on eachlifting wire to stop the movement of the connecting fittings according to the distancefrom the top: and the work to adjust the stoppers (especially, fine adjustment that is
conducted after the installation of the winch wire) must be conducted on the ceilingside, and it is thus necessary to conduct the work using a crane car, etc. indoors;
therefore, a high cost is required and the adjustment work becomes cumbersome.
[0009]In addition, the device also had the following problems: in the case of changing thestate of hanging and spreading of a net body on the ceiling side, for example, to be
horizontal to the floor, it is necessary to change the positions to attach the connecting
fittings on a case-by-case basis, and relevant work must also be conducted on the ceilingside and is cumbersome; in addition, maintenance work is also cumbersome.
[0010]The present invention solves such problems of the conventional structure, and it isdesigned to make it possible to easily and safely make fine adjustment of lifting wires
and to safely conduct maintenance work.
[Means for solving the problem][0011]
Then, the present invention is a method of hanging and spreading a net, etc. in anindoor space wherein a winch wire is moved along a circular-arched ceiling in a tense
state by means of a winch and lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at
one end are thereby moved, and thereby, a body to be hung and spread that is provided
on the other ends of the lifting wires is hung and spread for the purpose of dividing an
indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple
compartments by means of a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, hanging andspreading a body to be hung and spread for stopping balls when playing a ball sport, or
hanging and spreading a basket-shaped body to be hung and spread in order to achieve
the aforementioned purpose, which is characterized in that the length corresponding to
the distance in the height direction of the aforementioned lifting wires between theposition in an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire and the position in
the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to the22winch wire is adjusted in advance by an adjustment means that is provided on the bodyto be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires, and then abody to be hung and spread, such as a net, is hung and spread by moving the lifting
wires.
[0013]In addition, specifically, in a device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. in anindoor space which comprises a winch wire that is provided along a circular-archedceiling, a winch that moves said winch wire in a tense state, and lifting wires which areconnected to said winch wire at one end and are provided with a body to be hung an dspread, such as a net, at the other end for the purpose of dividing an indoor space witha circular-arched ceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple compartments by meansof a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, hanging and spreading a body to be hungand spread for stopping balls when playing a ball sport, or hanging and spreading abasket-shaped body to be hung and spread, an adjustment means for adjusting the length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction between the position in an arbitrary
lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire and the position in the standard lifting wireat the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire is provided
on said body to be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires.
[0014]
Furthermore, the adjustment means comprises a wire insertion body that is provided
on the body to be hung and spread and a stopper that is provided on each of the lifting
wires that protrusively extends from said wire insertion body.
[0016]In the aforementioned function of the present invention, when dividing a large
indoor space, such as a gymnasium or roofed ballpark, by means of a body to be hungand spread, hanging and spreading a body to be hung and spread for stopping balls orusing a basket-shaped body to be hung and spread, a body to be hung and spread, suchas a net, that is provided on lifting wires is hung and spread by moving a winch wirethat is provided along a circular-arched ceiling through activation of a winch that isprovided on one or both sides near the periphery of the ceiling and lifting the lifting
wires that are provided on said winch wire.
[0017]On this occasion, a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, is hung and spreadwith its upper side being along the circular-arched ceiling and its lower side being
horizontal to the floor by moving the lifting wires after adjusting the length
corresponding to the distance in the height direction between the position in an arbitrary23

lifting wire to be attached to the winch wire and the position in the standard lifting wireat the top or in the place closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire by anadjustment means that is provided on the body to be hung and spread and/or at the otherend of each of the lifting wires.
[0018]
Moreover, when lowering a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, it is possible
to lower said body to be hung and spread, such as a net, while keeping the lower side
(floor side) of the body to be hung and spread horizontal to the floor by moving thewinch wire in a direction opposite to the abovementioned direction through activationof the winch in the opposite direction and moving the lifting wires downward in order
starting from the standard lifting wire at the top (in order closer to the top).
[0019]
Regarding the storage of a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, if a body to
be hung and spread is not to be used for a long period of time, it is detached from thelifting wires after being lowered to the floor and stored.
[0020]In addition, by the function by the second means for solving the problem, the lifting
wires on the upper side of a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, are made to be
in a free state by means of an adjustment means that is provided on the upper side of
the body to be hung and spread, such as a net, or on the lifting wires, and in this state,
the lifting wires are moved further upward from the position where the body to be hungand spread, such as a net, is hung and spread. Thereby, it is possible to store a body to
be hung and spread, such as a net, along the circular-arched ceiling by moving it to theceiling side in a manner to fold it.
[0021]On this occasion, in the same manner as above, it is possible to adjust the state offolding (vertical width, number of folds, etc.) of the body to be hung and spread, suchas a net, through fine adjustment of the adjustment means that is provided on the bodyto be hung and spread and/or at the other end of each of the lifting wires.
[0022]
Moreover, by providing a stopper of a lifting wire, which is an adjustment means,at the position equivalent to the length corresponding to the distance in the height
direction between the position in an arbitrary lifting wire to be attached to the winch
wire and the position in the standard lifting wire at the top or in the place closest to the
top to be attached to the winch wire, even if the standard lifting wire at the top or in theplace closest to the top moves upward (or downward) due to the movement of the winch
24

wire and lifts (or lowers) a body to be hung and spread, such as a net, an arbitrary lifting
wire moves the distance in the height direction within a wire insertion body that isprovided on the body to be hung and spread. After that, a stopper abuts on the wire
insertion body, and thereby, the relevant part of the body to be hung and spread, suchas a net, is lifted (lowered).
[Effect of the invention][0024]As mentioned above, in the device for hanging and spreading a net, etc. in an indoor
space, such as a gymnasium, of the present invention, only the winch wire moves on
the ceiling. Therefore, the device produces the effect of having fewer breakdowns andtroubles when hanging and spreading or storing a net body compared to conventional
devices.
[0025]In addition, as the adjustment means is provided on a body to be hung and spread,such as a net, and/or on the lower end (floor) side of each of the lifting wires, it ispossible to easily conduct maintenance, etc. only by lifting down a body to be hung andspread, such as a net, to the floor side.
[0026]
Moreover, as the adjustment means has a simple structure and is provided on a bodyto be hung and spread, such as a net, and/or on the lower end (floor) side of each of thelifting wires, it is possible to shorten required time and reduce required steps in the caseof installing the device indoors.
[0027]
Furthermore, by making the lifting wires on the upper side of a body to be hung andspread, such as a net, be in a free state, the body to be hung and spread, such as a net,
can be stored in the state of being folded on the ceiling side. Therefore, it is possible to
make indoor compartments more versatile and expand the range of use.
[Best mode for working the invention][0028]The modes for working the device for hanging and spreading a net in an indoor
space, such as a gymnasium, of the present invention are explained below based on Figs.
1 to 8.
[0029]
Fig. 1 is an outline explanatory drawing that explains a method of hanging andspreading a net in an indoor space. Fig. 2 is an outline explanatory drawing thatindicates a device for hanging and spreading a net. Fig. 3 is an outline side view that25

indicates a connecting fitting that connects a winch wire and a lifting wire. Fig. 4 is an
outline side view that indicates an adjustment means that is provided on a lifting wire
and a net body. Fig. 5 is an outline front view that indicates an adjustment means thatis provided on a lifting wire and a net body. Fig. 6 is an outline perspective view thatindicates a basket-shaped net body. Fig. 7 is an outline explanatory drawing thatindicates the status of storage of a net body. Fig. 8 is an outline explanatory drawingthat explains another method of hanging and spreading a net in an indoor space. Fig. 9
is an outline explanatory drawing that explains another method of hanging andspreading a net in an indoor space.
[0030]
A device for hanging and spreading a net in an indoor space 1 is provided on theframe, etc. of a ceiling 2 in an indoor space, such as a gymnasium, and comprises
multiple supports 4 … that have lifting pulleys 3 attached on the lower side, pairs ofpulleys 5 … that are provided on the upper side of said supports 4, winch wire 7 that isprovided between said pulleys 5 and …, a winch 10 that moves said winch wire 7 (inthe figures, an endless winch is used; incidentally, the type of the winch 10 is not limited
to an endless winch and can be a wind-up winch, etc. and it is freely determined basedon the size of an indoor space where the winch is used, the position where the winch isinstalled, etc.), lifting wires 9 which are connected to said winch wire 7 at one end
through a connecting fitting 8 and are wound around lifting pulleys 3, and a net body
12 as a body to be hung and spread that is provided on the other ends of said lifting
wires 9.
[0031]
An adjustment means for adjusting the length (L) corresponding to the distance inthe height direction between the position in an arbitrary lifting wire 9a to be attachedto the winch wire 7 and the position in the standard lifting wire 9b at the top or in theplace closest to the top to be attached to the winch wire 7 is provided on said lifting
wire 9.
[0032]
Said adjustment means comprises spherical stoppers 14 that are provided at thelower end of each of the lifting wires 9 in a fixed state, cylindrical bodies 15 that areprovided above said stoppers 14 while being inserted into the lifting wires 9, and ring shaped wire insertion bodies 16 that are provided on a net body 12.
[0033]
Regarding the positions where said wire insertion bodies 16 are provided on the net
body 12, the wire insertion bodies 16 are provided in line along the longitudinal26

direction of the net body 12. The number thereof is not especially limited, but it isnecessary to provide them at least on the upper and lower sides of the net body 12.
[0034]In addition, said stopper 14 may be heavy in order to also serve as a weight. (Astructure wherein a weight is separately attached to the lower end side of the net body
12 is also possible.)[0035]
Said connecting fitting 8 comprises a connecting fitting body 8a, which fixes theforward and backward movement of the winch wire 7 after being inserted therein andis rotatable around said winch wire 7 at that position, and an auxiliary connecting body
8b, which is provided on the side of said connecting fitting body 8a in a rotatablemanner, and the auxiliary connecting body 8b is structured in a manner that connecting
portions 8c and 8d before and behind it respectively rotate.
[0036]
A method of hanging and spreading a net body 12 in an indoor space with a circulararched ceiling 2, such as a gymnasium, by means of a device for hanging and spreadinga net 1 that is structured as above is explained.
[0037]
When using the aforementioned device 1, first, the other end of each of the lifting
wires 9 … is inserted into each of the wire insertion bodies 16 that are provided on the
net body 12, and a stopper body 14 … is attached to the end of each of the lifting wires
9 …. After that, the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction between
the position in the standard lifting wire 9b at the top or in the place closest to the top to
be attached to the winch wire 7 and the position where each of the lifting wires 9a …
is attached to the winch wire 7 (L1, L2 ) is adjusted, and said distance is determined bya pair of cylindrical bodies 15.
[0038]
After that, one end of each of the lifting wires 9 … is connected to an auxiliary
connecting body 8b … of a connecting fitting 8.
[0039]
If a winch 10 is activated in this state, the winch wire 7 moves between pulleys 5
and … along the circular arch of the ceiling 2 in an endless state (or moves a certain
distance back and forth) (direction of the arrow).
[0040]
Then, out of the lifting wires 9 … that are connected to the winch wire 7 throughthe connecting fittings 8, only the lifting wire 9b at the top first moves upward. On this27

occasion, each of the other lifting wires 9a moves a respective distance (L 1, L2) that was
adjusted by the cylindrical bodies 15 within the wire insertion bodies 16 that areprovided on the net body 12, respectively.
[0041]
After each of the lifting wires 9a moves a respective adjusted distance (L 1, L2), thecylindrical bodies 15 stop at the positions of the wire insertion bodies 16 in order
starting from the lifting wire 9b that is closest to the top, and the net body 12 is lifted
upward.
[0042]
When all the lifting wires 9 lift up the net body 12, the net body 12 can be hung andspread along the circular-arched ceiling 2.
[0043]In addition, when storing (completely detaching) the net body 12, the winch wire 7
is moved in a direction opposite to the abovementioned direction by activating thewinch 10, and the lifting wires 9a … are moved downward in order starting from thelifting wire 9b that is closest to the top. Then, in a state where the net body 12 is loweredto the floor, each of the lifting wires 9 … is pulled out of the wire insertion bodies 16,
and the net body 12 is completely detached. Then, only the net body 12 is stored.
[0044]
Moreover, in the case of temporarily storing the net body 12, after the cylindricalbodies 15 are made in a free state in relation to the lifting wires 9, the winch wire 7 is
moved in a direction that the lifting wires 9 move upward by activating the winch wire
10. Thereby, the stoppers 14 at the ends of the lifting wires 9 push up the wire insertion
bodies 16 while stacking them in sequence. As a result, the net body 12 is further moved
up above the position where it is hung and spread and is stored in a folded state along
the circular-arched ceiling 2 (see Fig. 7).
[0045]In this manner, the length corresponding to the distance in the height direction
between the position in the standard lifting wire 9b at the top or in the place closest to
the top to be attached to the winch wire 7 and the position where each of the lifting
wires 9a … is attached to the winch wire 7 in relation to the circular-arched ceiling 2 isadjusted on the side of the net body 12. Therefore, the adjustment (including fineadjustment) is smooth, and maintenance can also be easily conducted.
[0046]In addition, as the lifting wires 9 are connected to the winch wire 7 throughconnecting fittings 8 that have multiple rotating portions, they are not tangled with each28

other during their movements and thus can move smoothly.
[0050]
Moreover, in the aforementioned working example, the winch wire 7 was moved by
one winch 10. However, the number of winches 10 is not limited to one. For example,
it is also possible to adopt a structure wherein a winch wire 7 is divided into two at the
top and each of the divided winch wires 7 is moved by each of the two winches 10 thatare provided on both sides of the ceiling, respectively. In addition, it is also pos sible tomove a winch wire 7 by providing the same number or a fewer number of winches 10
as the number of lifting wires 9 that are provided on the ceiling.
[0051]For example, it is possible to appropriately hang and spread a net 12 by activating
winches 10 without controlling their starting by providing the corresponding number ofwinches 10 as the number of lifting wires 9 and also providing the adjustment means in
the working example on the lower side of each of the lifting wires 9 (see Fig. 8).
[0052]For example, it is possible to appropriately hang and spread a net 12 by activating
winches 10 without controlling their starting by installing, out of multiple lifting wires
9 that are provided along a circular-arched ceiling 2, lifting wires 9 that are at the sameheight in relation to the ceiling 2 in a manner that they are moved by one winch 10 andproviding the adjustment means in the working example on the lower side of each of
the lifting wires 9 (see Fig. 9).
[0054]
Moreover, in the aforementioned working example, the winch wire 7 was moved ina substantially circular-arched shape through multiple pulleys 5 that are provided on
the ceiling 2. However, in the present invention, the means for moving the winch wire
7 is not limited to this.
[0055]For example, it is also possible to hang and spread a net body 12 by providing a railalong a circular-arched ceiling 2 and moving pulleys on each of which a lifting wire 9
is provided along said rail. In doing so, it is possible to adjust the state of hanging andspreading of the net body 12 by providing an adjustment means on the lower end sideof each of the lifting wires 9.
[0057]
Furthermore, in the aforementioned working example, the adjustment meanscomprised spherical stoppers 14 that are provided at the lower end of each of the lifting
wires 9 in a fixed state, cylindrical bodies 15 that are provided above said stoppers 14
29

while being inserted into the lifting wires 9, and ring-shaped wire insertion bodies 16that are provided on the net body 12. However, the adjustment means in the present
invention is not limited to this.
[0058]For example, it is also possible to adjust the length of a lifting wire 9 by providing
a body to lock the lifting wire 9 to a net body (for example, a detachable clip) on thelifting wire 9, and it is also possible to adjust the length of a lifting wire 9 by providing
a body to lock the lifting wire 9 (for example, a detachable clip) on a net body 12. In
addition, it is also possible to make such adjustment by simply providing wire insertion
bodies 16 on a net body 12 and providing spherical stoppers 14 at the lower end of eachof the lifting wires 9.

30

[Fig. 2][Fig. 1]

[Fig. 4]

[Fig. 3]31

[Fig. 5][Fig. 7]

[Fig. 8][Fig. 9]32

(Attachment 2)[Claims][Claim 1] A method of hanging and spreading a net in an indoor space which ischaracterized in that a net is hung and spread along a ceiling in a circular-arched shapeby providing a winch wire along a substantially circular-arched ceiling in a constantly
tense state and by moving multiple lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire
at one end and are connected to the net at the other end by automatically moving said
winch wire by means of an endless winch that is provided within the indoor space forthe purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling, such as a
gymnasium, into multiple compartments or hanging and spreading a net that is used for
stopping balls when playing a ball sport[Detailed explanation of the invention][0001][Technical field of the invention] The present invention relates to a method of hanging
and spreading a net in an indoor space, which is used for dividing a large indoor spaceof which the ceiling is formed in a substantially circular-arched shape, such as a
gymnasium, into compartments according to the intended use or surely han ging andspreading a net that is provided when playing a ball sport, and the device related thereto.
[0002][Prior art] In the case of dividing a large indoor space of which the ceiling is in a
substantially circular-arched shape (arch-like shape), such as a gymnasium, roofed
practice area for rainy weather or roofed ballpark (commonly called domed stadium),
into compartments according to the intended use (for example, the case of making
multiple tennis courts or other courts or using the space for baseball practice (such caseas dividing the space into a space for combination practice of infielders and outfielders
and a space for batting practice, etc.)) and smoothly using those compartments (forplaying a game, doing practice, etc.) at the same time (while preventing balls used in
one court from flying out into another court) or the case of securing safety by stoppingballs (preventing balls from flying out into the audience or a neighboring court, etc.)
when playing a ball sport, the indoor space is divided into compartments by means of a
net and is used.
[0003] In the past, when hanging and spreading a partition net to be used, employedprocedures were as follows: first placing the net on the floor of the indoor space,attaching a winch wire to the net, attaching said winch wire from one side to the otherside of the periphery of the ceiling, and then hanging and spreading the net in a linear
manner by moving the winch wire in a tense state by means of an automatic or wind 33

up winch, and dividing the indoor space by attaching no net to the circular-arched part
above the net hung and spread or by providing a net fixed in advance to that part.
[0004] Moreover, when detaching a net that was hung and spread, the net was detachedby first loosening the tensed winch wire by means of an automatic or wind-up winch
and then hanging the winch wire to the floor.
[0005][Problem to be solved by the invention] However, the conventional method as
mentioned above had the following disadvantages: as it took a long time (several hours)
and a great deal of labor to hang and spread a net in a large indoor space, such as
gymnasiums and roofed (domed) ballparks, which are recently getting larger, a lot of
preparation was required to hang and spread a net and work efficiency was low.
[0006] In addition, regarding a net to be provided on the circular-arched ceiling part,
there was the disadvantage that the net fixed to said part interfered with the use of theentire indoor space, and if the net is not attached to said part, balls were likely to fly
out into another compartment through the part and the indoor space could not be surely
divided into compartments.
[0007] Therefore, the present invention is intended to provide a method of hanging andspreading a net in an indoor space, which makes it possible to easily and smoothly hangand spread a net in all types of indoor space, such as a gymnasium or roofed (domed)
ballpark, for the purpose of dividing the space into compartments or stopping balls, andin particular, to divide such space along the circular-arched shape of the ceiling bymeans of a net, and a device related thereto.
[0008][Means for solving the problem] In terms of Claim 1, the present invention ischaracterized in that a net is hung and spread along a ceiling in a circular-arched shapeby providing a winch wire along a substantially circular-arched ceiling in a constantly
tense state and by moving multiple lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire
at one end and are connected to the net at the other end by automatically moving said
winch wire by means of an endless winch that is provided within the indoor space forthe purpose of dividing an indoor space with a circular-arched ceiling, such as a
gymnasium, into multiple compartments or hanging and spreading a net that is used for
stopping balls when playing a ball sport in order to achieve the aforementioned purpose.
[0009] In addition, as stated in Claim 2, out of the lifting wires, the lifting wire that isconnected to the top of the ceiling first moves upward, and the other lifting wires move
upward in sequence according to the distance in the height direction between the top
and the lifting position of each of the lifting wires on the ceiling.
34

[0010] Moreover, as stated in Claim 3, the present invention is characterized in that itcomprises a guide body that is provided along a substantially circular-arched ceiling, awinch wire that is provided on said guide body, an endless winch that is provided within
an indoor space for the purpose of moving said winch wire along the guide body, andmultiple lifting wires which are connected to said winch wire at one end and areconnected to the net at the other end for the purpose of dividing an indoor space with acircular-arched ceiling, such as a gymnasium, into multiple compartments or hanging
and spreading a net that is used for stopping balls when playing a ball sport.
[0011] In addition, as stated in Claim 4, in the present invention, the lifting wires
comprise one lifting wire which is connected to the winch wire at one end at the top ofa circular arch and other lifting wires which are connected to the winch wire at one end
in sequence according to the distance in the height direction from the top. One end of
the lifting wire that is connected to the winch wire at the top is fixed to the winch wire,and each of the other lifting wires is fixed to the winch wire through a connecting tube
that is inserted into the winch wire in a movable manner. In addition, said connecting
tube is structured to move the other lifting wires upward by abutting on a stopper thatis fixed to the winch wire according to the distance in the height direction between the
top and the lifting position of each of the lifting wires on the ceiling.
[0012] Furthermore, as stated in Claim 5, the other end of each of the lifting wires isinserted into multiple attachment rings that are provided in the height direction of the
net and is connected to the lower end of the net.
[0013][Function] That is, in the present invention, when dividing a large indoor space, suchas a gymnasium or roofed ballpark, into multiple compartments by means of a net or
using a net for stopping balls, multiple lifting wires which are connected at one end toa winch wire that is provided on a circular-arched ceiling through a guide body and areconnected to the net at the other end are moved upward by automatically moving thewinch wire in a constantly tense state by means of an endless winch. Thereby, a net thatis connected to the lifting wires can be hung and spread.
[0014] In addition, the lifting wires comprise one lifting wire which is connected at one
end to the winch wire at the top of a circular arch and other lifting wires which areconnected to the winch wire at one end in sequence. In addition, one end of the liftin g
wire that is connected to the winch wire at the top is fixed to the winch wire, and eachof the other lifting wires is fixed to the winch wire through a connecting tube that isinserted into the winch wire in a movable manner. Each of the connecting tubes is
structured to move the other lifting wires by abutting on a stopper that is fixed to the35winch wire according to the distance in the height direction between the top and thepositions where the other lifting wires are attached.
[0015] Therefore, in the case of hanging and spreading a net, if the winch wire is moved,
the lifting wire which is connected at one end to the winch wire at the top is first liftedat the same time as the movement of the winch wire. Then, the next lifting wire that isclosest to the top passes a distance in the height direction between the top and theposition where it is attached to the winch wire through the winch wire within theconnecting tube and has a stopper fixed to the winch wire abut on the connecting tube.
After that, the lifting wire is lifted in response to the movement of the winch wire.
[0016] In this manner, in order closer to the top, each of the subsequent lifting wires
passes through the winch wire within a connecting tube and has a stopper that is fixed
to the winch wire abut on the connecting tube and is then lifted in sequence in responseto the movement of the winch wire in the same manner as above. The net that isconnected to the other ends of the lifting wires can be hung and spread along the ceilingin a circular-arched shape.
[0017] In addition, as the other end of each of the lifting wires is inserted into
attachment rings that are provided on the net and is connected to the lower end of thenet, the net can be stored along the ceiling in a circular-arched shape while being folded
at the positions where the attachment rings are provided by further moving the winch
wire after hanging and spreading the net.
[0018] In this way, the present invention can divide an indoor space with a circulararched ceiling into multiple compartments by smoothly hanging and spreading a net
and can also efficiently hang and spread a net that is easy to handle and has a circulararched ceiling.
[0019][Mode for working the invention] One of the working examples of a device for hanging
and spreading a net in an indoor space, such as a gymnasium, of the present invention
is explained in line with drawings.
[0020] Fig. 1 is an outline explanatory drawing that explains a method of hanging andspreading a net in an indoor space. Fig. 2 is an outline explanatory front view thatindicates a device for hanging and spreading a net. Fig. 3 is an outline front cross section view that indicates the elevation of a net by a connecting tube on which a lifting
wire is provided and a stopper on which the winch wire is provided. Fig. 4 is an outline
front view that indicates the status of a net being elevated by further moving the winch
wire indicated in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an outline front view that indicates the status of a net
being stored.
36

[0021] A device for hanging and spreading a net 1 comprises an endless winch 3 that isprovided on the side of an indoor space 2, a winch wire 5 whose one end is woundaround said endless winch 3 and which is provided along a guide body (for example, apulley or guide rail), which is provided along a circular-arched (arch-like shape) ceiling2a in the indoor space 2, in a tense state, multiple lifting wires 6 which are connectedto said winch wire 5 at one end …, and a net 10 that is provided on the other ends ofsaid lifting wires 6 ….
[0022] Each of said lifting wires 6 is attached to the winch wire 5 through a connecting
tube 7, and only for the lifting wire 6a that is connected to the winch wire 5 at the top,
the connecting tube 7 is fixed to the winch wire 5 (for example, stoppers 9 are provided
before and behind the connecting tube 7). Each of the other lifting wires 6b … isattached to a cylindrical connecting tube 7 that is inserted into the winch wire 5 in a
movable manner, and the connecting tube 7 is structured to move the lifting wires 6b
upward by abutting on a stopper 9 that is fixed on the winch wire 5.
[0023] The position where said stopper 9 is fixed to the winch wire 5 is determined by
the distance in the height direction between each of the lifting wires 6b … and the top(L1, L2, …) in the state of the net 10 being placed on the floor of the indoor space 2.
That is, the net 10 moves upward in a circular-arched shape in sequence starting fromthe top and thereby can be hung and spread.
[0024] Each of said lifting wires 6 has untwisting portions 8 that eliminate the twist of
the lifting wire 6 at one end where it is connected to a connecting tube 7 and at thelower end connected to the net 10.
[0025] The other end of each of said lifting wires 6 … is inserted into attachment rings
11 that are longitudinally attached to the net 10 at fixed intervals from the upper end of
the net 10 and is connected to the lowest end side of the net 10 through an untwisting
portion 8. Incidentally, a sphere 12 is inserted into the lifting wire 6 in the place near
the untwisting portion 8, and thereby, it becomes possible to fold the net 10 by abutting
the sphere 12 on the attachment rings 11 that are attached to the net 10 when storing thenet 10 on the side of ceiling 2a by elevating the lifting wires 6 …. Furthermore, multiple
weights 15 … (for example, sandbags) to keep the net 10 horizontal are provided at thelower end of the net 10.
[0026] A method of hanging and spreading a net 10 for dividing an indoor space 2 into
compartments by using a device for hanging and spreading a net 1 that is structured asabove is explained.
[0027] When using the aforementioned device, a net 10 for dividing a space into
compartments is first placed on the floor of an indoor space 2, each of the lifting wires
37

6 is inserted into attachment rings 11 and is connected to the lowest end side of the net
10 through an untwisting portion 8, and multiple weights 15 are provided at the lower
end of the net 10.
[0028] In this state, if an endless winch 3 is activated, a winch wire 5 moves along a
circular-arched ceiling, and lifting wires 6 … that are attached to the winch wire 5 move
upward. In this upward movement of the lifting wires 6 …, a lifting wire 6a that is
located at the center first moves upward, and while keeping a distance in the height
direction from the top (L1, L2 …), each of the subsequent lifting wires 6b close to bothsides ... passes about the distance (L1) within a connecting tube 7, and then, a stopper
9 that is fixed to the winch wire 5 abuts on said connecting tube 7, and thereby, thelifting wire 6b … moves upward. Furthermore, each of the subsequent lifting wires 6b… moves upward in the same manner. Therefore, the net 10 moves upward from its
center according to the shape of the circular-arched ceiling.
[0029] Thereby, the indoor space 2, including the circular-arched ceiling part, can bedivided into compartments by means of the net 10.
[0030] In addition, when storing the net 10 that divides the indoor space 2 into
compartments, the winch wire 5 is moved by further activating the endless winch 3.
Thereby, the lifting wires 6 … are pulled and have spheres 12 abut on attachment rings
11 that are attached to the net 10, and the net 10 is folded at intervals between
attachment rings 11 and is stored at the circular-arched ceiling part.
[0031] In this manner, the net 10 can be freely elevated and lowered by providing thewinch wire 5 along the ceiling and activating the endless winch 3. Then, byautomatically moving the net 10 by means of the endless winch 3, it becomes possible
to easily and smoothly divide a large indoor space 2, such as one in many buildings thatare now being constructed, into compartments, etc. along the ceiling by means of thenet 10.
[0032] In addition, in the aforementioned working example, the other end of each of
the lifting wires is inserted into attachment rings that are longitudinally attached to said
net at fixed intervals from the upper end of the net and is connected to the lowest end
side of the net through an untwisting portion. However, the connection between a lifting
wire and a net in the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, byconnecting the other ends of lifting wires on the upper end side of a net, it is also
possible to store the net by detaching the other ends of the lifting wires from the upper
end side of the net when not using the net.
[0033] Furthermore, in the aforementioned working example, connecting tubes areformed in a cylindrical shape. However, for example, connecting tubes can also be
38

structured by using a chain.
[0034][Effect of the invention] As described above, in the method of hanging and spreading a
net in an indoor space, such as a gymnasium, and the device related thereto based on
the present invention, a winch wire can be automatically moved in a constantly tense
state by means of an endless winch. Therefore, the advantage of being able to move andhang and spread a net more easily and smoothly (without requiring labor) in a shortertime than conventional manual methods was achieved.
[0035] In addition, it is possible to divide various kinds of indoor spaces (in particular,large indoor spaces) into compartments, and especially, to divide them into
compartments up to the ceiling of the arm (circular-arched) part, depending on thepositions where lifting wires and winch wire are attached and the method of attachingthem. Therefore, the method and device have the advantage of being able to be used
more effectively for stopping balls.
[0036] Furthermore, as the structure of the device is simple, the device has theadvantage of being able to keep down manufacturing costs and being economical.

39

[Fig. 1][Fig. 2]40

[Fig. 3][Fig. 4]41

[Fig. 5]

42

(Attachment 3)
1. Exhibit Ko 2[0029] … Fig. 1 is an outline view that indicates a curtain body elevating device
pertaining to one of the working examples of the present invention. The curtain bodyelevating device in the present working example comprises a curtain body 2, such as a
curtain or stage curtain, whose upper end edge is fixed to a rail 1 that is attached to the
top of a window, stage or banquet hall, etc., elevating units 3 that elevate and lower thecurtain body 2 through elevating cords 31, and an elevation controller 5 that controls
these elevating units 3.
[0033] An elevating cord 31 is pulled out of a drum 35 toward the side of a push -up
fitting 43. That is, as indicated in Fig. 3, an elevating cord 31 that is pulled out of adrum 35 passes between a hanging body 42 and a push-up fitting 43, reaches the central
part of the lower end of the hanging body 42, and is hanging down through an insertion
hole 42b that was drilled at the central part of the lower end. Then, a weight 33 whose
diameter is larger than that of the insertion hole 42b is attached at the lower end of thiselevating cord 31.
[0034] As an elevating unit 3 has a structure as mentioned above, when a motor 34 is
activated and positively rotates, the elevating cord 31 is wound up by the drum 35 andgets elevated. When the weight 33 gets elevated and hits the lower end surface of thehanging body 42, the hanging body 42 is lifted along a slotted hole 42a. Then, when thelower end of the slotted hole 42a hits a support shaft 41, the lifting of the hanging body
42 is stopped. Then, as indicated by a dashed-two dotted line in Fig. 3, the hanging
body 42 is subjected to force in the direction toward the elevating cord 31 due to thepullout force of the weight 33, and it is rotated in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 3
while centering around the support shaft 41. As a result of this, as indicated by thedashed-two dotted line, lever 4a of a limit switch 4 is pushed up by the push -up fitting
43, and the limit switch 4 is turned off and the rotation of the motor 34 is stopped.
[0035] In order to surely turn off the limit switch 4 in such manner, it is necessary topull the elevating cord 31 out of the drum 35 toward the side of the push-up fitting 43,
as described above. That is, this is for the following reason: as indicated by a dashed dotted line in Fig. 3, when an elevating cord 31 is pulled out of the opposite side of apush-up fitting 43, the pullout force of a drum 35 to a weight 33 works in the directionof the elevating cord 31 as indicated by the dashed-dotted line; therefore, a hanging
body 42 rotates in the direction of arrow B in Fig. 3 while centering on a support shaft
41, and cannot turn off a limit switch 4.
[0036] In addition, if a drum 35 is reversely rotated by reversely driving a motor 34, an43

elevating cord 31 is pulled out of the drum 35 and gets lower due to the weight of aweight 33.
[0037] Six elevating cords 31 that are elevated and lowered by elevating units 3 in thismanner are inserted into rings 32 that are attached to a curtain body 2 as indicated inFig. 1. Specifically, as indicated in Fig. 4, multiple rings 32 are longitudinally attachedat prescribed intervals on the back side of the curtain body 2 at the positions where
elevating cords 31 are hung, and the elevating cords 31 are inserted into these ri ngs 32.
Then, a weight 33 is attached to the lowest end of an elevating cord 31.
[0038] The internal diameter of a ring 32 is set smaller than the external diameter of aweight 33. Therefore, if an elevating cord 31 is pulled up, a weight 33 gets caught on aring 32 at the bottom. Thereby, an elevating cord 31 is pulled up, and if a weight 33 iselevated, a curtain body 2 is gradually rolled up from the lower end side.
[0088] As explained above, according to the curtain body elevating device in the present
working example, it is possible to freely and easily set and change the positions ofelevating cords 31-1 to 31-6 only by operating setting keys 51-1 to 51-6 of an input
device 51. Therefore, it is possible to set and change a curtain body 2 to be in a var ietyof styles.

44[Fig. 1]

2: Curtain body

5: Elevation controller[Fig. 3][Fig. 4]45

[Fig. 9]

10 seconds
20 seconds
25 seconds[Fig. 10]10 seconds
20 seconds
30 seconds

2. Exhibit Ko 3[0010][Function] A curing net elevating wire maintains a tense state by its other end being
attached to a weight. The curing net elevating wire is attached to the upper frame of acuring net with its length being appropriately adjusted in accordance with the height ofa building. The curing net elevating wire is driven upward and downward by driving
multiple hoists by means of a common driving device, and thereby, the curing net iselevated and lowered.
[0011][Working example] … In the working example explained below, the present invention
is applied to the elevation of a curing net that is used in a method wherein a curing net
is provided between a curing gondola and an arm supporting the gondola in a tense state
and a work gondola is elevated and lowered within a space between the cu ring net andthe external wall surface of a building, such as a method indicated in Examined Patent46

Application Publication No. 1982-40313. Incidentally, for the convenience of
explanation, the state of winding of each kind of wire at each sheave that is p rovided
on an arm is omitted in Fig. 2.
[0012] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, from an arm 2 that is fixed to a parapet 6 of a building 1,
an outside wire 4 for hanging down a stage and an inside wire 5 for hanging down astage are hung through hanging rings 3a and 3b and hanging rings 3a and 3c,
respectively. Multiple arms 2 are attached along the parapet 6, and wires 4 and 5 arehung from each of the arm 2, respectively. A curing net 8 that is attached to an upper
frame 7 is provided between these wires 4 in a tense state. Rings 9 are attached at
appropriate positions on both edges of each curing net 8, and by inserting a wire 4 into
each of these rings 9, each curing net 8 can be elevated and lowered by using the wire
4 as a guide. Incidentally, a hanging ring 35 is used for a wire for hanging down a work
gondola.
[0013] One end of a curing net elevating wire 10 is attached to an upper frame 7 of acuring net 8 through a wire lock 11 and a turn buckle 12. As indicated in Fig. 3 in amagnified manner, a wire lock 11 has a structure wherein a wedge-shaped block 11b isfitted into a box-shaped block 11a in a manner that a pin 11d that protrudes into thebox-shaped block 11a that forms a trapezoidal concave region 11c is inserted into aslotted hole 11e of the wedge-shaped block 11b. A wire 10 is pressed between thewedge-shaped block 11b and the box-shaped block 11a and is locked there by first
putting the wedge-shaped block 11b in a pulled-up position, putting the curing net
elevating wire 10 in a desired position and placing it within concave region 11c, andthen hammering the wedge-shaped block 11b from above.
[0014] A turn buckle 12 for making fine adjustment of the position to attach a curing
net is attached to the lower end of a wire lock 11.When attaching a curing net elevating
wire 10 to the upper frame 7 of each of the curing nets, the length between the upper
frame 7 and the position where a wire lock 11 is attached is adjusted so as to align the
curing nets in one line by making fine adjustment through operation of the turn buckle
after locking the wire lock 11 to around the position where the wire 10 is attached.
[0015] A curing net elevating wire 10 is wound around a hoist 13 that is provided at theback side of an arm 2 through sheaves 3d and 3e of the arm 2. For example, an endlesswinder wherein both of the sideboards that have contact with the side of a wire arecomposed of a leaf spring, like the one described in Patent Application No. 209965, ispreferred as a hoist 13.
[0016] The other end of a curing net elevating wire 10 is hung along an external wall
surface 10a of a building 1 through a sheave 3f of an arm 2 (see Fig. 2), and its tip
47

section is attached to a weight 14.

[Fig. 1]
10: Curing net
elevating wire

13: Hoist

7: Upper frame

5: Guide wire
8: Curing net

14: Weight[Fig. 2]48

[Fig. 3]

49

(Attachment 4)
1. Working example [iii]Winch wire 7

Lifting wire 9
Wire insertion
body 16
Adjustment
means
Wire insertion
body 16

Net body 12

Locking
body

Lockingbody

Wire insertion
body 16

Stopper 14

Stopper 14

Floor

2. Working example [iv](1) Before lifting
Winch wire 7

Lifting wire 9

Adjustment
means
Wire
insertionbody 16

Net body 12

Stopper 14

Floor

50

(2) After lifting
Winch wire 7
Adjustment
means
Lifting wire 9

Wireinsertionbody 16

Stopper 14
Net body 12

Floor51