Patent Publication Number: US-2002005512-A1

Title: Modular temporary fencing system for sports arenas

Description:
[0001] This application claims the benefit of a Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/218,186, filed Jul. 14, 2000. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates to sports equipment, and, more particularly, to fencing for sports arenas.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Field sports like soccer are typically played on large, grassy fields, with the playing area being delineated by permanent or semi-permanent boundary markings and, depending on the particular sport, by large, permanently installed or “semi-portable” goals constructed out of metal tubing or wood poles. Frequently, especially in rural areas, such playing fields are only used for one purpose, namely, for playing field sports.  
       [0004] In urban areas, large, open fields of grass are relatively scarce, and what few there are, such as those in public parks, must be used for multiple purposes, making it impracticable to tie up large sections of grass for extended periods, and/or to install permanent fixtures such as goal posts. Additionally, many urban areas (e.g., inner city neighborhoods) may not even have grassy areas large enough to accommodate a large soccer field or the like. Furthermore, in some areas, like beaches or dirt lots, it may be very difficult to mark the desired boundaries of the playing field.  
       [0005] Large, dedicated playing fields are also disadvantageous in that the size of the playing field cannot be easily adjusted, making them all but useless for non-traditional field sports (e.g., sports requiring different boundary lines), or for those for whom playing on a large playing field is unfeasible, like small children.  
       [0006] Further, while modular fences have long existed, and although various modular, portable sports arenas have been proposed over the years, these typically have rigid fence panels and/or fence poles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,218 to Keating et al. relates to a portable hockey rink having rigid side boards, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,868 to Shea relates to a portable silt fence that uses steel rebar for holding up the fence panels. Such characteristics render these fencing systems less than ideal, in terms of player safety, for sports where the players may come into contact with the fencing and/or where the players do not typically wear much protective gear.  
       [0007] Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a modular, temporary fencing system for delineating sports playing fields or arenas on fields, beaches, dirt lots, or the like.  
       [0008] Another primary object of the present invention is to provide a modular, temporary fencing system wherein the fencing poles and panels, while rigid enough to properly delineate the playing area, are substantially flexible, so that if a player comes into contact with the fence (e.g., falls or is pushed against it), the fence bends.  
       [0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular fencing system for sports arenas that is easy to store and transport, easy to assemble, and easy to disassemble.  
       [0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular fencing system that can be easily reconfigured for use by different groups of users.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011] A modular, temporary fencing system for sports arenas comprises a plurality of spike-footed poles and a plurality of rectangular, mesh fencing panels. The poles are each provided with four longitudinal “key-hole” slots, and opposite side ends of the mesh fencing panels are configured to fit in the key-hole slots. To delineate a sports playing field or arena, each fencing panel is held by and between two of the poles subsequent to the side ends of the fencing panels being longitudinally inserted into the poles&#39; key-hole slots. Then, the poles are vertically partially inserted into the ground, with the fencing panels supported there between, according to the desired dimensions and shape of the playing field or arena. Additionally, some of the mesh fencing panels may be provided with special features, such as collapsible, built-in goals for games such as soccer.  
       [0012] Further, the poles are composed of a polymer material, e.g., a polycarbonate or polypropylene, selected to provide a balance between flexibility and rigidity. That is, the plastic material is chosen so that the poles: (i) are rigid enough to support the fencing panels and to delineate the playing area; and (ii) are flexible enough so that when a player falls against the fence, the fence can bend substantially to the ground without injuring the player or breaking. Additionally, the mesh spacing of the mesh fencing panels is chosen to cut down on wind resistance (e.g., so that wind does not significantly push against the fencing panels, causing the poles to bend), and to reduce the chances of a player having an extremity (fingers, etc.) caught therein. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with respect to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, in which:  
     [0014]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a key-slotted pole;  
     [0015]FIG. 1B is a plan view of the key-slotted pole;  
     [0016]FIGS. 1C and 1D are side and plan views of a metal tip, respectively;  
     [0017]FIG. 1E is a perspective view of an end cap for the key-slotted pole;  
     [0018]FIG. 2A is an elevation view of a mesh fencing panel;  
     [0019]FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a side end of the mesh fencing panel including a retaining rod insert;  
     [0020]FIG. 2C is a detail view of the mesh in the mesh fencing panel;  
     [0021]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the key-slotted pole with the side end of the mesh fencing panel lying in one of the pole&#39;s key hole-shaped slots;  
     [0022]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a fencing panel and two poles operably connected to form a free-standing fence;  
     [0023]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a tri-bladed metal tip;  
     [0024]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a pole receptacle;  
     [0025]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a goal fencing panel;  
     [0026]FIG. 5B is an elevation view of a first gate panel;  
     [0027]FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a second gate panel;  
     [0028]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and  
     [0029]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0030] Turning now to FIGS.  1 A- 5 C, preferred embodiments of a modular, temporary fencing system for sports arenas, according to the present invention, will now be given. The fencing system comprises a plurality of poles  20  and fencing panels  22 . The poles  20  are each provided with four longitudinal “key-hole” slots  24   a - 24   d,  and opposite side ends  26   a,    26   b  of the fencing panels  22  are configured to slide into the key-hole slots  24   a - 24   d.  To form a sports arena or delineate a sports playing area, each fencing panel  22  is disposed between two of the poles  20 , with the side ends  26   a,    26   b  of the fencing panels being longitudinally inserted into two of the poles&#39; key-hole slots  24   a - 24   d . Subsequently, the poles  20  are vertically partially inserted into the ground, with the fencing panels  22  supported there between, according to the desired dimensions and shape of the playing field or arena.  
     [0031]FIGS. 1A and 1B show one of the poles  20 . The pole  20  comprises a generally cylindrical, longitudinal shaft  28  having the four radially tapering slots  24   a - 24   d  extending at least partially down the length thereof. As best seen in FIG. 1B, the slots  24   a - 24   d  are key-hole shaped, and, therefore, taper in a radial direction (that is, an inner portion  25   a  of each slot is wider than an outer portion  25   b  extending radially away therefrom through to the exterior surface of the shaft  28 ). The pole  20  can have one, two, three, or more slots  24   a - 24   d,  spaced around the pole  20  as desired, although typically it will be provided with four equidistantly spaced slots  24   a - 24   d  as shown in FIG. 1B. The pole  20  also has a central opening  29  in the form of an axial, cylindrical through-bore. Materials and manufacturing methods suitable for the poles  20  are discussed below.  
     [0032] As further discussed below, to erect the fencing system, the poles  20  must be temporarily vertically attached to the ground. For this purpose, one end of each pole  20  is outfitted with a metal tip  30  (see FIGS. 1C and 1D) for facilitating inserting the pole  20  into the ground. The metal tip  30  has a conical base and a cylindrical extension, which is dimensioned to friction fit in the pole&#39;s central opening  29 . Such metal tips are available from the Four Roses Company of Woolrich, Penn. Additionally, the metal tip  30  may be adhered to the pole  20 , and/or attached via an internal bolt, pin, screw, or the like, to ensure that the tips do not loosen when inserted into the ground. As should be appreciated, there are numerous different types of tips with which the poles  20  could be supplied. For example, the poles  20  could be provided with a screw-shaped, “twist in” metal end (not shown) for lawn or beach use, or a tri-bladed metal tip  32  (like a tent stake) as shown in FIG. 4A.  
     [0033] In many sports, players will often come into contact with a boundary fence. For example, a player may fall into the fence, or be pushed into the fence. If the fence is rigid, this can result in substantial injury. Accordingly, the poles  20  are flexible, such that if a player falls or is pushed against the fence, the poles  20  will bend or flex (to the ground, or thereabouts, if need be). This will significantly reduce the chances of the player being injured, and will actually cushion the player&#39;s fall. At the same time, the poles  20  are rigid and strong enough: (i) to hold the mesh panels  22  perpendicular to the ground; (ii) to not break, splinter, crack, warp, or lose their shape upon being bent or flexed; and (iii) to return to their upright, original position or location when the load (player) is removed. Additionally, the poles are shatter and impact resistant, resist crimping, and are able to withstand significant temperature ranges while maintaining the above-noted characteristics (e.g., typical climatic conditions from below freezing to well above 100° F.).  
     [0034] Various different polymers will provide an optimum combination of strength, flexibility, and durability for the poles  20 . This is typically indicated by the polymer having a high flexural modulus (the ratio of stress to strain in flexural deformation) and a high tensile strength. Polycarbonate and polypropylene are two such polymers. Regarding the former, one suitable polycarbonate is grade PC-SRI-UV available from ARC Resin Corp. of Marietta, Ohio. This polycarbonate has the following typical mechanical properties: a 9,600 psi tensile break strength; a 9,000 psi yield tensile strength; and a 345,000 psi flexural modulus. For optimum mechanical properties, and for ease of manufacture, the polycarbonate material is extruded according to a conventional process, which can be carried out according the following typical processing conditions: a melt temperature of 600-650° F.; a mold temperature of 180-240° F.; and a drying/curing time of 3-4 hours at 245-255° F. For extrusion, a conventional die, configured to provide the pole profile shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, is used.  
     [0035] Additionally, one type of polypropylene suitable for the poles  20  is the Pro-fax™ SV258 medium impact polypropylene copolymer resin, available from Basell North America, Inc. of Wilmington, Del. (formerly Montell North America). This material can be extruded in a conventional manner, and has the following typical mechanical properties: a 4,000 psi yield tensile strength; and a 180,000 psi flexural modulus.  
     [0036] As indicated in FIG. 3B, the poles are provided with the metal tips  30  shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, such that the poles  20  can be partially inserted into the ground for stability, as well as for taking full advantage of the safety features imparted by the poles&#39; flexibility. In the case of a typical pole with a length of forty-five inches and a diameter of one-and-a-quarter inches (suitable for various sports like soccer), the poles are inserted a minimum of about eight inches into the ground. At this depth, the poles will be able to flex without disturbing the upper surface of the soil or grass, and will not come out of the ground when flexed.  
     [0037] Additionally, the poles  20  can be configured to lie above or touching the ground surface, with only the metal tips (e.g., such as the metal tip  32  shown in FIG. 4A) extending down into the ground and providing stability. However, the poles  20 , in combination with the metal tips  30 ,  32 , should still be able to flex and spring back to an upright position without the pole becoming dislodged from the ground, breaking, or becoming detached from the receptacle or metal tip.  
     [0038] Also, the poles  20  do not necessarily even have to be affixed to the metal ground insertion tips  30 . For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the fencing system can include a pole receptacle  34  for each pole  20 , said receptacles  34  each having an upper retaining sleeve  36  with the metal tip  30  attached thereto. In such a case, the pole receptacles  34  would be inserted into the ground, and the pole shafts  28  would be simply inserted into the sleeves  36 . The poles could be kept in place by gravity, or via any of a number of different temporary fastening means, such as through-bolts, cotter pins, or the like. It should be noted that the pole receptacles  34 , as with the poles  20 , could have any number of different ground insertion tips, in particular, screw-type ground insertion tips (not shown) for beach use. Also, in situations where the modular fencing system is to be affixed to a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt, the receptacles  34  can be disposed in the surface, e.g., when the surface is first poured, of after the fact by way of appropriately shaped holes drilled into the surface. Additionally, the poles could simply be inserted into holes provided in the concrete or asphalt surface, or the poles could be provided with threaded, screw-like tips (not shown) configured to screw into complementary apertures provided in the surface. Again, it is preferable that the poles  20 , in combination with the receptacles  34  (or other means for temporarily affixing the poles to the ground), should still be able to flex and spring back to an upright position without the pole becoming dislodged from the ground, breaking, or becoming detached from the receptacle, in the event a player falls against the poles.  
     [0039] The tops of the poles  20  may each be provided with a rubber or plastic plug  37 , shown in FIG. 1E, which fits into the central opening  29 . The plug acts as a safety cap, so that players are not injured if encountering the top edge of a pole, and also as a means for protecting the tops of the poles.  
     [0040] The poles  20  and/or the pole receptacles  34  can have additional features for facilitating insertion into the ground, besides the striking plate mentioned above. For example, radial extensions or wings  39  (see FIG. 4B) could be provided, against which a hammer or mallet could be struck to drive the pole or receptacle into the ground.  
     [0041]FIGS. 2A and 2B show the fencing panels  22 . Each fencing panel  22  is a rectangular or square sheet  38  of thin, strong material, preferably resistant to water, rot, mildew, and UV radiation, such as vinyl-coated mesh PVC (e.g., 6.5 oz per square yard) or plastic netting. Also, the fencing panels  22  are non-rigid (i.e., flexible), so as to allow the fence to collapse should a player fall against a panel, and to allow the fencing panels to be folded or rolled up for storage or transportation. This flexibility also allow balls to rebound just slightly, dropping a few inches away from the panels, to ensure players can easily play without interference from the panels.  
     [0042] The weave or mesh spacing of the mesh panels is chosen to be coarse (i.e., open) enough to allow for the passage of wind through the fencing panels—minor bending due to wind is tolerable, but not so much as would diminish the intended functionality of the fencing system. However, the mesh spacing should also be fine enough to prevent players from catching their fingers, cleats, or other extremities in the fencing panels. FIG. 2C shows a suitable, relatively fine, 9×9 or 10×10 (openings per inch) mesh pattern.  
     [0043] Regarding height, the panels  22  are typically the same height as the portions of the poles  20  that lie above the ground when the poles  20  are affixed to the ground. As discussed above, this depends on the particular type of ground insertion tip used and other factors. For many sports, like soccer, a mesh panel height of three feet is sufficient, since it will keep the ball in bounds while allowing spectators to view the action. This height also encourages players to keep the ball low, thereby reducing head or face injuries from high kicked balls.  
     [0044] To manufacture the panels  22 , raw sheets of material are cut out according to the desired dimensions, and the top and bottom one inch or so of each raw sheet is turned and stitched to form sturdy top and bottom borders. The side edges of the raw sheet are also turned and stitched to form a linear pocket  40  as shown in FIG. 2B, a bottom end of which is sewn up. Subsequently, a rod  42  (made of plastic or any other suitable material), dimensioned to fit within and along the length of the pocket  40 , is inserted into each pocket  40 . Then, the top end of the pocket  40  may be sewn closed or not, as desired.  
     [0045] Additionally, each panel  22  has one or more triangular flaps  44  sewn to its base edge. Each flap  44  has a grommet through which a ground peg  46  is inserted. The ground pegs  46  are U-shaped, which helps ensure the ground pegs stay in the ground. The flaps  44  and ground pegs  46  enable the panels  22  to be secured to the ground, to enhance fence stability and prevent balls from slipping under the mesh.  
     [0046] Turning now to FIG. 3A, for temporarily attaching the panels  22  to the poles  20 , the side ends  26   a,    26   b  of the panels  22  are simply longitudinally slipped into the slots  24   a - 24   d,  with the sheeting  38  extending out through the narrow portions  25   b  of the slots. As should be appreciated, in order to prevent the panels  22  from being radially removed from the slots, the ends  26   a,    26   b  of the panels  22  (e.g., the pockets  40  with rods  42  disposed therein) are narrow enough to fit within the wide portions  25   a  of the slots  24   a - 24   d  but wide enough to not pass through the narrow portions  25   b  of the slots. In fact, the sheeting  38  helps create a press or friction fit for the side ends of the fencing panels  22  within the slots  24   a - 24   d,  further preventing the panels  22  from being radially removed from the slots. Additionally, because of the press fit, and because the sheeting  38  functionally extends into the slot, around the rod  42  (itself too large to be radially removed from the slot), and back out the slot, it is very difficult for the sheeting  38  to be torn away from the rod or removed from the slot. For example, with the sheeting extending around the rod and press fit into the slot, it would be very difficult to pull the sheeting out of the slot even if the sheeting was not sewn or stitched back upon itself.  
     [0047]FIG. 3B shows the fencing system in use. There, one of the panels  22  is disposed between and supported by two of the poles  20 , which are partially inserted into the ground (as indicated by the dashed lower portions of the poles  20 , for support. This can be done by using a striking plate (not shown), which protects the poles  20 ) in conjunction with a hammer or mallet. The opposite side edges  26   a,    26   b  of the panel  22  lie within facing slots  24   b,    24   d  of the two poles  20 , respectively, after having been longitudinally inserted therein during assembly. To construct a temporary arena or delineate a playing field, additional poles and panels are attached in a like manner (e.g., side ends of the panels are inserted into the pole slots and the poles are partially inserted into the ground) according to whatever size or shape of playing field or arena is desired. In particular, the fencing system can be used to construct relatively small arenas for use in urban areas and is particularly suitable for games like field hockey and short soccer. As should be appreciated, the panels and poles can be of any height as desired, though for many applications (soccer, for example) they only need to be about three feet (one meter) or so in height, as mentioned above.  
     [0048] Specialized fencing panels may also be provided. For example, FIG. 5A shows a “goal” panel  50 , wherein a goal pocket  52  extends beyond the perimeter of the fencing system. Two such goal panels  50  can be disposed at opposite ends of a temporary arena, constructed according to the present invention, for games like soccer. The goal panel  50  comprises side ends  26   a,    26   b  like those of the regular panels  22 , with an upper mesh panel  54  extending there between. A gusseted back portion forms the pocket  52 , and comprises two triangular, side mesh panels  56   a,    56   b  attached to the side ends  26   a,    26   b  and oriented perpendicular to the upper mesh panel  54 . A back mesh panel  58  is attached along its upper edge to the upper mesh panel  54 , and along its side edges to rear edges of the side mesh panels  56   a,    56   b.  Two square flaps  60   a,    60   b  are provided in the back panel  58  for ball removal. The pocket  52  can be unsupported, or the rear side of the back mesh panel  58  can be staked to the ground back away from the perimeter of the fence to better define the pocket, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A. Alternatively, the junctions of the side mesh panels  56   a,    56   b  and back mesh panel  58  can be provided with plastic support rods sewn into the material, in which case the pocket will be free standing. Other types of goal panels are possible, for example, the goal opening could be positioned above the ground, or only partway across the panel.  
     [0049]FIG. 5B shows a gate panel  70  comprising first and second sections  72 ,  74  of fencing panel selectively re-attachable via complementary hook-and-loop fabric fasteners  76 . Buttons, zippers, or the like can be used in place of the hook-and-loop fabric. When the two sections  72 ,  74  are attached to one another, the gate panel  70  acts as one of the fencing panels  22 . However, the two sections can be detached to allow players to easily enter and exit the sports arena.  
     [0050] As should be appreciated, since the fencing system is modular, different sizes or types of gate panels can easily be provided, so as to facilitate use by different groups of users, e.g., persons with special needs. This can be done “on the fly,” depending on the particular group of people using the arena or playing field at the time. Thus, different sizes or types of gate panels may be provided with the poles  20  and fencing panels  22 . To facilitate this, as shown in FIG. 5C, one very narrow gate section  78  may be provided, along with a number of other gate sections (similar to the sections  72  or  74  shown in FIG. 5B), having varying widths.  
     [0051] Although the fencing system according to the present invention has been illustrated as having certain configurations and/or features, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional configurations and/or features could be used or provided instead without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, instead of having a circular radial cross section, the poles could be square (or any other shape), and instead of being key-hole shaped, the slots could be triangular or another tapered shape.  
     [0052] Furthermore, the panels could be temporarily attachable to the poles in a manner other than the one shown in FIGS.  1 A- 5 . For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the mesh sheets could be connected, at either side end, to retainer elements (like the triangular bar shown) which would fit into the pole slots, with the sheets extending out therefrom. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the poles could be provided with quick-release buckles or the like instead of slots, with the mesh fencing panels being provided with hasps configured to be releasably held by the buckles.  
     [0053] While the fencing panels of the present invention have been illustrated as comprising a fine vinyl mesh, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other materials could be used instead without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, plastic sheeting (e.g., solid vinyl) and fabric are both suitable.  
     [0054] Although the ground insertion tips have been illustrated as being made of metal, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the tips could be made of other materials, such as high-impact plastic, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
     [0055] Further, although the fence poles have been illustrated as comprising polycarbonate or polypropylene, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other materials could be used for the poles, according to the teachings set forth above, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
     [0056] Since certain changes may be made in the above described modular, temporary fencing system for sports arenas, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.