Inflatable Boundary System for Sports Pitches

Abstract

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

Description

FIELD

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches.

BACKGROUND

In sports such as football, there are common game or rule variations to allow the use of smaller pitches and teams with fewer players than the ‘standard’ 11-a-side, such as for example 5-a-side football. One common subset of these variations is to use a rebounder or ball-wall system to mark out the perimeter of a pitch. When the ball impacts on the boundary barrier during play, the ball bounces off the boundary barrier, back into the field of play, and thus remains in play. These types of system can therefore be used to keep the ball in play for longer so that the flow of play is maintained. Boundary systems are usually used to mark out a playing area or pitch that is smaller than that of a full-size professional pitch, so that games can be played by teams with fewer players than those required for a full-sized game. Systems of this type are used to play games with rulesets where passing is encouraged and shooting accuracy, ball receiving and return training, volley shot training, etc can all be effectively trained and practiced.

Rebounder/ball-wall systems of the known type are often small, heavy, or take time to set up and take down, and do not allow much, if any, flexibility in the overall size or the shape of the pitch.

Population density and lack of resource in certain areas has led to sports halls or playing fields being used for multiple sports, with multiple sets of floor markings used to indicate boundaries or similar. It is also not uncommon for a field or hall to be sub-divided, so that multiple games can be played simultaneously using a single space. However, if this is the case, then some games such as soccer or floor hockey require the use of a fenced or barrier boundary system that prevents the ball or puck from escaping the line boundaries that are typically used for such games, so as to avoid disturbing an adjacent game. Although permanent fence boundary systems for ball games are known, these are not suitable if the area is also used for other activities such as athletic sports where a permanent fence boundary system would hamper such activities, or where the sport is seasonal and the fence boundary system needs to be demountable.

Consequently there exists a need for a modular temporary portable boundary marking system that can be demounted once play has ceased, or at the end of a sports season, but which is also robust and which can remain in place over the course of at least several days without significant maintenance, if for example a multi-day tournament or similar is in progress.

There are several known fence boundary system constructions.

Ball game netting systems that can be used to set up a boundary for a temporary pitch are known. These are generally formed from upright solid one-piece fence posts from which netting is extended and hung. In use the fence posts are driven into the ground, or connected to bases that allow them to stand upright, with the netting extending from the posts.

Akon skirting and bellows produce a retractable safety barrier that has a sheet barrier portion that can be pulled or extended from an upright cylindrical roller unit, the sheet portion spring-loaded so that in use the sheet portion is held in tension, and will return and roll into the cylindrical storage unit when tension is released and not in use. The upright cylindrical roller units are permanently fixed in position where required.

Tigrox produce a portable roller that can be used for crowd direction and routing and for displaying advertising. However, the barrier is not ‘full height’ as the barrier sheet itself only covers/blocks the upper half of the full height of the barrier

Rapid Roll Inc. produce a lightweight retractable fencing system that is intended for use as a roadworks fence barrier, where the fence barrier portion is manually rolled and unrolled from the storage upright.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments are directed to providing an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice.

The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the aspects of the disclosed embodiments may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: a boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight, the container having a substantially uniform cross-section, the container formed so as to have an overall length substantially greater than that of the cross-section; an HR-style valve located in the wall of the container so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element.

In an embodiment, the boundary element comprises first, second, and third central sections extending from a central point at which their inner ends are connected to one another so as to form a Y-shape; the first one of the central sections further comprising two short end pieces extending from the outer end, the first section end pieces aligned at an angle to each other and to the first central section; the second and third central sections each comprising second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections respectively, the second and third section end pieces aligned at an angle to the central section to which they are connected.

In an embodiment, the three central sections are connected at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to one another.

In an embodiment, the two short end pieces on the first one of the central sections are aligned so as to point outwards.

In an embodiment, the two short end pieces on the first one of the central sections are aligned so as to point outwards at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to the first one of the central sections.

In an embodiment, the second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections are aligned to point inwards.

In an embodiment, each of the second and third section end pieces are aligned at an angle of substantially 120 degrees to the second and third central sections.

In an embodiment, the boundary element comprises a central section and shorter end cross-sections at each end extending perpendicular to the central section across the end of the central section.

In an embodiment, the boundary element comprises two arms connected at their inner ends so as to form an L-shape.

In an embodiment, the two arms of the L-shape are arranged at substantially 90 degrees to one another.

In an embodiment, the two arms are substantially the same length.

In an embodiment, one of the two arms is longer than the other.

In an embodiment, the boundary element comprises a central section and two end arms connected at each end of the central section at an angle, each of the two end arms angled towards the same side of the central section so that the boundary system has a U-shape.

In an embodiment, each of the two end arms is arranged at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the central section.

In an embodiment, the end arms are substantially the same length.

In an embodiment, the end arms are between one third and one half the length of the central section.

In a second aspect the aspects of the disclosed embodiments may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: a boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight, the container having a substantially uniform cross-section, the container formed so as to have an overall length substantially greater than that of the cross-section; an HR-style valve located in the wall of the container so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element; the boundary element comprising a central element formed from two subsections aligned at an angle to one another, and two end arms connected at each end of the central section at an angle, each of the two end arms angled towards the same side of the central section so that the boundary system has a C-shape.

In an embodiment, the angle between the two central subsections is substantially 120 degrees, the subsections ore of substantially equal length, and the two end arms are aligned to extend substantially parallel to one another and in the same plane.

In a third aspect the aspects of the disclosed embodiments may broadly be said to consist in an inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising a boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight, the container having a substantially uniform cross-section, the container formed so as to have an overall length substantially greater than that of the cross-section; an HR-style valve located in the wall of the container so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element; the boundary element comprising a straight elongate member having a central sector and two end sectors, each of the end sectors separated from the central sector by a substantially U-shaped diversion, the U-shape formed with two straight side sections at each side substantially in parallel with one another, and a central connecting section aligned substantially perpendicular to the side sections.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiments may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Further aspects of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a boundary element shape according to a first embodiment, the boundary element of this embodiment having an elongate tubular form.

FIG. 2a shows a top or plan view of a boundary element shape according to a second embodiment, the boundary element of this embodiment having an L-shape in plan view, with a smoothly curved transition section between the two arms of the L-shape.

FIG. 2b shows a perspective view from one side and above of a variation of the second embodiment, the boundary element of this variation having an L-shape in plan view, with an angled, straight, transition portion between the arms of the L-shape.

FIG. 3 shows a top or plan view of a boundary element shape according to a third embodiment, the boundary element of this embodiment having a U-shape in plan view.

FIG. 4a shows a top or plan view of a boundary element shape according to a fourth embodiment, the boundary element of this embodiment having a C-shape in plan view.

FIG. 4b shows a perspective view from one side and above of the fourth type of boundary element shape shown in FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a boundary element according to a fifth embodiment the boundary element in this embodiment generally having the shape of a ‘double-T’, with a central ‘upright’ section and shorter end cross-sections extending across each end of the central section, perpendicular to the upright section.

FIG. 6a shows a plan view of a boundary element shape according to a sixth embodiment, the boundary element shape comprising three substantially identical central main body sections extending from a central point or hub, at which their inner ends are connected to one another, the three central sections connected at an angle of 120 degrees to one another so that they extend radially outwards from the central connection or hub in a similar manner to the spokes of a wheel.

FIG. 6b shows a perspective top and side view of the sixth type of boundary element shape shown in FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 shows a plan or top view of a seventh embodiment of boundary element shape, the boundary element shape generally having the shape of a straight elongate cylinder with two U-shaped indents/diversions located towards each end, the diversions dividing the straight rod into three parts or sectors.

FIG. 8 shows examples of the boundary element shapes of FIGS. 1 to 6 being used to create playing areas of various shapes and sizes.

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a pair of pitches created using a central boundary element according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and two of the fourth embodiment of boundary element as shown in FIG. 4, the elements shown in a slightly spaced or ‘exploded view’ position relative to one another for clarity.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective side view from above and to one side of the pair of pitches of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a single pitch having a hexagonal shape, the pitch created from a pair of boundary elements of the type shown in FIG. 4, the elements shown in a slightly spaced or ‘exploded view’ position relative to one another for clarity.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view from above and to one side of a number of pitches created using a plurality of boundary elements of the type shown in FIG. 6, the elements shown in a slightly spaced or ‘exploded view’ position relative to one another for clarity.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view from the end and to one side of an end of the boundary element shape of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing detail of an inflation/deflation valve located in the end of the boundary element, and used for inflating and deflating the shape.

FIG. 14a shows an end-on view of the boundary element shape of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14b shows a cutaway side view of the boundary element shape of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15a shows a detail perspective view from one side and above of an inflation/deflation valve suitable for use with the boundary element shapes of the preceding figures, the valve having an outer valve seat and an inner valve core.

FIG. 15b shows a perspective view of the valve core of the inflation/deflation valve of FIG. 15a.

FIG. 16a shows a partly cutaway semi-exploded perspective side view of the inflation/deflation valve of FIG. 15, showing the valve core and seat aligned for deflation.

FIG. 16b shows a partly cutaway semi-exploded perspective side view of the inflation/deflation valve of FIG. 15 from the same angle as FIG. 16a, showing the valve core and seat aligned for inflation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention, and variations thereof, will now be described in detail with reference to the figures.

General

The inflatable boundary system of the aspects of the disclosed embodiments generally comprises a number of separate boundary elements that are used together to form the overall boundary system. Each of the separate boundary elements is formed from a heavy duty material that is substantially air tight (such as for example rubberised canvas or a similar material), and which is shaped so as to form a hollow closed container. Each boundary element comprises a valve or valves that are located in the body and which pass from the exterior to the interior and which allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element, and which act to keep the interior sealed unless open. These valves are described in detail below. Each inflatable unit has a certain shape once inflated. The specific shapes of various embodiments are described below.

In use, a number of the inflatable units are used to form the overall boundary system. These are fully inflated and laid out in a pattern or in a hall or field in order to create the boundary or boundaries of a games pitch or pitches. After use, the inflatable units are deflated and folded or rolled for storage.

For all of the embodiments below, the bodies of the boundary elements are circular in profile or cross-section, and have a diameter of between 40 cm and 50 cm. Other shapes are also possible, such as square, triangular, oval, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-sections, or any other cross-sectional profile as required. Other diameters can also be used as appropriate.

First Boundary Element Shape—Long Straight Side Wall or I-Shape

A first type of boundary element shape is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in this figure, the first boundary element shape 10 generally has the overall shape of an elongate cylinder, with a circular cross-section. The cylinder can be formed in a variety of lengths, such as for example 5m, 7.5 m, 10 m, 15 m, and 20 m, and has a diameter of between 40 cm and 50 cm as outlined above (although other dimensions can also be used). Boundary elements of two different lengths are shown in FIGS. 1-10a and 10b.

Second Boundary Element Shape—L-Shape

A second type of boundary element shape-boundary element 20—is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. As shown in this figure, the second boundary element shape is generally L-shaped. The two arms 20a, 20b of the L-shape can be the same length, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, or one of the arms can be longer—e.g. twice or three times as long as the shorter arm. In some embodiments, the shorter arm of the ‘L’ could be very short-just sufficient to provide a corner that curves round to extend substantially perpendicularly to the longer arm of the ‘L’, allowing a continuation of the boundary.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the boundary element 20(i) a smooth transition portion 20c (i) between the arms 20a (i) and 20b (i) of the L-shape, the transition portion comprising a smoothly curved shape.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, the boundary element 20(ii) has an angled, straight, transition portion 20c (ii) between the arms 20a (ii) and 20b (ii) of the L-shape, the transition portion arranged at substantially a 45-degree angle to both of the arms, and substantially shorter than either of the arms.

Third Boundary Element Shape—U-Shape

A third type of boundary element shape 30 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in this figure, the boundary element shape 30 is generally U-shaped. The boundary element 30 is formed so that the end arms 32 of the ‘U’ extend substantially perpendicularly to the central section 31 of the ‘U’, and in the same plane. In a similar manner as for the ‘L-shape’ of the second type of boundary element shape, the end arms and central section can be formed in a number of different lengths, so that for example the end arms are each half the length of the central section, or one-third, or very short-just sufficient to provide a continuation of another element that in use extends substantially perpendicularly to the longer arm of the ‘U’.

Fourth Boundary Element Shape—C-Shape

A fourth type of boundary element shape 40 is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in this figure, the boundary element shape is generally C-shaped. The C-shape has a central element 41 and two shorter arms 42 at each end. The C-shape differs from the U-shape of the third boundary element in that the main central element 41 is formed from two subsections 41a, 41b aligned at an angle to one another. The angle between the two central subsections is in this embodiment 120 degrees, and the subsections ore of substantially equal length. The angle between the outer ends of the central section of the ‘C’ shape and the shorter arms is also 120 degrees, so that the two shorter arms 42 at each end extend in parallel to one another and in the same plane.

Fifth Boundary Element Shape—Double-T Shape

A fifth type of boundary element shape is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in this figure, the boundary element shape 50 generally has the shape of a ‘double-T’—that is, there is a central ‘upright’ section 51, and a shorter end cross-section 52 extending across the end of the central section 51 perpendicular to the upright section. As this shape is a ‘double-T’ shape, there are shorter end cross-section sections at each end of the main body or central ‘upright’ section 51, the end cross-sections 52a and 52b extending across each end of the ‘upright’ section. Each of the shorter end cross-section sections 52a and 52b are aligned in the same plane as one another, and the same plane as the central section 51.

It can be seen that the overall shape is also similar to that of a capital ‘I’ in certain fonts, such as for example ‘Times New Roman’.

Sixth Boundary Element Shape—Y-Shape

A sixth type of boundary element shape 60 is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in this figure, the sixth boundary element shape generally comprises three substantially identical central main body sections 61 extending from a central point or hub, at which their inner ends are connected to one another. The three central sections are connected at an angle of 120 degrees to one another so that they extend radially outwards from the central connection or hub in a similar manner to the spokes of a wheel. The three central sections are all aligned in the same plane.

A first one of the central sections—section 61a—has two shorter end pieces 62a extending from the outer one of it's ends. The two short end pieces 62a are aligned at an angle of 120 degrees to each other and to the central section 61a, and point outwards away from the central connection point. The two short end pieces 62a are arranged in the same plane as one another and also to the central main body sections 61.

The other two central sections 61b and 61c also have shorter end pieces 62b, 62c extending from their outer ends, the end pieces 62b, 62c aligned at an angle of 120 degrees to the central section to which they are connected, and pointing inwards—that is, ‘bent’ towards the inner end of the section 61a, and towards the two short end pieces 62a and the central main body section 61a.

All of the end pieces and the central main body sections are aligned in the same plane.

For this embodiment, ‘shorter’ as used in reference to the end pieces 62a, 62b, 62c indicates that these are shorter than the central sections 61a, 61b, 61c.

Seventh Boundary Element Shape

A seventh type of boundary element shape 70 is shown in FIG. 7. As shown in this figure, the boundary element shape 70 generally has the shape of a straight elongate cylinder, with two U-shaped indents/diversions 71, 72 located towards each end. The diversions 71 and 72 divide the straight rod into three parts or sectors 73, 74, and 75—end sectors 73 and 75, and a central sector 74. Sectors 73, 75 extend inwards from each end of the boundary element shape 70, as far as the inner side of the indent/diversion at that end. The central part or sector 74 runs between the inner sides of the indents/diversions 71, 72.

Each of the diversions 71, 72 is formed as a U-shape, as noted above. The U-shape for each diversion is formed with two straight sides at each side, and a central section.

The two straight sides run parallel to one another, and the central connecting section connects between these and is aligned perpendicular to these (and parallel with the central part or sector 74 and end lengths 77a, 77b).

As can be seen in FIG. 7, a first one of the diversions 71 is formed with straight sides 71a, 71c, and a central connecting section 71c. The other of the diversions 72 is formed with straight sides 72a, 72c, and a central connecting section 72c.

The diversions 71, 72 are connected by a central body section 76. Two end lengths 77a, 77b extend from the outer ends/sides of each of the diversions. The central body section 76 and the two end lengths 77a, 77b are parallel to one another, and have a common central axis. All of the elements making up the boundary element shape 70 are in the same plane, so that boundary element shape 70 can lie flat.

In variations of this embodiment, the elements making up the straight sides and central section of the U-shaped diversions 71 and 72 can be formed to have any particular length, or ratio of lengths. For example, the sides (e.g. straight sides 72a, 72c) could each be half the length of the central section (e.g. 72b), or one-third the length. These could also be very short-just sufficient to provide enough length to differentiate or move the central section offline from the central body section and the end lengths.

The central body section 76 and end lengths 77a, 77b can be formed to any length as required, so that for example the central body section 76 is double or triple the length of each of the end lengths 77a, 77b.

Use

Multiple ones of the elements described in the embodiments above can be laid out in patterns, so as to mark out subsections of a greater area—that is, pitches or similar within a larger field or hall.

A user places the elements in the required locations—e.g. in the corners of a pitch and along the boundaries, or similar. This allows specific areas to be sectioned off to form individual pitches or similar, with the boundaries of these specific areas or pitches formed by the boundary elements. That is, the elements are used together to form an overall boundary system.

This allows the creation of training environments that allow rebound/ball-wall exercises on outdoor fields. A primary use will be for ball sport, mainly football/soccer training exercises and games like passing practice, target practice, one-on-one games, multiplayer games. The inflatable sections have an innate rebound function that tends to rebound the ball back onto the playing area. This creates advantages for game play and training exercises.

As shown in FIG. 7, different shapes and sizes of play area can be formed by using a number of separate boundary elements to form an overall inflatable boundary system, of different sizes and shapes. Goals 70 can be positioned on the boundary as required.

Valve System

As noted above, each boundary element has a valve or valves that allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element. An example of a valve 100 that can be used with the inflatable boundary elements described above is shown in FIGS. 13 to 16. The valve as shown and described is a one-way check valve known as an HR valve, or Halkey-Roberts valve. In these figures, and in the description below, the inflatable boundary element shown and described is boundary element 10a—the first form or I-shape described above. However, the valve arrangement described can also be used for any of the other embodiments described above, or any other similar embodiments.

The valve 100 is located in/on the body of the boundary element 10a, and acts as a passage or gateway that passes from the exterior of the boundary element 10a to the interior. The valve 100 allows air to be pumped into or out of the container formed by the boundary element 10a, to inflate or deflate the boundary element. The valve 100 is configured to allow connection with/to a pump or similar. When closed, the valve 100 retains air or gas within the boundary element 10a to keep the boundary element inflated.

The valve 100 has two main parts: an outer valve seat 101 and an inner valve core 102. The boundary element 10a comprises an aperture in the material of the boundary element, the aperture passing from the inside to the outside of the boundary element. The outer valve seat 101 is connected to and sealed against the perimeter of this aperture. The inner valve core 102 locates within and is connected to the outer valve seat 101 (by a mutual screw thread, as shown in FIGS. 16a and 16b), and can be opened or closed to allow air to pass into and out of the boundary element. The inner valve core 102 is configured so that a user can either close the valve 100 (no air/gas passes through the valve), or so that air/gas will only pass into the boundary element, or so that air can exit the boundary element through the valve, depending on the setting. That is, the valve has three settings: closed; one-way air/gas inlet, and; air/gas outlet.

As shown in FIGS. 15b and 16b, the inner valve core 102 comprises a body 105, a spring 103, a stopper 104, and an axial handle 106. The body 105 forms a passage, the spring and stopper located in the passage through the body 105. In the closed and one-way air/gas inlet configuration (air in), the handle 106 is pulled outwards, and this causes the spring 103 to be in tension, so as to bias the stopper 104 against the perimeter of the base of the body 105, so that the stopper 104 blocks the passage. In the closed configuration, the stopper 104 is locked in this position so that the stopper 104 cannot move away from this position.

In the ‘air in’ configuration, the stopper 104 is not locked in place. The stopper 104 is held against the base of the passage by the force from the spring 103 only, but the stopper 104 can move away from this position if a sufficient force is applied so as to overcome the spring force. When the boundary element is inflated, the pressure of the pumped air overcomes the spring force, so as to push the stopper 104 away from the base of the passage, to allow air to pass into the boundary element through the passage formed by the body 105.

To allow air to exit the boundary element, the handle 106 is pushed inwards in order to release the spring 103, and the stopper 104 moves away from the body 105 so that air can pass out of the boundary element through the passage.

The use of a valve of this type provides an unexpected advantage over and above the use of valves known for inflatable sports elements.

A valve of this type has been found to be effective at retaining air within the boundary element for extended periods, even at higher inflation pressures. The boundary element can be retained for days or weeks without the need for refills or continuous inflation/continuous air flow. The valve allows quick inflation using pumps having a power ranging from 400 W to 1600 W. Valves of this type also help to prevent over-inflation of the boundary element.

Claims

1. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: a boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight, the container having a substantially uniform cross-section, the container formed so as to have an overall length substantially greater than that of the cross-section;an HR-style valve located in the wall of the container so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element.

2. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the boundary element comprises first, second, and third central sections extending from a central point at which their inner ends are connected to one another so as to form a Y-shape; the first one of the central sections further comprising two short end pieces extending from the outer end, the first section end pieces aligned at an angle to each other and to the first central section;the second and third central sections each comprising second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections respectively, the second and third section end pieces aligned at an angle to the central section to which they are connected.

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

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

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

6. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the second and third section end pieces at the outer ends of the second and third central sections are aligned to point inwards.

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

8. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches as claimed in claim 1, wherein the boundary element comprises a central section and shorter end cross-sections at each end extending perpendicular to the central section across the end of the central section.

9. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches as claimed in claim 1 wherein the boundary element comprises two arms connected at their inner ends so as to form an L-shape.

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

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

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

13. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches as claimed in claim 1 wherein the boundary element comprises a central section and two end arms connected at each end of the central section at an angle, each of the two end arms angled towards the same side of the central section so that the boundary system has a U-shape.

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

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

16. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the end arms are between one third and one half the length of the central section.

17. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: a boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight, the container having a substantially uniform cross-section, the container formed so as to have an overall length substantially greater than that of the cross-section;an HR-style valve located in the wall of the container so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element;the boundary element comprising a central element formed from two subsections aligned at an angle to one another, and two end arms connected at each end of the central section at an angle, each of the two end arms angled towards the same side of the central section so that the boundary system has a C-shape.

18. An inflatable boundary system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the angle between the two central subsections is substantially 120 degrees, the subsections ore of substantially equal length, and the two end arms are aligned to extend substantially parallel to one another and in the same plane.

19. An inflatable boundary system for sports pitches, comprising: a boundary element having the form of a hollow closed container formed from a flexible heavy duty material that is substantially air tight, the container having a substantially uniform cross-section, the container formed so as to have an overall length substantially greater than that of the cross-section;an HR-style valve located in the wall of the container so as to allow air to be pumped into or out of the container to inflate and deflate the boundary element;the boundary element comprising a straight elongate member having a central sector and two end sectors, each of the end sectors separated from the central sector by a substantially U-shaped diversion, the U-shape formed with two straight side sections at each side substantially in parallel with one another, and a central connecting section aligned substantially perpendicular to the side sections.