INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates to an outdoor screen structure, the structure comprising a pair of spaced-apart uprights, comprising a first upright and a second upright, the pair of uprights being bridged by a crossmember adapted to support a depending membrane, wherein the structure further comprises a furling means such that the membrane is movable to and from a furled position adjacent the first upright and an unfurled position extending between the uprights.

Examples of such structures are known for use in locations such as sporting venues, for example behind goalposts, or bordering certain parts of golf courses. The structures operate to provide a membrane between the 'in-play' area of the sporting venue and 'out-of-bounds' areas such as spectator areas or neighbouring properties, thus preventing the passage of a ball from the playing area into these 'out-of-bounds' areas.

There are, however, a number of problems associated with the known structures. For example, the membrane can be damaged due to prolonged exposure to the elements or through malicious damage. Additionally, it can be difficult to provide membranes of a suitably large dimension to meet the requirements of certain venues. For example, in certain cases, it is undesirable to have too many uprights as they may result in a limited view for spectators.

It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide an outdoor screen structure suitable for preventing the passage of a ball that overcomes at least some of the above- mentioned problems.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure, the structure comprising a pair of spaced-apart uprights, comprising a first upright and a second upright, the pair of uprights being bridged by a crossmember adapted to support a depending membrane, wherein the structure further comprises a furling means such that the membrane is movable to and from a furled position adjacent the first upright and an unfurled position extending between the uprights characterised in that the crossmember comprises a guide rail; and the membrane is supported by one or more linking members attached thereto and slidably mounted on the guide rail.

In this way, the guide rail provides increased rigidity to the structure and the membrane itself, thereby improving the lifetime of the membrane and allowing for the increased spans between uprights. This results in reduced visual obstructions and also reduces the cost and complexity of installation.

Furthermore, the outdoor screen structure of the invention may be used for the display of content on the membrane. Such content may be printed or projected thereon and may take the form of entertainment, information or advertising. Currently, structures for use with large outdoor advertising comprise billboards mounted on suitably located buildings or membranes secured to large lattice-frameworks. In these cases, the advertisement is permanently on display, regardless of the weather conditions and must be removed manually if it is desired to cease to display the content. By using the outdoor screen structure of the invention, it is possible to furl the membrane if the weather conditions are unsuitable, for example, in high winds. Similarly, the membrane may be furled if it is desired to cease display of the content. The use of a guide rail in the outdoor screen structure of the invention provides for a membrane that is substantially smooth when unfurled, in turn allowing for the clear display of content thereon. In the absence of such a guiderail, the membrane would be subject to sagging, rendering it unsuitable for use in the display of content.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the guide rail is substantially rigid. This provides improved shape and structure to the membrane when it is unfurled.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the guide rail comprises a tube. This is a particularly convenient manner of providing a guide rail that may engage with the linking members. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the guide rail comprises a head section having an opening therein. In this way, the linking members may connect to the guide rail by way of the opening therein.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the opening in the head section is connected to a neck section depending therefrom. In this way, the neck section may act as a guide for the linking members, assisting in smooth movement between the linking members and the guiderail.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the linking member comprises a wider top section for engagement with the head section of the guide rail, the top section of the linking member having a narrower body section depending therefrom. In this way, the top section of the linking member may rest and be secured in the head section of the guide rail while the body section will extend through the neck section of the guide rail.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the body section comprises at least one through-hole. In this way, the linking member may be connected to the membrane safely, conveniently and securely.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the linking member comprises a roller portion for engagement with the guide rail. In this way the furling and unfurling of the membrane may be facilitated, allowing the linking members to roll along the guide rail.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure further comprising a base crossmember extending between the uprights at the bottom of the membrane. This provides for further increased stability and rigidity.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the base crossmember further comprises a guide rail. This allows tension to be applied to the membrane so as to provide a substantially flat and unwrinkled surface, thereby allowing for the improved display of content thereon. - A -

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the first upright comprises a longitudinal aperture therein forming a recess such that, in the furled position, the membrane is located substantially within the recess. In this way, the membrane may be stored in the recess when not in use, thereby protecting the membrane from environmental effects and also from potential malicious damage.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which each of the at least one of the uprights comprises a rotatable shaft for storage of the membrane. This provides an efficient mechanism for furling the membrane. As the shaft is rotated, the membrane will be wrapped around the shaft, thereby going from the unfurled arrangement extending between the uprights to a furled arrangement, where the membrane is stored wrapped around the shaft and is ready to be deployed once more when necessary.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which both uprights comprise a rotatable shaft. In this way, the rotation of the shafts may be used to both furl and unfurl the membrane.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which at least one of the rotatable shafts is equipped with drive means to rotate the shafts. This is a particularly efficient manner of implementing the furling and unfurling mechanism. Preferably both of the rotatable shafts are equipped with drive means.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure further comprising control means connected to the drive means of both shafts so as to provide synchronized operation of the drive means. In this way, it may be ensured that one shaft will rotate to release one side of the membrane at the same time as the complementary shaft may rotated to take up the released slack of the membrane, thus causing the membrane to extend between the shafts and consequently the uprights. Preferably, the control means operate such that the membrane will be kept taut as it furls and unfurls, and when it is in the unfurled position. This is particularly useful if it is desired to display content on the membrane, as it will be easier to read content from a membrane that is kept taut. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the rotatable shaft is housed within the upright. This is a particularly effective manner of providing this arrangement, further allowing the mechanism and membrane to be protected within the upright.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is elongate in shape. An elongate membrane is particularly suited for certain uses such as for example having advertising material displayed thereon.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which membrane has content displayed thereon. In this way, advertising material may be printed on the membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may be used as a screen on which to project content, for example, still images or video content.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is formed from a breathable material. In this way, the membrane will allow air and water to pass through, thereby reducing the effects of wind and rain on the membrane.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is formed from a pliable material. In this way, the membrane can be easily manipulated from furled to unfurled state and vice versa. Furhtermore, a pliable membrane will yield to the force of the wind, reducing the likelihood of damage from high winds.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is formed from a non-woven fabric. This is a particularly efficient fabric for displaying advertising content on a membrane to be used in the outdoor screen structure of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is formed from a hydrophobic material. In this way, the membrane will repel water and will not absorb water such as rain. Absorbing rain would render the membrane very heavy, and may affect the operation of the furling mechanism.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is formed from a non-absorbent material. This will prevent the membrane from absorbing rain.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is adapted to have content printed thereon. This allows the outdoor screen structure to be used for entertainment, informational and entertainment purposes.

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane is adapted to have content projected thereon. This allows the outdoor screen structure to be used for outdoor cinemas, or the like.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure in which the membrane comprises a net suitable for preventing the passage of a ball.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an outdoor screen structure adapted to be located adjacent to a sports field behind a goal area thereon, and extending the length of the goal area. In this way, the outdoor screen structure may be used to prevent the passage of a ball, and may also be used to display content. The outdoor screen structure is suited to such large scale implementations by the use of the guide rail to increase the gap between uprights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the structure of the invention in an unfurled position;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternative embodiment of the structure of the invention in an unfurled position;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of the alternative embodiment of the structure of the invention in a partially furled position;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the alternative embodiment of the structure of the invention in a furled position;

Fig. 5 is an end view of a guide rail of the invention having a linking module fitted therein;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the guide rail having linking modules fitted therein;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the linking module;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the linking module;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the guide rail having linking modules fitted therein;

Fig. 10 is a detail view of the guide rail joining one of the uprights;

Fig. 11 is an exploded view of the mechanism of the rotating shafts;

Fig. 12 is a horizontal cross-section view of one of the uprights of the invention; and

Fig. 13 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of guide rail having an alternative linking module fitted therein Referring to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1 thereof, there is shown an outdoor screen structure suitable for preventing the passage of a ball indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, comprising a first substantially hollow upright 102 and a second substantially hollow upright 104, the second upright 104 being spaced-apart from the first upright 102. The uprights 102, 104 are bridged by a crossmember 106 adapted to support a depending membrane 108. The crossmember 106 is supported by a cable 110 that is attached to each upright adjacent the top thereof. The crossmember 106 is connected to the cable 110 by a plurality of connecting ties 112 which pass through suitable apertures in the crossmember 106. The crossmember 106 comprises a guide rail and the membrane 108 is supported by a plurality of linking members 114 slidably mounted on the guide rail. The linking members comprise a pair of through-holes having a tie attached thereto, which tie is connected to the upper edge of the membrane 108, thereby connecting the membrane to the linking members 114.

The first upright 102 comprises an elongate longitudinal aperture in the side thereof forming a recess 116 for the reception of the membrane 108. Each of the uprights 102, 104 comprises a rotatable vertical shaft (not shown) mounted therein. Each shaft is equipped with motorised drive means (not shown) to enable rotation thereof. The membrane 108 is movable to and from a furled position wrapped around the rotatable shaft of the first upright 102 and an unfurled position extending between the rotatable shafts of the respective uprights. The leading edge 114 of the membrane 108 is fitted with a plurality of straps 118, adjacent the upper edge, lower edge and in the middle thereof. The straps 118 engage the rotating shaft (not shown) of the second upright 104 such that the rotation of the shaft will cause the membrane to unfurl from its position wound around the shaft of the first upright 102.

The second upright 104 comprises a narrow aperture in the side thereof. The aperture is fitted with three strap-receiving plates (not shown) to receive and guide the straps 118 into the second upright and onto the shaft therein. The strap-receiving plates comprise a substantially flat plate having a longitudinal slit therein. The slit is dimensioned to receive the strap snugly such that the movement of the strap through the slit will prevent the strap becoming twisted or folded. In this way, the strap is maintained in a flat substantially vertical arrangement which is useful for engaging the rotating shafts and is not likely to get stuck or otherwise impede the operation of the furling means. The structure further comprises a control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the driving means of the shafts. Together, the rotatable shafts, drive means and control means form the furling means.

The crossmember 106 further comprises a lead bracket 120 that connects the guide rail into the recess in the first upright 102 and leads the linking members to and from the guide rail.

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 4 inclusive, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the structure of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200. The structure 200 further comprises a base crossmember 202 which in turn comprises a guide rail and lead bracket 120. The guide rail of the base crossmember 202 is substantially similar to the crossmember 106 from which the membrane hangs, but is secured to the uprights in the opposite orientation to the crossmember 106.

In Fig. 4, the membrane 106 is shown furled within the first upright 102 such only a portion of the leading edge thereof is visible.

Referring now to Figs. 5 to 9, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown the crossmember 106, 202 comprising a guide rail 500 which has a number of linking modules 114 supported therein. The crossmember 106, 202 comprises a pair of symmetrically formed sheets joined together. Each sheet has a vertical upper section 502 which then bends diagonally outwards and then into a short vertical section. The diagonal section and short vertical section comprise the head section 504 of the guide rail 500. Next the sheet turns horizontally inward followed by a vertical portion and then splays diagonally outwards. These sections form the neck section 506 of the guide rail 500. The sheets are secured together by screws in the upper section 502 such that the crossmember 106, 202 comprises a flat upper section diverging into a wider head section then narrowing into neck section, before splaying outwards again. The linking modules 114 comprise a top section 508 and a body section 510 wherein the top section comprises a bulbous lump having a flat base; and the body section depends centrally and perpendicularly therefrom. The body section 510 comprises a thick plate having a pair of elongate apertures 512 therein.

Referring now to Fig. 10 in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a detail view of the guide rail 500 joining the first upright 102 by way of the lead bracket 120. The lead bracket 120 is mounted on the first upright 102 so as to cover the top of the recess 116 for receiving the membrane. The lead bracket 120 provides a similar head section and neck section to the guide rail and so provides a path for the linking members 114 to travel from the furled storage position wrapped around the shaft out of the recess and into the guide rail 500.

Referring now to Fig. 11 , there is shown an exploded view of the mechanism of the rotatable shafts located in each of the hollow uprights. The mechanism comprises a vertical, inner hollow rotatable shaft 9, fitted at the top with an upper axle 8 and at the base with a lower axle 10 that each fit inside the rotatable shaft 9 and are secured thereto by a plurality of bolts. The upper axle 8 engages a bearing unit 3 which is secured to a bearing plate 4. The lower axle 10 also engages a bearing unit 3 secured to a bearing plate 4 and further engages a solenoid (31)-controlled ratchet 13 and pawl 28 and a freewheel clutch 16, 17, 18. ,19. The lower axel 10, solenoid 31 controlled ratchet 13 and pawl 28 and a freewheel clutch 16, 17, 18, 19 are mounted on a motor mounting plate 21 which is mounted on a combined motor and gearbox with brake 24.

Referring now to Fig, 12, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown a horizontal cross-section of the first upright 102 of the invention. The upright 102 comprises the rotating shaft 9 having the membrane 108 secured thereto. Each side edge of the elongate longitudinal aperture though which the membrane 108 exits the upright 102 is fitted with a brush 1202, 1204. The brush serves to guide the membrane 108 through the aperture and further prevents objects entering the upright through the aperture. The upright 102 further comprises a guide roller 1206 located within the upright 102 adjacent the upright to guide the membrane towards the rotating shaft 9 at the centre of the upright 102. Referring now to Fig. 13, in which like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before, there is shown the crossmember 106 comprising a guide rail 1300 which having a linking module 1302 supported therein. The crossmember 106 comprises a pair of symmetrically formed sheets joined together. Each sheet has a vertical upper section 502 which then bends diagonally outwards, then into a short vertical section and finally the sheet turns horizontally inward. The horizontal ends of the sheet do not meet and so form an opening 1304 through which the linking member 1302 projects. The diagonal section and short vertical section comprise the head section 1306 of the guide rail 1300.

The linking module 1302 comprise a top section 1308 and a body section 510 wherein the top section comprises a pair of rollers 1310 located within the head section 1306 of the guide rail; and the body section depends centrally and perpendicularly therefrom through the opening 1304. The body section 510 comprises a thick plate having a pair of elongate apertures 512 therein. In use, the rollers 1310 of the linking module 1302 roll along the guide rail as the membrane furls and unfurls.

In use, the trailing edge of the membrane is secured to a rotating shaft (not shown) mounted in the first uptight 102 and the remaining part of the membrane is wound around the shaft. The leading edge of the membrane 108 is fitted with three straps 118, adjacent the top edge, bottom edge and middle thereof. When the membrane is in the furled position, the straps 118 will extend between the two uprights, as seen in Fig. 4. When it is desired to operate unfurl the membrane, the control means is operated to cause both rotating shafts to rotate in the same direction and at the same speed so that the straps are wound around the rotating shaft in the second upright and the membrane is unwound from the rotating shaft in the first upright. In this way, the membrane will be extended between the uprights until maximum desired extension has occurred. To furl the membrane again, the shafts are rotated in the opposite direction. As the membrane furls or unfurls, the linking members slide along the guide rail 500, with the top section of the linking member 114 travelling in the head section of the guide rail and the body section of the linking member 114 moving along the path of the neck section of the guide rail 500. It will be understood that the membrane may be used to prevent the passage of a ball and/or to provide a display surface on which content may be displayed. For example, the membrane may have advertising material printed thereon. Alternatively, the membrane may be used as a screen onto which images may be projected. Such images may be still or video images. For example, the structure of the invention may be used to provide a screen for use in a 'drive-in' cinema or like entertainment.

It will be understood that the uprights of the invention may be formed from any suitable material such as steel, aluminium or other metals; wood; plastic, composites or the like. Additionally, it will be understood that the structure of the invention can be based around a set of solid wooden poles having a casing formed around them so as to form an enclosure for the rotating shaft and furling means. Alternatively, the rotating shaft and furling means may be mounted on such a wooden or metal pole. Furthermore, it will be understood that the structure does not necessarily need to be mounted in the ground but may also be secured to a wall or other such structure.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the membrane may comprise a net, screen or other such item. It will be further understood that in the case of a membrane having advertising material printed thereon, the membrane may be replaced on a regular basis so as to update the advertising material. In one embodiment, the membrane may come pre-loaded onto the shaft and the shaft would be exchanged so as to exchange the membrane. In this situation, the shaft would be de-mountably secured within, or on, the relevant upright and could the released and removed conveniently, for example in a spring-loaded manner, allowing another shaft and membrane to be fitted in its place. It is envisaged that the shaft would be fitted with a quick-lock/quick-release mechanism or like equipment. Alternatively, the shaft may comprise a membrane holding unit located parallel thereto wherein in the membrane would shipped on the membrane holding unit and then the membrane holding unit could be swapped into the relevant shaft to perform a change of membrane. In this way, it is envisaged that the membrane holding unit would be fitted with a quick-lock/quick-release mechanism while the shaft would be a permanent piece of equipment within the upright.

It will be understood that the membrane may be connected to the linking members by way of snap-fit connectors allowing quick connection thereto. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the unit may be powered by any Standard means, including mains electricity. In a particular embodiment, the structure is fitted with solar cells and a wind turbine for power generation and a battery arrangement. In this way, the structure would be self-powering and would not require connection to an external power source and thus may be situated in locations that would otherwise be un- useable.

It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the membrane of the outdoor screen structure maybe used to prevent the passage of the ball from an area of play to an out-of-bounds area in a sports field. The membrane may also be used to display content, by printing or projecting the content thereon. The present of the guiderail allows the membrane to form a smooth flat surface.

In the specification the terms comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising or any variation thereof and the terms include, includes, included or including or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment herein described, but may be varied in both construction and detail within the terms of the claims.