Tunnel based system for protection of a surface or an object

The present invention relates to a tunnel based system for protection of a surface, such as a path, a court, or a green area, such as grass fields or similar, according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention will also have other ranges of uses, such as a party tent, a portable garage, an outdoor shelter and so on.

Background

Sports facilities and green areas regularly used for outdoors athletic activities (practice and also competition) such as football are being used intensively with periodically high load and strain. If practices and competitions are going to take place as planned, it is important that the fields always can be used at scheduled time and with relatively similar conditions every time. These circumstances require harsh demands concerning growth conditions for the grass turf, and many field owners experience that the grass field often is considerably worn down which results in dramatically reduced conditions of use and also an additional increase in maintenance costs. When the field is a part of a larger stadium complex, these green areas also represent large investments.

Football (practice and competition) is an all year activity with a particular intensity in the spring/early summer and in the late summer/autumn. Due to periodically extreme weather situations and seasonal variations bringing low temperatures, winter darkness, heavy rain and/or snow, field owners experience that the fields sometimes cannot be used due to flood water, frost, snow or other conditions that will result in reduced possibilities for growth and use. In addition to this, stadiums are often used for other large events, such as concerts, with additional heavy wear of the grass turf. To ensure that the grass turf receives good conditions for growth- and use, it is important to be able to protect the whole or parts of the field/green area's surface for a shorter or a longer period of time. Accordingly some field owners use moveable roofs that can be erected over the field when needed. There are also in existence some solutions to these problems based on plastic sheets being pulled over the field for protection in extreme weather periods. These solutions result in reduced light- and ventilation conditions and as a result end up in reduced growth conditions. Some of these solutions also turn out to be quite expensive.

From WO 95/09681 (Koot) there is a known system for protection of a field or a path where there are used mutually linked elements. From US 6 289 909 and DE 2356928 there are known tunnel based systems for protection of a surface for athletic or agricultural purposes.

These known solutions have some disadvantages as they contain many elements, are quite difficult and require a long assembling time. Such prior art solutions do not have the desired qualities for such systems when use- and growth conditions are considered.

Object

One object of the invention is to provide a system that provides good growth conditions through the whole year or the parts of the year that need improved growth conditions. Further it is an object of the invention to provide a protection of a surface, such as a field, a path or a green area, such as grass fields and similar, or parts of these, that would prove less expensive than prior art solutions and that can be used on the whole or a part of a surface, such as a field, a path or a green area. Further there is an object of the invention that the system can have other areas of use, such as an outdoor shelter for an object, a party tent, a portable garage or similar.

Further there has been emphasized to provide a system that quickly assembles and disassembles, and that can be used over long periods of time. The system shall be of light weight, be moveable in addition to having significantly lower maintenance and operating costs than prior solutions.

Additionally the system will have the function that it can be collapsible and can be set away in a small area when disassembled.

The invention

The invention is stated in claim 1. Further details and embodiments of the invention are specified in claims 2 - 19.

A tunnel based system in accordance with the invention includes essentially a framework and flexible parts that are arranged together to form a protection having mainly a tunnel shape, that stretches along or across a part of a surface, such as a field, a pitch or a green area. The number of tunnel sections arranged together determines the total size of the field, the pitch or the green area being covered. The framework of the system according to the invention consists of at least one end section, crossing arches, and lengthwise stiffening elements that connect the crossing arches and the lengthwise arches to the end section(s).

The end section is formed by a main part with a reversed U-shape with horizontally protruding sides at the opening of the reversed U-shape; where the reversed U-shape advantageously has a rectangular cross section. In this way the main part and the protruding sides form a portal that stretches over one width in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel to be formed. The portal's opening is furthermore surrounded by crossing

arches stretching from the furthest ends of the protruding ends on each side of the opening of the reversed U-shape, so that the crossing arches surround the openings of the portal. The total width of the main part and the protruding sides is in this way adapted to the diameter of the crossing arches, i.e. they are adapted to the diameter of the complete tunnel to be formed. The crossing arches are furthermore advantageously fastened to the upper corners of the rectangular U-shape. Close to the top of the crossing arches there are advantageously arranged one or more stiffening elements that stretches/stretch between the two crossing arches. These stiffening elements also have another function that will be described later in the text. The protruding sides are furthermore preferably equipped with wheels at their outermost ends, which wheels advantageously can be rotated 360 degrees. In this way the end section forms a transport- and storing cart or wagon that can be moved. Alternatively other means, such as spears, feet or other suitable means can be arranged to the ends of the arches where the need requires. The system further consists of additional crossing arches. These additional crossing arches and the crossing arches of the end sections have advantageously a mainly U- profile with inward projections with the opening adjusted into the tunnel being formed. Each U-profile advantageously has a limited depth. The crossing arches are furthermore equipped with lengthwise protruding elements on the outer profile, on the side opposite to the opening of the U-profile with inward projections, so that it forms a U-profile on the opposite side of the opening of the U-profile with inward projections. The crossing arches are advantageously furthermore equipped with wheels at their ends, preferably integrated in the profile of the crossing arches, but even the crossing arches can be equipped with other means at their ends, such as spears, feet or other suited means where the need requires. The crossing arches furthermore may advantageously include fastening means, such as fastening hooks and such, for cooperation with the fastening arrangement for the wall elements, such as wedging rails, elastic straps or similar devices, especially where the fastening devices are equipped with means adapted to the fastening arrangement of the crossing arches. Furthermore the system preferably also includes, as mentioned above, lengthwise stiffening elements, which have a determined length, which lengthwise stiffening elements are fastened to the crossing arches by suitable fastening means. The lengthwise stiffening elements bind the crossing arches together in the longitudinal direction (from arch to arch) and also the crossing arches together with the end section. Advantageously there are arranged lengthwise stiffening elements at the top of the arches and along the sides of the tunnel thus being built up. The number of lengthwise stiffening elements may vary and they may be arranged where a need requires, and these connection points can then be

used as fastening points for the arrangement of e.g. light armatures, tables, shelves or similar means desirably arranged within the tunnel.

The system's framework is formed by the end section, the desired number of crossing arches and lengthwise stiffening elements, the framework advantageously forming a tunnel shape, for which framework one or more wall elements can be arranged to create a tunnel for protection of a surface, such as a field, or a pitch, or an outdoor protective space for an object, such as e. g. a portable garage, party tent or similar. The lengthwise wall elements are advantageously made from soft/elastic plastic, tarpaulin or other suitable material. In case the system is used to enhance growth conditions, for instance of a football field or field of similar character, the wall element is with advantage transparent so that natural light can enter.

The framework is assembled by starting with an end section arranged at the place of assembly. Then successively crossing arches are arranged to one of the end section's sides by the aid of lengthwise stiffening elements, until the framework has reached the desirable length. The wall element/-s can then be stretched over the crossing arches of the end section and the following crossing arches and then be fastened thereto by the aid of suitable fastening arrangements, such as wedging rails stretching along the outer U-profile of the crossing arches and fastened to the crossing arches by the aid of suitable means that can be tightened and create secure fastening, such as eccentric locks. Each tunnel has preferably at least one wall element that covers the entire tunnel, both lengthwise and crosswise, so that the wall elements together with the framework and the flexible parts together form a continuous tunnel shape, where the wall element advantageously is arranged tight and smooth along the entire tunnel length. Depending on the area of use, the wall elements do not need to stretch all the way down, but can for instance just stretch down to the area around the end of the crossing arches.

Advantageously are additionally arranged wall elements that seal off the ends of the tunnel. Advantageously the wall element that is arranged at the opening that is formed by the end section is produced in such manner that it can be opened and closed so that easy access to the interior of the tunnel is accomplished. The size and length of the tunnel will depend on the size of the end section, the size of the crossing arches and the number of crossing arches, as well as the distance between the crossing arches.

Height, width, length and shape can be adapted to need and manner of use. If there is a need for additional security there can advantageously be arranged means for additional anchoring of the system. When the system is not in use and is being stored the crossing arches can be placed on the end section, that is, being placed between the end section's crossing arches, where the crossing arches are being held by the stiffening

elements that stretch between the two crossing arches of the end section. The crossing arches will as such be hanging on the end section (the transport- and storing cart). The size of the end section will determine how many crossing arches can be stored.

In addition the end section is advantageously supplied with shelves or similar to store the lengthwise stiffening elements and other loose parts. The end section also advantageously comprises means for storing the wall element, advantageously in a rolled up shape.

When the first tunnel is assembled, additional tunnels can be assembled in a series or in parallel to the first, or both.

When the tunnels are connected in series, the second tunnel is fastened to the first tunnel by fastening crossing arches successively to the last crossing arch of the first tunnel, while the second tunnel's end section completes the tunnel in the other end.

The wall element of the second tunnel is arranged in the same way as for the first tunnel, but stretches advantageously over the end arch of the first tunnel and is fastened with the wall element of the first tunnel by the aid of a fastening arrangement for fastening the wall elements to the crossing arches, so that the two wall elements form an overlap at the crossing arch. Then the two tunnels form a continuous construction lengthwise. When several tunnels are being assembled parallel to each other, the second tunnel is placed next to the first tunnel and fastened to the first tunnel by the aid of suitable means. If the crossing arches are equipped with wheels, the tunnels can be assembled independently and moved next to each other and finally fastened to each other.

By the aid of these two methods of assembly, the system can be broadened and lengthened until desirable width and length is accomplished, depending on the manner of use.

Once several tunnels have been assembled to desirable length and width, there can be arranged devices for application of light, devices for sensing temperature, light conditions and similar conditions, electronics, and means for connecting and supplying electricity and power to the lengthwise stiffening elements within the tunnel (s).

Thereafter the tunnels can be connected to a mutual external control unit for electricity and control signals. The external control unit is preferably equipped with means for automatically and/or manually providing climate control of the complete system.

When operated, the external control unit, with the aid of the devices for sensing temperature, humidity and light conditions, controls the means for supplying artificial light and other devices arranged within the tunnel in order to achieve optimal growth conditions for grass or plants. The optimal conditions, being entered as parameters in the control unit in advance, can be adjusted to the local conditions when needed. Because the control unit takes into consideration the natural light that comes into the tunnel, the humidity and

temperature, and supplies light energy and heat energy in accordance with the optimal level for growth of grass and plants, one consequently achieves reduced consumption of energy, which in turn achieves a reduction in energy costs.

Because the system consists of several parts, changing damaged or replacing worn parts can be done with ease.

Further details of the invention will be shown in the following example description.

Example

The invention will now be shown in a more detailed description with reference to the Figures, where:

Figures 1a and 1 b show by way of example an embodiment of an end section according to a first version of the invention,

Figure 2a shows a crossing arch and a fastening arrangement for wall elements according ^* to a first embodiment of the invention, Figure 2b shows a cross section of the profile of a crossing arch according to the invention, and shows the fastening of a wall element to the crossing arches as well as a fastening bracket arranged in the crossing arches for fastening of lengthwise stiffening elements,

Figure 2c shows details of the crossing arches and the fastening arrangement for wall elements,

Figure 3 shows details of the lengthwise stiffening elements, as well as the fastening process of the lengthwise elements to the crossing arches,

Figure 4 shows a fastening bracket for the fastening of the lengthwise stiffening elements to the crossing arches, and Figure 5 shows a finished assembled framework with a part of the framework supplied with a wall element.

Figures 1 a and 1 b shows a principal sketch of the end section 11 for the framework according to a first embodiment of the invention that is particularly well suited for use on a football field and other similar areas, where Figure 1 a shows only the end section 11 , while Figure 1b shows the end section 11 used as a transport and storage cart. The end section 11 is formed by a main part 12 with a reversed U-shape with horizontally protruding rectangular sides 13a and 13b at the opening of the reversed U-shape; where the reversed U-shape advantageously has a rectangular cross section. In this way the main part 12 and the protruding sides 13a-b form a portal that covers a width in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel to be built up. The portal's opening is furthermore surrounded by traversing arches 14a-b stretching from the outer ends 15a-d of the protruding sides 13a-b on each

side of the opening of the reversed U-shape 12, so that the arches 14a-b surround the openings of the portal. The end section 11 will function as a stiffening element, so that the tunnel stands sturdy both during erection and after the tunnels assembly is completed. The total width of the main part 12 and the protruding sides 13a-b is in this way adapted to the diameter of the crossing arches 14a-b, which also means they are adjusted to the diameter of the tunnel to be formed. The crossing arches are advantageously also fastened to the upper corners 16a-d of the main part 12. Close to the top of the crossing arches 14a-b there are advantageously one or more stiffening elements 17a-b stretching out between the two crossing arches 14a-b. These stiffening elements 17a-b also have another function described below.

The protruding sides 13a-b are furthermore advantageously supplied with wheels 18a-d at their outer ends 15a-d, which wheels 18a-d advantageously can rotate 360 degrees. In this way, the end section 11 forms a transport and storage cart that is moveable. Alternatively other means (not shown), such as spears, feet or other suited means can be arranged at the ends of the arches where the area of use requires such a design.

Now referring to Fig.2a that shows a crossing arch 20 that is a part of the system's framework and fastening arrangement 30 for wall elements, for instance in the form of wedging rails. The crossing arches 20 have a diameter that equals the diameter of the crossing arches 14a-b of the end section 11. Now referring to Fig.2b that shows a cross section of the profile of the crossing arches 20 and the crossing arches 14a-b of the end section 11. The crossing arches 20, 14a-b have advantageously a mainly U-profile with inward projections having the opening directed into the tunnel to be formed. The U-profile has advantageously a limited depth. The crossing arches 20, 14a-b are furthermore equipped with lengthwise protruding elements 21 on the outer profile, on the side opposite to the opening of the U-profile with inward projections, so that it forms a U-profile on the opposite side to the opening of the U- profile with inward projections. The crossing arches 20 are furthermore in the example equipped with wheels 22 at their ends (Fig.2a and 2c), advantageously integrated in the profile of the crossing arches 20, but the crossing arches 20 can also be equipped with other means at their ends, such as spears, feet or other suitable means if the use require such elements.

Now referring to Fig.2c that shows details of the crossing arches 20 and fastening arrangement 30 for wall elements 50. The crossing arches 14a-b, 20 furthermore advantageously include fastening devices 23, such as fastening hooks or similar, for fastening of fastening arrangement 30 for wall elements, such as a wedging rail, elastic strap or similar, which fastening arrangement 30 is supplied with fastening- and tightening means 31 adapted to the fastening means 23 on the crossing arches 14a-b, 20. In the

example, the fastening arrangement 30 is equipped with an eccentric lock 31 on at least one side of the fastening arrangement 30 and alternatively a hook or similar on the other side. By the aid of the eccentric lock 31 , the fastening arrangement 30, as shown in the example in the form of a wedging rail, can be securely fastened and tightened to the crossing arches 20 to obtain a safe and gentle fastening of the wall elements 50, as further explained below.

Now referring to Fig.3, there are shown details of the lengthwise stiffening elements 40, as well as the fastening process, for the fastening of the lengthwise stiffening elements 40 to the crossing arches 14a-b, 20. The lengthwise stiffening elements 40, advantageously of tube shape, can also have a rectangular cross section or other modified shapes. The elements 40 are in the example at one end 40a, equipped with a bayonet fitting 41. The bayonet fitting 41 has a shape that allows it to fit into the element 40. The bayonet fitting 41 furthermore includes a flange 42 that divides the bayonet fitting 41 into two parts; which flange 42 has a diameter that is adapted to the outer circumference of the elements 40. On one side of the bayonet fitting 41 it is equipped with a locking groove 43. The locking groove 43 is adapted to a locking bolt 44 arranged in the other end 40b of the elements 40. The bayonet fitting 41 is arranged and fixed in a suitable way at the end 40a of the elements 40, so that the end of the bayonet fitting 41 with the locking groove 43 reaches out of the elements 40. The lengthwise stiffening elements 40 have advantageously a set length that is adapted to the desired distance between the crossing arches 20. The lengthwise stiffening elements 40 are fastened between two adjacent crossing arches 20 and between the end section's 11 crossing arch 14a or 14b and the first following crossing arch 20, as illustrated in Fig.5, by the aid of suitable means 45, as in the example a fastening bracket 45, as shown in Fig.2b, 3 and 4. The fastening bracket 45 is advantageously made of two pieces, where it has a trunk 46 that is adapted to the U-profile with inward projections of the crossing arches 14a-b, 20, and a protruding leg 47 that stretches out in a right angle centrally from the trunk 46. The protruding leg 47 has a centrally arranged hole 48; which hole 48 is adapted to the bayonet fitting 41 of the lengthwise stiffening elements 40. The fastening brackets 45 are advantageously fastened to the crossing arches 14a-b, 20 by the aid of a set screw (not shown) or other suitable means. The fastening brackets 45 can, e.g. if an assembly without screws is desired, be fastened to the crossing arches 14a - b, 20; by the aid of for instance welding or other suitable means without use of screws. The fastening brackets 45 are advantageously guided into place from one end of the arch profile of the crossing arches 14a-b, 20 being accurately placed and fixed in desired places.

When the end section 11 has been assembled the fastening brackets 45 are arranged in desired places for fastening of the lengthwise stiffening elements 40 that shall be fastened to equivalent fastening brackets 45 on the following crossing arch 20 and also on the crossing arch 14a or 14b from where the tunnel will extend. Advantageously there are arranged three such lengthwise stiffening elements 40, respectively in the top, between two adjacent crossing arches 20, as shown in Fig.5. In addition, there can be fastened lengthwise stiffening elements 40, at heights as required to be used as point of fastening for arrangements of, for instance, lighting, tables, shelves or other similar means desirably arranged within the tunnel. The longitudinal stiffening elements 40 are fastened by the end 40a as a bayonet fitting is guided through the hole 48 (Fig.3) of the fastening bracket 45, and into the end 40b, so that the groove 43 corresponds with the locking bolt 44. Then the longitudinal stiffening element 40 shall be turned, and thus the longitudinal element 40 is being securely locked to the crossing arches 20, 14a-b, by the aid of the shape of the locking groove 43. When arranging the first crossing arch 20, an end piece (not shown), having a shape equal to the end 40b of the longitudinal elements 40 can be employ to fasten the lengthwise stiffening element 40 to the crossing arch 14a-b of the end section 11. At the end of the tunnel, a bayonet fitting 41 ca be employed to fasten the lengthwise or longitudinal element 40 to the end arch 20 of the tunnel. By the aid of the lengthwise or longitudinal stiffening elements 40, the system is detached and stands alone already during assembly, as the end section 11 together with the following crossing arches 20 creates a detached framework, as shown in Fig.5, as the crossing arches 20 are being successively assembled by the aid of the lengthwise stiffening elements 40. After assembly of the framework, that is, the end section 11 and the following crossing arches 20 that are bound together by the aid of the lengthwise stiffening elements 40, as shown in Fig.5, at least one lengthwise curved wall element 50 can be arranged on to the framework. Fig.5 shows one wall element 50 arranged over a first part of the framework. The wall element 50 is advantageously made of soft/elastic plastic, tarpaulin or other suitable material; which wall element 50 advantageously stretches over the whole framework both crosswise and lengthwise. Depending on the area of use, the wall element 50 does not have to stretch all the way down to the ground. If the system is being used to promote growth conditions, for instance on a football field or similar, the wall element 50 is with advantage transparent so that natural light can be let in. Now we refer again to Fig.2b, illustrating the fastening of the wall element 50 to the crossing arches 20, 14a-b. The wall element 50 is fastened advantageously gently to the crossing arches 14a-b, 20 by the aid of a fastening arrangement 30 for such purposes, e.g.

wedging rails as shown in Fig. 2a-c. The wedging rails 30 stretch along the U-profile of the crossing arches 14a-b, 20 and fasten the wall element 50 so that it is suitably tight and smooth over the framework as the wall element 50 is being squeezed in to the U-profile of the crossing arches 14a-b, 20, as shown in Fig. 2b and securely fastened by the aid of the tightening and fastening abilities of the fastening devices 31 of the fastening arrangement 30.

The ends of the tunnel are advantageously adjusted with a wall element - (not shown) that seals the openings. Advantageously the end section 11 is provided with a wall element with a zip so that easy access to the tunnel can be achieved, for instance to be able to drive a lawn mower in to the tunnel if desirable.

If there is a need for additional securing/anchoring of the system, different suitable means for this can be arranged by the aid of suitable fastening means to the assembled tunnel. When the system is to be disassembled, it is done by first removing the wall element 50 by loosening of the fastening arrangement. Then one can successively remove the lengthwise stiffening elements 40 and the crossing arches 20.

Now referring to Fig. 1 b, showing the end section 11 used as a transport and storage cart. The crossing arches, 20, can after disassembly be stored on the end section, by placing them over the stiffening elements 17a-b, between the end section's crossing arches 14a-b. The stiffening elements 17a-b hold the crossing arches 20 somewhat higher up than the wheels of the end section. In this way, the end section can be stored easily, quickly and space efficiently. The size of the end section 11 will determine how many crossing arches 20 can be stored. In the example, there is shown an end section with 17 crossing arches, including the two crossing arches of the end section, which will be sufficient for a tunnel of 36 meters length with a diameter of 4 meters. Two systems of this size will consequently cover a distance of over 70 meters if they are arranged in subsequent order in the lengthwise direction.

Advantageously the end section is also supplied with means of storage (not shown), such as shelves or similar, for storage of loose parts (not shown), such as lengthwise stiffening elements, wall elements and other equipment.

Modifications

Different types of material can be used for the different components. For instance, the framework can be made of; steel, aluminium or sturdy plastics. Different types of materials can be used for the fastening arrangement for the wall elements, such as wedging rails of metal and straps of fabric, reinforced plastic or similar. It will also be possible to make use of several types of fastening arrangements, for

instance wedging rails of metal by the ends of the tunnel and straps of reinforced plastic on the other crossing arches.

The crossing arches can be designed from several components to be assembled into a unit. The wall elements can be equipped with eyes along their edges for fastening to the framework, for instance with suitable fastening means to the lengthwise stiffening elements, which are arranged along the sides of the assembled tunnel. Advantageously these fastening means are elastic so that tightening of the wall element can be achieved.

The wall elements can also include other means of fastening to the crossing arches, such as Velcro, push-button solutions or similar.

The wall element can be divided into several pieces, where each element is equipped with means for joining adjacent wall elements, for instance eyes, where the area surrounding the eye with advantage is strengthened to create a sturdy construction.

The wall element can be made of different kinds of material, as long as it shows a flexible quality. When the system in addition shall be used as a green-house, the material is advantageously of a kind transparent material that allows natural light to pass.

The wall element covering the opening of the end section can be replaced with a gate, doors that can open or similar structures.

The crossing arches can have a different shape, for instance a tubular shape, T-profile, or H-profile and can for instance have double walls for fastening of wall elements there between.

Extra contraptions for control of climate and light conditions in the tunnel can be arranged, e.g. lighting for supply of artificial light or means for supply of heat, fresh air, water, nutrients or similar. As supply of artificial light, there can be used traditional lighting systems for plants, or lighting based on light emitting diodes (LED) or a combination of these devices.

If needed, there can be arranged stiffening poles (not shown) between the crossing stiffeners and the top of the crossing arches.

The lengthwise stiffening elements can be telescopic or collapsible and both the lengthwise stiffening elements and the crossing arches can be supplied with other suitable means for fastening of these to each other.

A fully assembled tunnel can be arranged with flooring of suitable material if there should be a need, for instance when the system is being used as a party tent.