[0001] This invention regards a system for favouring and promoting the growth conditions
for grass and other grass pitch/lawn plants, for example clover, more favourable,
which plants form part of grass pitches for sports and athletics purposes, according
to the preamble of claim 1 as already known from WO-A-2 509 681.
[0002] In particular, but not exclusively, the invention regards the growth conditions for
grass and lawn plants that form the blanket of grass that is surrounded by towering
stands that put large areas of the grass pitch in the shade. Football pitches with
tall stands are particularly exposed to these types of conditions, which block the
normal access of light to the pitch, inhibits growth and causes the growth conditions
for the grass and the rest of the plants that form part of the lawn/pitch to deteriorate.
[0003] Such poor lighting conditions will inevitably result in a poor quality grass pitch.
Shorter days reduce the general quality of the grass pitch, and the time of the poorest
condition of football pitches must be reckoned to be from the middle of December to
the middle of February in the following year, at which time the weather conditions
are also the least favourable for the plants of the turf. As a consequence, most European
football leagues normally take a winter break during this two-month period, so as
to ensure that the quality of the already poor grass pitches does not deteriorate
any further.
[0004] A serious, large-scale attempt at solving the problems of keeping the grass pitch
reasonably dry during periods of heavy rains is known, however it does not improve
the growth conditions of the grass pitch in other respects. At the home ground stadium
of the Ajax football club in Amsterdam, a mobile roof has been built which, when in
the operative position, covers the entire area of the stadium, but even when the roof
is retracted to the inoperative position, the tall stands cause the aforementioned
deep shade that inhibits and partly prevents the grass from growing normally, at least
across large parts of the pitch. Here, they have taken the consequences of the solution
of one problem causing another, by replacing the entire turf twice a year. It is intended
that the same, costly principle be used at the new, modern stadium in Coventry, which
has been estimated to cost NOK 1.5 billion.
[0005] The "Amsterdam solution" is a very costly, and not least time consuming solution.
Each time the turf is to be replaced, the stadium must be closed for approximately
2 months. Removing the blanket of grass that is to be replaced is time consuming and
requires a lot of work, and laying the new grass is equally time consuming and demanding,
almost regardless of the method used. In the Nordic countries, snow and adverse temperature
conditions will make it difficult to produce a replacement turf outside (or indoors)
during the winter.
[0006] A primary object of the present invention has therefore been to make the growth and
thriving conditions for natural grass pitch plants more favourable, so as to achieve
a higher quality of grass pitch in general, and perfectly useful grass pitches in
the wintertime in particular, referred to e.g. Nordic weather and temperature conditions.
As the weather, temperature and not least lighting conditions in the Scandinavian
countries are always considerably better, from the point of view of plant growth/thriving,
in the summer half-year than in late autumn and in the winter, it will, through the
system and method according to the invention, which will be used unaltered regardless
of the time of year, be possible to achieve greater improvements relative to normal
conditions in late autumn and during the winter than during the summer half-year.
And this is exactly what is needed. High quality natural grass pitches that can be
made available in the winter/early spring/late autumn will be invaluable when arranging
among other things the well-known international football tournaments the UEFA Cup
and the Champions League, in which, among others, Norwegian and other Nordic teams
participate.
[0007] Said object is realised through the system and the method specified in the following
Claims.
[0008] The system according to the invention comprises at least one displaceable light source-bearing
unit that includes a frame with a low height, and which consequently extends essentially
in the horizontal plane, where it from an inoperative ready position at a distance
from a grass pitch for which the system is provided, depending on its own area in
the horizontal plane, can be brought to cover all of or a smaller percentage of the
area of the grass pitch that is to be lit and possibly also treated in other ways
by means of said system.
[0009] This light source-bearing unit that forms part of a system of preferably a plurality
of such units, which in said inoperative position may interlock telescopically, or
the units may be arranged in a space saving manner on top of each other, in both cases
ready positions from which they can be moved to operative positions in which the light
source-bearing units/frames singly cover their own share of the area of the grass
pitch. A good storage space in the ready position for the system according to the
invention would be underneath one of the stands or in some other place where the moving
distance to the grass pitch is not too long.
[0010] The light source-bearing unit/frame is equipped with running wheels. If the lighting
unit is of the embodiment preferred according to the invention, in which it is dimensioned
with a width (in the direction of the width of the grass pitch) that slightly exceeds
the width of the grass pitch itself, and with a length (in the longitudinal direction
of the grass pitch) that constitutes only a fraction of the length of the grass pitch,
for instance a fourth or a fifth of the length of the pitch, it is practical to arrange
fixed, guiding running rails along the longitudinal edges of the pitch. For driving
on these guide rails, the frame of the lighting unit is equipped with intermediary
wheels with softer tires for running on top of the grass pitch itself.
[0011] In addition, the frame of the lighting unit, which frame forms the support for both
types of wheels, is designed with holders for electrical light sources, preferably
in the form of mains/electro aggregate operated fluorescent tubes.
[0012] The number and placing of the fluorescent tubes depend on the delivered wattage,
and the amount of light per unit area that is considered to be the optimum in each
case.
[0013] The frame of the lighting source can have a closed top, and reflectors may be arranged
inside the box in order to maximise the utilisation of the light. The frame of the
unit may be provided with downward/sideways projecting jets or other nozzles for directional
jetting action of water and/or air.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting unit/greenhouse described is provided with
equipment for lighting, heating, ventilation, watering, aeration and possibly addition
of soil improvement agents, sprays etc. The system according to the invention may
be subordinated to process control that is known
per se, based on the specific types of grass that form part of the grass mix of the grass
pitch, and the prevailing climatic conditions.
[0015] In said preferred embodiment, in which the travelling greenhouse/lighting unit moves
on wheels, the unit may be moved forward step by step, and may cover about ¼ of the
area of the grass pitch in each operative position. When the entire grass pitch has
been submitted to lighting and other treatment for a sufficient length of time and
with sufficient intensity, the unit is retracted to the inoperative position. The
movement that is guided by the longitudinal rails may be implemented through use of
powerful, electrically driven winches via wires, by means of electric motors or in
another manner that is known
per se.
[0016] An electrical aggregate or transmission station for electrical power placed outside
one of the touchlines, by the middle of the grass pitch can, via a long, freely disposed
cable, lead to a connection point in the lighting unit/greenhouse for supply of electrical
power to the fluorescent tubes or other light sources, and to possible heating elements.
A corresponding water and/or air hose may be connected to a pressurised water aggregate
or a compressor for supply of water for watering and wind-imitating air respectively,
via jets or other suitable nozzles provided in the framework of the unit.
[0017] A non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention
comprises at least one travelling lighting unit or one mobile greenhouse/hothouse,
which may possibly be divisible/collapsible. The invention is illustrated in the attached
drawings, in which:
Figures 1 and 2 show the system according to the invention used in connection with
a football grass pitch, which is surrounded by tall stands that prevent light from
getting to the grass pitch covering in the normal manner, and where the stands put
parts of the pitch in the shade, as;
Figure 1 shows the system in the inoperative ready position, where the travelling
lighting unit/the mobile greenhouse (hothouse) in the arrangement shown is partly
retracted underneath a stand, while
Figure 2 shows the travelling lighting unit in the operative position;
Figure 3 shows the football pitch (without the stands being shown) and the travelling
lighting unit/greenhouse in the working position shown in Figure 2, and shows visible
running wheels and power supply means that are suitable for this embodiment;
Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 3, but shows the lighting unit/greenhouse in a different
working position;
Figure 5 shows details in a part drawing on an enlarged scale, where the lighting
unit/greenhouse, in addition to lighting elements, exhibit watering and ventilation
functions.
[0018] According to Figures 1 and 2, a football grass pitch 10 is surrounded by covered
stands 12, 14 and 16 on three sides, as the fourth side may correspond to stand 14.
These are modern, covered stands where the roof sections consist of freely projecting
roof structures 18, 20 and 22 respectively, which shut out sun and light, and are
the source of large areas of shade on the pitch 10 itself.
[0019] In order to favour the growth of the grass, particularly in those area that are most
shaded, but also in order to promote in general the growth and thriving conditions
for those grass plants and other lawn plants that form part of the mix of the blanket
of grass, not least through those seasons when the days of sun and light are short,
a system according to the invention has been developed to comprise at least one lighting
unit 24. This lighting unit 24 may have those properties one would wish for in a mobile
greenhouse/hothouse: Lighting, possible heating, as well as possibilities for watering,
aeration, fertilisation, trimming etc. These functions of the travelling lighting
unit/ greenhouse 24 will vary with the nature of the grass pitch, climatic conditions
etc. As such, any extra, artificial heating will be superfluous e.g. in countries
in southern Europe with a relatively high average temperature throughout the year,
even though the need for extra lighting due to large, shadowing stands is great also
in these countries.
[0020] In the embodiment shown, the lighting unit 24 that is built onto a low sectional
frame 26 is constructed from light materials, so as to give it a reasonable weight
in spite of a large area in the horizontal plane, which weight in this and other similar
embodiments will not damage the grass pitch during the travelling along this.
[0021] In the embodiment shown, the lighting unit 24 has a lateral extent in the horizontal
plane that slightly exceeds the width of the grass pitch 10, but an extent in the
longitudinal direction of the pitch that may as an example correspond to ¼ to
1/
6 of the length of the pitch. It has previously been stated that the width and length
of the lighting unit may vary within the scope of the invention. According to Figures
1 and 2, a storage space has been provided for the lighting unit 24 underneath one
12 of the end stands.
[0022] Just outside of each of the straights of the grass pitch there is arranged a guide
rail 28 for the outer rail wheels 30. Between these widthways outer running wheels
30 there are mounted further wheels (not shown) with soft tires for driving on top
of the grass.
[0023] A long electrical cable leads from an aggregate or similar 32 to the lighting unit/greenhouse
24.
[0024] The unit 24 is furnished with a number of light sources, here in the form of lamps
or fluorescent tubes 33, which will normally be placed in transverse and longitudinal
rows. The roof of the unit 24 will normally be tight and opaque.
[0025] If the lighting unit 24 is also to be used for watering, ventilation, aeration etc.,
it will be connected to a feed hose for pressurised water/compressed air.
[0026] According to figure 5, there is shown a water feed hose 34 that may also be connectable
to an outside compressor for supply of compressed air. Water/air passes from the feed
hose 34 into a manifold 36, from where short, downward projecting branch pipes are
terminated in separate nozzles 40.
[0027] Reference number 42 in Figure 5 denotes a stepped motor that constitutes a propulsion
device for the wheels 30, while 44 denotes transverse lawn clean-up brushes distributed
along a shaft 46.
1. A system for favouring and promoting growth conditions for grass and other plants
including in grass pitches for outdoor and indoor sports and athletics, particularly
where shade from stands (12, 18; 14, 20; 16, 22) reduces the lighting conditions for
said grass pitch (10), or substantial parts thereof, said system being equipped with
means for lighting said grass pitch (10), said lighting means being carried by a unit
(24) having its substantial extent in the horizontal plane,
characterized in that said unit (24) is movable and has an extent in the horizontal plane that, as measured
in the longitudinal direction of the grass pitch (10), corresponds to a first dimension
constituting a fraction of the length of the grass pitch (10) only, and, as measured
in the lateral direction of the grass pitch (10), corresponds to a second dimension
slightly exceeding the grass pitch width, said movable unit (24) being adapted to,
in addition to said lighting means (33), to house means for e.g. supplying water,
fertilizers, etc. to the grass plants or air for ventilating the same, so as to act
as a mobile greenhouse.
2. A system as set forth in claim 1,
characterized in that said unit (24) is provided with running wheels (30).
3. A system as set forth in claim 2,
characterized in that said system comprises longitudinally extending guide rails (28) for the running wheels
(30) of said unit (24), each guide rail (28) being positioned at or below ground level,
extending along straight paths immediately outside touchlines assigned to the grass
pitch (10).
4. A system as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said unit (24) comprises a low framework construction having a tight roof and being,
at least partially, downwardly open, as well as internally, in addition to said lighting
means (33) known per se, housing distribution pipes (36) having nozzles (40) for supplying
a fluid such as water or air in a downward direction to the grass pitch below.
1. System zum Begünstigen und Fördern von Wachstumsbedingungen für Gras und andere Pflanzen,
einschließlich in Grasfeldern für Freiluft- und Hallensport und athletische Veranstaltungen,
insbesondere dort, wo Schatten von Aufbauten bzw. Besucherrängen (12, 18; 14, 20;
16, 22) die Lichtzufuhrbedingungen für das Grasfeld (10) verschlechtern oder für wesentliche
Teile von diesem, wobei das System mit einer Einrichtung zur Lichtzufuhr zu dem Grasfeld
(10) versehen ist, wobei die Lichtzufuhreinrichtung durch eine Einheit (24) getragen
ist, die sich im wesentlichen in der horizontalen Ebene erstreckt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Einheit (24) beweglich ist und eine Erstreckung in der horizontalen Ebene aufweist,
die gemessen in der Längsrichtung des Grasfelds (10) einer ersten Abmessung entspricht,
die lediglich einen Bruchteil der Länge des Grasfelds (10) ausmacht, und gemessen
in der Lateralrichtung des Grasfelds (10) einer zweiten Abmessung entspricht, die
geringfügig die Grasfeldbreite übersteigt, wobei die bewegliche Einheit (24) zusätzlich
zu der Lichtzufuhreinrichtung (33) dazu ausgelegt ist, eine Einrichtung zum beispielsweise
Zuführen von Wasser, Dünger und dergleichen zu den Graspflanzen oder Luft zum Belüften
derselben aufweist, um als mobiles Gewächshaus zu dienen.
2. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Einheit (24) mit Laufrädern (30) versehen ist.
3. System nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das System sich in Längsrichtung erstreckende Führungsschienen (28) für die Lauffelder
(30) der Einheit (24) aufweist, wobei jede Führungsschiene (28) auf oder unter Bodenniveau
angeordnet ist und sich entlang gerader Pfade unmittelbar außerhalb von Berührungslinien
erstreckt, die dem Grasfeld (10) zugeordnet sind.
4. System nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Einheit (24) eine Konstruktion mit niedrigem Rahmen umfasst, aufweisend ein dichtes
Dach und zumindest teilweise nach unten offen, sowie im Inneren zusätzlich zu der
Lichtzufuhreinrichtung (33), die an sich bekannt ist, Gehäuseverteilungsrohre (36)
mit Düsen (40) zum Zuführen eines Fluids, wie etwa Wasser oder Luft in Abwärtsrichtung
zu dem darunter liegenden Grasfeld.
1. Système conçu pour favoriser et promouvoir les conditions de croissance de l'herbe
et d'autres plantes y compris les terrains engazonnés pour les sports pratiqués en
extérieur et les sports de plein air et l'athlétisme, en particulier, là où l'ombre
propre des gradins (12, 18 ; 14, 20 ; 16, 22) réduit les conditions d'éclairage dudit
terrain engazonné (10), ou des parties importantes dudit terrain, ledit système étant
équipé de moyens d'éclairage dudit terrain engazonné (10), lesdits moyens d'éclairage
étant retenus par une unité (24) comportant une grande partie de son étendue dans
le plan horizontal, caractérisé en ce que ladite unité (24) peut être déplacée et comporte une étendue dans le plan horizontal
qui, comme cela est mesuré dans le sens longitudinal dudit terrain engazonné (10),
correspond uniquement à une première dimension constituant une fraction de la longueur
dudit terrain engazonné (10), et, comme cela est mesuré dans le sens latéral dudit
terrain engazonné (10), correspond à une seconde dimension excédant légèrement la
largeur dudit terrain engazonné, ladite unité pouvant être déplacée (24) étant adaptée,
outre auxdits moyens d'éclairage (33), pour loger les moyens, par exemple, destinés
à fournir l'eau, les engrais, etc. aux plates herbeuses, de manière à agir comme une
serre mobile.
2. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite unité (24) est équipée de roues porteuses (30).
3. Système selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit système comprend des rails de guidage s'étendant longitudinalement (28) pour
les roues porteuses (30) de ladite unité (24), chaque rail de guidage (28) étant positionné
au niveau du sol ou en-dessous, s'étendant le long de voies droites immédiatement
à l'extérieur des lignes de touche affectées au terrain engazonné (10).
4. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'unité (24) comprend une construction charpentée inférieure comportant un toit étanche
et étant, au moins partiellement, ouvert vers le bas, aussi bien qu'intérieurement,
en plus desdits moyens d'éclairage (33) connus en soi, logeant des tubes de distribution
(36) comportant des buses (40) pour fournir au terrain engazonné en-dessous un fluide,
tel que de l'eau ou de l'air dans un sens vers le bas.