[0001] This invention relates to portable walls, in particular, to walls for use in playing
or practising ball games, (referred to herein as "games walls"). More especially,
it relates to portable walls for use in practising football (in particular Association
Football, referred to herein as soccer). However, some, at least, of the games walls
described herein can be used for practising other ball games, for example tennis,
squash, Rugby football and cricket. The invention is described below with particular
reference to portable walls for use in soccer.
[0002] According to preferred forms of the present invention there is provided a portable
games wall which can readily be assembled, disassembled, transported and stored, the
wall being comprised of a relatively few, mainly interchangeable, component parts.
[0003] In one aspect the present invention provides a portable wall suitable for use in
playing or practising ball games comprising:
a plurality of impact-resistant panels;
a plurality of hinges hingedly connecting together adjacent ones of said panels at
adjacent edges thereof; and
one or more support members to support the wall in a substantially upright disposition,
each support member being secured, respectively, to one of said hinges.
[0004] In a preferred form of the present invention the portable wall comprises:
a plurality of impact-resistant panels connectable one to another at adjacent edge
portions by a hinge to form a substantially upright, lateral assembly, said hinge
comprising:
first and second mateable hinge leafs secured respectively along said edge portions
of first and second of said panels, and a hinge pin to interconnect said first and
second hinge leafs; and
one or more support members to support the wall in a substantially upright disposition,
the support member or support members being secured, respectively, to said hinge or
hinges.
[0005] In a further preferred form of the present invention, the hinges comprise a hinge
pin in engagement with edge portions of said adjacent panels, said edge portions being
of a shape such that they each provide a plurality of hinge knuckles, the hinge knuckles
of one of said panels engaging with the hinge knuckles of the other of said panels,
[0006] The present invention also provides a method of producing a panel for a portable
wall, which comprises:
(a) pre-forming a sheet of rigid plastics material to form therein precursor apertures
of pre-determined shape and size for subsequent conversion to knuckles and knuckle-receiving
apertures for a hinge, thereby producing a preformed blank;
(b) securing to a middle portion of the preformed blank a layer of a plastics foam
to form a laminate leaving other portion or portions of the blank uncovered by plastics
foam;
(c) folding over the reverse face of the plastics foam layer the uncovered portions
of the blank, said folding being along a line or lines intersecting said precursor
apertures, whereby said precursor apertures are converted to provide said hinge knuckles
and knuckle-receiving apertures;
(d) securing said uncovered portions to said reverse face.
[0007] The general purpose of the portable wall of the invention is to provide a rebound
or return surface against which a ball can be kicked or otherwise projected and returned
in the general direction of the player for subsequent control and/or re-play. The
wall is particularly of value for practice by a solo player.
[0008] The nature of the impact-resistant panels of the portable wall depends to some extent
on the game for which it is to be used. In general, however, the panels will be of
such a construction that they are suitable for practice of soccer. The rebound surface
of the panel (referred to herein also as the "front") is preferably a continuous surface,
thereby facilitating its manufacture. In a preferred form of the invention the panels
each comprise a layer of cellular plastics material covered on at least its rebound
surface by a sheet of tough, lightweight plastics material.
[0009] The panels are conveniently of square or other rectangular shape, which facilitates
edge-to-edge connection of adjacent panels.
[0010] The rebound surface of the panels can be planar. However, where it is intended that
the rebound surface should return the ball at an "unexpected" angle, thereby to test
the skill of the player, the rebound surface can be shaped accordingly, for example
by the inclusion therein of corrugations or other projections. Alternatively, or in
addition, the rebound surface can have apertures or recesses therein which will provide
return of the ball at said "unexpected" angle.
[0011] The hinges by which adjacent panels are connected together comprise, in general,
first and second mateable hinge leafs secured along opposed side edge portions of
the panels, and a hinge pin engaging the hinge leafs. The hinge leafs are conveniently
formed, according to the present invention, from a sheet of suitable plastics material
(for example high density polyethylene) by a process of cutting and shaping to provide
a generally U-shaped hinge leaf as is described in greater detail below with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0012] The purpose of the support members of the portable wall is to prevent unwanted collapse
of the wall, especially when struck by a kicked soccer ball or other ball having substantial
energy. It is an important feature of the present invention that the supports, or
at least some of them, are secured respectively to hinges connecting together adjacent
panels. In a preferred form of the invention the support member is hingedly connected
to the same hinge pin as are the hinge leafs of adjacent panels. In this form, the
support members can be regarded as being a third hinge leaf of the hinge assembly.
A preferred form of support member comprises a ground-contacting support leg and an
attachment or engagement member secured to the support leg and for hinged or other
engagement with the respective hinge.
[0013] As stated above, the portable wall of the invention is of particular value in practising
soccer. For that purpose is is normally sufficient for the component panels to be
in a single tier. However, for certain purposes it is preferable for the wall to include
at least one further tier. For example, the increased height obtained by using a further
tier obviates the risk of unintentional stray balls passing over the top of a single
tier of panels. The use of such a further tier facilitates use of the wall for games
such as tennis and squash where the height of the wall is important. Where a further
tier is used it is conveniently composed of panels similar to those of the lower tier
and having hinge assemblies and support members similar to those used for a single
tier construction, as is described in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0014] Thus, in a further aspect the present invention provides a portable wall according
to the invention, wherein the wall including a plurality of auxiliary impact-resilient
panels connectable to one another at adjacent side edge portions by means of a hinge,
to form a substantially upright, second tier, said second tier being disposed above,
and in juxtaposition to, said lateral assembly.
[0015] Advantages provided by at least preferred embodiments of the portable wall of the
invention in practising various games are as follows:
Soccer
[0016] The hinged construction of the portable wall allows the angle defined by adjacent
adjoined panels to be varied to suit the needs of the player, for example by effecting
return of the ball in a wide range of angles. For heading practice, a foldable flap
or other ramp can be provided for one or more of the panels of the wall, so that when
the ball is kicked up the ramp it rises to a suitable height in returning to the player
for subsequent playing back against the wall.
Squash
[0017] A double tier wall can have a line drawn on it or a fitting clipped to it to form
the "tin line".
Tennis
[0018] A double tier wall can have a line drawn on it or a fitting clipped to it corresponding
to the height of a tennis net. If desired, sensors can be incorporated in the wall
so the player can be advised of any ball that would not have cleared the top of the
notional net.
Cricket
[0019] Stumps can be placed against the wall for bowling practice, preferably using a soft
ball, whereby the ball will rebound from the wall and return to the bowler for continued
practice.
[0020] There are now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying
drawings several embodiments of portable walls of the present invention.
[0021] Figs. 1 to 9 relate to a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10 relates to a second embodiment;
Figs. 11 to 13 relate to a third embodiment;
Figs. 14 to 24 relate to a fourth embodiment;
Figs. 25A and 25B relate to a fifth embodiment;
Figs. 26A, 26B and 27 relate to a sixth embodiment;
Figs. 28 and 29 relate to a seventh embodiment, a method of producing components of
other embodiments of the invention.
In the drawings:
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of a portable wall according
to the invention, comprising six impact-resistant panels connected edge-to-edge in
a U-shape configuration and comprising three lateral portions, by means of vertically-extending
elongate hinges, each hinge having secured thereto a support member;
FIG. 2 illustrates a hinge leaf of the portable wall of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a hinge pin for use with the hinge leaf of Fig. 2;
FIG. 4 illustrates a support member of the portable wall of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective front view of a hinge joint assembly of two adjoining
panels and a rearwardly-extending support member, the panels being disposed at 180°
to each other;
FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view, corresponding to FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a perspective rear view of a hinge joint assembly of two adjoining panels
and a rearwardly-extending support member, the panels being disposed at a right angle
to each other;
FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of the assembly of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective front view of an end panel of the portable wall
of FIG. 1 and a rearwardly-extending support member;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a portable wall according
to the invention, the wall comprising three impact-resistant panels connected edge-to-edge
in a L-shape by vertically-extending, elongate hinges, each hinge having secured thereto
a support member;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a portable wall according to
the invention, comprising six double-tier impact-resistant panels, the side edges
of adjoining panels being connected edge-to-edge;
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective front view of a hinge joint assembly between two
adjoining double-tier panels of FIG. 11, the two double tiers being arranged at 180°
to each other;
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective front view of an end double tier panel of the portable
wall of FIG. 11 and a rearwardly-extending support member;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of a portable wall according
to the invention, comprising six impact-resistant panels connected edge-to-edge in
a U-shape configuration and comprising three lateral portions, by means of vertically-extending
elongate hinges, each hinge having secured thereto a support member;
FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 are respectively front, rear and exploded perspective views of
a hinge joint assembly of two adjoining panels and a rearwardly-extending support
member, the panels being disposed at 180° to each other;
FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21 are respectively front, rear, side and exploded perspective
views of a hinge joint assembly of two adjoining panels and a rearwardly-extending
support member, the panels being disposed at a right angle to each other;
FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 are respectively front, rear and exploded perspective views of
an end panel of the portable wall of FIG. 14 and a rearwardly-extending support member;
FIGS, 25A and 25B are two exploded perspective views of the portable wall shown in
Fig. 14.
FIGS. 26A and 26B are two exploded perspective views of a fifth embodiment of a portable
wall according to the invention, comprising six double-tier impact-resistant panels,
the side edges of adjoining panels being connected edge-to-edge;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one of the connectors shown in Figs. 26A and 26B,
used to connect, end-to-end, upper and lower hinge pins; and
FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate the method of the invention. Fig. 28 is a plan view of
a blank of plastics material used in the production of panels of the portable walls
of the invention. Figs. 28A and 28B illustrate stages of the method. Fig. 29 is a
plan view of a blank of plastics material (for example high density polyethylene)
used in the production of support members of the portable walls of the invention.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1,2,3 and 4, the portable wall (20) comprises six like, rectangular
wall panels (21.1 to 21.6) each panel being connected to its adjoining panel or panels
by means of like hinges (22.1 to 22.5). Panels pair 21.1 and 21.2 are disposed to
each other at substantially 180°, as are panel pairs (21.3 and 21.4) and (21.5 and
21.6). Panels 21.2 and 21.3 are disposed to each other at substantially 90°, as are
panels 21.4 and 21.5.
[0024] The panels are of a laminate of a core sheet of polyethylene foam bonded on each
face thereof to a sheet of high density polyethylene. The sheet of high density polyethylene
has a thickness of 0.8mm but it can, in the general context of the invention, have,
for example, a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.5mm, for instance in the range 0.8
to 1.5mm. The polyethylene foam core sheet has a thickness of 45mm and a density of
30kg/m
3. However, in the general context of the invention, the polyethylene foam sheet (or
alternative resilient foam plastics sheet) can, for example, have a thickness in the
range 20 to 60mm, for instance 30 to 50 mm. Where a polyethylene foam sheet is used
its density can, for example, be in the range 30 to 100 kg./m
3.
[0025] Hinges 22.1 to 22.5 have secured thereto, respectively, five, like, outwardly-extending,
ground-contacting supports (23.1 to 23.5) of which two (23.4 and 23.5) are shown substantially
in full.
[0026] The free ends of panels 21.1 and 21.6, that is ends having no adjoining panel, are
provided, respectively, with like supports 23.6 and 23.7. These two supports are conveniently
like the supports 23.1 to 23.5.
[0027] Each of hinges 22.1 to 22.5 comprises first and second elongate, mateable hinge leafs
(24, 25) which extend, respectively, along side edges and from upper edge to lower
edge of adjoining panels. The hinge leafs are interconnected by an elongate, tubular
hinge pin (26). The hinge leafs and the hinge pins are conveniently of high density
polyethylene.
[0028] The supports (23.1 to 23.5) and supports (23.6 and 23.7) each comprise a triangular
support leg (26 ) and an elongate attachment member (27 ) to which the triangular
leg (26) is secured by bookbinder-type fasteners (not shown). The attachment member
(27) provides the means by which the leg is secured to the hinge, as is described
in greater detail below.
[0029] Fasteners of the "bookbinder-type" are fasteners comprising two flat-headed screws
having, respectively, interengageable male and female screw-threaded shanks for insertion
and retention in apertures in sheet-like articles which it is wished to fasten together.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the hinge joint assembly (22.1) by means of which
impact-resistant sheets (21.1 and 21.2) are connected together, comprises: hinge leafs
(24, 25) (secured by means of bookbinder-type fasteners (not shown) to opposed edge
portions of the two panels), support member (23.1) and hollow cylindrical hinge pin
(26).
[0031] Hinge leafs (24 and 25) are each of a sheet of high density polyethylene (thickness
3mm) which has been cut and shaped so as to provide a leaf having opposed planar portions
(24.1, 25.1) interconnected by a series of spaced-apart U-shaped members (24.2, 25.2)
so disposed that the interconnecting U-shaped portions of one of said leafs are such
that they can mate with the corresponding U-shaped portions of the other leaf.
[0032] Support member (23.1) comprises a triangular support leg (26) and an attachment member
(27) secured along the vertical edge of triangular leg (26) by means of fasteners
of the bookbinder type (not shown). The attachment member (27) has been formed from
a sheet of high density polyethylene (thickness 3mm) by cutting and shaping such that
it comprises two elongate, planar portions (27.1) interconnected by U-shaped portions
(27.2) at its upper and lower extremities, those portions being such that they can
mate respectively with the uppermost U-shaped portion of leaf (25) and the lowermost
U-shaped portion of leaf (24). In that assembled condition the U-shaped portions of
leafs (24, 25) and the U-shaped portions of attachment member (27) are so aligned
that they can slidably receive hinge pin (26). In that assembled condition hinge pin
(26) connects together panels (21.1 and 21.2) and support member (23.1) thereby permitting
the relative angular disposition of the two panels and the support member to be adjusted
as required. In the assembled position the lower end of hinge pin (26) rests on the
ground.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the connected panels, hinge assembly and support
member are as described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 but in FIGS. 7 and 8
the panels are disposed substantially at a right angle to each other.
[0034] FIG. 9 shows, in an exploded view, the means of attachment of a support member to
an edge of an end panel of the portable wall of FIG. 1, the end panel being one having
no adjoined adjacent panel. In FIG. 9 the support member and the hinge pin are as
described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. However, the hinge leaf shown in
FIG. 9, connected to the free edge portion of the panel is different from that of
FIG. 5 and 6 in that, instead of having a series of spaced-apart U-shaped portions
it has a single elongate U-shaped portion of a length such that it can mate with the
U-shaped portions of the support attachment member, thereby to permit the panel and
the support member to be hingedly interconnected by the hinge pin.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 10, the panels, hinge assemblies and support members are as
those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.
[0036] The portable wall illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13 corresponds to the portable wall
of FIG. 1, the principal difference being that instead of the panels being disposed
as a single tier (as in FIG. 1) the panels are arranged in a double tier. Owing to
its increased height compared with the wall of FIG. 1, the double tier embodiment
is preferred for use in practising games in which the ball is required to be returned
to the player from at least a minimum height, for example, tennis and squash. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 11 the impact-resistant panels and the hinge leafs can be
identical with those described above with reference to FIG. 1. However, at least in
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the hinge pins and support members are of
an increased length compared with those of FIG. 1 and correspond to the increased
height provided by the double tier structure. Use of the longer hinge pins provides
a simple yet most effective means of holding in upright alignment corresponding panels
of the upper and lower tiers.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the hinge leafs and attachment members can be
identical with those used in the embodiment of FIG. 1, thereby enabling the same panels
and attachment members to be used either in a single tier arrangement (as in FIG.
1) or in a double tier arrangement (as in FIGS. 11 to 13). The hinge leafs of the
panels of the upper and lower tiers are so disposed that the U-shaped portions of
the hinged leafs secured to one set of upper and lower panels not only mate with the
corresponding U-shaped portions of the hinge leafs secured to the opposed set of upper
and lower panels but also the U-shaped portions of the two attachment members are
such that the hinge pin can slidably engage all of said U-shaped portions thereby
hingedly interconnecting the two sets of panels. As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
hinge pins, when assembled with the hinged leafs and support attachment members do
not require special means for their vertical support but can rest simply on the ground.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 the support member is of a height corresponding
to the height of the double tier of panels, and the respective two attachment members
are secured to the vertical edge of the support leg by means of fasteners of the bookbinder
type (not shown).
[0039] From the foregoing description it will be seen that, in preferred embodiments of
the invention described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 13 of the accompanying
drawings, the hinge leafs and support attachment members can all be produced by the
cutting and shaping of planar sheets of high density polyethylene or other suitable
plastics or other material. The hinge pins can readily be formed by cutting lengths
of tubular high density polyethylene or other suitable plastics or other material.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 14 to 24, the portable wall (120) comprises six like, rectangular
wall panels (121.1 to 121.6) each panel being connected to its adjoining panel or
panels by means of like hinges (122.1 to 122.5). Panels pair 121.1 and 121.2 are disposed
to each other at substantially 180°, as are panel pairs 121.3 and 121.4 and 121.5
and 121.6. Panels 121.2 and 121.3 are disposed to each other at substantially 90°,
as are panels 121.4 and 121.5.
[0041] The panels are each of a laminate of a core sheet of polyethylene foam bonded on
each face thereof to a facing sheet of high density polyethylene. The facing sheet
has a thickness of 1.0mm but it can, in the general context of the invention, have,
for example, a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 2.5mm, for instance in the range 0.8
to 1.5mm. The polyethylene foam sheet has a thickness of 42.5mm and a density of 30kg/m
3. However, in the general context of the invention, the polyethylene foam sheet (or
alternative resilient foam plastics sheet) can, for example, have a thickness in the
range 20 to 60mm, for instance 30 to 50mm. Where a polyethylene foam sheet is used
its density can, for example, be in the range 30 to 100 kg./m
3.
[0042] The core sheet of foam material is enveloped in a folded facing sheet of the high
density polyethylene, said facing sheet providing a smooth, obverse, forwardly-facing
surface (for example 121.7) and two returned, folded-back opposed end portions (121.8,
121.9) which are in an opposed, contiguous relationship (for example abutting) on
the reverse, rearwardly-facing surface of the panel. The opposed ends of the polyethylene
sheet are covered by a cover member (121.10).
[0043] The polyethylene sheet has (FIG. 17) in the region of each side edge fold (121.11,
121.12) a plurality of spaced apart recesses (slots or apertures) (121.13, 121.14),
consecutive ones of which define U-shaped hinge knuckles (121.15, 121.16) for hinged
engagement with corresponding recesses in the adjacent panel.
[0044] Hinges (122.1 to 122.5) have secured thereto, respectively, five, like, outwardly-extending,
ground-contacting supports (123.1 to 123.5) of which two (123.4 and 123.5) are shown
substantially in full.
[0045] The free ends of panels (121.1 and 121.6), that is, ends having no adjoining panel,
are provided, respectively, with like supports (123.6 and 123.7). These two supports
are conveniently like the supports (123.1 to 123.5). As indicated above, adjacent
panels, in effect, constitute hinge leafs of the respective hinges. For example (FIG.
1), panels (121.1 and 121.2) constitute hinge leafs of hinge (122.1). The hinge leafs
are interconnected by elongate, tubular hinge pins (127) which are conveniently of
high density polyethylene.
[0046] By way of example, the hinge joint assembly (122.1) by means of which panels (121.1
and 121.2) are connected together, comprises opposed edge portions of panels (121.1
to 121.2), support member (123.1) and hollow cylindrical hinge pin (127).
[0047] The support members (123.1 to 123.5), exemplified by support member (123.1) (FIG.
16), have a structure very similar to that of panels (121.1 to 121.6). Thus, the supports
are each of a laminate of a core sheet of polyethylene foam bonded on each face thereof
to a facing sheet of high density polyethylene. The facing sheet has a thickness of
1.0mm but it can, in the general context of the invention, have, for example, a thickness
in the range of 0.5 to 2.5mm, for instance in the range 0.8 to 1.5mm. The polyethylene
foam sheet has a thickness of 42.5mm and a density of 30kg/m
3. However, in the general context of the invention, the polyethylene foam sheet (or
alternative resilient foam plastics sheet) can, for example, have a thickness in the
range 20 to 60mm, for instance 30 to 50mm. Where a polyethylene foam sheet is used
its density can, for example, be in the range 30 to 100 kg./m
3.
[0048] The core sheet of foam material is enveloped in a folded facing sheet of the high
density polyethylene, said facing sheet providing a smooth, obverse, forwardly-facing
surface and two returned, folded-back opposed end portions which are in an opposed,
contiguous relationship (for example abutting) on the reverse, rearwardly-facing surface
of the panel. The opposed ends of the polyethylene sheet are covered by a cover member.
[0049] The polyethylene sheet has in the region of each side edge fold a plurality of spaced
apart recesses (slots or apertures), consecutive ones of which define U-shaped hinge
knuckles for hinged engagement with corresponding recesses in an adjacent panel.
[0050] In the assembled condition the knuckles of leafs (121.1 and 121.2) and the knuckles
of support member (123.1) are so aligned that they can slidably receive hinge pins
(127). In that assembled condition hinge pin (127.1) connects together panels (121.1)
and (121.2) and support member (123.1) thereby permitting the relative angular disposition
of the two panels and the support member to be adjusted as required. In the assembled
position the lower end of hinge pin (127.1) rests on the ground.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 18 to 21, the connected panels, hinge assembly and support
member are as described above with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 but in FIGS. 18
to 21 the panels are disposed substantially at a right angle to each other.
[0052] FIGS. 22 to 24 show, by way of example, the means of attachment of a support member
(123.7) to an edge of an end panel of the portable wall of FIG. 1, The support member
(123.7) and the hinge pin (127.7) are as described above with reference to FIGS 15
to 17.
[0053] The portable wall illustrated in FIGS. 26A to 26B corresponds to the portable wall
of FIG. 1, the principal difference being that instead of the panels being disposed
as a single tier (as in FIG. 1) the panels are arranged in a double tier. Owing to
its increased height compared with the wall of FIG. 1, the double tier embodiment
is preferred for use in practising games in which the ball is required to be returned
to the player from at least a minimum height, for example, tennis and squash. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B the impact-resistant panels and the hinge leafs
can be identical with those described above with reference to FIG. 1. However, the
hinge pins and support members are of an effective increased length compared with
those of FIG. 1 and correspond to the increased height provided by the double tier
structure. Use of the longer hinge pins provides a simple yet most effective means
of holding in upright alignment corresponding panels of the upper and lower tiers.
[0054] The "longer hinge pins" can be integral, single piece pins or they can comprise two
shorter pins, for example, two like pins of the sort used in the panel of FIG. 1,
connected by a connector. Such a connector, in the form of a tube (128) is shown in
FIG. 27, the connector having a circumferential O-ring to prevent the connector, in
use, from accidentally sliding down the lower of the two connected hinge pins beyond
its intended position.
[0055] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B the support member is of a height corresponding
to the height of the double tier of panels. The hinge pins do not require special
means for their vertical support but can simply rest on the ground.
EXAMPLE I
[0056] Reference is now made to FIGS. 28, 28A, and 28B which relate to a preferred embodiment
of the method of the invention for producing a panel suitable for use in the portable
wall shown in FIG. 14.
[0057] The sequence of steps of that embodiment is as follows:
[0058] A blank (130) is severed from a sheet of high density polyethylene (referred to below
as "Hdpe"), the blank including along its respective longitudinal side edges, securement
strips (C,D,E,F) and (K,L,M,N).
[0059] Simultaneously with the severing of the blank from the sheet of Hdpe: a separate
strip (131) for subsequent use as cover strip (121.10, Fig.14), is severed from the
Hdpe; and incisions and fold lines are formed in the blank in six spaced-apart, aligned
incised areas, three of which lie between (B,C) and (N,O) and a second, like, set
extends between (F,G) and (J,K). By way of example reference is made to the middle
one of the three areas lying between (F,G) and (J,K). In that area incisions are made
along the lines (Q,R), (R,S) and (T,Q) and fold lines are formed along the lines (S,T)
and (U,V). Fold lines are also formed at the securement strips along (C,F) and (K,N)
and along parallel, outwardly disposed lines as shown in Fig. 28.
[0060] Adhesive is then applied to the area (C,F,K,N) and a sheet of polyethylene foam (not
shown), to form the core of the intended panel, is firmly secured to that area. Adhesive
is also applied to the areas (A,B,O,P) and (G,H,I,J).
[0061] The blank is then folded along two parallel lines extending between the two longitudinal
edges of the blank. One of the lines is coincident with the fold line (S,T); the other
line is coincident with the corresponding fold line in the left hand group of incised
areas. That folding brings the adhesive-coated areas (A,B,O,P) and (G,H,I,J) of the
Hdpe into overlapping, adhered contact with the exposed surface of polyurethane foam
secured to the Hdpe area (C,F,K,N). At the same time incised area (Q,R,S,T) is converted
into a flap by folding along fold lines (S,T) and (U,V). The folded flap (Fig,28A)
after adhesive has been applied thereto, is then brought into contact with the reverse
face of Hdpe area (G,H.I,J.) and adhered thereto, thereby covering the previously
exposed edge of the polyurethane foam. The folded flaps, thus adhered, are shown (128)
on Fig. 14.
[0062] Corresponding folding, adhesive application and adhesion is applied to the two incised
areas aligned with (Q,R,S,T)
[0063] The folding and securement of the three adhesive-coated flaps results in the two
zones extending, respectively, between (Q,R,S,T) and the adjacent flaps upper and
lower incised areas being bent (Fig. 28B) into a feature of U-shape cross section
thereby forming the desired hinge knuckles (121.15) of the resulting panel shown in
Figure 17.
[0064] The adhesive coated securement strips (C,D,E,F) and (K,L,M,N) are brought into embracing
contact with the longitudinal edges of the laminate of (Hdpe) and polyurethane foam.
[0065] Corresponding folding, adhesive application and adhesion is applied to all three
of the other set of aligned incised areas of the blank.
[0066] The separate strip (131) is coated with adhesive and applied to the abutted zones
of the edges of the Hdpe, that is, along the contiguous lines (A,P) and (H,I), thereby
providing the cover strip (121.10, Fig. 14).
[0067] A portion of the panel resulting from the method of this Example is shown in Figure
17 of the drawings. In that drawing an end portion of panel (121.1) has the two hinge
knuckles (121.15 and 121.16) that had been formed by said bending of the blank of
Hpte, and the end portion has hinge knuckle-receiving recesses (121.17, 121.18 and
121.19) that had been formed by said folding and securement of flap (Q,R,S,T). Recess
(121.17) is to receive the upper of two hinge knuckles of the associated support member
(123.1), and recesses (121.18 and 121.19) are to receive respectively, hinge knuckles
of panel (121.2).
EXAMPLE II
[0068] Reference is now made to FIG. 29 which relates to a preferred embodiment of the method
of the invention for producing a support member suitable for use in the portable wall
shown in FIG. 14.
[0069] The sequence of steps of that embodiment is as follows:
[0070] A blank (140) is severed from a sheet of high density polyethylene (referred to below
as "Hdpe"), the blank including along its respective longitudinal side edges, securement
strips (C,D,E,F) and (K,L,M,N).
[0071] Simultaneously with the severing of the blank from the sheet of Hdpe: a separate
strip (141) for subsequent use as cover strip (123.8, Fig. 21), is severed from the
Hdpe; and incisions and fold lines are formed in the blank at the incised elongate
area Q,R,S,T. In that area, incisions are made along the lines (Q,R), (R,S) and (T,Q)
and fold lines are formed along the lines (S,T) and (U,V). Fold lines are also formed
at the securement strips along (C,F) and (K,N) and along parallel, outwardly disposed
lines as shown in Fig. 29.
[0072] Optionally, for the purpose mentioned below, incisions and full lines are formed
in two spaced-apart, aligned, incised areas (referred to below as "optional incised
areas") lying between (B,C) and (N,O). By way of example reference is made to the
area designated (W,X,Y,Z) in Fig. 29. In that area incisions are made along the lines
(WX, WY and XZ) and fold lines are formed along lines (YZ and Y'Z').
[0073] The following description refers to the method where said optional incised areas
are utilised.
[0074] Adhesive is applied to the area (C,F,K,N) and a sheet of polyethylene foam (not shown)
to form the core of the intended support member, is firmly secured to that area. Adhesive
is also applied to the areas (A,B,O,P) and (G,H,I,J). The blank is then folded along
two parallel lines extending between the two longitudinal edges of the blank. One
of the lines is coincident with, or adjacently parallel to, the fold line (S,T); the
other line is coincident with, or adjacently parallel to, the fold line (Y,Z). That
folding brings the adhesive-coated areas (A,B,O,P) and (G,H,I,J) of the Hdpe into
overlapping, adhered contact with the exposed surface of polyurethane foam secured
to the Hdpe area (C,F,K,N). At the same time incised area (Q,R,S,T) and the optional
incised areas are converted into flaps by folding along their fold lines. The folded
flaps after adhesive has been applied thereto, are brought into contact with the reverse
face of Hdpe areas (G,H.I,J.) and (A,B,O,P) and adhered thereto, thereby embracingly
covering exposed edges of the polyurethane foam and Hdpe sheet.. The folded flaps,
thus adhered, are shown (128) on Fig. 14.
[0075] The folding and securement of the adhesive-coated flap (Q,R,S,T) results in the two
zones extending, respectively, between (Q,R,S,T) and the longitudinal side edges of
the blank being bent into features of U-shape cross section thereby forming the desired
upper and lower hinge knuckles shown (123.9, 123.10) in Figure 21.
[0076] The adhesive-coated securement strips (C,D,E,F) and (K,L,M,N) are brought into embracing
contact with the longitudinal edges of the laminate of Hdpe and polyurethane foam.
[0077] The separate strip (141) is coated with adhesive and applied to the abutted zones
of the edges of the Hdpe, that is, along the contiguous lines (A,P) and (H,I).
[0078] With reference to Figure 21 of the drawings, the support member (123.4) is the product
of the method of this Example where the optional incised areas have been utilised.
Hinge knuckles (123.9 and 123.10), the means by which support member (123.4) is secured
to hinge pin (127.4), are hingedly received, respectively, in panels (121.5 and 121.4).
[0079] The hinge knuckles (123.11, 123.12 and 123.13) are optiona01, auxiliary hinge knuckles
for use in securing to support member (123.4) a further panel (not shown) as an extension
of the portable wall. As indicated above, those three hinge knuckles are formed by
utilisation of the optional incised areas shown in Figure 29.
[0080] In Figure 21 the adhesively-secured elongate flap and the adhesively-secured auxiliary
flaps are shown respectively at (123.14) and at (123.15, 1231.16).
[0081] Where the support member is to be used as the support at an end of the portable wall,
for example support member (123.6), Figure 14, the use of said optional incised areas
is effected so that the auxiliary hinge knuckles are used for hinged connection with
the end panel of the wall. Use of a support member in that way is illustrated in Figs.
22, 23 and 24 of the drawings.
[0082] From the foregoing description it will be seen that, in preferred embodiments of
the invention, described with reference to Figs. 14 to 29 of the accompanying drawings,
the facing sheets of the panels and of the support members can all be produced by
the cutting and shaping of planar sheets of high density polyethylene or other suitable
plastics or other material. The hinge pins can readily be formed by cutting lengths
of tubular high density polyethylene or other suitable plastics or other material.
[0083] Although the portable walls of the invention have been described with particular
reference to their use in the playing or practising of ball games they are, in general,
suitable for other purposes, for example horse jumping fences, screens (for use, for
instance, in gardens or on the beach) and for constructional use in general.
1. A portable wall suitable for use in playing or practising ball games comprising:
a plurality of impact-resistant panels;
a plurality of hinges hingedly connecting together adjacent ones of said panels at
adjacent edges thereof; and
one or more support members to support the wall in a substantially upright disposition,
each support member being secured, respectively, to one of said hinges.
2. A portable wall according to Claim 1, wherein said adjacent panels and the respective
support member are mounted on a single hinge pin.
3. A portable wall according to Claim 2, wherein said adjacent panels and respective
support member are mounted for rotational movement on the hinge pin.
4. A portable wall according to Claim 1, which comprises:
a plurality of impact-resistant panels connectable one to another at adjacent edge
portions by a hinge to form a substantially upright, lateral assembly, said hinge
comprising:
first and second mateable hinge leafs secured respectively along said edge portions
of first and second of said panels, and a hinge pin to interconnect said first and
second hinge leafs; and
one or more support members to support the wall in a substantially upright disposition,
the support member or support members being secured, respectively, to said hinge or
hinges.
5. A portable wall according to Claim 4, having a plurality of said support members each
secured, respectively to one of said hinges.
6. A portable wall according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the support member (or each support
member) comprises a ground-contacting leg and is secured to an engagement means to
engage the hinge pin.
7. A portable wall according to Claim 1 wherein each hinge comprises a hinge pin in engagement
with edge portions of said adjacent panels, said edge portions being of a shape such
that they each provide a plurality of hinge knuckles, the hinge knuckles of one of
said panels engaging with the hinge knuckles of the other of said panels.
8. A portable wall according to Claim 7, wherein the panels comprise a sheet of substantially
rigid material, said edge portions being of a channel cross-section having formed
longitudinally therein a plurality of slots defining the hinge knuckles.
9. A portable wall according to Claim 7, wherein said panels have been produced from
a sheet of substantially rigid material by forming in said sheet a plurality of spaced
apart apertures substantially parallel to a side edge of the panel and of pre-determined
shape and size corresponding to the desired hinge knuckles, and folding the sheet
along a zone which is substantially parallel to the side edge of the panel and which
intersects said apertures thereby to define the desired hinge knuckles.
10. A portable wall according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wall includes
a plurality of auxiliary impact-resistant panels connected to one another at adjacent
side edge portions to form a second tier of panels.
11. A method of producing a panel or a support member for the portable wall claimed in
Claim 7, which comprises:
securing a layer of resilient foam material to a sheet of impact-resistant plastics
material so as to cover a middle portion of said sheet but leaving uncovered one or
more end portions of said sheet;
folding said one or more end portions of said sheet over said layer so as to form
for each end portion a U-shaped channel in said sheet, said folding of each of said
one or more end portions being along a respective fold line;
removing, concurrently with, before or after said folding, one or more portions of
the U-shaped channel, thereby to define in the remaining length or lengths of the
U-shaped channel one or more hinge pin-receiving knuckles; and
securing to said layer the folded end portion or portions of said sheet, either concurrently
with, or after, said folding.
12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein said removing of one or more portions of the
U-shaped channel results in the formation of one or more longitudinally-disposed recesses
in the channel suitable for subsequently receiving one or more hinge knuckles of an
adjacent panel or support member of the portable wall.
13. A method according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein said removing of one or more portions
of the U-shaped channel is effected by said sheet having formed therein, prior to
said folding, one or more apertures disposed adjacent said respective fold line.
14. A method according to Claim 13, wherein said one or more apertures are formed by pre-forming
said sheet with incisions to define a displaceable incised area which, prior to or
concurrently with said folding of said sheet, is displaced from the plane of said
sheet to provide a flap, which is subsequently brought over and secured to the folded
said one or more end portions of said sheet, thereby embracingly to cover edges of
said sheet and said layer at an edge of the respective recess.
15. A method according to any of Claims 11 to 14, wherein said folded one or more end
portions of said sheet are of a size and shape such that, when folded, their terminal
edges substantially abut each other; and securing said terminal edges to the layer
of resilient foam material.