Methods for Implementing an Ultraviolet Court Illumination System

The present invention generally relates to the field of sports event management and more specifically to a system and method for transforming standard sporting playing fields into visually enhanced environments suitable for hosting various sports under unique visual conditions.

There is a growing demand for a system and method that can transform standard sporting playing fields into visually enhanced environments, making them suitable for hosting various sports under unique visual conditions.

The process of establishing illuminated environments for sports events is intricate and varies widely from one venue to another, influenced by the unique differences in playing field layouts and surrounding infrastructure. These variations encompass different types of surfaces such as clay, hard surfaces, and turf, along with variations in fencing types, structures, heights, and proximity to the playing area. This diversity poses significant challenges in standardizing the setup process, which is essential for both the functionality of the event and the safety of participants and staff.

Existing methods in the field failed to effectively address the variability and complexity associated with different sporting venues. There was a clear need for a system that was both flexible and adaptable, capable of accommodating a broad range of venue configurations, especially in response to increased demand and the operational challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The primary issue this invention addresses is the absence of a standardized, efficient, and flexible method for setting up illuminated sports events that can adapt to the diverse types of sports courts and their specific environmental and structural challenges. Existing systems did not adequately cover the extensive variations in court types and configurations, nor did they offer a scalable solution that guaranteed both enhanced visual effects and safety.

Furthermore, there has been a noticeable need for improvements in the portability and profitability of the setup processes, particularly as the scale and frequency of events have grown. The prior art lacks solutions that effectively reduce the time required for setup and takedown, and it does not provide for easy adaptation to different sporting venues with minimal adjustments.

The present invention is intended to address problems associated with and/or otherwise improve on conventional methods through an innovative systems and methods that are designed to provide convenient and effective installation and incorporating other problem-solving features.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

Over the past decade, the Court-Illumination System has been deployed at sporting events across the United States, with projections indicating nearly 400 events by the end of 2024. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased business demand highlighted the need for focused enhancements in methods and process improvements.

The primary goals are to reduce cycle times, improve portability and profitability, and ensure comprehensive safety for all participants and staff involved.

The innovation centers on transforming standard sporting playing fields-such as those used for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and padel-into vivid fluorescent neon environments. This transformation process reveals numerous challenges due to the unique characteristics of each venue. Key obstacles include variations in playing surfaces (clay, hard, and turf) and fencing (differing in type, structure, height, and distance from play lines). These factors significantly influence the setup of playing courts, especially when multiple fields are arranged in proximity to each other, whether perpendicular, parallel, or end-to-end.

It has been recognized that no two playing fields are alike, particularly outside the playing line boundaries. This realization has led to the development of adaptable methods capable of handling a broad range of venue configurations, even under the most challenging scenarios.

The disclosed invention provides methods that are downward compatible, ensuring that the described techniques and equipment can be effectively applied across a variety of sporting platforms at each respective venue. The comprehensive procedures for configuring tennis equipment, as detailed herein, establish a foundational framework. Specific adaptations for pickleball, padel, and basketball can be addressed on-site, taking into account the interconnected nature and specific requirements of these sports setups.

This approach allows for a versatile and scalable application of the present invention, adaptable to diverse sporting environments.

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim limitation found herein and/or issuing here from that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims found herein and/or issuing here from. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

The present invention provides a method and system for efficiently setting up, managing, and dismantling sports events at various venues. The method includes a comprehensive approach that may start with a preliminary site assessment to evaluate venue-specific needs and continues through staging essential equipment, installing lighting components, implementing visual displays, and arranging safety markers.

The method of present invention may also cover the preparation of the playing surface with appropriate sports equipment, establishing electrical setups, deploying audio equipment, and managing event progression.

As shown in, a typical playing courtand equipment layout-location targets may include straps, fence brackets, telescopic poles, spider lights, Large Cones/LEDs, Switch Box/Plugs of Stringer Cab, (Double) Black Light Fixtures, and perimeter fencing (fence).

The method may conclude with a detailed dismantling and cleanup process, ensuring all equipment is collected, packed, and transported to a predetermined location, followed by the disconnection and securing of all power sources.

In one embodiment, as shown in, the method may include a pre-installation process, an installation process, and a deinstallation process.

The pre-installation processmay includes:

An onsite assessment may involve a detailed inspection of the playing court to establish initial plans for fully setting up the event. This includes: a. Cleaning the lines on this clay court is necessary. b. Evaluate whether overhead straps are needed, and if so, specify the required type of straps (length and placement). c. Challenges with Awnings: If awnings are present, plan how to manage installations around them. d. Decide on the location for the DJ setup in relation to the layout of the playing court. e. Check the onsite redundant power source for usability (verify amperage—15A, 20A, 30A; check for GFI receptacles) and its proximity to our power switch box. f. Assess the placement and setup of our generators and the location of the power switch box. g. Identify which baseline fencing will route the power stringer plugs. h. Determine where to store all empty racks during the event. i. If necessary, pinpoint the placement for “white lighting.”

In this step, all necessary equipment for the setup is organized on specialized mobile shelving carts. Each cart features customized sleeves on its shelves to securely hold the individual components or parts. In one embodiment, the trailer staging area may accommodate a mix of 21 different types of components, totaling over 200 parts. Due to weight constraints, these parts can be distributed across 7 reinforced portable carts. These carts are designed for easy transportation to the immediate playing court area, where they are ready for setup tasks. Assigned site helpers may collaborate to move and assist with the overall event setup.

The installation processmay includes:

3. Positioning each cart near the point of installation to optimize equipment positioning. The arrangement of all components is designed to guide volunteers/workers to position subsequent components in proximity. Typically, an experienced individual handles this initial cart placement. Once the target equipment is positioned, all other components can be set up simultaneously.

In this step, the present invention provides a unique method for efficiently setting up playing courts using a system of interrelated components that are strategically placed based on predefined locational targets and adaptable configurations. This method facilitates quick, accurate setups and is versatile enough to handle a variety of court types and surrounding infrastructures.

This method invention simplifies the court setup process, reduces setup time, and ensures adaptability to a wide range of playing environments, making it a valuable advancement in the field of sports facility management.

In preferred embodiment, the method of present invention utilizes initial setup components such as designated fence bracketsand markers as locational targets to guide the placement of subsequent components, ensuring precision and consistency in the setup.

In preferred embodiment, the method of present invention utilizes adjustable components like telescopic poles (and base pedestals can may be attached to the telescopic poles), particularly in environments lacking standard fencing or where court dimensions vary.

In one embodiment, the method of present invention may employ telescopic polesthat can be adjusted in height and position to simulate standard fencing or to extend existing barriers, ensuring that court boundaries are maintained accurately regardless of existing physical conditions.

In one embodiment, the method of present invention may use overhead strapping not only to delineate court boundaries where fencing is inadequate but also to support additional elements such as decorative banners or lighting, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

In other embodiment, the method of present invention may integrate safety protocols to monitor and adjust the tension of strapsand poles, preventing damage to equipment and ensuring stability and safety of the setup (system).

In yet another embodiment, the method of present invention may allow for the repositioning and extension of setup components like polesand strapsto navigate around physical obstacles (e.g., trees, buildings) that may interfere with standard setup procedures.

In a detailed embodiment, the present invention may comprise the following Step-by-Step process for overhead strapping and court setup:

1a. Setting Up Fence Bracketsand Orange Tops: Begin by deploying the fence bracketsand orange tops around the court. Position these components near key areas such as the service line, baseline, net posts, and baseline fencing area as shown in. For courts with complete fencing, place 14 bracketsper court, and for shared or adjacent courts, adjust the number of bracketsaccordingly.

2a. Deploying Telescopic Poles: Retrieve the telescopic polesfrom the custom cart and position them at locations where fencing is less than 8 feet high or absent. Ensure polesare placed near previously set orange top brackets (fence brackets)or directly next to net posts as needed.

2b. Placing Base Pedestals: Unstrap and slide out base pedestals from the cart, positioning them near the orange top brackets where there is no fencing. Ensure the tube on the pedestal faces upward for later attachments.

3a. Securing Strapping: The strapping (nylon robe) is used as an overhead horizontal structure where a 7 foot or less of chain-link fencing is present. The method may use dual function strapping. For example, the user can use nylon rope as overhead strapping where fencing is inadequate (7 feet or less). Secure one end of the strapto a 10-foot-high baseline chain-link fencing postand extend it across to the other end, creating a continuous strap line at 10 feet high.

3b. Tension Adjustment: While securing, adjust the ratchet strap to be taut between 150-200 pounds. Monitor to ensure that this tension does not damage the poles or fencing.

3c. Navigating Obstacles: If awnings or other obstacles intersect the path of the strapping, route the strap around the perimeter of these obstacles at the court side. Secure additional telescopic polesto the awning supports, extend them to 10 feet, and attach the strapto the top of these poles.

4a. Preparing Surface: For clay courts, inspect and clean the lines to ensure they can accept tape adhesion. For hard courts, proceed directly to taping.

4b. Applying Tape: Begin taping court lines using fluorescent tape, ensuring no overlap at corners. Use a pinch and shear method to cut tape by hand.

5a. Placing Blacklight Fixtures: Retrieve blacklight fixturesfrom the designated cart and position them near each target location previously outlined. Ensure fixturesare placed on their side to protect the lenses.

5b. Routing LED Stringer Power Cords: Deploy power cordsfrom the cable cart. For a typical two-court setup, route three stringersalong the perimeter and between courts. Start from the tennis net end pole, placing the first receptacle near the net post and continue placing others along the service and baseline, adjusting as necessary for shared areas.