U.S. patent application number 09/352740 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for multi-filamentous net or mesh having an image on one side.
Invention is credited to BOURDAGES, RICHARD.
Application Number | 20020115508 09/352740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25680371 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020115508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOURDAGES, RICHARD |
August 22, 2002 |
MULTI-FILAMENTOUS NET OR MESH HAVING AN IMAGE ON ONE SIDE
Abstract
A multi-filamentous net or mesh comprising an image visible on
only one side is provided. The image is visible only from the
primary viewing position without the paint or ink composition
absorbing through the fibers to be visible from the back of the net
or mesh. This permits the use of multi-filamentous nets or mesh for
images or logos without disrupting the spectators' view and/or the
use of both sides of the net or mesh for unidirectional images or
logos.
Inventors: |
BOURDAGES, RICHARD;
(REPENTIGNY, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ANDREW N PARFOMAK
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
45 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10111
|
Family ID: |
25680371 |
Appl. No.: |
09/352740 |
Filed: |
July 14, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/476 ;
273/404; 273/407; 273/408; 473/197; 473/477; 473/478; 473/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 15/0025 20130101;
G09F 23/00 20130101; A63B 63/004 20130101; A63B 71/022 20130101;
G09F 23/0066 20130101; B44F 1/08 20130101; A63B 61/003 20130101;
G09F 19/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/476 ;
473/477; 473/478; 473/197; 473/494; 273/404; 273/407; 273/408 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36; F41J
001/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 1998 |
CA |
2,243,189 |
Apr 15, 1999 |
CA |
2,269,023 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A multi-filamentous net or mesh comprising of an image or logo
visible on only one side.
2. A multi-filamentous net or mesh comprising of one image on one
section and one or more images on one or more different
sections.
3. A multi-filamentous net or mesh as described in claims 1 or 2,
wherein the net is selected from the list comprising an ice hockey
net, a field hockey net, a floor hockey net, a soccer net, a
water-polo net, volley ball net, badminton net, tennis net and a
lacrosse net.
4. A multi-filamentous net or mesh as described in claims 1 or 2,
wherein the mesh is used in the list comprising of golf, football,
baseball games, car racing, track, cycling, and skiing.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a
multi-filamentous net or mesh having an image visible on only one
side. In particular, it relates to a multi-filamentous net or mesh
with an image that is durable, crisp and clear from the primary
viewing position without the colours being visible from the back of
the netting or mesh material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A major challenge facing most companies is obtaining
adequate public exposure of its products and/or services. To this
end, companies have used a multitude of forms of advertisements to
ensure that the public is familiar with their name or product or
service.
[0003] Sporting events are often events that attract and hold the
attention of many spectators including those in the stands at such
events as well as those watching such events on television or other
forms of media. Due to the overall popularity of sports, it is not
surprising to find companies advertising their name, products
and/or services. For example, sports such as hockey, soccer,
football and many others, are popular in many parts of the world
and are enjoyable to many spectators at both the professional and a
recreational level.
[0004] In the case most public sporting events, companies have long
recognized the benefit of locating advertisements directly in the
viewing area of the public and/or playing area to increase exposure
of the company's name, product or service to said public.
Commercial signage incorporated into these areas also provides the
sponsor with effective exposure during any televised coverage of
the event along with any clips or photographs of the event used in
electronic or print media.
[0005] Presently, some sporting events display dasher boards
surrounding the playing area. For example, or track, the score
board, the finishing line and the playing field itself, are several
examples of common areas used to display advertisements. Prices for
advertising in/on these spaces vary according to the likelihood of
their exposure on television or in pictures. As such, the space
located at key areas tend to command the highest prices.
[0006] However, there are several notable shortcomings associated
with the use of the above mentioned areas for advertisements. The
first is that they are often obscured or cropped out in most media
photographs since photographers tend to focus primarily on the
players. Secondly, given that advertisers do not have access to the
same advertising opportunities normally found with professional
leagues in most recreational sporting venues, advertisers must find
other means to promote their products when working outside a
professional sports setting.
[0007] It is thus advantageous to develop a new advertising means
that would be feasible in both a professional or recreational
sports setting. Since goal nets are used in many sports, and is
often the subject of the viewing public's attention during a game,
an image placed strategically on the net will have the potential of
being seen by a broad audience. Furthermore, manufacturers of sport
goal nets can also benefit from the placement of their company's
name or logo onto the net itself since this would easily
distinguish their products from those of their competitors.
[0008] Given the importance of a substantial advertising inventory
as a source of revenue for professional sports teams and event
organizers, and the need to effectively capture the viewing
public's attention, there is always a need to develop new
advertising possibilities. Since multi-filamentous net or mesh are
often the subject of media attention during a sporting event, they
are frequently portrayed on television or in photographs. Thus, it
would be desirous if one could use the prominent viewing position
of the netting or mesh as an advertising tool.
[0009] Moreover, multi-filamentous nets or mesh imprinted with an
image could be an effective advertising tool due to the kinetic
optical effect created when the mesh or netting moves. Unlike
static one-dimensional advertisements currently used at most sports
arenas, a corporate sponsor's logos placed on a moving net or mesh
would constantly attract the viewers' eyes due to its movement.
[0010] To date, multi-filamentous nets and mesh have remained
unadorned due to the corrosive effect of the colouring mixture on
the strength of the fibres, and paint's inability to resist
cracking, flaking or peeling under normal use as well as under
extreme pressure such as blows of a hockey puck. Additionally, nets
or mesh have not been used for advertising due to the restriction
that any logo or image applied to the netting or mesh must not
diffuse through the netting material for at least two reasons: 1)
the "leaked" image could interfere with someone's vision, and 2)
the "leaked" image would cause an inversion of unidirectional
logos. Accordingly, goal nets remain void of any designs due to
specific sporting regulations (eg. ice, field, floor and in-line
hockey competitions) which prohibit interfering with a judging
official's clear view of a puck ball etc. inside a white net.
Therefore, the colouring must be applied in such a manner so as to
assure that the design is only visible from the front of the net.
Finally, the colour must stay durable on the mesh, or netting when
used under normal or extreme environmental conditions.
[0011] It is also important that any logo or image applied to a
netting or mesh does not diffuse through the twine so as to prevent
the inversion of unidirectional logos. This would permit the full
exploitation of the netting or mesh for advertising purposes since
logos may be applied to both sides of the netting in situations
where they are visible to the public.
[0012] Another problem associated with applying images onto
multi-filamentous nets or mesh is due to the characteristic of the
twine commonly used, and the normal practice of how goal nets are
prepared in professional sports leagues. Using ice hockey as an
example, goal nets must be assembled manually on the day of the
game at the particular venue to ensure that they meet sporting
regulations. Therefore, due to the alignment of knots in the
netting, and how the nets are stretched onto the goal posts at the
correct tension, it is essential that the image be applied on site
to ensure that it will not be distorted. Also given the sensitivity
of the multi-filamentous nylon twine to pressure, any colouring
medium must be applied manually to ensure the proper degree of
absorption.
[0013] Due to the above mentioned problems, goal nets made of
multi-filamentous mesh or netting commonly used in sports games
have remained plain and devoid of any visual enhancement. There is,
therefore, a need for goal nets comprising durable images that can
only be seen from one side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS
[0014] The invention will now be further described using a hockey
net as an example and with reference to the following drawings
wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a typical hockey net showing the
placement of the image or logo on the netting material;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a typical hockey net void of any
design or colour on the netting material;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an aerial view of a typical hockey net showing the
placement of the image or logo on the netting material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a multi-filamentous net or mesh exhibiting an image or logo
visible only from one side of the mesh or netting.
[0019] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the
multi-filamentous net or mesh comprising of an image or logo
visible on only one side, includes but is not limited to, such nets
or mesh used in the sports of hockey, soccer, water-polo, lacrosse,
football, golf and baseball.
[0020] In yet a further embodiment, the netting can have one image
on one side of one section and another image on one side of a
different section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Because multi-filamentous mesh or netting are often the key
area of focus in numerous sporting events and the fact that the net
or mesh is often captured in the background of photographs and on
television, the application of a logo on one side of the mesh or
net will result in powerful public exposure for advertisers.
[0022] The term "net" means a fabric made from string, cord, etc.
loosely knotted or woven in an openwork pattern. The term "mesh"
means a fabric of thread, cord, wire, etc. knitted, knotted, or
woven in an open texture with holes. In both cases, the mesh or net
can be made from natural or synthetic materials with variations in
the size of openings and in the diameter of the thread, cord, wire,
etc. used for the mesh or net.
[0023] The term "goat net" means a net of various constructions
having a frame supporting a mesh or netting made of
multi-filamentous twine used in numerous sports games where the aim
is to have a player shoot or kick an object (eg. puck or a ball,
frisbee, or the like) into the net. The netting or mesh used for
goal nets are commonly knotted to provide the proper alignment of
openings.
[0024] High tensile strength net structures often used in
commercial applications are produced from either wire, synthetic or
vegetable fibres. Several non-limiting examples of synthetic
materials used for this purpose include nylon, and polypropylene
yarn. Vegetable yarns include cotton, hemp, or other suitable
materials.
[0025] There are numerous examples of goal nets made of
multi-filamentous mesh or netting being used in sports games. Some
common examples include goal-nets used in the various forms of
hockey, the game of water-polo, soccer, lacrosse and the like.
[0026] Given the importance of goal nets in many sports, it is
common to have them closely inspected by the governing sports
bodies. The netting material used for the nets is typically
hand-knotted aid then hand-fitted onto the proper goal posts soon
before each game in professional leagues. The alignment of the
knots along with the tension of the netting is verified by
officials in keeping with sporting regulations. Nets may be
rejected due to numerous reasons, many of which are related to the
quality of the netting material itself.
[0027] To make the multi-filamentous nets or mesh of this
invention, one must apply a new paint composition to one side of
the net or mesh in a specific manner.
[0028] The invention comprises: a pigment formulation of which two
basic examples are provided; a paint composition and an ink
composition. The defining characteristics of the pigment
formulation are such that the formulation must demonstrate such
fluidity characteristics to enable it to soak into the net fibres
sufficiently that it will not chip, peel or wear away due to
physical impact or weathering during the game. It must not soak
into the fibres so much that it bleeds to the other side of the net
fibre. The formulation must not damage the net fibres or cause a
distortion of the net geometry. The formulation must result in a
clear crisp image that is observable on one side of the net and not
on the other side of the net.
[0029] This invention also contemplates that a mixture of
automotive paint with other paints can fall within the scope of its
boundaries, should such mixture demonstrate the qualifying
characteristics enumerated herein. Likewise a mixture of paint and
ink can also fall within the scope of this invention if it
demonstrates the qualifying characteristics enumerated herein.
[0030] This invention also contemplates a method of application for
the formulation which takes into account two viewpoints of the net.
The primary viewpoint is one in which a clear, crisp image can be
observed on the net. This will usually correspond to the viewing
position of the judging officials.
[0031] The final characteristics of the net employing the
formulation and method of this invention are such that a clear,
durable image (viewable from the primary perspective) will be
formed on the net, without distortion or damage to the net matrix
(geometry) wherein such image will withstand the `wear and tear` of
the game and will not be observable from a secondary position that
is generally, approximately 180.degree. from the primary viewing
angle.
[0032] The Paint Composition
[0033] Paint typically comprises of three basic components:
pigments, binders or resins, and solvents, as well as a few
additives to correct any possible defects in the paint. Automotive
paints differ from general household paint in its requirement to
provide excellent corrosion resistance for the coated metal surface
while providing the desired gloss and brightness for
automobiles.
[0034] For this present invention, a paint composition is disclosed
comprising of any automotive [either enamel or lacquer] basecoat or
colour coat (ie. pigmented polymer layer) normally used prior to a
clear coat during automotive refinishing in a suitable and
effective ratio of basecoat to proper diluent and water by volume.
The basecoat material comprises any suitable film forming material
conventionally used in this art including acrylics, alkyds,
polyurethanes, polyesters and aminoplast resins. In addition to the
pigments, commercial basecoats may also contain metallic or mica
particles. Well known and useful automobile basecoats include
products from DuPont, PPG, BASF, Glasurit, R-M, House of Kolor,
Allchem, Berger Paints, Spies Hecker, Martin Senour as well as
other paint manufacturers.
[0035] In addition to the pigment colour of the basecoat, further
pigments may be added to the present invention. As a pigment
colour, any of the inorganic or organic high-weather-resistant
pigments which are commonly used in automotive basecoats can be
successfully employed. Useful examples include inorganic pigments
such as rutile type titanium dioxide, carbon black, etc. and such
organic pigments as quinacridone pigments, (e.g. quinacridone red,
etc.), azo pigments, (e.g. pigment red etc.), and phthalocyanine
pigments, (e.g. phthalocyanine blue, phthalocyanine green
etc.).
[0036] The diluent can be any appropriate paint solvent that is
compatible with the basecoat to give a proper drying time. The
chemical makeup of various diluent, although similar in design and
purpose, varies according to the type of pigments and binders used
in the particular paint products. As a common practice, thinners
are designed to work with lacquer-based products, while reducers
are used for enamel and urethane-based products. Equivalent
products currently available on the market are easily obtained
through automotive paint companies. When using the present paint
composition on netting or mesh, the composition may approximately
be composed of an effective % by volume of a diluent.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment we used two commercially available
products, Chromabase.RTM., an automobile refinishing coating, and
Basemaker.RTM. 7185S, a slow acting diluent. Both products are
readily available from DuPont Company.
[0038] The Ink Composition
[0039] The variety of printing ink is numerous and can be
classified by various means. Examples of recognized classifications
include composition and texture, application and use, and drying
manner. Generally, inks are composed of colouring, a binder or
vehicle, and drying agents. For the present invention, a dye-based
ink composition is disclosed comprising any type of printing ink in
an effective ratio of ink to proper diluent and water by volume.
Non-limiting examples of possible inks for the present invention
include fluorescent, Pantone base, Half-tone process or regular
colours.
[0040] The diluent can be any appropriate solvent that is
compatible with the ink mixture to give a proper drying time.
Equivalent products currently available on the market are easily
obtained through ink manufacturers. When using the present ink
composition on synthetic fabric the volume of the diluent may vary
according to several factors including the level of humidity, the
ambient temperature and the thickness of the applied coating. It is
desirable for the ink mixture to have a curing time of
approximately 30 minutes.
[0041] One preferred embodiment uses two commercially available
products: HOMASCO.RTM., a multi-usage ink; and HOMASCO.RTM. Regular
Solvent, a medium acting diluent. Both products are commercially
available from suppliers of printing inks.
[0042] The Method of Application
[0043] The paint and ink compositions may be applied to a number of
net or mesh-like surfaces. The preferred method of application for
both compositions is by the free-hand application of the colouring
medium to the mesh, or netting material. Examples of manual
application methods include the use of a paint roller, sponges,
brushes and other means well known to those in the art of paint
application.
[0044] The outline of the image may be imposed onto the mesh, net
or fence surface in one of two fashions. The first is by way of a
prepared stencil, which is affixed onto the mesh or netting in the
correct position before applying the paint or ink by the
appropriate method. A second method is by projecting the image to
be created onto the mesh or netting with a projector and manually
tracing an outline with a felt-tipped marker, paint brush, ink
applicator or other applicators that are well known to those
skilled in the art. In both cases, only the area to be painted is
exposed while the remaining areas are covered.
[0045] Following the preparation of an outline to be filled in, the
paint or ink composition is applied while the netting is attached
to the goal posts in a vertical position. The method of the present
invention is conducted with a paint roller having a dense sponge
applicator of various sizes, or with other appropriate applicators
known to those skilled in the art. After the sponge applicator is
properly saturated with the colouring mixture, any excess paint is
removed from the applicator before the colour is applied to the
mesh or netting. To ensure sharp clear images, the colouring
mixture is applied in a quick fashion to prevent any paint from
dripping onto the sides of the twine. The colouring mixture is
allowed to dry for a minimum of five minutes following each
application to ensure proper absorption into the mesh or net
surface. A minimum of two coats of the colouring mixture is used to
create an image on the mesh or netting.
[0046] The final impact of the applied image is verified by
inspecting the final product from the known angle of the television
cameras in the proper sporting venue. Additional paint or ink may
be required where the knots of the netting material affected the
application of the colouring medium.
[0047] Positioning of the Image on the Goal Net
[0048] The optimal positions for the images are determined by
analysing the views from the standard positions or the television
cameras in order to achieve the truest depiction or the image as
seen on television. In situations where the event is not televised
the most effective position for the images will be chosen by
determining the common positions of photographers and how the image
is conveyed overall to the viewing spectators. Given the unique
nature of the net as an advertising medium, the spectators'
perception of the image will change with the net's movements.
[0049] To further assist in understanding the present invention,
the following non-limiting examples of the use of the coloured
means on multi-filamentous mesh or twine is provided. These
examples, of course, should not be construed as specifically
limiting the present invention. Variations presently known or later
develop, which would be within the purview of one skilled in the
art, are considered to fall within the scope of the present
invention as described herein.
[0050] Examples
[0051] The present invention may be beneficial in numerous
applications. In the case of hockey, it is essential that any
images applied to the goal net do not diffuse through the twine.
Contrary to other sports, hockey regulations stipulate that the
back of a hockey net must remain white to ensure a goal judge's
full visibility of the puck inside the net. In light of this, the
present invention will not inhibit the goal judge's view while
providing effective media exposure for the advertiser. Furthermore,
given the full visibility of the net during a televised game, it
will also be possible to apply images on top of the hockey nets
using the present invention.
[0052] In accordance with its principal aspects, one example
embodiment of the present invention is a hockey net having an image
or logo applied onto the inside of the net (see FIG. 1) or on top
of the net (see FIG. 3). The image or logo is not visible when
viewed from the rear of the net or from the side when the mesh or
netting is moving (see FIG. 2).
[0053] A second example of the present invention is a soccer net
having an image or logo on the inside of the net that is only
visible from the front of the net. The image or logo is not visible
when viewed from the rear or from the side of the net.
[0054] A third example is a water-polo net having an image or logo
on the inside of the net that is only visible when viewed from the
front of the net and not from the back or the side of the net.
[0055] A further example is to have an image on the
multi-filamentous mesh used in football, and baseball games without
blocking the spectators view.
[0056] A further example of the present invention is a goal net
used in the game of lacrosse. Images or logos are applied to the
inside of the net that are only visible when viewed from the front
and not from the back or from the side of the net.
[0057] A further example is to demonstrate its durability, the
image or logo applied onto a hockey net using the present invention
was subject to high impact forces normally associated with the game
of hockey. The test consisted of subjecting the coloured areas to
the force of numerous pucks shot at high speeds. Despite the
numerous forceful impacts of the pucks, the colours or the painted
image remained intact and vibrant. There was also no apparent
detrimental effect on the strength of the twine due to the
colouring mixture. These test results clearly show that the present
invention is superior to any commercial product currently available
on the market when used on multi-filamentous mesh or nets.
[0058] Changes and modifications to the described embodiments and
examples may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of
the present invention. The scope of the invention is intended to be
limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
[0059] It will be understood that the foregoing descriptions
describes only a few of the specific embodiments, which are
illustrative of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments
may be expanded upon according to the various sports requiring the
use of a goal net.
* * * * *