GB2584628A

GB2584628A - Temporary sports pitch assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2584628A
Application number: GB1907524.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Beer Richard; Catton Sue
Original assignee: England Hockey
Current assignee: England Hockey
Priority date: 2019-05-28
Filing date: 2019-05-28
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Also published as: EP3976884B1; GB201907524D0; EP3976884A1; WO2020240189A1; ES2994482T3; EP3976884C0

Abstract

Temporary sports pitch 100 comprising at least one base layer 104 comprising a plurality of base layer elements 110 removably couplable to one another each comprising draining means, at least one shock absorbing layer 106 comprising a plurality of shock absorbing elements 114 removably couplable to one another, and at least one playing surface layer 108 comprising a plurality of playing surface elements 116 removably couplable to one another. The playing surface elements may be coupled by a temporary seam or hook-and-loop fastener. The playing surface layer may be unfilled synthetic turf having a textile secondary backing layer. The shock absorbing elements may be closed cell or cross-linked polyethylene foam having slits for accommodating volume changes resulting from temperature changes. The shock absorbing elements may have a non-woven fabric attached to their underside for gripping the base layer. The shock absorbing elements may be removably coupled by corresponding projections and recesses, or by adhesive. There may be a geotextile or geogrid layer between the base layer and the ground 102. The drainage means may be holes. The base layer elements may be removably coupled by interlocking features or ties or clips. The base layer elements may be plastic such as polypropylene.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1907524.1 RTM Date:25 November 2019 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Permavoid Trocellen ProGame ProPlay PoliGras Terram Enkagrid Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

TEMPORARY SPORTS PITCH ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a temporary sports pitch assembly. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a temporary sports pitch assembly.

The sports pitch assembly and method of the present invention are suitable for the provision of a temporary sports pitch capable of being used for professional sporting events. It may also be used for other activities.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Many sports stadiums can host a limited number of games because the pitch is suitable for only a limited number of sports. Traditionally, sports pitches are covered by natural grass, which requires constant, costly maintenance Natural grass pitches can be damaged by excessive heat, cold, or precipitation.

Further, stadiums of appropriate capacity may not be available for some sports, or newly-built stadiums may not have been provided with a permanent pitch yet. Additionally, pop-up stadiums have become more widely used in recent years, due to space constraints in larger cities and the temporary need for larger stadiums in smaller cities and for 'one off major events. For this reason, the inventors have appreciated a need for a temporary sports pitch assembly which may be placed into an existing stadium which is configured to host other sports, into a newly-built stadium which has not been provided with a pitch yet, or into "pop-up" stadiums.

It is further desirable that such a temporary sports pitch is of sufficient quality to host professional sports matches in any weather/climatic condition.

The inventors have appreciated a need for such a temporary sports pitch assembly to be flexible in terms of the underlying surface (e.g. ground) on which it may be assembled and placed.

The inventors have appreciated a need to minimise any damage caused to the surface on which the temporary sports pitch assembly is installed.

Although some temporary sports pitches have been developed, the inventors have appreciated the need for a novel and improved temporary sports pitch assembly capable of satisfying the international playing standards as defined by the administrative bodies of sports such as football, rugby, cricket, and hockey etc.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As used herein, the term "geotextile or geogrid layer' is used to refer to permeable fabrics or geosynthetic materials used to reinforce soils. They are commonly made of polymers, and can be woven, punched, or bonded. They act to filter, reinforce, protect, or drain the soils.

As used herein, the term "sport' or "sports" is used to refer to any activity involving physical exertion and/or skill in which individuals and/or teams compete against others, in particular any such activity performed on grass or which may be performed on grass. The term "sports" does not only refer to organised sports such as football, rugby, cricket, lacrosse, and hockey etc. The temporary sports pitch assembly may also serve as a ground covering for other purposes such as a temporary bowling green, or track etc. The present invention in a first aspect provides a temporary sports pitch assembly comprising at least one base layer, at least one shock absorbing layer, and at least one playing surface layer. The at least one base layer comprises a plurality of base layer elements, wherein each base layer element comprises drainage means, and means for removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another. The at least one shock absorbing layer comprises a plurality of shock absorbing elements, and means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another. The at least one playing surface layer comprises a plurality of playing surface elements, and means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another.

The temporary sports pitch assembly of the present invention provides a temporary sports pitch which may be easily assembled and disassembled, transported, and efficiently stored between use.

As the temporary sports pitch assembly comprises layers and each of said separate layers comprises elements which are removably coupled to adjacent elements, it may facilitate rapid and straightforward assembly and disassembly as well as facilitating transport and storage. The temporary sports pitch assembly may enable reconfiguration of the playing surface in a stadium, allowing for greater opportunity and flexibility to host a variety of sports, in particular those which do not have access to stadiums with a range of capacities. This may provide improved scope for a sport, such as hockey, to grow commercially through enabling existing stadiums normally designated for one particular sport (e.g. football / soccer) to enable use of their facilities and infrastructure to host games of another support (e.g. hockey).

Preferably, the means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another is a temporary seam.

A temporary seam or tack may take any form of temporary stitching intended to be removed when adjacent playing surface elements are to be uncoupled. Such a temporary seam may provide sufficient support to oppose lateral movement of adjacent playing surface elements relative to one another, but may also be easily removable and installed.

Alternatively, a means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another may be a hook-and-loop fastener.

A hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a plurality of hooks on a first part and loops on a second part. Said first part may be attached to one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements, and said second part may be attach to the other one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements. Hook-and-loop fasteners may easily be provided for each playing surface element, provide sufficient support to oppose horizontal movement of adjacent playing surface elements relative to one another, and allow for adjacent playing surface elements to be easily uncoupled. Further, hook-and-loop fasteners may be used repeatedly.

Hook-and-loop fasteners may be provided in very thin strips on the bottom side of the playing surface elements.

Preferably, the temporary sports pitch assembly comprises fixing or gripping means for opposing horizontal movement of the playing surface layer relative to the shock absorbing layer.

A gripping means may take any appropriate form, such as steel beams placed to form a bordering around the playing surface layer.

A gripping means may further comprise plastic wedges to be placed between the bordering and the playing surface. The gripping / fixing means may ensure that the playing surface layer provides for stable, consistent, flat and secure ball-rolling and ball bouncing behaviour by securing the position of the playing surface layer relative to the shock absorbing layer.

Preferably, the playing surface layer is a synthetic turf. Synthetic turf may require less maintenance and is more resistant to damage than natural grass.

Preferably, the synthetic turf is an unfilled synthetic turf. Unfilled synthetic turf may not require any infill material, which improves playing consistency which might be hindered by an uneven spread of the infill material or the degradation of the infill material over time.

As water needs to be applied to unfilled synthetic turf to reduce friction and allow for fast play, unfilled synthetic turf may not be suitable in some locations.

Alternatively, filled synthetic turf which does not require the application of water may be used.

Preferably, the playing surface elements each comprise a textile secondary backing layer. Preferably, tufts of synthetic grass may be secured to the textile secondary backing layer.

The textile secondary backing layer may improve the stability of the playing surface.

The individual surface layer elements may be rolled. This may permit fast installation and easy transport of the individual surface layer elements.

Preferably, the shock absorbing layer elements comprise a foam. This may provide good shock absorption, energy restitution, and elastic vertical deformation properties.

Preferably, the shock absorbing layer elements may comprise a closed cell foam This may have higher compressive strength than open cell foams.

Preferably, the shock absorbing layer elements may comprise a cross-linked foam.

Preferably, said foam is a polyethylene foam. This may provide improved resilience, shock absorption, and strength.

One particularly suitable foam may be a polyethylene foam. This may be inexpensive, provide good shock absorption properties, and be impervious to water.

Preferably, the foam comprises slits to accommodate for volume changes due to temperature changes. Such temperature changes may be natural (i.e. weather-related), artificial (i.e. under-soil heating), or installation-related. Providing for volume changes reduces the risk of the pitch becoming uneven due to expansion of the shock absorbing layer caused by temperature changes.

Preferably, the shock absorbing elements comprise a non-woven fabric on a first side. Preferably, said non-woven fabric is attached to said first side of the shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, said first side of the shock absorbing elements is the underside of the shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, the non-woven fabric is configured to grip the base layer. Providing such a nonwoven fabric on the underside of the shock absorbing elements opposes movement of the shock absorbing layer relative to the base layer, ensuring that the pitch remains level and that the playing behaviour of the pitch remains constant and is consistent across the pitch.

Preferably, the means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another is one or more interlocking recesses and corresponding projections in adjacent shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, a first one of a pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements may comprise one or more projections along a first side, said one or more projections fitted to conform with one or more corresponding recesses in the adjacent first side of the second one of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, said second one of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements may also comprise one or more projections along said adjacent first side, fitted to conform to one or more recesses in said first side of the first one of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements.

Providing such interlocking recesses and projections in adjacent shock absorbing elements may permit rapid installation. It may also facilitate repeated use of the shock absorbing elements.

Alternatively, a means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another may be an adhesive.

An adhesive means may comprise adhesive tape, which may be double-sided adhesive tape, or a glue or a cement or a paste, or a spray or a combination of two or more of these.

Using an adhesive to removably couple adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another may provide an effective but temporary coupling the allows for separation of the adjacent shock absorbing elements. It may also permit repeated coupling and uncoupling of adjacent shock absorbing elements.

An adhesive may be an adhesive tape with adhesive properties that mean that it may be removed easily to uncouple adjacent shock absorbing elements from one another and does not damage the shock absorbing elements upon removal.

Individual shock absorbing elements may be rolled. Advantageously, this may permit fast installation and easy transport of the individual shock absorbing elements.

Preferably, the temporary sports pitch assembly further comprises a geotextile or geogrid layer positionable between the base layer and an underlying surface on which the base layer is laid (e.g. the ground). This may permit the temporary sports pitch assembly to be used on a wider variety of underlying surfaces (e.g. ground types) by providing reinforcement and separation to the base layer.

A drainage means may allow for the temporary pitch to be used in any weather.

Allowing for horizontal conveyance of water and air may enable the base layer to be placed on a wider range of surfaces.

Preferably, the drainage means comprises one or more holes in each base layer element. Holes may allow liquid to drain from the top of said base layer elements to an underlying surface (e.g. ground), or horizontally through the base layer elements, from one side of the base layer to the other.

Preferably, the base layer elements interlock with one another. This may provide improved stability of the base layer. It may oppose movement of base layer elements relative to one another.

Preferably, the means for removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another is a plurality of ties or clips. This may permit adjacent base layer elements to be securely and removably coupled to one another. A plurality of ties or clips may be reused multiple times and may be easily replaced if they become damaged.

Optionally, one or more of the base layer elements may comprise a lid. A lid may improve the mechanical properties of the base layer and therefore aide the base layer to act as a support for the other layers of the temporary sports pitch.

A lid may comprise a drainage means.

A drainage means of the lid may comprises a plurality of holes.

A plurality of holes in a lid may be aligned with the a plurality of holes forming the drainage means of the base layer elements.

Preferably, the base layer comprises levelling means configured to level the pitch Said levelling means may be any suitable way of ensuring the temporary pitch is level.

For example, one or more base layer elements may simply straddle some minor inconsistencies in an underlying surface (e.g. ground).

Alternatively or additionally, a levelling means may comprise an additional geogrid layer. Alternatively or additionally a levelling means may comprise a tilting means to adjustably tilt individual base layer elements or the entire base layer.

A tilting means may be hydraulically operated.

A tilting means may be pneumatically operated.

Preferably, the base layer elements are made from a plastics material.

The base layer elements may be made from polypropylene. Such material may be inexpensive, widely available, relatively light, and mechanically robust.

Preferably, the temporary sports pitch assembly further comprises means for removably coupling the shock absorbing layer to the base layer.

Preferably, the temporary sports pitch assembly further comprises means for removably coupling the playing surface layer to the shock absorbing layer.

A means for removably coupling the shock absorbing layer to the base layer may comprise 20 adhesive means.

An adhesive means may comprise adhesive tape, which may be double-sided adhesive tape or a glue or a cement or a paste, or a spray or a combination of two or more of these.

A means for removably coupling the playing surface layer to the shock absorbing layer may comprise adhesive means.

An adhesive means may comprise adhesive tape, which may be double-sided adhesive tape or a glue or a cement or a paste, or a spray or a combination of two or more of these. The present invention in a second aspect, provides a method of assembling a temporary sports pitch assembly comprising the steps of laying a base layer comprising a plurality of base layer elements and removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another. The method further comprises the steps of laying a shock absorbing layer comprising a plurality of shock absorbing elements on the base layer and removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another. The method further comprises the steps of laying a playing surface comprising a plurality of playing surface elements on the shock absorbing layer and removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention may be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred or example embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic, sectional view of the temporary sports pitch assembly embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic, sectional view of a base layer of the temporary sports pitch of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic, sectional view of a shock absorbing layer of the temporary sports pitch assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic, plan view of an alternative embodiment of a shock absorbing layer of the temporary sport pitch assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a schematic, sectional view of a playing surface layer of the temporary sports pitch assembly of Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows a block diagram of the method of assembling the temporary sports pitch of Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1, a temporary sports pitch assembly 100 is provided. The temporary sports pitch assembly 100 is configured to provide a temporary and portable sports pitch capable of hosting professional standard sporting events.

Assembly 100 comprises a base layer 104, a shock absorbing layer 106, and a playing surface layer 108.

Base layer 104 is configured to be placed directly on an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102, which may be any suitable kind of surface, such as natural grass, artificial grass, sand, soil, concrete, tarmac, etc. Base layer 104 comprises a plurality of base layer elements 110. Each base layer element 110 is reminiscent of a crate for transporting goods or a soakaway used in construction.

Each base layer element 110 may comprise a lid 112.

Adjacent base layer elements 110 are removably coupled to one another to form a substantially continuous base layer 104 over the desired area of the sports pitch assembly.

Shock absorbing layer 106 is configured to be placed on base layer 104. Shock absorbing layer 106 comprises a plurality of shock absorbing elements 114. Adjacent shock absorbing elements 114 are removably coupled to one another to form a substantially continuous shock absorbing layer 106 over the desired area of the sports pitch assembly.

Playing surface layer 108 is configured to be placed on shock absorbing layer 106. Playing surface layer 108 comprises a plurality of playing surface elements 116. Adjacent playing surface elements 116 are removably coupled to one another to form a substantially continuous playing surface layer 108 over the desired area of the sports pitch assembly.

Figure 2 shows base layer 104 in more detail. Each one of base layer elements 110 comprises drainage means 200, which in the preferred embodiment is a plurality of drainage holes. These holes 200 allow liquid to pass through from the top of the base layer elements 110 to in an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102 beneath the base layer.

A lid 112 of each base layer element 110 may comprise drainage means 202, which in the preferred embodiment is a plurality of further holes. Drainage means 202 of lid 112 may be aligned with the drainage means 202 of base layer element 110.

Adjacent base layer elements 110 interlock with one another via interlocking elements 204. Adjacent base layer elements 110 are further removably coupled to one another using a plurality of ties or clip 206. A base layer element 110 in the centre of the pitch would therefore be removably coupled to four adjacent base layer elements 110 using a plurality of ties of clips 206. A preferred material for the base layer elements 110 is PermavoidTM 85. A preferred material for the based layer element lids 112 is the Permavoid TM lid. The base layer elements 110 may also be PermavoidTm 150. A preferred material for the ties or clips 206 to removably couple adjacent base layer elements 110 to one another is PermaTieTm.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of shock absorbing layer 106 in more detail. Each one of the shock absorbing elements 114 is made from a closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam. The foam has slits 300 to accommodate for volume changes of the foam which may occur either during installation or removable coupling of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114, or due to weather.

Adjacent shock absorbing elements 114 are removably coupled using an adhesive 302, which may be an adhesive tape. The adhesive tape may be specifically engineered to be welded onto the joints to removably couple adjacent shock absorbing elements 114 to one another. As the welding process may require elevated temperature, slits 300 in the foam allow for relatively large volume changes. Each one of shock absorbing elements 114 further comprises a non-woven fabric 304 laminated to the underside of the shock absorbing elements 114. Non-woven fabric 304 is configured to grip the surface of base layer 104 which shock absorbing element 114 is placed on.

A preferred material for the shock absorbing elements 114 of the embodiment of Figure 3 is Trocellen TM ProGame shock pads.

Figure 4 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of shock absorbing layer 106 in more detail. Each one of the shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b is made from a closed cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam and has slits 300 to accommodate for volume changes.

Adjacent shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b are removably coupled using interlocking recesses 400 in and projections 402 of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b. A first one 114a of a pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b may comprise one or more projections 402 along a first side 404, said one or more projections 402 fitted to conform with one or more recesses 400 in the adjacent first side 406 of the second one 114b of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b. The second one 114b of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b may also comprise one or more projections 402 along said adjacent first side 406, fitted to conform to one or more recesses 400 in said first side 404 of the first one 114a of the pair of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114a, 114b.

A preferred material for the shock absorbing elements 114 of the embodiment of Figure 4 is ProPlayTm-Sport15/215 shock pads.

Figure 5 shows playing surface layer 108 in more detail. Each one of playing surface elements 116 comprises tufts 500 of synthetic grass and a secondary backing 502. Tufts 400 are secured to the secondary backing 502. The synthetic grass is made from polyethylene. The secondary backing 502 may be made of textile.

With reference to Figure 5, adjacent playing surface elements 116 are removably coupled along a temporary seam 504. A preferred material for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another is a hook-and-loop fastener 504. For example, in Figure 5, a left hand one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements 116 shown in Figure 5 may comprise the hooks of hook-and-loop fastener 504 and a right one of a pair of adjacent playing surface elements 116 may comprise corresponding loops of the hook-and-loop fastener 504.

A preferred material for the playing surface elements 116 may be PoligrasTM TokyoGTTm artificial turf.

A geotextile or geogrid layer (not shown) may be used between an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102 and base layer 104. Such a geotextile or geogrid layer may only be required on certain types of underlying surfaces, for example on natural grass surfaces which may require additional protection, or on particularly uneven underlying surfaces (e.g. ground).

A preferred material for the geotextile or geogrid layer is Terram TM 1000. Another preferred material for the geotextile or geogrid layer is EnkagridTM TRC 30.

Figure 6 provides a method of assembling the aforementioned temporary sports pitch assembly. The method comprises laying a base layer 3600. Base layer 104 is placed directly on an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102 by placing individual base layer elements 110 on an underlying surface (e.g. ground) 102. The base layer elements 110 are PermavoidTm 85.

Adjacent base layer elements 110 are removably coupled to one another S602 using PermaTieTm ties.

Optionally, lids 112 may be placed on each one of the base layer element 110. Lids 112 may be placed on each one of base layer elements 110 before base layer elements 110 are placed on an underlying surface (e.g. ground)102, or before adjacent base layer elements 110 are removably coupled to one another.

The method further comprises laying a shock absorbing layer on the base layer 3604. Shock absorbing layer 106 is placed directly on base layer 104 by unrolling individual rolls of shock absorbing elements 114 on base layer 104. Adjacent shock absorbing elements 114 are removably coupled to one another 3606 using specially engineered tape. The specially engineered tape may be used to weld joints of adjacent shock absorbing elements 114.

The method further comprises laying a playing surface layer on the shock absorbing layer 3608. Playing surface layer 108 is placed directly on shock absorbing layer 106 by unrolling individual rolls of playing surface elements 116 on shock absorbing layer 106. Adjacent playing surface elements 116 are removably coupled to one another 3610 using a temporary seam.

These steps may be performed in reverse so as to disassemble the assembly for storage or relocation.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A temporary sports pitch assembly comprising: at least one base layer comprising: a plurality of base layer elements, wherein each base layer element comprises drainage means; and means for removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another; at least one shock absorbing layer comprising: a plurality of shock absorbing elements; and means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another; and at least one playing surface layer comprising: a plurality of playing surface elements; and means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another.
2. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another is a temporary seam.
3. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the means for removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another is a hook-and-loop fastener.
4 A temporary sports pitch assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a fixing or gripping means for opposing horizontal movement of the playing surface layer relative to the shock absorbing layer.
5. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the playing surface layer is a synthetic turf.
6. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to claim 5, wherein the synthetic turf is an unfilled synthetic turf.
7. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein each one of the playing surface elements comprises a textile secondary backing layer.
8. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shock absorbing layer elements comprise a foam.
9 A temporary sports pitch assembly according to claim 8, wherein the foam is a closed cell foam and/or a cross-linked foam.
10. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the foam is a polyethylene foam.
11. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the foam comprises slits so as to accommodate volume changes resulting from temperature changes.
12. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein each one of the shock absorbing elements comprise a non-woven fabric attached to its underside.
13. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to claim 12, wherein the non-woven fabric is configured to grip the base layer.
14. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another comprises at least one recess and at least one corresponding projection in respective adjacent shock absorbing elements.
15. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the means for removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another is an adhesive.
16. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a geotextile or geogrid layer between the base layer and an underlying surface on which the base layer is placed.
17. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the drainage means is one or more holes in each base layer elements.
18. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein adjacent base layer elements are provided with interlocking features so as to permit interlocking of adjacent base layer elements.
19. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the means for removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another is a plurality of ties or clips.
20. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more of the base layer elements comprises a lid.
21. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base layer comprises levelling means configured to level the pitch.
22. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of base layer elements are made from plastic material.
23. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of base layer elements are made from polypropylene.
24. A temporary sports pitch assembly according to any of the previous claims, further comprising means for removably coupling the shock absorbing layer to the base layer and/or means for removably coupling the playing surface layer to the shock absorbing layer.
25. A method of assembling a temporary sports pitch comprising the steps of: laying a base layer comprising a plurality of base layer elements; removably coupling adjacent base layer elements to one another; laying a shock absorbing layer comprising a plurality of shock absorbing elements on the base layer; removably coupling adjacent shock absorbing elements to one another; laying a playing surface comprising a plurality of playing surface elements on the shock absorbing layer; and removably coupling adjacent playing surface elements to one another.