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CA1338810C - Artificial turf systems - Google Patents

Artificial turf systems

Info

Publication number
CA1338810C
CA1338810C CA000481864A CA481864A CA1338810C CA 1338810 C CA1338810 C CA 1338810C CA 000481864 A CA000481864 A CA 000481864A CA 481864 A CA481864 A CA 481864A CA 1338810 C CA1338810 C CA 1338810C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
artificial turf
field
overlying
layer
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA000481864A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kearney Dale Arrant
James Gavit Clifton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Textile Management Asscociates Inc
Original Assignee
Southwest Recreational Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Southwest Recreational Industries Inc filed Critical Southwest Recreational Industries Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1338810C publication Critical patent/CA1338810C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01CCONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Road Paving Structures (AREA)

Abstract

An artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf. The installation of an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf as facilitated by use of a pneumatic cushion.

Description

-1- 22-21(1265) ARTIFICIAL TURF SYSTEMS
Background of the Invention This invention relates to an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlaying layer of artificial turf. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating large sections of artificial turf over a previously installed field of artificial turf utilizing a pneumatic cushion.
In multi-use stadiums artificial turf fields for different athletic contests are arranged with different shaped fields having distinctive markings on the playing surface. Such fields include American football fields, association football fields, and baseball fields. Considerable time and expense are required to convert artificial turf surfaces from one field configuration to another to accommodate different athletic events.
In some cases the same artificial turf is utilized for different athletic events. This often requires that line markings must be removed prior to new line markings painted on the artificial turf surface to accom~odate different athletic events.
Moreover, when a field is converted from use as a baseball playing surface to a football playing surface individual segments of artificial turf are generally required to cover dirt surfaces, for instance at the location of a baseball infield.
In other cases part or all of the artificial turf for one athletic contest is removed and different sections of artificial turf are laid down to provide a playing surface for different athletic events. Such a procedure generally requires considerable effort as artificial turf surfaces are recovered and laid out from large rolls of artificial *

- -2- 22-21(1265) turf. Considerable effort is also required to fasten and unfasten individual rolls of artificial turf comprising a unified field. This procedure can be simplified somewhat using the method and apparatus for manipulating large sections of artificial turf by means of a pneumatic cushion as disclosed, for instance in U.S. Patent 4,39g,954.

In still other cases only a portion of an athletic field is modified to accommodate different athletic events. For instance to convert a baseball playing field of artificial turf to a football playing field of artificial turf it is known to provide an overlying section of artificial turf over a baseball infield. The overlying section of artificial turf comprises a composite of artificial turf and polymeric foam support pad which provides a difference in elevation from one portion of the football playing field to the other portion of the football playing ield. As illustrated in Figure 2 attempts have been made to provide a somewhat smooth transition by providing the edge of the overlying section (20) with a transition piece of tapered polymeric foam (21). Such installations are generally undesirable because of a lateral seam across the field at the transition can provide a tripping hazard. A
further undesirable feature results from the extreme thickness of the multiple layers of artificial turf at that section of the field having the overlying section.
There is footing instability and a marked sensation of 3Q softness on that position of the field having an overlying section of composite artificial turf with a foam support cushion as compared that portion of the field having a single layer of artificial turf.
By this invention applicant has attempted to provide an artificial turf system which provides `

_ _ 3 _ 1338810 the advantages of rapid field conversion without the attendant disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By this invention applicant has provided an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf having ribbons extending generally vertical from a backing.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion of an underlying layer of artificial turf laminated to a polymeric foam pad, the underlying layer of artificial turf having ribbons extending generally vertical from a backing.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of installing an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf over a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf, the method comprising providing a pneumatic cushion to facilitate manipulation of the overlying layer of artificial turf.
In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method for removably covering a field of artificial turf with an overlying section of impervious artificial turf which comprises (a) dragging the leading margin from a roll of the overlying section across an initial portion of a field of artificial turf, wherein the roll is supported on at least one powered support roller;
D

~- - 3a - 1338810 (b) turning the roll comprising the remainder of the overlying section in place in an unwinding direction while continuing the application of a pulling force to further advance the section across the field; (c) generating pneumatic pressure between the field and the overlying section to lift the overlying section within its margin off the field and to minimize friction between the field and the overlying section;
(d) continuing to apply a pulling force until the field is covered with the overlying section; and (e) then relieving the pneumatic pressure to permit the overlying section to settle onto the field.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a support cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf.
Figure 2 schematically illustrates the prior art practice of utilizing an overlying layer of artificial turf adhered to a support cushion with D

-4- 22-21(1265) a tapered segment to provide a transition between the different elevations of artificial turf.
Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrate the usefulness of an overlying layer of artificial turf over an underlying layer of artificial turf in a multi-use stadium.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments This invention provides an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf. Figure 1 shows an overlying layer of artificial turf (1) comprising pile (2) in the form of ribbons of synthetic thermoplastic material such as nylon, polypropylene or the like, knitted, tufted or woven or otherwise secured to a backing (3). This playing surface of artificial turf overlies a support cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf (4) which comprises pile (5) in the form of ribbons of synthetic thermoplastic material secured to a backing (6) to which an underlayer in the form of a resilient pad (7) comprising a foam structure is laminated, such as by means of a suitable adhesive, or generated by foaming in place.
Since the overlying layer of artificial turf is not adhered to a rigid surface means must be provided to insure dimensional stability of such overlying layer. Dimensional stability can be provided by a variety of means, for instance by applying a coating of polymeric material such as polyurethane to the underside of the backing (3).
This provides resistance to stretching and wrinkles that otherwise may develop in the overlying layer of artificial turf. Moreover, since the overlying layer of artificial turf must generally be secured by pins or tensioning members at its periphery, dimensional -5- 22-21(1265) stability insures that line markings will have the same dimensional accuracy each time the overlying layer of artificial turf is deployed for use.
If the underlying layer of artificial turf comprises grass-like ribbons extending from a backing at a pile angle of, for instance, 80 or less from horizontal, the overlying layer of artificial turf will tend to walk or creep in the direction of the pile lay. This could cause disruptions in field dimensions, wrinkles in the overlying section, or of lateral movement of the overlying section. It has been discovered that such problems can be avoided by utilizing an underlying layer of artificial turf comprising grass-like ribbons extending generally vertically from the backing at a pile angle of about 90 from horizontal. The maintenance of grass-like ribbons at such pile angle is best achieved by utilizing crimped, grass-like ribbons at a high pile density.
A preferred underlying layer of artificial turf will comprise grass-like ribbons having a ribbon denier in the range of 300 to 670, a pile height of 0.38 to 0.50 inches (9.7 to 12.7 millimeters), a pile density of 600 to 1200 ribbons per square inch (93 to 186 ribbons per square centimeter~. Such preferred underlying layer of artificial turf will provide a stable support for an overlying layer of artificial turf. Because of the generally 90 pile angle the blades of the underlying artificial turf will not compress by laying over but will stand generally erect even under compression. Accordingly, a firm footing is provided.
Another aspect of this invention provides a process for manipulating the large sections of impermeable artificial turf over an artificial turf surface on a pneumatic cushion. The manipulation of ~- G - 1338810 large sections of artificial turf over a smooth rigid surface such as a floor while supported on a pneumatic cushion to minimize frictional drag is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,399,954. The present invention provides a significant improvement obviating the requirement for a smooth rigid surface. In this regard this invention provides for the manipulating of a large section or artificial turf on a pneumatic cushion between an overlying layer of said large section of artificial turf and a fixed support layer of artificial turf.
This invention is useful in converting artificial turf playing fields in multi-use stadiums.
In this regard Figure 3 illustrates a generally circular shaped stadium (32) having an artificial turf playing field (34) in a configuration suitable for playing baseball. Within the stadium are seating segments (36) which can move in an arcuate direction within the circular circumference of the stadium generally on arcuate tracks.
When the seating segments are moved to provide a generally rectangular playing field, for instance for football, the seating segments are required to move over a portion of the artificial turf utilized for the baseball playing field. The seating segments can conveniently be moved on the arcuate tracks, a portion of which extend into the outfield portion of the baseball playing field. These tracks can be located in trenches at locations (38) which are provided with removable covers having an upper surface of artificial turf to provide a smooth playing field.
Figure 4 illustrates a stadium with seating segments rotated into a position to provide for the installation of a generally rectangular playing field (40).
Playing field (40) in accordance with this - 3~8810 -7- 22-21(1265) invention comprises an overlying layer of artificial turf installed over an underlying layer of artificial turf (34). The overlying layer of artificial turf is conveniently stored on a roll in elongated pit (42).
To deploy the overlying layer of artificial turf the leading margin (46) of the overlying layer of artificial turf is pulled from the roll within the pit until it extends beyond pressurized air vents (44). A pneumatic cushion of air is supplied through vents (44~ to provide a pneumatic cushion between the overlying layer of artificial turf and the underlying surface.
The overlying layer of artificial turf supported on the pneumatic cushion can then be fully deployed by continuing to pull the leading margin of the overlying layer.
A sufficient length of artificial turf is provided so that when the field is fully deployed a portion of the overlying layer of artificial turf remains attached to a~cylindrical core stored within the pit (42). This cylindrical core supporting the roll of artificial turf is conveniently mounted on support rollers to facilitate rotation of the roll.
Advantageously, at least one of the support rollers is powered so that the rotation of the roll can be facilitated.
To recover the overlying layer of artificial turf a pneumatic cushion is provided by blowers directing air under the overlying layer through ports (44). When the overlying layer is separated from the underlying support by a pneumatic cushion, the powered support rollers can be driven to rewind and recover the overlying layer of artificial turf in a roll wound on the elongated core.
Optionally the playing field can be installed with the pit (42) and pors (44) located in the baseball outfield.

-` 1338811~ -8- 22-21(1265) The foregoing description of embodiments of this invention is not intended to be a limitation to the scope of this invention. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, many variations and modifications can be made to the playing field and apparatus of this invention as described in the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (5)

1. An artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf having ribbons extending generally vertical from a backing.
2. An artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf overlying a supporting cushion of an underlying layer of artificial turf laminated to a polymeric foam pad, said underlying layer of artificial turf having ribbons extending generally vertical from a backing.
3. The artificial turf playing field according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said ribbons extend at a pile angle of about 90°.
4. A method of installing an artificial turf playing field comprising a layer of artificial turf over a supporting cushion comprising an underlying layer of artificial turf, said method comprising providing a pneumatic cushion to facilitate manipulation of said overlying layer of artificial turf.
5. A method for removably covering a field of artificial turf with an overlying section of impervious artificial turf which comprises (a) dragging the leading margin from a roll of said overlying section across an initial portion of a field of artificial turf, wherein said roll is supported on at least one powered support roller; (b) turning said roll comprising the remainder of said overlying section in place in an unwinding direction while continuing the application of a pulling force to further advance the section across the field; (c) generating pneumatic pressure between the field and the overlying section to lift the overlying section within its margin off the field and to minimize friction between the field and the overlying section;
(d) continuing to apply a pulling force until the field is covered with the overlying section; and (e) then relieving the pneumatic pressure to permit the overlying section to settle onto the field.
CA000481864A 1984-05-18 1985-05-17 Artificial turf systems Expired - Lifetime CA1338810C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61165384A 1984-05-18 1984-05-18
US611,653 1984-05-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1338810C true CA1338810C (en) 1996-12-24

Family

ID=24449893

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000481864A Expired - Lifetime CA1338810C (en) 1984-05-18 1985-05-17 Artificial turf systems

Country Status (5)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS6110604A (en)
KR (1) KR850008696A (en)
AU (1) AU4260985A (en)
CA (1) CA1338810C (en)
IT (1) IT1184996B (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2533028B2 (en) * 1991-12-10 1996-09-11 住友ゴム工業株式会社 How to repair artificial grass

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS597366U (en) * 1982-07-07 1984-01-18 三菱電機株式会社 Refrigeration equipment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR850008696A (en) 1985-12-21
IT1184996B (en) 1987-10-28
IT8520752A0 (en) 1985-05-17
AU4260985A (en) 1985-11-21
JPS6110604A (en) 1986-01-18

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