ARTIFICIAL TURF SYSTEM

Abstract

An artificial turf system for installation over a receiving surface that comprises a sheet member made of a flexible material, with the sheet member defining a first surface for interfacing with the receiving surface and a turf simulating surface. The artificial turf system further comprises a plurality of primary yarns made of straight fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet member, and a plurality of secondary yarns made of textured fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet material and interspersed within the plurality of primary yarns, wherein the plurality of secondary yarns representing more than 50% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns together. The primary and secondary yarns therefore simulate together the look and feel of the different blades of grass of natural grass cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application 62/130,113 filed Mar. 9, 2015, the specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field

The subject matter disclosed generally relates to playing fields and more particularly to artificial sports and amusement playing fields. The subject matter disclosed may also relate to artificial turf surface of all kinds (i.e., artificial sports playing fields, artificial amusement playing fields, gymnasium surfaces, backyard surfaces and the like).

(b) Related Prior Art

The use of artificial or synthetic turf has been growing steadily in recent years. Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass. It is most often used in arenas and fields for sports that were originally or are normally played on grass.

However, it is now being used in other applications such as, for residential lawns or landscapes, for pet areas, for child playgrounds, for golf courses and putting greens, on roofs, decks and patios as well.

The advantages of synthetic turf are numerous. For example, synthetic turf does not need to be cared as much as real grass. Moreover, synthetic turf is more durable.

There exist on the market numerous artificial or synthetic turf systems aiming to provide improved comfort, sufficient traction, and shock absorbent characteristics. For example and now referring to PRIOR ART FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a regular artificial turf system 10 which includes a sheet member 12 made of a flexible material and a plurality (substantially straight) fibers 14 upwardly extending from the sheet member 12. The plurality of fibers 14, which creates a carpet-like top layer, therefore includes a series of regularly spaced apart (or equally spaced) parallel rows of backstitches 16. For providing the shock absorbent characteristic, straight fiber support and sufficient traction for the desired sport to the artificial turf system 10, a plurality of rubber granules and/or sand (not shown, such as from recycled tires) are often disposed on the artificial turf system 10.

Even though the rubber granules and/or sand used in modern artificial synthetic turf tend to contain lower quantities of harmful substances, such as metal (e.g., lead and zinc), inorganic and organic compounds, it may significantly increase health problems for those playing/walking on it, it may significantly increase the surface temperature above the surface covering panel and it may lead to some other environmental problems. The infill also becomes compacted with time affecting directly shock absorption and traction of the artificial synthetic turf to the detriment of the players.

As for another example and referring now to PRIOR ART FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown an artificial turf system without infill 100 for installation over a receiving surface (not shown). The artificial turf system 100 includes a sheet member 102 made of a flexible material. The sheet member 102 defines a first surface or primary backing 104 for interfacing with the receiving surface and a second surface 106. The artificial turf system 100 further includes a plurality of primary yarns 108 made of straight fibers (monofilament, parallel fibrillated or fibrillated fibers) which are upwardly extending from the second surface 106 of the sheet member 102 and a plurality of secondary yarns 110 made of textured fibers or thatch fibers which are upwardly extending from the second surface 106 of the sheet member 102. The plurality of secondary yarns 110 are positioned on the sheet member 102 such as to intersperse with the plurality of primary yarns 108.

The plurality of secondary yarns 110 made of textured or thatch fibers represent less than 50% in weight (aka face weight) of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns 108, 110 taken together. Therefore, the straight fiber support, traction and shock absorbent characteristics are not optimized.

The plurality of primary and secondary yarns 108, 110 which creates together a carpet-like top layer 112 includes a series of regularly spaced apart (or equally spaced) parallel rows of backstitches 114, 116 tufted or knitted in straight line, in “zigzag” or in a S pattern. The series of regularly spaced apart parallel rows of backstitches 114, 116 include a series of regularly spaced apart parallel rows of backstitches 114 made of the plurality of primary yarns 108 and a series of regularly spaced apart parallel rows of backstitches 116 made of the plurality of secondary yarns 110, which are interspersed within the series of regularly spaced apart parallel rows of backstitches 114 made of the plurality of primary yarns 108.

The fact that the artificial turf system 100 combines both the plurality of primary yarns 108 made of straight fibers and the plurality of secondary yarns 110 made of textured or thatch fibers provides straight fiber support and player traction to the artificial turf system 100. However, according to this configuration, the straight fiber support, players traction and shock absorbent characteristic are not optimized.

There is therefore a need for improved non infilled artificial turf system that optimizes straight fiber support, player traction and shock absorbent characteristics and that would overcome the above-noted drawbacks.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, there is provided an artificial turf system for installation over a receiving surface. The artificial turf system comprises a sheet member made of a flexible material, the sheet member defining a first surface for interfacing with the receiving surface and a second surface. The artificial turf system further comprises a plurality of primary yarns made of straight fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet member and a plurality of secondary yarns made of textured fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet material and interspersed within the plurality of primary yarns. The plurality of secondary yarns represent more than 50% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns together.

According to an aspect, the plurality of secondary yarns are made of textured, thatched or crimped fibers.

According to another aspect, the the primary and secondary yarns are backstitched in parallel equally spaced apart rows on the sheet material.

According to another aspect, combined yarns composed of the primary and secondary yarns are backstitched in parallel equally spaced apart rows on the sheet material.

According to another aspect, the artificial turf system with combined yarns composed of the primary and secondary yarns are backstitched in parallel equally spaced apart rows on the sheet material, with the rows forming a straight, S, or Z pattern.

According to another aspect, the artificial turf system with combined yarns composed of the primary and secondary yarns are backstitched in parallel equally spaced apart rows on the sheet material, with a distance separating two rows being ranged between 1/16″ and ½″.

According to another aspect, the sheet material is manufactured as one of a closed-weave woven, an opened-weave woven, leno weave cross weave or non-woven material.

According to another aspect, the thickness of the sheet member is substantially uniform and ranges between 0.20 mm to 2 mm.

According to another aspect, the mass of each of the plurality of primary yarns is ranged between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers.

According to another aspect, the plurality of secondary yarns are made of textured, thatched or crimped fibers and the mass of each of the plurality of secondary yarns is ranged between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers.

According to another aspect, the plurality of primary and secondary yarns are bound to the sheet member by heat, pressure or with Polyurethane.

According to another aspect, the primary yarns have a first length, the secondary yarns have a second length, and the second length is at least equal to the first length.

According to another aspect, the plurality of secondary yarns made of textured or thatch fibers represents one of: more than about 51%, more than about 55%, more than about 60%, more than about 65%, more than about 70%, more than about 75%, more than about 80%, more than about 85%, more than about 90% and more than about 95% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns together.

According to another aspect, at least one of a material in which is made the secondary yarns and a process performed on the secondary yarns render the secondary yarns more rigid than the primary yarns.

According to another aspect, the primary yarns are made of one of polyethylene, polypropylene, Polyamide, polyester (PET), and a combination of polyethylene and polypropylene.

According to another aspect, the secondary yarns are made of one of Polyamide, Polyester (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, and a combination of polyethylene and polypropylene.

According to another aspect, the elevation of the secondary yarns with respect to the second surface is less than the elevation of the primary yarns with respect to the second surface.

According to another embodiment, there is provided an artificial turf system for installation over a receiving surface. The artificial turf system comprises a sheet member made of a flexible material, the sheet member defining a first surface for interfacing with the receiving surface and a second surface. The artificial turf system further comprises a plurality of primary yarns made of substantially straight fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet member and having a first elevation with respect to the second surface, and a plurality of secondary yarns upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet material, the plurality of secondary yarns having a second elevation, lesser than the first elevation, with respect to the second surface. The artificial turf system has the plurality of primary and secondary yarns backstitched to the sheet material such as each backstitch is composed of a plurality of secondary yarns surrounding at least one primary yarn.

According to a further embodiment, there is provided an artificial turf system for installation over a receiving surface. The artificial turf system comprises a sheet member made of a flexible material, the sheet member defining a first surface for interfacing with the receiving surface and a second surface. The artificial turf system further comprises a plurality of primary yarns made of substantially straight fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet member and having a first elevation with respect to the second surface, and a plurality of secondary yarns upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet material and interspersed within the plurality of primary yarns, the plurality of secondary yarns having a second elevation, lesser than the first elevation, with respect to the second surface. The plurality of secondary yarns are representing more than 50% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns together.

Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a picture showing the top surface of an infilled artificial turf system in accordance with the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 1B is a picture showing the bottom surface of the infilled artificial turf system in accordance with the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 2A is a picture showing the top surface of a non infilled artificial turf system in accordance with the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 2B is a picture showing another side (perpendicular to the side shown in FIG. 2A) of the non infilled artificial turf system of FIG. 2A in accordance with the PRIOR ART;

FIG. 3 is a picture showing the top surface of an artificial turf system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a picture showing the side of the artificial turf system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a picture showing a close-up view of the artificial turf system of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a picture showing the bottom surface of the artificial turf system of FIG. 3.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In embodiments, there are disclosed artificial turf systems for applying on receiving surfaces.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 3-6, there is shown a non infill artificial turf system 200 for installation over a receiving surface (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment. The non infill artificial turf system 200 includes a sheet member 202 made of a flexible material. The sheet member 202 defines a first surface, or primary backing 204 for interfacing with the receiving surface, and a second surface 206. The non infill artificial turf system 200 further includes a plurality of primary yarns 208 made of straight fibers (substantially straight fibers) which are upwardly extending from the second surface 206 of the sheet member 202 and a plurality of secondary yarns 210 made of textured fibers or thatch fibers which are upwardly extending from the second surface 206 of the sheet member 202. Because of their curly shape, the plurality of secondary yarns 210 position themselves automatically on the sheet member 202 in all direction and therefore result in surrounding the plurality of primary yarns 208.

The plurality of secondary yarns 210 made of textured or thatch fibers represents more than 50% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns 208, 210 taken together. More particularly, the plurality of secondary yarns 210 made of textured or thatch fibers may represent one of: more than about 51%, more than about 55%, more than about 60%, more than about 65%, more than about 70%, more than about 75%, more than about 80%, more than about 85%, more than about 90% and more than about 95% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns 208, 210 taken together.

The plurality of primary and secondary yarns 208, 210 which creates together a carpet-like top layer 212 includes a series of regularly spaced apart (or equally spaced) parallel rows of backstitches 214. These rows can be straight, in S or Z patterns, tufted or knitted. According to one embodiment, parallel rows of backstitches 214 of primary yarns 208 are alternated with parallel rows of backstitches of 214 secondary yarns 210. According to another embodiment, the series of regularly spaced apart parallel rows of backstitches 214 are made of a plurality of secondary yarns 210 surrounding or with at least one or a plurality of primary yarns 208. The combined yarn is therefore composed of both primary yarns 208 and secondary yarns 210. Regardless of the embodiment, the plurality of primary yarns 208 are therefore interspersed within the plurality of secondary yarns 210.

The fact that the non infill artificial turf system 200 combines both the plurality of primary yarns 208 made of straight fibers and the plurality of secondary yarns 210 made of textured or thatch fibers (more than 50% face weight of the plurality of secondary yarns is greater than the face weight of the plurality of primary yarns) provides improved straight fiber support, player traction and shock absorbent characteristics to the shock absorbent surface covering panel 200.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, and as better shown in FIG. 6, the non infill artificial turf system 200 includes a plurality of backstitches 214a. Each backstitch 214a similarly includes a plurality of primary yarns 208 made of straight fibers with a plurality of secondary yarns 210 made of textured or thatch fibers, such as to allow the plurality of secondary yarns 210 made of textured or thatch fibers to represent more than 50% in weight of the plurality of primary yarns 208 and secondary yarns 210 taken together.

Each backstitch 214a may be separated by a backstitch distance. The backstitch distance may range between 1/16″ and ½″.

The sheet member 202 or several sheet members used together may include materials made of but not exclusively limited to Olefin (Polypropylene), Polyamide (Nylon), Polyethylene Terephalate (PET) virgin or a recyclable material, Polyestere Woven and non woven, cordura material either 100% or combination of these materials, manufactured in a closed-weave woven, an opened-weave woven, leno weave cross weave or non-woven material suitable to maximize ability to tuft, provide tuft bind of the primary and secondary yarns, provide dimensional stability, the hardness-flexibility ratio of the sheet member, provide penetration of the sheet by the secondary coating which is applied to the bottom of the sheet member and which can be made of polyurethane or latex or acrylic or some other material suitable to ask as a binder to hold the fibers in place to the sheet member or to allow the binding of the fibers to the sheet member by heat, pressure or with Polyurethane.

The thickness of the sheet member 202 is normally substantially uniform and may range between 0.20 mm to 2 mm.

The total mass (total of the mass of each filament) of each primary yarn filament 208 may be in a range between 2,000 to 20,000 deniers. The total mass of each primary yarn 208 may be in a range between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers depending on the denier per filament (DPF) and number of filaments in the yarn. Preferably, the total mass of each primary yarn filament 208 is ranged between 4,000 and 16,000 deniers.

The mass (total of the mass of each filament) of each secondary yarn 210 may be in a range between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers. The mass of each secondary yarn 210 may be in a range between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers depending on the denier per filament (DPF) and number of filaments in the yarn. Preferably, the total mass of each secondary yarn filament 210 is ranged between 4,000 and 16,000 deniers.

The material of the plurality of primary yarns 208 may include polyethylene, polypropylene, Polyamide, polyester (PET), a combination of polyethylene and polypropylene and the like.

The shape and construction of the plurality of primary yarns 208 may include flat face fibers, monofilament fibers, monotape yarn and fibrillated yarn, polyfilament fibers, parallel fibrillated or fibrillated fibers and split fibers. The primary yarns 208 may be made from extrusion and take different shapes such as a rectangular cross-section ribbon, diamond, horseshoe, U, V, S shape or a flat rectangular general cross section with its shorter sides rounded. Its cross-section may feature one or more curved-convex projections for instance. When backstitched to the sheet member 202, the straight (or substantially straight) primary yarns 208 are set upwardly extending from the second surface to simulate the blades of grass of natural grass cover.

The material of the plurality of secondary yarns 210 may include Polyamide, Polyester (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, a combination of polyethylene and polypropylene and the like.

The shape and construction of secondary yarns 210 may include texturized monofilament, monotape yarn and fibrillated yarn.

According to an embodiment, the physical characteristics of the secondary yarns 210 are selected to obtain secondary yarns 210 that are more rigid than the primary yarns 208, therefore having the secondary yarns 210 providing the desired support while having the primary yarn 208 providing the desired texture. These desired physical characteristics may be commonly obtained through selection of a more rigid material for the secondary yarns 210 than for the primary yarns 208. Alternatively, a process (physical or chemical) over the secondary yarns 210 modifying its physical characteristics may be used to obtain the desired rigidity.

The plurality of secondary yarns 210, while described herein as textured fibers or thatch fibers, may not require, according to one embodiment, to be textured. However, it is referred to herein as “textured” to distinguish itself in all embodiment from the primary “straight” yarn 208. The secondary yarns 210 may be made of a plurality of filiform formations arranged in turfs so as to provide a better simulation of the blades of grass of natural grass cover. The manufacturing of secondary yarns 210 to provide the desired shape and structure may be performed, for instance, by means of a heat, chemical or mechanical treatment before use through which the secondary yarns 210 are crimped. Accordingly, second yarns 210 may consist of yarns of at least the same length of the first yarns 208 that, when processed, result in the desired shorter looking secondary yarns 210.

Still referring to Figs. FIGS. 3-6, and more particularly to FIG. 4, the elevation 218 of the primary yarns 208 from the second surface is illustrated as greater than the elevation 220 of the secondary yarns 220 from the second surface regardless the real length of the primary and secondary yarns 208 and 210. Thereby the secondary yarns 210 provide the desired fiber support of the primary yarns 208, player traction and shock absorbing characteristics.

The tufting process of both primary and secondary yarns 208 and 210 can be performed by stitching both the primary and secondary yarns 208 and 210 concurrently, using the same needle. Alternatively, the primary yarns 208 and secondary yarns 210 may be stitched separately, using distinct needles. The latter result in parallel backstitches of primary yarns 208 and secondary yarns 210.

Depending the tufting configuration selected, the tufting gauge can vary from 3/16″ to ¾″.

The non infill artificial turf system 200 as described above may increase protection for child in playgrounds, may provide improved players traction and shock absorbent characteristics for sport fields of all kinds, and may reduce the surface temperature above the panel. The plurality of secondary yarns 210 in sufficient quantity (more than 50% in weight) render the presence of rubber granules unnecessary to provide straight fiber support, while provide adequate traction for players and shock absorbent characteristics.

While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled/in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An artificial turf system for installation over a receiving surface, the artificial turf system comprising:

a sheet member made of a flexible material, the sheet member defining a first surface for interfacing with the receiving surface and a second surface;

a plurality of primary yarns made of straight fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet member; and

a plurality of secondary yarns made of textured fibers upwardly extending from the second surface of the sheet material and interspersed within the plurality of primary yarns;

the plurality of secondary yarns representing more than 50% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns together.

2. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of secondary yarns are made of textured, thatched or crimped fibers.

3. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the primary and secondary yarns are backstitched in parallel equally spaced apart rows on the sheet material.

4. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein combined yarns composed of the primary and secondary yarns are backstitched in parallel equally spaced apart rows on the sheet material.

5. The artificial turf system of claim 3, wherein the rows form a straight, S or Z pattern.

6. The artificial turf system of claim 3, wherein a distance between two rows is ranged between 1/16″ and ½″.

7. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the sheet material is manufactured as one of a closed-weave woven, an opened-weave woven, leno weave cross weave or non-woven material.

8. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the sheet member is substantially uniform and ranges between 0.20 mm to 2 mm.

9. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the mass of each of the plurality of primary yarns is ranged between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers.

11. The artificial turf system of claim 2, wherein the mass of each of the plurality of secondary yarns is ranged between 2,000 and 20,000 deniers.

12. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of primary and secondary yarns are bound to the sheet member by heat, pressure or with Polyurethane.

13. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the primary yarns have a first length, the secondary yarns have a second length, and the second length is at least equal to the first length.

14. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the plurality of secondary yarns made of textured or thatch fibers represents one of: more than about 51%, more than about 55%, more than about 60%, more than about 65%, more than about 70%, more than about 75%, more than about 80%, more than about 85%, more than about 90% and more than about 95% in weight of the plurality of primary and secondary yarns together.

15. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein at least one of a material in which is made the secondary yarns and a process performed on the secondary yarns render the secondary yarns more rigid than the primary yarns.

16. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the primary yarns are made of one of polyethylene, polypropylene, Polyamide, polyester (PET), and a combination of polyethylene and polypropylene.

17. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the secondary yarns are made of one of Polyamide, Polyester (PET), polyethylene, polypropylene, and a combination of polyethylene and polypropylene.

18. The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the elevation of the secondary yarns with respect to the second surface is less than the elevation of the primary yarns with respect to the second surface.