Flora Patents (Class 428/17)
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Patent number: 10227716Abstract: An artificial turf mat includes a backing and a plurality of protruding artificial grass blades divided into rows and connected to the backing. The mutual distance between successive blades in a row is substantially equal to the distance between adjacent rows and is at least 10 mm. The backing and the blades may be formed and mutually connected by weaving. A method for forming an artificial turf mat includes supplying a backing material, supplying an artificial turf material, forming a backing from the backing material, and connecting blades of the artificial turf material divided into rows to the backing. The blades may be connected to the backing such that their mutual spacing in a row is substantially equal to the mutual distance between adjacent rows and is at least 10 mm.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Greenfields B.V.Inventor: Hugo de Vries
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Patent number: 10156427Abstract: A device for hiding or camouflaging an object or group of objects is disclosed. The device uses a knitted mesh of fibers which is subsequently deformed to provide further camouflage properties. Methods of using and making the device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Inventor: Stanislaw Litwin
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Patent number: 10119689Abstract: A dual-output power adapter for a lighted artificial tree having a plurality of tree portions with light strings having lighting elements. The dual-output power adapter includes a power cord including a first power conductor and a second power conductor, the power cord configured to transmit an input electrical power; a housing configured to receive the first power conductor and a second power conductor; power-converting circuitry in electrical connection with the first power conductor and the second power conductor, the power-converting circuitry configured to convert the input electrical power to a first output electrical power; a first pair of conductors for transmitting the first output electrical power; and a second pair of conductors for transmitting a second output electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: WILLIS ELETRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Johnny Chen
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Patent number: 10086415Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying and recycling synthetic turf are provided. The method includes removing a section of used synthetic turf, feeding the section to a rotating beater to knock sand infill loose, and passing the section through a rotating brush roll wherein a turf filament surface is directly contacted by the rotating brush roll to knock any entrained infill material loose from the section of used synthetic turf.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: APT ADVANCED POLYMER TECHNOLOGY CORP.Inventors: Larry E. Mashburn, David A. Brown, Jr., Timothy J. Gentry, Sr.
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Patent number: 9963835Abstract: The present invention describes a synthetic turf having super absorbent materials in order to keep the synthetic turf cooler than conventional synthetic turfs. The present invention also provides for synthetic turf infill cooling particles comprising a layer of water-absorbing material coating a foundation comprising a core substrate. In one embodiment, the cooling particle is comprised of a core particle or substrate, which is coated with a water-absorbing material. In one embodiment, the water-absorbing material is a super absorbent polymer.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Sapturf LLCInventors: Christopher Tetrault, Phil M. Stricklen, Raymond A Berard
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Patent number: 9845577Abstract: Artificial turf for use with an artificial turf system, which may also include a base layer and a support layer. The artificial turf comprising a backing supporting pile tufts of between ¼? to 4? in length, in position on its upper surface. The backing may comprise a porous synthetic foam or backing sheet. A filler of particles shaped to have no sharp edges and of substantially equal size are interspersed over the backing and about the tufts up to at least half thick length. The artificial turf substantially retains its resiliency, porosity and equal density throughout.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: USGreentech, L.L.C.Inventors: Randolph S. Reddick, Carl L Huff
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Patent number: 9809936Abstract: A substructure (1) for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer (4) of artificial grass fibers (5) and a substratum (2), which substratum comprises a number of individual layers, including a base layer (2), an intermediate layer (7) positioned on top of said base layer an a sand layer (3) positioned on top of said intermediate layer, wherein said sand layer comprises at least two sublayers, wherein the first sublayer (11) comprises a sand fraction having a particle size which is larger than the particle size of the sand fraction of the second sublayer (13).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: DESSO SPORTS SYSTEMS N.V.Inventors: Peter Van Reijen, Ronald Koning
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Patent number: 9790647Abstract: A method and system for providing an artificial turf edge. In one embodiment, the system includes: a main body portion having a bottom surface, an interior side surface, an exterior side surface and a top surface; an anchoring portion extending downwardly from the bottom surface, wherein the anchoring portion is configured to be driven downwardly into a ground surface to anchor the main body portion to the ground surface; and a plurality of artificial turf blades extending outwardly from the exterior side surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Inventor: Christopher John Fellars
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Patent number: 9737781Abstract: A synthetic putting green includes a crown, skirt and trough. The putting green includes a support surface shaped to define a crown, a skirt circumferentially positioned about the crown and a trough circumferentially positioned about the skirt. Landscape edging is applied to the support surface about a perimeter of the crown so as to define an interior space functioning as a putting surface. A containment layer is applied upon the support surface within the interior space and an open cell foam material applied over the containment layer within the interior space. A layer of synthetic turf is then applied to cover the containment layer and the open cell foam material within the interior space. A method for making the synthetic putting green is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventor: David T Pelz
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Patent number: 9611594Abstract: Artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field, comprising a substrate as well as artificial fibers extending from said substrate, whereby the substrate is formed such that it extends between the artificial grass fibers.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Ten Cate Nederland B.V.Inventors: Jeroen Albert van Balen, Menno van Dijk
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Patent number: 9587913Abstract: Geometrically incised fabrics that control reflectance and transmission in the visible, thermal, nIR, SWIR, and microwave/millimeter bands of the electromagnetic spectrum are provided. The incised fabrics include incised flaps that move about a hinged attachment portion into open and closed configurations. The incised flaps may be oriented in patterns containing overlapping, inverted incised flaps, overlapping inverted and non-inverted incised flaps, or in block patterns of incised flaps. Selective transmission of electromagnetic waves can be modulated by the geometry of the incised flaps and the amount of tension applied to the incised fabric. The incised fabric includes a composite material including an asymmetric ePTFE laminate, a metalized layer, an ePTFE membrane layer, and a textile. A second ePTFE asymmetric laminate and a metal layer may be attached to the composite material to form a reversible composite. Incised fabrics may be used to form selective, multispectral reflective covers and garments.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Neil R. Williams, Gregory D. Culler
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Patent number: 9587364Abstract: A synthetic ground cover system for erosion control to be placed atop the ground, including a synthetic grass which comprises a composite of one or more geotextiles tufted with synthetic yarns and an impermeable backing/layer. The synthetic ground cover also includes a sand/soil infill ballast applied to the synthetic grass and a binding agent applied to the sand/soil infill to stabilize the sand/soil infill against high velocity water shear forces.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Watershed Geosynthetics LLCInventors: Michael Ayers, Jose Urrutia
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Patent number: 9539490Abstract: A low-maintenance bocce court surface comprising a base layer with a horizontal backing and vertical polymer fibers attached to the backing; an infill layer of a particulate infill material distributed between the fibers of the base layer; and a surface layer distributed over the infill layer and covering the polymer fibers, wherein the surface layer comprises crushed seashells, and wherein the vertical polymer fibers of the base layer extend part-way into the surface layer; as well as a bocce court comprising the low-maintenance bocce court surface, and a method of preparing the bocce ball court surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Inventor: Philip Park
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Patent number: 9540777Abstract: The present invention provides for synthetic turf infill materials and methods of making such materials wherein the surfaces of the materials have been modified with hydrophilic properties. The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a method to modify the surface of synthetic turf infill through coating, crosslinking or other methods. The surface of the infill is modified to become substantially hydrophilic with low contact angles. The present invention also provides a process for producing surfaces with hydrophilic properties.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Inventor: Christopher Tetrault
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Patent number: 9505033Abstract: A method and system for processing and recycling infill material of artificial turf. The invention includes drying extracted infill material through a fluid bed dryer, the fluid bed dryer passes a process gas through a bed of solids via a perforated plate. The dried infill material is processed using a plurality of vibrating screens to remove excessively large or small particles from the infill material. The plurality of vibrating screens may be a set of progressively finer mesh screens. The processed infill material is separated by density. The density of the infill material may be determined by a high intensity, uniform sheet of laminar airflow. The separated infill material is discharged and is ready to be used again in another artificial turf. In one embodiment, the infill material includes at least one of graded sand, granulated styrene-butadiene rubber, cork, organic infill, thermoplastic elastomers, or ethylene propylene diene monomers.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: TARKETT INC.Inventor: Alain Bissonnette
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Patent number: 9464388Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a method and system for synthetic turf and the installation thereof. Modular turf sections are formed by attaching a turf section to a corresponding base structure of any desired size and shape. The base section has smooth edges, and can be cut to any desired shape, angle or cutout. The modular turf sections are laid side by side to cover a surface having any size and shape. The modular turf sections are portable and can be individually lifted after having been installed, thereby allowing for cleaning, repair and/or access under one or more selected modular turf sections, or for the replacement of selected modular turf sections which become worn or damaged.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Perfect Tuff LLCInventors: David J. Sternberg, Thomas G. Lober, Matthew V. Scavo
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Patent number: 9453308Abstract: A lawn grid is provided with pipelines for a heat transfer medium. By using this lawn grid, a turf which can be used for summer operation can be integrated in winter into the structure of an artificial ice rink and/or the turf can be kept free of frost in winter by means of a surface lawn heating. Moreover, the lawn grid can be used for the active and passive recovery of solar heat. The invention further includes methods for the production of an artificial ice rink on a turf and for collection of solar energy in an outdoor facility using such a lawn grid.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Erziehungsdepartment BS SportamtInventor: Eric Hardman
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Patent number: 9435083Abstract: An artificial turf surface comprised of natural looking fibrous materials can be infilled with small beads of black crumb rubber coated with heat reflecting material. These beads can also be engineered to have a variable spring force and can also be coated with titanium dioxide powder to have an anti-bacterial effect and laumontite to bind lead. Turf blades can also be coated to increase solar reflection.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Turf Group LLCInventors: Sean Allen Packer, Alfred Abraham Brenner, Harold Brad Rinehart
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Patent number: 9315954Abstract: An artificial turf has a base layer, a multiplicity of blades fixed to and projecting upward from the base layer, and a mass of infill between the blades and on the base layer. The infill is formed of elongated plastic fibers each having a longitudinally extending inner part of a predetermined first plastic and a longitudinally extending outer part bonded to the inner part and of a predetermined second plastic different from the first plastic.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: REIFENHAEUSER GMBH & CO.KG MASCHINENFABRIKInventor: Jürgen Morton-Finger
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Patent number: 9308557Abstract: A mobile infill reclamation system comprising a mobile platform configured to be readily moved from a first location to a second location in relatively close proximity to an existing synthetic turf surface, a support structure mounted on the mobile platform, multiple processing components supported by the support structure and configured and arranged to process used infill material from the existing synthetic turf surface, an infill intake supported by the support structure and configured and arranged to receive the used infill material, and an infill output supported by the support structure and configured and arranged to discharge infill material processed by the processing components.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Turf Industry Holdings LLCInventors: Mark H. Nicholls, Michael A. Hartwell
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Patent number: 9267244Abstract: A synthetic grass tile system and method are disclosed. An artificial turf tile system has a plurality of connectable tile members and a synthetic turf arrangement adhered to the tile members. The interconnected tile members, having the turf attached thereto, are cut into sections. The sections are then secured on a pallet for sale at a retail establishment. A method for producing a modular synthetic grass tile system follows the following steps: (a) providing a plurality of tile members; (b) snapping the tile members together at their edges to form a grid; and (c) adhering a sheet of synthetic turf to the top surface of the tile members.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: WHOLESALE TURF SUPPLY LLCInventors: Ron Bennett, Steve White, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150147492Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to carpeting of artificial turf used on sports fields, as decorative touches in gardens and areas with greenery as well as for other applications. It features a weaving process differentiated from those normally implemented by the current artificial turf industry, leading to multiple benefits that impact not only the fabricator but also the final user.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: German Aello Garcia, Julio Cesar Hernandez
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Publication number: 20150139742Abstract: A method and system for providing an artificial turf edge. In one embodiment, the system includes: a main body portion having a bottom surface, an interior side surface, an exterior side surface and a top surface; an anchoring portion extending downwardly from the bottom surface, wherein the anchoring portion is configured to be driven downwardly into a ground surface to anchor the main body portion to the ground surface; and a plurality of artificial turf blades extending outwardly from the exterior side surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Christopher John Fellars
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Publication number: 20150125633Abstract: Provided is an artificial lawn that has a high durability and does not undergo fibrillation over a long time. In the artificial lawn, flat filament yarns, which are produced by uniaxially stretching a crystalline plastic material to give a crystal orientation degree of 0.75-0.90, are used as piles (3) to be implanted in a base fabric (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD.Inventors: Hirofumi Nakamae, Yoshimichi Tanaka, Tomoyuki Nishikawa, Takashi Horio, Norio Hunakoshi, Keisuke Miyake
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Publication number: 20150118418Abstract: A geocomposite covering for placement atop the ground and includes a lower carrier layer and an intermediate layer of particulate material positioned above the lower carrier layer. A synthetic turf is positioned over the particulate material and is affixed to the lower carrier layer to contain the particulate material between the lower carrier layer and the synthetic turf. The synthetic turf is affixed to the lower carrier layer by one or more of stitches, needle-punched staple fibers, linking fibers, heat bonded fibers, or mechanical fasteners. The particulate material can include clays, cementitious materials, granular material, powder-like material, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: WATERSHED GEOSYNTHETICS, LLCInventors: Bradford COOLEY, Michael AYERS
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Patent number: 9011740Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for recycling synthetic turf that includes agglomerating a plurality of synthetic turf fragments and extruding the agglomerated material. The method produces a recycled material suitable for use as infill in a synthetic turf. Accordingly, an infill for synthetic turf and a synthetic turf including that infill are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Textile Management Associates, Inc.Inventors: Larry Mashburn, William Henry Harrison, IV, Dewayne Ray Miller
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Patent number: 9005723Abstract: A filament for use in an artificial grass field, wherein the filament has a front and a back surface and at least one of the front surface and back surface includes a plurality of adjacent concave indentations extending generally from a first end to a second end.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Tarkett Inc.Inventors: Thorsten Emge, Juergen Morton-Finger
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Patent number: 8986807Abstract: An artificial turf system that includes a plurality of pellets in an infill disposed on a backing material and between individual synthetic fibers extending away from the backing material, wherein the pellets are a fire retardant material, for example, a salt, and more particularly an inorganic salt, encapsulated in a water insoluble material.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Tarkett Inc.Inventor: John Rodgers
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Patent number: 8986808Abstract: An artificial turf is disclosed having a base and a plurality of synthetic fibers attached to and extending upward from the base, the fibers comprising a chlorin-based organic colorant and the colorant reflects infrared radiation in the range of 700 to 1,100 nm.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventors: Milo George, Randolph S. Reddick
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Patent number: 8979663Abstract: A foamed polymer having a top portion with ruptured cells and a bottom portion of non-ruptured cells is provided. The ruptured cells are formed using mechanical or chemical abrasion to form a plurality of fibrous members that simulate a grass-like surface. The abrasion may be accomplished using sanding or solvents that rupture the cells of the top portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventor: John V. Breaker
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Publication number: 20150040960Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial turf, comprising: a carrier, and a number of artificial grass fibres connected to the carrier and extending therefrom; ?wherein ?the artificial turf comprises heat-conducting means for conducting heat absorbed by the artificial turf. The invention also relates to a system for generating electrical energy from heat comprising such an artificial turf, and to a building comprising such a system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Marco Wilhelm Pleijsier, Martijn Veldhuijsen
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Publication number: 20150044395Abstract: Artificial turf for use with an artificial turf system, which may also include a base layer and a support layer. The artificial turf comprising a backing supporting pile tufts of between ¼? to 4? in length, in position on its upper surface. The backing may comprise a porous synthetic foam or backing sheet. A filler of particles shaped to have no sharp edges and of substantially equal size are interspersed over the backing and about the tufts up to at least half thick length. The artificial turf substantially retains its resiliency, porosity and equal density throughout.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: USGREENTECH, L.L.C.Inventor: Randolph S. Reddick
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Publication number: 20150037865Abstract: Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one biodegradative living organism are disclosed. The kits and assemblies include at least one additional living organism that enhances and/or expedites consumption of the article by the at least one biodegradative living organism. Methods of producing and using same are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Donald E. Weder
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Publication number: 20150024150Abstract: The present document relates to surface covering panel assembly for installation over a receiving surface and under a top layer. The surface covering panel assembly includes substantially identical surface covering panels. Each one of the surface covering panels includes a sheet member made of a first flexible material, the sheet member defining a first surface for interfacing with the top layer and a second surface, a padding layer panel made of a second flexible material, the padding layer panel defining a first surface for partially covering the second surface defined by the sheet member and a second surface for interfacing with the receiving surface, and an edge being adapted for releasable attachment to one of the at least other substantially identical surface covering panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Frédéric Vachon, Richard DiPietro
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Patent number: 8936748Abstract: Artificial turf has a base layer, a multiplicity of blades fixed in and projecting upward from the base layer, and a mass of damping material on the base layer and through which the blades project. Each of the blades is at least partially formed of a polyester of terephthalic acid made from waste. The polyester is polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), both from waste. The base layer is a flat primary layer, preferably a textile and preferably consists of plastic, a polyolefin and/or a polyester of terephthalic acid, preferably a polyester of terephthalic acid from waste.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Reifenhaeuser GmbH & Co. KG MaschinenfabrikInventor: Juergen Morton-Finger
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Publication number: 20150017352Abstract: An artificial plant assembly is provided that can be broken down into component parts for efficient shipping. The artificial plant assembly includes a planter, an outer pot secured within the planter, an inner pot having an artificial plant supported therein and wherein the inner pot is securable within the outer pot.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Kristie Chaanine, Nabil T. Chaanine
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Publication number: 20140363591Abstract: The invention describes a surface covering that comprises modules, made up of elements with irregular undulating edge, imitating natural warping of wood. At least one element with irregular undulating edge of a module is unique and an element with at least one irregular undulating edge can be matched, according to the predefined specification, side to side, with at least one adjacent element with irregular undulating edge. Unique element of each module, featuring at least one irregular undulating edge, will be interchangeable with the unique element with an equivalent irregular undulating edge that forms a part of another module. Modules can be matched mutually, at horizontal plane, to the shape of irregular undulating edge of the outmost element of module, at least in part, according to the predefined specification, given above; the modules can be also matched to each other at ends, according to the predefined specification, thus forming a repeating pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: LCF Holding OUInventors: Erki Unn, Taavi Velleste
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Publication number: 20140341651Abstract: A substructure (1) for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer (4) of artificial grass fibres (5) and a substratum (2), which substratum comprises a number of individual layers, including a base layer (2), an intermediate layer (7) positioned on top of said base layer an a sand layer (3) positioned on top of said intermediate layer, wherein said sand layer comprises at least two sublayers, wherein the first sublayer (11) comprises a sand fraction having a particle size which is larger than the particle size of the sand fraction of the second sublayer (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2012Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: DESSO SPORTS SYSTEMS N.V.Inventors: Peter Van Reijen, Ronald Koning
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Patent number: 8882603Abstract: A safety surface for use over a supporting base in a designated area of a playground includes a bottom layer arranged for placement over the supporting base, a plurality of mesh bags, each of the mesh bags filled with a plurality of pieces of a shock absorbent material, and a border arranged for placement along selected edges of the designated area. The mesh bags are sized and shaped to abut adjacent mesh bags, with a portion of the mesh bags arranged to abut the border. And internal divider is positioned in an interior of the mesh bags, with the internal divider arranged to divide the interior of the mesh bags into a plurality of interior compartments. A top layer is arranged to overlie the mesh bags and arranged for securement to the border.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Kidsoft LLCInventors: Gregory S. Reising, George McGuan, Richard Hagelberg
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Publication number: 20140322459Abstract: The present invention describes a synthetic turf having super absorbent materials in order to keep the synthetic turf cooler than conventional synthetic turfs. The present invention also provides for synthetic turf infill cooling particles comprising a layer of water-absorbing material coating a foundation comprising a core substrate. In one embodiment, the cooling particle is comprised of a core particle or substrate, which is coated with a water-absorbing material. In one embodiment, the water-absorbing material is a super absorbent polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Christopher Tetrault, Phil M. Stricklen, Raymond A Berard
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Patent number: 8871327Abstract: A camouflage structure, capable of altering its appearance, comprises a camouflage graphic layer and a color-changing layer disposed on the camouflage graphic layer. Originally, the camouflage structure presents a first color state. After the color-changing layer changes the color by driving methods, the camouflage structure presents a second color state. For example, a transparent or semi-transparent color-changing layer able to reflect or emitting red light could be disposed on the woodland camouflage graphic layer, which allows for the overall appearance to change from the greenish woodland camouflage to the brownish desert camouflage. Alternatively, the camouflage structure could comprise a greenish camouflage graphic layer made of material with red-shift characteristics, which means the greenish camouflage graphic layer consists of different colors of chromic materials with reversible red-shift characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Chen-Chu Tsai
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Patent number: 8871346Abstract: Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Forest Concepts, LLCInventors: James H. Dooley, David N. Lanning
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Patent number: 8858349Abstract: The present document describes a padding layer for a multi-layered sports playing field. Various improvements are proposed for enhancing athlete's safety, surface hardness, water drainage, heat management, ease of assembly/installation, durability/longevity, uniformity, resistance to change in weather according to seasons, and stability. The improvements include: matching (multiple-wise) of spacing between rows of backstitches of the top layer and the drainage channels on top surface of the padding layer; a slit in the external tab portion of the padding layer panel, a slit near the lateral part of the tab or blank portion providing a hinging effect thereto, and/or protrusions at various positions on the tab or blank portions to account for change in size of the padding layer panel; drainage holes within the drainage channels; and various configurations of drainage channels on the bottom surface of the padding layer to improve evacuation of water toward the sides of the playing surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Inventor: Frédéric Vachon
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Publication number: 20140295111Abstract: Artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field, comprising a substrate as well as artificial fibres extending from said substrate, whereby the substrate is formed such that it extends between the artificial grass fibres.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Ten Cate Nederland B.V.Inventor: Menno van Dijk
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Publication number: 20140287169Abstract: An artificial turf barrier including a lawn barrier, an artificial turf, and a connecting area for the artificial turf. A connecting grid is also provided. A method for manufacturing an artificial turf barrier including a lawn barrier and a connecting grid, the lawn barrier and the connecting grid being formed by injection molding. An artificial turf portion cut to size is inserted into an injection mold and the lawn barrier and the connecting grid are non-detachably combined with the artificial turf portion during injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventors: Heribert GUENTNER, Anton HUBER
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Publication number: 20140270992Abstract: A synthetic ground cover method includes placing a synthetic grass atop the ground, the synthetic grass including a composite of one or more geo-textiles tufted with synthetic yarns. The synthetic ground cover method also includes applying an infill ballast to the synthetic grass by spreading the infill ballast over and onto the synthetic grass from a moving vehicle. The infill ballast can be sand, soil, or a binding infill (such as cementitious materials).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Michael AYERS, Jose Urrutia
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Publication number: 20140257518Abstract: A bioelectronic device and method of making is disclosed. The device includes a scaffold formed via 3D printing. The device also includes a biologic and an electronic device formed via 3D printing, the biologic and electronic device being interweaved with or coupled to the scaffold. The electronic component may e.g., include at least one of hard conductors, soft conductors, insulators and semiconductors. The scaffold may be formed of at least one of synthetic polymers and natural biological polymers. The biologic may include at least one of animal cells, plant cells, cellular organelles, proteins and DNA (including RNA).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITYInventors: Michael C. McAlpine, Manu Sebastian-Mannoor, Yong Lin Kong, Blake N. Johnson
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Patent number: 8819990Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the preservation and/or dyeing of plant material including cut flowers. According to the invention, the treated plant material has the color and texture of fresh plant material and is substantially free from curling or distortion. The method may comprise five steps including a first step of substantially removing the protective wax coating from flowers and other plant material without adversely affecting the strength of the plant material; a second step comprising a mild oxidative bleach to remove excess color from the plant material; a third step comprising a mild reductive bleach to neutralize any residual oxidative bleach and to stabilize the color; a fourth step comprising the simultaneous preservation and dyeing of the plant material, and a fifth and last step comprising the rinsing and drying of the preserved and dyed material. This may be followed by a 2nd preservation and dyeing step and a rinsing and drying. The product can then be rewaxed and stored.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: African Floralush IP (Proprietary) LimitedInventors: Bernard Zeelie, Ella-Christine Maske, Shawn Gouws
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Patent number: 8821995Abstract: Fibers, tapes, monofilaments including copolymers of ethylene and ?-olefins which exhibit improved tensile properties expressed as a balance between tenacity and elongation at break. The copolymers may be prepared by use of metallocene catalyst systems in particular by use of monocyclopenadienyl catalyst systems. The fibers, tapes, monofilaments of the invention are particularly suitable for end-use applications including artificial grass, woven and nonwoven fabrics, cordages, ropes, netting and flexible intermediate bulk containers.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: INEOS Manufacturing Belgium NVInventors: Choon Chai, Dominique Jan, Stefan Spitzmesser
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Publication number: 20140242304Abstract: An artificial turf comprising a turf yarn prepared from an ethylene-based polymer composition comprising less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and less than 30 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein said ethylene-based polymer composition is characterized by having a Comonomer Distribution Constant of equal to or greater than 40, a vinyl unsaturation of less than 100 vinyls per one million carbon atoms present in the backbone of the ethylene-based polymer composition; a zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) equal to or greater than 1.75; a density in the range of 0.915 to 0.930 g/cm3, a melt index (12) in the range of from 0.8 to 5 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 2 to 3.6, and a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) equal to or less than 3; and wherein the turf yarn exhibits one or more of the following properties (a) shrink of less than 4.8%, and (b) curl of less than 0.5 is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2011Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Peter Sandkuehler, Selim Bensason