Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising the following: at least one olefin multi-block interpolymer, at least one thermoplastic polyurethane, and at least one polydiene-based and/or polydiol-based polyurethane. These compositions are well-suited for promoting the adhesion between polar (for example, polyester, polycarbonate and polylactic acid) and non-polar materials and for the manufacture of, among other things, films, fibers, sheets and tie layers, tubes, adhesives, dispersions, protective apparel, footwear, coatings, laminates and foams.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass covering, usable, for example, for making artificial pitches for sports activities, consisting of a substrate made of sheet material and filiform formations, implanted in the sheet material so as to present a looped part that extends up against one of the surfaces of the sheet material and lateral branches that extend in order to simulate the grassy sward of natural turf from the opposite surface of the sheet material. The substrate made of sheet material comprises a pad with coupled thereto a layer made of heat-meltable material, and the filiform formations are also made of heat-meltable material, with the aforesaid looped parts that extend in an area corresponding to the layer made of heat-meltable material, heat-welded to the aforesaid layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite artificial grass fibre for use in an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field, which artificial grass fibre is made up at least of several monofilament fibres. The invention further relates to an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field built up of a substrate to which composite artificial grass fibres according to the invention are attached. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a composite artificial grass fibre according to the invention, in particular for an artificial lawn, which comprises the steps of manufacturing several monofilament fibres and forming said several monofilament fibres into a composite artificial grass fibre.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a synthetic fiber for use in an artificial grass sports field, including the steps of supplying a layer of synthetic material; and obtaining the synthetic fiber from the layer of synthetic material, wherein the layer of synthetic material comprises at least two layers of different synthetic materials, using a co-extrusion process. The invention also relates to such a synthetic fiber and to an artificial lawn suitable for sports fields, including a substrate to which synthetic fibers according to the invention have been attached.

Abstract: A multifilament, a monofilament, a non-woven or a tape, each having 1 to 2000 Denier per filament and a draw ratio of 1:2 to 1:11 and each made of a composition containing the components (A) a polyolefin, (B) for example a compound of the formula (B-1-a-1), (C) for example a compound of the formula (C-1-b-1), wherein b, is a number from 2 to 20, and optionally (D) one or more inorganic and/or organic pigments.

Abstract: An artificial palm frond, in particular for use in outdoor areas, has a plurality of stem components (10) which include an elongated base body (12) configured as a sleeve. The artificial palm frond further has a pole penetrating the base body (12). A plurality of stem components (10) placed axially in line with each other are penetrated by the same pole.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising the following: at least one olefin-based polymer, at least one halogenated ethylene-based polymer, or at least one elastomer rubber; at least one thermoplastic polyurethane; and at least one polydiene- or polydiol-based polyurethane. These compositions are well-suited for promoting the adhesion between polar (for example, polyester, polycarbonate and polylactic acid) and non-polar materials and for the manufacture of, among other things, films, fibers, sheets and tie layers, tubes, adhesives, dispersions, protective apparel, footwear, coatings, laminates and foams.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial lawn, in particular for an artificial grass sports field comprising an artificial mat built up of a carrier to which artificial glass fibres are attached. The object of the invention is to provide a new type of artificial lawn, which in particular obviates the need to use an infill material, without this having an adverse effect on the playing characteristics of the sports field. According to the invention, the carrier is at least in part provided with at least one additional material component, which additional material component imposes a permanent volume increase on said part of the carrier under the influence of an external stimulus after being provided in the artificial mat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for adjusting the relative stiffness of a synthetic turf system's synthetic ribbons. A stiffening agent is applied to the synthetic turf system such that its synthetic ribbons that are responsive to the stiffening agent will stiffen subsequent to the application of the stiffening agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial grass fibre having an elongated cross-section that remains substantially constant along its longitudinal axis. The present invention further relates to an artificial lawn comprising artificial grass fibres as well as to the use of the aforesaid artificial grass fibre. It is an object of the present invention to provide a special type of artificial grass which imitates the advantageous characteristics of natural grass, in particular in the field of ball roll and sliding characteristics, as much as possible.

Abstract: A multi-layered sports playing field including a top layer made of substantially artificial material simulating a natural playing surface such as grass and a padding layer positioned between the top layer and the base or dirt layer. The padding layer is made of a plurality of discrete beads of substantially elastic, resilient material (e.g., foam) with portions of adjacent beads abutting one another and other portions being spaced from each other. Substantially all of the adjacent beads are preferably integrally joined (e.g., glued, fused) together at their abutting portions. The padding layer is very porous and breathable and preferably includes feet members supporting the main body of the padding layer above the base or dirt layer to create a water channel of interconnected portions to enhance water drainage to the sides of the field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial turf (1) and a method for producing an artificial turf (1) comprising a ground fabric made from synthetic ground warp yarns and synthetic weft yarns and a number of plastic blades of grass (2) protruding from the ground fabric in the shape of pile burls which succeed one another in the warp direction and which each comprise two pile legs (2a), in which at least three and at most nine weft yarns (3) are inserted between two successive pile legs (2a). In particular, each pile leg (2a) is tied up around a different weft yarn (3) which are both situated between the two pile legs. As the distance between the two pile legs of a pile burl is only half that of the distance between the pile legs during tufting, the material consumption in terms of plastic grass blade yarn will be greatly reduced. In addition, artificial turf (1) of this type has the advantage that the pile burls and in particular the plastic blades of grass are evenly distributed across the fabric.

Abstract: A tufted nonwoven with improved stitch holding, a bonded nonwoven and methods for their manufacture are described.

Abstract: A system to form smooth synthetic wicker yarn. The smooth synthetic wicker yarn is then reprocessed to form a naturally looking and feeling wicker yarn. In one aspect, a pair of top and bottom brushes with bristles score simultaneously a plurality of irregular hair lines in the circumferential outer surface of the smooth synthetic wicker yarn to texture the smooth synthetic wicker yarn to have a natural wicker appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial grass granulated infill excellent in productivity, workability, and recyclability, and an artificial grass structure using the same. The artificial grass granulated infill is made from a material comprising a synthetic resin having a hardness of 60 or more in accordance with type A, and is formed so that the void 51 accounts for 10 to 75% of the total volume (the sum of the volume of the portion in which the material is present and the volume of the void).

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial grass granulated infill excellent in productivity, workability, and recyclability, and an artificial grass structure using the same. A hollow cylindrical granulated infill 5 which has a height h of mm or less and an outside diameter of 3.0 mm or less and satisfies the condition: ?2/?1=0.40 to 0.85, where ?1 presents the outside diameter and ?2 represents the inside diameter, is made from a material comprising a synthetic resin having a hardness of 60 or more in accordance with JIS-K6253 type A.

Abstract: Decorative grasses having an appearance or texture simulating the appearance or texture of cloth are disclosed, as are methods for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to simulate the appearance or texture of cloth.

Abstract: A yarn for strands of an artificial turf ground cover, including a tape filament (4) having a core layer (8) and two outer layers (9) of a different material than the core layer (8), each on one of two opposite sides of the core layer. The core layer (8) contains at least polyester or polyolefin material, and the outer layers (9) contain high-density polyethylene. An artificial turf ground cover and a playing field including such a yarn and a method for producing such a yarn are also described. The high-density polyethylene has a relatively small coefficient of friction with the human skin and the yarn has a good shape recovery after deformation in spite of containing HDPE in outer layers.

Abstract: A floor cleaning system and method for use thereof is disclosed for facilitating removal of waste materials. The system includes a floor base, a floor covering, a substrate spacing the floor base and the artificial grass surfacing apart from one another, and at least one fluid-carrying structure. The floor base receives the waste materials. The floor covering is spaced above the floor base, and is at least in part permeable to the waste materials and in liquid communication with the floor base. The fluid-carrying structure is adapted to provide cleaning fluid to the floor base to rinse the waste materials received thereon. The cleaning fluid and waste materials flow along the floor base under the floor covering to facilitate evacuation thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial grass fibre in particular for use in an artificial mat for an artificial lawn, which artificial grass fibre is made of at least one synthetic material. The invention also relates to an artificial mat, in particular for use in an artificial grass sports field, which artificial mat is built up of a carrier to which at least artificial grass fibres according to the invention are attached. The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved artificial grass fibre which on the one hand can be produced by means of the existing techniques and which on the other hand reduces the number of injuries on the field. According to the invention, the artificial grass fibre to that end furthermore comprises at least one additional material component, which additional material component imposes a permanent volume increase on the artificial grass fibre under the influence of an external stimulus after the artificial mat has been provided with the artificial grass fibre.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial grass sports field, comprising a substrate to which artificial grass fibres provided with additives are attached, which additives undergo a color change in response to an external stimulus. The object of the invention is to provide an artificial lawn as referred to in the introductory paragraph which is capable of displaying a range of colors in a simpler and more effective manner. According to the invention, the artificial grass fibres provided with an additive are attached to the substrate in the form of various groups of artificial grass fibres, each provided with a specific additive, wherein each specific additive of a group of artificial grass fibres undergoes a color change in response to a specific external stimulus.

Abstract: An interlocking substrate for artificial turf that includes a base pad having an interlocking tab-and-notch structure that is operable to lock one piece of the base pad to an adjacent piece of the base pad and including channels formed in the upper surface of the substrate to provide drainage and to carry heating and cooling tubes to regulate the temperature of the artificial turf.

Abstract: A fill, infill or propant material used in an artificial turf application includes glass particles having an irregular shape and smoothed surfaces. An artificial turf includes: a base; a carpet of synthetic grass fibers on the base; and a fill material dispersed between and supporting the fibers; the fill material including glass particles having an irregular shape and smoothed surfaces. A method of producing a fill material for use in an artificial turf includes: providing glass particles having an irregular shape and sharp surfaces; and smoothing the surfaces of the particles through a chemical, mechanical or thermal process or a combination of these processes.

Abstract: A flooring, for example for pitches for soccer, five-a-side football, American football, rugby, etc. which includes a polyolefin-based impermeable layer and an elastic mattress laid on top of the impermeable layer which includes a core layer having an agglomerate granular material and an envelope that envelops the core layer. A structure of synthetic-grass covering is laid on top of the elastic mattress and includes a sheetlike substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate to simulate the grassy sward of natural turf, as well as a particulate filling material or infill dispersed between the filiform formations to maintain the filiform formations themselves in a substantially upright condition. The flooring is suited to being laid directly on the previously flattened laying foundation so as to bestow a camber thereon to facilitate draining, such as a pitched camber.

Abstract: A portable synthetic grass turf assembly—that is capable of being assembled, transported, disassembled, and stored—includes a plurality of synthetic grass module units that can be laid side by side atop a base surface to provide a continuous synthetic grass surface for various activities. Each module unit includes a synthetic grass turf with an infill layer of particulate materials disposed among the synthetic grass ribbons and atop a base sheet. A barrier of synthetic ribbons extends about the perimeter of the module unit to retain the particulate material within the module unit during its transportation and storage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for providing an artificial grass system. One embodiment of the invention can provide an artificial grass system with a woven tubular-shaped fabric and tufted artificial turf yarn. For example, the woven tubular-shaped fabric can be made from at least two types of yarn with different shrink characteristics. Various embodiments of the invention can provide improved drainage, shock absorbency, load displacement, and dimensional stability characteristics for an artificial grass or turf system.

Abstract: A portable outdoor enclosure includes a support frame and a three dimensional camouflage cover having a bi-layer construction that provides a high degree of unidirectional visibility. The cover includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a plurality of partial cutouts, the cutouts formed with a curvilinear incision pattern which are partially separable from the inner layer, the outer layer is attached to the inner layer at a plurality of spaced locations, and wherein the exterior-facing surfaces of both the outer layer and the inner layer are printed in a camouflage pattern and coloration. The inner layer of the cover includes a mesh upper portion permitting a high degree of outward visibility therethrough over a 360 degree horizontal visual field, and an opaque lower portion.

Abstract: Crosslinked foams having high filler loadings, which may be formed from A) a polyolefin having a crystallinity of 21 percent or less, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of less than 15 mole percent, or a combination thereof; B) a polyolefin having a viscosity between 500 and 20,000 cP, as measured using ASTM D1084 (Brookfield Viscosity at 350° F.); and C) a filler, wherein the crosslinked foam includes from 10 to 80 parts filler per hundred parts of components A, B, and C, by weight. In other aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, the crosslinked foam may optionally include one or more of: D) at least one polyolefin having a crystallinity of greater than 21 weight percent, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 15 mole percent or greater, or a combination thereof; and E) a scorch retarder.

Abstract: A play surface layer structure comprises a base layer having panels joined in side-by-side relation. Each of the panels is formed of an impact-absorbing material. A surface layer has carpeting panels positioned in side-by-side relation atop the base layer so as form an exposed surface of the play surface layer structure. Textile interfaces are between the base layer and the surface layer. The interfaces secure the surface layer to the base layer.

Abstract: An artificial grass turf carpet comprises a ground structure having an upper surface and upstanding synthetic grass fibers attached to the ground structure, which synthetic grass fibers form a grass surface of the artificial grass turf. The carpet further has upstanding synthetic base layer fibers attached to the ground structure at positions between the upstanding synthetic grass fibers. The base layer fibers have a lower height than the grass fibers. The base layer fibers are positioned tight against one another and against neighboring grass fibers, so that a dense base layer is obtained above which the grass fibers extend. An artificial grass turf system includes such a carpet and preferably includes a thin, rubber-free infill layer on top of the base layer.

Abstract: A method for processing prickly pear cactus skeletons and the resulting article. The process produces stabilized, acid and mold-free planer or three-dimensionally formed, cactus skeletons that can be easily handled. The method of the present invention preserves and enhances the natural intricate and delicate vein-like structures of the native skeleton and effectively alters the natural pH to a highly non-acidic state. Prickly pear cactus skeletons processed by the inventive method are ideally suited to be used as, or incorporated into, museum quality frame matting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic turf system including a backing member having a plurality of monofilament ribbons—soft and stiff—projecting there from. A layer of particulate material lies above the backing member and among the monofilament ribbons wherein the soft monofilament ribbons facilitates the stabilization or trapping of the particulate material.

Abstract: The present invention describes a synthetic grass or natural vegetation comprising a scenting component, wherein the scenting component comprises a scenting ingredient that emits a fresh-cut grass scent. Various known grass scent chemicals can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Known encapsulation techniques can also be utilized, and the scenting component encased microcapsules, pressure activated or moisture activated, can be adhered to the synthetic grass or natural vegetation.

Abstract: A camouflage material comprises a plurality of parallel strips of camouflage fabric attached side by side laterally across a substrate and extending longitudinally along the substrate. The strips have a plurality of longitudinally spaced edge strips extending laterally from side edges of a central portion. The edge strips have a flat body that extends outwardly from the central portion to an outer end. The edge strips are formed so that at lest some of the edge strips deflect outwardly and downwardly to give the fabric a three-dimensional contour. The three-dimensional effect is achieved by employing enlarged bulbous ends on some edge strips or by orienting the edge strips at an upward inclined angle, or both.

Abstract: A substrate for floorings, such as synthetic grass turf includes: a pad made of a first heat-meltable material, a stabilizing mesh made of a second heat-meltable material, and a connection layer set between said pad and the mesh. The connection layer includes a third heat-meltable material with a melting point lower than the melting point of the first and of the second heat-meltable materials. The connection layer is a discontinuous layer with a granular structure, so that the substrate is permeable to liquids in order to enable, for example, draining-off of rainwater.

Abstract: Artificial pet grass for use by pet owners and pet caregivers to provide a pet with an area of artificial grass. The artificial pet grass includes a pad member having a first predetermined shape and first predetermined thickness and manufactured from a first predetermined material and at least one of tufts, strands and patches of artificial grass protruding upwards from and attached to an upper surface of such pad member. The at least one of tufts, strands and patches of artificial grass being a first predetermined length and a first predetermined width and a second predetermined thickness and manufactured from a second predetermined material.

Abstract: A synthetic ground covering that is designed to replicate mulch, lava rocks, flag stones, sand, pebbles, straw, and other natural ground coverings. The ground covering is preferably fabricated from rubber or latex and is produced in rolls that measure fifty (50) feet long and eight (8) to twelve (12) feet wide, with the roll being unrolled like a section of carpet. The ground covering could be cut to conform to the shape of the landscape or designed to fit around trees, poles, and other obstructions. Furthermore, the border would be flexible to allow it to fit within confined spaces or enclosures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial turf suitable for sports fields including a substrate to which first artificial grass fibers are attached and a granular infill, which is provided between the first artificial grass fibers and which is made of a recyclable synthetic material. The invention also relates to an improved granular infill for use in an artificial turf suitable for sports fields.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial grass lawn suitable for sports fields, which artificial grass lawn consists of a base layer, on which first artificial grass fibres are disposed. In accordance with the invention, the artificial grass lawn is characterized in that said base layer comprises a material having damping properties, which is present thereon and/or therein. Thus the properties of a natural grass field are approximated very closely, and also the style of play on the sports field is positively affected. Furthermore, the artificial grass field thus obtained is substantially free of maintenance and of injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drain for liquid comprising a detachable pipe part provided with a stench-trap, placed substantially horizontal in or in connection to a drainage pipe, wherein the pipe part comprises positioning means for placing the pipe part in or in connection to the drainage pipe with a substantially univocal orientation. In one embodiment the drain comprises a receptacle having a bottom wall and raised side walls, wherein the raised side walls comprise a first side wall provided with a drainage opening placed therein, wherein the drainage pipe is placed at an outside of the receptacle so as to connect to the drainage opening. The drain according to the invention is particularly suitable for placement in for instance a finishing floor of a wet area in a building, such as for instance a bathroom or a shower cubicle.

Abstract: A process for laminating a substrate, where the process may include: disposing at least one a thermoplastic film on a porous substrate; heat softening the at least one thermoplastic film; conjoining the at least one thermoplastic film and the porous substrate to form a laminated substrate; and cooling the laminated substrate; wherein the conjoining comprises suctioning the thermoplastic film into the porous substrate. An apparatus for laminating a substrate, where the apparatus may include: a system for disposing a thermoplastic film on a tufted substrate; a heater for heat softening the thermoplastic film; and a vacuum for suctioning the thermoplastic film into the tufted substrate.

Abstract: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports field having a plurality of strips having a plurality of fibrillated polypropylene strands tufted within a multilayer backing material. The strands are tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, and stitch patterns depending upon end use. A particulate matter infill is introduced onto the strips at a depth between about 10% and 50% of the overall height of the strands.

Abstract: An artificial turf has a base layer and a multiplicity of blades fixed to and projecting upward from the base layer. Each of the blades is formed of an elongated plastic filament having a longitudinally extending inner part of plastic and a longitudinally extending outer part bonded to the inner part and of a plastic different from the inner-part plastic. Both parts extend the full length of the respective blade.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A fabric having moisture management function, which has a structure simulating plant structure and comprises at least two layers as follows: a bottom layer, which is of a leno or matt structure simulating main stem of plant, in which a number of yarns are grouped together to form a plurality of fabric units; said bottom layer can be adapted to be in contact with human skin; a top layer, which is of a plain weave structure, in which the yarns of said fabric unit further split in the top layer to form such a plain weave structure, simulating the branching in plant structure; wherein, in said fabric, water can be transported from the bottom layer to the middle layer and further to the top layer where it evaporates due to the improved capillarity of the yarns so as to provide better moisture management function.

Abstract: The invention relates to the backfiring of artificial turf stock material with hotmelts based on amorphous poly-?-olefins and/or modified amorphous poly-?-olefins, to a process to production thereof and to the use of hotmelts based on amorphous poly-?-olefins and/or modified amorphous poly-?-olefins for backfixing artificial turf stock material.

Abstract: A process for producing a camouflage material having a three-dimensional surface contour comprises providing a plurality of parallel strips of thermoplastic camouflage material having irregular side edges and positioning the strips, preferably with overlapping edges, on an underlying substrate in a multiple head bonding machine, such as a quilting machine, that simultaneously bonds a number of strips of material to the substrate in parallel fashion. Prior to bonding the strips to the substrate, the strips are spaced apart from the substrate and freely suspended. While freely suspended, a series of hot gas pulses (typically hot air) are delivered at spaced, discreet locations along the longitudinal outer surface of the strips of camouflage fabric. The temperature and duration of the air pulses are such that the hot pulses form shallow, cup-shaped depressions in the camouflage fabric, causing the camouflage fabric to spring away from the plane of the substrate at intermittent intervals along its length.

Abstract: A tufted artificial turf having a flexible, water-permeable support fabric provided with tufts is disclosed. The tufts include parts of straight monofilament yarn and parts of curly monofilament yarn and are manufactured from a compound yarn formed by twining together the straight monofilament yarn with the curly monofilament yarn.

Abstract: An air freshening apparatus comprises a plant pot-shaped main body, an end cap body and a scent-emitting composition. The plant pot-shaped main body has a cavity therein defining an open end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body and a closed end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The scented air passage extends through the closed end portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The end cap body is rotatably mounted on an exterior portion of the plant pot-shaped main body. The end cap body has a scented air passage extending therethrough and the end cap body is movable between a position where the scented air passages are at least partially aligned and a position where the scented air passages are fully misaligned. The scent-emitting composition is disposed within the cavity of the plant pot-shaped main body.