Abstract: A polymer-coated particulate material having: a particulate substrate; and an applied compound, wherein the applied compound coats at least 50% of the surface of the particulate substrate, and wherein, at the time of application, the applied compound includes a dispersion including: a thermoplastic polymer; and a stabilizing compound. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of forming a polymer-coated particulate material, the method including the steps of: incorporating a particulate substrate and a dispersion, the dispersion comprising: a thermoplastic polymer; a stabilizing compound; and a dispersion medium selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, water, and combinations thereof; removing at least a portion of the dispersion medium.

Abstract: A method of forming a multi-layer coated particulate material, the method including the steps of: mixing a first thermoplastic polymer with a particulate substrate to form a mixture at a temperature greater than a melting point of the first thermoplastic polymer; cooling the mixture to a temperature below the melting point of the first thermoplastic polymer; combining the cooled mixture with a second thermoplastic polymer, wherein a melting point of the second thermoplastic polymer is less than the temperature of the cooled mixture; and cooling the combined mixture to a temperature less than the melting point of the second polymer. In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a particulate material having: a particulate substrate coated with a first layer comprising a first thermoplastic polymer and a second layer comprising a second thermoplastic polymer; wherein a melting point of the first thermoplastic polymer is greater than a melting point of the second thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides new types of synthetic turf. The synthetic turf includes a pile fabric having a backing (1) and tufts (2) projecting therefrom. In one embodiment, at least a number of the tufts are made of a composite yarn formed by at least one fibrillated yarn (6) together with a number of individual filament yarns (7), in particular with so-called monofilament or monotape yarns. The fibrillated yarn and the individual filament yarns are preferably made of polyethylene so that the synthetic turf is sliding-friendly. In another embodiment, at least a number of the tufts are made of a composite yarn formed by monotape yarns twisted together with a number of the monofilament yarns. The monofilament and monotape yarns are preferably made of polyethylene so that the synthetic turf is sliding-friendly.

Abstract: A recreational surface such as an artificial turf playing field includes a pile fabric having a backing and a multiplicity of generally upstanding pile elements, and an infill overlying the backing and being interspersed between the upstanding pile elements. The infill advantageously includes resilient particles as well as particles of a rubber coated hard granular material such as rubber coated sand. The particles of rubber and the particles of rubber coated sand may be mixed together or they may be applied separately in different courses or layers in which the relative proportions of the two types of particles differ. Also disclosed is a method of designing and constructing such a recreational surface in which the properties of the recreational surface are specified according to the intended use of the recreational surface.

Abstract: A pre-formed synthetic turf module (10) includes a base tray (12), a flexible backing sheet (36) tufted with synthetic ribbons simulating grass blades, and a granular media infill material (40) in the voids between the ribbons, the tufted backing sheet and infill material being supported on the base tray so that a plurality of the modules may be installed side-by-side to form a media-filled synthetic turf surface. Each module may also include a peripheral wall (14) which is removed during the installation. A method of installing a synthetic turf surface, and the installation of heating elements (50) in the surface, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial turf is provided that resists migration of rubber infill into the space above the turf. Artificial grass is attached to and extends upward from a backing material, which may be one or more layers. The artificial grass includes groups of at least two different kinds of fiber sewn through a common path in the backing material. One of the kinds of fibers is an artificial grass blade shaped so as to appear like a blade of grass. The other kind of fiber in each group is pre-stressed/crimped so that the relaxed shape of the fiber is nonlinear, resembling a curlicued or articulated form having lateral excursions. The lateral excursions cause portions of one such pre-stressed fiber to overlap and interfere with another, forming a mesh. The height of the pre-stressed fibers in their relaxed state in the turf is less than the height of the relatively unstressed fiber(s). Resilient granules are embedded in the mesh, and are captivated by the interfering pre-stressed fibers.

Abstract: An artificial foliage structure with wire cores embedded in its leafy parts causing these parts to “spring back” upon removal of compressive loading acting thereupon. These wire cores may be made of hard, springy steel such as piano wire or small diameter spring wire. Thicker, woody limbs and branches have embedded therein heavier wire cores that are sufficiently soft to be given a set solely by manually applied bending force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a synthetic turf comprised of a backing, a synthetic grass-like surface which is comprised of textured and non-textured grass-like fibers that are secured to the backing. The synthetic turf further comprises a fill layer comprised of substantially ambient rubber spread substantially uniform throughout the textured and non-textured grass-like fibers. This invention also relates to synthetic turf systems.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating products containing wood fibers to provide protection against wood destroying organisms and fire, and resistance against leaching of the preservative from the wood fibers by water in exposed environments such as exterior applications. The methods involve applying to a substrate an aqueous preservative composition containing a boron compound, a source of zinc, an aqueous silicate, a source of alkalinity, and an amino acid. The compositions may be applied by vacuum and/or pressure treatment or dip treatment under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Surfaces and methods for producing surfaces that may support an artificial playing surface are disclosed herein. An example of a surface according to the invention includes a first layer with soil and a plurality of fibers, and a second layer with soil and an organic binder. At least a portion of the second layer is above the first layer. Both layers should be water permeable to some degree. The organic binder may include material from plants of one or more of the plantago family (such as dried and ground plantago husk) and/or guar family.

Abstract: A yarn for forming filiform formations of a synthetic-grass covering reproducing the grassy sward of natural turf comprises filiform segments set alongside one another and connected together by thin breakable connection portions, in which the filiform segments have thickened end parts. Preferably, the yarn is obtained by longitudinal stretching, starting from a length constituted by a strip comprising multiple filiform segments set alongside one another and connected together by thin connection portions.

Abstract: A novel decorative structure includes a length of strand material, having a plurality of individual strands twisted with respect to one another and fixed with respect to one another near a first end of the strands, a twisting member having a plurality of apertures formed therein, each adapted to receive a respective one of the individual strands therethrough, and an anchoring member adapted to support the decorative structure on a support surface. In a particular embodiment the twisting member is a disc, such that when the twisting member is advanced from a second end of the strands to the first end, the strand material is caused to unwind. Similarly, when the twisting member is advanced from the first end to the second end of the strands, the strand material is caused to wind up. When unwound, the strands can support a container within the unwound ends of the strand material.

Abstract: A device and method for helping a floral designer create a floral arrangement that is well balanced in its distribution of flowers and greens. The device includes a three-dimensional foam structure that has a plurality of different levels. Each of the different levels is of a different size, thereby creating an overall tapered foam structure. Areas of equal size are demarcated on each of the different levels. The areas of equal size are evenly distributed around a plurality of different levels. The demarcation of the various equal sized areas are created either by using an external grid work that lay over the foam structure or shaping the foam into protrusions on each level. Using the equal sized areas as a distribution grid, a floral designer can quickly and easily place flowers and greens throughout the three-dimensional foam structure in a manner that is evenly distributed and well balanced.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular synthetic grass turf assembly includes a plurality of synthetic grass units which are transportable, adapted to be laid flat on a field and fit side by side to provide a flat and continuous synthetic grass surface for activities. Each unit includes a flexible base sheet preferably with drainage grooves and bores if it is for outdoor use. A synthetic grass turf with an infill layer of particulate materials disposed interstitially between synthetic grass fibers is superposed on the base sheet to provide a grass surface with a required quality, and be fixed thereto or simply retained in place by the weight of the infill. A number of units may have irregular shapes or can be painted with different colors to illustrate letters, marks or logos. The modular synthetic grass turf assembly is conveniently transported from a storage facility to a site.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass flooring may include a substrate with multiple filiform formations extending upwards from the substrate to simulate natural-grass cover or turf. End portions of the filiform formations may be curled to bestow upon the filiform formations a general tree-like conformation. The synthetic-grass flooring may be manufactured as a finished product in a factory. A particulate filling material or infill may be retained on the substrate by the curly ends of the filiform formations.

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: A durable and wear resistant synthetic sports field having at least one strip 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. The multiplayer backing material has a top mesh polypropylene layer at least three layers of a backing material coated with a secondary coating used to contain the ends of the plurality of strands. The strips are placed onto a fine aggregate layer placed over a coarse aggregate layer and a geotextile fabric. The geotextile fabric is placed onto a compacted and leveled subgrade. A ground rubber infill, with or without sand particles and diatomaceous earth, is introduced onto the strips. In alternative arrangements, a series of perforated drains and drain tiles may be introduced to the coarse aggregate layer to promote drainage.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for airport safety areas, runways and taxiways is provided. Various attachment systems for installing a synthetic covering are described. The use of artificial turf as well as various embodiments for a suitable synthetic matting for the installation are also described. Also, solar energy, heating and fire suppression systems are disclosed. A method of financing the turf system is also described using a synthetic covering with advertising.

Abstract: An artificial surface for the growing of turf forming grasses and other plants, comprising a mixture of rubber, a polymer modified bitumen emulsion and slow release, plant nutrient containing particles, mixed in sufficient proportions and to a substantially even distribution of each of the rubber, emulsion and particles throughout the mixture so that, when laid and cured, the mixture uniformly produces a water permeable, heat conductive surface having air pockets through which a root system of the turf forming grasses and other plants can penetrate, the plant nutrient containing particles being trapped within the surface for slow release of plant nutrient to the root system.

Abstract: A simulated clay tennis surface has a first region tufted with synthetic ribbons of a first height, and a second region tufted with synthetic ribbons higher than those of the first region. A granular infill material is applied to a depth which covers the ribbons in the first region, but leaves the tips of the ribbons of the second region visible to form court markings of a contrasting color to the infill material.

Abstract: An artificial turf system having a bottom layer comprised of a plurality of pads constructed from a cross-linked, closed cell, high-density foam, a top layer of synthetic fibers disposed upon the bottom layer to provide a synthetic grass surface, and an infill layer installed upon the top layer wherein the bottom layer functions to provide shock absorbing characteristics to the artificial turf system as well as to evacuate water laterally.

Abstract: A modular synthetic grass playing surface system formed from a plurality of modular units. Each modular unit has a synthetic grass layer placed upon predetermined sized pallets having a pre-installed elastomeric layer. A layer of resilient particle infill is optionally introduced to the top surface of the modular unit. A corrugated plastic sleeve is optionally installed around each formed modular unit while the modular unit is stored and moved. A plurality of modular units are then installed onto a relatively flat surface to form the playing surface in a desired shape and size.

Abstract: The present invention describes a synthetic turf having super absorbent materials in order to keep the synthetic turf cooler than conventional synthetic turfs.

Abstract: A display tree for electrical ornaments has a support tube. A male electrical plug is connected to the support tube upper end. A female electrical socket is connected to the support tube lower end. A flange electrical contact is electrically connected to the female electrical socket. The flange electrical contact is connected to the lower flange. A shelf electrical contact is connected to the shelf bottom side. The shelf electrical contact is for detachable connection to the flange electrical contact. A shelf electrical outlet is connected to the shelf top side. The shelf electrical outlet is electrically connected to the shelf electrical contact.

Abstract: An artificial turf system which includes a support layer, a base layer, and an outer layer. The support layer comprises an area of selected size and composition. The base layer comprises at least one grid which consists of a plurality of interconnected cells. The base layer is positioned over the support layer. Each cell forming the grid comprises an upstanding tubular member which includes an upper portion, having a first diameter, and a lower portion having a second diameter. The lower cell portion provides the cell with vertical flexibility. The plurality of cells provide the grid with selected vertical movement on contact providing the artificial turf system with improved softness.

Abstract: A Christmas tree includes a trunk, and several lamp sets; the trunk includes several hollow rods, which are separably connected together by inserting lower ends into upper ends of adjacent rods, and each of which has a hole; each hollow rod has a first and a second connecting members respectively securely fitted in the upper and the lower ends thereof; each first connecting member having a fitting hole, and two terminals; each second connecting member has two terminals facing outwards; each hollow rod has cords therein, which are connected to the terminals in two ends thereof; the lamp sets are passed through the holes of the rods from cord parts thereof, which are connected to corresponding terminals in the rods; all of the lamp sets will be electrically connected to the cords in the rods after the rods are connected together for the terminals to be electrically connected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trunk joint for an artificial tree which comprises a tube member having a first diameter. A collar having a base extends from the tube member and having a second diameter different to the first diameter and the base defines at least a supporting opening through a wall thereof. A positioning disk is arranged in the collar and having an aperture of a third diameter substantially equal to the first diameter for receiving a trunk therein. The aperture has an inner rim defining at least one locking notch corresponding to the supporting opening through the wall of the collar.

Abstract: An artificial saguaro cactus having a cactus trunk indicating section having an annular wall; a multiplicity of apertures extending through the annular wall, the apertures being arranged in a plurality of vertically extending series, the annular wall being alternately inwardly and outwardly creased along the vertically extending series of apertures, the creases vertically pleating the inner and outer surfaces of the annular wall; a domed cap fitted for covering the upper end of the annular wall; and cap attaching means interconnecting the domed cap and the upper end of the annular wall.

Abstract: An artificial barrel cactus consisting of a plurality of sickles; and a plurality of welds laterally interconnecting and radially arranging the sickles about a vertical axis.

Abstract: An artificial turf system closely resembling natural grass in both appearance and physical characteristics, which can be removed and re-installed in a relatively short period of time and can be manufactured to suit the particular requirements of any activity, including a variety of sports or other events which would normally be conducted outdoors. The artificial turf system uses strands of synthetic fabric as the upper surface, which strands are attached to a supportive membrane which is carried by a layer of gel material encased in a flexible container supported by a bottom layer of resilient material such as rubber or foam, with the entire system resting on an existing floor surface.

Abstract: A particulate filling material (infill) for synthetic-grass structures, comprises granules, which have: a core of recycled-tire material; and a coating layer of a plastic material which encapsulates the core of recycled-tire material.

Abstract: A device for providing three dimensional camouflage to a hunter's ladder stand having a seat, footrest, side rails and a plurality of rungs. The device has a hollow plastic tube with a split and holes through which a plurality of stalks of artificial vegetation are inserted. The split is in the form a groove or has notches so that when the tube is attached to a rail of a ladder stand, the tube does not interfere with the rungs.

Abstract: An improved camouflaged product and method of making such a product is disclosed. A multi-layered camouflage construction may comprise a first textile substrate and a second textile substrate secured to each other along parallel lines of stitching. The second textile substrate may be cut to form lobes oriented transversely to the lines of stitching to simulate the appearance of natural objects in the terrain, such as leaves or foliage. Thread which is capable of shrinking is used to attach textile substrates to each other, and then the thread is heated to shrink the thread into the stitch, forming a hardened seam with gathering and bunching of one or more substrates along the seam. Gathering of substrate along a seam contributes to the three-dimensional visual effect of the camouflage construction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.

Abstract: A synthetic grass sport surface (10) suited for use in a baseball field includes an infill layer (16) of particulate material evenly spread among rows of ribbons (14) extending upwardly from a backing mat (12). The infill layer (16) includes a top covering sub-layer (26) of non-marking material, such as recycled rubber used in the manufacture of soles for running shoes. A checkered pattern of alternating color tones is formed on the synthetic grass surface (16) for improving the natural appearance thereof. The synthetic grass surface also includes a synthetic grass warning track (34) having different tangible properties to alert a player stepping thereon that he is approaching an obstacle.

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: A synthetic grass structure comprises a sheet substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending from the substrate so as to simulate natural grass cover and a particulate filling material or infill consisting of a substantially homogeneous mass of a granular plastic material dispersed between the filiform formations so as to keep them in a substantially upright condition. The infill forms a layer of thickness not greater than 40 millimeters, has a grain size smaller than 5 millimeters, and consists of plastic material with a value of elastic return such that the structure has a KA value of 35-50, which enables its use for making athletics tracks.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a camouflage material having a camouflage pattern applied thereto and comprising a granitic aspect made of intermixed colored grains exhibiting the colors: light green having a dominant wavelength of 566.70 nm; a luminance factor of 13.10% and a saturation factor of 44.70%; brown having a dominant wavelength of 583.0 nm; a luminance factor of 9.30%, and a saturation factor of 31.60%; average green having a dominant wavelength of 569.36 nm; a luminance factor of 5.24%, and a saturation factor of 38.50%; and black having a dominant wavelength of 582.34 nm; a luminance factor of 2.68%, and a saturation factor of 4.01%. The granitic aspect is composed of about 21% colored grains exhibiting the color light green; about 6% colored grains exhibiting the color brown; about 48% colored grains exhibiting the color average green, and about 25% colored grains exhibiting the color black.

Abstract: Golf turf is disclosed and claimed herein which simulates fairway, rough or putting green surfaces. Golf clubs which strike the golf turf disclosed herein do not experience the shock of typical golf mats made from Astroturf® and the like, lessening fatigue and preventing injury to the elbow and wrist. Crimped filaments made of synthetic resinous fibers are used to make strip brushes having flared end portions which form a homogeneous surface. Receiving slots in a substrate retain a plurality of strip brushes spaced apart and parallel to each other. The strip brushes are configured to simulate homogeneous surfaces which approximate actual golf surfaces.

Abstract: Plastic parts are formed to have a relatively high wall stiffness by utilizing a pair of spaced plastic plates. One of the plates may be a simple plate. The other plate has a plurality of ribs extending from a base. The ribs are welded to the other plate. Use of the ribs provides a relatively high degree of stiffness to the final molded plastic part, for a relatively lightweight part.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass structure for laying on a subfloor comprises a sheet substrate with a plurality of filiform formations extending upwards from the substrate to simulate natural grass cover and a particulate filling material or infill dispersed between the filiform formations in such a way as to maintain the filiform formations in a substantially upright condition. The infill includes a substantially homogeneous mass of a granular material selected from polyolefin-based materials and vinyl-polymer-based materials, preferably recycled ones.

Abstract: A drainage system is provided for a synthetic grass turf assembly having a flexible and water permeable sheet backing for installation on a supporting soil substrate to provide a game playing surface. The draining system of the present invention prevents water from accumulating on the turf surface, which could cause the top-dressing layer to “float” and be moved by inundation. The draining system of the present invention includes a spacing grid disposed between the backing of the turf. The spacing grid is structured to permit water not only to be drained vertically through the spacing grid, but also to be drained horizontally through the spacing grid to the edges of the field. The spacing grid is made from one or more types of geotextile or plastics material with an adequate flexibility to improve the impact absorption capabilities and resilience of the synthetic grass turf assembly.

Abstract: Novel methods, apparatus and kits to provide a new presently-untapped market for state-of-the-art artificial flowers presently sold only as part of artificial plant assemblies that include artificial stems, branches, leaves, etc., the invention comprising various novel improved means, as well as kits including such means, for attaching such artificial flowers to non-blooming (pre-bloom, post-bloom or never-bloom) live vegeation having live stems, branches, leaves, etc., to simulate blooming thereof, for easy care-free instant yard beautification, said kits being devoid of artificial plant stems, branches, leaves, etc.

Abstract: An artificial turf system that includes a base and a turf assembly. The base is readily constructed, at least in part, from naturally occurring ground elements that are present upon initiation of the construction of the base. The base is constructed to include a drainage mechanism that is disposed near the surface of the base. The turf assembly is laid out upon the base and is constructed to pass fluid, e.g., water, therethrough such that the fluid is specifically directed to the drainage mechanism of the base as it moves through the turf assembly. The turf assembly includes a plurality of layers such as an impermeable moisture barrier layer, a drainage layer, a filtering layer, and a turf mat.

Abstract: An article made from polyvinyl chloride/wood composite having a natural wood grain finish and a method for creating the article. The natural wood grain finish is created on the article by applying multiple paint transfers onto the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite. The paint is transferred by a series of printing rollers having a wood grain pattern. Optionally, the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite can be painted with a base-coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint before applying the multiple paint transfers. This method is especially suited for manufacturing window blind slats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a methanol fuel cell comprising a membrane which conducts metallic cations, in which the metallic cations induce the transport of the charge inside the membrane and are advantageously guided in a circuit in the form of a base from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber. The inventive methanol fuel cell prevents the methanol drag associated with proton-conductive membranes, thus producing higher power outputs on a regular basis. A separate transport of the water produced by the reaction is not necessary.