Abstract: An artificial turf that includes a first face yarn, a second face yarn, and a stitch-in yarn. The second face yarn is textured in some embodiments, for at least the reason of creating a zone such as a textured zone. A knot is formed by knitting the first face yarn, the second face yarn, and the stitch-in yarn together. A row of knots is also formed in this manner. A backing is formed when a lay-in yarn is extended between at least two rows of the knots and knitted to hold the at least two rows of knots together. A coating is coupled to the backing to prevent, among other things, detachment of the yarns after extended use of the artificial turf. An underlayment is positioned beneath the backing such that a stable base is provided for the artificial turf.

Abstract: A synthetic turf having a substrate and a plurality of synthetic polymer turf filaments anchored in the backing and extending therefrom, each said filament having a substantially diamond-shaped cross section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base layer for a combined synthetic and natural turf comprising a fabric of which at least a part of the weft and/or warp threads is manufactured from a biodegradable material and/or is wholly absent so that the fabric contains apertures, and synthetic turf fibers which are least partially cowoven with the fabric and of which one or both ends form synthetic grass blades. These ends only protrude from the fabric at those locations where the non-degradable warp and weft threads intersect. The base layer is used in combined synthetic and natural turfs comprising a foundation, optionally a first layer of growth substrate and a base layer according to the invention which is provided with a second layer of growth substrate in which grass plants grow. The invention further relates to a method for laying a combined turf using the base layer of the invention.

Abstract: The improved top dressed synthetic turf according to the patent invention provides thatch like fibers to retain top dressing and particularly the rubber or resilient particles in the dressing. The grasslike surface is formed by polyethylene co-polymer slit fibers more than two inches in height tufted through a fiberglass reinforced backing. The thatch zone fibers are dense and texturized so that they will contract to only about one inch in height after curing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base layer for a combined synthetic and natural turf comprising a fabric of which at least a part of the weft and/or warp threads is manufactured from a biodegradable material and/or is wholly absent so that the fabric contains apertures, and synthetic turf fibers which are least partially cowoven with the fabric and of which one or both ends form synthetic grass blades. These ends only protrude from the fabric at those locations where the non-degradable warp and weft threads intersect. The base layer is used in combined synthetic and natural turfs comprising a foundation, optionally a first layer of growth substrate and a base layer according to the invention which is provided with a second layer of growth substrate in which grass plants grow. The invention further relates to a method for laying a combined turf using the base layer of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating large sections of artificial turf for the removable covering of a smooth, rigid surface such as a floor, with a large section of artificial turf which involves pulling it across the surface while supported on a pneumatic cushion to minimize frictional drag and then relieving the cushion after the section is in place to allow it to settle onto the surface. The apparatus comprises powered rollers for supporting a roll of the turf, said roll being prevented from significant horizontal motion upon the rollers by thrust bearing block members, rope-like members for attachment along a truss-like spar removably attached along the leading margin of the roll, recessed winches for pulling such rope-like members across a supporting pup-up roller assembly, motor speed controls for adjusting the rate of such rolling or unrolling, and a detachable blower and air transmission duct for developing the air cushion between the turf and rigid surface.

Abstract: A system for transporting, storing and installing flexible gymnasium floor covering is provided. The system includes a spindle for supporting a roll of floor covering, and a transporting device having a longitudinal frame, casters attached to the frame, lifting arms for lifting the spindle, linear actuators for raising and lowering the lifting arms, means for powering and controlling the linear actuators and means for storing unused spindles. A method for transporting flexible floor covering is also provided and includes the steps of placing a spindle along an unrolled piece of floor covering and rolling the floor covering up around the spindle, moving a transporting device into position so that the bearing surfaces of the lifting arm are aligned with the arms of the spindle, lifting the spindle, moving the transporting device to the desired location and lowering the spindle.