Abstract: The present invention provides a composite backing suitable for use in the manufacturing of carpeting, particularly tufted synthetic turf carpeting, or any other fabric product where dimensional stability in the presence of thermal or moisture gradients is desirable. The composite backing comprises reinforcement strands integrated into a woven backing fabric. The reinforcement strands may be laid in an open network structure needlepunched into a woven backing or may also be integrated into the woven backing by directly weaving the reinforcement strands into the woven backing as it is being fabricated. A synthetic turf product may be constructed by tufting the composite backing.

Abstract: A system and method for forming flat temporary seams between two sections of synthetic turf are disclosed. The synthetic turf includes a synthetic turf material having a polymeric backing thereon. A strip of the polymeric backing is removed along a first edge of a first section of synthetic turf and a first web of mated surface fastener material is fastened to the underside of the synthetic turf material along that edge. A strip of synthetic turf material is removed from the polymeric backing along a second edge of a second section of synthetic turf and a thickness of polymeric backing substantially equal to two mated webs of mated surface fastener material is removed from the exposed lip of polymeric backing. A second web of mated surface fastener material is then fastened to the exposed lip of polymeric backing along the second edge. A flat temporary seam may then be formed by overlapping and mating the first and second web of mated surface fastener material.

Abstract: A seam and method for forming such seam to join pieces of synthetic turf material together are disclosed. In the disclosed method, edges of synthetic turf material, having a polymeric backing thereon, are abutted together and the abutted edges are positioned over a reinforcing tape material. The reinforcing tape material is a fabric strip that is coated with a polymeric material that is substantially the same as the polymeric material forming the backing of the synthetic turf. A volatile solvent material, capable of dissolving the polymeric material forming the backing of the synthetic turf, and the coating on the reinforcing tape is thereafter applied to at least a portion of the abutted edges and the adjacent surface of the reinforcing tape. Pressure is applied to urge the abutted edges into contact with the surface of the reinforcing tape and the volatile solvent is allowed to evaporate, thereby forming the seam, having improved structural properties.

Abstract: The edges of a synthetic turf material are secured by forming a slot in the base structure that supports the synthetic turf material and thereafter inserting the edge of the turf material to be secured into the slot with an elongated retainer strip being inserted into the slot to secure the turf in place. The elongated retainer strip is sized to frictionally engage one side of the elongated slot and the synthetic turf edge to urge it into frictional contact with the other side of the elongated slot.