Abstract: Particulate infill from a worn down infilled artificial turf, particularly a sand/rubber mixture which includes crumb rubber from vehicle tires, is extracted from a prior field and then thereafter incorporated into the top surface of the compacted base at the same site, thereby to assure better drainage conditions in the compacted base for the subsequently installed field. The extracted and incorporated infill helps to maintain open drainage channels throughout the top of the compacted base, particularly in areas where limestone is prevalent. Otherwise, the limestone “fines” are susceptible to compacting and creating a cement-like crust at the top of the base. An existing infill extractor/collector device is modified to operate in a second mode, so that instead of merely performing the conventional bagging of the already-used infill, the already-used infill is laterally diverted back on to the base at the same site, and thereafter, distributed and tilled into the base.

Abstract: Particulate infill from a worn down infilled artificial turf, particularly a sand/rubber mixture which includes crumb rubber from vehicle tires, is extracted from a prior field and then thereafter incorporated into the top surface of the compacted base at the same site, thereby to assure better drainage conditions in the compacted base for the subsequently installed field. The extracted and incorporated infill helps to maintain open drainage channels throughout the top of the compacted base, particularly in areas where limestone is prevalent. Otherwise, the limestone “fines” are susceptible to compacting and creating a cement-like crust at the top of the base. An existing infill extractor/collector device is modified to operate in a second mode, so that instead of merely performing the conventional bagging of the already-used infill, the already-used infill is laterally diverted back on to the base at the same site, and thereafter, distributed and tilled into the base.

Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.

Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.

Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting and collecting particulate infill from an infilled artificial turf field. A vehicle has a first forward end and a second rearward end. An infill extractor is located at the first end of the vehicle and adapted to extract infill from a strip of infilled athletic turf. Extracted infill falls into a bottom section of the infill extractor. An infill mover is secured to the vehicle and adapted to move the extracted infill from the bottom section of the infill extractor toward the second end of the vehicle. An infill collector is connected to the second end of the vehicle and operable to cooperate with the infill mover to collect the moved infill. The infill collector includes a frame that is laterally movable relative to the vehicle from an operative “in use” position to a stowed position.

Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.

Abstract: A method and device for installing synthetic turf uses a motorized turf rollout vehicle and a frame removably carried by the vehicle, the frame holding a roll of synthetic turf on a spindle at a first, forward end thereof. The roll and spindle are held in an orientation that is transverse to the first forward direction, and have a transverse dimension that extends beyond that of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves forward in the first direction, the vehicle engages and pulls the roll of turf, and the vehicle also moves on top of the just-unrolled portion of the turf. This accurately and efficiently places the turf on and over the base, in a desired position. Because the vehicle moves on top of the just unrolled section of turf, the present invention eliminates direct contact with, and disruption to, the underlying prepared base.

Abstract: A turf cutter device, an infill extractor/collector device, and a turf wind-up device are used to facilitate the cost-effective removal of an infilled synthetic turf and the subsequent installation of a new turf at the same site, with minimal subsurface disruption. An infill extractor/collector device mounted on a motorized vehicle moves a relatively narrow strip of filled artificial turf from the surface, in front of the vehicle, and directs the strip to an infill removal station. The infill removal station inverts the strip and redirects the strip back toward the front of the vehicle, after agitating the strip to extract the infill. After redirecting the strip toward the front of the vehicle, the vehicle drives over the unfilled strip. Meanwhile, the extractor/collector device moves the extracted infill rearwardly to a bag located in a trailer.

Abstract: A method and device for installing synthetic turf uses a motorized turf rollout vehicle and a frame removably carried by the vehicle, the frame holding a roll of synthetic turf on a spindle at a first, forward end thereof. The roll and spindle are held in an orientation that is transverse to the first forward direction, and have a transverse dimension that extends beyond that of the vehicle. As the vehicle moves forward in the first direction, the vehicle engages and pulls the roll of turf, and the vehicle also moves on top of the just-unrolled portion of the turf. This accurately and efficiently places the turf on and over the base, in a desired position. Because the vehicle moves on top of the just unrolled section of turf, the present invention eliminates direct contact with, and disruption to, the underlying prepared base.

Abstract: An infilled artificial surface has natural grass-like play characteristics due to the use of two distinct groups of fibers extending upwardly from a backing, and a stabilizing fill material residing on the backing, with a first upper group of fibers simulating grass plants and extending above the infill and a second lower group of preferably texturized fibers extending upward from the backing to the top of, but not above, the fill. With this structure, substantially all of the fill material is stabilized within the vertical level of the second lower group of fibers. This second group of fibers “locks” the fill material in place and helps to promote consistent and uniform play characteristics which closely simulate natural grass, with a “foot feel” of natural turf. This structure also improves the durability of this playing surface, compared to prior infilled surfaces.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: A temporarily stabilized natural turf conforms to a foundation of uniform or nonuniform topography, for instance a golf course green, and includes a flexible biodegradable primary backing with biodegradable fibers tufted thereto, an upper sand-based fill layer extending above the primary to about the tops of the fibers, and natural grass plants supported within the fill layer. The natural grass plants have blades which extend above the fill layer and the fibers to form a natural grass playing surface. The crowns of the natural grass plants reside just beneath the fill layer. The roots of the natural grass plants extend downwardly through the fill layer and through the root permeable and water permeable primary backing. The stabilized turf is grown at a sod farm and transplanted to the use site, and the primary backing helps to carry the sand-based fill layer. Once installed, the roots grow into the foundation relatively quickly, reducing the time needed to achieve a durable natural turf.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.