Abstract: A method of visually marking a line in a natural grass turf playing surface by embedding a synthetic grass strip within the natural turf of football fields and the like. The synthetic strip has a middle band of light colored synthetic grass to mark the line and outer bands of green colored synthetic grass which blend in with the adjacent natural grass. Installation commences with cutting a shallow trench in the turf surface. The synthetic grass turf marking strip is laid into the trench and resilient granular ballast is deposited on the strip backing between upstanding grass-like tufted ribbons. The natural grass adjacent the outer green synthetic ribbons gradually grows into and blends with the outer edges of the outer synthetic green ribbon bands. The outer green colored bands inhibit the lateral spread of natural grass over the light colored middle band.

Abstract: Vertically draining synthetic turf having reduced abrasiveness and increased resilience compared to conventional synthetic turfs. The vertical 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 incorporates a porous geotextile membrane between an open graded aggregate layer and a sand layer above the aggregate layer to prevent the movement of one aggregate layer into the other. The top-dressing layer consists of resilient particles, preferably a mixture of high and low density rubber. The pile fabric preferably includes an isotropic non-woven backing to add dimensional stability.

Abstract: Although typical decorative grass is useful for lining containers such as Easter baskets to provide an attractive and cushioned nest, such decorative grass has the disadvantage of creating messes wherever individual strands of the grass fall. When individual strands which constitute decorative grass are connected to one another, this significantly cuts down on or eliminates the mess usually associated with decorative grass. The individual strands may be connected at one end of each strand, or at the middle of the strands. The strands may also be connected to the container in which the decorative grass is placed.

Abstract: An elongate drainage channel capable of receiving runoff from an athletic surface is provided which includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the opposed sides of the bottom wall. The drainage channel also includes a projection extending transversely outwardly from the exterior of at least one of the sidewalls and spaced at a predetermined distance below the open top for defining a height to which a subsurface layer is applied adjacent to the drainage channel. The projection is also fracturable from the sidewall so as to act as a mechanical fuse to prevent vibratory or tamping machinery from damaging the drainage channel. In another embodiment of the invention, an elongate channel section is provided which has a bottom surface which includes end portions which are shaped as generally planar reference surfaces.

Abstract: An artificial turf of the invention is disclosed in which tufts of artificial grass filaments are implanted on a backing structure to form a pile surface, and tufts of assist filaments, which are shorter than the artificial grass filaments, are implanted between the tufts of the artificial grass filaments. This construction prevents the artificial grass filaments from folding for a long period of time since the assist filaments support the artificial grass filaments, so that a soft and resilient feel resembling natural turf can be obtained. When using longer lengths of artificial grass filaments, it is possible to obtain an appearance similar to natural turf and to enhance sliding characteristics on a turf surface, whereby sliding actions in a soccer game or the like can be performed readily.

Abstract: A golf mat having an artificial grass area with a flat portion and a hill formed in the flat portion. The distance from the top of the hill to the top of the flat portion is at least one half of the length of the blades of grass that make up the grass surface. A second grass surface having grass shorter than that in the first grass surface is separated from the first grass surface by a grass-free area, suitable for advertising.

Abstract: An adjustable and folding putting green which includes an enclosure for receiving a foldable playing surface characterized by a flexible material resembling an artificial grass-like ground covering sold under the trademark "Astroturf" mounted on a folding support carried by a folding frame, which frame and support are extendible from the enclosure for playing purposes and foldable inside the enclosure for storage. The frame is provided with multiple pivoting adjusting levers which can be independently attached to the support and manipulated to tilt the playing surface in a desired configuration and contour to simulate varying terrain and provide a surface contouring effect while putting. A player support is hinged to one end of the folding frame for supporting a golfer and the opposite end of the playing folding frame is provided with a rotating cup member having cups located in varying positions thereon, to present different targets for the putter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a golf practicing device for use in practicing hitting a golf ball off a mat made of a material which resembles grass covered earth. This mat "floats" on a fluid, either gas or liquid, which is contained in a bladder made of a flexible material. Also, this device is designed so that it will give the golfer the "feel" of the club contacting and taking a divot from the earth under the ball in actual golf play.

Abstract: An artificial turf assembly has a permeable section formed of an upper layer of artificial turf and a lower layer of shock absorbing material positioned below the upper layer. An impermeable layer is positioned below the permeable section for collecting water flowing downward through the permeable section. The permeable section is separable from the impermeable layer to form a space for the water flow away from the assembly. The space may be formed by having the permeable section lying on the impermeable layer so that it lifts off the impermeable layer and floats on the water that flows through the permeable section. Alternatively, rigid spacing members may be provided for maintaining space between the permeable and impermeable layers in the absence of water.

Abstract: The golf tee mat of the present invention comprises a sliding pad mounted in and surrounded by a U-shaped stance pad. Said stance pad accommodates a practicing golfer's planted feet and comprises a stiff, slippery, base sheet overlain and partially covered by a U-shaped, artificial turf-covered support layer. The sliding pad has a stiff, flexible, slippery base overlain with a resilient cushion and a layer of artificial turf; it nests resiliently in the space left uncovered between the arms of the U-shaped support layer. The sliding pad is in tongue and groove relation with the stance pad over short length near its exposed end, the rest of the stance pad's length being free to propagate a wave ahead of a swinging golf club's head to simulate the feel of taking a divot.The mat further includes a cavity containing a mass of pliable matter, such as clay or putty, into which a tee may be inserted for practicing drives with wood clubs.

Abstract: In order to provide versatile use for a surface that is provided with a covering of grass or the like, a plurality of bases are inserted in the subsoil of the surface below the grass covering for the support of a supporting structure that is provided with a floor covering that can be walked or driven upon. When the grass covering is used, the bases are covered by inserts that are adapted to be placed in the grass covering. When the surface is to be used for a different purpose, the supporting structure is supported on the bases in such a way as to be spaced from the grass covering. Illuminating means that are mounted on the supporting structure and that produce effects for photo-biological processes are provided for irradiating the grass covering, so that despite the covering, growth is not inhibited. Thus, the surface has a versatile use without having to worry about damage to the grass covering. Conversion is effected in a short period of time in an economical manner.

Abstract: A portable putting course consists of a surface layer of a material suitable as a putting surface bonded to an underlying layer of flexible, resiliently compressible material. A flexible barrier partially surrounds and is detachably attached to one end of the course on which, in the disclosed embodiment, objectives are painted for golf balls putt from the other end of the course.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground covering in the form of an artificial turf material with lasting playing field marking lines. In accordance with the invention, the marking lines are formed by separately manufactured material strips and attached to the adjacent turf material using the elements of a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A process of making a cut pile, tufted carpet that is non-directional is disclosed. It comprises the steps of:(a) knitting a yarn composed of thermoplastic fiber, e.g., continuous filament polypropylene ribbon, into a deknittable fabric,(b) heating the fabric to a temperature at which the curves and bends generated in the yarn by its knitted configuration are established in the yarn's memory,(c) cooling the fabric to about room temperature,(d) deknitting the cooled fabric and rewinding the yarn under enough tension to restraighten it,(e) tufting the yarn as facing yarn into a primary carpet backing material, forming a cut pile carpet,(f) coating the underside of the carpet with a heat-settable adhesive that, when cured, will help anchor the tufts of yarn in the backing material, and(g) heating the adhesive-coated carpet to a temperature at which the adhesive will set and the facing yarn will reconform to the bends and twists in its memory.

Abstract: A process of making a cut pile, tufted carpet that has the tightly curled appearance of Persian lamb is dislcosed. It comprises the steps of:(a) knitting a synthetic carpet facing yarn, e.g., a continuous filament nylon, into a deknittable fabric,(b) heating the fabric to a temperature at which the curves and bends generated in the yarn by its knitted configuration are established in the yarn's memory,(c) cooling the fabric to about room temperature,(d) deknitting the cooled fabric and rewinding the unravelled yarn under enough tension to restraighten it,(e) tufting the yarn as facing yarn into a primary carpet backing material, forming a cut pile carpet, which then can be dyed,(f) coating the underside of the carpet with a heat-settable adhesive that, when cured, will help anchor the tufts of yarn in the backing material, and(g) heating the adhesive-coated carpet to a temperature at which the adhesive will set and the facing yarn will reconform to the bends and twists in its memory.

Abstract: A method of constructing a playing surface for sports such as soccer, cricket and tennis is disclosed, comprising the steps of laying one or more flexible water-permeable envelopes containing an unbonded base material comprising sand on a drained or water-permeable surface, and placing a sheet of resilient material on to the envelope. In a preferred embodiment, a second sheet of resilient material having different bounce characteristics from the first is placed on the first sheet, and an artificial turf material is laid on top.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surfacing for sports areas, more particularly tennis courts in which a bearing layer (2,2a) is applied to a surface (1) , fragments are then secured by means of the said bearing layer (2,2a) and arranged to leave voids and a top covering (4) of fine grains is applied. A process for preparing the surfacing may comprise a curable liquid resin that is cast as the bearing layer up to a thickness of about three to four millimeters on the surface and raked off. Fragments are about two-thirds embedded in the bearing layer and after curing a covering layer of fine grains is applied.

Abstract: In a system for converting a synthetic turf surface area from one to another condition which includes a receiving slot below ground level containing marginal portions of synthetic turf products in wedged engagement, the improvement in converting the surface area to another condition wherein one turf product is removed which comprises a removably positioned L-shaped rigid support bearing a yieldable pad for the margin of the remaining turf product after its removal from the slot. The process comprises removing such margin from the slot, inserting one leg of the L-shaped support snugly into the exposed slot and then anchoring the margin under tension over the other leg of the L-shaped support to create a synthetic turf border with respect to the area from which the turf product was removed.

Abstract: A golf game utilizes an elongated, flexible mat having grass-like tufts extending outwardly from one lateral surface thereof. One end of the mat is provided with a plurality of openings therein simulating holes of a golf course. A number of card-holding containers are provided, each of which holds a number of playing-like cards containing typical golf situations and rules concerning them. The cards are used in conjunction with a scoring scheme testing the player's knowledge of golf rules and scoring the player thereon as well as scoring on the ability of a player to putt a golf ball into selected holes in the mat.