Artificial turf system
AssigneeU.S. Greentech, Inc.
InventorRandolph S. Reddick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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 cells provide the grid with selected vertical movement on contact providing the artificial turf system with improved softness.
Claims53
An artificial turf system which includes a support layer, a base layer, and an outer layer, comprising:
- an area of selected size and composition comprising said support layer;
- at least one grid consisting of a plurality of interconnected cells arranged over said support layer comprising said base layer;
- each cell of said cells comprises an upstanding tubular member having an upper portion and a lower portion;
- said upper portion having a first diameter and is adapted to support said outer layer, said lower portion having a second and larger diameter and is adapted to engage with said support layer;
- said lower portion providing each said cell with vertical flexibility;
- whereby,
- said at least one grid is capable of selected vertical movement due to impact providing said artificial turf system with improved softness and shock absorption.
A base layer for use with an artificial turf system which further includes a support layer, and an outer layer, said base layer including:
- a flexible mat, said mat comprising a plurality of inter-connected grids, each said grid comprising a plurality of inter-connected vertically disposed multi-diameter cells arranged in a polygonal configuration;
- each said cell being formed of a semi-flexible plastic and includes an upper portion with an upper edge for supporting said outer layer and a lower portion with a lower edge for engaging with said support layer, each said cell being constructed to provide relative flexibility between said upper and lower portions;
- whereby
- said base layer provides said turf system with support and vertical resilience against impact.
An outer layer for use with an artificial turf system which further includes a base layer and a support layer, said outer lay comprising:
- a backing fabric supporting pile tufts of between ¼″ to 4″ in length, said tufts being formed of synthetic ribbons with a width of between {fraction (1/32)}″ to ⅜″;
- a porous synthetic backing for securing said pile tufts with said backing fabric;
- a filler, comprising polished silicon dioxide particles of substantially equal size interspersed over said backing fabric and about said tufts up to at least half said tuft length;
- whereby,
- said outer layer retains resiliency, porosity and substantial equal density.
An artificial turf system including a support layer, a base layer and an upper layer wherein;
- a stabilizer sheet is disposed over the entire area comprising said support layer;
- said upper layer includes a backing fabric carrying ¼″ to 4″ pile tufts, said pile tufts being formed of synthetic ribbons;
- silicone dioxide particles spread evenly over said backing fabric and about said pile tufts;
- said silicone dioxide particles being within eight mesh sizes;
- said base layer comprising a mat formed of interconnected cells, said mat being disposed between said support layer and said outer layer;
- wherein
- said support layer, said base layer and said outer layer form said artificial turf system with a permanent G-max within about 20% of a G-max of 100.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.