The hybrid breed

Abstract

Hybrid turf comprises a lawn soil and a variety of fibers mechanically implanted into this lawn soil, consisting exclusively of natural fiber material.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of hybrid turf.

[0002] Hybrid turf systems have established themselves as an effective solution for lawns, offering both the natural appearance and regenerative capacity of real grass and the stability and durability of synthetic components. Currently, several types of hybrid turf systems exist: Implanted hybrid turf systems, also known as stitched or tufted systems, are well known. These systems are manufactured using machines that implant twisted yarns made from multiple filaments vertically into the turf as loops. The loops are typically inserted at depths of 40 to 180 mm to give the natural grass additional stability. In the following, such loops are also referred to as fibers. Typically, the fibers are inserted to a depth of 180 mm so that the lawn can be mechanically worked over its lifetime, particularly by milling, scarifying, and combing, without the fibers being pulled out.For shorter lifespans, for example due to extraordinary events that damage the lawn so severely that it has to be replaced anyway, the fibers are inserted less deeply to facilitate removal.

[0003] Hybrid turf base layers are also known. These involve mixing synthetic or natural fibers as filaments or staple fibers into the turf base layer or, during turf cultivation, into the cultivated soil to increase the shear strength of the soil. Fiber lengths vary between 10 mm and 200 mm. Due to the complex production process and limited applications, these systems have become less important today.

[0004] Hybrid turf systems are also available on the market. These systems consist of synthetic turf surfaces with an open support structure, which are filled with sand or a turf base layer and then seeded with natural grass. They vary in the materials used for fibers, backing fabric, and coatings. While some systems use exclusively synthetic materials, variants already exist with natural or biodegradable materials in the fibers or backing fabric.

[0005] The service life of various stadium construction variants varies considerably depending on the stadium's intended use. If, in addition to being used solely as a football competition venue, the stadium also hosts special events such as concerts or other major events, hybrid turf mat systems or implanted hybrid turf systems with shorter twisted filament lengths are generally used. For use exclusively as a football competition surface, implanted hybrid turf systems with an implantation depth of 180 mm and a fiber projection above the ground of 20 mm are generally used.

[0006] In an implanted hybrid turf system with a 180 mm implantation depth, the turf is completely removed after an extraordinary event that has damaged it. This involves removing both the hybrid turf and the turf sub-base and drainage layer to a depth of at least 180 mm. The drainage layer and turf sub-base are then reinstalled, followed by the installation of a new turf roll. The hybrid turf fibers are then re-implanted before the turf can be used again as a sports surface. This cycle is repeated after each extraordinary event, with the removed material being sieved and disposed of separately.

[0007] With an implanted hybrid turf system, where the loops of twisted filaments are only inserted to a depth of 80 mm, the replacement process is similar, but less complex. After an extraordinary event, the damaged turf, including the turf base, is removed to a depth of at least 80 mm. A fresh turf base is then installed, followed by the turf roll. The loops of twisted filaments are then re-implanted, and the turf can be used as a sports surface again. Here, too, the cycle is repeated after each extraordinary event, with the removed material being sieved and disposed of separately.

[0008] With a 40 mm thick hybrid turf mat system installed as a turf roll, the replacement process is significantly faster and more flexible. After an event, the damaged hybrid turf mat is milled out to a depth of at least 40 mm. A new hybrid turf mat, pre-grown as a turf roll, is then laid and ready for immediate use. The cycle is repeated after each special event. However, unlike the other variants, the removed millings cannot be sieved and subsequently disposed of separately, as is the case with individually implanted fibers, due to the synthetic turf carpet's (tufted) structure.

[0009] With a 40 mm thick hybrid turf base system laid as turf rolls, the replacement process is significantly faster and more flexible. After an event, the damaged hybrid turf base laid as turf rolls is milled out to a depth of at least 40 mm. A new hybrid turf base, pre-grown as turf rolls, is then laid and ready for use. The cycle is repeated after every special event. However, unlike the other variants, the removed millings cannot be sieved and then disposed of separately, as is the case with fibers implanted individually into the soil, due to the individual, sometimes very short, synthetic fibers mixed in as filaments or staple fibers. Instead, they are treated as mixed waste.

[0010] Comparing these variants, it can be seen that the implanted hybrid turf system with 80 mm deep loops of twisted filaments generates the least plastic or mixed waste, while the hybrid turf mat system and the hybrid turf base layer system produce the largest amounts of mixed waste. However, the latter are the fastest and most flexible solutions, as they allow for particularly rapid field renewal.

[0011] The lifespans of hybrid turf systems vary depending on the application. Implanted systems are designed for long-term use (10 to 15 years), while hybrid turf mat systems and hybrid turf base systems, which are pre-grown as turf rolls, have a lifespan of 0.5 to 5 years and are primarily used for temporary applications. Particularly in stadiums that host concerts or other events in addition to sporting events, the short-lived systems supplied as turf rolls are advantageous because they can be quickly removed and replaced. This is particularly important for maximizing the secondary use of stadiums during the summer break in professional football operations or even enabling secondary use during ongoing professional football operations.

[0012] Implanted systems are problematic in such cases because they are deeply embedded in the soil, and replacement involves considerable effort. The soil must be removed across the entire implantation depth, reinstalled, and loops of twisted filaments re-implanted. In contrast, hybrid turf mat systems with a thin material thickness of 30 to 40 mm can be efficiently removed and replaced.

[0013] However, hybrid mat systems have the disadvantage that the combination of artificial turf, sand, and grass plants can no longer be separated into its individual components after being milled into small pieces during removal. This makes disposal significantly more expensive than with implanted systems, which can easily be sieved into their individual components.

[0014] From US 2024 / 0218612 A1, a hybrid lawn is known which comprises a plurality of synthetic fibres made of a biodegradable compound which has a proportion of the material polybutylene succinate adipate PBSA of at least 60% by weight.

[0015] The object of the invention is to solve the current challenges in the area of ​​disposal of hybrid turf systems and to provide a simple, economical and environmentally friendly alternative.

[0016] This problem is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. Preferred developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0017] According to the invention, a hybrid lawn is thus provided which comprises a turf base and a plurality of fibers mechanically implanted into this turf base, which fibers consist exclusively of natural fiber material.

[0018] The term "hybrid turf" refers to a turf surface that combines natural grass with additional fibers to reinforce the turf structure. These fibers are made exclusively from natural materials and are implanted into the soil. The additional stability provided by the fibers improves the turf's resistance to mechanical stress, thus promoting a highly even playing surface. Because the fibers improve the stability of the turf and the turf base layer, the turf base layer can be provided with a higher sand content, which improves water permeability. The increased stability and increased water permeability extend the service life of the turf. Hybrid turf is used particularly in sports facilities to ensure improved resistance to mechanical wear and weather influences.

[0019] The invention thus provides a hybrid turf system made entirely of natural materials, offering both the functional advantages of conventional hybrid turf and sustainable and environmentally friendly disposal. The hybrid turf is therefore completely free of artificial materials. The use of natural fibers such as linen, abaca, hemp, flax, jute, sisal, or coconut fiber reduces the ecological footprint while maintaining the stability and usability of the hybrid turf. The invention thus provides an efficient alternative to hybrid turf mat systems and hybrid turf base layers. The fiber implantation can be carried out in the same way as with conventional hybrid turf systems.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below using a preferred embodiment.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a hybrid turf system is provided in which natural fibers are implanted into the soil instead of synthetic fibers. The implantation occurs at a depth of up to 80 mm, creating a stable and resilient turf surface.

[0022] After an event that damages the turf, the hybrid turf, including the turf base layer, is removed to a depth of at least 80 mm. A fresh turf base layer is then applied and new turf is laid. The natural fibers are then re-implanted so that the turf can be used as a sports surface again. This cycle is repeated after every extraordinary event.

[0023] A key advantage of this new construction method is that the removed material can be disposed of directly, eliminating the need for complex separation. This eliminates the need for mixed waste—only mineral and organic materials remain, which can be disposed of more easily and in a more environmentally friendly manner.

[0024] Since the lifespan of an implanted hybrid turf with natural fibers is no longer primarily determined by material wear, but rather by the event cycle, natural fibers are a suitable sustainable alternative despite their low resistance to rot. The elimination of synthetic fibers also prevents plastic particles from remaining in the grass clippings or scarified grass, which is particularly beneficial from an ecological perspective.

[0025] Traditionally, the implanted plastic yarns are made of PE or PP and consist of several individual filaments that are twisted into a bundle and then tufted into the soil as loops using tufting machines. In the variant according to the invention, these plastic yarns are replaced by filaments made of natural fibers.

[0026] The biological degradation of the natural fibers begins immediately after implantation and is taken into account in the material selection. However, this degradation process does not represent a disadvantage, as the service life of the hybrid turf is defined by regular replacement cycles. The system is therefore particularly suitable for competition surfaces where the service life is limited by event cycles rather than material wear. In stadiums with regular events, the expected service life of the implanted natural fibers is a maximum of 18 months, as an event requiring replacement usually takes place at least once a year, and often several times.

[0027] Preferred natural fiber materials for implantation are linen, abaca, hemp, flax, jute, sisal and / or coconut. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2024 / 0218612 A1

[0014]

Claims

[1] Hybrid turf, comprising a turf base and a plurality of fibers mechanically implanted into this turf base, which fibers consist exclusively of natural fiber material. [2] Hybrid lawn according to claim 1, wherein the implanted loops are made of natural fiber material linen, abaca, hemp, flax, jute, sisal and / or coconut. [3] Hybrid turf according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber length as a loop is between 80 and 300 mm. [4] Hybrid turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibres are implanted into the turf soil at a depth of between 40 and 140 mm. [5] Hybrid turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the implanted loops are made of a single filament or multiple twisted filaments of the natural fiber material. [6] Hybrid turf according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibers are implanted into the turf soil in a grid of 2 x 2 cm or 2 x 3 cm or 2 x 4 cm. [7] Hybrid turf according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fibres implanted in the turf soil protrude between 5 and 25 mm therefrom.