Artificial turf with granule retaining fibers

Abstract

An artificial turf is provided that resists migration of rubber infill into the space above the turf. Artificial grass is attached to and extends upward from a backing material, which may be one or more layers. The artificial grass includes groups of at least two different kinds of fiber sewn through a common path in the backing material. One of the kinds of fibers is an artificial grass blade shaped so as to appear like a blade of grass. The other kind of fiber in each group is pre-stressed / crimped so that the relaxed shape of the fiber is nonlinear, resembling a curlicued or articulated form having lateral excursions. The lateral excursions cause portions of one such pre-stressed fiber to overlap and interfere with another, forming a mesh. The height of the pre-stressed fibers in their relaxed state in the turf is less than the height of the relatively unstressed fiber(s). Resilient granules are embedded in the mesh, and are captivated by the interfering pre-stressed fibers. In one embodiment, the pre-stressed fiber is constructed of nylon material, and the relatively unstressed artificial grass blade of polyethylene.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to artificial turf, and more particularly to an artificial turf including a plurality of groups, of fibers, each group including both straight and non-linear fibers sewn into a backing through a common opening, with the non-linear fibers providing captivation of granular infill.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]Artificial turf is used in a variety of areas, such as on athlete playing fields for football, soccer, baseball, tennis, etc. The artificial turf is usually made to simulate a natural grass field. U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,886 by Ishikawa et al. describes an artificial turf consisting of alternate rows of longer and shorter artificial grass filaments sewn into a backing. A layer of sand is deposited into the artificial turf so as to cover the shorter filaments. A disadvantage of this structure is that the sand infill tends to compact and harden, and has an abrasive quality.[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,653 by Tomarin d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]It is an advantage of this invention in that it provides an artificial turf having an improved stability.

[0008]It is a further advantage of this invention in that it provides a combination of good shock absorption with stability of rubber infill.

[0009]It is a still further advantage of this invention in that it provides improved retainment of rubber infill in combination with good shock absorption, and reduces the quantity of infill that escapes into the air above the turf.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage of this structure is that the sand infill tends to compact and harden, and has an abrasive quality.

A disadvantage is that some of the rubber particles become air-borne upon impact with the turf.

These finely ground particles can be ingested by players, and may be a health hazard, or at least a potential irritant.

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