Hybrid turf

Abstract

A hybrid turf (10) is described comprising a plurality of synthetic fibers (3) made of a biodegradable compound; the biodegradable compound comprises poly (butylene succinate-butylene adipate) (PBSA) in an amount of 15% by weight or more and less than 60% by weight based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of turf, and more particularly to hybrid turf. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, hybrid turf is a portion of soil that includes appropriately alternatingly dispersed natural fibers (grass) and synthetic fibers to obtain a partial lawn. The reinforcement of the synthetic fibers (artificial grass) to the natural fibers (natural grass) can ensure the stability and uniform movement surface immediately after laying.

[0003] Then, the grass crowns (hearts) are placed between the artificial fibers covered with sand to prevent wear and tear damage.

[0004] In some cases, the synthetic turf is restricted in an open - woven backing and filled with a specific sand;

[0005] In other cases, the synthetic turf does not have a backing element and is directly "sewn" into the soil.

[0006] The applicant has noticed that whenever a new hybrid turf mat is laid on a use site, the synthetic components in the original damaged hybrid turf mat must be completely removed from the soil before laying the new hybrid turf. Since the hybrid turf mat is often tightly intertwined with the roots of natural herbs, removing the damaged hybrid turf can be very difficult. The disposal of these damaged hybrid turfs is challenging because if the mixture of natural grass, soil, and synthetic materials is not separated and cleaned, it cannot be recycled, and the treatment cost is high, thus having a great impact on the environment.

[0007] Therefore, the applicant has noticed that more and more hybrid turf and artificial turf manufacturers have begun to use biodegradable materials to replace traditional fiber and backing materials.

[0008] For example, the international patent application WO 2007 / 114686 describes the application of biodegradable synthetic fibers composed of starch and polylactic acid (PLA).

[0009] However, the applicant has found that the biodegradable fibers used so far have not been able to accurately estimate their biodegradation time.

[0010] In fact, the biodegradation process depends on various environmental factors and the actual expected life of the artificial or hybrid turf mat.

[0011] The applicant has raised the problem of implementing a hybrid turf that is simple, economical to replace and process, and whose disposal does not have a significant impact on the environment.

[0012] The applicant has also raised the problem of implementing a hybrid turf with an accurate biodegradation time.

[0013] The applicant also raises the issue of the environmental impact of the plastics currently used for this application, as they come into direct contact with the soil and the aquifer. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a hybrid turf comprising a plurality of synthetic fibers (3) made of a biodegradable compound, characterized in that the biodegradable compound comprises more than 15% by weight and less than 60% by weight of poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0015] In the aspect described above, the present invention may have at least one of the following preferred features.

[0016] Preferably, the plurality of synthetic fibers are grouped into strands, each strand comprising a plurality of fibrous elements made of the biodegradable compound; the fibrous elements are wound at least by a part of their length.

[0017] Suitably, the hybrid turf comprises a backing element for the plurality of synthetic fibers.

[0018] Advantageously, the biodegradable compound comprises more than 15% by weight and less than 60% by weight of poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0019] Preferably, the biodegradable compound comprises more than 40% by weight and less than 60% by weight of poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0020] Suitably, the biodegradable compound comprises less than 35% by weight of poly - β - hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0021] Preferably, the biodegradable compound comprises more than 25% by weight of poly - β - hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0022] Alternatively, the backing element comprises at least a first layer, the first layer comprising a first mesh made of cotton or natural organic material, the first mesh comprising apertures defining a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being configured to allow natural grass to take root therein and, in any case, allow roots to pass therethrough.

[0023] Preferably, the backing element comprises a second layer bonded to the first layer, the second layer comprising a mesh made of the biodegradable compound.

[0024] Suitably, the first net includes mesh holes, each of which can be inscribed in a square with a side length of 0.2 cm to 2 cm.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of several preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the hybrid turf of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The following detailed description will be elaborated with reference to the drawings provided by way of example only and not by way of limitation, wherein:

[0027] - Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the hybrid turf of the present invention is shown, with some parts exploded;

[0028] - Figure 2 A schematic side view of a strand of a fibrous element including synthetic fibers is shown;

[0029] - Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the hybrid turf of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring to the drawings, the turf of the present invention, preferably hybrid turf, is denoted by reference numeral 10.

[0031] Figure 1 It is shown that a first embodiment of the hybrid turf 10 of the present invention includes a backing element 2 and a plurality of synthetic fibers 3 combined with the backing element 2.

[0032] The hybrid turf 10 further includes a plurality of grass blades 15, and the grass blades 15 and the synthetic fibers 3 are arranged alternately to form a substantially continuous mat of the grass blades 15 and the synthetic fibers 3.

[0033] When laid, the backing element 2 may have a substantially planar configuration, which includes at least a first layer 4 made of a first net 5, and the first net 5 is made of a natural organic material, preferably cotton.

[0034] Preferably, the first net 5 includes mesh holes defining a plurality of openings, and the plurality of openings are configured to allow natural grass blades 15 to take root therein.

[0035] For this purpose, the first net 5 includes mesh holes 8, and the mesh holes 8 can be inscribed in a square with a side length of 0.1 cm to 2 cm.

[0036] In Figure 1 the shown embodiment, the backing element 2 further includes a second layer 6, and the second layer 6 is made of a second net 7, and the second net 7 is made of a biodegradable material.

[0037] Preferably, the biodegradable material for manufacturing the second net 7 is the same as the synthetic fiber 3.

[0038] The second net 7 includes meshes 9 that define a plurality of openings.

[0039] To this end, the second net 7 includes meshes 9 that can be inscribed in a square with a side length of 0.2 cm to 2 cm in a plan view.

[0040] In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, the first layer 4 is combined with the second layer 6.

[0041] Preferably, the first layer 4 is combined with the second layer 5 by hot melt adhesive.

[0042] Even more preferably, the first layer 4 is combined with the second layer 6 by a thermal lamination process.

[0043] During the preparation process, in the step of combining the first layer 4 with the second layer 6, there is a large amount of overlap between the meshes 8 of the first net 5 and the meshes 9 of the second net 7, so as to leave openings suitable for allowing natural grass to pass through the layers and take root below them.

[0044] In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of synthetic fibers 3 (described in more detail below) made of biodegradable compounds are restricted on the backing element 2 formed by combining the first layer 4 and the second layer 6 together.

[0045] The synthetic fibers 3 are grouped into strands 11, which are evenly distributed on the turf 10.

[0046] The synthetic fibers 3 are grouped into strands 11, which are evenly distributed on the hybrid turf 10 such that a fiber density of 45,000 fibers / m 2 to 80,000 fibers / m 2 is formed per square meter (m 2 ).

[0047] As Figure 2 more clearly shown, each strand 11 includes a plurality of fibrous elements 12 made of biodegradable compounds described below.

[0048] Therefore, the synthetic fibers 3 are described by the fibrous elements 12.

[0049] Each strand 11 includes 5 to 15 (preferably 6 to 12) fibrous elements 12 or synthetic fibers 3.

[0050] In each strand 11, the fibrous elements 12 have the same length, which ranges from 2 to 20 cm, including the end values.

[0051] In each strand 11, the fibrous elements 12 are wound together for at least a length T of their lengths.

[0052] Preferably, in each strand 11, the fibrous elements 12 are wound together for at least 1 / 3 of their lengths.

[0053] Preferably, in each strand 11, the fibrous elements 12 are wound together for at least 2 / 3 of their lengths.

[0054] In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the strand 11 is suitably folded in half, preferably forming a "V" shape, and is joined to the backing element 2 by sewing.

[0055] Preferably, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the strand 11 is suitably folded in half, preferably forming a "V" shape, and is joined to the backing element 2 by a sewing method called "tufting".

[0056] As previously mentioned, the synthetic fiber 3 is made of a biodegradable material.

[0057] Preferably, the synthetic fiber 3 is made of a biodegradable compound that contains poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) in an amount greater than 15% by weight and less than 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound, excluding the value of 60% by weight.

[0058] According to the first embodiment, the biodegradable compound contains poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) in an amount of at least 30% by weight and a maximum of 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound, excluding the value of 60% by weight.

[0059] Preferably, the biodegradable compound contains poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) in an amount of at least 40% by weight and a maximum of 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound, excluding the value of 60% by weight.

[0060] Even more preferably, the biodegradable compound contains poly(butylene succinate - adipate) (PBSA) in an amount of at least 45% by weight and a maximum of 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound, excluding the value of 60% by weight.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 45% to 55% by weight of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 50% to 55% by weight of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound. Also according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises less than 25% by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB).

[0062] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 5% or more by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0063] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 20% or less by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0064] Even more preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 10% or more by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 45% to 55% by weight of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound. Preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 50% to 55% by weight of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound. Also according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises less than 40% by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB).

[0066] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 20% or more by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0067] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 35% or less by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0068] Even more preferably, according to this embodiment, the biodegradable compound comprises 25% or more by weight of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) based on the weight of the biodegradable compound.

[0069] When the mixed turf is planted on the prepared soil, it is filled with sand 14 such that the depth of the sand 14 relative to the backing element 2 is at least 10 cm, preferably at least 30 cm relative to the backing element 2.

[0070] The sand 14 suitable for this purpose is silica sand of various particle sizes, preferably silica sand certified by USGA.

[0071] Once the sand 14 is filled, the hybrid turf 10 is seeded so that the grass blades 15 can take root and grow between one strand 11 and the next strand 11.

[0072] As the roots of the grass blades 15 grow, the roots pass through the mesh holes of the backing element 2, thereby restricting the hybrid turf 10 in the underlying soil.

[0073] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the hybrid turf of the present invention is shown. Specifically, Figure 3 The hybrid turf 10 shown is exactly similar to the Figure 1 hybrid turf, except that it does not have any backing element 2 and the strands 11 can have a larger size.

[0074] According to this embodiment, the strands 11 are properly folded in half, preferably forming a "V" shape, which is not combined with the backing element 2 (absent), but is combined with the soil by a suitable "sewing" device.

[0075] It can be clearly seen from the above description that the hybrid turf has the following advantages:

[0076] - Compared with traditional hybrid turf, it can reduce the environmental impact of the treatment process;

[0077] - Can reduce or eliminate the treatment cost;

[0078] - Simple structure and high reliability;

[0079] - The biodegradation time is precise.

[0080] In any case within the scope of protection of the present invention defined by the following claims, various changes can be made to the embodiments described in detail.

Claims

1. A hybrid turf (10) comprising a plurality of synthetic fibers (3) made of biodegradable compounds, characterized in that, The biodegradable compound comprises poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) in an amount greater than 15% by weight and less than 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound.

2. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of synthetic fibers (3) are grouped into strands (11), each strand comprising a plurality of fibrous elements (12) made of the biodegradable compound.

3. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hybrid turf (10) includes a backing element (2) for the plurality of synthetic fibers (3).

4. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The biodegradable compound comprises poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) in an amount greater than 30% by weight and less than 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound.

5. The hybrid turf (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The biodegradable compound comprises poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) in an amount greater than 40% by weight and less than 60% by weight of the weight of the biodegradable compound.

6. The hybrid turf (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The biodegradable compound comprises poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in an amount of 35% by weight or less of the weight of the biodegradable compound.

7. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The biodegradable compound comprises poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in an amount of 25% by weight or more of the weight of the biodegradable compound.

8. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The biodegradable compound comprises poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in an amount of 25% by weight or less and 5% by weight or more of the weight of the biodegradable compound.

9. The hybrid turf (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The backing element (2) includes at least a first layer (4), the first layer (4) including a first mesh (5) made of a natural organic material, the first mesh (5) including apertures defining a plurality of openings configured to allow natural grass to take root therein.

10. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The backing element (2) includes a second layer (6) bonded to the first layer (4), the second layer including a mesh (7) made of the biodegradable compound.

11. The hybrid turf (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first mesh (5) includes apertures, each aperture being capable of being inscribed in a square having a side length of 0.2 cm to 2 cm.

12. The hybrid turf (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The hybrid turf (10) includes a plurality of grass blades (15) in which the plurality of synthetic fibers (3) are alternately dispersed.

Images