Cushion enclosure for securing a cushion and method for securing a cushion

Abstract

The invention relates to a shock pad enclosure (10) for securing a shock pad (11) of an artificial turf (12), having an anchor plate (13) and a grab plate (14), wherein the anchor plate (13) has a fastening section (16) for anchoring in a ground base (15) and a receiving section (18) with at least one slit (19), and wherein the grab plate (14) comprises at least one tab (23) which constitutes at least one slit (19) for engaging into the anchor plate (13) and a sawtooth profile (25) which constitutes for securing the shock pad. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for securing a shock pad (11) by means of such a shock pad enclosure (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a shock-absorbing pad enclosure having the features of claim 1 for securing an artificial turf. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method for securing a shock-absorbing pad using such a shock-absorbing pad enclosure, having the features of claim 6. Background Technology

[0002] Artificial turf is used as a versatile and durable underlayment for match and sports fields, and is particularly suitable for sports such as football, hockey, or tennis. Artificial turf provides a uniform playing surface that can be used year-round regardless of weather conditions. The synthetic structure of artificial turf provides consistent performance and significantly reduces maintenance costs compared to natural turf. Furthermore, artificial turf has exceptional compressive strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for high-frequency use in match and sports facilities, such as those in schools and stadiums.

[0003] Artificial turf differs significantly from natural grass in several ways. Natural grass requires constant maintenance, such as mowing, watering, and reseeding, to maintain optimal condition. Furthermore, natural grass is more sensitive to changing weather conditions, which can limit its usability. Conversely, artificial turf requires less maintenance and is not dependent on rain, drought, or frost to remain usable. However, many athletes find playing on natural grass more natural and comfortable, so the choice between the two materials often depends on the type of use and financial and environmental conditions.

[0004] Shock-absorbing pads are a crucial component in the installation of artificial turf, ensuring additional cushioning and providing greater safety for athletes. These resilient pads are installed between the artificial turf and the solid foundation to improve shock absorption and reduce the risk of injury. The resilient pads mimic the elastic properties of well-maintained natural grass, contributing to a more comfortable playing or athletic experience. Furthermore, shock-absorbing pads extend the lifespan of artificial turf by evenly distributing the load caused by impacts and reducing wear. Especially in sports involving high running and jumping, shock-absorbing pads are an indispensable element for the quality and safety of sports or competition venues.

[0005] When using infillable artificial turf, it is not necessary to anchor the artificial turf because the static load of the infill material (usually sand) is sufficient. However, it has been found that the static load is often insufficient to prevent horizontal movement of one or more shock-absorbing pads placed beneath the artificial turf. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to describe a shock-absorbing pad enclosure that can be used to fix an artificial turf pad. Another objective is a method for fixing a shock-absorbing pad using such a shock-absorbing pad enclosure.

[0007] The objective is achieved by means of the shock-absorbing pad enclosure according to claim 1. Alternatively, it is achieved by the method according to claim 6. Advantageous improvements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The shock-absorbing pad enclosure for fixing artificial turf according to the invention includes an anchor plate and a gripper plate, wherein the anchor plate has a fastening section for anchoring in the foundation and a receiving section with at least one gap, and wherein the gripper plate includes at least one tab and a serrated profile, the tab being configured to engage with at least one gap in the anchor plate, and the serrated profile being configured to fix the shock-absorbing pad.

[0009] With the artificial turf assembly fully assembled, the anchor plate's fastening section is at least partially disposed in the foundation, while the receiving section is at least partially disposed above the foundation. The gripper plate is essentially positioned between the artificial turf and the damping pad, wherein the connecting piece engages with the gap in the anchor plate and engages with the receiving section from the rear.

[0010] This design of the shock-absorbing pad enclosure allows for the simple and convenient fixation of the artificial turf's shock-absorbing pads. Furthermore, the implementation scheme, featuring only two components that can be manufactured in mass production using standardized processing methods, offers an economically attractive solution.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, at least two directional elements for vertically oriented anchor plates are provided at the receiving section of the anchor plate. The directional elements are vertically positioned below at least one slit. Vertical orientation should be understood in particular as a vertical position relative to other components of the artificial turf installation, such as drainage channels, edging stones, or the load-bearing structure of the shock-absorbing pad. The directional elements may, for example, be configured as slit-like openings. The working principle or application of a preferred embodiment of a method for fixing shock-absorbing pads is explained more precisely below.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment of the shock-absorbing pad enclosure, the distance from the gap in the receiving section of the anchor plate to the vertical upper edge of the receiving section is substantially equivalent to the height of the artificial turf. This design ensures, on the one hand, that the artificial turf rests horizontally and evenly against the receiving section of the anchor plate, and on the other hand, prevents the receiving section from protruding higher than the artificial turf. This prevents the formation of sharp edges, thereby eliminating potential tripping hazards and reducing the risk of injury to users of the artificial turf.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one through-hole is provided at the fastening section of the anchor plate. This improves the anchoring of the anchor plate in the foundation, especially when the foundation is made of concrete. If the anchor plate is introduced into the still liquid concrete, the concrete fills the through-hole, thereby creating a form-fitting, particularly stable connection.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment, the gripper has a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-section. Here, at least one tab extends away from the gripper body at an angle of approximately 90° on a first side of the gripper body. A serrated profile also extends away from the gripper body at an angle of approximately 90° on a second side opposite to the first side, however, in the opposite direction of the tab. This design allows for particularly comfortable installation, as described further below.

[0015] The method for fixing a shock-absorbing pad according to the present invention uses one of the above-described shock-absorbing pad enclosures and includes the following steps:

[0016] - Anchor the fastening section of the anchor plate in the foundation;

[0017] - Insert at least one tab of the grab plate into at least one slot in the receiving section of the anchor plate; and

[0018] - Introduce the serrated profile of the gripper plate into the shock-absorbing pad.

[0019] If the foundation is concrete, the fastening section of the anchor plate is introduced into the still-liquid concrete in the first step. As the concrete hardens, the anchor plate is secured, that is, anchored.

[0020] The clamping plate is inserted into the gap of the receiving section to define the vertical position of the first side of the clamping plate. At the same time, the clamping plate occupies at least one horizontal degree of freedom relative to the anchor plate.

[0021] In the third step, the serrated contour of the gripper plate enters the damping pad. Because the damping pad has a certain degree of elasticity, a force-fit and form-fit connection is created in this step. Therefore, horizontal sliding of the damping pad is prevented.

[0022] If the gripper plate has a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-section, then the third step, introducing the serrated profile of the gripper plate into the damping pad at its ends, substantially corresponds to the rotation of the gripper plate about the axis of the slot extending through the receiving section of the anchor plate. In the assembled state, the main body of the gripper plate is oriented substantially horizontally and placed on the damping pad. In this state, the gripper plate tabs extend vertically upwards on the side of the anchor plate opposite to the damping pad.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, at least one assembly aid is inserted into at least one of at least two directional elements to orient the anchor plate vertically. For example, one or more elongated assembly aids may be inserted into the directional elements, and the anchor plate is then vertically positioned in the still-liquid concrete, such that the free ends of the assembly aids rest on the load-bearing structure of the damping pad. Thus, the anchor plate can be oriented such that the vertical distance between the gap in the receiving section of the anchor plate and the load-bearing structure of the damping pad is equivalent to the height of the damping pad. This design ensures a flat playing field or sports field across its entire width, possessing physical properties that remain constant throughout its width.

[0024] Artificial turf systems typically consist of multiple shock-absorbing pad enclosures with corresponding anchor plates. According to another preferred embodiment of the method, clips are placed onto receiving sections of two adjacent anchor plates. This simplifies the longitudinal alignment of the two anchor plates, thereby preventing horizontal misalignment and reducing the risk of tripping or injury.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment, the clips are removed after the fastening section of the anchor plate is anchored in the foundation. After anchoring in the foundation is complete, the anchor plates are fixed not only absolutely but also relative to each other. Therefore, the clips, which simplify the longitudinal alignment of two adjacent anchor plates, are no longer needed. Furthermore, removing the clips ensures uniform closure of the shock-absorbing pad enclosure, thereby eliminating potential tripping hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view shows the shock-absorbing pad enclosure in its assembled state according to a preferred embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view is shown of a shock-absorbing pad enclosure according to another preferred embodiment;

[0029] Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the gripper according to the present invention is shown in a perspective view;

[0030] Figure 4 The arrangement of two adjacent anchor plates is shown in a three-dimensional view; and

[0031] Figures 5a to 5d The steps of a method for fixing a shock-absorbing pad according to a preferred embodiment are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1The diagram shows a shock-absorbing pad enclosure 10 for securing the artificial turf 12 to the shock-absorbing pad 11. The shock-absorbing pad enclosure 10 includes an anchor plate 13 and a... Figure 1 The grab plate 14 is not shown. The anchor plate 13 is anchored in the foundation 15 and serves as the horizontal boundary between the shock-absorbing pad 11 and the artificial turf 12.

[0033] Figure 2 An embodiment of the shock-absorbing pad enclosure 10 is shown in a perspective view. The anchor plate 13 has a fastening section 16 in which a plurality of through-holes 17 are provided. If the foundation 15 is made of concrete, the anchor plate 13 is inserted into the still liquid concrete, where the liquid concrete flows into the through-holes 17, thereby improving the anchoring of the anchor plate 13.

[0034] Anchor plate 13 also has a receiving section 18. At least two slits 19 are provided in the receiving section. At least two, preferably multiple, directional elements 20 are provided below the slits 19, the directional elements being used to vertically directionally direct the anchor plate 13.

[0035] Furthermore, the shock-absorbing pad enclosure 10 includes a gripping plate 14. The gripping plate 14 has at least one tab 23 on the first side 21 of the main body 22, the tab being... Figure 3 As shown in the figure, a serrated profile 25 is provided on the second side 24 of the main body 22 opposite to the first side 21. The serrated profile is configured to be introduced into the shock-absorbing pad 11 to fix the shock-absorbing pad.

[0036] Figure 3 Shown in detail view according to Figure 2 The gripper 14 is shown with two tabs 23 extending perpendicularly to the body 22 at a first side 21. A serrated profile 25, also extending at a right angle at a second side 24, extends away from the body 22 in the opposite direction to the tabs 23. This results in an S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-sectional shape for the gripper 14.

[0037] Figure 4 The diagram shows two adjacent anchor plates 13 during the assembly of the damping pad enclosure 10. The damping pad 11, gripper plate 14, and artificial turf 12 have not yet been inserted or laid. To ensure that the two adjacent anchor plates 13 are aligned and oriented longitudinally, clips 26 are placed at the fastening sections 16 of the anchor plates. The clips 26 are removed after the anchor plates 13 are anchored in the foundation 15 to achieve uniform closure of the damping pad enclosure 10.

[0038] Figures 5a to 5d The method steps for securing an artificial turf 12 with a shock-absorbing pad 11 using a shock-absorbing pad enclosure 10 are shown. Figure 5aThe following configuration is shown, in which the anchor plate 13 is vertically oriented and anchored in the foundation 15. The damping pad 11 has been laid, with its upper edge positioned substantially at the height of the lower edge of the slot 19. The gripping plate 14 is rotated 90° relative to its installation position, thereby arranging the connecting piece 23 such that it can be inserted into the slot 19 of the anchor plate 13, as shown below. Figure 5b As shown.

[0039] Subsequently, the gripper 14 rotates about the axis that extends through the gap 19. As a result, the connecting piece 23 engages the receiving section 18 from the rear on the side opposite to the damping pad 11. The method steps are as follows: Figure 5c Described in the text.

[0040] After the rotation ends, as in Figure 5d As shown, the gripper 14 is oriented substantially horizontally. The tab 23 passes completely through the slot 19 and engages the receiving section 18 of the anchor plate 13 from the rear. The serrated profile 25 is fully inserted into the damping pad 11. Thus, the damping pad 11 is secured. In a subsequent process step (not shown), artificial turf 12 may be laid.

[0041] List of reference numerals

[0042] 10. Shock-absorbing pad enclosure components

[0043] 11. Shock-absorbing pads

[0044] 12 Artificial Turf

[0045] 13 Anchor Plate

[0046] 14. Grab board

[0047] 15 Foundation

[0048] 16 Fastening Sections

[0049] 17 Pass-through part

[0050] 18. Accommodation Section

[0051] 19 gaps

[0052] 20 Orientation Components

[0053] 21 First side

[0054] 22 Main Body

[0055] 23. Piece stitching

[0056] 24 Second side

[0057] 25. Serrated outline

[0058] 26 Clips

Claims

1. A shock-absorbing pad enclosure (10) for fixing an artificial turf (12) and a shock-absorbing pad (11), the shock-absorbing pad enclosure having an anchor plate (13) and a gripping plate (14), wherein the anchor plate (13) has a fastening section (16) for anchoring in a foundation (15) and a receiving section (18) with at least one slot (19), and wherein the gripping plate (14) includes at least one tab (23) and a serrated profile (25), the tab being configured to engage in at least one slot (19) of the anchor plate (13), and the serrated profile being configured to fix the shock-absorbing pad (11).

2. The shock-absorbing pad enclosure (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least two directional elements (20) for vertically orienting the anchor plate (13) are provided at the receiving section (18) of the anchor plate (13).

3. The shock-absorbing pad enclosure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between at least one gap (19) of the receiving section (18) of the anchor plate (13) and the vertical upper edge of the receiving section (18) of the anchor plate is substantially equivalent to the height of the artificial turf (12).

4. The shock-absorbing pad enclosure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one through portion (17) is provided at the fastening section (16) of the anchor plate.

5. The shock-absorbing pad enclosure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripper (14) has a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped cross-section.

6. A method for fixing a shock-absorbing pad (11) by means of a shock-absorbing pad enclosure (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - Anchor the fastening section (16) of the anchor plate (13) in the foundation; - Insert at least one tab (23) of the gripping plate (14) into at least one slot (19) of the receiving section (18) of the anchor plate (13); and - The serrated profile (25) of the gripper (14) is introduced into the shock-absorbing pad (11).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one assembly aid is inserted into at least one of the at least two orientation elements (20) to vertically orient the anchor plate (13).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a clip (26) is placed on the receiving section (18) of the two adjacent anchor plates (13) for alignment orientation.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the clip (26) is removed after the fastening section (16) of the anchor plate (13) is anchored in the foundation.

Images