Fixing device and fixing system for artificial turf

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing device (10) for artificial turf, having a base channel (11) and a clamping plate (12) to fix the artificial turf. To simplify the installation and removal of the fixing device (10), it is proposed that the clamping plate (12) is detachably fastened in the base channel (11) in the vertical direction by means of at least one locking mechanism (13). To reduce the load acting on the artificial turf in the area of the fixing device (10), it is furthermore proposed that a profile piece (14) arranged at the clamping plate (12) constitutes a means for horizontally fixing the artificial turf in the base channel (11) to the ground. Furthermore, the invention relates to a fixing system having at least two fixing devices (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fixing device for artificial turf. Such a fixing device is known, for example, from DE 31 43 476A1. Furthermore, this invention relates to a fixing system. Background Technology

[0002] Artificial turf is typically laid loosely, as it is used, for example, in stadiums. This means that within the playing area, there is no form-fitting, force-fitting, or material-fitting connection between the artificial turf and the ground. Therefore, artificial turf is theoretically movable horizontally. However, the elasticity of artificial turf requires reliable fastening on all sides of the playing area.

[0003] The shoulder stone used to secure artificial turf is known from DE 31 43 476 A1 mentioned at the beginning. The artificial turf is pressed against the U-shaped profile set at the shoulder stone by means of clamping strips.

[0004] A method for anchoring artificial turf is known from DE 40 39 160 C2, in which edge segments of the artificial turf are secured to a receiving portion installed in the ground by means of clamping rails. The artificial turf is folded around the clamping rails and pressed into the receiving portion.

[0005] The common thread in the two methods or setups mentioned above is that the artificial turf is either folded 180° or deflected twice in close succession at 90° angles. This causes significant stress in fixed areas when using artificial turf. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object upon which this invention is based is to describe a fixing device for artificial turf that is detachable and reduces the load in the area of ​​the fixing device.

[0007] The objective is achieved by the fixing device for artificial turf according to the invention and the fixing system according to the invention. Advantageous improvements are the subject of the following description.

[0008] The fixing device for artificial turf according to the invention has a basic channel and a clamping plate for fixing the artificial turf. The clamping plate is vertically detachably fastened in the basic channel by means of at least one locking mechanism. Furthermore, a profile member provided at the clamping plate constitutes or is provided for horizontally fixing the artificial turf in the basic channel.

[0009] The locking mechanism allows for tool-free and repeatable installation and removal of the clamping plate in the main channel in the vertical direction, as well as damage-free removal. The vertically extending fastener simplifies installation and removal for the user, as the clamping plate is simply pressed into or pulled out of the main channel from above, substantially vertically, in the installation position.

[0010] In the installation position, i.e., when the clamping plate is positioned in the base channel and secured by a locking mechanism, the clamping plate and the base channel define an opening. Artificial turf is guided through this opening into the base channel, where it undergoes a deflection of approximately 90°. The artificial turf extends within the base channel, for example, in a vertical direction. A profile member positioned at the clamping plate secures the vertically extending artificial turf against the inner wall of the base channel in a horizontal direction. By fixing the turf in a direction perpendicular to its extension direction, a particularly reliable and gentle fixation of the artificial turf is achieved compared to existing technologies.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the basic channel is substantially U-shaped. In the installation position, the bottom side of the basic channel is substantially horizontal, with two side edges extending substantially vertically upward from the bottom side.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, at least one side of the basic channel is implemented at least partially as a double-walled structure by folding. This can be understood as a folding of a plate, from which the basic channel is formed. Folding or at least partially double-walled construction advantageously enhances the stability of the basic channel, particularly its torsional stiffness.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the basic channel includes a guide plate for deflecting the artificial turf in a protective manner. Preferably, the guide plate is positioned at an angle between 30° and 60° relative to the horizontal line. It has proven particularly advantageous that the guide plate is positioned at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the horizontal line. This enables the artificial turf to be deflected in a protective manner when introduced into the basic channel, as the stress on the artificial turf is minimized by deflection.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping plate is substantially C-shaped. Here, the bottom side is substantially vertical in the mounting position, and the two side edges extend from the bottom side substantially horizontally.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the profile member is disposed on one of the horizontally disposed sides of the clamping plate. Particularly preferably, the profile member is disposed on the side that is vertically lower in the installation position.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment, the guide plate and clamping plate of the basic channel, especially the side of the clamping plate where a contour member is provided, are configured such that the guide plate of the basic channel and the contour member of the clamping plate horizontally overlap in the installation position. This results in the artificial turf extending in a generally S-shape within the fixing device. This is accompanied by a relatively large deflection radius at the guide plate or at the contour member, thereby reducing stress on the artificial turf while ensuring reliable fixing.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the sides of the clamping plate are at least partially double-walled. Particularly preferably, this involves sides without contour members. The double walls are achieved by folding, i.e., folding the plate from which the clamping plate is formed. Folding or at least partially double walls advantageously improve the stability of the clamping plate, particularly its torsional stiffness.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism includes at least one tenon and at least one spring plate. The tenon is disposed at the basic channel, for example, pre-installed at said basic channel or implemented as a single piece with said basic channel. The tenon includes a generally cylindrical section and a head. The height of the cylindrical section defines the distance between the bottom side of the basic channel and the lower side edge of the clamping plate in the installed position.

[0019] A spring plate is disposed at the clamping plate, for example, pre-installed at the clamping plate. The spring plate is configured such that it can detachably accommodate the head of the tenon, thereby fixing the tenon in the spring plate, and thereby detachably securing the basic channel and the clamping plate to each other.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the spring plate has a cross-sectional shape reminiscent of an omega (Ω). Here, the two lower sides of the omega guide through openings provided in the lower sides of the clamping plate, thereby pre-installing the spring plate at the clamping plate. The upper portion of the omega is configured such that its shape mates with the head of the tenon, so as to allow for a detachable connection with the head of the tenon.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing device includes an anchor plate anchored in a concrete foundation. The anchor plate is essentially implemented as a perforated plate, wherein the openings can be rounded, angular, or other shaped. In the installation position, the anchor plate is oriented substantially vertically. The anchor plate is introduced into the still-liquid concrete of the concrete foundation, where the liquid concrete fills the openings. The anchor plate is securely anchored in the concrete foundation in this manner and method. The anchor plate has a horizontally oriented side on its upper side in the installation position. The anchor plate can be connected to a base channel via this side. For this purpose, a locking mechanism includes a nail. The nail is located at the anchor plate. The nail has sharp grooves on its circumference that are etched into the plastic of the tenon, thereby establishing a form-fitting connection with the tenon. This further connects the anchor plate to the base channel.

[0022] Unlike natural turf, artificial turf does not require soil, allowing it to be laid directly on existing substrates such as concrete. However, the soil in natural turf provides shock absorption, reducing the risk of injury to users.

[0023] To compensate for this, impact-absorbing pads, also known as shock-absorbing mats, are typically laid under artificial turf. These mats reduce impacts and collisions while also allowing for adequate drainage. Like the artificial turf itself, the shock-absorbing mats underneath should not slip.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, for this purpose, the fixing device has a claw-shaped plate. The claw-shaped plate has a tab at a horizontal end, the tab being configured to surround a guide plate. At the horizontally opposite ends are vertically downward-extending tips, the tips pressing into the damping pad. Lateral sliding of the damping pad is prevented in this manner and method.

[0025] Especially when using shock-absorbing pads, precise vertical orientation of the equipment is crucial to prevent the formation of sharp edges. These sharp edges pose a hazard and increase the risk of injury.

[0026] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least two vertically oriented openings for securing the equipment are provided at the basic channel. These openings allow for precise setting of the relative height of the securing equipment, particularly the basic channel, relative to the surrounding environment. The basic channel can, for example, be oriented to raise the height of the damping pad relative to its supporting structure, thereby achieving a seamless transition from the damping pad to the basic channel after its installation.

[0027] Similar to playing areas with natural grass, playing areas with artificial turf are typically positioned such that the center of the playing area is slightly raised relative to the edges. This serves not only to facilitate drainage but also to ensure that no liquid remains on the playing area. Any excess liquid flows into a fixed conduit.

[0028] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one opening is provided at the basic channel through which liquid is led out. Preferably, the concrete foundation is composed of permeable concrete. In this design, the liquid is led out into the concrete foundation through at least one opening of the fixed device, and the liquid further permeates into the surrounding soil or is introduced into the sewer system through the concrete foundation.

[0029] The fixing system according to the invention comprises at least two fixing devices as described above. To connect the fixing devices to each other in the longitudinal direction, each fixing device has a tenon at one of its longitudinal ends and a groove at its opposite longitudinal ends. In the installed state, the tenon of the fixing device engages with the groove of the adjacent fixing device. Thus, the two fixing devices are not only connected to each other but also oriented towards each other. This ensures a flush assembly of the fixing system, thereby, in turn, the artificial turf is uniformly fixed around the entire circumference.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing system includes at least one clamping device that aligns the basic channels of two adjacent fixing devices with each other in the longitudinal direction. This ensures that the fixing devices connected to each other are precisely aligned and oriented. After the fixing system is installed, if the fixing devices are enclosed, the clamping device can either remain in the fixing system or be removed again. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0032] Figure 1 A first preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the invention is shown in schematic view;

[0033] Figure 2 A schematic view is shown according to Figure 1 Detailed view of the clamping plate in the embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic view is shown according to Figure 1 Detailed view of the locking mechanism in the implementation method;

[0035] Figure 4 A second preferred embodiment of the fixing device according to the invention is shown in schematic view;

[0036] Figure 5 One implementation of the basic channel is shown in a schematic view; and

[0037] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A detailed view of the basic channel. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the fixing device 10 according to the invention is shown. The fixing device 10 has a basic channel 11 and a clamping plate 12. The clamping plate 12 is secured by at least one locking mechanism 13 according to the invention. Figure 1 In the diagram, the two locking mechanisms 13 are detachably fastened in the basic channel 11 in the vertical direction.

[0039] The basic channel 11 has a generally U-shaped cross-section with a bottom side and two side edges. The generally open side of the basic channel 11 is oriented upward in the installation position. At the upper end of the side of the basic channel 11 facing the competition area where artificial turf is provided, a guide plate 19 extends toward the interior of the basic channel 11 at an angle of approximately 45°. The basic channel has at least one opening 21 configured as an elongated hole at its downward-oriented bottom side in the installation position. Liquids, such as rainwater, entering the basic channel 11 are drained through said opening into the concrete foundation 20 located below it, from where the rainwater is further guided into the surrounding soil or into the sewer system.

[0040] The clamping plate 12 is elongated and disposed within the basic channel 11. The clamping plate has a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional profile, having a bottom side extending vertically in the installation position and two side sides extending horizontally from the bottom side in the installation position. The open side faces the competition area where artificial turf is provided in the installation position. The upper side of the clamping plate 12 is at a similar height to the ends of the side sides of the basic channel 11 in the installation position. A profile member 14 is provided at the lower side of the clamping plate 12, as described below. Figure 2 The function of the contour component is explained in detail.

[0041] An anchor plate 18 is positioned below the basic channel 11 in the installation location and is substantially embedded in the concrete foundation 20. The anchor plate has multiple openings. During installation, the anchor plate 18 is introduced into the concrete foundation, which is still liquid or flowable at that moment. Here, the concrete flows into the openings of the anchor plate 18, thereby firmly anchoring the anchor plate 18 into the concrete foundation after the concrete hardens. The anchor plate 18 has a mechanism at its upper end in the installation location for connection with the basic channel 11.

[0042] The width of the side of the clamping plate 12 is smaller than the internal width of the basic channel 11. Therefore, in the installation position, the basic channel 11 and the clamping plate 12 are depicted with an opening through which artificial turf (not shown) is guided into the interior of the basic channel 11.

[0043] Figure 2 The clamping plate 12 is shown in detail. A serrated profile 14 is provided on the lower side of the clamping plate 12. In the installed position, the profile 14 engages with the artificial turf that extends vertically into the interior of the base channel 11, clamping the artificial turf against the inner wall of the base channel 11 in the horizontal direction. The profile 14, regularly arranged along the entire length of the clamping plate 12, applies uniform pressure to the artificial turf. The fixing direction, perpendicular to the extension direction of the artificial turf, ensures that the artificial turf is securely fixed in the base channel 11 in a manner that provides special protection for the material while maintaining reliability.

[0044] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 13 in its installed position is shown. The locking mechanism 13 includes a tenon 16. The tenon includes a generally cylindrical section with a plurality of radially circumferential grooves within the cylindrical section. Furthermore, the tenon 16 includes a head. Figure 3 Another component of the locking mechanism 13 shown is a nail 15. The nail has a pointed groove around its circumference. During installation, the nail 15 is pushed into the tenon 16, where the nail, through the pointed groove, carves into the plastic of the tenon 16, thus forming a form-fit connection. Here, the nail 15 is guided by a correspondingly oriented opening in the anchor plate 18 and on the underside of the base channel 11. In this manner, the base channel 11 and the anchor plate 18 are securely connected to each other.

[0045] The spring plate 17, also a component of the locking mechanism 13, has, for example, the shape of the Greek letter omega (Ω). The spring plate is located on the lower side of the clamping plate 12. The two sides of the omega guide through openings in the lower side of the clamping plate 12 and are positioned below the clamping plate 12 in the mounting position, thereby (pre-)mounting the spring plate 17 onto the clamping plate 12. The upper portion of the omega is located inside the clamping plate 12. Its shape matches the shape of the head of the tenon 16.

[0046] During installation, the clamping plate 12, together with the pre-installed spring plate 17, is moved vertically downwards into the base channel 11 and onto the tenon 16 until the head of the tenon 16 engages with the upper portion of the omega-shaped spring plate 17. This prevents the clamping plate 12 from moving or sliding horizontally within the base channel 11. However, the clamping plate 12 can be removed vertically without damage or tools. Therefore, the locking mechanism 13 enables the clamping plate 12 to be detachably secured in the base channel 11 in the vertical direction. The clamping plate 12, or the profile 14 provided at the clamping plate, further secures the artificial turf horizontally within the base channel 11. Horizontally securing the vertically extending artificial turf in this area within the base channel 11 has proven particularly advantageous, especially for material protection and reliability.

[0047] Figure 4 A second preferred embodiment of the fixing device 10 according to the present invention is shown. All references... Figure 1 The listed components are also included according to Figure 4 In the implementation method. According to Figure 4 The embodiment additionally includes a claw-shaped plate 20. The claw-shaped plate has a tab disposed at a guide plate 19 of the basic channel 11. Opposite to the tab, the claw-shaped plate 20 has a plurality of tips extending vertically downward in the installation position. These tips are used to secure a shock-absorbing pad (not shown) in a manner that prevents the shock-absorbing pad from laterally sliding under the artificial turf.

[0048] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the basic channel 11 is shown. The basic channel has a plurality of directional elements 22 on its side facing the competition area, which are implemented as slits in the illustrated embodiment. To secure the vertical orientation of the device 10, a mounting aid can be guided through at least one of the slits, for example, to compensate for the height of a subsequently installed shock-absorbing pad.

[0049] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A detailed view of the basic channels. (See also...) Figure 6 As can be seen, the directional elements 22 are arranged in a stepped manner, with each pair of directional elements 22 having a preset offset from each other. The outermost directional elements in the stepped row of directional elements 22 have markings indicating that they are pressed or punched into the basic channel 11. In the illustrated embodiment, these markings indicate the distance between the corresponding directional element 22 and the upper edge of the basic channel 11. The vertical offset between two adjacent directional elements 22 is 1 mm. The directional elements 22 enable simple vertical orientation of the fixing device 10, so that the height of the damping pad can be taken into account and compensated when installing the fixing device 10.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 10 Fixed Equipment

[0052] 11 basic channels

[0053] 12 clamping plates

[0054] 13 Locking Mechanisms

[0055] 14 outline parts

[0056] 15 nails

[0057] 16 tenons

[0058] 17 Spring Plate

[0059] 18 Anchor Plates

[0060] 19 Guide Board

[0061] 20 claw-shaped plates

[0062] 21 openings

[0063] 22 Orientation Components

Claims

1. A fixing device (10) for artificial turf, said fixing device having Basic channel (11) and clamping plate (12) to secure the artificial turf, Its features are, The clamping plate (12) is vertically detachably fastened in the basic channel (11) by means of at least one locking mechanism (13), and The profile (14) provided at the clamping plate (12) is configured to fix the artificial turf horizontally in the basic channel (11).

2. The fixed device (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The basic channel (11) is substantially U-shaped, wherein in the installation position, the bottom side is substantially horizontal and the two sides are substantially vertical.

3. The fixed device (10) according to claim 2. Its features are, At least one side of the basic channel (11) is implemented as a double-walled structure by means of folding.

4. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The basic channel (11) includes a guide plate (19) for deflecting the artificial turf in a protective manner.

5. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The clamping plate (12) is substantially C-shaped, wherein in the installation position, the bottom side is substantially vertical and the two sides are substantially horizontal.

6. The fixed device (10) according to claim 5. Its features are, The profile member (14) is located on one of the sides of the clamping plate (12) which is horizontally positioned in the installation position.

7. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The guide plate (19) of the basic channel (11) and the profile (14) of the clamping plate (12) overlap horizontally in the installation position.

8. The fixed device (10) according to claim 6 or 7. Its features are, The sides of the clamping plate (12) are at least partially double-walled by folding.

9. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The locking mechanism (13) includes at least one tenon (16) and at least one spring plate (17). The at least one tenon (16) is provided at the basic channel (11), and the at least one spring plate (17) is provided at the clamping plate (12). The spring plate (17) therein is configured to detachably accommodate the tenon (16).

10. The fixed device (10) according to claim 9. Its features are, An anchor plate (18) is provided and anchored in a concrete foundation, wherein the locking mechanism (13) includes nails (15) that form a connection for forming a shape-fitting tenon (16) to connect the anchor plate (18) and the basic channel (11) to each other.

11. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, A claw-shaped plate (20) is provided for fixing a shock-absorbing pad that is at least partially disposed under the artificial turf, wherein the claw-shaped plate (20) is disposed at the guide plate (19) of the basic channel (11).

12. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, At least two directional elements (22) for vertical orientation of the fixed device (10) are provided at the basic channel (11).

13. The fixed device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, There is at least one opening (21) for drawing out liquid located at the basic channel (11).

14. A fixing system having at least two fixing devices (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Its features are, Two adjacent fixed devices (10) are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction via mortise and tenon joints.

15. The fixing system according to claim 14, Its features are, At least one clamping device is provided, which orients the basic channels (11) of two adjacent fixing devices (10) to be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction.

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