TEXTILE GLIDING SURFACE FOR SKIING AND SLEDDING APPLICATIONS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a textile sliding surface for skiing and sledding applications, comprising a base layer and a functional layer, thus forming a mat. This mat exhibits snow-like sliding properties on the surface of the functional layer.

[0002] Furthermore, the structure of the functional layer offers largely uniform guiding properties in the application of skiing, thus enabling its use with various winter sports equipment, such as skis, snowboards, etc.

[0003] The ability to be rolled out and the closed surface with a low loop height in the functional layer allow for use in sledding applications.

[0004] Skiing is also possible with the low sling height for applications that require little or no edge hold. This includes, among others, classic cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

[0005] The sliding surface enables these applications all year round, regardless of snow and temperature.

[0006] Due to its properties, it can also be used in other friction-critical applications, such as conveyor technology, including in the form of a treadmill.

[0007] Currently known are plastic mats for ski jumps and injection-molded sliding mats (e.g., from companies like Neveplast or Skitrax), which only exhibit good properties when used in combination with a separate lubricating fluid. Due to their open structure, these products pose a risk of injury. Alternatively, various types of artificial turf are used, but these have very poor sliding properties.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2014 000845 describes a textile layer composite with a sliding surface. The sliding layer of this patent application comprises a fabric with 100-950 pile loops or pile tufts per dm² with a height of 3-10 mm. The fabric can be equipped with a backing coating. The modules made of these fabrics are fixed in the ground using tabs and ground stakes. The modules are connected to each other by gluing, welding, sewing, or hook and loop fasteners. The loops, which can be manufactured from various plastics, have a fineness of 5,000-30,000 dtex.

[0009] German patent DE 10 2013 014285 describes a layered composite with a sliding surface. The sliding layer consists of floating warp threads with a float length of 3–100 mm. The warp threads can be positioned so close together that an almost closed surface is created as the sliding surface. The ridges and grooves formed by the float have a width dimension, transverse to the direction of travel, of 2–5 mm. The warp threads themselves have an outer diameter of 1–6 mm.

[0010] German patent DE 295 12 702 U1 describes a cleaning textile consisting of a base fabric made of cotton warp and polyester weft. Monofilament polyamide is woven into the base fabric as an endless thread that wraps around three warp threads of one base fabric and is then led to the opposite base fabric, where it wraps around three more warp threads, and so on. There are two pile threads, positioned opposite each other in the two base fabrics.

[0011] EP 2 258 893 A1 describes a textile fabric, in particular woven or looped fabrics, knitted fabrics, or tufts, which is provided with pile or pile threads only on one side. The looped fabric also includes weft and warp threads. To provide a possibility for a heat sink that can be easily adapted to any operating conditions, at least some of the pile or pile threads in a textile fabric intended for use in heat dissipation and / or heat storage should be made at least partially of a metallic material, in particular in the form of an alloy.

[0012] German patent DE 20 2011 105370 U1 describes a textile layered composite material with a sliding surface, consisting of a sliding layer and a functional layer, or a sliding layer, a functional layer, and a backing layer. The textile layered composite material is characterized in that the sliding layer comprises a pile textile with 10 to 80 pile loops or tufts per cm² and a pile height of 2.0 to 20 mm, and is made of fiber or multifilament yarns of synthetic fibers. The functional layer is a bulky nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers, in which at least 15% of the fiber length per m² is arranged as vertical fibers in the cross-section and which has a thickness of 5 to 30 mm. The backing layer is a liquid-impermeable film and / or a special textile or non-textile surface with a fastening structure for the contact surface of the layered composite material.

[0013] German patent DE 19 50 009 A1 describes an artificial ski slope surface for a slope. The artificial ski slope surface comprises a fiber covering material consisting of a backing and hair fibers that project upwards from the backing to form a dense hair covering with a height ranging from approximately 12.7 mm to approximately 50.8 mm. The upper surface of the hair covering is formed by the bent upper ends of the hair fibers, which run down the slope.

[0014] The following disadvantages are to be expected when using these known fabrics or mats as textile ski or toboggan runs: High production and joining costs; difficult connection of individual modules; direction-dependent properties in edge behavior; limited edge capability; direction-dependent properties in sliding behavior, for example in bobsled-like banked curves; hard surface; risk of injury due to the protrusion of the thick and long floating monofilaments in case they break and point upwards.

[0015] For use as a ski slope, the disadvantage of existing solutions and production methods is that the properties of the gliding surface, particularly the ski's edge behavior, are direction-dependent. This directional dependence results from the small number of pile loops, which are typically made with a multifilament to increase the material content on the surface and thus the wear volume. Consequently, the ski's edge grip depends on the angle at which the ski crosses the gliding surface. This manifests itself in the fact that initiating a turn with a drifting skiing style that involves minimal unloading of the ski (especially the outside ski) is not possible. In this case, the edge grip is too strong. As the turn progresses, this behavior reverses. The edge grip then decreases, and the outside ski slips. A similar behavior can be observed during carved turns.The consistent edge characteristics familiar from snow are therefore absent. This makes skiing particularly difficult for beginners.

[0016] In the area of ​​sledding, the high flotation and the resulting span between the two points where the yarn dips into the base layer create a significant risk of injury. The mono- or multifilament yarn extends approximately 10 mm across the surface of the mat between the two attachment points in the base layer. If this flat yarn (loop height 0 mm) is damaged in the middle by external force, two open ends are created. Due to their continued attachment to the base layer and the resulting tension, these ends point slightly upwards. In practice, an upward angle of approximately 20-40° has been observed. The open, damaged ends of the yarn thus protrude from the actual surface of the mat, forming a sharp edge with an increased risk of injury.

[0017] The following requirements are analyzed for an improved textile surface for snowless use with winter sports equipment: Manufacturing of the entire product (mat with base and functional layers) in one process; simple and quick production for covering large areas; integration of connection technology for joining individual mat modules directly within the product (e.g., through overlaps, fastening points); even distribution of contact points with winter sports equipment in longitudinal and transverse directions; fall protection due to a soft, closed surface; possibility of individual patterns for specific usage profiles

[0018] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of fulfilling these requirements while ensuring cost-effective production and installation of the mats.

[0019] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the features shown in the claims.

[0020] These features led to the development of a mat that offers low friction and excellent guidance. The wide range of possible combinations provides numerous customization options for various winter sports.

[0021] The high number of pile loops in the functional layer ensures an even distribution of contact points with the winter sports equipment, even with low buoyancy. The resulting closed surface remains secure even if some yarns in the pile material fail, as no yarns can stand upright. This is particularly relevant for use in sledding.

[0022] Due to the high number of pile loops and low floatation, the edging and guiding properties are independent of the laying or travel direction. The numerous small pile loops ensure consistent edge guidance and simultaneously provide a soft and impact-resistant surface.

[0023] The consistent edge grip is achieved through the high number of smaller pile loops. These smaller pile loops are made from a monofilament yarn, unlike multifilament yarns. This increases the number of contact points with the ski while maintaining the same wear volume on the surface. The higher number of pile loops also allows for a more uniform distribution of the pile loops across the mat. This ensures that, regardless of the ski's angle to the direction of travel, a virtually constant number of pile loops are engaged with the ski. No differences in the force exerted by the mat on the ski are noticeable during turn initiation and control.

[0024] The high number of pile loops constructed from monofilaments results in a softer surface, as a single loop yields much more easily to stress than a loop made of multifilament yarn. This loop density thus allows for a compromise between edge hold and fall resistance.

[0025] The individual mats can be joined to form larger areas directly via features inherent in the material. The loop height can be adjusted to ensure a continuous surface with the same pile height, even where overlaps occur.

[0026] These functional properties form the basis for its use as a floor covering for use with various winter sports equipment, such as skis and snowboards.

[0027] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings:

[0028] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic cross-section of the mat; Fig. 2 a top view of the mat; and Fig. 3 a schematic cross-section of the connection point between the mats.

[0029] As shown in the drawings, the textile in a mat consists of a functional layer 1 and a base layer 2.

[0030] The functional layer 1 structurally comprises one or more pile loops 3 made of a fiber or filament yarn of synthetic fibers. These yarns are optimized for friction with the PE base of the ski. This achieves a snow-like coefficient of friction (also called friction coefficient) of <0.1. According to the invention, a plastic based on PET (polyethylene terephthalate) has proven to be the best friction partner. Other sliding-optimized plastics, for example, based on PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), or PA (polyamide), can also be used.

[0031] The base layer 2 also comprises a textile material and forms a dense fabric (for example, through a rib weave) which supports the functional layer 1 and stabilizes the pile loops by means of a form-fit connection through clamping or binding (between the warp, binding, and weft threads). For example, a W-binding 10 is used, which prevents the pile loops of the functional layer from tilting laterally due to an additional small loop or deflection in the base fabric (W-shaped orientation of the pile yarn). The pile loops of the functional layer 2 can be manufactured with a loop height 4 of 0.5 mm to 4 mm (primarily for sledding applications) or 4 mm to 14 mm (for skiing applications) to meet the sport-specific requirements. The higher the demands on the edge grip of the alpine or cross-country ski, the higher the pile loops should be. For sledding applications, lower pile loops are advantageous.

[0032] The loop heights (4) can be varied in both the longitudinal (5) and transverse (6) directions of the textile. The spacing of the pile loops (7 & 8) for pattern formation on the surface can also be varied between 1.5 mm and 20 mm. This results in a loop density of 400–1200 pile loops / dm², and even up to 2400 pile loops / dm² for sled applications.

[0033] The pile yarn thickness in the pile loops is 0.5–1.2 mm. Yarns of different thicknesses can be used alternately. For applications in sledding and machine processing, for example, the continuous use of 0.7 mm yarn has proven optimal. For optimal edge grip, a mixture of 1 / 5 thick monofilament yarn (0.9–1.2 mm) and 4 / 5 thin monofilament yarn (0.5–0.7 mm) is used.

[0034] Furthermore, by varying the loop heights 4, it is possible to create an overlap point 11 at the outer edge of a module of the mat for the purpose of connecting larger areas, both in the longitudinal 5 and transverse 6 directions, where a first mat 12 effectively has no pile loops (or an absolutely minimal loop height), while the loop height 4a of the second mat 13 is reduced in this area by the thickness of the base layer.

[0035] A new production method (weaving technology) makes it possible to manufacture the numerous parameters and product properties in a single production step. This eliminates the need for post-processing of the fabric, as required with previous products, to achieve the desired functions. The machine's capabilities for quickly adjusting loop height, loop density, and patterning, as well as varying these within a single product, are optimally utilized. Mat widths of up to 4 meters can be produced. The only limitation on mat length is due to transport considerations.

[0036] The weaving technique enables the production of the complete mat, including its connecting features, in a single step. Only the individual yarns for the fabric are used as the starting material. These can be directly applied to a machine and woven into the mat. This process creates both the base layer 2 and the pile loops 4 of the functional layer 1. The material for the base layer 2 is primarily unwound from warp beams. For easier patterning and customization of material properties, the material for the functional layer 1 is preferably sourced from individual spools. The insertion of multiple weft threads on top of each other is possible, thus offering greater product variety and property integration compared to previously known products, as the layer structure of the base layer 2 is significantly more variable.No further intermediate steps or production steps are required in preparation or follow-up for the manufacture of the mat, including all its properties.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the mat comprises a base fabric 2 based on polypropylene fibers, which serve as binding and filling warp threads, as well as weft threads.

[0038] The functional layer 1 is a pile fabric made of a monofilament yarn of 100% PET with the following construction parameters: Yarn thickness 9: 0.7 mm Loop height 4: 10 mm Area weight: 900 g / m² Loop density: 600 / dm²

[0039] The mat is used for ski school applications. An underlay, placed beneath the mat for additional protection against damage and improved drainage, consists of a composite layer of non-woven fabrics and loose-weave plastic. The overlapping mats are secured using a metal sheet anchored to the ground with ground screws. Self-tapping sheet metal screws are driven into the sheet metal at the mat's overlap point (11) in such a way that the screw heads are well below the mat's surface and therefore do not interfere with the use of winter sports equipment.

[0040] In the second embodiment, the mat also includes a base fabric based on polypropylene fibers. The functional layer 2 is a pile fabric made of monofilament yarn from 100% PET with the following construction parameters: Yarn thickness 9: 4 / 5 of the pile loops 0.7mm; 1 / 5 of the pile loops 0.9mm Loop height 4: 14mm Area weight 980g / m² Loop density: 500 pile loops / dm²

[0041] The mat is used for professional ski training. For example, the mat is screwed directly onto a wooden substructure. This allows the screws to be driven directly into the base material through the overlapping area of ​​the mats. A connection via sewn-on Velcro or an attached magnetic solution is also possible.

[0042] In the third embodiment, the mat comprises a base fabric 2 based on polypropylene fibers. The functional layer 1 is a pile fabric made of monofilament yarn from 100% PET with the following design parameters: Yarn thickness (9): 0.7mm Loop height (4): 0.7mm Area weight 360g / m 2< 1200 pile loops / dm 2< .

[0043] In this example, the mat is used as a toboggan run or ski starting track with a separate guide rail. The mat's excellent adaptability is utilized to shape it into a guided bobsled track, using the same surface to form both the gliding surface and the edge. A similar principle is employed when using it as a classic cross-country ski track.

[0044] Besides screwing, gluing the material to various surfaces is also conceivable.

Claims

1. A textile sliding surface for ski and sledding applications comprising a functional layer (1) and a base layer (2), which are connected to each other by filament yarns, wherein the functional layer (1) is formed from pile loops, the height of the pile loops in the functional layer (1) have a height (4) in the range 0.5-14 mm and the functional layer (1) comprises 400-2400 pile loops per dm2, wherein the pile loops are formed by monofilaments, characterized in that the yarns in the lower part of the pile loops are bound by W-bonds (10) in the base layer (2), and the monofilaments have a thickness in the range 0.5-1.2 mm.

2. The textile sliding surface according to claim 1, wherein the pile loops in the functional layer (1) have a height (4) in the range 0.5-4 mm and 400-2400 pile loops per dm2.

3. The textile sliding surface according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an overlap point (10, 11) with pile loops, wherein in the overlap point (11) the pile loops of a first mat (12) have no or an absolutely minimum loop height and the pile loops of a second mat (13) have a height reduced by the thickness of the base layer (2).

4. The textile sliding surface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional layer (1) is made of a monofilament yarn based on a plastic PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene) or PA (polyamide).

5. The textile sliding surface according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base.

6. The textile sliding surface according to claim 5, wherein the base is made of a nonwoven fabric or wood.

7. The textile sliding surface according to one of the preceding claims, wherein grooves have been formed in the sliding surface.

8. A ski or sledding piste made of a textile sliding surface according to one of the preceding claims.