Line system for marking lines, in particular for sand-filled synthetic grass tennis courts

Abstract

The present invention relates to a line system, in particular for marking sports fields, e.g. tennis courts. The line system comprises a first or lower profile section (13, 13', 13") and a second or upper profile section (15, 15', 15"), wherein the first profile section (13, 13', 13") serves as a bottom-side support for the second profile section (15, 15', 15"), the first profile section (13, 13') has a longitudinal bottom support structure (63, 63') with a first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') and the second profile section (15, 15') has a longitudinal rib structure (61, 61') with a second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23'), the gripping structures (21, 21', 23, 23', 25, 25', 27, 27') being coordinated with each other. are that the profile of one part engages with that of the profile of the other part.According to the invention, the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') projects beyond the longitudinal base support structure (63, 63') in such a way that, in the assembled state of the profile parts, the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') supports the longitudinal rib structure (61, 61') and thus the second profile part (15, 15') above and spaced apart from the base support structure (63, 63'). The advantage of this linear system is that it can be adapted to a reduced artificial turf height due to wear by modifying the lower profile part (13, 13', 13") – particularly, for example, when installed.It is specifically intended to provide a line system designed, in particular its lower profile section (13, 13', 13"), to be suitable for abrasive machining, especially when installed on a pitch, to define a lower marking line after machining than before grinding. This allows the line system to adapt to a decreasing or diminishing artificial turf height.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention comprises a marking line system adaptable to the height of artificial turf according to the preamble of claim 1. The marking line system is particularly suitable for sand-filled artificial turf tennis courts. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Commonly used court marking lines for tennis courts are made of flexible, hard plastic. Depending on the type of court, the marking lines are either anchored directly into the ground with nails or mounted on a rail system that is anchored to the ground. Especially on clay courts, marking lines are anchored directly into the ground with nails. Artificial turf is subject to significant wear, which gradually reduces the thickness or height of the turf surface. The marking lines, on the other hand, show hardly any wear. Over time, marking lines may protrude above the turf surface or become detached because the height of the artificial turf has decreased due to wear.

[0003] For sand-filled artificial turf, there are now marking line systems with height-adjustable lines, as described, for example, in European Patent Application EP 2 957 329 B1. The marking line system according to EP 2 957 329 B1 allows the marking line height to be adjusted to the height of the artificial turf to accommodate its progressive wear. This marking line system features screw connections that serve as anchors and spacers between a lower and an upper profile section. The upper profile section can be adjusted in height relative to the lower profile section using these screws. This can be time-consuming during installation. Furthermore, screw connections are problematic in a sandy environment, as the sand can interfere with tightening the screws.

[0004] Patent specification KR 100 823 455 B1 discloses a line marking system for a playground comprising a cover strip and a base strip with a longitudinal channel for draining water. The cover strip is hooked into the two lateral walls forming the channel, which also prevents foreign matter from entering the channel. This system requires no screw connections but is not height-adjustable.

[0005] Furthermore, patent application DE 1 578 706 A discloses a profile rail system for permanent field marking, which is anchored in place in the playing field by means of anchor cables and pegs. The system consists of a base rail with at least one anchor lug projecting into the ground on its underside and a replaceable covering on its upper side that marks the playing field. This system also does not require screw connections, but is likewise not designed to be height-adjustable. TASK

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative marking line system for artificial turf, particularly for sand-filled artificial turf or artificial turf tennis courts. In particular, a cost-effective and, if possible, simple line system is to be provided. Another object of the present invention is to provide a line system that can be adapted as easily as possible to a changing artificial turf surface, especially one that decreases in thickness. Furthermore, the system aims to prevent marking lines from protruding beyond the surface. Such a line system should also be cost-effective and have a simple and robust design. With such a system, the aforementioned disadvantages should be largely eliminated or at least partially avoided. DESCRIPTION

[0007] These and other objectives are achieved through the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0008] This invention fulfills the preceding requirements by providing a line system for artificial turf tennis courts, in particular for sand-filled artificial turf tennis courts, the line system comprising at least one first profile part and at least one second profile part, which can be connected to each other longitudinally by placing the at least one second profile part on top of the at least one first profile part, so that the at least one first profile part serves as a ground-side support for the at least one second profile part. wherein the first profile part has a longitudinal base support structure from which a first longitudinal gripping structure (preferably in the form of at least two longitudinal legs) projects, wherein the second profile part has a longitudinal rib structure from which a second longitudinal gripping structure (preferably in the form of at least two longitudinal legs) projects, wherein the designs (in particular the dimensions) of the first longitudinal gripping structure and the second longitudinal gripping structure (in particular the leg spacing and leg orientation of the first longitudinal gripping structure and the second longitudinal gripping structure) are coordinated such that the second profile part can be attached and / or clamped onto the first profile part by the longitudinal gripping structure of one profile part engaging with the longitudinal gripping structure of the other profile part.(in particular, the legs of one profile section engage with the legs of the other profile section). The line system is characterized by the fact that, in cross-sectional view of the profile sections, the first longitudinal gripping structure projects beyond the longitudinal base support structure (or, in particular, the legs of the first profile section project beyond the longitudinal base support structure) in such a way that, in the assembled state of the profile sections, the first longitudinal gripping structure of the first profile section (or, in particular, the legs of the first profile section) supports the longitudinal rib structure and thus the second profile section above and at a distance from the base support structure.

[0009] The line system, in particular its lower profile part (13), is designed to be removable (e.g., by grinding), especially when laid out on a pitch, in order to define a lower marking line after removal than before. This allows the line system to be adapted to a decreasing or diminishing artificial turf height.

[0010] The gripping structures of the first profile section and the ribbed structure of the second profile section, when the two sections are assembled, define a certain marking line height. Specifically, the gripping structures of the first profile section define the marking line height when the two sections are assembled, in particular by determining the height of the ribbed structure above the ground depending on the length of the gripping structures in a transverse view, and consequently, by determining the overall marking line height.

[0011] Due to the projection of the first longitudinal gripping structure (or, in particular, due to the projection of the legs of the first profile part) beyond the longitudinal ground support structure, the first longitudinal gripping structure or the legs of the first profile part project into planes that lie above the ground support structure.

[0012] Because the first longitudinal gripping structure, or rather its legs, protrude beyond the base support structure, it can be ensured that, once the first profile section is mounted on the ground, the first longitudinal gripping structure, or the legs of the first profile section that stand out from the ground, can be planed, milled, sanded, or ground down from above without damaging the first profile section or compromising its integrity. In particular, the base support structure retains its supporting function during planing, milling, or sanding and remains intact. Therefore, the height of the first profile section can be reduced as needed by planing, milling, or sanding, thus adjusting the height of the marking line to accommodate artificial turf that settles over time. The line height, therefore, depends significantly on the dimensions of the first profile section, or rather, the dimensions of the first longitudinal gripping structure.

[0013] For the purpose of planing, milling, or grinding, the second profile section is removed before planing, milling, or grinding the first and then reattached afterward. Alternatively, the existing second profile section can be replaced with a new one if necessary. The extent to which the height of the line system, and thus of a marking line, can be changed can be determined by the difference in dimensions of the longitudinal gripping structures or the legs of the first and second profile sections.Advantageously, the first longitudinal gripping structure has a first contact surface and the second longitudinal gripping structure has a second contact surface, wherein, in a cross-sectional view of the respective profile section, the contact surface of the first longitudinal gripping structure is longer than the contact surface of the second longitudinal gripping structure. Preferably, the first contact surface is at least 30% or, more preferably, at least 50% longer than the length of the second contact surface.

[0014] The inventive line system is particularly suitable for marking lines on artificial turf tennis courts. It is especially well suited for sand-filled artificial turf tennis courts.

[0015] The advantageous embodiment variants listed below, either alone or in combination with each other, lead to further improvements of the line system according to the invention.

[0016] Advantageously, in cross-sectional view of the respective profile part, the second longitudinal gripping structure is shorter than the first longitudinal gripping structure, or the legs of the second profile part are shorter than the legs of the first profile part.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous that, in the cross-sectional view of the respective profile section, the second longitudinal gripping structure is extended beyond the first. This allows the second profile section (or the second longitudinal gripping structure, or the legs of the second profile section) to grasp or clamp the first profile section (or the first longitudinal gripping structure, or the legs of the first profile section). This has the advantage that, in the assembled state, the second profile section, using the second longitudinal gripping structure, clamps or clamps the first profile section or the first longitudinal gripping structure from the outside, viewed across the cross-section, or the longitudinal sides of the first profile section from the outside.

[0018] It is also advantageous that, viewed in cross-sectional view, the profile parts are designed such that the gripping structure of the first profile part has a greater length than the gripping structure of the second profile part, in particular such that the gripping structure of the first profile part supports the gripping structure of the second profile part or that the gripping structure of the second profile part does not abut the gripping structure of the first profile part.

[0019] It is advantageous if the first longitudinal gripping structure has contact surfaces and the second longitudinal gripping structure has contact surfaces for mutually interlocking and / or clamping the at least one first profile part with the at least one second profile part, wherein, in cross-sectional extent or in cross-sectional view of the respective profile part, the contact surfaces of the first longitudinal gripping structure are longer than the contact surfaces of the second longitudinal gripping structure, preferably by at least 30%, more preferably by at least 50% of the length of the second contact surfaces. In particular, in cross-sectional view of the profile parts, the respective extent of the contact surface along a leg of the first longitudinal gripping structure can be longer than the respective extent of the contact surface along a leg of the second longitudinal gripping structure.

[0020] Advantageously, the first longitudinal gripping structure separates the longitudinal rib structure from the longitudinal floor support structure, so that in the assembled state there is a cavity between the longitudinal rib structure and the longitudinal floor support structure.

[0021] In the assembled state of the profile parts, the at least one second profile part advantageously rests on or is supported by the first gripping structure of the at least one first profile part. In particular, the longitudinal rib structure has a bottom and a top surface, and the second longitudinal gripping structure (or the longitudinal legs of the second profile part) extends downwards from the bottom surface of the longitudinal rib structure, so that in the assembled state, the second profile part, with its bottom surface, rests on the gripping structure of the first profile part, preferably on the leg end of the gripping structure of the first profile part, or is in direct contact with it.

[0022] The first longitudinal gripping structure or the contact surfaces formed thereon and the second longitudinal gripping structure or the contact surfaces formed thereon (or in particular the longitudinal legs of the first profile part and the longitudinal skews of the second profile part or the respective contact surfaces formed thereon) preferably have surface structures by virtue of which the two profile parts can be locked and / or clamped together or do lock and / or clamp together.

[0023] The profile parts can be connected to each other in particular by the fact that at least one second profile part can be placed or plugged onto at least one first profile part and the profile parts can be clamped and / or locked together (or snapped into each other) in particular under pressure (in particular a pressure which exceeds the pressure due to the weight of the second profile part).

[0024] Advantageously, the first longitudinal gripping structure and the second longitudinal gripping structure (in particular the at least two longitudinal legs of the first profile part and the at least two longitudinal legs of the second profile part) interact in such a way that when the at least one first and at least one second profile part are joined together, a hollow profile with at least one longitudinal cavity is formed, or in the joined state, a hollow profile with at least one longitudinal cavity is present.

[0025] The advantage of such a longitudinal cavity, which is hollow along the entire length of the profile, is that it can be cleaned out relatively easily once the strip structure is removed. Furthermore, any water that may penetrate it can drain away.

[0026] The first profile section is advantageously designed so that, when installed, it can be removed (e.g., sanded, planed, or milled) or modified by removal (e.g., sanding, planing, or milling) from the free end of the first gripping structure (or from the free end of the legs of at least one first profile section), particularly when the second profile section has been removed or not yet installed. This has the advantage that the line height (marking line height) of the line system can be adjusted to the height of the artificial turf by removing, sanding, planing, or milling.

[0027] Advantageously, in cross-sectional view of the respective profile part (or in cross-sectional extension of the respective profile part), the first longitudinal gripping structure is longer than the second longitudinal gripping structure, and the first longitudinal gripping structure is designed in such a way that, in cross-section of the first profile part, it can be shortened by removal (in particular, for example, by grinding, planing, or milling) such that, after shortening, the two profile parts in their assembled state define a lower line height (marking line height) than before shortening.

[0028] In particular, it is advantageous that, in cross-sectional view of the respective profile part, the legs of the first profile part are longer than the legs of the second profile part, and the legs of the first profile part are designed in such a way that they can be shortened (preferably together) from their free ends by removing material (in particular, for example, by grinding, planing, or milling) such that, after shortening, the two profile parts define a lower line height in the assembled state than before shortening and, if necessary, form a longitudinal cavity in the assembled state whose cross-sectional area is smaller than before shortening.

[0029] By shortening, for example by grinding, planing, or milling, the first longitudinal gripping structure or the legs of the first profile section, the second profile section can be positioned closer to the ground than before shortening. This results in the slat structure, which is part of the second profile section, being positioned closer to the ground after shortening. The height of a slat structure laid on the ground can thus be adjusted to compensate for the decreasing height of the artificial turf over time due to wear.

[0030] The profile sections can be slid against each other, particularly along the legs in the direction of the leg depth. Therefore, the mutual distance between the parallel profile sections can be adjusted or shortened in a direction normal to the longitudinal orientation of the profile sections.

[0031] Optionally, the first profile part, or in particular the longitudinal floor support structure, is designed with a base, preferably by the longitudinal floor support structure having bases, which are designed, for example, as longitudinal side structures of the longitudinal floor support structure.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one first profile section and / or at least one second profile section are made of plastic and / or aluminum. Profile sections made of plastic are particularly preferred.

[0033] The longitudinal rib structure of the at least one second profile section typically has a top and a bottom surface. The top surface can be ribbed, particularly longitudinally ribbed, making it suitable as a marking line because it is, for example, relatively non-slip. Alternatively, the at least one second profile section can have mounting structures, preferably on the longitudinal rib structure, onto which a marking line, preferably with a surface texture, can be clamped.

[0034] In other words, the second profile section, or its longitudinal guide structure, preferably forms a substantially flat surface, the height of which can be adjusted to match the artificial turf by machining (such as grinding, planing, or milling) the gripping structure of the first profile section. The aforementioned substantially flat surface can be equipped with a non-slip surface, for example, a ribbed or studded surface structure and / or a non-slip material.

[0035] The first longitudinal gripping structure is preferably designed in the form of at least two longitudinal legs, and the second longitudinal gripping structure is preferably also designed in the form of at least two longitudinal legs, wherein the at least two longitudinal legs are aligned with each other in such a way that the at least one second profile part can be attached and / or clamped onto the at least one first profile part by allowing the two legs of one profile part to engage with the legs of the other profile part.

[0036] Advantageously, the base support structure connects the at least two longitudinal legs of the first longitudinal gripping structure in a spaced-apart parallel arrangement (fixed).

[0037] Additional advantages and objectives of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[0038] They show, in a schematic representation not to scale: Figure 1: A line system according to the invention in cross-sectional view; Figure 2: Individual parts of a line system according to the invention in cross-sectional view: (a) an upper profile part, (b) a lower profile part. Figure 3: A line system according to the invention in perspective view.

[0039] In the following, the same reference numbers, with and without apostrophe, represent similar, essentially functionally identical elements in figures of different designs.

[0040] A first embodiment of a line system according to the invention is shown in Fig. 1in a sectional view transverse to the longitudinal extent of the line system 11, or in a cross-section of the profile parts 13 and 15. This representation particularly clarifies the arrangement of the profile parts 13 and 15 in their assembled state of an installed, ready-to-use line system. Cross-sectional views of individual parts of a second embodiment of a line system according to the invention, i.e., an upper profile part 15' and a lower profile part 13' separately, are shown in Fig. 2 (a) or Fig. 2 (b) A third embodiment of a line system according to the invention, comprising a first profile part 13" and a second profile part 15" in a composite arrangement, is shown in Fig. 3shown in a perspective view. A line system according to the invention is suitable for marking playing fields, in particular playing fields on artificial turf pitches and further, in particular, playing fields on artificial turf pitches filled with sand, such as tennis courts.

[0041] The structure and function of the line systems according to the invention are explained below with reference to the cross-sectional representations mentioned above.

[0042] A line system according to the invention 11, 11' or 11" ( Fig. 1 , Fig. 2 (a) and (b) or Fig. 3The system essentially comprises two types of profile sections: upper profile sections 15, 15' or 15" and lower profile sections 13, 13' or 13". One or more lower profile sections 13, 13' or 13" serve, laid on the ground, as fixings and supports for upper profile sections 15, 15' or 15". A lower profile section or several lower profile sections 13, 13' or 13" are designed such that the respective upper profile section(s) 15, 15' or 15" can be plugged onto the lower profile section(s) 13, 13' or 13". Upper profile sections can extend over points where two lower profile sections abut each other in their longitudinal direction; conversely, lower profile sections can extend over points where two upper profile sections abut each other in their longitudinal direction. This means that the upper and lower profile sections can be inserted into each other with a longitudinal offset.This allows for the creation of particularly stable marking line systems that are longer than the individual lower and / or upper profile parts.

[0043] As shown in the cross-sectional view according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 (b)As shown, the first or lower profile section 13, 13' includes a ground support structure 63, 63' which carries two legs 25, 27, 25', 27'. The ground support structure 63, 63' is designed to be laid on the ground. The two legs 25, 27, 25', 27' rise from the ground support structure 63, 63' in essentially the same direction, in particular parallel to each other. The legs 25, 27, 25', 27' are spaced apart from each other. When the lower profile section 13, 13' is laid on the ground as intended, the legs 25, 27, 25', 27' are directed essentially upwards away from the ground. Thus, in cross-sectional view, each of the legs 25, 27, 25', 27' extends from its respective lower leg attachment 71, 75, 71', 75' on the ground support structure 63, 63' upwards to its free leg end 73, 77, 73', 77'.The two legs 25, 27, 25', 27' of the first profile section 13, 13' are preferably arranged parallel to each other upwards. Due to the distance between the legs 25, 27, 25', 27', a cavity 17, 19, 17', 19' exists between them, extending longitudinally along the profile section 13, 13'. Preferably, an additional longitudinal support structure 47, 47' is arranged between the two legs 25, 27, 25', 27', for example in the form of one or more struts, which extend in the cross-section of the profile section 13, 13' away from the base support structure 63, 63' corresponding to the legs 25, 27, 25', 27'. This support structure 47, 47' can additionally serve to support the upper profile section 15, 15' placed on the legs 25, 27, 25', 27'. A single strut, for example, expediently extends centrally between the legs 25, 27, 25', 27', and, if necessary, essentially parallel to the legs.One or more struts 47, 47' divide the cavity 17, 19, 17', 19' into two or more parallel, longitudinally extending partial cavities. In the embodiments shown here, this is a single strut 47, 47' which divides the cavity into two partial cavities 17, 19, 17', 19. In cross-section, the one or more struts 47, 47' preferably project to the same height above the base support structure 63, 63' as the legs 25, 27 or 25', 27'. On both sides of the base support structure 63, 63', which extends in the profile cross-section at least from the first leg attachment 71, 71' to the second leg attachment 75, 75', support structures 65, 67, 65', 67' are preferably formed in the longitudinal extension of the profile part 13, 13', whereby the bearing width of the lower profile 13, 13' is widened compared to the leg width.This leads to better stability of a laid-out line system as well as better connectivity of the line system with an artificial turf carpet or better integration of the line system into an artificial turf carpet.

[0044] The aforementioned constructive elements of the profile part 13, 13' expediently have a longitudinal extension or together form the cross-section of the longitudinally extending profile part 13, 13', wherein the cross-section is preferably essentially the same over the entire profile length (especially due to manufacturing, at least in the case of brand new delivery).

[0045] The second or upper profile section 15, 15' includes a longitudinal rib structure 61, 61', which transitions on its longitudinal sides into two legs 21, 23 and 21', 23' respectively, angled relative to the rib structure 61, 61'. The rib structure 61 has a top surface 68, 68' and a bottom surface 69, 69'. In the cross-sectional view, the two legs 21, 23 extend Fig. 1Viewed in the same direction, in particular essentially parallel to each other, away from the strip structure 61 or out of the plane in which the strip essentially extends. Thus, each of the legs 21, 23 of the upper profile part, viewed in cross-section, extends from its respective leg attachment 85 on the strip structure 61 to its free leg end 87. The two legs 21, 23 are spaced apart from each other or run longitudinally along the strip structure 61, whereby the strip structure 61 together with the legs 21, 23 forms a U-shaped cross-section transverse to its longitudinal extent. The plane of extension of the strip structure 61 and the plane of extension of the respective leg 21, 23 are arranged at an angle of essentially approximately 90 degrees to each other. The side of the strip structure 61 facing away from the legs is hereinafter referred to as the upper surface 68.The side of the ridge structure 61 which faces the thighs is hereinafter referred to as the underside 69.

[0046] The mutual arrangement of the two legs 21, 23 of the second profile part 15 is preferably parallel downwards (as in Fig. 1 (essentially shown), but can optionally converge slightly with increasing leg extension (this is especially true in the unassembled state, as in Fig. 2a (shown). This means that the legs 21', 23' can optionally narrow progressively from the leg bases 81', 85' towards the respective leg ends 83', 87', or be spaced apart from each other to a decreasing degree. This can result in an improved clamping effect against a first profile section 13'.

[0047] The aforementioned constructive elements of the profile part 15, 15' expediently have a longitudinal extension or together form the cross-section of the longitudinally extending profile part 15, 15', wherein the cross-section is preferably essentially the same over the entire profile length (especially due to manufacturing, at least in the case of brand new delivery).

[0048] The structures of the profile parts 13, 13', 15, 15', referred to here as longitudinal, are advantageously produced during manufacturing, i.e. in particular during extrusion.

[0049] The dimensions of the lower and upper profile parts 13, 15 and 13', 15' respectively are such that the two profile parts can be inserted into one another by means of their legs 21, 23, 25, 27 and 21', 23', 25', 27' respectively, as shown in Figs. 1-3 shown.

[0050] When an upper profile section 15, 15', 15' is inserted into a lower profile section 13, 13', 13", at least one outer leg surface of the first profile section 13 or 13' comes into contact with the first inner leg surface of the other profile section 15 or 15', and at least one outer leg surface of the first profile section 13 or 13' comes into contact with the second inner leg surface of the other profile section 15 or 15', or can lock together. In the present example, these are the outer leg surfaces 35, 37 or 35', 37' of the lower profile section 13 or 13' and the inner leg surfaces 31, 33 or 31', 33' of the upper profile section 15 or 15', by the upper profile section 15, 15' by means of whose legs 21, 23 or 21', 23' is slipped over the legs 25, 27 or 25', 27 of the lower profile part 13, 13', so that the leg pair 21, 23 or 21', 23' of the upper profile part 15, 15' clamps the leg pair 25, 27 or 25', 27' of the lower profile part 13.The aforementioned outer thigh surfaces 35, 37 or 35', 37' and inner thigh surfaces 31, 33 or 31', 33' are also referred to as contact surfaces in the following.

[0051] To better fix the upper profile part 15 to the lower profile part 13, surface structures and / or materials can be provided on the aforementioned outer leg sides 35, 37, 35', 37' and inner leg sides 31, 33, 31', 33' which, for example, due to their surface structure properties and / or their material properties (such as friction values), create a snap-in effect and lock and / or clamp together under mutual contact pressure. The contact surfaces 31, 33, 35, 37, 31', 33', 35', 37' thus designed are located on the legs 21, 23, 25, 27, 21', 23', 25', 27' of the profile sections 15, 15', 13, 13', specifically on those side surfaces of the legs that come into contact with each other when the upper and lower profile sections are joined. According to a preferred embodiment, in particular the outer surfaces of legs 25 and 27 or 25' and 27' of the lower profile section 13, 13' and the inner surfaces of legs 21 and 23 or 25' and 27' of the lower profile section 13, 13' are designed.The upper profile section 15, 15' is designed as contact surfaces. The provided contact surfaces 35 and 37 or 35' and 37' on the legs of the lower profile section 13, 13' preferably extend from the leg end towards the leg inlet over a longer distance (along the leg extent) than the legs 21, 23 or 21', 23' of the upper profile section 15, 15' are long from leg inlet to leg end, and thus over a longer distance (along the leg extent) than the contact surfaces 31, 33 or 31', 33' of the legs 21, 23 or 21', 23' of the upper profile section 15, 15' are dimensioned in cross-sectional view.

[0052] When the two profile parts are assembled, the upper profile part 15, 15' sits on the leg ends 73, 77 and 73, 73' of the lower profile part 13, 13' by means of the underside 69, 69' of the rib structure 61, 61'. Insofar as a support structure 47, 47' (e.g., in the form of one or more support struts) is present, the support structure 47, 47' and the slat structure 61, 61', in particular the underside 69, 69' of the slat structure 61, 61', are designed such that the slat structure 61, 61' with its underside 69, 69' simultaneously rests on the leg ends 73, 77 or 73', 77' and on the end(s) 49, 49' of the support structure 47, 47', and thus the slat structure 61, 61' is also supported by the support structure 47, 47'. The underside 69, 69' of the slat structure 61, 61' is expediently designed to be flat. Alternatively, the underside 69, 69' of the strip structure 61, 61' could be, for example,The profile section 15 may have seating grooves or similar features (not shown in the figures) running longitudinally. Such seating grooves could provide additional stability to the line system by counteracting lateral pressure on the longitudinal side of the strip structure, thereby preventing the legs 25, 27 and 25', 27' of the lower profile section 13, 13' from being pressed into the cavity 17, 19, 17', 19'.

[0053] Before or after the lower profile section 13, 13' is laid or installed on the ground (i.e., in the installed or removed state of the lower profile section 13), it can, in principle, be machined along the free ends 73, 77, 49 or 73', 77', 49' of the legs 25, 27 or 25', 27' and the support structure 47, 47, e.g., by sanding, milling, or planing, in order to adapt the height of the lower profile section 13, 13' and thus of the entire slat structure to a given or changed artificial turf thickness. Sanding, milling, or planing the lower profile section in its installed state is particularly time-saving, as it eliminates the need for prior disassembly and subsequent reassembly of the entire line system. When sanding, planing or milling the lower profile part in its mounted state, more or less material can be sanded, planed or milled off, depending on the remaining thickness of the artificial turf.

[0054] At the beginning of use, a new artificial turf pitch is usually of a uniform thickness and height. After a certain period of use, wear and tear occurs. This is recognizable by the fact that the artificial turf wears down more in areas of higher traffic, thus losing thickness and height. To adjust the height of the line system 11 to the reduced thickness and height of the artificial turf, the height of the legs 25, 27 or 25', 27' and the support structure 47, 47' of the lower profile section 13, 13' can be reduced by machining, for example, sanding, planing, or milling. The upper profile section 15, 15' is removed from the lower profile section 13, 13' before machining and reattached afterward. Thus, by machining the lower profile section 13, 13', the height of the line system 11 can be adjusted to the reduced thickness of the artificial turf.

[0055] The lower profile section 13, 13' advantageously rests on the ground with its base support structure 63, 63' and / or feet 65, 67, 65', 67'. Optionally, it can be anchored to or bonded to the ground. The upper profile section 15, 15' is placed or positioned parallel or longitudinally onto the lower profile section 13, 13'. Both profile sections 13 and 15, or 13' and 15', preferably have complementary gripping structures, i.e., interlocking structures.

[0056] The gripping structures preferably consist of two longitudinal legs 21, 21', 23, 23', and 25, 25', 27, 27', respectively, formed on each of the two profile parts 13, 13', 15, 15'. The first and second legs 21, 21' and 23, 23', respectively, of the upper profile part 15, 15' are directed towards the first and second legs 25, 25' and 27, 27', respectively, of the lower profile part 13, 13' and adapted to them for interlocking or clamping. In the present first embodiment, the profile legs 21, 23 of the upper profile part 15 are formed essentially parallel to the profile legs 25, 27 of the lower profile part 13, such that the oppositely oriented profile legs 21, 23, 25, 27 of the upper and lower profile parts 15, 13 can be slid into one another and can lock into each other.Preferably, the profile legs 21 and 23 of the upper profile part 15 are spaced further apart than the profile legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13, so that the profile legs 21 and 23 of the upper profile part 15 encompass the ends of the profile legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13, i.e., grasp the lower profile 13 laterally on the outside. Optionally, the upper profile part 15 could have two pairs of legs (not shown in the figures) instead of two simple legs 21 and 23, each pair of legs being designed such that each pair of legs encompasses one of the two legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13 on the inside and outside, or so that when the upper profile part 15 is placed on the lower profile part 13, each of the profile legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13 is gripped between the legs of the respective pair of legs of the upper profile part 15.

[0057] In the cross-sectional view, the profile legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13 are longer than the profile legs 21 and 23 of the upper profile part 15, so that the profile legs 21 and 23 of the upper profile part 15 can be slid over the profile legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13 until a designated seating surface 69 of the upper profile part 15 abuts or rests on the ends 73 of the legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13. Preferably, the legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13 are so much longer than the legs 21 and 23 of the upper profile part 15 that even after one or preferably several grinding, planing or milling of the lower profile part 13 or after one or several shortening of the length of the legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13, an upper profile part 15 can be placed on top again and, if necessary,so that the seat surface 69 of the upper profile part 15 rests on the ends 73 of the legs 25 and 27 of the lower profile part 13. To ensure this, any lateral support feet 65, 67 should be attached as low as possible (i.e., close to the ground) to the lower profile and be thin, as this ensures maximum overlap of the legs 21, 23 of the upper profile part 15 over the legs 25, 27 of the lower profile part 13.

[0058] The gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' (or the legs) of the lower profile part 13, 13' is (are) advantageously designed in cross-sectional view of the profile part (at least in its new state or during initial assembly) such that the extent of the gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' of the lower profile part (in particular, for example, from the leg base 71, 71', 75, 75' to the leg end 73, 73', 77, 77') has (have) a greater length than the gripping structure 21, 21', 23, 23' of the upper profile part (or the legs, i.e., in particular the legs from the leg base 81, 81', 85, 85' to the leg end 83, 83', 87, 87').Advantageously, the gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' of the lower profile part 13, 13' has a greater length than the gripping structure 21, 21', 23, 23' of the upper profile part 15, 15', in particular such that the gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' of the lower profile part 13, 13' supports the gripping structure 21, 21', 23, 23' of the upper profile part 15, 15', but the gripping structure 21, 21', 23, 23' of the upper profile part 15, 15' does not abut the gripping structure of the lower profile part (or neither the gripping structure of the lower profile part nor anywhere else on the lower profile part). In particular, this ensures that the leg ends 83, 83', 87, 87' of the upper profile part 15, 15' remain free or are not in contact with the lower profile part 13, 13'.This allows the upper profile section to be placed onto the lower profile section in such a way that, in the assembled state, the leg ends of the gripping structure of the lower profile section support the upper profile section without the ends 83, 83', 87, 87' of the gripping structure of the upper profile 15, 15' striking the lower profile 13, 13'. In particular, this ensures that the gripping structure of the lower profile section, or its leg ends 73, 73', 77, 77', can be ground down if necessary to adapt the height of the line system to a change in the artificial turf height.

[0059] The lower profile section 13, 13' has one or more cavities 17, 17', 19, 19' between its profile legs 25, 15' and 27, 27'. The cavity(s) 17, 17', 19, 19' preferably extend along the entire length of the profile section 13, 13'. Extending the entire length of the profile section 13, 13' offers advantages in terms of manufacturing and also facilitates cleaning, e.g., with a broom, when the upper profile section 15, 15' is not seated.

[0060] After the two profile sections 13, 13' and 15, 15' are assembled, the cavity 17, 17', 19, 19' contained in the first profile section 13 is covered from above by the second profile section, or more specifically by its rib structure 61, 61'. Each of the cavities 17, 17', 19, 19' forms a channel along the longitudinal extent of the first, lower profile section 13, 13' or the rib system. The cavities 17', 19' can optionally be filled with sand after the lower profile sections 13' have been laid, which improves the stability of the installed rib system. The rib structure 61, 61' of the upper profile section 15, 15' can optionally include transverse slots (not shown in the figures) along its longitudinal extent. Through such transverse slots, sand may still penetrate into the cavities 17, 19 even after the installation of the 11, 11" line system. This more elaborate design of the upper profile part can, for example,They can be produced by introducing transverse slots, if necessary in a processing step following extrusion.

[0061] The lower profile section 13, 13' can expediently have projecting support structures 65, 65', 67, 67' on the respective longitudinal outer side of the profile legs 25, 25' and 27, 27', i.e., on the outer side facing away from the cavity 17, 17', 19, 19'. These support structures 65, 65', 67, 67' can be designed on the lower profile section 13, 13' as essentially flat plates, which project from the legs 25, 25' and 27, 27' respectively at an angle of approximately 90° (i.e., essentially horizontally) on the bottom side and thus act as a base for the linear system. The artificial turf, which is expediently designed as a carpet, advantageously lies on the additional, projecting support structures 65, 65', 67, 67' on both sides of the lower profiles 13, 13' after installation, thereby stabilizing the position and orientation of the lower profile part 13, 13' or the fully assembled line system.

[0062] The upper profile section 15, 15' can have further retaining structures (not shown in the figures) that allow a marking line, e.g., made of hard plastic, to be clipped on. For this purpose, retaining structures could, for example, be provided longitudinally on the outside of the upper profile section 15, 15', which could be designed as undercuts onto which, for example, a marking line with laterally curved clamping structures could be clipped. Assembly and line height adjustment:

[0063] The artificial turf sections and the 11, 11', 11" track system are laid in such a way that the edges of the artificial turf sections rest on the support feet 65, 67, 65', 67' of the lower profile section 13, 13'. The upper profile section 15, 15' can be pre-mounted onto the lower profile section 13, 13' at the factory before installation or alternatively, it can be mounted on-site.

[0064] The height of the slat system can be adjusted to the height of the artificial turf on the installed lower profiles 13, 13' before the upper profiles 15, 15' are installed, or after the upper profiles 15, 15' have been removed. Where the leg ends 73, 73', 77, 77' and / or the end of the support structure 49, 49' of the lower profile 13, 13' rise too high or above the artificial turf, they can be trimmed back to such an extent that the slat height of the subsequently installed slat system corresponds approximately to the current thickness of the artificial turf.

[0065] After removal, e.g., for the complete assembly of the strip system, the upper profile part 15, 15' is placed onto the lower profile part 13, 13' so that the legs 25, 25', 27, 27' of the lower profile part 13, 13' can engage with the legs 21, 21', 23, 23' of the upper profile part 15, 15'. By applying pressure from above, the upper profile part 15, 15' can be pressed onto the lower profile part 13, 13' in a snap-fit ​​manner. In this process, the strip structure 61, 61' of the upper profile part 15 rests on the free ends of the leg pair 25, 25', 27, 27' and, if applicable, the support structure 49, 49' of the lower profile part 13, 13'. The upper profile part 15, 15' is fastened to the lower profile part 13, 13' by mutually interlocking the toothed leg sides 31, 31', 33, 33', 35, 35', 37, 37'.The slat height, which results after joining the two profile parts 13, 13', 15, 15', depends on the leg length of the legs 25, 25', 27, 27' of the lower profile part 13, 13'.

[0066] The aim is to adjust the height of the line system to the current artificial turf height, so that the surface of the artificial turf carpet and the surface of the marking line are at approximately the same horizontal height level.

[0067] The assembled line system is characterized in particular by the following features and advantages: Due to the height adjustability of the line system, it can be adapted as needed, even repeatedly, to accommodate the decreasing height of the artificial turf over time due to wear and tear. This makes it possible to provide a playing surface flush with the marking lines, even on older tennis courts where the turf is already worn and in some places shorter. Removing the lower profile sections and, if necessary, replacing the upper profile sections is significantly more cost-effective than installing a new artificial turf and line system. Therefore, the inventive line system is resource-efficient. Adaptability is also guaranteed for sand-filled artificial turf courts, as the sand can simply be wiped out of the longitudinal cavity in the lower profile if necessary.

[0068] In summary, the present invention relates in particular to a line system, especially for marking sports fields, e.g. tennis courts. The line system comprises a first or lower profile section 13, 13', 13" and a second or upper profile section 15, 15', 15", wherein the first profile section 13, 13', 13" serves as a bottom-side support for the second profile section 15, 15', 15", the first profile section 13, 13' has a longitudinal bottom support structure 63, 63' with a first longitudinal gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' and the second profile section 15, 15' has a longitudinal rib structure 61, 61' with a second longitudinal gripping structure 21, 21', 23, 23', the gripping structures 21, 21', 23, 23', 25, 25', 27, 27' are coordinated such that those of one profile section interfering with that of the other profile part.

[0069] According to the invention, the first longitudinal gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' projects beyond the longitudinal base support structure 63, 63' in such a way that, in the assembled state of the profile parts, the first longitudinal gripping structure 25, 25', 27, 27' supports the longitudinal rib structure 61, 61' and thus the second profile part 15, 15' above the base support structure 63, 63' and at a distance from the base support structure 63, 63'.

[0070] The advantage of this line system is that it can be adapted to a reduced artificial turf height due to wear by modifying the lower profile part 13, 13', 13" - especially when laid.

[0071] It is specifically intended to provide a line system designed, in particular its lower profile section 13, 13', 13", in such a way that it can be machined, especially when laid out in a space, to define a lower marking line after machining than before grinding. This allows the line system to adapt to a decreasing artificial turf height. REFERENCE MARK LIST:

[0072] 11, 11"Line system 13, 13', 13"Lower or first profile part 15, 15', 15"Upper or second profile part 17, 17'Longitudinal channel, in particular longitudinal cavity 19, 19'Longitudinal channel, in particular longitudinal cavity 21, 21'First leg (part of a second gripping structure) of the upper profile part 23, 23'Second leg (part of the second gripping structure) of the upper profile part 25, 25'First leg (part of a first gripping structure) of the lower profile part 27, 27'Second leg (part of the first gripping structure) of the lower profile part 31, 31'Contact surface (inside) on the first leg of the upper profile part 33, 33'Contact surface (inside) on the second leg of the upper profile part 35, 35'Contact surface (outside) on the first leg of the lower profile part 37, 37'Contact surface (outside) on the second leg of the lower profile part 47, 47'Support structure (esp.Support strut) on the lower profile part 49, 49'Free end of the support structure 61, 61'Ridge structure of the upper profile part 63, 63'Base support structure of the lower profile part 65, 65'First support foot of the lower profile part 67, 67'Second support foot of the lower profile part 68, 68'Top of the rib structure of the upper profile part 69, 69'Bottom of the rib structure 71, 71'Leg start on the lower profile part 73, 73'Leg end on the lower profile part 75, 75'Leg start on the lower profile part 77, 77'Leg end on the lower profile part 81, 81'Leg start on the upper profile part 83, 83'Leg end on the upper profile part 85, 85'Leg start on the upper profile part 87, 87' End of leg at the upper profile part.

Claims

1. A line system suitable for marking lines for artificial turf playing fields and sand-filled artificial turf playing fields, comprising at least one first profile part (13, 13', 13") and at least one second profile part (15, 15', 15"), which can be connected to one another lengthwise by attaching the at least one second profile part on top of the at least one first profile part such that the at least one first profile part (13, 13', 13") serves as a ground-side support bracket for the at least one second profile part (15, 15', 15"), wherein the first profile part (13, 13') has a longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63'), from which a first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') protrudes, wherein the second profile part (15, 15') has a longitudinal strip structure (61, 61'), from which a second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') protrudes, wherein the designs of the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') and the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') are adapted to one another in such a way that the second profile part (15, 15') can be attached and / or clamped on top of the first profile part (13, 13') in that the longitudinal gripping structure of one profile part engages into the longitudinal gripping structure of the other profile part, wherein the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') protrudes in a cross-sectional view of the profile parts beyond the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63') in such a way that, in the assembled state of the profile parts, the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') of the first profile part (13, 13') carries the longitudinal strip structure (61, 61') and therefore the second profile part (15, 15') above the ground support structure (63, 63') and at a distance from the ground support structure (63, 63'), and wherein the profile parts (13, 13', 15, 15') are in a cross-sectional view designed in such a way that the gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') has in a cross-sectional view of the first profile part (13, 13') a greater length than the gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') in a cross-sectional view of the second profile part (15, 15'), characterized in that, in the assembled state, the second profile part (15, 15') is seated on ends (73, 73', 77, 77') of the gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') of the first profile part (13, 13') without ends (83, 83', 87, 87') of the gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') of the second profile part (15, 15') abutting on the first profile part (13, 13').

2. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') is in a cross-sectional view of the respective profile part (13, 15) designed shorter than the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27').

3. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') is in a cross-sectional view of the respective profile part (13, 15) designed wider than the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') such that the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') can respectively encompass or clasp the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') during the assembly.

4. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') has contact surfaces (35, 35', 37, 37') and the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') has contact surfaces (31, 31', 33, 33') for mutually snapping and / or clamping together the at least one first profile part and the at least one second profile part, wherein the contact surfaces (35, 35', 37, 37') of the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') are in a cross-sectional view of the respective profile part designed longer than the contact surfaces (31, 31', 33, 33') of the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23'), preferably longer by at least 30%, particularly longer by at least 50%, of the length of the second contact surfaces (31, 31', 33, 33').

5. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') spaces the longitudinal strip structure (61, 61') apart from the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63') such that a cavity (17, 17', 19, 19') is formed between the longitudinal strip structure (61, 61') and the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63') in the assembled state.

6. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second profile part (15, 15') respectively rests on or is carried by the first gripping structure of the at least one first profile part (13, 13') in the assembled state.

7. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') or the contact surfaces (31, 31', 33, 33') formed thereon and the second longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') or the contact surfaces (35, 35', 37, 37') formed thereon have surface structures, by means of which the two profile parts (13, 13', 15, 15') can be snapped and / or clamped together.

8. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile parts can be connected in that the at least one second profile part (15, 15') can be attached on top of the at least one first profile part (13, 13') and the profile parts can be clamped and / or snapped together under pressure.

9. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') and the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') interact in such a way that, during the assembly of the at least one first profile part (13, 13') and the at least one second profile part (15, 15'), a hollow profile with at least one longitudinal cavity (17, 17', 19, 19') is formed or a hollow profile with at least one longitudinal cavity (17, 17', 19, 19') is present in the assembled state.

10. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first profile part (13, 13') or the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63') is designed with a pedestal (65, 65', 67, 67'), preferably due to the fact that the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63) has pedestals (65, 67) that are designed, for example, in the form of longitudinal side structures of the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63').

11. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the at least one first profile part (13, 13') and / or the at least one second profile part (15, 15') are made of plastic and / or aluminum, wherein profile parts of plastic are particularly preferred.

12. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal strip structure (61, 61') of the at least one second profile part (15, 15') has an upper side (68, 68') and an underside (69, 69'), wherein the upper side (68, 68') is designed in the form of a marking line, for example, in that the upper profile side has a ribbed surface, particularly a longitudinally ribbed surface.

13. The line system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') is designed in the form of two longitudinal limbs, - the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') is designed in the form of two longitudinal limbs, and - the two respective longitudinal limbs of the two profile parts (13, 13', 15, 15') are adapted to one another in such a way that the first profile part (15) can be attached and / or clamped on top of the first profile part (13, 13') in that the two limbs of one profile part can engage into the limbs of the other profile part.

14. The line system according to preceding claim 13, characterized in that the longitudinal limbs of the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') are spaced apart from one another in such a way that the second longitudinal gripping structure (21, 21', 23, 23') can respectively grip or clamp the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') or the ends of the limbs of the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') on the outer side of the limbs.

15. The line system according to one of preceding claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the longitudinal ground support structure (63, 63') (firmly) connects the at least two longitudinal limbs of the first longitudinal gripping structure (25, 25', 27, 27') to one another in a spaced-apart parallel arrangement.

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