Artificial turf

Abstract

This solution addresses the problem with conventional artificial turf, where strenuous exercise by users places a significant strain on their knees, hips, and other joints, leading to fatigue and injuries. [Solution] The artificial turf 1 of the present invention comprises a base tray 2 and a large number of imitation turf 3 planted in the base tray 2. The base tray 2 is made of soft synthetic resin and is composed of a large number of pot bodies 5 arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in a plan view. The pot bodies 5 have a buffer pot 7 and a planting pot 8 formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape. The upper end position of the buffer pot 7 is set higher than the upper end position of the planting pot 8.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to artificial turf laid in various places such as parks, multipurpose squares or sports facilities.

Background Art

[0002] Artificial turf is laid in various places such as parks, multipurpose squares or sports facilities to meet purposes such as improving the landscape, suppressing the growth of weeds, and reducing the burden during exercise. As this type of artificial turf, artificial grass made of synthetic resin is sewn at appropriate intervals on a base fabric such as a woven fabric or a hard synthetic resin, a cushioning material is attached to the lower surface of the base fabric on the side opposite to the artificial grass, and the artificial grass is placed on top and spread on an installation surface such as the ground or asphalt. A carpet-like product has been well known for a long time. It is also well known to spread sand or rubber chips between adjacent artificial grasses (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional artificial turf, when users perform intense movements such as jumping or bouncing, the base fabric cannot follow the deformation of the cushioning material and sufficient cushioning performance cannot be exhibited, which places a large burden on the knees and waist of users and becomes a factor in fatigue accumulation and injury. In addition, it is generally known that water easily accumulates on the surface of the base fabric (lacking water permeability) during rainy days or the like. There was also room for improvement in the poor water permeability of conventional artificial turf.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an artificial turf that addresses the above-mentioned current situation and incorporates improvements.

[0006] The artificial turf according to the present invention comprises a base tray and a large number of imitation turf plants planted in the base tray. The base tray is made of a soft synthetic resin and is composed of a large number of pot bodies arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in a plan view. The pot bodies have buffer pots and planting pots formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape, and the upper end position of the buffer pots is set higher than the upper end position of the planting pots.

[0007] In the artificial turf of the present invention, a weight-reducing portion may be formed at the upper end of the buffer pot.

[0008] In the artificial turf of the present invention, the root portion of the imitation turf is inserted into a pot hole formed at the upper end of the planting pot, and the root portion of the imitation turf is fixed to the planting pot via adhesive. A constricted portion may be formed in the upper and lower middle parts on the inner diameter side of the planting pot to reduce the cross-sectional area on the inner diameter side of the planting pot.

[0009] Another aspect of the artificial turf according to the present invention comprises a base tray and a large number of imitation turf plants planted in the base tray, wherein the base tray is composed of a large number of pot bodies arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in plan view, and through holes are formed between adjacent pot bodies that are positioned diagonally, penetrating vertically. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the artificial turf comprises a base tray and numerous imitation turf plants planted on the base tray. The base tray is made of soft synthetic resin and is composed of numerous pot bodies arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in a plan view. The pot bodies have cushioning pots and planting pots formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape. The upper end position of the cushioning pots is set higher than the upper end position of the planting pots. As a result, the soles of the feet of users walking or running on the artificial turf first come into contact with the upper end of the cushioning pots, which provides a soft feel underfoot and reduces the burden on the user's knees and hips. In the event of a fall, the impact on the body can also be reduced.

[0011] Furthermore, there is less risk of users directly stepping on and bending the imitation turf near the upper end of the planting pot, and there is also the advantage that the imitation turf is easier to restore and maintain its upright posture in the face of load and impact from above.

[0012] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises a base tray and a large number of imitation turf planted in the base tray, the base tray being composed of a large number of pot bodies arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in plan view, and through holes that penetrate vertically are formed between adjacent pot bodies in the diagonal direction, thereby ensuring water permeability of the base tray and, consequently, the artificial turf, and enabling the coexistence of the artificial turf and natural grass. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the artificial turf according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a magnified plan view of artificial turf. [Figure 3] This is a magnified perspective view of artificial turf. [Figure 4] This is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view of the planting pots and buffer pots in artificial turf. [Figure 5] This is a front cross-sectional view of the planting pot and the buffer pot. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Although preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0015] The structure of the artificial turf 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The artificial turf 1 of this embodiment comprises a base tray 2 and a large number of imitation turf 3 planted in the base tray 2. The large number of imitation turf 3 are planted in the base tray 2 in a manner that covers the surface side of the base tray 2, arranged vertically and horizontally at appropriate intervals.

[0016] The imitation turf 3 is not particularly limited in form and material, as long as it can mimic the appearance of so-called natural grass. Typically, synthetic resin may be used as the material for the imitation turf 3. The imitation turf 3 in this embodiment is made of a nylon (polyamide)-based synthetic resin. Therefore, there is very little risk of the imitation turf 3 in this embodiment tearing and scattering around. Of course, polyester-based synthetic resin or other synthetic resins may also be used.

[0017] In this embodiment, each imitation turf 3 is formed by folding a bundle of fibers, cut to an appropriate length, in half along its longitudinal direction. As will be described in detail later, the folded root portion 4 of each imitation turf 3 is inserted into the pot hole 11 of each planting pot 8 in the base tray 2. The portion of each imitation turf 3 corresponding to a grass leaf spreads outwards and upward.

[0018] The base tray 2 is formed from a soft material such as a flexible synthetic resin, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber (which can also be described as an elastic material or a material that is easily stretched and deformed). In this embodiment, the base tray 2 is made of hydrogenated styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS). For the material of the base tray 2, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA) or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) may also be used.

[0019] The planar shape and size of the base tray 2 are not particularly limited. For example, it may be a square or rectangular shape with a side length of several tens of cm in both the vertical and horizontal directions, or it may be circular or other shapes. Furthermore, it may be a base tray with the size of a tatami mat, or it may be a large or long sheet shape. For example, the base tray 2 can be set to a size of 50 cm square or 30 cm square.

[0020] The base tray 2 of the embodiment is configured by arranging a large number of pot bodies 5 in a vertical and horizontal matrix (checkerboard pattern) in plan view. In the embodiment, the pot bodies 5 adjacent to each other in the vertical and horizontal directions are integrally connected. Through holes 6 penetrating vertically are formed between the pot bodies 5 adjacent to each other in the diagonal direction. The presence of these through holes 6 ensures the water permeability of the base tray 2. Also, the presence of the group of through holes 6 enables the symbiosis of the artificial turf 1 and natural turf in the embodiment.

[0021] The pot body 5 is formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape and is configured to exhibit sufficient deformability (cushioning property) against loads and impacts from above. There are two types: a buffer pot 7 and a planting pot 8 into which the artificial turf 3 is inserted. In the embodiment, the base tray 2 having a rectangular shape in plan view is configured by arranging the buffer pots 7 and the planting pots 8 alternately in the vertical and horizontal directions and connecting them. That is, in the base tray 2 of the embodiment, the buffer pots 7 and the planting pots 8 are arranged in a checkerboard pattern in plan view. The arrangement pattern (layout pattern) of the buffer pots 7 and the planting pots 8 does not have to be limited to the vertical and horizontal alternation, and various arrangement patterns may be adopted. As can be understood from the description that the pot bodies 5 adjacent to each other in the vertical and horizontal directions are integrally connected, the buffer pots 7 and the planting pots 8 are connected in the vertical and horizontal directions. Note that the buffer pot 7 is not limited to a hollow shape and may be solid.

[0022] As shown in detail in Figure 5, the upper end of the buffer pot 7 is set higher than the upper end of the planting pot 8. In other words, the upper end of the buffer pot 7 protrudes even further upward than the upper end of the planting pot 8. The height difference T between the upper end of the buffer pot 7 and the upper end of the planting pot 8 only needs to be, for example, a few millimeters to a few centimeters.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, a weight-reducing section 9 is formed at the upper end of the cushioning pot 7. In this embodiment, the weight-reducing section 9 is cut out in such a way that a cross shape remains when viewed from above. This cut-out section communicates with the inner diameter side of the cushioning pot 7. Due to the presence of the weight-reducing section 9, the cushioning pot 7 can exhibit higher cushioning against loads and impacts from above. The path from the cut-out section of the weight-reducing section 9 to the inner diameter side of the cushioning pot 7, similar to the through-holes 6, contributes to ensuring water permeability of the base tray 2. The shape of the weight-reducing section 9 is not limited to a cross shape when viewed from above; various shapes can be adopted. For example, it can be a single line shape, a double line shape, an asterisk shape, an ellipse, or any other hole shape. Needless to say, the weight-reducing section 9 contributes to reducing material costs.

[0024] Multiple engaging protrusions 10 are formed to protrude downward from the lower end of the buffer pot 7. The presence of the group of engaging protrusions 10 functions as an anti-slip feature for the artificial turf 1 laid on the ground or asphalt. Note that the group of engaging protrusions 10 is not limited to being provided on the buffer pot 7 as in the embodiment, but may also be provided on the planting pot 8. It is also acceptable to provide them on both the buffer pot 7 and the planting pot 8. In any case, the group of engaging protrusions 10 will exhibit an anti-slip effect.

[0025] The planting pot 8, a component of the pot body 5, is formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape, similar to the buffer pot 7. A pot hole 11 is formed at the upper end of the planting pot 8 into which the root portion 4 of the imitation turf 3 is inserted. The pot hole 11 penetrates vertically and communicates with the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8. A constricted portion 12 (waist) is formed in the upper and lower middle parts of the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8 to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8. From the viewpoint of preventing the imitation turf 3 from falling out, it is preferable to insert the root portion 4 of the imitation turf 3 through the pot hole 11 of the planting pot 8 until it passes through the constricted portion 12. It is best not to allow the root portion 4 to protrude downward from the planting pot 8.

[0026] The inner diameter side of the planting pot 8 is filled from below with adhesive 13 to hold the root portion 4 of the imitation turf 3 inserted from the pot hole 11 to the constricted portion 12. By fixing the root portion 4 of the imitation turf 3 to the planting pot 8 via the adhesive 13, the imitation turf 3 is held in place so that it cannot be pulled out of the planting pot 8 by hand. The type of adhesive 13 is not particularly limited. For example, urethane resin, acrylic resin or a mixture thereof, SBR latex, or a silicone resin-based adhesive may be used. The adhesive 13 may be a one-component moisture-curing type or a two-component reaction-curing type. A silicone resin-based adhesive 13 is preferable because it has high weather resistance and is less likely to cause problems such as cracking, peeling, and hydrolysis.

[0027] In this embodiment, if one were to attempt to manually pull out the imitation turf 3, the base tray 2 (planting pot 8), being made of a soft material, would deform, causing the root portion 4 to attempt to move out of the pot hole 11. However, the root portion 4 is fixed to an adhesive 13 that has a constricted shape in the middle and top, and the constricted portion 12 on the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8 is sandwiched within the constricted adhesive 13. As a result, the wedge action of the constricted portion 12 prevents the adhesive 13 and the root portion 4 from coming out of the planting pot 8. In short, the constricted portion 12 acts as a wedge that prevents the adhesive 13 and the root portion 4 from coming out. As a result, even though the base tray 2 (planting pot 8) is made of a soft material, the imitation turf 3 is stably held in place so that it cannot be manually pulled out of the planting pot 8.

[0028] In this embodiment, if the base tray 2 is made of a soft synthetic resin, it is easy to manufacture a recycled base tray 2 from the recycled material obtained by shredding the base tray 2, for example, by separating and recovering the base tray 2, imitation grass 3, and adhesive 13. Similarly, recycling of the imitation grass 3 is also possible. Furthermore, if the imitation grass 3 is made of a nylon-based synthetic resin, it is also possible to mix the cuttings of the imitation grass 3 with the soft synthetic resin for the base tray 2 and use them to color the base tray 2. In this case, dyes or pigments may also be mixed with the soft synthetic resin.

[0029] In this embodiment, when laying out multiple artificial turf sheets 1 on an installation surface such as the ground or asphalt, multiple connecting hooks 14 are formed on one of two adjacent sides of the base tray 2 at appropriate intervals. On the other of the two adjacent sides of the base tray 2, hook holes 15 for engaging the connecting hooks 14 are formed at the same intervals and in the same number, corresponding to the hooks 14. The system is configured to connect adjacent base trays 2 and, consequently, the artificial turf sheets 1, by engaging the corresponding hooks 14 with the hook holes 15.

[0030] According to the above configuration, since the base tray 2 (cushioning pots 7 and planting pots 8) is made of a soft material, cushioning can be ensured according to the magnitude of the applied force, reducing the burden on the user's knees and hips. The artificial turf 1 can maintain an appropriate level of resilience.

[0031] In this embodiment, the base tray 2 is constructed by arranging a large number of pot bodies 5 (buffer pots 7 and planting pots 8) in a vertical and horizontal matrix (grid pattern) in a plan view. Through holes 6 are formed between adjacent pot bodies 5 in the diagonal direction, ensuring water permeability for the base tray 2 and, consequently, the artificial turf 1, and enabling the coexistence of the artificial turf 1 and natural grass.

[0032] In this embodiment, the upper end of the cushioning pot 7 is set higher than the upper end of the planting pot 8. As a result, the soles of the feet of users walking or running on the artificial turf 1 first come into contact with the upper end of the cushioning pot 7, which provides a soft feel underfoot and more effectively reduces the strain on the user's knees and hips. In the event of a fall, the impact on the body is also reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, since the upper end of the cushioning pot 7 is higher than the upper end of the planting pot 8, there is less risk of users directly stepping on and bending the imitation turf 3 near the upper end of the planting pot 8, and there is also the advantage that the imitation turf 3 is more likely to return to and maintain its upright position in the face of loads and impacts from above. A weight-reducing section 9 is formed at the upper end of the cushioning pot 7, and the presence of the weight-reducing section 9 allows the cushioning pot 7 to be configured to exhibit higher cushioning properties against loads and impacts from above.

[0034] Furthermore, since the buffer pot 7 is formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape and the weight-reducing portion 9 communicates with the inner diameter side of the buffer pot 7, the water permeability of the base tray 2 is further improved by the path from the weight-reducing portion 9 to the inner diameter side of the buffer pot 7.

[0035] In this embodiment, the root portion 4 of the imitation turf 3 is inserted into the pot hole 11 of the planting pot 8, and the root portion 4 is fixed to the planting pot 8 with adhesive 13. This makes it much easier to attach the imitation turf 3 to the planting pot 8 than with conventional staple fasteners, improving the workability of attaching the imitation turf 3.

[0036] Furthermore, since constricted sections 12 (waisted sections) are formed in the upper and lower middle parts of the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8, reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8, even if someone tries to pull out the imitation turf 3 by hand, the constricted sections 12 on the inner diameter side of the planting pot 8 are trapped in the constricted adhesive 13, and the wedge action of the constricted sections 12 prevents the adhesive 13 and the root section 4 from coming out of the planting pot 8. Therefore, even if the base tray 2 (planting pot 8) is made of a soft material, the imitation turf 3 can be stably held in the planting pot 8 in a way that prevents it from being pulled out by hand.

[0037] The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] T Height difference 1. Artificial turf 2 base trays 3. Imitation turf 4. Root 5 pot body 6 through holes 7 buffer pods 8 planting pots 9. Weight-reducing section 10 Engagement protrusion 11 pot holes 12 Aperture section 13 Adhesive 14 hooks 15 hook holes

Claims

1. The system comprises a base tray and numerous imitation turf plants planted in the base tray. The base tray is made of soft synthetic resin and is composed of numerous pot bodies arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in a plan view. The pot bodies include buffer pots and planting pots formed in a downward-opening cylindrical shape, and the upper end position of the buffer pots is set higher than the upper end position of the planting pots. Artificial turf.

2. A weight-reducing portion is formed at the upper end of the aforementioned buffer pot. The artificial turf described in claim 1.

3. With the root portion of the imitation turf inserted into the pot hole formed at the upper end of the planting pot, the root portion of the imitation turf is fixed to the planting pot via adhesive, and a constricted portion is formed in the upper and lower middle parts on the inner diameter side of the planting pot to reduce the cross-sectional area on the inner diameter side of the planting pot. The artificial turf described in claim 1.

4. The system comprises a base tray and numerous imitation turf plants planted in the base tray, the base tray being composed of numerous pot bodies arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix in plan view, and through holes that penetrate vertically are formed between adjacent pot bodies in the diagonal direction. Artificial turf.

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