Infill material, method for producing an infill material and method for manufacturing a turf

Abstract

An infill material (10) for artificial or mixed artificial and natural turfs, comprises a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry. The granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is selected among hazelnut shell, walnut shell, pine nuts shell, coconut shell, or a combination thereof, and has a rounded or substantially rounded shape.

Description

[0001] INFILL MATERIAL, METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN INFILL MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A TURF

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an infill material for turf s both of arti ficial type , that means constituted by synthetic grass , also called arti ficial grass , and turfs of mixed type , i . e . comprising both synthetic and natural grass .

[0005] The invention furthermore relates to a turf obtained by using the aforementioned infill material .

[0006] Description of the prior art

[0007] As known, an arti ficial turf is essentially formed by a mat made of plastic material to which blades , also called "bristles" , which are made of synthetic material , normally polyester or polypropylene , having a length comprised between 3 and 10 cm are fixed by sewing points or gluing, or other systems , in such a way to form a synthetic turf . The blades made of synthetic material are knitted to the mat by known processes that allow to obtain a warp of blades , which are positioned close to each other according to the needs .

[0008] Normally, among the blades made of synthetic material an infill material is distributed, also called simply " infill" . This , generally, has a granular shape , and is selected both depending on the type of sport to which the synthetic grass turf is destined, for example football , hockey, cricket , rugby, but also on the type of climatic and environmental conditions which are most frequent at the installation site .

[0009] As known, the infill material essentially provides a draining action, because it adj usts the rainwater or the irrigation water run-of f , protecting the mat in such a way to assure to the arti ficial turf a high duration over time , but first of all it gives to the turf mechanical , physical and technological properties similar to those of natural grass turf , and sometimes also higher .

[0010] The most important properties of an infill material are , in particular, the elasticity of the ground for the user, the rebound of the ball , the capacity of hits absorption at the fall , tensile and torque resistance to the force caused by the shoe , the resistance against compression, to the penetration of external bodies , as well as the capacity of absorption and drainage of water in case of meteorological and environmental events .

[0011] The draining action of the synthetic turf is , normally, carried out by a base portion, or " stabili zing infill" , normally formed by sand . Instead, the elasticity of the turf is , normally, guaranteed by the presence of granules of rubber which are concentrated in the upper portion of the turf , or "performance infill" . An example of such an infill material is described in US2002 / 081399 .

[0012] The arti ficial turf is normally arranged on a base element which is able to carry out a draining action . An example of such base element provides a first and a second sheet of a synthetic material which, normally, comprises two layers of perforated non-woven fabric, normally polyester, between which a material in granular or net form or in the form of twisted filaments , for example made of nylon, is positioned .

[0013] Mixed turfs also exist , that means comprising the aforementioned blades made of synthetic grass and blades made of natural grass obtained by at least a vegetable species and which form a natural grass turf . In this way, the turf has an aspect quite similar to that of the natural grass turfs , but with particular properties , in particular able to withstand to environmental conditions which are not completely favourable . An example of this type of mixed turf is described in EP1781859 .

[0014] However, the natural materials of prior art have some drawbacks .

[0015] Firstly, since , for environmental reasons , the materials used for manufacturing the infill materials o f the turfs both synthetic and mixed synthetic / natural are , normally, vegetable materials , they are unavoidably subj ect to biodegradation due to the action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi and, therefore , with the passing of time , the material completely deteriorates and, unavoidably, it is not able to exert its function anymore .

[0016] The prior art products , in particular, with the passing of time , above all in case of temperature and moisture changes during the year, and due to the use of the turf , tend to quickly lose their properties , in particular elasticity and the drainage capacity and, therefore , the risk of flooding increases , with the need of completely removing the turf and of replacing the base element with great loss of time and energy, or, however, of restoring often the degraded vegetable material with new vegetable material having the same properties .

[0017] However, the arti ficial turfs of prior art have many drawbacks . Firstly, over time due to compression from trampling, or from settling for percolation of drainage water, the di f ferent materials forming the infill material tend to move and shi ft from the position they had at the time of the installation . This causes a random and turbulent mixing of the infill material , in particular at the upper layers , that means at the performing infill , which loses this way its initial structure and with it the physical and mechanical , but also drainage , properties that had at the moment of its installation . In particular, the lighter fraction of the infill material tends to concentrate at the upper zone and, therefore , to flow together with water in case of heavy rainfalls . Therefore , the turf is impoverished to the point of being completely devoid of this material losing, as a consequence , the physical and mechanical properties conferred by it .

[0018] Examples of turfs with the aforementioned drawbacks are described in US2022 / 162810 and EP2917413 .

[0019] Summary of the invention

[0020] It is , therefore , an obj ect of the present invention to provide an infill material both for arti ficial turfs and mixed arti ficial-natural turfs , which is highly performing and that is able to solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the infill materials of prior art .

[0021] It is , in particular, obj ect of the present invention to provide an infill material for turfs which is able to maintain for a long time its starting structure and, therefore , the mechanical and physical properties it had when it was installed avoiding frequent ordinary or extraordinary maintenance interventions to restore the lost material .

[0022] It is , furthermore , obj ect of the present invention to provide a method for producing an infil l material having the aforementioned advantages .

[0023] These and other obj ects are obtained by an infill material for arti ficial or mixed arti ficial and natural turfs , for sport or ornamental purposes , comprising a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry and selected among : hazelnut shell ; walnut shell ; pine nuts shell ; coconut shell ; or a combination thereof ; whose main characteristic is that the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a rounded or substantially rounded shape .

[0024] Other features o f the present invention and related embodiments are set out in the dependent claims .

[0025] In particular, the granular-shaped material of vegetable origin can have a predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin . More in particular, the granular-shaped material of vegetable origin can have a predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax .

[0026] In particular, the granular-shaped material of vegetable origin can have a radius of curvature comprised between said predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin and said predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax .

[0027] In particular, the aforementioned predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin can be rmin=0.25 mm.

[0028] In particular, the aforementioned predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax can be Rmax=1.75 mm.

[0029] In particular, the first predetermined granulometry of the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin can be comprised between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0030] In particular, the infill material can comprise, furthermore, at least a second predetermined quantity of a loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material having a second predetermined granulometry.

[0031] Preferably, the aforementioned second predetermined granulometry of the loose product obtained from a based- cork raw material is comprised between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0032] In particular, the aforementioned first predetermined quantity can be comprised between 0.5% and 70% by volume of total volume of the infill material.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned second predetermined quantity can be comprised between 30% and 99.5% by volume of total volume of infill material.

[0034] In particular, the infill material can comprise, furthermore, a predetermined quantity of peanut shells.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for obtaining an infill material for artificial or mixed artificial and natural turfs, for sport or ornamental purposes, comprises the steps of: providing a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin selected among: hazelnut shell; walnut shell ; pine nuts shell ; coconut shell ; or a combination thereof ; said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry; rounding said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin up to obtain a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin with a rounded or substantially rounded-shape .

[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, an arti ficial or mixed arti ficial and natural turf , for sport or ornamental purposes comprises : an infill material , as described above , distributed on a support surface ; a plurality of blades or bristles made of synthetic material arranged in said infill material in such a way to protrude from said infill material to form an arti ficial turf .

[0037] In particular, a surface can be , furthermore , having a first and a second face opposite to each other , wherein the aforementioned support surface coincides with the aforementioned second face .

[0038] In particular, the turf can comprise , furthermore , at least a vegetable species arranged to root in said infill material .

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, an arti ficial or mixed arti ficial and natural turf , for sport or ornamental purposes comprises : a mat provided with a first face and a second face opposite to said first face ; an infill material , as described above , distributed on the second face of the mat : a plurality of blades or bristles made of synthetic material fixed to said mat , said plurality of blades or bristles made of synthetic material protruding, in use , from said infill material in such a way to form an arti ficial turf .

[0040] According to still another aspect of the invention, a method for making an arti ficial or mixed artificial and natural turf , for sport or ornamental purposes , comprises the steps of : distributing on a support surface an infill material comprising a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry, wherein said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is selected among : hazelnut shell ; walnut shell ; pine nuts shell ; coconut shell ; or a combination thereof ; arranging in said infill material a plurality of blades or bristles made of synthetic material in such a way to protrude from said infill material ; and wherein the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a rounded or substantially rounded shape . In particular, the aforementioned plurality of blades or bristles , made of synthetic material can be fixed to a mat having a first face arranged, in use , adj acent to a laying surface and a second face opposite to the first face . More in particular, the aforementioned infill material is distributed, in this case , on the second face of the mat .

[0041] In particular, the turf can be , furthermore , provided with a plurality of natural grass blades protruding from the infill material for making a mixed arti ficial and natural turf .

[0042] According to still a further aspect of the invention, an infil l material for arti ficial or mixed arti ficial and natural turfs , for sport or ornamental purposes , comprises : a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry; a second predetermined quantity of a loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material having a second predetermined granulometry; whose main characteristic is that said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is selected among : hazelnut shell ; walnut shell ; pine nuts shell ; coconut shell ; or a combination thereof ; and that the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a rounded or substantially rounded shape . In particular, the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin according to one o f the embodiments described above can be obtained by subj ecting a starting material of vegetable origin to a predetermined rounding treatment at the end of which the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has the aforementioned rounded or substantially rounded-shape , advantageously with a predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin, and a predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax .

[0043] More in particular, the predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin can be equal to 0 . 25 mm, i . e . rmin=0 . 25 mm .

[0044] In particular, the predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax can be equal to 1 . 75 mm, i . e . Rmax=1 .75 mm.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment , the aforementioned rounding step is carried out by introducing the starting material of vegetable origin into an apparatus for rounding, for example a rotary drum sieve , for a predetermined period of time .

[0046] In particular, the rotary drum sieve can be conf igured to carry out both the aforementioned rounding step of the starting vegetable material and a selection step of the aforementioned first predetermined granulometry . More in particular, the aforementioned rotary drum sieve can be provided with a perforated surface provided with holes of predetermined si ze , in particular less than the aforementioned predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax . Brief description of the drawings

[0047] The invention will be now illustrated with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof , exempli fying but not limitative , with reference to the attached drawings wherein :

[0048] Fig . 1 diagrammatically shows a transversal section view a possible embodiment of a turf obtained using the infill material , according to the invention;

[0049] Fig . 2 diagrammatically shows an enlargement of the infill material used for the turf of figure 1 ;

[0050] Fig . 3 diagrammatically shows a transversal section view an alternative embodiment of the turf of figure 1 ;

[0051] Fig . 4 diagrammatically shows a side elevation view of a possible device for carrying out the rounding treatment of the vegetable material of granular shape such as hazelnut shell , walnut shells , pine nut shells and coconut shells ;

[0052] Fig . 5 shows an enlargement of the starting vegetable material of granular shape fed to a device for carrying out the rounding treatment ;

[0053] Fig . 6 shows an enlargement of the rounded vegetable material of granular shape exiting the device for carrying out the rounding treatment ; figure 7 diagrammatically shows a transversal section view a possible alternative embodiment of the turf of figure 1 obtained by using the infill material , according to the invention;

[0054] Fig . 8 diagrammatically shows an enlargement of the infill material used for the turf of figure 7 ; Fig . 9 diagrammatically shows a transversal section view of another alternative embodiment according to the invention of the turf of figure 1 obtained by using the infill material , according to the invention;

[0055] Fig . 10 shows a side elevation view of a possible silo which can be used to ensile vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear and to obtain vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a film or layer of coating material dried or substantially dried;

[0056] Fig . 11 diagrammatically shows a side elevation view of a possible alternative embodiment of the silo which can be used to ensile vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear and to obtain vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a film or layer of coating material dried or substantially dried;

[0057] Fig . 12 diagrammatically shows a transversal section view of still another alternative embodiment according to the invention of the turf of figure 1 obtained by using the infill material , according to the invention;

[0058] Fig . 13 diagrammatically shows a side elevation perspective view of a possible container within which the infill material , according to the invention, can be stored, to be transported;

[0059] Fig . 14 diagrammatically shows a side elevation view of a possible layout of a plant for producing the infill material for turfs according to the invention .

[0060] Detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0061] With reference to figure 1 , a turf 1 , according to the invention, comprises a mat 2 , provided with a face 2a, which, in use , is arranged adj acent to a surface to be covered, and a face 2b opposite to the face 2a . Turf 1 comprises , furthermore , a plurality of blades or bristles , 3 made of synthetic material , such as polyester, which are fixed to the mat 2 , for example by gluing or sewing . Above face 2b of the mat 2 , an infill material 10 is , furthermore , present that is placed among the blades 3 made of synthetic material . Once distributed the infil l material 10 on the mat 2 , the bristles made of synthetic material can protrude from the same of a length comprised between 1 cm and 20 cm, advantageously between 2 cm and 15 cm .

[0062] According to what is provided by the invention, the infill material 10 comprises a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry . More precisely, the granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is selected among hazelnut shell , walnut shell , pine nuts shell , or coconut shell , or can comprise a combination o f at least 2 of the aforementioned vegetable materials .

[0063] In particular, the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a first predetermined granulometry comprised between 0 . 5 mm and 3 . 5 mm .

[0064] Preferably, the aforementioned granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a rounded or substantially rounded-shape . More precisely, the rounded or substantially rounded shape can be obtained by subj ecting a starting material of vegetable origin 14 to a predetermined rounding treatment , for example inside of an apparatus for rounding 50 , at the end of which a rounded or substantially rounded granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is obtained. In particular, the rounded or substantially rounded granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin, for example equal to 0.25 mm, i.e. rmin=0.25 mm, and a predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax, for example, equal to 1.75 mm, i.e. Rmax=l .75 mm.

[0065] In the embodiment of the invention of figure 3, the infill material 10, according to the invention, can be used for obtaining both a turf 1 of synthetic type, that means provided only with blades made of synthetic material, such as polyester, or polypropylene, and a mixed synthetic-natural turf 1 provided both with blades made of synthetic material and natural grass blades, i.e. di a vegetable species 4 which, advantageously, roots at least partly above the mat 2 for forming a turf of natural grass. In this case, therefore, the turf 1 is a mixed synthetic-natural turf.

[0066] As diagrammatically shown in the figures from 4 to 6, the rounding treatment can be carried out by a device for carrying out the rounding treatment, for example a rotary drum sieve 50. This can be provided with a container body 51 inside of which the aforementioned starting vegetable material 14 can be introduced, for example by a loading hopper 53 which guides it towards an inlet 54 of which the container body 51 is provided. The rounded material can be, instead, discharged through a discharge aperture 58.

[0067] Inside the rotary drum sieve 50 a displacement device 55, for example an Archimedean screw, or an endless screw, or a member provided with a plurality of blades, can be mounted. More in detail, the displacement device 55 moves the treated vegetable material and pushes the same against a perforated sieve 56 arranged about the same . The perforated sieve 56 , for example cylindrical or substantially cylindrical , or conical , or anyway tubular shaped, is provided with holes of predetermined si ze . During the treatment inside the rotary drum sieve 50 , the granules of the vegetable material 15 are rounded due to their collisions against the internal wall of the sieve 56 and the movement caused by the displacement device 55 . In this way, the granules 15 lose any sharp, or however pointed, profile , and reduce their si ze up to pass through the aforementioned holes 57 o f predetermined si ze . The rounded granules and with si ze less than the si ze of the holes 57 pass through the sieve 56 and exit the container body 51 through a discharging aperture 58 . The rotary drum sieve 50 can be provided with a first motor 61 adapted to cause the displacement device 55 to rotate about a rotation axis 150 by a first motion transmission member 62 , for example a first transmission belt . Furthermore , a second motor 63 can be provided configured to cause the sieve 56 to rotate about the rotation axis 150 by a second motion transmission member 64 , for example a second transmission belt .

[0068] The rotary drum sieve 50 can be , furthermore , provided with an outlet , not shown in figure for simplicity, arranged at the end portion opposite with respect to the inlet 54 and through which the granules of vegetable material 14 which are still bigger than the si ze of the holes 57 of the sieve 56 are discharged to be subj ected again to the treatment . In particular, the aforementioned holes 57 of the sieve 56 can have a diameter comprised between 0 . 5 mm and 3 . 5 mm .

[0069] At the end of the rounding treatment , the aforementioned rounded vegetable material in granular shape ( an enlargement of which is shown in figure 6 ) is obtained which allows to avoid that it can damage , in particular cut , for the presence of edges or cutting profiles , the blades made of synthetic material and / or the mat , i f present . Another drawback solved by the rounding treatment to which the granules of the starting vegetable material are subj ected to , is to avoid that , for the presence of fragments with sharp or pointed profiles , they can stick in the sole of the shoes of people who step on the turf where it is distributed, for example the athletes during a sport competition, or a training, or hurt them endangering their physical safety, .

[0070] In an embodiment of the invention, the infill material 10 can comprise , furthermore , a second predetermined quantity of a loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material having a second predetermined granulometry . In particular, the loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material has a second predetermined granulometry comprised between 0 . 8 mm and 2 . 5 mm .

[0071] The contemporary presence of the granular-shaped material of vegetable origin and of the loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material in the infill material 10 has the surprising technical ef fect to allow to keep over time the same configuration they had at the moment of their installation . In particular, as diagrammatically shown in figure 2 , the granules of the granular-shaped material of vegetable origin 15 are dipped into and surrounded by fragments of loose material based on cork 16 .

[0072] During the compression step , for example as a result of trampling of the turf 1 , the tendency of the material of vegetable origin, in particular of the hazelnut shell and / or walnut and / or pine nut and / or coconut , to move , i s restrained by the properties of the loose material based on cork to be compressed under an external force . In this way, the material of vegetable origin is held by the cork based product and, therefore , it is avoided the random and turbulent mixing of the infill material , which, instead, occurs in the infill material of prior art , in particular at the upper layers , that means at the performing infill .

[0073] In light of the above , the infill material 10 , according to the invention, is able to keep intact its initial structure and with this the desired mechanical and physical properties .

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, the infill material 10 of a turf 1 can provide a single layer comprising a first predetermined quantity, for example comprised between 0 . 5% and 70% by volume of the material of vegetable origin 15 , and a second predetermined quantity, for example comprised between 30% and 99 . 5% by volume of the aforementioned predetermined loose material based on cork 16 . In an embodiment of the invention, the infil l material 10 can be constituted only by the aforementioned mixture of the aforementioned material of vegetable origin 15 that means hazelnut shell and / or walnut and / or coconut and / or pine nuts and of the aforementioned loose material based on cork 16 . In particular, as diagrammatically shown in figure 6, an infill material 10 can comprise from below to the above , a first layer 11 , or stabilizing infill , and at least a second layer 12 , or performing layer, positioned above the first layer 11 .

[0075] In an embodiment of the invention, the stabili zing layer 11 , or the performing layer 12 , can contain the aforementioned rounded vegetable material 15 according to the invention .

[0076] In an alternative embodiment foreseen, the aforementioned mixture constituted only by material of vegetable origin 15 , that means hazelnut and / or walnut and / or coconut and / or pine nut shell , advantageously rounded, and, in case , by the aforementioned loose material based on cork 16 , can be used as performing infill 12 of an infill material 10 . In this case , below the performing infill 12 can be provided as stabili zing infill 11 for example constituted by at least a layer of sand, in particular siliceous sand, or by a vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear, in particular corncob, or by a mixture of sand and rachis of cereal ear .

[0077] In an alternative embodiment according to the invention and diagrammatically shown in the figures 7 and 8 , the aforementioned mixture comprises , furthermore , a predetermined quantity of peanut shells . These , having a very small granulometry, in particular less than 0 . 5 mm, penetrate among the granules of material of vegetable origin, that means the hazelnut shell and / or walnut and / or coconut and / or pine nut 15 , and the loose material based on cork 16 , in such a way to press all and to make it even more stable , in particular during the application of pressure forces on turf 1 .

[0078] In particular, the material of vegetable origin 15 can have a density equal to about 640 kg / m3. More in particular, the material of vegetable origin 15 can have the following natural chemical components , such as for example : Calcium : mg / kg 2120 , Potassium : mg / kg 2550 and Silicon : mg / kg 85 . The aforementioned properties make the material of vegetable origin 15 durable and able to react to the microbial attacks .

[0079] In an alternative embodiment which is shown in figure 9 , the aforementioned mixture of material of vegetable origin 15 , and loose material based on cork 16 , and peanut shells 17 , can be used as upper layer, that means as performing infill 12 of an infill material 10 . In thi s case , below the performing infill 12 a stabili zing infill 11 can be provided, for example constituted by sand, or by a vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear, in particular corncob, or by a mixture of the aforementioned materials . For example , the stabili zing infill 11 can be a mixture comprising between 20% and 80% by volume of sand, and between 20% and 80% by volume of vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear, advantageously not coated by a film or layer of coating material , preferably dried or substantially dried .

[0080] In particular, i f the aforementioned vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear is used, this can be preliminarily dried or substantially dried . More in particular, the vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear can have a moi sture less than 30% , advantageously less than 20% , preferably less than 10% , for example less than 5% . In this way, the vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a film or layer of coating material dried or substantially dried, has a high resistance to biodegradability, in particular due to the high lignin content . This allows to avoid the need to frequently restore , the vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear within the infill to guarantee that the turf has the proprieties conferred by the same .

[0081] In particular, the aforementioned vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a film or layer of coating material dried or substantially dried, can be obtained by subj ecting to an "ensilage" process a determined amount of vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a layer or film of coating material . More in particular, the aforementioned dried or substantially dried, can be obtained by accumulating determined amount of vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear to a determined initial moisture or moisture content , for example higher than 60-70% , in determined areas , covering or not for a predetermined time the heap so obtained with determined tarpaulins , up to obtain the aforementioned level of drying, i . e . vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear with a moisture less than 30% , advantageously less than 20% , preferably less than 10% .

[0082] In an embodiment foreseen by the invention, diagrammatically shown in figure 10 , the ensilage process can be carried out by loading a determined amount of wet vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear 5 , or , however, with a moisture or moisture content higher than 60% , inside a silo 100 , for example made of metallic or plastic material , advantageously by a loading duct 110 . Advantageously, as diagrammatically shown in figure 11 , a determined air- flow, preferably dried air, at a predetermined temperature , can be fed by one or more feeding duct 105 inside the aforementioned silo 100 , in such a way to cause the moisture of the vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear to reduce from the aforementioned initial moisture up to a predetermined final moisture less than 30% , advantageously less than 20% , preferably less than 10% . In particular, the vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear that is produced in this way is subj ected to a ventilated drying treatment .

[0083] Advantageously, the aforementioned vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated with a film, or layer, of coating material dried or substantially dried to the end of the aforementioned treatment has a pH<5 , advantageously a pH<4 . 5 , preferably a pH<4 .

[0084] In particular, the aforementioned vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a film or layer of coating material dried or substantially dried, can be used to manufacture at least a performing infill of a turf .

[0085] In particular, the ensilage can provide the storage of a predetermined quantity of vegetable material of cereal ears at a moisture or moisture content higher than 30% , for example higher than 60% , in a closed container, in particular a silo , or in a bunker, for example provided with containment walls , or simply accumulating the material at a storage area, and, in case , sealing by a tarpaulin, preferably made of plastic material for insulating from the air .

[0086] In particular, the silo can be arranged to insulate the vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear from the outside environment . In this way, the oxygen supply is impeded, and the oxygen that is naturally present within the vegetable material of cereal ear, is consumed in a first period of the ripening of the silage by the aerobic bacteria which are present .

[0087] More in particular, a pH reduction can be carried out up to a value comprised between 4 and 5 , i . e . 4<pH<5 , in particular owing to an aerobic acetic fermentation . The acidi fication of the interior of the silo causes lactic bacteria that carry out the lactic fermentation to develop, bringing the pH to value even less than 4 .

[0088] In particular, the aforementioned vegetable material di rachis of cereal ear with said moisture or moisture content , less than 30% in said infill material has a granulometry comprised between 0 . 3 mm and 8 . 0 mm . More in particular, the aforementioned vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear with said moisture less than 30% in said infill material has a granulometry comprised between advantageously 0 . 5 mm and 5 . 0 mm .

[0089] In an embodiment of the invention, the infill material 10 can be constituted at least 70% by volume of the aforementioned dried or substantially dried vegetable material of rachis of cereal ear not coated by a film or layer of coating material , advantageously at least 80% by volume .

[0090] Furthermore , as shown in detail in figure 12 , the mat , or support , 2 can provide drainage holes 8 , of such a si ze to allow the percolated water which is produced by the drainage action of the infill material 10 , to flow .

[0091] In figure 13 , a bag 200 i s shown as an example containing a predetermined quantity of vegetable material 10 according to the invention of the type described above with reference to the figures from 1 to 12. In particular, the aforementioned bag 200 can be a "big bag", advantageously, made of a material impermeable to water, for example polypropylene, preferably formed by strands of polypropylene. In this way, it is possible to guarantee that, once introduced inside, the vegetable material 10, according to the invention, will not absorb moisture from the outside environment. Therefore, the vegetable material 10, once introduced into the bag 200, is kept at a predetermined desired moisture content, in particular less than 30%, More in particular less than 20%, advantageously less than 10%, preferably less than 5%.

[0092] In particular, as diagrammatically shown in the figures 11 and 14, the vegetable material 10 can move from the silo 100 to the bag 200 by an external jacket 155, for example in nylon, preferably mode of an impermeable material. In this way, during the movement from the production plant to the bag 200, the vegetable material 10 does not absorb moisture from the outside. Therefore, at the moment of distributing the final product, i.e. the vegetable material 10, this will have the desired content of moisture, in particular less than 50%, advantageously less than 40%, for example less than 30%.

[0093] In particular, below one of the embodiments of the turf according to the invention can be positioned a layer of predetermined thickness of an absorbing shock material.

[0094] The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and / or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An infill material (10) for artificial or mixed artificial and natural turfs, for sport or ornamental purposes, comprising a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry and selected among: hazelnut shell; walnut shell; pine nuts shell; coconut shell; or a combination thereof; said infill material (10) being characterized in that said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin has a rounded or substantially rounded shape.

2. Infill material (10) for turfs according to claim 1, wherein said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin di rounded or substantially rounded shape has a predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin and a predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax .

3. Infill material (10) for turfs according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin is equal to 0.25 mm, i.e. rmin=0.25 mm.

4. Infill material (10) for turfs according to claim 2, or 3, wherein said predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax is equal to 1.75 mm, i.e. Rmax=1.75 mm.

5. Infill material (10) for turfs according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said granularshaped material of vegetable origin has said roundedor substantially rounded shape, due to a rounding treatment .

6. Infill material (10) for turfs according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said first predetermined granulometry of said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is comprised between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

7. Infill material (10) for turfs according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein a second predetermined quantity of a loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material having a second predetermined granulometry is, furthermore, provided.

8. Infill material (10) for turfs according to claim 7, wherein said second predetermined granulometry of said loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material is comprised between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm.

9. Infill material (10) for turfs according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said first predetermined quantity is comprised between 0.5% and 70% by volume of total volume of said infill material.

10. Infill material (10) for turfs according to any claim from 7 to 9, wherein said second predetermined quantity is comprised between 30% and 99.5% by volume of total volume of said infill material.

11. A turf (1) characterized in that it comprises: an infill material (10) , according to any claim from 1 to 10, distributed on a support surface; a plurality of blades or bristles (3) made of synthetic material, said plurality of blades orbristles (3) made of synthetic material protruding from said infill material (10) .

12. A method for producing an infill material (10) for artificial or mixed artificial and natural turfs, for sport or ornamental purposes, said method comprising the steps of: providing a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin selected among: hazelnut shell; walnut shell; pine nuts shell; coconut shell; or a combination thereof; said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry; said method being characterized in that a step is, furthermore, provided for rounding said granularshaped material of vegetable origin up to obtain a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin with a rounded or substantially rounded-shape.

13. Method, according to claim 12, wherein a step is furthermore provided of: mixing a first predetermined quantity of said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry with a second predetermined quantity of a loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material having a second predetermined granulometry.

14. Method according to claim 12, or 13, wherein said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having arounded or substantially rounded-shape, has a predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin and a predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax .

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein said predetermined minimum radius of curvature rmin is equal to 0.25 mm, i.e. rmin=0.25 mm.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said predetermined maximum radius of curvature Rmax is equal to 1.75 mm, i.e. Rmax=1.75 mm.

17. Method according to one or more of the claims from 12 to 16, wherein said first predetermined granulometry of said granular-shaped material of vegetable origin is comprised between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm.

18. Method according to one or more of the claims from 12 to 17, wherein said second predetermined granulometry di said loose product obtained from a based-cork raw material is comprised between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm.

19. Method according to one or more of the claims from 13 to 18, wherein said first predetermined quantity is comprised between 0.5% and 70% by volume of total volume di said infill material.

20. Method according to one or more of the claims from 13 to 19, wherein said second predetermined quantity is comprised between 30% and 99.5% by volume of total volume of said infill material.

21. Method according to one or more of the claims from 12 to 20, wherein said rounding step is carried out by a rotary drum sieve (50) .

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein said rotary drum sieve (50) is configured to carry out said rounding step and a step for selecting said granulometry in such a way that said vegetable material exiting said rotary drum sieve (50) is rounded or substantially rounded, and has said first predetermined granulometry .

23. Method according to claim 21, wherein said rotary drum sieve (50) is provided with: a container body (51) having an inlet (54) for introducing a starting vegetable material (14) and a discharge aperture (58) for discharging said rounded or substantially rounded vegetable material; a displacement device (55) configured to move said vegetable material which is treated within said container body (51) and to push said treated vegetable material against a perforated sieve (56) arranged inside said container body (51) , said perforated sieve (56) being provided with holes of predetermined size.

24. A method for manufacturing a turf (1) of artificial or mixed natural and artificial type, for sport or ornamental purposes, said method comprising the steps of : distributing on a support surface of an infill material (10) , said infill material (10) comprising a first predetermined quantity of a granular-shaped material of vegetable origin having a first predetermined granulometry selected among: hazelnut shell; walnut shell;pine nut shell; coconut shell; or a combination thereof; arranging a plurality of blades or bristles, made of synthetic material (3) in said infill material (10) in such a way to protrude from said infill material (10) ; said method being characterized in that said granularshaped material of vegetable origin has a rounded or substantially rounded shape obtained by a rounding step .

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein said support surface is a second face (2b) of a mat (2) provided with a first face (2a) and said second face (2b) opposite to each other.

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