Protective maintenance coating for wrinkles developed in tufted geosynthetic ground cover and method to reduce UV degradation thereof

Abstract

Maintenance of a ground-covering tufted geosynthetic having a backing (14) and a plurality of tufts (18) of simulated grass blades defining respective interstices (22) that receive an infill (26) of particles, inspecting to identify an elongated wrinkle (30) formed during covering use thereof, said elongated wrinkle having opposing sides and a distal apextural extent, from which infill migrates exposing said backing in an opening to ambient light, and applying a protective coating (46) in said opening attached to an upper surface of the backing and preferably comprising a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays from ambient light, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

Description

PROTECTIVE MAINTENANCE COATING FOR WRINKLES DEVELOPED IN TUFTED GEOSYNTHETIC GROUND COVER AND METHOD TO REDUCE UV DEGRADATION THEREOFTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for protecting ground covers that overlie large area land site surfaces such as landfills from UV degradation during use for longterm closure. More particularly, the present invention relates to maintenance apparatus and methods for reducing exposure of the ground cover to UV degradation in openings formed in ripples and wrinkles of a tufted geosynthetic ground cover during use for covering large area land sites.Background of the Invention

[0002] Large-area landfills and waste sites typically remain open for a number of years for receiving waste materials, mining spoils or power plant wastes and ash, landfill trash and municipal solids and liquids wastes. Such waste sites typically have elevational slopes rising from a toe or base to an upper elevated apex or peak as the additional deposits of waste materials are placed in the landfill. The elevation of landfills may typically reach several hundred feet above the toe with accumulated deposits of waste fill materials. While steep slopes allow geometrically increased storage volume, slopes and particularly steep slopes experience significantly high shear forces. These shear forces occur in response to the waste fill materials loaded within a vertical portion of the area allocated for the landfill and also arise from dry shear (wind) and hydraulic shear (ambient precipitation and water flow such as from rainfall on the waste site) from highvolumes of water flowing downwardly over the ground cover. Steep slopes often experience large hydraulic shear forces from rapid water flow run-off.

[0003] When a portion of the landfdl approaches capacity, other areas are opened for depositing of water material. The portion however may be overlaid with a short term cap. Also, upon reaching an appropriate capacity for the particular site, the site is closed to receiving additional waste materials. Closure involves overlaying the site with a ground cover. In some prior instances, the ground cover comprises an overburden of soil covering. However, such soil covering has drawbacks, and in recent years, synthetic ground covers have been used for both short-term and long-term closures. A synthetic ground cover comprises panels of tufted geosynthetic sheets made of a backing and spaced-apart tufts of yarn extending as simulated blades of grass. The blades shade the backing but often the tufted geosynthetic ground cover includes an infdl distribution of sand (or particles) that fdl-in the interstices between the tufts and the backing as a covering layer to block UV light from reaching the backing. The backing typically is made from a woven polypropylene material that has a lower tolerance to UV degradation that the tufts that are typically made from polyethylene yarns. UV light degrades the polypropylene backing and may lead to ground cover failure with tears or rips in the backing. Ground cover design and installation needs to consider cover stability and integrity during the closure period.

[0004] For example, the ground cover during operational use experiences a thermodynamic loading arising from daily thermal expansion and contraction as well as shear loading forces. The thermodynamics in operational use causes movement of the closure system relative to the ground, and over time, the ground cover forms wavey portions having ripples, wrinkles, or bunching. As used herein,

[0005] Ripple - refers to a wavy portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, for example a height of about U inch or less;

[0006] Wrinkle - refers to an upstanding folding of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, for example a height of about i to 1 inch; and

[0007] Bunching - refers to a compaction of a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover forming tight folds or groups of multiple or enlarged winkles.

[0008] The dry and hydraulic shear forces proximate the ripples and wrinkles cause migration of the covering infill sand that shields the backing from UV. Migration of the infill develops openings between the tufts that exposes the backing of the ground cover to UV light. It has been found that landsites covered with tufted geosynthetic ground covers develop a number of small areas of exposed underlying textiles (backing). It is exceptionally impractical to eliminate ripples and wrinkles and thus over time more areas of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover are exposed to degradation from UV.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and method for protecting the backing from UV degradation during the useful term of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover closure. It is to such that the present invention is directed.Brief Summary Of The Invention

[0010] The present invention meets the need in the technical field by providing a protective coating attached to an installed ground-covering tufted geosynthetic, comprising a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area ground surface, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover comprising a backing and a plurality of spaced-apart tufts of simulated blades of grass tufted through the backing with synthetic yarns and defining a respective interstice betweenadjacent tufts, with an infill of a plurality of particles distributed within the interstices, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover forming an elongated wrinkle formed in a portion thereof having opposing sides extending upwardly and a distal apextural extent, from which said infill migrated and defining openings between the adjacent tufts exposing said backing to ambient light, which openings in said elongated wrinkle receiving an application of a protective coating applied in a first state, said protective coating for attaching to an upper surface of the backing and comprising a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays from ambient light, said protective coating curing to a second state, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a method for protecting an installed ground-covering tufted geosynthetic from UV degradation, comprising the steps of:(a) visually inspecting a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area ground surface, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover comprising a backing and a plurality of spaced-apart tufts of simulated blades of grass tufted through the backing with synthetic yarns, and defining interstices between the tufts, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover having infill of a plurality of particles within the interstice;(b) identifying an elongated wrinkle formed in a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, said elongated wrinkle having opposing sides extending upwardly in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover and a distal apextural extent;(c) determining whether infill has migrated from the interstices of the said identified elongated wrinkle leaving one or more openings through the tufts exposing the backing to ambient light; and(d) applying a protective coating in a first state in said one or more openings of the identified elongated wrinkle to attach to an upper surface of the backing, said protective coatinghaving a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays of ambient light, said protective coating curing to a second state, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

[0012] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto.Brief Description Of The Drawings

[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates a portion of a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area land site for closure covering purposes.

[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of an elongated wrinkle having an opening formed in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover during use as a large area land site closure cover, which opening exposes the tufted geosynthetic ground cover to degradation from UV rays in ambient environmental lighting.

[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates in cross-sectional view the elongated wrinkle having the opening formed in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a coating having a UV protectant material applied to an upper surface of the backing of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover to restrict exposure to UV rays in ambient environmental lighting in one or more openings of an elongated wrinkle of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover for reducing degradation of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover.

[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates in cross-sectional view the UV protectant coating applied to opening in the elongated wrinkle in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover illustrated in Fig. 4 with a supplemental infdl for further restricting UV exposure.Detailed Description

[0018] The present invention provides a protective coating attached to an installed groundcovering tufted geosynthetic for maintenance purposes. The maintenance is necessary from use of a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area ground surface, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover comprising a backing and a plurality of spaced-apart tufts of simulated blades of grass tufted through the backing with synthetic yarns and defining a respective interstice between adjacent tufts. An infill of a plurality of particles distributed within the interstices. An elongated wrinkle formed in a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, said elongated wrinkle having opposing sides extending upwardly in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover and a distal apextural extent; and said infill migrated from said elongated wrinkle and defining openings between the adjacent tufts exposing said backing to ambient light. The protective coating applied in a first state in said openings, said protective coating attached to an upper surface of the backing and comprising a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays from ambient light, said protective coating curing to a second state, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

[0019] Further, the protective coating in the first state has a viscosity sufficient for coating said upper surface without bleeding through.

[0020] Alternatively, wherein the viscosity of the protective coating in the first state is the same as the viscosity of the polypropylene of which the backing was formed.

[0021] In another aspect, the protective coating further comprising a supplemental infill of a plurality of particles applied into the protective coating in its first state.

[0022] The supplemental infill comprises a sand mixture.

[0023] Further, the supplemental infill comprises a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

[0024] Further, the protective coating further comprising a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

[0025] Alternatively, the coating further comprising a pigment of a color selected for distinguishing from a color of the backing to facilitate an application of said coating covering the openings of the wrinkle.

[0026] The coating further comprise a color changing pigment, whereby upon curing said coating has a second color different from said application color.

[0027] The coating applies as fluidal material for dispensing with an applicator device into the openings of the wrinkle.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting an installed ground-covering tufted geosynthetic from UV degradation, comprising the steps of: (a) visually inspecting a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area ground surface, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover comprising a backing and a plurality of spaced-apart tufts of simulated blades of grass tufted through the backing with synthetic yarns, and defining interstices between the tufts, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover having infill of a plurality of particles within the interstice; (b) identifying an elongated wrinkle formed in a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, said elongated wrinkle having opposing sides extending upwardly in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover and a distal apextural extent; (c) determining whether infill has migrated from the interstices of the said identified elongated wrinkle leaving one or more openings through the tufts exposing the backing to ambient light; and (d) applying a protective coating in a first state in said one or more openings of the identified elongated wrinkle to attach to an upper surface of the backing, said protective coating having a UV protectant material for blocking UVrays of ambient light, said protective coating curing to a second state, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

[0029] In the method, providing the protective coating as a material with a viscosity sufficient for coating said upper surface without bleeding through.

[0030] The method further providing the protective coating in the first state with a viscosity that is about the same as the viscosity of the polypropylene material of which the backing was formed.

[0031] The method further comprising the step of applying a supplemental infill of a plurality of particles into the protective coating in its first state.

[0032] The supplemental infill comprises a sand mixture.

[0033] The supplemental infill comprises a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

[0034] The method further comprising the step of providing the coating with a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

[0035] The method further comprising the step of providing the coating with a pigment of a color selected for distinguishing from a color of the backing to facilitate the applying of said coating into the openings of the identified elongated wrinkle.

[0036] The method further comprising the step of providing the coating a color changing pigment, whereby upon curing said coating has a second color different from said application color.

[0037] The method wherein said coating applies as fluidal material for dispensing with an applicator device into the openings of the identified elongated wrinkle.

[0038] With reference to the drawings in which like parts have like reference numerals, Fig. 1 illustrates a portion of a tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 installed over a large area land site 12 for closure covering purposes. The tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 comprises a backing sheet 14 tufted with synthetic yarns for a plurality of tufts 18 extending from the backing sheet as simulated blades 20 of grass. The tufts 18 are spaced-apart in rows and adjacent rows are spacedapart. The spacing of the tufts 18 defines interstices 22 between the adjacent tufts. The tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 receives a particulate infill 26 that fills the interstices 22 as a covering layer between the backing sheet 14 and an infill extent generally less than the distal extent of the respective blades 20. The infill 28 primarily, but with the cooperating blades 20, shade or cover the backing 12 from exposure to UV from sunlight.

[0039] An alternate embodiment of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 further includes an optional nonpermeable geomembrane 28 that overlies the surface of the land site 12. The nonpermeable geomembrane 28 restricts inflow of ambient environmental water such as from rain or snow precipitation into the ground and below ground water tables at the land site. The ambient water rather flows off of the land site surface. In land sites such as landfills or waste collection sites, the land site may be structured with water flow passageways such as culverts or ditches for communicating ambient flowing water to collection basins or water treatment facilities and / or to water systems such as streams, rivers, ponds, or lakes.

[0040] The tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 is exposed to thermal environmental temperature changes during operational ground covering use at the land site 12. These thermal environmental temperature changes occur in response to heat gain from sun light during daylight and cooling during cloudy day light and nighttime. The heating and cooling cause expansion and contraction of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 over the land site 12. The expansion andcontraction movement creates wavy undulations and forms ripples and wrinkles generally 29, such as sloped ridges as shown in Fig. 2 in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10, and may (particularly on slopes) lead to bunching of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover for example at lower elevations of the slope. The infdl 26 may migrate across the tufted geosynthetic ground cover. Migration occurs from the thermodynamic movement of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 as well as in response to dry or hydraulic shear (winds blowing across the tufted geosynthetic ground cover or ambient water flow). Migration of infill creates areas of thin or no infill layer and areas of greater depth of infill. The areas of no infill 26 (or thin layer of infill) (particularly on the ripples or wrinkles 29) are openings between the tufts 18 that expose the backing 14 to UV degradation.

[0041] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 that exhibits development of an elongated wrinkle 30 during use of the tufted geosynthetic for ground covering purposes. The elongated wrinkle 30 extends through the backing generally on a linear line but may be non-liner or laterally wavy. The wrinkle 30 has opposing sloped faces 32, 34 that extend upwardly and a distal extent at an apex 36, as illustrated in cross-sectional view in Fig. 3. Generally the wrinkle 30 may be observed in the tufted geosynthetic 10 as an elongated inverted U-shape with the aepextural extent (i.e., the inverted curvature 36 of the portion of the backing 14) between the sloped faces 32, 34. The thermal expansion and contraction causing the development of the wrinkle 30 in the tufted geosynthetic cover 10, together with dry or hydraulic shear forces, induces migration of the infill 28 from interstices 22 of and proximate to the slopes 32, 34 of the wrinkle 30. Migration of the covering infill 28 leaves uncovered openings 40 between the spaced tufts 18. Migration may leave portions 41 with just a thin layer of infill. The openings 40 (and thin coverage portions) expose the backing 14 to UV from the ambient sunlight. UVcauses the backing to degrade. Degraded backing 14 weakens the ground cover 10, and over time, degradation of the backing leads to formation of through-openings and elongated tears and rips in the backing.

[0042] Fig. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 that exhibits development of an elongated wrinkle 30 during use of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover for ground covering purposes. The infill 26 migrates such as from movement that creates rippling or wrinkling or from thermal expansion or shear forces. The migration from the wrinkle 30 forms the opening 40 to the backing 14, and the wrinkle 30 is maintained in accordance with the present invention with a coating 46. The coating 46 preferably includes a UV protectant material, which coating applied to an upper surface of the backing 14 of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10. The coating 46 reduces or restricts exposure of the backing 14 to UV rays in ambient environmental lighting in one or more openings of an elongated wrinkle 30 of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover for reducing degradation of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover.

[0043] With reference also to Fig. 5 that illustrates the portion in cross-sectional view, the openings 40 receive an overlay application of the fluidal coating 46. The coating 46 is applied in a first state and adheres to the upper surface of the backing 14. The coating 46 may be applied with an applicator device 47 shown in Fig. 4 as a spray with an air pressure sprayer or coating with a brush device for applying a suitable volume into the opening 40. The coating 46 cures to a second state as a solid attached to the upper surface of the backing 12. The coating 46 covers over the backing 14 in the opening 40 to block UV lighting exposure to the backing 14. The coating 46 is viscous for liquid or spray application as a covering or blanket member of a UV resistant protectant material applied attachingly to the upper surface of the backing 12. The coating 46 blocks the backing 14 from exposure to UV rays in ambient environmental lighting in the one ormore openings 40 of the elongated wrinkle(s) 30 of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 for reducing degradation of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover. The coating 46 preferably has a viscosity of about the same as that of the polymeric material of which the backing 14 is formed. The viscosity further is sufficient for seating of the coating 40 on the upper surface for curing and adhering in place preferably without bleeding through the backing 14.

[0044] Fig. 5 further illustrates an application of a supplemental infill 50 of granular particles. The supplemental infill 50 may be sand, a sand mixture, a sand and binder mixture, or other particulate materials that adhere to or embed into the coating 46 after application and preferably prior to solidification of the coating on the backing 12. The supplemental infill 50 adhered to the coating 46 assists in blocking UV penetration to the backing 12.

[0045] A suitable coating 46 for the present invention comprises a polyurethane-based fluid solution with UV inhibitors materials, and alternatively pigments. In an alternative embodiment, the coating 46 may include an adhesive that facilitates attachment to the backing 14. In an alternate embodiment, the coating 46 comprises a paste that attaches with an applicator that pushes the paste into contact with the backing 14.

[0046] In an alternate embodiment, the coating 46 comprises a protective material with a pigment of a selected color. The color may be selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill. This assists with the ornamental blending of the open wrinkle with the blades 28 for simulating a grass field covering the land site. In an alternate embodiment, the coating uses a two- part pigment whereby the coating in the first state is of a color selected for distinguishing from a color of the backing to facilitate the application of the coating while performing the maintenance covering of the openings of the wrinkle. Upon curing, the initial coloring changes to a second color different from the application color. Preferably, the second color is selected to match a colorof either the tufts or the infill. Fig. 4 further illustrates the coating 46 applied in a first color 57 (shown on slope 32) and cured to second color 59 (shown on slope 34).

[0047] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the present invention provides maintenance steps for protecting the installed tufted geosynthetic cover 10 from UV degradation after an extended period of use for ground covering purposes. As noted above, the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 may develop wavy portions as well as ripples and wrinkles generally 29, such as the ridge-like wrinkle 30, and migration of the infill 28 from the interstices 22 in and proximate the ripples and wrinkles may lead to openings 40 exposing the backing 14 to UV. Migration of infill creates areas 41 of a thin layer of infill which is an opening allowing UV exposure.

[0048] Periodically, an inspector walks the ground site cover installation, for example, walking along seams between adjacent panels of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 with attentive focus as to ripples and wrinkles as well as seams, which may allow the backing 14 to be exposed through the openings 40. The inspector identifies elongated wrinkles 30 or ripples, that form in a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10. These wrinkles 30 are observable as having opposing sides 32, 34 extending upwardly in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover 10 with the distal apextural inverted U extent 36. Areas of thin infill layers may be observable by showing portions of the backing or by a color difference with proximate areas.

[0049] Upon identification, the inspector then determines whether infill 26 has migrated from the interstices 22 of the identified elongated wrinkle leaving one or more openings 40 proximate the tufts 18 and exposing the backing 14 to ambient light. The geosynthetic ground cover 14 is then maintained by applying the protective coating 46 in the one or more openings 40 at and proximate of the identified elongated wrinkle 30. The protective coating 46 may preferably have a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays of ambient light. The coating 46, fluidal in its firststate, attaches to an upper surface of the backing 14. The coating 46 then cures to the second solidified state, whereby UV degradation of the backing 14 is reduced by the covering of the coating. Preferably, the viscosity of the fluidal coating is sufficient to coat the upper surface of the backing 14 without bleeding through the backing. The viscosity in a preferred embodiment is about the same as the viscosity of the polypropylene material of which the backing was formed. Observed areas 41 of thin layers of infill 46 may likewise be coated with the overlying coating 46.

[0050] In an alternate step in reference to Fig. 5, the inspector distributes a supplemental infill 50 onto and into the applied protective coating 46 prior to the cure into the second state. The supplemental infill 50 comprises a sand or sand mixture. The supplemental infill 50 further may comprise a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts 18 or the infill 22. In an alternate embodiment, the coating 46 may be provided with a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts 18 or the infill 22. Alternatively, the pigment color is selected for distinguishing from a color of the backing 14 to facilitate the applying of the coating into the openings 40 of the identified elongated wrinkle 30. Yet alternatively, the pigment may be a colorchanging pigment, whereby the pigment has the first distinctive color to facilitate application and upon curing the coating has a second color different from the application color.

[0051] The forgoing discloses an apparatus coating and method for maintaining installed tufted geosynthetic ground covers in operational use for short-term or long-term landfill or landsite ground covering purposes while reducing degradation of the ground cover by UV light. Many changes and modifications will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill upon a reading of the forgoing in relation to the various disclosed embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A protective coating attached to an installed ground-covering tufted geosynthetic, comprising: a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area ground surface, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover comprising a backing and a plurality of spaced-apart tufts of simulated blades of grass tufted through the backing with synthetic yarns and defining a respective interstice between adjacent tufts; an infill of a plurality of particles distributed within the interstices; an elongated wrinkle formed in a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, said elongated wrinkle having opposing sides extending upwardly in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover and a distal apextural extent; and said infill migrated from said elongated wrinkle and defining openings between the adjacent tufts exposing said backing to ambient light; characterized in that: a protective coating applied in a first state in said openings, said protective coating attached to an upper surface of the backing and comprising a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays from ambient light, said protective coating curing to a second state, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

2. The protective coating as recited in claim 1, wherein the protective coating in the first state has a viscosity sufficient for coating said upper surface without bleeding through.

3. The protective coating as recited in claim 2, wherein the viscosity of the protective coating in the first state is the same as the viscosity of the polypropylene of which the backing was formed.

4. The protective coating as recited in claim 1, further comprising a supplemental infill of a plurality of particles applied into the protective coating in its first state.

5. The protective coating as recited in claim 4, wherein said supplemental infill comprises a sand mixture.

6. The protective coating as recited in claim 4, wherein said supplemental infill comprises a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

7. The protective coating as recited in claim 1, said coating further comprising a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

8. The protective coating as recited in claim 1, said coating further comprising a pigment of a color selected for distinguishing from a color of the backing to facilitate an application of said coating covering the openings of the wrinkle.

9. The protective coating as recited in claim 8, wherein said coating further comprise a color changing pigment, whereby upon curing said coating has a second color different from said application color.

10. The protective coating as recited in claim 1, wherein said coating applies as fluidal material for dispensing with an applicator device into the openings of the wrinkle.

11. A method for protecting an installed ground-covering tufted geosynthetic from UV degradation, comprising the steps of:(a) visually inspecting a tufted geosynthetic ground cover installed over a large area ground surface, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover comprising a backing and a plurality of spacedapart tufts of simulated blades of grass tufted through the backing with synthetic yarns, and defining interstices between the tufts, said tufted geosynthetic ground cover having infill of a plurality of particles within the interstice;(b) identifying an elongated wrinkle formed in a portion of the tufted geosynthetic ground cover, said elongated wrinkle having opposing sides extending upwardly in the tufted geosynthetic ground cover and a distal apextural extent;(c) determining whether infill has migrated from the interstices of the said identified elongated wrinkle leaving one or more openings through the tufts exposing the backing to ambient light; and(d) applying a protective coating in a first state in said one or more openings of the identified elongated wrinkle to attach to an upper surface of the backing, said protective coating having a UV protectant material for blocking UV rays of ambient light, said protective coating curing to a second state, whereby UV degradation of the backing is reduced.

12. The method for protecting as recited in claim 1 1, providing the protective coating as a material with a viscosity sufficient for coating said upper surface without bleeding through.

13. The method for protecting as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of providing the protective coating in the first state with a viscosity that is about the same as the viscosity of the polypropylene material of which the backing was formed.

14. The method for protecting as recited in claim 11, further comprising the step of applying a supplemental infill of a plurality of particles into the protective coating in its first state.

15. The method for protecting as recited in claim 14, wherein said supplemental infill comprises a sand mixture.

16. The method for protecting as recited in claim 14, wherein said supplemental infill comprises a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

17. The method for protecting as recited in claim 11, further comprising the step of providing the coating with a pigment of a color selected for matching a color of either the tufts or the infill.

18. The method for protecting as recited in claim 11, further comprising the step of providing the coating with a pigment of a color selected for distinguishing from a color of thebacking to facilitate the applying of said coating into the openings of the identified elongated wrinkle.

19. The method for protecting as recited in claim 18, further comprising the step of providing the coating a color changing pigment, whereby upon curing said coating has a second color different from said application color.

20. The method for protecting as recited in claim 1, wherein said coating applies as fluidal material for dispensing with an applicator device into the openings of the identified elongated wrinkle.

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