ES2705717T3 - Artificial turf with composite fill - Google Patents

Abstract

An artificial turf (100, 200, 300) comprising a filling (112) of artificial turf, wherein the artificial turf filling comprises compound filling components (114), characterized in that the compound filling components comprise a thread (404) water absorber covered with a cylindrical jacket (406), wherein the jacket is formed of an elastomer compound and comprises less an opening (408), wherein at least said opening is exposed to the absorbent thread (404) of Water.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Artificial turf with composite fill

Field of the invention

The invention relates to artificial turf with filler and also to the use of a filler for artificial turf.

Background and related technique

Artificial turf or artificial grass is a surface that is made up of fibers that are used to replace the grass. The artificial turf structure is designed in such a way that artificial turf has an appearance that resembles grass. Typically, artificial turf is used as a surface for sports such as soccer, football, rugby, tennis, golf, playgrounds or exercise fields. In addition, artificial turf is often used for landscaping applications.

Artificial turf can be manufactured using carpet manufacturing techniques. For example, artificial grass fibers that have the appearance of grass blades can be inserted or attached to a support. Many times the artificial grass filling is placed between the artificial grass fibers. Artificial turf padding is a granular material that covers the bottom of artificial turf fibers. The use of artificial turf padding can have several advantages. For example, artificial turf padding can help artificial grass fibers stay upright. Artificial turf padding can also absorb the impact of walking or running and provides an experience similar to being on real grass. Artificial turf padding can also help keep the artificial turf carpet flat and in place as a result of its weight.

European patent EP 2206 833 A1 discloses a method for producing a particle filling material for synthetic grass structures which contemplates providing a mass of thermoplastic material with a filling consisting of coconut-based material and subjecting said mass of thermoplastic material with the filling consisting of coconut-based material to granulation so as to obtain the above-mentioned particulate filler material. Preferably, the thermoplastic material is in the form of particles, and the coconut-based material is in the form of particles (fibrous, ground and / or shredded). The mixture obtained by mixing the thermoplastic material and the coconut-based material is preferably heated in order to soften the thermoplastic material with the corresponding formation of a matrix of thermoplastic material incorporating the coconut-based material as a filler.

Compendium

The invention provides an artificial turf and the use of composite components as an artificial turf filler in independent claims 1 and 15. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

The properties of the filler used in artificial turf can have a great impact on how artificial turf actually behaves. The present invention describes an artificial turf comprising an artificial turf filler incorporating composite filler components. The composite filler components comprise a water absorbent yarn that is covered with a cylindrical sleeve formed of an elastomer composite. The elastomeric composite provides protection to the water absorbing yarn and can also be used to color or control the appearance of artificial turf filler.

The water absorbing yarn can provide a means to efficiently store water in the artificial turf landfill. When the water evaporates it can be used to cool artificial turf. Additionally, in soccer players often slide in a controlled manner as part of the game. Having water in the artificial turf padding can help players to slide.

A yarn as used herein encompasses a continuous length of material comprising a number or a large number of interlaced fibers. An elastomeric compound as used herein encompasses a material that is formed with a polymer having viscoelasticity. The sleeve comprises at least one opening. At least said opening exposes the water absorbing yarn.

The water absorbing yarn can absorb and retain water. Retention of water by an artificial grass padding can be beneficial as it can help limit the temperature of an artificial turf surface during a game or sporting event. The evaporation of water from the water absorbing yarn can help to cool the surface. Additionally, having water available in the artificial turf landfill can also give properties superior to the surface of artificial turf for playing several games. For example, in soccer or football it is common for players to be able to make sliding movements. Having water inside the artificial turf padding can help impart a realistic sliding or sliding ability on artificial grass that is compared to real grass or organic grass turf.

In a preferred embodiment, the water absorbing yarn comprises any of the following: hygroscopic fibers, burlap fibers, jute fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, hemp fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers, synthetic fibers of kenaf, fibers with a hydrophilic surface, and combinations thereof. The use of any of these fibers or mixtures thereof can provide an artificial turf filler that is capable of retaining water in an efficient manner.

The use of burlap fibers (jute) can be beneficial since the sacking has a high resistance to molding and bacterial decomposition. Additionally, the sacking is able to store a large amount of water by its weight. For example, the filling material made with sacking as water absorbing yarn may be capable of storing approximately 450 g of water per 1 kg of dry artificial turf fill. The use of burlap can therefore provide an artificial grass fill with superior water retention properties.

Burlap or jute fibers can also be easily recycled. Burlap is typically used for storing food such as sacks of potatoes. The old burlap materials or bags can be re-whipped to break the fibers and then easily spun into a new yarn that can be used to make artificial turf fill.

In another preferred embodiment, the jacket comprises any of the following: polyurethane, rubber, a polyolefin elastomer, a dye, a UV protective additive, polyurethane and polyole, polyurethane and a temperature sensitive catalyst, a one component polyurethane, a polyurethane of two components, polyethylene, TPE, extruded PE, extruded TPE, and combinations thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, the jacket is formed of a cured liquid. The yarn comprises a peripheral part and a central region. The peripheral part surrounds the central region. The peripheral part is partially saturated with an elastomer compound. The central region is free of the elastomer compound. This embodiment may be beneficial since the jacket may have superior adhesion to the water absorbent yarn while at the same time leaving the central region free to absorb water.

In another preferred embodiment, the jacket comprises between 6% and 10% of the composite filler components by weight. That is to say, from 90% to 94% of the compound filling by weight is the water absorbing yarn. The use of a composite filler having a liner formed from the elastomeric compound covering the water absorbent yarn may also be beneficial since the liner may impart qualities that the water absorbing yarn may not have on its own. For example, the shirt can be dyed or colored so that artificial grass retains a particular appearance. The use of a jacket can also protect the water absorbing yarn and extend its useful life.

In another preferred embodiment, the jacket has a thickness between 4 p and 8 p.

In another preferred embodiment, the jacket has a length of between 0.4 mm and any of the following: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 5.5 mm. The different length of the artificial grass fill can have different properties.

The artificial grass fill can be cut so that it is relatively symmetrical with respect to diameter and length. This can provide a filling that is more granular and packaged tighter.

The use of artificial turf fill where the length is much longer than the diameter can be beneficial in some cases since the artificial turf can be interlaced with itself and also with fibers that are used to form the pile of the artificial turf. This can help keep the compound filling components in place with each other and also to reduce the splash effect. The splash effect is when a ball or other object basically hits an artificial turf surface and the amounts of artificial turf filler are removed from the artificial turf surface. This results in the artificial turf filling being removed from the artificial turf surface. This effect resembles a ball or other object that splashes or hits a puddle where water collects. In this case the artificial grass filling is temporarily removed.

Increasing the length of the artificial turf fill can also have the advantage that the artificial grass fill is packaged less tightly. This can reduce the safety with which the cleats of a sneaker are attached to artificial turf. The length can be adjusted in such a way that the studs grip the surface enough to allow athletic performance to balance with the need for the shoe to be released from the surface to reduce injury to the player.

In another preferred embodiment, the composite filler components have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. The thickness of the composite filler components can also be considered as the outer diameter or thickness of the jacket. The choice of thickness between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm can be beneficial since the composite filler components are not too tightly tucked into the artificial turf surface, but are short enough to be capable of Stuck compactly to form a surface that resembles real grass.

In another preferred embodiment, the sleeve is a cylindrical sleeve that may be due, for example, to an extrusion process or may be due to an effect where the thread is coated. Any of these can result in a cylindrical cover. In some cases, the shirt has an oval-shaped profile or it can be asymmetrical.

In another preferred embodiment, at least one opening is a cylindrical section. For example, the composite filler components could be cylindrical in shape and one or two limbs can be cut in such a way that they resemble cylindrical sections.

In another preferred embodiment, at least one opening is two openings. For example, in one embodiment the composite filler components can be cylindrical in shape and both sides of the cylinder can be cut thereby exposing the water absorbent yarn.

In another preferred embodiment, the artificial turf comprises an artificial turf carpet with a pile. The artificial turf carpet comprises a support. The artificial turf carpet also comprises artificial grass fibers. The artificial grass fibers are inserted into the support. Artificial grass fibers form in the pile. The artificial grass fibers are secured to the support. The artificial grass filling is distributed inside the pile. In another preferred embodiment, the artificial turf comprises a layer of sand between the support and the artificially certain filler. The sand layer can help keep the artificial turf carpet in place. Placing artificial turf filler over the sand layer can help provide a superior artificial turf surface. For example, the sand layer can provide rapid drainage of standing water in artificial turf. However, having too much drainage can be a disadvantage since the artificially certain padding that is preferably wet or has some moisture to maintain the cooling of the artificial turf surface, as well as to facilitate sliding on the artificial turf. The use of the composite filler components can provide an artificial grass filler that absorbs water easily and quickly. When water is sprayed on the surface or it rains, the compound filler components will quickly absorb any amount of water or large amounts of water that initially come to the surface. Any amount of additional water can then flow to the sand layer where it is drained from the surface.

In another preferred embodiment, artificial turf comprises a drainage system for draining standing water from artificial turf. The artificial grass support or an elastic layer can be placed over the drainage system. As with the embodiment comprising the sand layer, this can provide a way to regulate the amount of water in the artificial turf. The artificial turf padding will quickly absorb water and any excess will be drained by the drainage system.

In another preferred embodiment, the composite filler components have a length. The water absorbent yarn is substantially aligned with the length. The yarn can be made from a collection of fibers that are twisted or formed into a yarn or structure similar to a yarn. The yarn may have a length that represents the average orientation of the fibers.

In another aspect, the invention provides the use of composite components as artificial turf filler. The composite components comprise a water absorbing yarn. The water absorbent yarn is covered with a cylindrical jacket. The sleeve is formed of an elastomer compound. The sleeve comprises at least one opening. At least said opening exposes the water absorbing fibers. The advantages of the use of composite components in artificial turf fill have been previously described.

It has been understood that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention can be combined provided that the combined embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following embodiments of the invention, they are explained in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an artificial turf;

Fig. 2 illustrates a further example of an artificial turf;

Fig. 3 illustrates a further example of an artificial turf;

Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a compound filling component;

Fig. 5 shows a side view of the compound filling component of FIG. 4;

Fig. 6 illustrates a machine for coating the yarn;

Fig. 7 illustrates a two-component coating device for coating a yarn with a two-component jacket;

Fig. 8 illustrates a further example of a machine for coating a yarn; Y

Fig. 9 illustrates a further example of a machine for coating a yarn.

Detailed description

The similar numbered elements in these figures are either equivalent elements or perform the same function. The elements that have been previously described will not necessarily be described in the later figures if the function is equivalent.

Fig. 1 shows an example of an artificial turf 100. The artificial turf 100 comprises a carpet 102 of artificial turf. The artificial turf carpet comprises a support 104 and also fibers 106 of artificial grass. The artificial grass fibers 106 are inserted into the support 104 and are fixed at 108 to the support 104. The artificial grass fibers 106 form a stack 103. The artificial grass carpet 102 rests on a floor 110 or surface. Between and distributed between the fibers 106 of artificial grass and inside the stack 103 there is a filling 112 of artificial turf. In this example the artificial turf filler 112 is made of individual composite filler components 114.

Fig. 2 shows a further example of an artificial turf 200. The artificial turf 200 is similar to the artificial turf 100 shown in FIG. 1 except that there is additionally a sand layer 202 between the artificial turf filler 112 and the support 104. The use of the sand layer 202 can be advantageous as it can help to keep the artificial turf carpet 102 in place. It may also have the technical benefit that the sand layer 202 works together with the artificial turf filler 112 to regulate the amount of water on the surface of the artificial turf 200. For example, if it rains or if water is sprayed onto the surface of the artificial turf 200 the composite filler components 114 will absorb the water and will quickly saturate with it. The sand layer 202 can then help drain off the excess water and prevent it from ponding on the surface of the artificial turf 200.

Fig. 3 shows a further example of an artificial turf 300. The artificial turf 300 is similar to the artificial turf 200 shown in FIG. 2 with the addition of several additional layers. Directly below the support 104 there is an elastic layer 302. The elastic layer may be, for example, a mat or other material such as sand and elastomer granulate or a mixture thereof which readily absorbs the impact. The elastic layer 302 is optional. The support 104 and / or the elastic layer 302 can have holes or they can be porous so that the water that stagnates on the artificial turf 300 can be drained. The elastic layer 302 is seated directly on the drainage system 304. The drainage system 304 may comprise granular material, drainage tiles, drainage pipes or other system to rapidly drain water off the surface of the artificial turf 300. The artificial turf shown in fig. 300 may have superior qualities when water is used to cool or improve the sliding properties. The water that initially comes to the surface is easily absorbed by the composite filler components 114 that make up the artificial turf filler 112. When it has been filled with water the excess water can then enter and possibly be stored in the sand layer 202. When the sand layer 202 has been saturated, it can be drained through the support 104 and / or the elastic layer 302 to the drainage system 304.

Fig. 4 shows an example of compound filling component 114. According to the invention, the compound filling component comprises a sleeve having a cylindrical shape. It can be seen that the compound filling component 114 has a length 400 and a diameter 402. In an inner core of the composite filling component 114 is the water absorbing yarn 404. Surrounding the water absorbent yarn 404 is a jacket 406 which serves as a protector or coating for the water absorbing yarn 404. Compound filling component 114 as depicted can be manufactured by coating a yarn 404 with a jacket material 406. It can be seen that in this example the compound filling component 114 has had both ends cut, therefore, there are two openings 408 exposed. The openings 408 form cylindrical sections. Some of the properties of the artificial turf fill can be adjusted by changing the diameter 402 and the length 400. If the length 400 is similar to the diameter 402 then the artificial grass fill will have a grain or granular shape. When the length 400 is increased, the properties of artificial turf filling can change. For example, artificial turf padding can be packaged less densely. The density can therefore be adjusted by controlling the length 400 or controlling the length distribution 400. Additionally, when the length 400 is increased the tendency of the artificial turf fill to splash can be reduced since the various compound filling components 114 can to be interwoven with each other and / or with artificial grass fibers. Fig. 5 shows a side view of the compound filling component 114. The side view shows the aperture 408. The water absorbing yarn 404 has a central region 500 and a peripheral region 502. The peripheral region of the water absorbing yarn 404 contacts the jacket 406. In some examples, the jacket 406 can be applied as a liquid or fluid to the water absorbing yarn 404. Some of the fibers of the yarn may come into contact with or mix with the material used to form the jacket 406. This may result in a region that is completely or partially saturated with the jacket material. The region that is completely or partially saturated is the peripheral 502 region. The central region 500 is not filled with any jacket material 406. The region 500 Central is free to absorb all the amount of water of which it is capable. In some examples the peripheral region 502 can assist the adhesion of the jacket 406 to the water absorbing yarn 404.

Fig. 6 shows an example of a coating machine 600 which is used to coat a yarn 404. In this example there is a bobbin with an uncoated yarn 602 which passes through the machine to a bobbin with a coated yarn 604. The coated wire 604 can then be cut into the composite filler components. In some examples the yarn 404 after it has been coated is immediately cut into the composite filler components. After leaving coil 602 wire 404 passes through a two component coating device 606. The two-component coating device 606 places the sleeve on the yarn 404 in liquid form. The coated wire 404 then optionally passes through a heater or dryer 608. The heater or dryer 608 may be used for example to remove water from the jacket material and in some cases may also be used to activate a catalyst.

Fig. 7 illustrates the two component coating device 606 in greater detail. The two component coating device 606 has an inlet for a first component 700 and an inlet for a second component 702. The two components can for example be components of a two component polyurethane coating. The first and second inputs 700, 702 are then joined in a mixing chamber 704 where the two components are mixed. The mixed components are then moved to an applicator ring 706. The ring has jets or sprays 708 that are used to spray the jacket material to the water absorbing yarn 404 when it passes through the two component coating device 606. The mixture of the two components can be chosen in such a way that the coating on the water absorbing yarn 404 is uniform and cures without dripping or falling. Depending on the particular mixture used the heater or dryer 608 may or may not be used.

Fig. 8 shows an alternative coating machine 800. In fig. shown in fig. 8 the two component coating device 606 has been replaced with a shower head 802. The spray head 802 drips the liquid jacket material to the yarn 404 when it passes under the shower head 802. In some examples there may be an additional component after the shower head 802 removes the excess liquid jacket material. For example, yarn 404 passes through a hole or on roller wheels that help regulate the amount of fluid that is applied to yarn 404.

Fig. 9 shows a further example of the coating machine 900. This machine 900 is similar to the machines 800 and 600 shown in figs. 8 and 6. However, in this example, a bath 902 has been used. The wire 404 enters the bath 902 and acquires some of the jacket material in liquid or fluid form. Next, it optionally passes through a heater 608 which may for example be used to dry or activate a catalyst. In some examples there is an additional component between the bath 902 and the heater 608 to remove excess fluid. For example, the yarn 404 may pass through a hole on the rollers that are used to remove the excess jacket material. The example shown in fig. 9 can for example use a jacket or coating material that is a single component. If a catalyst has been abused the 902 bath can be left standing for a long time and can be used continuously without concern that the coating material will settle prematurely.

List of reference numbers

100 artificial turf

102 artificial grass carpet

103 pile

104 support

106 artificial grass fibers

108 secured to the support

110 earth

112 artificial grass stuffing

114 compound filling component

200 artificial turf

202 sand layer

300 artificial turf stuffing

302 elastic layer

304 drainage system

400 length

402 diameter

404 water absorbing yarn

406 shirt

408 opening

500 central region

502 peripheral region

600 coating machine

602 coil with thread

604 coil with coated wire

606 two-component coating device 608 heater or dryer

700 first input component

702 second input component

704 mixing chamber

706 applicator ring

708 jet or spraying liquid jacket material 800 coating machine

802 shower head

900 coating machine

902 bathroom

Claims (15)

1. - An artificial turf (100, 200, 300) comprising a filler (112) of artificial turf, wherein the artificial turf filler comprises compound filling components (114), characterized in that the composite filler components comprise a water absorbing yarn (404) covered with a cylindrical jacket (406), wherein the sleeve is formed of an elastomer composite and comprises less of an opening (408), wherein at least said opening is exposed to the yarn (404) ) water absorbent. 2. - The artificial turf of claim 1, wherein the water absorbing yarn (404) comprises any of the following: hygroscopic fibers, burlap fibers, jute fibers, cotton fibers, wool fibers, hemp fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers, flax fibers, kenaf fibers, nettle fibers, sisal fibers, coconut fibers, synthetic fibers, fibers with a hydrophilic surface, and combinations thereof. 3. The artificial turf of claim 1 or 2, wherein the jacket (406) comprises any of the following: polyurethane, rubber, a polyolefin elastomer, a dye, a UV protective additive, polyurethane and polyole, polyurethane and a temperature-sensitive catalyst, a one-component polyurethane, a two-component polyurethane, polyethylene, TPE, extruded PE, extruded TPE, and combinations thereof. 4. - The artificial turf of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the jacket (406) is formed of a cured liquid, wherein the yarn (404) comprises a peripheral part and a central region, wherein the peripheral part which surrounds the central region, wherein the peripheral part is partially saturated with the elastomeric compound, and wherein the central region is free of the elastomeric compound. 5. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein the jacket (406) comprises between 6% and 10% of the components of filling compounds by weight. 6. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein the jacket (406) has a thickness of between 4 microns and 8 microns. 7. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein the jacket (406) has a length (404) of between 0.4 mm and any of the following: 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1, 5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 5.5 mm. 8. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein the compound filling components have a thickness (402) of between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. 9. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least said opening is a cylindrical section. 10. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least said opening is two openings. 11. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein the artificial turf comprises a carpet (102) of artificial turf with a stack (103), wherein the artificial turf carpet comprises a support (104); wherein the artificial turf carpet further comprises fibers (106) of artificial grass, wherein the fibers of artificial grass are inserted into the support, wherein the fibers of artificial grass form the pile, wherein the fibers of artificial grass are secured to the support, and where the artificial grass filling is distributed inside the pile. 12. - The artificial turf of claim 11, wherein the artificial turf comprises a layer (202) of sand between the support and the artificial turf filling. 13. - The artificial turf of claim 11 or 12, wherein the artificial turf comprises a drainage system (304) following the support configured to drain the stagnant water from the artificial turf. 14. - The artificial turf of any of the preceding claims, wherein the compound filling components have a length (400), and wherein the water absorbing yarn (404) is substantially aligned with the length. 15. - The use of the composite components as filler (112) of artificial turf, wherein the composite components comprise a water absorbing yarn (404) covered with a cylindrical jacket (406), wherein the jacket is formed of an elastomer composite and comprising at least one opening, wherein at least said opening exposes the water absorbing yarn (404).