GB2584486A - An artificial surface and a method for making an artificial surface - Google Patents
An artificial surface and a method for making an artificial surface Download PDFInfo
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- GB2584486A GB2584486A GB1908129.8A GB201908129A GB2584486A GB 2584486 A GB2584486 A GB 2584486A GB 201908129 A GB201908129 A GB 201908129A GB 2584486 A GB2584486 A GB 2584486A
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- components
- pvc
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- fibre
- artificial
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Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 20
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 80
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- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 110
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 108
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 17
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- 239000004631 polybutylene succinate Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 229920000921 polyethylene adipate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004633 polyglycolic acid Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 229920000297 Rayon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulphide Chemical compound [S-2] UCKMPCXJQFINFW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000004869 Tussilago farfara Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920000508 Vectran Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004979 Vectran Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229920001617 Vinyon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001336 alkenes Chemical class 0.000 description 1
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- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000004185 ester group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 210000000003 hoof Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 208000018883 loss of balance Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003278 mimic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N olefin Natural products CCCCCCCC=C JRZJOMJEPLMPRA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005014 poly(hydroxyalkanoate) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005015 poly(hydroxybutyrate) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011112 polyethylene naphthalate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002964 rayon Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229920000785 ultra high molecular weight polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
- E01C13/08—Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63K—RACING; RIDING SPORTS; EQUIPMENT OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- A63K1/00—Race-courses; Race-tracks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
- E01C13/02—Foundations, e.g. with drainage or heating arrangements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
- E01C13/06—Pavings made in situ, e.g. for sand grounds, clay courts E01C13/003
Abstract
The artificial surface comprises PVC components 1 and fibre components 2. The surface is for use, in particular, as an artificial riding surface for equestrian use. The PVC components may be derived from a PVC banner or a PVC sign. The fibre and PVC components may comprise a plurality of shredded pieces, said pieces may be sized to fit through a screen with openings of from 20mm to 50mm. Optionally, the PVC and fibre components are sized to fit through a screen with openings of 30mm. the PVC components may comprise of foam PVC fibres, they may further comprise closed-cell PVC foamboard components. The PVC and fibre components may be combined with sand and/or soil and/or leaves and/or aggregates. Optionally the surface may comprise of PVC components, Fibre components and unavoidable impurities. Also disclosed is a method of making the said artificial surface.
Description
Title: An artificial surface and a method for making an artificial surface
Description of Invention
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an artificial surface, and in particular an artificial riding surface, comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC) components and fibre components. The present invention also relates to methods for making an artificial surface, and in particular an artificial riding surface, comprising PVC components and fibre components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Artificial surfaces are known for recreational and sporting use which are intended to be substitutes for grass or soil. In particular, artificial surfaces for use in the equestrian field are known, e.g. surfaces for riding horses. Artificial riding surfaces are used to provide a means of exercising, training and competition of horses in gallops, lunge pens, paddock pens, indoor and outdoor arenas and horse racing tracks. Artificial surfaces are also used to improve or change an area of ground, for example by providing reinforcement.
A known form of artificial riding surface is recycled rubber. Shredded rubber which has been recycled from automotive and manufacturing industries adds rebound and helps to reduce compaction. However, using rubber in an artificial riding surface can stain the horse's legs. Moreover, in hot weather, the rubber in an artificial riding surface produces an unpleasant odour.
Another known form of artificial riding surface is polypropylene fibres which can be obtained from recycled carpet. Polypropylene fibres add shear resistance and help to control moisture content fluctuations. However, polypropylene fibres retain water which freezes during the winter months, rendering the surface unsuitable for use, or not as usable, during the winter months. Moreover, if polypropylene fibres are recycled from carpet, there is a risk of the artificial riding surface being contaminated with carpet gripper, carpet nails or other sharp objects.
Another known form of artificial riding surface is PVC granules obtained from coatings of recycled electrical cables. Such PVC granules are generally spherical (although they have irregular shapes) and typically have a maximum cross-sectional dimension of from 0.2mm to 3mm. However, PVC-coated electrical cables are expensive. Moreover, PVC-coated electric cables lack a fibrous structure and therefore, the PVC granules do not mimic the natural root structure of grass and soil (i.e. turf). In addition, there is a risk of environmental contamination of metal residues from the electrical cables.
Artificial riding surfaces are subject to compaction, drainage issues, surface irregularities and climate. Accordingly, there is a need to provide an artificial riding surface which mitigates water retention, maximises weather resistance and provides beneficial durability which more closely replicates the natural binding properties of a root structure similar to turf. Moreover, there is a need to utilise recycled material so that the equestrian surface is environmentally friendly and comes with a reduced cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an artificial surface, and preferably, an artificial riding surface for equestrian use which comprises PVC components and fibre components; optionally, wherein the PVC components and fibre components are obtained from a shredded PVC banner. The present invention also provides a method for making an artificial surface, and preferably an artificial riding surface for equestrian use comprising shredding PVC and fibres to form PVC components and fibre components, optionally wherein the PVC components and the fibre components are derived from a PVC banner.
Representative features of the present invention are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or figures of the specification.
1. An artificial surface comprising: PVC components; and, fibre components.
2. The artificial surface of clause 1, wherein the artificial surface is an artificial riding surface for equestrian use.
3. The artificial surface of clause 1, wherein the fibre components are polyester fibres.
4. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components are derived from a PVC banner or a PVC sign.
5. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the fibre components are a plurality of shredded pieces.
6. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the PVC components are a plurality of shredded pieces.
7. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components are sized to fit through a screen with openings of from 20mm to 50mm; optionally, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components are sized to fit through a screen with openings of 30mm (plus or minus 10%).
8. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components have a maximum shortest dimension of from 20mm to 50mm; optionally, wherein, the maximum shortest dimension ignores the thickness of the PVC components and/or the fibre components when the thickness of the PVC components and/or the fibre components is <5mm.
9. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components have a maximum shortest dimension of 30mm (plus or minus 10%).
10. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the PVC components are foam PVC fibres.
11. The artificial surface of clause 10, wherein the PVC components are closed-cell PVC foamboard components.
12. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the PVC components are present at from 300 to 400 gsm.
13. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the fibre components are present at from 100 to 200 gsm.
14. The artificial surface of clause 13, wherein the PVC components are present at 345 gsm (plus or minus 10%) and/or the fibre components are present at 155 gsm (plus or minus 10%).
15. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the PVC components and the fibre components are combined with sand and/or soil and/or leaves and/or aggregates.
16. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 15, consisting of PVC components, fibre components; and. optionally, unavoidable impurities.
17. The artificial surface of any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the artificial surface is an artificial surface for use in improving ground and/or for use in reinforcing ground.
18. A method for making an artificial surface comprising: a) providing PVC and providing fibres; b) shredding the PVC and the fibres, either separately or together; c) passing the shredded products of step b), either separately or together, through a screen to make PVC components and fibre components; d) combining the PVC components and fibre components to make an artificial surface.
19. The method of clause 18, wherein the screen has openings of from 20mm to 50mm; optionally, wherein the screen has opening of 30mm (plus or minus 10%).
20. The method of clause 18 or clause 19, wherein the PVC and the fibres provided in step a) are provided in the form of a PVC banner.
21. The method of any one of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the fibre components are polyester fibres.
22. The method of any one of clauses 18 to 21, wherein the artificial surface formed in step d) is an artificial riding surface suitable for equestrian use.
23. The method of any one of clauses 18 to 21, wherein the artificial surface formed in step d) is an artificial surface suitable for use in improving ground and/or for use in reinforcing ground.
24. An artificial surface comprising PVC components and fibre components obtained, or obtainable, by the method of any one of clauses 18 to 23.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Examples of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures illustrate various examples of the artificial riding surface. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
Figure 1 is a schematic figure of a PVC banner comprising PVC and polyester fibres which may be shredded to form an artificial riding surface in one example of the invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an artificial riding surface of the invention which comprises PVC components (1) and polyester fibre components (2).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Some examples of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.
It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Examples of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which examples are shown. Examples of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
Definitions Some of the terms used to describe the present invention are set out below: As used herein, "fibre" or "fibres" refers to a natural or a synthetic substance that is significantly longer than it is wide (for example, with an aspect ratio (a ratio of fibre length to diameter) of from 20 to 400; or from 20 to 60; or, from 60 to 400). For example, fibre refers to a thread or a filament from which a textile or material is formed. For example, fibre refers to polymer fibres such as polyamide nylon, polyethylene (e.g. SaranTm), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyester, polyphenylene sulphide, phenol-formaldehyde (PF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (e.g. vinyon), polyolefins (PP and PE) (e.g. Olefin), acrylic polyester, aromatic polyamids (e.g. NomexTM, KevlarTM and TwaronTM), polyvinyl alcohol (e.g. Vinylon), polyethylene (PE) (e.g. Dyneema or Spectra), elastomers (e.g. Spandex or LycraTM), polyurethane, elastolefin, modacrylic, polybenzimidazole (PBI), rayon (e.g. Modal or Lyocell), polylactic acid (PLA) , polyhydroquinone-diimidazopyridine (PIPD or M5), Orlon, poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (e.g. ZylonTM) or any combinations thereof. For example, fibre refers to polyester fibre.
As used herein, "shortest dimension" refers to, for example when describing a generally rectangular shaped component where the thickness is negligible (for example where the thickness is <5mm) and the rectangle can be approximated as a 2D shape the shortest side of the rectangle. The "maximum shortest dimension" refers to, in a sample of generally rectangular shaped components, the maximum shortest dimension within the components of the sample. Similarly, the "longest dimension" refers to, for example when relating to a generally rectangular shaped components where the thickness is negligible (for example where the thickness is <5mm) and the rectangle can be approximated as a 2D shape, the longest side of the rectangle. Although described with respect to a rectangle, the term "maximum shortest dimension" can be applied to any regular or irregular shape. When a starting material of generally rectangular shape with a negligible thickness (for example where the thickness is <5mm) is shredded to form a product comprising a plurality of components: the maximum shortest dimension is the shortest dimension of the produced generally rectangular components; the longest dimension is the longest dimension of the produced generally rectangular components. In this example, the maximum shortest dimension is such that the product passes out of the shredder; the longest dimensions of the products can be longer than the shortest dimensions and the products still pass out of the shredder.
As used herein, "granule" refers to a large particle or grain with a maximum cross-sectional dimension of from 0.2mm to 3mm. A granule is larger than sand but smaller than pebbles.
As used herein, "polyester" refers to a polymer that contains an ester functional group in the main chain. For example, polyester is polyglycolide or polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PH B), polyethylene adipate (PEA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or Vectran, and any combinations thereof. For example, polyester is Metamark MD-BL2TM polyester film. For example, the polyester is 200-250 microns thick. For example, the polyester is 215 microns thick.
As used herein, "PVC" refers to polyvinyl chloride. For example, PVC refers to soft and flexible PVC used to make PVC banners or signage. For example, the PVC encompassed by the present invention is foam PVC, e.g. closed-cell PVC foamboard. For example, PVC refers to an adhesive backed film, which is also recited as vinyl.
As used herein "PVC banner" (as illustrated schematically in Figure 1) refers to indoor or outdoor signage comprising a PVC layer. For example, the PVC banner is flexible and/or bears a slogan or design which represents a company, organisation or other entities. In one example, the PVC and the fibres which form a PVC banner are shredded into PVC components and fibre components. For example, the PVC banner has from 100 to 200 grams per square metre (gsm) fibres and from 300 to 400 gsm PVC. For example, the PVC banner has 155 gsm fibres and 345 gsm PVC.
"Shredded" in relation to PVC banners (or other materials to be shredded) refers to the PVC and/or the fibres of PVC banners (or other materials being shredded), being cut into smaller components by an industrial shredder. For example, shredded refers to, after cutting into smaller components, passing the PVC and/or the fibres through a screen within an industrial shredder. In an example, the screen screens the PVC and/or the fibres into PVC components and fibre components such that the product components have a maximum shortest dimension of from 20mm to 50mm (such that the products can pass through a screen of from 20mm to 50mm). The longest dimension of the PVC and/or the fibres can be longer and still pass through the screen. In a further example, the screen screens the PVC and/or fibres into PVC components and fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of 30mm (plus or minus 10%). In one example, the industrial shredder is a ZERMATM shredder, for example: a ZBS, a ZCS, a ZSS, a ZIS, a ZHS, ZXS or ZRS ZERMATM shredder. In an alternative example, any other type of industrial shredder can be used, including, but not limited to a Dragon-Ira shredder.
Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that the upper and lower limit, and each intervening value between the upper and lower limit of the range is encompassed within the examples.
Artificial riding surface As shown in Figure 2, which depicts the product of shredding a PVC banner according to the present invention; an artificial riding surface can be formed comprising PVC components (1) and fibre components (2). As shown in Figure 1, in a preferred example, the PVC and the fibres which are shredded to form PVC components and fibre components are provided for shredding in sheet form as a PVC banner. Alternatively, the PVC and the fibres can be obtained from separate sources, e.g. a PVC sheet and a fibre sheet, each of which are shredded and the shredded components combined.
The present inventors have surprisingly found that recycled PVC banners can be shredded and used to form an artificial riding surface. This artificial riding surface provides a root structure similar to turf which emulates the natural properties of soil and/or grass. Moreover, the artificial riding surface of the present invention is inexpensive, easily accessible and environmentally friendly.
In some examples of the invention, the fibre components are polyester fibres. In particular, the polyester fibres are derived from a polyester film. In some examples, the polyester fibres are derived from Metamark MD-BL2TM polyester film. In some examples, the polyester fibre starting material is provided in an amount of from 100 gsm to 200 gsm. In some examples, the polyester fibre starting material is provided in an amount of 155 gsm.
In some examples of the invention, the PVC starting material is provided in an amount of from 300 gsm to 400 gsm. In some examples, the PVC starting material is provided in an amount of 345 gsm.
The present inventors have discovered that by shredding PVC and fibres into PVC components and fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of from 20mm to 50mm, and combining the shredded PVC components and the shredded fibre components, a beneficial artificial riding surface can be formed. If the maximum shortest dimension of the PVC components and/or the fibre components is below 20mm then the artificial riding surface is less optimum. Moreover, if the maximum shortest dimension of the PVC components and/or the fibre components is above 50mm, then a horse's hoof (or other animal's foot-like structure) may catch these components resulting in tripping or loss of balance. Therefore, a maximum shortest dimension above 50mm is not desirable. In some examples, the PVC and/or the fibres are shredded into PVC and/or fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of from 20mm to 50mm. In another example, the PVC and/or the fibres are shredded into PVC and/or fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of 30mm (plus or minus 10%).
Method of making an artificial riding surface PVC and fibres are placed through shredding blades and then through a screen of an industrial shredder. In one example, the PVC and the fibres are derived from a PVC banner which is placed through the shredding blades and then through a screen of an industrial shredder. In one example, the fibres are polyester fibres. In one example, the fibres are derived from Metamark MDBL2TM' polyester film.
In one example, the screen of the industrial shredder has openings of from 20mm to 50mm so that the shredded PVC components and/or shredded fibre components have a maximum shortest dimension of from 20mm to 50mm. In another example, the screen of the industrial shredder has openings of 30mm (plus or minus 10%) so that the shredded PVC components and/or shredded fibre components have a maximum shortest dimension of 30mm (plus or minus 10%). In one example, the industrial shredder is a ZERMATm shredder.
However, any equivalent industrial shredder, including, but not limited to, a DRAGONTM shredder, may be used as an alternative shredder as part of the invention.
In one example, the shredded PVC components and shredded fibre components are mixed together to form an artificial riding surface. In some examples, when the PVC components and the fibre components are from the same PVC banner starting material, these components are already joined together to some extent and therefore there is no need to mix these components together.
Although certain example examples of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these examples. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to 25 encompass equivalents.
EXAMPLES
A 500 gsm PVC banner (as detailed in Table 1 below) comprising 345 gsm 30 PVC and 155 gsm Metamark MD-BL2TM polyester film was passed through a ZermaTM shredder, which contained a mono-shear (single drum) with a 380 mm diameter rotor, with 40mm x 40mm dished cutters and a screen with 30mm openings to form shredded PVC components and polyester fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of 30mm (as shown schematically in Figure 2).
Table 1: Properties of PVC banner in one example of the invention Item Value PVC banner base (polyester film) (high tenacity yarns) 100% polyester (1000D*1000D) Construction Weaving 18*18 inch Total weight 500 gsm Weight of polyester film 155 gsm Weight of PVC 345 gsm Breaking strength Warp: 1850 N/5CM Weft: 1750 N/5CM Tear strength Warp: 230 N Weft: 210 N Adhesion 50 N/5CM Suitable temperature -20 +70 In other examples, the screen was changed to a screen with: 20mm openings (the dished cutters being changed to 30mm x 30mm) to form shredded PVC components and polyester fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of 20mm; and, 50mm openings (the dished cutters being changed to 60mm x 60mm) to form shredded PVC components and polyester fibre components with a maximum shortest dimension of 50mm.
The shredded PVC and polyester fibre components (from the screens with 20mm, 30mm and 50mm openings) were each (separately) spread equally over an equestrian arena to form an artificial surface in a confidential setting.
The artificial surfaces were used for riding horses over a period of months.
Users reported the surface to be fibrous, the components of the shredded PVC banner were reported to knit together better than alternative artificial surfaces and thus more closely replicating the natural binding qualities of the root structure of natural grass and soil (i.e. turf). Moreover, minimal kickback and minimal surface movement was reported. No staining of horse's legs or unpleasant odour was reported. In winter, little or no frozen water was reported. The surface was found to have beneficial compaction and draining properties, i.e. no issues were reported.
The shredded PVC and polyester fibre components formed from the screen with 30mm openings were found to provide a surface most closely replicating the natural binding qualities of the root structure of natural grass and soil (i.e. turf). The shredded PVC and polyester fibre components formed from the screen with 20mm openings were slightly more granular whilst still providing a beneficial surface. The shredded PVC and polyester fibre components formed from the screen with 50mm openings were slightly more prone to catch horse's hooves whilst still providing a beneficial surface.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying figures, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
Claims (24)
- Claims 1. An artificial surface comprising: PVC components; and, fibre components.
- 2. The artificial surface of claim 1, wherein the artificial surface is an artificial riding surface for equestrian use.
- 3. The artificial surface of claim 1, wherein the fibre components are polyester fibres.
- 4. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components are derived from a PVC banner or a PVC sign.
- 5. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fibre components are a plurality of shredded pieces.
- 6. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the PVC components are a plurality of shredded pieces.
- 7. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components are sized to fit through a screen with openings of from 20mm to 50mm; optionally, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components are sized to fit through a screen with openings of 30mm (plus or minus 10%).
- 8. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the PVC 30 components and/or the fibre components have a maximum shortest dimension of from 20mm to 50mm; optionally, wherein, the maximum shortest dimension ignores the thickness of the PVC components and/or the fibre components when the thickness of the PVC components and/or the fibre components is <5mm.
- 9. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the PVC components and/or the fibre components have a maximum shortest dimension of 30mm (plus or minus 10%).
- 10. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the PVC components are foam PVC fibres.
- 11. The artificial surface of claim 10, wherein the PVC components are closed-cell PVC foamboard components.
- 12. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the PVC components are present at from 300 to 400 gsm.
- 13. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fibre components are present at from 100 to 200 gsm.
- 14. The artificial surface of claim 13, wherein the PVC components are present at 345 gsm (plus or minus 10%) and/or the fibre components are present at 155 gsm (plus or minus 10%).
- 15. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the PVC 25 components and the fibre components are combined with sand and/or soil and/or leaves and/or aggregates.
- 16. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 15, consisting of PVC components, fibre components; and. optionally, unavoidable impurities.
- 17. The artificial surface of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the artificial surface is an artificial surface for use in improving ground and/or for use in reinforcing ground.
- 18. A method for making an artificial surface comprising: a) providing PVC and providing fibres; b) shredding the PVC and the fibres, either separately or together; c) passing the shredded products of step b), either separately or together, through a screen to make PVC components and fibre components; d) combining the PVC components and fibre components to make an artificial surface.
- 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the screen has openings of from 20mm to 50mm; optionally, wherein the screen has opening of 30mm (plus or minus 15 10%).
- 20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the PVC and the fibres provided in step a) are provided in the form of a PVC banner.
- 21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the fibre components are polyester fibres.
- 22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the artificial surface formed in step d) is an artificial riding surface suitable for equestrian use.
- 23. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the artificial surface formed in step d) is an artificial surface suitable for use in improving ground and/or for use in reinforcing ground.
- 24. An artificial surface comprising PVC components and fibre components obtained, or obtainable, by the method of any one of claims 18 to 23.
Priority Applications (1)
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GB1908129.8A GB2584486A (en) | 2019-06-07 | 2019-06-07 | An artificial surface and a method for making an artificial surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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GB1908129.8A GB2584486A (en) | 2019-06-07 | 2019-06-07 | An artificial surface and a method for making an artificial surface |
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GB201908129D0 GB201908129D0 (en) | 2019-07-24 |
GB2584486A true GB2584486A (en) | 2020-12-09 |
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GB1908129.8A Withdrawn GB2584486A (en) | 2019-06-07 | 2019-06-07 | An artificial surface and a method for making an artificial surface |
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Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2546927A1 (en) * | 1983-06-06 | 1984-12-07 | Bat Taraflex | Ground surfaces intended for sports which involve moving around and particularly for equestrian sports |
WO1986006391A1 (en) * | 1985-04-23 | 1986-11-06 | Denehunt Limited | Process for the manufacture of particulate material |
WO1989007635A1 (en) * | 1988-02-09 | 1989-08-24 | Martin Collins Enterprises Limited | Exercise areas |
GB2415389A (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2005-12-28 | Mark Anthony West | A surface for horse riding |
WO2006008168A1 (en) * | 2004-07-22 | 2006-01-26 | Dsm Ip Assets B.V. | Energy absorbing material |
WO2017132683A1 (en) * | 2016-01-28 | 2017-08-03 | Tatro Inc. | Engineered surfaces |
DE102017113307A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-12-20 | Intergreen Ag | Sports field superstructure and sports field |
-
2019
- 2019-06-07 GB GB1908129.8A patent/GB2584486A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2546927A1 (en) * | 1983-06-06 | 1984-12-07 | Bat Taraflex | Ground surfaces intended for sports which involve moving around and particularly for equestrian sports |
WO1986006391A1 (en) * | 1985-04-23 | 1986-11-06 | Denehunt Limited | Process for the manufacture of particulate material |
WO1989007635A1 (en) * | 1988-02-09 | 1989-08-24 | Martin Collins Enterprises Limited | Exercise areas |
GB2415389A (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2005-12-28 | Mark Anthony West | A surface for horse riding |
WO2006008168A1 (en) * | 2004-07-22 | 2006-01-26 | Dsm Ip Assets B.V. | Energy absorbing material |
WO2017132683A1 (en) * | 2016-01-28 | 2017-08-03 | Tatro Inc. | Engineered surfaces |
DE102017113307A1 (en) * | 2017-06-16 | 2018-12-20 | Intergreen Ag | Sports field superstructure and sports field |
Also Published As
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GB201908129D0 (en) | 2019-07-24 |
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