IT202000003623A1 - MIX FOR SYNTHETIC GRASS INFILL - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

MIX FOR SYNTHETIC GRASS INFILL

The present invention relates to a mixture for infill of synthetic grass of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

In particular, the present invention relates to a filling mixture capable of allowing the support of synthetic grass filaments in place of, or in addition to, intertwined microfibers.

As known, the turf made for homes, as well as? for playgrounds, they can be of various types.

Mainly, we distinguish turf that includes synthetic turf with pre-finished system or with infill.

The pre-finished systems foresee that the synthetic filaments are supported by a dense interweaving of microfibers, while the systems with infill provide for the arrangement of sandy material on the carpet in such a way as to fill the interstices present between the synthetic filaments and guarantee an optimal support of the same.

Pre-finished systems have the important disadvantage of not allowing the creation of carpets used for continuous trampling, such as play areas, since in the long run they clearly suffer the effects of flattening of the filaments. They are therefore mainly used for ornamental purposes.

Compared to the previous ones, infill systems have fewer functional disadvantages, but have the important drawback of having to be maintained more. carefully given that the infill of the synthetic grass moves during the action of the player and from the rebound of the ball forcing the professionals to comb the surface frequently to redistribute the infill evenly. However, in the field of infill systems, some important measures have been implemented to improve yield.

In particular, the patent EP-B-2142705 describes a system with an infill including coconut peat comprising, in particular, fragments having nominal dimensions greater than 500 µm.

The coconut peat? a material coming from the grinding of the shell of the well-known fruit in its country of origin such as India, Sri Lanka, Brazil or others. During processing, the coconut shell is separated from the fibers, useful for other uses, present on the outside and is then moistened and damp shredded to maintain its structural characteristics. The fine parts that are produced by the grinding are removed during processing.

Thereafter, the coconut peat can? be slightly compressed, still damp, in large bales or can? be more compressed and almost completely dehydrated in small tiles.

When dried, the dry coconut peat is moistened again to regain its original volume and structure.

The technical solution proposed by the patent EP-B-2142705 is, therefore, substantially that of sieving the coconut peat fragments, following dry crushing, in such a way as to remove the fragments with nominal dimensions of less than 500 µm.

However, the sieve stage? superfluous and unnecessarily expensive, given that the crushing carried out after hydration could provide excellent results without the formation of large quantities? of dust. Furthermore, dry shredded coconut peat has inferior biophysical characteristics.

Also, on the practical side, isn't it? It is not even possible to measure whether the natural product is subjected to mechanical stress during the activity? sports that cause its shattering originally contains fine parts of less than 500? m or the absence of fine particles? the result of its processing. In fact, the coconut peat grains selected according to the teachings of the cited patent are crushed again during the installation phase and subsequently, with the intensive trampling of the athletes, if the field is used dry.

Patent US2008299331 instead describes a synthetic grass structure, in particular for sports fields, consisting of a synthetic mat, having a substrate from which filaments, similar to grass, and at least one filling layer formed by a filler material protrude, placed between the filaments; which comprises a plant material, for example based on coconut, in at least one of fibrous, ground or shredded form.

Currently, there are some mixtures on the market with coconut peat mainly mixed with cork and possibly with recycled SBR rubber encapsulated with the resin to provide elasticity. and less impact on environmental pollution.

In addition, the coconut can? be mixed with the rice husk, the cob of the corn cob and the pine bark.

All these organic materials have a limited specific weight and are easily carried by the wind if they are not continuously irrigated. In particular, some absorb and retain water and maintain a certain elasticity, like coconut, others tend to float when it rains heavily and water flows to the surface, like cork and rice husk; all of them, with the exception of cork, have a limited mechanical resistance, shatter easily and, consequently, are easily removed by wind and rainwater.

Finally, due to the intensive trampling and the transit of maintenance vehicles, a layer is formed on the surface that resembles compressed wood chipboard which becomes more and more? difficult to shatter again with maintenance means.

The maintenance of a synthetic pitch with organic infill? more expensive than one with rubber infill and in some cases even compared to a natural field why? it requires daily irrigations to make the organic components elastic and the annual replenishment of the part that is shattered and / or removed.

For example, for synthetic turf systems with full cork infill? a storm of modest duration is enough to make it float and transport it in the drains. Equally can you? say for the rice husk which separates easily from the mixture and floats up to the external drains of the field made with the carpet in question.

The light weight of the organic materials and the poor mechanical resistance of most of them make it difficult to create a totally natural substrate that can provide the elasticity. necessary for trampling, for example for activity? playful and sporty, and at the same time durable, requiring less expensive maintenance and limiting excessive replenishment.

Furthermore, in most cases, the clogging of synthetic grass? made with two overlapping layers of infill. The stabilization infill is generally composed of silica or quartz sands to provide a certain weight to the synthetic mantle and the performance or elastic infill to make the surface of the carpet elastic. For example, a classic 60mm artificial turf system contains approximately 10-12mm of sand and 35-38mm of vegetable infill, rubber, or a mixture of both.

In the case of rubber, the water quickly penetrates to the draining substrate without causing the infill to float. In the case of the presence, however, of vegetable infill that absorbs water, such as coconut, the water retention of the upper layer? greater than the lower layer of sand therefore tends to form an effect called? suspended aquifer? (water suspended table).

Does this effect substantially occur in the case of stratification of two different layers and the upper one? pi? end.

In particular, when the upper layer has a greater number of micropores and mesopores, the capillary forces of the water prevail over the forces of gravity. and the flow of rainwater in the lower layer occurs only when the upper layer? saturated.

Only when the top layer? saturated the forces of gravity? they prevail over the capillary forces so the water filters into the second layer.

In the case of synthetic grass systems with vegetable infill, in case of rain, the performance infill layer is saturated first in order to allow the water to drain. The capillary forces within a plant substrate are much higher. strong compared to the lower layer of sand and? for this reason, when it rains, disadvantageously, the field becomes soaked with water for several hours. Pi? ? compressed the layer of vegetable infill, more the water ? held within it and even above it.

In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention? devising a mixture for infill of synthetic grass capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

As part of this technical task? an important object of the invention is to obtain a mixture for infill of synthetic grass which allows to reduce the steps necessary to achieve the same, thus simplifying its processing.

Another important purpose of the invention? create a mixture of infill that allows to reduce the compression of the infill layer so? to allow the creation of stratified carpets and facilitate the flow of water towards the draining layers.

Furthermore, another important task of the invention? create a mixture for infill of synthetic grass that provides good mechanical efficiency, reducing costs and maintenance times, conserving more? long-lasting good elasticity. The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a mixture for infill of synthetic grass as claimed in the attached claim 1.

Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

In this document, measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "almost" or "substantially", are to be understood as unless there are measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, unless a slight deviation from the value, measure, shape or geometric reference to which? associated. For example, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation of no more than 10% of the value itself.

Also, when used, terms such as? First ?,? Second ?,? Superior ?,? Inferior ?,? Main? and? secondary? do they not necessarily identify an order, a priority? of relationship or relative position, but they can simply be used for more? clearly distinguish different components from each other.

Unless otherwise specified, as reflected in the following discussions, terms such as "processing", "computing", "determination", "computation", or the like, are deemed to refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar device electronic computation that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and / or memories into, other data similarly represented as quantities? physical in computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information.

The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533: 1975).

The mixture for the infill of synthetic grass according to the present invention? suitable to be used for carpets of various kinds. It can? it can be used both for purely infill floors or carpets, and for pre-finished floors or carpets.

In fact, the blend could be used in combination with microfiber weaves of pre-finished systems.

However, the mixture allows the synthetic grass filaments of purely infill carpets to be supported independently.

Therefore, the mixture allows a synthetic turf carpet to be made which includes at least one layer of mixture according to the invention. Of course, the carpet could also be multi-layered.

The blend, in particular, includes granular material. By granular material we mean substantially a material including a plurality of materials. of fragments or granules of limited size.

In particular, fragments whose particle size? equal to or less than 5 mm.

Furthermore, the granular material included in the mixture preferably has a particle size equal to or less than 3 mm. Even more? in detail, the granular material included in the mixture has a particle size equal to or less than 2 mm.

The granular material preferably includes a plurality of materials. of components.

In particular, the granular material includes at least a first component and a second component.

The first component? preferably of vegetable origin.

Specifically, the first component? a choice of coconut peat, cork, pine bark, corn cob and rice husk. Of course, if known, natural materials with proprietary properties could be used. similar or equivalent or included in the limit values defined by the materials mentioned above.

Furthermore, the first component?, Preferably, in quantity? between 20% and 80% by weight of the mixture.

In a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment, the first component? preferably consisting of coconut peat.

The coconut peat?, As already? described, coming from the crushing of the fruit shell. In particular, preferably, the coconut peat defining the first component has, mainly, a particle size comprised between 0.15 mm and 2 mm.

The term mainly means that at least 80% of the entire quantity of coco peat defining the first component has the aforementioned characteristics.

Also, preferably coconut peat? rehydrated by immersion in water, following dry shredding, without further processing.

The coconut peat grain offers, in particular, offers some important characteristics to the carpet on which? added the mixture.

In particular, coconut peat reduces? Splashing? of the infill due to the aggregation of the fibers present in the external surface of the shredded shell; moreover, the surface of the carpet is more? fresh why? coconut absorbs up to eight times the water, but releases the excess; in the dry period, the coconut peat maintains its humidity. internal and? pi? easy to humidify again; in conclusion, the coconut peat favors the maintenance, for a long time, of the natural softness since the coconut shell, if well hydrated,? second only to cork, therefore providing greater resistance to foot traffic than other organic products.

From these advantages it follows that the mixture makes it possible to create a carpet with a treading surface, for example of play, more? stable, with greater comfort as the coconut grains absorb water quickly. Therefore, for example if the carpet is in use in a football field, irrigating well before the game, the surface becomes ideally soft for professional play. Furthermore, the carpet has low maintenance costs, since the brushing interventions to redistribute the infill are reduced thanks to the better aggregation of the infill that does not "jump" (splashing) when the ball bounces. The carpet so? realized also reduces the water for irrigation in the summer through the balancing of the water content avoiding both the excess of humidity? soil which hydrophobic phenomena when? dry.

The second component of the mixture allows you to provide other additional characteristics.

Specifically, it? preferably different from the first component.

Indeed, the second component? preferably of porous mineral origin.

The second component, preferably,? in quantity? comprised between 10% and 60% by weight of said mixture.

Porous mineral granules can therefore have various characteristics.

Preferably, the second component has a capacity? of water absorption equal to a maximum of 30% of the weight of the water.

Furthermore, the second component has a hardness equal to or greater than 3 mohs.

With mohs we mean a value that can be determined on the mohs scale which, as known,? an empirical criterion for evaluating the hardness of materials.

In particular, the second component also has a particle size between 0.7 mm and 1.4 mm.

The second component can therefore include material chosen from zeolite, lapillus, pumice and other equivalent materials.

In the preferred embodiment, in detail, the second component? preferably consisting of zeolite.

The zeolite can? therefore be natural, of volcanic origin, or synthesized in the laboratory.

The natural zeolite? a mineral from lava which has been applied for years to cultivate natural grass in sports fields as described below.

The zeolite, due to its porosity? and the negative molecular charge, holds pi? water and nutrients in the sand-based substrates, making the turf for play more? strong, more? healthy and lasting.

Essentially, therefore, zeolite acts as a dense but highly porous mineral sponge with a molecular sieve structure.

The water is absorbed, sucked and collected by the tiny granules of zeolite, which, once mixed with the soil, creates the space for the aeration of the roots. Since? the molecule? of negative molecular charge, it retains the humidity? pi? for a long time of soil, clay, sand perlite, coconut, and other similar substances. Zeolite in agriculture and horticulture? widely used as a slow-release vector of fertilizers and as a buffering and aerating agent of the soil since it can? absorb macro and micronutrients, thanks to its porosity? ranging from 4 to 7 angstroms.

Pi? specifically, the variety? Clinoptilolite natural zeolite has a particular nutrient release curve that allows the mineral to absorb nutrients and retain them well enough to resist leaching through water runoff, but at the same time light enough for plant roots to absorb nutrients.

Zeolite's unique lattice crystal structure contains millions of pores and channels that allow oxygen to flow in and out of the mineral, trapping and storing oxygen. The zeolite improves, therefore, the availability? oxygen to the roots and soil aeration in general, helping to prevent anaerobic bacteria, stagnation and root wilting.

Zeolite, in general, also prevents soil compaction and works to increase water infiltration, both of which favor substrate aeration. This last aspect? made possible by the high surface and porosity? internal of the mineral.

Furthermore, zeolite is usually used as a soil improver due to its high capacity. of cation exchange, or CSC, which increases fertility? in growth substrates. In fact, zeolites have a CSC between 150-250 meq / 100g.

The zeolites also have capacities? selective sorbents for some nutrient cations, as they can retain ammonium (NH4 +) and potassium (K +) ions. These ions can be easily exchanged when plant roots require it. In particular, zeolites reduce the leaching of N and K, and thus increase the efficiency of the nutrients applied by fertilizers, which are available for better growth, producing a smaller root system. deep and dense.

The zeolite? a natural wetting agent and retains, for this, more? water in the profile compared to silica sand. The zeolite also retains the liquid wetting agents applied for a more effective effect. long. The increased water retention and natural dispersion reduce dry stains resulting in better wear resistance of the turf.

The mixture, in addition to what is described, can? also include other components. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the mixture includes a third component.

The third component? preferably, it too, of vegetable origin. Therefore, the third component could also be chosen from coconut peat, cork, pine bark, corn cob and rice husk or other equivalent.

However, the third component? different from the first component.

So, for example, if the first component? coconut peat, preferably the third component? one of the aforementioned materials with the exception of coconut peat. In the preferred embodiment, therefore, the third component is not? coconut peat.

Also, the third component? preferably in quantity? between 10% and 60% by weight of the mixture.

Preferably, in the preferred embodiment, the third component? consisting of cork.

The cork granules preferably have a particle size comprised between 0.6 mm and 2 mm.

Also, cork is, in particular, gentle cork. Even more? in detail, cork has a specific weight between 100 kg and 140 kg.

Cork also allows you to infuse the carpet with specific characteristics.

In particular, cork has a natural shock-absorbing effect, which limits the compaction of the infill, being the only vegetable element that regains its original shape after compression; moreover the natural infill has a long duration why? ? rot-proof being the water-repellent cork and resistant to molds cos? to keep its properties? physical over time; in conclusion, the cork does not accumulate heat due to the insulating effect of the reduced conductivity? thermal. From these characteristics derive mats with greater playing comfort for athletes that offer a surface with a shock-absorbing effect, reduced maintenance costs to de-compact the organic infill, increased drainage thanks to the maintenance of a high porosity. in the organic substrate, reduction of thermal stress to the player why? does not accumulate the temperature and reduced possibility? of frost as it does not absorb water.

The synthetic grass infill mixture according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, taking for example the preferred embodiment, the zeolite mixed together with the coconut peat and the cork form a mixture with a double stabilization and performance function, obviating both the drainage problems of the two separate layers and the constipation that causes the effect. of? compressed chipboard? mixtures with entirely vegetable infill.

The zeolite, or equivalent second component, has a porous and rough surface that aggregates perfectly with the fibers of the coconut peat without separating during processing, providing a greater weight to the vegetable infill to make more? the sports surface is stable and, at the same time, attributing greater water retention than the silica sand used for stabilization.

The mixture gives a greater resistance to the treading of the infill of the synthetic grass without losing elasticity. and freshness during hot sunny days. In fact, for example, the zeolite does not heat up like the silica sand also why? it absorbs up to 30% of water without soaking the vegetable performance infill thanks to its buffering effect.

The mantle or synthetic carpet made with a single entirely natural single layer, for example composed of granules of plant essences such as coconut peat and cork and lava grains such as zeolite, offers a surface in synthetic grass with the most natural infill. environmentally friendly that can efficiently drain a large amount? of rain water without causing the superficial floating of the infill. The invention? susceptible of variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Mixture for the infill of synthetic grass comprising granular material including at least a first component of vegetable origin and a second component different from said first component, and characterized by the fact of - said second component? of porous mineral origin. 2. Blend according to claim 1, wherein said second component has a capacity? of water absorption equal to a maximum of 30% of the weight of said water. Blend according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second component has a hardness equal to or greater than 3 mohs. 4. Mixture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second component has a particle size comprised between 0.7-1.4 mm. 5. Blend according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second component? a choice of zeolite, lapillus and pumice. 6. Blend according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first component? a choice of coconut peat, cork, pine bark, corn cob and rice husk. 7. Blend according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first component? in quantity? comprised between 20% and 80% by weight of said mixture and said second component? in quantity? comprised between 10% and 60% by weight of said mixture. 8. Blend according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said granular material includes a third component of vegetable origin different from said first component. 9. Blend according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said third component? in quantity? comprised between 10% and 60% by weight of said mixture. 10. Synthetic grass carpet comprising at least one layer of mixture according to any one of the preceding claims.