KR20190016104A - Composite Artificial Grass Filler - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an artificial grass (100, 200, 300) comprising an artificial grass filler (112). The artificial grass filler comprises composite filler components (114). The filler components include a water absorbent yarn (404). The water absorbent yarn is covered with a jacket 406. The jacket is formed from an elastic compound. The jacket includes at least one opening (408). The at least one opening exposes the water absorbent yarn.

Description

Composite Artificial Grass Filler

The invention relates to artificial turf, in particular artificial turf with fillers, and fillers for artificial turf.

Artificial turf (artificial turf or artificial grass) is a surface consisting of fibers used to replace grass. The structure of the artificial turf is designed such that the artificial turf has a grass-like appearance. Typically, artificial turf is used as a surface, an arena, or a playground for sports such as football, football, rugby, tennis, golf. Furthermore, artificial turf is often used for landscape applications.

Artificial turf can be produced using a carpet manufacturing technique. For example, an artificial lawn fiber with grass grass-leaf appearance may be tufted or attached to the backing. Often, an artificial grass filler is placed between the artificial grass fibers. An artificial grass filler is a granular material that covers the bottom portion of an artificial lawn fiber. The use of artificial grass fillers can have a number of advantages. For example, an artificial grass filler can help artificial grass fibers stand upright. Artificial turf fillers can also absorb impacts from walking or running and can provide an experience similar to that on an actual turf. The artificial grass filler can also help to keep it flat and in place by depressing the artificial grass carpet.

European Patent EP 2 206 833 A1 discloses a process for producing a granular filler comprising the steps of providing a mass of a thermoplastic material with a filler consisting of a coconut-based material, and granulating the mass of filler comprising the thermoplastic and coconut- To obtain a particulate filler for an artificial turf structure. Preferably, the thermoplastic material is in the form of a particulate and the coconut-based material is in particulate form (fibrous, ground and / or shattered). For the formation of a matrix of thermoplastic material comprising said coconut-based material as a filler with softening of said thermoplastic material, the mixture obtained by mixing said thermoplastic and coconut-based material is preferably heated.

The present invention provides the use of composite components as artificial turf and artificial grass fillers in independent claims. Implementations are provided in the dependent claims.

The properties of the filler used in the artificial turf can have a great impact on how the artificial turf can behave in practice. Embodiments may use an artificial grass filler comprising composite filler components. The composite filler components include a water absorbent yarn that is covered with a jacket formed from an elastic compound. The elastic compound provides protection against water-absorbing yarns and can also be used to color or control the appearance of an artificial grass filler.

The water absorbent yarn may provide a means for efficiently storing water in the artificial grass filler. As the water evaporates, it can serve to cool the artificial turf. In addition, the football (soccer) player often slides in a controlled manner as part of the game. Having water in the artificial grass filler can assist the player in sliding.

In one aspect, the invention provides an artificial grass comprising an artificial grass filler. The artificial grass filler comprises composite filler components. The filler components comprise a water-absorbing yarn. The yarns used herein comprise a continuous length of material comprising a plurality or a plurality of interlocked fibers. The water absorbent yarn is covered with a jacket. The jacket is formed from an elastic compound. The elastic compound used in the present invention includes a material formed of a polymer having viscoelasticity. The jacket may be flexible and may return to its original position upon deformation. The jacket includes at least one opening. The at least one opening exposes the water absorbent yarn.

Such an embodiment would be beneficial since the water absorbent yarn can absorb and retain water. Water retention by artificial grass fillers may be beneficial in that it can assist in limiting the temperature of the artificial grass surface during a game or sporting event. Evaporation of water from the water-absorbing yarn can assist in cooling the surface. In addition, the inclusion of water in the artificial grass filler can impart excellent properties to the artificial turf surface for playing various games.

For example, in football or football, it is common for a player to make a sliding motion. Having water in the artificial grass filler can assist in imparting the actual slide or sliding ability in the artificial turf that matches the actual or organic turf.

In another embodiment, the elastic compound is at least elastic at 5 to < RTI ID = 0.0 > 50 C. < / RTI > The elastic compound may be elastic at temperatures higher or lower than this range. Being at least elastic at 5 to 50 占 폚 can have the advantage of making artificial turf more flexible and more realistic.

In another embodiment, the water absorbent yarn has a circular cross-section. This embodiment may be beneficial since the artificial grass filler can have a regular shape with predictable mechanical properties.

In another embodiment, the water absorbent fibers comprise longitudinally extending fibers that are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the circular cross-sectional area.

In another embodiment, the water absorbent yarn has a diameter. The diameter may be, for example, circular. This embodiment may be beneficial since the artificial grass filler can have a regular shape with predictable mechanical properties. In some embodiments, the yarn may comprise fibers having individual diameters smaller than the diameter of the yarn. For example, the individual diameters of the fibers may be at least 5, 10 or 50 times smaller than the diameter of the yarn.

In another embodiment, the water absorbent yarns comprise intertwined fibers. The intertwined fibers will be beneficial because they are less likely to separate during use.

In another embodiment, the water absorbent yarn comprises one of the following: hygroscopic fibers, burlap fibers, jute fibers, cotton fibers, wood fibers, hemp fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers Flax fibers, kenaf fibers, nettle fibers, sisal fibers, synthetic fibers, fibers having a hydrophilic surface, and combinations thereof. The use of any of these fibers or mixtures thereof can provide an artificial grass filler that can retain water in an efficient manner.

The use of hemp (jute) fibers would be beneficial because the hemp has high resistance to molding and bacterial decay. In addition, the hemp can store a large amount of water for its weight. For example, a filling material consisting of hemp as a water absorbent yarn will be able to store approximately 450 grams of water per kilogram of dry artificial grass filler. Therefore, the use of the hemp can provide an artificial grass filler having excellent water holding properties.

The hemp or jute fiber can also be easily recycled. Hemp is typically used for food storage, such as in potato sack. The old hemp material or bag may be re-agitated to separate the fibers and then easily re-spun into new yarns that can be used for artificial turf filler production.

In another embodiment, the jacket comprises one of the following: polyurethane, rubber, polyolefin elastomer, dye, UV protective additive, polyurethane and polyolefin, polyurethane and temperature sensitive catalyst, single component polyurethane, Urethane, polyethylene, TPE, extruded PE, extruded TPE, and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the jacket is formed from a cured liquid. The yarn includes a peripheral region and a central region. The peripheral portion surrounds the central region. The peripheral portion is partially saturated with an elastic compound. The central region is free of elastic compounds. This embodiment would be advantageous because the jacket can leave the central region free to absorb water with good adhesion to the water absorbent yarn.

In another embodiment, the jacket comprises from 6% to 10% by weight of the composite filler components. That is, 90% by weight to 94% by weight of the composite filler is water-absorbing yarn.

The use of a composite filler having a jacket formed from an elastic compound covering the water absorbent yarn may be more beneficial since the jacket can impart a quality that the water absorbent top yarn itself can not have. For example, the jacket may be dyed or colored so that the artificial turf has a particular appearance. The use of a jacket also protects the water absorbent yarn and extends its service life.

In another embodiment, the jacket has a thickness of 4 [mu] to 8 [mu].

In another embodiment, the jacket has a length between 0.4 mm and one 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. Artificial grass fillers of different lengths may have different properties.

The artificial grass filler can be cut so that it is relatively symmetrical in diameter and length. This can provide a more granular and tighterly packed filler.

The use of artificial turf fillers whose length is much longer than the diameter can be beneficial in that in some cases the artificial turf can be entangled with the fibers themselves, and also with the fibers used to form the pile of artificial turf. This can help keep the composite filler components in position relative to each other and reduce the splash effect. The splash effect is when a ball or other object collides with the artificial turf surface like a ball and a significant amount of artificial turf filler collapses from the artificial turf surface. This causes the artificial grass filler to collapse from the artificial grass surface. This effect is similar to a ball or other object splashing or hitting a puddle of water. In this case, the artificial grass filler temporarily collapses.

The term "file" as used herein refers to fibers collectively used to form an artificial turf surface. For example, an artificial grass carpet may include a plurality of artificial grass fibers attached to the backing. Said artificial turf fibers are collectively referred to as piles, said piles forming an artificial turf surface.

The increase in length of the artificial grass filler can also have the advantage that the artificial grass filler is packed less tightly. This may reduce the degree to which a non-slip cleat of an athletic shoe grips the artificial turf firmly. The length may be adjusted to allow the anti-slip sole to fully engage the surface to allow the athlete to balance and balance the need for the shoe to be laid to reduce player injury.

In another embodiment, the composite filler components have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. The thickness of the composite filler components may also be considered to be outside the diameter or thickness of the jacket. The choice of a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm may be beneficial since the composite filler components are not too tightly packed in the artificial turf surface but can still be short and compactly packed to form a surface that resembles an actual turf.

In another embodiment, the jacket is a cylindrical jacket. The jacket may be, for example, due to an extrusion process or due to the effect of the yarn being coated. Both of them can form a cylindrical jacket. In some cases, the jacket may have an oval profile or be asymmetric.

In another embodiment, the at least one opening has a cylindrical section. For example, the composite filler components can be cylindrical in shape, and one or both ends can be cut so as to resemble cylindrical sections.

In another embodiment, the at least one opening is two openings. For example, in one embodiment, the composite filler components are cylindrical and they can be cut on both sides of the cylinder to expose the water absorbent yarn.

In another embodiment, the artificial grass includes an artificial grass carpet having a pile. The artificial grass carpet includes a backing. The artificial grass carpet further comprises artificial grass fibers. The artificial lawn fibers are tufted into the backing. The artificial lawn fibers form the pile. The artificial grass fiber is fixed to the backing. The artificial grass filler is distributed in the pile.

In another embodiment, the artificial grass includes a sand layer between the backing and the artificial grass filler. The sand layer may assist in maintaining the artificial grass carpet in place. Placing the artificial grass filler on the sand layer can assist in providing an excellent artificial turf surface. For example, the sand layer can provide easy drainage of purified water on artificial turf. However, too much drainage may be disadvantageous because the artificial grass filler is preferably damp or has some water to maintain cooling of the artificial grass surface and facilitate sliding on the artificial turf. The use of composite filler components can provide an artificial grass filler that readily and quickly absorbs water. When water is sprayed or rained on the surface, the composite filler components will rapidly absorb a large amount of water initially on any water or surface. Next, the excess water will flow into the sand bed where it is drained from the surface.

In another embodiment, the artificial turf includes a drainage system for draining the purified water from the artificial turf. The backing or resilient layer of the artificial turf may be disposed on the drainage system. As in embodiments including sand, this can provide a way to control the amount of water on the artificial turf. The artificial grass filler will quickly absorb water, and excess water will be drained by the drainage system.

In another embodiment, the composite filler components have a length. The water absorbent yarns are aligned substantially along the length. The yarns may be made from a collection of fibers that are twisted or formed into a threaded or stranded structure. The yarn may have a length that indicates the average orientation of the fibers.

In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of composite components as an artificial grass filler. The composite components comprise a water absorbent yarn. The water absorbent yarn is covered with a jacket. The jacket is formed from an elastic compound. The jacket has at least one opening. The at least one opening exposes the water absorbing yarn. Advantages of the use of these composite components in artificial grass fillers have been discussed above.

It is understood that one or more of the embodiments of the invention described above may be combined as long as the combined embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the drawings.
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an artificial turf;
Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment of an artificial turf;
Figure 3 illustrates a further embodiment of an artificial turf;
Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a composite filler component;
Figure 5 shows a side view of the composite filler component of Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates a machine for coating yarns;
Figure 7 illustrates a two-component coater for coating yarn with a two-component jacket;
Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of a machine for coating yarns;
Figure 9 illustrates a further embodiment of a machine for coating yarns.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or functions. The elements discussed above will not necessarily need to be discussed in later figures if their functionality is equivalent.

1 shows an embodiment of an artificial turf 100. Fig. The artificial grass 100 includes an artificial grass carpet 102. The artificial grass carpet includes a backing 104 and artificial grass fibers 106. The artificial lawn fiber 106 is tufted into the backing 104 and secured to the backing 104 (108). The artificial lawn fibers 106 form piles 103. The artificial grass carpet 102 is placed on the floor 110 or surface. An artificial grass filler 112 is distributed between the artificial lawn fibers 106 and in the pile 103. In this embodiment, the artificial grass filler 112 is made from individual composite filler components 114.

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the artificial turf 200. Fig. The artificial turf 200 is similar to the artificial turf 100 shown in Fig. 1, except that a sand layer 202 is additionally provided between the artificial turf stuffing material 112 and the backing 104. Fig. Use of the sand layer 202 may be advantageous as it may assist in maintaining the artificial grass carpet 102 in place. It may also have the technical advantage that the sand layer 202 acts to control the amount of water on the surface of the artificial grass 200 together with the artificial grass filler 112. For example, if it rains or water is sprayed on the surface of the artificial turf 200, the composite filler components 114 will quickly absorb and saturate the water. The sand layer 202 may then assist in draining excess water and preventing it from being on the surface of the artificial grass 200.

3 shows a further embodiment of the artificial turf 300. Fig. The artificial turf 300 is similar to the artificial turf 200 shown in Fig. 2, with some additional layers added. There is an elastic layer 302 immediately below the backing 104. The elastic layer may be, for example, a mat or other material such as sand and elastic granules or mixtures thereof immediately absorbing the impact. The elastic layer 302 is optional. The backing 104 and / or the elastic layer 302 may be perforated or porous so that water on the artificial turf 300 may be drained. The elastic layer 302 is directly above the drainage system 304. The drainage system 304 may include a granular material, a drainage tile, a drainage pipe, or other system for rapidly draining water on the surface of the artificial turf 300. The artificial turf shown in FIG. 300 can have excellent quality when water is used to improve cooling or sliding characteristics. The water initially on the surface is immediately absorbed by the composite filler components 114 constituting the artificial grass filler 112. When they are filled with water, excess water may go into the sand layer 202 and possibly be stored. When the sand layer 202 is saturated, it may be drained into the drainage system 304 through the backing 104 and / or the elastic layer 302.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a composite filler component 114. In this embodiment, the composite filler component is cylindrical. However, it is not necessary that the composite filler component has a cylindrical shape as shown or it is completely cylindrical. It can be seen that the composite filler component 114 has a length 400 and a diameter 402. There is a water absorbent yarn 404 in the inner core of the composite filler component 114. The water absorbent yarn 404 is surrounded by a jacket 406 which acts as a protector or cladding for the water absorbent yarn 404. The composite filler component 114 shown may be made by coating the yarn 404 with a jacket material 406.

In this embodiment, it can be seen that the composite filler component 114 is cut at both ends and has two exposed openings 408. The opening 408 forms a cylindrical section in this embodiment. Some of the properties of the artificial grass filler may be adjusted by varying the diameter 402 and length 400. [ If the length 400 is similar to the diameter 402, the artificial turf filler will take the form of granules or similar granules. As the length 400 increases, the characteristics of the artificial grass filler may change. For example, the artificial grass filler will be packed less densely. Thus, the density can be adjusted by adjusting the length 400 or adjusting the length 400 distribution. Also, as the length 400 increases, the tendency of the artificial grass filler to splash can be reduced since the various composite filler components 114 are entangled with themselves and / or with the artificial grass fibers.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the composite filler component 114. The side view shows the opening 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 is in contact with the jacket 406. In some embodiments, the jacket 406 may be applied to the water absorbent yarn 404 as a liquid or a fluid. Some of the fibers of the yarn may contact or be mixed with the material used to form the jacket 406. Which can form a fully or partially saturated region with the jacket material. The fully or partially saturated region is the peripheral region 502. The central region 500 is not filled with any of the jacket material 406. The central region 500 freely absorbs the greatest possible amount of water. In some embodiments, the peripheral region 502 may assist in adhering the jacket 406 to the water absorbent yarn 404.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of a coater 600 used to coat yarns 404. In this embodiment, there is a coated yarn 604 passed through the coater and a non-coated yarn going to the spool 602. The coated yarn 604 can then be cut into composite filler components. In some embodiments, the yarn 404 is immediately cut into composite filler components after being coated. After leaving the spool (602), the yarn (404) passes through the two-component coater (606). The two-component coater 606 places the jacket on the yarn 404 in liquid form. The coated yarn 404 then passes optionally 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 be used for catalytic activation.

Figure 7 illustrates the two-component coater 606 in more detail. The two-component coater 606 has an inlet for the first component 700 and an inlet for the second component 702. The two components may be, for example, components of a two-component polyurethane coating. The first and second (700,702) inlets are merged into a mixing chamber 704, where the two components are mixed. The mixed ingredients then move to the applicator ring 706. [ The ring has a jet or spray (708) used to spray the jacket material onto the water-absorbing yarn (404) as it passes through the two-component coater (606). The mixture of the two components can be selected so that the coating on the water absorbent yarns 404 is uniform and cured without dropping. Depending on the particular mixture used, a heater or dryer 608 may or may not be used.

Figure 8 shows an alternative coater 800. In Fig. 8, a two-component coater 606 has been replaced with a showerhead 802. Fig. The showerhead 802 sprays or drops the liquid jacket material onto the yarn 404 as it passes under the showerhead 802. [ In some embodiments, there may be additional components after the showerhead 802 to remove excess liquid jacket material. For example, yarn 404 may pass through or through an orifice to assist in controlling the amount of fluid applied to yarn 404.

Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of coater 900. The coater 900 is similar to the machines 800 and 600 shown in Figures 8 and 6. However, in this embodiment, the bath 902 is used. Yarn 404 enters the bath 902 and acquires some jacket material in liquid or fluid form. And then optionally through a heater 608, which may be used, for example, to dry or activate the catalyst. In some embodiments, 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 or through an orifice used to remove excess jacket material. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 can use, for example, a single component jacket material or coating. When a catalyst is used, the bath 902 can be for a long time and can be used continuously without concern that the coating material will prematurely cure.

100 Artificial turf
102 Artificial grass carpets
103 files
104 backing
106 Artificial turf fiber
108 Secured to backing
110 floor
112 Artificial Grass Filler
114 composite filler component
200 Artificial turf
202 sand layer
300 Artificial Grass Filler
302 elastic layer
304 Drainage System
400 Length
402 Diameter
404 Water absorbent yarn
406 jacket
408 opening
500 central area
502 surrounding area
600 Coater
602 Yarn and spools
604 Coated yarn and spools
606 2-component coater
608 Heater or dryer
700 first component inlet
702 Second component inlet
704 Mix Chamber
706 Applicator ring
708 Jet or spray of liquid jacket material
800 Coater
802 shower head
900 Coater
902 Baths

Claims (21)

An artificial grass (100, 200, 300) comprising an artificial grass filler (112)
The artificial grass filler comprises composite filler components (114), wherein the filler components comprise a water absorbent yarn (404), the water absorbent yarn is covered by a jacket (406), the jacket is formed from an elastic compound , Said jacket comprising at least one opening (408), said at least one opening exposing said water absorbent yarn. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein said elastic compound is at least elastic at 5 to < RTI ID = 0.0 > 50 C. < / RTI > 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the water absorbent yarn has a circular cross section. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein the water absorbent yarn has a diameter. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the water absorbent yarns comprise intertwined fibers. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The water absorbent yarn may be selected from the group consisting of hygroscopic fibers, burlap fibers, jute fibers, cotton fibers, wood fibers, hemp fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers, flax fibers, , Nettle fibers, sisal fibers, synthetic fibers, fibers having a hydrophilic surface, and combinations thereof. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Wherein said water absorbent yarn comprises cocos fibers. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The jacket can be made from a polyurethane, a rubber, a polyolefin elastomer, a dyestuff, a UV protective additive, a polyurethane and a polyolefin, a polyurethane and a temperature sensitive catalyst, a single component polyurethane, a two component polyurethane, a polyethylene, a TPE, And combinations thereof. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Wherein the jacket is formed from a cured liquid, the yarn comprising a peripheral region and a central region, the peripheral region surrounding the central region, the peripheral region being partially saturated with the elastic compound, Artificial turf without compound. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The jacket comprises 6 to 10% by weight of the composite filler components. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The jacket has a thickness of 4 to 8 microns. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The jacket has a length 404 between one of 0.4 mm to 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, Artificial grass. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein the composite filler components have a thickness (402) between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Wherein the jacket is a cylindrical jacket. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the at least one opening is a cylindrical section. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Wherein the at least one opening is two openings. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
Wherein the artificial grass carpet comprises an artificial grass carpet having a pile (103), the artificial grass carpet comprising a backing (104), the artificial grass carpet further comprising an artificial lawn fiber Wherein the artificial grass fiber is tufted into the backing, the artificial grass fiber forms the pile, the artificial grass fiber is fixed to the backing, and the artificial grass filler is distributed in the pile. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the artificial grass comprises a sand layer (202) between the backing and the artificial grass filler. The method according to claim 17 or 18,
Wherein the artificial turf is configured to drain purified water from the artificial turf. 20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
Wherein the composite filler components have a length (400), the water absorbent yarns being arranged substantially in parallel with the length. The use of composite components as an artificial grass filler, the composite components comprising a water absorbent yarn, the water absorbent yarn being covered with a jacket, the jacket being formed from an elastic compound, the jacket comprising at least one opening, Wherein said at least one opening exposes said water absorbent yarn.

Images