U.S. patent application number 10/648364 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for apparatus and method for treating synthetic grass turf.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fieldturf, Inc.. Invention is credited to Prevost, Jean.
Application Number | 20050044656 10/648364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34216717 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050044656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prevost, Jean |
March 3, 2005 |
Apparatus and method for treating synthetic grass turf
Abstract
An apparatus for renovating and/or cleaning a synthetic grass
turf, or for other synthetic grass turf treatments according to the
present invention, employs a hollow spike roller which rolls on the
synthetic grass turf to enable air jets or other fluids to be
expelled from a number of hollow spikes penetrating to a depth of
the synthetic grass turf. The penetration depth of the hollow
spikes, the angle of air jets and the duration of the individual
air jets being expelled, are all adjustable or predetermined, such
that the apparatus of the present invention can be conveniently
used in various applications for treating synthetic grass turfs.
The apparatus reduces or eliminates the potential damage to the
grass fibers which presents with use of conventional brushes or
highly pressurized fluid jets, and thereby provides efficient
performance.
Inventors: |
Prevost, Jean; (Westmount,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE
SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
CA
|
Assignee: |
Fieldturf, Inc.
TMR-Montreal
CA
|
Family ID: |
34216717 |
Appl. No.: |
10/648364 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/345 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/08 20130101; A47L
5/14 20130101; E01C 23/0825 20130101; E01H 1/0845 20130101; E01H
1/103 20130101; A01B 45/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/345 |
International
Class: |
A47L 005/14 |
Claims
I/we claim:
1. An apparatus for treating a synthetic grass turf comprising: a
hollow cylinder including a plurality of hollow spikes extending
radially and outwardly therefrom, each of the spikes having an
orifice therethrough in fluid communication with an inner space
defined within the hollow cylinder; a support frame on which the
hollow cylinder is rotatably supported at a predetermined height
with respect to the synthetic grass turf when the frame is
positioned on the synthetic grass turf; and a pressurized fluid
system for controllably supplying pressurized fluid into the hollow
cylinder and thereby enabling fluid to be expelled from at least a
number of the spikes to treat the synthetic grass turf when the
apparatus moves on the synthetic grass turf thereby causing the
hollow cylinder to rotate.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pressurized fluid
system comprises a pressurized air source, a pressurized air
distributor operatively disposed within the hollow cylinder for
selectively distributing pressurized air into a selected number of
the hollow spikes, and a pressurized air line connecting the
pressurized air distributor to the pressurized air source.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pressurized fluid
system comprises means for controlling the pressure of the
pressurized air to be supplied to the hollow cylinder.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the support frame
comprises means for adjusting the height of the hollow cylinder so
that the spikes are adapted to penetrate a top surface of the
synthetic grass turf to a selected depth thereof.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the pressurized air
distributor comprises an air channel disposed parallel to a
rotating axis of the hollow cylinder and supported within the
hollow cylinder in a manner such that the air channel maintains a
predetermined stationary position when the apparatus moves on the
synthetic grass turf thereby causing the hollow cylinder to rotate,
the air channel being connected to the pressurized air line and
including an opening to expel pressurized air into a number of the
hollow spikes at a moment when those hollow spikes move to a
position within an area of the opening during a treatment
operation.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a vacuum
system for collecting particulates blown from the synthetic grass
turf.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the vacuum system
comprises means for separating respective coarse and fine
particulates from an air flow carrying the particulates.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the separating means
comprise a cyclone device for separating the coarse particulates
from the air flow.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the separating means
comprise a filtering device for separating the fine particulates
from the air flow.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support frame
comprises a plurality of wheels rotatably attached thereto and
thereby enabling the apparatus to be moved on the wheels.
11. An apparatus for softening a synthetic grass turf which has
compacted particulate matter layered thereon, the apparatus
comprising: a hollow cylinder including a plurality of hollow
spikes extending radially and outwardly therefrom, each of the
spikes having an orifice therethrough in fluid communication with
an inner space defined within the hollow cylinder; a support frame
on which the hollow cylinder is rotatably supported at a
predetermined height with respect to the synthetic grass turf,
thereby a number of the spikes penetrating a top surface of the
synthetic grass turf to a selected depth thereof when the frame is
positioned on the synthetic grass turf; a pressurized air system
for controllably supplying pressurized air into the hollow cylinder
and thereby enabling air jets to be blown from at least a number of
the spikes to dislodge the compacted particulate matter layered on
the synthetic grass turf when the apparatus moves on the synthetic
grass turf thereby causing the hollow cylinder to rotate; and a
vacuum system for collecting particulate matter blown from the
synthetic grass turf, the vacuum system including means for
separating the particulate matter from an air flow carrying the
particulate matter.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the pressurized air
system comprises an air channel disposed parallel to a rotating
axis of the hollow cylinder and supported within the hollow
cylinder in a manner such that the air channel maintains a
predetermined stationary position when the hollow cylinder rolls on
the synthetic grass turf, the air channel being in fluid
communication with a pressurized air source and including an
opening to expel pressurized air into a number of the hollow spikes
at a moment when these hollow spikes move to within an area of the
opening during a softening operation.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the support frame
comprises means for adjusting the predetermined height of the
hollow cylinder to ensure a selected penetration depth of the
spikes into the synthetic grass turf.
14. A method for treating a synthetic grass turf, comprising a step
of directing pressurized fluid into a depth of the synthetic grass
turf for treatment, using a hollow spike roller rolling on the
synthetic grass turf, to enable fluid to be expelled from a number
of hollow spikes that penetrate a top surface of the synthetic
grass turf to the depth thereof.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein pressurized air is
directed into the depth of the synthetic grass turf to blow
particulate matter layered on the synthetic grass turf.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising steps of
uplifting the blown particulate matter and returning the blown
particulate matter to the synthetic grass turf.
17. A method as claimed in claim 15 comprising a step of adjusting
the penetration depth of the hollow spikes into the synthetic grass
turf to blow different particulate component layers of the
synthetic grass turf.
18. A method as claimed in claim 15 comprising a step of adjusting
a start point of blowing pressurized fluid from each hollow spike
with respect to an angular position of the spike, to control the
depth to which the pressurized air is directed into the synthetic
grass turf.
19. A method as claimed in claim 15 comprising a step of
controlling a duration of blowing pressurized fluid from the
respective hollow spikes for a particular performance in various
treatment operations.
20. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the fluid comprises
water for flushing a drainage system beneath the synthetic grass
turf.
21. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the fluid comprises
liquid resilient material for adding resiliency and impact
absorption to the synthetic grass turf.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for
treating synthetic grass turf particularly, but not exclusively,
used as sports surfaces. Such synthetic grass turf is generally
infilled with a layer of sand and/or other particulate material as
part of its structural makeup.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A synthetic grass turf generally comprises a synthetic
backing sheet from which extend tufts of simulated grass fibers of
a plastic material. The backing sheet is placed on a base substrate
having drainage functions. Sand and/or other materials are layered
over the backing sheet filling the spaces between the simulated
grass fibers so that the simulated grass fibers remain
substantially erect, and produce a flat surface which provides a
ball-rebound similar to a natural grass court surface.
[0003] One typical example of the infill layers is described in the
Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,527, issued on Sep. 28, 1999. The
exemplary infill layer includes a base course made of hard sand
granules disposed immediately upon the top surface of the backing
sheet, a middle course made of intermixed hard sand granules and
resilient rubber granules, and a top course exclusively made of
resilient rubber granules.
[0004] Infilled synthetic grass surfaces can firm up from the
natural process of particulate compaction and settling. In addition
to this compacting and the effects of settling, the effect of
vehicles, and or foot traffic on such surfaces also contributes to
the compacting of the surfaces. In addition, the addition of dirt
falling onto the surface over many years has an effect of filling
the very small interstices between the particulate material that
has been deposited between the fibers of the synthetic grass
surface. The addition of dirt falling onto the surface and into the
infill will also add to compaction of the infill.
[0005] In addition to the phenomena of dirt falling onto and into
the infill, in many cases silt can also be deposited onto the
surface and into the infill by means of floods or heavy rainfall
causing a flow of water on the surface from adjacent silt and dirt
laden grounds, and or from the normal flow of drainage water
flowing over the surface from surrounding grassy and or dirt laden
areas. This dirt and silt can eventually also lead to not only
compaction but to creating a fertile ground for weeds and such to
grow into. In most cases, having weeds grow into an artificial
grass surface is unwanted and requires maintenance to remove and or
prevent such growth.
[0006] The compacted layer can substantially reduce correct
drainage of the surface and also reduces the proper resiliency and
shock absorption properties required for sports, and therefore, may
cause injury to the players. Accordingly, these synthetic grass
turfs require treatment from time to time. Non-sport applications
may require more frequent treatment to prevent growth of weeds in
the infill depending on the geographical location.
[0007] Conventionally, high pressure water can be used with the use
of plastic or wire brushes to treat the compacted and contaminated
infill layer of the synthetic grass turfs. However, high pressure
water washing is a messy process and usually necessitates
replacement of much of the particulate, and a considerable amount
of leveling work. Furthermore, soft plastic brushes are not very
effective in removing infill to a significant depth, hard plastic
brushes are too abrasive for the fibers, and wire brushes can
damage the synthetic grass fibers.
[0008] Efforts have been made to improve synthetic grass turf
cleaning and renovating. An apparatus and a method for renovating a
synthetic grass turf is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,779,
issued to Allaway et al. on Oct. 8, 1996 and in Canadian Patent
Application 2,170,164, invented by Keal et al. and laid open to the
public on Mar. 9, 1995, respectively. The common feature of the
apparatuses and methods disclosed by Allaway et al. and Keal et al.
is to position nozzles slightly above the surface of the synthetic
grass turf in order to direct pressurized air onto and at an
inclined angle to dislodge fine and coarse particulate matter
therefrom. The fine and coarse particulate matter is separated and
then the coarse particulate matter is returned to the surface.
However, the pressure of the air jets above the synthetic grass
required to adequately penetrate the infill can damage these
synthetic fibers. This air pressure can be varied in order to
penetrate deeper into the pile to remove particulate material.
However, this substantially agitates the infill and may mix the
various layers of infill in ways that may not be favorable to the
originally designed characteristics of the installation. Projecting
air from the top of the synthetic grass does not afford proper
controls in order to achieve control of the infill. These
apparatuses and methods therefore, have limited applications and
have a reduced performance when used to renovate synthetic grass
turfs having relatively thick infill layers, as disclosed in the
Applicant's prior art patent. Increasing the air pressure may
improve renovating performance but over-pressurized air jets will
cause further damage to the synthetic grass fibers. Therefore, it
is desirable to develop improved apparatuses and methods for
treating synthetic grass turfs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is one object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for synthetic grass or natural surface turf treatment in
various applications.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for treating synthetic grass turf, which can be performed
for various applications.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an apparatus for treating a synthetic grass turf
which comprises a hollow cylinder including a plurality of hollow
spikes extending radially and outwardly therefrom. Each of the
spikes has an orifice therethrough in fluid communication with an
inner space defined within the hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinder
is rotatably supported on a support frame at a predetermined height
with respect to the synthetic grass turf when the support frame is
positioned on the synthetic grass turf. The apparatus further
includes a pressurized fluid system for controllably supplying
pressurized fluid into the hollow cylinder and thereby enabling
fluid to be expelled from at least a number of the spikes to treat
the synthetic grass turf when the apparatus moves on the synthetic
grass turf thereby causing the hollow cylinder to rotate.
[0012] The pressurized fluid system preferably comprises a
pressurized air source, a pressurized air distributor operatively
disposed within the hollow cylinder for selectively distributing
pressurized air into a selected number of the hollow spikes, and a
pressurized air line connecting the pressurized air distributor to
the pressurized air source. The support frame preferably includes
means for adjusting the height of the hollow cylinder so that the
spikes are adapted to penetrate the top surface of the synthetic
grass turf to a selected depth thereof.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
above-described hollow cylinder with the hollow spikes extending
therefrom is rotatably supported on a support frame, and a number
of the spikes penetrate the top surface of the synthetic grass turf
to a selected depth thereof when the frame is positioned on the
synthetic grass turf so that the pressurized air system enables air
jets to be blown from at least a number of the spikes to dislodge
the compacted particulate matter layered on the synthetic grass
turf when the apparatus moves on the synthetic grass turf thereby
causing the hollow cylinder to rotate. A vacuum system is provided
in the apparatus for collecting particulate matter blown from the
synthetic grass turf. The vacuum system further includes means for
separating the particulate matter from the air flow carrying the
particulate matter. For example, a cyclone device is provided for
separating the coarse particulates from the air flow and a
filtering device is provided for separating the fine particulates
from the air flow. The frame is preferably equipped with wheels so
that the apparatus can be towed on the wheels, for example by a
tractor.
[0014] In another embodiment, a pressurized air distributor is
further provided for selectively distributing pressurized air into
only a selected number of the hollow spikes. Thus, the required
volume of the pressurized air is reduced and thereby for example, a
small sized air compressor may be used for generating the
pressurized air. The pressurized air distributor includes, for
example an air channel disposed parallel to a rotating axis of the
hollow cylinder, and is supported within the hollow cylinder in a
manner such that the air channel maintains a predetermined
stationary position while the hollow cylinder is rolling on the
synthetic grass turf. The air channel is in fluid communication
with the pressurized air source and includes an opening to expel
pressurized air into a number of hollow spikes at a moment when
those hollow spikes move to within an area of the opening during a
synthetic grass turf treatment operation.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method for treating a synthetic grass turf. The
method of the present invention comprises a step of directing
pressurized fluid such as air or liquid into a depth of the
synthetic grass turf for treatment, using a hollow spike roller
rolling on the synthetic grass turf. The hollow spike roller
enables fluid to be expelled from a number of hollow spikes that
penetrate a top surface of the synthetic grass turf to the depth
thereof without damaging the fibers.
[0016] This method can be used in various synthetic grass turf
treatment applications. For example, pressurized air can be
directed to a selected depth of the synthetic grass turf to uplift
particulate matter layered on the synthetic grass turf. The
penetration depth of the spike nozzles can be adjusted so that
different particulate component layers of the synthetic grass turf
can be affected. In a treatment for renovating the entire
particulate matter layered on the synthetic grass turf, the
penetration depth of the hollow spikes should be adjusted to a
depth corresponding to the thickness of the entire infill layer,
for example the top, intermediate and base courses, as described in
the Applicants U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,527, and the different
particulate materials can be collected by a vacuum system and then,
if necessary, separated by separating and filtering devices. In a
treatment for dislodging only a top course of the rubber granules
of the particulate matter laid on the synthetic grass turf, the
penetration depth of the hollow spikes should be adjusted to
correspond to the depth of only the top course. In a treatment for
functioning as an air brush to brush the tips of the synthetic
grass blades and to level the top surface of the synthetic grass
turf, the penetration depth of the hollow spikes should be
significantly reduced so that the hollow spikes barely touch the
top surface of the synthetic grass turf. This can also be applied
to any infilled type of system. The hollow spikes preferably have
holes on the side of the spikes in order to be able to better
direct the flow of air in the direction most favorable to achieving
the desired result. However, holes in the spikes can also be
located on the tips of the spikes for use more as an air brush. If
the spikes have holes in the tips then they could also be clogged
quickly from the various sizes of particulate material and
therefore become useless. This in turn would cause unevenness in
the end result of the treatment process.
[0017] In another example of the synthetic grass turf treatment
applications, water can be directed to a relatively greater depth
of the synthetic grass turf for flushing a drainage system beneath
the synthetic grass turf with or without a surfactant type of
fluid, for example a spacing grid preferably made of an extruded
tri-plannar polypropylene geotextextile material, as is described
in the Applicant's Canadian Patent Application 2,393,240 filed on
Jul. 12, 2002. It can also be directed to inject a surfactant deep
into the fibers at the level of the backing material in order to
help flush the fine particles of dust that accumulate over time
through the backing.
[0018] In a further example of the synthetic grass turf treatment
applications, the method of the invention can be used to inject
liquid rubber material into a compacted sand base layer beneath the
backing sheet of the synthetic grass turf for adding resiliency and
impact absorption to a new and/or existing synthetic grass turf, as
is described in the Applicant's Canadian Patent Application
2,409,637, filed on Oct. 24, 2002.
[0019] Other advantages and features of the present invention will
be better understood with reference to preferred embodiments
described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Having thus generally described the nature of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
showing by way of illustration the preferred embodiments thereof,
in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the
present invention illustrating a synthetic grass turf treatment
apparatus including a fluid ejection system using a hollow spike
roller assembly and a vacuum system;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the
hollow spike roller assembly used in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow spike roller
taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 having an air channel according to
one embodiment thereof, shown in a working condition thereof in one
synthetic grass turf treatment application;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an air channel according
to another embodiment of the hollow spike roller assembly of FIG.
2;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air
channel of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow spike roller
assembly incorporating the air channel of FIGS. 4-5, being adjusted
at a higher level in contrast to the spike roller position
illustrated in FIG. 3; and
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the hollow spike roller
assembly showing the air channel adjusted at an angle and the
roller assembly adjusted at a height, both different from those
illustrated in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a grass turf
treatment apparatus which is particularly useful for treating
synthetic grass turfs. However, the apparatus can also be used to
treat natural grass turfs. According to one preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the apparatus which is generally indicated
by numeral 10, includes a fluid ejection system 12 and a vacuum
system 14.
[0029] The fluid ejection system 12 generally includes a
pressurized fluid source 16. In various applications, the
pressurized fluid source 16 varies when different types of fluid
are required. This embodiment illustrates the use of pressurized
air, which is more commonly but not exclusively used in a synthetic
grass turf treatment operation, and so the fluid source 16 is
preferably an air compressor. The fluid ejection system 12 employs
a hollow spike roller assembly 18 to direct the pressurized air in
a desired direction to a depth of a synthetic grass turf to be
treated. This means the spiked roller will have strategically
placed spikes that will intermittently release a jet of compressed
air as the spike penetrates the fiber depth and reaches a specific
angle. This jet of air will be released for a very short time and
then the air to that spike will be shut off until it reaches the
same angle again while the spike roller assembly 18 is rotating, as
indicated by arrow R. This operation is repeated with all of the
hollow spikes over the width of the unit. However, this does not
prevent the system from operating with all of the spikes expelling
air at the same time. Intermittent expulsion of the air reduces the
size of the compressor required to supply that air. The detailed
structure of the hollow spike roller assembly 18 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 hereinafter.
[0030] An air pressure and volume controlling device 20 is also
provided so that the pressure of the pressurized air supplied to
the hollow spike roller assembly 18 through a pressure air line 22
is adjusted to meet different pressure requirements for the jets of
air to be blown from the hollow spike roller assembly 18 in various
synthetic grass turf treatment applications.
[0031] The vacuum system 14 in this embodiment includes a vacuum
head 24, a particulate separation device 26, a filtering device 28
and a vacuum fan 30 which are all connected by air duct 32. The
vacuum head 24 for example, generally includes a chamber with an
open bottom, which is positioned downstream of and close to the
hollow spike roller assembly 18, at a level slightly above the top
surface of the synthetic grass turf to be treated. Thus, the air
jets, as indicated by arrow J, blown from the hollow spike roller
assembly 18 along with particulate matter which is uplifted and
carried by the air jets J, as well as fresh air indicated by arrow
F, are sucked into the vacuum head 24. The air jets J can be
adjusted by air pressure and volume device 20 to project the
required distance to be vacuumed up by the vacuum head 24. A
powered rotary brush 34 is optionally attached within the vacuum
head 24 to facilitate the collection of particulate matter. The
particulate matter collected in the vacuum head 24 is then carried
by the air flow through the air duct 32, to enter the particulate
separation device 26, if necessary. As the apparatus moves in a
direction of D, the operation is performed along a strip area of a
synthetic grass turf.
[0032] The particulate separation device 26 generally includes a
closed container 36 preferably having a conical bottom 38. A
cyclone device 40 or other device is provided within the closed
container 36 to reduce the velocity of the heavier particulate,
such as sand. Thus, the heavier particulates are separated from the
air flow and fall down to the sloped or conical bottom 38 of the
container 36. An endless screw conveyor 42 is preferably provided
at the sloped or conical bottom 38 to deliver the sand or other
particulates to appropriate collection containers for re-use or to
directly return the sand or other particulates to a predetermined
area of the synthetic grass turf which has been air-blown by the
hollow spike roller assembly 18.
[0033] After the carried sand or other particulates have been
separated and collected in the container 36, the air flow which now
carries the remaining relatively light and fine particulates, such
as dust, flows through the air duct 32 to enter the filtering
device 28. The filtering device 28 generally includes a container
44 equipped with a removable or slidable dust collection pan 46
which is positioned at the bottom of the container 44. Filtration
elements such as a group of dry polyester cartridges 48 are
installed within the container 44 so that the air flow entering the
container 44 must past through the dry polyester cartridges 48
before exiting the container 44. The dust carried by the air flow
in the container 44 is thereby separated from the air flow and is
collected in the dust collection pan 46 which is periodically
removed from the container 44, for cleaning. The dry polyester
cartridges 48 are supported on a rack (not shown) in the container
44, and the rack with the dry polyester cartridges 48 can also be
removed from the container 44, for example by a forklift, for
cleaning. The clean air flow which exits from the filtering device
28 is then sucked through the air duct 32 into the vacuum fan 30,
and is then discharged.
[0034] The vacuum system 14 can be varied to meet requirements for
separating particular particulate components carried by the air
flow in various applications. The infill layer of a synthetic grass
turf typically comprising more than one type of particulate matter,
such as sand and rubber granules, makes further separation stages
necessary, which is well known in the industry and will not
therefore be discussed in detail. All rubber infilled systems could
be easier to treat since they are mainly comprised of only one
material.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hollow spike roller assembly
18 includes a hollow cylinder 50 having a cylindrical side wall 52
and opposed end walls 54 to define an inner space therein. A
plurality of preferably pointed hollow spikes 56 that have an equal
length extend radially and outwardly from the cylindrical side wall
52. Each hollow spike 56 has an end with an orifice 58 therein in
fluid communication with the inner space of the cylinder 50 through
a fluid passage defined by the hollow spike 56. In this embodiment,
the orifices 58 of all of the hollow spikes 56 face a common
circumferential direction so that air jets blown from the orifices
58 are substantially perpendicular to the respective hollow spike
56, as is more clearly shown in FIG. 3. Nevertheless, the orifices
58 in the respective hollow spikes 56 can be drilled or shaped to
be at various angles relative to the hollow spike, thereby
projecting air and or fluid at various angles of more or less than
a 90 degree position. These orifices 58 can be positioned to face
in another direction or individually positioned to face in
different directions relative to each other, in order to achieve
various performance results in a variety of synthetic grass turf
treatment applications, which will be discussed hereinafter.
Alternatively, each hollow spike 56 may have more than one orifice
58 if it is desired for particular applications. The orifice 58 in
each hollow spike 56 can be located for example, in a position 3/8'
from the pointed tip thereof and at a proximity to the pointed tip.
The hollow spikes 56 in this embodiment form a plurality of
longitudinal rows that offset axially with respect to those of
adjacent rows, as is more clearly shown in FIG. 2. However, the
distribution pattern of the hollow spikes 56 on the cylinder 50 can
vary to meet the needs of various treatment applications, as long
as the air jet distribution area of the hollow spikes 56
substantially covers the longitudinal length of the cylinder 50.
There could be a relationship between the spacing of the hollow
spikes in an offset manner and the spacing of the rows of fibers,
in order to better disperse the air or fluid in a more uniform
manner within the infill and or within the fibers. This can be
beneficial for a far better coverage of the air and or fluid in one
application instead of several. Narrower spacing but more
intermittent spikes may be better for narrower spaced grass fiber
rows.
[0036] The cylinder 50 is rotatably supported on a hollow shaft 60
that is affixed at the opposed ends thereof to a pair of brackets
62. The brackets 62 are connected to a main support frame 64 by
adjusting means 66 in order to permit adjustment of the height of
the cylinder 50 with respect to the surface of the synthetic grass
turf, when the main support frame 64 is positioned on the synthetic
grass turf. The main support frame 64 at the opposed sides thereof
is equipped with a pair of wheels 68 so that the main support frame
64 can be towed on the wheels 68 by, for example a tractor, thereby
causing the cylinder 50 to rotate and roll on the synthetic grass
turf. The height of the cylinder 50 may be adjusted within a range
between a first position in which the hollow spikes 56 can
penetrate to the greatest depth equal to the length of the hollow
spikes 56, as shown in FIG. 3, and a second position in which the
hollow spikes 56 barely touch the top surface of the synthetic
grass turf (not shown). Alternatively, the hollow spikes 56 may be
bent in an appropriate shape to facilitate the penetration.
[0037] The adjusting means 66 can be of a telescoping configuration
with, for example locking pins, screw lift devices with locking
nuts, hydraulic cylinders, or any other position adjusting
mechanisms, which are well known in the art and will not therefore
be further discussed.
[0038] An air channel 70 is provided within the hollow cylinder 50,
functioning as a pressurized air distributor. The air channel 70
includes a top wall 72, opposed side walls 74 and opposed end walls
76, defining an elongate chamber with an open bottom 78 thereof.
The air channel 70 extends parallel to the hollow shaft 60, in a
length corresponding to the axial dimension of the inner space of
the hollow cylinder 50, and is secured to the hollow shaft 60 by
means of a plurality of brackets 80. Thus, the air channel 70
maintains a predetermined stationary position within the cylinder
50 while the cylinder 50 is rotating, if the air flow is to be
directed at that corresponding angle. If the air flow needs to be
at other angles, the air channel 70 can be rotated to another fixed
position, as shown in FIG. 7. The pressurized air line 22 is
connected to the air channel 70 through the hollow shaft 60 in
order to supply pressurized air into the air channel 70. Thus, the
pressurized air is blown from a number of hollow spikes 56 at a
moment when those hollow spikes 56 rotate to a position within an
area of the open bottom 78 of the air channel 70, as is
predetermined according to the operation requirements of a
particular application. For example, in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3, a maximum of three rows of hollow spikes 56 can blow air
jets simultaneously because the open bottom is wide enough to be
accessible to three rows of the hollow spikes 56 at one time. If
only one row of hollow spikes 56 is needed to blow air jets at one
time, the open bottom 78 of the air channel 70 will be much
narrower or a narrow slot opening is provided in a closed bottom of
the air channel 70 in order to be accessible to only one row of
hollow spikes 56 at a time. Furthermore, accurate design of the
width of the open bottom 78 also provides means for controlling the
air jet blowing duration of each row of the hollow spikes 56 when
the cylinder 50 rotates at a predetermined speed. In order to
effectively distribute the pressurized air into the selected number
of hollow spikes 56, the open bottom 78 is preferably contoured to
closely correspond with the contour of the inner surface of the
cylinder 50. Sealing means such as brushes or rubber strips
attached to the periphery of the open bottom 78 are optional.
[0039] The air channel 70 is preferably angularly adjustable about
the hollow shaft 60. Thus, the air channel 70 can maintain a
stationary position at a required angle with respect to a vertical
plane so that the air jets blowing from each row of the hollow
spikes 56 can be controlled to blow at a required angle with
respect to the synthetic grass turf.
[0040] The main support frame 64 can be optionally configured to
support the entire apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 1, including the
fluid ejection system 12 and the vacuum system 14, or can be
configured to support only the fluid ejection system 12 when the
apparatus is designed for particular applications which do not need
a vacuum and separation operation. In either case, the pressurized
air compressor 16 or other type of air source can either be
supported on the main frame 64, or can be supported on the ground
at a site near to the synthetic grass turf, and connected by a
flexible pressure pipe (not shown) to the portable hollow spike
roller assembly 18. The latter configuration may be more practical
when the air channel 70 is omitted to simplify the structure of the
apparatus so that a large capacity pressurized air compressor may
be needed because air jets will be blown from all the hollow spikes
56 all the time.
[0041] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an air channel according to another
embodiment of the hollow spike roller assembly 18 of FIG. 2. The
air channel generally includes a hollow cylinder axle 82 having
closed opposed ends 84. The cylinder axle 82 has an external
diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow
cylinder 50. In this embodiment the hollow cylinder 50 does not
include opposed end walls and the hollow cylinder axle 82 extends
longitudinally through the entire hollow cylinder, such that the
hollow cylinder 50 is rotatably supported on the hollow cylinder
axle 82 when the hollow cylinder axle 82 is supported on the
brackets 62 of FIG. 2, in a stationary position. Means, for example
radial extending elements, may be provided on the hollow cylinder
axle 82 for restraining axial movement of the hollow cylinder. A
plurality of spaced-apart slot openings 86 extend in a
circumferential direction in the hollow cylinder axle 82. The
spacing thereof corresponds to the axial spacing of the hollow
spikes 56 of FIG. 2 such that each of the hollow spikes 56 can
obtain a pressurized air supply when aligning with a corresponding
one of the slot openings 86. The length of the slot openings 86 is
predetermined for example, to cover at most, 3 hollow spikes 56 at
one time, according to this embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6-7. The
hollow cylinder axle 82 includes one opening 88 at one end to be
connected with the air pressure air line 22. The hollow cylinder
axle 82 is adjustably fixed on the brackets 62 of FIG. 2 such that
the hollow cylinder axle 82 can be angularly adjusted to permit the
slot openings 82 towards a selected angle.
[0042] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the hollow cylinder axle 82 to be
positional within the hollow cylinder 50 at different angles. Thus,
the angular ranges in which the hollow spikes 56 blow the air jets
are different in order to meet various application requirements.
FIGS. 6 and 7 also illustrate the height difference of the hollow
cylinder 50 in order to meet various application requirements.
[0043] The apparatus 10 of the present invention can be used
generally for implementing a grass turf treatment operation in
which pressurized liquid is directed into a predetermined depth of
the grass turf, as can be employed in various applications with
regard to either treatments of synthetic grass turf that includes
infill layers or does not include infill layers, or treatments of
natural grass turf. A number of application examples are described
below.
[0044] In a treatment for softening of the compacted infill layer
of a synthetic grass turf, the cylinder 50 is adjusted to a height
such that the hollow spikes 56 can penetrate to a depth of about
the entire thickness of the infill layer. If the infill layer
includes only sand particulates, the vacuum system can be optional.
However, when the infill layer includes multiple courses of
different types of particulate materials, inclusion of the vacuum
system with separation and/or filtering devices may be necessary,
in order to collect the mixed particulate materials blown by air
jets from the hollow spike roller assembly 18, and then separate
them before appropriately layering the respective infill
particulate materials back onto synthetic grass turf. In order to
reduce the number of hollow spikes 56, adjacent rows of hollow
spikes 56 and adjacent hollow spikes 56 within each row may be more
widely spaced apart. In this case the pressurized air may be
adjusted to a relatively high pressure for projecting the
individual air jets over a longer distance. Optionally, a number of
hollow spikes 56 within each row may be selected to have their
orifices 58 positioned to face for example, in opposed side
directions in order to ensure that the softening operation covers
the entire longitudinal length of the cylinder 50. In a softening
operation of a compacted infill layer of a synthetic grass turf,
the cylinder 50 may be adjusted to a position relatively higher
above the synthetic grass turf so that the hollow spikes 56
penetrate the synthetic grass turf only to a depth close to the
thickness of the top course of the infill layer, when it is
determined that the treatment should only uplift the top course of
the infill layer, such as the rubber granules, in order to remove
dust and other contaminants. This can also be performed by changing
the angle of cylinder axle 82, as shown in FIG. 7.
[0045] In applications requiring only brushing the tips of the
synthetic grass fibers of the synthetic grass turf, the cylinder 50
can be adjusted to its highest position such that the hollow spikes
56 just barely touch the tips of the synthetic grass fibers. In
this application, the air channel 70 is particularly designed and
is positioned at an angle such that the air jets are blown from the
hollow spikes 56 only in a substantially horizontal direction to
form a moving air current on the top of the synthetic grass turf,
thereby functioning as an air brush.
[0046] The hollow spike roller assembly 18 can be used alone
without the vacuum system to inject either a liquid or small
granule material into the infill layer of a synthetic grass turf in
order to modify the performance of the infill layer and therefore
the field surface. For example, water can be injected into the
infill layer to enhance drainage of the infill layer. When the
water is to be used substantially for flushing a drainage system
such as a spacing grid positioned beneath the backing sheet of the
synthetic grass turf or close to the backing on the top side of the
backing, the cylinder 50 may be adjusted to allow the hollow spikes
56 to penetrate deeper and close to the backing sheet of the
synthetic grass turf. The spikes can also be positioned to
perforate the backing of the grass in order to enhance drainage and
to enhance a flushing operation that may be occasionally
required.
[0047] The hollow spike roller assembly 18 may also be used to
inject a growth inhibitor into either a synthetic grass turf or a
natural grass turf in order to prevent weeds from growing.
[0048] The apparatus may also be used to inject soil stabilizers
into a natural grass turf for grass maintenance. Growth enhancers,
seeds, and fertilizers may also be injected by the apparatus of the
present invention, into a synthetic grass turf when growing
vegetables and other plants in the synthetic grass turf is
desirable. By modifying the size of the hollow spikes, various
sizes of seeds and or any particulate material can be injected into
the desired substrate.
[0049] The apparatus of the present invention may also be used to
inject small rubber granules and/or liquid rubber into the infill
layer or the base layer beneath the backing sheet of the synthetic
grass turf, for adding resiliency and impact absorption to the
synthetic grass turf.
[0050] The application of the apparatus of the present invention
cannot be exhaustively described and the above-described
applications are examples only. Modifications and improvements to
the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become
apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is
intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the
invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *