U.S. patent application number 10/841918 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-10 for artificial turf fibrillating apparatus and methods thereof.
Invention is credited to Monko, Michael P. SR..
Application Number | 20050250421 10/841918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35240032 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050250421 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Monko, Michael P. SR. |
November 10, 2005 |
Artificial turf fibrillating apparatus and methods thereof
Abstract
Artificial turf fibrillating apparatus have been disclosed.
Methods for providing fibrillated artificial grass turf derived
from artificial grass turf have been disclosed. The apparatus
comprise a rotating rigid support member having a plurality of
removable fibrillating members coupled to the support member. The
apparatus are coupled to a power source. A plurality of broad
artificial grass blades of an artificial grass turf are impacted by
the fibrillating members when the support member is rotated with
sufficient torque to provide a fibrillated artificial grass turf
comprising a plurality of fibrillated artificial grass blades of
random width having the appearance, feel and playing
characteristics of a real grass turf.
Inventors: |
Monko, Michael P. SR.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
35240032 |
Appl. No.: |
10/841918 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/28 ; 28/159;
28/170 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 1/009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/028 ;
028/159; 028/170 |
International
Class: |
B24B 001/00; D06C
011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf comprising, in combination: a
rotatable support member coupled to a plurality of fibrillating
members; and power source means for rotating said support member
for impacting the artificial grass turf comprising a plurality of
broad artificial grass blades so that said fibrillating members
produce a fibrillated artificial grass turf having narrow
artificial grass blades.
2. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 further
comprising at least an end portion of said support member having a
plurality of openings, each one of the openings for receiving one
of said fibrillating members, each one of said fibrillating members
selectively coupled to said support member.
3. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 2 wherein a
portion of each one of said fibrillating members comprises a
threaded portion of a bolt for receiving a nut to securely couple
each one of said fibrillating members to an upper portion of said
support member and a second nut to securely couple each one of said
fibrillating members to a lower portion of said support member.
4. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 2 wherein said
fibrillating members comprise a bolt having a head, a threaded
portion of said bolt for receiving a nut to securely couple each
one of said fibrillating members to a lower portion of said support
member, said head sized to couple to an upper portion of said
support member to prevent each one of said fibrillating members
from decoupling from said support member.
5. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 further
comprising said support member having a hole for receiving a shaft,
a first end of said shaft coupled to said support member and a
second end of said shaft coupled to said power source means for
rotating said support member, said power source means providing
sufficient torque to cause visible fibrillation of the plurality of
broad artificial grass blades when said fibrillating member impacts
the artificial grass turf.
6. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 wherein said
power source means is selected from the group consisting of an
electric lawn mower, a gas lawn mower and a lawn trimmer.
7. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 wherein said
support member is rigid and substantially planar so that turbulence
and suction are minimized when said fibrillating members impact the
artificial grass turf, and said fibrillating members are rigid to
provide random fibrillation of each one of the artificial grass
blades.
8. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 wherein said
support member comprises a metal, and said fibrillating members
comprise a metal.
9. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 8 wherein said
metal comprises a steel alloy.
10. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 wherein the
plane of rotation of said support member is at an acute angle to
the plane of a backing of the artificial grass turf so that said
fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf during
operation of the artificial turf fibrillating apparatus.
11. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 wherein the
plane of rotation of said support member is less than 45.degree. to
the plane of a backing of the artificial grass turf so that said
fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf during
operation of the artificial turf fibrillating apparatus.
12. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 1 wherein the
broad artificial grass blades are reduced in width to a plurality
of narrow fibrillated artificial grass blades each one of the
narrow fibrillated artificial grass blades having a random width of
less than about 0.15 inches.
13. An artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf comprising, in combination: a
plurality of rotatable support members coupled to a plurality of
fibrillating members, each one of said support members coupled to a
neighboring support member; and power source means for rotating
said support member for impacting the artificial grass turf
comprising a plurality of broad artificial grass blades so that
said fibrillating members produce a fibrillated artificial grass
turf having narrow artificial grass blades.
14. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 13 further
comprising at least an end portion of each one of said support
members having a plurality of openings, each one of the openings
for receiving one of said fibrillating members, each one of said
fibrillating members selectively coupled to each one of said
support members; at least one of said support members having a hole
for receiving a shaft, a first end of said shaft securely coupled
to one of said support members and a second end of said shaft
coupled to said power source means for rotating said support
members, said power source means providing sufficient torque to
cause visible fibrillation of the plurality of broad artificial
grass blades when said fibrillating members impact the artificial
grass turf.
15. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming
artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a
fibrillated artificial grass turf according to claim 13 wherein
said support members are rigid and substantially planar so that
turbulence and suction are minimized when said fibrillating members
impact the artificial grass turf, and said fibrillating members are
rigid to provide random fibrillation of each one of the artificial
grass blades.
16. A method for transforming artificial grass turf having broad
artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf
comprising the steps of: providing a rotatable support member
coupled to a plurality of fibrillating members; providing power
source means for rotating said support member; and impacting the
artificial grass turf comprising a plurality of broad artificial
grass blades so that said fibrillating members produce a
fibrillated artificial grass turf having narrow artificial grass
blades.
17. The method for transforming artificial grass turf having broad
artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf
according to claim 16 further comprising the steps of: providing at
least an end portion of said support member having a plurality of
openings, each one of the openings for receiving one of said
fibrillating members; providing a portion of each one of said
fibrillating members comprises a threaded portion of a bolt for
receiving a nut to securely couple each one of said fibrillating
members to an upper portion of said support member and a second nut
to securely couple each one of said fibrillating members to a lower
portion of said support member; and selectively coupling each one
of said fibrillating members to said support member.
18. The method for transforming artificial grass turf having broad
artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf
according to claim 16 further comprising the steps of: providing
each one of said fibrillating members comprises a bolt having a
head, a threaded portion of said bolt for receiving a nut to
securely couple each one of said fibrillating member to a lower
portion of said support member, said head sized to couple to an
upper portion of said support member to prevent each one of said
fibrillating members from decoupling from said support member; and
selectively coupling each one of said fibrillating members to said
support member.
19. The method for transforming artificial grass turf having broad
artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf
according to claim 16 further comprising the steps of: providing
said support member having a hole for receiving a shaft, a first
end of said shaft coupled to said support member and a second end
of said shaft coupled to said power source means; rotating said
support member with said power source means, said power source
means providing sufficient torque to cause visible fibrillation of
the plurality of broad artificial grass blades when said
fibrillating member impacts the artificial grass turf; providing
said support member is rigid and substantially planar so that
turbulence and suction are minimized when said fibrillating members
impact the artificial grass turf; providing said fibrillating
members are rigid to randomly fibrillate each one of the artificial
grass blades; providing the plane of rotation of said support
member is at an acute angle to the plane of a backing of the
artificial grass turf so that said fibrillating members impact the
artificial grass turf during operation of the artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus; and providing the broad artificial grass
blades are reduced in width to a plurality of narrow fibrillated
artificial grass blades each one of the narrow fibrillated
artificial grass blades having a random width of less than about
0.15 inches.
20. A method for transforming artificial grass turf having broad
artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf
comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of rotatable support
members coupled to a plurality of fibrillating members, each one of
said support members coupled to a neighboring support member;
providing power source means for rotating said support member; and
impacting the artificial grass turf comprising a plurality of broad
artificial grass blades so that said fibrillating members produce a
fibrillated artificial grass turf having narrow artificial grass
blades.
21. The method for transforming artificial grass turf having broad
artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf
according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of: providing at
least an end portion of each one of said support members having a
plurality of openings, each one of the openings for receiving one
of said fibrillating members; selectively coupling each one of said
fibrillating members to said support members; providing at least
one of said support members having a hole for receiving a shaft, a
first end of said shaft securely coupled to one of said support
members and a second end of said shaft coupled to said power source
means; rotating said support members with said power source means,
said power source means providing sufficient torque to cause
visible fibrillation of the plurality of broad artificial grass
blades when said fibrillating members impact the artificial grass
turf; providing said support members are rigid and substantially
planar so that turbulence and suction are minimized when said
fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf; and
providing said fibrillating members are rigid to provide random
fibrillation of each one of the artificial grass blades.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to synthetic turf that
appears realistic and more particularly to artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus and methods thereof for improving the
appearance, feel and playing characteristics of artificial grass
turf to simulate natural grass turf.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the past, artificial grass turf has been made in a
variety of ways. Typically artificial grass turf is formed from
piles or strands coupled to a backing or base sheet to make a pile
carpet. The piles are usually thin strands of plastic material
colorized to appear like natural grass turf. The synthetic grass
blades may comprise any suitable plastic that is sufficiently
flexible, non-crimping and durable to withstand the demands that
are placed on the intended use of the artificial grass turf.
Examples of suitable plastics are various polypropylenes, nylons
and polyesters.
[0003] More recently, it has been recognized that currently
available artificial grass turfs still appear synthetic because of
the lack of randomness in the shape and appearance of the
artificial grass blades forming the pile. Such currently available
grass turfs are also too glossy and feel too smooth and greasy in
comparison to natural grass blades. These properties of artificial
grass turf originate from the chemical and mechanical properties of
the polymers that make up artificial grass blades.
[0004] There have been several attempts to improve on making
artificial grass more natural in appearance. In one example
Pettigrew, U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,780 suggested using a surface
treatment apparatus comprising a rotating shaft and bristles
mounted on the shaft for dislodging particulate matter form the
artificial grass turf. Pettigrew, U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,780 disclosed
the use of the apparatus for cleaning up artificial grass turf used
in playing field areas such as tennis courts to freshen up the
matted appearance of the artificial grass turf in addition to
dislodging the particulate matter.
[0005] In a second example disclosed by Prvost, U.S. Pat. No.
5,958,527 a process of laying synthetic grass includes a pile
carpet having coarse granules inserted therein and splitting
synthetic grass blades using a stiff wire brush. No details were
provided regarding the nature of the wire brush or the
effectiveness of the splitting process, since the main emphasis of
Prvost, U.S. Pat. No. 5,958,527 was on providing for granules
within the artificial grass turf.
[0006] In a third example, Lemieux, U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,113
disclosed the use of sand-like particular blasting of the upper
portion of artificial grass turf grass blades. The blasting is
applied for a sufficient time and a sufficient pressure to shred
the artificial grass blade upper end portions into fine slivers,
which remain joined to their respective blades and become
intertwined with adjacent slivers to form a dense mat upon the
surface of a pile artificial grass turf carpet. Lemieux, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,602,113 further disclosed that after sandblasting, the
artificial grass blades may be sprayed with high pressure water or
brushed to further separate intertwined artificial grass blade
slivers.
[0007] While Lemieux, U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,113 discloses a procedure
that provides a more realistic and useful artificial grass turf,
the use of sandblasting equipment to achieve the result is beyond
the scope of the average consumer. In addition, sandblasting
usually requires fairly strenuous health consideration because of
all the particulate matter that is used in the process.
[0008] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need to provide
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus and methods thereof. This
invention provides artificial turf fibrillating apparatus that may
be used by an average consumer or on a large scale without
producing obnoxious particulates. The resulting artificial grass
turf of this invention has the appearance, feel and playing
characteristics of artificial grass turf which simulates natural
grass turf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide
improved artificial turf fibrillating apparatus.
[0010] It is a still further object of this invention to provide
improved artificial turf fibrillating apparatus that are easy to
use and to maintain.
[0011] It is a still further object of this invention to provide
improved artificial grass turf using the artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus of this invention.
[0012] It is a yet further object of this invention to provide
methods for improving the appearance of artificial grass turf using
the artificial turf fibrillating apparatus of this invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, an
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus for transforming artificial
grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a fibrillated
artificial grass turf is disclosed. The artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus comprises, in combination a rotatable
support member coupled to a plurality of fibrillating members; and
power source means for rotating the support member for impacting
the artificial grass turf comprising a plurality of broad
artificial grass blades so that the fibrillating members produce a
fibrillated artificial grass turf having narrow artificial grass
blades.
[0014] At least an end portion of the support member has a
plurality of openings, each one of the openings receive one of the
fibrillating members and each one of the fibrillating members is
selectively coupled to the support member. A portion of each one of
the fibrillating members comprises a threaded portion of a bolt for
receiving a nut to securely couple each one of the fibrillating
members to an upper portion of the support member and a second nut
to securely couple each one of the fibrillating members to a lower
portion of the support member. Alternatively, the fibrillating
members comprise a bolt having a head, a threaded portion of the
bolt for receiving a nut to securely couple each one of the
fibrillating members to a lower portion of the support member and
the head is sized to couple to an upper portion of the support
member to prevent each one of the fibrillating members from
decoupling from the support member.
[0015] The support member has a hole for receiving a shaft, a first
end of the shaft coupled to the support member and a second end of
the shaft coupled to the power source means for rotating the
support member and the power source means provides sufficient
torque to cause visible fibrillation of the plurality of broad
artificial grass blades when the fibrillating member impacts the
artificial grass turf. The power source means is selected from the
group consisting of an electric lawn mower, a gas lawn mower and a
lawn trimmer.
[0016] The support member is rigid and substantially planar so that
turbulence and suction are minimized when the fibrillating members
impact the artificial grass turf, and the fibrillating members are
rigid to provide random fibrillation of each one of the artificial
grass blades. The support member comprises a metal, and the
fibrillating members comprise a metal. The metal comprises a steel
alloy.
[0017] The plane of rotation of the support member is at an acute
angle to the plane of a backing of the artificial grass turf so
that the fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf
during operation of the artificial turf fibrillating apparatus. The
plane of rotation of the support member is less than 45.degree. to
the plane of a backing of the artificial grass turf so that the
fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf during
operation of the artificial turf fibrillating apparatus. The broad
artificial grass blades are reduced in width to a plurality of
narrow fibrillated artificial grass blades each one of the narrow
fibrillated artificial grass blades having a random width of less
than about 0.15 inches.
[0018] In accordance with a second embodiment, an artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus for transforming artificial grass turf
having broad artificial grass blades to a fibrillated artificial
grass turf is disclosed. The artificial turf fibrillating apparatus
comprises, in combination a plurality of rotatable support members
coupled to a plurality of fibrillating members, each one of the
support members coupled to a neighboring support member; and power
source means for rotating the support member for impacting the
artificial grass turf comprising a plurality of broad artificial
grass blades so that the fibrillating members produce a fibrillated
artificial grass turf having narrow artificial grass blades.
[0019] At least an end portion of each one of the support members
has a plurality of openings, each one of the openings receive one
of the fibrillating members and each one of the fibrillating
members is selectively coupled to each one of the support members.
At least one of the support members has a hole for receiving a
shaft, a first end of the shaft is securely coupled to one of the
support members and a second end of the shaft is coupled to the
power source means for rotating the support members, the power
source means providing sufficient torque to cause visible
fibrillation of the plurality of broad artificial grass blades when
the fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf.
[0020] The support members are rigid and substantially planar so
that turbulence and suction are minimized when the fibrillating
members impact the artificial grass turf, and the fibrillating
members are rigid to provide random fibrillation of each one of the
artificial grass blades.
[0021] In accordance with a third embodiment, a method for
transforming artificial grass turf having broad artificial grass
blades to a fibrillated artificial grass turf is disclosed. The
method comprises the steps of providing a rotatable support member
coupled to a plurality of fibrillating members; providing power
source means for rotating the support member; and impacting the
artificial grass turf comprising a plurality of broad artificial
grass blades so that the fibrillating members produce a fibrillated
artificial grass turf having narrow artificial grass blades.
[0022] The method further comprises providing at least an end
portion of the support member has a plurality of openings, each one
of the openings for receiving one of the fibrillating members;
providing a portion of each one of the fibrillating members
comprises a threaded portion of a bolt for receiving a nut to
securely couple each one of the fibrillating members to an upper
portion of the support member and a second nut to securely couple
each one of the fibrillating members to a lower portion of the
support member; and selectively coupling each one of the
fibrillating members to the support member.
[0023] Alternatively, the method further comprises providing each
one of the fibrillating members comprises a bolt having a head, a
threaded portion of the bolt for receiving a nut to securely couple
each one of the fibrillating member to a lower portion of the
support member, the head sized to couple to an upper portion of the
support member to prevent each one of the fibrillating members from
decoupling from the support member; and selectively coupling each
one of the fibrillating members to the support member.
[0024] The method further comprises providing the support member
has a hole for receiving a shaft, a first end of the shaft coupled
to the support member and a second end of the shaft coupled to the
power source means; rotating the support member with the power
source means, the power source means providing sufficient torque to
cause visible fibrillation of the plurality of broad artificial
grass blades when the fibrillating member impacts the artificial
grass turf; providing the support member is rigid and substantially
planar so that turbulence and suction are minimized when the
fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf; providing
the fibrillating members are rigid to randomly fibrillate each one
of the artificial grass blades; providing the plane of rotation of
the support member is at an acute angle to the plane of a backing
of the artificial grass turf so that the fibrillating members
impact the artificial grass turf during operation of the artificial
turf fibrillating apparatus; and providing the broad artificial
grass blades are reduced in width to a plurality of narrow
fibrillated artificial grass blades each one of the narrow
fibrillated artificial grass blades having a random width of less
than about 0.15 inches.
[0025] In a fourth embodiment, a method for transforming artificial
grass turf having broad artificial grass blades to a fibrillated
artificial grass turf is disclosed. The method comprises the steps
of providing a plurality of rotatable support members coupled to a
plurality of fibrillating members, each one of the support members
coupled to a neighboring support member; providing power source
means for rotating the support member; and impacting the artificial
grass turf comprising a plurality of broad artificial grass blades
so that the fibrillating members produce a fibrillated artificial
grass turf having narrow artificial grass blades.
[0026] The method further comprises providing at least an end
portion of each one of the support members has a plurality of
openings, each one of the openings for receiving one of the
fibrillating members; selectively coupling each one of the
fibrillating members to the support members; providing at least one
of the support members has a hole for receiving a shaft, a first
end of the shaft securely coupled to one of the support members and
a second end of the shaft coupled to the power source means;
rotating the support members with the power source means, the power
source means providing sufficient torque to cause visible
fibrillation of the plurality of broad artificial grass blades when
the fibrillating members impact the artificial grass turf;
providing the support members are rigid and substantially planar so
that turbulence and suction are minimized when the fibrillating
members impact the artificial grass turf; and providing the
fibrillating members are rigid to provide random fibrillation of
each one of the artificial grass blades.
[0027] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a portion of an artificial
grass turf according to the prior art of this invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a portion of a fibrillated
artificial grass turf produced according to this invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example of an artificial
turf fibrillating apparatus according to this invention for
producing the fibrillated artificial grass turf of FIG. 2;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a second example of an
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus according to this invention
for producing the fibrillated artificial grass turf of FIG. 2;
and
[0032] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a third example of an
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus according to this invention
for producing the fibrillated artificial grass turf of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] According to FIG. 1 a portion of a prior art artificial
grass turf 10 comprises a plurality of substantially uniformly
sized broad artificial grass blades 12 coupled to a backing 18. By
comparison, according to FIG. 2 a portion of a fibrillated
artificial grass turf 14 comprises a plurality of randomly sized
fibrillated artificial grass blades 16 coupled to the backing 18.
Each one of the broad artificial grass blades 12 may be fibrillated
along the broad artificial grass blade 12 randomly from an upper
portion of the broad artificial grass blade 12 to a lower portion
of the broad artificial grass blade 12. A plurality of the
fibrillated artificial grass blades 16 is formed by fibrillating a
plurality of the broad artificial grass blades 12. The fibrillated
artificial grass turf 14 having a plurality of randomly produced
fibrillated artificial grass blades 16 with the appearance of a
realistic grass turf is formed, when the prior art artificial grass
turf 10 is fibrillated as described above. It is understood that
the broad artificial grass blades 12 may be fibrillated from the
upper portion of the broad artificial grass blades 12 to a lower
portion of the broad artificial grass blades 12 proximate to the
backing 18.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example of an artificial
turf fibrillating apparatus 20 for producing the fibrillated
artificial grass turf 14. The artificial turf fibrillating
apparatus 20 comprises a support member 22 having an opening
located substantially at the centre of the support member 22. The
support member 22 is substantially planar. The planarity of the
support member 22 limits turbulence and suction when the support
member 22 rotates at a rapid rate. The opening of the support
member 22 receives a shaft 24 coupled to the support member 22. The
shaft 24 is rotated by a power source 26. The shaft 24 is coupled
securely to the support member 22 using a retainer nut 32. The
support member 22 further comprises a plurality of holes for
receiving a fibrillating member 28 in each one of the holes of the
support member 22. Each one of the holes of the support member 22
is located at an end portion of the support member 22. The
fibrillating members 28 randomly impact the plurality of broad
artificial grass blades 12 to produce the fibrillated artificial
grass turf 14. Each one of the fibrillating members 28 is
substantially perpendicular to the support member 22. According to
FIG. 3, the fibrillating member 28 comprises a threaded portion of
a bolt having no head, which is coupled to the support member 22
using a pair of nuts 30. A first nut 30 supports the fibrillating
member 28 on an upper portion of the support member 22. A second
nut 30 locks the fibrillating member 28 on a lower portion of the
support member 22. When any one of the fibrillating members 28 is
worn out, the worn fibrillating member 28 is easily replaced by
unthreading either the first nut 30 or the second nut 30.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a second example of an
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus 20 for producing the
fibrillated artificial grass turf 14. The artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus 20 is identically described as above in all
respects except for details regarding each one of the fibrillating
members 28. Each one of the fibrillating members 28 comprises a
threaded bolt having a slotted screw head. It is to be understood
that any bolt head would suffice for use as the fibrillating member
28. The fibrillating member 28 is supported on the upper portion of
the support member 22 by a lower portion of the slotted screw head
of the threaded bolt. A nut 30 securely couples the fibrillating
member 28 to a lower portion of the support member 22. When any one
of the fibrillating members 28 is worn, the worn fibrillating
member 28 is easily replaced by unthreading the nut 30.
[0036] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a third example of an
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus 20 for producing the
fibrillated artificial grass turf 14. The artificial turf
fibrillating apparatus 20 is identically described as above in all
respects except for details regarding each one of the fibrillating
members 28. Each one of the fibrillating members 28 comprises a
portion of a partially threaded bolt having no head. Sufficient
thread is provided on the fibrillating member 28 to permit coupling
of a first nut 30 and a second nut 30 to the threaded portion of
the fibrillating member 28. Although the fibrillating member 28 is
shown to be cylindrical in shape (see FIGS. 3,4,5), it is
understood that the unthreaded portion of the fibrillating member
28 may be any shape that results in fibrillation of broad
artificial grass blades 12 producing fibrillated artificial grass
blades 16. The fibrillating member 28 is supported on the upper
portion of the support member 22 by the first nut 30. The second
nut 30 securely couples the fibrillating member 28 to a lower
portion of the support member 22. When any one of the fibrillating
members 28 is worn, the worn fibrillating member 28 is easily
replaced by unthreading the first nut 30 or the second nut 30.
[0037] The shaft 24 is preferably coupled to a power source 26 such
as an electric or a gas powered lawn mower, a WEEDWACKER.RTM.
(SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO. CORP., ILLINOIS), or a powered edge
trimming tool that provides rotary motion. It is understood that
any power source 26 to which the support member 22 may be coupled
by a shaft 24 is suitable. The power source 26 must provide
sufficient torque to cause visible fibrillation of the broad
artificial grass blades 12. It is understood that sufficient torque
depends on the revolution rate, distance between the fibrillating
members 28 and the force produced by the power source 26.
[0038] The support member 22 is preferably rigid. Suitable choices
for the rigid material of the support member 22 are metals such as
iron or steel alloys. The fibrillating members 28 are preferably
rigid. Suitable choices for the rigid material of the fibrillating
members 28 are metals such as iron or steel alloys. It is
understood that the choice of rigid material is not limited to iron
or steel alloys, but rather that these are merely examples of
possible material choices. Typically, steel fibrillating members 28
are replaced after treating several hundred square yards of
artificial grass turf 10.
[0039] The plane of rotation of the support member 22 is less than
at a right angle to the plane of the backing 18 of the artificial
grass turf 10 during operation of the artificial turf fibrillating
apparatus 20. More preferably the plane of rotation of the support
member 22 is substantially an acute angle to the plane of the
backing 18 of the artificial grass turf 10 during operation of the
artificial turf fibrillating apparatus 20. Most preferably, the
plane of rotation of the support member 22 is between 0.degree. and
45.degree. to the plane of the backing 18 of the artificial grass
turf 10 during operation of the artificial turf fibrillating
apparatus 20.
[0040] The support member 22 can be of various lengths and widths.
A preferable length of the support member 22 for use with lawn
mowers is about 21 inches. The fibrillating portion of the
fibrillating members 28 may also be of various lengths and widths.
A preferable length for the fibrillating portion of the
fibrillating members 28 is about 2 inches below the lower portion
of the support member 22.
[0041] When the support member 22 is coupled to a lawn mower, the
support member 22 is readily coupled to the lawn mower in the same
manner as a conventional mower blade, thereby requiring no special
skills for an average consumer. The height of the lawn mower is
readily adjustable, allowing different depths of fibrillation of
the broad artificial grass blades 12 and adjusting for wear of the
fibrillating members 28 by lowering the lawn mower settings.
[0042] The broad artificial grass blades 12 are reduced in width to
the fibrillated artificial grass blades 16 having random widths
less than about 0.15 inches. Preferably the widths of the
fibrillated artificial grass blades 16 have random widths of less
than about 0.1 inches.
[0043] In summary, artificial turf fibrillating apparatus have been
disclosed. Methods for providing fibrillated artificial grass turf
derived from artificial grass turf have been disclosed. The
apparatus comprise a rotating rigid support member having a
plurality of removable fibrillating members coupled to the support
member. The apparatus are coupled to a power source. A plurality of
broad artificial grass blades of an artificial grass turf are
impacted by the fibrillating members when the support member is
rotated with sufficient torque to provide a fibrillated artificial
grass turf comprising a plurality of fibrillated artificial grass
blades of random width having the appearance, feel and playing
characteristics of a real grass turf.
[0044] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,
artificial grass turf comprising artificial rocks and/or artificial
sand particles embedded in the backing of the artificial grass turf
may be fibrillated to provide a more realistic fibrillated grass
turf. A plurality of support members may be coupled to one another
on a substantially central shaft to provide a plurality of
fibrillating members, thereby increasing productivity rates.
Alternatively, a plurality of support members may be coupled to one
another on a plurality of shafts to provide a plurality of
fibrillating members. Additionally, the fibrillating member may
comprise a flexible material such as plastic, fiberglass or twine
coupled to a member that may be coupled to the support member.
* * * * *