Process for handling artificial turf

Abstract

 process of removing from a floor a section of impervious artificial turf made up of a backing layer and grass-like material extending upwardly from the backing layer to simulate grass wherein the artificial turf is withdrawn along a path from the floor onto a driven take-up roll, with the path having a configuration such that along a portion of the path, the grass-like material extends downwardly from the backing layer. That portion of the path in which the grass-like material extends downwardly from the backing layer is positioned between the floor and a covering point on the take-up roll, with such portion of the path also being clear of the remainder of the artificial turf.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to processes for removing artificial turf from a supporting floor.

Prior Art

[0002] It is known to use artificial turf for covering a playing field. Usually, the turf is installed on a suitable base and remains there until it is to be replaced.

[0003] Recently, it has become desirable to use artificial turf on a surface on which more than one sport is played. For example, it may be desirable to quickly convert from a field suitable for football to a field suitable for basketball. In this case, the artificial turf is laid over a wood basketball floor for the playing of football and is removed to expose the wood floor for the playing of basketball. In another case, it may be desirable to quickly change from a football field to a field suitable for rodeo. In this case, artificial turf is laid over a dirt base for football and is removed for rodeo.

[0004] Difficulties have been encountered when it is desirable to change from one playing field to another by adding or removing artificial turf. One of the major difficulties is that the turf is very heavy, large and bulky, such that it is difficult to place on or move from the playing field.

[0005] U.S. Patent 4,399,954 discloses a process for removing an artificial turf from a playing field or placing an artificial turf on the playing field. This is accomplished by supporting the artificial turf on a cushion of air, which substantially reduces the forces required to pull the turf onto or off the field. A cushion of air at an operating pressure on the order of about 0.1 to about 0.5 inches of water (25-130 Pa) is generally sufficient to support an expanse of artificial turf which may have a basis weight on the order of about 0.5 to 2.5 lb/ft² (2.4 - 12.2 _Kg/m²). One of the disadvantages of the system shown in this patent is that it must be used in a closed and covered stadium. It cannot be used outdoors, especially in some Western states, for-the reason that, over a period of time, dirt and dust from the air will accumulate in and on the turf to the point where the turf cannot be moved. For instance, dust may comprise for example dry loose earth which may have a specific gravity of at least 1.2, corresponding to a density of 76 lb/ft³ (1200 Kg/m³). If, as a result of a dust storm, certain portions of the expanse of artificial turf became covered to a depth of 3/16" (4.8 mm), the basis weight of the turf to be supported by the air cushion would be substantially increased by about 1.2 lb/ft² (5.8 Kg/cm²). This would prevent those highly dirt-loaded sections of the turf from floating on the pneumatic cushion, causing excess pulling force to be applied to the artificial turf. Such excess pulling force may tear the artificial turf or cause other adverse effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A process for removing an artificial turf from a playing field is provided wherein the turf is withdrawn from the field along a path leading to a driven take-up roll, with a portion of the path between the playing field and a point on the take-up roll being so configured that, in this portion of the path, the artificial turf is upside down. This allows dirt in the turf to fall out of the turf into a collection area. Preferably, forces are applied to the turf in this portion of the path to dislodge the dirt from the turf. The forces may be applied in the form of air jets, beater bars, or other carpet cleaning devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 

Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing the path taken by the artificial turf in one embodiment of the process of this invention.

Figure 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the path followed by the artificial turf as it is wound up onto a take-up roll in a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is shown an artificial turf 11 being removed from a floor 12 of a playing field. The turf 11, which is a known material, is made up of a backing layer 13 which supports a grass-like material 14 extending upwardly from the backing layer 13. In many cases the artificial turf will be adhered to an underlying shock-absorbing pad (not shown). Preferably, the turf 11 is supported above the floor 12 on a cushion of air as described and claimed in U.S. Patent 4,399,954 as it is being installed on or removed from the floor 12.

[0009] The structure for carrying out the process of the present invention is mounted in a pit 16 sunk into the ground and enclosed by concrete walls 17 and a floor 18. The turf 11 passes over an idle roll 21 secured to one of the walls of the pit and then over a second idle roll 22 which is supported by idle rolls 23. The turf 11 passes over the roll 22 and then between the rolls 22 and 23. From the roll 22, the path of the turf 11 passes under a take-up roll which is supported by rolls 27, at least one of which is driven in the manner described in U.S. Patent 4,399,954. Thus, a point on the turf 11 leaves the floor 12 and passes along a path which leads over the roll 22 and then under and around the take-up roll 26, this path thus extending from the floor 12, around the .roll 22 and then to and around the take-up roll 26 to a "cover point" 30. By "cover point" I mean that point on the outermost wrap of the take-up roll 26 where the turf moving from the roll 22 first contacts or covers the outermost wrap on the roll 26.

[0010] Figure 1 clearly indicates that as the turf travels along the above described path, a portion of the turf will be so positioned that the grass-like material 14 extends downwardly from the backing 13. From Figure 1, it will readily be seen that this portion of the path extends from about the eight o'clock position on the roll 22 to about the four o'clock position on the roll 26. This positioning of the turf 11 will allow accumulated dirt, dust, etc., to fall from the turf 11. If desired, a chute 33 and a belt conveyor 34 (or even a vacuum dust collection system) may be used to carry away the dirt which has fallen from the turf 11. It is also preferred that nozzles 37, spaced across the width of the turf 11, be provided for directing air jets onto the grass-like material 14 to drive the dirt therefrom.

[0011] Figure 1 will also show that the turf 11, when it is on that portion of the path where the grass-like material extends downwardly from the backing 13, is "clear of" the remainder of the turf 11. By "clear of", I mean that none of the remainder of the turf is below that part of the turf which is upside down to catch or collect dirt falling from the inverted portion of the turf.

[0012] Figure 2 shows apparatus for carrying out a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the turf 11 leaves the floor 12, passes over the idle roll 21, and then passes over and around the take-up roll 26. In this embodiment, the portion of the path of the turf 11 in which the grass-like material extends downwardly from the backing 13 will extend from about the eight o'clock position on the take-up roll 26 to about the four o'clock position on the take-up roll 26. A rotating drum 46 positioned below the roll 26 is provided with beater bars 47 which engage the turf 11 to dislodge dirt therefrom. Again, it is preferred that the chute 33 and the conveyor 34 be used to carry away the dirt dislodged from the turf 11.

[0013] In operation, the turf 11 is withdrawn from the floor 12 and is carried along a path to and onto the take-up roll 26. The path has a configuration such that, during a portion of the path, the grass-like material extends downwardly from the backing 13 of the turf 11 to allow accumulated dirt to fall therefrom. Preferably, forces are applied to the turf 11 at a point along the path wherein the grass-like material 14 extends downwardly from the backing 13 to drive from the turf any dirt lodged therein. These forces may be applied by streams of air from the nozzle 37 or by the beater bars 47 carried by the rotating drum 46.

Claims

1. The process of removing from a floor a section of impervious artificial turf made up of a backing layer and a grass-like material extending upwardly from the backing layer to simulate grass, comprising withdrawing the artificial turf along a path from the floor onto a driven take-up roll, said path having a configuration such that along a portion of the path, the grass-like material extends downwardly from the backing layer, said portion of said path being positioned at a location between the floor and a cover point, said portion also being clear of the remainder of said artificial turf.

2. The process of Claim 1 wherein forces are applied to the artificial turf as said turf moves through said portion of said path to dislodge dirt from said artificial turf.

3. The process of Claim 2 wherein the forces are in the form of air jets.

4. The process of Claim 2 wherein the forces are applied by beater bars.

5. The process of Claim 4 wherein said portion of said path extends around the periphery of the lower half of said take-up roll.

Drawing