Manipulating large sections of artificial turf

• US 4,738,407 A
• Filed: 06/06/1983
• Issued: 04/19/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc (Textile Management Associates Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Monsanto Company (Bayer AG)
• Inventors: Arrant, Kearney D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jillions, John M.
• Application Number:
  US06/501,317
• Time in Patent Office: 1,779 Days
• Field of Search: 4/498, 4/499, 4/502, 34/156, 226/97, 242/55, 242/673, 242/67.1 R, 254/203, 273/27, 406/86, 414/676
• US Class Current: 242/390.2
• CPC Class Codes: A63C 19/12 Removable protective covers for courts, rinks, or game pitches or the like
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 13/00 Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports groundsgeneral layout A63C19/00
• CPC Class Codes: E01C 13/08 Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds grass-like surfaces for skiing E01C13/12
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 242/908 Fluid treatment or handling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 242/919 Ground cover, e.g. tarp

Abstract

A method of removably covering a smooth, rigid surface such as a floor, with a large section of heavy duty, artificial turf which involves pulling it across the surface while supported on a pneumatic cushion to minimize frictional drag and then relieving the cushion after the section is in place to allow it to settle onto the surface. The installation in use comprises such turf supported within its periphery on the pneumatic cushion in contactless overlying relationship above the rigid surface. The apparatus comprises powered rollers for supporting a roll of the turf, rope-like members for attachment to the roll along its leading margin, winches for pulling such rope-like members and a blower for developing the air cushion between the turf and rigid surface.

Claims

1. A method of manipulating a large section of substantially impervious, artificial turf which comprises pulling a leading margin of said artificial turf across an impervious floor on a pneumatic cushion wherein the margins of said section overlying the floor are in sealing contact with the floor.

2. A process for covering an impervious floor with a substantially impervious section of artificial turf taken from a roll, comprising

(a) pulling a leading margin from the roll onto and across the floor wherein said floor is impervious except for ports adjacent to said roll, said ports being spaced across the floor in a direction parallel to the axis of the roll;

(b) forcing compressed air under the turf at said ports to support the turf on a cushion of air; and

(c) driving the roll in a direction to unwind the turf as said turf is pulled across said floor;

wherein the margins of said turf over the floor are in sealing contact with the floor.