Artificial surface with integrated thermal regulation for sports and other uses
US6689447B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/25
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A synthetic grass surface includes widely spaced rows of ribbons projecting from a flexible backing sheet. Thermal regulating means are attached to the backing sheet in the spaces between the rows of the ribbons. A relatively thick infill layer is disposed on the top of the backing sheet, thereby burying the thermal regulating means and holding the ribbons upright. The infill layer may include a growing medium for plant growth. In one embodiment, electric cables are integrated into the synthetic grass surface in order to heat the surface for de-icing or to maintain plant root warmth. In another embodiment, perforated flexible pipes are integrated into the synthetic grass surface to moisten the surface, thereby cooling the surface when the moisture evaporates. The thermal regulating system of the invention is energy-efficient and economical to install and operate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.