Patent Application
20250163655
Sports fields often achieve properties or characteristics conducive to play by employing artificial turf systems, including artificial turf fields. Artificial turf systems are often desired over traditional grass field areas for providing a play surface that features ideal ball roll or bounce characteristics, a firm yet cushioned constitution in the case of a hard fall by a user, and durability that reduces an overall required amount of maintenance. In this regard, artificial turf systems often withstand greater material stress from play as compared to natural turf and are therefore relatively desirable to both turf field owners and sports players.
There is great variation in contemporary artificial turf systems. However, such artificial turf systems may generally include three primary components listed here from bottom to top: a shock pad component, a carpet component, and an infill component. These components of artificial turf systems may be assembled on a base of compacted stone to form an artificial turf field, where the shock pad component is adjacent to the base. The base may be composed of compacted stone or other materials.
The shock pad component serves to convey much of the shock absorption property of the artificial turf system. As such, an infill component alone may not adequately fulfill or replace the shock absorption property provided by a shock pad. The carpet component serves to mimic the blades of grass and root zone, conveying the softness and traction of the surface as well as many ball interaction properties.
The infill component may include two layers: a bottom layer and a top layer. The bottom layer may serve to weigh down and stabilize the carpet component below. The top layer of the infill component directly interacts with users of the artificial turf field resulting in many characteristics and properties of the artificial turf system such as: surface softness, reflectivity of light, temperature, traction available to users of the turf field, and much of the mechanical properties of the artificial turf system.
The combined properties of the shock pad and infill components may dictate the mechanical performance of the artificial turf system. The shock pad and infill components of the artificial turf system may primarily determine the surface stiffness, elasticity, and deformation properties, whereas the carpet component may primarily determine aesthetic and lateral mechanical properties such as color, rotational resistance, and traction. However, the relative contribution of each component to any of the aforementioned properties of the artificial turf system may vary.
Artificial turf systems may be considered permanent in that once the installation of all the components is completed, the surface remains as-is and in place until the end of life of the artificial turf system. The life time of the artificial turf system may be many years.
Traditionally, to change the properties of the artificial turf system such as surface stiffness, elasticity, deformation, aesthetic, lateral mechanical, color, rotational resistance, and traction, the installed artificial turf system would need to be disassembled and replaced, effectively ending the life time of the artificial turf system. As such, removal, replacement, or augmentation of an artificial turf system is costly and creates a great deal of waste of materials and time. Further, many of the materials used in known artificial turf systems are not recyclable, and negatively impact environmental sustainability of artificial turf systems.
The synthetic infill component for grass and artificial turf fields are often made of recycled styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), which is derived from petroleum-based tires previously used by automobiles, trucks, planes, etc. Due to the dark coloration of SBR granules, the surface temperature of the grass fields sprinkled with them are generally increased, which is a problem for players in hot environments or on sunny days. For example, on hot summer days, artificial turf systems containing SBR granules may be over 30 degrees Celsius hotter than the air temperature, making the artificial turf field nearly unusable.
“Infill” materials for artificial turf fields can be from synthetic or natural origins. The most widely used natural flexible infill granules in this regard is cork and may contain coconut fibers. A disadvantage, however, is the widely varying properties of cork under different weather conditions. If cork is used as an infill material, artificial watering of the artificial turf field at higher temperatures is often needed. Compared to the synthetic infill granules described above, the durability of cork is also much shorter, so that the cork granules have to be replaced frequently.
Puddling or electrostatic buildup in installed artificial turf systems is another problem faced by grounds managers. Puddling is often addressed via mechanical manipulations to alter infill packing; mechanical manipulation may include “de-compaction” using tine combs to raise low areas or may include “compaction” using heavy rollers to lower high areas.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented later.
According to one aspect, a method of modifying the properties of an artificial turf includes applying a turf modifier compound over a top surface of the artificial turf, where the artificial turf includes a carpet or an infill that forms the top surface, and the turf modifier compound alters a property of the artificial turf at the carpet or the infill, including at least one of water retention, water absorption, stiffness, friction, infill splash, reflectance, mechanical resilience, ultraviolet radiation resistance, heat emission, heat retention, heat reflection, and antimicrobial activity.
According to another aspect, a method of modifying properties of an artificial turf includes removing infill particles from a carpet included in the artificial turf. The method also includes mixing a turf modifier compound with the infill particles removed from the artificial turf, or applying the turf modifier compound to a top side of the carpet, where the turf modifier compound alters a property of the artificial turf at the carpet or the infill, including at least one of water retention, water absorption, stiffness, friction, infill splash, reflectance, mechanical resilience, ultraviolet radiation resistance, heat emission, heat retention, heat reflection, and antimicrobial activity.
The foregoing and other features are hereinafter more fully described below. In this regard, the following description sets forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments that are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the subject disclosure may be employed.
The innovation described herein describes a system and method of altering properties of an artificial turf system. The system and method increases maintenance efficiency and augments turf performance to a desired outcome. In addition to other described features, functions, and benefits, the system and method described herein may enable efficient and effective on-site flooring management that is adaptive to conditions and properties of an artificial turf system over time.
Various aspects of the subject disclosure are now described in more detail with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein like numerals generally refer to like or corresponding elements throughout. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular form disclosed. Instead, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure.
Referring to
Referring back to
In an embodiment, a method of modifying properties of the artificial turf field 100 includes applying the turf modifier compound 130 over the top surface 122 of the artificial turf field 100, where the turf modifier compound 130 alters a property of the artificial turf field 100 at the carpet 112 or the infill layer 114. In this regard, as explained in greater detail below, the turf modifier compound 130 may include a variety of elements, such that the altered property of the artificial turf field 100 may include at least one of water retention, water absorption, stiffness, friction, infill splash, reflectance, mechanical resilience, ultraviolet radiation resistance, heat emission, heat retention, heat reflection, and antimicrobial activity.
In a further embodiment, the fibers 116 form the top surface 122 of the artificial turf field 100, and the turf modifier compound 130 includes at least one of a cationic, an anionic, a non-ionic, or a covalent-attachment surfactant that alters a coefficient of friction of the fibers 116, the infill layer 114, or both the fibers 116 and the infill layer 114. In this regard, the cationic, anionic, non-ionic surfactant, or a covalent-attachment surfactant included in the turf modifier compound 130 may modify water retention properties of the artificial turf field 100. Sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate may be an example of an anionic surfactant and turf modifier compound 130. The anionic surfactant, such as sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, may be dissolved in water to 0.4% by weight, and containers of the turf modifier compound 130 may be loaded onto a vehicle or cart. The applicator 124 may be a boom sprayer that attaches to the container. The applicator 124 may be used to spray the turf modifier compound 13 on the surface of the turf at four liters per 1,000 square feet of turf field 100. After applying a turf modifier compound 130, water may then be applied to the field at a rate of 0.6 to one liters per square yard of turf field 100.
The turf modifier compound 130 may include liquid, solid, or gel matrix components as described in further detail below, and the applicator 124 may include a variety of corresponding devices that apply the turf modifier compound 130 components over the top surface 122 of the artificial turf field 100. In this regard, a gel matrix component included in the turf modifier compound 130 encases infill particles included in the infill layer 114 upon application to the artificial turf field 100 such that the gel matrix adheres to the infill particles, fills a space between the infill particles, and immobilizes the infill particles or reduces movement by the infill particles relative to each other in the infill layer 114.
As indicated above,
Modifying the water retention properties of the artificial turf field 100 may, in turn, modify surface properties of the lower layer 132 and other minor organic components contained therein. Examples of minor organic components include dirt, microorganisms, or animal or user remains such as feathers, fur, and sweat that may be characterized as contaminants to the artificial turf system 104.
The turf modifier compound 130 may include a surfactant dispersed over the top surface 122 by the applicator 124, where the surfactant is applied to the top surface 122 of the artificial turf system 104. Notably, the turf modifier compound 130 may further disperse through the artificial turf field 100 under weight by gravity through each component of the carpet 112 and the infill layer 114 toward the backing 120 based on factors such as viscosity or particle size, and adhesive properties between the turf modifier compound 130 and the artificial turf field 100. In this regard, water-shedding surfactants, such as sodium di-(2-ethylhexyl)-sulfosuccinate, for example, decrease water retention in the stabilizing infill that forms the lower layer 132, leading to a reduced mechanical cohesion within the lower layer 132, and between the lower layer 132 and the upper layer 134, and in turn, increased softness of the top surface 122.
Cationic, anionic, non-ionic, or covalent-attachment surfactants in the turf modifier compound 130 may also attach to or otherwise alter the fibers 116 of the carpet 112 and the infill layer 114 in a manner that reduces the coefficient of friction of the artificial turf field 100. Varieties of surfactants alternatively included in the turf modifier compound 130 enable independent modification of, for example, the coefficients of friction of the fibers 116 and the infill layer 114. In this manner, the artificial turf system 104 may provide differential augmentations in friction of the fibers 116 and the infill layer 114 along the artificial turf field 100.
In an embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes covalent surface modifiers that alter the top surface 122 and the infill layer 114 with respect to the water retention properties of the artificial turf system 104. In this regard, U.S. patent application published as US2024/0092978 A1 and entitled, “Spreadable Granules, Use Of Same And Grass Lawn Or Artificial Grass Lawn With Such Spreadable Granules As Infill Granules”, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In a further embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes a silane that covalently bonds to the carpet 112 or the infill layer 114 and alters a water retention property or a water absorption property of the carpet 112 or the infill layer 114. The artificial turf system 104 may employ hydrophobic silanes such as octyl silane, dodecyl silane, or other similar linear or branched, aliphatic or aromatic silanes for the in-situ surface modification of the infill layer 114, including the lower layer 132 and the upper layer 134. Such covalent surface modification materials in the turf modifier compound 130 may increase a hydrophobicity of the lower layer 132 or the upper layer 134, and reduce cohesive forces within the lower layer 132 and the upper layer 134 respectively. With this, the covalent surface modification may soften the top surface 122.
In an alternative embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes a hydrophilic silane such as (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, (2-hydroxyethyl)-triethoxysilane, or a similar compound. Such pH-sensitive modifications of the turf modifier compound 130 lead to increased water retention under low pH conditions, decreased water retention in high pH conditions, and a tunable hardness surface with respect to the top surface 122.
In an embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 is a liquid treatment that, upon application, solidifies within the artificial turf system 104 and alters the mechanical properties of the fibers 116 or the infill layer 114 of the artificial turf system 104. In such an embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 may be a hydrogel that increases water retention, increases surface stiffness, or reduces infill layer 114 splash of the artificial turf field 100. In a further embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 is a hydrogel formed in-situ from a water-soluble powder. In the embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 forms a hydrogel stabilizing layer disposed around infill particles in the lower layer 132 and the upper layer 134 of the infill layer 114. The hydrogel in the turf modifier compound 130 may be made using hydroxyethyl methacrylate, hydroxyl methyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl cellulose, gelatin, hydrophilic poly(urethanes), polysaccharides such as starch, alginate, agarose, or other similar compounds. This modification may increase an elastic modulus or a loss modulus of the infill layer 114, including the lower layer 132 and the upper layer 134, and cause greater surface stability in the top surface 122. Each of the elastic modulus, the loss modulus, and the surface stability of the artificial turf field 100 may be finely tuned based on a hydrogel nature and concentration in the turf modifier compound 130.
In another embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes a curable or solidifying polymer or pre-polymer mixture such as a one-part or two-part polyurethane, acrylate, polyether, or composite polymer blend including mineral or organic additives in combination with a liquid mister, sprayer, or other suitable applicator, onto the top surface 122, including the fibers 116 and the infill layer 114. In such an embodiment, the mixture included in the turf modifier compound 130 cures onto or within the artificial turf field 100, and modifies aesthetic or mechanical performance aspects of the artificial turf field 100, including the carpet 112 and the infill layer 114. In this regard, the turf modifier compound 130 may include, for example, an acrylic suspension that reduces a specular reflectance property of the fibers 116, a polyurethane coating that restores resilience of the fibers 116 with respect to long-term wear, and an ultraviolet absorber-containing polymer blend that extends the outdoor aging resistance of the fibers 116 and the infill layer 114.
The turf modifier compound 130 may form a coating that reduces a reflectance property of the fibers 116 in the carpet 112. The turf modifier compound 130 may additionally or alternatively include a polymer that forms the coating, where the coating increases a mechanical resilience of the fibers 116 included in the artificial turf field 100 or extends an ultraviolet radiation resistance of the fibers 116. The coating may also adhere the fibers 116 to the backing 120, increasing a mechanical resilience of the fibers 116 at the backing 120. The coating formed from the turf modifier compound 130 may additionally or alternatively alter a heat reflection property of the artificial turf field 100.
In an embodiment, the fibers 116 are formed from a polymer, and the turf modifier compound 130 covalently bonds to both the fibers 116 and the backing 120. With this construction, the turf modifier compound 130 may encase and repair the fibers 116 that are split, and adhere the fibers 116 to the backing 120. As such, the turf modifier compound 130 strengthens and extends a lifespan of the fibers 116 in the artificial turf field 100.
In another embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes antimicrobial compounds such as zinc chloride, zinc pyrithione, silver nitrate, copper sulfate, thymol, citronella oil or other similar compounds to extend the life span of biodegradable plant-based infill materials. In this regard, the applicator 124 applies such antimicrobial compounds included in the turf modifier compound 130 over the top surface 122 of the artificial turf field 100, where the antimicrobial compounds are absorbed into the artificial turf field 100, from the top surface 122 to the backing 120. In this manner, the turf modifier compound 130 enters into the plant-based infill materials forming the infill layer 114, and releases antimicrobial compounds over time to extend an effective duration of the plant-based infill materials forming the infill layer 114.
In another embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes infill particles formed from a single infill particle size that, disposed in the fibers 116, alters an elastic modulus or a loss modulus of the artificial turf field 100 at the top surface 122.
In a further embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes solid infill particles applied to the artificial turf field 100, where the infill particles in the turf modifier compound 130 remain (e.g., permanently) on or within the artificial turf field 100. In this regard, the infill particles which originally form the infill layer 114 in the artificial turf field 100 are a first infill, and the infill particles included in the turf modifier compound 130 are a second infill.
With this construction, the infill layer 114 is a first infill having a first particle size distribution, and the turf modifier compound 130 includes a second infill disposed between the fibers 116 with the first infill. The second infill has a second particle size distribution larger than the first particle size distribution. In an embodiment, the second particle size distribution encompasses the first particle size distribution. In a further embodiment the turf modifier compound 130 includes an infill having a bi-modal particle size distribution, where two modes of the bi-modal particle size distribution respectively indicate larger and smaller particle sizes than a most common particle size in the first particle size distribution.
In another embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130, particularly the second infill includes a wide sieve-size distribution of stabilizing infill particles as compared to the first infill. Notably, a sieve-size distribution indicates a maximum particle size of a group of infill particles, such as would be produced if the group of infill particles passed through a corresponding sieve system.
A method of applying the turf modifier compound 130 may include collecting a sample or samples of the infill layer 114 from the artificial turf field 100 which, in an example, is not currently as stiff or firm as desired. The method may further include analyzing particle size distribution of the collected infill samples, and preparing a test turf sample that may be tested for compaction and firmness. When compaction and firmness in the test turf sample is comparable to the artificial turf field 100 being treated, infill particles with wider sieve-sizes may be introduced on top of, or mixed into the artificial turf field 100. Next, the test turf sample may be retested to measure a change in firmness or compaction. Sand particles having a broader range of particle sizes, and a lower average particle size than the test turf sample collected from the artificial turf field 100 may be added to an existing system blend in a range of 0.5-1 pounds per square feet until the desired stiffness is achieved. When the amount, sieve size, or distribution of new infill is determined, the determined amount may be added directly to the artificial turf field 100. Alternatively, the method of applying the turf modifier compound 130 may include removing the top layer 134 of existing infill and blending a lower layer of the infill layer 114 between the upper layer 134 and the backing 120, such as the lower layer 132 with the new infill, then replacing the top layer 134 on top of the lower layer 132.
The turf modifier compound 130 is spread over the top surface 122, on top of the existing artificial turf field 100, then brushed and compacted to allow the newly added infill particles from the second infill to settle in with the other components of the artificial turf system, including the infill particles from the first infill. The wider sieve distribution of the second infill increases and accelerates particle packing, causing the top surface 122 to become relatively firm. In an embodiment, the first infill included in the infill layer 114 may be at least mostly replaced by the turf modifier compound 130, enabling continued use of the artificial turf field 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the second infill includes a bimodal distribution of stabilizing infill particles with an average size that equates, or is substantially similar to an average size of the infill particles from the first infill, where two modes of the bimodal distribution are above and below the existing stabilizing infill particle size distribution. In such an embodiment, the second infill in the turf modifier compound 130 added to the infill layer 114 produces a wider particle size distribution in the infill layer 114, and increases a speed and degree to which infill particles in the infill layer 114 compact with each other, firming the artificial turf field 100 at the top surface 122.
In an alternative embodiment, the second infill included in the turf modifier compound 130 has stabilizing infill particles with a relatively narrow size distribution as compared to the first infill. The second infill in the turf modifier compound 130 is brushed and then compacted into the top surface 122, which reduces a packing efficiency of the lower layer 132, increases a loss modulus of the artificial turf field 100, and a softens the top surface 122. A method of applying the turf modifier compound 130 may include collecting a sample or samples of the infill layer 114 from the artificial turf field 100 which, in an example, is not currently as stiff or firm as desired. The method may further include analyzing particle size distribution of the collected infill samples, and preparing a test turf sample that may be tested for compaction and firmness. When compaction and firmness in the test turf sample is comparable to the artificial turf field 100 being treated, infill particles with narrower sieve-sizes may be introduced on top of, or mixed into the artificial turf field 100. Next, the test turf sample may be retested to measure a change in firmness or compaction. Sand particles having a broader range of particle sizes, and a lower average particle size than the test turf sample collected from the artificial turf field 100 may be added to the existing system blend in a range of 0.5-1 pounds per square feet until the desired firmness is achieved. When the amount, sieve size, or distribution is determined, the determined amount may either be added directly to the artificial turf field 100. Alternatively, the method of applying the turf modifier compound 130 may include removing the top layer 134, blending a lower layer of the infill layer 114 between the top layer 134 and the backing 120, such as the lower layer 132 with the new infill, and then replacing the top layer 134 on top of the lower layer 132.
Such aspects of the artificial turf field 100 may additionally or alternatively be affected by removing a portion of the existing infill particles of the first infill, and either adding the second infill before returning the removed first infill, or by blending the removed first infill with the second infill before returning the new blend to the top surface 122 to yield improved field properties in the artificial turf field 100.
In an embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes a layer of performance infill such as styrene-butadiene rubber, thermoplastic elastomer composite, or plant-based infill that may be added as a top dressing layer to the artificial turf field 100. In such an embodiment, the top dressing layer alters a visual property or a thermal absorption property of the artificial turf field 100 at the top surface 122, and modulates a temperature on the artificial turf field 100. It is to be appreciated that such an alteration of thermal absorption properties or other thermal aspects of the artificial turf field 100 at the top surface 122 may be used in combination with other aforementioned aspects and embodiments.
In an embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes a mineral that may react with carbonic acid in water to form a bicarbonate. With this embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 performs atmospheric carbon dioxide capture and thereby reduces the overall environmental impact by the artificial turf system 104. Application of the mineral can be repeated, either with or without removing existing infill, in order to optimize gas capture performance of the artificial turf field 100. The mineral may be or include basalt, other igneous rock, quick lime, lime stone, rock blends, and combinations thereof. When the mineral comes in contact with water, a chemical reaction may occur between carbonic acid naturally present in the water and the mineral. The chemical reaction weathers the mineral and converts the carbonic acid into bicarbonate. By converting carbon dioxide into other substances, the carbon dioxide in the water can no longer be released into the atmosphere. The bicarbonate formed here may leach through the artificial turf field 100 and enter a drainage system for the artificial turf field 100, or enter the soil below the artificial turf field 100 directly. Further, the conversion of the carbonic acid has a de-acidifying effect on soils, storm water, rivers, and oceans, simultaneously enriching them with mineral nutrients. These bicarbonate solutions are carried by rivers to the sea, where they are ultimately deposited as limestone and dolomites, e.g., carbonite sediments. These carbonate sediments are a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. A method of applying the turf modifier compound 130 may include removing the top 5-8 mm of the infill layer 114, thereby removing the upper layer 134, after which the lower layer 132 is blended with the turf modifier compound 130 including a new carbon capturing infill, and then replacing the upper layer 134.
In an embodiment, the turf modifier compound 130 includes a curing polymer applied to a top side 140 of the carpet, between the fiber rows, after removing the infill layer 114. With this construction, the turf modifier compound 130 increases a fiber retention force that may be applied to the fibers 116 by the carpet 112 at the backing 120.
Referring to
At block 302, the method 300 includes applying the turf modifier compound 130 over the top surface 122 of the artificial turf field 100 using the artificial turf system 104. In this regard, the method includes dispersing the turf modifier compound 130 over the top surface 122, where the turf modifier compound alters a property of the artificial turf field 100 at the carpet 112 or the infill layer 114. The property altered by the turf modifier compound 130 may be at least one of water retention, water absorption, stiffness, friction, infill splash, reflectance, mechanical resilience, ultraviolet radiation resistance, heat emission, heat retention, heat reflection, and antimicrobial activity at the carpet 112 or the infill layer 114.
As depicted, the upper layer 134 and the lower layer 132 are disposed between the fibers 116, on top of the backing 120, where the upper layer forms the top surface 122 of the artificial turf field 100 with the fibers 116, and the lower layer 132 is interposed between the upper layer 134 and the backing 120 in a vertical direction. The upper layer 134 and the lower layer 132 have infill particles with different particle size distributions or different chemical compositions.
At block 304, the method 300 includes diffusing the turf modifier compound 130 through the artificial turf field 100 in the vertical direction by gravity. In this regard, the turf modifier compound 130 diffuses from the top surface 122, through the fibers 116 and the upper layer 134, to the lower layer 132.
At block 310, in an embodiment where the turf modifier compound 130 includes a polymer, the method 300 includes curing the turf modifier compound 130 at the lower layer 132. As the turf modifier compound 130 cures, the included polymer encases and hardens around infill particles in the lower layer 132 or the upper layer 134.
At block 312, the method 300 of modifying properties of the artificial turf field 100 includes removing infill particles from the carpet 112 at the infill layer 114. At block 314, the method 300 also includes mixing the turf modifier compound 130 with the infill particles removed from the artificial turf field 100 at block 312, or applying the turf modifier compound 130 to the top side 140 of the carpet 112. In this manner, the turf modifier compound 130 alters a property of the artificial turf field 100 at the carpet 112 or the infill layer 114, including at least one of the properties of water retention, water absorption, stiffness, friction, infill splash, reflectance, mechanical resilience, ultraviolet radiation resistance, heat emission, heat retention, heat reflection, and antimicrobial activity.
At block 320, the method 300 includes replacing the infill particles removed from the infill layer 114 at block 312. In this regard, the original infill particles removed from the infill layer 114 may be returned to the artificial turf field 100 at the infill layer 114, or replaced with new infill materials such as the second infill in the turf modifier compound 130.
While specific embodiments are shown and described herein, it is contemplated that alternative embodiments exist that employ alternative materials, mixtures, proportions, sizes, etc. without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the innovation as described in detail. These alternative embodiments are to be included within the spirit and scope of the innovation as described and claimed herein.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example aspects.
Various operations of aspects are provided herein. The order in which one or more or all of the operations are described should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated based on this description. Further, not all operations may necessarily be present in each aspect provided herein.
As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. Further, an inclusive “or” may include any combination thereof (e.g., A, B, or any combination thereof). In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Additionally, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Further, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.
Further, unless specified otherwise, “first”, “second”, or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first channel and a second channel generally correspond to channel A and channel B or two different or two identical channels or the same channel. Additionally, “comprising”, “comprises”, “including”, “includes”, or the like generally means comprising or including, but not limited thereto.
It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
The application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/601,834, filed on Nov. 22, 2023, entitled “Topical Treatments for the Modulation of the Properties of Artificial Turf”, which we incorporate by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63601834 | Nov 2023 | US |
