Patent Application
20240318389
The present invention relates to a padel turf sand brush for maintenance of indoor and outdoor padel turfs.
To maximise the lifespan of a padel turf, and to guarantee the best playing conditions, the turf regularly needs to be maintained. A padel turf comprises artificial grass filled with about 2000 kg of sand. The sand upholds the grass blades when exposed to pressure from above which otherwise would be damaged and provides a better surface layer for the padel player.
That the sand in the padel turf hardens over time, as the turf is being exposed to the physical weight of padel players as well as to water, e.g., rainwater or tap water, is a problem for both the longevity of the turf and for the optimisation of the playing conditions. A too hardened sand surface also prevents further water of flowing out.
The movement of players around the court when playing causes the surface sand to be displaced. The redistribution of sand prevents injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating, and changing direction, as well as providing a better ball bounce. Redistribution of the sand over the padel turf should be conducted daily, or even after every game.
In the shady and less used areas of the turf, often mainly the perimeter area, it is possible that fungus and moss appear.
Special machinery equipped with rotating brushes, which can be found on the market at high prices, are sometimes used for the maintenance of padel turfs.
It would be highly beneficial if a device would be available, which could help in redistributing the sand at a padel turf for maximising the lifespan of the turf, for improving the playing conditions, and for preventing the sand in the padel turf to harden.
Furthermore, it would also be beneficial if said device which could help in redistributing the sand at a padel turf, could in particular prevent injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating, and changing direction, as well as providing a better ball bounce.
Finally, it would be advantageous if said device would be relatively cost efficient, could prevent fungus and moss to appear and could also help in the collection of litter and residues from the turf.
It is therefore desirable to accomplish a device which could help in redistributing the sand at a padel turf for maximising the lifespan of the turf, improve the playing conditions, prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, prevent injury to padel players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, provide a better ball bounce, be relatively cost efficient, prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf, and could help in the collection of litter and residues from the turf.
An objective of the present invention is thus to accomplish a device which could help in redistributing the sand at an indoor or outdoor padel turf for maximising the lifespan of the turf, improve the playing conditions, prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, prevent injury to padel players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, provide a better ball bounce, be relatively cost efficient, prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf, and could help in the collection of litter and residues from the turf.
According to one aspect, the invention concerns a padel turf sand brush for maintenance of indoor and outdoor padel turfs. The brush comprising a base member. The brush member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface. The base member may be arranged horizontally when being used on a padel turf. The base member has further a main direction defined as the direction of travel when the brush is in use, and a secondary direction defined as being perpendicular to the main direction. The main direction and the secondary direction are substantially in the horizontal plane when the brush is in use. The brush further comprising a brush shaft arranged to the base member. The base member and the brush shaft are interconnected by means of a connecting part. The padel turf sand brush has a weight of at least 10 kg. The brush further comprises a plurality of elongated brush portions, arranged to the bottom surface of the base member. Each elongated brush portion comprises a plurality of bristles and are substantially elongated in the secondary direction. The elongated brush portions are distributed with a distance in the main direction, so that the padel turf sand is trapped between a first and a second of said plurality of elongated brush portions 9, 10 during movement of the brush in the main direction for distribution of sand from areas with excess of sand to areas with a shortage of sand.
In the context of this application, “a padel turf sand brush” is used interchangeably with only “brush” but is always meant to be the brush which is to be used on a padel turf to redistribute sand.
An advantage of the solution, is that it redistributes the sand on the turf evenly over the turf, which in turn: maximises the lifespan of the turf by avoiding that in some areas the artificial grass fibres remain completely covered by sand or that in other areas the artificial grass fibres remain too free of sand, improves the playing conditions and allows the ball to bounce consistently, prevents injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, supports the artificial grass on the turf better preventing the turf to deteriorate too early, prevents the sand in the padel turf to harden, is relatively cost efficient, and prevents fungus and moss to appear on the turf.
The device above may be configured according to different optional embodiments. For example, wherein the brush may further comprise a collection container detachably arranged to the base member, for the collection of litter, residues, among others.
An advantage of the solution is that it provides the possibility to help in the collection of litter and residues from the turf, and that it collects leaves, seeds, weeds, and other types of residues that can decompose to facilitate the formation of fungi on the turf.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the length of the bristles may be shorter than the distance between the first and the second elongated brush portion, for providing said transfer effect of sand in front of the first and the second elongated brush portion in the direction of travel.
An advantage of the solution, is that it even better may redistribute the sand on the turf evenly over the turf, which in turn may: even better maximise the lifespan of the turf by avoiding that in some areas the artificial grass fibres remain completely covered by sand or that in other areas the artificial grass fibres remain too free of sand, even better improve the playing conditions and allows the ball to bounce consistently, even better prevent injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, even better support the artificial grass on the turf better preventing the turf to deteriorate too early, even better prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, and even better prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the length of the bristles may be 15-50 mm, preferably about 20-40 mm, most preferably 25-35 mm.
An advantage of the solution is that the length of the bristles is well balanced. The shorter the bristles are, the stiffness of the bristles increases. For the brush to function well with the artificial grass and the sand, the length of the bristles, i.e. the stiffness of the bristles, should preferably be high enough.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the plurality of elongated brush portions may be 30-150 mm, preferably 41-60 mm.
In some embodiments, the distance between two adjacent elongated brush portions may be further than the distance between two other adjacent elongated brush portions. E.g., a first and second elongated brush portion, as seen in the traveling direction of the brush when in use, may be distanced from each other a length of about twice the length as compared to the third and fourth elongated brush portions.
An advantage of the solution, is that it even better may redistribute the sand on the turf evenly over the turf, which in turn may: even better maximise the lifespan of the turf by avoiding that in some areas the artificial grass fibres remain completely covered by sand or that in other areas the artificial grass fibres remain too free of sand, even better improve the playing conditions and allows the ball to bounce consistently, even better prevent injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, even better support the artificial grass on the turf better preventing the turf to deteriorate too early, even better prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, and even better prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the brush may comprise seven elongated brush portions, for providing said transfer effect of sand in between the seven elongated brush portions in the direction of travel.
An advantage of the solution, is that it even better may redistribute the sand on the turf evenly over the turf, which in turn may: even better maximise the lifespan of the turf by avoiding that in some areas the artificial grass fibres remain completely covered by sand or that in other areas the artificial grass fibres remain too free of sand, even better improve the playing conditions and allows the ball to bounce consistently, even better prevent injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, even better support the artificial grass on the turf better preventing the turf to deteriorate too early, even better prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, and even better prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the weight of the base member may be 10-40 kg, preferably between 12-30 kg and more preferably between 14-25 kg. The base member may have a rectangular shape. The width of the base member may be 400-500 mm and the length of the base member may be 700-800 mm, for providing a suitable interaction between the brush and the artificial grass of the padel turf.
An advantage of the solution is that it provides the possibility for the brush to have a certain weight to function well. This as the brush must have enough weight to fulfil this requirement. However, if the brush is too heavy the brush will be difficult for the user to pull, or even worse, get stuck in the artificial grass. Furthermore, if it is too light the brush will float on top of the artificial grass without any proper interaction with the sand.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting part at a first end may be connected to a first end of the brush shaft. The connecting part at a second end may further be connected to a front portion of the base member in the direction of travel.
An advantage of the solution, is that it will be relatively easy to pull over the turf, and thus even better may redistribute the sand on the turf evenly over the turf, which in turn may: even better maximise the lifespan of the turf by avoiding that in some areas the artificial grass fibres remain completely covered by sand or that in other areas the artificial grass fibres remain too free of sand, even better improve the playing conditions and allows the ball to bounce consistently, even better prevent injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, even better support the artificial grass on the turf better preventing the turf to deteriorate too early, even better prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, and even better prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the brush may comprise a first bumper arranged at a first corner of the base member, and a second bumper arranged at a second corner of the base member, for preventing the base member to collide into the glass walls of the padel court when in use.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the brush may further comprise a third bumper arranged at a third corner of the base member, and a fourth bumper arranged at a fourth corner of the base member, for preventing the base member to collide into the glass walls of the padel court when in use.
An advantage of above two solutions, is that they prevent the base member to collide into the glass walls of the padel court when in use.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the brush may further comprise a first wheel arranged at a first corner on the top surface of the base member, and a second wheel arranged at a second corner on the top surface of the base member. For the first and the second wheel to function as transportation means for the brush when the base member is tipped over 90° from the horizontal position to a vertical position, so that the base member rests on the first and the second wheel.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the brush may further comprise a third wheel arranged at a third corner on the top surface of the base member, and a fourth wheel arranged at a fourth corner on the top surface of the base member. For the third and the fourth wheel to function as transportation means for the brush when the base member is tipped over 90° from the horizontal position to a vertical position, so that the base member rests on the third and the fourth wheel.
An advantage of the two solutions above, is that they provide transportation means for the brush when the base member is tipped over 90° from the horizontal position to a vertical position, so that the base member rests on the wheels.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the first, second, third and fourth wheel may function as said bumpers.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the base member may be rigid.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the brush shaft may comprise a telescopic function.
An advantage of the solution, is that it provides the possibility for the length of the brush shaft to be individually adapted, and thus even better may redistribute the sand on the turf evenly over the turf, which in turn may: even better maximise the lifespan of the turf by avoiding that in some areas the artificial grass fibres remain completely covered by sand or that in other areas the artificial grass fibres remain too free of sand, even better improve the playing conditions and allows the ball to bounce consistently, even better prevent injury to players' ligaments when twisting, accelerating and changing direction, even better support the artificial grass on the turf better preventing the turf to deteriorate too early, even better prevent the sand in the padel turf to harden, and even better prevent fungus and moss to appear on the turf.
The front side of the brush, in the direction of travel, varies, as the brush can be rotated and subsequently being pulled by the user. Therefore, the container may be connected to the different sides of the brush, as the container should be detachably connected to the front side of the base member, in the direction of travel, for the collection of litter, residues, among others.
The brush shaft may be arranged to the top surface of the base member.
The first and the second elongated brush portion may be fixedly connected or detachably connected to the bottom surface. The latter alternative may be used when the user wants to replace the first and the second elongated brush portions when worn out.
The bottom surface of the base member is the surface facing the ground/padel turf when the brush is in use.
The brush shaft may be arranged on the top surface of the base member.
The shape of the first and the second elongated brush portion could either be a straight line, a wave format, a zigzag format, among others.
Tests of the invention have shown that when the elongated brush portions are forming straight lines, the redistribution of sand may be optimised.
The plurality of bristles of the elongated brush portions may be made of a polymer material. The plurality of bristles of the elongated brush portions may be made of a rubber material. The material of the plurality of bristles may be soft or medium hard.
The plurality of bristles may also be a plurality of polymer or rubber teeth.
The padel turf comprises artificial grass which most often have a length of approximately 12 mm.
The first and the second elongated brush portion interact, when the brush is being used, by sand being trapped in between the two portions for a certain time, such that the sand is being transferred from one area of the turf to another. By using an ordinary brush comprising only one elongated brush portion the sand is not being trapped as described, and the efficiency of the transfer of sand would be limited compared to the invention.
The collection container may be detachably arranged to a front portion of the base member in the direction of travel, for the collection of litter, residues, among others. The collection container may also be detachably arranged to a back side of the base member in the direction of travel, for the collection of litter, residues, among others.
By varying the length of the bristles, the distance between the elongated brush portions, the number of elongated brush portions, the size of the brush and the weight of the brush different effective configurations may be achieved. In one example, there are 4-8 elongated brush portions, distances at 10-5 cm from each other and having a length of 2-4 cm, and with a weight of about 13-25 kg.
When the brush is in use, the sand will initially both be transferred a bit forward, in the direction of travel, and a bit backwards, as the sand will spatter slightly due to the movement of bristles. Some of the sand will subsequently be trapped in between the first and the second elongated brush portion. Finally, the sand will drop down at another area of the turf, in the direction of travel, as the brush is either passing by or being stopped.
The brush may be used at both indoor and outdoor padel turfs.
The brush may further comprise a locking member or connecting bracket arranged on the top surface of the base member, for releasable connection of the base member to the brush shaft. To be used when the base member is tipped over 90° from the horizontal position to a vertical position, so that the base member without falling may rest on the first and the second wheel or on the third and the fourth wheel.
The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the following, a detailed description of a brush for maintenance of indoor and outdoor padel turfs is provided.
The base member 2 preferably also comprise a connecting bracket or locking member 39, which is to be used to lock or attach the base member to the shaft at a second portion of the base member 2. This locking member may be formed as a resilient receiving gripping means for receiving and holding the shaft in the locked position. The locking member may also interact directly with the shaft, or with a corresponding member mounted to the shaft for holding the two members together. E.g., a ball and bowl coupling may be used where the ball locks into the bowl in the locked position. The locked position is preferably the substantial vertical position or at least the position in which the base member extends along the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the locking member may be locked to the shaft 7 with a secondary lock (not illustrated), such as a cotter or other mechanical element that prevents the connecting bracket or locking member 29 to disengage from the shaft.
In the locked position the brush may preferably be stored or transported so as to assure a compact storage and movement.
Finally,
The method comprising the steps as illustrated by the flow chart boxes. The first step is transporting S1 the brush 1 onto the padel turf while having the base member 2 in an at least partly vertical orientation. This is illustrated in
The second step is tipping S2 the base member into a substantially horizontal orientation coinciding with a surface of the padel turf. Before the tipping, the shaft is preferably disengaged from the locking member 39 as discussed above. The horizontal orientation is illustrated in
The tipping is preferably performed by the connecting part 8. The connecting part preferably allows movements of the base member both in the horizontal plane and out of the horizontal plane.
In the third step the brush is moved S3 on the padel turf along a main direction so that sand is trapped between a first and a second of the plurality of elongated brush portions for distributing sand from areas with excess of sand to areas with shortage of sand. This is simply the step where the brush is used to redistribute the sand.
In the fourth step the method, the base member 2 is tipped S4 back into an at least partly vertical orientation. Preferably the base member is here also engaged with the shaft by the locking member 39. In the last step as illustrated the brush is transported S5 away from the padel turf while having the base member 2 in the at least partly vertical orientation.
The fact that the base member may be in at least a partly vertical position when transported, or when stored, enables is to enter a smaller opening in the glass walls of a padel court. Also, storage space is substantially reduced with the tipping/tilting of the base member and locking it to the shaft.
It is understood that the method above may be combined in any way with the brush as described above. Thus, any functional or structural feature of the brush as mention in the description or drawings of this application should be understood to have a corresponding method step relevant for the method as described above.
For example, the first wheel and second wheel as described above are to be interpreted as being possible to function as transportation means for the brush 1 when the base member 2 is in the at least partly vertical position and transported in step S1 or S4.
The inventive concept is further only limited by the features in the claims as defined below.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2151111-8 | Sep 2021 | SE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/074512 | 9/2/2022 | WO |
