TURF QUICK CHANGE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A turf system including a turf segment and a base pad laminated with the turf segment, where a bottom face of the turf segment is fixed with a top face of the base pad. The base pad is thicker than the turf segment in a direction perpendicular to a laminated direction between the turf and the base, the base pad is heavier than the turf segment per unit area along the laminated direction, or the base pad is rigid as compared to the turf segment.

Description

BACKGROUND

Artificial turf was originally developed as a replacement for natural grass fields, such as those used for football and soccer. Over time, artificial turf use has expanded to sports that incorporate additional surface types, such as clay and sand, which are commonly found in baseball and softball. In sports where players' movements and positioning on the field are non-uniform, specific areas of the turf experience higher levels of wear, resulting in damage that is often more visible and impactful in terms of performance.

Certain areas of the turf, particularly those subjected to high forces or frequent use due to the nature of the sport, degrade more quickly than the surrounding turf. For example, in sports such as baseball and softball, the repetitive motion in high-wear zones like the pitcher's mound or batter's box leads to faster deterioration of the turf due to the repetitive actions and positioning of players. As such, these zones endure concentrated forces, causing the turf to degrade at a much faster rate than other parts of the field.

Current methods for replacing these high-wear sections are time-consuming and expensive, leading to prolonged field downtime and requiring significant manual labor. More specifically, known processes of replacing these small sections can be labor-intensive and costly, as such typically involves removing the infill material, cutting out the damaged area, attaching new turf to the existing surface, and reinstalling the infill. Also, these repair processes often requires seaming tape or adhesives, which can introduce additional points of potential failure.

The most commonly used solution for high-wear areas today involves using hook-and-loop fasteners to attach replacement sections of turf. While this method allows for easier removal and replacement of damaged turf, it presents manufacturing challenges. Producing irregular or custom shapes with consistent quality can be difficult, especially when significant time passes between production cycles. Additionally, hook-and-loop systems tend to trap infill particles, which reduces the effectiveness of the fasteners if not thoroughly cleaned during each turf replacement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect, a turf system including a turf segment and a base pad laminated with the turf segment, where a bottom face of the turf segment is fixed with a top face of the base pad. The base pad is thicker than the turf segment in a direction perpendicular to a laminated direction between the turf and the base, the base pad is heavier than the turf segment per unit area along the laminated direction, or the base pad is rigid as compared to the turf segment.

According to another aspect, a method of replacing a turf module in a turf system includes recessing a tray into a flooring, where the tray includes a bottom tray portion that supports a first turf module, and the tray includes tray walls that extend upward from the bottom tray portion, around a first turf module disposed in the tray. The method also includes removing the first turf module from a tray, where the first turf module includes a first turf segment laminated with a first base pad, and the first base pad is lifted from the tray with the first turf segment.

The innovation described herein describes a turf system that offers efficient installation and removal of turf modules. The turf system also offers relative ease in manufacturing with respect to turf modules that form a continuous flooring. In addition to other described features, functions, and benefits, the turf system described herein may enable secure and efficient flooring management.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an example turf system in accordance with aspects of the innovation, including an upper component lifted from a lower component.

FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the turf system of FIG. 1, with the upper component disposed in the lower component.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the upper component of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lower component of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an example turf system in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example turf system in accordance with aspects of the innovation.

FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of an example turf system in accordance with aspects of the innovation, including a footing fixed with an upper component.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary process flow for operating a turf system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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 now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 depicts a turf system 100 including a lower component 102 that is stationary with an adjacent flooring 104, and including an upper component 110 that may be disposed in and removed from the lower component 102.

The upper component 110 is a turf module that includes a turf segment 112 and a first base pad 114. The first base pad 114 is laminated with the turf segment 112. While, in the depicted embodiment the first base pad 114 is laminated flatly with the turf segment 112, the first base pad 114 and the turf segment 112 may form a variety of non-planar shapes, and overlay each other in a variety of repeating or non-repeating patterns without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure.

The turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 define a laminated direction that is a two-dimensional direction extended along the upper component 110, between the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114. When, as depicted, the upper component 110 is oriented in an upright position with respect to the adjacent flooring 104, the laminated direction defines a horizontal plane between the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114.

In this manner, a bottom face 120 of the turf segment 112 is fixed with a top face 122 of the first base pad 114. The turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 extend in the laminated direction as layers of the upper component 110. As such, the turf segment 112 also includes a top face 124 opposite the bottom face 120 in a vertical direction perpendicular to the laminated direction. The first base pad 114 also includes a bottom face 130 opposite the top face 122 in the vertical direction. The top face 124 of the turf segment 112 is an uppermost exterior surface of the turf system 100, including the upper component 110, and forms a facing part of the upper component 110 which supports turf 132 that may be treaded by a user in a variety of activities. In this manner, the turf segment 112 includes the turf 132 on the top face 124, at a location on the turf segment 112 opposite the bottom face 120 of the turf segment 112 in the vertical direction.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the lower component 102 is inset into the adjacent flooring 104, where the lower component 102 is disposed in a recess 134 defined by a ground 140 that supports the adjacent flooring 104 and the lower component 102. The ground 140 may be formed from a variety of construction materials or combinations thereof, such as earth, gravel, rock, stone dust, cement, pavement, or a building floor structure that supports the adjacent flooring 104 without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure.

The upper component 110 is interchangeable and movable with respect to the lower component 102. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower component 102 includes a tray 142 that directly supports and retains the upper component 110 in the lower component 102 between tray walls 144 in the laminated direction. The upper component 110 is removable from the tray 142, and may be replaced in the lower component 102 by another upper component that includes similar features and functions in a similar manner as the upper component 110.

The lower component 102 includes a second base pad 150 laid over the tray 142. In an embodiment, the second base pad 150 is attached to the tray 142 mechanically using, for example, a lock mechanism that engages the tray 142 with the second base pad 150. The lower component 102 or the second base pad 150 may additionally or alternatively include a variety of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, snap-fit connectors, clips, clamps, pins, anchors, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, latch mechanisms, and catch mechanisms that fix the second base pad 150 to the tray 142 without departing from the subject disclosure. The second base pad 150 may additionally or alternatively be chemically fixed with the tray 142 using, for example, an adhesive or chemical bonding process between the second base pad 150 and the tray 142. The first base pad 114 and the second base pad 150 together convey similar mechanical properties through the turf segment 112 as the adjacent flooring 104 from a position above the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104.

The tray 142 is entirely recessed in the ground 140, where the adjacent flooring 104 overlays the tray walls 144. The tray walls 144 extend upward from a bottom tray portion 152 that supports the upper component 110 in the lower component 102, and form an uppermost portion of the tray 142 at the adjacent flooring 104. As such, the tray 142 is positioned entirely below the adjacent flooring 104 in the vertical direction.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the turf system 100 includes a tag 154 that is a flexible ribbon fixed with the bottom face 130 of the first base pad 114. The tag 154 is fixed on the bottom face 130 at a location spaced inward from a turf module perimeter 160 in the laminated direction. The upper component 110 defines the turf module perimeter 160 along an outermost edge of the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 in the laminated direction.

The tag 154 may extend outward from between the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104. In this regard, the tag 154 has a length greater than a sum of the spacing from the turf module perimeter 160 in the laminated direction, and a combined width of the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 in the vertical direction. With this construction, as shown in FIG. 2, a distal end 162 of the tag 154 may extend from between the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104, where the tag 154 may be handled by a user to lift the upper component 110 from the base pad 114. In an embodiment, the tag 154 has a length sufficient to extend from between the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104 at any position along the turf module perimeter 160. In such an embodiment, the tag 154 may be fixed to a center point of the first base pad 114 at the bottom face 130, and have a length sufficient to extend the tag 154 beyond the turf module perimeter 160 from the center point. In a further embodiment, the turf system 100 includes a plurality of tags fixed with the base pad 114, including the tag 154, where the plurality of tags may extend do different positions along the turf module perimeter 160, including at opposite sides of the turf segment 112.

Notably, because the tag 154 is fixed on the bottom face 130 of the first base pad 114 and extends around the turf module perimeter 160, the tag 154 actuated by the user lifts the upper component 110 by the first base pad 114 at the turf module perimeter 160, where the first base pad 114 supports the turf segment 112, while limiting a direct force applied to the location where the tag 154 is attached to the first base pad 114. As such, a user may pull the distal end 162 of the tag 154 upward with relatively large force, lifting the upper component 110 from the lower component 102, without tearing the tag 154 from the bottom face 130 of the base pad 114.

The tag 154 has a flat profile that may flex under the first base pad 114, between the first base pad 114 and the tray 142 in the vertical direction. With this construction, the tag 154 may be tucked underneath the first base pad 114, away from potential user interaction at the adjacent flooring 104 or the turf segment 112.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the bottom tray portion 152 supports the turf segment 112 at a same vertical position as the adjacent flooring 104, such that the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104 together form a flush, continuous floor. In this regard, the turf segment 112, the first base pad 114, and the second base pad 150 have a same combined thickness in the vertical direction as the tray walls 144 and the adjacent flooring 104.

More specifically, as depicted, a combined thickness of the first base pad 114 and the second base pad 150 matches a height of the tray walls 144 such that a top end 164 of the tray walls 144 and the top face 122 of the base pad 114 occupy a same position in the vertical direction. Also, the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104 have a same height respectively from the base pad 114 and the ground 140. In this manner, the adjacent flooring 104 extends along the turf module perimeter 160 defined by the turf segment 112 and the base pad 114, where the adjacent flooring 104 is disposed on top of the tray walls 144 and flush with the turf segment 112.

In an embodiment, the turf segment 112 includes similar features and functions in a similar manner as the adjacent flooring 104, including similar mechanical performance as a sports surface. The turf segment 112 can be an artificial turf carpet or another sports surface facing type.

In the depicted embodiment, the turf segment 112 is formed to match the adjacent flooring 104 and exhibit a seamless surface across the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104. Once in place in the quick-change system, the facing component can be treated like the surrounding sports surface to exhibit similar or different appearance and mechanical characteristics.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the upper component 110, including the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114. As shown in FIG. 3, the turf segment 112 is congruent with the first base pad 114 in the vertical direction, and overlays the first base pad 114 such that the bottom face 120 completely covers the top face 122.

With this construction, the turf segment 112 defines a turf segment perimeter 170 that surrounds the first base pad 114 in the laminated direction. In this regard, the first base pad 114 defines a first base pad perimeter 172 that matches the turf segment perimeter 170 in the laminated direction, and extends along the turf segment perimeter 170 in the laminated direction.

The turf segment perimeter 170 is an outermost edge of the turf segment 112 in the laminated direction. The first base pad perimeter 172 is an outer most edge of the first base pad 114 is the laminated direction. The turf module perimeter 160 is an outermost edge of the upper component 110, including the turf segment perimeter 170 or the first base pad perimeter 172, in the laminated direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first base pad 114 retains the turf segment 112 in the tray 142, between the tray walls 144. In this regard, the first base pad 114 is heavier than the turf segment 112 per unit area along the laminated direction. With this construction, a weight of the first base pad 114 retains the turf segment 112 in the lower component 102, on the bottom tray portion 152.

The first base pad 114 is also thicker than the turf segment 112 in the vertical direction. With this construction, the first base pad 114 abuts the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction, and obstructs movement of the turf segment 112 relative to the tray 142.

The first base pad 114 is also rigid as compared to the turf segment 112. With this construction, the turf segment 112 is less likely to fold, bend, tear, roll, or otherwise deform from a flat configuration disposed along the bottom tray portion 152. The turf segment 112 is also less likely to be removed from the tray inadvertently, such as through an impact or impulse to the turf 132.

With reference to FIG. 3, the turf segment 112 is permanently fixed with the first base pad 114. More specifically, the turf segment 112 is removable from the lower component 102, including the tray 142 and the second base pad 150, as compared to the first base pad 114. In this manner, the tray 142 receives the turf segment 112 with the first base pad 114, where the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 are removable from the tray 142 as compared to each other.

As such, the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 may be lifted as a whole by the turf 132, the turf segment 112, or the first base pad 114, and in this manner removed from the tray 142 and the second base pad 150. In this regard, the turf segment 112 is integrally formed with the first base pad 114, mechanically fixed with the first base pad 114, or adhered to the first base pad 114.

The first base pad 114 is a shock pad that absorbs impact and impulse forces from the turf segment 112. In an embodiment, the first base pad 114 is formed from rubber, such as a styrene-butadiene rubber, an ethylene propylene diene monomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyurethane rubber, a natural rubber, or a nitrile rubber. The first base pad may additionally or alternatively include other elastomeric materials such as a pure or blended styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene copolymer, or other similar thermoplastic elastomer.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of the lower component 102, including the second base pad 150, the tray 142, and a foundation 174. As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 142 receives the second base pad 150 such that the second base pad 150 overlays the bottom tray portion 152, between the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction.

The second base pad 150 is sized and shaped to cover the bottom tray portion 152 between the tray walls 144. In an embodiment, the second base pad 150 is sized and shaped to contact or snug fit the tray 142 along the tray walls 144.

The tray walls 144 are integrally formed from the bottom tray portion 152 as raised edges of the bottom tray portion 152. The tray walls 144 extend upward from the bottom tray portion 152 and overlap the first base pad 114 and the second base pad 150 in the laminated direction, around both the turf module perimeter 160 and a second base pad perimeter 180 formed from an outermost edge of the second base pad 150 in the laminated direction.

The second base pad 150 is a shock pad that includes similar features and functions in a similar manner as the first base pad 114. In this regard, the second base pad is formed from rubber, such as a styrene-butadiene rubber, an ethylene propylene diene monomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyurethane rubber, a natural rubber, or a nitrile rubber. The second base pad 150 may be formed from a same material or a different material from the first base pad 114.

In the depicted embodiment, the second base pad 150 is dropped into the tray 142, onto the bottom tray portion 152 between the tray walls 144. The second base pad 150 may additionally or alternatively be fixed with the tray 142, including at the tray walls 144 or the bottom tray portion 152, mechanically, with an adhesive, or through chemical bonding without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. In an alternative embodiment, the second base pad 150 is integrally formed with the first base pad 114 as part of the upper component 110, and is lowered into the tray 142 with the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114.

In this manner, the second base pad 150 is disposed on top of the tray 142, between the bottom tray portion 152 and the first base pad 114 in the vertical direction. As such, the second base pad 150 is interposed between and separates the first base pad 114 and the bottom tray portion 152 in the vertical direction, where the tray 142 structurally supports the second base pad 150, and receives impact or impulse forces from the turf segment 112 through the first base pad 114 and the second base pad 150. In an embodiment, the tray 142 is relatively rigid as compared to the second base pad 150. With this construction, the tray 142 restricts deformation of the first base pad 114 and the second base pad 150, and avoids outward deformation of the tray walls 144 with respect to an overall shape of the tray 142 in the laminated direction.

In the depicted embodiment, the second base pad 150 is formed from a flat shock pad having a thickness of 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches, with a weight of 0.5-5.0 pounds per square foot. The second base pad 150 may be formed from a variety of materials with elastic properties such as rubber (styrene-butadiene, latex, ethylene butylene propylene terpolymer, polyurethane), or other elastomeric materials such as pure or blended styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene copolymers, or other similar thermoplastic, rubber, or thermoset elastomers.

The bottom tray portion 152 has a top face 182 that directly supports the second base pad 150 in the tray 142, and supports the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 through the second base pad 150. The bottom tray portion 152 also has a bottom face 184 opposite the top face 182 in the vertical direction. The ground 140 supports the tray 142 at the bottom face 184.

The bottom tray portion 152 defines apertures 190 below the turf segment 112 in the vertical direction, and between the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction. The bottom tray portion 152 defines the apertures 190 in the vertical direction from the top face 182 to the bottom face 184. With this construction, the tray 142 drains liquid collected on the bottom tray portion 152, between the tray walls 144, to the ground 140. The ground 140 may also form drainage for the turf system 100, such as a base of aggregate rock directly supporting the bottom tray portion 152 at the apertures 190.

The second base pad 150 may also define holes (not shown) that drain liquid from above the second base pad 150 to the bottom tray portion 152. In this manner, the lower component 102 drains liquid from the upper component 110 to the ground 140.

An outermost surface of the tray 142 in the laminated direction forms a tray perimeter 192 along the tray walls 144 and the bottom tray portion 152. The tray 142 is fixed to the foundation 174 at the tray walls 144 and the bottom tray portion 152, at the tray perimeter 192.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the adjacent flooring 104 is fixed to a top end 194 of the foundation 174 and the top end 164 of the tray walls 144. The top end 194 of the foundation 174 is flush with the top end 164 of the tray walls 144. With this construction, the adjacent flooring 104 flatly overlays the tray 142 and the foundation 174, and abuts the turf segment 112 at the first base pad 114.

As shown in FIG. 4, the foundation 174 includes foundation walls 200 that extend upward from around the tray 142 in the laminated direction. In this regard, the foundation walls 200 extend upward along the tray walls 144, overlap the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction, and support the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction against the first base pad 114 and the second base pad 150. With this construction, the first base pad 114, the second base pad 150, and the tray 142 are prevented from deforming and changing an overall shape of the turf system 100 in the laminated direction, including spacing the turf module perimeter 160 from the adjacent flooring 104.

While, in the depicted embodiment, the tray 142 is formed from plastic, the tray may be formed from a variety of materials that are relatively rigid as compared to the first base pad 114 or the second base pad 150 such as, for example, wood, metal, concrete, ceramic, or stone. Also, while the depicted foundation 174 is formed from concrete, the foundation 174 may be formed from a variety of materials that are relatively rigid, strong, and unyielding as compared to the tray 142 such as, for example, wood, metal, concrete, ceramic, or stone without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. In an embodiment, the foundation 174 is formed from wooden boards joined around the tray 142 in the laminated direction. Each of the tray 142 and the foundation 174 are formed to have a weight and friction coefficient that maintains a position of the tray 142 and the foundation 174 in the turf system 100 under the expected forces during usage.

The top end 164 of the tray walls 144 and a top end of the foundation walls 200 forming the top end 194 of the foundation 174 occupy a same position in the vertical direction. With this construction, the foundation 174 is flush with the tray walls 144 such that the adjacent flooring 104 disposed on top of the tray walls 144 and the foundation walls 200 flatly overlays the tray 142 and the foundation 174, and abuts the turf segment 112 at the first base pad 114.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the turf system 100 that does not include a second base pad disposed in the tray 142. As shown in FIG. 5, the first base pad 114 directly overlays the top face 182 of the bottom tray portion 152. A width of the first base pad 114 matches the height of the tray walls 144 in the vertical direction, such that the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104 are respectively supported at a same position in the vertical direction. The first base pad 114 is relatively heavy and rigid as compared to the turf segment 112, and causes the turf segment 112 to remain in place despite relative to the lower component 102 without requiring any mechanical attachment to the lower component 102 of the turf system 100.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the turf system 100 where the turf segment 112 and the first base pad 114 form a first turf module 202, and the tray 142 receives a plurality of turf modules 204 that include similar features and function in a similar manner as the first turf module 202. The turf modules 204 are supported on the tray 142 between the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction. The turf modules 204 are tessellated with each other and the tray walls 144, forming a uniform floor surface between the tray walls 144 in the laminated direction.

The first turf module 202 has an outer edge that defines a first turf module perimeter 210 that is a turf module perimeter 160 corresponding to the first turf module 202. The turf modules 204 include a second turf module 212 supported on the tray 142, the second turf module 212 including a second turf segment 214 laminated with a second base pad 220. The second turf segment 214 and the second base pad 220 form an outer edge of the second turf module 212 in the laminated direction that defines a second module perimeter 222.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the turf modules 204 are tessellated with each other in a manner that avoids gaps or spaces between any of the turf modules 204 and the tray walls 144. In this regard, for example, the first turf module 202 and the second turf module 212 tessellate with each other and fit the tray perimeter 192 such that the first turf module perimeter 210 extends along the tray perimeter 192 or the second module perimeter 222. More specifically, the first turf module 202 and the second turf module 212 tessellate with each other and fit the tray perimeter 192 such that a majority of the first turf module perimeter 210 extends along the tray perimeter 192 or module perimeters of the turf modules 204 with consistent spacing in the laminated direction, in a series of unbroken line segments defined by the tray walls 144 and module perimeters of neighboring turf modules 204. Also, a majority of the tray perimeter 192 extends along the module perimeters of the turf modules 204 with consistent spacing in the laminated direction, in a series of unbroken line segments defined by the perimeters of the turf modules 204.

In the depicted embodiment, the turf modules 204 each have an outermost edge in the laminated direction that respectively forms a turf module perimeter. The turf module perimeter is a regular shape, optionally a polygon such as a triangle or a square. With this construction, the turf modules 204 may form a regular, repeating tessellation across the tray 142 in the laminated direction. As such, the turf modules 204 may be rotated within the tray 142 to evenly distribute wear of the turf modules 204 over time. In this regard, when one of the turf modules 204 becomes relatively worn as compared to the other turf modules 204, the turf modules 204 may be rotated in place to relocate the area of wear, and subsequently lengthen a usable life span of the turf modules 204.

The turf modules 204 may be formed in a variety of sizes to ease removal and installation of individual turf modules 204 in the tray 142 by a user. The turf modules 204 may abut each other to form the entirety of a floor surface on the upper component 110 between the tray walls 144. In embodiments, the turf modules 204 may each weigh no less than 20 lbs, and no more than 200 lbs. In a further embodiment, the turf modules 204 each weigh between 50 and 150 lbs. In a further embodiment, the turf modules 204 are each 100 lbs. In this manner, the weight of the individual turf modules 204 may be adjusted to capabilities and availabilities of users and equipment for moving the turf modules 204 about the tray 142.

In an embodiment, the adjacent flooring 104 may hide a seam with the turf segment 112 by overlapping the upper component 110 at the turf module perimeter 160 and the tray perimeter 192. The adjacent flooring 104 may be mechanically or chemically attached to the lower component 102, including the tray 142 for a relatively durable and wear resistant attachment between the turf segment 112 and the adjacent flooring 104.

The turf modules 204 may include a variety of different indicators disposed on and visible from the corresponding turf segment 112. In such an embodiment, the turf modules 204 are rotated and relocated about the tray 142 based on an intended position and orientation of the indicators.

With this construction, the turf system 100 allows matching properties of the turf segment 112, including appearance, to corresponding properties of the adjacent flooring 104. The turf system 100 may also be used to allow rapid changes in surface type supported at the tray 142 such as, for example, changing a logo type to a different logo type. Furthermore, the turf system 100 may be prepared and modified on site to accommodate additional features, such as a base element, as found on a baseball diamond, or line elements, as found on many sports fields. The use of the turf system 100 may be used in sport environments such as, for example, pitcher's mounds, baseball or softball batter boxes, soccer goal areas, lacrosse goal creases, and high wear areas in playgrounds.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the turf system 100 where the upper component 110 includes a footing 224 that supports a user on the turf segment 112. The footing 224 is fixed with the upper component 110 through the turf segment 112 or the first base pad 114 such that the footing 224 is static with respect to the turf segment 112, extends upward from the turf segment 112, and is encased by the turf segment 112 in the laminated direction.

The footing 224 may be a variety of objects or combinations thereof. In this regard, for example, the footing 224 may include a plate that forms a base on the upper component 110, where the footing 224 is used in a baseball game or a softball game as a home plate, a first base, a second base, or a third base. As another example, the footing 224 may additionally or alternatively include a post that forms part of a goal, a flag, a net, or seating on the upper component 110. As another example, the footing 224 may additionally or alternatively include an indicator line, such as a boundary line, a centerline, a goal line, a touch line, a penalty box, or a service line disposed on the turf segment 112. As further examples, the footing 224 may additionally or alternatively include a scoreboard, a backstop, or another structure fixed with the turf segment 112 or the first base pad 114, and manually operated by a user on the upper component 110.

METHODS FOR OPERATING THE TURF SYSTEM

Referring to FIG. 8, a computer-implemented method for operating a turf system will be described according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-7. For simplicity, the method 300 will be described as a sequence of blocks, but the elements of the method 300 may be organized into different architectures, elements, stages, and/or processes.

At block 302, the method 300 includes recessing the tray 142 into the adjacent flooring 104, where the tray 142 includes the bottom tray portion 152 that supports the first turf module 202. The tray 142 includes the tray walls 144 extended upward from the bottom tray portion 152, around the first turf module 202 disposed in the tray 142.

At block 304, the method 300 includes removing the first turf module 202 from the tray 142. In this regard, the first turf module 202 includes the turf segment 112 laminated with the first base pad 114, and the first base pad 114 is lifted from the tray 142 with the turf segment 112, removing the first turf module 202 from the tray 142.

At block 310, the method 300 includes disposing the second turf module 212 in the tray 142, at a location in the tray 142 previously occupied by the first turf module 202. In this regard, the second turf module 212 includes a second turf segment 214 laminated with the second base pad 220, the second turf module 212 is a same size and shape as the first turf module 202, and disposing the second turf module 212 in the tray 142 includes lowering the second base pad 220 onto the bottom tray portion 152, between the tray walls 144. The bottom tray portion 152 supports the second turf module 212 in the tray, and the tray walls 144 receive the second turf module 212 in a snug fit connection that obstructs the second turf module 212 from moving in a laminated direction relative to the tray 142.

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.

Claims

1. A turf system comprising: a turf segment; anda base pad laminated with the turf segment, wherein a bottom face of the turf segment is fixed with a top face of the base pad, andthe base pad is thicker than the turf segment in a direction perpendicular to a laminated direction between the turf and the base, the base pad is heavier than the turf segment per unit area along the laminated direction, or the base pad is rigid as compared to the turf segment.

2. The turf system of claim 1, wherein the turf segment defines a turf segment perimeter that encases the base pad in the laminated direction, and the base pad defines a base pad perimeter that extends along the turf segment perimeter in the laminated direction.

3. The turf system of claim 1, further comprising a footing fixed with the turf segment or the base pad, where the footing supports a user on the turf segment, and includes a plate, a post, a scoreboard, a backstop, or an indicator line.

4. The turf system of claim 1, wherein the turf segment is integrally formed with the base pad, mechanically fixed with the base pad, or adhered to the base pad.

5. The turf system of claim 1, further comprising a tray that receives the turf segment with the base pad, wherein the turf segment and the base pad are removable from the tray as compared to each other.

6. The turf system of claim 5, wherein the tray includes a bottom tray portion that supports the turf segment and the base pad, and includes tray walls formed from raised edges of the bottom tray portion, and the tray walls overlap the base pad in the laminated direction.

7. The turf system of claim 6, wherein a top end of the tray walls and the top face of the base pad occupy a same position in a direction perpendicular to the laminated direction.

8. The turf system of claim 6, wherein the tray walls define a tray perimeter, the turf segment and the base pad are a first turf segment and a first base pad that form a first turf module supported on the tray, the first turf module having an outer edge that defines a first turf module perimeter,the system comprises a second turf module supported on the tray, the second turf module including a second turf segment laminated with a second base pad, and having an outer edge that defines a second turf module perimeter, andthe first turf module and the second turf module tessellate with each other and fit the tray perimeter such that the first turf module perimeter extends along the tray perimeter or the second turf module perimeter.

9. The turf system of claim 8, wherein the tray supports a plurality of turf modules including the first turf module and the second module, and the first turf module and the second module tessellate with each other and fit the tray perimeter such that a majority of the first turf module perimeter extends along the tray perimeter or module perimeters defined by the plurality of turf modules, and a majority of the tray perimeter extends along the module perimeters.

10. The turf system of claim 6, further comprising: a foundation that includes foundation walls that extend upward from around the tray in the laminated direction such that the foundation walls overlap the tray in the laminated direction, wherein a top end of the tray walls and a top end of the foundation walls occupy a same position in a direction perpendicular to the laminated direction, and the foundation is relatively rigid as compared to the tray; andan adjacent flooring disposed on top of the tray walls and the foundation walls, wherein the adjacent flooring extends along and is flush with the turf segment.

11. The turf system of claim 6, wherein the tray includes a bottom tray portion that supports the turf segment and the base pad between the tray walls in the laminated direction, the tray walls extend upward from the bottom tray portion, around the base pad in the laminated direction, andthe bottom tray portion defines an aperture below the turf segment, between the tray walls in the laminated direction.

12. The turf system of claim 5, wherein the tray includes a bottom tray portion having a top face that supports the turf segment and the base pad, and having a bottom face opposite the top face, the turf system further comprises a tag fixed with the bottom face,the tag is formed from a flexible ribbon having a length greater than a combined width of the turf segment and the base pad.

13. The turf system of claim 5, wherein the tray includes a bottom tray portion that supports the turf segment and the base pad, the base pad is a first base pad,the turf system further comprises a second base pad that is a shock pad disposed on top of the tray, between the tray and the first base pad in a vertical direction perpendicular to the laminated direction, the tray being relatively rigid as compared to the second base pad, andthe second base pad is interposed between and separates the first base pad and the bottom tray portion in the vertical direction.

14. The turf system of claim 1, further comprising: a tray that supports the turf segment and the base pad on a bottom tray portion;tray walls that extend upward from the bottom tray portion, and overlap the base pad in the laminated direction, around a perimeter of the turf segment and the base pad; andan adjacent flooring that extends along the perimeter of the turf segment and the base pad, wherein the adjacent flooring is disposed on top of the tray walls and flush with the turf segment.

15. The turf system of claim 1, wherein the turf segment laminated with the base pad forms a turf module, and an outer edge of the turf module in the laminated direction forms a regular polygon shape.

16. The turf system of claim 1, wherein the turf segment includes turf on a top face opposite the bottom face of the turf segment in a direction perpendicular to the laminated direction.

17. The turf system of claim 1, wherein the base pad is a shock pad formed from rubber, including a styrene-butadiene rubber, an ethylene propylene diene monomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyurethane rubber, a natural rubber, or a nitrile rubber.

18. A method of replacing a turf module in a turf system, the method comprising: recessing a tray into a flooring, wherein the tray includes a bottom tray portion that supports a first turf module, and includes tray walls that extend upward from the bottom tray portion, around a first turf module disposed in the tray; andremoving the first turf module from a tray, wherein the first turf module includes a first turf segment laminated with a first base pad, and the first base pad is lifted from the tray with the first turf segment.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising disposing a second turf module in the tray, at a location previously occupied by the first turf module, wherein the second turf module includes a second turf segment laminated with a second base pad, the second turf module is a same size and shape as the first turf module, and disposing the second turf module in the tray includes lowering the second base pad onto the bottom tray portion, between the tray walls.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the bottom tray portion supports the second turf module in the tray, and the tray walls receive the second turf module in a snug fit connection that obstructs the second turf module from moving in a laminated direction relative to the tray.