Playing surface substrate, in particular turf mats

Abstract

A rectangular mat on which the surface is used for the germination and growth of grass seed to produce turf mat to replace worn or damages grass sports/recreational surfaces and/or a mat to be used as a surface from which to hit golf balls.

1 . A mat suitable for use as a playing surface, the mat comprising a support matrix and a filler material.  
     
     
         2 . The mat as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support matrix comprises paper-mache.  
     
     
         3 . The mat as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support matrix comprises an array of close-packed tubes that are packed with the filler material.  
     
     
         4 . The mat as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the tubes are formed from a porous material.  
     
     
         5 . The mat as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein adjacent tubes are attached to one another.  
     
     
         6 . The mat as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the tubes have lateral perforations.  
     
     
         7 . The mat as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the filler material comprises at least one filler material selected from the group consisting of paper-mache, sand, grit, polymer beads, soil, loam, sphagnum moss, peat, wood chips or shavings, sawdust, and clay.  
     
     
         8 . The mat as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the filler comprises a fibrous material.  
     
     
         9 . The mat as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the mat is seeded with grass.  
     
     
         10 . A method of making a mat for use as a playing surface, the method comprising adding a filler material to a support matrix, and heating or drying the support matrix and filler material.