Modular Rollup Artificial Turf System

Abstract

A non-filled artificial turf surface (e.g., field) that can be removed by disconnecting and rolling up a plurality of non-filled artificial turf mats, and reinstalled by unrolling and reconnecting the non-filled artificial turf mats. In a further aspect, the invention is also directed at a method for installing and subsequently removing the non-filled transition artificial turf field in a quick and efficient manner.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An artificial turf system comprising:
 a plurality of artificial turf mats, each artificial turf mat comprising:
 a turf layer; 
 an underlying foam substrate; and 
 a selective connection means for reducing movement between selectively adjoined artificial turf mats and preventing gaps from occurring between the selectively adjoined artificial turf mats, 
   wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf mat does not comprise particulate infill.   
     
     
         2 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf mat comprises a plurality of fibrillated yarns and a backing material, wherein the plurality of fibrillated yarns are tufted within the backing material. 
     
     
         3 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fibrillated yarns of each artificial turf mat comprises a first type of yarn and a second type of yarn different from the first type of yarn. 
     
     
         4 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the backing material of the turf layer of each artificial turf mat comprises at least two backing layers. 
     
     
         5 . The artificial turf system of  claim 2 , wherein the backing material comprises a bottommost layer, and wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf mat comprises an adhesive coating that coats the bottommost layer of the backing material. 
     
     
         6 . The artificial turf system of  claim 5 , wherein an exposed portion of the plurality of fibrillated yarns extends downwardly through the bottommost layer of the backing material, and wherein the adhesive coating is configured to bind the exposed portion of the plurality of fibrillated yarns to the bottommost layer of the backing material. 
     
     
         7 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat comprises a shock resistant material. 
     
     
         8 . The artificial turf system of  claim 7 , wherein the shock resistant material of the foam substrate comprises polyethylene foam. 
     
     
         9 . The artificial turf system of  claim 5 , wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat is adhered to the bottommost layer of the backing material. 
     
     
         10 . The artificial turf system of  claim 9 , wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat is flame-laminated to the bottommost layer of the backing material. 
     
     
         11 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat has a bottom surface, and wherein each turf mat comprises a plurality of slits that extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the foam substrate to a desired depth in the foam substrate. 
     
     
         12 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the selective connection means comprises a hook and loop fastening system. 
     
     
         13 . The artificial turf system of  claim 1 , wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat comprises:
 a longitudinally extending shoulder member on a first longitudinal edge of the mat that defines a downwardly facing, substantially horizontal, first connecting surface; and   a longitudinally extending shelf member on a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the mat that defines an upwardly facing, substantially horizontal, second connecting surface,   wherein the shoulder member is shaped for a complementary fit with the shelf member.   
     
     
         14 . The artificial turf system of  claim 13 , wherein each artificial turf mat comprises elongated stripes of attaching material that are attached to the respective first and second connecting surfaces. 
     
     
         15 . The artificial turf system of  claim 14 , wherein the attaching material comprises a hook and loop attaching material, wherein a loop portion of the hook and loop attaching material is attached to one of the first and second connecting surfaces, and wherein a hook portion of the hook and loop attaching material is attached to the other of the first and second connecting surfaces. 
     
     
         16 . The artificial turf system of  claim 14 , wherein the attaching material extends over end edges of the shelf member. 
     
     
         17 . The artificial turf system of  claim 16 , wherein the foam substrate has a bottom surface, and wherein the attaching material extends to the bottom surface of the foam substrate. 
     
     
         18 . A method of preparing an artificial turf surface, comprising:
 attaching a first connecting surface of a first artificial turf mat to a second connecting surface of a second artificial turf mat, wherein each artificial turf mat comprises:
 a turf layer; 
 an underlying foam substrate; and 
 attaching material attached to the first and second connecting surfaces of the artificial turf mat, 
 wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf mat does not comprise particulate infill, and 
   wherein the attachment of the first connecting surface of the first artificial turf mat to the second connecting surface of the second artificial turf mat reduces movement between the first and second artificial turf mats and prevents gaps from occurring between the first and second artificial turf mats.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein attaching material attached to the first and second connecting surfaces of each artificial turf mat comprises hook and loop attaching material. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat has a bottom surface, wherein each turf mat comprises a plurality of slits that extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the foam substrate to a desired depth in the foam substrate, and wherein the method further comprises rolling up the attached first and second artificial turf mats.