Synthetic turf with integrated impact sensors

Abstract

Presented is an apparatus and system for an artificial turf system. The artificial turf system includes a backing layer having a plurality of fibers extending therefrom. The artificial turf system further includes a plurality of impact sensors located at least partially on, in, and/or beneath the backing layer, wherein the plurality of impact sensors are operable to detect a force or pressure applied to the backing layer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An artificial turf system, comprising:
 a backing layer having a plurality of upstanding ribbons extending therefrom;   an infill layer comprising particulate matter or granulated particles interspersed between said upstanding ribbons;   a fixed resilient layer arranged beneath said backing layer; and   a plurality of impact sensors located at least partially in said resilient layer, wherein said plurality of impact sensors are operable to detect a force or pressure applied to said backing layer in two or more axes.   
     
     
         22 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 21 , wherein one or more of said impact sensors is a piezoelectric sensor. 
     
     
         23 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 21 , wherein one or more of said impact sensors is an accelerometer. 
     
     
         24 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 21 , wherein said plurality of impact sensors comprise a sensor array positioned in a grid. 
     
     
         25 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 21 , wherein said resilient layer comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         26 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a base layer comprising a concrete slab, wherein said base layer is arranged beneath said resilient layer; and   an intermediate layer comprising asphalt disposed between said resilient layer and said base layer.   
     
     
         27 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 26 , wherein said intermediate layer comprises a layer of stone. 
     
     
         28 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 26 , wherein said intermediate layer comprises a layer of porous asphalt or concrete. 
     
     
         29 . An artificial turf system, comprising:
 a backing layer having a plurality of upstanding ribbons extending therefrom;   an infill layer comprising particulate matter or granulated particles interspersed between said upstanding ribbons extending from said backing layer;   a fixed resilient layer arranged beneath said backing layer; and   a plurality of impact sensors located at least partially above said backing layer and at least partially within said infill layer, wherein said plurality of impact sensors are operable to detect a force or pressure applied to said backing layer in two or more axes.   
     
     
         30 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 29 , further comprising a controller operable to receive signals from said plurality of impact sensors; wherein said plurality of impact sensors are operable to transmit a signal to said controller corresponding to forces applied to said backing layer. 
     
     
         31 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 29 , wherein said plurality of impact sensors are connected to substantially maintain a relative position thereof. 
     
     
         32 . An artificial turf system, comprising:
 a backing layer having a plurality of upstanding ribbons extending therefrom;   an infill layer comprising particulate matter or granulated particles interspersed between said upstanding ribbons extending from said backing layer;   a fixed resilient layer arranged beneath said backing layer; and   a plurality of impact sensors located at least partially in said backing layer, wherein said plurality of impact sensors are operable to detect a force or pressure applied to said backing layer in two or more axes.   
     
     
         33 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 32 , wherein said backing layer comprises a primary layer and a secondary layer, and wherein said secondary layer comprises urethane. 
     
     
         34 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 33 , wherein said plurality of impact sensors are coupled with said primary layer via said secondary layer. 
     
     
         35 . An artificial turf system, comprising:
 a backing layer having a plurality of upstanding ribbons extending therefrom;   an infill layer comprising particulate matter or granulated particles interspersed between said upstanding ribbons extending from said backing layer;   a sensor layer arranged beneath said backing layer;   a plurality of impact sensors located at least partially within said sensor layer, wherein said plurality of impact sensors are operable to detect a force or pressure applied to said backing layer in two or more axes; and   a fixed resilient layer arranged beneath said sensor layer.   
     
     
         36 . The artificial turf system according to  claim 35 , wherein said sensor layer comprises a polymeric foam.