Playing Surface

Abstract

A playing surface comprising a supportive base layer, an intermediate layer such as a foam layer, and a surface layer, wherein the base layer is configured to provide the playing surface with a first predetermined amount of stability and the intermediate layer, e.g. foam layer, is configured to provide the playing surface with an additional, second predetermined amount of stability, the intermediate layer, e.g. foam layer, being further configured to conform to a required performance standard. And a method of constructing a playing surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to an improved method of constructing a playing surface such as a sports pitch with artificial turf, and to the improved playing surface.BACKGROUND[0002]Since the 1960s some sports teams and governing bodies have experimented with the introduction of artificial playing surfaces to replace traditional grass pitches. Natural grass pitches are expensive to maintain, and limit use of the pitch in inclement weather, becoming, for example, too muddy in heavy rain or too hard when the ground freezes. Natural grass pitches can also be very difficult to grow satisfactorily in partially or fully enclosed stadia.[0003]The original artificial pitches were found to be unsatisfactory. Their surfaces were harder than a grass surface, increasing the risk of injury and altering the dynamics of play in games like cricket. The abrasive artificial grass blades of artificial turf were painful to slide over, limiting their use for higher contact sports.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a new method for constructing a playing surface that allows for more efficient and cost-effective installation. The method involves using a supportive base layer made of clean or dusty stones, an intermediate layer made of foam or other material, and a surface layer made of materials like turf or artificial turf. The depth of the supportive base layer is reduced, which means less excavation and transportation of materials, and the installation time is also reduced. The arrangement of the intermediate layer allows for tuning of the surface's performance for different sports or activities. The method also includes the use of an impervious layer to prevent fluids from reaching the supportive base layer, which can help reduce installation times and costs. The resulting playing surface is stable, reliable, and can withstand a variety of weather and usage conditions.

Problems solved by technology

Natural grass pitches are expensive to maintain, and limit use of the pitch in inclement weather, becoming, for example, too muddy in heavy rain or too hard when the ground freezes.

Natural grass pitches can also be very difficult to grow satisfactorily in partially or fully enclosed stadia.

The original artificial pitches were found to be unsatisfactory.

Their surfaces were harder than a grass surface, increasing the risk of injury and altering the dynamics of play in games like cricket.

The abrasive artificial grass blades of artificial turf were painful to slide over, limiting their use for higher contact sports.

This is an expensive process with a large carbon footprint.

Accordingly, complexity, and time required to install the pitch may be increased.

The specialist machinery may also be heavy and therefore any layer of stone must support the weight of the specialist machinery during construction.

For outside pitches, further excavation is typically needed to create drainage channels running under the stabilising layer, further adding to the time needed for producing the artificial pitch.

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