Grass turf tile lifting device and method

An apparatus for securing sections of turf for initial placement, replacement and/or rotation is provided. The apparatus includes a frame adapted for placement on a section of turf. A plurality of spaced apart actuators are mounted to the frame. Each actuator has an actuator rod with a sharpened end which is movable between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. The actuator rods have an insertion angle of approximately 60.degree. or less with respect to a contact surface such that upon actuation, the actuator rods are moved from the first position to the second position and the sharpened ends of the actuator rods are adapted to pierce the selected section of turf to firmly engage the section of grass turf to the frame for placement or replacement. After the selected section of turf is positioned, the actuator rods are moved from the second position to the first position resulting in the section of turf having a surface which is available for immediate use due to the insertion angle of the actuator rods resulting in reduced overhead observable piercing openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for securing and lifting 
large sections of grass turf with minimal damage to the grass turf, and 
more particularly, to an apparatus for securing and placing large 
standardized turf sections to form and maintain a playing surface of an 
athletic field. 
There has been a movement in professional sports, such as football, to use 
natural turf surfaces, since a natural turf surface has more give and 
lowers the risk of injury and the severity of injuries encountered in 
comparison to playing on artificial turf surfaces. This provides 
additional protection for the players as well as team owners who incur 
financial losses when players are injured. However, a drawback to natural 
turf playing surfaces has always been that once the playing surface 
becomes worn, it is not possible to maintain a playing field in top 
condition over the course of an entire season. 
Devices for cutting and picking up strips of sod which are then transferred 
to a truck or trailer for placement at a new location are known. These 
devices generally involve cutting long strips of sod which are then rolled 
up and unrolled at a new location, which results in many bumps and joints 
in the pattern when the sod is placed due to inconsistent depths and 
multiple handling of the sod. While utilizing strips of sod may be 
acceptable for residential lawns, it is not suitable for athletic fields. 
In order to address this problem one known device has been provided for 
picking up a large area of sod. The device utilizes a plurality of 
generally vertical teeth which are attached to a frame. A grass area which 
is to be picked up is undercut and the frame is then lowered onto the 
grass area such that the generally vertically oriented teeth penetrate the 
surface. After the teeth have pierced the sod, alternate rows of teeth are 
pivoted in opposite directions and assume an inclined orientation to 
secure the sod to the frame. This allows the sod to be harvested from the 
area where it was grown and placed in a final position. However, because 
the teeth penetrate the sod generally vertically and are then shifted to 
an inclined angle, this can cause damage to the sod, affecting its 
stability. Additionally, after the lifting device is withdrawn, the holes 
or openings in the sod have a high overhead observable which may be 
difficult to close in a relatively short time period utilizing 
conventional equipment, such as rollers. This makes the surface less 
desirable for use on an athletic field. 
Another known device also allows movement of large turf section in order to 
replace a damaged portion of an athletic field. The device can be used to 
move a substantially large piece of turf and includes cutting knives 
mounted along the edges of a frame to sever the replacement turf from a 
section of ground, as well as a plurality of semicircular tines which are 
mounted on parallel shafts. The device is positioned over a desired area 
of turf to be harvested, and the knife blades are then used to cut the 
turf free. The shafts are then rotated such that the semicircular tines 
pierce the surface of the turf in order to secure the turf for subsequent 
lifting. The replacement section is then used as a permanent replacement 
for a section of damaged turf which is cut and removed from a playing 
surface. However, in this known device, the semicircular tines pierce the 
turf generally vertically, again leaving a greater overhead observable 
opening once the turf has been placed and the apparatus has been removed. 
Additionally, the configuration of the curved tine can result in the turf 
being damaged or buckling if the tine does not insert cleanly, since the 
tines are spaced apart. The apparatus could also be damaged if the tine 
strikes a hard object, such as a tree root or a rock. 
Another known device is used to place a turf product which is located on a 
pallet temporarily in position in a track surface or on a portion of an 
athletic field, such as the infield area of a baseball field which is 
being converted for use as a football field. The turf/pallet combinations 
are placed in recesses in the surface which are large enough to 
accommodate the turf and the pallet. However, this can result in a playing 
surface which does not have a stable feel, since the temporarily 
positioned turf areas are supported on hollow pallets. Placement and 
removal are accomplished by using a forklift which engages the pallet or 
by cutting holes down through the turf to the pallet such that generally 
vertically oriented lifting rods can be connected to the pallet. 
It would therefore be desirable to provide an apparatus and system which 
allows for the easy placement and replacement of a natural turf surface on 
an athletic playing field in which the entire playing surface or a 
substantial portion of the playing surface is formed from replaceable 
natural grass turf sections that are stable in use, provide instant 
playability, and which can be easily and quickly maintained. This would 
provide the benefit of a natural turf playing surface which can be 
maintained in top condition throughout an entire season by replacing grass 
turf sections as they become worn. It would also be desirable to provide 
an apparatus for securing sections of grass turf for initial placement, 
replacement and/or rotation between areas of high and low wear which 
securely holds the section of grass turf during movement, yet causes 
minimal or no damage to the grass turf and reduced overhead observable 
openings which can be quickly and easily dressed such that a playing field 
made from such sections of grass turf can be used immediately, and 
sections of turf can be replaced quickly when needed. 
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Briefly stated, the present invention is an apparatus for securing sections 
of turf for initial placement and replacement. The apparatus includes a 
frame adapted for placement on a section of turf. A plurality of spaced 
apart actuators are mounted to the frame. Each actuator has an actuator 
rod with a sharpened end which is movable between a first, retracted 
position and a second, extended position. The actuator rods have an 
insertion angle of approximately 60.degree. or less with respect to a 
contact surface such that upon actuation, the actuator rods are moved from 
the first position to the second position and the sharpened ends of the 
actuator rods are adapted to pierce the selected section of turf to firmly 
engage the section of turf to the frame for placement or replacement. 
After the selected section of turf is positioned, the actuator rods are 
moved from the second position to the first position resulting in the 
section of turf having a surface which is available for immediate use due 
to the insertion angle of the actuator rods resulting in reduced overhead 
observable piercing openings. 
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for placing or 
replacing a section of turf on a surface. The method includes: 
(a) placing a frame of an apparatus for securing a section of turf for 
initial placement and replacement on a selected section of turf; 
(b) actuating a plurality of spaced apart actuators mounted to the frame, 
each actuator having an actuator rod with a sharpened end which is movable 
between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position, the 
actuator rods having an insertion angle of approximately 60.degree. or 
less with respect to a contact surface, to extend the actuator rods from 
the first position to the second position; 
(c) piercing the selected section of turf with the sharpened ends of the 
actuator rods and firmly engaging the section of turf to the frame for 
placement or replacement; 
(d) positioning the selected section of turf in a desired position; and 
(e) moving the actuator rods from the second position to the first position 
to release the section of turf providing a surface which has reduced 
overhead observable piercing openings due to the insertion angle of the 
actuator rods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience 
only and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower" and "upper" 
designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words 
"inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away from, 
respectively, the geometric center of the apparatus 10 for securing 
sections of turf, which are preferably uniformly sized grass turf tiles 
12, for initial placement, replacement and/or rotation of turf sections 
between areas of high wear and areas of low wear, and designated parts 
thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, 
derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 10 for securing sections of turf, 
such as grass turf tiles 12, for initial placement, replacement and/or 
rotation is shown in detail. In the preferred embodiment, the grass turf 
tiles 12 used with the present invention are uniformly sized turf sections 
which are formed using a selected mixture of soil and shredded carpet 
material which are mixed together to create an improved stabilized soil 
base. This material is placed in uniformly sized trays, which are 
preferably 85 inches square, that are seeded or vegatatively transplanted, 
for example by sprigging or sodding, and grown offsite from a desired area 
for use, such as an athletic field in which such grass turf tiles 12 are 
to be used. The uniform sized trays allow for movement and shipping of 
grass turf tiles 12 from a remote location to a desired site without 
disturbing the turf to be used. While the present description will 
reference the preferred use of grass turf tiles 12, it will be understood 
by those skilled in the art from the present disclosure that the apparatus 
10 can be used in conjunction with any section of turf, which may include 
grass or other types of vegatative material, such as beach grass or 
vegetation for erosion control. Additionally, the sections of turf may be 
used in any suitable application, such as golf courses, horse arenas, land 
fills or for any desired ground cover. 
The apparatus 10 includes a frame 20 adapted for placement on a selected 
grass turf tile 12. Preferably, the frame 20 is a welded assembly made 
from aluminum tubes. However, it will be recognized by those skilled in 
the art from the present disclosure that the frame can be made of other 
metallic or non-metallic materials of sufficient strength for securing and 
lifting a grass turf tile 12. 
Preferably, handles 24 are located at the four corners of the frame 20 to 
allow manual manipulation of the apparatus 10. Additionally, as shown in 
FIGS. 1 and 2, mounting provisions such as a central post 26 may be 
provided for attachment of the apparatus 10 to the arm 28 of a front end 
loader to allow manipulation and placement of the grass turf tile 12 as 
shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the central post assembly 26 is secured to 
the frame 20 using bolts or other types of fasteners. The central post 
assembly can preferably rotate 360.degree. to allow exact positioning of 
the grass turf tiles 12. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the 
post 26 is pivotable about an axis 27 to allow self leveling. However, it 
will recognized by those skilled in the art from the present disclosure 
that the central post 26 could be welded to the frame 20, if desired. 
Alternatively, lifting lugs 31, as shown in FIG. 3, can be located on the 
frame 20 at attach points 30 for connection of the apparatus 10 to a fork 
lift, hoist or other type of lifting device. 
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of spaced apart actuators 40 are mounted 
to the frame 20. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, each actuator 40 includes 
an actuator rod 42 with a sharpened end 44 which is movable between a 
first, retracted position, as shown in cross section in FIG. 4, and a 
second, extended position, designated as 42' and shown in dashed lines in 
FIG. 4. The actuators 40 are preferably positioned at an angle .alpha. of 
approximately 60.degree. or less with respect to a contact surface 22 such 
that upon actuation of the actuators 40, the actuator rods 42 are moved 
from the first position to the second position with the sharpened ends 44 
of the actuator rods 42 being adapted to pierce a selected grass turf tile 
12 to firmly engage the grass turf tile 12 to the frame 20 for placement 
or replacement. 
In the preferred embodiment, the actuators 40 are pneumatic cylinders which 
utilize air pressure to move the actuator rods 42 between the first and 
second positions. However, it will be recognized by those skilled in the 
art from the present disclosure that other types of actuators, such as 
hydraulic actuators could be utilized, if desired. 
Preferably, the actuators 40 are arranged in a plurality of rows 50a, 50b, 
50c, 50d, 50e, 50f. As shown in detail in FIGS. 3-5, preferably a first 
group of actuators 40a, including every other actuator 40 in each row 
50b-50e, is orientated in a first direction and a second group of 
actuators 40b, including the remaining actuators 40 in each row 50b-50e, 
is oriented in an opposite direction to the first direction. The sharpened 
ends 44 of the actuator rods 42 of the first and second groups 40a, 40b in 
each row 50b-50e are generally aligned along the respective rows 50b-50e 
when the actuators 40 are in the first position, as shown in FIG. 4. In 
the preferred embodiment illustrated, the first and last rows 50a and 50f 
only include a single group of actuators 40 oriented in one direction, 
with the actuators 40 in row 50a being oriented in the first direction and 
the actuators 40 in row 50f being oriented in the opposite direction in 
order to balance the forces generated between the selected grass turf tile 
12 and the apparatus 10 when the actuators 40 are actuated from the first 
position to the second position. However, it will be recognized by those 
skilled in the art from the present disclosure that every row 50a-50f may 
include the first and second groups 40a, 40b of actuators 40 which are 
oriented in opposite directions, if desired, in order to reduce the stress 
on the grass turf tile 12 as the actuator rods 42 are moved from the 
first, retracted position to the second, extended position. While six rows 
of actuators 40 are provided in the apparatus 10 in accordance with the 
preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be recognized by those 
skilled in the art from the present disclosure that the number of rows 
50a-f as well as the number of actuators 40 per row 50a-f can be varied to 
suit particular applications and different size grass turf tiles 12, as 
desired. 
As shown in detail in FIG. 4, each of the actuators 40 in the first group 
of actuators 40a define parallel first lines of action 46, and each of the 
actuators 40 in the second group of actuators 40b define parallel second 
lines of action 48. The parallel first lines of action 46 for each row 
50b-50e define a first plane which intersects a second plane defined by 
the parallel second lines of action 48 in a position above the contact 
surface 22. This results in the actuator rods 12 penetrating the surface 
of the grass turf tile 12 from opposite directions along the rows 50b-50e 
to reduce stresses which could result buckling or tearing in the surface 
of the grass turf tiles 12. 
As shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably, the actuators 40 in rows 
50b-50e are located in pairs, with each pair including one actuator 40 
from the first group 40a and one actuator 40 from the second group 40b. 
The spiked ends 44 of the adjacent pairs of actuators 40 extend through 
openings in a shoe plate 54 located on the contact surface 22 of the frame 
20 such that the opposing penetration forces are reacted in a small area 
while the turf surface is being held in place by the shoe plate 54 so that 
turf buckling or tearing is prevented. In the preferred embodiment, the 
spiked ends 44 for each pair of actuators 40 are located approximately 2.0 
inches apart in the direction of the rows 50b-50e, and the actuators 40 in 
each group are spaced approximately 7.0 inches apart from the next 
adjacent group. The actuator rods 42 are approximately 0.5 inches in 
diameter. However, the specific arrangement, spacing and size of the 
actuators 40 can be varied as desired to suit particular applications and 
the preferred dimensions are only exemplary and are not intended to be 
limiting. 
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably the rows 50a-50f of actuators are 
preferably preassembled as actuator row assemblies 52a-52f. As shown in 
FIGS. 4 and 5, each actuator row assembly 52b-52e includes an outer 
support channel 56 which is attached to the actuator housing 41 at a 
location above the opening through which the actuator rod 42 extends. The 
inner ends of the actuator housings 41 of each opposing pair of actuators 
40 are seated in a support block 58 which is attached to the shoe plate 
54. The shoe plates 54 for each pair of opposing actuators 40 are 
connected to the open end of the outer support channel 56, and define the 
contact surface 22 of the apparatus 10. This results in a shoe plate 54 
being attached to the outer support channel 56 with the support block 58 
at each actuator 40 pair position. Preferably, the actuators 40 are 
slidably insertable through an opening in the outer support 56 and into 
the support block 58 and are clamped in position using clamping plates 60. 
This allows the actuators 40 to be easily removed and replaced, as needed. 
Preferably, upper support posts 57 and an upper support beam 59 are 
connected to the outer support channel 56 to provide a stable mounting 
connection to the remainder of the frame structure. While in the preferred 
embodiment separate shoe plates 54 and support blocks 58 are provided for 
each opposing pair of actuators 40, which allows access for easier 
maintenance and inspection, it will be recognized by those skilled in the 
art from the present disclosure that a single elongated support block 58 
and/or shoe plate 54 may be provided for each row 50a-f. Additionally, the 
specific support arrangement for the actuators 40, while preferred, may be 
varied to use any suitable mounting arrangement which can securely hold 
the actuators 40 in position. 
For the first and last rows 50a, 50f, a similar arrangement is used which 
has not been described separately. The only difference is that a single 
actuator 40 is associated with each shoe plate 54 and support block 58 
since all of the actuators 40 in the first actuator row assembly 52a and 
the last actuator row assembly 52f are inserted from the same side. The 
actuator row assemblies 52a-52f are preferably attached to the remainder 
of the frame structure using mechanical fasteners, as shown in FIG. 3. 
However, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art from the 
present disclosure that the actuator row assemblies 52a-52f can be 
attached to the frame 20 by other methods, such as welding, if desired. It 
will be similarly recognized by those skilled in the art from the present 
disclosure that the actuator row assemblies 52a and 52f which include 
actuators 40 oriented in only a single direction could be replaced with 
actuator row assemblies similar to 52b-52e having opposing pairs of 
actuators 40, if desired. 
As shown in detail in FIG. 4, when the actuator rods 42 are in the first 
retracted position, the sharpened ends 44 of the actuator rods 42 are 
retracted into a recessed area 61 formed in the shoe plate 54 and the 
support block 58 such that the sharpened ends are not exposed. 
As shown in FIG. 1, air hoses 62 are attached to each actuator 40 and are 
connected to a source of pressurized air. As shown in FIG. 3, preferably 
an air pressure reservoir 64 in the form of a pressure tank is located on 
the frame 20 in order to provide a sufficient supply of pressurized air to 
actuate all of the actuators 40 at one time. A controller 66 for 
controlling the supply of pressurized air to the actuators 40 is provided. 
The controller 66 utilizes control valves (not shown) of the type known in 
the art in order to supply pressurized air to the actuators 40 when 
required to actuate the actuator rods 40 between the first, retracted 
position and the second, extended position. A remote control may be 
provided to allow an operator to operate the controller 66 for the control 
valves remotely, either using a cable connected control panel or using an 
HFor other type of transmitter and receiver for remotely signaling the 
controller 66. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art from the 
present disclosure that the type of controller and control valves may be 
varied, as desired. 
In the preferred embodiment, the actuators 40 are oriented at an angle 
.alpha. of 60.degree. or less with respect to the first surface 22, and 
preferably are located at an angle .alpha. of 30.degree. in order to 
provide a reduced overhead observable opening 68 in the surface of the 
grass turf tile, as shown in FIG. 6. By providing a low insertion angle 
.alpha. of 60.degree. or less and preferably 30.degree., the openings 68 
created by the sharpened ends 44 of the actuator rods 42 penetrating the 
surface of the grass turf tile 12 are reduced in size and do not appear to 
be as large as the holes created by direct overhead, generally vertical 
penetration. Additionally, due to the low insertion angle .alpha. of the 
actuator rods 42, the penetration openings 68 are more easily closed by 
rolling the surface of the grass turf tile 12 after it has been placed 
resulting in a surface which is ready for immediate use. 
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 10 is used for placing, 
replacing and/or rotating sections of turf, such as the grass turf tiles 
12 on a surface, such as an athletic field 80, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. 
The frame 20 of the apparatus 10 for securing grass turf tiles 12 is 
placed on a selected grass turf tile 12 for initial placement or 
replacement. The plurality of spaced apart actuators 40 mounted to the 
frame 20 are actuated such that the sharpened end 44 of the actuator rod 
42 for each actuator 40 extends from the first position to the second 
position. The sharpened ends 44 of the actuator rods 42 pierce the 
selected grass turf tile 12 and firmly engage the grass turf tile 12 to 
the frame 20 for placement or replacement. 
Preferably, the apparatus 10 is connected to a front end loader or other 
type of conveying apparatus, such as a fork truck in order to move the 
selected grass turf tile 12 which is connected to the frame 20 via the 
engaged actuator rods 42 of the actuators 40 to a desired position. Once 
the selected grass turf tile 12 is positioned, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, 
the actuator rods 42 are moved from the second position to the first 
position to release the grass turf tile 12. The apparatus 10 allows very 
accurate positioning of the turf tiles 10 to achieve minimum seams. The 
now placed grass turf tile 12 has a surface that has reduced overhead 
observable piercing openings 45, as shown in FIG. 6, which are easily 
closed by rolling the grass turf tiles 12 in order to close the piercing 
openings 45, as well as any minor gaps between adjacent tiles 12. 
In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the grass turf tiles 12 
are approximately seven feet square and are used to create a stable and 
natural playing surface for an athletic field. However, it will be 
recognized by those skilled in the art that it can be used for other types 
of turf or vegatative material, such as for erosion control, horse arenas, 
or other ground cover applications. Creating an athletic field surface in 
this manner allows selected grass turf tiles 12, such as those between the 
hash marks on a football field between the twenty yard lines to be quickly 
and easily replaced when they are damaged or worn. Alternatively, they can 
be rotated to other areas of the athletic field that do not receive high 
wear, outside the hash marks or in the end zones. The apparatus 10 is 
located over a selected grass turf tile 12 on the playing field and 
secured to the selected grass turf tile 12. The grass turf tile 12 can be 
removed to an area off the athletic field where the grass turf tile can be 
reseeded and allow to regenerate, or placed in a low wear area of the 
athletic playing field. Fresh replacement grass turf tiles 12 can be 
installed in the same manner as described above in connection with the 
initial placement of the grass turf tiles 12, allowing for immediate 
playability. 
Because any of the grass turf tiles 12 on the athletic field which become 
worn can be easily replaced utilizing the apparatus 10, it is possible to 
provide a durable playing surface which is always in good condition and is 
stable in use, yet provides the give of natural turf in order to protect 
athletics from serious injuries such as those encountered when playing on 
artificial turf surfaces due to the lack of give of the playing surface. 
Because the grass turf tiles 12 are preferably grown in trays, a uniform 
size and thickness is easily obtainable which allows for easier and faster 
initial placement, replacement and/or rotation since it is not necessary 
to physically cut the turf tiles 12 loose from an existing turf surface. 
Additionally, since the turf tiles 12 are placed directly upon a prepared 
field surface, which is preferably a sand base, no special pallets or 
other substrate is required to allow removal and replacement of the grass 
turf tiles 12 since the apparatus 10 can be easily maneuvered into 
position over a selected grass turf tile 12 after it has been installed 
for removal and replacement. 
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be 
made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad 
inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this 
invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it 
is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the 
present invention as defined by the appended claims.