System and method for customizing a playing field

A customizable playing field includes a turf system comprising a tile with a turf layer. The tile overlays a subfloor, defining a reservoir thereunder. A forced air system includes a pipe disposed within the reservoir and operatively coupled to a pump; and a sensor. A control system controls the pump, and includes a processor in data communication with at least one input/output device and computer memory. The computer memory has a program with machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: if the temperature is above a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a cool fluid through the pipe; and if the temperature is below a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a warm fluid through the pipe.

BACKGROUND

It is estimated that the world-wide, synthetic turf, multi-purpose field market is around 60,000,000 square feet per year, which equates to around $500,000,000 per year spent on synthetic turf. The popularity of the synthetic turf industry is bolstered by the many benefits offered by synthetic turf, including eliminating the necessity of mowing the grass and worrying about growing grass in difficult areas. However, there are also several drawbacks of current synthetic turf systems.

For example, in the current method of installing synthetic turf, rubber is used as an infill. Rubber serves the important purpose of acting as a shock absorption layer, or attenuation layer. However, there are some concerns that ground-up rubber may cause cancer. Additionally, synthetic turf is around 35 degrees higher in temperature than natural grass fields. As a result of the higher temperature of the grass, heat exhaustion occurs more quickly for those on the synthetic turf.

Another large drawback is the significant cost associated with the purchase and installation of a synthetic turf field. On average, a synthetic turf field costs around $600,000, with most of that cost attributed to the work done below the surface (e.g., drainage and rock stabilization. Moreover, a single type of synthetic turf field is not appropriate in all situations. But due to the high cost, most fields are installed using an infill ratio of rubber to sand which favors the most prevalently played sport in that market. For example, in the Southern United States, this is American football. However, fields may be primarily designed for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, or any other type of sport where artificial turf fields are desirable.

Accordingly, it may be beneficial to have a synthetic turf system that can be used with multiple sports and without the drawbacks of current synthetic turf systems.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a customizable playing field includes a turf system comprising a tile with a turf layer. The tile overlays a subfloor, defining a reservoir thereunder. A forced air system includes a pipe disposed within the reservoir and operatively coupled to a pump; and a sensor. A control system controls the pump, and includes a processor in data communication with at least one input/output device and computer memory. The computer memory has a program with machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: if the temperature is above a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a cool fluid through the pipe; and if the temperature is below a predetermined threshold as measured by the sensor, forcing a warm fluid through the pipe.

In another embodiment, a customizable playing field, includes a turf system comprising a tile having a turf layer disposed thereon, the tile overlaying a subfloor defining a reservoir; a plurality of adjustable actuator supports positioned between the subfloor and the tile; and a plurality of sensors. A control system is operable to adjust the actuator, and comprises a processor in data communication with at least one input/output device, and computer memory. The computer memory includes a program having machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: (1) determine a position of a player upon the turf system; and (2) predict a location of an impact by the player upon the turf system; (3) determine at least one actuator support of the plurality of adjustable actuator supports within a predetermined radius of the predicted impact location; and (4) adjust the at least one actuator to reduce the tension therein, wherein the actuator receives and deflects at least a portion of the impact from the player, an impact upon the player thereby being reduced.

In still another embodiment, a customizable playing field includes a turf system comprising a tile having a turf layer disposed thereon, the turf layer comprising a plurality of light emitting fibers; and a plurality of sensors. A control system is operable to activate the light emitting fibers, the control system comprising a processor in data communication with at least one input/output device, and computer memory. The computer memory has a program with machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, perform the following steps: determine a first position of a player upon the turf system; activate a first portion of the light emitting devices based on the first location of the player; determine a second position of the player upon the turf system; and activate a second portion of the light emitting devices based on the second location of the player.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of synthetic turf systems are disclosed herein. It shall be recognized that the various system components described herein may be individually beneficial, or may be combined as part of a more comprehensive synthetic turf system.

In one embodiment of the invention, a synthetic turf system includes a modular surface (e.g., tiles) to which the synthetic turf may be applied. The modular surface may eliminate the need for nearly 75% of the rock used in current synthetic turf sub-bases.FIG. 1illustrates a prior art system showing such a sub-base. As described in greater detail herein, the tiles may be rigid enough to support itself and other tiles throughout the surface to ensure a stable playing surface. It shall be understood that the tiles may be configured in a variety of different shapes and sizes depending on the requirements of the surface to be covered.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, a tile100includes a top surface102and a bottom surface104, and respective edges106extending between the top and bottom surfaces102and104. The top surface102may be equipped to receive synthetic turf thereupon. The bottom surface may include a plurality of support pegs. The support pegs help to provide support to the tile100from the underside, to prevent structural failure of the tile100.

Each tile may be equipped with a spring tension system200for joining multiple tiles together. The spring tension system200may include a plurality of tension spring loops202and corresponding tapered recesses204.

The tension spring loop202may be molded (e.g., via injection molding, co-injection molding, overmolding, multi-material injection molding, etc.) as part of a tile100. One or more loops202may be formed along a single side106of a tile100. Preferably, one or more loops202may be formed along multiple sides106of the tile100(e.g., along two adjacent sides106, along three adjacent sides106, along all four sides106, and/or along two parallel sides106). In one embodiment, each tile100has a plurality of tension spring loops202formed along two adjacent sides106of the tile.

The tension spring loop202has a base portion208and a hoop portion210. The base portion208extends directly from the side106of the tile100. The base portion208has two arms212extending at an angle θ from a center point CP at the base of the loop202. The angle θ between the respective arms212may range from approximately 60 degrees to approximately 90 degrees. Preferably, the angle θ is about 75 degrees, and most preferably the angle θ is approximately 80 degrees.

The tension spring loop202may be formed of a resilient material that allows the loop202to flex. Accordingly, in one embodiment, it may be beneficial for the tension spring loop202to be co-molded with the tile100, wherein the tile100is formed of a plastic material, such as a high-impact polypropylene polymer having a higher durometer value (indicating a harder material), while the loop202may be formed of a material such as a polypropylene polymer having a lower durometer (indicating a softer material). In another embodiment, the tension spring loop202and the tile100may be formed of the same material.

The tension spring loop202may be configured to be received by a tapered recess204on another tile100. A plurality of tapered recesses204may be formed along multiple sides106of a tile100(e.g., along two adjacent sides106, along three adjacent sides106, along all four sides106, and/or along two parallel sides106). In one embodiment, each tile100has a plurality of tapered recesses204formed along two adjacent sides106of the tile100. The adjacent sides106of the tile100having the tapered recesses204may thus be the sides106that do not have tension spring loop(s)202. Accordingly, in one embodiment, two adjacent sides106of the tile100may be equipped with tension spring loops202, and the other two adjacent sides106of the tile100may be equipped with tapered recesses204.

The number of tapered recesses204may correspond to the number of loops202. For example, if each tile100has two loops202per each of the sides106having loops202, the sides having the tapered recesses204may each have two tapered recesses204. It shall be understood that the tiles100in a system may be uniformly manufactured for easy and uniform installation.

The tapered recess204may be comprised of an opening214formed into a panel216on the respective side106. The walls215of the opening214may have a front angle θ2of between approximately 5 degrees and 15 degrees. Preferably, the angle θ2is approximately 10 degrees.

The panel216may have a width W (FIG. 3) sufficient to maintain the tension spring202in the recess204. In one embodiment, the width W is approximately between ⅛″ and 0.5″. In another embodiment, the width W is approximately between 0.25″ and 0.75″. As shown inFIG. 2, an angle θ3of the inside edges of the walls215may generally correspond to angle θ. In one embodiment, angle θ3is slightly smaller than angle θ (e.g., approximately between 70 and 80 degrees).

Prior art tiles employ locking means that promote holding the locked tiles as far apart as possible. This is to allow for expansion and contraction of the tile due to forces on the tiles, as well as due to changes in the environment (e.g., temperature). As a result, there is almost always a gap between the tiles. When a user moves over the tiles, the tiles flex, and the gap may close on the user causing the user to be pinched.

The novel tension system described herein works in reverse. In use, the tension spring loop(s)202on one side106of a tile100are inserted into respective tapered recesses204formed into a side106of another tile as illustrated inFIG. 2. To insert the tension spring loop202into the tapered recess204, the loop202is deformed such that the hoop end210fits into the opening214. The loop202may be deformed automatically when force is exerted on the tiles in a manner as to cause the tiles100to attach. Once the hoop end210is through the initial opening214, the natural flexibility of the material causes the hop end210to return to its original shape. The spring loop202and the tapered recess204thus form an interference fit.

The interference fit causes the respective tiles100to be constantly and consistently drawn to one another. The tiles100are therefore not maintained in a spaced-apart position like prior art system, but rather meet at respective sides106, and the space between the tiles100is therefore minimized.FIG. 2illustrates two tiles100which are shown at a minimum spacing. Here, the tension spring loop202is slightly compressed and under tension.

However, it may still be desirable for the tiles100to be able to accommodate changes in the environment of the tiles100due to expansion and compression. Due to the flexible nature of the material of the tile100generally, and the tension spring loop202, the tile may100experience a force (e.g., due to movement of humans or animals across the surface, or a change in the environment such as temperature) sufficient to overcome the tension force between the spring loop202and the tapered recess204causing the base portion208of the spring loop202to be partially separated from the tapered recess204, as shown inFIG. 3. Here, the spring loop202may be compressed, which increases interference with the tapered recess204. A greater inward pressure would therefore be received by each respective tile100. Lines220inFIG. 3show the movement of the spring loop202away from the recess204. However, due to the flexible nature of the spring loop202, and the presence of the walls215of the recess204, the spring loop202compresses, as shownFIG. 5. This compression increases the tension between the recess204and the spring loop202. When the force is removed, this tension on the spring loop202causes the tiles100to draw back together.

The force (e.g., tension) created between the tiles100can be varied based on the requirements of the various systems. In order to vary the tension, greater or fewer spring loops202may be incorporated into respective sides106of the tiles100(e.g., three spring loops202on two adjacent sides106of a tile100). Further, the shape, size, and wall thickness of each the spring loops101may be varied to provide greater or lesser tension to the system. For example, a spring loop202having a larger wall thickness will require a greater amount of force to overcome the tension in the system in order to separate the tiles100. Conversely, a spring loop202with a smaller wall thickness will require a smaller amount of force to overcome the tension in the system in order to separate the tiles100. Likewise, increasing and/or decreasing the angles θ, θ2, and θ3may effect the overall tension of the system.

The tiles100may be incorporated into a customized playing field system as described below. The customized playing field is configured to allow a user to optionally utilize various customized settings which adjust parameters of the playing field to best support a particular activity being played on the playing field. Specifically, it may be desirable for a playing field to exhibit varying levels of flexibility (i.e., give) depending on the sport being played. Accordingly, it may be desirable to customize the flexibility of the playing field based on the sport. Other customizable features may additionally, or alternately, be desirable.

FIG. 6illustrates a turf system including a plurality of tiles, such as the tiles100described herein, or any other appropriate tile for supporting a turf overlay500, and preferably an artificial turf rug. As is known to those of skill in the art, the turf rug500may be split into sections (e.g., sections the size of the tile) such that, when multiple tiles100are attached together, the turf sections come together to form a continuous rug. The turf system is disposed over a subfloor600defining a reservoir610. The reservoir610may be configured to support one or more customizable modules as described below.

Referring toFIG. 7, in embodiments, the customized playing field system700includes one or more modules configured to provide a customizable playing experience. The system700comprises a computing device710. The computing device710may be any computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet, a web server or other server, and the like. In embodiments, the computing device710is a dedicated computing device adapted to operate in line with the teachings of the present disclosure.

The computing device710may include a processor715, which may be in data communication with a network interface720, an input device725, an output device727, and a memory730. Processor715represents one or more digital processors. Network interface720may be implemented as one or both of a wired network interface and a wireless network interface, as is known in the art. The input device725may include a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus pen, buttons, knobs, switches, and/or any other device that may allow a user to provide an input to the system700via the computing device710. In some embodiments, the input device725may comprise a media port (such as a USB port or a SD or microSD port) to allow for media (e.g., a USB drive, a SD or micro SD drive, a laptop memory, a smart phone memory, and the like) to be communicatively coupled to the computing device710. The output device727may include one or more visual indicators (e.g., a display, touch screen), audible indicators (e.g., speakers), or any other such output device now known or subsequently developed. As is described in greater detail below, in embodiments, the output device727may include a mechanical device, such as a pump, in operable communication with the processor715for controlling the movement of fluid through the system. In some embodiments, at least a part of the input device725and the output device727may be combined. In some embodiments, the input device725may include a plurality of input devices725, and/or the output device727may include a plurality of output devices727.

Although shown within the computing device710, memory730may be, at least in part, implemented as network storage that is external to the computing device710and accessed via the network interface720. The memory730may house software735, which may be stored in a transitory or non-transitory portion of the memory730. Software735includes machine readable instructions that are executed by processor715to perform the functionality described herein. In some example embodiments, the processor715may be configured through particularly configured hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like, and/or through execution of software (e.g., software735) to perform functions in accordance with the disclosure herein.

The computing device710is in selective communication with tiles100, e.g., over a network. The tiles100may be equipped with a processor115, networking device120, memory130and programming135stored in the memory130. The processor115, networking device120, and memory130may be substantially similar to the processor715, networking device720, and memory730. The programming135includes machine readable instructions that are executed by processor115to perform the functionality of the tiles100as described here. The tiles100further include a plurality of input/output devices125. In one embodiment, the plurality of input/output devices125comprise a plurality of supports165as shown inFIG. 6.

The supports165may extend from the subfloor600to the tile100to provide reinforcement for the tiles100. As will be further understood from the description provided below, it may be desirable for the supports165to be selectively flexible. Accordingly, in embodiments, the supports165comprise a spring, such as a helical compression spring, or other actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator.

The tension of the supports165may be selectively adjusted to allow for increased functionality of the customizable playing field. For example, it may be desirable for a playing field where football is being played to provide less give than a playing field where soccer is played. In an embodiment, a user interacts with the input device725on the computing device710to provide certain specifications regarding desired flexibility depending on the sport. For example, the user may input threshold force values for the supports165based on each sport played on the field. For football, for example, the force may be greater (e.g., 10 lbf/in) than the force for soccer (e.g., 3 lbf/in). Once the desirable force values are stored in the memory730, a user may access the values by selecting the sport currently played on the playing field via the input device725. Similarly, a user may input appropriate values for other supports165, such as hydraulic actuators according to known methods. Once the sport is selected, the computing device710may provide the information over the network to the tiles100, the processor115operable to adjust the support165to allow for greater flexibility.

In an embodiment, the input/output device125may include a plurality of sensors in communication with the supports. The sensors125may be pressure sensors, infrared sensors, cameras, accelerometer, RFID sensors, or any other sensor now known or later developed, and combinations thereof. The sensors125may be located at various places around the playing field for the purpose of determining the location of a player upon the field. The sensors125may be operable to determine a likelihood of a player falling onto the field at a particular location and to effectuate a change in the flexibility of the supports165in the vicinity of the location. As an example, the sensors125may be RFID sensors, which may be in communication with RFID chips attached to a player's clothing, or worn on a player's body. When the RFID sensor determines that the RFID chip is within a predetermined distance to the RFID sensor, then the supports165within a certain radius of the RFID sensor (e.g., 5 feet, 10 feet, etc.) may be adjusted to increase the flexibility of the area of turf within the radius prior to the player falling on the field. This may be substantial, as it is believed that nearly 15% of concussions may be due to a player's contact with the field, and not the impact of one player with another.

The sensors125may additionally be used by teams to track players over a predetermined period of time in order to analyze plays and positions of players during the plays. For examples, players may be tracked during a practice, or during a game, and the sensors may record the information and store it in the memory130. The sensors125may monitor the activities occurring on the field. For example, the sensors125may track players using, for example, radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. This could be useful for recruiting analysts and TV networks, for example, to easily track the various plays that a particular player has participated in during a predetermined time period (e.g., during the first half, over the course of one game, or a season).

Information may be transmitted (e.g., wirelessly over a network, or using any other methods currently known or later developed) to a memory device such as memory130and/or730which may store the information. Alternately, the recording may then be accessed by a user by engaging with the input device725on the computing device710which is in communication with the memory130over the network.

In another embodiment, the input/output device125includes a plurality of light emitting fibers, such as fiber optic cables, woven into the rug500. Alternately, light diodes125may be located on selective ends of the synthetic turf500. The synthetic turf500may include, for example, approximately 25% to 50% fiber optic fibers125, or light diodes may be present on approximately 25% to 50% of the synthetic turf fibers. The fiber optic cables may be utilized to mark the field with indicia, for example, advertisements, or markings associated with play calling. The fiber optic technology may be synced with one or more sensors125configured to identify locations of players, as described above.

The sensors125, in communication with the programming135may be configured to track footsteps in order to determine the most trafficked area of the field for the purpose of setting advertising prices. For example, if it is determined that play on a particular field occurs on the right hash mark of the north side of the field approximately 75% of the time, the owners of the field could charge more for advertising near that hash mark. Additionally, knowing precise locations of players may allow advertisements to move along the field with the movement of the players from one end of the field to another. Accordingly, the programming135may cause the fiber optic fibers to be selectively activated based on positioning of players on the field.

The turf rug500additionally optionally includes solar fibers which may be tufted into the rug alongside the synthetic turf fibers. The solar fibers may be connected to an external battery (e.g., a Tesla® battery) for storing solar energy. The battery may then be connected to various applications which require energy, such as the concession stand. It shall be understood by those of skill in the art that the solar fibers may be flexible such that the fibers are virtually indistinguishable from the synthetic turf fibers.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the system700may additionally, or alternately include means for forcing fluids under the tiles100. For example, in one embodiment, the tiles100may be configured to receive pipes800thereunder. The pipes800may be equipped with a processor815, a networking device820, an input/output device825, memory830, and programming835. The processor815, networking device820, and memory830may be substantially similar to processor715, networking device720, and memory730. The Referring toFIGS. 8A and 8B, the pipes800may include a plurality of openings810. Air (denoted by reference A) may be forced through the pipes800, and a portion of the air A escapes through the openings810. As shown inFIG. 8B, the pipes800may be positioned beneath the tiles100such that air A can travel through the tiles100and the turf rug500. The openings810may be selectively closed, e.g., via an actuating system825(e.g., an input/output device825) which may be controllable via the processor815in communication over the network with the processor715via the input device725on the computing device710. One end of the pipe800may additionally be selectively openable for releasing fluids.

In embodiments, the tiles100may be molded such that the pipes800fit within predetermined spaces underneath the tiles100. Alternately, spaces may be cutout or otherwise formed into the underside of the tiles800. In still other embodiments, the tiles100are simply positioned above the pipes800, the supports165defining the spaces for the pipes800. The pipes800may be rigid or flexible, or a combination of rigid and flexible depending on the needs of the system as described herein.

The pipes800are operatively coupled to one or more pumps (e.g., input/output devices825) for forcing hot or cold fluid there through. Optionally, sensors825and/or725may monitor the ambient temperature of the air around the field. When the temperature is above a predetermined threshold (e.g., as defined in the programming735and/or835), cold fluid may be forced through the pipes800. If the temperature is below a predetermined threshold, hot fluid may be forced through the pipes. Those of skill in the art shall understand that a fluid can be air or some other gas, or a liquid such as water.

The pumps825may optionally force the fluid through a heat exchanger in order to set the fluid at the appropriate temperature prior to the fluid being forced through the pipes800according to known methods. Forcing hot air through the pipes800may be beneficial to, for example, melt snow that accumulate on the turf500. Optionally, a drainage system may direct the melted water to a reservoir, which may be used by the system, e.g., to pump through the pipes800as described herein. Hot air may additionally reduce the likelihood of tile breakage due to brittle behavior in cold weather, among other benefits.

The use of cold air and/or cold liquids may likewise be beneficial. Because synthetic turf500may retain heat more than real grass, persons on or near synthetic turf500may experience adverse effects of the hot surface. In an extreme situation, contact with the synthetic turf may cause burns to the person or animal coming into contact with the turf. The ability to diffuse some of the heat away from the synthetic turf surface may thus be extremely important. Accordingly, above a threshold temperature, cold air may be forced through the pipes800.

Still further, the pipes800may deliver liquids such as water to the turf500in embodiments where the turf500is real grass. As mentioned above, excess liquid may drain into a reservoir so as to conserve water for future use. It may be desirable to selectively close the openings810in the pipes800such that fluid may remain in the pipes800during periods of non-fluid transfer. When fluids are desired to be deposited, the openings810may be opened and fluid forced through the pipes800and out the openings810.

In some embodiments, the forced air may travel through pipes800without openings810. Here, the pipes800may be operatively connected to bladders which may be selectively filled to function as an attenuation system. An exemplary attenuation system is shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B. The system includes a plurality of bladders900(which functions as an output device825according toFIG. 7). The bladder900is preferably, though not necessarily, located underneath the tiles100. InFIG. 9A, the bladder900is deflated. InFIG. 9B, the bladder900is inflated. As is shown in the figures, when the bladder900is inflated, the bladder900may come into contact with an underside of the tile100and the subfloor600. When a force is received upon the tile100, the tile100via the inflated balder900may receive and deflect a portion of the force. Accordingly, serious injuries may be prevented.

InFIGS. 9A and 9B, the bladder900is shown in use in conjunction with supports165. It shall be understood that the bladder900may be utilized with or without the supports165. As described above concerning the supports165, sensors125on the tiles100may predict a location of a potential impact, and one or more bladders900may be inflated prior to impact based on the predicted impact location. In embodiments, it may be preferable for the bladders900to be partially inflated at all times such that the bladders900may be easily and quickly inflated to capacity (or near capacity).

In embodiments, the bladders900may additionally be utilized to level the playing field. For example, sensors on the tiles100may provide real time information on the planarity of the surface of the field. For example, if each tile is connected together in a grid, the system may be configured such that each tile100is aware of its surroundings. Programming135,735, and/or835may cause one or more of the bladders900to inflate or deflate to in order to maintain a planar surface and to keep the playing surface as safe as possible. In embodiments, the bladder900contains a release valve910. The release valve910may be configured to trigger if the volume, for example as measured by a volume sensor, of fluid in the bladder900exceeds a predetermined threshold such that the integrity of the bladder900may be questioned. The release valves900may additionally be selectively opened, e.g., via interaction with the input device725, in order to deflate the bladders900after use.

In one embodiment, the bladders900may be provided, in a housing. A top of the housing may include a flat surface upon which the tiles100may be disposed. The top of the housing may be movable with respect to the sides of the housing, and therefore, may be allowed to move up and down as a result of movement on the turf surface or as a result of a change in the vertical space occupied by the bladders900.

The synthetic turf system may include one or more of the components described above. For example, the owner of a synthetic turf system may desire a field that incorporates the attenuation features and is able to capture solar energy for power, but does not wish to incorporate fiber optics technology into the field. Or, the owner may desire to take advantage of only the player-sensing capabilities of the synthetic turf system. Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope.

A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed within the scope of the disclosure, Further, various steps set forth herein may be carried out in orders that differ from those set forth herein without departing from the scope of the present method. This description shall not be restricted to the above embodiments.