Abstract:
A system for pre-fabricating a plurality of synthetic turf strips at an indoor facility. The indoor facility is separate from an installation facility for assembling the plurality of strips into a synthetic field. The system includes a plurality of strips for creating the synthetic field and equipment at the indoor facility for prefabricating the plurality of strips. The indoor facility is capable of storing the equipment performing the prefabrication. A floor at the indoor facility is provided, the floor including dimensions that correspond to locations on a field at the installation facility. The dimensions correspond to markings on an underside of each of the plurality of strips.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/777,240 filed on Feb. 26, 2013 and titled “Method and Apparatus for Pre-Fabricating a Synthetic Sports Field,” which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/354,407 filed on Jan. 20, 2012, and titled “Method and Apparatus for Pre-Fabricating a Synthetic Sports Field” (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,068) which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/367,909 filed on Feb. 9, 2009 and titled “Method and Apparatus for Pre-Fabricating a Synthetic Sports Field” (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,880) which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/027,140 filed Feb. 8, 2008 and titled “Synthetic Turf Field Pre-Fabrication,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth fully herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to synthetic turf systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for pre-fabricating a plurality of strips at an indoor facility. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Methods for installing synthetic fields are well-known. As is well known, the installation method is primarily a manual process and typically differs from field to field. Most synthetic fields include a plurality of strips of synthetic turf that are placed or laid out on a substructure or sub-base, such as the ground, upon which the field is permanently installed. The strips together make up a completed synthetic field after they have been laid out, processed and then secured. Some or all of the strips of the synthetic turf typically require marking thereon, such as yard line markings, numbers or the like. When the fields are installed, some of the markings, such as logos, yard line numbers, and hash marks are inserted into the field after it has been placed on the sub-base at the location where the field is to be permanently located. As can be appreciated, the position of each individual strip with respect to the overall synthetic field is important. Similarly, the location of the markings on each of the individual strips is critical to the overall appearance of the field. If the markings are inserted in the field improperly, they can be out of alignment with respect to the other markings on the field or can be individually crooked, which can make the field look sloppy. 
     Due to the nature of these fields, their construction, and the nature of the steps required for their installation, the typical manufacturing and installation steps suffer from a variety of disadvantages, including those discussed above. Also, the fabrication, manufacturing, and installation steps are extremely time consuming and labor intensive. Further, these steps can be extremely variable from field to field as well as costly due to the extensive labor commitment required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to provide a method or process that reduces the inherent variables that exist with installing synthetic turf fields. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention to reduce or minimize the inherent variables that exist with installing synthetic turf fields, which can negatively affect the quality, cost, and/or appearance of these fields. 
     It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a process or method that improves the quality of the manufacturing as well as the installation of synthetic turf fields. 
     It is still a further advantage of the present invention to provide a process or method that decreases the cost associated with the manufacturing as well as the installation of synthetic turf fields. 
     It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a process or method that decreases the time required for the manufacturing as well as the installation of synthetic turf fields. 
     It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to provide a process or method of installing a synthetic turf field that provides more uniformity than prior methods and minimizes the inherent variables that can exist from field to field. 
     In accordance with the above and the other advantages of the present invention, a method of prefabricating and installing a synthetic turf field is provided. The method includes the steps of laying the field out in a controlled manufacturing facility by placing a plurality of individual strips of turf onto the facility floor such that the strips are properly and correctly aligned for proper fabrication and installation of the complete held. The controlled manufacturing facility is preferably an indoor facility. Thereafter, any inlays for the prefabricated field are inserted into the applicable individual strips at the appropriate place in the controlled manufacturing facility such that they are in the proper location when the entire field is subsequently installed. The inlays can include, numbers, hash marks, arrows, and/or other ancillary field markings. Obviously, other inlays may also be available for prefabrication such that they are already present in the strips when the field is installed. 
     Additionally, the processes in the manufacturing facility are preferably under controlled conditions for every field, thereby minimizing ever-changing and unpredictable variables like weather, crew skill level, tools, and installation means and methods. Upon completion of the inlay insertion and other prefabrication steps, the individual strips are roiled up and the plurality of roils are transferred to the installation site. All of the necessary equipment to assist in the prefabrication process are located at the indoor facility. Once the synthetic turf rolls arrive at the installation site, the installation crew will have less work to perform to complete the job because of the installation of the inlays during the pre-fabrication process. Accordingly, the time and cost associated with the on-site installation will be reduced. 
     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of an indoor manufacturing facility for prefabrication of a synthetic sports field in accordance with a preferred, embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a floor of an indoor manufacturing facility for prefabrication processing of a synthetic sports field with visible markings thereon in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of a plurality of strips of synthetic turf laid out on a floor of an indoor manufacturing facility for prefabrication processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4 a    schematically illustrates a template positioned on the back side of a strip of synthetic turf in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present 
         FIG. 4 b    schematically illustrates a section of synthetic turf matching the outline of the template being removed from the strip of  FIG. 4 a    to allow insertion of a corresponding inlay in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the plurality of strips of synthetic turf of  FIG. 3  after insertion of inlays into the strips in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration demonstrating the installation of a synthetic turf field at its installation site in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of the installation process of a synthetic turf field in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention relates to prefabricating a synthetic turf field for later installation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of prefabricating a synthetic turf field prior to installation at a different permanent location. The prefabrication process helps ensure accurate installation of the synthetic field in a more economic, consistent and cost effective manner. The prefabrication process also helps minimize or eliminate variables that may exist in different installations, including due to weather, crew skill level, tools, and installation methods. The steps of the method or process for prefabricating a synthetic turf field for subsequent installation as well as the installation steps are discussed in connection with the preferred embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying figures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a facility  5  is provided where the synthetic turf field is initially fabricated. The facility  5  is preferably a controlled facility such as an indoor manufacturing facility, which is not the location where the synthetic field will be permanently installed. The facility  5  includes an open area with a substantially flat floor  10  on which the various components that will be used to make the synthetic field can be laid out for prefabricating. It will be understood that the substantially flat floor  10  and the working area must be sufficiently large or of sufficient size to roll out or lay out the synthetic turf strips that will be prefabricated and then utilized to make up the full synthetic turf field. It is also preferable that the facility has room for the other components that are used to make up the completed, synthetic field, including the various markings to be inlayed, as discussed in more detail below. 
     In one embodiment an initial step of fee prefabricating process includes visually indicating on the floor  10  of the facility  5  certain dimensions corresponding to locations on the field. These visual indications will assist in the alignment, orientation, and sizing of the individual synthetic strips. The dimensions are preferably marked permanently on the floor  10 . However, it will be understood that the visual markings can be releasably secured or fixed to the floor  10  in the event fields of different sizes or configurations require prefabrication. For example, the hash marks for a professional football field are positioned in a different location than a college football field. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a line corresponding to the centerline of the field (in the direction from one end of the field to the other) is preferably marked on the floor  10  and is generally designated by reference number  12 . This line allows for alignment of each of the strips at a location corresponding to the center of the field. Also, lines corresponding to the locations on the field where the hash marks are to be positioned are also visually indicated or marked on the floor  10  and are generally indicated by reference number  14 . These markings  14  are preferably intended to indicate a particular portion of the hash marks, such as an inner edge thereof (closest to the center of the field), which will ensure accurate alignment. However, it will be understood that the markings  14  could be positioned to align with the outer edge of the markings etc. However, each of the lines  14  should be spaced an equal distance from the centerline  12 , as indicated by reference letters A. 
     Lines, generally indicated by reference number  16 , are also placed, on the floor  10  at locations corresponding to positions on the field where yard line numbers need to be located. Again, the markings  16  can be positioned at an inner edge of the yard line numbers to assist in proper alignment. Moreover, the markings  16  can be positioned to align with another portion of the numbers, i.e., the outer edge. In any event, the markings  16  should be spaced an equal distance from the centerline  12 , as indicated by reference letters B. Further, the locations on the field where the outer hash marks are to be inserted are marked on the floor  10 , as generally indicated by the lines designated reference number  18 . Again, the lines  18  can be located at the inner edges of the hash marks, the outer edges of the hash marks, or other suitable portions thereof. Again, the markings  18  are spaced an equal distance from the centerline  12  as indicated reference letters C. 
     Similarly, the locations where the sidelines of the field are located are marked on the floor  10  with lines generally indicated by reference number  20 . The hoes  20  assist in properly aligning, sizing and orienting the field and are also spaced an equal distance from the centerline  12 , as indicated by reference letters D. It will also be understood that a variety of other dimensions could be marked on the floor  10  to assist in prefabricating the field for subsequent installation. Further, more or fewer dimensions could be marked or otherwise placed on the floor  10  as required. Also, while a variety of dimensions may be marked on the floor, they may not ail be needed for the prefabrication of any individual field. Moreover, the distance of each of the lines from the centerline  12  can vary as needed. 
     In addition to providing a facility  5  of sufficient size to roll out the synthetic turf strips and marking certain dimensions corresponding to field locations on the floor  10 , the preferred embodiment includes other steps for prefabricating a field for subsequent installation. Specifically, the facility  5  preferably has on band and available all necessary equipment to fabricate the field and complete the prefabrication processes. Thus, all necessary equipment required by the installers for fabricating the field is readily available and includes: (1) transports for moving the rolls of synthetic turf from one location to another in the facility  5 ; (2) equipment for rolling out the roils of synthetic turf onto the floor  10  for processing, and (3) equipment for roiling up the strips of turf into rolls. Additionally, the facility  5  should have sufficient space on at least one end of the working area to allow for material transport such as to the installation site. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, sufficient working area is estimated to be in the area of at least thirty (30) feet. 
     Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the facility space where the synthetic turf will be worked on should be completely enclosed such that the temperature and climate can be maintained and controlled. Further, by keeping the work space completely indoors, the ability to control inherent variables that result from climate change is significantly enhanced. This configuration also assists in providing uniformity of field fabrication and installation. The facility should also have available all templates to allow for cutting numbers, hash marks, arrows and other ancillary markings that are required for the field. It will be understood that other steps and equipment may also be utilized to assist in improving the fabrication process. 
     Once the facility  5  is available and includes the necessary equipment and space, the prefabrication process of the field can be performed. At the outset, a plurality of rolls that together will form an entire synthetic sports field axe selected for the prefabrication process, such that the appropriate number of rolls of turf are on hand. Each individual roll consists of a discrete strip  22  of synthetic turf that is positioned in the working area. The configuration, of each strip in an unrolled position is well known and consists of a front side  24  and a back side  26 . The back side  24  consists of a base material with rows of tufted yarn secured thereto and extending outwardly from the front side  24  to form the synthetic turf surface. Each strip  22  also preferably includes a tufted line, generally designated by reference number  28 , which is formed along the entire length of the roll (from one end to the other in a direction perpendicular to the centerline  12 ). The line  28  represents a yard line, such as a five yard line (i.e. 5, 10, 15, etc.), is preferably colored white, arid is about four (4) inches in width. The yard, line  28  is located adjacent one edge  30 ,  32  of each strip and while the line  28  extends from the front side  24 , it is visible from the back side  26 . 
     Each roll is positioned and oriented properly at one end of the working area before being rolled out and positioned, on the floor  10  of the facility  5 . Once positioned, the strip  22  of turf should be unrolled with the back side  26  up and the front pile side  24  down (upside down). When rolling out the strip  22  of turf, the grain of the turf is preferably facing the starting point of roll-out. However, the grain of the turf could alternatively face against the starting point of roll-out as it is being unrolled. It will be understood that a variety of other steps may be employed with respect to the roll selection and orientation steps. Further, the configuration of the tufts is not critical to the present invention. 
     The process for rolling out each scrip  22  of turf is now described below In connection with  FIG. 3 , In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the selected strip  22  is roiled out across the width of the working area. To do this, a portable roll-up machine  36 , upon which the roll of turf is disposed, is moved to the location where the work will be performed and then it is unrolled. Each strip  22  can be either unrolled manually or automatically. The entire length of the strip  22  should be rolled out and the strip  22  is then centered on the centerline  12 . Also, once unrolled, the roll must be squarely aligned on the floor  10  with respect to the visual markings. It is preferred that a test is employed, to ensure that each strip  22  is square with respect to the centerline  12 . An exemplary lest for ensuring this alignment is a 6-8-10 Pythagorean test. However, other suitable tests may also be employed. To be in alignment, the edges  30 ,  32  of each strip of synthetic oaf are oriented perpendicular to lines  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18 , Once properly aligned and confirmed, the centerline  12  from the floor is marked on the back side  26  of the turf with permanent marking to assist In alignment of each strip  22  at the location of permanent installation, as generally designated by reference number  12 ′. It will understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that other steps may also be performed as is deemed necessary. The other markings from the floor can also be placed on the back side  26  of the strip  22  as necessary. 
     In addition to making available the strips to roll out and fabricate, the tufted inlays are also located in the facility. The inlays can all be located on a single strip of material such that they need to be cut out for subsequent insertion on the field. For example, a set of yard line numbers can be tufted in white on a single piece of backing material, such as generally indicated by the strip  38 . It will also be understood that this strip  38  can have a variety of other numbers formed thereon. Alternatively, the inlays can be formed separately and individually. The backing material of the strip  38  should match or at least be compatible with the backlog material for the remainder of the field. Also, the inlays for the hash marks are also tufted onto a piece of backing material, such as generally Indicated by reference number  40 . The hash marks are preferably formed in unbroken parallel lines to allow for subsequent cutting. Alternatively, they can be individually formed in the proper length. Any other indicia should be similarly formed. It will be appreciated that other ways of forming any necessary inlays may also be employed. 
     Once the line  12 ′ has been marked or disposed on the back side  26  of the turf, any indicia, lines or other field markings can then be inserted into each strip  22 . To accomplish this, the necessary templates corresponding to the appropriate inlays to be inserted into each strip are gathered from within the facility. Next, one of the templates is positioned on the back side  22  of the turf in the proper location for processing. For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 a   , a template  50  in the shape of the number to be inserted in the selected strip is gathered and then placed on the hack side  26  of the turf in the proper orientation. The template  50  is then seemed in place on the back side  26  of the turf Using a suitable cutting took a hole is then made through the turf hacking around the perimeter  52  of the template  50 , such that a cut is made in the strip  22  in the shape of the inlay to be inserted. The cut out is then removed from the strips  22 , as shown in  FIG. 4 b   . The removable cut out is then placed to the side as scrap. This step is then repeated for all of the markings that are to be inserted into each strip  22  of the field  10 . The obvious difference between subsequent processes is that the shape of the template will vary depending upon the inlay to be inserted into the field. Other steps may also be performed as needed. 
     Once the holes corresponding to the templates  50  as well as the items to be inserted into the field have been formed, the next step is then to adhere the inlays to the field. Specifically, the numbers, the hash marks, the arrows and/or other ancillary markings axe gathered for insertion into the created openings to form a part of the final field. Prior to adhering the necessary inlay to each individual strip, it should be ensured, that the construction of each inlay matches the construction of the strip  22  into which it is going to be inserted. The template  50  should also be removed from the back side  26  of the turf. Next, the appropriate adhering mechanism, such as seam tape, adhesive, and/or other applicator tools are gathered. Thereafter, the inlay is inserted into the matching inlay opening formed in the strip  22 . The inlay is then secured to the strip  22  by glue or another appropriate adhering method. These steps should be repeated for all inlays on each strip until ail inlays for the field have been inserted. It will be appreciated that other suitable steps may also be performed as required. 
     After each inlay has been inserted into the strip  22 , the adhesive used to secure the inlay to the strip  22  must be allowed to cure for a sufficient number of hours. The curing time may obviously vary depending upon the type of adhesive used. While the adhesive is curing, the strip  22  in which the inlay has been, secured should remain untouched in its flat position. Also, weight may also be applied to the inlay to facilitate curing. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a plurality of strips  22  after the prefabrication process has been completed. As shown, the strips  22  have been cut such that each end  56  thereof is aligned with the side line  20 . Also, the strips  22  are positioned such that the centerline  12  bisects each strip  22 . Further, the inlays have been inserted and are aligned with their respective lines  14 .  16 , and  18 . The strips  22  are still upside down and can now be rolled up. Thereafter, the portable roll-up mechanism  36  should be positioned at the proper end  56  of the strip  22 . The core (center for each strip  22  when rolled-up) is attached to the portable roll-up mechanism  36 . The strip  22  is then secured to one end of the roll-up mechanism  36  and roiled up around the core. Once each strip  22  has been rolled-up around its respective core, it is then placed in a bag or other suitable retention mechanism and labeled according to a seaming diagram to facilitate staging during installation. The rolls are then ready for shipping and installation at the job site, 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , which illustrates an exemplary installation of a synthetic field in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The first step in the insinuation process is to ensure that the base or sub-base upon which the field will be installed is certified for installation. Next, all markings for the field are precisely placed on the top surface of the base, with a suitable marking such as paint. This will assist in properly aligning the strips. The centerline of the field is then marked on the sub-base from goal post to goal post, as generally shown by line  70 . The line  70  is necessary for alignment of the strips  22  and inlays for prefabricated fields. The center of the field is intended to match the centerline  12  on the floor  10  of the facility  5 . 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the next step in the installation process is to square off the center of the field and identify the location of the fifty (50) yard line. The midfield line is then marked on the sub-base as generally indicated by reference number  72 . Also, the individual yard line markings are marked on the sub-base  60  such they are perpendicular to the centerline of the field  70 . Next, the yard lines need to be marked from one side of the field to the other side of the field. A set off is required to line up the edge of the strip  22  having the white yard line. This set off is preferably about two (2) inches. Next, every five yards from the fifty (50) yard line to each end zone are marked on the sub-base  60 , as generally indicated by reference number  74 . Additionally, the sidelines are marked on the field in the proper location. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the first step of the installation process involves placing the first roll at the fifty (50) yard line and the white yard line of that roll is lined up with the midfield marking  72  on the sub-base  60 . Additionally, the centerline  70  of the sub-base is aligned with the centerline  12 ′ marked on the back side  26  of the strip  22 . Next, the other strips  22  are rolled out in the appropriate order based on the inlaid yard line markings and laid out on the sub-base  60 . Once several strips  22  have been roiled out and aligned, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the markings are rechecked to ensure alignment before the midfield strip is secured with spikes or other suitable securing means to hold the piece in place. Once the strips  22  are aligned, the seams of the strips  22  are cut and secured, such as by gluing or securing, in accordance with known industry standard methods. Lastly, the side lines can be installed in accordance with known methods. This results in an installation process that is less costly, more accurate and requires less time to complete. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations or alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.