Paint removal system for artificial grass

Abstract

A method and device are provided for removing painted field markings from a synthetic grass surface including at least a sheet backing and a plurality of synthetic grass fibers extending upward thereform. The method comprise the steps of applying a paint-dissolving solvent to a region of the synthetic grass surface having the painted field markings thereon, brushing the region using at least one rotating brush to abrade paint coated on the synthetic grass fibers, and spraying the region with pressurized water.

1 . A device for removing painted field markings from a synthetic grass surface including at least a sheet backing and a plurality of synthetic grass fibers extending upward therefrom, the device comprising: 
 a displaceable vehicle adapted to move over the synthetic grass surface;    at least one rotating brush operatively connected to the vehicle, the rotating brush being engageable with the synthetic grass surface such that bristles thereof contact the synthetic grass fibers of the synthetic grass surface;    a solvent nozzle, disposed forward of the rotating brush and aligned therewith, for spraying a paint-dissolving solvent onto the synthetic grass surface in front of the rotating brush; and    at least one water nozzle disposed on the vehicle adjacent the rotating brush for directing a pressurized water spray onto the synthetic grass surface proximate to the bristles of the rotating brush.    
   
   
       2 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein three rotating brushes are operatively connected to the vehicle.  
   
   
       3 . The device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein all three rotating brushes are aligned with the solvent nozzle.  
   
   
       4 . The device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein each of the three rotating brushes rotates in a direction opposite to that of an adjacent rotating brush.  
   
   
       5 . The device as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the three rotating brushes rotate in a common direction.  
   
   
       6 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the rotating brush is disposed on a link member engaged to the vehicle, the link member being displaceable between an operative position, wherein the bristles of the rotating brush are in contact with the synthetic grass fibers of the synthetic grass surface, and a non-operative position wherein the rotating brush is not in contact with the synthetic grass surface.  
   
   
       7 . The device as defined in  claim 6 , wherein a static drag brush is connected to the link member behind the rotating brush, bristles of the static drag brush being in contact with the synthetic grass fibers of the synthetic grass surface when the link member is in the operative position.  
   
   
       8 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a static drag brush is connected to the vehicle behind the rotating brush, the static drag brush being engageable with the synthetic grass surface such that bristles thereof contact the synthetic grass fibers.  
   
   
       9 . The device as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the bristles of the static drag brush-are stiffer than those of the rotating brush.  
   
   
       10 . The device as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the static drag brush extends transversely relative to a direction of travel of the vehicle.  
   
   
       11 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a water storage tank, disposed on the vehicle, is in fluid flow communication with the water nozzle.  
   
   
       12 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a solvent storage tank, disposed on the vehicle, is in fluid flow communication with the solvent nozzle.  
   
   
       13 . The device as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the rotating brush comprises natural fiber bristles.  
   
   
       14 . A method of removing painted field markings from a synthetic grass surface including at least a sheet backing and a plurality of synthetic grass fibers extending upward therefrom, the method comprising the steps of: 
 i)applying a paint-dissolving solvent to a region of the synthetic grass surface having the painted field markings thereon;    ii)brushing the region using at least one rotating brush to abrade paint coated on the synthetic grass fibers; and    iii)spraying the region with pressurized water.    
   
   
       15 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising dragging a static drag brush over the region after passage thereover by the rotating brush.  
   
   
       16 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising: providing a displaceable vehicle, the displaceable vehicle having the rotating brush operatively engaged thereto behind at least one solvent nozzle for applying the paint-dissolving solvent onto the region and including at least one water nozzle for spraying the pressurized water on the region; and moving the vehicle over the region of the synthetic grass surface at a predetermined speed.  
   
   
       17 . The method as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the paint-dissolving solvent is applied onto the region by spraying.  
   
   
       18 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising metering a flow rate of at least one of the paint-dissolving solvent and the pressurized water.  
   
   
       19 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising spraying the pressurized water onto the region proximate to the rotating brush.  
   
   
       20 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the synthetic grass surface comprises an infill layer of particulate material disposed interstitially between the synthetic grass fibers on the backing sheet, the method further comprising flushing the paint-dissolving solvent and any dissolved paint through the infill layer using pressurized water spray.  
   
   
       21 . The method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the paint-dissolving solvent is applied directly onto the region.  
   
   
       22 . The method as defined in, claim 21 , further comprising using a sponge-roller assembly, disposed in direct contacting relation with the synthetic grass surface, to apply the paint-dissolving solvent onto the region.