Artificial Fiber for Use in an Artificial Grass Sports Field

Abstract

An artificial fiber for use in an artificial grass sports field is disclosed wherein, seen in a transverse sectional direction of the fiber, at least part of the fiber is provided with a stiffness-enhancing portion extending in the longitudinal direction thereof. The artificial fiber includes at least two fiber flange portions, at least one fiber flange portion forming the stiffness-enhancing portion, while at least two fiber flange portions have a uniform thickness. The improved artificial fiber is less flexible and consequently exhibits less tendency to deform to a flat orientation, but does not increase the risk of injuries to players or have an adverse effect on the playing characteristics of the field. Also disclosed is an artificial grass lawn, suitable for sports fields, having a substrate to which one or more artificial fibers of the invention are attached.

1 . An artificial fiber for use in an artificial grass sports field, the fiber defining a longitudinal axis and including at least two fiber flange portions, at least one of the fiber flange portions including a stiffness-enhancing portion along the longitudinal axis to resist deformation of the fiber. 
     
     
         2 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein each fiber flange portion has a uniform thickness. 
     
     
         13 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein the stiffness-enhancing portion extends the full length of the fiber. 
     
     
         14 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein the stiffness-enhancing portion extends at least partially in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         15 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein the fiber includes a star-shaped section comprising at least three fiber flange portions. 
     
     
         16 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 15  wherein each fiber flange portion has a uniform thickness. 
     
     
         17 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 15  wherein each fiber flange portion has a uniform length. 
     
     
         18 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein the stiffness-enhancing portion positions at least one fiber flange portion at an angle relative to another fiber flange portion. 
     
     
         19 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein the angle is between about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees. 
     
     
         20 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 19  wherein the angle is about 45 degrees. 
     
     
         21 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 19  wherein the angle is about 90 degrees. 
     
     
         22 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein at least one fiber flange portion is substantially planar. 
     
     
         23 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein at least one fiber flange portion is curved. 
     
     
         24 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein at least one fiber flange portion is spiral-shaped. 
     
     
         25 . The artificial fiber according to  claim 1  wherein the fiber is a monofilament.