Method for stiffening synthetic ribbons on a synthetic turf surface

Abstract

A system and method for adjusting the relative stiffness of a synthetic turf system's synthetic ribbons. A stiffening agent is applied to the synthetic turf system such that the synthetic ribbons that are responsive to the stiffening agent will stiffen subsequent to the application of the stiffening agent. The synthetic turf system may include synthetic ribbons that are not responsive to the stiffening agent.

1 . A method comprising the steps of:
 grooming a synthetic turf surface, the synthetic turf comprising a plurality of synthetic ribbons operatively attached to a backing mat; and,   applying a stiffening agent to the synthetic turf surface;   wherein the synthetic turf surface further includes an infill layer of particulate material atop the backing mat and dispersed among the plurality of synthetic ribbons such that portions of the synthetic ribbons extend above the infill layer, each of the plurality of synthetic ribbons having an initial stiffness that will increase upon application of the stiffening agent.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the stiffening agent is water soluble. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the stiffening agent comprises at least diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the stiffening agent further comprises an acrylic. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: air drying the stiffening agent after applying the stiffening agent. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the stiffening agent comprises at least an acrylic. 
     
     
         7 . A method comprising the steps of:
 providing a synthetic turf surface having plurality of synthetic ribbons operatively attached to a backing mat and an infill layer of particulate material disposed on the backing mat in between the synthetic ribbons and a plurality of synthetic ribbons including a first synthetic ribbon being responsive to a stiffening agent and a second synthetic ribbon being non-responsive to the stiffening agent;   grooming the synthetic turf surface; and,   applying a stiffening agent to the synthetic turf surface.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the stiffening agent comprises at least diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the stiffening agent comprises at least an acrylic. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the stiffening agent is water soluble. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising the step of:
 air drying the stiffening agent after the step of applying the stiffening agent. 
 
     
     
         12 . A synthetic turf system comprising:
 a backing mat;   a first synthetic ribbon being operatively attached to the backing mat;   a second synthetic ribbon being operatively attached to the backing mat;   a stiffening agent,   wherein the first synthetic ribbon is responsive to the stiffening agent so as to stiffen and wherein the second synthetic ribbon is not responsive to the stiffening agent.   
     
     
         13 . The synthetic turf system of  claim 12  wherein the first synthetic ribbon comprises polypropylene or polyethylene. 
     
     
         14 . The synthetic turf system of  claim 13  wherein the stiffening agent comprises diethylene glycol monobutyl ether. 
     
     
         15 . The synthetic turf system of  claim 13  wherein the stiffening agent comprises an acrylic. 
     
     
         16 . The synthetic turf system of  claim 12  wherein the stiffening agent is water soluble. 
     
     
         17 . The synthetic turf system of  claim 12  wherein the stiffening agent is water insoluble. 
     
     
         18 . The synthetic turf system of  claim 12  wherein the stiffening agent has a pH level of approximately 6-8.