GB2306494A

GB2306494A - Synthetic surface

Info

Publication number: GB2306494A
Application number: GB9522401A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Collins
Original assignee: Martin Collins Enterprises Ltd
Current assignee: Martin Collins Enterprises Ltd
Priority date: 1995-11-01
Filing date: 1995-11-01
Publication date: 1997-05-07
Anticipated expiration: 2015-11-01
Also published as: GB2306494B; GB9522401D0

Abstract

A synthetic surface, eg for recreational or equestrian use, comprises a chopped fibre component (eg polyester), filler (eg sand), and binder and/or cut elasticated fibres (eg rubber or polyurethane).

Description

SYNTHETIC SURFACE This invention relates to a synthetic surface, particularly a synthetic surface for recreational use by humans and animals, e.g. for equestrian use. It also provides a novel composition for use as such a surface.

It has been proposed to provide sand-based synthetic surfaces for equestrian use.

Essentially, the surfaces are intended to be substitutes for grass and to provide a means of exercising, training and competing of horses when natural grass surfaces are unavailable or not usable, for example, due to adverse weather conditions.

Previously proposed sand-based surfaces, while providing a useful alternative to real grass surfaces, have not been ideal. For example, they may be too dusty when dry, which poses problems both for horses and riders. Watering of such dry surfaces, while eradicating the dust problem, can cause problems of freezing in winter conditions. They are costly, and there is a risk of harm to the user.

The present invention aims to provide an improved surface for use by humans and animals.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides an artificial surface which comprises a mixture of sand or like filler, chopped fibre component and cut elasticated fibre.

In another aspect the invention provides an artificial surface which comprises a mixture of sand or like filler, chopped fibre component and a binder component.

In a preferred embodiment the invention provides an artificial surface which comprises a mixture of sand, chopped fibre component, cut elasticated fibre and a binder component.

In a yet further aspect the invention provides a composition suitable for use as an artificial surface, particularly for equestrian use, the composition comprising sand or like filler, chopped fibre component cut elasticated fibre and/or a binder component.

The chopped fibre component is preferably a polyester fibre which may be woven, nonwoven, crimped or uncrimped. The fibre lengths may range from about 2 mm to about 50 mm. The fibre lengths of the component may be prepared by passing a sheet through a suitable granulator.

The elasticated fibre is preferably a cut length elasticated fibre of non-absorbent and highly durable nature, known colloquially as CLEF. Such fibres provide elasticity, water rejection and prolong the life of the surface. The fibre lengths may again be from about 2 to about 50 mm.

The binder component is preferably selected to be non-aqueous, and may be a grease, wax, petroleum jelly or the like. Such binders reduce dusting and the need for watering.

The binder constituent is preferably a hydrocarbon wax, i.e. an oil derivative. It should preferably have a melting point of about 700C to about 750C. The binder coats the other ingredients of the mixture to provide good water-repellent and anti-dusting properties.

The ingredients should be well mixed before the surface is laid so as to ensure the desired coating by the binder and/or a satisfactory homogeneous mixture.

The composition preferably has the following proportions in percentages by weight: chopped non-woven fibre 1 to 15% especially 5 to 8% chopped elasticated fibre 0 to 5% especially 0.5 to 2% binder 0 to 10% especially 2 to 6% sand 73.5 to 98% especially 84 to 92.5% The sand is preferably a fine, rounded silica sand as round edged granules, as opposed to angular or sharp granules, minimise the wearing effect on horses' hooves and reduce the natural sifting or packing down process associated with many sands, which process results in an undesirable desegregation of the mixture of the surface.

The surface of the invention is particularly advantageous for equestrian use. It has enhanced 'bounce' which improves riding performance and comfort. It has reduced water retention and improved durability and hence prolonged working life. It has compaction which avoids undue penetration and it does not harden; has reduced tendency to freeze in winter conditions and is no more expensive than previous synthetic surfaces for the same purpose.

The surface is suitable for laying indoors or outdoors. It may be mixed and laid by conventional means for synthetic, sand-based surfaces and, for example, may be laid to form a rolled compacted surface of a depth of from about 50 mm to about 500 mm, preferably from 100 mm to 175 mm. It is suitable for any desired size of exercise or training track, e.g. from a small indoors surface of a few hundred square metres to an outdoor surface measured in hectares. The composition of the surface may be constituted so as to replicate socalled 'good going' turf regardless of the weather conditions. A synthetic surface of the invention is seen to good effect as an equestrian surface or track or gallop. It may also be useful for human use, e.g. as a golf course, football pitch, rugby pitch, baseball diamond, running track; edging to swimming pools; and the like.

Claims

1. An artificial surface which comprises a mixture of sand or like filler, chopped fibre component and cut elasticated fibre and/or a binder component.

2. An artificial surface according to Claim 1, which is for equestrian use.

3. An artificial surface according to Claim 1 or 2, which comprises a mixture of sand or like filler1 chopped fibre component, cut elasticated fibre and binder component.

4. An artificial surface according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the chopped fibre component is a polyester fibre.

5. An artificial surface according to any preceding claim, in which the fibre lengths of the chopped fibre component are in the range 2 to 50mm.

6. An artificial surface according to any preceding claim, in which the chopped fibre component is formed of granulated sheet material.

7. An artificial surface according to any preceding claim, in which the cut elasticated fibre is non-water absorbent.

8. An artificial surface according to any preceding claim, in which the cut elasticated fibre is a polyurethane or natural rubber fibre.

9. An artificial surface according to Claim 8, in which the cut elasticated fibre is an elastane or spandex segmented polyurethane elastomer.

10. An artificial surface according to any preceding claim, in which the fibre lengths of the cut elasticated fibre are in the range 2 to 50mm.

11. An artificial surface according to any preceding claim, in which the binder is a non-aqueous grease, wax, petroleum jelly or the like.

12. An artificial surface according to Claim 10, in which the binder is a hydrocarbon wax.

13. An artificial surface according to Claim 11 or 12, in which the binder has a melting point of about 700 to about 750C.

14. An artificial surface which comprises a mixture of the following proportions by weight: chopped non-woven fibre 1 to 15% chopped elasticated fibre 0 to 5% binder 0 to 10% sand 73.5to 98%.

15. An artificial surface according to Claim 12, which comprises a mixture of the following proportions by weight: chopped non-woven fibre 5 to 8% chopped elasticated fibre 0.5 to 2% binder 2to 6% sand 84to 92.5%.

16. An artificial surface formed from a mixture of any preceding claim, which is laid to a depth of from about 50mm to 500mm.

17. An artificial surface according to Claim 16, which is laid to a depth of from 100 to 175mm.

18. An artificial surface according to Claim 16 or 17, in which the surface has been compacted by rolling.

19. A fibre composition comprising the following ingredients by weight: chopped non-woven fibre 1 to 15% chopped elasticated fibre O to 5% binder Oto 10% sand 73.5 to 98%.

20. A fibre composition according to Claim 19, comprising the following ingredients by weight: chopped non-woven fibre 5 to 8% chopped elasticated fibre 0.5 to 2% binder 2 to 6% sand 84 to 92.5%.

21. A fibre composition according to Claim 19 or 20, in which the chopped fibre is a polyester fibre.

22. A fibre composition according to Claim 19, 20 or 21, in which the binder is a non-aqueous grease, wax or petroleum jelly or the like.

23. A fibre composition according to any one of Claims 20 to 23, in which the cut elasticated fibre is a segmented polyurethane elastomer.