Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – With treating fluid motion
Patent
1996-02-29
1999-05-11
Moore, Chris K.
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
With treating fluid motion
15345, 15348, 15405, A47L5/14
Patent
active
059024143
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for renovating synthetic playing surfaces particularly, but not exclusively, sports surfaces such as synthetic grass tennis courts, synthetic bowling greens and synthetic playing fields. Such playing surfaces generally include an artificial turf which is infilled with a layer of sand or other particulate material as part of their structural make-up.
This layer of sand becomes compacted through use and also becomes contaminated with dust and dirt. The compacted layer substantially reduces correct drainage of the surface, is harsh on the feet and can be very slippery when wet. Accordingly, these playing surfaces require renovation from time to time.
An apparatus for renovating such playing surfaces is disclosed in the present applicants' PCT application WO92/20272. This apparatus utilises a jet of compressed air to loosen the layer of particulate material. In one arrangement, the loosened material enters a separation device in which relatively lightweight dust and dirt particles are separated from the coarse, relatively heavy, particulate material which is then returned to the synthetic surface. This device works extremely well when the particulate material is dry. If, however, the particulate material is wet, it is difficult to effect any dust or dirt separation and in another arrangement disclosed in WO92/20272 an alternative head is used which merely effects dislodgement of the layer of particulate material and returns it to the playing surface, including the dust and dirt. Whilst this is not ideal, it at least decompacts the surface and thus effects a degree of renovation.
One of the disadvantages of the apparatus disclosed in WO92/20272 is that the effective width of apparatus is limited due to the practical size of compressor which can be deployed in conjunction with the apparatus to supply the required amount of compressed air. Consequently, the time taken to renovate a given playing surface is relatively large.
Another disadvantage is that already referred to, namely the less than 100% renovation achieved when the playing surface is wet.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for renovating a synthetic playing surface. In accordance with one embodiment thereof the apparatus comprises means for dislodging and entraining particulate matter layered on a synthetic playing surface, said apparatus comprising a plenum chamber having a compressed air inlet and a plurality of air outlets through which air can be expelled at an inclined angle against a playing surface so as to dislodge particulate matter layered thereon and to direct it toward a collection chamber, wherein the apparatus includes plenum chamber drive means which imparts a periodic motion to the plenum chamber relative to said apparatus, and substantially in the plane of said plurality of air outlets.
In accordance with a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for dislodging, entraining and collecting coarse and fine particulate matter layered on a synthetic playing surface, said apparatus comprising a plenum chamber having a compressed air inlet and a plurality of compressed air outlets through which air can be expelled at an inclined angle against a playing surface so as to dislodge particulate matter layered thereon and to direct it into a collection chamber, said collection chamber including a first screw conveyor for removing coarse particulate matter from within said collection chamber.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a side view of a renovating apparatus according to the present invention mounted on a tractor;
FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the renovating apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 shows a schematic rear view of a plenum chamber and air supply system of the renovating apparatus of claim 1;
FIG. 4 shows a schematic rear view of the plenum chamber drive mechanism of the renovating apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 shows a schematic end view of the pl
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Keal Mark Anthony
Lawrence Charles Clifford Seager
Air Force Limited
Moore Chris K.
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