The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 06, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 12, 1997
Jacques M Du Pont, Austin, TX (US);
Southwest Recreational Industries, Inc., Leander, TX (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for manipulating large sections of artificial turf for the removable covering of a smooth, rigid surface such as a floor, with a large section of artificial turf which involves pulling it across the surface while supported on a pneumatic cushion to minimize frictional drag and then relieving the cushion after the section is in place to allow it to settle onto the surface. The apparatus comprises powered rollers for supporting a roll of the turf, said roll being prevented from significant horizontal motion upon the rollers by thrust bearing block members, rope-like members for attachment along a truss-like spar removably attached along the leading margin of the roll, recessed winches for pulling such rope-like members across a supporting pup-up roller assembly, motor speed controls for adjusting the rate of such rolling or unrolling, and a detachable blower and air transmission duct for developing the air cushion between the turf and rigid surface.