U.S. patent application number 11/562636 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-31 for athletic game marking device.
Invention is credited to David G. Mescher.
Application Number | 20070123375 11/562636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38121960 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070123375 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mescher; David G. |
May 31, 2007 |
Athletic Game Marking Device
Abstract
An athletic game marking device for use in baseball, softball,
and other activities to greatly reduce injuries from sliding into
and stepping onto the marking device and to improve the visibility
of the marking device. One or more layers of resilient materials
are attached to a base member. Side projections are attached along
the peripheral sides of the base member and extend vertically
upward. The side projections are made of a material selected to
allow the side projection to deform or bend when a force is
applied, such as when stepped on by a base runner, then return to
essential the original upright position. The side projections may
be colored or imprinted with a design to increase visibility.
Inventors: |
Mescher; David G.; (Raleigh,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID P. HENDRICKS;LAW OFFICE OF DAVID P. HENDRICKS
PO BOX 37127
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Family ID: |
38121960 |
Appl. No.: |
11/562636 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60740745 |
Nov 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/499 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0054 20130101;
A63B 2071/0063 20130101; A63B 69/0013 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/499 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An athletic game marking device for preventing injury when
stepping on or sliding into the marking device, comprising: a. a
base member further comprising: i. a generally planar top surface;
ii. a generally planar bottom surface; and iii. one or more
peripheral side surfaces; b. one or more resilient side projections
attached to at least one of the peripheral side surfaces such that
the side projections are oriented generally normal to the top
surface; c. a resilient material layer fixed to the top surface;
and d. an anchoring device for securing the marking device to the
ground.
2. The marking device of claim 1 wherein the side projections are
comprised of a material capable of deforming when subjected to
downward and lateral forces and returning essentially to a position
normal to the top surface when the forces are released.
3. The marking device of claim 2 wherein the side projection
material is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber;
synthetic rubber; foam rubber; plastic; natural sponge; synthetic
sponge; elastomers, packets filled with solid, liquid, or gaseous
substances; and fabric, and combinations and mixtures thereof.
4. The marking device of claim 3 wherein the side projections
further comprise a covering material to enclose the resilient side
projection material.
5. The marking device of claim 4 wherein the covering material is a
color selected to enhance visual aspects.
6. The marking device of claim 4 wherein the covering material is
selected such that it is imprintable with writings and
markings.
7. The marking device of claim 1 wherein the number of peripheral
side surfaces has a value in the range between 1 and 10,
inclusive.
8. The marking device of claim 1 wherein a portion of the anchoring
device extends below ground level.
9. The marking device of claim 1 wherein the anchoring device is a
material fixed to the bottom surface to arrest lateral movement of
the marking device.
10. The marking device of claim 1 wherein the base member is formed
of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic,
fiberglass, reinforced and unreinforced composites, rubber, and
wood, and combinations and mixtures thereof.
11. The marking device of claim 1 wherein the resilient material
fixed to the top surface is selected from the group consisting of
natural rubber, synthetic rubber, vinyl, and cloth, and
combinations and mixtures thereof.
12. The marking device of claim 1 wherein the length of the base
member is approximately twice that of the width of the base
member.
13. An athletic marking device for preventing injury when stepping
on or sliding into the marking device comprising a base member of
rectangular shape having a top surface, a bottom surface, and
peripheral side surfaces; at least one side projection attached to
at least one peripheral side surface such that the side projection
is oriented essentially normal to the top surface, the side
projections being comprised of a material capable of deforming when
subjected to downward and lateral forces and returning essentially
to a position normal to the top surface when the forces are
released; and an anchoring device for securing the marking device
to the ground.
14. The marking device of claim 13 wherein the side projections
further comprise a covering material to enclose the side
projection, the covering material selected such that it is
imprintable with writings and markings.
15. The marking device of claim 14 wherein the color of the
covering material is selected to enhance visual aspects.
16. The marking device of claim 13 wherein the length of the base
member is approximately twice that of the width of the base
member.
17. An athletic marking device for preventing injury when stepping
on or sliding into the marking device comprising a base member of
rectangular shape having a top surface, a bottom surface, and
peripheral side surfaces; at least one side projection attached to
at least one peripheral side surface such that the side projection
is oriented essentially normal to the top surface, the side
projections being comprised of a material capable of deforming when
subjected to downward and lateral forces and returning essentially
to a position normal to the top surface when the forces are
released; and a material fixed to the bottom surface to arrest
lateral movement of the marking device.
18. The marking device of claim 17 wherein the side projections
further comprise a covering material to enclose the side
projection, the covering material selected such that it is
imprintable with writings and markings.
19. The marking device of claim 18 wherein the color of the
covering material is selected to enhance visual aspects.
20. The marking device of claim 17 wherein the length of the base
member is approximately twice that of the width of the base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Provisional
Application No. 60/740,745 filed Nov. 30, 2005, entitled "Athletic
Game Marking Device."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to marking devices used in
athletic games, and more particularly to bases used in baseball and
softball games that are intended to reduce injury to the players
and increase visibility during play of the games.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the United States, playing baseball and softball results
in about 500,000 injuries per year requiring medical attention,
more than any other sport. The most common baseball and softball
injuries are related to the bases, whether caused by stepping on
the base while running or sliding into the base. An estimated $2
billion in medical costs is spent annually just for injuries
associated with sliding into bases.
[0004] A regulation baseball base is square, measuring 14 to 15
inches on a side and 2 to 3 inches thick. The bases are typically
canvas or rubber coated, or alternatively may be molded rubber.
Each base is anchored to the ground so that it does not move during
the course of play. Given the size and thickness of the bases, it
is not surprising that ankle and knee injuries occur from sliding
into a fixed object or stepping on the edge of the base when
running full speed. The two most common methods used today to
reduce the occurrence of base-related injuries are the breakaway
base and the energy absorbing base.
[0005] There are many designs of breakaway bases, but they all
generally operate in the same fashion. When a player slides into
the base and applies sufficient force to the base, the anchoring
mechanism gives way and the base is dislodged. As the base is
dislodged, the impact energy is dissipated and the number and
extent of injuries are reduced. A common problem with the breakaway
base is that it can cause an interruption of play. For example,
suppose there is a runner on first base and the batter makes a hit
into the outfield. The ball is retrieved by the outfielder who then
throws the ball to the second baseman trying to get the runner from
first base out. The runner attempts to slide into second base and
dislodges the base. At the same time, the second baseman fails to
catch the thrown ball from the outfielder. The runner at second
base attempts to run to third base and the batter now attempts to
run to second base. However, second base has already been dislodged
and the batter has no base in proper position to run to. The umpire
must then stop play and make a ruling on the proper outcome of the
play. This disruption of play has the potential of affecting the
outcome of the game. Additionally, breakaway bases do nothing to
prevent injuries from stepping on the raised edge of the base.
[0006] Energy absorbing bases do not break away from their
anchoring mechanism. Rather, they rely on the base being able to
partially "give" or compress when a force is applied to the side of
the base. These bases are typically of a one-piece molded design
with a series of ribs and hollow spaces internal to the base. These
ribs can deflect when a force is applied to the side of the base
and absorb a portion of the energy when a player slides into the
base. While this design is effective in reducing the number of
base-related injuries, the player is still presented with a fixed
obstruction. As with the breakaway base, the energy absorbing base
is not designed to reduce injury from stepping on the raised edge
of the base. Additionally, most energy absorbing base designs use a
rounded edge that can get covered by dirt during play. This buildup
of dirt results in reducing visibility making it more difficult for
the runner to see the base.
[0007] Although the breakaway base and the energy absorbing base
are effective in reducing some injuries resulting from sliding into
the base, the basic underlying problem of a thick obstruction in
the sliding and running path will still result in such injuries.
These designs also do little to reduce injuries from stepping on
the base, and injury to fingers, hands, and wrists when sliding
head first into the base. A need exists, therefore, for a base that
will eliminate nearly all injuries from sliding into the base. A
need also exists for a base that will eliminate nearly all injuries
from stepping on the base. Additionally, a need exists to combine
these injury-reducing features with a marking device designed to
increase visibility, be compatible with existing base mounting
systems, and be affordable.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention is directed to an apparatus that
fulfils the need for an athletic game marking device that
eliminates nearly all injuries from sliding into and stepping on
the marking device. One aspect of the invention comprises a base
member that is generally planar, or flat, on the top and bottom.
Attached to the top surface of the base member is a resilient
material such as, for example, rubber or vinyl. Attached to the
bottom surface of the base member is a device for anchoring the
marking device to the ground. The base member also consists of a
number of peripheral side surfaces. Attached to one or more of the
side surfaces are one or more resilient side projections. The side
projections are oriented generally normal to the top surface of the
base member; that is, the side projections extend vertically upward
when the marking device is placed on the ground. The side
projections can be releasably attached to the side surfaces to
facilitate replacement and repair, or may be permanently
attached.
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention comprises side
projections constructed of a material that will deform or bend when
subjected to downward and lateral forces, such as when stepped on
by a player, then return to essentially its original position. For
example, such a material would be natural rubber; synthetic rubber;
foam rubber; plastic; natural sponge; synthetic sponge; elastomers;
packets filled with a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance; or
fabric, or a combination or mixture of these materials, although
other materials may also be used.
[0010] A number of embodiments of the side projections are possible
for the present invention. One embodiment comprises one rectangular
side projection attached to each side of the marking device. The
side projection can be equal in length to the side, or be of a
shorter length. Another embodiment comprises more than one side
projection attached to the sides of the base member. While the
exact number of side projections is not critical to the present
invention, the number will vary based on the specific embodiment
chosen for the side projections. For example, if a nipple-like
projection is chosen, then the number of side projections per side
will be high, perhaps numbering as many as 50 or more. In yet
another embodiment, the side projections are shaped like flags and
extend upward from the marking device. In other embodiments, the
side projections have a rectangular shape, and there may be five or
more side projections per side of the base member.
[0011] Other embodiments of the present invention may comprise a
covering material, such as cloth or fabric, enclosing one or more
of the side projections. In still other embodiments, the covering
material further comprises imprinting on the covering material,
such as a product or team logo. In yet other embodiments, either
the side projection or the covering material is of a color that
enhances visibility.
[0012] Other embodiments of the present invention comprise a base
member with as few as one side and as many as about ten sides.
Other embodiments may comprise more than ten sides. Another
embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular shape
wherein the length is approximately twice that of the width. When
this embodiment is used as first base when playing baseball,
softball, or a similar game, the marking device can be positioned
to straddle the first base foul line so that both the runner and
the fielder have a portion to tag or step on, thus further reducing
injuries from collisions.
[0013] There are a number of anchoring devices known in the art
that may be used with different embodiments of the present
invention. Examples of such anchoring devices include, but are not
limited to, a stake that can be pressed into the ground, a tube
mounted to the bottom surface of the base member that will join
with another tube mounted in the ground, and a strap connected to
the bottom of the base member that attaches to a stake mounted in
the ground. In another embodiment of the present invention, the
bottom surface of the base member is covered with a material that
arrests lateral movement of the marking device. This embodiment is
suited for use indoors where an anchor cannot be placed in the
ground, but may also be used outdoors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the athletic game marking
device showing the side projections.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
how the side projections deform when stepped on by the runner.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the marking device mounted in the
ground and showing another embodiment for the side projections.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
an embodiment where the length is about twice the width for use in
the first base position on a baseball or softball field.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
an embodiment for use on surfaces where a penetration into the
ground cannot be made, such as indoors.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
an embodiment where flags mounted on flexible posts are used as the
side projections.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
an embodiment with a plurality of side projections.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
an embodiment with cone-shaped side projections.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a side projection showing
how the projection can be enclosed in a removable covering.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the marking device showing
an hexagonal-shaped embodiment.
DESCRIPTION
[0025] It is understood that the embodiments described herein are
intended to serve as illustrated examples of certain embodiments of
the present invention. Other arrangements, variations, and
modifications of the described embodiments of the invention may be
made by those skilled in the art. No unnecessary limitations are to
be understood from this disclosure, and any such arrangements,
variations, and modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.
Stated ranges include the end points of the range and all points
within the end points.
[0026] Referring in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals
represent like elements in multiple drawings, in FIG. 1 there is
indicated generally an athletic game marking device 1 intended to
reduce injury to players. The marking device 1 is comprised of a
rigid base member 5 that has generally planar, or flat, top and
bottom surfaces. Typical materials of construction for the base
member 5 include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic,
fiberglass, reinforced and unreinforced composites, rubber, and
wood, and combinations and mixtures of these materials. The
material selected for the base member 5 is particular to the
intended application and is not critical to the present invention.
For example, one embodiment of the present invention may focus on
low cost, and the selection of plastic may be appropriate. In
another embodiment, the intended use may be for professional sports
applications where a metal base member 5 may be more desirable.
Thus, many different materials may be suitable for use as the base
member 5, all of which are within the intended scope of the present
invention. Additionally, it may be desirable to combine layers of
material (not shown) to form the base member 5, such as a metal
layer and a wood layer. Regardless of the number of layers chosen
for the construction of the marking device 1, the total thickness
of all layers is about 1/4 inch to about 2 inches. Attached to the
top surface is a resilient material layer 4. The resilient material
layer 4 provides a tough, tear- and wear-resistant upper surface 3
for when a player with spiked shoes steps on the marking device 1.
Similar to the base member 5, any appropriate material may be
selected for the resilient material layer 4, and material selection
is particular to the intended application and is not critical to
the present invention. Typical materials of construction for the
resilient material layer include, but are not limited to, natural
rubber, synthetic rubber, vinyl, cloth, and combinations of these
materials. As shown in FIG. 1, the resilient material layer 4 is
about the same dimensions of length and width as the base member 5
so that the edges of the two layers are generally flush when they
are attached. In another embodiment of the present invention (not
shown), the resilient material layer 4 is slightly larger in length
and width than the base member 5. This allows the resilient
material layer 4 to wrap around the edges of the base member 5 so
that the resilient material layer 4 can be attached to bottom
surface of the base member 5 rather than the top surface. Attached
to the bottom surface of the base member 5 is a mounting device 6.
The mounting device 6 may take any of numerous forms depending on
the anchoring method selected for the particular embodiment. In one
embodiment, the mounting device 6 is selected to be compatible with
standard mounting equipment known in the art consisting of a square
post 13/4 inches on a side that fits into a square receiving tube
that is mounted in the ground. In another embodiment, the mounting
device 6 is a stake that can be pressed into the ground. The
specific mounting device 6 chosen for a particular application is
not critical to the present invention.
[0027] The base member 5 is also comprised of a plurality of
peripheral side surfaces numbering from about 1 to about 10.
Attached to one or more side surfaces are one or more resilient
side projections 2. The side projections 2 are attached so that
they are generally normal to the upper surface 3; that is, the side
projections 2 extend vertically upward when the marking device 1 is
placed on the ground. The side projections 2 provide a visual
reference for the players without subjecting the players to a
raised surface that can cause injury. The side projections 2 are
made of a material that is capable of deforming or bending when
subjected to downward and lateral forces, such as when stepped on,
and then returning essentially to a position normal to the upper
surface 3 of the marking device 1. Examples of these materials
include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber,
foam rubber, plastic, natural sponge, synthetic sponge, elastomers,
and fabric, and combinations and mixtures of these materials.
Additionally, the side projections 2 can be made of a packet filled
with a solid, liquid, or gaseous substance, such as gell packs,
water packs, and air packs. The exact material chosen for the side
projections 2 is not critical to the present invention; rather, the
characteristic property is the material's ability to deform or bend
when subjected to a force, then return to essentially its original
position.
[0028] Because the side projections 2 provide a visual reference
for the players, other embodiments of the present invention enhance
the visual aspect of the side projections 2. In one embodiment, the
side projections 2 are made of a material having one or more highly
visible colors, such as bright yellow, bright orange, or lime
green, to name just a few examples. Alternatively, the side
projections 2 may be colored in a high contrast pattern, such as a
black and white checkerboard pattern. Other embodiments may employ
other high visibility colors and patterns. Combinations of colors
other than black and white may also be used. The shape of the side
projections 2 will vary among the many embodiments of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the side projections 2 are
rectangular, but other shapes are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows how the side projections 2 function in
practice. The player's foot, indicted generally at 16, steps on the
marking device 1 and depresses one or more side projections 2.
Because the marking device 1 has a very small side profile, the
player is not subjected to a surface that will cause tripping or
result in injury.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the marking device mounted
to the ground 8. The mounting device 6 extends below ground level 8
into a receiving tube 7. The base member 5 is situated on top of
the ground level 8, and the side projections 2 extend vertically
upward from ground level 8. Alternatively, the base member 5 may be
situated just below ground level 8 (not shown).
[0031] FIG. 4 shows a double-width embodiment of the present
invention for use as first base in a baseball or softball
application. In this embodiment, the first base foul line is
aligned with the middle of the marking device as indicated by
broken line 9. Thus, half of the marking device will be in its
normal position on the playing field and the other half will extend
into the first base basepath in foul territory. The portion of the
marking device that extends into foul territory allows the base
runner to run along the first base basepath and step on the portion
of the marking device in foul territory, while the first baseman
can tag the portion of the marking device in the normal first base
position. The double width embodiment allows greater separation
between the runner trying to tag first base at the same time the
first baseman is trying to tag first base, resulting in reduced
injuries from collisions.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention
without the mounting device 6 shown in FIG. 1 for use when securing
the marking device 1 to the ground is impractical, such as on a
temporary field or indoors. In this embodiment, the bottom surface
of the base member 5 is covered with a material 17 that arrests
lateral movement of the marking device. For indoor applications,
the material 17 may be a soft elastomeric material that will not
slide easily on a hard surface, such as the floor of a gymnasium.
For outdoor applications, the material 17 may be an elastomeric or
other material with a roughened surface to prevent sliding on dirt
or grass. Other materials 17 may be used in other embodiments.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention
where flags 10 are used as the side projections. As shown, flags 10
are located at each corner of the marking device 1, but no
limitation to the present invention is intended by this
configuration. Any number of flags 10 that is practical can be
used. The shaft of the flag 10 is constructed of a material similar
to that described for the side projections 2 in FIG. 1. The flags
10 will deform or bend when subjected to a force, then return to
essentially their original position. FIG. 6 illustrates that the
side projections can take many forms and are not limited to the
embodiments shown in the previous drawings.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows that the number of side projections 2 on each
side of the marking device 1 is not critical to the present
invention. Here, four side projections 2 are shown. A greater or
lesser number of side projections 2 may also be used, as is
appropriate for the particular application. FIG. 7 also shows that
the side projections 2 can be used on less than the full number of
sides of the base member 5.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention
where conical-shaped side projections 11 are used. Similar to the
flags 10 in FIG. 6, the side projections may take numerous forms,
all of which are within the intended scope of the present
invention.
[0036] For the present invention, it is desirable to place
removable coverings over the side projections. The coverings can be
used to vary the color of the side projections, for example to
change from the colors of one team to another, or to change from
one high visibility color to another. The coverings can also be
used to display a logo or other markings. FIG. 9 demonstrates how a
covering 12 can be slipped over the side projection 13. In this
embodiment, the covering 12 displays a logo 14. Typically, the
covering 12 is made of a coated or uncoated cloth or fabric
material suitable for printing. Other materials, such as vinyl, may
also be used for the covering 12. While the use of a logo is shown
in this embodiment as being imprinted on a covering 12 over the
side projection 13, the logo may alternatively be imprinted or
molded directly on the side projection 13. A logo may also be
placed on any embodiment of the side projections, such as on the
flags 10 shown in FIG. 6.
[0037] Although the previous Figures display the marking device in
a rectangular form, other embodiments may have other than four
sides. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 10, which shows a
hexagonal embodiment. Possible shapes of the marking device
include, but are not limited to, circular, semicircular,
triangular, rectangular, quadrilateral, parallelogram, trapezoidal,
rhombic, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and the
like. The shape of the marking device may be regular or
irregular.
* * * * *