U.S. patent application number 13/724756 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for bases, home plates, and pitcher's rubbers for use on synthetic turf infill material.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPORTSFIELD SPECIALTIES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is SPORTSFIELD SPECIALTIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Burton Scott CLARK.
Application Number | 20140018197 13/724756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42560435 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140018197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CLARK; Burton Scott |
January 16, 2014 |
BASES, HOME PLATES, AND PITCHER'S RUBBERS FOR USE ON SYNTHETIC TURF
INFILL MATERIAL
Abstract
A base, a home plate, and a pitcher's rubber for use on
synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball includes an
upper portion in the shape of the at least one of base, home plate,
and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower portion comprising a plurality
of downwardly-depending projections extending about 1/2 inch to
about 1 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion. The
plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with
the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.
Inventors: |
CLARK; Burton Scott; (Delhi,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SPORTSFIELD SPECIALTIES, INC.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SPORTSFIELD SPECIALTIES,
INC.
Delhi
NY
|
Family ID: |
42560435 |
Appl. No.: |
13/724756 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12371848 |
Feb 16, 2009 |
8337340 |
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13724756 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/497 ;
473/499 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/182 20151001;
A63B 2069/0006 20130101; A63B 69/0013 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/497 ;
473/499 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A base for use on a synthetic turf infill material for playing
baseball, said base comprising: an upper portion in the shape at
least one of a first base, a second base, or a third base; a lower
portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections
extending about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of
said upper portion, and a length of said downwardly-depending
projections being greater than a width of said downwardly-depending
projections; and wherein said plurality of downwardly-depending
projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material
for playing baseball.
32. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is disposed in a center portion of
the bottom surface of the upper portion and spaced away from the
edges of the upper portion.
33. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is spaced a distance of at least
about 2 inches from the edges of the upper portion.
34. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections cover about 40 percent of the
entire bottom surface of the upper portion.
35. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper width and a
lower width, and wherein said upper width being about twice the
lower width.
36. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises a flat lower
surface.
37. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is disposed in a center portion of
the bottom surface of the upper portion and spaced away from the
edges of the upper portion, said plurality of downwardly-depending
projections is spaced a distance of at least about 2 inches from
the edges of the upper portion, said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections cover about 40 percent of the
entire bottom surface of the upper portion, and said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper width and a
lower width, and wherein said upper width being about twice the
lower width.
38. The base of claim 37 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises a flat lower circular
surface.
39. The base of claim 31 wherein said upper portion comprises a
plurality of ribs for strengthening said upper portion.
40. The base of claim 31 wherein at least one of said upper portion
and said plurality of downwardly-depending projections comprises a
generally resilient material.
41. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is disposed normal relative to
said bottom surface of said upper portion.
42. The base of claim 31 wherein said downwardly-depending
projections comprises an upper diameter of about 1/4 inch and a
lower distal diameter of about 1/8 inch.
43. The base of claim 31 wherein said lower portion comprises a
density of said downwardly-depending projections of about 1
projection to about 2 projections per square inch.
44. The base of claim 31 wherein said upper portion comprises a
first material, said lower portion comprises a second material, and
said second material being more resilient than said first
material.
45. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections generally defines a pattern within
a circle spaced from a peripheral edge of said upper portion.
46. The base of claim 31 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is generally arranged in a
plurality of concentric circles.
47. A home plate for use on a synthetic turf infill material for
playing baseball, said home plate comprising: an upper portion in
the shape the home plate; a lower portion comprising a plurality of
downwardly-depending projections extending about 1/2 inch to about
1 inch below a bottom surface of said upper portion, and a length
of said downwardly-depending projections being greater than a width
of said downwardly-depending projections; and wherein said
plurality of downwardly-depending projections is engageable with
the synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.
48. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections are disposed in a center portion
of the bottom surface of the upper portion and spaced away from the
edges of the upper portion.
49. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections are spaced a distance of at least
about 2 inches from the edges of the upper portion.
50. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections cover about 35 percent of the
entire bottom surface of the upper portion.
51. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper width and a
lower width, and wherein said upper width being about twice the
lower width.
52. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises a flat lower
surface.
53. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections are disposed in a center portion
of the bottom surface of the upper portion and spaced away from the
edges of the upper portion, said plurality of downwardly-depending
projections are spaced a distance of at least about 2 inches from
the edges of the upper portion, said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections cover about 35 percent of the
entire bottom surface of the upper portion, and said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper width and a
lower width, and wherein said upper width being about twice the
lower width.
54. The home plate of claim 53 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises a flat lower circular
surface.
55. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said upper portion comprises
a plurality of ribs for strengthening said upper portion.
56. The home plate of claim 47 wherein at least one of said upper
portion and said plurality of downwardly-depending projections
comprises a generally resilient material.
57. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is disposed normal relative to
said bottom surface of said upper portion.
58. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said downwardly-depending
projections comprises an upper diameter of about 1/4 inch and a
lower distal diameter of about 1/8 inch.
59. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said lower portion comprises
a density of said downwardly-depending projections of about 1
projection to about 2 projections per square inch.
60. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said upper portion comprises
a first material, said lower portion comprises a second material,
and said second material being more resilient than said first
material.
61. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections generally defines a pattern within
a circle spaced from a peripheral edge of said upper portion.
62. The home plate of claim 47 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is generally arranged in a
plurality of concentric circles.
63. A pitcher's rubber for use on a synthetic turf infill material
for playing baseball, said pitcher's rubber comprising: an upper
portion in the shape the pitcher's rubber; a lower portion
comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections
extending about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of
said upper portion, and a length of said downwardly-depending
projections being greater than a width of said downwardly-depending
projections; and wherein said plurality of downwardly-depending
projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material
for playing baseball.
64. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is disposed in a center portion of
the bottom surface of the upper portion and spaced away from the
edges of the upper portion.
65. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections are spaced a distance of at least
about 2 inches from the edges of the upper portion.
66. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper width and a
lower width, and wherein said upper width being about twice the
lower width.
67. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises a flat lower
surface.
68. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections are disposed in a center portion
of the bottom surface of the upper portion and spaced away from the
edges of the upper portion, said plurality of downwardly-depending
projections are spaced a distance of at least about 2 inches from
the edges of the upper portion, and said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper width and a
lower width, and wherein said upper width being about twice the
lower width.
69. The pitcher's rubber of claim 68 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections comprises a flat lower circular
surface.
70. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein at least one of said
upper portion and said plurality of downwardly-depending
projections comprises a generally resilient material.
71. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is disposed normal relative to
said bottom surface of said upper portion.
72. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said
downwardly-depending projections comprises an upper diameter of
about 1/4 inch and a lower distal diameter of about 1/8 inch.
73. The pitcher's rubber of claim 63 wherein said upper portion
comprises a first material, said lower portion comprises a second
material, and said second material being more resilient than said
first material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/371,848, filed Feb. 16, 2009, and entitled
"Bases, Home Plates, And Pitcher's Rubbers For Use On Synthetic
Turf Infill Material," which issued on Dec. 25, 2012, as U.S. Pat.
No. 8,337,340, the entire subject matter of his application being
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to bases, home plates, and
pitcher's rubbers, and more particularly to bases, home plates, and
pitcher's rubbers for use on synthetic turf for playing baseball
and softball.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over the past years, the synthetic turf industry has grown
dramatically with the introduction of infill turf. These synthetic
turf fields are much more affordable than earlier turfs and are
more player friendly as well. In many situations these fields are
used for multiple sports and it is important that when baseball or
softball are not being played that the bases can be removed
allowing other sports to be played.
[0004] Until now there were two main categories of bases that could
be used in these applications. First, there are in-ground bases
that utilize some sort of sleeve anchored into the field sub-base.
These bases are often used by higher level programs. They are not
versatile in that they can only be used in the location that the
anchor is installed, they do not allow the flexibility to use other
areas or other fields when scheduling is tight. Second, there are
also simple rubber bases that are placed on top of the turf. These
bases allow more flexibility, but they move out of place with even
the slightest contact.
[0005] There is a need for further bases, home plates, and
pitcher's rubbers, and more particularly to bases, home plates, and
pitcher's rubbers for use on synthetic turf for playing baseball
and softball.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a device
for use as at least one of a base, a home plate, and a pitcher's
rubber on a synthetic turf infill material for playing baseball.
The device includes an upper portion in the shape of the at least
one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's rubber, and a lower
portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections
extending about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of
the upper portion. The plurality of downwardly-depending
projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material
for playing baseball.
[0007] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method
of forming a device for use as at least one of a base, a home
plate, and a pitcher's rubber on synthetic turf infill material for
playing baseball. The method includes providing an upper portion in
the shape of the at least one of base, home plate, and a pitcher's
rubber, providing a lower portion comprising a plurality of
downwardly-depending projections, the plurality of
downwardly-depending projections is engageable with the synthetic
turf infill material for playing baseball, and attaching the lower
portion to the upper portion so that the downwardly-depending
projections extend about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom
surface of the upper portion.
[0008] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a home
plate for use on synthetic turf infill material for playing
baseball. The home plate includes an upper portion, and a lower
portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending projections
extending about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom surface of
the upper portion. The downwardly-depending projections comprising
a density of about 1 projection to about 2 projections per square
inch, and the plurality of downwardly-depending projections is
engageable with the synthetic turf infill material for playing
baseball.
[0009] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a
pitcher's rubber for use on synthetic turf infill material for
playing baseball. The pitcher's rubber includes an upper portion,
and a lower portion comprising a plurality of downwardly-depending
projections extending about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch below a bottom
surface of the upper portion. The downwardly-depending projections
comprising a density of about 1 projection to about 2 projections
per square inch and the plurality of downwardly-depending
projections is engageable with the synthetic turf infill material
for playing baseball.
[0010] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a kit for
playing baseball on a synthetic field. The kit may include a
plurality of devices as noted above defining a home plate, three
bases, and a pitcher's rubber.
[0011] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a baseball
field which includes a synthetic field, and a plurality of devices
as noted above defining a home plate, three bases, and a pitcher's
rubber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding
portion of the specification. The invention, however, may best be
understood by reference to the following detailed description of
various embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a home plate in
accordance with the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the home plate of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the home plate of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the home plate of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the home plate of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the home plate of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the home plate taken
along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a base such as a first
base, a second base, and a third base, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the base of FIG.
8;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the
base of FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the base of FIG.
8.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the base of FIG.
8;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the base of FIG.
8;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along
line 13-13 in FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a pitcher's rubber in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0028] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the pitcher's rubber
of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed
generally to a set of devices for playing baseball or softball,
which may include a first base, a second base, a third base, a home
plate, and a pitcher's rubber. The devices are desirably used on
the surface of synthetic turf infill material. The devices have
multiple resilient projections on the bottom that engage with and
dig into the infill material such as synthetic grass fibers and
prevent the device from moving during normal play. The devices such
as the bases pop out when a player slides into them in order to
minimize injuries.
[0030] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of a device 10 such as a
home plate in accordance with the present invention for use on
synthetic turf infill material 12 which may include an upper
portion 20 in the shape of a home plate and a generally circular
lower portion 40 having a plurality of resilient
downwardly-depending projections 42. The upper portion may have a
thickness of about 1 inch.
[0031] The resilient downwardly-depending projections may vary in
length and extend about 1/2 inch to about 1 inch in length from a
bottom surface 22 of the upper portion, and desirably extend
greater than 1/2 inch below a bottom surface of the upper portion,
and are designed to anchor the device onto different types of
playing surfaces. The resilient downwardly-depending projections
may be generally fustoconically shaped and have an upper diameter
of about 1/4 inch and a lower distal diameter of about 1/8 inch.
The device while desirable for synthetic playing surfaces may also
be used on natural grass for a variety of sports. The device is
free from traditional anchors in that the devise does not need a
permanent sleeve embedded into the field for use. The resilient
downwardly-depending projections are designed to hold the base onto
the playing surface during normal play but also allow it to move if
forced.
[0032] For example, the resilient downwardly-depending projections
may be disposed in the center and may have a longer length than the
length of the projections disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge
of the base. In addition, the upper portion 20 may be formed with a
plurality of ribs 60 (best shown in FIG. 7) for strengthening the
upper portion and may include a recessed cavity 70 (FIG. 7) for
receiving a portion of the lower portion having the resilient
downwardly-depending projections.
[0033] The upper portion and the lower portion may be formed from
the same material. For example, the upper portion may be fabricated
from a resilient material such as styrene butadiene rubber (SBR),
and the lower portion may be fabricated from a resilient material
such styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). It will be appreciated that
other suitable materials may be employed such as plastic or
elastomeric materials. In another embodiment, the upper portion may
be formed from a first material and the lower portion may be formed
from a second material. The second material may be more resilient
than the first material.
[0034] The lower portion may be attached to the upper portions
using screws and/or adhesive. In another embodiment, the upper
portion may be molded in a first mold. Thereafter, the upper
portion may be placed in a second mold for molding the lower
portion having projections onto the plate portion, e.g., using an
overmolding process.
[0035] FIGS. 8-14 illustrate another embodiment of the invention
for the device in the form of a base 100 such as a first base, a
second base, and/or a third base in accordance with the present
invention for use in playing baseball or softball on synthetic turf
infill material 12. Base 100 is essentially similar to the home
plate disclosed above, but with the exception of being configured
as a base, e.g., being about 15 inches by about 15 inches, and
having a thickness of about 3 inches. The upper portion may be
formed from a plastic material, or material as noted above, or
other suitable materials such as a cushioning material surrounded
by a fabric material.
[0036] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another embodiment of the
invention of the device in the form of a pitcher's rubber 200 in
accordance with the present invention for use in playing baseball
or softball on synthetic turf infill material 12. Pitcher's rubber
200 is essentially similar to the home plate and base disclosed
above, but with the exception of being configured as a pitcher's
rubber, e.g., being about 6 inches by 24 inches, and having a
thickness of about 1 inch. The upper portion may be formed from a
rubber or rubber-like material such as that as typically used for
pitcher's rubbers, or the material noted above, or other suitable
materials.
[0037] Although the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will
be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that
various changes and modifications may be made therein, without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *