Abstract:
A water sliding baseball game is a water-based baseball or softball game. The game may be played according to the general rules of baseball or softball, but includes enhancements to incorporate the use of water, thus allowing sliding and increased fun, while also reducing the risk of injury and pain associated with repeated sliding into bases on grass or dirt surfaces. The game is played on a vinyl tarp having a substantially square playing area and substantially conforming to the terrain or surface over which it is placed. The bases are made of a non-absorbent material. Tubing, with multiple water ports, is routed along the baselines and hooked up to a garden hose. When the water is turned on, it provides a gentle spray all over the infield and outfield areas, thereby providing the proper conditions for instructing on base sliding skills, with the spraying water facilitating base sliding.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document Registration 509,493 filed on Apr. 8, 2002 under 35 U.S.C. §122, 37 C.F.R. §1.14 and MPEP §1706. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to water slides, and, more particularly, to a substantially flat water slide configured to instruct children on the appropriate techniques for sliding into bases in relation to baseball and/or softball. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Baseball and softball have remained a popular form of entertainment, thereby popularizing participation in the sport. Baseball and/or softball requires many skills to achieve success and fulfillment. One of these skills is that of sliding into a base. In fact, many games have been won as the result of a carefully executed slide. However, the skill of sliding is a difficult one to teach to younger children, who find it difficult to intentionally slide on the side of a leg on grass or dirt. The sliding drills common in a practice session increase the risk of injury to the participating children. Furthermore, the repetitive nature of fundamental drills often bore children and making the activity more of a chore rather than a fun learning experience. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which the skill of sliding in baseball and/or softball can be taught in a fun, easy and entertaining manner. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,341, issued in the name of Healy, discloses a water slide with cushioning, wherein the slide has a series of three tubes, a first series for cushioning the impact on landing, a second series positioned along the lateral periphery of the slide to act as a bumper, and a third series to permit water to be sprayed onto the sliding surface; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,983, issued in the name of Butsook, discloses a combination water slide and pool, including an elongated sliding sheet affixed to a peripheral sidewall comprising the pool portion; 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,676,602 and 5,551,922, both issued in the name of Katz et al., discloses a toy water slide comprising an elongated sliding sheet affixed to an inflatable sidewall forming the pool, wherein the pool portion includes a serpentine pathway for added thrills and excitement; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,822, issued in the name of Smollar et al., discloses a water slide comprising an elongated sliding portion that is affixed to a small pool portion, wherein a user slides along the sliding portion and over a ramp into the filled pool; 
     U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,042, a reissue patent of U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,316, issued in the name of Merino, discloses a wave surfing simulation apparatus comprising an elongated water slide having a plurality of transverse chambers to provide an undulating effect on a slider; and 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,982,547, issued in the name of Carrier, discloses a portable aquatic play device having a flexible film strip connected to an irrigation source for reducing the friction on the flexible film. 
     Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which overcomes the problems cited above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an elongated base sliding apparatus comprising a slippery playing surface to facilitate teaching and enjoyment in base sliding instruction. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a base sliding apparatus having a diamond indicia similar to that of a baseball and/or softball diamond (infield). 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a base sliding apparatus having at least a home base and a pitching rubber (or pitching indicia) that are integral to the playing surface. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a base sliding apparatus having bases filled with a padded interior to lessen the risk of injury to participants. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a base sliding apparatus having a lubricating conduit linearly elongated about a quadrilateral shape having four equal sides and angles, wherein the lubricating conduit circulates lubricating means for providing enhanced slipping conditions. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a base sliding apparatus having an inlet port for connection to a source of the lubricating means. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a base sliding apparatus having a plurality of integral weights for providing a securing effect on the playing surface, so as to prevent unnecessary movement of the playing surface caused by the activity, the wind or other environmental concerns. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a water sliding baseball game is a water-based baseball or softball game. The game is played according to the general rules of baseball or softball, but includes enhancements to incorporate the use of water, thus allowing sliding and increased fun, while also reducing the risk of injury and pain associated with repeated sliding into bases on grass or dirt surfaces. The game is played on a vinyl tarp having a substantially square playing area and substantially conforming to the terrain or surface over which it is placed. The bases are made of a non-absorbent mesh material. Tubing, with multiple water ports, is routed along the baselines and hooked up to a garden hose. When the water is turned on, it provides a gentle spray all over the infield and outfield areas, thereby providing the proper conditions for instructing on base sliding skills, with the spraying water facilitating base sliding. Using plastic balls and bats, and a batting tee if needed, baseball or softball is played in a normal manner incorporating the water sliding apparatus. The use of the water sliding baseball game provides summer time fun for all ages, while incorporating the favorite pastime of baseball or softball, and teaching sliding skills in a manner that is quick, easy and effective. 
     Other objects of the present invention include providing a device that is portable, lightweight and easily maintained. 
     Still other objects of the present invention include the inclusion of plastic bats and balls to provide a complete kit of a modified baseball or softball game. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of the teaching apparatus that includes diamond indicia on the playing surface and a conduit for circulating lubricating means; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of an alternative embodiment of the playing surface described by FIG. 1, taken along the line II—II and illustrating the cushioning member that lies between a top layer and a bottom layer of the playing surface; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial sectional and cutaway side view of a base illustrating the padded interior of the base; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus described by FIG. 1 in which a second conduit is provided that runs along a linear line between home base and the pitching rubber (or pitching indicia); 
     FIG. 5 a  is a partial cutaway side view of the conduit illustrating the pin hole in spatial relationship to the lubricating means circulated therethrough; 
     FIG. 5 b  is a partial cutaway side view of the conduit illustrating the pin hole in spatial relationship to the lubricating means and having a directional baffle aligned about the pin hole to provide directional control and to provide a spraying or misting effect; 
     FIG. 6 a  is a perspective view of the playing surface to illustrate one embodiment of the inlet port having internal threads for coupling to the external threads of a lubricating means source; 
     FIG. 6 b  is a perspective view of the playing surface to illustrate an alternative embodiment of the inlet port having a tapered orifice, wherein the mouth is wide and narrows to a tip; 
     FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus described by FIG. 1 wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of eyelets for securing the playing surface to a surface, as opposed to the integral weights described by FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 8 a  is a side view of a telescopic tee for hitting a ball therefrom; 
     FIG. 8 b  is a side view of a telescopic tee with the stem length reduced to accommodate a batter of a smaller size; 
     FIG. 8 c  is a perspective view of a net positioned behind home base and the playing surface to serve as a backstop for pitched balls; and 
     FIG. 8 d  is a perspective view of a bat and ball used with teaching apparatus. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS. 1 through 8 d.    
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus for teaching baseball and softball base sliding techniques  10  is shown in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  is an elongated playing surface  12  that includes baseball and/or softball diamond indicia  14  arranged atop the playing surface  12 . A lubricating conduit  16  is bound to the playing surface  12  having a plurality of pin holes  18  for circulation of lubricating means  20 . The conduit  16  is linearly elongated about four-sides so as to substantially circumscribe and substantially form a square about the diamond indicia  14 . A plurality of weights  22  are arranged about a perimeter  24  of the playing surface  12  to provide anchoring to the terrain the playing surface  12  is secured to. An inlet port  28  is integral to the conduit  16  so as to provide a means of connecting the source  30  of the lubricating means  20 . 
     The elongated playing surface  12  may be arranged in a variety of shapes and/or forms, including the substantially square surface depicted in FIG.  1  and FIG.  2 . It is envisioned that the playing surface  12  might also be arranged in a rectangular manner. So long as the playing surface  12  has sufficient area to include the diamond indicia  14 , the size and shape may be of any suitable arrangement. The playing surface  12  may be a single layer of flexible plastic such as polyethylene or vinyl reinforced with elastomers to provide added structural strength. The plastic composition of the playing surface  12  provides a slippery surface upon which participants slide on. In an alternative embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 2, the playing surface  12  may comprise two layers of flexible plastic, a top layer  32  and a bottom layer  34 , and with a cushioning member  36  therebetween. The top layer  32  is affixed to the bottom layer  34  by machine stitching, adhesive or other appropriate affixing means. The cushioning member  36  is provided between the top layer  32  and bottom layer  34  for softening the impact of participants as each slides along the diamond indicia  14 , and may be particularly useful and/or necessary if the chosen terrain is uneven or includes several rocks or other natural impediments to which a participant might be injured by. The cushioning member  36  may comprise a variety of materials including air, gel, foam, buckwheat or a host of other similar materials. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the diamond indicia  14  comprises a home base  38 , a first base  40 , a second base  42 , a third base  44  and a pitching rubber  46  arranged to conform to the general rules and guidelines of LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL® or softball, herein incorporated by reference except where inconsistent with the dimensional requirements and game modifications described within. For purposes of clarity only, the rules of baseball and/or softball arrange the aforementioned bases in a diamond-shaped pattern, with home base  38  adjacent to first base  40  and third base  44 , and opposite to second base  42 , wherein home base  38  is equidistant from first base  40  and third base  44 , but the distance between home base  38  and second base  42  is approximately forty percent (40%) greater than the distance between home base  38  and first or third base  40  and  44 . Starting at home base  38 , the bases are arranged in a counterclockwise manner about a diamond-shaped perimeter so that the location corresponds to first base  40 , second base  42 , third base  44  and back to home base  38 , respectively. The pitching rubber  46  is approximately central to the diamond perimeter formed by the bases  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44 , wherein the pitching rubber  46  is approximately central to and between home base  38  and second base  42 , and the pitching rubber  46  is approximately central between first base  40  and third base  44 . Preferably, at least home base  38  and the pitching rubber (or pitching indicia)  46  are integral to the playing surface  12  so that assembly of the apparatus  10  has fewer detachable components. The remaining bases  40 ,  42  and  44  are detachably removable from the playing surface  12  so as to allow for compactness of the apparatus  10  when not in use, and may be attached and detached by common mechanisms such as VELCRO®, clips, or other similar items. It is also envisioned that all bases  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44  and pitching rubber  46  are integral to the playing surface, thereby requiring significantly less assembly. In the preferred embodiment, all bases  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44  comprise a padded interior  48  (see FIG. 3) for softening the impact of a participant striking a base  38 ,  40 ,  42  or  44 , wherein the padded interior  48  is enveloped by an exterior made from durable material, such as the flexible plastic. The exterior of the base may be completely plastic or of a mesh material. The lubricating conduit  16  is a tubular conduit linearly elongated about each of four-sides of a quadrilateral, having approximately four sides of equal length, and approximately four equal angles connecting the four sides, respectively. The conduit  16  circumscribes the diamond-shaped perimeter formed by the bases  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44  and is integral to the playing surface  12 , either through fabrication, stitching or adhesive of the conduit  12  to the playing surface  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the playing surface  12  further includes a second conduit  62  (see FIG. 5) that lies along a linear line between home base  38  and the pitching rubber  46 , thereby providing more lubricating means  20  to the playing surface  12 . The second conduit  62  is integral to the conduit  16 . The conduit  16  includes a plurality of pin holes  18  integral to the conduit  16  (see FIG. 6 a ) for allowing lubricating liquid to saturate the playing surface  12 , including the infield and outfield portions thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of pin holes  18  include a directional baffle  52  (see FIG. 6 b ) to provide a misting or spraying effect, thereby enhancing the playful atmosphere during use of the apparatus  10 . The directional baffle  52  may have a variety of shapes and/or sizes so long as the baffle  52  directs the lubricating means  20  toward the base paths  50 . The conduit  16  delivers lubricating means  20  to the base paths  50  of the playing surface  12  via the plurality of pin holes  18 , thereby providing enhanced sliding conditions for the participants. The lubricating means  20  may include a variety of substances, including water  20   a  or water-based solutions. A non-tearing soap additive may be introduced into the water or water-based solution to provide further enhancements to sliding while also supplying soapy bubbles to the playful atmosphere. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 7 a  and FIG. 7 b , the inlet port  28  is formed at a margin of the apparatus  10  that is integral to the conduit  16  either through a fabrication process, stitching, adhesive, or other suitable affixing means. The inlet port  28  is in fluid communication with the conduit  16  so that a source  30  of the lubricating means  20  may be removably affixed to the inlet port  28 . In one embodiment of the inlet port  28 , a series of internal threads  54  are provided to receive the external threads from a connection hose  56 . In an alternative embodiment, the inlet port  28  is tapered from a wide mouth opening  58  to a narrowed internal end  60  to mechanically and frictionally impinge the source  30  and/or hose  56 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, the plurality of weights  22  are provided about the perimeter of the playing surface  12 . The weights  22  are provided to secure the apparatus  10  to a specified area and prevent accidental tripping of participants along the perimeter. The weights  22  may be a variety of materials, although it is envisioned that the weights  22  are solid in form and comprising a material heavier in mass than the material of the playing surface  12 . The weights  22  may be either integral (as shown in FIG.  1 ), or peripheral attachments provided. It is envisioned that at least one of the plurality of weights is provided in each corner of the playing surface  12 . When the lubricating means  20  is introduced to the conduit  16 , the weight of the lubricating means  20  will provide securement of the apparatus  10  and works in conjunction with the plurality of weights  22  to firmly secure the apparatus  10  and avoid movement of the apparatus  10  due to playing conditions, wind or other environmental factors. In an alternative embodiment, eyelets  64  (see FIG. 8) are provided about the perimeter of the playing surface  12 . Implantable stakes  64 , such as a linearly elongated stake, rod, dowel, wire or other similar means, are driven through the eyelets  64  and into the terrain to which the apparatus  10  and playing surface  12  are secured. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8 a , FIG. 8 b , FIG. 8 c  and FIG. 8 d , a baseball or softball tee  70  is optionally included for those participants that do not possess the necessary skill level to hit a moving ball. Furthermore, the tee  70  may be necessary when the number of players available is limited. The tee  70  preferably has a planar base  72  and a telescopic stem  74  for adjusting the hitting height of the ball cup  76  positioned at the end of the stem  74 . A net  80  may optionally be provided to be stationed behind home base  38  to help speed the instruction and/or game along in an efficient and safe manner. The net  80  preferably has an arched top  82 , a strong and resilient netting material  84 , and a frame  86  with a pair of elongated arms and having at least one securement stake  88 , but preferably two securement stakes  88 ′. A plastic bat  90  and a plurality of plastic balls  92  may be included. The bat  90  is linearly elongated, having a wider circumference about the barrel of the bat  90  than the handle. The balls  92  may have a variety of forms, including solid plastic, solid plastic with simulated baseball seems fabricated into the plastic, or balls having a plurality of apertures, such as WIFFLE® balls. 
     It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  may include a kit containing the apparatus  10 , at least one plastic bat  90  and at least one plastic ball  92 , wherein a plurality of plastic balls  92  are preferred to reduce gaps in action. In one embodiment, three plastic balls  92  are provided. Other variations of such a kit might include the optional tee  70 , and/or the optional net  80 . 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To use the present invention, a user will place the apparatus  10  on a surface, such as a field with natural grass, artificial grass, dirt, rubber or another suitable surface, and secure the apparatus  10  appropriately. If the apparatus  10  is provided with eyelets  64 , the playing surface  12  must be secured to the terrain or surface via stakes  66  driven through the eyelets  64 , otherwise the integral weights  22  will provide the necessary securement. If necessary, first base  40 , second base  42  and third base  44  are attached to the playing surface  12 . The user will then connect a source  30  of the lubricating means  20  (envisioned to be water from a water hose connection) to the inlet port  28  by either a threadable coupling or frictional impingement. The source  30  is activated, and the lubricating means  20  is pumped through the conduit  16  (and optionally second conduit  62 ) and integral pin holes  18  to provide an enhancement to the already slipper flexible plastic playing surface  12 . 
     The apparatus  10  may be used by a single participant to perform instructional drills in relation to base sliding techniques. When used for instructional drills, there is no limit as to the number of participants that may drill and enjoy the apparatus  10 . By way of example only, and in no way limiting the claims of the present invention, four base sliding stations may be set-up in which one station is home base  38  to first base  40 , a second station is first base  40  to second base  42 , a third station is second base  42  to third base  44 , and a fourth station is third base  44  to home base  38 . Conceivably, each of the aforementioned stations might be directed to a different aspect of the varying base sliding techniques used at different levels of organized baseball. By way of further example, and not limiting the claims, the first station may be directed to feet-first sliding in which the feet will touch first base  40 . The second station may be directed to feet-first sliding in which the feet slide to the side of second base  42  and the participant reaches out to touch the base with a hand or hands. The third station may be directed at head-first sliding in which the hand or hands touch third base  44 . The fourth station may be directed at head-first sliding in which the participant slides wide of the base and then reaches out to touch the base, thus simulating avoidance of a tag on a head-first slide. As is apparent, the myriad of possibilities for use of the apparatus  10  for base sliding drills and/or games are limitless. 
     3. Method of Playing a Game Using the Preferred Embodiment 
     In addition to use as an instructional drill device, the apparatus  10  may also be used to play a modified version of baseball and/or softball, obviously reduced in scale to accommodate the relative dimensions of the apparatus  10  and the playing surface  12 . The modified version of baseball and/or softball provides an interesting and fun alternative to the repetitive nature of instructional drilling, and further provides the participants the opportunity to see the results of the instructional drilling sessions and gage participant progression. 
     To play the modified version of baseball and/or softball in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10  disclosed, a minimum number of two players and of six players are allowed per side. For purposes of clarity, the example provided uses the maximum number of eight players per side. Eight players from a team take to the playing surface to play defense, with the defense having a catcher, a pitcher, a first baseman, a second baseman, a third baseman, and three outfielders, with the three “outfielders” positioned just beyond the diamond indicia  14 , but still on the playing surface  12 . The other team bats using the plastic bat provided. The pitcher may pitch a solid plastic ball or WIFFLE® ball either overhanded or underhanded, depending upon the hitting skills of the participants. The pitcher delivers a pitch to the batter. A batter may (1) get a hit, (2) get an out—either from a fly ball caught in the air by an opposing fielder, or by grounding out and being either tagged or “forced out” by the opposing fielder&#39;s throw to the base the batter is running to, or (3) strike out—three strikes assessed against the batter during one at-bat. 
     A batter swinging, but missing, the pitch is accessed a “strike” against the batter&#39;s at-bat. A batter that does not swing is not accessed a “ball” as is customary in baseball, but remains at-bat. A batter that hits a ball in the air that is caught by the opposing fielders is called “out.” A batter that hits a ball on the ground but is not tagged or “forced out” by the opposing fielder&#39;s throw is “safe” at the base to which the batter is positioned. The batter then becomes a “base runner” and the next participant in the batting order becomes the “batter.” A batter that hits the ball in the air, but off of the playing surface  12 , regardless of direction, is assessed a “strike” against the batter&#39;s at-bat. This is to reduce the risk of injury that might occur if the fielders were to chase after balls hit from the playing surface. 
     Three strikes equal one out. Three outs equal a half-inning. Six outs, with three outs to one team and three outs to the opposing team, equal an inning. A predetermined limit of innings is set-out at the beginning of the game. 
     Runs are scored in a fashion similar to baseball and/or softball, with a run credited to a team if a batter and/or runner reaches home base  38  without being tagged out or forced out by the opposing fielders. 
     Optionally, this modified game may require all batters to slide into the respective base to which the batter/runner is approaching, thus incorporating the instructional element from the drills previously mentioned. 
     In addition, the tee  70  previously mentioned may be used to accommodate participants having poor skills in hitting a moving ball. Furthermore, the net  80  previously mentioned may be used as a backstop to home base  38 , thus providing a means for stopping pitches that are not hit and therefore speeding the pace of play (if necessary). Finally, the net  80  may also be used to provide a substitute “participant.” For instance, and not by way of limiting the claims, a net  80  may be used to “force out” or “tag out” a base runner approaching home base  38  if the thrown ball hits the net  80  before the base runner touches home base  38 . 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.