Patent Publication Number: US-2016220879-A1

Title: Multiple piece pitching mound with replaceable rubber

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed toward a multiple piece pitching mound and more particularly to a multiple piece pitching mound that is used in multiple ways, is easy to assemble, and extends use. 
     Pitching mounds made of multiple pieces are known in the art. Present mounds are difficult to assemble requiring time and effort. In addition, during use, as a result of current attachment means, gaps can form between the pieces which affects playability and the bounce of the ball as well as creating safety issues. 
     In addition, current multi-piece mounds do not have stand-alone sections that are easily moved and safely used individually, particularly when practice or weather require indoor use. Also, current mounds are susceptible to wear requiring repair or replacement. As a result, a need exists for a mound that addresses these deficiencies. 
     Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple piece pitching mound that is easy to assemble. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple piece pitching mound where at least one piece can be removed and used as a stand-alone piece for a specific purpose. 
     A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple piece pitching mound that is more playable and safer to use. 
     Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a pitching mound with a reusable pitching rubber. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pitching mound that is more durable and easier to maintain and repair. 
     These and other objectives will be apparent to those of skill in the art based upon the following written description, drawings, and claims. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A multiple piece pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces connected by means of a releasable connection. Included is a stand-alone center shell having a top member supported by a rear vertical support and a plurality of elongated braces. The top member of the center shell has a flat section and a tapered section. A recess in the flat section is formed to receive a pitching rubber. Another recess in the top member extends from the flat section to the tapered section and is formed to receive a replaceable mat. The shell pieces have releasable connections which are formed by using a plurality of aligned clips and slots positioned on an outer perimeter of the top members of each shell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a pitching mound; 
         FIG. 2  is a side sectional view of a pitching mound; and 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a clip and slot of a pitching mound. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the Figures, the portable pitching mound  10  includes a plurality of pieces or shell pieces  12  that fit together. When fit together the shell pieces  12  form a pitching mound of any shape and preferably form an oval. 
     A first or center shell  14  has a front end  16 , a rear end  18 , and a pair of sides  20 . A top member  22  extends from the front end  16  to the rear end  18  and is supported by a rear vertical support  24  and a plurality of longitudinally extending braces  26 . The vertical support  24  is of sufficient strength that the center shell may stand on its own. The top member  22  has a flat section  28  that extends from the rear end  18  toward the front end  16  and terminates at a tapered or angled section  30 . The tapered section  30  extends downwardly from the flat section  28  to the front end  16  which is adjacent the ground surface. The sides  20  of the top member  22  taper outwardly as the sides  20  extend from the flat section  28  toward the front end  16 . A plurality of slots  32  are formed in spaced relation along the outer perimeter  34  of the rear end  18  and sides  20  of the top member  22 . 
     In one embodiment the top member  22  has a first recess  23  that is positioned inwardly form the outer perimeter  34  of the top member  22 . The first recess  23  extends from the flat section  28  down the tapered section  30  and is formed to receive a replaceable mat  25  such as a rubber mat or the like. The first recess  23  is of a sufficient depth such that the top of the mat  25  is flush with the surface of the top member  22 . Astro, sports turf, or other suitable material (not shown) is placed over the mat  25  and the top member  22 . 
     A second recess  27  is positioned on the flat section  28  of the top member  22  and is generally rectangular in shape. The second recess is formed to receive a rectangular pitching rubber  29  that preferably is six inches wide, twenty-four inches long, and six inches deep. The rubber  29  fits snuggly within the second recess  27  or alternatively the second recess  27  is slightly larger than the rubber  29  and granulated rubber or the like is poured in the sides to prevent movement of the rubber. One or more drainage conduits  31  are in communication with the second recess  27  and extend down the tapered portion. 
     The additional shell pieces  12  are of any number, and by way of example only include a rear shell  36  and two side shell pieces  38 . The rear shell  36  has a mating end  40 , an opposite end  42  and a pair of sides  43 . A rear top member  44  extends from the mating end  40  and tapers downwardly toward the opposite end  42  which engages the ground surface. The sides  43  of the rear top member  44  taper outwardly from the mating end  40  to the opposite end  42 . The rear top member  44  is supported by a plurality of longitudinal braces  46  and has a plurality of spaced apart slots  47  along the sides  43  and a plurality of spaced apart clips  56  along edge  50 . 
     The side shell pieces  38  have top members  48  that connect to and are flush with the center  14  and rear shell pieces  36 . The top member  48  has a mating edge  50  and an outer edge  52  that engages the ground. The top member  48  tapers outwardly and downwardly from the flat section  28  of the center shell  14  to form an arcuate surface. The top members  48  are supported by a plurality of braces  54 . 
     Connected to the mating end  40  of the rear shell  36  and the mating edge  50  of the side shell pieces  38  are a plurality of clips  56 . The clips  56  are positioned to align with and be received by slots  32  and  47 . The clips  56  are of any shape and preferably are L-shaped having a horizontal section  58  and a tapered vertical section  60 . The clips  56  and slots  32  and  47  may be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment the horizontal section  58  of the clip  56  is received within a groove  62 . 
     In operation, the rear shell  36  is connected to the center shell  14  by lowering the rear shell  36  from a raised position such that clips  56  slide into slots  32  of the center shell  14 . The side shell pieces are similarly attached by lowering the side shell pieces  38  such that clips  56  slide into slots  32  and  47 . As the rubber  29  wears, it is removed, rotated, and replaced in the second recess  27 . 
     Accordingly a portable pitching mound has been disclosed that at the very least meets all the stated objectives.