Patent Publication Number: US-11020643-B2

Title: Baseball base

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/737,516, filed Sep. 27, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to sports equipment and more particularly to an improved baseball base and in particular to the mounting and anchoring of a base used for baseball, softball or other ball games. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As is well known, baseball is a popular game and in particular is a bat-and-ball game played between two opposing teams who take turns batting and fielding. The players on the team at bat attempt to score runs by circling or completing a tour of the four bases set at the corners of the square-shaped baseball diamond. A player bats at home plate and must proceed counterclockwise to first base, second base, third base, and back home to score a run. The team in the field attempts to prevent runs from scoring by recording outs. 
     Baseball bases thus are one of the integral parts of the baseball field. The construction of these bases in professional play is governed by the Major League Baseball rulebook. Other leagues can have other guidelines and rules. However, in general, the rules govern the color (white); size (e.g., 15 inches by 15 inches); the height; and the material used to form the base and attach it to the ground. Since players rounding the bases make contact with the bases, the construction of the base is very important. Typically, a base is a few inches tall around the perimeter and domes slightly to a maximum height. They are heavy and do not puncture under the weight of metal spikes. The middle of the underside contains a protruding nub that interlocks with a permanent hole in the field to ensure that the base remains in place during play and when forces are applied thereto by the players. 
     During the rounding of a base or during a steal attempt, there are times that a player will need to “slide” into the base. In baseball, a slide is the action of a player, acting as a baserunner, who drops his body to the ground once he is very close to the base he is approaching and slides along the ground to reach the base. A baserunner may slide into a base in a number of different ways, such as feet first or headfirst, and for a number of different reasons. It is very important to avoid injury to the players when they are “sliding into the base” and therefore, it is desirable for the baseball base to be constructed in view of this objective as well as other traditional objectives. 
     The present invention is directed to and provides a solution to the above objective. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one implementation, a base for use in athletic base running games includes a ground anchor assembly that includes: a post for insertion into a ground playing surface, and a base portion disposed along a top of the post. The base also includes a reinforcement plate, such as an X-plate, coupled to a top surface of the base portion. The X-plate has four arms arranged in an X orientation. The arms extend radially outward from the base portion. A cover is disposed over and is coupled to the X-plate and can be formed as part of an overmold process. 
     The bases disclosed herein are constructed in view of player&#39;s movements along the field and in particular, the bases are constructed such that they have localized stiffness, while having reduced stiffness in other areas of the base. More particularly, along the sides of the base that represent the areas of the base that are typically contacted by the player, as when sliding into the base and/or rounding the bases, the base is constructed to have reduced stiffness. In contrast, in its four corners, the base has increased stiffness due to the presence of the arms in the four corners. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is top and side perspective view of a baseball base according to a first implementation; 
         FIG. 2  is top and side perspective view of a baseball base according to a second implementation; 
         FIG. 3  is top and side perspective view of a baseball base according to a third implementation; 
         FIG. 4  is a top and side perspective view of a ground anchor assembly of the baseball base; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the ground anchor assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the ground anchor assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the ground anchor assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a top and side perspective view of an X-plate that is for coupling to the ground anchor assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom and side perspective view of the X-plate; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of the X-plate; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is another side elevation view of the X-plate; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top and side perspective view of the X-plate coupled to the ground anchor; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom and side perspective view of the X-plate coupled to the ground anchor; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cover with the X-plate being embedded therein, with the ground anchor assembly being omitted for ease of illustration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a baseball base  100  according to one exemplary implementation. The baseball base  100  generally includes a cover  110  and a ground anchor assembly that is generally shown at  200 . As described herein, the cover  100  is the topmost part of the baseball base  100  that is contacted by the player and sits about the ground playing surface. The ground anchor  200  is the part that is anchored into the ground playing surface. 
     The cover  110  is coupled to the ground anchor  200  using any number of techniques, including but not limited to an overmold process in which the material forming the cover  100  is overmolded over the ground anchor assembly  200 . As is known, overmolding is a process in which a single part is created using two or more different materials in combination. Typically, the first material, sometimes referred to as the substrate, is partially or fully covered by subsequent materials (overmold materials) during the manufacturing process. Alternative methods can include a mechanical interface/fit. 
     The cover  110  is formed of any number of suitable materials including suitable materials that can be overmolded over the ground anchor  200 . For example, suitable materials include suitable polymers and in one implementation, the cover  110  is formed of urethane. As is known, there are different types of urethanes including urethane coverings and urethane foams to name a few. The cover  110  can include an integral skin surface and a cushion core that provides consistent grip and cushioned support. 
     The cover  110  is square shaped with a top surface  112  and four corners  114 . The dimensions, including the width, length, and height, are governed by associated league rules when the cover  110  is intended for use in an official league game. In  FIG. 1  illustrates the top surface  112  containing surface features in the form of surface channels  115  that are integrally formed in and along the top surface  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, each channel  115  is formed along one side of the cover  110  in that the two opposing open ends of the channel  115  are located along one side of the cover  110 . The channeling formed in the top surface  112  can be symmetric in that each side of the cover  110  can have the same channel profile. As shown, the channels  115  extend across the top surface and wrap downwardly along a side wall of the cover  110 . This construction permits any water to be channeled from the top surface to the ground playing surface. 
     It will be seen that the various surface channels  115  define an X-shaped region  117  that is not adorned with channeling. The X-shaped region  117  has defined arms  119  that extend from a center of the top surface  112  to one of the corners of the cover  110 . As shown, the corners of the cover  110  do not have channels  115  but are smooth. 
     The surface features can be formed by any number of suitable techniques, including embossing, etc. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cover  120  according to another implementation. The cover  120  has the channels  115  and in this implementation, the channels  115  can be smooth, fading channels  115  that provide grip and wick water. The X-shaped region  117  is defined between and by the channels  115 . The cover  120  can have other surface features including organic diamond patterns  113  with texture that provide grip and cushion. The cover  120  can also have a knurled texture that provides consistent grip. The center area of the cover  120  has a sufficient surface area to allow for a logo or other indicia to be included. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a cover  130  according to another implementation that is similar to the cover  120  and therefore, like elements are numbered alike. The cover  130  includes a heavy texture that provides consistent grip. This texture can be applied all over the top surface of the cover  130  including the diamond patterns  113 , the X-shaped region  117 , etc. 
     It will be appreciated that any of the bases described herein that include the ground anchor assembly  200  can include any one of the covers  110 ,  120 ,  130  or have another cover. In other words, other covers not specifically illustrated herein can be used with the ground anchor assembly  200  that is illustrated and described herein. 
     Ground Anchor Assembly 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 4-16 , the ground anchor assembly  200  is formed of two parts, namely, a first part in the form of a ground anchor post  210  and an X-plate (reinforcement plate)  250  that is coupled to the ground anchor post  210 .  FIGS. 4-7  illustrate in more detail the ground anchor post  210  and  FIGS. 8-13  illustrate the X-plate  250 . 
     The ground anchor post  210  has a post  220  that is anchored into the ground playing surface as described herein and also a base portion (also referred to herein as being a ground anchor plate)  230  that is located along the top of the post  220 . The base portion  230  is thus located above the post  220  and extends radially outward from the post  220  since the base portion  230  has a footprint that is greater than the footprint of the post  220 . 
     The post  220  can be formed to have any number of different shapes including a square shape as shown. The length of the post  220  is selected to provide robust anchoring of the baseball base  100  into the ground playing surface. 
     The base portion  230  lies within a plane that is perpendicular to a vertical plane that extends through a center axis of the post  220 . 
     The base portion  230  has a bottom surface  232  from which the post  220  extends outwardly from and an opposing top surface  234 . The base portion  230  has a center portion  236  and a plurality of corner legs  240  that extend radially outward therefrom. The corner legs  240  are thus defined as two pairs with corner legs  240  of one pair being opposite one another and the corner legs  240  of the other pair being opposite one another. As shown, the interface between adjacent corners legs  240  is defined by a swept (curved) outer surface  245  as opposed to walls being formed at a right angle. 
     Within each corner leg  240  there is a single hole (through hole/opening)  242 . This hole  242  receives a fastener for attaching the X-plate  250  to the ground anchor post  210  as described herein. Any number of different types of fasteners can be used including any number of bolts, screws, rivets, etc. 
     The post  220  is aligned with the center portion  236  and is aligned relative to corner legs  240  such that the corner leg  240  protrude outwardly from one corner of the square shaped post  220 . The corners of the post  220  and the corner legs  240  are thus axially aligned. 
     The bottom surface  232  of the base portion  230  is the portion that makes contact with the ground playing surface and can have a smooth texture and appearance. In contrast, the top surface  234  is not smooth but is textured. More specifically and according to one implementation, the top surface  234  can include a plurality of interconnected (structural/reinforcing) ribs  239  and fillets that are formed thereon. Molded (e.g., injection molded) parts are often expected to hold up under a large load. One of the ways to strengthen a part, such as the base portion  230 , is by adding one or more ribs  239  to the design. Ribs  239  are thin protrusions that extend perpendicular from a wall or plane (in this case a substrate of the base portion  230  with the ribs  239  extending upwardly therefrom) to provide added stiffness and strength. Designers commonly try to increase the strength of a part by making its walls thicker. Unfortunately, walls that are too thick are subject to warpage, sinking, and other defects. The advantage of using ribs, such as ribs  239 , is that they increase the strength of a part without increasing the thickness of its walls. Because less material is required, ribs  239  can be a much more cost-effective solution as well. As is also known, in mechanical engineering, a fillet is a rounding of an interior or exterior corner of a part design. 
     As shown, the ribs  239  can be arranged in any number of patterns and each of the holes  242  has a circular shaped reinforcing rib formed thereabout (since the area around the hole  242  is an area of increased stress) and other ribs  239  extend inwardly from the peripheral edge of the base portion  230  and connect with other ribs  239  to form a network or matrix of ribs  239 . The ribs  239  have common heights such that the top edges of ribs  239  lie in a single plane and define a flat surface on which the X-plate  250  is disposed. 
     The post  220  and base portion  230  can be a single integral structure and can be formed of any number of suitable materials that have the sufficient strength and rigidity for the intended application. In one implementation, the ground anchor post  210  is formed of a moldable material and the ground anchor port  210  is formed using conventional molding techniques and more particularly, the ground anchor post  210  can be formed of molded nylon with stainless steel hardware such as the fasteners that are used to attach the base portion  230  to the X-plate  250 . 
     In one implementation, the base portion  230  has a thickness of about 3 mm and the ribs  239  have a thickness of about 6 mm. The post  220  can have a thickness of about 3 mm. 
     The X-plate  250  is configured to seat against and be coupled to the top surface  234  of the base portion  230 . As shown in the figures ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ), the X-plate  250  has a center portion  252  and a plurality of arms  260  that extend radially outward from the center portion  252 . The X-plate  250  has a bottom surface  251  that seats against the top surface  234  of the base portion  230  and an opposite top surface  253 . 
     The center portion  252  has a footprint that is complementary to the center portion  236  of the base portion  230  in that the center portion  252  is positioned above and seats against the center portion  236  of the base portion  230 . The center portion  252  is thus of the same or similar shape and the same or similar dimensions of the center portion  236 . Along the underside (bottom surface  251 ) of the X-plate  250  the center portion  252  can be defined by a raised border wall  255 . The outline defined by the raised border wall  255  is thus the same or similar to the outline of the periphery of the base portion  230 . The border wall  255  comprises integral wall segments that protrude outwardly from the bottom surface  251  (the border wall segments can be oriented perpendicular to the bottom surface  251 ). The raised border wall  255  can have a width of about 0.12 inches. 
     As shown, a distal end (distal tip)  262  of each arm  260  can be rounded. 
     Each arm  260  is an elongated structure and as illustrated, the arm  260  can have a tapered construction in that a width of the arm  260  varies in a direction from the center portion  252  to the distal end or tip  262  of the arm  260 . More specifically, the width of the arm narrows in the direction from the center portion  252  to the distal end  262 . 
     The top surface  253  of the X-plate  250  is preferably a smooth surface, while the opposing bottom surface  251  has a contoured, non-smooth construction. As shown in the figures, an underside (the bottom surface  251 ) of the X-plate  250  include a plurality or reinforcing ribs  270  and fillets similar to the top surface  234  of the base portion  230 . Unlike the ribs  239  of the base portion  230 , the ribs  270  along the underside of the X-plate  250  can have varying heights. In particular, the ribs  270  within the center portion  252  (within the border wall  255 ) can have a greater height as opposed to ribs  270  that are located within and along the arms  260 . More particularly, the border wall  255  can have a greater height than ribs  270  within the other areas including those ribs  270  located along the arms  270 . 
     Like the base portion  230 , the X-plate  250  includes a plurality of through holes or openings  259  that are formed therein and are positioned such that when the base portion  230  of the ground anchor post  210  mates with the X-plate  250 , the holes  242  of the corner legs  240  of the base portion  230  axially align with the holes  259  to allow fasteners to pass through the aligned holes  242 ,  259  for securely attaching the X-plate  250  to the base portion  230 . The corner legs  240  of the base portion  230  overlap the proximal ends of the arms  260 . 
     In one implementation, the openings  259  can be in the form of threaded inserts that have inner threads that mate with the outer threads of the fastener for securely attaching the two parts together. A circular shaped reinforcement rib  270  is formed about the opening  259  to increase strength thereat since the openings  259  represent areas of high stress. 
     As shown in the figures, a portion of the border wall  255  is located along the proximal ends of the arms  260 . 
     The arms  260  include distal regions  280  that terminate in the distal ends  262  and the bottom surface  251  of each arm  260  within the distal region  280  can be free of ribs  270 . In other words, this distal region  280  can be smooth along its bottom surface. The strategic positioning and formation of ribs  270  along the arms  260  is to control the degree of flexing of the arm  260  in view of the normal loads applied to the base, such as a player stepping on the corner of the base as the player rounds the bases, etc. 
     As with the center portion of the base portion  230  and the corner legs  240  that extend therefrom, the interface between the arms  260  is represented by a curved surface as opposed to a right angle. 
     As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIGS. 11 and 13 , the center portion  252  of the X-plate  250  can have a uniform thickness; however, the arms  260  can be formed to have a non-uniform thickness. As shown, the arm  260  has a stepped construction  271  and in particular, the border wall  255  can define the step  271  within the proximal region of the arm  260 . As shown, the arm  260  can have a greater thickness in the proximate region as opposed to the distal region  280 . 
     In one implementation, as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , the arm  260  has a proximal region and an intermediate region in which the bottom surface lies in one plate and the distal region  280  can be a sloped or angled portion that extends downwardly from the flat intermediation region to the distal end (distal tip). The distal region  280  thus slopes downward. 
     In one implementation, the distance from the step  271  to the distal tip  262  is about 7.07 inches; the width of the proximal region of the arm  260  (adjacent the wall  255 ) is about 2.35 inches; and the width of the arm  260  in the distal region  280  is about 1.21 inches. 
     As shown, a substantial length of the arms  260  lies outside (radially outward) of the base portion  230 . 
     It will therefore be appreciated that, as shown, the X-plate  250  takes an X-shape due to the fact that the arms  260  extend radially outward from the corners of the center portion  252  and since the center portion  252  and the base portion  230  have the same or similar footprint, the arms  260  extend radially outward from both. 
     The X-plate  250  can be formed of any number of different materials including but not limited to moldable materials. In one implementation, the X-plate  250  is formed of a molded nylon material. 
     Formation of the Cover 
     As described herein, in one implementation, the cover  120  can be formed over the ground anchor assembly  200  using traditional techniques, such as an overmold process. For example, as described herein, the X-plate  250  can be inserted into and anchored within a mold part and then the mold parts are closed and the moldable material, such as a urethane, is injected to form the cover over the X-plate  250  such that the X-plate  250  is at least partially embedded within the material forming the cover. The surface features along the top surface of the cover  120  are formed during the overmold process. It will be appreciated that the four arms  260  are thus positioned and extend to the corners of the cover  120  ( FIG. 16 ). In other words, the four arms  260  are located within the four corners of the base  100  leaving the areas immediately adjacent the four side walls of the base  100  to be free of reinforcement members, such as the X-plate  250  and ground anchor assembly. 
     Properties 
     As previously mentioned, there is a desire to provide a base that is constructed in view of player&#39;s movements along the field and in particular, the base  100  is constructed such that it has localized stiffness, while have reduced stiffness in other areas of the base  100 . More particularly, along the sides of the base  100  that represent that areas of the base  100  that are typically contacted by the player, as when sliding into the base and/or rounding the bases, the base  100  is constructed to have reduced stiffness. In contrast, in its four corners, the base  100  has increased stiffness due to the presence of the arms  260  in the four corners. The middle of the base  100  has reinforcement due to the overlapping center sections of the X-plate  250  and base portion  230 . 
     Testing of the parts of the base  100  show that the base  100  can withstand forces (loads) that are expected to be seen during normal play including both horizontally applied forces, vertically applied forces, torsional forces, etc. These forces (loads) result from a runner&#39;s foot contacting the base  100 , such as sliding into the side of the base  100 . The reinforcement ribs disclosed herein provide the desired stiffness of the base  100  and in particular, in the center portion and corners of the base  100 . The base  100  has sufficient stiffness in the vertical direction, horizontal direction and the torsional direction. 
     The base  100  is constructed such that it has localized stiffness (areas of increased stiffness), while at the same time area of reduced stiffness that are strategically located along the base  100 . More particularly, the areas of the base that have increased stiffness are the four corners, while the areas of the base that have reduced stiffness are the sides of the base  100  that are located between the corners of the base  100 . It will be appreciated that when a runner slides into the side of the base, the runner&#39;s foot or hand will typically make contact with one side of the base defined between two arms  260  and thus, represents an area of reduced stiffness. 
     The illustrated base  100  is constructed to be in compliance with applicable rules from different authorities, including but not limited to Major League Baseball. With respect to Major League Baseball rules, the governing rule is:
         First, second and third bases shall be marked by white canvas or rubber-covered bags, securely attached to the ground . . . . The bags shall be 15 inches square, not less than three nor more than five inches thick, and filled with soft material.       

     The base  100  complies with such rule. 
     In addition, the base  100  has a large center sweet spot defined on the cover  110 ,  120 ,  130  that provides consistent grip and cushioning. The pronounced corners of the base  100  provide good push off toward the next base for runners and good feedback for fielders. The side of the base  100  between the arms  260  has a slightly ramped profile that makes the edges forgiving to incoming runners. Moreover, the corner surface grooves (channeling  115 ) provide finger grip on slides. 
     Installation 
     When installed, the post  220  of the base  100  is inserted into a hole or retaining sleeve located within the ground. The post  220  can travel vertically but not horizontally. An underside of the cover  110 ,  120 ,  130  will sit on the ground playing surface. 
     It will be understood that in terms of manufacturing, the cover  110 ,  120 ,  130  can be first formed over the X-plate  250  as by using an overmold process and then subsequently, the ground anchor assembly  200  is coupled to the X-plate  250  as by using fasteners described herein. For example, the mold can comprise two parts and along a floor of one mold, a raised protrusion in the form of the base plate  230  is provided and allows the X-plate  250  to be attached thereto to allow the cover  110 ,  120 ,  130  to be overmolded thereover. After the molding, the X-plate  250  can be detached from this raised mold structure and then later assembled with the ground anchor assembly  200 . Similarly, the other mold part can include raised structures that form the surface features, such as channeling  115 , in the cover when the mold parts are closed and the mold material is injected into the mold. 
     By forming the cover with the X-plate  250 , shipping costs can be reduced since this combined structure can lay flat. At another location, the ground anchor assembly  200  can be attached to the X-plate  250 . In addition, the ability to separate the X-plate  250  and the ground anchor assembly  200  allows the combined cover and X-plate  250  to be easily detached from the ground anchor assembly  200  for memorabilia purposes. In other words, after a game is completed, the used combined cover and X-plate  250  can be detached and sold and/or presented as fan memorabilia. This format (footprint) allows for easy mounting since a wall mount can have threaded fasteners that mate with the threaded inserts of the X-plate  250  to display the base  100 . 
     EXAMPLE 
     In one implementation, each of the X-plate  250 , ground anchor plate (base portion  230 ), and the ground anchor  220  is formed of a fiber reinforced polyamide (nylon) material that has high stiffness and dimensional stability. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.