| Athletic game marking device -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Athletic game marking deviceRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Base For Game In Which Play Involves Base Running (e.g., For Baseball, Etc.)The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070123375. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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. Continue reading... Full patent description for Athletic game marking device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Athletic game marking device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. 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