Abstract: 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 for providing increased stiffness in the four corners of the base. 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.

Abstract: Disclosed are a screen baseball system, in which a pitching machine installed behind a screen pitches a ball toward a batting area through a pitching hole formed in the screen and a user hits the ball in the batting area, configured such that the case in which a virtual pitcher in an image projected on the screen is a left-handed pitcher and the case in which the virtual pitcher is a right-handed pitcher are realized when a ball is pitched through a single pitching hole, whereby the user who hits the ball in the batting area is capable of experiencing the pitch from the left-handed pitcher and the pitch from the right-handed pitcher, and a method of realizing a left-handed pitcher and a right-handed pitcher using the same.

Abstract: A device for marking a starting point on a running track. A plurality of spikes is affixed to a bottom surface of a planar member. A top surface of the planar member can receive print thereon. The plurality of spikes can be inserted into a running track. A plurality of conical covers houses the plurality of spikes when the plurality of spikes is not inserted into a running track. The planar member can be rectangular with a spike disposed in each corner on the bottom surface.

Abstract: A container has an open top and a removable lid. A marker has a bottom with a recess. A post having opposed ends is supported in the recess. A strap has a lower end attached to the container. The strap has an upper end with spaced mating fasteners adapted to be coupled together to form a loop. The loop is adapted to encompass the post during use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to home plates for ball fields, such as softball and baseball fields. Embodiments of the invention provide a double-sided home plate. Double-sided home plates according to embodiments can comprise a support base with two opposing recesses each shaped to receive a home plate insert, with a home plate insert fixed in each recess. Also provided is an improved home plate comprising two identical sides so when one side is worn due to use all that is required is to invert the home plate to expose a new surface.

Abstract: An invertible mound assembly for a game field, to convert the game field between activities such as baseball that require a raised mound and other activities such as soccer or football that require a continuous flat field surface. An invertible mound body having a raised surface on one side and a flat surface on the other is supported on a base structure in a recess in the game field. When disposed downwardly the raised surface is received in the recess while the base structure supports the flat surface of the mound body level and flush with the surface of the game field. When inverted and placed back on the base structure, the flat surface of the mound body is disposed downwardly and the raised surface of the mound body is disposed upwardly to form a mound that projects above the level of the game field.

Abstract: Arena Baseball Game system method of play includes base excessive force, no collision contact slide zones and describes a protective helmet apparatus for use by baseball fielders. The protective sport television or radio audio device means of communication equipped with display, GPS, infrared scan and sensors to monitor performance and physiological parameters. In operation one or more infrared sensor sits against skin of a user to measure his or her heart rate. In response to oscillation translation and/or rotation of the electronic sport device, portions of forces induced by the mass are transferred to the piezoelectric elements. Electrical energy output by these piezoelectric elements is received in a power controller and can be applied to the battery as self charging.

Abstract: An adjustable base assembly (10) having a base connector (30) and a base mounting platform (14) with a mating base connector (32) releasably connectable with the base connector (30) with a mounting stud (36) for attaching the bottom (26) against a playing surface (28). The connector (30) and the mating base connector (32) have at least two pairs of mating surfaces including one pair of locking surfaces (40 and 42) that prevents separation of the base (12) from the base mounting platform (14) in response to any lateral forces. Other pairs of different non-locking, mating engagement surfaces (48 and 50, 54 and 56, and 60 and 62) enable separation of the base (12) from the base platform (12) in response to different preselected minimum lateral threshold forces applied against another one of the sidewalls (18, 22 and 16).

Abstract: An electronic home plate providing assistance to an umpire in determination whether a pitch results in a “strike” or a “ball”. The electronic home plate is implemented with eye-safe LEDs producing light beams extending vertically. If a ball intersects the light beams, the light reflected from the ball is scattered and incident on photodetectors embedded in the home plate. A microcomputer embedded in the electronic home plate calculates the height of the ball crossing the light beams, and if the height falls between the top and bottom boundaries of a strike zone adjusted to the height of the batter, an indication system is activated to produce a “strike” signal. The microcomputer in the electronic home plate is further configured to calculate speed of the ball passing over the home plate, and the lateral position of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to home plates for ball fields, such as softball and baseball fields. Embodiments of the invention provide a double-sided home plate. Double-sided home plates according to embodiments can comprise a support base with two opposing recesses each shaped to receive a home plate insert, with a home plate insert fixed in each recess. Also provided is an improved home plate comprising two identical sides so when one side is worn due to use all that is required is to invert the home plate to expose a new surface.

Abstract: A batting practice assembly includes a controller-power system, and preferably two ball chutes on a slide bar assembly of a ball release apparatus, which is mounted on a height adjustable frame assembly. Four modes of operation are initiated by a foot-activated mechanism of the practice assembly: I-Ball drops from one ball chute; II-Ball drops randomly from either chute; III-Ball drops randomly from either or neither chute; and IV-Random ball drop from either or neither chute, or ball drops with a slight delay from either chute. Difficulty can be increased by adjusting the height of the ball chutes, increasing the distance between the chutes, or changing the angle of the chutes in relation to the hitter. Along with hitting mechanics, the decision-making aspects of hitting and in swing adjustments are developed using the practice assembly. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Arena Baseball Game system method of play includes base excessive force, no collision contact slide zones and describes a protective helmet apparatus for use by baseball fielders. The protective sport television or radio audio device means of communication equipped with display, GPS, infrared scan and sensors to monitor performance and physiological parameters. In operation one or more infrared sensor sits against skin of a user to measure his or her heart rate. In response to oscillation translation and/or rotation of the electronic sport device, portions of forces induced by the mass are transferred to the piezoelectric elements. Electrical energy output by these piezoelectric elements is received in a power controller and can be applied to the battery as self charging.

Abstract: An apparatus for the game of baseball for the blind comprises a base for the game of baseball for the blind comprising: sound reproduction means; and a control and operating unit, connected to the sound reproduction means for activating a reproduction of a sound depending on a control signal, the apparatus further comprising a control device, equipped with a control push-button, operatively connected to the control and operating unit for allowing a user to transmit the control signal to the control and operating unit.

Abstract: An Arena Baseball Game system and method for playing an electronic interactive spectator participation game incorporating many aspects of Rounders, Knickerbocker rules and Negro League baseball innovation “Night Baseball.” The method of play is disclosed, involving some of the same rules as American baseball with virtual interplay. Time is regulated by a game clock and balls may be deflected back as playable by a rebounding assembly that surrounds the arena field. The Arena method of play includes monitored base force out zones and means for ball game conclusion by predetermined “aces” or “runs” and time duration. The arena has a playing area surrounded by a wall structure such as pad and or panel walls and spectator protective vision enabled side covering. A baseball-like game played within an enclosed facility, wherein the game method of play rules and facility are designed for fast paced action.

Abstract: A sporting base includes a main base body, a securing seat, and a ground-insertable securing unit. The main base body includes a shock-absorbing core that has a bottom surface formed with an upwardly-extending inserting hole. The securing seat is disposed fittingly and separably into the inserting hole of the main base body, and is configured to be placed stably on the ground. The securing unit is for securing the securing seat to the ground.

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 ½ 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.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.

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 ½ 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.

Abstract: A process for more accurately delivering a hitting device to a ball, including positioning a stiff and straight leading or front leg at the start of and during the process (with no step forward of the front foot or leg) until after contact with the ball, pointing and planting the leading or front foot at least partially in the direction from which the ball is traveling, positioning the hands and the hitting device such that the distal end of the hitting device is below the shoulders and the hitting device is held substantially parallel to the ground at the start of the process, delivering the hitting device directly forward in the same plane as the ball is traveling, and utilizing pivoting of the torso and hips about an axis to deliver the hitting device to a ball with little or no forward or lateral movement of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for the game of baseball for the blind comprises a base for the game of baseball for the blind comprising: sound reproduction means; and a control and operating unit, connected to the sound reproduction means for activating a reproduction of a sound depending on a control signal, the apparatus further comprising a control device, equipped with a control push-button, operatively connected to the control and operating unit for allowing a user to transmit the control signal to the control and operating unit.

Abstract: A sporting base includes a main base body, a securing seat, and a ground-insertable securing unit. The main base body includes a shock-absorbing core that has a bottom surface formed with an upwardly-extending inserting hole. The securing seat is disposed fittingly and separably into the inserting hole of the main base body, and is configured to be placed stably on the ground. The securing unit is for securing the securing seat to the ground.

Abstract: A quick release base system that includes a base platform and a removable base. The base platform includes a bottom platform surface and a top platform surface. The top platform surface is positioned above the bottom platform surface. The top platform surface includes platform prongs. The platform prongs are substantially perpendicular to the top platform surface and extend away from the top platform surface and away from the bottom platform surface. The removable base rests on top of the base platform, and the removable base includes an interior base surface. The interior base surface includes base prongs. The base prongs are substantially perpendicular to the interior base surface and extend away from the interior base, and the platform prongs interact with the base prongs to create a lateral restraining force between the base platform and the removable base.

Abstract: A turf accessory placement device adapted for use with turf. The turf accessory placement device has a base. The base has a top, bottom and sides between the top and bottom. The turf accessory placement device has grip spikes extending from the bottom of the base which are adapted to grip the turf. The grip spikes have spike shanks projecting from the base in the same direction at an angle between one degree and eighty-eight degrees downward from a plane along the bottom of the base.

Abstract: A safety baseball base includes a base with a bottom recess and a bottom stem in the bottom recess, an anchor embedded in the ground in a baseball field, a positioning member inserted into the anchor, a flexible mounting plate affixed to the positioning member and having recessed holes on the top side, and a flexible coupling member fitted into the bottom recess around the bottom stem and affixed to the base and having a plurality of bottom locating blocks respectively engaged into the recessed holes of the flexible mounting plate to secure the base to the flexible mounting plate for allowing disconnection of the base from the flexible mounting plate upon an impact to avoid injuries when a player is sliding into the base.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: A base for baseball or softball including a bottom surface wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface includes a prepared surface having a higher coefficient of friction than the surface in its unprepared state and wherein the base will move from its resting position when a human body applies a lateral force thereto, the force being low enough to avoid substantial injury to the human body, but will remain in position when a force applied to the base includes a downward force component that is substantial in comparison to the lateral force component.

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.

Abstract: A base for baseball or softball including a bottom surface wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface includes a prepared surface having a higher coefficient of friction than the surface in its unprepared state and wherein the base will move from its resting position when a human body applies a lateral force thereto, the force being low enough to avoid substantial injury to the human body, but will remain in position when a force applied to the base includes a downward force component that is substantial in comparison to the lateral force component.

Abstract: This patent application is for a baseball and softball home plate system generally, and more specifically a home plate system with changeable top plate sections and an up-tight bevel.

Abstract: A quick release base system that includes a base platform and a removable base. The base platform includes a bottom platform surface and a top platform surface. The top platform surface is positioned above the bottom platform surface. The top platform surface includes platform prongs. The platform prongs are substantially perpendicular to the top platform surface and extend away from the top platform surface and away from the bottom platform surface. The removable base rests on top of the base platform, and the removable base includes an interior base surface. The interior base surface includes base prongs. The base prongs are substantially perpendicular to the interior base surface and extend away from the interior base, and the platform prongs interact with the base prongs to create a lateral restraining force between the base platform and the removable base.

Abstract: A technique for improving the safety of a sport with bases involves providing a variety of indicia. The indicia can be associated with portions of the base to facilitate safe base running.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base with improved internal structure for impact absorption and deflection. The base of the present invention includes a plurality of indentations rising from the bottom surface to varying heights. Each of the indentations has a closed top end and an internal surface. The cross section of the indentations is often generally circular or generally rectangular. The indentations are arranged so that the tallest is nearest the mid point of the base and the shortest actually form side surfaces of the base. A second embodiment includes a top surface and a clearance between the top surface and the closed top ends of the indentations.

Abstract: A tapered box that is buried in the ground with a removable lid that is used to anchor baseball bases in place but also allows for them to be easily removed when the playing surface is being groomed. This novel system eliminates the problems created when soil accidentally falls into the present art anchoring systems. Additionally no concrete is needed to hold the anchor in place; non-corrosive materials are used to eliminate rusting parts from adhering to one another and, because the lid is made of a rubberized material it has shock absorbing properties to help prevent injuries.

Abstract: A base for baseball or softball including a bottom surface wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface includes a prepared surface having a higher coefficient of friction than the surface in its unprepared state and wherein the base will move from its resting position when a human body applies a lateral force thereto, the force being low enough to avoid substantial injury to the human body, but will remain in position when a force applied to the base includes a downward force component that is substantial in comparison to the lateral force component.

Abstract: A low profile, baseball training aid device to provide a proper target for the pitcher and a positioning aid for the catcher receiving the pitcher's throw. The device, preferably fabricated of a thermoplastic material, comprises a base section mounting a pair of side sections, where the side sections define pitching locations within and outside the ‘strike’ zone to thereby provide a more precise targeting location for the pitcher. In a preferred embodiment, the side sections may be provided with a color distinguishable surface to visually distinguish the respective side sections from the base section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base unit having a top surface, a collapsible ramp connected to the base unit movable between an extended orientation sloping from the base unit to a playing surface and a storage orientation and indicia for designating a player's location on the top surface of the base unit.

Abstract: A base assembly for playing softball has a base, and a ground-engaging elongated plate on the bottom side of the base. The plate is elongated, stiff and has a length greater than the width of the base. A strap passes horizontally through the sides of the base and then through slots in the plate. The strap ends are folded back and fastened to the bottom side of the plate in a tight fitting arrangement. A pair of spikes are received through openings adjacent the ends of the plate to anchor the base to the ground.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball base securing device comprising a buried hollow receiving tube and a spring biased cover. Generally, the baseball base, having a downwardly extending anchor member is receivable by and removable from the receiving tube. The spring biased cover is insertable into the receiver and positionable between a flush position and a retracted position within the receiver. The cover is in the flush position just under the surface, when the anchor of the baseball base is removed from the receiver. The cover is traversed to the retracted position when the anchor of the baseball base is inserted into the receiving tube. The cover, including a air permeable seal around the perimeter, and in contact with the sidewall of the receiving tube pushes dirt out from the receiving tube when the anchor of the base is being removed therefrom, and the cover prevents environmental debris or dirt from entering the receiver when the anchor is not inserted into the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball base securing device comprising a buried hollow receiving tube and a spring biased cover. Generally, the baseball base, having a downwardly extending anchor member is receivable by and removable from the receiving tube. The spring biased cover is insertable into the receiver and positionable between a flush position and a retracted position within the receiver. The cover is in the flush position just under the surface, when the anchor of the baseball base is removed from the receiver. The cover is traversed to the retracted position when the anchor of the baseball base is inserted into the receiving tube. The cover, including a air permeable seal around the perimeter, and in contact with the sidewall of the receiving tube pushes dirt out from the receiving tube when the anchor of the base is being removed therefrom, and the cover prevents environmental debris or dirt from entering the receiver when the anchor is not inserted into the receiver.

Abstract: A baseball-like game played within an enclosed mesh net facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action. The inventive baseball-like game is designed to be played in a time span of approximately one hour. The inventive facility eliminates foul zones, and has designated safe zones and home run zones located on the mesh net sides of the facility. Innings in the game are determined by a set number of pitches, rather than by the number of outs generated. Outs that are generated count as points for the fielding team. Walks that occur are counted as points for the batting team.

Abstract: The unitary structure includes a rear frame member from which oppositely disposed side frame members extend forwardly. Laterally extending forward frame members are provided on the side frame members to define batting boxes for left and right hand batters. A pair of upstanding spaced apart posts are mounted on the rear frame member and include a center line extending forwardly through the strike zone. The guidepost adjacent the batter helps to define a swing path.

Abstract: A base for use during the play of baseball or softball that includes a bottom, a top face, a side wall attached to the bottom and the top face and an identification label attached to either the top face or the side wall.

Abstract: A base is provided with a first section constructed from a material of a first degree of rigidity. A remaining second section of the base is formed integral with the first section and is constructed from a material of a second degree of rigidity less than the first degree of rigidity.

Abstract: A new game is disclosed, involving objectives similar to American baseball but with equipment and rules of play tailored for young children. In this new game, there is a bat and a ball that is hit off a tee. The boundaries on the playing field are defined as a right boundary, which is a visual line between teebase and the base placed in a position similar to that of first base on a regular baseball field and a left boundary, which is a visual line between teebase and a boundary marker placed in a position angled to the left of teebase and selected according to the number and skill level of the players. There is only one base and when a batter hits the ball off the tee, he runs to a base placed on the right boundary. The base includes an air bladder that is connected to a sound generating device to produce a sound when the base is stepped on.

Abstract: A breakaway safety base for use in baseball, softball, and other athletic base running games generally comprises a plate of metal or other suitable material, which is permanently secured to the underside of the base. The plate has a periphery with a plurality of downwardly turned edges, which engage the underlying ground. Generally vertical force on the base, as by a fielder or runner stepping on the base, results in the edges engaging the underlying surface more firmly, thereby resisting lateral displacement of the base. However, generally horizontal force on the base, as by a runner sliding into the base, allows the base to be horizontally displaced. This horizontal displacement of the base precludes any serious injury to the sliding base runner. The present breakaway safety base does not require any permanent anchor or other mating component to be permanently set or driven into the surface, thereby allowing the present safety base to be used to define any desirable base paths in any suitable playing field.

Abstract: An athletic base system is provided having a ground support structure that releaseably secures an athletic base thereto, the ground support structure having an upper base-mounting surface, and a member for securing the structure in position relative to the ground, the base mounting surface having a fastening element in the form of a nipple having at least one relief zone within the volume occupied by the nipple to facilitate inward deflection of radially extending parts of the nipple when the nipple is joined with a nipple receiving recess on the bottom of the base as the base is being mounted on the ground support structure.

Abstract: Ground engageable flexible batters boxes that abut and remain flush to the ground. A first version of the flexible batters box includes straps and flaps formed plastic, nylon or the like, with optional pegs/prongs on at least each of the four corners for allowing the box to remain flush to the ground. Extension side flaps allow the box to be positioned next to home plate and can also include pegs/prongs. The rectangular taped device is foldable and rollable along with the pegs/prongs for insertion into a storage pouch bag for travel. Another version includes PVC pipes that interconnect into one another. The PVC pipes can be approximately 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter. Users dig out curved indentations in the ground beneath the PVC pipes so that a most of the PVC pipes is buried below ground leaving a small visible portion above ground. Specific dimensional sizes of the boxes can be used for Major League, Little League and Softball League requirements. The boxes can be used for practice and for actual play.