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: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber comprising: a rubber body with a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block; wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of 50% or less of block width; and wherein the rubber body has a Shore A hardness of about 80-95. Preferred pitching rubbers comprise a rectangular block with an overall weight ranging from 30-50 pounds, and/or a rubber body comprising cis-1,4 polyisoprene, and/or providing no insert, such as a PVC or aluminum insert, for placement in and supporting of the hollow core during use. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber with a solid rubber body having a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block, wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of about 50% or less of block width, and wherein the rubber has a Shore A hardness of about 75+/?5, a tensile strength ranging from about 8-12 MPA, and an elongation at break of about 300-600%. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: Methods, systems and tools used for landscaping are described. In particular, a system is provided for maintaining the landscape features of a baseball or softball field. The system can realize several different tools from interchangeable components without compromising the structural integrity and tool performance necessary to accomplish the job. Embodiments of tools include an improved tamp comprising a metallic plate with a first surface and a second surface disposed parallel to the first surface, wherein the second surface is configured such that the surface can compact particulate material into a more compressed state when pounded against it; and an open columnar member, for receiving a handle, disposed on and fixed to the first surface of the metallic plate; wherein the metallic plate has sides of equal length forming a square outline and the open columnar member has a height that is greater than the length of the metallic plate sides.

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: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber with a solid rubber body having a hollow core lengthwise through a rectangular block, wherein the hollow core has a width or diameter of about 50% or less of block width, and wherein the rubber has a Shore A hardness of about 75+/?5, a tensile strength ranging from about 8-12 MPA, and an elongation at break of about 300-600%. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pitching rubbers for baseball. More particularly, the invention relates to a four-sided, solid pitching rubber which provides an all-in-one durable construction with improved performance characteristics. Included in embodiments is a pitching rubber comprising: a solid rubber body with four rectangular sides and two elongated ends; having a surface area of about 648 in2 to about 744 in2; and having a density ranging from about 0.04 to about 0.06 pounds per cubic inch. A preferred pitching rubber further has a void in each of the elongated ends, which voids together comprise a volume of less than 15% of the volume of the solid rubber body. Pitching rubbers according to embodiments of the invention are capable of resisting packing and tamping weight without deformation of the rubber body.