SECTIONAL SPORTS ARENA WALL PAD

Abstract

A sports arena pad with beveled sides to create overlapping beveled joints when the pads are releasably attached to an arena wall in a linear side-by-side configuration. The inner padding is made of two layers of foam. The first layer is a low-density foam panel attached to and covering a front surface of a substantially rigid backing panel. The second layer is a high-density foam panel attached to and covering a front surface of the low-density foam panel. The padding and much of the backing panel is covered with a weather-resistant fabric, preferably by wrapping. Releasable fasteners are attached to the rear of the backing panel for attaching to complimentary fasteners on the arena wall. Special pads with one beveled edge may be provided for end pieces.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 61/679,708 filed Aug. 4, 2012 to the same inventors.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a cushion or pad for walls within sports arenas for assisting in protecting athletes during collisions with arena walls. More particularly, it relates to providing improved arena wall pads that are easy to manufacture and provide better protection for athletes.

BACKGROUND

Pads are used on walls in sports arenas to assist in protecting athletes during collisions with walls. The pads are sectional and are hung from the wall to be protected. A typical prior art pad is a rectangular foam block with a plywood backing and wrapped in a vinyl covering over the front, two sides, top and bottom edges, and at least part of the rear surface of the plywood panel. During the vinyl wrapping process, the front edges of the rectangular foam block are rounded by pressure from the vinyl wrapping. When the prior art pads are arranged on a wall with sides abutting, the padding on the wall is less thick along the line of abutment, or seam, and so provides less padding. Most of the serious injuries to major league baseball players in the past year due to wall collisions have happened at seams between wall pads.

An attempt to ameliorate this problem is found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,727,609 to Crasno which uses a lap joint between TEMPER-FOAM™ pads. Crasno does not disclose wrapping in vinyl or providing any other protective coating to defend the foam against abrasion, debris from sports fans, or the weather. The design could not be easy wrapped with vinyl, as the wrapping would bend the narrow portion of the lap into a dysfunctional position. Crasno's lap joints are coupled with hook and loop fasteners, which adds to the manufacturing and installation cost.

Therefore, a need exists for an arena wall pad that is inexpensive to manufacture and install and which provides increased protection for athletes during collisions at seams.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned problems and fulfill the above-mentioned needs.

Another object and feature of the present invention is to provide an arena wall pad that provides increased protection at the seams.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a wall pad that is no more difficult to install than prior art arena wall pads.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide an arena wall pad that is resistant to the effects of abrasion, impact from athletes, impact from debris launched by sports fans, and weather.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a sports arena pad that is economical to manufacture and install.

It is an additional primary object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that is replaceable, effective, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a sports arena wall pad that provides increased protection at the side abutments, but is economical to manufacture and install and is durable. The sports arena wall pad of the present invention uses a substantially rigid (i.e., plywood) backing panel supporting a two-layer foam, generally rectangular, pad with two opposing oppositely (complimentarily) beveled sides for abutting adjacent sports arena wall pads of the present invention. The beveled sides provide overlapping beveled joints at the seams, which provide superior protection. The outer layer of foam is more dense and resilient than the inner layer of foam. The entire front, four sides and at least part of the back of the plywood backing is wrapped in weather-resistant vinyl. The rear surface of the backing panel has clips for attachment to arena walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a prior art sports arena wall pad;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view illustrating a plurality of prior art sports arena wall pads in a linear, side-by-side configuration;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an improved sports arena wall pad, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view illustrating a plurality of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic bottom view illustrating the plurality of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front view illustrating the plurality of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic rear view illustrating the plurality of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an improved sports arena wall pad, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “sports arena wall pad” as defined and used herein refers to a pad for absorbing impacts from athletes in a sports arena. It should be understood that the present invention involves pads that are used in adjacent series to protect a larger expanse of wall than can conveniently be protected with one pad. Words describing orientation and position are referenced to the installed position of the sectional sports arena wall pad with the viewer facing the player-impact surface as the front surface of the sectional sports arena wall pad.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a prior art sports arena wall pad 100. The prior art sports pad consists of a rectangular plywood backing 102 to which a rectangular foam pad 104 is adhesively attached. A typical thickness 110 for the foam pad 104 is five inches. The combined foam pad 104 and plywood backing 102 are wrapped in a vinyl wrapping 106 that rounds the corners 114 and 118 of the foam pad 104. Sides 112 and 116 are intended to abut adjacent prior art sports arena wall pads 100 when installed in a series. Each prior art sports arena wall pad 100 has one or more (two illustrated) Z-clips 108 for mounting the prior art sports arena wall pad 100 to an arena wall 204 (see FIG. 2). Z-clips 108 are secured to plywood backing 102 using screws 120, which are shown partially extended for visibility in the drawing.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view illustrating a plurality 200 of prior art sports arena wall pads in a linear, side-by-side configuration. The prior art pads 100 are hung on arena wall 204 via Z-clip-receiving channel 206 that is attached to the arena wall 204. Seams 202 between prior art sports arena wall pads 100 result in reduced thickness 208 relative to thickness 101 (see FIG. 1), creating a danger for athletes impacting the plurality 200 of prior art sports arena wall pads 100 at seams 202. In addition, seams 202 enable sideways compression of the prior art sports arena wall pads 100, which opens the seams 202, further endangering the athletes.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an improved sports arena wall pad 300, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Improved sports arena wall pad 300 has a rigid, preferably plywood, backing 302 on which the remainder of sports arena wall pad 300 is mounted. First and second bevel angles α and β, respectively, are illustrated as equally forty-five degrees, which is preferred, but the invention is not so limited. In particular embodiments in which bevel angles a and β are not equal, a and β must be complimentary angles. For example, α+β=90°.

Plywood backing panel 302 is preferably thick enough to support the improved sports arena wall pad 300 during storage, transport, installation, and in the particular use for the improved sports arena wall pad 300. For non-limiting example, a plywood backing panel 302 for an improved sports arena wall pad 300 in a professional baseball arena is ¾ of an inch thick.

For a smaller improved sports arena wall pad 300, a plywood backing panel that is five-eighths of an inch thick may suffice. The thickness of the plywood backing panel 302 must be sufficient to engage screws 320 and large enough to secure the Z-clips 308 that support the weight of the improved sports arena wall pad 300 and other forces (e.g., outfielders “climbing” the wall to catch a would-be home run, wind, baseball fans, etc.) acting on the improved sports arena wall pad 300 when installed. APA grade B-C exterior plywood with a coating of paint on the rear (arena wall-engaging side) surface 332 that matches the color of the vinyl wrapping 306 is preferred for use as plywood backing panel 302. In particular embodiments, backing panels made of other materials and having equivalent functionality may be substituted for plywood backing panel 302.

First foam panel 304 is adhesively attached to plywood backing panel 302, as shown, using a high-adhesive glue that remains stable in hot or cold weather. First foam pad 304 is preferably a high-impact foam having a thickness of at least three inches. For example, the Flexfoam product 1233 from Flexfoam of 617 N. 21st Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. 85009 is useful as first foam panel 304. The thickness of first foam panel 304 may vary with the particular application for which the improved sports arena wall pad 300 will be used. First foam pad 304 has oppositely beveled opposing first and second sides 324 and 326 with first and second bevel angles α and β, respectively, as previously described. Preferably, first foam panel 304 covers a front surface of backing panel 302, as shown.

Second foam panel 305 is a high-density foam that is adhered to first foam panel 304 using a high adhesive glue with temperature stability for hot and cold weather conditions. For non-limiting example, Flexible Polyurethane Foam 23/90 from Ureblock S.A. de C.V. of Av. Dr. Angel Leaño No. 480, Fracc. Los Robles, Zapopan-Jalisco.México is a high-density foam suitable for use as second foam panel 305. The high density of second foam panel 305 reduces rounding at the corners 314 and 318 from wrapping and provides additional protection for the athlete. Second foam panel 305 is preferably at least two inches thick to provide a total thickness 110 for the combined first and second foam panels 304 and 305 of at least five inches. Thicker combined first and second foam panels 304 and 305 are within the scope of the invention. Second foam panel 305 has oppositely beveled opposing first and second sides 328 and 330 with complimentary bevel angles α and β, respectively, as previously described. Preferably, second foam panel 305 covers the front surface of first foam panel 304, as shown.

Vinyl wrapping 306 covers first and second foam pads 304 and 305 and at least a portion of the rear surface 332 of the plywood backing panel 302. Vinyl wrapping 306 is shown in exaggerated scale in FIG. 3 for clarity of illustration. For non-limiting example, vinyl wrapping 306 is preferably a sixteen ounce to eighteen ounce 1000 denier laminate vinyl with a weave count of 9×9, UV resistance, a tear strength of 55/60, a tensile strength of 235/210, flame retardant, and with a cold crack of forty degrees below zero Fahrenheit. The portion of the vinyl wrapping 306 that at least partially covers the rear surface 332 of plywood backing 302 is stapled near the edge to the plywood backing 302. In a particular embodiment, the vinyl wrapping 306 is stapled every two inches. Various staples may be used. For non-limiting example, eighteen gauge stainless steel staples are suitable for the purpose. Attaching vinyl wrapping 306 to the plywood backing 302 involves some folding of the vinyl wrapping 306 on the rear surface 332 of the plywood backing 302. Such folding is preferably done in a manner to avoid creating rain catchments in the folds.

Z-clips 308 are a first part of a two-part wall-hanging system and are designed to be fastened to the plywood backing 302, as shown, and to engage a second part 206 (see FIG. 4) of the two-part wall hanging system that is fastened to the arena wall 204 (See FIG. 4). For non-limiting example, Z-clips 308 are extruded aluminum, one-eighth of an inch thick and two and one-half inches wide, and are fastened to the plywood backing 302 with ¼″×1″ galvanized steel screws 320. In various particular embodiments, various types of wall-hanging hardware may be used.

Manufacturing of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 is similar to manufacturing of prior art sports arena wall pads 100, except that the first and second foam pads 304 and 305 must be beveled on the sides, and the size of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 should be economically selected to adapt to commercially available widths of vinyl wrapping 306, as the perimeter of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 is slightly greater than the perimeter of the prior art sports arena wall pads 100.

In addition to the improved sports arena wall pad 300 illustrated, an improved sports arena wall pad may be fashioned with one beveled side 316 and one non-beveled side 112 for use in corners of arena walls 204.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view illustrating a plurality 400 of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. When installed in linear sequence, as shown, the oppositely beveled sides 312 and 316 of improved sports arena wall pads 300 form a beveled seam 402 that does not create an area of reduced thickness 208 and does not open like seams 202 in response to impact. Improved sports arena wall pads 300 install in the same manner and, optionally, with the same hardware 308 and 320 as prior art sports arena wall pads 100. As a result, improved sports arena wall pads 300 are easy to manufacture and install. The number of improved sports arena wall pads 300 illustrated is exemplary, and does not limit the number of improved sports arena wall pads 300 that can be arranged in linear fashion. Installation along gradually curved walls is also possible.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic bottom view illustrating the plurality 400 of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bottom surfaces 502 of improved sports arena wall pads 300 have weep holes 504 (one of nine labeled) for venting water that may work its way into the improved sports arena wall pads 300. The positioning of weep holes 504 is exemplary, and not intended to be limiting. Weep holes 504 may also vent air during impact, and may be sized to provide the best air cushioning affect for the athlete.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front view illustrating the plurality 400 of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Beveled side 312 is shown. Any number of improved sports arena wall pads 300 may be arranged together. The particular rectangular proportions shown are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic rear view illustrating the plurality 400 of the exemplary embodiments of the improved sports arena wall pads 300 of FIG. 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Placement of Z-clips 308 (one of six labeled) is exemplary, and is not intended to be limiting. For various embodiments adapted to various installations, more or fewer, larger or smaller Z-clips may be used, and may be positioned as appropriate for the particular installation.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of an improved sports arena wall pad 800, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Improved sports arena wall pad 800 has a plywood backing 802 with oppositely beveled opposing first and second sides 820 and 822. First and second bevel angles α and β, respectively, are illustrated as equally forty-five degrees, which is preferred, but the invention is not so limited. In particular embodiments in which bevel angles α and β are not equal, α and β must be complimentary angles. For example, α+β=90°. In a particular embodiment, the acute corners of the first and second sides 820 and 822 may be rounded to reduce wear on the vinyl wrapping 306.

Plywood backing 802 is preferably thick enough to support the improved sports arena wall pad 800 during storage, transport, installation, and in the particular use for the improved sports arena wall pad 800. For non-limiting example, a plywood backing 802 for an improved sports arena wall pad 800 in a professional baseball arena is ¾ of an inch thick. For a smaller improved sports arena wall pad 800, a plywood backing that is five-eighths of an inch thick may suffice. The thickness of the plywood backing 802 must be sufficient to engage screws 320 large enough to secure the Z-clips 308 that support the weight of the improved sports arena wall pad 800 and other forces (e.g., outfielders “climbing” the wall to catch a would-be home run, wind, baseball fans, etc.) acting on the improved sports arena wall pad 800 when installed. APA grade B-C exterior plywood with a coating of paint on the rear (arena wall-engaging side) surface 332 that matches the color of the vinyl wrapping 306 is preferred for use as plywood backing 802. In particular embodiments, panels made of other materials and having equivalent functionality may be substituted for plywood backing 802.

First foam pad 304 is adhesively attached to plywood backing 802, as shown, using a high-adhesive glue that remains stable in hot or cold weather. First foam pad 304 is preferably a high-impact foam having a thickness of at least three inches. For example, the Flexfoam product 1233 from Flexfoam of 617 N. 21st Ave., Phoenix, Ariz. 85009 is useful as first foam pad 304.

The thickness of first foam pad 304 may vary with the particular application for which the improved sports arena wall pad 300 will be used. First foam pad 304 has oppositely beveled opposing first and second sides 324 and 326 with first and second complimentary bevel angles α and β, respectively, as previously described.

Second foam pad 305 is a high-density foam that is adhered to first foam pad 304 using a high adhesive glue with temperature stability for hot and cold weather conditions. For non-limiting example, Flexible Polyurethane Foam 23/90 from Ureblock S.A. de C.V. of Av. Dr. Angel Leaño No. 480, Fracc. Los Robles, Zapopan-Jalisco.México is a high-density foam suitable for use as second foam pad 305. The high density of second foam pad 305 reduces rounding at the corners 314 and 318 and provides additional protection for the athlete. Second foam pad 305 is preferably at least two inches thick to provide a total thickness 110 for the combined first and second foam pads 304 and 305 of at least five inches. Thicker combined first and second foam pads 304 and 305 are within the scope of the invention. Second foam pad 305 has oppositely beveled opposing first and second sides 328 and 330 with complimentary bevel angles α and β, respectively, as previously described.

Vinyl wrapping 306 covers first and second foam pads 304 and 305 and at least a portion of the rear surface 332 of the plywood backing panel 802. Vinyl wrapping 306 is shown in exaggerated scale in FIG. 3 for clarity of illustration. For non-limiting example, vinyl wrapping 306 is preferably a sixteen ounce to eighteen ounce 1000 denier laminate vinyl with a weave count of 9×9, UV resistance, a tear strength of 55/60, a tensile strength of 235/210, flame retardant, and with a cold crack of forty degrees below zero Fahrenheit. The portion of the vinyl wrapping 306 that at least partially covers the rear surface 332 of plywood backing 802 is stapled near the edge to the plywood backing 802. In a particular embodiment, the vinyl wrapping 306 is stapled every two inches. Various staples may be used. For non-limiting example, eighteen gauge stainless steel staples are suitable for the purpose. Attaching vinyl wrapping 306 to the plywood backing 802 involves some folding of the vinyl wrapping 306 on the rear surface 332 of the plywood backing 802. Such folding is preferably done in a manner to avoid creating rain catchments in the folds.

Z-clips 308 are a first part of a two-part wall-hanging system and are designed to be fastened to the plywood backing, as shown, and to engage a second part 206 (see FIG. 4) of the two-part wall hanging system that is fastened to the arena wall 204 (See FIG. 4). For non-limiting example, Z-clips 308 are extruded aluminum one-eighth of an inch thick and two and one-half inches wide and are fastened to the plywood backing 802 with ¼″×1″ galvanized steel screws 320. In various particular embodiments, various types of wall-hanging hardware may be used.

Manufacturing of the improved sports arena wall pads 800 is similar to manufacturing of prior art sports arena wall pads 100, except that the plywood backing panel 802 and the first and second foam pads 304 and 305 must be beveled on the sides, and the size of the improved sports arena wall pads 800 should be economically selected to adapt to commercially available widths of vinyl wrapping, as the perimeter of the improved sports arena wall pads 800 is slightly greater than the perimeter of the prior art sports arena wall pads 100.

Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the above specification.

Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the claims below.

Claims

1. A sports arena pad comprising first and second sides at least partially beveled at complimentary angles.

2. The sports arena pad of claim 1, wherein said complimentary angles are forty-five-degree angles.

3. The sports arena pad of claim 1, wherein said sports arena pad comprises padding attached to a substantially rigid backing panel.

4. The sports arena pad of claim 3, wherein first and second sides of said backing panel are not beveled.

5. The sports arena pad of claim 3, wherein said padding comprises:

a. a low-density foam panel fixedly covering a front surface of said rigid backing panel; and

b. a high-density foam panel fixedly covering a front surface of said low-density foam panel.

6. The sports arena pad of claim 1, covered at least on the front and sides in a weather-resistant fabric.

7. The sports arena pad of claim 1, having rear-mounted fasteners for releasably fastening said sports arena pad to a sports arena wall.

8. The sports arena pad of claim 1, arranged in linear side-by-side configuration with at least one other sports arena pad with at least one overlapping bevel joint formed by said first side of a first sports arena pad abutting said second side of a second sports arena pad.

9. A sports arena pad comprising:

a. a padding, comprising: i. a low-density foam panel; ii. a high density foam panel attached to and covering a first surface of said low-density foam panel; and

b. first and second sides of said padding beveled at complimentary angles.

10. The sports arena pad of claim 9, wherein said complimentary angles are forty-five degree angles.

11. The sports arena pad of claim 9, further comprising a substantially rigid backing panel attached to a second surface of said low-density foam panel.

12. The sports arena pad of claim 11, further comprising a weather-resistant covering that covers said padding and at least sides and edges of said rigid backing panel.

13. The sports arena pad of claim 12, wherein said weather-resistant covering is made of a single piece of flexible material.

14. The sports arena pad of claim 13, wherein said weather-resistant covering is wrapped.

15. The sports arena pad of claim 14, further comprising at least one Z-clip fastened to said rigid backing panel.

16. The sports arena pad of claim 9, comprising a plurality of said sports arena pads arranged in a side-by-side sequence with at least one said first side of a first sports arena pad of said plurality of sports arena pads overlapping at least one said second side of a second sports arena pad of said plurality of sports arena pads to form an overlapping bevel joint between said first and second sports arena pads of said plurality of said sports arena pads.

17. A sports area pad comprising:

a. a backing panel having front and back surfaces, left and right sides, and top and bottom edges;

b. a padding comprising: i. a low-density foam panel attached to and covering said front surface of said backing panel; ii. a high density foam panel attached to and covering a front surface of said low-density foam panel;

c. first and second sides of said padding beveled at complimentary angles; and

d. a weather-resistant covering over said padding and said backing panel.

18. The sports arena pad of claim 17, further comprising at least one releasable fastener attached to a rear surface of said backing panel.

19. The sports arena pad of claim 17, wherein said complimentary angles are forty-five-degree angles.

20. The sports arena pad of claim 17, comprising a plurality of said sports arena pads arranged in a side-by-side sequence with at least one said first side of a first sports arena pad of said plurality of sports arena pads overlapping at least one said second side of a second sports arena pad of said plurality of sports arena pads to form an overlapping bevel joint between said first and second sports arena pads of said plurality of said sports arena pads.