PLIABLE BREATHABLE BASEBALL BACKSTOP APPARATUS AND GAME

Abstract

A baseball game apparatus comprising a pliant sheet of material having at least three support posts secured to the back of the pliant sheet of material and wherein an image of a baseball stadium is secured to the front of said pliant sheet.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application is generally related to decorative objects suitable for stopping a ball and serving as a backstop and a barrier for games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball is a game that is played throughout the world, typically during warm weather in outdoor settings. However, variations of the game include the use of hollow plastic balls, or with other balls made of soft materials, many of which are intended to be hit less than 100 feet. Such games of “whiffle” ball often include homemade fields, including a backstop and left and right field lines and the outfield wall that may be played indoors or outdoors.

Generally, players throw a ball to a batter and a batter can let the ball go, and it is a ball or a strike, or the batter swings. A swing can result in a miss, which is a strike, a foul ball, which is a strike, an out, or a single, double, triple, or a homerun. Often, the determination of a single, double, triple, or a homerun, is dependent on where the ball is hit. For instance, a hit over the fence is a home run; a hit off the fence is a double, etc. The rules are typically made up by the players with many variations.

There is not a suitable product that serves as a backstop or an outfield wall that is suitable to be portable and setup for use in an outdoor or indoor playing surface, where the backstop further comprises an image of various features of a particular baseball field, so as to provide for a baseball game to be played in said particular field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A baseball game apparatus comprising a sheet of fabric, having a front and a back, a top and a bottom, and wherein an image is depicted on the front of the fabric corresponding to a baseball field; wherein on the back of said sheet of fabric, at least two post sleeves are secured to said back of said sheet of fabric, said post sleeves having a fastened top and an open bottom, extending from the bottom to the top of said sheet, and wherein at least two posts have outside dimensions to fit one post within one of said post sleeves, and wherein said posts are longer than the length of the post sleeve, such that said posts extend beyond the bottom edge of the sheet of fabric; wherein said posts are capable of securing said fabric such that said posts are in a generally a vertical manner, displaying the sheet of fabric.

A decorative baseball set comprising a backstop and an outfield wall, wherein said backstop and said outfield wall comprise images from the same baseball stadium, and wherein said backstop and outfield wall portions can be arranged to imitate the baseball stadium.

A modular baseball game comprising two displays, a first display depicting an outfield scene and a second display depicting a backstop scene; each display comprising a sheet of fabric having a front and a back, a top and a bottom; wherein on the back of said each sheet of fabric, at least three post sleeves are secured to said back of said sheet of fabric, said post sleeves having a fastened top and an open bottom, extending from about the top of said sheet to about the bottom of said sheet, and wherein at least three posts have outside dimensions to fit one post within one of said post sleeves, and wherein said posts are longer than the dimension from the top to the bottom of said sheet, such that said posts extend beyond the bottom edge of the sheet of fabric; wherein said posts are capable of securing said fabric such that said posts are in a generally vertical manner, displaying the sheet of fabric.

Alternatively, an embodiment comprises a method of playing a baseball game between two or more players comprising: securing a first backstop display to a location and securing a second outfield display opposing said first backstop display to determine a field; determining a pitcher and a batter; determining the rules for the baseball game including outs, hits, and number of innings; having the pitcher pitch a ball to a batter and determining the outcome of the pitch; continuing to have the pitcher pitch the ball until a pre-determined number of outs is made as determined by the rules; keeping score of runs scored; and determining a winner after the end of a pre-determined number of innings

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B identify a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 2 identifies a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 3 identifies a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 4 identifies a top down perspective view of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIGS. 5A and 5B identify a perspective view of variations of one feature of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 6 identifies one feature of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 7 identifies a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 8 identifies a perspective view of an embodiments of the invention described herein.

FIG. 9 identifies perspective views of various features of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 10 identifies a perspective view of a feature of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a perspective view of cap and toe elements of an embodiment of the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments of the invention and the various features and advantages thereto are more fully explained with references to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and set forth in the following descriptions of those examples. Descriptions of well-known components and techniques may be omitted to avoid obscuring the invention. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments set forth herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” include singular and plural referents unless the context clearly demands otherwise.

As use herein, the term “about” means within 10% of a stated length.

Turning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a display 100 comprises a sheet 30, and superimposed on that sheet 30 is either an outfield fence 1 or a backstop 101 with decorative elements particular to a specific baseball field. FIG. 1A is an outfield fence 1, which is a sheet of fabric capable of accepting a printed image of an outfield wall. Said outfield fence 1, comprises five posts 2, which allow the outfield fence 1 to be secured to the ground. However, only two posts are required for displaying the outfield fence 1. Said outfield fence 1 further comprises a second base 4, base lines between first and second 5B, and second and third 5A. Further the outfield fence 1 comprises an outfield 6 and an outfield wall 8. Depicted on the outfield wall 8 are outfield wall accessories 9, which are any number of accoutrements that are to be found on the image superimposed on the sheet. Above the outfield wall 8 are the seats 7.

The outfield fence 1 has a left side 10, a right side 12, and a top 11 and a bottom 13, and a front side 50 and a back side 51 (FIGS. 2 and 3, for example). The posts 2 are situated in pockets on the back side of the display. Said pockets extend from the top 11 of the outfield fence 1, and extend to the bottom 13, wherein the posts 2 then extend past the bottom 13 of the outfield fence 1. This allows the posts 2 to support the outfield fence 1 so as to display the front side 50, which contains an image.

As to the back side 51, in view of FIGS. 2-4, the back side 51 comprises post pockets 14, which are pockets attached to the back side 51 of the outfield fence 1, so as to provide a space for the posts 2 to securely attach to the outfield fence 1. The post pockets 14 have an opening that is about 1 inch in diameter, and allows the posts 2 to fit within the post pocket 14. The top of the post pocket is sewn shut and is reinforced with additional materials to allow a post 2 to be in contact with the top of the post pocket 14. The bottom of the post pocket 14 is open to allow the post 2 to fit within the post pocket 14.

At least two post pocket 14 are required, one on each end of the outfield fence 1, to provide the ability to display the outfield fence 1. Additional post pockets 14 and stakes provide greater stability as needed. Typically, preferred embodiments comprise 2, 3, 4, or 5 post pockets, and thereby allow a user to determine the number of posts required to secure the display to a location. Not ever post pocket must utilize a post, thus, wherein a display comprises 5 post pockets, 2, 3, 4, or 5 posts could be utilized to secure the display to a location.

In view of FIG. 1B, is a backstop 101. The backstop 101 comprises an image of a portion of a baseball stadium that depicts at least the home plate 104 and portions of the batter's box. The image is indented to be an image of an actual baseball stadium. The backstop 101 comprises a left batter's box 105A, and a right batter's box 105B, a home plate 104, and a strike zone 106. There is a grassy area 107 behind home plate 104 and a track area 108 between the grassy area 107 and the backstop wall 115. Behind the backstop wall 115 are the home plate seats 117 and the fans 116.

The images on the outfield fence 1 and the backstop 101 are intended to be images taken of current or former baseball stadiums, such that the set would be one image of the home plate and one image of the outfield wall, and players would be able to “play” their baseball game within the confines of their favorite stadium. The addition of the strike zone 106 is an optional feature, and may be excluded in some embodiments. Additionally, the backstop 101 may have a mechanism for selectively attaching the strike zone 106 to the front side 50, to allow the strike zone 106 to selectively attach or detach from the image.

With regard to FIGS. 2 and 3, the back side 51 of either the outfield design 1 and the backstop 101 are shown. In that regard, the mechanical features of each display 100 are the same, only the images are intended to be different for the outfield design 1 and the backstop 101. The back side 51 comprises five post pockets, spaced about evenly on the back of the display 100. One pocket on the left edge 10/110, one pocket on the right edge 12/112. Furthermore, there are three pockets 14 situated in the middle of the back side 51 of the display 100.

The sheet 30 is a 13 ounce vinyl material, capable of accepting an image. The post pockets 14 are made of the same 13 ounce vinyl material, wherein the top of the post pockets 14 are reinforced with additional materials, so as to support the display. The reinforcement may comprise more than one layer of the vinyl material, or may further comprise additional materials with greater strength.

Additional materials for the sheet 30 include natural or synthetic fiber materials, such as plastic, canvas, cotton, and other suitable sheets of material. The material may have small holes within the material of up to about 5 mm, particularly designed to allow air to flow through the material but also to receive an image. The holes may be evenly spaced, and be symmetrical through the material, or may be located in particular locations to allow air passage. Additionally, there may be slits 41 in the material, to allow for air passage. These slits 41 would allow for an image to be printed on the material and then cut into the material. Such slits 41 or holes would allow for air or wind to pass through the display 100, so as to prevent the display from being damaged.

The materials for the sheet 30 are pliable materials, allowing the display 100 to be rolled or folded as necessary. Furthermore, the display can be situated where the display is straight, curved, or oriented to the particular angles as desired by a user.

In certain embodiments, the top 11 and bottom 13 of the sheet 30 further comprise a cap 71 and a toe 70 that are malleable materials that provide support for the sheet 30. By use of the cap 71 and/or the toe 70, attached to the top 11 and/or bottom 13 of the sheet, the cap 71 and toe 70 material is a semi-rigid material that a user can bend into the shape desired, and the material provides support for the sheet 30. Accordingly, this allows for an outfield having an arc shape, like a typical baseball stadium, or could include sharp angles, such as a 90 degree angle in a corner of a room. Other suitable sharp angles or curved angles are possible with the cap 71 and toe 70.

The Cap 71 and toe 70 are depicted in FIG. 3 attached to the top 11 and bottom 13 portions of the sheet. In view of FIG. 11A and 11B, additional embodiments are shown. 11A depicts a cap 71 and toe 70 being a malleable material sewn into the top 11 and bottom 13 of the sheet 30. This may be a pocket, allowing the cap 71 and toe 70 to be removed, as needed, or permanent. Additionally, FIG. 11B depicts an embodiment where the cap 71 and toe 70 are “U” shaped, and may be secured over the top 11 and bottom 13 of the sheet 30, and then pinched together, or affixed with another securing mechanism such as hook and loop material, snaps, or other material, as known in the art.

The malleable material may be a metal or other suitable material that may be molded into angles and provide rigidity once molded into a shape. Typically, a thin metal material is suitable, but other plastic or other polymer materials are also suited for the application.

Holes are intentional spaces in the design of the fabric, or are cut into the fabric to allow for the passage of air, and to lighten the material. Some fabrics, such as a “mesh” net are intended to easily allow passage of air, but are not intended to receive a printed image. Certain “mesh” materials are of sufficiently small holes, or pores, to allow for the passage of air, and also accept a printed image.

Slits 41 in the fabric, on the other hand, are slits 41 or cuts in the material that allow for passage of air. The slits 41 may be reinforced with stitching or additional material to prevent ripping. Slits 41 may be placed along the portions of the display 100 adjacent to the post pockets 14, or may be situated in a symmetrical order throughout the display 100.

With regard to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the invention utilizes post pocket caps 31, which are plastic caps affixed to the top of the post pocket 14, to provide a strong and resilient material to prevent the posts 2 from breaking through the post pocket 14. Other suitable materials for the post pocket caps 31 comprise metals, or other pliant or flexible materials. A combination of two or more of these materials may provide a strong and resilient cap.

With regard to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the post 2 comprises an upper post 32, and a pole extension 19. The upper post 32 is a hollow piece that is shaped to accept the pole extension 19 within the body of the upper post 32.

FIG. 6 further depicts an embodiment of the invention showing detail of the post pocket 14, and the post 2 situated inside the post pocket.

In regard to FIG. 7 the upper post 32 may comprise a pole lock 17, which pushes through a hole in the side of the upper post 32, and extends through a diameter of the upper post 32. The pole extension 19 has holes within the pole, to allow for adjustment of the height of the display 100.

The upper post 32 may be hollow, or may have a pole limit 18, which is positioned about half way in the middle of the upper post 32. This pole limit 18 is a stop placed in the hollow portion of the upper post 32 and prevents the pole extension 19 from extending further into the upper post 32.

Other embodiments do not utilize a pole limit 18. Such embodiments allow the pole extension 19 to completely fit within the upper post 32, and to lock in place with the pole lock. This secures the pole extension 19 within the upper post 32, when not in use, or allows the bottom edge of the display 100 to be even with or about even with the ground.

With regard to FIG. 10, one embodiment of the invention described herein of the pole extension 19 comprises a pole extension screw 20. The pole extension screw 20 provides for the attachment of a variety of bases to the pole extension 19. For example, with regard to FIG. 9, a quadrilateral base 21, a four spoke base 22, a triangular base 23, a circular base 24, a straight ground support 16, a three spoke base 25, and a ground stake 15. These example bases are but a few possible examples, the base may be any shape and comprise any number of spokes to provide a solid base. These bases may be plastic or metal bases. Structures 21, 23, and 24, may be open structured having only thin wires to support the structure, may be close structured, such that the bases have no open spaces, or may be three dimensional, and comprise a volume. A three dimensional base has a volume that may further comprise an opening to allow the addition of a weighted material, such as water, or sand, to add weight to the base, to better support the display 100.

The different bases provide the ability to hold the display so that the sheet acts as a wall or a backstop. The ground stake 15, may be pressed into the ground, while other stakes may provide a stable support above the ground. Similarly, the various bases may be buried or weights may be placed over the various bases to stabilize the display.

A method of playing the game comprising utilizing the displays 100 wherein the game is played by setting up a first backstop display 101 and a second outfield display 1, opposing each other, so that the front 50 portion of each display 100 is substantially facing one another. At least two players, one pitcher and one batter are situated between the displays 100. A pitcher throwing a ball towards the backstop display 101 and the batter attempts to hit the pitched ball. A ball that is swung at and missed is a strike, a ball that is not swung at is a strike if it hits any portion of the strike zone 106. A homerun is determined where a hit ball is hit over the outfield display 1, and a double is determined when a ball hits the outfield display. Balls hit elsewhere are singles, unless they are hit in the air and caught by the pitcher, in that case they are an out. Other rules may be determined by individual players.

Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the game includes the use of a backstop 101 and an outfield 100 display, where the backstop 101 display comprises a strike zone 106. Two players, one pitching, the other batting, take turns being the pitcher and batter. A ball, being pitched, is a strike, an out, or another outcome. The players play to a predetermined number of outs, usually 3. When a player hits a ball that is not an out, an imaginary runner is then stationed at that base. For example, a double would put a runner at second base. Runs are scored based on the rules made up by the players. Typically, runs are scored when forced by another runner. For example, a single, then a double, would put a runner at third base and second base. A double would then force the runner from second to advance, and thus the runner at third would be forced home to score.

The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A baseball game apparatus comprising a sheet of fabric, having a front and a back, a top and a bottom, and wherein an image is depicted on the front of the fabric corresponding to a baseball field; wherein on the back of said sheet of fabric, at least three post sleeves are secured to said back of said sheet of fabric, said post sleeves having a fastened top and an open bottom, extending from the bottom to the top of said sheet, and wherein at least three posts have outside dimensions to fit one post within one of said post sleeves, and wherein said posts are longer than the length of the post sleeve, such that said posts extend beyond the bottom edge of the sheet of fabric; wherein said posts are capable of securing said fabric such that said posts are in a generally vertical manner, displaying the sheet of fabric.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a cap and a toe secured to the top and the bottom of said sheet of fabric.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said posts comprise a threaded end capable of selectively attaching to a post base.

4. The post base of claim 3 selected from the group consisting of a spike, quadrilateral, triangular base, plural spoke base, four spoke base, three spoke base, flat base, and a base having volume capable of being filled.

5. The baseball game apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second sheet of fabric, wherein said second sheet of fabric provides a second image from a baseball stadium that is superimposed onto the sheet; wherein said first sheet is an outfield wall image and said second sheet is a backstop image.

6. The fabric of said claim 1, wherein the fabric is a 13 ounce vinyl material, suitable for retaining a printed image.

7. The fabric of claim 1 wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, canvas, mesh, plastic, and combinations thereof.

8. A modular baseball game comprising two displays, a first display depicting an outfield scene and a second display depicting a backstop scene; each display comprising a pliable sheet of fabric having a front and a back, a top and a bottom; wherein on the back of said each sheet of fabric, at least two post sleeves are secured to said back of said sheet of fabric, said post sleeves having a fastened top and an open bottom, extending from about the top of said sheet to about the bottom of said sheet, and wherein at least two posts have outside dimensions to fit one post within one of said post sleeves, and wherein said posts are longer than the dimension from the top to the bottom of said sheet, such that said posts extend beyond the bottom edge of the sheet of fabric; wherein said top comprises a horizontal pocket along the length of the top and securing a malleable material within said horizontal pocket; and wherein said posts are capable of securing said fabric such that said posts are in a generally vertical manner, displaying the sheet of fabric.

9. The modular baseball game of claim 8 further comprising a second horizontal pocket along the length of the bottom, and securing a malleable material within said pocket.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said posts comprise a threaded end capable of selectively attaching to a post base.

11. The post base of claim 10 selected from the group consisting of a spike, quadrilateral, triangular base, plural spoke base, four spoke base, three spoke base, flat base, and a base having volume capable of being filled.

12. The fabric of said claim 8, wherein the fabric is a 13 ounce vinyl material, suitable for retaining a printed image.

13. The fabric of claim 8 wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of vinyl, canvas, mesh, plastic, and combinations thereof.

14. A method of playing a baseball game between two or more players comprising:

a. securing a first backstop display to a location and securing a second outfield display opposing said first backstop display to determine a field;

b. determining a pitcher and a batter;

c. determining the rules for the baseball game including outs, hits, and number of innings;

d. having the pitcher pitch a ball to a batter and determining the outcome of the pitch;

e. continuing to have the pitcher pitch the ball until a pre-determined number of outs is made as determined by the rules;

f. keeping score of runs scored; and

g. determining a winner after the end of a pre-determined number of innings

15. The method of claim 14 wherein a strike zone is secure to the first backstop display.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein the location is outside.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the location is inside.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the first backstop display and the second outfield display each comprising a pliable sheet of fabric having a front and a back, a top and a bottom; wherein on the back of said each sheet of fabric, at least three post sleeves are secured to said back of said sheet of fabric, said post sleeves having a fastened top and an open bottom, extending from about the top of said sheet to about the bottom of said sheet, and wherein at least three posts have outside dimensions to fit one post within one of said post sleeves, and wherein said posts are longer than the dimension from the top to the bottom of said sheet, such that said posts extend beyond the bottom edge of the sheet of fabric; wherein said top comprises a horizontal pocket along the length of the top and securing a malleable material within said horizontal pocket; and wherein said posts are capable of securing said fabric such that said posts are in a generally vertical manner, displaying the sheet of fabric.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising a second horizontal pocket along the length of the bottom, and securing a malleable material within said pocket.

The method of claim 18 further comprising a post base selected from the group consisting of a spike, quadrilateral, triangular base, plural spoke base, four spoke base, three spoke base, flat base, and a base having volume capable of being filled.