Abstract: Rate of deceleration is an important factor in determining the severity of injuries, such as head and neck injuries, possibly sustained when participants collide with a wall assembly while playing, for example, ice hockey. The described wall assemblies each include a support assembly and a movable wall assembly supported by and movable with respect to the support assembly. Telescoping parts of the movable wall assembly enable deflection of the movable wall assembly to complex angles with respect to the support assembly. In addition, movable wall assemblies can be couple such that impact on one wall assembly can cause deflection of an adjacent wall assembly. Covers, shields, and spacers can be positioned to decrease gap formation during deflection of the movable wall assembly to reduce the risk of pinch points.

Abstract: A system for generating continuous video of a sporting event such as a platform tennis match includes a plurality of cameras mounted adjacent to and stabilized by uprights located on the periphery of the court on which the sporting event is played. Small cylindrical cameras are mounted in alignment with small openings in a screen or other barrier defining the periphery of the court, such as the “chicken wire” surrounding a platform tennis court so that action can be recorded without obstruction by the fence or barrier even as the fence or barrier is deflected as the sporting event is played.

Abstract: A personal physical conditioning system, for a single, full-size human subject, has a sealable chamber that is configured to allow entry therein and occupancy thereof by the entirety of the single, full-size human subject and to allow the subject to exercise in a standing position using an item of physical conditioning equipment entirely contained within the sealable chamber. The system also has a ventilation system, including a pump, operable to change air in the sealable chamber and to establish, within the sealable chamber, a desired non-zero air pressure level of less than 1 atmosphere and down to pressure conditions substantially equivalent to an elevation of 25,000 feet above sea level. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a table game are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a playing field, a ball launcher mechanism launching a ball into the playing field, and the ball launcher mechanism allows a first player to select one or more attributes affecting a ball trajectory. The apparatus further comprises a ball striker mechanism controlling a ball striker. The ball striker placed at a distance from the ball launcher mechanism in the playing field has a bat to hit a ball launched by the ball launcher mechanism and is controlled by a second player. One or more sensors are placed in predetermined locations in the playing field. The electrical signals generated by the one or more sensors are used to update a status of a game.

Abstract: A rectangular dodge ball field has two opposed parallel ends and two opposed parallel sides. Each side and each end are formed of rectangular panels having vertical and horizontal rails. Vertical extender rails extend upwardly from the rectangular panels. A plurality of variously shaped connectors couple together rails of the side panels and end panels and extender rails. Flexible fabric netting is located between the rails of the side panels and the end panels and the extender rails. Straps separably couple the flexible fabric netting to the side panels and end panels and extender rails.

Abstract: An arrangement, a computer system, and/or a method for playing a game include a playing area, a first set of scoring structures arranged at a perimeter of the playing area and that are active throughout the game, and a second set of scoring structures arranged at the perimeter of the playing area and that are active only during penalty periods of the game, where each pair of adjacent ones of structures of the first set is separated by one of the structures of the second set.

Abstract: A safety surface for use over a supporting base in a designated area of a playground includes a bottom layer arranged for placement over the supporting base, a plurality of mesh bags, each of the mesh bags filled with a plurality of pieces of a shock absorbent material, and a border arranged for placement along selected edges of the designated area. The mesh bags are sized and shaped to abut adjacent mesh bags, with a portion of the mesh bags arranged to abut the border. And internal divider is positioned in an interior of the mesh bags, with the internal divider arranged to divide the interior of the mesh bags into a plurality of interior compartments. A top layer is arranged to overlie the mesh bags and arranged for securement to the border.

Abstract: A system to reduce or eliminate the sill of dasher boards on the play area side of a transparent plane is disclosed. The system features spacers and extensions which support the transparent panes in a more inward position. The system can be installed initially or used to retrofit an arena. The system is suitable for straight and curved-corner portions of the boards assembly. The system is suitable for use with panes of tempered glass or of transparent plastic.

Abstract: The present document describes a padding layer for a multi-layered sports playing field. Various improvements are proposed for enhancing athlete's safety, surface hardness, water drainage, heat management, ease of assembly/installation, durability/longevity, uniformity, resistance to change in weather according to seasons, and stability. The improvements include: matching (multiple-wise) of spacing between rows of backstitches of the top layer and the drainage channels on top surface of the padding layer; a slit in the external tab portion of the padding layer panel, a slit near the lateral part of the tab or blank portion providing a hinging effect thereto, and/or protrusions at various positions on the tab or blank portions to account for change in size of the padding layer panel; drainage holes within the drainage channels; and various configurations of drainage channels on the bottom surface of the padding layer to improve evacuation of water toward the sides of the playing surface.

Abstract: An area suitable for sporting activities comprises an upper synthetic surface layer, and a sub-surface support layer which includes a load bearing structural module. The structural module comprises a top wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom by one or more supporting elements so as to define a volume between the top and bottom walls. The top wall is provided with a plurality of apertures to permit the flow of liquid into and out of the volume. The size and shape of the apertures is such that the apertures cause substantially no variation in the flatness of the synthetic surface layer.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly, particularly well-suited for an ice hockey rink, includes a number of advantageous structures including an ice dam (ice retainer), puck rebound facilitator backing a kickplate, and a unitary rigid L-shaped anchoring device for the dasher board frame. The ice dam has a main body component and a lip upstanding from the body a distance sufficient to assist in blocking moisture movement past the dasher board and to provide an open space. The rigid L-shaped anchoring device is connected by fasteners to vertical elements of the dasher board frame, and to the ice dam body, to provide stable mounting of the frame. The puck rebound facilitator may be a buckling elastomeric tube that is essentially rigid when a hockey puck impacts the kickplate but buckles to absorb the force of impact if a hockey player strikes the dasher board.

Abstract: A trampoline arena includes a framework assembly having a plurality of frame elements defining an outwardly sloping outer wall, and a deck, a plurality of voids being defined between the framework elements. The arena also includes a plurality of trampolines connected to the frame elements along peripheries thereof and extending across the plurality of voids to further define the outwardly sloping outer wall and deck, and a padding assembly including a plurality of pads overlying the frame elements and the peripheries of the trampolines.

Abstract: The inclined sand training apparatus includes a front, inclined surface that is sand-filled and lined with sand-filled steps. A walkway traverses across a ridge formed between the front, inclined surface and a rear, inclined surface that is covered in grass. The training apparatus is designed to resemble a sand dune and provide training and workout experiences that includes sand-filled steps, walkway, and a rear, inclined surface covered in grass. The sand-filled steps consist of a concrete riser capped off with a rubber edge that are both back-filled with sand. Lights and other accessories provide a gym-like environment to aid in the training and workout, and further comprise a pool, cycle hut, showers, seating, bathrooms, first aid, and storage.

Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly, particularly well-suited for an ice hockey rink, includes a number of advantageous structures including an ice dam (ice retainer), puck rebound facilitator backing a kickplate, and a unitary rigid L-shaped anchoring device for the dasher board frame. The ice dam has a main body component and a lip upstanding from the body a distance sufficient to assist in blocking moisture movement past the dasher board and to provide an open space. The rigid L-shaped anchoring device is connected by fasteners to vertical elements of the dasher board frame, and to the ice dam body, to provide stable mounting of the frame. The puck rebound facilitator may be a buckling elastomeric tube that is essentially rigid when a hockey puck impacts the kickplate but buckles to absorb the force of impact if a hockey player strikes the dasher board.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly provides enhanced safety, such as for ice hockey rinks. The assembly is constructed so that on low height impacts a dampening material with at least one of a damping coefficient of about 1.7-3.2×104 N-s/m, a spring constant of about 1.5-3.0×106 N/m, and a loss coefficient greater than 0.15, absorbs the impact. On high height impacts both the dampening material and deflection of cantilevered generally vertical polygonal aluminum tubes absorb the impact. The assembly results in a Head Injury Criteria of less than 250 for all realistic scenarios, and a reduction of HIC values of at least 30% compared to an equivalent assembly with a rigid frame.

Abstract: A trampoline and cage ball game device includes a trampoline frame structure with a spring supported flexible trampoline bed attached thereto and a plurality of support legs for supporting the trampoline frame and flexible bed. A single continuous open ended sheet of flexible material that is folded into four reinforced corners defining a pair of end wall panel sections and a pair of side wall end sections forming an enclosed cage structure. A plurality of elongated corner pipes are attached to inner corners of the trampoline extending beyond the top of the enclosed cage structure, the corner pipes having spring attachments secured to the four corner folds to stretch enclosed cage structure at the end wall sections.

Abstract: An athletic field is constructed using side-by-side conjoined layers of resilient synthetic material placed over a drain blanket and extending to a peripheral trench drain. The primary material construction is a rollable layer approximately 4 feet wide by 200 feet long comprising a dimpled polyethylene core material with bonded top and bottom thin, flexible geotechnic fabric layers. A flange and flap system along one edge receives the opposite edge of the joining strip to bond the laterally adjoining layers together in a shingling or tiered manner to promote drainage and to keep water out of the resilient pliable structure. The top surface is overlaid with artificial turf.

Abstract: A gravity sports system including a shell that can be rotated and tilted to provide a rider within the shell a variety of challenges. The shell can be formed by rotating a curve, a simple curve, a complex curve, or even a complete curve about an axis of revolution. The internal surface of the shell is sufficiently smooth and large enough to permit a rider to use a variety of wheeled or surface-bearing equipment within the shell. The shell can be rotationally attached to a moveable frame. The frame can be driven to tilt the shell's axis of revolution. The shell can include one or more light transmissive panels and an airflow system to control the temperature within the shell.

Abstract: A temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus in one embodiment incorporates a stretch fabric into the edges of a vinyl cover to provide a tension on the vinyl cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the vinyl cover due to a change in temperature. In another embodiment, the temperature compensating outdoor wall padding apparatus may employ a resilient cover, stretchable in 4 directions and pre-tensioned to provide tension on the resilient cover minimizing the possibility of wrinkling of the resilient cover due to a change in temperature. Methods for forming the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anchoring panel for a sport wall system with a front side facing an interior of the sport wall system, a back side, a flange extending from and rigidly fixed to the back side, a top side, a bottom side, and a first and second end wall is provided. Each of the first and second end walls include interlocking elements for interlocking with a first or second end of another panel in the sport wall system, the interlocking elements comprising at least a male knob extending towards the bottom side of the anchoring panel and configured to be insertable into a panel recess of the another panel in the sport wall system.

Abstract: An anchoring panel for a sport wall system with a front side facing an interior of the sport wall system, a back side, a flange extending from and rigidly fixed to the back side, a top side, a bottom side, and a first and second end wall is provided. Each of the first and second end walls include interlocking elements for interlocking with a first or second end of another panel in the sport wall system, the interlocking elements comprising at least a male knob extending towards the bottom side of the anchoring panel and configured to be insertable into a panel recess of the another panel in the sport wall system.

Abstract: A platform for performance of personal combat martial arts is made with a concave upper surface having a central generally flat region for main performance surrounded by a border region that slopes upwardly to the platform periphery, so that instead of the traditional impasse and fight interruption experienced when a combatant is forced into the border region, ropes or corners of conventional flat fight rings, the action tends to continue and automatically gravitate back into the main central region without interruption. A full-height constraint net that slopes upwardly and inwardly further urges combatants away from the periphery and safely prevents bodily ejection, thus protecting ringside spectators while providing all spectators with a good view of the sports action.

Abstract: An interactive obstacle course characterized by a multitude of interlocking units which correspond to give the sections of the ceiling the capability to descend and ascend. In addition, the path of the obstacle course is able to be changed countless times to offer an ever-changing challenge.

Abstract: New clay-like athletic surface compositions that utilize different types of glass cullet, such as container, ceramic, or plate glass, are provided. Preferably, recycled container-glass cullet between 1.4 millimeters and 20 microns in size is used to provide a slow playing, resilient surface good for a variety of athletic purposes, such as tennis, track and field, and bocce.

Abstract: Dasher board assemblies and methods for making the same. An example dasher board assembly may include a dasher board frame. A facing panel may be coupled to the frame. An adhesive member may be disposed between the frame and the facing panel. The adhesive member may attach the facing panel to the frame.

Abstract: Arena Baseball Game is disclosed, involving substantially the same rules as American baseball (e.g., MLB or NCAA) except that balls may be deflected back onto the playing field as a playable ball by a rebounding assembly that surrounds the arena infield. Apparatus for playing an indoor ball game derived from baseball comprises a netting backstop and monster home run wall. The arena has a playing area surrounded by wall means such as padded walls and spectator protective side netting. A baseball-like game played within an enclosed facility, wherein the game rules and facility are designed for fast paced action.

Abstract: A playing surface structure (100) comprises, a surface carpet layer (102), a resin impregnated textile layer (104), a random pile layer (108) comprising a compact resin loaded fibre stratum (109) and a layer of stratified fibrous material (110). The surface carpet layer (102) overlays the textile layer (104), the textile layer (104) overlays the random pile layer (108), and the layer of stratified fibrous material (110) is overlain by the random pile layer (108). A method of construction of a playing surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A playing surface structure includes a resin impregnated textile layer (1) having a resin bonded layer of particulate rubber (7) adherent to its undersurface and overlying a fibrous random pile mat (8) incorporating a random pile layer (9) and a relatively compact, resin impregnated backing layer (10).

Abstract: A hybrid tennis court with one type of surface applied to one side of the net from the net to the back fence and a different type of surface applied to the other side of the net from the net to the back fence. A hybrid court is useful as a teaching tool, for exhibitions, for injured players, and for adding a new dimension to the game of tennis. Also included in this invention is a golf course with two or more different types of surfaces used on different putting greens or a putting green with two ore more different types of surfaces on the same green or different types of surfaces on different fairways.

Abstract: A game enclosure which utilizes an enclosing wall essentially enclosing an internal chamber with the internal chamber also be further closed by a ceiling and a floor. An electronic scoring panel is mounted in conjunction with the enclosing wall. The electronic scoring panel includes a series of targets with there also being targets mounted on the enclosing wall. When a human player within the internal chamber throws a ball which contacts one of the targets, a scoring number will be added to a scoring display area located on the scoring panel.

Abstract: A shield panel support, for providing a vertical side edge support for a shield panel, comprises a transparent shield panel support pillar.

Abstract: A monolithic surfacing system is capable of being applied to almost any stable, compacted base which is capable of supporting the weight of the system. The system provides an economical solution to the cracking and degradation which is experienced with conventional artificial surfaces which are exposed to the elements or extended wear. The surfacing system includes a bottom layer comprised of a pile fabric having a flexible backing and a plurality of upstanding pile elements. Each of the pile elements has an upper and a lower end. The pile elements are in-filled with a quantity of in-fill material which is sufficient to form a layer of substantially uniform density extending from the flexible backing of the bottom layer to substantially the upper end of the pile elements. A quantity of binder is added to the system, and a top layer comprising a wear coating having an upper and a lower surface is applied to the in-fill material and binder.

Abstract: In a playing-field enclosure, particularly for ball games, having a peripheral, vertical band-including a plurality of sheet-type band elements that can be connected to one another with a form-fit in order to assure simple assembly and storage connecting elements are disposed between two respective sheet-type band elements, the connecting elements having a support surface and a connecting rib that extends vertically upward from the support surface; the connecting rib has vertically-extending U profiles on opposite sides or sides that are offset from one another by 90°, the band elements being inserted into the profiles with a form-fit; and the support surface has upwardly-extending retaining mandrels in the positioning region of the band elements, the mandrels engaging corresponding retaining recesses of the band elements inserted into the U profiles.

Abstract: A dasher board system for providing a surrounding barrier for the playing surface of a hockey rink. The dasher board system includes lower dasher board sections and extended continuous transparent upper shielding elements. The lower dasher board sections are formed by pultrusion. This gives the dasher board sections a high concentration of fiberglass and a high strength-to-weight ratio. This enables the sections to be made in longer lengths and reduces assembly time. The dasher board sections include horizontal ribs formed therein during the pultrusion process. A mounting system includes supports that are mounted to the horizontal ribs to stabilize the dasher board sections. Curved dasher board sections are formed by cutting the horizontal ribs and flexing the dasher board sections in the regions of the cuts. The transparent upper shielding is formed from by unrolling an elongated length of relatively thin polycarbonate material.

Abstract: A portable wall board system is provided for enclosing a playing area such as a roller hockey rink. The wall board system includes panels and supports having corresponding keys and keyways that interlock to form a continuous inner wall for the playing surface. The system further includes doors that interlock with the supports at desired locations. The supports are hollow in order to receive a ballast material such as water. The invention also provides a method for enclosing a playing area using the above elements.

Abstract: A flexible dasher board assembly and system that utilizes four different aspects for providing shock absorbing features in order to absorb any of four different types of forces imparted thereon by players. In a first aspect, the entire dasher board assembly is provided with rotational flexibility such that the entire dasher board assembly will pivot about a point substantially near the bottom of the dasher board and close to the ice. In a second aspect, the entire dasher board system is provided with translational flexibility, such that the entire dasher board assembly can be pushed substantially parallel with and away from the ice. In a third aspect, only the shielding panel is provided with rotational flexibility such that the shielding panel (and its support struts in a supported assembly) will pivot about a point within the dasher board.

Abstract: A dasher board assembly having a U-shaped channel for receiving a shielding panel, and a rotatable cam co-operating with the channel to releasably clamp the shielding panel to the channel.

Abstract: An inflatable skating rink made up of a plurality of base modules positioned adjacent to one another to define a perimeter of the skating rink. Base modules are made of a flexible material which is substantially impermeable to air. The base modules can be conveniently inflated and deflated. The adjacent base modules include air portals for providing a fluid passageway between the interior of the two adjacently positioned base modules so that the base modules can be mutually inflated and deflated. The adjacent base modules may be connected together in a manner so that they may be separated from one another during disassembly of the skating rink.

Abstract: A modular containment wall for a sports area. The containment wall is an assembly of panels, each panel having a first edge, an opposing second edge, and interlocking members configured and arranged for (i) interlocking the first edge to a first adjacent panel and (ii) interlocking the second edge to a second adjacent panel. Support legs are rotatably disposed on a back wall of the panels. Each support leg is removably attachable to at least three different attachment sites at the back wall of a panel. The interlocking, modular design of the containment wall enables quick and easy assembly and reassembly, as well as modification to form door ways, sitting areas and similar component structures. In one embodiment, the rear side of the panel includes a recess formed therein. During periods of nonuse, the support leg can be rotated into the recess in a storage position, permitting easy stacking and storage of the panels with the support legs neatly disposed in the rear recesses.

Abstract: The size of a walled ball-court's playing area is changed by moving a wall into and out of one side thereof (e.g., the end of an elongate court). The wall moves on wheels rolling in horizontal tracks inset into the floor of the court. The movable wall is mounted on one end of a frame extending outwards from the ball-court, and the weight of the wall is balanced with counterweights so that the wall does not tip when moved. A mechanical drive, which may be manually powered by a single operator, applies horizontal forces to the wall in order to move it back and forth along the tracks. In a preferred embodiment, two sets of wheels, spaced out along the movable wall, are used. In this configuration the spacing between the two sets of wheels is adjustable to allow an installer to select an optimal spacing.

Abstract: A gas detector is disclosed which includes a CO sensor and a processor. The CO sensor senses an environmental CO concentration and provides a variable electrical output in response. The processor receives digitized samples of the sensor's electrical output and computes, with each measurement sample, a COHb level of a hypothetical person exposed to the CO concentration sensed. The computation involves determining an equilibrium COHb level for each measurement sample, which is compared with a previously computed COHb level associated with previously measured samples. The previously computed COHb level is updated based on the comparison. When the computed COHb level is above a predetermined danger threshold, the processor preferably causes an audible and visual alarm to be activated to alert any persons present. The gas detector can further include a CH.sub.4 sensor coupled to the processor for independently sensing CH.sub.4 levels such that an alarm is activated when the CH.sub.

Abstract: In a playing field boundary, particularly for ball games, that encompasses a peripheral, vertical band comprising a plurality of plate-like band elements that can be connected to one another, in order to make the boundary easy to transport and assemble, as well as highly stable in the assembled state, it is provided that the band elements (1) can be connected to one another form-fittingly, and that a peripheral, tensible belt arrangement (belt 28) is provided which encompasses the band elements (1).

Abstract: A dasher board assembly having a U-shaped channel for receiving a shielding panel, and a rotatable cam co-operating with the channel to releasably clamp the shielding panel to the channel.

Abstract: A ball play system provides a confined play area that has a plurality of balls and a ball cleaning apparatus for cleaning the balls. A target structure is disposed in the play area so that balls which strike a target area pass through a ball supply outlet while balls that miss the target area rebound into the play area. The cleaning apparatus receives balls from a conveyor that communicates with the ball supply outlet of the play area. Cleaned balls from the cleaning apparatus are returned to the play area at a ball inlet by means of a ball return apparatus. The ball return apparatus is a chute, a blower to propel the balls upwardly in the chute to a chute outlet and a rail assembly that receives balls from the chute and returns them to the play area under gravity fee. The rail assembly is serpentine and of a sufficient length so that the cleaned balls undergo drying during transit. A method utilizing this ball play and cleaning system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of corner posts positionable in a rectangular array, each corner post including a cylindrical tube positionable in a vertical orientation, each tube having a lower end and an upper end with a cap with a closed top positionable over the upper end and an extension member positioned over the lower end, the extension member being cylindrical in configuration with an internal shoulder adapted to receive thereagainst the lower end of the tube, the upper cap and lower extension member being formed with outwardly extending rings adapted to support corners of a screen, the lower end of the extension being formed with upwardly extending recesses for forming spring urged tangs therebetween; and a plurality of bases, each base adapted to receive the lower end of the extension member and positionable in a rectangular array beneath the posts and extension members, each base including a planar lower surface and a generally hemispherical upper surface with a vertical recess formed to extend downwardly from the up

Abstract: A basketball safety return apparatus utilizes a plurality of moveable pole support bases and a plurality of poles adapted to be mounted vertically in the pole support bases. Netting is connected to the vertically mounted poles and the poles and bases are mounted and arranged so that the netting forms a barrier behind the basketball hoop and along at least one side. The basketball safety return apparatus may be readily assembled, positioned, disassembled and stored. The inexpensive apparatus of the present invention prevents the basketball from rolling into the neighbor's yards and more importantly from rolling down a driveway into a street where it may be retrieved without sufficient attention to avoid a child being hit by a vehicle approaching on a street.

Abstract: An enclosed or open playing court, of generally rectangular shape, has two vertical end walls and two vertical side walls with four traps or alcoves spaced along the side walls. The court is bounded by a floor below, and optionally a ceiling above. The vertical end walls at each end of the court are the scoring walls. Players typically stand at each end of the court and face each other. A resilient rubber ball is caught and thrown by hand. The play consists of throwing the ball towards the opponent's scoring wall. The ball must bounce twice on the floor within a designated area, before being caught by the other player, or striking the opponent's scoring wall at a minimum height above the floor. In normal play, after the ball is caught by the other player, it is returned by throwing the ball towards the scoring wall defended by first player. To score a point, the ball must pass the other player and hit the back wall.

Abstract: A soccer court comprises a rectangular playing area approximately the size of a tennis court and preferably covered with artificial turf, an enclosing wall with goal openings in the end walls and goal nets disposed outside of the playing area. The enclosing wall is constructed of a plurality of rigid transparent panels held in place by horizontal and vertical supports. Player entry doors are provided in the enclosing wall. The goal may optionally be configured as an inverted U and/or provided with doors to fully or partially close the goal opening. A backstop net is provided above each end wall to block errant shots on the goals, and the playing area may be bisected to create two substantially square training areas.

Abstract: This invention generally provides an apparatus and a method for allowing the use of an existing handball court for playing both the game of handball and the game of squash. This invention includes an apparatus and method by which a rear squash wall is fixed at the appropriate location in an existing handball court for use during the play of squash. To then allow the play of handball, the rear squash wall is then detached, moved to the rear of the handball court, lifted to a position over the rear-end of the handball court and suspended behind and above the area of play used for handball. The reverse is performed to convert the handball court back for use for squash.