TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plates, and more particularly to forms and methods for constructing a foundation for batter’s and catcher’s boxes, and supporting a home plate.
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, supports for securing a home plate in synthetic turf require custom designs and fabrications. One example includes providing a wood frame formed from, e.g., 2 inch by 4 inch wood boards, having sides cut and assembled for receiving a home plate in the wood frame. The assembled wood frame is installed in and even with the surface of the ground.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a prior art concrete form 1 for supporting a home plate 5. Concrete form 1 is formed using a square frame and a cutout in the shape of a home plate, e.g., a 2 inch thick rigid piece of insulation, oversized by a ½ inch. The home plate is shimmed to the desired height. Often, the home plate foundation is an inaccurate product. In addition, the forming of the home plate foundation is labor intensive and time consuming.
Batter’s boxes are the place where batters stand when ready to receive a pitch from the pitcher. Typically, the batter’s boxes are drawn in chalk on the dirt surrounding home plate. Batter’s boxes, one on each side of home plate, are centered lengthwise at the center of home plate with the inside line of each batter’s box 6 inches from the near edge of home plate.
SUMMARY
Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of a form for constructing a foundation for batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate in a support structure of a synthetic turf field for playing baseball or softball. The form includes, for example, a hollow frame a peripheral side defining an open lower surface and an open lower surface. The hollow frame is sized to extend under the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, and a home plate frame is supportable by the hollow frame. A home plate frame is spaced within the peripheral side and supportable by the hollow frame. The home plate frame includes a cavity for receiving the home plate.
In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, locating the above form on the support structure relative to a location of a baseball diamond, and providing uncured concrete in the form. Thereafter, synthetic turf may be provided over the cured concrete in the form, and a home plate installed in the cavity of the home plate form.
In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, providing a plurality of prefabricated frame sections, each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections defining a hollow frame section, positioning and assembling the plurality of prefabricated frame sections on a support structure of a field for playing baseball or softball, the plurality of assembled prefabricated frame sections sized to extend under batter’s and catcher’s boxes and support a home plate frame, providing uncured concrete in the assembled prefabricated frame sections and around the home plate frame, forming an upper surface of the uncured concrete, providing synthetic turf over the cured concrete filled assembled prefabricated frame sections, and installing a home plate in the home plate frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The subject matter which is regarded as the disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The disclosure, however, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art home plate foundation and a home plate;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art home plate foundation and home plate taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an assembled baseball foundation form for constructing a foundation for baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate on a synthetic turf field, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is an exploded, top perspective view of the foundation form of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the foundation form of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the foundation form of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a front side elevational view of the foundation form of FIG. 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the prefabricated center frame section of the foundation form of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the prefabricated home plate form of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the home plate form of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the home plate frame of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the home plate frame of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a side view of the home plate frame of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the adjustable tray of the home plate form of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14 of the adjustable tray, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the home plate form taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a portion of the home plate form of FIG. 16 illustrating the drain tube, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of the home plate form of FIG. 16 illustrating the supports and threaded members, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the prefabricated right-handed batter’s box form of the foundation form of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the prefabricated catcher’s box form of the foundation form of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 21-26 are perspective views of a method using the foundation form of FIG. 3 for installing a batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the foundation form of FIG. 3, with a replaceable rubber layer and replaceable synthetic turf portion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the foundation form of FIG. 3, with peripheral nailer boards, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 29 illustrates a top view of the foundation form of FIG. 3 with superimposed typical striping or line markings outlining baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 30 illustrates a top view of an assembled baseball foundation form for constructing a foundation for baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate on a synthetic turf field with superimposed typical striping or line markings outlining baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of an assembled softball foundation form for constructing a foundation for softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate on a synthetic turf field, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 32 is an exploded, top perspective view of the foundation form of FIG. 30, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 33 is perspective view of the installed foundation form of FIG. 30 with a rubber layer and synthetic turf, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the foundation form of FIG. 30, with peripheral nailer boards, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 35 illustrates a top view of the foundation form of FIG. 31 with superimposed typical striping or line markings outlining softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 36 illustrates a top view of an assembled softball foundation form for constructing a foundation for softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate on a synthetic turf field with superimposed typical striping or line markings outlining softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a method for constructing a foundation for baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate on a synthetic turf field, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure is directed to batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plates for playing baseball and softball on a synthetic turf field. For example, batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form, once installed, may allow for readily securing a synthetic turf and a home plate for playing baseball and softball. The home plate foundation form may be prefabricated under manufacturing conditions and quality control thereby assuring accuracy and economy.
The prefabricated frame sections and components of the batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form can be readily transported and installed to produce an accurate foundation form that is permanent and economical. In some embodiments, the home plate portion of the form may include an adjustable tray for adjusting the position and/or orientation of the home plate so that it be evenly disposed relative to the upper surface of the field such as a synthetic turf field. The home plate may also be easily replaceable. As will be appreciated from the present description, the present disclosure may provide batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation forms along with a synthetic turf interface to create a seamless playing surface. In some embodiments, a separate replaceable synthetic turf material and/or a rubber layer be disposed over the installed foundation form for the batter’s and catcher’s boxes and around the home plate. The assembly of the foundation forms may include provisions for rebar and stakes. The foundation form may include foundation guides for screeding the concrete. In some embodiments, the cavity in the home plate form for receiving the home plate may be provided with one or more prefabricated and preassembled drainage tubes or pipes.
With reference to FIG. 3, therein illustrated is a prefabricated baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form 10 for use beneath a surface of synthetic turf (not shown in FIG. 3) for forming baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate for playing baseball, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, prefabricated foundation form 10 may generally include a plurality of prefabricated frame sections 12. Each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections may define a hollow frame having a generally open upper surface and a generally open lower surface. As described in greater detail below, the assembled form may be filled with concrete. The plurality of prefabricated frame sections may have upper surfaces that can be used to screed and position a top surface of the concrete. Once the concrete is cured, synthetic turf may be disposed over the cured concrete and the installed foundation form 10 around a home plate form 500 for receiving a removable home plate 80 (FIG. 26).
In this illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, plurality of prefabricated frame sections 12 of baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form 10 may include a prefabricated center frame section 100, a prefabricated right batter’s box frame section 200, a prefabricated left batter’s box frame section 300, and a prefabricated catcher’s box frame section 400. Prefabricated center frame section 100 may include home plate form 500 having a cavity 501 for receiving and locating a home plate. Each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections 100, 200, 300, and 400 may have a generally planar rectangular configuration, which together form a full batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form when assembled. As will be appreciated, in some embodiments, prefabricated outer frame sections 200 and 300 may be the same.
With reference to FIGS. 5-7, prefabricated frame sections 100, 200, 300, and 400 may have a height H1 such as a constant peripheral height. In some embodiments, height H1 may be about 5 inches to about 7 inches, about 6 inches, or other suitable height.
As shown in FIG. 8, center frame section 100 may include a first major side member 110, a second major side member 120, a first minor side member 130, and a second minor side member 140. The first and second major side members may be parallel to each other, and the first and second minor side members may be parallel to each other. Ends 112 and 114 of first major side member 110 may be operably connected to first ends 132 and 142 of minor side members 130 and 140, respectively. Ends 122 and 124 of second major side member 120 may be operably connected to second ends 134 and 144 of second minor side members 130 and 140, respectively. The major side members may be disposed at right angles to the minor side members to define a generally rectangular frame. Major and minor side members 110, 120, 130, 140 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions 115, 125, 135, and 145, top flange portions 116, 126, 136, and 146, and bottom flange portions 117 (FIG. 8), 127, 137 (FIG. 10), and 147, respectively. A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of the webs of major side members 110 and 120.
Center frame section 100 may also include a first plurality of cross-members 150 and a second plurality of cross-members 160 extending between major side member 110 and major side member 120, and parallel to minor side members 130 and 140. The first cross-members 150 may have a C-shaped configuration having lower horizontal web portions 155, first upwardly-extending flange portions 156, and second upwardly-extending flange portions 157. Second cross-members 160 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions 165, top flange portions 166, and bottom flange portions (not shown). A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of the webs of the second cross-members 160. The side members of center frame section 100 may generally define an open bottom and an open top. Cross-members 160 may have a height less than the height of major side members 110 and 120, and minor side members 130 and 140. Home plate form 500 may be disposed and located on second cross-members 160 for receiving a home plate. In some embodiments, home plate form 500 may rest on and be operably fixedly attached to top flange portions 166 of second cross-members 160.
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in this illustrated embodiment, home plate form 500 may generally include a home plate frame 600, an adjustable tray 700, a plurality of supports 800, a plurality of adjustable members 850 (FIG. 10), and at least one drain tube 900.
As shown in FIGS. 11-13, home plate frame 600 may include a bottom 610 and a sidewall 620 such as a peripherally-extending sidewall defining an upper opening 640 (FIG. 11) and a chamber 650 (FIG. 11) therein. Bottom 610 may include an upper surface 612 (FIG. 11) and a lower surface 614 (FIG. 12). Peripherally-extending sidewall 620 may include an inner surface 622 (FIG. 11) and an outer surface 624 (FIG. 12). For example, home plate frame 600 may be formed from a planar member with folded sides to provide bottom 610 and peripherally-extending sidewall 620. In some embodiments, home plate frame 600 may include an outwardly-extending ledge or lip 660. While home plate frame 600 may be formed from a single sheet of material, it will be appreciated that the home plate frame 600 may be formed from two or more components.
Peripheral sidewall 620 may include a first side 631, a second side 632, a third side 633, a fourth side 634 opposite second side 632, and a fifth side 635. The sides 631, 632, 633, 634, and 635 may be vertical sides. Bottom 610 may be a five-sided bottom having a planar irregular pentagon shape and the adjacent sides may be disposed at ninety degrees from bottom 610. Adjacent sides 632, 633, and 634 may be disposed at ninety degrees from each other. Adjacent sides 631 and 635 may be disposed at ninety degrees from each other. Home plate frame 600 may form chamber 650 therein. Bottom 610 may be sized slightly larger than a home place so that the home plate may be received in the chamber of home plate frame 600 as described in greater detail below. For example, bottom 610 may have a length of slightly larger than 17 inches adjacent to side 633, a length slightly larger than 8.5 inches adjacent to sides 632 and 634, and a length slightly larger than 12 inches adjacent to sides 631 and 635. For example, the size of the bottom may provide a ½ inch spacing around a conventional home plate.
With reference to FIG. 11, outwardly-extending ledge or lip 660 may extend from each of the sides, and include an outwardly-extending lip 661, 662, 663, 664, and 665 that may include a horizontal outwardly-extending portion 671, 672, 673, 674, and 675, respectively. Home plate frame 600 may be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum, and/or may be formed from a sheet metal material having a thickness of about ⅛ inch. The corners or intersections of the sides may or may not be welded together.
As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, adjustable tray 700 may be a five-sided planar member having an irregular pentagon shape. For example, tray 700 may have an upper surface 712 and a lower surface 714 (FIG. 15). Tray 700 may have a first edge 731, a second edge 732, a third edge 733, a fourth edge 734 opposite second edge 732, and a fifth edge 735. For example, first edge 731 and fifth edge 735 may have a length of about 12 inches, edges 732 and 734 may have a length of about 8.5 inches, and edge 733 may have a length of about 17 inches. Tray 700 may be sized smaller than home plate frame 600 so that tray 700 is receivable in home plate frame 600 (FIG. 9). In some embodiments, tray 700 may include an opening 750, such as an obround opening, operable to provide a handle. Tray 700 may be formed from a metallic material such as aluminum, and/or may be formed from a sheet metal material having a thickness of about 3/16 inch.
As shown in FIG. 16, one or more drain tubes, such as drain tube 900 may be disposed in the center of bottom 610 and may provide fluid communication between chamber 650 of home plate frame 600 and a lower surface of prefabricated center frame section 100 (FIG. 3). For example, drain tube 900 may provide fluid communication between cavity 650 of home plate frame 600 and the ground supporting the bottom of prefabricated center frame section 100. As described below, once prefabricated baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form 10 (FIG. 3) is installed on the ground, water passing between a home plate 1000 (FIG. 26) and home plate frame 600 will be able to drain out of the installed home plate form 500 (FIG. 19). The drain tube may a single drain tube, or may include two or more drain tubes such as hollow cylindrical drain tubes, with one spaced on one side of the bottom of home plate form 600 and on the other side of the home plate form 600.
As shown in FIG. 17, drain tube 900 may have a first end portion 910 and a second end portion 920. First end portion 910 may be operably attached to bottom 610 of home plate frame 600. For example, bottom 610 of home plate frame 600 may have a hole 613 (FIG. 10). First end portion 910 of drain tube 900 may extend through hole 613 (FIG. 10) and be operably secured such as in a press fit manner, by welding, or another suitable attachment manner. Second end portion 920 may be operably attached and extend below the lower end of cross-members 160 of center frame section 100 (FIG. 8). It will be appreciated that the drawings and/or drain tubes may be disposed in other locations of the home plate form, and/or extend from other portions of the home plate form.
As shown in FIG. 18, support 800 may have a first end portion 810 and a second end portion 820. First end portion 810 may be operably attached to bottom 610 of home plate frame 600. For example, bottom 610 of home plate frame 600 may have a plurality of holes 617 (FIG. 10). Upper end portion 810 of support 800 may extend through hole 617 (FIG. 10) and be operably secured such as in a press fit manner, by welding, or another suitable attachment manner. Second end portion 820 may operably extend and be even with bottom of foundation form 10 (FIG. 3).
In some embodiments, support 800 may be employed to adjustably position tray 700 (FIG. 10) within home plate frame 600. For example, support 800 may include a threaded opening 808 for receiving a threaded member 850. In this illustrated embodiment, support 800 may receive threaded member 850 for adjustably positioning and orienting tray 700. For example, each of supports 800 and threaded members 850 may be disposed adjacent a different one of the three right angles of home plate frame 600.
As shown in FIG. 19, right-handed batter’s box frame section 200 may include a first major side member 210, a second major side member 220, a first minor side member 230, and a second minor side member 240. The first and second major side members may be parallel to each other, and the first and second minor side members may be parallel to each other. Ends 212 and 214 of first major side member 210 may be operably connected to first ends 232 and 242 of minor side members 230 and 240, respectively. Ends 222 and 224 of second major side member 220 may be operably connected to second ends 234 and 244 of second minor side members 230 and 240, respectively. Major side members may be disposed at right angles to minor side members to define a generally rectangular frame. Major and minor side members 210, 220, 230, 240 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions 215, 225, 235, and 245, top flange portions 216, 226, 236, and 246, and bottom flange portions 217, 227, 237, and 247, respectively. A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of web 225 of major side member 220.
Right-handed batter’s box frame section 200 may also include a plurality of cross-members 250 extending between major side member 210 and major side member 220, and parallel to minor side members 230 and 240. The cross-members 250 may have a C-shaped configuration having lower horizontal web portions 255, first upwardly-extending flange portions 256, and second upwardly-extending flange portions 257. The side members of right-handed batter’s box frame section 200 may generally define an open bottom and an open top. Cross-members 250 may have a height less than the height of major side members 210 and 220, and minor side members 230 and 240. Left-handed batter’s box frame section 200 may be the same or essentially the same as right-handed batter’s box frame section 200. As described below, the top flange portions of the major and minor sides of the right-handed and left-handed batter’s box frame sections 200 and 300 allow for screeding and forming a portion of the top surface of the uncured concrete.
As shown in FIG. 20, catcher’s box frame section 400 may include a first major side member 410, a second major side member 420, a first minor side member 430, and a second minor side member 440. The first and second major side members may be parallel to each other, and the first and second minor side members may be parallel to each other. Ends 412 and 414 of first major side member 410 may be operably connected to first ends 432 and 442 of minor side members 430 and 440, respectively. Ends 422 and 424 of second major side member 420 may be operably connected to second ends 434 and 444 of second minor side members 430 and 440, respectively. Major side members may be disposed at right angles to minor side members to define a generally rectangular frame. Major and minor side members 410, 420, 430, 440 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions 415, 425, 435, and 445, top flange portions 416, 426, 436, and 446, and bottom flange portions 417, 427, 437, and 447, respectively. A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of web 445 of minor side member 440.
Catcher’s box frame section 400 may also include a plurality of cross-members 450 extending between major side member 410 and major side member 420, and parallel to minor side members 430 and 440. The cross-members 450 may have a C-shaped configuration having lower horizontal web portions 455, a first upwardly-extending flange portions 456, and a second upwardly-extending flange portion 457. The side members of catcher’s box frame section 400 may generally define an open bottom and an open top. Cross-members 450 may have a height less than the height of major side members 410 and 420, and minor side members 430 and 440. As described below, the top flange portions of the major and minor sides of catcher’s box frame section 400 allow for screeding and forming a portion of the top surface of the uncured concrete. In some embodiment, the catcher’s box frame section may be sized to extend under the typical location for the home plate umpire.
FIGS. 21-26 illustrate one example of a method for installing foundation form 10 for constructing baseball batter’s and catcher’s boxes, and a home plate in a synthetic turf field for playing baseball, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Initially, as shown in FIG. 21, project specific drawings may be checked to determine the field location for the prefabricated center section 100 on a support structure 20 such as the ground or a layer of stone. As shown in FIG. 21, the location of prefabricated center section 100 may set such that the home plate frame for receiving the home plate is properly located and oriented with the pitcher’s mound and the three bases. In some embodiments, the ground 20 may be prepped and leveled to provide a level surface on which the prefabricated center section 100 is placed. The appropriate installation elevation may be achieved by excavating or site preparation in a suitable manner.
As shown in FIG. 22, prefabricated right-handed batter’s box frame section 200, prefabricated left-handed batter’s box frame section 300, and prefabricated catcher’s box frame section 400 are aligned with prefabricated center section frame 100, and operably attached together at the various hole locations using connection hardware such as bolts and nuts. The assembled foundation form 10 may be staked in place by driving ½-inch rebar through provided holes in the plurality of the cross-members of the prefabricated frames. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the rebar stakes may be installed through one or more of holes 151 in webs 155 of cross-members 150 of central frame section 100, through one or more holes 251 in the webs 255 of cross-members 250 of right-handed batter’s box frame section 200, through one or more holes 351 in the webs 355 of cross-members 350 of left-handed batter’s box frame section 300, through one or more holes 451 in the webs 455 of cross-members 450 of catcher’s box frame section 400. The rebar may have an upper end having an enlarged head, L-shape, or curved hook shape. The rebar stakes may be about 1 foot to about 2 feet long.
As shown in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, horizontal rebar 30 may be positioned across and laid on top of or in notches in the cross-members of the assembled frame sections 100, 200, 300, 400. In other embodiments, a mesh may be disposed on top of the cross-members.
As shown in FIG. 24, uncured concrete 50 is poured into or placed in the assembled prefabricated center frame section 100, prefabricated right-handed batter’s box frame section 200, prefabricated left-handed batter’s box frame 300, and prefabricated catcher’s box frame 400 of assembled foundation form 10. Upper surfaces of top flange portions 116, 126, 136, and 146 of the side members of center frame section 100, upper surfaces of top flange portions 216, 226, 236, and 246 of the side members of right-handed batter’s box frame section 200, upper surfaces of top flange portions 316, 326, 336, and 346 of the side members of left-handed batter’s box frame section 300, and upper surfaces of top flange portions 416, 426, 436, and 446 of the side members of catcher’s box frame section 400 allow for installation personnel to screed or pass a leveling device over the uncured concrete to provide a level and/or even uncured concrete surface across assembled foundation form 10. The concrete is allowed to cure and harden so that the assembled frame sections are anchored to the ground. It will be appreciated that the assembled foundation form is configured to have sufficient strength to maintain it shape when filled with the uncured concrete.
Outwardly-extending ledge or lip 660 of home plate frame 600 may be disposed at an elevation higher than the rest of foundation form 10. For example, upper surfaces of top flange portions 116, 126, 136, and 146 of the side members of center frame section 100 may allow installation personnel to screed or pass a leveling device over the uncured concrete to provide a level and/or even uncured concrete surface below the upper surface of outwardly-extending ledge or lip 600 of home plate frame 600. As described below, a rubber layer may be disposed on the cured concrete with a top surface of the rubber layer aligned with the upper surface of outwardly-extending ledge or lip 660 of home plate frame 600.
The space around the outside of the assembled frame sections may be back filled with stone 40 to the top of the foundation for 10. In some embodiments, the backfilling with stone around the perimeter of the assembled foundation form may be performed before the concrete is poured and cured.
With reference to FIG. 25, once the concrete 50 (FIG. 24) has been placed and cured, a rubber layer 60 may be cut and secured over foundation form 10 (FIG. 24) with the cured concrete 50 (FIG. 24). For example, the rubber layer may be a ¼ inch rubber layer. Thereafter, a synthetic turf 70 may disposed over the field and the rubber layer 60. The incorporation of the rubber layer between the cured concrete and synthetic turf creates a resilient buffer to players that dig into the turf with their cleats and may reduce the likelihood of wearing through the synthetic turf backing and contacting the cured concrete underneath. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge of the rubber layer may be operably secured in place by attachment to nailer boards disposed around the perimeter of the foundation form, as described below.
As shown in FIG. 26, synthetic turf 70 may be disposed over and secured to the upper surfaces of flanges of home plate frame 600, and/or tucked into the home plate frame 600 recess such as disposed over and secured to the inner surface of the sides of home plate frame 600. For example, synthetic turf 70 may be secured to the inside vertical side of home plate frame 600 with self-tapping screws. In some embodiments, depending on the thickness of the synthetic turf or the density of the fibers or “thatch layer”, the synthetic turf fibers of the synthetic turf may be shaved down as necessary during this step to allow for clearance for receiving the home plate. Threaded members 850 (FIG. 10) may be installed in supports 800 (FIG. 10), and tray 700 may be placed in home plate frame 600 and disposed on threaded members 850. Home plate 1000 may be placed in home plate frame 600 and supported on tray 700. The height of the home plate height may be adjusted as needed by adjusting the height of threaded member 850, for example, adjusting threaded members or bolts. The home plate may be a standard or conventional home plate. In some embodiments, the home plate may be a reversible home plate.
By securing the synthetic turf inside the inner frame, a friction fit may be achieved with a home plate 1000. In other embodiments, the synthetic turf may include a horizontal lip that borders the cavity for the home plate, such that the synthetic turf will be fastened to the upper flanges surrounding the cavity using an adhesive and/or fasteners such as self-tapping screws.
With reference to FIG. 27, in some embodiments, a synthetic turf 70 may include a stand-alone replaceable T-shaped synthetic turf section 75, portions of which are shown in FIG. 27, that extends over the installed foundation form. The attachment of the replaceable T-shaped section 18 may be secured over rubber layer 60 adjacent to home plate frame 600 as described above. Since replaceable T-shaped turf section 75 is in a high wear area, the replaceable T-shaped section 75 can be replaced without the need to replace the remainder of the synthetic turf 70. In addition, rubber layer, or portions thereof may be replaceable. As described below, in some embodiments, the peripheral edge of the rubber layer, and the mating edges of synthetic turf 70 and synthetic turf section 75, may be operably secured in place by attachment to nailer boards disposed around the perimeter of the foundation form. In other embodiments, the edges of mating the synthetic turf 70 and synthetic turf section 75 may be operably sewn or stitched together or operably releasably attached together with hook-and-loop fasteners such VELCRO fasteners.
FIG. 28 illustrates foundation form 10 having a plurality of nailer boards 11 disposed and secured around the perimeter of foundation form 10. The nailer boards may be formed from wood, synthetic wood material, a plastic or polymer material, or other suitable material. The nailer boards may be a 2 inch by 4 inch board. Rubber layer 60 may be a plurality of assembled rubber layers. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge of rubber layer, and the mating edges of synthetic turf 70 and synthetic turf section 75, may be operably secured in place by attachment to nailer boards disposed around the perimeter of the foundation form. For example, the peripheral edge of the rubber layer and/or mating edges of the synthetic turf may be secured to the nailer boards with nails, screws, and, and/or staples, or other suitable fasteners.
FIG. 29 illustrates assembled baseball batter’s boxes and catcher’s box foundation form 10 and superimposed typical striping or line markings 90 outlining the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, assembled foundation form 10 may provide a perimeter or peripheral edge that extends outwardly from the typical striping or line markings 90. For example, center frame section 100 may have a length L1 of about 84 inches and a width W1 of about 55 inches, right-handed batter’s box frame section 200 and left-handed batter’s box frame section 300 may have a length L1 of about 84 inches and a width W2 of about 41 inches, and catcher’s box frame section 400 may have a length L2 of about 62 inches and a width W2 of about 55 inches. In this example, the perimeter or peripheral edge of the assembled foundation 10 may extend about 5 inches to about 6 inches outwardly from the typical striping or line markings 90 outlining the batter’s and catcher’s boxes. The stripping for the batter’s boxes may have a length of about 72 inches and a width of about 48 inches. The stripping for the catcher’s box may have a length of about 69 inches and a width of about 43 inches.
FIG. 30 illustrates an assembled baseball batter’s boxes and catcher’s box foundation form 15 and superimposed typical striping or line markings 95 outlining the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, assembled foundation form 15 may provide a perimeter or peripheral edge that corresponds or is even with the outer edge of the typical striping or line markings 95. For example, a center frame section 115 may have a length L3 of about 72 inches and a width W3 of about 43 inches, right-handed batter’s box frame section 215 and left-handed batter’s box frame section 315 may have a length L3 of about 72 inches and a width W4 of about 41 inches, and catcher’s box frame section 415 may have a length L4 of about 59 inches and a width W3 of about 43 inches. The stripping for the batter’s boxes may have a length of about 72 inches and a width of about 48 inches. The stripping for the catcher’s box may have a length of about 69 inches and a width of about 43 inches.
With reference to FIG. 31, therein illustrated is a prefabricated softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form 1010 for use beneath a surface of synthetic turf (not shown in FIG. 3) for forming softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and supporting a home plate for playing softball, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, prefabricated foundation form 1010 may generally include a plurality of prefabricated sections 1012. Each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections may define a hollow frame having a generally open upper surface and a generally open lower surface. As described in greater detail below, the assembled form may be filled with concrete. The plurality of prefabricated frame sections may have upper surfaces that can be used to screed and position a top surface of the concrete. Once the concrete is cured, synthetic turf may be disposed over the cured concrete and the installed foundation form 1010 around a home plate form 1500 for receiving a removable home plate 1080 (FIG. 26).
In this illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, plurality of prefabricated frame sections 1012 of softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form 1010 may include a prefabricated first frame section 1100, a prefabricated second frame section 1200, and a prefabricated third frame section 1300. Prefabricated first frame section 1100 may include home plate form 1500 having a cavity 1501 for receiving and locating a home plate. Each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections 1100, 1200, and 1300 may have a generally planar rectangular configuration, which together form a full batter’s and catcher’s boxes and home plate foundation form when assembled. Prefabricated frame sections 1100, 1200, and 1300 may have a height such as a constant peripheral height. In some embodiments, height may be about 5 inches to about 7 inches, about 6 inches, or other suitable height.
Prefabricated first frame section 1100 may include a first major side member 1110, a second major side member 1120, a first minor side member 1130, and a second minor side member 1140. The first and second major side members may be parallel to each other, and the first and second minor side members may be parallel to each other. Ends of first minor side member 1110 may be operably connected to first ends of major side members 1130 and 1140, respectively. Ends of second minor side member 1120 may be operably connected to second ends of second major side members 1130 and 1140, respectively. The major side members may be disposed at right angles to the minor side members to define a generally rectangular frame. Major and minor side members 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions, top flange portions, and bottom flange portions, respectively . A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of the web of major side members 1130.
Prefabricated first frame section 1100 may also include a first plurality of cross-members 1150 and a second plurality of cross-members 1155 extending between major side member 1130 and major side member 1140, and parallel to minor side members 1110 and 1120. The first cross-members 1150 may have a C-shaped configuration having lower horizontal web portions, first upwardly-extending flange portions, and second upwardly-extending flange portions. Second cross-members 1155 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions, top flange portions, and bottom flange portions. A third plurality of cross-members 1160 may extend between cross-member 1155. Third cross-members 1160 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions, top flange portions, and bottom flange portions. Cross-members 1160 may have a height less than the height of minor side members 1110 and 1120, major side members 1130 and 1140, and cross-members 1155. Home plate form 1500 may be disposed and located on second cross-members 1160 for receiving a home plate. In some embodiments, home plate form 1500 may rest on and be operably fixedly attached to top flange portions of second cross-members 160. A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of the webs of the cross-members 1160, and major side 1130. The side members of first frame section 1100 may generally define an open bottom and an open top.
In this illustrated embodiment, home plate form 1500 may be essentially the same as home plate form 1500 (FIGS. 9 and 10) and generally include a home plate frame, an adjustable tray, a plurality of supports, a plurality of adjustable members (, and at least one drain tube.
With reference still to FIG. 32, prefabricated second frame section 1200 may include a first minor side member 1210, a second minor side member 1220, a first major side member 1230, and a second major side member 1240. The first and second major side members may be parallel to each other, and the first and second minor side members may be parallel to each other. Ends of first minor side member 1210 may be operably connected to first ends of major side members 1230 and 1240, respectively. Ends of second minor side member 1220 may be operably connected to second ends of second major side members 1230 and 1240, respectively. Major side members may be disposed at right angles to minor side members to define a generally rectangular frame. Major and minor side members 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240 may have a C-shaped configuration having vertical web portions, top flange portions, and bottom flange portions, respectively. A plurality of apertures may be provided along the length of the web of major side members 1230 and 1240.
Prefabricated second frame section 1200 may also include a plurality of cross-members 1250 extending between major side member 1230 and major side member 1240, and parallel to minor side members 1210 and 1220. The cross-members 1250 may have a C-shaped configuration having lower horizontal web portions, first upwardly-extending flange portions, and second upwardly-extending flange portions. The side members of prefabricated second frame section 1200 may generally define an open bottom and an open top. Cross-members 1250 may have a height less than the height of major side members 1230 and 1240, and minor side members 1210 and 1220. The webs of cross-members 1250 may include holes for stakes, and the upwardly-extending flange portions may include notches for locating and supporting rebar.
Prefabricated third frame section 1300 may be the same or essentially the same as prefabricated second frame section 1200, with the exception that the major side member 1340 may include a plurality of apertures along the length of the web of major side members 1340, and the web of major side member 1330 may not include the plurality of apertures along the length of the web. As described below, the top flange portions of the major and minor sides of frame sections 1100, 1200, and 1300 allow for screeding and forming a portion of the top surface of the uncured concrete. In some embodiment, the third frame section may be sized to extend under the typical location for the home plate umpire.
FIG. 33 illustrates one example of a method for installing foundation form 1010 for constructing softball batter’s and catcher’s boxes, and a home plate in a synthetic turf field for playing softball, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, installation may be similar to the installation of foundation form 10 described above.
For example. initially project specific drawings may be checked to determine the field location for the prefabricated first frame section 1100 on a support structure 20 such as the ground or a layer of stone 30. As shown in FIG. 33, the location of prefabricated first frame section 1100 may set such that the home plate frame for receiving the home plate is properly located and oriented with the pitcher’s mound and the three bases. In some embodiments, the ground 20 may be prepped and leveled to provide a level surface on which the prefabricated center section 1100 is placed (FIG. 32). The appropriate installation elevation may be achieved by excavating or site preparation in a suitable manner.
Prefabricated second frame section 1200 is aligned and secured to prefabricated first frame section 1100, and prefabricated third frame section 1300 is aligned with prefabricated second frame section 1200. For example, the frame sections may be operably attached together at the various hole locations using connection hardware such as bolts and nuts. The assembled foundation form 1010 may be staked in place by driving ½-inch rebar through provided holes in the plurality of the cross-members of the prefabricated frame sections, as described above. In some embodiments, horizontal rebar (not shown) may be positioned across and laid on top of or in notches in the cross-members of the assembled frame sections 1100, 1200, and 1300. In other embodiments, a mesh may be disposed on top of the cross-members.
Uncured concrete 1050 is poured into or placed in the assembled prefabricated frame sections of assembled foundation form 1010. Upper surfaces of top flange portions of the side members of frame sections allow for installation personnel to screed or pass a leveling device over the uncured concrete to provide a level and/or even uncured concrete surface across assembled foundation form 1010. The concrete is allowed to cure and harden so that the assembled frame sections are anchored to the ground. It will be appreciated that the assembled foundation form is configured to have sufficient strength to maintain it shape when filled with the uncured concrete.
Outwardly-extending ledge or lip 1660 of home plate frame 1600 may be disposed at an elevation higher than the rest of foundation form 1010 and the leveled uncured concrete. The space around the outside of the assembled frame sections may be back filled with stone 1040 to the top of the foundation for 1010. In some embodiments, the backfilling with stone around the perimeter of the assembled foundation form may be performed before the concrete is poured and cured.
Once the concrete 1050 has been placed and cured, a rubber layer 1060 may be cut and secured over the foundation form 1010 with the cured concrete 1050. For example, the rubber layer may be a ¼ inch rubber layer. Thereafter, a synthetic turf 1070 may disposed over the field and the rubber layer 1060. As described above, the incorporation of the rubber layer between the cured concrete and synthetic turf creates a resilient buffer to players that dig into the turf with their cleats and may reduce the likelihood of wearing through the synthetic turf backing and contacting the cured concrete underneath. Synthetic turf 1070 may be disposed over and secured to the upper surfaces of flanges of home plate frame 1600, and/or tucked into home plate frame 1600 recess such as disposed over and secured to the inner surface of the sides of home plate frame 1600, as described above regarding home plate frame 600 (FIG. 26). In some embodiments, a synthetic turf may include a stand-alone replaceable rectangular turf section of synthetic turf sized to extend over rubber layer 1060 and secured over rubber layer 1060 adjacent to home plate frame 1600 as described above. Since the replaceable rectangular section is in a high wear area, the replaceable rectangular section can be replaced without the need to replace the remainder of the synthetic turf. In addition, rubber layer, or portions thereof, may be replaceable. Tray 1700 may be placed in home plate frame 1600 and adjusted as described above in connection with tray 700 (FIGS. 14 and 15).
FIG. 34 illustrates foundation form 1010 with a plurality of nailer boards 1011 (three of four being shown in FIG. 34) disposed around the perimeter of foundation form 1010. Rubber layer 1060 may be a plurality of assembled rubber layers.
FIG. 35 illustrates assembled softball batter’s boxes and catcher’s box foundation form 1010 and superimposed typical striping or line markings 1090 outlining the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, assembled foundation form 1010 may provide a perimeter or peripheral edge that extends outwardly from the typical striping or line markings 1090. For example, first frame section 1100 may have a length L5 of about 72 inches and a width of about 114 inches, second frame section 1200 may have a length L5 of about 72 inches and a width of about 114 inches, and third frame section 1300 may have a length L5 of about 72 inches and a width of about 114 inches. In this example, the perimeter or peripheral edge of the assembled foundation 1010 may extend about 5 inches to about 6 inches outwardly from the typical striping or line markings 90 outlining the batter’s and catcher’s boxes. The stripping for the batter’s boxes may have a length of about 84 inches and a width of about 36 inches. The stripping for the catcher’s box may have a length of about 120 inches and a width of about 100 inches.
FIG. 36 illustrates assembled softball batter’s boxes and catcher’s box foundation form 1015 and superimposed typical striping or line markings 1095 outlining the batter’s and catcher’s boxes, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, assembled foundation form 1015 may provide a perimeter or peripheral edge that corresponds or is even with the outer edge of the typical striping or line markings 95. For example, first frame section 1115 may have a length L6 of about 68 inches and a width W6 of about 101 inches, second frame section 1215 may have a length L6 of about 68 inches and a width W3 of about 101 inches, and third frame section 1315 may have a length L6 of about 68 inches and a width W3 of about 101 inches. The stripping for the batter’s boxes may have a length of about 84 inches and a width of about 36 inches. The stripping for the catcher’s box may have a length of about 120 inches and a width of about 101 inches.
FIG. 37 illustrates a method 2000 for constructing a foundation for batter’s and catcher’s boxes, and supporting a home plate. For example, method 2000 may include at 2100 providing a plurality of prefabricated frame sections, each of the plurality of prefabricated frame sections comprising a hollow frame section, at 2200 positioning and assembling the plurality of prefabricated frame sections on a support structure of a field for playing baseball or softball, the plurality of assembled prefabricated frame sections sized to extend under batter’s and catcher’s boxes and support a home plate frame, at 2300 placing uncured concrete in the assembled prefabricated hollow frame sections and around the home plate frame, at 2400 forming an upper surface of the uncured concrete, at 2500 placing synthetic turf over the cured concrete filled assembled prefabricated frame sections, and at 2600 installing a home plate in the home plate frame.
From the present disclosure certain configured frame sections are described, however it will be appreciated that other frame sections may be configured which when assembled cover the areas of the home plate, batter’s and catcher’s boxes.
In other embodiments, a home plate foundation form may not include a tray. For example, shims may be used for adjusting the position and orientation of the supported home plate on the bottom of the inner frame.
It will be appreciated from the present description that the technique of present disclosure may provide a simplified or streamlined installation and quality control. The ability to adjust the height of the home plate allows adjustment due to fluctuations of the synthetic turf elevation over time, due to compaction, displacement, or replenishment of infill materials, to maintain the home plate even or flush with the surrounding synthetic turf surface for safe sliding. Other benefits of the present disclosure include synthetic turf attachment provisions, integral drainage, integral screed flanges or lips for leveling the uncured concrete, and replaceability of a home plate or use with a reversible home plate.
As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the home plate foundation forms as disclosed in the specification, including the accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative component(s) or feature(s), such as those disclosed in another embodiment, which serve the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent or similar results by such alternative component(s) or feature(s) to provide a similar function for the intended purpose. In addition, the home plate foundation forms may include more or fewer components or features than the embodiments as described and illustrated herein. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to limiting of the disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.
Patent Application
20230094617
