FORMS FOR FORMING GATE SUPPORTS FOR THROWING CAGES

Abstract

Forms for constructing a first gate foundation and a second gate foundation in a support structure for positioning and supporting rotatable gates of throwing cages such as for discus, hammer, or discus/hammer throwing cages. The forms may include a first form and a second form. The forms may include an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end. The forms are installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable to form a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of the rotatable gates of the throwing cage. In some embodiments, the forms may include an arcuate enclosure and/or a gate post support attached to the enclosure operable for supporting a gate post of a rotatable gate. In other embodiments, the forms may include a net pole support attached to the enclosure operable for supporting a net pole.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to throwing cages, and more particularly to forms for forming gate supports for throwing cages.

BACKGROUND

Discus/hammer throwing cages often include a pair of rotatable gates that are used primarily to confine the discus or hammer during errant throws. Right-handed throwers typically close the left-hand gate, and vice-versa for left-handed throwers, to protect against over-rotation and “pulling” the throw outside of the landing area defined by sector lines that establish the appropriate landing area for legal throws.

Typically, a rotatable gate has a wheel for support and movement of the gate, which wheel is typically supported by a hand-formed radiused concrete pad that is formed on-site during installation of the discus/hammer throwing cages. Alternatively, discus/hammer throwing cages can include a large concrete pad formed spanning the entire footprint of the throwing cage, in which case the wheels rest on the oversized pad. The rotatable gates typically feature a locking pin that can be depressed within a series of drilled holes in the concrete. The locking pin and holes secure the gates in desirable positions, and prevents the gates from moving during wind/weather events.

SUMMARY

Shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision in one embodiment for a pair of forms for constructing a first gate foundation and a second gate foundation in the support structure of a throwing cage. The pair of forms includes a first form and a second form. The first form includes an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end and a gate post support attached to the enclosure. The first form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a first rotatable gate of the throwing cage, and the gate post support is operable for supporting a first gate post of the first rotatable gate of the throwing cage. The second form includes an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end and a gate post support attached to the enclosure. The second form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a second rotatable gate of the throwing cage, and the gate post support is operable for supporting a second gate post of the second rotatable gate of the throwing cage.

In some embodiments, the first form further includes a net pole support for supporting an end of a net pole for supporting a netting of the throwing cage, and the second form further includes a net pole support for supporting an end of a net pole for supporting the netting of the throwing cage. In some embodiments, the first form includes the gate post support being a sleeve and the net pole support being a sleeve, and the second form includes the gate post support being a sleeve and the net pole support being a sleeve.

In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, installing the pair of forms in the support structure relative to a location for a throwing circle. The method may include excavating the support structure, placing the pair of forms in the excavated support structure, and placing cement in the cavities of the pair of forms. The method may further include installing a plurality of net pole supports in the support structure to support a plurality of net poles around the location for the throwing circle, and installing a throwing circle.

In another embodiment, a pair of forms for constructing a first gate foundation and a second gate foundation in a support structure of a throwing cage. The pair of forms includes a first prefabricated form and a second prefabricated form. The first prefabricated form includes an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end. The first form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad to support a wheel of a first rotatable gate of the throwing cage. The second prefabricated form includes an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end. The second form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad to support a wheel of a first rotatable gate of the throwing cage.

In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, excavating a first portion of a support structure, placing a first prefabricated form in the excavated first portion of the support structure, the first prefabricated form having an enclosure, excavating a second portion of the support structure; placing a second prefabricated form in the excavated second portion of the support structure, the second prefabricated form having an enclosure; placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the first prefabricated form with a top surface of the uncured cement even with a top edge of the enclosure of the first prefabricated form; placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the second prefabricated form with a top surface of the uncured cement even with a top edge of the enclosure of the second prefabricated form, and allowing the cement to cure.

In another embodiment, a method includes, for example, excavating a first portion of an support structure, placing a first prefabricated form in the excavated first portion of the support structure, the first prefabricated form having an enclosure connected to a gate post support, excavating a second portion of the support structure, placing a second prefabricated form in the excavated second portion of the support structure, the second prefabricated form having an enclosure connected to a gate post support, placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the first prefabricated form, placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the second prefabricated form, and allowing the cement to cure.

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 perspective view of a discus/hammer throwing cage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the net poles of the discus/hammer throwing cage of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper end of the net pole of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the extension arm of the net pole of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the cleat of the net pole of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the net pole sleeves of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gate foundation form and a rotatable gate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view from above of the gate foundation form of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below of the gate foundation form of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the enclosure of the gate foundation form of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the plurality of prefabricated subassemblies for forming the enclosure of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the components for forming one of the subassembly of FIG. 11, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view from above of the gate post sleeve, net pole sleeve, and cross-members of the gate foundation form of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view from below of the gate post sleeve, net pole sleeve, and cross-members of the gate foundation form of FIG. 13, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the rotatable gate of FIG. 7, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for installing a pair of gate foundations in a support structure for a discus/hammer throwing cage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the gate foundation form of FIG. 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for installing a pair of gate foundations in a support structure for a discus/hammer throwing cage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a layout for a college discuss/hammer throwing cage with a single throwing circle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a layout for a college discuss/hammer throwing cage with a dual throwing circle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure and certain features, advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the disclosure in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The present disclosure is generally directed to forming systems for throwing cages such as discus, hammer, or discus/hammer throwing cages. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to forms, such as prefabricated forms, for forming gate foundations for rotatable gates for throwing cages. As will be appreciated from the description below, the present disclosure may simplify and standardize the forming of the radiused concrete pads for the rotatable gates for throwing cages.

For example, the present disclosure as described further below is directed to a pair of prefabricated forms that allow for easy installation and support for a pair of rotatable gates for throwing cages. The forms are operable for use in a support structure such as the ground of an athletic field. The gate foundation forms may be prefabricated under manufacturing conditions thereby assuring accuracy and economy. The gate foundation forms can be readily transported, assembled, and installed to produce at the same time a pair of vertical gate post supports and a pair of horizontal pads for supporting the gate posts and the gate wheels of the throwing cages that is permanent and economical. In some embodiments, the gate foundation forms may be operable to provide a pair of a pair of horizontal pads. In some embodiments, the gate foundation forms may be operable to provide a pair of a pair of horizontal pads and a pair of vertical gate post supports. In other embodiments, the gate foundation forms may be operable to provide a pair of horizontal pads, a pair of vertical gate post supports, and a pair of vertical net pole supports. In some embodiments, the gate foundation forms may allow readily forming horizontal pads and passageways for vertical gate posts and vertical net poles in which the pads and the passageways are maintained perpendicular to each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates a discus/hammer throwing cage 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, discus/hammer throwing cage 10 is disposable around a throwing circle 12 disposed on a support structure 14 such as an athletic field or other surface. For example, discus/hammer throwing cage 10 may be installed within or near a playing field and/or running track, in a miscellaneous location outside of or completely away from the field or track area, or in a dedicated “throwing area” that may stand completely alone from the balance of other sports facilities. Discus/hammer throwing cage 10 defines an opening 16 allowing an athlete to throw the discus or hammer through opening 16 and towards a landing zone on support structure 14.

For example, discus/hammer throwing cage 10 may generally include a plurality of upright net pole assemblies 100, a plurality of net pole sleeve assemblies 200, a main netting 300, a first rotating gate assembly 400, a second rotating gate assembly 500, a first gate foundation form 600, and a second gate foundation form 700. Discus/hammer throwing cage 10 may be operable for protecting spectators and others on a support structure such as a track field from an errantly thrown discus or hammer. As described in greater detail below, first and second gate foundation forms 600 and 700 are employed for use in forming a pair of arcuate pads 601 and 701 for supporting a wheel 410 of first rotating gate 400 and a wheel 510 of second rotating gate 500, respectively, on support structure 14 adjacent to throwing circle 12. In addition, as described below, first and second gate foundation forms 600 and 700 may be operable for providing support for the gate posts and the net poles. First and second gate foundation forms 600 and 700 may be mirror images of each other.

Plurality of upright net pole assemblies 100 may include spaced part elongated net poles 110 having a curved upper portion 120, and a straight lower portion 130. Plurality of net pole sleeve assemblies 200 may be disposed and installed in the support structure 14. The lower portions of the net poles may be attachable or receivable in the net pole sleeve assemblies 200.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, upper portion 120 of net pole 110 is attached to a pulley 130. Upper portion 310 of net 300 is held adjacent to upper portion 120 of net pole 110 by a tether 140 hanging from pulley 130 to facilitate the raising and lowering of net 300. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, lower portion 130 of net pole 110 may include a hinged net stabilizer extension arm 150 disposed at the finish grade or at the surface of the support structure. Arm 150 has a proximal end 152 attached to a hinge 154, which hinge 154 is operably attached to net pole 110. A spring hook 158 is attached to a distal end 156 of arm 150. Spring hook 158 is operably attachable to the lower portion 320 of net 300. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a cleat 160 may be operable attached to net pole 110 for securing the end of tether 140 operable for use in raising and lowering net 300. With reference again to FIG. 1, the combination of the curved upper portion of net poles 110 and the hinged net stabilizer extension arms 150 are operable to support net 300 inwardly and away from net poles 110. A shorter net 350 may be disposed and supported by lower portions 130 of net poles 110. Net 350 is spaced from main net 300.

With reference still to FIG. 1, a first vertical front edge portion 330 of net 300 is operably attached to a net pole 112 and second vertical edge portion 340 of net 300 is operably attached to a net pole 114. Net poles 112 and 114 may be net poles having a straight configuration.

Net poles 110 may be operably supported from support structure 14 by the plurality of net pole sleeve assemblies 200. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, net pole sleeve assembly 200 may include a sleeve 210 having a longitudinal vertical passageway 215 therein. A base plate 220 may be operably attached to a lower end 212 of sleeve 210. An anti-rotation stop bolt 230 may extend across lower end 212 of sleeve 210 for use in locking the orientation of a net pole. An upper end of the sleeve 210 may include a pair of alignment notches 216 that may be used to correctly position and orient net pole sleeve assembly 200 during installation to allow for proper orientation of the upright net pole. For example, notches 216 may be aligned with stop bolt 230.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rotatable gate 1500 and a gate foundation form 1700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated from the description below, gate foundation form 1700 is installable in the support structure, and once filled with cement and cured, provides a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel 1510 of rotatable gate 1500 of a discus/hammer throwing cage on a support structure. In addition, gate foundation form 1700 may be operable to provide support for a gate post 1520 and a net pole (not shown in FIG. 7). Gate foundation form 700 (FIG. 1) may be essentially similar to gate foundation form 1700 and gate foundation form 600 (FIG. 1) may be essentially a mirror image of gate foundation form 1700.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, gate foundation form 1700 generally includes a prefabricated enclosure 1710 and a gate post sleeve 2000 operably attached to enclosure 1710, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described below, gate foundation form 1700 is installable in the support structure so that enclosure 1710 having an open upper end defines a cavity 1715 operable for forming a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a rotatable gate of a discus/hammer throwing cage. In some embodiments, gate post sleeve 2000 is operable for forming a vertical passageway 2015 for receiving a gate post of the rotatable gate of the discus/hammer throwing cage. A discus/hammer throwing cage may include second gate foundation form being a mirror image of gate foundation form 1700.

In this illustrated embodiment, enclosure 1710 may include the open upper end defining an arcuate open upper end. For example, enclosure 1710 may include an outer curved wall 1720, an inner curved wall 1730, a first end wall 1740, a second end wall 1750, and a bottom wall 1760. An end 1722 of outer wall 1720 may be operably attached to first end wall 1740, and an end 1724 of outer wall 1720 may be operably attached to second end wall 1750. An end 1732 of inner wall 1730 may be operably attached to first end wall 1740, and end 1734 of inner wall 1730 may be operably attached to second end wall 1750. In some embodiments, the enclosure need not include a bottom wall.

As shown in FIG. 10, enclosure 1710 may include a first wheel stop or chock 1745 and a second wheel stop or chock 1755 for allowing the gate and wheel to move between the chocks and limiting or preventing movement of the gate and wheel past the chocks. For example, the wheel stops or chocks may be separate components that may be installed after installation of enclosure 1710 by being mounted to the cured cement forming the horizontal pad.

Enclosure 1710 may also include a first round gate locking rod plate 1735 and a second round locking rod plate 1737 for locking the gate at various locations. For example, the gate locking rod plates may be separate components that may be mounted to the surface of the cured cement forming the horizontal pad. During installation, the plates locate and protect manually drilled holes in the cured cement and prevent chipping at the surface over time. The holes allow a user to lock a movable rod attached to the gate in the locking rod plate to fixedly position the gate during use. The plates may be round, square or have other suitable configurations. In other embodiments, the enclosures may include the stops or chocks and the locking rod plates operably attached to the walls of the enclosure prior to placing the cement in the enclosures during installation.

With reference to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, enclosure 1710 may be formed from a first prefabricated half, portion, or subassembly 1800 and a second prefabricated half, portion, or subassembly 1900, which portions may be assembled on site during installation.

As shown in FIG. 12, first prefabricated subassembly 1800 may include an outer curved wall portion 1820, an inner curved wall portion 1830, end wall 1740, a bottom wall portion 1860, cross-panels 1845 and 1847, a bracket 1850, and a plurality of gussets 1870. An end 1822 of outer wall portion 1820 may be operably attached to first end wall 1740, and an end 1824 of outer wall 1820 may be operably attached to cross-panel 1847. Cross-panel 1845 may be disposed between end wall 1740 and cross-panel 1847. The cross-panels 1845 and 1847 may include a plurality of openings 1846 and 1848, respectively. In some embodiments, subassembly 1800 may include bracket 1850 and the plurality of gussets 1870 disposed adjacent the open upper end of the enclosure. For example, bracket 1850 may be offset and extend along the inner surfaces of the enclosure and span across the width of the enclosure. Second subassembly 1900 (FIG. 11) may be configured similarly to first prefabricated subassembly 1800.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a first and a second locators or cross-members 2100 and 2200 may be employed for connecting gate post sleeve 2000 to the enclosure. The locators or cross-members are connected to the enclosure and the gate post sleeve to ensure the wheel of the gate will fall where it is supposed to and avoid improper spacing and installation that may result in the wheel missing the horizontal curb. For example, distal ends 2110 and 2210 of the cross-members 2100 and 2200 may be attached to opposite walls of the enclosure. Proximal ends 2120 and 2220 of the cross-members 2100 and 2200 may be operably attached to alignment brackets 2300 and 2350, which alignment brackets are attached to gate post sleeve 2000.

In some embodiments, a net pole sleeve 2400 may be disposed adjacent to and parallel to gate post sleeve 2000 for forming a passageway 2415 for receiving an end of a net pole for supporting a netting of the discus/hammer throwing cage. Alignment brackets 2300 and 2350 may be operable to attach gate post sleeve, net pole sleeve, and the cross-member together. A plate 2500 may attach to lower ends of gate post sleeve 2000 and net pole sleeve 2400. A plate 2550 may attached to center portions of gate post sleeve 2000 and net pole sleeve 2400.

With reference to FIG. 15, gate 1500 may include vertical gate post 1520, a vertical member 1525 spaced from vertical gate post 1520, a plurality of horizontal members 1530, 1532, and 1534, a plurality of diagonal braces 1540, 1542, 1544, and 1546 that together define a frame for supporting a netting 1550. A plurality of pulleys 1560 may be operably attached to horizontal member 1530 for supporting first and second tethers 1570 and 1572. One end of the tether may be attached to the upper edge of net 1550. A lower end of tethers 1570 and 1572 may be attached to spring hooks or clips attached to horizontal member 1534. It will be appreciated that the frame of the gate may have other suitable configurations.

With reference again to FIG. 1, installation may include installing a pair of gate foundation forms in the support structure relative of a location for a throwing circle. For example, installation may include excavating the support structure, placing the pair of forms in the excavated support structure, and placing cement in the cavities of the pair of gate foundation forms to form horizontal pads. The installation may further include installing a plurality of net pole sleeves in the support structure for receiving a plurality of net poles around the location for the throwing circle, and installing a throwing circle. In other embodiments, installation may include providing the pair of forms fixedly disposed in the support structure and providing a discus/hammer throwing cage attached to the support structure so that the wheels of the rotatable gates are supported by the horizontal pads.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method 3000 for installing a gate foundation in a support structure for a discus/hammer throwing cage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, method 3000 may include at 3100 excavating a first portion of an support structure, at 3200 placing a first prefabricated form in the excavated first portion of the support structure, the first prefabricated form includes an enclosure connected to a gate post support, at 3300 excavating a second portion of the support structure, at 3400 placing a second prefabricated form in the excavated second portion of the support structure, the second prefabricated form includes an enclosure connected to a gate post support, at 3500 placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the first prefabricated form, at 3600 placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the second prefabricated form, and at 3700 allowing the cement to cure. The upper edges of the enclosure forms guides for leveling the uncured cement during installation.

FIG. 17 illustrates a gate foundation form 4700, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated from the description below, gate foundation form 4700 is installable in the support structure, and once filled with cement and cured, provides a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a rotatable gate of a discus/hammer throwing cage on a support structure. Gate foundation form 4700 may be essentially similar to enclosure 1710 (FIG. 10) of gate foundation form 1700 (FIGS. 8 and 9).

As shown in FIG. 17, gate foundation form 4700 generally includes a prefabricated enclosure 4710. Gate foundation form 4700 is installable in the support structure so that enclosure 4710 having an open upper end defines a cavity 4715 operable for forming a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a rotatable gate of a discus/hammer throwing cage. A discus/hammer throwing cage may include a second gate foundation form 4700.

In this illustrated embodiment, enclosure 4710 may include the open upper end defining an arcuate open upper end. For example, enclosure 4710 may include an outer curved wall 4720, an inner curved wall 4730, a first end wall 4740, a second end wall 4750, and a bottom wall 4760. An end 4722 of outer wall 4720 may be operably attached to first end wall 4740, and an end 4724 of outer wall 4720 may be operably attached to second end wall 4750. An end 4732 of inner wall 4730 may be operably attached to first end wall 4740, and end 4734 of inner wall 4730 may be operably attached to second end wall 4750. In some embodiments, the enclosure need not include a bottom wall.

With reference still to FIG. 17, enclosure 4710 may include a first wheel stop or chock 4745, a second wheel stop or chock 4755 for allowing the gate and wheel to move between the chocks and limiting or preventing movement of the gate and wheel past the chocks. For example, the wheel stops or chocks may be separate components that may be installed after installation of enclosure 4710 by being mounted to the cured cement forming the horizontal pad.

Enclosure 4740 may also include a first round gate locking rod plate 4735 and a second round locking rod plate 4737 for locking the gate at various locations. For example, the gate locking rod plates may be separate components that may be mounted to the surface of the cured cement forming the horizontal pad. During installation, the plates locate and protect manually drilled holes in the cured cement and prevent chipping at the surface over time. The holes allow a user to lock a movable rod attached to the gate in the locking rod plate to fixedly position the gate during use. The plates may be square or have other suitable configurations. In other embodiments, the enclosures may include the stops or chocks and the locking rod plates operably attached to the walls of the enclosure prior to placing the cement in the enclosures during installation.

FIG. 18 illustrates a method 5000 for installing a gate foundation in a support structure for a discus/hammer throwing cage, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, method 5000 may include at 5100 excavating a first portion of an support structure, at 5200 placing a first prefabricated form in the excavated first portion of the support structure, the first prefabricated form includes an enclosure, at 5300 excavating a second portion of the support structure, at 5400 placing a second prefabricated form in the excavated second portion of the support structure, the second prefabricated form includes an enclosure, at 5500 placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the first prefabricated form with a top surface of the uncured cement even with a top edge of the enclosure of the first prefabricated form, at 5600 placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the second prefabricated form with a top surface of the uncured cement even with a top edge of the enclosure of the second prefabricated form, and at 5700 allowing the cement to cure.

FIG. 19 is a layout for a college discuss/hammer throwing cage with a single throwing circle 6012, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, a gate foundation form 6600 may include an enclosure 6610 having an inner wall 6630 having a radius R1 of about 8 feet. An outer wall 6620 may be spaced a distance S1 from inner wall 6630 about 16 inches. A second gate foundation form 6700 may be a mirror image of gate foundation form 6600.

FIG. 20 is a layout for a college discuss/hammer throwing cage with a pair of throwing circles 7012 and 7013, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrated embodiment, a gate foundation form 7600 may include an enclosure 7610 having an inner wall 7630 having a radius R2 of about 12 feet. An outer wall 7620 may be spaced a distance S2 from inner wall 7630 about 16 inches. A second gate foundation form 7700 may be a mirror image of gate foundation form 7600.

In other embodiments, a layout for a discus/hammer throwing cage with a single throwing circle meeting the World Athletics (formerly known as IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation) regulations may include gate foundation forms having an enclosure having an inner wall having a radius of about 3 feet, 3¾ inches. An outer wall may be spaced a distance from the inner wall about 16 inches. In other embodiments, a layout for a discus/hammer throwing cage with a pair of throwing circles meeting the World Athletics regulations may include gate foundation forms having an enclosure having an inner wall having a radius of about 3 feet, 1 inch. An outer wall may be spaced a distance from the inner wall about 16 inches. The layouts of the throwing cages may follow the World Athletics, NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), or other rules and requirements.

From the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the gate foundations forms may be employed with discus throwing cages, hammer throwing cages, and discus and hammer throwing cages.

The throwing circle may be formed manually in the support structure or may be formed using a prefabricated throwing circle form. For example, a suitable prefabricated throwing circle may include the prefabricated throwing circle forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,925,280, 8,578,678, and 8,186,684 by Oliver, which patents are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

The net may include a plurality of openings. For example, the net may include a plurality of generally square-shaped openings having a height and a width of about 1¾ inch to about 4 inches.

The net pole sleeve may have an outside diameter of about 4 inches and have a ⅛ inch wall. The net pole sleeve assembly may have a length of about 30 inches, about 40 inches, about 48 inches, about 60 inches, and about 72 inches depending on the height of the desired net poles and net. Plastic end caps may be provided for covering the opening of the net pole sleeves when the throwing cage is not being used and removed from the support structure.

The net poles may have a length or height of about 20 feet, about 30 feet, about 40 feet, about 50 feet, about 60 feet, or other suitable length or height. The hinged stabilizer extension arms may have a length of about 36 inches.

From the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the gate foundation forms may include supports for supporting the gate post and the net pole such as sleeves having passageways for receiving the gate post or net pole therein, sleeves or posts on which passageways in the gate post and net pole are disposed over the sleeves or posts, operably connecting members, or other suitable configurations, and combinations thereof.

The gate foundation forms may include the enclosures having the inner curved wall and the outer curved wall having a height between about 1 foot and about 3 feet, and may have a height of about 2 feet. The outer wall may be spaced between about 1 foot and 2 feet, and may be spaced 16 inches from the inner wall.

From the present description it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may provide advantages over conventional manually installed gate foundations for throwing cages. For example, the prefabricated gate foundation forms may be operable to reduce the time and effort for installation versus hand-forming a gate foundation form, which is complicated by the curvature required. The gate foundation forms may allow proper placement, elevation, and dimensions relative to the gate or wheels of the gate.

The prefabricated gate forms may provide standard dimensions preventing the horizontal pad from being too narrow or installed too shallow. The gate form pads provide a smaller footprint compared to forming a conventional large concrete pad spanning the entire footprint of the throwing cage.

The gate foundation forms may allow forming horizontal pads consistently and having even elevation, and preventing binding of the gate compared to if the horizontal pad height varies (or is installed too low in general) and does not fully support the weight of the gate, which may result in the gate binding and becoming difficult to move.

The inclusion of the gate foundation form having stops or chocks prevent the wheel of the gate from leaving the pad, which may otherwise cause the gate to bind, and may result in damage during a wind/weather event if the gates are not properly secured. The stops or chocks reduce the likelihood or prevent the gates swinging freely and banging against the remainder of the throwing cage, and reduce the stress on the gate posts when the wheels leave the curb and are no longer supporting the cantilevered weight of the gate.

The enclosure may include other configurations, for example, providing a larger horizontal pad than illustrated, providing an enclosure having one, two or three straight sides, or other configurations, but which provides after installation a portion of the pad providing a surface upon which the wheel of the gate is supported. From the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the gates may include more than one wheel.

The enclosure, net poles, net pole sleeves, gate post sleeves, and gates may be formed from a suitable metal such as aluminum or steel.

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. In addition, the devices and apparatus may include more or fewer components or features than the embodiments as described and illustrated herein. Further, the above-described embodiments and/or aspects thereof may be used in combination with each other. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to be taken as illustrative, as opposed to limiting 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 operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general apparatus 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.

Claims

1. A pair of forms for constructing a first gate foundation and a second gate foundation in a support structure of a throwing cage, the pair of forms comprising: a first form comprising: an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end;a gate post support attached to the enclosure;wherein the first form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a first rotatable gate of the throwing cage; andwherein the gate post support is operable for supporting a first gate post of the first rotatable gate of the throwing cage; anda second form comprising: an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end;a gate post support attached to the enclosure; andwherein the second form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad for supporting a wheel of a second rotatable gate of the throwing cage; andwherein the gate post support is operable for supporting a second gate post of the second rotatable gate of the throwing cage.

2. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the open upper end of the enclosure of the first form comprises an arcuate open upper end; andthe open upper end of the enclosure of the second form comprises an arcuate open upper end.

3. The pair of forms of claim 2 wherein: the enclosure of the first form comprises: an outer curved wall;an inner curved wall;wherein the inner curved wall and outer curved wall has a height of 2 feet; andthe outer wall is spaced 16 inches from the inner wall; andthe enclosure of the second form comprises: an outer curved wall;an inner curved wall;wherein the inner curved wall and outer curved wall has a height of 2 feet; andthe outer wall is spaced 16 inches from the inner wall.

4. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the first form comprises: at least one cross-member for attaching the gate post support to the enclosure; andthe second form comprises: at least one cross-member for attaching the gate post support to the enclosure.

5. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the first form comprises: a prefabricated first enclosure portion;a prefabricated second enclosure portion; andwherein the first enclosure portion is attachable to the second enclosure portion; andthe second form comprises: a prefabricated first enclosure portion;a prefabricated second enclosure portion; andwherein the first enclosure portion is attachable to the second enclosure portion.

6. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the first form comprises: an alignment bracket for attaching an end of the first cross-member to the gate post support of the first form; andthe second form comprises: an alignment bracket for attaching an end of the second cross-member to the gate post support of the second form.

7. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the first form further comprises: a net pole support for supporting an end of a net pole for supporting a netting of the throwing cage; andthe second form further comprises: a net pole support for supporting an end of a net pole for supporting the netting of the throwing cage.

8. The pair of forms of claim 7 wherein: the first form comprises: the gate post support comprising a sleeve; andthe net pole support comprising a sleeve; andthe second form comprises: the gate post support comprising a sleeve; andthe net pole support comprising a sleeve.

9. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the first form comprises: a first wheel chock;a second wheel chock;a first gate locking rod plate; anda second locking rod plate; andthe second form comprises: a first wheel chock;a second wheel chock;a first gate locking rod plate; anda second locking rod plate.

10. The pair of forms of claim 1 wherein: the enclosure and the gate post support of the first form comprise metal; andthe enclosure and the gate post support of the second form comprise metal.

11. The pair of forms of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of net poles;a plurality of net pole supports;a net;the first rotatable gate; andthe second rotatable gate.

12. The pair of forms of claim 10 further comprising: a form for forming a throwing circle.

13. A method comprising: installing the pair of forms of claim 1 in the support structure relative to a location for a throwing circle.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the installing the pair of forms comprises: excavating the support structure;placing the pair of forms in the excavated support structure; andplacing uncured cement in the cavities of the pair of forms to form the horizontal pads.

15. A method of claim 13 further comprising: installing a plurality of net pole supports in the support structure for receiving a plurality of net poles around the location of the throwing circle; andinstalling a throwing circle.

16. A method comprising: providing the pair of forms of claim 1 fixedly disposed in the support structure having the horizontal pads; andproviding a throwing cage attached to the support structure so that the wheels of the rotatable gates are supported by the horizontal pads.

17. A pair of forms for constructing a first gate foundation and a second gate foundation in a support structure of a throwing cage, the pair of forms comprising: a first prefabricated form comprising: an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end; andwherein the first form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad to support a wheel of a first rotatable gate of the throwing cage; anda second prefabricated form comprising: an enclosure defining a cavity having an open upper end; andwherein the second form is installable in the support structure so that the enclosure is operable for forming a horizontal pad to support a wheel of a second rotatable gate of the throwing cage.

18. The pair of forms of claim 17 wherein: the open upper end of the enclosure of the first form comprises an arcuate open upper end; andthe open upper end of the enclosure of the second form comprises an arcuate open upper end.

19. The pair of forms of claim 17 wherein: the enclosure of the first form comprises: an outer curved wall;an inner curved wall;wherein the inner curved wall and outer curved wall has a height of 2 feet; andthe outer wall is spaced 16 inches from the inner wall; andthe enclosure of the second form comprises: an outer curved wall;an inner curved wall;wherein the inner curved wall and outer curved wall has a height of 2 feet; andthe outer wall is spaced 16 inches from the inner wall.

20. The pair of forms of claim 17 wherein: the first form comprises: a prefabricated first enclosure portion;a prefabricated second enclosure portion; andwherein the first enclosure portion is attachable to the second enclosure portion; andthe second form comprises: a prefabricated first enclosure portion;a prefabricated second enclosure portion; andwherein the first enclosure portion is attachable to the second enclosure portion.

21. The pair of forms of claim 17 wherein: the first form comprises: a first wheel chock;a second wheel chock;a first gate locking rod plate; anda second locking rod plate; andthe second form comprises: a first wheel chock;a second wheel chock;a first gate locking rod plate; anda second locking rod plate.

22. The pair of forms of claim 17 wherein: the enclosure comprises metal; andthe enclosure comprises metal.

23. The pair of forms of claim 17 further comprising: a plurality of net poles;a plurality of net pole supports,a net;the first rotatable gate; andthe second rotatable gate.

24. The pair of forms of claim 23 further comprising: a form for forming a throwing circle.

25. A method comprising: installing the pair of forms of claim 17 in the support structure relative of a location for a throwing circle.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the installing the pair of forms comprises: excavating the support structure;placing the pair of forms in the excavated support structure; andplacing uncured cement in the cavities of the pair of forms to form the horizontal pads.

27. A method of claim 26 further comprising: installing a plurality of gate post supports in the support structure for receiving a plurality of rotatable gates;installing a plurality of net pole supports in the support structure for receiving a plurality of net poles around the location of the throwing circle; andinstalling a throwing circle.

28. A method comprising: providing the pair of forms of claim 17 fixedly disposed in the support structure having the horizontal pads; andproviding a throwing cage attached to the support structure so that the wheels of the rotatable gates are supported by the horizontal pads.

29. A method comprising: excavating a first portion of a support structure;placing a first prefabricated gate form in the excavated first portion of the support structure, the second prefabricated form comprising an enclosure;excavating a second portion of the support structure;placing a second prefabricated gate form in the excavated second portion of the support structure, the second prefabricated form comprising an enclosure;placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the first prefabricated form with a top surface even with a top edge of the enclosure of the first prefabricated form;placing uncured cement in the enclosure of the second prefabricated form with a top surface even with a top edge of the enclosure of the second prefabricated form; andallowing the cement to cure.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein: the first prefabricated form comprises the enclosure having sides defining a planar opening, and the enclosure connected to a gate post support defining a vertical passageway having a longitudinal axis disposed perpendicular to the planar opening; andthe second prefabricated form comprises the enclosure having sides defining a planar opening, and the enclosure connected to a gate post support defining a vertical passageway having a longitudinal axis disposed perpendicular to the to the planar opening.

31. The method of claim 29 further comprising: installing a plurality of net pole supports for receiving a plurality of net poles around the location of the throwing circle; andinstalling a throwing circle.

32. The method of claim 31 further comprising: installing a plurality of net poles in the plurality of net pole supports;supporting a netting from the plurality of net poles;installing a post of a first rotatable gate of a throwing cage in the gate post supports of the first prefabricated form with at least one wheel of the first gate supported on the cured cement in the first prefabricated form; andinstalling a post of a second rotatable gate of the throwing cage in the gate post support of the second prefabricated form with at least one wheel of the second gate supported on the cured cement in the second prefabricated form.

33. The method of claim 29 wherein: the first prefabricated form comprises an enclosure connected to a gate post support and to a net pole support for receiving a net pole for supporting a net; andthe second prefabricated form comprises an enclosure connected to a gate post support and to a net pole support for receiving a net pole for supporting the net.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the enclosures of the first and second forms are formed from a metallic sheet material and the gate post supports of the first and second forms are formed from a tubular metallic material.