Patent Application
20160220879
This invention is directed toward a multiple piece pitching mound and more particularly to a multiple piece pitching mound that is used in multiple ways, is easy to assemble, and extends use.
Pitching mounds made of multiple pieces are known in the art. Present mounds are difficult to assemble requiring time and effort. In addition, during use, as a result of current attachment means, gaps can form between the pieces which affects playability and the bounce of the ball as well as creating safety issues.
In addition, current multi-piece mounds do not have stand-alone sections that are easily moved and safely used individually, particularly when practice or weather require indoor use. Also, current mounds are susceptible to wear requiring repair or replacement. As a result, a need exists for a mound that addresses these deficiencies.
Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple piece pitching mound that is easy to assemble.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple piece pitching mound where at least one piece can be removed and used as a stand-alone piece for a specific purpose.
A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a multiple piece pitching mound that is more playable and safer to use.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a pitching mound with a reusable pitching rubber.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pitching mound that is more durable and easier to maintain and repair.
These and other objectives will be apparent to those of skill in the art based upon the following written description, drawings, and claims.
A multiple piece pitching mound having a plurality of shell pieces connected by means of a releasable connection. Included is a stand-alone center shell having a top member supported by a rear vertical support and a plurality of elongated braces. The top member of the center shell has a flat section and a tapered section. A recess in the flat section is formed to receive a pitching rubber. Another recess in the top member extends from the flat section to the tapered section and is formed to receive a replaceable mat. The shell pieces have releasable connections which are formed by using a plurality of aligned clips and slots positioned on an outer perimeter of the top members of each shell.
Referring to the Figures, the portable pitching mound 10 includes a plurality of pieces or shell pieces 12 that fit together. When fit together the shell pieces 12 form a pitching mound of any shape and preferably form an oval.
A first or center shell 14 has a front end 16, a rear end 18, and a pair of sides 20. A top member 22 extends from the front end 16 to the rear end 18 and is supported by a rear vertical support 24 and a plurality of longitudinally extending braces 26. The vertical support 24 is of sufficient strength that the center shell may stand on its own. The top member 22 has a flat section 28 that extends from the rear end 18 toward the front end 16 and terminates at a tapered or angled section 30. The tapered section 30 extends downwardly from the flat section 28 to the front end 16 which is adjacent the ground surface. The sides 20 of the top member 22 taper outwardly as the sides 20 extend from the flat section 28 toward the front end 16. A plurality of slots 32 are formed in spaced relation along the outer perimeter 34 of the rear end 18 and sides 20 of the top member 22.
In one embodiment the top member 22 has a first recess 23 that is positioned inwardly form the outer perimeter 34 of the top member 22. The first recess 23 extends from the flat section 28 down the tapered section 30 and is formed to receive a replaceable mat 25 such as a rubber mat or the like. The first recess 23 is of a sufficient depth such that the top of the mat 25 is flush with the surface of the top member 22. Astro, sports turf, or other suitable material (not shown) is placed over the mat 25 and the top member 22.
A second recess 27 is positioned on the flat section 28 of the top member 22 and is generally rectangular in shape. The second recess is formed to receive a rectangular pitching rubber 29 that preferably is six inches wide, twenty-four inches long, and six inches deep. The rubber 29 fits snuggly within the second recess 27 or alternatively the second recess 27 is slightly larger than the rubber 29 and granulated rubber or the like is poured in the sides to prevent movement of the rubber. One or more drainage conduits 31 are in communication with the second recess 27 and extend down the tapered portion.
The additional shell pieces 12 are of any number, and by way of example only include a rear shell 36 and two side shell pieces 38. The rear shell 36 has a mating end 40, an opposite end 42 and a pair of sides 43. A rear top member 44 extends from the mating end 40 and tapers downwardly toward the opposite end 42 which engages the ground surface. The sides 43 of the rear top member 44 taper outwardly from the mating end 40 to the opposite end 42. The rear top member 44 is supported by a plurality of longitudinal braces 46 and has a plurality of spaced apart slots 47 along the sides 43 and a plurality of spaced apart clips 56 along edge 50.
The side shell pieces 38 have top members 48 that connect to and are flush with the center 14 and rear shell pieces 36. The top member 48 has a mating edge 50 and an outer edge 52 that engages the ground. The top member 48 tapers outwardly and downwardly from the flat section 28 of the center shell 14 to form an arcuate surface. The top members 48 are supported by a plurality of braces 54.
Connected to the mating end 40 of the rear shell 36 and the mating edge 50 of the side shell pieces 38 are a plurality of clips 56. The clips 56 are positioned to align with and be received by slots 32 and 47. The clips 56 are of any shape and preferably are L-shaped having a horizontal section 58 and a tapered vertical section 60. The clips 56 and slots 32 and 47 may be reversed without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment the horizontal section 58 of the clip 56 is received within a groove 62.
In operation, the rear shell 36 is connected to the center shell 14 by lowering the rear shell 36 from a raised position such that clips 56 slide into slots 32 of the center shell 14. The side shell pieces are similarly attached by lowering the side shell pieces 38 such that clips 56 slide into slots 32 and 47. As the rubber 29 wears, it is removed, rotated, and replaced in the second recess 27.
Accordingly a portable pitching mound has been disclosed that at the very least meets all the stated objectives.
