US1063198A - Protective cover for base-ball-playing fields and the like. - Google Patents

Description

R. L. HEDGES & A. M. BRANCH.

PROTEGTIVB COVER FOR BASE BALL PLAYING FIELDS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION IILED MAR. 21, 1912.

1,063,198, Patented June 3, 1913.

4 SHEETB-SHEET 1.

R. L. HEDGBS & A. M. BRANCH.

PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BASE BALL PLAYING FIELDS AND THE LIKE.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 21, 1912.

1,063, 1 98. Patented June 3, 1913.

4 SHEETSSHEI1}2.

COLUMBIA PLANUGRAPH co., WASHIN ooooooo c.

R. L. HEDGES & A. M. BRANCH.

PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BASE BALL PLAYING FIELDS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 21, 1912.

1,063,198, Patented June 3, 1913.

4 sums-5111:111 a r I w 6,

F &\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH cc .WASHINOTON. a. c.

R. L. HEDGES & A. M. BRANCH. PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BASE BALL PLAYING FIELDS AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 21, 1912.

1,063,198. Patented June 3, 1913.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT L. HEDGES AND ARTHUR M. BRANCH, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

PROTECTIVE COVER FOR BASE-BALL-PLAYING FIELDS AND THE LIKE.

Application filed March 21, 1912.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that we, ROBERT L. Honors and An'rn'on M. Bnaxon, citizens of the United States, residing at the city of St. Louis, State of Missouri, have jointly invented certain new and useful Improvements in Protective Covers for Base-Ball-Playing Fields and the Like, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in protective covers for base-ball playing fields and the like.

As is well known, base-ball fields, and especially the diamond portion thereof, be come, after a more or less heavy rain, so soft and wet that it is practically impossible to play hall thereon; consequently, ballgames have heretofore been frequently postponed on account of wet grounds, resulting in considerable financial loss to the owners or proprietors of such fields. An easily operable and handled protective cover for such fields a cover which may be quickly and readily placed when required in operative protecting position over the field and afterward easily removed from such position for the playing of a game-has hence been greatly wanted and desired.

The object of our invention is, therefore, broadly to provide a substantially waterproof cover in the form preferably of a large canvas or tarpaulin and supporting and operating means therefor adapted to be read ily and easily manipulated when required to operatively support the cover over, and preferably in an inclined position above and away from the surface of, the baseball diamond and portions of the playingfield adj acent the bases and baselines, and to afterward remove the cover from such operative position over the field to permit the playing of a game thereupon, the cover when in op erative position protecting the covered area from the elements and shedding rain therefrom, thereby maintaining such a r a or playing field in playing condition and thus obviating the necessity of postponing baseball games on account of wet grounds.

With this object in view, our invention resides in the provision of a series or plurality of cover-supporting members, preferably in the form of flexible cables, operatively ar ranged above the surface of the playing field and adapted to be extended and secured when Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 3,1913.

Serial No. 685,304.

required in a preferably downwardly oblique direction over and across the area or playing field to be protected and a cover of flexible material, such as canvas, arranged for movement upon said si1pportingmembers and adapted to be operatively supported thereby when required in open extended position over, and preferably obliquely above, the surface of the area of the playing field to be protected; in the provision on the cover of side and end flaps adapted, when the cover is in open extended or operative position over the area to be protected, to operatively hang down or depend therefrom and thereby prevent at the sides of the cover the entrance of rain onto said area; in the provision of means for folding up or rais ing such side and end flaps into closed inoperative position; in the provision of cover supporting or raising means, preferably in the form of a series or plurality of cables and winding drums therefor, adapted to quickly raise or remove the cover with its side and end fiaps from open extended or operative position over the playing field into folded closed or inoperative position away from or to one side of the playing field; in the provision of simple means for maintaining the supporting'cables in proper operative or extended position for supporting the cover in open extended or operative position over the playing field to be protected; in the provision of means, preferably in the form of winding drums, for readily windin up and removing the supportingcables rom the playing field when the same are not in ctivcr-supporting position; in the provision of means adapted to maintain the supportingcables taut when extended across the playing field in cover-supporting position; and in the novel construction of the several parts of our new cover and its operating and supporting-means and in the novel arrangement and combination of the same, all as will hereinafter be described and afterward pointed out in the claims.

The flexible cover-supporting-members or cables are shown in the accompanying drawinggs and will be herein described as extending from a grand-stand across the diamond in lines parallel with the base-lines between home-plate and first-base and between second-base and third-base, but it will be readily understood that said cover-supporting cables may extend in an opposite direction, if desired, or where found convenient; it

will also be understood that, while we have herein shown and will describe our new cover and its supporting and operating means or cables in connection with a grandstand, upon which grand-stand the wind ing drums for the cover-supporting and operating members or cables are operatively mounted and arranged, our new cover and its supporting and operating-means or members may equally well be operatively mounted or arranged on or in connection with any other suitable fixed support or standards. It might also be stated that, while our new protective cover is especially adapted and designed by us for use in connection with baseball playing fields, and is herein shown and will be described in that connection, yet it is to be further understood that our new protective cover may be equally well used in connection with other athletic fields and the like.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevational view showing our improved cover in open extended or operative position over a portion of a base-ball playing field and also showing the supporting and operating-means therefor; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the cover and its supporting means in open extended or operative position; Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken approximately on the line 3-3. Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken approximately on the line t t, Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken approximately on the line 5 5, Fig. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view of a support (in the present instance. a grandstand) and showing mounted thereon the winding drums for the cover-supporting and raising cables; Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line. 7 7, Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view of one of the supporting-cable anchoring-blocks and the covering-means therefor; Fig. 9 is an elevational view of one of the hangers which are operatively arranged upon and supported by the cover-supporting-cables and to which the lower ends of the cover-raisingcables are fixedly attached and which are adapted to traverse the cover-supporting-cables on the movement of the cover to open extended or operative position and to closed folded or inoperative position; Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view on the line 10 1(. Fin. 9; Fig. 11 is an elevational view of one of the cover-supporting hangers which are also operatively arranged upon and supported by the coversupportingcables and which are adapted to likewise traverse the cover-supporting-cables on the movement of the cover to open extended or operative po sition and to closed folded or inoperative position; Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view on the line 1212, Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is an elevational view of one of the hangers to which the cover guy-wires or cables are attached which are likewise operatively arranged upon and supported by the cover-supporting-cables and also adapted to traverse the cover-sitpporting cables on the movement of the cover to open extended or operative position and to closed folded or inoperative position: Fig. 14 is a vertical sectional view on the line 1 ll, Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is an elevational view of one of the hangers similar to the hanger shown in Fig. 13, but provided with a roller-support and lock for the c wer-end-fla elevating ropes; Fig. 16 is a vertical sectional view on the line 16-16. 15; Fig. 17 an elevational view of one of the hangers for the cover-side-flap elevating ropes; and Fig. 18 is a vertical sectional view on the line 18-1S. Fig. 17.

In the drawings. 1 designates the grandstand. and arranged and suitably mounted in the upper portion or on the upper deck thereot and located at suitable distances apart. is a series or plurality of windingdrums 2. the shafts of which are each provided with a suitable crank-handle 3 and a ratchct-wheel 4 having a pawl 5 engaging and cooperating therewith. There is preferably one such drum for each one of the cablesupporting members hereinafter described.

Formed in the ground of the playing field somewhat in the rear of the line between first and second-base (or at any other suitable placc thereon depending upon the area to be covered and protected). is a row of holes 6 corresponding in number and in alineinent with drunls Embedded in the ground at the bottom of each of said holes 6 is a block 7 of concrete, metal, or other suit able material, and mounted therein or connected thereto in any suitable manner is a short section of chain or cable 8 carrying at its outer end a n-eierably swiveled ring 9. hen the swiveled rings 9 and their chains are not in use and engaged by the lower ends of the cover-supporting-men'ibers or cables hereinafter described. they occupy positions within the upper portions of said holes i, the said holes being then plugged or covered. as shown particularly in Fig. 8, with removable blocks 10 of rubber or other suitable or analogous material. for obvious purposes.

11 indicates the cover-supporting members. which are preferably. as shown, flexible cables. These cables are fixedly attached at their upper ends to said drums 2one cable to each drum. The other ends of cables 11 are provided with hooks 12 adapted to engage, when said cables are extended, with said swiveled rings 9, cables 11 being thus when extended operatively held obliquely down 'ardly across the playing area to be protected. 'hen so in use or extended, cables 11 can be readily drawn taut by the manipulation ot the drums and after such manipulation, such drums can be locked by the engagement of pawls 5 with ratchetwheels 1, as will be well understood.

Rotatably mounted in suitable bearings preferably below the drums 2, is a shaft 13, and fixed thereon at suitable distances apart and preferably parallel and in alinement with said drums 2, is a series of drums 14- one for each cable 11. Cables 11, when not in use, are adapted to be wound up upon the drums 1 1 the outer ends of said cables being first disengaged from rings 9 and then brought around to and engaged with suitable rope-ends 16 fastened to said drums l t and provided at their free ends with rings 16 for receiving said hooks- 12. Also rotatably mounted in suitable bearings, preferably arranged above and slightly to the rear of the row of drums 2, is a shaft 17, and fixed thereon in. operative position relatively to the drums 2, is a series of drums 18 one for each of the cover-operating or raising members 19. These members 19 are also preferably, as shown, flexible cables. Cables 19 are fixedly attached at their upper ends to said drums 18 and at their opposite ends are provided with and fixedly attached to suitable hangers 20, shown particularly in Figs. 9 and 10, provided with rollers 21 arranged and adapted to ride upon or traverse the corresponding siipporting-cable 11. Both shafts 13 and 17 are driven in any suitable manner preferably by means of an electric motor M, as shown. Vhen the cover 22 hereinafter described is to be raised or drawn from open extended operative or fieldprotecting position to closed inoperative position, shaft 17 is rotated in the proper direction, whereupon cables 19 will raise or draw said cover, as hereinafter more fully appearing, to one side of the field into closed inoperative position and be wound upon their drums 18.

The cover :22 is preferably of any suitable flexible material or fabric, such canvas, preferably water-prcofed in any suitable manner, and is of such size to cover or overlie the entire diamond and a considerable area of the playing field immediately adjacent to and outside the Various base-lines. As is well known, on practically all base-ball fields, the paths between the bases and such portions of the ground as are usually occupied by the infielders during play are skinned or devoid of grass, and it is our intention and purpose to have the cover 2 of such size as to overlie and protect the diamond and this i skinned portion of the field. i

Suitably mounted upon and secured to cover 22 is a plurality of parallel rows of suitable hangers 23, shown particularly in Figs. 11 and 12, movably arranged upon, and adapted to support cover from, said 1 cables 11.

As will be understood. there is l one row of such hangers 23 for each cable 11, and mounted in and carried by the upper portion of each hanger 23 is a roller "24 arranged and adapted to ride directly upon the corresponding cable 11. And formed through the lower portion of each hanger 23 is an aperture through which the corresponding cover-raising-cable 19 is adapted to freely pass.

Attached to the side edges of the cover 22 are flaps or side-walls 26 of canvas or other suitable preferably flexible material or fabric. hen cover 22 is in open extended position ever the playing area to be protected, these side-flap; 26 are adapted to depend therefrom with their lower edges preferably in contact with or closely adjacent the surface of the ground, as shown particularly in Fig. 5. lVhen the cover 2 is to be raised or drawn from operative position over the field, these side flaps 26 are adapted to be swung inwardly and iuinvardly against the under side of cover 2:2 into the position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 5, by means of cords or ropes 27 passing over rollers 28 carried by suitable hangers 25 shown particularly in Figs. 17 and 18, secured in proper operative position to and on the under side of cover adjacent its side edges. Each of these rollers 28 preferably gradually increases in diameter toward its ends, as shown particularly in Fig. 17; by such construction the cords or rollers 27, after being pulled bver said rollers to elevate said side-flaps, may be shifted laterally in either direction and thereby wedged or locked between the end portions of the rollers 28 and the body of hangers 29 and thus hold said side-flaps 2G in raised inoperative position. hen it is desired to again lower the sidefiaps '26, said ropes or cords 27 may be easily shifted by a positive pull out of such wedged or locked position, so that they may easily ride on said rollers 28.

Attached at their outer ends to the rear edge of cover 22 is a plurality of guy-lines or ropes 30 corresponding preferably in number to the number of cables 11 and being also preferably arranged respectively in alinement therewith. These guy-lines or ropes 30 have their opposite or upper ends fixedly attached adjacent drums Q to the grand-stand or other fixed standard and are adapted, when the cover 22 is allowed to run out on cables 11 into open extended or operative position, to determine the distance which the cover 22 is to run out. thereupon and to afterward hold or maintain the cover in such position on said cables il ever the area to be protected. These guy-lines or ropes 30 are preferably supported in operative relation to and from cables 11 by means of suitable hangers 31, shown par ticularly in Figs. 1?) and 14. Each of these hangers 31 is provided in its lower portion with a suitable clamping device 32 adapted to receive and impingingly engage with a guy-rope or line 30. as shown particularly in Fig. 13. Each of these hangers 31 is also provided in its upper portion with a roller 33 arranged and adapted to roll upon a cable 11 and thereby maintain said guyropes 30 in proper operative relation thereto. Through the center or middle portion of each hanger 31 is formed a suitable aperture for the free passage therethrough of a cover-raising or operating cable 19.

Attached to the rear edge of cover i an end lap 35 preferably of similar fabric or material. \Vhen cover 22 is in open tended position over the playing area to be protected, this end flap i?) is also adapted depend therefrom with its lower edge in contact with or closely adjacent to the surface of the ground. as shown particularly in Fig. 4. hen cover is to be raised or drawn fro n o 'icrative position over the field, this end llap adapted to be swung or raised upwardly and outwardly against said guy-ropes 31. as shown by dotted lines in Fig. t. by means of elevating ropes or cords iltl attachcd thereto and passing over and around suitable rollers 37 journaled in depending portions ll." 't'ornied on the lower pair of each row, or every other row. as may be desired. of hangers ill. Such hangers are shown particularly in Figs. 15 and lb and are nun'ibered 31. The rollers 37 are substai'itially similar to rollers 28, and said endtlap ele 'ating cords or ropes :16 may larlv. after the end flap 35 l!:l:- been raised. be shifted laterally in either direction and thereby wedged or locked between the end portion of rollers 37 a d the bodv of hunger portions &8. and tlap 37 thus held in raised position. When it: is desned to again lower such end flap, ropes or cords 3t may be easily shifted by a positive pull out of such wedged or locked position into a posit ion to easily ride in said l'Olltls 37.

As shown particularly in l ig. 52. our new cover 2'3. when in operative 1" field-protecting position. is adapted to cover. and be supported by cables 11 obliquely above and over and away from the surface of. the diamond and porticns of the playing tield beyond the base-lines. the lower edge of cover E32 being preferably some considerable distance to the rear of the line between tirst and second base. Thus all ruin falling on to ccver 22 will naturally drain or run oil in one gel eral direction and will discharge upon a portion of the iield which is usually covered with grass. seldom traversed by the infielders. and wholly beyond the paths traversed by the base-runners. l he side and end tiaps 2 and 35 prevent the entrance upon the covered area of rain and wind frun the sit'les of the cover. foyer with its said sides and end flaps, when in such operative position.

hnipresenting an appearance somewhat like that of a. large tent. To make the said side and end flaps wholly effective for the purpose stated, their lower edges may, if desired, be pinned or anchored to the ground in any suitable manner.

\Vhen it is desired to remove or raise cover 22 with its said side and end flaps from protecting position over the field, the said side and end flaps are first swung or raised by means of their elevating cords 27 and 36 into inoperative position as before described. Motor M is now operated to properly rotate shaft 17 carrying the drums 18, whereupon cables 19 will be simultaneously wound upon said drums. As vsaid cables 19 are so Wound up. the hangers 20 at the lower ends thereof will be drawn upwardly along the cables 11 and engage or contact with the lowermost set of hangers 23. Such set of hangers 23 will in turn be now drawn upwardly along ables 11 with hangers 20 and in turn engage or contact with the next adjacent set of hangers 23. Such latter set of hangers 23 will likewise now be drawn upwardly along cables 11 with hangers 20 and lowermost set of hangers 23, and so on as the cover-raising operation continues each set of hangers 23 being similarly engaged and drawn upwardly with hangers 20 along cables 11, and during this operation the cover and its side flaps 26 will be auto matically folded up into a series of half loops depending from the hangers 23. After the entire cover 22 and said side flaps have thus been folded up, the sets of hangers 31 w i ll be engaged and likewise moved upwardly along the cables 11 and similarly fold up the said end wall or flap 35, and as the wind ing up or cover raising operation is continued, the entire cover with its side and end flaps, and the guy-lines or cables 30 will be drawn upwardly and deposited onto a platform portion of the grand-stand or other suitable support P provided therefor imme diately in front of the drums 2 and 1S. 'hen this has been accomplished, the drums *2 are now rotated slightly to slacken the cables 11. after which the hooks 12 at the lower ends thereof may be detached from said rings 9, said cables 11 now carried across the lield, hooks 12 then attached to the rings 16 on drums 14, and the motor M operated to rotate the shaft 13 and thereby wind the supporting cables 11 upon said d ms The short sections of chains or cables 8 and their swiveled rings 9 are now placed in the holes 6, after which the blocks 10 are positioned therein and the playing field is now ready for use. It will be readily understood that, owing to the fact that the cables 11, when positioned for use, extend obliquely over and across the field, it will 5 be a comparatively easy matter to position l the cover over the playing field or diamond Iltl whenever required, for after the cover 22 is shifted from its position on the grand-stand or other place of support P and shaft 17 with its drums l8 rotated to permit the unwinding from said drums 18 of said raisingcables 19, cover will, by reason of its own weight and gravity, move freely into open operative position, during such movement the rollers of the various hangers riding smoothly and easily upon the cables 11 and performing in this respect the function of antifriction rollers and the guy-ropes or lines 30 determining the extent of downward travel of cover 22 on its said supportingcables 11. It will, of course, be understood that, when it is desired to place the cover 22 in operative or protecting position over the field, the supporting cables ll are first unwound from their drums 14, their books 12 c-peratively attached to said swiveled hooks t), and said cables then drawn taut by said drums 2.

As it may at times be desirable, particularly in extremely rough weather, to anchor the lower edge of cover 22, hangers 20 are preferably provided with depending eyes 20 to which eyes and to said rings 9 any suitable block-and-tackle 39 may be attached when cover :22 is in open operative position.

3y such means, any slack in cover 22 when (pen may be taken care of and cover 22 firmly anchored in operative position.

It will be seen that, while our new cover with its supporting and raising means coinprises a number of parts, it is comparatively simple, may be easily and quickly lowered into operative position over the field or raised or moved into inoperative position at the side of the field, and when in operative position over the field, freely and tlmroughly protects the same from rain or the elements and without injury to the grass-covered poi tion of the infield.

We do not desire to be limited to the exact details of construction herein shown and described, as we are aware and it is apparent that many changes in size, form, and cdnstruction of the various parts of our improved cover and its supporting and operating means may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and spirit of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. The combination with a plurality of independent flexible cover-supportlug-members adapted to be extended obliquely over and secured across a base-ball field or the like, of a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on and relatively to said supporting-members and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, and

means adapted to move said cover upwardly along said supporting-means into inoperative position; substantially as described.

2. The combination with a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-members adapted to be extended obliquely over and secured across a base-ball field or the like, of a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on and relatively to said supporting-members and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover being movable by gravity on said supporting-members into operative position, and means adapted to raise said cover upwardly along said supporting members into inopera tive pcsition; substantially as described.

3. The combination with a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-mem bers adapted to be extended obliquely over and secured across a base-ball field or the like, of a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said supporting members and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover being movable by gravity on said supportingmeans into operative position, and means adapted to limit the gravity movement of said cover on said supporting-members into operative position; substantially as described.

ll. The combination With a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-members adapted to be extended obliquely over and secured across a base-ball field or the like. of a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said supportingmembers and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover being movable by gravity on said supporting-members into operative position, means comprising a plurality of independent flexible members adapted to limit the gravity movement of said cover on said supporting-members into operative position, and means including a plurality of flexible members adapted to draw said cover upwardly along said supporting-members into inoperative position; substantially as described.

5. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cov*er-supporting-cables engaging at one end with said support and adapted to be extended therefrom over and removably secured across said field, and a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said cables and adapted to be supported thereby in operative position over and away from the surface of the field; substantially as described.

6. The combination With a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-cables engaging at one end with said support and adapted to be extended therefrom obliquely over and removably secured across said field, a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said cables and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, and means adapted to releasably anchor said cables at their free ends; substantially as described.

7. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-cables engaging at one end With said support and adapted to be extended therefrom obliquely over and removably secured across said field, a field cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said supportingcables and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, means comprising a plurality of cables adapted to move said cover upwardly along said supporting-cables into inoperative position, and means adapted to releasably anchor said cover-supporting-cab]es at their free ends; substantially as described.

8. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-cables engaging at one end. with said support and adapted to be extended therefrom obliquely over and removably secured across said field, a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said supporting-cables and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover being movable by gravity on said supporting-cables into operative position, a plurality of guy-ropes attached to said cover and to said support and adapted tolimit the gravity movement of said cover on said supportingcables into operative position, and means adapted to releasably anchor said cover-sup porting-cables at their free ends; substantially as described.

9. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting-cables engag ing at one end with said support and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and removably secured across said field, a field-cover of flexible material arranged for movement on said supportingcables and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover being movable by gravity on said supporting-cables into operative position, a plurality of guy-ropes attached to said support and to said cover adapted to limit the movement of said cover on said supportingcables into operative position,

means comprising a plurality of flexible cables adapted to raise said cover upwardly along said supporting-cables into inoperative position, and means adapted to releasably anchor said cover-supporting-cables at their free ends; sulistantially as described 10. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cover-s1ipporting-taibles engaging at one end with said support and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and removably secured across said field, a fieldcover of flexible material arranged for movement on said supporting-cables and adapted to be obliquely supported thereby in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover being movable by gravity on said supporting-cables into operative position, a plurality of guy-ropes attached to said support and to said cover adapted to limit the movement of said cover on said supporting-cables into operative position, means comprising a plurality of. flexible cables and winding drums adapted to raise said cover upwardly along said supportingcables into inoperative position, and means adapted to releasably engage with and anchor said cover-supporting-cables at their free ends; substantially as described.

11. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting cables engaging at one end with said support and adapted to be extended obliquely over and releasably secured across said field, a plurality of coverhangers arranged for rolling movement on each of said cables, a field-cover of flexible material secured to said hangers and movable therewith on said supporting-cables and adapted to be obliquely supported by said supporting-cables in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover with its said hangers being movable by gravity on said. supporting-cables into operative position, a plurality of guy-ropes attached to said support and to said cover adapted to limit the movement of said cover on said sup eiorting-cables into operative position, means comprising a plurality of flexible cables and winding drums therefor adapted to cooperatively engage with said hangers to raise said cover upwardly along said supporting-cables into inoperative position, and means adapted to releasably engage with and anchor said cover-supporting-cables at their free ends; substantially as described.

12. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of independent winding drums mounted thereon, a plurality of independent flexible cover-supporting cables attached to said drums and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and releasably secured across said field, a plurality of cover-hangers arranged for rolling movement on each of said cables, a field cover of flexible material secured to said hangers and movable therewith on said supporting cables and adapted to be obliquely supported by said stmporting-cables in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover with its hangers being movable by gravity on said supporting-cables into operative position, a plurality of guy-ropes attached to said support and to said cover adapted to limit the movement of said cover on said supporting-cables into operative position, means comprising a plurality of flexible cables and winding drums therefor adapted to cooperatively engage with said hangers to raise said cover upwardly along said supporting cables into inoperative position, and means adapted to releasably engage with and anchor said cover-supportingcables at their free ends; substantially as de scribed.

13. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-hall field or the like, of a plurality of winding drums mounted thereon, a plurality of cover-supporting cables attached at one end to said drums and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and across said field. means on the field for engaging with and anchoring said cables at their lower ends, a plurality of cover-hangers ar 'anged for movement on each of. said cables, a fieldcover of flexible material secured to said hangers and movable therewith on said supporting cables and adapted to be obliquely supported by said supporting-cables in operative position over the surface of the field, said cover with its said hangers being movable by gravity on said supporting cables into operative position, a plurality of guyropes attached to said support and to said cover adapted to limit the movement of said cover on said supportingcables into operative position. and means con'iprisingg a plurality of cables and winding: drums therefor adapted to cooperatively engage with said hangers to raise said cover upwardly along said supportinp -cables into inoperative position; substantially as described.

14. The combination with a support fixedly arranged at the side of a base-l'mll field or the like. of a plurality of winding drums mounted thereon, plurality of cover-supporting cables attached at one end to said drums and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and across said field, means on the field for detachably en gaging: with and anchoring said cables at their lower ends. a plurality of cover-hangers arranged for movement on each of said cables, a field-cover of flexible material secured to said hangers and movable therewith on said supporting-cables and adapted to he obliquely supported by said support inn-cables in operative position over tli, surface of the field, said cover with its said hangers being" movable by gravity on said supportina -cables into operative position, a plurality of guy-ropes attached to said support and to said cover adapted to limit the movement of said cover on said supporting cables into operative position. means comprising a plurality of cables and wind-- ins; drum therefor adapted to co iperatively engage with said hangers to raise said cover upwardly along; said supporting cables into int'meratire position, and means comprising a plurality of winding drums adapted to wind up said supportin -cables when they are detached from said anchoring means; substantially as described.

if). The coml ination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of field-cover supporting-cables engaging at one end with said support and adapted to extend therefrom in an obliquely down ard direction across the field. means on the field adapted to engage with said cables at their other end and releasably anchor the same in fixed position across the field. and a field cover supported bv. and movable on and relatively to. said cables: substantially as described.

ltt. The combination with a support l y arranged adjacent a baseball field or the like. of a plurality of field-cover sin portingz-cables engaging at one end with support and adapted to extend theretroin in an obliquely downward direction across the field. means on the field adapted to engage with said cables at their other end and rrleasablv anchor the same in fixed position acro s the tield. means adapted to draw said cables taut. and a f eld over sup ported by. and movable on and rclatirely to. said cables: substantially as described.

17. The combination with a ipport tixedly arrane'cd adiacen; a base-bal field or the like. of :1 pl-: ality or winding drums arranged on said su i port, a plurality ot field-cover su 'u'iortinn' cables having engagement at one end with said drums and adapted to be extended therefrom in an obliquely downward direction across the field. a fieldcover arranged u on said ables and adapted to be one *atirel v supported thereby. and mean on the field adapted to en c with and anchor said cables at their lower ends; sul'istantially as described.

18. The combination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent a l asednill field or the like. of a plurality of field cover supporting-cables tuieratirely mo nted on said su 'iport and adapted to be extended therefrom in an obliquely downward direction across the field, a field-cm er arranged upon said cables and adapted to be operat-ively supported thereby, means on the field adaptcd to detachably engage with and anchor said cables at their lower ends, and means adapted to wind up said cables when their lower ends are detached from said anchoring means; substantially as described.

19. The con'ibination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent. a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of winding drulns arranged on said support, a plurality of field-eover-supporting-cables having engagement at one end with said drums and adapted to be extended therefrom in an obliquely downward direction across the field, a field-eover arranged upon said cables and adapted to be operatively supported thereby, means on the field adapted to detachably engage with and anchor said cables at their lower ends, and a plurality of winding drums adapted to wind up said cables when their lower ends are detached from said anchoring means; substantially as described.

20. The combination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent a base-ball field or the like, of a series of independent flexible cables having engagement with said support and extending therefrom over said field, a plurality of hangers arranged for rolling movement on and depending from said cables, and a field-cover of flexible material secured to and carried by said hangers; substantially as described.

21. The combination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent a base-ball field or the like, of a series of independent rolling cables having engagement with said support; and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and secured across said field, a plurality of hangers arranged for rolling moven'ient on said ?ill)lt"S and adapted to move downwardly thereupon by gravity, a field-cover of flexible material secured to and carried by said hangers, and means adapted to anchor the free ends of said cables; substantially as described.

The combination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent a base-ball field or the like. of a series of independent fiexible cables haying engagement at one end with said support and adapted to be extended obliquely therefrom over and across said field, means on the field adapted to engage with and anchor said cables at their lower ends, a plurality of hangers arranged for rolling movement on said cables and adapted to move downwardly thereupon by gravity, a field-cover of flexible material secured to and carried by said hangers, and means com 'n'ising a plurality of cables and winding drums therefor arranged upon said support and adapted to coiiperatively engage with said hangers to raise said cover upwardly along said supporting-cables; substantially as described.

28. In a field-cover, the combination with a plurality of cover-supporting members arranged above and away from the surface of the field, of a cover arranged upon and adapted to be supported by said cover-supporting members, a flexible flap attached to said cover and adapted to depend therefrom, and means including a roller on said cover and a cord fixed to said flap and cooperating with said roller adapted to raise said flap inwardly and upwardly against the under side of said cover and to releasably lock the same in such position; substantially described.

24-. In a field-cover, the combination with a plurality of cover supporting members arranged above and away from the surface of the field, of a cover arranged upon and adapted to be supported by said cover-supporting members, a flexible flap attached to said cove 1 and adapted to depend therefrom, a plurality of hangers provided with substantially double cone-shaped rollers attached to said cover, and cords movable on said rollers and engaging with said flap, said cords being adapted to cooperate with said rollers to raise said fiap inwardly and upwardly against the under side of said cover and to cooperate with said rollers and hangers to releasably lock said flap in such position; substantially as described.

25. in a field-cover, the combination with a plurality of cover-supporting members arranged above and away from the surface of the field, of a cover arranged upon and adapted to be supported by said cover-supporting members, a flexible fiap attached to said cover and adapted to depend therefrom, and means including rollers on said cover-supporting members and cords fixed to said flap and cooperating with said rollers adapted to raise said flap upwardly and outwardly away from said cover and to releasably lock the same in such position; substantially as described.

26. In a field-cover, the combination with a plurality of cover-supporting members arranged above and away from the surface of the field, of a cover arranged upon and adapted to be supported by said cover-sup porting I110H'1lJ1'S a flexible flap attached to said cover and adapted to depend therefrom, a plurality of hangers provided with substantially double coneshaped rollers arranged on said cover-supporting members, and cords movable on said rollers and en gaging with said flap, said cords being adapted to cooperate with said rollers to raise said flap upwardly and outwardly away from said cover and to cooperate with said rollers and hangers to releasably lock said flap in such position; substantially as described.

:27. The combination with a support fixedly arranged adjacent a base-ball field or the like, of a plurality of supporting members having engagement at one end with said support and adapted to be extended therefrom obliquely over and secured across said field, a field-cover arranged for movement on said supporting-members and adapted to be supported thereby obliquely over the surface of said field, flaps v at the side and rear edges of said cover adapted to depend therefrom when said cover is in operative position, cords attached to said side flaps and movably engaging with said cover adapted to raise said side flaps upwardly and inwardly into, and to releasably lock the same in, inoperative position, cords having engagement with said end flap and movably engaging with said supporting-members adapted to raise said end flap upwardly and outwardly into, and t0 releasably lock the same in, inoperative position, and means comprising a plurality of cables and winding drums therefor adapted to raise said cover with its said side and end flaps upwardly along said supporting-members into inoperative position; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ROBERT L. HEDGES. ARTHUR M. BRANCH. Witnesses O. H. Bnoons, Jr., F. D. RAYBURN.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner 01. Iatents, Washington, D. G.

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