US2695784A

US2695784A - Baseball base anchoring device

Info

Publication number: US2695784A
Application number: US304803A
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis A Orsatti; Borrelli Ralph
Original assignee: LOUIS B LUNETTA
Current assignee: LOUIS B LUNETTA
Priority date: 1952-08-16
Filing date: 1952-08-16
Publication date: 1954-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 1971-11-30

Description

Nov. 30, 1954 L, A, ORSATTl ET Al. 2,695,784

BASEBALL BASE ANCHORING DEVICE Filed Aug. 16, 1952 v "Svy ffy. 3 J2 IN VEN TOR5 42 L'oul ORSATT/ BY A En@ Bomann JMfW United States Patent BASEBALL BASE ANCHORING DEVICE Louis A. Orsatti and Ralph Borrelli, Los Angeles, Calif., assignors of one-third to Louis B. Lunetta, Los Angeles, Calif.

Our invention relates generally to equipment for the game of baseball, and more particularly to improved anchoring means for securing a baseball base in position.

The conventional way to position baseball bases is to drive stakes into the ground and fasten the base to the stakes by the use of straps. Since the bases are cloth `covered it is not desirable to let them remain in the open and the usual practice is to remove the bases between games. Furthermore, a playing iield is often used for several kinds of baseball games as for example, softball and hardball, which have different regulation distances between the bases. Using the conventional ground stakes such shifting of the bases is a time-consuming operation and often the bases are not properly secured as a result of repeated stake movements.

It is also apparent from the character of the game of baseball that the bases should be rigidly held in place and not subject to sliding and shifting during play. The `base should therefore be locked to the anchoring means in a positive manner which will at the same time permit rapid and convenient detachment. While various devices have been proposed to serve these purposes, none of them have ever been given widespread use. Some of them have been inadequate to withstand the rough usage, while others have been too complex and unwieldy to be practical.

With the foregoing in mind, it is therefore a major object of our invention to provide improved anchoring means for securing a baseball base in position.

Another object of our invention is to provide an anchor- `ing device which positively locks the base in position and prevents either lateral or upward movement.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a device of the character described having quick release coupling means for holding the base to ground anchoring means.

An additional object of our invention is to provide an anchoring device having adjustable latching means operable through an external hand pull.

It is a further object of our invention to provide an anchoring device having latching means of simple and durable construction including spring return means protected against accidental distortion.

Still another object of our invention is to provide an anchoring device of two-part construction having an upper arched frame or plate fastened securely to the base and serving. to shape or crown the latter.

It is a still further object of our invention to provide an anchoring device of the character described which may be economically formed of lightweight castings or the like,` and sold at a nominal price.

These and other objects and advantages of our invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred form thereof and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the base in position;

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section taken in the direction of the arrows 2 2 of Fg. l;

Fg. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail of the frame socket and latching means;

Fig. 4 is an inverted perspective view showing the supporting frame secured to the bottom of the base; and

Fig. 5 is an edge elevation of the frame socket and latch means taken in the direction of the arrow 5 in Fig. 3.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1 thereof, the numeral 10 designates a baseball base of conventional rectangular shape. Base is formed as a relatively thick pad or cushion having an outer cloth covering 11. On the sides of base are elongated straps 12 which are adapted to extend beneath the base and fasten to base anchoring means As can be `understood, base 1t) in all respects corresponds to regulation shape and size, and may be internally constructed in any desired manner.

In order to anchor base 10 to the ground We provide a metal post or stake 14 which is permanently embedded in the ground in a recessed position so that the top thereof is substantially flush with the ground surface. Preferably, stake 14 is embedded within a block of concrete 15 as is shown in Fig. 2, to prevent it from working loose, and the top of the block is provided with an enlarged pocket or recess 16 surrounding the top of `the stake. When the base is not in use, a cover member may be placed over recess 16. Stake 14 is also preferably rectangular, or otherwise non-circular in cross section, so that it is held firmly against rotation within block 15;`

Fastened to the bottom of base` 10 is a supporting frame 18 having a central receptacle 19 depending therefrom for engagement with stake 14. Frame 18 is a cruciform structure, as illustrated, having pairs of

arms

20 and 21 extending at right angles toward the side edges of base 10. Frame 18 and receptacle 19 are preferably formed as an integral casting of lightweight material. Near the end of each of the

arms

20 and 21 is a transversely extending slot 22 lying in the plane of the arm and adapted to receive the base straps 12. As is best seen in Figs. 2 and 4, the straps 12 are conveniently threaded upwardly through one of the slots 22, passed along the top of frame V18 beneath the base cover 11, and extended downwardly through the opposite slot. The free end of strap 12 is then passed through a buckle 23 attached to the other-end of the strap and tightened so as to draw

arms

20 and 21 tightly up against the bottom of base 10.

While base 1th is thus secured rmly on frame 18, it is still possible for the frame to shift a slight amount relative to the base if any sliding movement of straps 12 through slots 22 takes place. To prevent such action, We provide friction means for engaging straps 12 in the form of ribs 24 which are formed on the ends of

arms

20 and 21 extending parallel to slots 22, and projecting downwardly from the bottom surface of the arms. In passing over the ribs 24, straps 12 arebent sharply so that the ribs bear tightly against the surface of the straps in frictional engagement. It should also be noted as seen in Fig. 2, that

arms

20 and 21 have a slight upwardly convex curvature so as to provide an arched support for base 10. While the conventional base `10 is initially lled in such a manner as to have a crown thereon, the arched shape of frame 18 aids in maintaining this shape during the life of the base.

The receptacle 19 depending from frame 18 is of rectanglular shape and is formed with a central socket 25 having a downwardly facing open end. As is best seen in Fig. 3, the stake 14 is provided with an enlarged rectangular head 26 which is adapted to lit slidably within socket 25. Once head 26 is seated within socket 25, any lateral displacement of base 10 is, of course, prevented. However, it is still possible to displace base 10 upwardly, and to prevent such movement we provide latching means cooperatively mounted on receptacle 19 and head 26 One end wall of receptacle 19 is slotted` to provide an elongated opening 28 which extends vertically from the bottom of the receptacle along most of the depth of socket 2S. A pawl 29 is pivotally mounted in opening 28 by means of an upper transversely extending pivot pin 30, and carries on the lower free end an inwardly facing tooth 31. On the end surface of head 26 facing pawl 29, is a ratchet surface 32 comprising a series of angularly cut serrations or teeth which are adapted to engage with tooth 31. A spring means 34 is mounted on the outside of receptacle 19 to urge pawl 29 inwardly in a direction to engage with ratchet surface 32. Preferably, spring 34 is in the form of a cantilever arm overlying pawl 29 and having an upper T-shaped head secured to receptacle 19 by fastening screws 35.

It is necessary to limit the inward movement of pawl 29 so that it will not swing into socket 25 and interfere with the entrance of head 26 therein. To this end, ears 36 are extended outwardly from the lower end of pawl 29 and are adapted to seat within recessed pockets 37 formed in the side walls of opening 23 when the pawl is in a substantially vertical position. It is also desirable to limit the outward swinging movement of pawl 29 in order that spring 34 will not be over tensioned and become permanently distorted. As is seen in Fig. 3, the lower end of pawl 29 carries an upwardly faced stop shoulder 38 on the outer surface thereof. Shoulder 38 is adjacent to the tip end of spring 34 and is normally spaced a short distance therefrom when pawl 2,9 is hanging vertically. As pawl 29 is swung outwardly, as shown in phantom outline, shoulder 38 comes into contact with the end of spring 3d and limits further pivotal movement.

Because of the force exerted by spring 34 pawl 29 is normally urged inwardly so that tooth 31 projects inwardly and is adapted to engage ratchet surface 32. The purpose of ratchet surface 32 is to compensate for differences in Vertical adjustment of different stakes 14 so that one tooth of the ratchet surface will always be in substantial register with pawl tooth 31 when the base l@ has been seated firmly against the supporting ground surface. In order that head 26 may pass by pawl tooth 31 upon entering socket 25 the lower surface of the pawl tooth is tapered upwardly so that the pawl is cammcd outwardly by the leading edge of the head. To permit tooth 31 to pass over the succeeding teeth of surface 32 these teeth are correspondingly tapered to intermittently cam the pawl outwardly. The upper surface of tooth 31 and the lower surfaces of the ratchet teeth 52. lie parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of movement so that when head 25 has entered the proper distance into socket 25 the pawl and ratchet surface are positively interlocked and base can not be lifted. Thus, it can be appreciated that no matter how rugged is the treatment received by base itl during its use, it is positively held against any movement.

When the base itl has been positioned as described, it is no longer possible to reach the latching means to release them for removing the base. Therefore, we provide control means extending outwardly from the latching means to a position beyond the edge of base liti. Typically, these control means take the form of a pull cord 40 connected to the free end of pawl 29 and extending outwardly through a guide ill formed on the side of the adjacent frame arm Ztl. At the outer end of cord 40 a pull ring 42 may be provided to facilitate the use of the cord. As is seen in Fig. 1, normally only the small ring 4@ extends outwardly from beneath the base llt) so that it does not interfere with the use of the base.

While we have thus shown and described a preferred embodiment ofl our invention, it is to be understood that modifications of design and construction will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, we do not wish to be restricted except as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

l. A base anchoring device for use with a base having securing straps thereon comprising: a support frame having spaced slots arranged in perpendicularly disposed pairs to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon; a receptacle depending from said frame and having a downwardly facing rectangular socket therein; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a rectangular head formed for sliding engagement within said socket, said head having a ratchet surface therealong; a spring loaded pawl mounted on said receptacle and disposed to springingly engage with said ratchet surface upon said head slidably entering said socket and holding said base against upward movement until said pawl is released; and a pull cord connected to said pawl and extending outwardly from beneath the edge of said base for releasing said pawl.

2. A base anchoring device for use with a base having securing straps thereon comprising: a support frame having spaced slots arranged in perpendicularly disposed pairs to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon; a receptacle depending from the center of said frame and having a downwardly facing rectangular socket therein, and a slot extending along one side thereof; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a rectangular head formed for sliding engagement within said socket, said head having a ratchet surface facing said receptacle slot; a pawl pivotally mounted in said receptacle slot for engagement with said ratchet surface; a spring mounted on said receptacle outwardly of said pawl and adapted to urge said pawl into engagement with said ratchet surface to hold said base against upward movement; and a pull cord connected to said pawl and extending outwardly from beneath the edge of said base for releasing said pawl.

3. A base anchoring device for use with a base having securing straps thereon comprising: a support frame having spaced slots arranged in perpendicularly disposed pairs to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon; a receptacle depending from the center of said frame and having a downwardly facing rectangular socket therein, and a slot extending along one side thereof; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a rectangular head formed for sliding engagement within said socket, said head having a ratchet surface facing said receptacle slot; a pawl pivotally mounted in said receptacle slot for engagement with said ratchet surface and having an outer shoulder on the free end thereof facing toward the pivoted end; a cantilever spring mounted on said receptacle and having the free end thereof overhanging said pawl and extending toward said shoulder with the tip thereof normally spaced from said shoulder and adapted to bear thereagainst to limit the outward pivotal movement of said pawl; and a pull cord connected to said pawl and extending outwardly from beneath the edge of said base for releasing said pawl.

4. A base anchoring device for use with a base having securing straps thereon comprising: a support frame having spaced slots arranged in perpendicularly disposed pairs and lying in the plane of said frame to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon, said frame having a rib depending from the surface thereof adjacent each of said slots to bind frictionally on said straps to hold said base against sliding on said frame; a receptacle depending from the center of said frame and having a downwardly facing rectangular socket therein, and a slot extending along one side thereof; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a rectangular head formed for sliding engagement within said socket, said head having a ratchet surface facing said receptacle slot; a pawl pivotally mounted in said receptacle slot for engagement with said ratchet surface and having an outer shoulder on the free end thereof facing toward the pivoted end; a spring mounted on said receptacle outwardly of said pawl and adapted to urge said pawl into engagement with said ratchet surface to hold said base against upward movement; and a pull cord connected to said pawl and extending outwardly from beneath the edge of said base for releasing said pawl.

5. A base anchoring device for use with a base having securing straps thereon comprising: a support frame of arched cruciform shape having slots at the ends thereof lying in the plane of said frame to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon, said frame having a rim depending from the surface thereof outwardly from each of said slots to bind frictionally on said straps to hold said base against sliding on said frame; a receptacle depending from the center of said frame and having a downwardly facing rectangular socket therein, and a slot extending along one side thereof; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a rectangular head formed for sliding engagement 'within said socket, a ratchet formed on the side of said head and a spring loaded pawl pivotally mounted on said receptacle for engagement therewith, said pawl and ratchet being disposed to allow said head to slidably enter said receptaclerand thereafter holding said base against upward movement until said pawl is manually released, said pawl having an outer shoulder on the free end thereof facing towards the pivoted end; a cantilever spring mounted on said receptacle and having the free end thereof overhanging said pawl and extending toward said shoulder with the tip thereof normally spaced from said shoulder and adapted to bear thereagainst to limit the outward pivotal movement of said pawl; and a pull cord connected to said pawl and extending outwardly fron beneath the edge of-said base for releasing said paw 6. A base anchoring device for a base having securing straps comprising: a support frame of substantially cruciform shape having slotted end portions adapted to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon, and having a lower surface adapted to seat downwardly against the ground surface; a receptacle depending from said frame and having a downwardly facing polygonal socket therein; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a head formed for sliding engagement within said socket; spring urged latching means mounted on said head and receptacle and disposed to permit said head to enter said receptacle and engage therewith at different relative longitudinal positions; and means extending externally for releasing said latching means.

7. A base anchoring device for a base having securing straps comprising: a support frame having spaced slots arranged in perpendicularly disposed pairs and lying in the plane of said frame to receive the securing straps of the base therethrough for attaching said base thereon,

said frame having a rib raised from the surface thereof adjacent each of said slots to bind frictionally on said straps to hold said base from sliding on said frame; a receptacle depending from said frame and having a downwardly facing polygonal socket therein; a stake adapted to be embedded in the ground and having a head formed for sliding engagement Within said socket; spring urged latching means mounted on said head and receptacle and disposed to permit said head to enter said receptacle and engage therewith at different relative longitudinal positions; and means extending externally for releasing said latching means.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 75,076 Taylor Mar. 3, 1868 2,259,610 Bryson Oct. 21, 1941 20 2,624,580 Corbett Jan. 6, 1953