Self-Anchoring Base for a Sports Field

Abstract

A self-anchoring base for use on a baseball playing field comprises a platform having an anchoring means extending from the underside thereof for embedded engagement in the playing field. A protective cover surrounds the platform. The anchor means comprises two or more spikes spaced apart from one another. The two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a mounting assembly defining a spike socket for each of the spikes. The self-anchoring base further comprises a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover. The self-anchoring base can be used as a standard stationary base. Alternatively, it can be used as a break away base by installing shorter spikes in the spike sockets.

1 . A self-anchoring base for use on a playing field comprising:
 a platform having a top side and an underside,   an anchor means comprising two or more spikes fastened to the platform and extending from the underside of the platform for embedded engagement in the playing field; and,   wherein the two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a mounting assembly comprising a socket plate defining a spike socket for each of the two or more spikes and a support plate for attachment to the socket plate sandwiching the platform between the support plate and the socket plate.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 1 , wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate with no reliance on fastening engagement of fasteners with the platform itself. 
     
     
         12 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 11 , wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate by means of bolts which pass through a plurality of holes defined through the platform. 
     
     
         13 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 12 , wherein the socket plate is positioned on the underside of the platform and the support plate is positioned on the top side of the platform. 
     
     
         14 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 13 , further comprising a protective cover surrounding the platform and secured to the underside of the platform. 
     
     
         15 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 14 , further comprising a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover. 
     
     
         16 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 1 , wherein the spikes are removable from the spike sockets. 
     
     
         17 . A self-anchoring base for use on a playing field comprising:
 a platform having a top side and an underside and an anchor means comprising two or more spikes fastened to the platform and extending from the underside of the platform for embedded engagement in the playing field;   a protective cover surrounding the platform and secured to the underside of the platform; and   a cushioning material disposed on the top side of the platform under the protective cover.   
     
     
         18 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 17 , wherein the two or more spikes are fastened to the platform by a mounting assembly comprising a socket plate defining a spike socket for each of the two or more spikes and a support plate for attachment to the socket plate sandwiching the platform between the support plate and the socket plate. 
     
     
         19 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 18 , wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate with no reliance on fastening engagement of fasteners with the platform itself. 
     
     
         20 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 19 , wherein the support plate is fastened to the socket plate by means of bolts which pass through a plurality of holes defined through the platform. 
     
     
         21 . The self-anchoring base of  claim 20 , wherein the socket plate is positioned on the underside of the platform and the support plate is positioned on the top side of the platform.