US20120088611A1

US20120088611A1 - Easy crease

Info

Publication number: US20120088611A1
Application number: US13/200,850
Authority: US
Inventors: Chris R. Turner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-01
Filing date: 2011-10-03
Publication date: 2012-04-12

Abstract

The invention provides a portable, foldable lacrosse crease fabricated of a durable, waterproof rubber material. Measuring approximately the standard eighteen feet in diameter, the Easy Crease features pre-marked spots placed approximately six feet apart on the cross section where the goal is placed. Additionally, the perimeter contains an approximate three inch border. To facilitate compactability, storage, and transport, the center of the Easy Crease is folded and attached to a Velcro™ or a similar hook and loop fastener-strapped handle system.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/404,361 filed Oct. 1, 2010, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Easy Crease.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of portable sporting devices, and more specifically to the field of portable sporting field devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for portable sporting field devices. Among these are:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,416 to John Garrett Frederick describes a portable field boundary for filed sports formed of a flexible cord or twine with pennants or flags being permanently attached to the cord to denote appropriate desired points such as corners, goals or other desired elements. The boundary is designed to rest on the ground with stakes or other anchoring devices.
US Patent Application 2007/0032317 to John Garrett Frederick describes a lining system providing means of establishing visual demarcation lines for sports or other uses such as being played or other use to be used as demarcations for playing fields or courts. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a thin woven polymer-based material or film that is positioned where appropriate on the ground or floor.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,411 to Ronald G. Padilla describes a portable sports goal and pitch back assembly of tubular construction.
None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable sporting field device for lacrosse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention folded in halves.

FIG. 3 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention folded in quarters.

FIG. 4 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention completely folded.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the device of the present invention completely unfolded, showing dimensions and placement of the goal placement markers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred as The Easy Crease, is a specially designed, portable crease for use in the sport of lacrosse that can be easily transported and used whenever one wishes to play the game.
Fabricated of a durable, waterproof rubber material, this product features the circular shape common to the lacrosse crease. Measuring approximately the standard eighteen feet in diameter, the Easy Crease features pre-marked spots placed approximately six feet apart on the cross section where the goal is placed. Additionally, the perimeter contains an approximate three inch border. To facilitate compactability, storage, and transport, the center of the Easy Crease is folded into a four and one-half foot section and attached to a Velcro or a similar hook and loop fastener-strapped handle system.
The Easy Crease is easily and expediently placed in a backyard, providing an instant goal for players to improve offensive and/or defensive skills. In this manner, users do not have to mar lawns with makeshift spray painted or lime-powdered creases. Perfect for when the goal needs to be moved or when a field hasn't been lined, the Easy Crease is used in all conditions, better helping goalies learn his or her positions.
Able to withstand cleats as well as inclement weather, this product proves durable in any conditions. Additionally, the portability of the Easy Crease allows the unit to be employed inside gymnasiums, or on a parking lot, when a regular field area is covered with snow or ice. Ideal for placement on artificial turf fields which cannot be marked, this product is instantly ready for use whether for practice, lacrosse camps, or youth games. Moreover, spontaneous pick-up games are a snap, as the Easy Crease is erected and put to use in a matter of seconds. With such a universal product, the possibilities for use and play are virtually limitless.
The Easy Crease is an innovative product invention which readily enhances the sport of lacrosse for all who participate. A regulation sized goal component that is used anywhere, this product allows novice players to easily master the game and is well received by lacrosse enthusiasts around the world, a very sizable market potential.
Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable sporting field device for lacrosse, comprising a circular outline shape, and a diameter line, the outline approximately three inches in width, for use with the game of lacrosse, fabricated of a durable, waterproof rubber material, measuring approximately eighteen feet in diameter, and further comprising pre-marked spots placed approximately six feet apart on the diameter line, wherein the spots indicate the placement of the goal.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is capable of being folded to facilitate compactability, storage, and transport, wherein the center of the device is folded into halves, and then is folded into quarters, and then is folded into eighths attached to a Velcro or a similar hook and loop fastener-strapped handle system.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the material is able to withstand penetration by athletic shoes having cleats.