Base with improved internal structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a base with improved internal structure for impact absorption and deflection. The base of the present invention includes a plurality of indentations rising from the bottom surface to varying heights. Each of the indentations has a closed top end and an internal surface. The cross section of the indentations is often generally circular or generally rectangular. The indentations are arranged so that the tallest is nearest the mid point of the base and the shortest actually form side surfaces of the base. A second embodiment includes a top surface and a clearance between the top surface and the closed top ends of the indentations.

1 . A base for use in games comprising:
 a) a first pair of side surfaces and a second pair of side surfaces;   b) a bottom surface; and   c) said bottom surface comprising a mid-point, a plurality of indentations of varying heights, a plurality of indentations of uniform height;   d) each of said plurality of indentations of varying heights and each of said plurality of indentations of uniform height further comprise a cross-section, an internal surface, an outside surface, a footprint, and a closed top end; and   e) said first pair of side surfaces, said second pair of side surfaces, said bottom surface, and each of said first and second pluralities of indentations are of unitary construction.   
   
   
       2 . The base as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said plurality of indentations of varying heights graduate from taller near the mid-point to shorter indentations near said first pair and said second pair of side surfaces. 
   
   
       3 . The base as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said plurality of indentations of uniform height comprise said side surfaces. 
   
   
       4 . The base as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said outside surface of each of said plurality of indentations of uniform height is curved such that said first pair and said second pair of side surfaces curve inward toward said mid-point. 
   
   
       5 . The base as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base is rotationally molded. 
   
   
       6 . The base as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each said cross-section is of generally circular shape and each said footprint and each said closed top end are also of generally circular shape. 
   
   
       7 . The base as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the dimensions of said cross section of the indentation is less than the dimensions of the top end of the indentation. 
   
   
       8 . A base for use in games comprising:
 a) a first pair of side surfaces and a second pair of side surfaces;   b) a bottom surface;   c) said bottom surface comprising a mid-point and a plurality of indentations of varying heights each comprising a footprint, said indentations arranged to graduate from taller heights near said mid-point to shorter heights near either of said first pair of side surfaces or said second pair of side surfaces;   d) a plurality of indentations of uniform height comprising an outside surface and a footprint;   e) each of said pluralities of indentations of uniform height and each of said plurality of indentations of varying height further comprise a top closed end;   f) a top surface with an underside and integrally formed with said first pair of side surfaces, said second pair of said side surfaces, and said bottom surface; and   g) said top surface positioned to provide a clearance between each of said top closed ends of said pluralities of indentations and said underside of said top surface.   
   
   
       9 . The base as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the base is of unitary construction and rotationally molded. 
   
   
       10 . The base as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said first pair and said second pair of side surfaces are curved slightly inward toward the mid-point of said base and comprise each said outside surface of each of said plurality of indentations of uniform height. 
   
   
       11 . The base as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said footprint of each of said plurality of said indentations of varying height and of each of said plurality of said indentations of uniform height are generally rectangular in shape and each of said closed top end of each of said plurality of said indentations of varying height and of each of said plurality of said indentations of uniform height are also generally rectangular in shape. 
   
   
       12 . A base for use in games comprising:
 a) a first pair of side surfaces and a second pair of side surfaces;   b) a bottom surface; and   c) said bottom surface comprising a mid-point, a plurality of indentations of varying heights, a plurality of indentations of uniform height;   d) each of said plurality of indentations of varying heights and each of said plurality of indentations of uniform height further comprise a cross-section, an internal surface, an outside surface, a footprint, and a closed top end; and   
   
   
       13 . The base as claimed in  claim 12  further comprising:
 a) a top surface with an underside of said top surface integrally formed with at least one of said pairs of side surfaces, and said bottom surface;   b) said top surface and each of said closed top ends separated by a space.   
   
   
       14 . The base as claimed in  claim 13  wherein each said pair of side surfaces, each plurality of indentations and said bottom surface are of unitary construction. 
   
   
       15 . A base for use in games comprising a bottom surface from which protrude upwardly a plurality of indentations of varying heights graduating from highest at a midpoint of said bottom surface to lowest near a first pair of side surfaces and near a second pair of side surfaces. 
   
   
       16 . The base of  claim 15  further comprising a plurality of indentations of uniform height each having curved outside surface, arranged with curved outside surfaces forming said first and second pairs of sidewalls. 
   
   
       17 . The base of  claim 15  wherein each of said plurality of indentations of varying height comprise a closed top end and further comprising a top surface separated from each said closed top end by a space.