Batting Tee and Transport Thereof

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/571,761 entitled “Batting Tee” filed Mar. 29, 2024, and incorporates by reference the provisional application in its entirety.

The present disclosure is directed to systems and processes for performing a batting activity with improved batting tee equipment.

Batting tees are used by athletes of all ages as training equipment and for activities such as tee-ball, in which a ball is placed upon a stationary tee and then struck with a bat. In many cases, the batting tee is carried by a coach or player with other equipment, such as balls, bats, gloves, helmets, uniforms, and water jugs. Transporting all of this equipment for a batting activity can be unwieldy and time consuming.

Various designs have been proposed to transport batting equipment more efficiently. For example, certain equipment carriers store a batting tee, balls, and other equipment together in a single storage compartment that can be carried or rolled on wheels to another location. Although generally effective at consolidating the items, placing all of this equipment into a single compartment can damage the batting tee. The need to sort through the equipment to set up a batting activity is also inconvenient. Most combined storage solutions require the user to remove balls in order to access a batting tee or vice versa. Traditional batting tees are also too tall, even if collapsed down, to fit within most equipment carriers. As such, some batting tees must be fully or partially disassembled into pieces to fit into a carrier with other equipment. Once disassembled for storage, these batting tees require additional set up before they can be used for a batting activity.

Existing designs for equipment carriers are therefore impractical for transporting a batting tee with other equipment. It is to these and other deficiencies in the prior art that the present embodiments are directed.

Accordingly, systems and processes are disclosed for performing a batting activity with improved batting tee equipment.

In one aspect, a tee-equipped bucket is disclosed as having a bucket body with a floor that includes a central aperture. The tee-equipped bucket also includes a tee support, a telescoping tee attached to the tee support, and a fastening system configured to connect the bucket body to the tee support. When the bucket body is connected to the tee support, the telescoping tee is positioned through the central aperture of the bucket body.

In another aspect, a method for performing a batting activity is disclosed. The method includes a step of assembling a tee-equipped bucket that includes a bucket body, a tee support, a telescoping tee attached to the tee support, and a fastening system configured to connect the bucket body to the tee support. When the bucket body and the tee support are connected, the telescoping tee is positioned through a central aperture in a floor of the bucket body. The method also includes steps of extending the telescoping tee to a batting height, hitting a ball from the telescoping tee, lowering the telescoping tee to a storage height, and transporting the tee-equipped bucket to another location.

In yet another aspect, a telescoping tee is disclosed as having a first telescoping portion, a second telescoping portion configured for receipt within the first telescoping portion, a third telescoping portion configured for receipt within the second telescoping portion, and a fourth telescoping portion configured for receipt within the third telescoping portion. The telescoping tee optionally includes a plurality of friction elements that restrict movement of the second telescoping portion, the third telescoping portion, and the fourth telescoping portion. The telescoping tee also optionally includes lower recesses in the second telescoping portion, the third telescoping portion, and the fourth telescoping portion and upper recesses in the first telescoping portion, the second telescoping portion, and the third telescoping portion, where each friction element is disposed in one of the lower recesses or one of the upper recesses.

While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described hereinafter in detail some specific embodiments of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments so described.

A tee-equipped bucket is herein disclosed for performing a batting activity. The tee-equipped bucket allows an individual to efficiently store and transport tee-ball equipment without damage. The design also makes it easy to set up a batting tee; adjust the batting tee to meet individual hitting needs; and hit, re-load, and hit again from the batting tee with convenient access to balls. Although reference is made throughout this application to tee-ball applications, it will be appreciated that the tee-equipped bucket may be used for other sporting activities, such as baseball, softball, and other batting sports.

As illustrated in, a tee-equipped bucketincludes a bucket body, a lidconfigured for contact with an upper perimeterof the bucket body, a tee supportthat is positioned beneath the bucket body, a telescoping teethat is attached to the tee support, and a fastening systemconfigured to connect the bucket bodyto the tee support. Although the bucket bodyis generally depicted as cylindrical, it will be appreciated that the bucket bodymay be otherwise shaped. Suitable configurations for the bucket bodyinclude shapes with square or rectangular cross-sections. In various embodiments, the bucketincludes one or more transport featuresthat are configured to facilitate movement of the bucketfrom one location to another. Suitable transport featuresinclude, without limitation, an overhead handle (see), side handles (), a rope, a shoulder strap, and interchangeable handle clasps that permit customization. In an exemplary embodiment, the transport featureis an overhead handle crafted from heavy-duty plastic and reinforced canvas.

Referring also to, the bucket bodyhas a floorwith a central aperture. The bucket bodymay also include a central tubethat is connected by its lower end to the floor. It will be appreciated that, although the central tubeis generally depicted as cylindrical (see, e.g.,), the central tubemay be otherwise shaped. In some embodiments, the central tubeand the floorare manufactured together as a single piece. In other embodiments, the central tubeis manufactured as a separate piece and is fastened to the floorusing a bracket, adhesives, or other suitable fasteners (not shown). The central aperturein the floorcorresponds with a lower apertureof the central tube. When the central tubeis positioned against the floor, the corresponding central and lower apertures,align, thereby permitting access to the interior of the central tubefrom the underside of the bucket body.

Opposite from the lower aperture, the central tubeincludes an upper aperturethat permits access to the interior of the central tubefrom the top side of the bucket body. The upper aperturemay be flush with the upper perimeterof the bucket body, such that the lidblocks the upper aperturewhen it is placed on top of the bucket body. Alternatively, the upper aperturemay be lower than the upper perimeter. In such embodiments, the liddoes not separate the interior of the central tubefrom the interior of the bucket bodywhen it is placed onto the bucket body.

The annular space between the central tubeand the inner wall of the bucket bodyprovides a storage compartment. The storage compartmentmay be used to store personal items and sports equipmentsuch as tee-balls. In embodiments where the central tubedoes not extend to the upper perimeterof the bucket body, the space above the central tubemay be used to store larger items (e.g., a glove). When the lidis placed on the bucket body, the storage compartmentis protected from the elements and items are secured therein.

In addition to securing items within the storage compartment, the lidmay serve as a seat when access to the storage compartmentis not required. For example, the lidsshown inandoffer flat surfaces that are suitable for sitting, and the lidshown inincludes paddingfor additional comfort when an individual is seated on the tee-equipped bucket. Various embodiments of the lidalso include a lid compartmentto carry sports equipment or personal items (e.g., snacks, sunscreen, cell phone) separate from the items in the storage compartment. The lid compartmentmay be accessed without removing the lidfrom the bucket body. In certain embodiments, the lid compartmentmay also be accessed while an individual is seated on the tee-equipped bucket.

Turning to the tee support, this component of the tee-equipped bucketis configured to contact the ground. The tee supportgenerally has a flat upper surfacewhere the lower surface of the bucket bodycan be set. In some embodiments, the tee supportnests within a lower recess in the bucket body. The tee supportmay thereby be partially or fully hidden from view when the tee supportand bucket bodyare connected.

depict several non-limiting embodiments of the tee supportwith different sizes and shapes. More particularly,depicts a circular tee support,depicts a pentagon (home plate) shaped tee support,depicts a square tee support, anddepict an hourglass shaped tee support. In some embodiments, the tee supporthas a wider diameter than that of the bucket body(see). Alternatively, the tee supportmay have the same diameter or approximately the same diameter as the bucket body(see). Concerning dimensions, the tee supportmay also be configured with a thickness that is suitable for sliding a portion of the tee supportunder a base or home plate during a batting activity. By sliding the tee supportunder the base or home plate, the telescoping teethat is attached to the tee supportcan be positioned in front of the base or home plate for ball contact, rather than over the base or home plate. The ability to slide the tee supportunder the base or home plate also provides additional weight to prevent the telescoping teefrom tipping over if it is hit during a batting activity. In various non-limiting embodiments, the tee supporthas a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, more particularly between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, more particularly between about 3 mm and about 7 mm.

The tee supportmay be constructed using one or more magnetic materials, such as steel, iron, nickel, and other magnetic metals and their alloys. In other embodiments, the tee supportis constructed from a non-magnetic material (e.g., plastic) and optionally has one or more magnetic materials attached to it or applied as a coating. The tee supportmay also be coated for rust- and weather-resistance using, e.g., a fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resin-based powder or a rubber-based powder.

The tee supportgenerally provides the weight and stability necessary to support the telescoping teeduring a batting activity. The telescoping teeis attached to the upper surfaceof the tee support. As illustrated in, the telescoping teemay be attached to the tee supportusing a threaded connection.provides an additional interior view of the telescoping teedepicting the threaded connector.

In various embodiments, the telescoping teeincludes a first telescoping portionthat is attached to the tee support, a second telescoping portionthat is configured for partial or complete receipt within the first telescoping portion, and a third telescoping portionthat is configured for partial or complete receipt within the second telescoping portion. In other embodiments, the telescoping teealso includes a fourth telescoping portionthat is configured to be partially or completely received within the third telescoping portion. A fifth telescoping portionmay also be configured for partial or complete receipt within the fourth telescoping portion. The telescoping portions may each be constructed from a material such as a plastic, acetal copolymer, or aluminum. When constructed from aluminum, the telescoping portions may also be subjected to a Type II anodizing process to increase durability and facilitate color customization. It will be appreciated that the telescoping portions may be constructed from different materials. For example, the first, second, third, and fourth telescoping portions,,,could be constructed from aluminum, while the uppermost (fifth) telescoping portionis constructed from acetal copolymer.

The telescoping teecan be placed into either a stowed position for storage and transport (see) or an extended position for a batting activity (see). In the stowed position, each of the second, third, fourth, and fifth telescoping portions,,,—as applicable—is pushed into the telescoping portion that is directly beneath it to reduce the overall height of the telescoping tee. The resulting telescoping teehas a storage height that is equal to or less than the height of the bucket body. In various embodiments, the telescoping teehas a storage height of about 19 inches, about 18 inches, about 17 inches, or lower. In the stowed position, the telescoping teeeither extends above the upper apertureof the central tube(see) or is fully surrounded by the central tube(see).

Turning to the extended position, the telescoping teeis set to a batting height when used for a batting activity. Height of the telescoping teeis generally increased by pulling the second, third, fourth, and fifth telescoping portions,,,—as applicable—out from the telescoping portions directly below them. At batting height, the uppermost end of the telescoping teeis above the upper perimeterof the bucket body. The telescoping teemay be adjusted to different batting heights based on the height of the individual using the telescoping tee. The batting height may also be varied to achieve a desired strike zone. The telescoping teecan be adjusted to batting heights between about 20 inches and about 50 inches. By using four or five telescoping portions, the telescoping teemay be extended to a batting height that is suitable for an adult (e.g., 43 inches) without compromising stability and durability. Compared to embodiments of the telescoping teethat have only three telescoping portions, embodiments of the telescoping teewith more than three telescoping portions are sturdier at an adult batting height. This sturdiness is due, in part, to a greater proportion of each upper telescoping portion's length being nested within the telescoping portion directly below it.

The telescoping teemay also include a plurality of friction elementsthat restrict movement of the telescoping portions. Based on the friction supplied by the friction elements, the telescoping portions may be adjusted and secured at a desired height without the need for a locking mechanism. Suitable friction elements include friction tape, fabric material, or gaskets constructed from rubber or thermoplastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

In certain embodiments, the friction elementsare hidden from view. For example, each telescoping portion may include a lower recess, an upper recess, or both that allow the friction elementsto be positioned in the interior of the telescoping teebetween telescoping portions. As depicted in the embodiment of, the second, third, and fourth telescoping portions,,each include a lower recessthat is configured to receive one friction element. The friction elementfrom the lower recessof the second telescoping portioncreates friction against the first telescoping portionwhen the second telescoping portionis raised or lowered. The friction elementswithin the lower recessesof the third and fourth telescoping portions,similarly generate friction against, respectively, the second and third telescoping portions,. The first, second, and third telescoping portions,,each include an upper recessthat also receives one friction element. The friction elementfrom the upper recessof the first telescoping portioncreates friction against the second telescoping portionas it is raised or lowered. The friction elementsfrom the upper recessesof the second and third telescoping portions,similarly create friction when the third and fourth telescoping portions,are raised. This dual friction-generation at the upper and lower ends of the telescoping portions prevent downward movement after the telescoping teeis adjusted to its desired batting height.

The combination of lower and upper recesses,can also be used to limit the height to which each telescoping portion can be extended for a batting activity. As shown in, as the second telescoping portionis raised, the friction elementin its lower recesseventually abuts the friction elementfrom the upper recessof the first telescoping portion. This contact blocks the second telescoping portionfrom extending further upward. Thus, a prescribed proportion of the second telescoping portionis always retained within the first telescoping portionheight to ensure stability of the telescoping teeduring the batting activity. In various embodiments, at least 20% of the length of each upper telescoping portion is retained within its corresponding lower telescoping portion at maximum batting height. In other embodiments, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, or at least 40% of the length of each telescoping portion is retained within the lower telescoping portion at maximum batting height.

As depicted in, the telescoping teemay also include a series of retainer clips, which can take the form of c-clips or washers that narrow the interior diameter of each respective telescoping portion,,,, and. Each retainer clipprevents the interior nested telescoping portion from passing through the surrounding telescoping portion. For example, as depicted in, the retainer clipsecured to the bottom portion of second telescoping portionprevents the smaller, interior third telescoping portionfrom passing through the bottom of the second telescoping portion.

The friction elementsmay alternatively be visible from the outside of the telescoping tee. As shown in, the telescoping teeincludes a plurality of rubber gasket friction elementsthat restrict movement of the second telescoping portion, the third telescoping portion, the fourth telescoping portion, and the fifth telescoping portion—as applicable. The friction elementsare optionally sloped, which helps to guide the telescoping teeas it slides into the central tubeof the bucket body.

To perform a batting activity, a tee-ball may be placed directly on the uppermost telescoping portion, e.g., the third telescoping portion, the fourth telescoping portion, or the fifth telescoping portion(as shown in). In other embodiments, the uppermost telescoping portion includes a ball holderthat is configured to support a tee-ball. Suitable materials for the ball holderinclude rubber (e.g., fabric-reinforced rubber), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), poly-praraphenylene terephthalamide, carbon fiber, fiber glass, and combinations of the same. The ball holdermay be secured to the uppermost telescoping portion using, for example, polyolefin heat-shrink tubing.

In the exemplary embodiment of, the telescoping teehas a conical ball holderthat is sized to be received into the fourth telescoping portionwhen the fifth telescoping portionis stowed therein. In contrast,depicts an embodiment in which the ball holderis not received into the fourth telescoping portionwhen the fifth telescoping portionis telescoped down. In some embodiments, the ball holdermay be removed before the telescoping teeis lowered into the bucket bodyand can therefore be stored and transported separately. The ball holdermay also be replaced, as needed, as the materials become worn.

The telescoping teemay be captured within the bucket bodyfor transport. To store the telescoping teewithin the bucket body, the bucket bodyis lowered over the tee supportsuch that the telescoping teeis positioned through the central apertureof the bucket bodyand lower apertureof the central tube. The bucket bodymay include a guide structure that leads the telescoping teetoward the central and lower apertures,as the bucket bodyis lowered. For example, the guide structure may be a plurality of teeth on the underside of the bucket bodythat slope toward the central and lower apertures,. In another embodiment, the central tubeincludes a sloped or conical basethat guides the telescoping teeinto the central tubeas the bucket bodyis lowered. When the bucket bodyrests against the tee support, the telescoping teeis separated from the storage compartmentby the central tube. In this manner, the central tubeallows the telescoping teeto be moved into and out from the bucket bodywithout the need to empty any contents from the storage compartment.

To transport the telescoping teewithin the bucket body, the bucket bodyand the tee supportare connected with the fastening system, which may be engaged when the bucket bodyand the tee supportare placed into contact. Once engaged, the fastening systemallows the bucket body, the tee support, and the telescoping teeto be picked up as one unit.

The fastening systemmay use, for example, corresponding protrusions and grooves to connect the bucket bodyand the tee support. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more protrusions extend upward from the upper surfaceof the tee support, and each protrusion is received into a corresponding groove in the bucket body. The protrusions are secured within the grooves by twisting the bucket body(clockwise or counterclockwise) to push each protrusion into a section of the groove from which it cannot be removed using an upward movement. In an alternative embodiment, one or more protrusions extend downward from the bucket bodyand are received by and secured within one or more grooves in the tee support.

Another suitable fastening systemuses threaded connections on the bucket bodyand the tee supportto provide a secure connection.

In other suitable embodiments, the fastening systemuses snap-together fasteners or quick-disconnect clamps and fasteners to connect the bucket bodyand the tee support.

Several embodiments utilize a magnetic fastening systemto secure the tee supportagainst the underside of the bucket body. For example, a plurality of magnetsmay be disposed within the bucket bodyand configured to create a strong magnetic connection with a magnetic material in the tee support. The magnetsmay have different sizes and shapes (e.g., wedge-shaped, circular), with various suitable arrangements.depict a magnetic fastening systemin which wedge-shaped magnetsare placed against the floorwithin the bucket bodyand arranged around the central tube. When magnetsare placed against the floor, they may be isolated from the storage compartmentusing an epoxy covering or a false bottom. By isolating the magnets, the bucket bodycan be cleaned, used for storage, or turned upside down without risk of damaging or displacing the magnets. Alternatively, the magnetsmay be placed underneath the floorof the bucket body. In the embodiment depicted by, the magnetsare positioned within a magnet compartmentbeneath the floorof the bucket body. The magnet compartmentincludes an aperturethat corresponds to the central apertureof the bucket body, such that the telescoping teeis not blocked from entering the central tube.

In some embodiments, a bucket insertis used to arrange magnetswithin the bucket body. The bucket insertmay be ring-shaped to slide around the central tubeand rest against the floorof the bucket body. Alternatively, the bucket insertmay be placed into a bucket bodythat does not have a central tube. As depicted in, the bucket insertincludes an insert tubewith a lower aperturethat corresponds to the central aperturein the floor. In this manner, the insert tubesubstitutes for the central tube, and the annular space between the insert tubeand the inner wall of the bucket bodyprovides the storage compartment. The insert tubemay have a sloped baseto stabilize and guide placement of the telescoping teetherein. The magnetsfor the depicted bucket insertare positioned around the insert tube. More particularly, each magnetis secured within a magnet cavityat the underside of the bucket insert. The magnetsare attached within each magnet cavityusing a countersunk screwthat is flush with the lower surface of the magnet. As depicted in, the magnetsare positioned toward the edge of bucket insert. This arrangement maximizes the storage space in the bucket bodyby creating a channelbetween the magnetsand the insert tube.

In certain embodiments, the bucket insertallows a standard commercial bucket (e.g., a five-gallon bucket) to be adapted as the bucket bodyfor the tee-equipped bucket.provide a cutaway view of the bucket bodyadapted from a standard bucket, with the top half of the bucket bodyomitted. As shown in, the standard bucket has been machined to create the central aperturein the floor. Additional holes have also been drilled at attachment pointsfor the bucket insert. Turning to, the bucket insertis placed within the bucket bodyand bolted against the floorat the attachment points. Once the bucket insertis thus secured, the magnetscan be used to connect the bucket bodywith the tee support.

In other embodiments, instead of using magnetsfor the fastening system, the bucket bodyitself is manufactured with a magnetic material that is attracted to the tee support. For example, the bucket bodymay be constructed using magnetic materials such as steel, iron, nickel, and their alloys.

To perform a batting activity, the bucket bodymay be lifted off the tee supportand away from the telescoping tee. This action can be performed without removing the contents within the storage compartment. The bucket bodycan then be moved independent of the telescoping teeand used as a storage device or seat. To disconnect the bucket bodyand the tee supportwhen a magnetic fastening systemis used, an individual may place a foot on the tee supportand pull upward on the bucket bodyor the transport featuresto break the magnetic connection. In embodiments where the tee supporthas a larger diameter than the bucket body, the edge of the tee supportremains exposed and can be stepped on for leverage while the bucket bodyis pulled upward. In embodiments where the tee supporthas the same diameter as the bucket body, the bucket bodymay include a foot recessthat exposes a portion of the tee supportas a foothold. Where magnetsare used to connect the bucket bodywith the tee support, the magnetsmay be arranged to accommodate the foot recessas shown in. When converting a standard bucket for use with the bucket insert, a foot aperturemay be machined in the bucket bodyand combined with a recessed wallin the bucket insertto form the foot recess. The bucket insertoptionally includes a flangefor attaching the recessed wallaround the foot apertureof the bucket body.

Alternatively, the telescoping teeis used for a batting activity without separating the bucket bodyfrom the tee support. In such embodiments, the lid, if any, is removed from the bucket body, and the telescoping teeis pulled out through the central tubeuntil the telescoping teereaches the batting height. By keeping the telescoping teewith the bucket bodyduring a batting activity, the individual has easy access to equipment(e.g., balls) in the storage compartment. The telescoping teecan also be quickly stowed back into the central tubefor transport.

As depicted in, a methodfor performing a batting activity involves a stepof assembling a tee-equipped bucket by connecting a bucket body to a tee support using a fastening system. After the tee-equipped bucket is assembled, the telescoping tee is extended to a batting height (step) and a ball is hit from the telescoping tee (step). At step, the telescoping tee is lowered to a storage height, and the tee-equipped bucket is then transported to another location at step.

depicts an embodiment in which methodalso includes a stepof separating the bucket body and the tee support before the ball is hit from the telescoping tee. To accomplish step, the fastening system may be disengaged by placing a foot on the tee support and lifting the bucket body away from the tee support. The depicted methodalso includes a stepof re-connecting the bucket body and the tee support after the ball is hit from the telescoping tee at step.

It is clear that the present invention is well adapted to carry out its objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments illustrated herein are believed to be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The description of the invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, relative terms such as “front,” “rear,” “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the machine be constructed or the method to be operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “connected,” “connecting,” “attached,” “attaching,” “join,” and “joining” are used interchangeably and refer to one structure or surface being secured to another structure or surface or integrally fabricated in one piece.

For purposes of the disclosure, the term “at least” followed by a number is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a ranger having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, “at least 1” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followed by a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit, or a range having no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). For example, “at most 4” means 4 or less than 4, and “at most 40%” means 40% or less than 40%. Terms of approximation (e.g., “about”, “substantially”, “approximately”, etc.) should be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meanings as used in the associated art unless indicated otherwise. Absent a specific definition and absent ordinary and customary usage in the associated art, such terms should be interpreted to be ±10% of the base value.

When, in this document, a range is given as “(a first number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)-(a second number)”, this means a range whose lower limit is the first number and whose upper limit is the second number. For example, 25 to 110 should be interpreted to mean a range whose lower limit is 25 and whose upper limit is 110. Additionally, it should be noted that where a range is given, every possible subrange or interval within that range is also specifically intended unless the context indicates to the contrary. For example, if the specification indicates a range of 25 to 110 such range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-110, 27-110, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other possible combination of lower and upper values within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. Note that integer range values have been used in this paragraph for purposes of illustration only and decimal and fractional values (e.g., 46.7-91.3) should also be understood to be intended as possible subrange endpoints unless specifically excluded.