AU2022203879A1

AU2022203879A1 - Ball sport practice device

Info

Publication number: AU2022203879A1
Application number: AU2022203879A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Daniel Molnar
Original assignee: Rebounda Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Rebounda Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-03
Filing date: 2022-06-03
Publication date: 2023-12-21
Also published as: WO2023230671A1

Abstract

A ball sports practice device (1) including a base member (3); an upright member (2) securable to the base member (3); a transverse member (4) extending from said upright member (2); an 5 adjustable line (14) extending from the upright member (2) to the transverse member (4) such that the line (14) protrudes from a free end of the transverse member (4); a ball cord (18) attached to a ball (16); an attachment cord (12) that attaches between the adjustable line (14) and the ball cord (18); wherein one of several different types of balls (16) and corresponding ball cords (18) are adapted to be connected to the attachment cord (12), wherein further a user of the .0 device on his/her own is able to hit, kick, pass or throw a ball (16) depending on the type of ball (16) attached to the attachment cord (12) and said ball (16) returns to the user after being hit, kicked, passed or thrown. .5 20 17 000 NN C) (Y) Q~)

Description

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BALL SPORT PRACTICE DEVICE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a ball sport practice device, more particular to a device that enables a user to practise his or her skills in a particular sports discipline. The device can also be used as a general fitness tool incorporating the use of practicing ball skills.

Background of the Invention

In order for a person to practise a particular ball sport, it is difficult to practise on their LO own. He or she might have to travel to a venue away from home, such as a tennis court, a soccer or football field or a golf course. It might involve having to use a goal structure, as in soccer, Australian Rules football or hockey orthe use of a net such as for cricket. This may not be convenient for the person and in some sports it may be beneficial to have another player with that person which is not always possible. Furthermore, apart from having to go to a particular L5 sports venue, the ball, once kicked or hit is never able to be returned and the user has to go and collect the ball to then go through the practice procedure again.

A number of devices have been previously designed that can be set up in a backyard of a residence where the user lives. Some examples of such devices are described briefly below.

In British Patent No. GB2350568 there is disclosed a golf practice swing or cricket batting practice swing device in which a ball 10 is connected to a line 12 from both sides such that each end of the line 12 is linked to a respective guideway 4. The guideway 4 is upwardly inclined and the initial resting position of the ball is on the ground while the other end of the guideways is attached to a metal frame so that the distal end of the guideways is at a distance above ground, such as 2 metres. The device is designed to practise ball sports in which a ball is hit off the ground with a trajectory at a distance away and at a height above the user, such as golf and cricket. When the user hits the ball, the line 12 moves the ball upwards along each guideway 4 and when the guideway 4 separation distance is too great for the inner elastic line 12, then the ball and the line slow down and eventually stop and are returned by gravity down each guideway 4 to the user.

This device is useful for golf striking and cricket bat striking but no other sport. Furthermore, it does not enable the user to practise other sports where the user handles the ball such as football (Australian Rules Football, Rugby, Gridiron), a cricket ball, tennis ball, or even kicking a soccer ball for example. Furthermore, this device is limited to essentially practice of one action of a user, being a golf swing or cricket bat swing.

In US Patent No. 10,661,149 there is disclosed a projectile tracking system configured to generate tracking data of a projectile which is either thrown or hit by a user and this is done over a selected portion of the trajectory of the projectile. It is designed to provide real time feedback of the trajectory of the user for training purposes. It is used in a number of sports, such as

[O baseball, cricket, hockey, ice hockey, golf, hammer throwing and tennis to name a few sports. However, with this particular device there is no facility to have the ball or projectile returned to the user.

In US Patent Application No. 2019/0358511, there is disclosed a ball which is attached to a flexible stick or pole which in turn is attached to a base unit. The base unit can be supported on

[5 the ground or connected to a fence or wall, for example, so that there are two different hitting positions of the ball. Although it does allow for the attachment of different kinds of sports balls to the end of the pole, the pole while being flexible is not adjustable in length. It only suits the hitting of the ball at a distance above the ground and does not enable practice of throwing, kicking or passing.

2o Canadian Patent No. 2396404 discloses a ball returning apparatus which has a frame 4 open at one end into which a user can kick or throw a ball. The lower portion or floor of the frame is angled so that the ball is returned to the user due to gravity after use. It is said to be applicable for golf driving, kicking a soccer ball or Australian Rules Football, pitching a baseball or softball, or throwing a cricket ball, netball or basketball and hitting balls for hockey and tennis. However, it is restricted in that the user can only kick or throw the ball in one particular direction and that is into the interior of the net framed apparatus. It does not allow a user to run around and practise their passing, throwing or kicking or hitting skills. Furthermore, for a ball toss such as in tennis, it is left to the user to still throw the ball up to hit it with a tennis racquet into the apparatus.

In US Patent Application No. 2012/0283045 there is disclosed a device used to assist in soccer training whereby the user wears apparatus on each leg with each apparatus having a series of holes in which to tie or secure a cord which is also attached to a soccer ball. The user can practise alternatively kicking the soccer ball on each leg for however long they wish knowing that the elastic cords that hold the ball to each leg will make the ball return once the ball is kicked. This particular apparatus is only specific to the one sport, being soccer, and to one action which is kicking. It also requires the cumbersome attachment and retention of apparatus to each of the individual's legs.

With regard to US Patent No. 10,835,798, it discloses a baseball or a softball training device that has a base and frame body attached to the base and an outwardly extending portion that forms the top of the frame body. The outwardly extending portion has a pair of arms between which is vertically located a ball of a suspension system whereby a ball is held tO vertically in a tethered arrangement between the upper arm and the lower arm. A user can practise hitting the ball across their body but generally only in a limited number of positions. The ball, being tethered, returns to its original position after it has been hit. It is limited to a number of sports in which it can be used and in the number of actions that can be taken. There is no possibility for throwing, passing or kicking a ball and there are limited positions from which to L5 hit the ball.

With regard to US Patent Application No. 2015/0209644 there is disclosed a tennis training apparatus which is on an adjustable stand, so it can be varied in height. A horizontal bar extends from an upright portion and has a fixed length cord or panel 30 that extends from the end of the horizontal bar. At the end of the panel 30 is attached a tennis ball from which a user can 2o hit the ball. The ball, once hit, s released from its coupling panel 30. It is therefore not a returnable ball.

With regard to US Patent No. 8,784,240, there is disclosed a ball hitting training device whereby a ball used in baseball, softball, cricket, or tennis is detached from an adjustable line from when the ball is hit. It is a T frame with a line that is fed through a cross bar and tied at a peg on an upright bar. In this manner the line is adjustable for whichever sport and the height at which the ball is hit. The patent specifically describes the drawbacks of tethered ball devices in stating that it is not possible to see where a ball ends up and whether it is a good shot or not. The main disadvantage with this device is that it is used by a single person and that person has to go and retrieve all of the balls hit, which takes time and is inconvenient to continuous training.

Other known devices include a badminton shuttlecock hitting device and an A-frame cricket batting practice device where a ball is hit into a goal with a backing net. These only relate to one type of ball sport. Another arrangement is where a coach hangs a line and a ball attached to the line away from him/her for a sports player to hit, which is not practical and limits the possible movements of the player.

It is desirable to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages with the systems described above by providing a ball sport practice device that can be used for multiple ball sports, can be used by one person and is adapted to improve the skills of the person whether it is hitting a ball, passing, catching or kicking a ball that is returnable.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a ball sports practice device including: a base member; an upright member securable to the base member; a transverse member extending from said upright member; an adjustable line extending from the upright member to the transverse member such that the line protrudes from a free end of the transverse member; a ball cord attached to a ball; an attachment cord that attaches between the adjustable line and the ball cord; wherein one of several different types of balls and corresponding ball cords are adapted to be connected to the attachment cord, wherein further a user of the device on his/her own is able to hit, kick, pass or throw a ball depending on the type of ball attached to the attachment cord and said ball returns to the user after being hit, kicked, passed or thrown.

The device is preferably portable. The device may further include a first connector for connecting a first end of said attachment cord to the ball cord of the particular ball used by the user and a second connector for connecting a second end of the attachment cord to a first end of the adjustable line that protrudes from the free end of the transverse member.

Preferably the base member includes a base support comprising a plate and at least a first member and a second member both attached to said plate with said plate positioned on a ground surface.

The ball sports practice device may further include a base unit adapted to fit directly over the plate and a part of either or both of the first and second members and further including a series of footings, with each footing adapted to fit over one of the first or second member.

Each footing may have an interior space adapted to be filled with a substance having weight, such that additional support is provided to the device and prevents the device from becoming unstable. The ball sports practice device may further include a sleeve member hollow at a first end and a second end thereof, such that the first end is fitted to the base member and the second end is adapted to receive a free end of the upright member.

[O The ball sports practice device preferably includes a bracing element connected between the upright member and the transverse member. The transverse member is preferably substantially perpendicular to the upright member. The transverse member is preferably adapted to be detached from the bracing element such that the transverse member can fold downwardly towards the upright member in order to store or move the device.

L5 The free end of the transverse member is preferably outwardly fluted in shape to prevent the adjustable line or the attachment cord wrapping around the transverse member. The adjustable line preferably has a first end protruding from the free end of the transverse member, is contained within each of the transverse and upright members and has a second end that protrudes from the free end of the upright member.

The second end of the adjustable line preferably extends through an aperture in a sidewall of the sleeve member and is able to be secured to any one of a number of projections on said sleeve member in order for the user to adjust the height of the ball. Preferably the dimensions of the transverse and upright members are such that the user has a space that allows 360 degree movement and the ball is able to be moved in any direction in a half-spherical volume above the level of the ball in its resting position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be hereinafter described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view from above of a ball sports practice device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1B is a front view of the device of Figure 1A;

Figure IC is a side view of the device of Figure 1A;

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are respectively side, front and perspective views of an attachment cable or cord which is attachable, through a first connector, to a sports ball and through a second connector to an adjustable line which is disposed within a frame of the device;

.0 Figure 3A is a perspective view of a footing of a number of similar footings which are used to support the frame of the device;

Figure 3B shows four such footings as in Figure 3A connectable to a base support of a stand which forms part of the frame of the device;

Figure 4A is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1A but showing an exploded view of the .5 separate footings and the base support to enable a view of the overall base structure of the stand;

Figure 4B is a perspective view of the separated footings, one of which is shown in Figure 3A;

Figure 4C is a perspective view of the base support of Figure 4A to which each of the footings attach;

Figure 4D is a side view of the footings of Figure 4B;

Figure 4E is a side view of the base support of Figure 4C;

Figure 4F is a perspective view of a base unit of the stand;

Figure 5A is a perspective view of a female component of a connector, which connector is used to connect one end of the attachment cord or cable respectively to a further cable which is attached to a ball and also is used to attach the other end of the attachment cord or cable to the adjustable line which is fed through part of the frame of the device;

Figure 5B is a front view or top view of the female connector component of Figure 5A;

Figures 5C and 5D are respectively side and end views of the female connector component of Figure 5A;

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a male connector component adapted to fit to the female connector component of Figure 5A;

Figure 6B is a front or top view of the male component of Figure 5A;

Figures 6C and D are respective side and end views of the male component shown in Figure 6A;

Figure 7A, B, C and D are respectively perspective, front, side and end views of a complete connector comprising the female component shown in figures 5A to 5D and the male component .0 shown in Figures 6A to 6D; and

Figures 8A and 8B are respectively a perspective view and a side view of the complete connector shown in Figures 7A to 7D, with a clamping member for clamping the end of a cord or line, for example attached to a ball.

.5 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

This invention describes a ball sport practice device which is able to be used in a variety of ball sport applications and actions such as hitting, kicking or passing. It is applicable to hitting a ball to practise skills in such sports as cricket, tennis, golf, baseball and hockey. It is applicable for kicking in such sports as soccer, Australian Rules football, rugby and American football. The device of this invention can be used to practise passing to an imaginary or real player, for example, or to receive the ball from another (imaginary or real) player such as in Australian Rules football where it can be caught or handballed, in rugby where it can be caught and passed and also in handball where it can be caught and passed. The device can also be used to practise throwing a ball, such as in cricket or for a ball-toss such as in a tennis serve.

Referring to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C there is shown a ball sport practice device 1 having a frame comprising an upright member 2, a base member 3 and a transverse member 4. The base member 3 attaches to a stand that consists of an upright sleeve 6 and the upright member 2. The sleeve 6 is connectable to a base unit 8 via a projection 72 (see Figure 4C) which extends upwardly from the centre of the base unit 8 such that a lower end 51 of the sleeve 6 fits over the projection 72 and is connectable thereto, either through an interference fit with the projection or by securing means, such as bolt and nut. The upright member 2 slides into an opposite upper end 53 at the top of the sleeve 6 and can be secured to the inside of the sleeve 6, for example by nut and bolt. The upright number 2 consists of two portions 42 and 46 which are able to be secured together, again such as by a nut and bolt. The transverse member 4 is also formed in two sections 38 and 40 again secured in such manner as by a nut and bolt. The transverse member 4 extends outwardly and away from the upright member 2 and, in this preferred embodiment, extends approximately horizontally outwardly with respect to the vertical upright member 2 and is secured to the upright member 2 through the elbow section 44. A bracing element 10 is used to

[O provide extra rigidity and strength to the connection of the upright member 2 to the transverse member 4. The base unit 8 is adapted to be connected to up to 4 footings 20, 22, 24 and 26 which will be described in detail with reference to later Figures. Alternatively, the upright member 2 and transverse member 4 can be made of sections that are retractable or telescoping to achieve a desired height or outward extension. Spring rivets could be used to facilitate the adjustment of L5 the length of the transverse member 4 or the height of the upright member 2.

An attachment cable or cord 12 has connected thereto a first connector 28 at a lower end and a second connector 30 at upper end of cord 12. The first connector 28 connects to a ball cord or ball cable 18 which extends from a ball 16 that is to be hit, kicked, passed or handballed. The upper, second connector 30 connects to a distal end 15 of an adjustable line or cord 14 which ZO protrudes from an outer end 48 of the transverse member 4. The proximal end 17 of the cord or line 14 is fed through the hollow interior of the transverse member 4, the elbow 44 and the hollow interior of upright member 2 and through opening 50 near the top end 53 of the sleeve 6 and terminates in a ring or end 52. The ring or end 52 is adapted to hook onto any one or more of the projections 32, 34 or 36 located on one side 35 of the sleeve 6. This serves to adjust the amount of the adjustable line 14 that is exposed or extended from the end 48 of the transverse member 4. An extra long line or cable 14 can be used and the excess can be wrapped around any one or more of the projections 32, 34 or 36 or as many other projections as are needed on the sleeve 6.

The adjustment of the line or cable 14 enables a user to position a ball either on the ground or at a desired height above ground for kicking, passing or hitting or even at a height suitable for practising a serve or overhead smash in tennis.

As an example, a ball can be positioned on the ground for a user to practise such sports as dribbling a soccer ball, hitting a golf ball or a hockey ball. When dribbling a soccer ball, the adjustable line 14 would be extended out to allow a user to dribble the ball around on the ground 7, controlling the ball with both feet and being able to run around in space 5. When using a golf ball, it is generally hit from a stationary standing position of the user and can be placed on a tee or hit off the grass or ground 7. When the user strikes the ball, it will return after a number of radial swings of the line 12 or alternatively the user can grab the line 12 to halt its movement to then hit another golf ball. In such sports as hockey, the user can hit the ball from a standing stationary position or flick the ball off the ground 7 as is often performed in hockey, or the user

[O can be moving such that after hitting the hockey ball and upon its return to the ground position the user can time his or her movements to then take another shot with a hockey stick in any direction. The whole space 5 around the ball 16 can be used by the user to move in and be well clear of the base member 3. Such movement is possible due to the overall length and height of the transverse member 4, which keeps the ball 16 and cord 12 well away from the base member L5 3.

A similar scenario applies when practicing batting in cricket. Generally, the ball is not on the ground to be hit but is directed at a batter by a bowler who bowls the ball to the batter and then the batter plays a particular stroke depending on the position and bounce of the ball. Using the device 1, the user in this instance can practise by firstly hitting the ball and then when it !0 returns on a downwards swing toward the ground, the player can move towards the ball and play a particular stroke which would equate to a cover drive or an on drive. This is where the user positions his/her front foot as near to the ball as possible and then plays the stroke with the bat by hitting the ball as it contacts the ground or about to contact the ground. This can be done numerous times in succession.

The ball 16 can be positioned at a height between, for example the knees, or waist, and shoulders and even higher in the case of tennis serving by adjusting the line 14 through a gripping ring 52 on the end 17 of line 14 at the sleeve 6, pulling the line 14 so that ball 16 is at the desired height (or on the ground) and then tying the excess line 14 around the projections 32, 34 or 36. Similarly, to extend the line 14 out of end 48 of transverse member 4, the user simply grips and pulls cord 12 to the desired length. As an example, with the tennis ball 16 a user can practise hitting the ball for ground strokes, both forehand and backhand, and when positioned above the head of the user the ball 16 can be used to practise certain tennis shots, for example, an overhead smash. The ball will return after being hit so that the user can either continue hitting ground strokes or stop the ball to then practise a serve or another overhead smash.

In cricket, for practising other cricket shots, a batter can hit the ball at waist height to practise a back foot drive, a pull stroke or a hook shot, for example. In baseball a user can practise hitting the ball from a standing start, or alternatively on the rebound when the ball swings backwardly toward the user and ends up being at about waist height at the point of impact. In hockey the user can practise stopping a high ball which is approaching him/her with his/her hockey stick. All of this can be done with free movement by the user on the ground surface 7 in the space 5. The part of the line 14 extending out of end 48, as well as the cord 12, .0 will never be able to wrap around the transverse member 4 or get caught up with it due to an outwardly fluted or outwardly turned end 48 of the transverse member 4. In this case the line 14 will simply revolve in circles around the edge of the outer end 48 so that the user is able to continually and freely make strokes, passes, hits or handballs essentially in any direction within a half-spherically shaped volume above the level of the resting position of the ball.

.5 In the case of practicing for rugby, a rugby ball can be placed on the ground in preparation for a conversion kick at goal. The user is able to run in from any direction depending on whether they are left footed or right footed in order to undertake the kick.

For other sports that involve kicking, particularly soccer, a user can practise kicking with the soccer ball on the ground or at a height above the ground and can also practise stopping the ball with their feet, legs, chest and also practise heading which is where a soccer player contacts the ball with their forehead in order to attempt a score at goal or otherwise control the direction of the ball. Again, the soccer player can continue to kick the ball or practise their skills with it on the return of the ball from its extended position after being kicked.

In other sports such as Australian Rules football, rugby, American football as well as handball a user can continuously run around in the space 5 practising passing of a ball or in the case of Australian Rules handballing the ball to an imaginary teammate. The ball will return in different positions and the player can run around in that space and receive the ball on its return and then practise a handball or pass again.

The device can also be used for practising catching or marking a ball at various heights and also for sports such as netball and basketball where a player can receive or catch the ball and then pass it onto another imaginary player. This also applies in cricket where a person can practise catching a ball.

The space 5 in which a user can run around in to hit, kick, pass or catch a ball provides a 360 degree area to practise as well as any angle in a half-dome or hemisphere above the level of the resting position of the ball. The space is made deliberately large to enable such practice and this is created by a large overhang or extension of the transverse member 4, the height of the upright member 2 and that the footings 20 to 26 are a large distance away from where the ball rests (when not impacted by the user).

Referring to Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, there is shown the attachment cord 12 with the first, .0 lower connector 28 and the second, upper connector 30. Attached to the lower connector 28 is a tennis ball 16, through ball cord 18. As mentioned previously, any other ball can be used which has a ball cord 18 attached to the internal part of the ball 16 so that it cannot be removed from the ball 16. If the ball has a bladder or a central core, the ball end of cord 18 can be attached by a plug to the inside wall of the ball between the bladder and the wall. With reference to the series .5 of drawings under Figures 5, 6 and 7, and in particular, Figures 8A and 8B, the distal end of the ball cord 18 is inserted into an interior space of the body 103 of clamping member 100. The distal end of the ball cord 18 will be clamped, fitted, squeezed or wedged by first and second jaw members 101 and 103 that resiliently movable towards and away from each other. A first member 43 of a first (male) component 31 (which is not shown in Figures 8A or 8B for clarity) of connector 28 or 30 has an internal space into which the clamping member 100 slides. The user grips and pushes the jaw members 101 and 102 towards each other at the same time as inserting the clamping member 100 into the first member 43 which slides over the outer surfaces of the jaw members 101 and 102. This action forces the jaw members 101 and 102 to grip against the distal end of ball cord 18 while at the same time the outer surfaces of the jaw members 101 and 102 have an interference fit against the interior wall of the first member 43. The ball cord 18 then cannot be pulled out. As an alternative to clamping the distal end of ball cord 18, it can be tied or glued to keep it fixed to the connector 28, 30.

A second component, being a female component 29, of the connectors 28 and 30 is shown in Figure 5. It is connected to the lower end 80 of attachment cord 12 for connector 28 at end 35 of first component 33 where the cord 12 is fixed, clamped or fitted and resides within the interior part of component 33 at end 35, that is within the body 33. A similar male and female connection arrangement is applicable to connector 30.

The female component 29 of the connector 28 (or 30) is more clearly shown in Figure 5 and has first component 33 and second component 37. End 39 of component 37 is open and adapted to receive a part of the male component 31 shown in Figure 6. Component 31 has a first member 43 and a second member 41 which in turn has a pair of flexible blades or wings 45 and 47 that are connected to support 49. Support 49 is connected to end 53 of first member 43. The second member 41 snap fits into second component 37 of female component 29 which has a pair of openings 55 and 57 into which wings 45 and 47 fit. In other words, as the male second member 41 is inserted into component 37 the wings 45 and 47 bend toward each other to fit within component 37 and then on reaching the openings 55 and 57 spring outwardly to then lock LO the male component 31 within the female component 29. This provides a secure connection which is easy to lock and attach a particular ball to be used. The full connection arrangement is shown in Figures 7A, 8A and 8B.

The width, length, density and elasticity of the attachment cord 12 can be varied, or it can be a normal line that does not have any elasticity in it. If for example, a real golf ball is used and .5 not a practice golf ball, then a fast-dissipating energy cord would be needed so that it does not spring back quickly and potentially hit the user. Generally where it is beneficial to practise a sport where the ball springs back to the user quickly, such as in cricket, then cord 12 can be made from elastic material.

Referring to Figures 3A, 3B and Figures 4A to 4F the following description applies to the base member 3. The base member 3 includes a base support 64, base unit 8, footings 20, 22, 24 and 26. The support 64, positioned on the ground surface includes a first member 61 and a second member 63, both of which are attached to plate or disc 70 at elbows 71 and 73 which lie either side of upright projection 72. The first member 61 comprises bar 66 and bar 69 which is at a different angle with respect to the direction in which bar 66 meets the plate 70. The elbow 71 connects the bars 66 and 69 to one another. Each of the bars 66 and 69 terminate at their distal or outer ends in an upturned end 74. Similarly, second member 63 has bar 67 attached to bar 68 through elbow 73 with bar 68 being at a different angle to the angle of approach of bar 67 relative to plate 70. Each of the bars 67 and 68 have at an outer upturned end 74 as well. Alternatively, the members 61 and 63 can be formed in a single piece which is bent or splayed outwardly to provide two legs each which support the footings 20, 22, 24 and 26. Each of those footings 22 to 26 have, in an underneath part, an indentation or channel 62 that extends essentially along the entire length (see Figure 3A). This fits directly onto one of the bars 66, 69, 67 or 68. The upturned ends 74 fit within a slot underneath portion 58 of each footing 20 to 26 beneath and in line with opening 60, which is located on the top of portion 58. Opening 60 is designed to enable the entry of sand or water, up to 10 kilograms in weight, in order to weigh down each of the footings 20 to 26 so that it provides a stable base for the whole device 1. There is a lower, flatter portion 56 of the footings 20 to 26 which is designed to essentially be level with the top of the base unit 8. The framework of the base member 64 provided by first member 61 and second member 63 gives a solid connection for each of the footings 20 to 26. The upright projection 72 receives a short hollow square tube 54 (Figure 3B) which is designed to receive aperture 78 of the base unit 8 and small indentations 76 in the base plate 8 fit over the respective bars 66 to 69. This arrangement is shown in Figure 3B. The bottom of the sleeve 6 fits over the LO tube 54 and can be secured to the tube 54 or have an interference fit with tube 54.

Such an arrangement makes the device 1 wholly portable, where the device 1 can be packed up, handled, transported and/or moved to a different location or stored in a different location. The transverse member 4 can be dislodged so that it swings downwardly against and be parallel to the upright member 2. This is done by releasing it from a top portion 82 of the bracing L5 element 10 (where the top portion 82 may be connected to the transverse member 4 by nut and bolt), with bracing element 10 being able to pivot about its connection point 11 to the upright member 2. Alternatively, the connection point 11 is a prong that can be released or pulled out by a user so that transverse member 4 folds down against upright member 2, when the device 1 in not used. Elbow 44 can be flexible or can otherwise rotate to accommodate the downward !o movement of the transverse member 4 towards the upright member 2. Then each of the footings 20, 22, 24 and 26 are disengaged from the base member 64 and carried separately to wherever they need to be located. The remainder of the unit can then be carried to the same location.

The device 1 need not be portable and can be fixed solidly in the ground, such as in a playground, basketball court or tennis court or similar area in a park or school. In this case the base member 64, the base unit 8 and the footings 20 to 26 would not be required. The sleeve 6, or a similar partially hollow upright post, would be fixed permanently into the ground such as by a concrete footing which would serve as a fixed base member, which still allows the upright member 2, the transverse member 4 as well as the cord 12 and line 14 to be moved if needed from the sleeve 6, when the device is not use for an extended period of time.

It is possible for some sports ball applications that two users can use the device 1 at the same time withjust one ball. For example, two users can practise passing a ball, having a rally in tennis and practise throwing and catching.

Most components of the device 1 can be made from steel, such as stainless steel, apart from cord 12 and line 14 (nylon). Connectors28, 30 could be made from steel or plastics material, while footings 20 to 26 and base unit 8 are preferably made from plastics material.

Device 1 provides a single user with opportunities to practise techniques in one or more ball sports of his/her choice in a convenient location, without the need to fetch a ball. The user can simply disconnect and connect any ball, with a ball cord, of their choosing and spend as much time as he/she needs. The user is able to move in a large space practising his/her technique with movement of the particular ball allowed in a hemispherical space above the level of the ball in its resting position. The device is generally portable but can be a fixed installation if required.

LO

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A ball sports practice device including: a base member; an upright member securable to the base member; a transverse member extending from said upright member; an adjustable line extending from the upright member to the transverse member such that the line protrudes from a free end of the transverse member; a ball cord attached to a ball; an attachment cord that attaches between the adjustable line and the ball cord; .0 wherein one of several different types of balls and corresponding ball cords are adapted to be connected to the attachment cord, wherein further a user of the device on his/her own is able to hit, kick, pass or throw a ball depending on the type of ball attached to the attachment cord and said ball returns to the user after being hit, kicked, passed or thrown.

.5 2. The ball sports practice device according to claim 1 such that the device is portable.

3. The ball sports practice device according to claim 1 or claim 2 further including a first connector for connecting a first end of said attachment cord to the ball cord of the particular ball used by the user and a second connector for connecting a second end of the attachment cord to a .0 first end of the adjustable line that protrudes from the free end of the transverse member.

4. The ball sports practice device according to any one of the previous claims wherein the base member includes a base support comprising a plate and at least a first member and a second member both attached to said plate with said plate positioned on a ground surface.

5. The ball sports practice device according to claim 4 further including a base unit adapted to fit directly over the plate and a part of either or both of the first and second members and further including a series of footings, with each footing adapted to fit over one of the first or second member.

6. The ball sports practice device according to claim 5 wherein each footing has an interior space adapted to be filled with a substance having weight, such that additional support is provided to the device and prevents the device from becoming unstable.

7. The ball sports practice device according to claim 6 further including a sleeve member hollow at a first end and a second end thereof, such that the first end is fitted to the base member and the second end is adapted to receive a free end of the upright member.

8. The ball sports practice device according to claim 7 further including a bracing element connected between the upright member and the transverse member.

9. The ball sports practice device according to claim 8 wherein the transverse member is substantially perpendicular to the upright member. -0

10. The ball sports practice device according to claim 9 wherein the transverse member is adapted to be detached from the bracing element such that the transverse member can fold downwardly towards the upright member in order to store or move the device.

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11. The ball sports practice device according to claim 10 wherein the free end of the transverse member is outwardly fluted in shape to prevent the adjustable line or the attachment cord wrapping around the transverse member.

12. The ball sports practice device according to claim 11 wherein the adjustable line has a D first end protruding from the free end of the transverse member, is contained within each of the transverse and upright members and has a second end that protrudes from the free end of the upright member.

13. The ball sports practice device according to claim 12 wherein the second end of the adjustable line extends through an aperture in a sidewall of the sleeve member and is able to be secured to any one of a number of projections on said sleeve member in order for the user to adjust the height of the ball.

14. The ball sports practice device according to any one of the previous claims wherein the dimensions of the transverse and upright members are such that the user has a space that allows 360 degree movement and the ball is able to be moved in any direction in a half-spherical volume above the level of the ball in its resting position.