GB2450759A

GB2450759A - Ball rebound board formed of polycarbonate

Info

Publication number: GB2450759A
Application number: GB0713201A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Sharp
Original assignee: TENNIS COURT SERVICES Ltd
Current assignee: TENNIS COURT SERVICES Ltd
Priority date: 2007-07-06
Filing date: 2007-07-06
Publication date: 2009-01-07
Also published as: GB0713201D0

Abstract

A ball game practice board 1, 100 has a user facing rebound side 2, 102, 104 and a support side (4, fig. 2) with a line (not shown) extending across the user facing side representing the height of a net, e.g. a tennis net. The board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate 3 with a resilient damping layer 5, 5', e.g. rubber, mounted to the rebound side. The substrate 3 may contain internal cavities, and may comprise a multiwall polycarbonate sheet having a user facing wall, a support facing wall, and a number of internal walls defining cells (see fig's 8-10). One or more of the internal cavities or cells may contain particulate damping material, e.g. sand (not shown). The board may comprise first and second panels 102, 104 moveable relative to one another between an open playing position and a closed position in which one panel covers the other (see fig. 7). The panels may be hinged, and one panel 104 may be fixedly mounted to a support 15' with the other panel 102 releasably mounted to the support 15' to allow folding. The base substrate 3 may comprise separate panels joined together with the damping layer 5, 5' extending between the panels to provide a continuous playing surface. The rebound surface may include a protective layer (19', fig. 6), e.g. textured paint, and may be green or blue. The board, or panels forming the board, may have a peripheral metal frame 7, 108, 110.

Description

Practice Board The present invention relates to practice boards for

ball gaines, and a method of making such boards.

Practice boards may be used by players of ball games wishing to improve their technique through solo practice. Practice boards may be useful in the practice of any ball games where a ball is repeatedly hit or thrown in some manner, or where such hitting of the ball may help to develop techniques useful to the user in other contexts, providing a surface to return the ball to the player in the absence of a real playing partner.

While the present invention will be described with particular reference to the practice of tennis, it will be appreciated that the wall may be used in the practice of other ball games in which the use of a wall to return balls to the practicing player is of use, e.g. to develop technique. Other such games include, for example squash, football, hockey, cricket etc. The present invention is directed to practice boards of the type which are not freestanding boards, but are intended to be mounted to a separate supporting structure prior to use to maintain the board upright and provide a suitable rebounding surface against which the ball may repeatedly be hit in use.

The applicant has realised that known practice boards have certain drawbacks. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to the provision of an improved practice board, and in particular, although not exclusively, to the provision of a lightweight but robust practice board, which may be easily used by the domestic user.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided; a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the board further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net, wherein the practice board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate, and a resilient damping layer mounted to a user facing side of the base substrate.

The present invention may provide a practice board of the type which is mounted against a separate support prior to use to maintain the board upright, at least under the impact of balls being hit against it. In accordance with the invention, the main body or base substrate of the board is formed from a polycarbonate material. In this way, the present invention provides a lightweight, cost effective and adaptable board, which may be readily mounted to a suitable existing support prior to use to provide a robust practice wall.

The base substrate of the board is the core or main body of the board which primarily dictates its structural properties, and is not merely a surface coating of the board. As discussed in more detail below, the base substrate is provided with a resilient layer on the user facing side thereof, and may be provided with one or more additional covering layers thereon to impart certain properties to the surface of the board, e.g. weather resistance, markings, surface resilience etc. However, the main structural properties, e.g. strength, rigidity, toughness, impact resistance etc. are provided by the base substrate.

It has been found that a board having a base substrate formed from polycarbonate in accordance with the invention may exhibit high levels of rigidity, strength, impact resistance and weather resistance, while still being lightweight in comparison to conventional boards which typically have a main body formed from wood, fibreglass, or concrete. Polycarbonate exhibits relatively high levels of impact resistance and strength per unit area and thickness in comparison to such materials and is a relatively low density material.

As the board is, in accordance with the invention, mounted to a separate support in use, the base substrate of the support is not required to provide the board with impact resistance and structural integrity of a level which would be required in a freestanding board under the impact of balls being hit against the ball contacting surface. However, the inherent properties of the polycarbonate base substrate provide the board with a relatively high degree of structural integrity and impact resistance in its own right, reducing the demands placed upon the support to which it is mounted in use, and making the use of a wider range of commonly available supports possible, such as fences, walls, etc., and without needing to reinforce or modify the supports to render them suitable for the purpose.

The base substrate of the board in accordance with the present invention may render the board self supporting in that it may provide the board with a predetermined shape, being capable of maintaining its configuration without support or intervention. The base substrate provides the playing surface of the board with the ability to maintain its surface contour e.g. being substantially planar, or with a predetermined surface curvature, without uncontrollably folding or bending when the board is not mounted to a support. However, it will be appreciated that while the board may be self supporting in this way, in preferred embodiments it is not freestanding, and must be mounted against a support to allow it to remain upright in use, at least under the impact of balls against its playing surface.

The present invention further extends to the use of polycarbonate to provide a base substrate for a practice board for ball games. The polycarbonate base substrate and board in this further aspect may incorporate any or all of the features described above and below in relation to the other aspects of the invention, e.g. having further layers attached thereto, dimensions, multiwalled structure etc. In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the board is a substantially rigid board. Preferably therefore, the base substrate of the board is substantially rigid. In embodiments of the invention, the base substrate is a board-like substrate.

The base substrate defines a user facing and a support facing side and corresponding user facing and support facing surfaces. These sides or surfaces of the board are the sides or surfaces of the board closest to the user or support in use. At least the user facing side of the base substrate does not provide the outermost or playing surface of the board as it is covered with a resilient damping layer in accordance with the invention. Similarly the support facing side of the base substrate may or may not define the outer most support contacting surface of the board depending upon whether one or more covering layers are provided on the support facing surface of the substrate.

The base substrate may be of any suitable thickness to provide the board with a suitable level of structural integrity and impact resistance for its intended purpose. In embodiments of the invention, the substrate may have a thickness of at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, or at least 30 mm. The substrate may have a thickness of less than 50 mm, or less than 40 mm. For example, the base substrate may have a thickness in the range of from 20mm to 50 mm, and preferably from 25 mm to 40 mm.

The thickness of the substrate may be in a range corresponding to any combination of the above ranges.

The thickness of the base substrate is the maximum distance measured between the outermost surfaces defined by the polycarbonate substrate in the user facing and support facing directions.

It will be appreciated that the width of the board or substrate is the dimension of the board or substrate in the direction which will extend generally parallel to the ground i.e. in a horizontal direction in use. This direction is thus generally parallel to the line marked on the user facing side of the board or substrate. The height of the board or substrate is the dimension perpendicular to this dimension in the plane of the board or substrate, which will typically extend generally vertically and generally perpendicular to the ground in use. The depth of the substrate or board is the distance between the user facing and board facing surfaces thereof perpendicular to the width and height of the board or substrate i.e. corresponding to the thickness of the board or substrate.

The base substrate may be in the form of a single layer of polycarbonate material of the desired thickness, or may comprise a plurality of layers of polycarbonate material laminated together to provide a substrate of desired thickness. Preferably the polycarbonate layers are then laminated directly to one another without any intervening non polycarbonate structural layers. Of course, in these embodiments there may be thin binder or adhesive layers between the polycarbonate layers to adhere the polycarbonate layers to one another.

In some embodiments, the base substrate of the board is solid throughout its thickness. Thus, in these embodiments, the base substrate may be provided by a solid single sheet of polycarbonate of desired thickness, or a plurality of sheets of polycarbonate laminated to one another to provide a substrate of the desired thickness.

In other embodiments, the base substrate is hollow.

In these embodiments, the base substrate defines at least one internal cavity between the user facing and support facing surfaces thereof. Preferably the base substrate comprises a user facing wall and a support facing wall spaced from one another to define the at least one cavity therebetween. For example, the user facing wall and support facing wall may be spaced from or connected to one another by a suitable peripheral wall or walls, e.g. a side wall or walls, top wall and/or bottom wall. In some embodiments the base substrate defines a pair of sidewalls a top wall and a bottom wall connecting the user facing and support facing surface to one another such that they are spaced from one another to define at least one cavity therebetween. In these embodiments the peripheral walls may be formed of polycarbonate material. In other embodiments the board comprises an edge seal which may be of a non polycarbonate material. Preferably the user facing wall and support facing walls are connected by at least one wall or seal which extends around the entire periphery of the user facing and support facing walls.

In this way, the substrate may define a fully enclosed interior space between the user facing and support walls, which may be filled by a damping substance as described below.

In preferred embodiments a plurality of cavities are defined between the user facing and support facing walls of the base substrate. In some embodiments the base substrate thus comprises at least one internal dividing wall extending between the user and support facing walls thereof to divide an interior space between the user and support facing walls into a plurality of cavities. Preferably a plurality of such dividing walls are provided.

In embodiments where a plurality of cavities are defined within the base substrate, the cavities may be of any shape or size, or orientation relative to one another. For example, the cavities may be arranged side by side, one above the other, one behind the other or combinations thereof. The substrate may comprise a plurality of internal cavities across the width, along the height, or through the depth thereof, or combinations thereof. Preferably the base substrate comprises cells which define a repeating pattern in at least the width and/or depth dimensions. Preferably the base substrate comprises a plurality of internal cavities in the form of a plurality of channels extending longitudinally between an upper and lower portion of the substrate. Preferably the channels extend the full height of the substrate. These embodiments are advantageous providing ease of filling of the cavities with a damping substance as described below.

The base substrate may thus comprise at least one internal dividing wall extending between the user and support facing walls. Preferably the internal dividing wall or walls connect the user and support facing walls and maintain the walls spaced from one another.

Preferably the wall or walls extend through the entire depth of the substrate from the user facing wall to the support facing wall. The internal dividing wall or walls may extend between the user and support facing waLls in any direction or directions to provide a desired configuration of internal cavities. For example, the base substrate may comprise an internal wall or walls extending between the user and support facing walls in a generally longitudinal or transverse direction. The lQngitudinally or transversely extending dividing walls preferably extend between the user and support facing walls in a generally horizontal or vertical direction respectively. Preferably the dividing wall or walls extend in a plane generally perpendicular to the user and support facing walls. Preferably the substrate comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending dividing walls located at intervals across the width thereof extending between the user and support facing walls in a direction generally perpendicular to the user and support facing walls. Alternatively or additionally, the substrate may comprise a plurality of transversely extending dividing walls located at intervals along the height thereof extending between the user and support facing walls in a direction generally perpendicular to the user and support facing surfaces.

Preferably the dividing wall or walls extend the full width or height of the substrate.

Preferably the internal dividing walls are located at equally spaced intervals across the width of the substrate, and/or preferably the depth of the substrate.

Preferably a plurality of internal cavities in the form of a plurality of cells across the width and/or along the height of the board are provided, e.g. side by side and/or one above the other.

The substrate may comprise a plurality of dividing walls extending between the user and support facing walls in different directions to intersect one another between the user and support facing walls. This may subdivide the cavities defined by the dividing walls.

Preferably the substrate thus comprises a plurality of dividing walls extending perpendicular to the user facing and support facing walls at intervals along at its width, height, or both the width and height.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of cavities through the depth of the substrate. Preferably the substrate thus comprises at least one dividing wall spaced from and between the user facing and support facing walls and extending generally longitudinally from the top to the bottom of the substrate. Preferably the wall extends generally parallel to the user facing and support facing walls. Preferably the dividing wall extends the whole height of the substrate. In preferred embodiments, the wall intersects one or more dividing walls extending between and connecting the user facing and support facing walls. In this manner, the substrate may be provided with a plurality of cavities extending through the depth of the substrate, preferably in addition to across the width and/over the height thereof.

Preferably the internal cavities are in the form of a plurality of cells, and preferably the base substrate defines a cellular structure between its support facing and user facing walls. Preferably the substrate defines cells arranged in a pattern of rows and columns in transverse cross section. The cells defined within the base substrate may be of identical or differing shapes or sizes. In some embodiments the substrate comprises internal cells which are rectangular in transverse cross section, triangular in transverse cross section or both.

In some embodiments at least one cell may further comprise a subdividing wall or walls. Any one or ones of the cells may include such subdividing walls. In some embodiments at least one cell further comprises an inclined or diagonal cell dividing wall extending from one side of the cell to the other. This may impart the cell with a triangular transverse cross section and enhance structural rigidity of the substrate. In preferred embodiments at least one row of cells include such dividing walls. Preferably the row is an internal row of cells i.e. one which is not defined in partby either the support or user facing walls of the substrate.

In embodiments where the base substrate comprises a plurality of internal cavities, the cavities may have any desired width, and may be of the same or differing widths. In embodiments each cavity has a width selected from the range consisting from the group of; at least 0.5 cm, at least 1 cm or at least 2 cm. In embodiments each cavity has a width of not more than 3 cm, or not more than 2.5 cm. The width may lie in a range defined by any combination of the above ranges. In preferred embodiments the width of each cavity is in the range of from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm.

The cavities may have any desired depth. In some embodiments the depth of the cavities measured between the user facing and support facing walls of the substrate is selected from the group consisting of; at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm, less than 10 mm, less than 7 mm or combinations thereof. The number of cavities and their dimensions may be selected as desired to provide a suitable level of strength for the substrate, and depending upon the overall thickness desired for the substrate.

The cavities may have any desired height. In some embodiments each cavity extends the entire height of the substrate. This may facilitate filling of the cavities with a damping material as discussed below.

In some embodiments the substrate includes from 3 to 10 cavities through its depth between the user facing and support facing walls, and in preferred embodiments may include from 5 to 8 cavities in the depth dimension.

The spacing of any intervening dividing walls should be selected as desired to produce cavities or a desired dimension. Preferably the cavities are in the form of cells as described above, and may then have dimensions in the above ranges.

Preferably the substrate comprises in the range of from 0.5 to 1.5 cells per cm in the depth direction, and preferably from 0.7 to 1 cells per cm in the depth direction. Preferably the substrate comprises from 0.3 to 1 cells per cm in the width direction, and preferably from 0. 4 to 0.6 cells per cm in the width direction.

Preferably the substrate defines from 0.5 to 5, and preferably from 1 to 3 cells per cm2 area in a transverse cross section taken perpendicular to the user facing and support facing walls.

The internal dividing walls of the base substrate may be substantially planar, or present a curved, sinusoidal or other surface profile. In some embodiments the substrate includes at least one internal wall with a corrugated surface profile. Preferably the wall is a wall which extends in a plane generally parallel to the user and support facing walls.

In embodiments where the base substrate includes a plurality of internal cells the base substrate may be advantageously provided by a multiwalled polycarbonate sheet. Such sheets may include a plurality of ribs or dividing walls extending generally perpendicular to and connecting the outer walls of the sheet to one another, and one or more internal walls extending generally parallel to the outer walls to define a cellular structure between the inner and outer walls. Such sheets are available with a range of different cell patterns, and are commonly used e.g. for roofing applications. The base substrate may simply be formed by selecting a suitable such sheet having a desired density of cells and cutting it to size. Where necessary an edge seal can be provided to enclose the interior space if the cut portion does not have peripheral walls.

In some embodiments the base substrate is provided by a sheet having at least 4 and preferably at least 10 walls through its depth including the user facing and support facing walls. Preferably the base substrate is provided by a multiwalled sheet having in the range of from 4 to 10, and preferably from 7 to 10 walls through its depth including the user facing and support facing walls. The sheet may be a "diamond" sheet including cells of a diamond shape between its outer walls. The nature, thickness, cell configuration etc of the sheet may be selected as desired to provide a substrate having suitable mechanical properties for use in this context.

Nulti walled sheets of different colours are known for providing different levels of light transmission in roofing applications. The base substrate may be selected from any colour multi walled sheet in this context, and applied with covering layers, e.g. paint layers if necessary to impart it with desired properties.

In embodiments where the base substrate defines at least one internal cavity, preferably the cavity or cavities contain a damping material. Some or all of the cavities present may include a damping material. The damping material is a substance which may deaden the impact of balls, and reduce the noise produced. Any suitable material may be used for this purpose.

Preferably the material is a particulate material. The cavity or cavities are therefore configured to contain a particulate damping material. In some preferred embodiments the base substrate defines at least one internal cavity which contains sand. Preferably the sand is a fine sand. Preferably the sand is silica sand.

The internal cavity may be filled completely or partially with the damping material. In some embodiments only the lower portion of the cavity contains the damping material. It will be appreciated that in these embodiments, the base substrate is still formed from polycarbonate material, but just defines an internal cavity or cavities for receiving and containing the damping substance. For ease of filling, it is preferable that the base substrate comprises at least some longitudinally extending cavities in the form of channels extending over the height of the substrate.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, wherein the board comprises a hollow polycarbonate base substrate defining at least one internal cavity containing a particulate damping material.

The present invention in this further aspect may include any or all of the features in accordance described with respect to other aspects of the invention to the extent that they are not contradictory to one another, especially relating to the configuration of the base substrate and cavities etc. In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments, the base substrate may be in the form of a single panel. However, in some preferred embodiments, the base substrate comprises a plurality of panels joined to one another. Preferably the base substrate comprises first and second panels, and preferably includes only two panels.

Preferably the panels are joined to one another in a manner which permits movement of the panels relative to one another about an axis joining the panels. In these embodiments, preferably the panels are separately formed panels which are joined to one another. This may be achieved by locating a hinge along the line joining the panels, and the panels are preferably hingeably connected to one another. The hinge may be integrally formed with one or both panels, or a separate hinge mounted to and connecting the panels.

Where the base substrate defines a plurality of separate panels movable relative to one another, the board may also define corresponding separate panels attached to one another, or one or more covering layers may extend over and between the panels defined by the base substrate as described below. In such cases, any covering layers should still permit movement of the underlying panels of the base substrate relative to one another, such that the overall board defines a plurality of panels movable relative to one another, despite there being material extending across the interface between the panels.

In these embodiments, the present invention may provide a foldable board, in which one panel is foldable over another panel of the board. In these embodiments, movement of the panels may convert the board from an open or unfolded playing configuration to a closed or folded position.

-5 In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided: a foldable practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use and having a playing surface and an opposite support facing surface, the board defining a first panel and a second panel movable relative to one another between a first open position and a second closed position.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the board further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net, wherein the board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate and defines first and second panels moveable relative to one another between a first open playing position and a second closed position in which the playing surface of one panel covers the playing surface of the other panel.

The board in accordance with these further aspects of the invention may include any or all of the features described above and below in relation to the other aspects of the invention, for example, regarding the composition of the base substrate, support, mounting means etc. In these aspects and embodiments of the invention where the base substrate or board defines a plurality of panels movable relative to one another, the panels may be positioned in the open position in use, and may be moved to the closed position for storage. In the closed position one panel covers the other panel with the playing surfaces of the respective panels facing, and preferably contacting, one another. Preferably the playing surface of the first panel covers the entire playing surface defined by the second panel in these embodiments when in the closed configuration.

Preferably movement of one panel relative to the other through at least 90 degrees, and preferably at least 160 degrees, and most preferably of 180 degrees is possible. While in preferred embodiments the board may be fully opened out to present a playing surface lying in a single vertical plane, it is envisaged that in some contexts it may not be necessary or desired for the panels to open out fully, such that the panels may remain inclined to one another when in the open position. Preferably the panels permit the board to be folded in half about a horizontal axis.

Preferably the board comprises means for securing the panels to one another in the closed configuration.

Such means may be e.g. latch means.

Preferably the panels are located one above the other, and preferably first and second panels of the base substrate define upper and lower panels of the board in use. Preferably the panels are elongate panels and are joined to one another along a line parallel to their longer axes. Preferably each panel is a rectangular panel. Preferably the line joining the panels extends parallel to the line on the board representing a net. Preferably the line representing the net is provided on the lower panel.

In these embodiments, where a hinge is provided along the line connecting the panels, the hinge will then extend substantially horizontally between the upper and lower panels when the board is mounted to a support in use. In these embodiments, when the board is folded, theheight of the board may be reduced, providing a more secure storage configuration, less susceptible to wind damage, and protecting the playing surfaces. Preferably in these embodiments, no further panels are located on either side of the first and second panels.

The panels are preferably of identical shape and size. In embodiments in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, each panel is a polycarbonate panel. In these embodiments, the panels may simply result from subdividing the overall base substrate.

In embodiments of the invention where the board defines a plurality of panels, and the base substrate includes internal cavities containing a damping substance, preferably only cavities of the lower panel include the damping substance. If the cavities of the upper panel are filled with a damping substance, this may increase the weight of the panel, and hence may interfere with being able to obtain secure and reliable fastening of the panel in an open position, especially in strong winds.

In accordance with the present invention in any of its aspects and embodiments, whether the base substrate or board defines one, or a plurality of panels, the support facing surface of the base substrate may provide an outermost external surface of the board. However, the user facing surface of the base substrate is covered by a resilient damping layer. Resilient damping layers are known for use in various acoustic applications to provide sound insulation, and any suitable such layer may be used in this context. Preferably the resilient damping layer is in the form of a resilient sheet laminated to the user facing surface of the substrate.

The resilient damping layer is made of a different material to the base substrate, and thus is a non polycarbonate layer. Preferably the resilient layer is a flexible layer. Preferably the layer is a polymeric sheet. Preferably the layer is a rubber layer. The layer may be a smooth rubber sheet, or in preferred embodiments at least the outer surface of the sheet has a textured surface profile. The texturing may be regular or irregular. These embodiments may be advantageous facilitating adherence of a surface coating e.g. paint to the sheet, although the resilient layer may have a textured surface in other embodiments not including an outer coating. This may provide a more authentic surface against which the ball may be hit. In some preferred embodiments the sheet comprises a plurality of granules of rubber bound to one another to provide a coherent sheet. Preferably the sheet is a polyurethane bound rubber granulate sheet. Sheets of this type are known under the designation Regupol . The rubber sheet may comprise natural and/or synthetic rubber. The sheet may be of any colour, and may be provided with a surface coating if necessary to impart it with a suitable appearance for use in this context.

The resilient damping layer may be of any suitable thickness. The thickness may be selected to provide a desired level of damping, without increasing the weight of the board to too great an extent with regard to the nature of the support with which it is intended to be used. In preferred embodiments the layer has a thickness in the range of from 3 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm, more preferably from 4 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably from 4mm to 8mm.

When a damping material is additionally located in within the base substrate, the level of damping required of the resilient sheet may be reduced, as effectively two damping mechanisms are present. It has been found that when the damping sheet is thicker, and provides a greater level of damping, the need for additional damping using a particulate material disposed within the base structure is reduced. Thus, the thicker the resilient layer, the less particulate damping material e.g. sand need be disposed in cavities in the base substrate where such material is provided.

The presence of a resilient damping layer may reduce the noise generated when balls contact the board, and may provide a more uniform, cushioned surface which is aesthetically pleasing. The resilient layer may be laminated to the user facing surface of the base substrate in any suitable manner, e.g. using adhesive or a binder layer. In some embodiments a resilient damping sheet is laminated to both sides of the base substrate.

The resilient damping sheets used on each side of the substrate may be the same or different. Preferably a resilient layer is laminated only to the user facing side of the substrate and not to the support facing surface thereof. Preferably the resilient layer is laminated directly to a surface of the polycarbonate base substrate.

Preferably the outermost user facing and/or support facing surfaces of the board are provided with a protective outer coating. This coating will then provide the playing surface and/or support contacting surface(s) of the board in use. The protective coating may be an impact and/or weather resistant coating. In some embodiments a binder layer e.g. a layer of moisture cured polyurethane binder may be applied to the resilient layer and/or support facing side of the base substrate prior to application of the protective layer to facilitate adherence of the protective layer to the layers to one another. Preferably the protective coating is provided directly on the user facing surface of the resilient damping layer. In preferred embodiments, a protective coating layer is provided directly on the support facing surface of the base substrate. When the resilient damping layer has a textured outer surface, the need for any binder layer between the layer and an outer coating layer may be eliminated.

Preferably a resilient damping layer is provided on only the user facing side and not the support facing side of the base substrate. This may avoid unnecessarily increasing the weight of the board.

A protective coating of the type conventionally used to provide the playing surface of a tennis court may be used in this context. The protective coating may be in the form of a single layer, or a plurality of layers. Preferably the layer is a textured layer. In preferred embodiments, the protective coating is in the form of one or more layers of paint. Preferably the paint is a textured paint to provide a textured paint layer. In preferred embodiments the protective coating comprises a water based acrylic or polyurethane paint layer. The protective coating may be applied in any suitable manner, e.g. by spraying, dipping, extruding, printing, brushing etc. It will be appreciated that one or more adhesive or binder layers may be provided between the base substrate and any additional adjacent layer or layers, e.g. between the base substrate and any resilient layer and/or between any of the additional adjacent layers e.g. a resilient and outer protective coating layer, or between the base substrate and outer protective coating layer. In other embodiments the layers may be joined to one another without any binder layer. At any interface between layers there may or may not be any adhesive or binder used.

Where protective coating layers are provided on both sides of the board, the layers may be the same or different. In some embodiments a polyurethane or water based acrylic paint layer is applied to the outermost support facing surface of the board, and preferably to the support facing surface of the base substrate. The protective layer may or may not be textured.

In preferred embodiments, the board may thus comprise from the support facing surface to the user facing surface, optionally an outer protective coating layer defining a support contacting surface, optionally a resilient damping layer, a base substrate, a resilient damping layer, and a further outer protective coating layer defining a playing surface. Preferably the layers are laminated directly to one another. A binder layer may be located at any or all of the interfaces between the various specified layers.

In any embodiments where one or more additional layers are provided laminated to the base substrate, preferably the or each additional layer extends over at least 80 %, and preferably substantially the entire surface area of the base substrate. Preferably the edges of the layers and base substrate are coextensive with one another.

In embodiments where the base substrate defines a plurality of panels, preferably each panel comprises any additional covering layer or layers e.g. a resilient layer, outer coating layers and binder layers. Thus, preferably each panel of the board is of the same construction. Although each panel may be separately laminated with any additional layers, preferably any covering layers applied to the base substrate extend between the panels to present a continuous playing surface. This may be achieved by providing a resilient damping layer which extends between and covers each panel of the base substrate on the user facing surface thereof. The resilient damping or other layers disposed outwardly of the base substrate may then disguise the join between the panels, and any hinge associated therewith. As discussed above, in these preferred embodiments, any layers disposed outwardly of the base substrate on the user facing side should be sufficiently flexible to permit movement of the panels relative to one another, e.g. folding of the board.

Preferably the edges of the board are sealed. This may impart the board with greater robustness and weather resistance, and may help to maintain integrity of the board when it is of a laminated structure. Such sealing may extend around the entire periphery of the board, or only around a part thereof. The seal may extend over the entire thickness of the board at the edges thereof, or only a part thereof. Where the board or base substrate defines a plurality of panels, preferably each panel is sealed at the edges thereof. The seal preferably seals at least the edges of the base substrate, and of each panel of the base substrate when the substrate defines a plurality of panels. In some embodiments a first seal is provided to seal the edges of the base substrate, and a separate outer seal seals the edges of the base substrate to the resilient layer and any other covering layers. Preferably the seal or seals are in the form of a capping, and most preferably a plastic capping. A seal may be used to close any opening in the base structure through which a damping substance is introduced into an internal cavity thereof.

When the base structure has closed peripheral walls, sealing may not be needed.

In preferred embodiments at least the bottom edge of the board is provided with protective outer cap. The cap is preferably a resilient cap, and most preferably a rubber cap. The protective cap will form the outermost layer of the board along the bottom edge thereof, and will therefore be located outwardly of any peripheral edge seal, or replace such sealing in this region. Phe protective cap helps to protect the bottom edge of the board and the e.g. ground or tennis court beneath the board in use, providing enhanced durability. Preferably the outer cap extends along the entire bottom edge of the board.

The board is provided with markings on the user facing side thereof to represent the position of a net.

The marking is in the form of a line extending across the board, preferably the entire width thereof. The line is generally horizontal, or horizontal, preferably across its entire width.

The line may be a straight line. In other embodiments, the line may be curved across its width to more accurately represent the height of a net, being higher towards the side edges of the board and lower in the central region of the board.

The line is preferably located in a central region of the board between its top and bottom edges. The height of the upper edge of the line from the bottom of the board may be chosen to correspond to the standard height of a net. For example, to replicate a standard net height, the distance measured from the bottom of the board to the top of the line may be 3 foot (91 cm) at the centre of the board and 3 foot 6 inches (107 cm) at either side. The line may be arranged to slope linearly, or in a curved fashion between the central portion and the higher edges. If it is desired to use a line of uniform height for simplicity, the height of the net line may be taken to be 3 foot (91 cm) across its entire width. Of course, different heights may be used if the board is intended to be raised at its base, or mounted below the bottom of the support. As described below, the present invention extends to a board in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments mounted to a support. Preferably the line representing the net then has a height measured from the ground to its upper edge corresponding to the above values. Preferably the line is a white line. Where the board defines a plurality of panels, the line may extend parallel to the line connecting the panels, at least along a part of its width. The markings may be provided on any layer of the board when it is of a laminate structure provided that they will be visible to a user facing the board. Preferably the markings are provided on the resilient damping layer. The markings may then preferably be protected by the outer coating layer which forms the ball contacting or playing surface in use.

Of course, other types of marking may be provided on the user facing surface of the board, e.g. to represent targets or other objects relevant to the practice of other ball gaines.

Preferably the base substrate comprises a metal frame extending around the periphery thereof.

Preferably the metal frame extends around the entire periphery of the base substrate. Such a frame may provide a convenient substrate for receiving means for mounting the board to a support as discussed in more detail below. Where the board or base substrate defines a plurality of panels, preferably each panel is provided with a metal frame extending around the periphery thereof.

Preferably the frame is provided by a metal channel which receives the edges of the base substrate of the board, or, where the base substrate defines a plurality of panels, of each panel thereof. In these embodiments, the metal frame overlaps the user facing and/or support facing surfaces of the base substrate. The metal frame -preferably does not form a part of the outermost playing surface of the board on the user facing side thereof.

The metal frame may be affixed to the board in any suitable manner, e.g. using adhesive or mechanical fixing means, e.g. bolts.

In embodiments where the panels are connected by a hinge, preferably the hinge is mounted to the metal frames of the respective panels.

Preferably the frame is covered by one or more layers at least on the user facing side thereof.

Preferably the frame is covered by the resilient layer and any outer coating layers where provided. This may provide a more attractive board, and avoids the metal frame interfering with the playing surface of the board.

In preferred embodiments where the board comprises a plurality of panels joined to one another, the panels may be joined by connecting means e.g. hinge means mounted to the metal frames associated with the base substrate of each panel.

When the board is installed in use, a barrier may be provided to raise the height of the support in the region above the board if desired, potentially reducing the likelihood of balls being hit over the top of the board. Whether this is necessary or appropriate will depend upon the height of the support to which the board is mounted, and the position of the board on the support. In some embodiments the board therefore further comprises a barrier attached thereto to extend the height of the board beyond that defined by the base substrate. The barrier may be attached along the upper edge of the base substrate. Preferably the barrier is a mesh barrier. The mesh may be of the type used to provide the walls of a tennis court.

In some embodiments, the board further comprises a base attached to a lower edge thereof. The base provides an extension to the board in the region below the lower edge of the base substrate. In use, the base may extend between the lower edge of the board and the ground where the board is mounted above the bottom of a support imparting the board with greater stability, and resistance to slippage against the support. The base may comprise a pair of feet. However, in contrast to conventional self supporting practice walls, the feet do not provide the wall with the ability to be freestanding under the impact of balls, without being mounted to a support. The base may elevate the board relative to a support in use to reduce the likelihood of balls being struck over the top of the support. The base may be integrally formed with the board.

Where a base or legs are provided, it will be appreciated that these will support the board to an extend, reducing the load placed on the support. This may increase the freedom of design. For example, in these embodiments the board may be of greater weight, and may include a thicker resilient layer, and/or additional layers or a damping substance within the base substrate may be present, at least in greater quantities. In embodiments where the board does not include a base support, it may be desirable to select a thinner resilient layer, and reduce the level of, or eliminate the presence of a damping substance in the base substrate to avoid overloading the support.

The board may be of any desired colour. For example, boards used in this context may frequently be green or blue to allow the ball to be seen readily, and to blend in with the surroundings. At least the user facing side of the board against which the ball is hit should be of the desired colour. The board is an opaque board.

Preferably the board defines a playing surface and/or support facing surface which is/are substantially planar. However, in other embodiments the playing surface may exhibit surface undulations. These may be provided to result in different rebounding of a ball depending upon the region hit.

As discussed above, the practice board of the present invention is not a free standing board, and does not have the ability to stand up and withstand the forces exerted by balls incident thereon without being mounted against a suitable underlying support. In effect, the board is mounted to a separate support in use to thereby provide a composite practice wall. This is in contrast to certain known free standing practice walls which typically are anchored into the ground and/or incorporate a frame structure to render the wall free standing without needing to be mounted to a separate support.

The practice board in accordance with the invention is therefore mountable to, and preferably comprises means for mounting the board to a support for maintaining the board in a substantially upright position in use. The means for mounting the board to a support should be configured as appropriate to allow the board to be securely mounted to a suitable support.

Preferably the support is a fixed support. Preferably the board comprises means to allow the board to be mounted to a support of the type, and in any of the manners described below.

Preferably the support maintains the board substantially vertical or perpendicular to the ground, and the board comprises means for mounting the board to such a support. Preferably the board extends in face to face relationship with a support when mounted thereto, and preferably comprises means for mounting the board to a support in this manner. Preferably the support extends in a substantially vertical plane parallel to the support facing surface of the board, and the board preferably comprises means for mounting the board to a support in this manner. Preferably the support is a substantially planar support.

The present invention extends to a board in accordance with any of its aspects or embodiments mounted to a support.

The support may be any structure, which, in combination with the board, provides the board with sufficient integrity to be upstanding and withstand the impact of balls thereon in use. The support is a separate support which does not form part of the practice board. The support may be any suitable existing structure present in the region where the board is to be used, and in accordance with the invention, it is not necessary to provide a specific support adapted for supporting the board, or to carry out destructive work to anchor the board to the ground. The support may therefore be a structure found in a tennis court, garden or park. Preferably the support is a permanent structure. For example, the support may be one or more fence posts, a fence, a wall, or combinations thereof.

The support is preferably a non collapsible structure, and is preferably solid throughout its thickness.

Preferably the support is a concrete, stone or wood support.

The support engages against at least a portion of the surface area of the support facing surface of the board in use. Preferably the support extends to engage against the board along one or more areas extending the full height of the board. Additionally or alternatively, the support may extend to engage against the board over one or more areas extending over the full width thereof. The support may engage against the entire support facing surface of the board. For example, the support may be a wall against whose face the board rests. However, it has been found that it is not necessary for the support to engage against the wall over the entire width and/or height thereof, provided it imparts the wall with the ability to withstand the impact of balls incident on thereon. The regions where the board engages against the support may be spaced from one another by a region or regions where the board does not engage against the support. In some embodiments only peripheral regions of the board may engage against a support. For example, the support may be provided e.g. by a plurality of fence posts, with the regions of the board extending between the fence posts being maintained spaced from the body of the fence by the fence posts. Preferably the board engaging surface or.

surfaces of the support are substantially planar.

Preferably the board is mounted to the support such that the lower edge of the board lies above the bottom of the support. Preferably the lower edge of the board does not contact the ground. In these embodiments, feet may extend from the lower edge of the board to further support the board. Preferably the support extends beyond the board on one or more sides thereof, and preferably at least the vertically extending sides of the board, and preferably beyond the top edge of the board. In preferred embodiments, the support extends beyond the edges of the board on all sides thereof.

The most appropriate form for the mounting means will depend upon the type of support with which the board is to be used, and the portions of the board over which the support is to extend, as well as whether it is desired that the board be removable from the support for relocation. The mounting means is preferably configured to maintain the board at a substantially constant distance from the support along the height thereof.

Preferably the mounting means comprises means for clamping the board to a support. In some embodiments, the mounting means comprises one or more fasteners which cooperate with a support to attach the board thereto.

The fasteners may extend into, over or onto the underlying support to secure the board thereto. The fasteners may comprise mechanical or adhesive fasteners, or combinations thereof. For example, the fasteners may be in the form of fasteners which secure the board to the surface of the support, e.g. adhesive fasteners, and/or the fasteners may extend into the support, e.g. pins or bolts, and/or may be in the form of fasteners which extend over an edge, e.g. the top of the support, e.g. hooks. In some preferred embodiments, the fasteners are in the form of bolts. The bolts may then clamp the board to the support. In some embodiments, the mounting means may comprise one or more apertures through which suitable fasteners are, or may be introduced to secure the board to a support.

The mounting means may be configured to fixedly or releasably mount the board to a support. In some embodiments, a part of the board may be fixedly attached to the support while another part or parts is releasably mounted thereto. By releasably mount, it is meant that the board may be released from the support manually, and without needing to use tools, e.g. using hooks. By fixedly mounted, it is meant that the board or part thereof may not readily be released from the support manually and without the use of tools. For example, the board may be clamped to the support using bolts.

Preferably the mounting means is configured to removably mount the board to the support, with or without the use of tools, such that it may be relocated or replaced without difficulty, or damage to the underlying support. In these embodiments, the invention may provide a portable board.

In embodiments where the board comprises a plurality of panels it will be appreciated that each panel may comprise mounting means in the corresponding positions to those used where the board is in the form of a single pane1.

In preferred embodiments the board comprises mounting means associated with at least an upper and a lower portion thereof, or with at least an upper and a lower portion of each panel, where the board comprises a plurality of panels. Preferably mounting means is provided on either side of a vertical centerline of the board, or each panel thereof. The mounting means may be located in the peripheral regions of the board, and in some preferred embodiments is located only in the peripheral regions of the board, or each panel thereof.

In some embodiments, the board includes mounting means associated with each corner thereof, or of each panel thereof.

The mounting means associated with different parts of the board, or panel thereof, may be the same or different. In certain embodiments, where the board defines a plurality of panels, one panel is fixed to the support in use, while the other is manually releasable therefrom to allow it to be moved relative to the other panel. Preferably the fixed panel is clamped to the support.

Preferably the movable panel comprises releasable mounting means permitting a user to manually release it from the support, while the fixed panel comprises mounting means for fixedly attaching the panel to the support. For example, such fixed mounting means may comprise a plurality of bolts for bolting the panel to a support. The releasable mounting means may be configured to cooperate with a mating fastener or fasteners provided on the support to mount the panel thereto, or may cooperate with the body of the support to mount the panel releasably thereto, e.g. by extending over an edge thereof. Preferably the releasable mounting means is configured to allow hanging of the panel to a support. For example, the movable panel may comprise releasable mounting means in the form of one or more hooks. In preferred embodiments, the panel with the releasable mounting means is the panel which lies uppermost in use.

In embodiments where the board is in the form of a single panel, the board may comprise only mounting means for fixedly mounting e.g. clamping the board to a support. In other embodiments, the mounting means may be configured to allow hanging of the board from a support.

Preferably the mounting means is attached to the metal border of the board, or panel, where provided.

In accordance with the invention, the board may be of any suitable size. Preferably the board is elongate, and preferably rectangular in shape. The board may have a height selected from the group consisting of; at least 1.5 m, at least 2 m, less than 3 m, less than 2. 75 m, or less than 2.5, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the board has a height in the range of between 2 m and 3 m. Preferably the board has awidth that is greater than its height. The board may have a width selected from the group consisting of at least 3 m, at least 3.5 m, less than 6.5 m, less than 6 m, less than 5 in, less than 4 m, or less than 3.75 m or combinations thereof. Preferably the width of the board lies in the range of from 3.5 m to 4 m, or preferably from 3.5 m to 3.75 m. The width and/or height of the board may lie in any combination of the above ranges.

In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the board are 7 feet by 12 feet (213 cm by 366 cm).

Preferably the board has a depth or thickness of at least 2.54 cm (1 inch).

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a practice board for ball gaines, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, wherein the practice board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate, and a resilient damping layer on the user facing side thereof.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the board further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net, wherein the practice board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate, a resilient damping sheet laminated to the user facing side thereof and a protective coating on the outermost user facing surface of the board and providing the playing surface, the protective coating being a textured paint layer.

The present invention further extends to a method of providing a practice board in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, comprising the steps of; providing a polycarbonate base substrate, applying a resilient damping layer to a side of the base substrate which is to face a user in use, and providing a line extending across the width of the board on the side having the resilient damping layer, the line representing the height of a net. The method may further comprise providing a protective coating layer on the outer surface of either side of the board.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided; a method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the method comprising providing a polycarbonate base substrate, and applying a resilient damping layer to a side of the base substrate which is to face a user in use.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided; a method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the method comprising the steps of; providing a polycarbonate base substrate, laminating a resilient damping sheet to a surface of the base substrate which is to face a user in use, providing a protective coating on an outermost surface of the board on the side of the resilient damping sheet to provide a playing surface, the protective coating being a textured paint layer, and providing a line extending across the width of the board on the user facing side, the line representing the height of a net.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the method comprising providing a polycarbonate base substrate defining first and second panels moveable relative to one another between a first open playing position and a second closed position in which the playing surface of one panel covers the playing surface of the other panel, the board further comprising providing a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net.

The various components of the practice board in these further aspects relating to the method of providing the board, may include any or all of the features described above in relation to the other aspects of the invention. For example, the board may comprise more than one panel, the base substrate may comprise internal cavities which may be of any of the forms described above, and may include a damping material, and may be of the dimensions described above.

The present invention extends to the use of a practice board in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the invention to practice a ball game.

The present invention in its various aspects and embodiments may thus provide a practice board which does not include any non polycarbonate reinforcing structure, such as a layer, scrirn or frame located internally or externally. The board may be free from any concrete, wood and/or fibreglass layers, and need not have any internal supporting structure other than that provided by the polycarbonate base substrate.

The present invention in these further aspects may include any or all of the features described with reference to the other aspects of the invention to the extent that they are not contradictory thereto.

References to a Hnon_polycarbonatel layer herein should be understood to mean that the principal component or components of the layer are non polycarbonate substance or substances. While in preferred embodiments, there will be no polycarbonate present in the layer, it is not intended to exclude there being relatively small quantities of polycarbonate substances present, provided that the properties of the layer are still dictated by the non polycarbonate components thereof.

Similarly, references to a "polycarbonate layer" herein should be understood to mean that the principal component or components of the layer are polycarbonate substance or substances. While in preferred embodiments, there will be only polycarbonate substances present in the layer, it is not intended to exclude the possibility of there being relatively small quantities of non polycarbonate substances present provided that the properties of the layer are still dictated by the polycarbonate components thereof.

In preferred embodiments, the material of the base substrate is formed entirely from polycarbonate, and preferably the base substrate thus consists of polycarbonate.

References to a layer being directly laminated to another layer are not intended to exclude the presence of a thin layer of an adhesive or binder substance at the interface therebetween as required to attach the layers to one another, and which is of no structural significance. Direct lamination as defined herein refers to lamination achieved with or without the presence of an adhesive or binder layer.

It is to be appreciated that any numerical ranges or values referred to herein are not limited to the exact ranges or values stated, but to the specified value or range, or about the specified value or range.

Similarly, terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "perpendicular" etc. should be not be understood to require that exact compliance with the term, but cover arrangements exactly or substantially as stated within the meaning understood in the context of the invention.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:-Figure 1 is a view from the front of a board in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention mounted to a support, with the resilient damping layer and protective outer coating layers not shown for s imp ii ci t y; Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 from one side, and taken along the line 2-2 but showing the resilient damping and outer coating layers; Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the board in the embodiment of Figure 1 taken along the line 3-3 showing the bottom region thereof in more detail and showing the resilient damping and outer coating layers; Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing certain features of the top of the board in more detail, taken along the line 4-4 at the top of board and showing the resilient damping and outer coating layers; Figure 5 is a view from the front of a board in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention mounted to support and not showing the resilient damping and outer coating layers; and Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 5 taken along the line 6-6 but showing the resilient damping and outer coating layers.

Figure 7 is a vertical cross sectional view corresponding to Figure 5 but showing the board in its "closed" configuration; Figure 8 illustrates a multiwalled polycarbonate material used to form the base substrate in preferred embodiments; Figure 9 is a top end view of a part of the substrate shown in Figure 8 illustrating the cellular structure of the material in more detail; and Figure 10 is a transverse cross sectional view of another multiwalled base substrate material usable in accordance with the invention having an alternative cellular configuration.

It will be understood that in the views shown in Figures 1 and 5, the rubber resilient damping layer on the user facing surface of the base substrate and its protective outer coatings have been removed for simplicity, to show the construction of the base substrate of the board and its mounting to the support in more detail. In the remaining figures, the rubber resilient coating layer and the protective outer coating layers are, however, shown.

It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional views of Figures 3 and 4 do not show the support i.e. the fence and fence posts.

A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

With reference to figures 1 to 4, a board 1 is formed from a base substrate 3 of polycarbonate material. The board has a user facing surface 2 and a support facing surface 4. The board has a width extending in a transverse direction and a height extending in a longitudinal direction, and a depth D extending in the thickness of the board into the plane of the page perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. The base substrate is in the form of a rectangular sheet of polycarbonate having a thickness of 35 mm. The base substrate 3 of the board is rigid and provides the board with its main structural integrity. The edges of the base' substrate 3 are sealed using plastic capping (not shown) The polycarbonate sheet is a multiwalled sheet defining a plurality of internal cavities in the form of cells as schematically illustrated by the magnified views in Figures 1, 3 and 4. The construction of the polycarbonate sheet is described in more detail with respect to Figures 8 to 10.

The board includes a metal frame 7 extending around its edges. The metal frame is provided by a metal channel which receives the edges of the base substrate 3 of the board 1, as may be seen in more detail in Figures 3 and 4. The metal frame 7 may be attached to the base substrate of the board using adhesive and bolts.

Mounting means in the form of holes 13 at each of the corners of the board 1 through which bolts 16 are received securely fastens the board to a support in the form of two vertically extending fence posts 15 spaced from one another across the width of the board 1. The mounting means is provided in the metal frame 7. The board 1 is therefore mounted such that it extends in a vertical plane parallel to that in which the fence posts extend, and the support facing surface 4 and the fence posts 15 are in face to face relation with one another. The support-facing surface 4 of the board 1 engages against the fence posts 15, and is maintained at a constant spacing from the remainder of the fence 17 in the region between the fence posts 15.

A resilient non polycarbonate rubber damping layer 5 is laminated to the user facing surface of the base substrate 3. The rubber layer prdvides a uniform, cushioned, and continuous noise-reducing surface. The resilient rubber layer 5 is provided with a horizontal line extending across the width of the layer representing the position of a net (not shown). The top of the line is at a height of 91 cm (3 feet) from the bottom of the board. In other embodiments, the line may be lower in the central part and higher towards its edges, with the height at the edges being 10 6 cm (3ft 6") and the height at the center being 91 cm (3 feet), to represent more accurately a standard net. Again, the height is measured to the top of the line. The line may slope between the two heights. The rubber resilient layer 5 is bonded to the base substrate 3 of the board 1 using an adhesive layer. The rubber sheet has a textured outer surface on the user facing side thereof to facilitate adherence of paint thereto. In preferred embodiments the rubber damping sheet is a sheet comprising bound granulated rubber, such as is available under the Regupol trademark, e.g. Regupol EPIJM 1300, 8012 or EPDM 1100. The sheet has a thickness in the range of from 4 mm to 8 mm. The sheet may be any colour, but in some embodiments is red, green or black.

A protective outer layer 19 is provided on the user facing surface of the rubber layer 5 to provide the external surface of the board with a weather-resistant and impact-resistant playing surface 20. A similar finish is provided on the outermost surface on the support facing side of the base substrate to provide a support contacting surface for the board. The outer coating is the form of one or more textured paint layers. These may be provided using an airless spray of two coats of acrylic water-based tennis Court coating with an optional coat of moisture cured polyurethane binder before applying the paint. Alternatively the paint layer may be a polyurethane paint layer. In some embodiments the protective coating on the support facing side is different to that on the user facing side.

The resilient rubber damping layer 5 and the protective outer coating layers 19 extend over the metal border in the peripheral regions of the board.

If desired, a lightweight mesh may be erected above the support i.e. above the fence to heighten the barrier in the region of the board, and reduce the likelihood of balls being hit over the top of the fence.

A rubber cap 11 extends along the bottom edge of the board 1 to protect the surface of the ground or tennis court below the board, and the lower surface of the board itself.

In this embodiment, the board 1. is not releasable from the fence by a user manually, without the use of tools. However, the board may be removed therefrom by removing the bolts if desired for repositioning or replacement.

As the board is mounted to a support to provide a practice wall in use, and is not free standing, the board may be made of a lighter weight material, which would not be sufficient to render the board self-supporting alone. The present invention eliminates the need to provide a specific support associated with the board, instead, allowing it to be mounted to an existing wall, fence, etc. There is also no need to anchor the board into the ground, or support it using a frame extending outwardly from the rear face thereof. The use of polycarbonate to form the main body of the board provides a board which is rigid, light, strong, impact-resistant and weather-resistant.

The board is substantially planar. If desired, feet may be placed beneath the bottom edge of the board if it to be mounted such that is raised from the ground, or a tennis court surface. The feet will raise the position of the board relative to the bottom of the support, potentially elevating the top of the board above the top of the support, and increasing the height of the wall thus obtained. This may reduce the likelihood of balls being hit over the top of the support as well as providing additional stability to the board. The use of a base support e.g. feet may also reduce the load applied to the rear support, allowing a heavier board to be used.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 5 arid 6. This embodiment is identical to that shown in Figures 1 to 4, except, that rather than being formed from a single piece of polycarbonate, the base substrate of the board 1' shown in Figure 5 is instead provided by two discrete panels of polycarbonate sheet material 102, 104 which are joined to one another along a horizontal axis by means of hinges 106.

Corresponding features of the embodiment shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 will be indicated by the same reference numerals in the first embodiment, and only the significant differences between this further enthodirnent and the first embodiment will be described.

The rubber coating 5 and the outer protective covering layer 19' extend over the join between the panels 102, 104 to provide a continuous playing surface.

The upper panel 102 is movable, to allow folding of the board in half about the axis X, as the panel is moved between an open playing position as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and a closed position in which it covers the panel 104, shown in Figure 7. Each panel 102, 104 has its own peripheral metal frame 108, 110 respectively.

The hinges are fixed to the metal frames of the respective panels 102, 104 in the central region thereof.

In this embodiment, the lower panel 104 is fixedly mounted at its four corners to the support 15' in the same manner as the single panel board of Figures 1 to 4 is mounted to the fence posts 15. Thus, bolts 16' extend through apertures 13 in each of its corners.

However, the upper panel 102 is releasably secured to the support 15 by means of hooks 112, which may be manually released by a user when they wish to fold the board into its closed position shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 is a corresponding vertical cross sectional view to that of Figure 6. In use, the hooks allow the user to retain the upper movable panel in its open configuration as shown in Figures 5 and 6. A plurality of hooks 112 are provided along the upper edge of the panel 102 for this purpose.

In this embodiment, the board 100 may therefore be folded from the open position shown in Figures 5 and 6 into a closed position shown in Figure 7 in which it occupies half the surface area of the open position, when not in use, protecting the playing surface, and reducing the likelihood of wind or other weather damage to the board or support. In this embodiment, advantageously only the lower panel 104 has internal cavities which are filled with sand.

A preferred form of polycarbonate base substrate which may be used in any of the embodiments of the invention will now be described with respect to Figures 8 to 10. The base substrate is a multiwalled polycarbonate base substrate having an outer user facing wall 200 and support facing wall 202 spaced from one another by side walls 204, 206. A plurality of interior walls spaced from the outer walls and each other are located within the depth of the substrate extending generally parallel to the outer user facing and support facing walls. These further walls are shown in Figure 9 which is a top end view of the upper portion of the substrate shown in Figure 8. The additional walls 208, 210, 212 are spaced at regular intervals in the depth direction between the outer walls. The base substrate also includes a plurality of dividing walls 214, 216, 218 etc spaced across its width and extending generally perpendicular to the user facing and support facing walls between the walls to divide the interior space between the walls into a plurality of cells 220. As shown in Figure 8, the cells define longitudinal channels extending the full height of the substrate across the width thereof, and a plurality of rows 222, 224, 226 etc of such cells are defined in the depth direction one behind the other to provide the substrate with a cellular structure in transverse cross section.

In use, sand 230 is inserted in the cells to a desired height to provide additional damping of vibrations in use.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative cell configuration in which diagonal walls 240 are present to divide the central internal rows of cells and further reinforce the substrate. This is known as a "diamond" type structure. Figure 10 is a transverse cross sectional view.

Multiwalled polycarbonate materials of these types are known for use in roofing applications. The base substrate may be formed by simply cutting a section of such a material to a desired size. If necessary the cut edges of the substrate may be sealed to provide a sealed peripheral edge on all edges of the substrate. If the internal cavities are to be filled with sand, this may be carried out before sealing the top edge of the substrate. Typically such substrates include cells extending along the length of the substrate in a direction of extrusion. This direction may be chosen to correspond to the height of the base substrate to provide vertically extending longitudinal channels for receiving a damping substance.

In any of the embodiments, whether the board is formed from a single panel, or multiple panels, suitable dimensions of the board may be; height 213 cm(3 feet), width 366 cm (12 feet), and thickness at least 2. 54 cm (1 inch).

In accordance with its various aspects and embodiments, the invention provides a practice board which is particularly lightweight, rigid, strong, impact-resistant and weather-resistant. In contrast to conventional practice boards, which are usually constructed of concrete blocks, or on occasion wood or fibreglass material anchored into the ground, or supported by triangular frame, the present invention allows existing fence posts, e.g. a tennis court fence post to be used as a support, avoiding the need to provide a dedicated support, or anchor the board into the ground, and the associated cost and disruption associated with such work.

Claims

1. A practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the board further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net, wherein the practice board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate, and a resilient damping layer mounted to a user facing side of the base substrate.

2. The practice board of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base substrate defines a plurality of internal cavities.

3. The practice board of any preceding claim wherein the polycarbonate base structure comprises a multiwalled polycarbonate sheet having a user facing wall, a support facing wall, and a plurality of dividing walls between the user facing and support facing walls defining internal cavities in the form of a plurality of cells.

4. The practice board of any preceding claim wherein the base substrate comprises one or more internal cavities containing a particulate damping material, preferably sand.

5. The practice board of any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the polycarbonate base substrate is in the range of from 20 mm to 50 mm.

6. The practice board of any preceding claim, wherein the board defines first and second panels moveable relative to one another between a first open playing position and a second closed position in which the playing surface of one panel covers the playing surface of the other panel.

7. The practice board of claim 6, wherein the panels are connected one above the other along a hinge line.

8. The practice board of claim 6 or 7, wherein the base substrate comprises separate panels joined to one another, and the resilient damping layer extends between the panels of the board to provide a continuous playing surface.

9. The practice board of any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the base substrate of a lower panel only comprises an internal cavity or cavities filled with a particulate damping substance, preferably sand.

10. The practice board of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the board further comprises a protective outer coating layer on the outermost user facing surface thereof, and preferably the outermost support facing surface thereof, wherein the protective outer coating layer is a textured paint layer.

11. The practice board of claim 10 wherein said paint layer is a water based acrylic or polyurethane paint layer.

12. The practice board of any preceding claim wherein the resilient damping layer is a resilient sheet, preferably a rubber sheet laminated to the user facing side of the base substrate.

13. The practice board of claim 12 wherein said resilient damping sheet comprises granules of rubber bound to one another to form sheet.

14. The practice board of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the resilient damping layer comprises a textured surface on the user facing side thereof.

15. The practice board of any preceding claim wherein the resilient damping layer has a thickness of from 3 mm to 15 mm.

16. The practice board of any preceding claim, further comprising means for mounting the board in face to face relation to a support for maintaining the board in a substantially upright position when balls are hit against the playing surface in use.

17. The practice board of claim 16, wherein the mounting means is configured to clamp the support facing surface, or a part thereof, in engagement against a surface of the support.

18. The practice board of claim 16 or 17, wherein the board comprises first and second panels, and the first panel comprises means for mounting the panel to a support so as to allow release of the panel from the support by a user to move the panel relative to the second panel between an open playing position and closed position in which the panel covers at least a part of the playing surface of the second panel, and the second panel comprises mounting means for fixedly mounting the panel to a support.

19. The practice board of any preceding claim, wherein at least the user facing side of the board is green or blue.

20. The practice board of any preceding claim wherein the line extends across the entire width of the user facing side of the board.

21. The practice board of any preceding claim, wherein the edges of the base substrate, or of each panel thereof, are sealed with a peripheral capping.

22. The practice board of any preceding claim, further comprising a protective outer cap along a bottom edge thereof.

23. The, practice board of any preceding claim, wherein the base substrate, or each panel thereof, comprises a metal frame extending around the periphery thereof.

24. A practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, wherein the board comprises a hollow polycarbonate base substrate defining at least one internal cavity containing a particulate damping material.

25. A practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a' user on the user facing side thereof, wherein the practice board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate, and a resilient damping layer on the user facing side thereof.

26. A practice board for ball games, the board bein mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the board further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net, wherein the board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate and defines first and second panels moveable relative to one another between a first open playing position and a second closed position in which the playing surface of one panel covers the playing surface of the other panel.

27. The practice board of claim 24 or 25 further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net.

28. A practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, the board having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the board further comprising a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net, wherein the practice board comprises a polycarbonate base substrate, a resilient damping sheet laminated to the user facing side thereof and a protective coating on the outermost user facing surface of the board and providing the playing surface, the protective coating being a textured paint layer.

29. The practice board of any preceding claim, in combination with a support.

30. The practice board of claim 29, wherein the support is in the form of a wall, fence or fence posts.

31. A practice board in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the board has a thickness of at least 2.5 cm.

32. A practice board in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the board has a height in the range of from 2 in to 2.75 m.

33. A practice board in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the board has a width in the range of from 3.5 in to 6 in.

34. A method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the method comprising the steps of: providing a polycarbonate base substrate, applying a resilient damping layer to a side of the base substrate which is to be the user facing side of the board in use, and providing a line extending across the width of the board on the side having the resilient damping layer, the line representing the height of a net.

35. A method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the method comprising the steps of: providing a polycarbonate base substrate, and applying a resilient damping layer to a side of the base substrate which is to be the user facing side of the board in use.

36. A method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the method comprising the steps of: providing a polycarbonate base substrate, laminating a resilient damping sheet to a side of the base substrate which is to be the user facing side of the board in use, providing a protective coating on an outermost surface of the board on the side of the resilient damping sheet to provide a playing surface, the protective coating being a textured paint layer, and providing a line extending across the width of the board on the user facing side, the line representing the height of a net.

37. A method of providing a practice board for ball games, the board being mountable against a support in use, and having a user facing side and a support facing side, the board defining a playing surface against which a ball may be hit in use by a user on the user facing side thereof, the method comprising providing a polycarbonate base substrate defining first and second panels moveable relative to one another between a first open playing position and a second closed position in which the playing surface of one panel covers the playing surface of the other panel, the method further comprising providing a line extending across the width of the user facing side thereof representing the height of a net.

38. A practice board or method of providing a practice board substantially as herein above described and with reference to any one of the drawings.