GB2492990A - A collapsible ball rebound training device with deformable surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A ball game training aid comprising a support 11 and a first surface 38 mounted on the support 11 wherein the first surface 38 can be deformed between first and second configurations with different profiles. There may be a second surface 46 which is independently deformable from the first 38 and both surfaces may be concave. The support 11 may be movable from a stowed to a deployed configuration. The support 11 may have a pair of quadrilateral shaped frame members 12 and 22 which are pivotally connected using a pair of adjacent circular plates with cooperating pins and apertures. The support may be made up of adjustable rods and further surfaces may be provided on the sides of the device. Net side panels may be employed to capture balls.

Description

8ALL GAMES TRANNG AO The present invention rSates to a ball games training aid enabhng a player to practice a range of baD skifis.

Footbail or soccer is becoming ever the more popular around the world, both as a spectator sport and amongst those who participate. Having already been recognized as the national sport of many European countries, the game is rapidly spreading worldwide, gaining the interest of more and more people. Consequenuy. footbail coaching academics. paticulary in schools, are becoming increasingly populated by both children and adults wishing to improve their skiDs.

For many years football coaches have implemented training drills whereby they provide a player with a chest-height pass requiring the player to control the footbafi with his or her chest before continuing with the drilL Similarly, Players wiil be famifiar with a routine involving a headheight cross from a coach, thus enabling them to practice their heading skiDs.

However, as a result of the increase in participants, the assistance provided by football coaches in practicing drills and vadous other bail control skilis is beccrning more and more stretched, 2.

It is often desirabe for footbafl players to be able to practice baU control skiUs without the need for another participant. To do so, simple coaching or training aids can be used, providing a surface onto which a player can direct a pass resulting in a rebound or deflection of the footbafi in a specific direction, which the player can then control according to the drifl or routine.

Aside from for use in specialized coaching centres there is a need for a bafl games training aid aowing for the selfirnprovement of skiUs for solitary or accompanied players in more domestic environments, such as in gardens or on driveways.

062450772 discloses a flat-pack rebound assembly that can be erected and dismantled at a preferred location and provides a variety of shaped surfaces to give the participant(s) increased enjoyment and challenge in accommodating the path of the rebounded bafl. However. whflst the rebound assembly of 082450772 may be effective in changing the horizontal direction of a projected ball, the rebound projections do not enable the user to substantially change the vertical direction of projected ball. This can preclude the user from practicing skills requiring elevated passes, such as heading and chest control. Another drawback stems from the cumbersome nature of the assembly. which means that after playing/training, the user is obliged to completely dismantle the assembly into its flatpack state for transporting and subsequent storage. Such a plurality of connecting parts may prove laborious for the solitary user to deconstruct.

US design, USD5374BSS, discloses a soccer training device having an arcuate ramp enabling a user to add height to a returned pass. However, its use is restricted by the configuration of the rebound surface, resulting hi a limited selection of trainng routines or drills for the user.

Thus. it would be desirable to provide a ha game training aid capable of providhig multiple surfaces aHowing for a variety of training drills or routines, and wherein the user may controllably adiust the direction of the returned pass in order to practice a preferred skill. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a training aid Slowing multiple users to perform a variety of drips or routines on a single piece of apparatus, such that the preferred drill or routine of one player does not undesirably affect the preferred drill or routine of another. Furthermore, it would be useful to provide a lightweight assembly that may be erected, stowed and stored with ease by the solitary user.

Similarly, players affiliated with other sports requiring the frequent practicing of similar drills or routines. including cricket and hockey, would benefit from the above outlined improvements.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the

problems associated with the prior art,

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a baU games training aid comprising a support and a first surface mounted onto the support towards which a ba can be directed, wherein the first surface is deformabe between a first configuration, determining a first proflie of the first surface, and a second configuration, determining a second proffie of the first surface.

The abovedescrihed arrangement sHows the user to adjust the curvature of the first surface of the training aid, thereby enabing him or her to practice a variety of different training drills or routines, each requiring a returned pass with a different trajectory.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the profde of the first surface determines a degree of concavity of the first surface when in use. A concave surface, with respect to the user, enab'es him or her to practice drik or routines requEring a returned pass, wherein the bafl is directed at the bottom edge cf the concave surface, and after travefling thereon, is released from the top edge in the direction of the user In another embodiment of the present invention, the training aid further comprises a second surface mounted onto the support towards which a ball to be returned can be directed. The configuration of the profile of the second surface may he independent of the configuration of the proffle of the first surface when the training aid is in use.

Ths feature allows simultaneous independent uses of the training aid, such that use of the second surface is unaffected by adjustments made to the degree of concavity of the first surface.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the support is moveable between a stowed configuration, and a deployed configuration. Such a feature is advantageous over the cumbersome devices of the prior art, and is beneficial to the soUtary user. Furthermore, when in the stowed configuration, the amount of space required to store the training aid is significantly reduced.

According to sti another embodiment of the present invention, the support further comprises means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface. n order to be able to practice a wide variety of training drilis and routines, it is advantageous that the player has control over the curvature of the first surface.

The means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface may comprise one or more adjustable rods. Such a feature enables the user to make adjustments to the curvature of the first surface without having to change the configuration of the support. This feature may be preferred for solitary or younger players.

The adjustable rods may comprise a bolt and one or more spacers which can be placed between the support and the first surface, secured in position by the bolt.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface comprises the support, being moveable between at east a stowed and deployed configuration. The support may further comprise a number of discrete configurations which determine a number of corresponding discrete configurations of the first surface. As a result, the player has, in addition or as an alternative to manipulation using one or more adjustable rods, a further means of adjusting the curvature of the first surface.

The support may be supported in one or more of these discrete configurations by means of the second surface. The second surface may comprise securing means for securing it to the support. The securing means may comprise cups and or clamps which are secured to the second surface and which releasably connect to the support.

Preferably, the second surface comprises a body and first and second securing means for securing it to the support. More preferably, the first and second securing means are disposed substantially distafly from one another, one at either end of the support body. More preferably stiil, the first securing moans is disposed on a bracket which extends away from the body whilst the second securing means is proximally disposed with respect to the body and the firsts securing mean& Consequenfly, the odetion of the second surface body when secured to the support can dictate the configuration of the support.

In a first orientahon, the second surface may be inclined 85 degrees relative to the ground upon which the aid is stood and a in a second orientation, the second surface may be inclined 60 degrees.

The support body may be substantially planar.

The aid may further comprise baflast means making the aid more stable during use, The beHest means may comprise a bladder for contauing quid. More preferably the b!adder comprises a sealable inlet for allowing ballast, for example, liquid to be passed into the bladder and which can then be subsequently sealed to contain the ballast. After use, the inlet can be unsealed and the baast expeHed so that the bladder can be easily stored.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the degree of concavity of the first surface is determinable between a substantiaHy planar configuration. wherein the support is in a stowed configuration, and a substantially concave configuration, wherein the support is In a deployed configuration. The advantage of this feature is that a player may deploy the training aid support and commence his or her actMty without further setup.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface comprises the support, being moveabie between a stowed and deployed configuration, and one or more adjustab rods.

Such a feature enables a skifled piayer to fine4une the curvature of the first surface, using both means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface, such that it accurately provides the pass of preferred trajectory.

Mn a further embodment of the present invention, the support comprises Iwo adjustabe rods. Such an arrangement confers additional stabity and support to the first surface.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises two frame membera Preferably the frame members are pivotally connected to one another. More preferably. the frame members are substantiafly quadriateraL Such a feature aVows for a greater freedom of movement of the support during setup, practice and storage. and allows the user to manipulate the support into a preferred configuration. Moreover the shape of the frame members confers additional stabifity to the training aid.

According to still a further embodiment of the present invention, the two frame members are pivotafly connected to one another by pivoting means. The pivoting means provides a pivot point aliowing one frame mernberto pivotaily rotate relative to the other frame member.

According to stifi a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting means further comprises means for fixing the support in one or mere preferred configurations. The configuration or stance of the support, and the consequent curvature of the first surlace, may therefore be adjusted to suit a users preference.

The pivoting means may comprise one or more hubs. Preferably the hubs are circular. Even more preferably the pivoting means comprises two circuier hubs, In an even more preferred embodiment, each of the circular hubs is disposed in between, and at a substantially medium point along, identical elongate sections of the frame members, such that the two circular hubs are disposed on opposite sides of the support.

The circular hubs may each additionally comprise two plates. The means for fixing the support in a preferred configuration may comprise the cooperation between the two plates of each circular hub. Preferably, the two plates of each circular hub are rotatable about one another. Even more preferably, each of the two plates of each circular hub comprises a plurality of corresponding apertures therein, wherein cooperation between given apertures of both plates of the first circular hub with the corresponding apertures of both plates of the second ckrcular hub corresponds to a discrete configuration of the support. The o plates of each of the circular hubs may cooperate with one another via a pin extending through one or more corresponding apertures disposed therein. The means for fixing may comprise other wefi-known means aflowing discrete configurations, such as a ratchet or cog arrangement.

According to yet a further embodiment of the presentS inention; the adjustable rods are disposed on one or both of the first and second substantiafly quadrilateral frame members The adjustable rods may therefore be fixed securely in place.

According to yet a further embodiment of the present invention, the adjustsbe rods are disposed incident to the upper edge of the first surface. The adjustable rods are therefore ideaHy ocated for the user to make controfled adjustments to the curvature of the first surface.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second surface is substantiaHy perpendicular to the ground when the training aid is in use. The advantage of this arrangement is that the training aid provides means for traditional rebound pass practice, as weH as an adjustable, curved surface for determining the height of the returned pass.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second surface comprises a piuraUty of surface planes disposed at different angles with respect to each otherS A user of the second surface may therefore choose to practice against any one of the multiple surfaces, each having a different surface plane, This may enable him or her to improve skdl in receiving unpredictable passes.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the support further comprises removable side panels that substantially cover the support. The advantage of the side panels may be to conceal the circular hubs used for adjustment of the configuration of the support once a desired first surface curvature has been selected.

This may prevent unnecessary iniury to players, and may also prevent balls from becoming lodged inside the apparatus. In addition, the side panels may provide additional ballast where necessary.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the removable side panels provide additional surfaces towards which a bali to he returned can be directed.

This feature adds to the number of users that may simultaneously benefit from the training aid. Preferably, the removable side panels comprise one or more different surface topographies. This feature enables multiple users to practice a wide variety of skills, each requiring a returned pass of different trajectory and/or direction and/or speed.

In yet another embothment of the present invenfion, the training ad further comprises a net This may serve to prevent baUs from becoming lodged inside the apparatus but may equaUy present a target onto which player may practice other siriUs, such as chipping', throw-ins, or lobs.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the net spans the void defined by the uppermost edges of the support and side panels of the training aid, such that a plurality of haU may be captured therein. This feature allows for the easy collection of balls, and provides useful storage for addftionat balls during practce. The net: abng with the balls contained therein: may be readily detached after practice and before stowing the support.

According to a second aspect of the present invention: there is provided a baM games training aid comprising a support and a first surface mounted onto the support towards which a hafl to be returned can be directed, wherein the support is moveable between a stowed configuration, and a deployed configuration.

The abovedescribed arrangement provides a training aid having a fixed pying surface whose support is collapsible. This feature therefore facilitates the deployment and stowing of the training aid and is therefore advantageous for younger or solitary users.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface is curved. This aDows the user to obtn an Sevated returned pass for practicing skifls such as chest contro of baD heading.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention; the support further comprises a second surface mounted onto said support and disposed substantiaUv perpendicu'ar to the ground when the training aid is in use. This allows for smuftaneous use of the training aid by m uftipie payers.

According to stiH a different embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises two frame members, Preferab'y the two frame members are pivotafly connected to one another. More preferaby, the two frame members are substantially quadrHateraL The pivoting frames of the support allow the suppon to be moved between stowed and depoyed configurations.

According to still a further embodiment of the present invention, the two frame members are pivotally connected to one another by pivoting means. The pivoting means provides a pivot point allowing one frame member to pivotally rotate re'ative to the other frame member.

According to still a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting means further comprises means for fixing the support in one or more preferred configurations. The configuration or stance' of the support, and the consequent curvature of the first surface, may therefore be adusted to suit a users preference.

The pivoting means may comprise one or more hubs. Preferably the hubs are circular, Even more preferably the pivoting means comprises two circular hubs. In an even more preferred embodiment, each of the circular hubs is disposed in between.

and at a substantially medium point along, identical elongate sections of the frame members, such that the two circular hubs are disposed on opposite sides of the supped.

The circular hubs may each comprise two plates. The means for fixing the support in a preferred configuration may comprise the cooperation between the two plates of each circular hub, Preferably, the two piates of each circular hub are rotatable relative to one another. Even more preferably, each of the two plates of each circular hub comprise a plurality of corresponding apertures disposed therein, Cooperation between a given aperture of one plate with an aperture of the other plate corresponds to a discrete configuration of the support. The two plates of each of the circular hubs may cooperate with one another by means of a pin or other suitable securing means extending through aligned apertures. The means for fixing may comprise other weil-known means allowing discrete configurations, such as a ratchet or cog arrangement.

According to still a different embodiment of the present invention, the second surface comprises a plurallty of surface panes disposed at different angles with respect to each other. A user of the second surface may therefore choose to practice against any one of the multiple surfaces, each having a different surface plane. This may enable him or her to improve skill in receiving unpredictabie passes.

According to yet a different embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises removable side panels that substantially cover the support. More preferabiy, the removable side panels provide addition surfaces towards which a ball to be returned can be directed. Even more preferabiy, the removable sde panels comprise one or more different surface topographies. The removable side panels may be used to provide additional ballast where necessary and may serve to cover the support adjustment mechanism, thereby preventing unnecessary iniury to the players. The side panels may equally provide additional playing surfaces that may comprise different surface topographies for practicing a variety of skills each requiring a returned pass of different trajectory and/or direction and/or speed.

According to yet a different embodiment of the present invention, the trainhg aid further comprises a net. More preferably, the net spans the void defined by the uppermost edges of the support and side panels of the training aid, such that a plurality of balls may be captured therein. This may serve to prevent balls from becoming lodged inside the apparatus but may equally present a target onto which player may practice other skills, such as chipping', throwns, or lobs. Additionally, the net may allow for the easy collection of halls, and provide useful storage for additional balls during practice. The net, along with the balls contained therein, may be readily detached after practice and before stowing the support.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bali games training aid comprising a support and four different surfaces r.ounted thereon towards which a ball to be returned can be directed.

The abovedescri bed assembly provides a user with four different surfaces against wNch he or she may practice a variety of different drills or routines, According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the four surfaces comprises a different surface topography. The player may therefore benefit from a variety of different surface topographies, each one providing him or her with a returned pass of different trajectory and/or direction and/or speed.

According to a different embodiment of the present invention, the support is moveable beeen a stowed configuration, and a deployed configuration. This arrangement provides a training aid having a collapsible support, thereby facilitating the depioyment and stowing of the training aid which may be advantageous for younger or solitary users.

According to yet a different embodiment of th.e present nvention, the support comprises two frame members. Preferably the two frame members are pivotay connected to one another. More preferably, the two frame members are substantially quadrilateraL The pivoting frames of the support allow the support to be moved between stowed and deployed configurations.

According to stiH a further embodiment of the present invention, the two frame members are pivotally connected to one another by pivoting means. The pvoting means provides a pivot point sHowing one frame member to pivotally rotate relative to the other frame member.

According to stiH a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivoting means further comprises means for flxing the support in one or more preferred configurations. The configuration or stance of the support, and the consequent curvature of the first surface, may therefore be adjusted to suit a users preference.

The pivoting means may comprise one or more hubs. Preferably the hubs are circuiar. Even more preferably the pivoting means comprises two circular hubs. In an

I

even more preferred embodiment, each of the circular hubs is disposed in between, and at a substantiauy medium point along, identical elongate sections of the frame members, such that the two circular hubs are disposed on opposite sides of the support The circular hubs may each comprise two plates. The means for fixing the support in a preferred configuration may comphse the cooperation between the two plates of each circular hub. Preferably, the two plates of each circular hub are rotatable relative to one another. Even more preferably, each of the two plates of each circular hub comprise a plurality of corresponding apertures disposed therein. Cooperation between a given aperture of one plate with an aperture of the other plate corresponds to a discrete configuration of the support. The two plates of each of the circular hubs may cooperate with one another by means of a pin or other suitable securing means extending through allgned apertures. The means for fixing may comprise other well-known means allowing discrete configurations, such as a ratchet or cog arrangement.

According to yet a different embodiment of the present invention, the training aid further comprises a net. More preferably, the net spans the void defined by the uppermost edges cf the four different surfaces of the training aid, such that a plurality of balls may be captured therein, This may serve to prevent bails from becoming lodged inside the apparatus but may equally present a target onto which payer may practice other skills such as chipping throw-ins, or lobs. Additionally, the net may allow for the easy coflection of bSls, and provide useful storage for additional balls during practice. The net. along with the balls contained therein, may be readlly detached after practice and before stowhig the support.

The present invention will now be descilbed. by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in wftch: Hg. I is a perspective view of a ball games training aid, in accordance with the present nvent3cn, from the front, one side and abova fiii is a perspective view of the training aid of Fig. I from the rear, one side and above.

Fig. 3 is a top pan view of the training d of Fig I Fig. 4 is a view from one side of the training aid of Fig.1 in a first configuration.

Fig:.. is an enlarged side view of a second surface reinforcement beam of the training aid of Fig, 1.

Fig 6 is an enlarged side view of a first circular hub of the training aid of Figi.

flgj is an enlarged side view of a second circular hub of the training aid of Fig 1.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged frontal view of a first circular hub of the training aid of Fig 1.

Fin.$ is a perspective view of the training aid of Fig. I from the front, one-side and above, with attachable side panels Eig....1.Q is a perspective view of the training aid of Fig. 1 from the rear, one-side and above, FQ. lisa view from one side of the training aid of Fig. 1 in a second configuraton.

Elai2 is a view from one side of the training aid of Fig. 1.

According to the present invention, and referring to Figs. 1 2 and 3, a ba games training aid 10 comprises a support ii, having a first and second surface, 38 and 46 respectively, mounted thereon. The support 11 comprises first and second substantiafly quadrilateral frame members, 12 and 22 respectively, pivotaVy connected to one another by a first and second circular hub, 32 and 34 respectively.

First substantially quadrflateral frame member 12 is defined by a first pair of eongate suppcrt members 14 and 1$ disposed substantially paraP& with respect to each other and connected to one another at their extremities by a second pair of elongate support members 1 B and 20 disposed substantiaily paratel with respect to each other, such that support members 14 and 16 are disposed suhstantiay perpendicular to support members 18 and 20. Support merrber 14 is in contact with the ground when training aid lois in use.

Second substantially quadrflateral frame member 22 is defined by a first pair of elongate support members 24 and 26 disposed substantially paraUei with respect to each other and connected to one another at their extremities by a second pair of elongate support members 28 and 30 disposed substantially parallel wfth respect to each other, such that support members 24 and 26 are disposed substantiay perpendicular to support members 28 and 30. Support member 24 is in contact with the ground when training aid lois in use.

Support member 18 comprises a pluralfty of substantiay identical holes along its length. Support members 20, 26 and 30 each comprise an identical plurahti of holes to support member 18.

Support members 24 and 26 of frame member 22 are shorter than support members 14 and 16 of frame member 12 such that frame 22 fits snuggly inside frame 12! along the direction defined by support members 14, 16, 24 and 26.

Referring now to Fig. 3, frame members 12 and 22 are pivotaHy attached at a common point along the lengths of support members 18 and 28 by a circular hub 32, and at the same common point along the lengths of support members 20 and 30 by a circular hub 34, such that the angle subtended by support members 16 and 28, and by support members 20 and 30! can be increased or decreased. Hubs 32 and 34 are connected to each. other by a strut 36, extending substantiafly paraHel to support members 14, 16, 24 and 26, thereby providing additional support and strength to the scaffold assembly.

Referring again to Figs. I and 2. first surface 38 comprIses an upper edge 40 attached to support member 16 and extending Song its length such that its extremities lie substantially in line with the dimensions defined by support members 28 and 30. Surface 38 further compnses a lower edge 42 which is in contact with the ground when training aid 10 is in use. Surface 38 is adjustably attached to frame member 22 at a common point along the lengths of support members 28 and 30 by a brace 44. Brace 44 is connected to support members 28 and 30, and in particular the holes thereof. via nuts and bolts. Other well-known means of fixing, such. as clips or spring-loaded pins, are also encompassed by the invention.

In accordance with Figs. 1 2 and 3. second surface 46 is disposed on a substantially opposite side of the support 11 to the first surface 38, and mounted onto a substantally quadrateral support chassk 48. Chassis 48 is attachable onto the scaltold. Chassis 48 comprises a first pair of substantially paraliS elongate support members 50 and 52 connected to one another at their extremities by a second pair of substantially parallel elongate support members 54 and 56, such that support members 50 and 52 are disposed substantially perpendicular to support members 54 and 56. Support member 50 is substantiay in contact with the ground when training aid 10 is in use. In addition. support members 54 and 56 are angled at a common point along their engths, such that the angie subtended by their respective extremities is about 120 to about 1 70 Surface 46 extends across the plane defined by support chassis 48 such that its edges are substantially flush to support members 50, 52, 54 and 56, thereby defining a surface with two surface panes 58 and 60 separated by an angle of between about 120 and about 170 Surface plane 58 lies substantiafly perpendicular to the ground. and hes above surface plane 60, when training aid 10 is in use. It isto be recognized by the skiHed reader that surfaces comprising multiple planes of diffeñng orientation are encompassed by the present

disclosure.

Referrincj now to Figs, 1, 4 and 5, chassis 48 ruither compdses two substanUaHy L shaped, identical, elongate reinforcing beams $2. Reinforcing beams 62 compdse first and second portions 82 and 66 First portions 64 are disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to second portions 66. Second portions $6 are suhstantialiy parailel, and in contact with, surface plane 58. and are attached to support member 52 at their extremities. Second portions 68 may additionay comphse a plurailty of holes for pins along their length, for adjustable connectivity with support member 26 according to a preferred configuration. Other weHknown means of attachment such as dips and nut and bolt are also taken to fafi within the scope of the invention. First portions 64 are attached to support member 50 at their extremities, and rest sildably on top of support member 14 when traininQ aid 10 is in use.

In accordance with Figs. 6 and 7, hub 32 comprises a first circular plate 68 and a second substantiaIy identical circular plate 70. Hub 34 also comprises a first circuar plate 72 and a second substantiafly identical circular plate 74. Figs. 6 and 7, and in partcular flgs. 3 and 8. depict first plate 68 of huh 32 comprising a mounting channel 76 used for securing support member 18 to hub 32. Second plate 70 oF hub 32 also comprises a mounting channS 76, substantially identical to mounting channel 76, used for securing support member 28 to hub 32. Simflarly. first plate 72 of hub 34 also comprises a mounting channel SO used for securin support member to hub 34, and second plate 74 of huh 34 comprises a mounting channel 82, substantially identical to mounting channel 80. used for secudng support member 30 to hub 34, First and second plates 68 and 70 of hub 32 are sandwiched between support members 18 and 28 and are rotatably attached to strut 36 by a pin extending through a preferred hole in support member 18, through the centre point of first and second plates 68 and 70, through a preferred hole in support member 28 and into one end of strut 36. SimUarly, first and second plates 72 and 74 of hub 34 are sandwiched between support members 20 and 30, and are rotatably attached to strut 36 by a pin extending through a preferred hole in support member 20; through the centre point of first and second plates 72 and 74, through a preferred hole in support member 30 and into one end of strut 36. Other wefl4nown means of attachment, other than pins, such as bolts and screws, are also taken to fa within the scope of the invention.

in accordance with Figs. 6 and 7, first plate 68 comprises a plurahty of apertures disposed in a substantially circular formation. Second plate 70 comprises a substantially identical plurality of apertures such that first pte 88, support member 18 being attached thereto, may he rotated with respect to second plate 70, support member 28 being attached thereto. and fixed at a preferred position by one or more nut and bolt extending through the preferred apertures of first and second plates 68 and 70. thereby removing the rotating movement of the first and second plates 68 and 70 with respect to each other. Simarly, first plate 72 comprises a plurailty of apertures disposed in a substantiaVy circular formation. Second plate 74 comprises a substantaHy identical plurality of apertures such that first plate 72, support member being attached thereto, may be rotated with respect to second plate 74, support member 30 be!ng attached thereto, and fixed at a preferred position by one or more nut and bolt extending through the preferred apertures of first and second plates 72 and 74, thereby removing the rotating movement of the first and second plates 72 and 74 with respect to each other. Other we-known means of fixing such as screws and pins are also taken to fall within the scope of the invention. Rotation of first plates 68 and 72 with respect to second plates 70 and 74 allows the angle subtended by support members 18 and 28, and by support member 20 and 30, hereinafter referred to as the hub angle', to be increased or decreased in a range from about 0 to about 140'. It will be understood by the skilled reader that other mechanisms providing the same basic movement as outlined above, including but not limited to ratchets and cogs, would be effective.

Turning now to Fig. 12, the training aid 10 may additionaUy comprise one or more adjustable rods 88, adjustably connected to support member 16 of frame member 12. Rods 88 may further comprise a block 90, disposed at their terminal end. Blocks are in contact with the upper surface 40 of surface 38-The adjustable rods 88 may be attached to support member 16 such that the extent to which they project therefrom can he controflably adjusted, thereby enabhng the curvature of the surface 38, in contact therewfth, to be controllably adjusted.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, training aid 10 may also comprise &de pane's 84 and 86, removably attached to frame members 12 and 22. When side panels 84 and 86 are in use, a net may also be attached, thereby covering the space defined by the upper edges of side panels 84 and 86, and support members 16 and 26.

In use, and in accordance with Figs. 4, ii and 12. support members 14 and 24 of training aid 10 are in contact with the ground. Hubs 32 and 34 may be adjusted such that the Hub ange is from about 0 to about 140', preferably from about SO to about 140'. By increasing the hub angle, the shape of surface 38 is modified such that its profile becomes more curved, thereby resuiting in a more concave surface from the viewpoint of a user. Conversely, by decreasing the hub angle, the shape of surface 36 is modfied such that the profUe of surface 38 becomes less curved, thereby resulting in a less concave surface from the viewpoint of a user, such that a hub angle of about 0O produces a substantiay planar surface 38. Adjustment of hubs 32 and 34 therefore aow the training aid 10 to be deployed in any number of configurations corresponding to varying degrees of concavity of surface 38.

Furthermore, the profile shape of surface 36 may be even further modified according to a user's preference by varying the position of brace 44 along support members 26 and 30. Therefore. for a given huh angle. the concavity of surface 38 may be varied by positioning brace 44 closer to, or further away from, hubs 32 and 34 on support members 23 and 30. n practice, a player directs a bafl at the lower edge 42 of surface 38, with sufficient force that the pass travels along surface 38 in the direcUon of upper edge 40 and is returned in the direction of the player from the upper edge 40 of surface 38 with a trajectory according to the degree of concavity of surface 38 resulting from the preset hub angle and the position of the brace 44, thereby enabling him or her to practice their skifis in receiving a returned pass' having a preferred trajectonj.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 11 when training aid 10 is in use, the orientation of pnes 58 and 60 of surface 46 are fixed by chassis 48. Chassis 48 is adiustably attachable to support member 26 of frame member 22 by pins which cooperate with a plurality of holes situated along the length of second portions 66 of reinforcement beams 62.

Other weHknown means of attachment such as nut and bolt and dips are also taken tofaU within the scope of the invention. Upon increasing the hub angle, the position at which support member 26 of frame member 22 connect to second portions 66 becomes increasingly distant from support member 52 of chassis 48. in addition, upon increasing the hub angle, first portions 64 of reinforcing beams 62 slide over support member 14 of frame member 12 until support member 14 is substantially in contact with chassis 48 at a maximum hub anole, The orientation of chassis 48 and planes 58 and 60 is therefore substantially unchanged over a range of hub angles varying from about 0 to about i40. En practice, according to a preference, a player directs a ba towards either plane 58 or 60 of surface 46, thereby enabling him or her to practice their skills in receiving the returned pass'. A second player may adjust the hub angle, and the position of the brace 44, for pracfldng a drHl or routine requiring use of first surface 38 without altering the orientation of second surface 46.

Training aid 10 may be retracted into a stowed, storage configuration, wherein the hub angle is substantiafly 0' and wherein support member 26 optionafly connects to reinforcement beams 62 by connection means on their second portons 6$.

As depicted in Figs. 9 and 10 trSing aid 10 may be optionally stabilized by the addition of side panels 84 and 86. Side panels 84 and 86 are removably attachable to support members 18 and 20 once the desired hub angle has been set, thereby protecting players from unnecessary injury. When in use, the upper opening of training aid 10, defined by the upper edges of sides panels 84 and 8$ and by support members 16 and 2$, may be covered by attaching a net using dips, thereby preventing beDs from becoming lodged inside training aid 10. Other wefl-krown means of attachment such as Velcro fasteners and tape are also taken to faD within the scope o the invention. In practice, the net may also serve for facitating various ball game drills or routines such as obbing, chipping' and throw-ns. The side panels 84 and 86 are removed when the training aid 10 adopts a stowed configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, and referring to Fig. 12, the training aid 10 may, in addition to the features outlined above, comprise additionai means for varying the degree of concavity of the first surface 38, Adjustable rods 88 may be manipulated, such that the extent to which they project from support member 16 may be increased or decreased, thereby resulting in an increase or decrease to the degree of concavity of the first surface 38 respecfively. The degree of concavity of the first surface 38 may therefore be detcrmkied sol&y by varying the hub angle and brace 44 position, or by manipulating the adjustable rods 88, or by any combination of these means.

It wl be understood by a skifled reader that the invention may be manufactured using a number of suitable materias, Suitable materials for the manufacture of the support ii, including all support members: reinforcement members, braces, rods, struts, chassis, may comprise lightweight metals such as aluminium and titanium, but also other metals. afloys and/or materials such as steel. plastics, carbon fibres and wood: Furthermore, it wifi be appreciated that such articles may be manufactured as solid items, but are preferably hoUow or tubular in form when weight considerations are an ssue. Support members of prismatic or cuboidal cross sections are also understood to be within the scope of the invention, it wi be further understood that the suoport members referred to above may be connected to one another by a variety of means, including but not limited to clips, nuts and bolts, glue, tape. or by interconnecting end portions, The removable side panels may be manufactured from materials such as metal, plastic. wood or carbon fibre. Where required, the removable side panels may be coated with an additional material to vary the speed of the returned pass, In this reard, it will be appreciated that dense materials such as metals, woods, plastics and carbon fibre, or less dense materials such as sponges, foams or fabrics, may be employed to offer faster and slower rebounded passes respectively. The skilled reader wifi equally recognize that the first and second surfaces of the invention may be attached to the supoort by a number of known flxings, induding but not limited to snap cups, juhHee cops, nuts and bolts, screws, rwets, glue 01 taoe, Furthermore, it is to be understood that the first and second surfaces themselves may be manufactured from Ughtweight sheet materials including aluminium or titanium, carbon fibres, wood, or flexible plastics. The skWed person will further appreciate that the first surface may also comprise a pluralfty of discrete members, such as segments, sections or skate, each having their own surface, the surface being formed as a composite of the surface of each of the discrete member5. In this scenario, the surface profil& would be taken to refer to the overall profile of the surface comprising a plurahty of discrete members. The surfaces may optionally be covered with a coating to improve their functional characteristics during use. It will be further recognized that the circular hubs may be fashioned from a number of suitable materials including metals and plastics fl addition, the side paneis may be manufactured using various readily avaUsbie materials such as metals, wood and plastics and may be removably attached to the support via a number of well known fixings such as clips, screws, or nuts and bolts.

The training aid 10 may be weather proofed by coating, painting, or galvanizing with a suitable composition.

Whiie specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAMS1. A bail games training aid comprising a support and a first surface mounted onto the support towards which a ball to be returned can be directed. wherein the first surface is deformabe between a first configuration, determning a first profile of the first surface, and a second configuration, determining a second profile of the first surface.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A ball games training aid as daimed in dairn 1, wherein the profile of the first surface determines a degree of concavity of the first surface when in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A ball games training aid as claimed in claim I or 2, further comprising a second surface mounted onto the support towards which a ball to be returned can be directed, wherein the configuration of the profile of the second surface is independent of the configuration of the profile of the first surface when the training aid is in use.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A ball games training aid as daimed in cEaim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the support is moveable between a stowed configuration, and a deoioyed configuration.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A bail games training aid as claimed in any precedina claint wherein the support further comprises means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface, 6. A bafl games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface comprises one or more adjustable rods.7. A bafi games training aid as claimed in any øreceding claim, wherein the means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface comprises the support. being moveabie between a stowed and deployed configuration.8. A bali games training aid as claimed in any preceding daim, wherein the degree of concavity of the first surface is determinable between a substantially planar configuration, wherein the support is in a stowed configuration, and a substantially concave configuration. wherein the support is in a deployed configuration.9. A ba games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for determining the degree of concavity of the first surface comprises the support, being moveable between a stowed and deployed configuration, and one or more adjustabe rods.10. A ball games training ad as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises two adjustable rods.ii. A bafl games training aid as claimed in cry preceding claim, wherein the support comprises two frame members.12. A ball games training aid as ciSied in any preceding ciaim, wherein the frame members are pivotally connected to one another.13. A ball games training aid as daimed in any preceding claim, wherein the frame members are substantially quadrilateraL 14. A ball games training aid as daimed in any precethng deEm, wherein the two substantially quadrflatera frame members are pivotally connected to one another by pivoting means.15. A bail games training aid as daimed En any preceding ciaim, wherein the pivoting means further comprises means for fixing the support in one or more preferred configurations.16 A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding daim, wherein the pivoting means further comprises one or more hubs.17. A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the one or more hubs are circular.18. A hail games training aid as daimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivoting means comphacs two circuiar hubs.19. A bail games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the two circular hubs is disposed between, and at a substantially medium point along, identical elongate sections of the two frame members, such that the two circular hubs are disposed on opposite sides of the support 20. A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding ciaim, wherein each of the two circular hubs further comprises two plates.21. A ball games training aid as daimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for flxing the support in a preferred configuration comprses the cooperation between the two pates of each circuar hub.22. A ball gaines training aid as ciSmed in any preceding claim, wherein the two piates of each circular hub are rotatable about one another.23. A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of the two pFates comprise a plurality of apertures disposed therein, and wherein cooperation between a given aperture of one plate with the corresponding aperture of the other plate corresponds to a discrete configuration of the support.24. A hail games training aid as daimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plates of each hub is secured in a configuration by a pin extending through said apertures disposed therein, 25, A bail games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable rods are disposed on one or both of the first and second substantially quadrilateral frame members.26. A hail games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the adjustable rods are disposed incident to the upper edge of the first surface. 35.27. A ba games trainLig aid as dmed in any preceding daim, wherein the second surface is substantiafly perpendicular Ic the ground when the training aid is in use.28. A baH games trning aid as claimed in any preceding daim, wherein the second surface comprises a plurality of surface planes disposed at different angles with respect to each other.29. A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim. wherein the support comprises removable side paneis that substantially cover the support.30. A baU games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim. wi,erein the removabie side panels provide additional surfaces towards which a ball to be returned can be directed, 31. A haH games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the removable side panels comprise one or more different surface topographies.32. A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the training aid further comprises a net.33. A ball games training aid as claimed in any preceding claim, wheren the net spans the void defined by the uppermost edges of the support and side panels of the training aid, such that a plurafty of bails may be captured therein.34. A ball games training aid substantiaUy as shown and described in the figures and desciiption 35. A ball games training aid comprising a support and a First surface mounted onto the support towards which a ball to be returned can be directed, wherein the support is moveable between a stowed configuration, and a deployed configuration.36. A ball games training aid as claimed in daim 35 wherein the first surface is curved, 37. A ball games training aid as daimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein the support further comprises a second surface mounted onto said support and disposed substantially perpendicular to the ground when the training aid is in use.38. A ball games training aid as claimed in daim 35. 36 or 37, wherein the support comprises two frame members.39. A ball games training aid as claimed in daim 35 to 38, wherein the frame members are pivotally connected to one another.40, A ball games training aid as claimed in any of claims 35 to 39, wher&n the frame members are substantially quadrilateraL 41. A ball games training aid as daimed in any of claims 35 to 40, whereLi the two substantiafly quadrilateral frame members are pivotafly connected to one another by pivoting means.42, A hail games training aid as daimed in any of claims 35 to 41, wherein the pivoting means further comprises means for fixing the support in one or more preferred configurations.43. A bail games training aid as daimed in any of daims 35 to 42, wherein the pivoting means further comprises one ot mare hubs.44. A bail games training aid as claimed in any of claims 35 to 43, wherein the one or more hubs are circular.45. A bail games training aid as daimed in any of claims 35 to 44, wheren the pivoting means comprises two circular hubs.46. A bail games training aid as daimed in any of clms 35 to 45. wherein each of the two circular hubs is disposed between, and at a substantiaily medium point Song, identical elongate sections of the two frame members, such that the two circular hubs are disposed on opposite sides of the support.47. A ball games training aid as ciaimed in any of claims 35 to 45. whecen each of the two circular hubs further comprises two plates.48. A bail games training aid as claimed in any of claims 35 to 47, wherein the means for fixing the supor1 in a preferred configuration comprise the cooperation between the two plates of each circular hub, 49. A ball games trSing aid as dmed in any of claims 35 to 48. whereIn the two plates of each circular hub are rotatable about one another.50. A ball games training aid as claimed in any of claims 35 to 49, wherein each of the two plates comprise a plurahty of apertures disposed therein, and wheren cooperation between a given aperture of one plate with the corresponding aperture of the other plate corresponds to a discrete configuration of the support.51. A ball games training aid as claimed in any of daims 35 to 50, wherein the plates of each hub is secured in a configuration by a pin extending through said apertures disposed therein.52 A bali games training aid as daimed any of daims 35 to 51, wherein the second surface comprises a plurafity of surface planes disposed at different angles with respect to each other.53 A ball games training aid as claimed any of claims 35 to 52, wherein the support compdses removable side panels that substantially cover the support, 54. A ball games training aid as claimed any of claims 35 to 53, wher&n the removable side panels provide additional surfaces towards which a ball to be returned can be directed.55. A ball games training aid as claimed any of claims 35 to 54, wherein the removable side panels comprise one or more different surface topographies.56. A ball games training aid as claimed any of claims 35 to 55, wherein the training aid further comprises a net.57. A baU games training aid as claimed any of claims 35 to 56, wherein the net spans the void defined by the uppermost edges of the support and side panels of the training aid, such that a piuraRty of balls may be captured therein.5S. A ball games training aid comprising a support and four different surfaces mounted thereon towards which a ball to he returned can be directed.59. A ball games training aid as claimed in claim 58 wherein each of the four surfaces comprises a different surface topography.80, A baH games training aid as daimed in cm 58 or 59 wherein the support is moveable between a stowed configuration, and a deployed configuration.61. A ball games training aid as daimed in claim 58, 59 or 60, wherein the support comprises two frame members, 62. A ball games training aid as daimed in any of claims 58 to 61, wherein the frame members are pivotafly connected to one another.63. A baM games trning aid as daimed in any of claims 58 to 62, wherSn the frame members are substantiaHy quadrHateral.64. A ba games training aid as claimed in any of daims 58 to 63, wherein the two substantially quadrUatera frame members are pivotaUv connected to one another by pivoting means.65. A ball games training aid as claimed in any of daims 58 to 64, wherein the pivoting means further comprises means for fixing the support in ore or more preferred configurations.66. A ball games trning aid as daimed in any of claims 58 to 65, wherein the pivoting means further compdses one or more hubs.67. A ball games training aid as claimed in any of daims 58 to 6$, wherein the one or more hubs are circular.68. A ball games training aid as daimed in any of claims 58 to 67 wherein the pivoting means comprises two circular hubs, 69. A ball games training aid as claimed in any of claims 58 to 68, wherein each of the two circular hubs is disposed between, and at a substantially medium point along, identical elongate sections of the two frame members, such. that the two circular hubs are disposed on opposite sides of the support. 4:170. A bail games training aid as daimed in any of claims 58 to 69, wherein each of the two circular hubs further comprises two rAates 71 A bail games training aid as claimed in any of claims 58 to 70, wherein the means for fixing the support in a preferred configuration comprise the cooperation between the two plates of each circular hub.72, A bail games training aid as claimed in any of claims 58 to 71, wherein the two plates of each circular hub are rotatable about one another, 73. A baU games trSing aid as claimed in any of claims 58 to 72 wherein each of the two plates comprise a plurality of apertures disposed therein, and wherein cooperation between a given aperture of one piate with the corresponding aperture of the other plate corresponds to a discrete configuration of the support.74. A bail games training aid as claimed in any of claims 58 to 73, wherein the plates of each hub is secured in a configuration by a pin extending through said apertures disposed therein.75. A hail games training aid as claimed in any of claims 58 to 74, wherein the training aid further comprises a net.76. A ball games training aid as claimed any of claims 58 to 75, wherein the net spans the void defined by the uppermost edges of the four difierent surfaces of the training aid, such that a plurality of bails may be captured therein.</claim-text>