GB2598471A

GB2598471A - Sports training apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2598471A
Application number: GB2111590.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leonard Martin Porter Luke
Original assignee: Rebound Box Ltd
Current assignee: Rebound Box Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-12
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Also published as: GB202111590D0; GB202013031D0

Abstract

Sports training apparatus 100 comprising a rebound panel 102 with a plurality of projections 104 upon which a ball is directed for rebounding or deflecting. At least one projection comprises a semi-cylindrical shape. The rebound panel may comprise a frame 106. At least one projection may be releasably attachable to the frame. A fastener 110 may be provided to secure at least one projection to the frame. The fastener may comprise a curved portion (210, fig 3) to contact the outer surface of the projection to secure it to the frame. The apparatus may comprise at least one support (620, fig 6a) for the panel at least one angle relative to the ground. The support may be releasably attachable to the panel. The frame may comprise a plurality of frame portions. The plurality of frame portions may be releasably connected to one another. A method of use is also disclosed.

Description

SPORTS TRAINING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sports training apparatus, and in particular to a sports training apparatus comprising a rebound panel for rebounding or deflecting a ball.

BACKGROUND

Many people will have played a game where a football is kicked against a wall, with the wall providing a rebound surface which returns the football to the player. That allows the exercise to be repeated. The game can be played by a single player or by more than one player, for example, taking it in turn to kick the ball. The game helps to develop ball control skills and skills in estimate the timing of running to meet a ball.

Unfortunately, a wall is not always readily accessible or usable for such a purpose. For example, the location may be in the middle of an open space such as a field, with no walls present. Even if a wall is present, the wall may have one or more windows, potentially making the wall unsuitable for use as a rebound surface for sports training. Alternatively the wall may be located next to a road, potentially making the environment unsafe to use the wall as a rebound surface for sports training.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a sports training apparatus. The sports training apparatus comprises a rebound panel. The rebound panel comprises a plurality of projections, against which in use a ball is to be directed for rebounding or deflecting from the rebound panel. At least one projection comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical shape A convex surface of the projection may be configured to rebound or deflect a ball in use.

Projections having a semi-cylindrical shape may provide several advantages. Semi-cylindrical projections may exhibit the same or very similar rebound behaviour as projections having a substantially cylindrical shape. However, semi-cylindrical projections may enable a rebound panel having a reduced thickness or profile, with the projections extending a smaller distance than cylindrical projections to provide a similar curved rebound surface. Similarly, semi-cylindrical projections may enable a rebound panel having a reduced mass, by eliminating the (approximately) unused half of a cylindrical projection which a ball would be unable to contact in use. Semi-cylindrical projections may also provide an increased surface area for connection of the projections to the rebound panel, relative to a cylindrical projection which effectively has a single point of contact (a point on the outer curved surface) to affix to the rebound panel. The increased surface area may enable the projections to be more securely connected to the rebound panel, improving reliability of rebound performance (especially with repeated use of the rebound panel). The increased surface area may also reduce a stress experienced by the projections resulting from contact with a ball in use, by spreading the applied force caused by impact of the ball on the projection over a greater surface area.

The rebound panel may comprise a frame on which the projections are disposed. At least one projection may be releasably attachable to the frame. That may enable the projections to be easily removed and/or replaced (for example, following damage or wear) individually and separately from other projections, without having to replace the entire rebound panel.

The sports training apparatus may further comprise a fastener. The fastener may be configured to secure at least one projection to the frame. The fastener may comprise a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of at least a part of a surface of the projection. The surface of the projection may be configured to be disposed between the frame and the fastener. The fastener may be configured to compress the surface of the projection against the frame.

Securing the projections to the frame using a fastener having a shape corresponding to a shape of at least a part of a surface of the projection may enable the projections to be more securely connected to the rebound panel by increasing a connection area between the fastener and the projection. A connection between correspondingly shaped surfaces may therefore improve a contact between the projection and the fastener, spreading a contact load more evenly across the components. That may improve stress distribution (for example, due to impact of a ball during use), reducing wear of the projections and apparatus. That may also avoid the need to drill one or more holes partially into or fully through the projections in order to pass a fastener into or through the holes, which may weaken the projections and reduce a useful life of the projections.

The fastener may comprise a curved portion. The curved portion may be configured to contact a convex outer surface of the projection to secure the projection to the frame. The curved portion may be or comprise a hook or a ring. A curved portion may provide the advantages of correspondingly shaped surfaces described above without substantially interfering with the rebound behaviour of the projections and the rebound panel. The curved portion may have a substantially similar surface profile to the projection it acts to secure.

At least one projection may be substantially hollow. A hollow projection may comprise a projection having a substantially semi-circular cross-section defined by a convex surface and optionally by a planar back surface. That may provide a projection having a lower weight, improving manoeuvrability and transport of the apparatus. A hollow projection may also enable a greater amount of elastic deformation of the projection when contacted by a ball, which may enable the ball to be rebounded more elastically from the rebound panel.

The fastener may comprise a planar portion. The planar portion may be configured to contact a planar internal surface of the projection to secure the projection to the frame. The fastener may comprise a nut and a bolt. The planar portion may be provided by the nut or the bolt. Alternatively, the planar portion may comprise a washer or plate. The washer or plate may be larger than a nut or head of a bolt and may provide a greater connection area, further increasing stability of the projection. An internal fastener may provide the advantages of correspondingly shaped surfaces as described above without interfering with rebound behaviour of the projections and the rebound panel. The planar portion is not exposed to contact with a ball.

The projection may comprise an aperture or channel extending through a planar rear wall of the projection. The channel may be configured to enable the planar portion to contact the planar internal surface of the projection.

The channel may extend substantially fully along a length of the projection. That may allow the projection to be more easily produced in a single step, for example via an extrusion process, rather than requiring a multi-step manufacturing process where the channel or aperture is machined after the projection is produced.

The sports training apparatus may further comprise at least one support. The support may be configured to support the rebound panel at an angle relative to the ground in use. The support may act to hold the rebound panel in position in use when another objection (e.g., a wall, a bench, a post) is not available to prop the rebound panel against.

The support may be configured to support the rebound panel at a plurality of different angles relative to the ground. Being able to support the rebound panel at a plurality of different angles may improve the training effect of the apparatus by exposing an individual using the apparatus to a variety of different rebound angles. That may enable the individual to become accustomed to a variety of different ball trajectories, which may substantially replicate the variety of different ball trajectories likely to be experienced during competitive play.

The support may be attachable to the rebound panel at a fixed angle. The support may be attachable to the rebound panel via a connection point having a fixed angle relative to a plane of the rebound panel. That may reduce the likelihood of the apparatus becoming unstable or components of the apparatus become loose during use, compared to using a connection point having a variable angle relative to a plane of the rebound panel (e.g., a support connected to the rebound panel via a hinge).

The support may be adjustable in length to support the rebound panel at a plurality of different angles relative to the ground. The support may comprise a plurality of supports having different lengths to support the rebound panel at a plurality of different angles. Each of the plurality of supports may be configured to be used independently of the other supports. Alternatively, the support may comprise a plurality of support sections. The plurality of support sections may be releasably attachable to one another to adjust a length of the support. The plurality of support sections may be releasably attachable to one another via complementary threads, resilient engagement features, a friction fit. The plurality of support sections may be configured to utilise a telescopic mechanism to adjust a length of the support.

The support may be releasably attachable to the rebound panel. That may enable the apparatus to be easily placed into a storage or transit configuration having a reduced size compared to the apparatus in use.

The frame may comprise metal or an alloy, for example aluminium The frame may alternatively comprise a plastic or polymeric material.

The frame may comprise tubing. The tubing may provide an integral handle of the apparatus for easy handling of the apparatus. The tubing may comprise a substantially square or rectangular cross-section. That may provide a flat, stable surface for the projections to be secured against. The tubing may be substantially hollow. That may reduce a weight of the apparatus for easy transportation and manoeuvrability without impacting on stability and rebound performance of the rebound panel.

The sports training apparatus may have a weight of between substantially 10 kg and substantially 18 kg. The sports training apparatus may have a weight of between substantially 12 kg and 16 kg. The sports training apparatus may have a weight of substantially 14 kg. Those weights may provide an optimal compromise between portability of the apparatus, and stability and rebound performance of the rebound panel in use The projections may extend substantially parallel to one another. The projections extending substantially parallel to one another may provide variation in a rebound direction of a ball in one dimension. Variation of the rebound direction in one dimension may be sufficient for training purposes without introducing excessive or unpredictable behaviour. Additional variation or unpredictability may be introduced by arranging the projections at an angle relative to one another (for example, an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°).

The projections may be substantially evenly spaced apart. That may enable the rebound panel to provide a substantially equal or consistent amount of variation in rebound behaviour of a ball across the rebound panel.

The frame may comprise a plurality of frame portions. The frame portions may be releasably attachable to one another. That may enable the apparatus to be easily placed into a storage or transit configuration having a reduced size compared to the apparatus in use.

The sports training apparatus may be configured to be flat-packed when not in use. That may improve ease of storage and ease of transportation of the apparatus when not in use.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of sports training. The method comprises directing a ball against the apparatus of the first aspect such that the ball is rebounded from the rebound panel of the apparatus.

The method may comprise throwing, kicking, bowling, rolling, passing or hitting a ball against the wall. The ball may be any sports ball such as a football, hockey ball, cricket ball, tennis ball etc. Optional features may be combined with any other features in any combination. Features which are described in the context or separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. I shows an embodiment of a sports training apparatus in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of how projections are secured to a frame of the sports training apparatus shown in Figure 1; FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of how projections are secured to the frame of the sports training apparatus shown in Figure I; FIGs. 4A and 4B show the frame of the sports training apparatus shown in Figure 1 independently of the projections; FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a sports training apparatus in accordance with the invention; FIGs. 6A to 6E show an embodiment of a sports training apparatus comprising supports to hold a rebound panel of the sports training apparatus at an angle relative to the ground, in accordance with the invention; FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a sports training apparatus comprising feet in accordance with the invention; FIGs. 8A and 8B show embodiments of the sports training apparatus having a rebound panel as shown in Figure 1 in a storage configuration; and FIG. 9 shows two sports training apparatus connected to one another to form a larger rebound panel.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings may indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a sports training apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown, the sports training apparatus 100 is a football training apparatus, but it will bc appreciated that the apparatus could be utilised for training for a wide number of ball sports, for example cricket, hockey, tennis, football, rugby, rounders etc. The apparatus 100 comprises a rebound panel 102. The rebound panel 102 comprises a plurality of projections 104, against which a ball (e.g., a football) is to be directed for rebounding or deflecting from the rebound panel 102.

In the embodiment shown, each projection 104 comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, shown in more detail (in side profile) in Figure 2. The convex surface of the semi-cylindrical shape of the projections 104 is configured to rebound or deflect a ball in use. Alternatively, one or more projections 104 may comprise a substantially semi-cylindrical shape, and one or more projections 104 may comprise a different shape or configuration. In the embodiment shown, there are 16 projections 104, but it will be appreciated that the rebound panel 102 may comprise any number of projections, for example depending upon a size of the rebound panel 102. In the embodiment shown, the rebound panel 102 has a height of approximately 120 cm and a width of approximately 120 cm and has a substantially square shape. Alternatively, the rebound panel 102 may have or comprise a different shape, for example a rectangular shape, circular shape, oval shape, or polygonal shape such as pentagon& shape, hexagonal shape etc. Alternatively, the rebound panel 102 may have a random or abstract shape.

In the embodiment shown, the projections 104 are elongate projections. The projections 104 extend substantially parallel to one another. The projections 104 extend substantially horizontally (e.g., relative to the ground or a surface on which the rebound panel 102 is disposed in use). Alternatively, one or more projections 104 may be aligned at an angle (for example, an angle greater than 00 and less than or equal to 90°) relative to one or more other projections 104. In the embodiment shown, the projections 104 are substantially evenly spaced apart. Alternatively, some projections 104 may be more closely spaced apart than other projections 104.

In the embodiment shown, the projections 104 are disposed or mounted on a frame 106. In the embodiment shown, the projections 104 extend substantially across a full width of the frame 106 (e.g., the projections 104 have a length substantially equal to a width of the frame 106).

Alternatively, the projections 104 may extend across a part of the width of the frame 106, for example across a half of the width of the frame 106. Each half of the frame 106 may comprise projections 104. The projections 104 mounted on one half of the frame 106 may be offset from the projections 104 mounted on the other half of the frame 106 (for example, vertically offset along a height of the rebound panel 102), such that the projections 104 on the one half of the frame 106 provide different rebound behaviour than the projections 104 on the other half of the frame 106.

In the embodiment shown, the projections 104 are or comprise a plastic or polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate, polypropylene). The projections 104 may be manufactured by an extrusion process. Alternatively, the projections 104 may be or comprise a metal or wooden material. The projections 104 are preferably formed from a plastic or polymeric material or a wooden material, to provide rebound performance without adding excess weight to the apparatus 100. Plastic and/or wooden projections 104 may also be more easily coloured for a desired appearance, for example with the colours or emblem of a sports club (e.g., a football club).

Figure 2 shows a side cross-section of a projection 104 mounted on the frame 106 as shown in Figure I. in the embodiment shown, the projection 104 is substantially hollow. The projection 104 comprises an aperture or channel 108 formed in a planar surface (e.g., rear surface) of the semi-cylindrical projection 104. The channel 108 enables a planar portion 110a of a fastener to enter an internal space of the projection 104, such that the planar portion 110a of the fastener 110 can be brought into contact with a planar internal surface 112 of the projection 104. The fastener 110 is configured to secure the projection 104 to the frame 106 by urging the planar internal surface 112 of the projection 104 against the frame 106. The surface planar internal surface 112 of the projection 104 is disposed between the planar portion 110a of the fastener 110 and the frame 106. The planar portion 110a of the fastener 110 is used to apply pressure to the planar internal surface 112 of the projection 104. in the embodiment shown, the fastener 110 comprises a nut and a bolt, wherein a head of the bolt provides the planar portion 110a of the fastener, but other suitable fasteners comprising a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of at least a part of a surface of the projection 104 may be used, for example a clamp. Depending on the type of fastener used, the projection 104 may not comprise a channel 108. For example, if the projection 104 is hollow, one or both ends of the projection 104 may be left open, and a clamp may be used to secure the projection 104 to the frame 106 by passing a clamping portion through the open end of the projection 104 to engage with the planar internal surface 112 of the projection 104, in such an arrangement, the projection 104 may not require a channel or aperture 108.

In the embodiment shown, the channel or aperture 108 extends only partially along a length of the projection 104. The channel 108 may extend from an end of the projection 104, such that the channel 108 is 'open' at one end. Alternatively, the channel 108 may be inset from an end of the projection 104, such that the channel 108 is 'closed' at both cnds. Alternatively, to improve manufacturing ease of the projection 104, the channel or aperture 108 may extend fully along a length of the projection 104. The channel 108 is effectively 'open' at both ends. That may enable the channel or aperture 108 to be formed during an extrusion process, rather than potentially requiring a separate machining step to create the channel or aperture 108 after production of the projection 104.

In the embodiment shown, the projections 104 are secured to the frame 106 at connection points 105. Each projection 104 is secured to the frame at the outer lateral sides of the frame 106 and at a substantially central point of the frame 106. Securing the projections 104 to the frame 106 at the connection points 105 may support the projections 104 substantially across a length of the projections 104, providing a robust mechanical connection. Alternatively, each projection 104 may be secured to the frame 106 at the outer lateral sides of the frame 106 alone.

Figure 3 shows a side cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a projection 204 mounted on a frame 206. In the embodiment shown, the projection 204 is substantially hollow. Alternatively, the projection 204 may be substantially solid. A fastener 210 comprises a curved portion 214 configured to contact a convex outer surface of the projection 204 to secure the projection 214 to the frame 206. The curved portion 214 substantially corresponds to a shape of the convex outer surface of the projection 204. In the embodiment shown, the curved surface 214 comprises a hook extending from the frame 206 to secure the projection 214 to the frame. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 210 comprises a threaded portion 216 configured to receive a nut (not shown) in order to tighten the connection between the curved portion 214 and the projection 204 and secure the projection 204 to the frame 206. In the embodiment shown, the projection 204 is located below the fastener 210 in use, with the curved portion 214 hanging downward in use to engage the projection 204. Alternatively, the projection 204 may be located above the fastener in use, with the curved portion extending upward in use to engage the projection 204. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 210 is a separate component to the frame 206. Alternatively, the fastener 210 may be integral to the frame 206. The projection 204 may be slid into engagement with the curved portion 214 of the fastener 210.

Additionally or alternatively, the fastener 210 or at least the curved portion 214 of the fastener 210 may comprise a resilient material. The projection 204 may be 'clipped' into the curved portion 214 of the fastener 210, with the resilient material enabling the curved portion 214 to elastically deform (e.g., flex) to enable the projection 204 to be disposed between the curved portion 214 and the frame 206. Once the projection 204 is in the desired position, the elastic energy in the curved portion 214 of the fastener 210 is released and the curved portion 214 secures the projection 204 to the frame 206.

The projections 204 may be secured to the frame 206 at similar locations to the connection points 105 shown in Figure 1.

Alternatively, the projections 104, 204 may be affixed to or mounted on the frame 106, 206 using different means. For example, the projections 104, 204 may be secured to the frame 106, 206 using adhesive, using mechanical fasteners such as screws or nails, or using a hook and loop mechanism (e.g., Velcrolt). The projections 104, 204 may be secured to the frame 106, 206 at similar locations to the connection points 105 shown in Figure I. Figure 4A shows the frame 106 of Figure 1 without the projections 104 secured to the frame 106, in the embodiment shown, the frame 106 comprises a first frame portion 106a and a second frame portion 106b. The first frame portion 106a forms one half of the frame 106 and the second frame portion I06b forms the other half of the frame 106.In the embodiment shown, each frame portion 106a, 106b is substantially rectangular, forming a frame 106 having a substantially square shape in use. In the embodiment shown, each frame portion 106a, 106b has a height of approximately 120 cm and a width of approximately 60 cm. The frame portions 106a, 106b are configured to be affixed to one another to form the frame 106. In the embodiment shown, the two frame portions 106a, 106b are attached to one another at a substantially central location of the frame 106. The frame portions 106a, 106b being connected at a substantially central location of the frame 106 also provides a location for a connection point 105 (not shown) to secure a projection 104 to the frame 106 and support the projection 104 at a substantially central position. In the embodiment shown, the frame portions 106a, 106b are attached to one another using one or more bolts 116 (e.g., enabling the frame portions 106a, 106b to be released from one another), although other suitable fasteners may be used, for example a screw.

The frame portions 106a, 106b each comprise a tube-like (e.g., substantially hollow) or rod-like (e.g., substantially solid) frame material or structure 118 shaped to form an outer perimeter of the frame portion 106a, 106b. In the embodiment shown, the frame material 118 comprises hollow tubing having a square cross-section, as shown in Figure 4B. The frame material 106 being hollow may reduce a weight of the rebound panel 102 without impacting stability or robustness of the apparatus 100. For example, using hollow aluminium tubing having a square cross-section of dimensions 3cm x 3cm and a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, each frame portion 106a, 106b as shown in Figure 4A would have a weight of approximately 3.2 kg, giving an overall weight for the frame 106 of approximately 6.4 kg. That may result in a rebound panel 102 which has enough weight to be stable in use and provide sufficient rebound behaviour, without having excess weight which makes the rebound panel 102 difficult to transport. With all components of the apparatus 100 taken into account, a total weight of the apparatus 100 is preferably between substantially 10 kg and substantially 18 kg, and more preferably substantially 14 kg to provide an optimal compromise between ease of transportation and performance of the rebound panel. Alternatively, the frame material 118 may be or comprise another metal or alloy (e.g., steel), or a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene, polycarbonate). Using a tube-like or rod-like frame material 118 may also automatically provide handle points around a perimeter of the rebound panel 102, enabling easy transportation and manipulation of the rebound panel 102. The frame material 118 having a substantially square cross-section may also enable a substantially flat surface of the frame 106 for the projections 104 to be secured against. That may improve stability of the projections 104 on the frame 106, reducing wear and increasing reliability and predictability of rebound behaviour. Alternatively, a frame material 118 having a different cross-sectional shape may be used, for example a frame material 118 having a circular cross-section.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a sports training apparatus 500. In the embodiment shown, the sports training apparatus 500 is a football training apparatus. Similar to the apparatus 100, the apparatus 500 comprises a rebound panel 502. The rebound panel 502 comprises a plurality of projections 504, against which a ball (e.g., a football) is to be directed for rebounding or deflecting from the rebound panel 102. The projections 504 are substantially the same as the projections 104, 204 described above.

The projections 504 are disposed or mounted on a frame 506. In the embodiment shown, the frame 506 comprises a three separate frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c. Alternatively, any suitable number of frame portions may be used, depending on a size of the rebound panel 502 and/or a length of the projections 504. The frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c are not connected to one another directly, but are connected to another indirectly via the projections 504 which are independently attached to each of the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c. In the embodiment shown, the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c comprise a board, sheet or plank structure. The frame portions 506a 506b, 506c therefore provide a substantially flat surface for the projections 504 to be secured against. Alternatively, each of the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c may comprise a tube-like or rod-like frame material or structure shaped to form an outer perimeter of the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c, as described above.

One frame portion 506a forms a first end frame portion 506a secured to a first end of the projections 504. Another frame portion 506e forms a second end frame portion 506c secured to a second, opposing end of the projections 504. A third frame portion 506b is secured to the projections 504 at a substantially central position of the projections 504. The projections 504 may be secured (e.g., releasably secured) to each of the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506e as described above with respect to the projections 104, 204 and the frames 106, 206. The projections 504 may be releasably connected to the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c using a fastener such as a nut and a bolt, a screw etc. Alternatively, the projections 504 may be affixed to the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c using other means (e.g., adhesive), or may be integrally formed (e.g., moulded) with the frame portions 506a, 506b, 506c. In the embodiment shown, the projections 504 themselves may form or provide handle points enabling the rebound panel 502 to be easily transported and manipulated.

Figures 6A to 6E show an embodiment of a sports training apparatus 600. In the embodiment shown, the sports training apparatus 600 is a football training apparatus. The apparatus 600 comprises a rebound panel 602. The rebound panel 602 may be or comprise the rebound panel 102, 502 described above.

The apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of supports 620. The supports 620 are configured to support the rebound panel 602 at an angle 0 relative to the ground in use, as shown in Figure 6A. In an embodiment, the apparatus 600 comprises three supports 620. One of the supports 620 is located substantially at one lateral side of the rebound panel 602, one of the supports 620 is located substantially at the other lateral side of the rebound panel 602, and the third support 620 is located at a substantially central position of the rebound panel 602, as shown in Figure 6B. That arrangement provides support across a width of the rebound panel 602, which may improve stability of the apparatus 600 in use. In the embodiment shown, the supports 620 are connected to the rebound panel 602 at or near a top of a frame 606 of the rebound panel 602 in use, as depicted by connection points 622 shown in Figure 613. Alternatively, the apparatus 600 may have only two supports 620, for example located substantially at either lateral side of the rebound panel, or the apparatus 600 may have four or more supports 620, depending upon a width of the rebound panel. In the embodiment shown, a bracing member 621 is provided between adjacent supports 620, although that is not essential. The bracing member 621 is or comprises a resilient material (e.g., an elastic cord), although a non-resilient bracing member 621 may be used instead.

In the embodiment shown, the supports 620 each comprise an elongate support. The elongate support 620 is substantially cylindrical, having a substantially circular cross-section, although that is not essential. The elongate support 620 may have any suitable shape or cross-section.

The connection points 622 each comprise an aperture or recess 624 configured to receive at least a part of the support 620 to house the support 620, as shown in Figure 6C. in the embodiment shown, the recess 624 has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of at least a part of the support 620. In the embodiment shown, the support 620 (e.g., an end of the support 620) is configured to slide into the recess 624 of the connection point 622. The recess 624 is configured to secure the support 620 at a fixed angle 9 relative to the rebound panel 602. To that end, the recess 624 is large enough to receive the part of the support 620 without being large enough to enable the support 620 to deviate significantly from the fixed angle 9 when the support 620 is received within the recess 624. That may provide secure and stable support for the rebound panel, while still enabling the supports 620 to be quickly and easily attached to and removed from the connection points 622 as and when required. In the embodiment shown, the connection point 622 has a structure resembling that of a broom holder, having a plate portion 626 which is configured to be connected to the frame 606 (for example, using screws or bolts) and a connecting region comprising the recess 624, as shown in Figure 6D. Alternatively, the connection point 622 may be integral to the frame 606, and may be or comprise an aperture or recess formed directly in the frame 606.

Alternatively, the support 620 may be secured at a fixed angle relative to the rebound panel 602 using other means. For example using complementary threaded portions mounted on the support 620 and the connection point 622 respectively. The threaded portion located on the connection point 622 may be angled such that when the complementary threaded portions are engaged, the support 620 is held at a fixed angle 9 relative to the rebound panel 602.

The supports 620 are adjustable in length to support the rebound panel 602 at a plurality of different angles relative to the ground. Being able to support the rebound panel 602 at a plurality of different angles may improve the training effect of the rebound panel 602 by exposing an individual to a variety of different rebound angles, enabling the individual to become accustomed to a variety of different ball trajectories which may substantially replicate the variety of different ball trajectories likely to be experienced during competitive play. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of supports 620 having different lengths, as shown in Figure 6E. The apparatus 600 comprises a first set of supports 620a having a first length, and a second set of supports 620b having a second length different to the first length. The rebound panel 602 is configured to be supported by either the first set of supports 620a or the second set of supports 620b in use. The rebound panel 602 is supported at a first angle 01 when the first set of supports 620a is used, and at a second angle 02 when the second set of supports 620b is used, even though both sets of supports 620a, 620b are held at the same fixed angle (p relative to the rebound panel 602 when the supports 620a, 620b are attached to the rebound panel 602. Both sets of supports 620a, 620b are releasably attachable to the rebound panel 602 as described above. Alternatively, a greater number of sets of supports 620 (for example, three or more sets) having different lengths may be provided. The number of different angles which the rebound panel 602 may be supported at relative to the ground may be determined by the number of different sets of supports 620 provided with the apparatus 600.

Alternatively, a single set of supports 620 may be provided. Each support 620 may be adjustable in length. For example, each support 620 may comprise a plurality of support sections. The support sections may be releasably attachable to one another end to end. A length of the support 620 may be adjusted by varying the number of support sections used to form the support 620. The support sections may be releasably attachable to one another via any suitable mechanism, for example using complementary threaded portions, resilient engagement features, a friction fit. Alternatively, the support 620 may comprise a telescopic mechanism to adjust a length of the support 620 to support the rebound panel 602 at different angles relative to the ground. The number of different angles that the rebound panel 602 can be supported at relative to the ground may be determined by the number of different lengths the supports 620 can be adjusted to.

Alternatively, a single support 620 may be configured to support the rebound panel 602 at an angle relative to the ground in use. The single support 620 may be positioned at a substantially central location of the rebound panel 602 Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a sports training apparatus 700. In the embodiment shown, the sports training apparatus 700 is a football training apparatus. The apparatus 700 comprises a rebound panel 702 and supports 720. The rebound panel 702 may be or comprise the rebound panel 102, 502, 602 described above. The supports 720 may be or comprise the supports 620 described above.

The apparatus 700 comprises feet 728. In the embodiment shown, the feet 728 extend or project from a bottom of a frame 706 of the rebound panel 702 and from a bottom of the supports 720. The feet 728 are configured to provide additional traction and improve stability of the apparatus 700 in use. The feet 728 are configured to pierce a ground surface when the apparatus 700 is used on a ground surface comprising soil or turf The feet 728 are releasably attachable (for example, using releasably fasteners such as screws or bolts) to the frame 706 and the supports 720, for example when the apparatus 700 is used on a hard surface such as asphalt or tarmac, or on a surface which cannot or should not be pierced such as an artificial grass surface. The feet 728 may be or comprise a plastic or polymeric material, a metallic material or a wooden material. Alternatively, the feet 728 may be permanently attached to the frame 706 and the supports 720, for example integrally formed with the frame 706 and the supports 720. Alternatively, the feet 728 may extend from only one of the frame 706 and the supports 720, or the apparatus 700 may not comprise feet 728.

Figures 8A and 8B show embodiments of a sports training apparatus 800 comprising a rebound panel 102 as described above.

Figure 8A shows an embodiment of the apparatus 800 in a storage configuration. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 800 is flat-packed in the storage configuration. To place the apparatus 800 in the flat-packed configuration, the projections 104 are disconnected from the frame 106. The frame 106 is disassembled by separating the first frame portion 106a and the second frame portion 1061) from one another. One of the frame portions 106a, 106b is laid over the other frame portion 106a, I06b such that the perimeters of the frame portions 106a, I06b are substantially aligned. It does not matter which faces of the frame portions 106a, 06b are in contact when the frame portions 106a, 106b are stacked. A front face of the first frame portion 106a (a face of the frame portion 106a to which the projections 104 are secured during use) may contact a front face or a rear face of the second frame portion 106b, and vice versa. The projections 104 arc then placed upon the stacked frame portions 106a, 106b. The projections 104 are oriented such that the projections 104 are substantially parallel to a length or height of the frame portions 106a, 106b. For the embodiment shown, the projections 104 are substantially the same length as the length of the frame portions I06a, 106b. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 800 comprises supports 820. The supports 820 may be or comprise the supports 620 described above. In the embodiment shown, the supports 820 are disposed on an opposite side of the stacked frame portions 106a, 106b to the projections 104. The supports 820 are loose relative to the frame portions 106a, 10613. Alternatively, one or both of the frame portions 106a, 106b may comprise one or more connection points (not shown) to secure the supports 820 to the frame portion 106a, 106b in the storage configuration. The connection points may comprise one or more resilient clips configured to securely and releasably retain the supports 820 in the flat-packed configuration.

Figure 8B shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 800 in a storage configuration. In the embodiment shown, the apparatus 800 is flat-packed in the storage configuration. To place the apparatus in the flat-packed configuration, the projections 104 are disconnected from the frame 106. The frame 106 is disassembled by separating the first frame portion 106a and the second frame portion 106b from one another. A rear face of each frame portion 106a, 106b (a face of the frame portions 106a, 106b to which the projections 104 are not secured during use) comprises a plurality of recesses 830. Each recess 830 is configured to receive and/or engage with either the convex outer surface of a projection 104 or a planar surface of a projection 104. The rebound panel 102 is then placed into the flat-packed configuration with the rear faces of the frame portions 106a, 106b facing one another, and the projections 104 disposed between the frame portions 106a, 106b and engaged with the recesses 830. Although not shown, supports 820 may be disposed on either of the frame portions 106a, 106b once the projections 104 are secured between the frame portions 106a, 106b.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which two sports training apparatus 100 are releasably connectable to one another to form a larger rebound panel 102 in use. In the embodiment shown, the respective frames 106 of each apparatus 100 are connectable to one another in the same manner that the respective frame portions 106a, 10613 are connectable to one another, for convenience and case of operation. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may be connected to another using any suitable means, for example any releasable fastener including clips, clamps, screws, bolts etc. In addition, any number of apparatus 100 may be connected to one another to form a larger rebound panel 102 in use. Alternatively, two or more sports training apparatus may be positioned adjacent one another (without being connected to one another) to form a larger rebound panel 102 in use.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of sports training apparatus, and which may be used instead of or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. Features of the devices and systems described may be incorporated into/used in corresponding methods. Where features are disclosed in connection with one embodiment of a sports training apparatus, it should be appreciated that any one or more or all of the same features may be incorporated in other embodiments of sports training apparatus, instead of or in addition to the features described for the particular embodiment. That is, any and all combinations of features are envisaged, and are envisaged to be interchangeable, replaceable, added or removed.

For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sports training apparatus comprising: a rebound panel comprising a plurality of projections, against which in use a ball is to be directed for rebounding or deflecting from the rebound panel; wherein at least one projection comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.
2. The sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a convex surface of the projection is configured to rebound or deflect a ball in use.
3. The sports training apparatus of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein the rebound panel comprises a frame on which the projections are disposed.
4. The sports training apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one projection is releasably attachable to the frame.
5. The sports training apparatus of claim 3 or of claim 4, further comprising a fastener configured to secure at least one projection to the frame, wherein the fastener comprises a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of at least a part of a surface of the projection that is configured to be disposed between the frame and the fastener.
6. The sports training apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fastener comprises a curved portion configured to contact a convex outer surface of the projection to secure the projection to the frame, and optionally wherein the curved portion comprises a hook.
7. The sports training apparatus of any preceding claim wherein at least one projection is substantially hollow.
8. The sports training apparatus of claim 7 dependent from claim 5, wherein the fastener comprises a planar portion configured to contact a planar internal surface of the projection to secure the projection to the frame, and optionally wherein the fastener comprises a nut and a bolt.
9. The sports training apparatus of claim 8, wherein the projection comprises: a channel extending through a planar rear wall of the projection, the channel configured to enable the planar portion to contact the planar internal surface of the projection.
10. The sports training apparatus of claim 9, 'herein the channel extends fully along a length of the projection.
11. The sports training apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one support configured to support the rebound panel at an angle relative to the ground in use.
12. The sports training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support is configured to support the rebound panel at a plurality of different angles relative to the ground.
13. The sports training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support is attachable to the rebound panel at a fixed angle, and the support is adjustable in length to support the rebound panel at a plurality of different angles relative to the ground.
14. The sports training apparatus of claim 13, wherein: i) the support comprises a first support having a first length and a second support having a second length different to the first length, wherein the first support and second support are configured to be used independently of one another; or ii) the support comprises a plurality of support sections which are releasably attachable to one another to adjust a length of the support, and optionally wherein the support sections are releasably connectable to one another via complementary threads, resilient engagement features or a friction fit.
15. The sports training apparatus of any of claims 11 to 14:herein the support is releasably attachable to the rebound panel.
16. The sports training apparatus of claim 3 or any preceding claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 3, wherein the frame comprises metal, and optionally comprises aluminium.
17. The sports training apparatus of claim 3 or of any preceding claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 3, wherein the frame comprises tubing, and optionally comprises tubing having a substantially square cross-section.
18. The sports training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sports training apparatus has a weight of between substantially 10 kg and substantially 18 kg, and optionally has a weight of substantially 14 kg.20. The sports training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the projections extend substantially parallel to one another.21. The sports training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the projections are substantially evenly spaced apart.22. The sports training apparatus of claim 3 or of any preceding claim dependent directly or indirectly from claim 3, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of frame portions.23. The sports training apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of frame portions are releasably attachable to one another.24. The sports training apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sports training apparatus is configured to be flat-packed when not in use.25. A method of sports training, comprising: directing a ball against the rebound panel of the sports training apparatus of any of claims 1 to 24 such that the ball is rebounded from the rebound panel.