Patent ID: 7543821
Filing Date: 2009-06-09
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A ball returner for use as a training aid with a sports goal which includes a ground contacting stand portion having first and second base stand portions extending at an angle from one another to form a back corner at the rear of the sports goal, the goal further including a frontal portion that defines a mouth into which a lacrosse ball may be shot or passed, the ball returner being placed on a relatively flat surface within the sports goal during use and providing a system for returning a ball shot or passed within the sports goal, the ball returner comprising: a frame including a first side and a second side, said first side and said second side being coupled together and defining a first corner therebetween so that the first side and second side cooperate to form a generally triangular shape, the frame being configured to fit at least partially within the stand portion of the sports goal; an elastic material having a first edge, a second edge and a third edge, said first edge being coupled to said first side, said second edge being coupled to said second side, said third edge being positioned opposite said first corner and adjacent the mouth of the sports goal; and a first stand portion coupled to said first corner and configured for positioning adjacent the back corner of the sports goal, said first stand portion being at an angle relative to said first side and said second side of said frame, the first corner being elevated above the first edge and defining the highest elevation of the ball returner above the relatively flat surface so that the ball shot or passed into the sports goal is urged to roll along the elastic material toward the third edge, and subsequently the mouth of the sports goal under the force of gravity, wherein said elastic material includes a first section having a different elasticity than another portion of said elastic material.