Patent ID: 7677993
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A tennis training apparatus comprising: (a) a backboard comprising (i) a firm backing layer underneath (ii) a soft deadening layer; mounted on (b) a stand; wherein rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard, and wherein the apparatus is portable; wherein the soft deadening layer comprises resilient polymer foam that is at least 2 inches thick; wherein the apparatus, excluding any detachable weights added to provide stability, weighs less than 100 pounds and can be moved by being carried by one adult of average strength without tools; wherein deformation and reformation of the foam accounts for the rebound of a tennis ball, such that the apparatus produces an equivalent rebound when struck with a tennis ball at 60 mph and when struck with a rigid ball of the same shape, size, and weight as a tennis ball at 60 mph, where the rigid ball does not bounce the same as the tennis ball against a rigid surface; further comprising at least one detachable fabric cover covering the soft deadening layer in use.