Abstract:
A rebounder for rebounding a ball includes a base; a frame pivotally connected to the base for adjusting an angle of the frame relative to the base, the frame including a first member having a first maximum dimension and a second member having a second maximum dimension less than the first member, the second member structurally supported by the first member; a rebounding mat; a plurality of springs coupling the rebounding mat to the first member, and wherein the second member is disposed forward of the springs and configured to protect the springs from contact by the ball.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to sports ball rebounders. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sports ball rebounders include a rebounding surface and a frame that carries the rebounding surface. A sports ball is thrown by a user at the rebounder and the rebounder returns the sports ball back to the user. A sports ball rebounder can be used for sports and/or exercise training for a wide variety of sports and/or exercising purposes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of the invention involves a rebounder for rebounding a weighted ball such as a medicine ball for exercise purposes. The rebounder includes a base and a frame that is pivotally connected to the base for adjusting an angle of the frame relative to the base. The frame includes a first hoop and a second hoop. A substantially circular rebounding surface is attached to the first hoop via a plurality of springs extending there between. The second hoop has a diameter less than a diameter of the first hoop. The second hoop is supported by the first hoop and extends above the springs. The base includes studs for receiving annular weights. Adding weights over the studs of the base helps to secure the base to a surface to prevent the rebounder from moving relative to the surface when the weighted ball is rebounded by the rebounder. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves a rebounder for rebounding a medicine ball. The rebounder includes a base; a frame pivotally connected to the base for adjusting an angle of the frame relative to the base, the frame including a first member having a first maximum dimension and a second member having a second maximum dimension less than the first member, the second member structurally supported by the first member; a rebounding mat; a plurality of springs coupling the rebounding mat to the first member, and wherein the second member is disposed forward of the springs and configured to protect the springs from contact by the medicine ball. 
     One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above include one or more of the following: the first member is a first hoop having a first diameter and the second member is a second hoop having a second diameter less than the first diameter, the hoop and the rebounding mat defining a first plane, the second hoop defining a second plane parallel to, and forward of, the first plane; the base includes one or more studs configured to receive one or more annular weights to weigh down the base; the first member includes a lower end pivotally coupled to the base and an upper end adjustably securable to the support arm at multiple positions for adjusting the angle of the frame relative to the base; the frame is collapsible on the base and the support arm is positionable beneath the base for at least one of storage and transport of the rebounder; the support arm includes the multiple positions that the upper end is adjustably securable to for adjusting the angle of the frame relative to the base; the multiple positions of the support arm correspond to 5 degree angle increments of the frame relative to the base; the multiple positions of the support arm include 11 positions; the multiple positions include an uppermost position corresponding to a 50 degree angle and a lowermost position corresponding to a zero degree angle; the rebounding mat includes a centered target thereon; the base includes one or more foam rubber grip surfaces; a method of using a rebounder including providing the rebounder, throwing the medicine ball at the rebounder, contacting the second member with the medicine ball, and protecting the springs from contact by the medicine ball; and/or a method of using a rebounder including providing the rebounder, collapsing the frame on the base, positioning the support arm beneath the base for at least one of storage and transport of the rebounder. 
     It is understood that both the foregoing general description and following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation to the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages, and principles of the invention. In the drawings, 
         FIGS. 1A-1H  are front perspective, rear perspective, front elevational, rear elevational, top plan, right elevational, bottom plan, left elevational views of an embodiment of a rebounder; 
         FIGS. 2A-2F  are top, front perspective, rear perspective, front elevational, right elevational, and rear elevational views of the rebounder illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , and show the rebounder in an angled/inclined condition; 
         FIGS. 3A-3F  are top, front perspective, rear perspective, front elevational, right elevational, and rear elevational views of the rebounder illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , and show the rebounder in a lifted condition for transporting the rebounder on transport wheels; 
         FIGS. 4A-4F  are top, front perspective, rear perspective, front elevational, right elevational, and rear elevational views of the rebounder illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , and show the rebounder in a horizontal condition for jogging, jumping, and hopping exercise; 
         FIGS. 5A-5F  are top, front perspective, rear perspective, front elevational, right elevational, and rear elevational views of the rebounder illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , and show the rebounder in a horizontal condition with a clamp knob and collar removed from back side and installed on underside of rebounder to lock it for storage and/or shipping. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1A-1G , an embodiment of a rebounder  100  will be described. The rebounder  100  is ideally used with dry-filled, gel-filled, or any other medicine balls of various weights and/or sizes, or regular balls. The medicine ball is thrown by an exerciser against the rebounder  100  and the rebound returns the medicine ball to the exerciser. Each time the exerciser throws the medicine ball (acceleration), the rebounder  100  guides the exerciser to catch the returned medicine ball and follow through with corresponding deceleration. In alternative embodiments the rebounder  100  is used for other rebounding applications that those shown and described herein. 
     The rebounder  100  includes a base  110  and a frame  120  that is pivotally connected to the base  110  for adjusting an angle of the frame  120  relative to the base  110 . 
     The frame includes a first hoop member (“first hoop”)  130  of a first diameter/maximum dimension and a second hoop member (“second hoop”)  140  of a second diameter/maximum dimension less than the first diameter of the first hoop  130 . In alternative embodiments, the first member  130  and the second member  140  may have configurations other than circular (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal, polygonal). 
     A flat, substantially circular rebounding surface/mat  150  is attached to the first hoop  130  via a plurality of springs  160  extending there between. The mat  150  may include a target  155  in a center of the mat  150 . The target  155  improves the focal point and assists in aiming the medicine ball, and the target  155  allows points for accuracy for game competition and for performance evaluation. 
     The second hoop  140  is supported by the first hoop  130 , extending above, over, and in front of the springs  160  via spoke truss support  170  (the spoke truss construction is only one possible means for providing support for the second hoop  140 ; plates or other shapes of spokes and attachment point(s) can still offer the bumper benefit and extra strength from the circular truss). 
     The base  110  includes a front section  180  including opposite curved floor contact tubes  190 , a rear section  200  including opposite straight floor contact tubes  210 , a left side rail  220 , and a right side rail  230 . The floor contact tubes  190 ,  210  include foam rubber grip surfaces  235  thereon to provide the maximum grip to the floor surface to prevent sliding of the base  110  relative to the floor. Opposite terminal ends of the floor contact tubes  190 ,  210  are pivotally connected to opposite terminal ends of the side rails  220 ,  230 . The rear section  200  includes transport wheels  240  at ends of the side rails  230 . 
     Respective studs  250  extend upwardly from the side rails  220 ,  230  for receiving annular weights (e.g., Olympic-style weights). 
     One end of a back handle arm  260  forms a “T” with the opposite straight floor contact tubes  210  and pivots with contact tubes  210 . A back handle  270  is disposed at an opposite end of the back handle arm  260 . 
     The rear part of the first loop  130  is adjustably and movably coupled to the back handle arm  260  via a collar pin  280 , a clamp collar  290 , and a clamp knob  300 . A rear of the back handle arm  260  includes position holes  290  for adjustably mounting the claim collar  290  and clamp knob  300  to the back handle arm  260  at a desired location for setting the rebounding surface  150  at a desired angle/incline. The handle arm  260  has a large number of angles/inclines (e.g., from 0 degrees to 50 degrees by 5 degree increments, 11 positions). 
     To adjust the angle/incline of the frame  120  relative to the base  110 , the clamp knob  300  is pulled and/or rotated (untightened) so that clamp collar  290  is no longer secured in a position hole  290 , and the clamp collar  290  is moved to the desired location/position hole on the back handle arm  260 . The clamp knob  300  may automatically engage each position hole  290  as the clamp collar  290  slides along the back handle arm  260  and/or the clamp knob  300  is rotated (tightened) so that clamp collar  290  is secured in a desired position hole  290  so that the rebounder  100  is at a desired angle/incline. 
     The first hoop  130  and the rebounding surface  150  define a first plane and the second hoop  140  defines a second plane. The second plane is parallel with the first plane and is disposed above the first plane (closer to the exerciser than the rear section  200 ). The second hoop  140  extends above, over, and in front of the springs  160  (closer to the exerciser than the rear section  200 ), protecting the springs  160  from the heavy medicine balls thrown at the rebounder  100 . Thus, the second hoop  140  forms a bumper to prevent the medicine ball(s) from hitting and damaging the springs. 
     In the embodiment shown, each stud  250  for plate weights may receive up to four 45 lb. Olympic-style weights. These weights reduce movement of the rebounder  100  during recoil (when heavy medicine balls (e.g., 12 lbs to 40 lbs) are thrown) with all types of floor surfaces. 
       FIGS. 2A-2F  show the rebounder  100  in an angled/inclined condition (e.g., highest position, position  11 , 50 degree angle/incline). 
       FIGS. 3A-3F  show the rebounder  100  in the same angled/inclined condition as  FIGS. 2A-2F , and shows how the rebounder  100  may be transported by lifting the rebounder  100  at the bottom of the first hoop  130  so that the rebounder  100  pivots upwardly and is supported by the transport wheels  240 . The exerciser may then steer the rebounder  100  and push/pull the wheeled rebounder  100  to a desired location and position. 
       FIGS. 4A-4F  show the rebounder in a horizontal or low-compression jogger position for cardiovascular work. Easy on the spine and knees, the uniformly round surface of the mat  150  provides solid support for the feet and ankles during jumping, hopping and jogging exercise. 
       FIGS. 5A-5F  show the rebounder  100  in a horizontal condition with the clamp knob  300  and the collar  290  removed from back side and installed on an underside of rebounder  100  to lock it in a compact, flat configuration/position for storage and/or shipping. 
     Training with the rebounder  100  helps develop core strength, agility and improved reaction time. Exercisers&#39; speed, range of motion and quality of movement improve at every level of function. Regardless of the direction from which the medicine ball (e.g., dry-filled medicine ball) is thrown, the medicine ball returns perpendicular to the rebounding surface  150 . Each time the exerciser throws the ball (acceleration), the rebounder  100  guides the exerciser to catch the ball and follow through with corresponding deceleration. In the embodiment shown, the rebounding angle adjusts to eleven levels (e.g., from 0 degrees to 50 degrees by 5 degree increments) to accommodate exercisers of any height, enabling them to exercise from seated, kneeling and standing positions. The rebounder  100  also serves as a low-compression jogger ( FIGS. 4A-4G ) for cardiovascular work. Easy on the spine and knees, the uniformly round surface of the mat  150  provides solid support for the feet and ankles during jumping, hopping and jogging exercise. 
     Advantages of the rebounder  100  include the following: strong frame construction enables a strong rebound force and long life; second hoop  140  protects springs  160  from direct impact from heavy medicine balls that could otherwise destroy the springs  160 ; long life of frame  120  and mat  150  as the impact load from the medicine ball is distributed on a large number of springs; the second hoop  140  causes the exerciser to aim more accurately because there is no rebound from a medicine ball that hits the second hoop  140 ; the second hoop  140  and spoke construction creates a stronger circular truss than the strength of both rings added together; the studs accommodate weights to reduce movement of the frame  120  and the base  120  relative to the floor surface during recoil; the springs  160  include a thick wire construction and are high-strength springs; the back handle arm has a large number of angles/inclines; at a flat level ( FIGS. 4A-4F ), the rebounder  100  can still be jumped, hopped, or run on even with weights; foam rubber grip surface  235  around all four floor contact tubes  190 ,  210  provide the maximum grip to the floor to prevent sliding; the target  155  in center of mat  150  improves the focal point and assists in aiming the medicine ball; and the target  155  allows points for accuracy for game competition and for performance evaluation. 
     The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention, especially in the following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments. 
     Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as mean “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although item, elements or components of the disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.