Abstract:
A portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device having at least a first rebound panel or surface adapted to rebound a ball away from the device, and a support structure adapted to hold the panel in a first, operational condition in which the panel is held generally upright; the panel and the support structure having a second, transport or storage, configuration relative to each other such that the panel and support structure lie flatter (or generally flat) relative to each other in the direction transverse to the rebound panel such that the device occupies less space.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Many people will have played a game where a football is kicked against a brick wall and the rebound is then played (e.g. kicking it again against the brick wall with one or two touches). This game can be played by a single player or by more than one player, for example taking it in turns to kick the ball. The game helps to develop ball control skills and the skills in estimating the timing of running to meet a ball. 
         [0002]    Unfortunately, there is not always a brick wall to hand. Some walls have windows. Some are next to roads. Some are simply not present (eg in the middle of a field). 
         [0003]    An aim of one embodiment of the invention is to provide a sports training rebound apparatus that is portable and can be conveniently moved and positioned in whatever desired location. 
         [0004]    The invention is not restricted to football training apparatus, for example, cricket and hockey are also specifically envisaged as applications. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    The scope of the protection for this invention(s) is defined in the claims. 
         [0006]    As mentioned, it is a typical pastime and training drill for people (children, young adults and old adults) who play ball sports (such as football/soccer) to project a ball toward a surface such as a wall and for the ball to rebound back to them for them then to repeat the exercise. This invention gives people the opportunity to practice this type of drill in a number of different situations with one or a number of wall type surfaces available. Some embodiments of the invention are designed to be able to be assembled from flat pack and dissembled such that the rebound boxes can be used anywhere. For example one typical constraint of a child using a walled area in say a garden is that the wall is normally fixed. This can result in a grassed area getting repeated use which causes excessive wear in some areas eg muddy areas. The mobility of the rebound box means that it can be moved to different locations thereby reducing the excessive wear in certain areas. Of additional benefit is the ability to use one or a number of rebound boxes in training drills with one or a number of people participating. The design of rebound box is such that the surfaces of the box may be flat or any number of different surface shapes. This variety of shapes gives the participants increased enjoyment and challenge in accommodating the path of the ball having rebounded from the rebound box or been deflected by a surface of the rebound box. The mobility of the rebound box means that it can be used on say football training grounds in a way that a fixed wall would not have the convenience to provide. The invention gives participants unlimited imagination in the way to use one or a number of rebound boxes for training drills or for fun. The rebound box is not limited to its use in football, but can be used in anyway where a surface would be fun and/or useful in rebounding or deflecting a ball. For example, it could be deployed in one form as a cricket training drill device. 
         [0007]    According to one aspect, the invention comprises a portable rebound or deflecting football training device having a rebound panel comprising a plurality of projections against which in use a football is to be directed for rebounding or deflecting from the panel, the projections comprising spaced apart projections having tips adapted to flex the surface of a football inwards into the football, in use, and the tips being spaced between 1 and 8 cm apart, preferably between about 3 and about 5 cm apart, and most preferably about 4 cm apart. 
         [0008]    The rebound panel may be disposed in a generally upright position. 
         [0009]    The projections may comprise elongate ribs or ridges. The projections, ribs or ridges may be provided with a pointed tip. The ribs or ridges may extend generally parallel to each other, and may be evenly spaced part. The ribs or ridges may not be all the same distance from the next adjacent ridge. 
         [0010]    The ribs or ridges may be formed in sheet material. The sheet material may comprise a ziz-zag corrugated sheet. The sheet material may comprise steel or iron or other ferrous metal. 
         [0011]    The ribs or ridges comprise rods or bars or slats, possibly provided with a pointed edge. The rods or bars or slats may comprise steel or iron or other ferrous metal. 
         [0012]    The portable rebound or deflecting football training device may have at least one support or foot adapted to hold the panel generally upright in use. The support may comprise at least one side frame or panel extending in use generally transversely to the rebound panel. 
         [0013]    Side frames or panels may be provided. The, or each, side panel or frame may have a triangular or wedge shape such that force from a ball that hits the rebound panel is directed at least in part into the ground, via the or each side panel or frame. 
         [0014]    The or each side panel or frame may be movable between a position of use in which it extends transversely away from the rebound panel and props it up, to a storage position in which it extends generally parallel to the rebound panel. The, or each, side panel may be movable by being detachable from the rebound panel, e.g. by being bolted onto it. 
         [0015]    At least one of the side frame(s) or panel(s) is, preferably or optionally, 
         [0000]    (i) angularly movable relative to the rebound panel so as to be able to move between their operative and storage positions; or (ii) removable from the rebound panel so as to be able to be placed alongside it in the storage position. There may be two side panels or frames and wherein:
 
both of the side panels may be (i) above, or both may be (ii) above, or one may be (i) and one may be (ii) above.
 
         [0016]    There may be two side panels or frames, and a bracing member, optionally a strut or bar, connecting them at a region of the side panels or frames disposed away from the region of the panels or frames connected to the rebound panel. The strut or bar may be movable relative to the side panels or frames so as to be movable from a position of use in which it braces the side panels of frames, and a storage position in which it extends generally parallel to the side panel or frames. 
         [0017]    In the storage position, the side panel(s) or frame(s), and if provided the bracing member, may be capable of being positioned to lie disposed generally parallel, for example stacked on top of each other. 
         [0018]    The device may comprise a triangle or quadrilateral (e.g. square in cross section, or trapezium-shaped in cross section), or other closed shape, bounded on at least three, or four, sides by structural members, at least one of the structural members comprising the rebound panel, and having open sides above and below the plane of the triangle, quadrilateral, or other closed shape defined by the structural members. The open sides may be disposed one against the ground in use and another, opposed to the one open side, at the top of the device. 
         [0019]    In use the open sides may be disposed generally vertically, at the ends of a box formed by the structural members. 
         [0020]    The portable rebound or deflecting football training device may comprise at least two rebound panels separated from each other and inclined to each other at an angle, so that they present rebound panels inclined relative to the ground at different angles. 
         [0021]    The device may be rolled, turned, or otherwise moved to a different orientation relative to the ground so that the same rebound panel can have two different angles of inclination relative to the ground, with the device in two different orientations relative to the ground. 
         [0022]    The portable rebound or deflecting football training device may have one or more feet adapted to engage the ground or floor. The feet may be removable from first feet-location positions on the device and reattachable at second feet-location devices, so as to enable the same feet to be used with the device in different orientations relative to the ground. 
         [0023]    The device may have one or more side panels attached to the (or each) rebound panel, the side panels having a flange at their lower edge, or at both their upper and lower edges, and the feet may be provided on the flanges, or the flange(s) may comprise the feet. 
         [0024]    According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device having at least a first rebound panel or surface adapted to rebound a ball away from the device, and a support structure adapted to hold the panel in a first, operational condition in which the panel is held generally upright; the panel and the support structure having a second, transport or storage, configuration relative to each other such that the panel and support structure lie flatter (or generally flat) relative to each other in the direction transverse to the rebound panel such that the device occupies less space. 
         [0025]    The support structure may comprise at least two support walls or frames that extend transverse to the rebound panel in the operational condition and extend generally parallel to the panel in the transport or storage condition. 
         [0026]    The support structure may have a rear bracing member spaced from the rebound panel in the operational condition of the device. 
         [0027]    The support structure may have a top member, a bottom member, and the bracing member bracing the top and bottom members in the operational condition, and the top, bottom and bracing members all being capable of being aligned generally parallel with the plane of the rebound panel in the transport or storage condition of the device. The bracing member may comprise a second rebound panel. The top or bottom member may comprise a further, third rebound panel. Both the top and bottom members may comprise rebound panels. 
         [0028]    The portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device may comprise a box-section device having first, second, third and fourth rebound panels each having a longitudinal extent and each forming a side of a four sided box when the device is in the operational condition, and each being capable of flat-packing to lie generally parallel to each other when the device is in the transport or storage condition. At least two of the first, second, third and fourth rebound panels that extend at a common edge of the box in the operational condition may be hingedly connected to each other and fold relative to each other to the flat pack transport or storage condition. 
         [0029]    At least two of the first, second, third and fourth rebound panels that extend at a common edge of the box may be separable so as to enable at least two panels to lie flat relative to each other when the box is put in its flat-packing transport or storage condition. All 4 or at least 3 of the panels may be detachable in the transport configuration from the panel that is adjacent them when the box is in the operational condition, so as to enable the box to be flat packed. 
         [0030]    The bracing member (or second rebound panel) may extend generally parallel to the first rebound panel when the device is in the operational condition. 
         [0031]    The rebound panel, or a rebound panel, may have a flat rebound surface (or one where there is a panel extending in, or about, a general flat plane). 
         [0032]    The, or a, rebound panel may have a curved rebound surface, preferably curved about a longitudinal axis (or may be disposed about a curved shape). The, or a, rebound panel may have a convex rebound surface, preferably convex about a longitudinal axis (or be disposed about a convex shape). The, or a, rebound panel may have a concave rebound surface, preferably concave about a longitudinal axis (or may be disposed about a concave shape). 
         [0033]    The, or a, rebound panel may have a rippled or ridged rebound surface (or have other projections), preferably the ripples having an elongate axis of extent, or generally transverse axis of extent. 
         [0034]    The rebound surface may be generally vertical, in use, in the operational condition. The rebound surface may be inclined, in use, to the vertical in the operational condition, either towards or away from the ground. 
         [0035]    There may be two elongate rebound panels extending in a longitudinal direction, and at an angle relative to each other when the device is in the operational condition, the device being capable of being turned over about its longitudinal axis to change which one of the two rebound panels is generally vertical and which one is transverse to the vertical. 
         [0036]    According to another aspect, the invention comprises a portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device comprising a box having 4 rebound panels and capable of being turned about its longitudinal axis to bring each of the panels to the front face of the box, the box being capable of being flat packed. 
         [0037]    At least two of the rebound panels may have different external faces from the group: (1) flat face, (2) convex face, (3) concave face, (4) rippled (or ridged/tined) face. 
         [0038]    The, each, or at least one or two of the panels may have hand holds extending through them. 
         [0039]    The portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device may, when in operational condition, have a weight introduced inside it. The weight may comprise sand, gravel, water or sand, gravel or water bags or containers. The device may have spikes, or apertures adapted to receive spikes, to hold it to the ground. 
         [0040]    The portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device may further comprise at least one, or a pair of opposed, section walls extending across the cross section of the device. The section wall or walls may comprise end walls of a box-like device. The edges of the two adjoining panels may be joined together by joints (e.g. interlocking fingers) provided along the elongate edges of the panels. 
         [0041]    The portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device may have a frame, and one or more rebound panels mounted on the frame, optionally releasably mounted on the frame. The frame and panel may each be provided with inter-engaging sliding formations which enable the panels to be slid onto and off of the frame. The panels may have male projecting sliding formations and the frame female slots in which the male projecting sliding formations are received (or vice-versa). 
         [0042]    The portable rebound (or deflecting) sports training device may comprise two sub-devices, each in accordance with any aspect of the invention, one stacked on top of the other. The sub devices may have inter-engaging keying or fastening formations which fasten the two sub devices together in use. 
         [0043]    According to another aspect, the invention comprises a kit for assembly into a portable rebound sports training device, the kit comprising:
       a first rebound panel adapted to rebound or deflect a ball away from the device;   a support structure adapted to hold the panel in a first operational condition in which the panel is held generally upright;   the first rebound panel and support structure being flat packed to occupy less space compared to when the device is in its operational condition;   and, optionally, instructions on how to assemble the device to its operational condition.       
 
         [0048]    At least two, three, four, or five rebound panels, flat packed relative to each other, may be provided. At least eight rebound panels (for example two boxes), flat packed relative to each other, may be provided. This may enable two, or four, or eight, rebound boxes to be provided (or n, n/2, or n/4 boxes, where n is the number of rebound panels in the kit). 
         [0049]    At least twelve rebound panels (for example three boxes), flat packed relative to each other, may be provided. 
         [0050]    The kit may have instructions on different training drills that can be performed with boxes/devices of the kit and/or instructions on how to assemble the rebound device (devices). 
         [0051]    According to another aspect the invention comprises a method of sports training comprising transporting a portable rebound sports training device in accordance with any preceding aspect of the invention to a training location; assembling the device to its operational condition in situ at the training location; bouncing or deflecting a ball off the rebound panel and dealing with the rebound or deflection. 
         [0052]    The method may comprise using at least two of the portable rebound sports training devices in a sports training drill. 
         [0053]    The method may comprise performing a football training exercise with the, or each, portable rebound sports training device, or performing a cricket training exercise with the, or each, portable rebound sports training device. 
         [0054]    According to another aspect of the invention, a football rebound box is provided having at least three panels (or at least one panel) adapted to rebound a football, the panel or panels (or at least one of the panels) comprising at least one projecting point or ridge adapted in use to project into a ball that encounters it to deflect the surface of the ball inwards locally to influence the spring of the ball away from the panel. 
         [0055]    A kit or a panel, may have the panel (or at least one of the panels) comprise at least one projecting point or ridge adapted in use to project into a ball that encounters it to deflect the surface of the ball inwards locally to influence the spring of the ball away from the panel. 
         [0056]    The ridge(s)(or points) may extend generally in the horizontal and/or vertical plane, when the box is in use. 
         [0057]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a football rebound box, in which there are a plurality of points spaced apart by a distance such that no more than two points (or three points) can poke into the ball at any one time. 
         [0058]    There may be three or four panels each extending parallel to each other. The panels may have an elongate extent in direction of a central axis of the box/a box. 
         [0059]    It will be appreciated that any feature of an aspect or embodiment of the invention could be used with any other feature (in any number and in any combination). Also, any feature, or features, from one aspect or embodiment of the invention can be used in any number and in any combination with other aspects or embodiments of the invention, and with other features of other aspects or embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       LIST OF FIGURES/DIAGRAMS 
         [0060]      FIG. 1  An example use for an embodiment of the invention 
           [0061]      FIG. 2  An example construction of the rebound box 
           [0062]      FIG. 2A  An example of the contents of the rebound box when packaged 
           [0063]      FIG. 3  A further example construction of the rebound box 
           [0064]      FIG. 4  Example surfaces of the rebound box 
           [0065]      FIG. 5  Further example surfaces of the rebound box 
           [0066]      FIG. 6  Example joining method for the panels comprising the rebound box 
           [0067]      FIG. 7  Further example of the construction of the rebound box 
           [0068]      FIG. 8  Cross section view of one example of the rebound box 
           [0069]      FIG. 8A  Cross section of a method of affixing panels of the rebound box  FIG. 8B  Cross section of a method of affixing panels of the rebound box 
           [0070]      FIG. 9  Further example of cross section view of the rebound box 
           [0071]      FIG. 10  Example operational use of two rebound boxes 
           [0072]      FIG. 11  Example operational use of three rebound boxes 
           [0073]      FIG. 12  Further example operational use of three rebound boxes 
           [0074]      FIG. 13  Further example operational use of three rebound boxes with four players 
           [0075]      FIG. 14  Example operational use of two rebound boxes and two players training on a football pitch area 
           [0076]      FIG. 15  Example operational use of four rebound boxes and one player training on a football pitch area 
           [0077]      FIG. 16  Example operational use of two pairs of rebound boxes in a stacked formation 
           [0078]      FIG. 17  Further example of the construction of the rebound box 
           [0079]      FIG. 18  Example corner block fixing mechanism for two panels of the rebound box 
           [0080]      FIG. 19  Example operational effect of the rebound box where two panels are not parallel 
           [0081]      FIG. 20  Example operational use of the rebound box with four players in a cricket training drill 
           [0082]      FIG. 21  Example construction of the rebound box 
           [0083]      FIG. 22  Example locations of holes in panel through which bolts can be inserted 
           [0084]      FIG. 23  Cross sectional end views of 3 example rebound boxes 
           [0085]      FIG. 24  Cross sectional end views of a further 3 example rebound boxes 
           [0086]      FIG. 25  Cross sectional end view of an example rebound box with example impact points of balls projected towards the rebound box 
           [0087]      FIG. 26  Cross sectional end view of an example triangular rebound box with example impact points of balls projected towards the rebound box 
           [0088]      FIG. 27  Cross sectional end views of a further 3 example rebound boxes showing boxes can be rotated to sit on different panel sides 
           [0089]      FIG. 28  Overhead angled view of example rebound box 
           [0090]      FIG. 29  Cross sectional view of example rebound box 
           [0091]      FIG. 30  Figure depicting deployment of connection rods 
           [0092]      FIG. 31  Example of rebound box 
           [0093]      FIG. 32  Example of rebound box with feet 
           [0094]      FIG. 33  Example of differing sitting positions of rebound box 
           [0095]      FIG. 34  Example construction of rebound box 
           [0096]      FIG. 35  Example construction of rebound box 
           [0097]      FIG. 36  Example construction of rebound box 
           [0098]      FIG. 37  Example construction of rebound box 
           [0099]      FIG. 38  Example construction of rebound box 
           [0100]      FIG. 39  Indicative diagram of one moment of impact of a ball with rebound box panel 
           [0101]      FIG. 40  Indicative diagram of one moment of impact of a ball with rebound box panel 
           [0102]      FIG. 41  shows another embodiment of the rebound box; and 
           [0103]      FIG. 42  shows a still further embodiment of the rebound box. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0104]      FIG. 1  shows the rebound box  101  where a ball  102  is projected towards the rebound box and the ball rebounds off one of the sides of the rebound box. This is a typical effect for which the rebound box is used. 
         [0105]    A rebound box is shown in  FIG. 2 . It has an elongate square section hollow tunnel shape having an elongate length of between 100 and 200 cms long by 40 cms to 80 cms tall. It is made from four metal (eg steel) panels  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 , each of which is substantially vertical. Screws or bolts  214 , in this case pairs of screws or bolts, releasably fasten an edge region  216  of one panel to an edge region  218  of the adjacent panel, when the rebound box is assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 . The screws or bolts  214  may screw into bores in the regions  218  themselves, or into mounting blocks (not shown) provided at the regions  218 , or into some other fixture. 
         [0106]    The rebound box  200  is first supplied to a user disassembled in a flat pack kit having the four identical panels  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 , and screws or bolts  214 . Instructions, e.g. a sheet of instructions  213 , showing how to assemble the rebound box  200 , may be included. The panels  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212  are provided, typically, one above the other, in registration, and may be strapped or bound or otherwise held together. The instructions may include further instructions  215  giving details of training exercises that can be performed using the rebound box. The instructions  213  and  215  may be on paper (e.g. the same or different pamphlet) or on computer readable media. 
         [0107]      FIG. 2A  shows the rebound box in transportation state, in a kit  220 . The kit  220  can be transported flat packed easily and assembled later, e.g. in situ at its position of use. It can also be disassembled and flat packed again for transportation or storage. 
         [0108]    In  FIG. 2  the rebound box  201  may have holes in the sides depicted by  202  which act as hand holds allowing the rebound box to be more easily moved or picked up. In addition the rebound box may have additional weights inserted inside the box such as bags filled with sand or plastic containers filled with water which give the rebound box additional stability and solidity from which a projected ball will rebound. The kit  220  may include empty containers, e.g. bags, for filling with sand or water or the like. Alternatively, the weight of the box may, on its own, be enough to enable the box to be used effectively (for example if the box is made of metal, e.g. steel). 
         [0109]    In  FIG. 3  the rebound box  301  may be open ended or have a further end piece  302  in one or both ends of the rebound box, possibly closing the end and/or providing additional rigidity. 
         [0110]    In some embodiments, the panels (when mounted together/when the box is assembled) have a degree of resilience such that they have a springboard effect when a ball hits the middle region of a panel, augmenting the pace of the rebound/deflection from the panel. They can flex when struck by the ball and flex back, adding power to the returning ball. 
         [0111]    In  FIG. 4  the four sides of the rebound box may have outward (and inward) facing surfaces which are differing.  FIG. 4  depicts some examples of the differing outward facing surfaces that the rebound box may have.  401  depicts a flat surface.  402  depicts a variable shaped surface (or rippled surface).  403  depicts a concave surface.  404  depicts a convex surface.  405  depicts a further variable shaped surface. There are an unlimited number of surface shapes that the rebound box may support. Where the rebound box has end faces these also may have varying shaped surfaces to either one or both ends. End panels may or may not be provided in the kit  220 . 
         [0112]    Although  FIG. 4  shows the inner face of the panels as flat, the inner face of the panels could be profiled or shaped to import rebound/deflection characteristics. For example, one or more inner surfaces may be profiled, for example with any of the panels of  FIG. 4 , or “cobbled effect” to give an unpredictable bounce/rebound in the vertical and horizontal directions, or vertical ribs to give variation in angle of rebound in the horizontal plane. The panels may be reversible (whether profiled on both sides or not), so as to be able to be assembled into the box with either of their panel surfaces facing outwards. 
         [0113]      FIG. 5  shows the overhead view of example surfaces of the sides of the rebound box.  501  depicts a concave surface.  502  depicts a convex surface.  503  depicts a flat surface.  504  and  505  depict variable shaped surfaces. There are an unlimited number of surface shapes that the rebound box may support. The point of  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  is to demonstrate that the surface shapes of the sides of the rebound box may vary in both the end view and plan view perspectives. Where the rebound box has end faces these also may have varying shaped surfaces in both the cross sectional and plan perspectives. 
         [0114]    The assembly of the rebound box may be in a number of ways. For convenience it is intended that the rebound box can be readily assembled and disassembled into a flat pack state which allows it to be readily stored and transported.  FIG. 6  depicts one example of how the sides may be assembled through a jointing mechanism. 
         [0115]    A first panel  602  has an array of teeth  604  at one longitudinal edge  606  which interlock in an interleaved manner, with complementary array of teeth  608  at edge  610  of another panel  612  in the manner of tennon joints. The other edges of its panels  602  and  612  may also have tennon joints, or may be joined to other panels  614  and  616 , shown schematically, in some other way (eg screws, or hinges). Screws/bolts/other fasteners may be used in conjunction with the tennon joints. 
         [0116]    The dimensions of the rebound box are unlimited. The rebound box can be both a rectangular box shape or a square box shape or part rectangular shape or part box shape. The sides and other parts used in the rebound box may be of differing materials. The rebound box may be of metal, wood or plastic construction or a combination of a number of material types. Typically, the materials used would be inherently weather resistant (for example a tough plastic material) or the materials would be treated with a weather protecting finish (for example a paint with weather resistant properties). Typically, a rebound box would have a length range of between 50 cm and 200 cm with a height of around 40 cm to 100 cm (possibly the range height=30 cm or 50 cm to 150 cm, say 50 cm, 70 cm, 90 cm, 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, or 140 cm; and length=100 cm or 90 cm or 200 cm or 125 cm, or 150 cm, or 175 cm, or thereabouts. These dimensions can vary. An overall weight of approximately 30 kg would be typical (perhaps in range between about 10 kg and about 50 kg, with 20 kg, 25 kg, 30 kg, 35 kg being more typical). In many embodiments a single average man should be able to transport the box and it should be able to fit into the back of a car, for example with the rear seats folded down. 
         [0117]      FIG. 7  shows one example of the design of rebound box where there is a frame structure to which the sides of rebound box can be fixed. The sides may be held to the frame structure with screws or other types of fixing facilities such as clips or bolts. The frame structure comprises a peripheral box frame. This may be supplied as two rectangular/polygon side frames and a number of connecting struts (eg 4 struts) to connect the pre-assembled side frames. This can help to flat pack it. There is space inside the frame structure/box which may be used to hold things (eg corner flags, training bibs, balls—things that may be used in soccer training). 
         [0118]      FIG. 8  depicts a cross section of one example of the construction of the rebound box where the sides of the rebound box  801 ,  802 ,  803  &amp;  804  are fixed/held to the frame  805 ,  806 ,  807  &amp;  808 . 
         [0119]    The frame  805 ,  806 ,  807 ,  808  comprises an extended metal (e.g. steel, aluminum) profile provided with recessed channels  810 , best seen in  FIG. 8A . The channels  810  have a parallel, a piped truncated arrow cross section, with rebate portions  812  and an entrance portion  814 . 
         [0120]      FIG. 8B  shows a connector piece  820  having a complementary truncated arrow shaped cross-section with projecting portions  822  which are received in rebates  812 , in use. The connector piece  820  also has a boss portion  824  which extends through entrance portion  814  in use, and which is internally screw threaded, referenced  826 , to receive a screw  828 . Screw  828  fastens a panel  801 ,  802 ,  803 ,  804  to the connector piece  820  and hence to the frame. 
         [0121]    The frames  805 ,  806 ,  807 ,  808  may have a profiled cross section shown in  FIG. 8A  for their entire length, or just at their ends only, or at spaced positions along their length. Similarly, the entire edge of the panels could have a complementary inter-engaging cross section as shown in  FIG. 8B , or only at spaced regions along their length which in use engage with complementary formations in the frame, for example at their ends/at the longitudinal ends of their edges and/or in between. It will be appreciated that the male formations (e.g. connector pieces  820 ) are slid into the profiled channels  810 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 9  depicts a cross section of a further example of the construction of the rebound box where the sides of the rebound box  901 ,  902 ,  903  &amp;  904  are fixed/held to the frame  905 ,  906 ,  907  &amp;  908 . 
         [0123]      FIG. 10  depicts how two rebound boxes may be used. The arrows pointing towards the rebound boxes depict an example of the path taken by a ball when projected toward the rebound box. The arrows pointing away from the rebound box depict an example of the path taken as the ball rebounds from the rebound boxes. The projection of the ball towards the rebound box is typically achieved by a person kicking the ball. The path taken by the ball rebounding from the rebound boxes will be affected by the surface of the rebound box to which the ball is being projected. 
         [0124]    For example the curved or irregular face on the rebound box will cause the ball to rebound differently to the flat face on the rebound box. 
         [0125]      FIG. 11  depicts one example of how three rebound boxes may be used. The dual pointed arrows overlayed with a ball pointing towards the rebound boxes depict an example of the path taken by a ball when projected towards each of the rebound boxes. In this example the Player  1101  is projecting the ball (typically as a kick at the ball) towards the rebound boxes in turn or possible in a random sequence. On the ball rebounding back the Player  1101  then projects the ball at the same or one of the other rebound boxes. 
         [0126]      FIG. 12  depicts a further example of how three rebound boxes may be used. The dual pointed arrows overlayed with a ball pointing towards the rebound boxes depict an example of the path taken by a ball when projected towards each of the rebound boxes. In this example the Player  1201  is projecting the ball (typically as a kick at the ball) towards the rebound boxes in turn or possible in a random sequence. On the ball rebounding back the Player  1201  then projects the ball at the same or one of the other rebound boxes. 
         [0127]      FIG. 13  depicts a further example of how three rebound boxes may be used. The dual pointed arrows overlayed with a ball pointing towards the rebound boxes depict an example of the path taken by a ball when projected towards each of the rebound boxes. In this example there are 4 players labelled P 1 , P 2 , P 3  and P 4 . In this example in addition to players P 1 , P 2  and P 3  having the option to project the ball towards the rebound boxes there is also the option to project the ball towards player P 4 . Typically, the drill in  FIG. 13  would be conducted with 3 footballs in play. 
         [0128]      FIG. 14  is an overview of a football pitch area where the rebound boxes are used in a drill where Player P 1  and Player P 2  project the ball toward the rebound box and then attempt to project the ball towards the goal after it has rebounded from the rebound box. The single pointed arrows depict an example of the path taken by the ball during this drill. 
         [0129]      FIG. 15  is an overview of a football pitch area where the rebound boxes are used in a drill where Player P 1  projects the ball toward the rebound box and then attempts to project the ball toward a further rebound box. In this example drill there are 4 rebound boxes where Player P 1  having projected the ball toward the rebound box closest to the goal then attempts to project the ball toward the goal. The arrows indicate a typical path that the ball may follow during this drill. 
         [0130]      FIG. 16  depicts how the rebound boxes may be fastened to position on top of each other or fastened to each other so that one (or more) sits on top of each other thereby increasing the size and height of the rebound area. The arrows depict a typical path that the ball may follow when projected toward the rebound boxes. Although  FIG. 16  has two boxes shown, one could stack 2, 3, or 4 or more. Also envisaged is placing them end to end, possibly fastened, to form a wall. 
         [0131]      FIG. 17  depicts one example of the construction of the rebound box. Side panels of the rebound box  1705  and  1706  have holes in each corner of the panels. The panels are then held in a firm position in relation to each other by the use of bolts screwed into corner blocks  1701 ,  1702 ,  1703  and  1704 . The two other panels not shown in  FIG. 17  would be held in position using the same type of corner block fixing. Additionally, end panels could be fixed by the same means. 
         [0132]      FIG. 18  shows one corner of the example rebound box construction depicted in  FIG. 17 . Side panels  2001  and  2002  are held in position by bolts  2003  and  2004  which are screwed into tenon nuts  2005  and  2006 . Tenon nuts are slid into position along channels within the corner block  2007 . 
         [0133]      FIG. 19  depicts an overhead view of the path of a ball where the ball is projected towards one example construction of the rebound box  1901  and the ball is deflected off one of the surfaces of the rebound box. An example of how this particular example of a rebound box may be used is where a person practising their bowling at cricket bowls the ball towards the rebound box and the deflected ball is caught by a person who is practising their catching situated behind and to the side of the rebound box. As with the general design principle of the rebound box the surface of the rebound box in this particular example could be flat or one of a number of surface shapes which produce slightly different variations in the path taken by the ball on being deflected by the rebound box surface. In this particular example in the use of the rebound box it is standing on end. 
         [0134]    It will be seen that the ball, or projectile, can rebound back in the general direction from which it came, or can be deflected, but still travel forwards. “Rebound” is not meant necessarily to limit things to the ball returning to towards the player, but it can often mean that. 
         [0135]      FIG. 20  depicts an example use of the rebound box  2003  in the context of cricket.  FIG. 20  is an overhead view of a cricket playing area. Players P 1 , P 2  and P 3  are positioned behind and to the side of the cricket stumps  2001 . Player P 4  bowls the ball towards the stumps  2001  in front of which the rebound box  2003  is positioned. The position of the rebound box  2003  is in the area where a batsmen would typically attempt to strike a ball bowled towards wickets  2001 . The bowled ball is deflected by the rebound box towards players P 1 , P 2  and P 3  who practice catching and fielding the ball. The height and width of the rebound box is variable but typically would be of a height and width which would present an area consistent with the area within which a batsman would typically strike a bowled cricket ball. The benefit afforded by the rebound box in this particular example is that bowlers can practice bowling the ball at particular areas in the direction of the wicket. Additionally, fielders can practice the catching of the ball where a batsman may intentionally or not intentionally hit the ball. The lines with arrows and a ball shaped overlayed depict an example path taken by the ball when projected towards and deflected by the rebound box  2003 . 
         [0136]    In some embodiments the weight of the rebound box itself will be enough (i.e. no internal ballast required), for example, if the panels and/or the frame is made of metal. 
         [0137]    Basketball is another sport where a portable rebound sports training device find a use. 
         [0138]    Throw-ins can be practiced in football using the rebound box to bounce the ball back/deflect it on to another player. 
         [0139]      FIG. 21  depicts one example of the construction of the rebound box showing alternative/additional features. Side panels of the rebound box  2105  and  2106  have holes in each corner of the panels and/or at one or multiple points along the length of the panels. The panels are then held in a firm position in relation to each other by the use of bolts inserted through the holes in the panels and screwed into blocks  2101 ,  2102 ,  2103 ,  2104  and  2107 . The two other panels not shown in  FIG. 21  would be held in position using the same type of block fixing at points along the panel length. Each block assists in securing two adjacent panels typically and approximately at right angles to each other. Additionally, end panels could be fixed by the same means. 
         [0140]      FIG. 22  depicts a plan view of a panel with  2206  indicating example locations where holes can be made in the panel through which bolts can be inserted and screwed to blocks. 
         [0141]      FIG. 23  depicts the cross sectional end view of 3 rebound boxes  2301 ,  2302  and  2303 .  FIG. 23  shows how the rebound boxes can be rotated to sit on different panel sides thereby allowing differing side panels to be offered in the vertical and horizontal planes. The purpose of this is to demonstrate how a single rebound box can support a number of differing panel sides which would provide differing rebound or deflection effects to a ball projected towards each of the panel sides. 
         [0142]      FIG. 24  depicts the cross sectional end view of 3 rebound boxes  2401 ,  2402  and  2403  where each of the rebound boxes comprise 3 panels with the panels of each rebound box being joined by triangular jointing blocks.  FIG. 24  shows how the rebound boxes can be rotated to sit on different panel sides thereby allowing differing side panels to be offered in the upright planes. The purpose of this is to demonstrate how a single rebound box can support a number of differing panel sides which would provide differing rebound or deflection effects to a ball projected towards each of the panel sides. 
         [0143]      FIG. 25  shows some examples of the impact points a ball may have when balls are projected towards the panels of a 4 paneled rebound box. 
         [0144]    It will be seen that the panels referenced  2501  in  FIG. 25  have a number of points or ridges  2502  separated by troughs  2503 . The panels are, in this example, made of sheet steel, but they could be made of plastic, or suitable material. The points  2502  are spread apart by a distance  2504  that is generally the same between adjacent points. The spacing  2504  is such that a normal adult sized football engages/contacts one, or at most two, points (in this example) when it bounces off (impacts with) the panel. The points act as rigid fingers which poke into the ball, deflecting the surface of the ball materials. This helps the ball to spring away from the “fingers” (ridges) of the points  2502 —assisting the bounce/rebound characteristics of the panel box. 
         [0145]    It will be appreciated that if there are too many fingers/points  2502  too close together, the effect will get closer and closer to using a flat rebound surface. 
         [0146]    In other embodiments the points  2502  may be so far apart that the ball can only encounter one at a time. In another embodiment three points can be encountered at a time—but two points is what is preferred. This means a spacing of about 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm, in some embodiments. 
         [0147]    Also of note is the arrangement shown in FIGS.  24  and  26 —three sided boxes. A triangular box is envisaged. It still has a space inside and can still be rolled over to present different surfaces. Equilateral triangles, isosceles triangles, scalene, obtuse or acute angled triangles are envisaged—any sort of triangle. 
         [0148]    The panels may, of course, be removable and replaceable. 
         [0149]    The points may be elongated ridges or corrugations. They may be discrete islands of point/projections, not elongate ridges necessarily. For example they may be like the surface of a pineapple, or a regular pattern, preferably pointed, bosses, for example cone-shaped or pyramid-shaped. 
         [0150]    The points may be formed at the apex of generally V-shaped ridges, with generally flat sides to the “V”. 
         [0151]    It will be appreciated that the “points” idea, and the three-sided box idea, can be used in conjunction with any other features, or combination of features, described herein. 
         [0152]      FIG. 26  shows some examples of the impact points a ball may have when balls are projected towards the panels of a 3 paneled rebound box.  FIG. 27  depicts the cross sectional overhead view of 3 rebound boxes  2701 ,  2702  and  2703  standing vertically on end.  FIG. 27  shows how the rebound boxes can be stood on end thereby allowing differing side panels surfaces to be offered in the vertical planes. 
         [0153]      FIG. 28  is an angled overhead view of one example of construction of a rebound box where two panels  2801  and  2802  are joined by three connector pieces  2803  where the edges of the panels are in closest proximity. The panels are held firm with connection rods  2804  fixed between fixed connector pieces  2805 . The connection rods may for example be made of metal or toughened plastic and be held to the connector pieces  2805  with screw nuts. 
         [0154]      FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view of the two panel rebound box depicted in  FIG. 28  with panels  2903  and  2904 .  FIG. 29  shows how the connection rod  2902  is held by connection pieces  2905 . Connector rod  2902  has ends which are bent at right angles which allows them to be inserted through central bore holes in connector pieces  2905 . Connector piece  2901  is the same design as connector pieces  2905 .  2901  shows the central bore hole through which the connection rod ends  2902  are inserted. The ends of the connection rod  2902  have screw threads, which allow a bolt to be screwed onto the connection rod end thereby holding the connection rod firmly place with the connection pieces  2905  at each end. 
         [0155]      FIG. 30  shows how the connection rods in  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29  are connected to the connector pieces. A connection rod before being deployed may look like  3001 . Each end is at right angles to the main body of the rod and typically would have screw thread on each end. In deploying the connection rod each end of connection rod  3004  is inserted through central bore holes in connector pieces  3007  and  3008 . To firmly hold the connection rod  3004  in place, nuts  3009  are screwed onto the ends of the connection rods. 
         [0156]      FIG. 31  depicts one example of the construction of the rebound box. Two panels of the rebound box  3105  and  3106  have holes in each corner of the panels and/or at one or multiple points along the length of the panels. The panels are then held in a firm position in relation to each other by the use of bolts inserted through the holes in the panels and screwed into blocks  3101 ,  3102 ,  3103 ,  3104  and  3107 . A connection rod  3105  is secured between connector pieces  3101   3103 . 
         [0157]      FIG. 32  depicts one example of the construction of the rebound box. Two panels of the rebound box  3205  and  3206  have holes in each corner of the panels and/or at one or multiple points along the length of the panels. The panels are then held in a firm position in relation to each other by the use of bolts inserted through the holes in the panels and screwed into blocks  3201 ,  3202 ,  3203 ,  3204  and  3207 .  3208  is a connection rod between connector pieces  3201  and  3203 .  FIG. 32  additionally depicts how feet may be affixed to the panels of the rebound box. The feet may be affixed to one or all of the panels. There may be one or a number of feet. The positioning and height of the feet may vary thereby changing the angle of how the rebound box sits. This therefore affects the way a ball may rebound or deflect from the surfaces of the rebound box. The feet may be made of wood, metal, plastic or rubber. The feet may be affixed by glue or bolted or screwed or clipped on to the panels. 
         [0158]      FIG. 33  depicts the cross sectional end view of three example rebound boxes  3301 ,  3302  and  3303 .  FIG. 33  shows how the rebound boxes can be rotated to sit on different sides thereby allowing different panels to be offered in the vertical and horizontal and other planes. The purpose of this is to demonstrate how a single rebound box can support a number of differing panel sides which would provide differing rebound or deflection effects to a ball projected towards each of the panel sides. 
         [0159]      FIG. 34  depicts one example of a construction where the rebound panel  3401  is held in place by two side panels  3402  and  3403  and a further cross panel  3404  between side panels  3402  and  3403 . All panels being attached by jointing blocks or through the use of nuts and bolts  3404 . 
         [0160]    Front panel (the rebound panel)  3401  has a zig-zag corrugated face, which provides projections  3405  having pointed tips  3406 . The tips are spaced apart by about 4 cm so that when a normal full-size Association football hits the panel at least one, but usually no more than two, tips dig into the ball and “spring” it away from the panel by deflecting the surface of the ball locally inwards. This punches the ball back. The tips  3406  are pointed and sharp compared to a part-circular surface, such as a dome or cylinder so as to be spiky in nature. 
         [0161]    Side panels  3402  and  3405  are alike and each has an upper flange  3407  and a lower flange  3408 . They are made from steel, as is the front panel. The flanges  3407  and  3408  are bolted via bolts  3404  to upper and lower flanges  3409 ,  3410  on the front panel. 
         [0162]    The flanges  3407  and  3408  have through holes  3411  provided to receive, removably, rubber/plastic/resilient material feet  3412  which are shown in the Figure in the lower flange  3408 , with just the holes  3411  in the upper flange  3407 . When the device is to be turned over (see the discussion of  FIG. 35  below) the feet  3412  can be taken off the flange  3408  and fitted to the other flange  3407 , so that they are still serving as feet. No tools may be needed to do this. Or two sets of feet may be provided—one being redundant—at any particular orientation of the device. Or no feet may be provided, and the holes  3411  may be used to stake the rebound box down. (e.g. when it is used on grass). 
         [0163]    The flanges serve as carrying handles to enable a man to lift and carry/at least slide and move the device. 
         [0164]    A bracing bar  3413  is provided extending between the side panels, the bar being removable. 
         [0165]    The device can be disassembled and the two sides and the front panel (and optionally the bar) laid flat, for example in a packaging box for original retail or for transport. Or they could be put in the back of a car. 
         [0166]    The sides  3402  and  3403  are trapezium-shaped to present the rebound panel  3401  at different angles to the ground when the device is turned upside down (see the discussion of  FIG. 35  below). 
         [0167]      FIG. 35  depicts one example of a construction where the rebound unit shown in  FIG. 34  has been turned through 180 degrees. By doing this the angle of rebound panel  3501  is presented at a different angle therefore causing a ball to rebound off at a different angle from the face compared with the rebound from the panel face in  FIG. 34 . Panel  3501  is held in place by two side panels  3502  and  3503  and a further cross panel  3504  between side panels  3502  and  3503 . All panels being attached by jointing blocks or through the use of nuts and bolts. 
         [0168]      FIG. 36  depicts one example construction where rebound panels  3601  and  3602  are held in place by two side panels.  FIG. 36  is a cross sectional “side on” view showing one side panel  3603  of the two side panels. This example of construction allows two rebound panels to be used simultaneously. The side panels can be constructed with different angled edges thereby allowing the rebound panels to be held at different angles. 
         [0169]      FIG. 37  depicts one example construction where rebound panels comprise a number of rods. Two side panels  3703  and  3704  are held in place by a number of rods  3701  and  3702  fixed between the two side panels  3703  and  3704 . In this example of the construction of the rebound box the rods act as rebound panels for both the front and back of the rebound box. This example of construction allows both the front and back of the rebound box to be used simultaneously. The rods can be made of metal, wood or a plastic based material or alternatively of any material of sufficient robustness. 
         [0170]      FIG. 38  depicts the cross sectional view of one example construction of the rebound box where the side panels of the rebound box have a number of rods attached between both side/end panels. The side/end panel  3801  shows one example of how the rods may be arranged when fixed to the side/end panels. The rods being fixed to the side/end panels by bolts/screws screwed into a threaded channel in the ends of the rods. This example of construction allows two sides of the rebound box to be used simultaneously. In this example the rods are arranged in a straight line for one side of the rebound box and in a non linear arrangement for the other side of the rebound box. 
         [0171]      FIG. 39  is an indicative, cross sectional representation of one snapshot moment of impact of a ball  3901  striking a rebound panel where the rebound panel  3902  comprises a number of ridges. The ridges of the rebound panel act as fingers poking into the ball causing the ball to be “toe poked” or “punched” away in the rebound from the surface. This arrangement of ridges causes forces to be applied in a concentrated manner on the ball thereby causing the ball to rebound with greater speed. The spacing of the ridges is important in that if the ridge cusps are too far apart the ball can become squeezed between adjacent ridges (and does not rebound with a “punched” effect) and obviously if the ridges are too close they are indistinguishable from a flat surface. For a size 5 soccer ball used against a rebound panel an appropriate spacing between the ridge cusps is about 4 cm. The distance between the ridge cusps can vary from 1 cm to 8 cm. 
         [0172]      FIG. 40  is an indicative, cross sectional representation of one snapshot moment of impact of a ball  4001  striking a rebound panel where the rebound panel  4002  comprises a number of rods. The rods of the rebound panel act as rounded fingers poking into the ball causing the ball to be “toe poked” or “punched” away in the rebound from the surface. This arrangement of rods causes forces to be applied in a concentrated manner on the ball thereby causing the ball to rebound with greater speed. The spacing of the rods is important in that if the rods are too far apart the ball can become squeezed between adjacent rods (and does not rebound with a “punched” effect) and obviously if the ridges are too close they are indistinguishable from a flat surface. For a size 5 soccer ball used against a rebound panel an appropriate spacing between the ridge cusps is about 4 cm. The distance between the ridge cusps can vary from 1 cm to 8 cm. 
         [0173]      FIG. 41  shows a rebound box where rebound packs  4101  and  4104  are held in place by two side panels.  FIG. 41  is a cross-sectional side view showing one side panel  4104  for the pair of side panels. In this embodiment, there is a “finger”, or projection,  4103  cut into the profile of the sheet steel (n this embodiment) of the side panels. The finger  4103  is a locating and supporting formation for a spring,  4201  (shown in  FIG. 42 ). The spring  4201  helps increase the spring rebound force applied to a football by the rebound panels. The springs  4201  are disposed generally in the middle of the panels  4101 ,  4104 . The compression springs shown in  FIG. 42  are placed over the fingers  4103  prior to the assembly of the rebound panels  4101  and  4104  to the side panels  4104 . The rebound panels and side panels are connected together by releasable fastenings, such as nuts and bolts, shown as reference number  4102 . 
         [0174]    In many embodiments the sheet material (e.g. steel sheet) of the rebound panels has relatively sharp projections (for example ridges/points, extending in the same general direction. They are spaced apart by a distance such that a normal adults size 4 or 5 Association football always hits at least one projection, but not at the same time more than two projections, or at most more than three projections (for some embodiments). This maintains a high degree of “poke” into the ball. 
         [0175]    The projections are sharp, compared with domes, or hemispherical shapes or part-circular projections. 
         [0176]    The rebound panel/at least one rebound panel, extends generally upright/upwards in use (usually). Many embodiments of rebound boxes are such that they can be carried/moved by an average man whilst still assembled. They might be about 20 kg, or 30 kg or so (±5 or 10 kg), and might be about 1.5 m long and about 0.5 m high (±20-50%).