Play and practice apparatus, system and use

The present specification discloses a play and practice apparatus, system and associated methods of use and kits comprising such play and practice apparatus and/or system. In particular aspects, the play and practice apparatus, system and associated methods of use are utilized for practice and/or games utilizing a ball. In one aspect, the play and practice apparatus has a first playing surface and a second playing surface substantially opposing the first playing surface, and the ball can be a volleyball. In another aspect, the play and practice apparatus is useful as a training aid as well as for playing a game utilizing the play and practice apparatus.

One ability that humans enjoy developing is the ability to track and interact with moving objects. This ability is most spectacularly displayed when people engage in various sporting activities that utilize some sort of moving object that a player or players must track and engage/react to, typically with speed and precision. This is made more difficult if the player or players are not privy to the moving object's path and/or speed. Indeed, this is the basis of many sporting activities that entail the tracking and engagement with, for example, a ball. Various sport activities utilize a ball that has imparted upon it a path, spin and/or velocity by opposing or team players requiring a quick, precise reaction from a player. Such reactions may include any one or combination of evading the ball, hitting the ball, passing the ball, catching the ball or hitting the ball with a hand/hands or arms or other sporting equipment, for example.

Various drills and practice to improve ball accuracy, ball placement, and ball striking techniques lead to the development of better players and success in many sporting activities. However, such repetitive practice is typically seen as tedious and may become less effective, as bad habits may take root when such drills are repetitive and lack variability in response from a player. Focusing on a visual moving target, such as a ball, can improve player concentration and interest. In particular, when players are younger and more likely to lose concentration and patience during such drills/practice, having an apparatus and methods for practicing ball tracking, anticipation, reflex speed, speed in hitting and accuracy that is non-repetitive and unpredictable not only improves such aspects of play, but also serves to provide non-monotonous, more engaging play and drilling. This is particularly useful if such play and/or practice drilling is done alone and without the encouragement and input into ball play that is typically provided by another player or players regardless of the age and skill of the user/player.

Thus, in one aspect it would be advantageous to have a convenient, re-positionable and transportable play and practice apparatus that provides a player/user with variable ball play that is imparted upon the ball by the surface of the apparatus upon which the ball contacts, and rebounds therefrom.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present specification describes a portable ball play and practice apparatus comprising a board assembly and a stand assembly, and optionally a backstop assembly. A board assembly disclosed herein includes a first playing surface and a second playing surface substantially opposing the first playing surface where the first playing surface provides a different rebound effect when contacted by a ball in play relative to the second playing surface. In aspects, a board assembly disclosed herein can be a single component. In other aspects, a board disclosed herein can comprises two or more component parts. For example, a board assembly disclosed herein can include two component parts and further comprises a hinge mechanism connecting the two component parts and allowing the board assembly to be foldable along the hinge mechanism to define a transportable configuration. As another example, a board assembly disclosed herein can include two or more component parts and further comprises a connector system to create modular units that allow each component part to be reversibly coupled to another component part to create expanded first playing surface and a second playing surfaces.

A first playing surface disclosed herein can be a flat, planar surface having no projections. In aspects, a first playing surface disclosed herein can be defined by a first surface outer perimeter and a first surface playing region is enclosed by the first surface outer perimeter, where the first surface outer perimeter is provided to be substantially flush with the first surface playing region.

A second playing surface disclosed herein can comprise an irregular surface that provides an irregular rebound effect. In aspects, a second playing surface disclosed herein may include a second surface outer perimeter and a second surface playing region enclosed by the second surface outer perimeter, and the second surface perimeter comprising a frame projecting in a direction normal to a second surface playing region. In other aspects, a second playing surface disclosed herein comprises a plurality of spaced apart projections that defining furrows therebetween. In other aspects, the plurality of spaced apart projections can be elongated projections that are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart at regular intervals to provide uniform furrows having substantially the same width and/or depth. Alternatively, the plurality of spaced apart projections can be elongated projections that are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart at irregular intervals to provide non-uniform furrows having different widths and/or depths. In other aspects, the plurality of spaced apart projections can be elongated projections that are not parallel to one another and thus spaced apart at irregular intervals to provide non-uniform furrows having different widths and/or depths. In other aspects, a second playing surface disclosed herein comprises a pliable covering that conceals or otherwise masks the plurality of spaced apart projections.

A portable ball play and practice apparatus further comprises a stand assembly operationally affixed to a board assembly disclosed herein. A stand assembly disclosed herein can be non-adjustable (static) or adjustable. A stand assembly disclosed herein enabling the board assembly disclosed herein to be changeably positioned between a first position such that the first playing surface is positioned at a playable surface angle, and an alternate second position such that the substantially opposing second playing surface is positioned at the playable surface angle. The playable surface angle is defined by an angle of ninety degrees or more with respect to the horizon, i.e., the playable surface angle measured forwardly and from the playing surface upon which a ball is to be rebounded to a support surface upon which the stand assembly is disposed upon. Exemplary support surfaces include and are not limited to, in general, the ground, and in particular aspects a playing field, the sandy ground at a beach, an indoor court floor, and outdoor court floor or a grass playing field.

A portable ball play and practice apparatus further and optionally comprises a backstop assembly operationally affixed to a board assembly disclosed herein to prevent errant balls that fail to properly rebound off a board assembly disclosed herein from careening off away from a field of play. In aspects, a backstop assembly disclosed herein is a stand-alone component. In other aspects, a backstop assembly disclosed herein part of the portable ball play and practice apparatus.

Another aspect of the present specification describes a system comprising a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein and a ball capable of rebounding off of the first surface and off of the second surface. Exemplary balls can include, but are not limited to, any one or more of a volleyball, tennis ball, playground ball, racquetball, soccer ball or playground ball, or any combination thereof.

Another aspect of the present specification describes a kit that comprises a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein along with instructions on how to use a portable ball play and practice apparatus for practice drills and/or games. In aspects, a kit disclosed herein can further include a backstop assembly disclosed herein and/or a ball disclosed herein.

Another aspect of the present specification describes a method of using a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein, as well as game/drills that utilize the portable ball play and practice apparatus.

Listing of Reference Numbers Associated with DrawingsRef No.Element2User4Incoming ball (dashed line)4′Rebounding ball (solid line)6Predictable incoming path of ball 46′Predictable rebounding path of ball 4′6″Unpredictable rebounding path of ball 4′θAngle of play of board assembly 20θ2Angle of projection 54θ3Angle of projection 5410Portable ball play and practice apparatus20Board assembly of apparatus 1020′Hinged board assembly of apparatus 1020″Modular board assembly of apparatus 1020′″Collapsible board assembly of apparatus 1020LLength of board assembly 1020WWidth of board assembly 1020DDepth of board assembly 1022Frame top of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″22′Frame top of board assembly 20′″24Frame bottom of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″24′Frame bottom of board assembly 20′″26First frame side of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″26′First frame side of board assembly 20′″28Second frame side of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″28′Second frame side of board assembly 20′″29Carry aperture of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″30Upper securing rod aperture of first and second frame sides 26′, 28′, projections 5431Lower securing rod aperture of first and second frame sides 26′, 28′, projections 5432First engagement points of board assembly 2032′First engagement points of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″33Second engagement points of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″33′Second engagement points of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″34First attachment point of board assembly 2034′First attachment point of board assembly 20′, 20″35Second attachment point of board assembly 2035′Second attachment point of board assembly 20′, 20″37Net pole engagement point of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″38Net pole engagement point of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″40First playing surface of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″42First surface of first playing surface 4044Second surface of first playing surface 4046First board cord of board assembly 20′″47Second board cord of board assembly 20′″48Third board cord of board assembly 20′″49Fastener of first, second and third board cords 46, 47, 4850Second playing surface of board assembly 20, 20′, 20″52Bottom surface of second playing surface 5054Projection of second playing surface 5054LLength of projection 5454WWidth of projection 5454DMaximum depth of projection 5454dMinimum depth of projection 5456Top surface of projection 5458Peg of removeable projection 5459Hinge of board assembly 20′60Furrow of second playing surface 5060LLength of furrow 6060WMaximum width of furrow 6060wMinimum width of furrow 6060DMaximum depth of furrow 6062Slot of frame top 2264Slot of frame bottom 2268Socket of second playing surface 5070Recessed portion of top frame 2272Securing lid of frame top 2274Securing lid of frame bottom 2476Hinge of securing lid 72, 7477First board stabilizing rod of board assembly 20′″78Second board stabilizing rod of board assembly 20′″79Securing hole of first and second board stabilizing rods 77, 7880Locking element of apparatus 1082Securing rod of locking mechanism 8084First holder of locking mechanism 8086Second holder of locking mechanism 8087First stabilizing cord of board assembly 20′″88Second stabilizing cord of board assembly 20′″89Securing pin of first and second board stabilizing rods 77, 7890Connector system of modular board assembly 20″92Pin of connector system 9093Head of pin 9294Stem of pin 9296Slot of connector system 9097Head receiving portion of slot 9698Channel portion of portion of slot 96100Stand assembly of apparatus 10110Support arm assembly of stand assembly 100112First support arm of support arm assembly 110112′First support arm of support arm assembly 110113Board assembly engagement portion of first arm support 112113′Board assembly engagement portion of first arm support 112′114Stabilizing pad engagement portion of first arm support 112115Attachment point of first support arm 112122Second support arm of support arm assembly 110122′Second support arm of support arm assembly 110123Board assembly engagement portion of second arm support 122123′Board assembly engagement portion of second arm support 122′124Stabilizing pad engagement portion of second arm support 122125Attachment point of second support arm 122130Stabilizing assembly of stand assembly 100132First tether of stabilizing assembly 130133Board assembly engagement portion of first tether 132134Support arm engagement portion of first tether 132142Second tether of stabilizing assembly 130143Board assembly engagement portion of second tether 142144Support arm engagement portion of second tether 142150First stabilizing pad of stabilizing assembly 130152Attachment portion of first stabilizing pad 150154Stabilizing portion of first stabilizing pad 150160Second stabilizing pad of stabilizing assembly 130162Attachment portion of second stabilizing pad 160164Stabilizing portion of second stabilizing pad 160210Swingable support arm assembly of stand assembly 100212First swingable support arm of stand assembly 100213Board assembly engagement portion of first swingable support arm 212214Stabilizing foot engagement portion of first swingable support arm 212215Securing bolt aperture of first swingable support arm 212218Pivot joint of first swingable support arm 212222Second swingable support arm of stand assembly 100223Board assembly engagement portion of second swingable support arm 222224Stabilizing foot engagement portion of second swingable support arm 222228Pivot joint of second swingable support arm 222230Stabilizing assembly of stand assembly 100250First swingable stabilizing foot of stabilizing assembly 130255Support arm slot of first swingable stabilizing foot 250260Second swingable stabilizing foot of stabilizing assembly 130262Board assembly hinge portion of second swingable stabilizing foot 260264Stabilizing portion of second swingable stabilizing foot 260265Support arm slot of second swingable stabilizing foot 260266Securing bolt aperture of second swingable stabilizing foot 260268Hinge of board assembly hinge portion 262269Securing bolt of second swingable stabilizing foot 260310Swingable support arm assembly of stand assembly 100312First swingable support arm of stand assembly 100313Board assembly engagement portion of first swingable support arm 312314Stabilizing platform engagement portion of first swingable support arm 312315Securing bolt aperture of first swingable support arm 312318Pivot joint of first swingable support arm 312322Second swingable support arm of stand assembly 100323Board assembly engagement portion of second swingable support arm 322324Stabilizing platform engagement portion of second swingable support arm 322325Securing bolt aperture of second swingable support arm 322328Pivot joint of second swingable support arm 322330Stabilizing assembly of stand assembly 100350Swingable stabilizing platform of stand assembly 100351First side of swingable stabilizing platform 350352Second side of swingable stabilizing platform 350353Third side of swingable stabilizing platform 350354Forth side of swingable stabilizing platform 350355Top surface of swingable stabilizing platform 350356Bottom surface of swingable stabilizing platform 350362Board assembly hinge portion of swingable stabilizing platform 350364Stabilizing portion of swingable stabilizing platform 350366Securing bolt aperture of swingable stabilizing platform 350368Hinge of board assembly hinge portion 362369Securing bolt of swingable stabilizing platform 350370Ballast of swingable stabilizing platform 350372First net pole engagement point of swingable stabilizing platform 350374Second net pole engagement point of swingable stabilizing platform 350400Backstop assembly of apparatus 10402First net pole of backstop assembly 400404Net engagement portion of first net pole 402406Platform engagement portion of first net pole 402412Second net pole of backstop assembly 400414Net engagement portion of second net pole 402416Platform engagement portion of second net pole 402420Net of backstop assembly 400421First side of net 420422Second side of net 420423Third side of net 420424Fourth side of net 420426First net pole pocket of net 420428Second net pole pocket of net 420400′Backstop assembly of apparatus 10430Top return panel of backstop assembly 400′432Engagement point of top return panel 430440First side return panel of backstop assembly 400′442Engagement point of first side return panel 440450Second side return panel of backstop assembly 400′452Engagement point of second return panel 450458Hinge top, first and second return panels 430, 440, 450460Rebound tether of backstop assembly 400′462First engagement portion of first rebound tether 460464Second engagement portion of first rebound tether 460500Kit510Container of kit 500512Handle of container 510602Covering of second playing surface 50610First clamp assembly of first frame side 26612First clamp of first clamp assembly 610614Second clamp of first clamp assembly 610616Cup of second clamp 614618Channel of first frame side 26620Second clamp assembly of second frame side 28622First clamp of second clamp assembly 620624Second clamp of second clamp assembly 620626Cup of second clamp 624628Channel of second frame side 28630Projection base of projection 54632Base top of projection base 610634Base bottom of projection base 610636First base side of projection base 610638Second base side of projection base 610639Groove of base top 612640Projection bumper of projection 54642Bumper top of projection bumper 620644Bumper bottom of projection bumper 620646First bumper side of projection bumper 620648Second bumper side of projection bumper 620649Rigid of bumper bottom 622650Cavity of projection 54

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present specification discloses a portable ball play and practice apparatus. It will be recognized that the principles of a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein may be utilized and embodied in many and varied forms, and that various materials, component parts and arrangements of components may be employed in its manufacture and/or use. In order to demonstrate these principles, the invention is described herein by reference to specific exemplary embodiments. The invention, however, is not limited to the specific forms illustrated and described in detail. A portable ball play and practice apparatus can be fabricated in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and can be used to provide entertainment, practice and drills for people of all ages, and will improve confidence for users of all skill levels.

A portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein includes a board assembly and a stand assembly and optionally a backstop assembly. Although capable of permanent installation, a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein is sized and dimensioned to be conveniently transportable. This transportability characteristic allows a user to transport a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein to one location, such as, e.g., by hand, bicycle, or vehicle, where the portable ball play and practice apparatus can be assembled or otherwise setup for use. Once use has ended, a user can then disassemble a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein and transport it to a different location.

In some embodiments, a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein is a hand-held ball play and practice apparatus sized and dimensioned to be easily carried or otherwise transported by a single user. In some embodiments, portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein can be used to perform exemplary volleyball drills or exercises, such as, e.g., a pepper sequence, either by a single or by multiple users. In addition, a 3-touch sequence (or double or single-touch sequence) may be employed to replicate the three contacts used in a competitive volleyball game.

A board assembly disclosed herein is double-sided having two opposing surfaces with a first playing surface on a first side and a second playing surface on a second side. Typically, a first playing surface have different playing characteristics relative to a second playing surface. For example, when contacted by a ball, a first playing surface can provide a different rebound effect of the ball relative to a rebounding effect of the ball achieved using a second playing surface. In a first playing position a board assembly disclosed herein is changeably positioned such that a first playing surface is forwardly facing and available for use and a second playing surface is rearwardly facing and available for operational engagement with one or more components of a stand assembly disclosed herein. In a second position a board assembly disclosed herein is changeably positioned such that a second playing surface is now forwardly facing and available for use and a first playing surface is now rearwardly facing and available for operational engagement with one or more components of a stand assembly disclosed herein. As such, a board assembly disclosed herein is changeable or reversable in that a user can select one of two different playing surfaces to use and then when desired switch to the other playing surface.

In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein is configured as a single component (see, e.g.,FIGS.1-6,10A, &13-15). In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein is configured as a hinged, two-piece component configured so that one piece can fold over onto the second piece (see, e.g.,FIGS.10B-C&12). In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein is configured to be modular and enable two or more board assemblies disclosed herein to be connected to each other (see, e.g.,FIGS.11A-B).

A stand assembly disclosed herein is dimensioned and sized to provide a stable support to a board assembly disclosed herein, particularly during use. In some embodiments, a stand assembly disclosed herein is configured to stably support a board assembly disclosed herein when either a first playing surface (see, e.g.,FIGS.1&3) or a second playing surface (see, e.g.,FIGS.1&4) is positioned for use. A stand assembly disclosed herein further enables a board assembly disclosed herein to be changeably positioned between a first playing position and a second playing surface. Furthermore, a stand assembly disclosed herein operationally positions a board assembly disclosed herein so that a forward-facing playable surface adopts an angle of play. The angle of play is defined by an angle of ninety degrees (90°) or more with respect to the horizon, i.e., the angle of play is measured from the support surface upon which the stand assembly is disposed upon to the forward-facing playable surface upon which a ball is to be rebounded. In some embodiments, a stand assembly disclosed herein is configured to stably support a board assembly disclosed herein on uneven, soft, or shifting ground, such as, e.g., sand. In some embodiments, a stand assembly disclosed herein is configured to stably support a board assembly disclosed herein on even or solid ground, such as, e.g., a floor of a building.

A backstop assembly disclosed herein is dimensioned and sized to prevent errant balls that fail to properly rebound off a board assembly disclosed herein from careening off away from a field of play, thereby minimizing the time required to chase down errant balls. In some embodiments, backstop assembly disclosed herein captures an errant ball to halt it from leaving a field of play such as when the errant ball fails to strike a board assembly disclosed herein or strike the board assembly in a manner that causes the errant ball to deflect away from the field of play (see, e.g.,FIG.14). In some embodiments, backstop assembly disclosed herein redirecting an errant ball back toward a field of play (see, e.g.,FIG.15). In some embodiments, a backstop assembly disclosed herein is configured to be operationally affixed or otherwise attached to other components of a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein, such as, e.g., a board assembly disclosed herein and/or a stand assembly disclosed herein (see, e.g.,FIGS.14&15). In some embodiments, a backstop assembly disclosed herein is configured to function as a stand-alone component unattached to other components of a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein, such as, e.g., a board assembly disclosed herein and/or a stand assembly disclosed herein.

Turning now toFIG.1, an exemplary portable ball play and practice apparatus10is shown, illustrating its mode of operation and changeable or reversible characteristics. A first playing position shows a board assembly20where its forward-facing playing surface is a first playing surface40configured for use and providing an angle of play θ. A second playing position shows a board assembly20where its forward-facing playing surface is a second playing surface50configured for use and providing angle of play θ.

A user2may utilize a ball, such as, e.g., a volleyball, for a desired use such as, e.g., for play, exercise, practice, or drills. As shown here, an incoming ball4(depicted with a dashed line) represents a ball heading toward a forward-facing playing surface and a rebounding ball4′ (depicted with a solid line) represents a ball heading away from the forward-facing playing surface.

In some embodiments, user2engages with portable ball play and practice apparatus10in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein when forward-facing playing surface is first playing surface40, with first playing surface40configured to interact with incoming ball4in a reasonably predictable manner. In this example, user2interacts with a ball, such as, e.g., by hitting, striking, or otherwise engaging the ball, causing the ball, referred to as incoming ball4, to move toward first playing surface40along an incoming path6in a manner where incoming ball4strikes, hits or otherwise engages first playing surface40. Such engagement causes incoming ball4to rebound away from first playing surface40, now becoming rebounding ball4′, along a reasonably predicable rebounding path6′. User2may now interact with rebounding ball4′, such as, e.g., by hitting, striking, or otherwise engaging rebounding ball4′, typically before rebounding ball4′ lands on a surface support, by, e.g., digging or setting rebound ball4′ up into the air or striking rebound ball4′ in a manner causing rebounding ball4′, which now once again become incoming ball4, to move toward first playing surface40along incoming path6. This engagement cycle continues for as long as user2desires such engagement or a ball becomes errant, such as, e.g., when incoming ball4fails to properly engage first playing surface40or when user2fails to properly interact with rebounding ball4′.

In some embodiments, user2engages with portable ball play and practice apparatus10in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure when forward-facing playing surface is second playing surface50, with second playing surface50configured to interact with incoming ball4in an unpredictable manner. In this example, user2causes incoming ball4, to move toward second playing surface50along an incoming path6in a manner where incoming ball4engages second playing surface50. Such engagement causes incoming ball4to rebound away from second playing surface50, now becoming rebounding ball4′, along an unpredictable rebounding path6″. User2may now engage rebounding ball4′, typically before rebounding ball4′ lands on a surface support, by, e.g., digging or setting rebound ball4′ up into the air or striking rebound ball4′ in a manner causing rebounding ball4′, which now once again become incoming ball4, to move toward first playing surface40along incoming path6. This engagement cycle continues for as long as user2desires such engagement or a ball becomes errant, such as, e.g., when incoming ball4fails to properly engage first playing surface40or when user2fails to properly interact with rebounding ball4′. In some embodiments, second playing surface50can be covered with a flexible cover, such, as, e.g., a fabric or thin flexible material, with opaque characteristics that hides second playing surface50from the view of user2in order to further reduce the ability of user2from anticipating unpredictable rebounding path6″ that rebound ball4′ might travel.

As shown throughout the specification, portable ball play and practice apparatus10, when in use, is positioned such that whatever playing surface is forward-facing for use, the forward-facing playing surface must be at an angle of play θ of more than 90° so that rebounding path6′,6″ keeps rebounding ball4′ airborne for a sufficient time that user2can meaningfully engage rebounding ball4′ in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, and with reference toFIGS.1,3-5, a portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprises a board assembly20and a stand assembly100. A board assembly disclosed herein comprises one or more sides, a first surface and a second surface. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.3, board assembly20is configured to have a length20L, a width20W and depth20D that defines a first surface comprising a first playing surface40and a second surface comprising a second playing surface50. First playing surface40and second playing surface50provide surfaces that are different from one another such that at least one rebound effect on a ball provided by first playing surface40and second playing surface50are different one from the other. First playing surface40and second playing surface50may be made of materials different one from the other, or textures different one from the other, or may have surface structures different one from the other, to provide the different rebound effects between the first and second playing surfaces40,50. A board assembly disclosed herein is typically composed of ridged and durable materials such as, e.g., wood, metal, fiberglass, hard plastic, and the like.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.2-6A-C,10B,110,12,13,18,21, &22-24, board assembly20is a four-sided structure with a frame top22, a frame bottom24, a first side frame26and a second frame side28. Frame top22is opposite to frame bottom24and frame top22is generally parallel to frame bottom24. Similarly, first frame side26is opposite to second frame side28and first frame side26is generally parallel to second frame side28. First and second frame sides26,28span between frame top and bottom22,24and are substantially perpendicular to frame top and bottom22,24. In some embodiments, frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26and second frame side28are each solid structures while in other embodiments these components can be box-like structures with hollow cavities. For example, as shown inFIGS.22-25first and second frame sides26,28are each four-sided structures forming an internal cavity. One advantage of such four-sided first and second frame sides26,28is that these structures provide additional rigidity to board assembly20to provide more stability during use.

In some embodiments, first and second frame sides26,28can each comprise a clamp assembly used to secure one or more components of a stand assembly disclosed herein. For example, as shown inFIGS.22-25, first frame side26includes a first clamp assembly610and second frame side28includes a second clamp assembly620. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.22, first clamp assembly610comprises a first clamp612and a second clamp614while second clamp assembly620comprises a first clamp622and a second clamp624. In this example, first and second clamps612,614and used to secure first support arm112while first and second clamps622,624and used to secure second support arm122. In some embodiments, second clamps614,624further include cups616,626respectively, which help properly orientate a component of a stand assembly to ensure quick and correct attachment of the component. In some embodiments, first and second frame sides26,28can form a channel to create a depression or inset that partially or fully contains first and second clamp assemblies610,620as well as one or more components of a stand assembly disclosed herein. For example, as best shown inFIGS.24&25, first frame side26comprise channel618, and second frame side28comprise channel628. Such arrangement provides a useful means to compactly store one or more stand assemblies as well as creates a more clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance to play and practice apparatus10.

Referring toFIG.3, board assembly20can be provided having any useful dimension and size. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a length20L of, e.g., at least 20 inches, at least 24 inches, at least 28 inches, at least 32 inches, at least 36 inches, at least 40 inches, at least 48 inches, at least 52 inches, at least 56 inches, or at least 60 inches. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a length20L of, e.g., at most 20 inches, at most 24 inches, at most 28 inches, at most 32 inches, at most 36 inches, at most 40 inches, at most 48 inches, at most 52 inches, at most 56 inches, or at most 60 inches. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a length20L of, e.g., about 20 inches to about 30 inches, about 20 inches to about 40 inches, about 20 inches to about 50 inches, about 20 inches to about 60 inches, about 24 inches to about 30 inches, about 24 inches to about 36 inches, about 24 inches to about 42 inches, about 24 inches to about 48 inches, about 24 inches to about 54 inches, about 24 inches to about 60 inches, about 30 inches to about 36 inches, about 30 inches to about 42 inches, about 30 inches to about 48 inches, about 30 inches to about 54 inches, about 30 inches to about 60 inches, about 36 inches to about 42 inches, about 36 inches to about 48 inches, about 36 inches to about 54 inches, about 36 inches to about 60 inches, about 40 inches to about 48 inches, about 40 inches to about 54 inches, about 40 inches to about 60 inches, about 48 inches to about 54 inches, or about 48 inches to about 60 inches.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.3, board assembly20can have a width20W of, e.g., at least 12 inches, at least 16 inches, at least 20 inches, at least 24 inches, at least 28 inches, at least 32 inches, at least 36 inches, at least 40 inches, at least 48 inches, at least 52 inches, at least 56 inches, or at least 60 inches. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a width20W of, e.g., at most 12 inches, at most 16 inches, at most 20 inches, at most 24 inches, at most 28 inches, at most 32 inches, at most 36 inches, at most 40 inches, at most 48 inches, at most 52 inches, at most 56 inches, or at most 60 inches. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a width20W of, e.g., about 12 inches to about 24 inches, about 16 inches to about 24 inches, about 16 inches to about 30 inches, about 20 inches to about 30 inches, about 20 inches to about 40 inches, about 20 inches to about 50 inches, about 20 inches to about 60 inches, about 24 inches to about 30 inches, about 24 inches to about 36 inches, about 24 inches to about 42 inches, about 24 inches to about 48 inches, about 24 inches to about 54 inches, about 24 inches to about 60 inches, about 30 inches to about 36 inches, about 30 inches to about 42 inches, about 30 inches to about 48 inches, about 30 inches to about 54 inches, about 30 inches to about 60 inches, about 36 inches to about 42 inches, about 36 inches to about 48 inches, about 36 inches to about 54 inches, about 36 inches to about 60 inches, about 40 inches to about 48 inches, about 40 inches to about 54 inches, about 40 inches to about 60 inches, about 48 inches to about 54 inches, or about 48 inches to about 60 inches.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.3, board assembly20can have a depth20D of, e.g., at least 0.5 inches, at least 0.75 inches, at least 1 inch, as least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 2.5 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 3.5 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, or at least 5 inches. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a depth20D of, e.g., at most 0.5 inches, at most 0.75 inches, at most 1 inch, as most 1.5 inches, at most 2 inches, at most 2.5 inches, at most 3 inches, at most 3.5 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 4.5 inches, or at most 5 inches. In some embodiments, board assembly20can have a depth20D of, e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 2 inches, about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 4 inches, about 1 inch to about 4.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 2 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches.

Still referring toFIG.3, portable ball play and practice apparatus10is shown in an assembled configuration where a user can engage with first playing surface40. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.3, first playing surface40is characterized by a substantially flat, planar surface, having no significant projections or depressions, the substantially flat, planar surface being flush or substantially flush with a first surface42, a second surface44, frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26, and second frame side28. Second frame surface44is opposite first surface42and in some embodiments, second surface44is a bottom of second playing surface50. The smooth flat surface provided by first playing surface40allows for a substantially predicable rebound effect of a ball interacting with first playing surface40. This predicable rebound effect is useful for warm-up exercises or practice drills designed to work on ball control and/or consistent body position or movement of a user. In embodiments, as discussed below, first playing surface40can be absent.

Referring toFIG.4, portable ball play and practice apparatus10is shown in an assembled configuration where a user can engage with second playing surface50. Second playing surface50is different from first playing surface40in terms of providing a desired different rebound effect relative to first playing surface40. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.4&6A-C, second playing surface50is characterized by plurality of spaced apart projections54which, in conjunction with a bottom surface52of second playing surface50create a plurality of furrows60. In some embodiments, bottom surface52of second playing surface50and second surface44of first playing surface40are the same structure. As shown inFIG.4, frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26, and second frame side28each can be configured as a projection54. The plurality or projections and furrows54,60provided by second playing surface50allows for unexpected and unpredictable rebound effect of a ball interacting with second playing surface50. This unpredictable rebound effect is useful for increasing the skill level of a user or providing one or more users with a more challenging game. For example, a ball could strike a single projection54could make contact with a left or right edge of projection54causing the ball to rebound at an angle from the direction of the incoming path of the ball causing the user to shift position right or left in order to play the rebounding ball. Alternatively, a ball striking a single projection54could make contact with a central portion of projection54causing the ball to rebound in a direction similar to the incoming path of the ball but with enhanced speed causing the rebounding ball to return more quickly to the user causing the user to react more quickly than anticipated to play the rebounding ball and/or further away from the user causing the user to shift position backwards in order to play the rebounding ball. As another example, a ball could strike two projections54at the same or similar time which would retard the rebounding speed of the ball making the user to quickly travel forward towards portable ball play and practice apparatus10in order to play the rebounding ball. As another example, a ball striking furrow60would cause the ball to rebound in a direction similar to the incoming path of the ball. While this rebounding effect could be straightforward, the possibility that the rebounding ball could travel in a direction to the left, right, in front of or in back of the users current position, makes it difficult to ascertain which rebounding effect will occur, thereby increasing the unpredictable rebounding effect experienced by the user.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.22,23&25, a second playing surface50comprises a pliable covering602that conceals or otherwise masks the plurality of spaced apart projections. Such concealment further increases the unpredictability of the rebounding effect on a rebounding ball, further increasing the difficulty by the user in ascertaining which rebounding effect will occur. In aspects of these embodiments, a pliable covering disclosed herein can be any flexible and/or elastic material that can conceal the plurality of spaced apart projections of a second playing surface disclosed herein, including, without limitation, a neoprene or athletic cloth material.

In some embodiments, plurality of projections54include, e.g., at least 2 projections, at least 3 projections, at least 3 projections, at least 5 projections, at least 6 projections, at least 7 projections, at least 8 projections, at least 9 projections, at least 10 projections. In some embodiments, plurality of projections include, e.g., at most 2 projections, at most 3 projections, at most 3 projections, at most 5 projections, at most 6 projections, at most 7 projections, at most 8 projections, at most 9 projections, at most 10 projections. In some embodiments, plurality of projections include, e.g., about 2 projections to about 4 projections, about 2 projections to about 5 projections, about 2 projections to about 6 projections, about 2 projections to about 7 projections, about 2 projections to about 8 projections, about 3 projections to about 4 projections, about 3 projections to about 5 projections, about 3 projections to about 6 projections, about 3 projections to about 7 projections, about 3 projections to about 8 projections, about 4 projections to about 5 projections, about 4 projections to about 6 projections, about 4 projections to about 7 projections, about 4 projections to about 8 projections, about 5 projections to about 6 projections, about 5 projections to about 7 projections, about 5 projections to about 8 projections, about 6 projections to about 7 projections, about 6 projections to about 8 projections, or about 7 projections to about 8 projections. In some embodiments, plurality of projections include, e.g., about 5 projections to about 10 projections, about 5 projections to about 15 projections, about 5 projections to about 20 projections, about 10 projections to about 15 projections, about 10 projections to about 20 projections, or about 15 projections to about 20 projections.

Typically, when considering first and second frame sides26,28, there will be one more projection54relative to furrows60on any given second playing surface50. In some embodiments, plurality of furrows60include, e.g., at least 2 furrows, at least 3 furrows, at least 3 furrows, at least 5 furrows, at least 6 furrows, at least 7 furrows, at least 8 furrows, at least 9 furrows, at least 10 furrows. In some embodiments, plurality or furrows60include, e.g., at most 2 furrows, at most 3 furrows, at most 3 furrows, at most 5 furrows, at most 6 furrows, at most 7 furrows, at most 8 furrows, at most 9 furrows, at most 10 furrows. In some embodiments, plurality or furrows60include, e.g., about 2 furrows to about 4 furrows, about 2 furrows to about 5 furrows, about 2 furrows to about 6 furrows, about 2 furrows to about 7 furrows, about 2 furrows to about 8 furrows, about 3 furrows to about 4 furrows, about 3 furrows to about 5 furrows, about 3 furrows to about 6 furrows, about 3 furrows to about 7 furrows, about 3 furrows to about 8 furrows, about 4 furrows to about 5 furrows, about 4 furrows to about 6 furrows, about 4 furrows to about 7 furrows, about 4 furrows to about 8 furrows, about 5 furrows to about 6 furrows, about 5 furrows to about 7 furrows, about 5 furrows to about 8 furrows, about 6 furrows to about 7 furrows, about 6 furrows to about 8 furrows, or about 7 furrows to about 8 furrows. In some embodiments, plurality or furrows60include, e.g., about 5 furrows to about 10 furrows, about 5 furrows to about 15 furrows, about 5 furrows to about 20 furrows, about 10 furrows to about 15 furrows, about 10 furrows to about 20 furrows, or about 15 furrows to about 20 furrows.

Each of the plurality of projections54is a linear structure having a polygonal or curvilinear cross-section shape defined by a length54L, a width54W, and depth54D and has a first end, a second end, and a top surface56. As discussed below, length54L of each of the plurality of projections54will depend on the patterns created and will be defined by the length required to configure a particular projection54. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.6A-C, a particular projection54can be configured to have a length54L so that its first end will abut frame top22and its second end will abut frame bottom24. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.6A-C, a particular projection54can be configured to have a length54L so that its first end will abut first frame side26and its second end will abut frame bottom24. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.6A-C, a particular projection54can be configured to have a length54L so that its first end will abut second frame side28and its second end will abut frame bottom24. In some embodiments, a particular projection54can be configured to have a length54L so that its first end will abut frame top22and its second end will abut first frame side26. In some embodiments, a particular projection54can be configured to have a length54L so that its first end will abut frame top22and its second end will abut second frame side28.

As best seen in cross-sectional views of the plurality of projections54inFIGS.6A-C,8,9A-C, &10A, each of the plurality of projections54will typically have width54W of about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch as measured from a portion of a particular projection that abuts with bottom surface52of second playing surface50. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have width54W as measured from a portion of a particular projection that abuts with bottom surface52of second playing surface50of, e.g., at least 0.25 inches, at least 0.5 inches, at least 0.75 inches, or at least 1 inch. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have width54W as measured from a portion of a particular projection that abuts with bottom surface52of second playing surface50of, e.g., at most 0.25 inches, at most 0.5 inches, at most 0.75 inches, or at most 1 inch. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have width54W as measured from a portion of a particular projection that abuts with bottom surface52of second playing surface50of, e.g., about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch, or about 0.75 inches to about 1 inch.

Depth54D of each of the plurality of projections54can depend on a variety of factors including, without limitation, the rebound effect desired by a ball when contacting a projection54, whether a projection54will be flush with, lay below, or extend above a top surface of frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26and/or second frame side28, and/or whether projections54are removeable and a lid as disclosed herein is present. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.4,5, &6A-B, each of the plurality of projections54can have depth54D dimensioned and sized so that top surface56is flush or substantially flush with the top surface of frame top and/or bottom22,24. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.9C &10A, each of the plurality of projections54can have depth54D dimensioned and sized so that top surface56lies below the top surface of frame top and bottom22,24. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.6D, each of the plurality of projections54can have depth54D dimensioned and sized so that top surface56lies above the top surface of frame top and bottom22,24.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.6A-C,8,9A-C, &10A, each of the plurality of projections54can have depth54D of, e.g., at least 0.5 inches, at least 0.75 inches, at least 1 inch, as least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 2.5 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 3.5 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, or at least 5 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have depth54D of, e.g., at most 0.5 inches, at most 0.75 inches, at most 1 inch, as most 1.5 inches, at most 2 inches, at most 2.5 inches, at most 3 inches, at most 3.5 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 4.5 inches, or at most 5 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have depth54D of, e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 2 inches, about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 4 inches, about 1 inch to about 4.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 2 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches.

Each of the plurality of projections54may have depth54D that is uniform height which provides a linear top surface56. For example, as shown inFIGS.4,5&6A-B, each of the plurality of projections54are substantially the same depth54D along its full length54L. Alternatively, and as shown inFIGS.7A-C, a subset or all of the plurality of projections54may have a depth54D that varies in height leading to a top surface56having sloped and/or non-linear characteristic, and thus include a maximum depth54D and a minimum depth54d. For example, the height of a projection may have maximum height at one end tapering to a minimum height at an opposing end, creating a sloped profile. In other embodiments, height of a projection may vary along a length to produce an uneven, undulating or wavy profile to the projection. Projections54having such varied depths of can a different and/or increase the unpredictability of a rebound effect of a ball when contacting a particular projection54of second playing surface50, which may be desirable for increasing the skill level of players or providing players with a more challenging game. For example, varied projection depths can provide a linear sloping top surface56, a curvilinear top surface56, or other non-uniform projection depths that create high regions and low regions to confer a desired rebound effect of a ball when contacting top surface56of a particular projection54of second playing surface50. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.7A, projection54comprises a maximum depth54D at one end tapering to a minimum depth54dat an opposing end and a flat top surface56to create a uniformly linear slope. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.7B, projection54comprises a maximum depth54D at one end tapering to a minimum depth54dat an opposing end and a curvilinear top surface56to create a curvilinear slope. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.7C, projection54comprises a curvilinear top surface56with a plurality of maximum and minimum depths54D,54dto create a linear curvilinear slope defined by spaced apart maximum peaks and spaced apart minimum nodes.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.7A-C, each of the plurality of projections54can have maximum depth54D of, e.g., at least 0.5 inches, at least 0.75 inches, at least 1 inch, as least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 2.5 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 3.5 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, or at least 5 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have maximum depth54D of, e.g., at most 0.5 inches, at most 0.75 inches, at most 1 inch, as most 1.5 inches, at most 2 inches, at most 2.5 inches, at most 3 inches, at most 3.5 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 4.5 inches, or at most 5 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have maximum depth54D of, e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 2 inches, about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 4 inches, about 1 inch to about 4.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 2 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.7A-C, each of the plurality of projections54can have minimum depth54dof, e.g., at least 0.5 inches, at least 0.75 inches, at least 1 inch, as least 1.5 inches, at least 2 inches, at least 2.5 inches, at least 3 inches, at least 3.5 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 4.5 inches, or at least 5 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have minimum depth54dof, e.g., at most 0.5 inches, at most 0.75 inches, at most 1 inch, as most 1.5 inches, at most 2 inches, at most 2.5 inches, at most 3 inches, at most 3.5 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 4.5 inches, or at most 5 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have minimum depth54dof, e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 1 inch to about 1.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 2 inches, about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 4 inches, about 1 inch to about 4.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 3 inches, about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 4 inches, about 2 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2 inches to about 5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 2.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 3.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 3.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 4.5 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, or about 4.5 inches to about 5 inches.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.8&9, each of the plurality of projections54may be a single-component, solid structure. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54may be composed of wood, plastic, metal, or other composite material. In aspects of these embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54can have an resilient material applied to top surface56which acts as a cushion in order to enhance the rebounding effect exerted onto a ball when contacted a particular projection54. Such resilient material includes, without limitation, a natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like material, or a pliable, flexible or otherwise resilient plastic or composite material.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections54may be a multi-component structure that may be solid or include an internal hollow cavity. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.25, a projection54can comprise a projection base630and a projection bumper640. Projection base630is composed of a rigid material such as rigid plastic, metal, or other rigid composite material while projection bumper640is composed of a resilient material such as a natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like material, or a pliable, flexible or otherwise resilient plastic or composite material. In some embodiments, projection base630can be secured to bottom surface52of second playing surface50while in other embodiments, projection base630can reversible removeable from second playing surface50. In some embodiments, projection bumper640it an integral part of projection base630, while in other embodiments, projection bumper640can reversible removeable from projection base630.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.25, projection base630forms a rail comprises a base top632, base bottom634, first base side636, and second base side638, with first base side636opposite second base side638and is generally parallel to second base side638. Base top632comprises evenly spaced apart grooves639ruing parallel down the length of projection base630, with grooves639configured to receive projection bumper640. Additionally, and as shown inFIG.25, base top632has an opening running down its length to form a channel where the bottom is formed by base bottom634and the two sides are formed by first and second base sides636,638.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.25, projection bumper640is an invert U-shape or omicron (Q)-shaped structure comprising a bumper top642, bumper bottom644, first bumper side646, and second bumper side648, with first bumper side646opposite second bumper side648. At the juncture of bumper bottom644and first bumper side646, as well as at the juncture of bumper bottom644and second bumper side648a rigid649extends perpendicular to first bumper side646and second bumper side648and is configured to insert into and slidably fit in grooves639of base top632. When assembled, projection base630and projection bumper640form a cavity650. In some embodiments, cavity650is a hollow space, while in other embodiments cavity650can be filled with material that limits the extend of projection bumper640can deform inward upon being struck by a force, e.g., a ball during use. Such material includes, without limitation, a foam, an insulation, or a rigid insert.

Referring now toFIGS.6-A-C,8, &9A-C, each of the plurality of furrows60has a length60L, a width60W, and a depth60D and has a first end and a second end. Length60L, width60W, and depth60D of a particular furrow60is defined by a pair of adjacent projections54that define the first and second sides of a particular furrow60and bottom surface52of second playing surface50. The first and second ends of a particular furrow60is defined by frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26, or second frame side28depending on the placement of the pair of projections54used to define the particular furrow60.

Spacing between a pair of adjacent projections54that define width60W of a particular furrow60is selected and can vary to provide an enjoyable variety of rebounding effects of a ball when contacted a particular projection54and/or furrow60of second playing surface50. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.4, plurality of projections54are arranged in a vertical projection pattern where each of the plurality of projections54is substantially parallel to each other and extend the full length of second playing surface50. When plurality of projections54are provided substantially parallel to each other, each furrow60therebetween has a substantially consistent or uniform width60W of along its full length60L.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have width60W of, e.g., at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, or at least 8 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have width60W of, e.g., at most 3 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 5 inches, at most 6 inches, at most 7 inches, or at most 8 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have width60W of, e.g., about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 6 inches, about 3 inches to about 7 inches, about 3 inches to about 8 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 4 inches to about 7 inches, about 4 inches to about 8 inches, about 5 inches to about 6 inches, about 5 inches to about 7 inches, about 5 inches to about 8 inches, about 6 inches to about 7 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, or about 7 inches to about 8 inches.

Alternatively, and as shownFIGS.6A-C, placement of each plurality of projections54within second playing surface50can form angled projection patterns where a subset or all of projections54are not parallel to each other. These angled projection patterns in turn form furrows60having a maximum width60D and a minimum width60w(see, e.g.,FIGS.6A-C). In some embodiments, a minimum spacing of a pair of adjacent projections54is about 3 inches apart and a maximum spacing of a pair of adjacent projections54is about 8 inches apart.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have maximum width60W of, e.g., at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, or at least 8 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have maximum width60W of, e.g., at most 3 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 5 inches, at most 6 inches, at most 7 inches, or at most 8 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have maximum width60W of, e.g., about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 6 inches, about 3 inches to about 7 inches, about 3 inches to about 8 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 4 inches to about 7 inches, about 4 inches to about 8 inches, about 5 inches to about 6 inches, about 5 inches to about 7 inches, about 5 inches to about 8 inches, about 6 inches to about 7 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, or about 7 inches to about 8 inches.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have minimum width60wof, e.g., at least 3 inches, at least 4 inches, at least 5 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 7 inches, or at least 8 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have minimum width60wof, e.g., at most 3 inches, at most 4 inches, at most 5 inches, at most 6 inches, at most 7 inches, or at most 8 inches. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of furrows60can have minimum width60wof, e.g., about 3 inches to about 4 inches, about 3 inches to about 5 inches, about 3 inches to about 6 inches, about 3 inches to about 7 inches, about 3 inches to about 8 inches, about 4 inches to about 5 inches, about 4 inches to about 6 inches, about 4 inches to about 7 inches, about 4 inches to about 8 inches, about 5 inches to about 6 inches, about 5 inches to about 7 inches, about 5 inches to about 8 inches, about 6 inches to about 7 inches, about 6 inches to about 8 inches, or about 7 inches to about 8 inches.

As shown inFIG.4, plurality of projections54are arranged in a vertical pattern where each of the plurality of projections54are arranged substantially parallel to each other and extend the full length of second playing surface50with a first end of each projection54abutting frame top22and a second end of each projection54abutting frame bottom24, with each projection54being substantially parallel to first and second frame sides26,28. However, other alternative arrangements of the plurality of projections54are arranged non-parallel to each other. Such alternative arrangements can increase the unpredictability of a rebound effect of a ball when contacting a particular projection54and/or furrow60of second playing surface50, which may be desirable for increasing the skill level of players or providing players with a more challenging game. For example, projections may be oriented in a sunburst arrangement, a V-shaped arrangement, an inverted V-shaped arrangement, a double V-shaped arrangement, an inverted double V-shaped arrangement, or other non-parallel arrangements that position the plurality of projections54in a pattern that creates a desired rebound effect of a ball when contacting a particular projection54and/or furrow60of second playing surface50.

Turning now toFIGS.6A-C, several such alternative second playing surfaces50are shown. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.6A, the plurality of projections54are arranged in an upward radiating configuration. In this radiating pattern one or more of the plurality of projections54have a first end of each projection54abutting first frame side26and a second end of each projection54abutting frame bottom24with each projection54being at an angle to first and second frame sides26,28, one or more of the plurality of projections54have a first end of each projection54abutting frame top22and a second end of each projection54abutting frame bottom24with each projection54being at an angle to first and second frame sides26,28, and one or more of the plurality of projections54have a first end of each projection54abutting second frame side28and a second end of each projection54abutting frame bottom24with each projection54being at an angle to first and second frame sides26,28.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.6B, the plurality of projections54are arranged in an inverted double V-shaped configuration. In this inverted double V-shaped pattern each of the plurality of projections54extend the full length of second playing surface50with a first end of each projection54abutting frame top22and a second end of each projection54abutting frame bottom24, with each projection54being at an angle to first and second frame sides26,28. Similarly, and as shown inFIG.6C, the plurality of projections54are arranged in a double V-shaped configuration. In this double V-shaped pattern each of the plurality of projections54extend the full length of second playing surface50with a first end of each projection54abutting frame top22and a second end of each projection54abutting frame bottom24, with each projection54being at an angle to first and second frame sides26,28. When plurality of projections54are provided at an angle relative to first and second frame sides26,28, the width of furrows60therebetween are varied along their length can be defined by a maximum width and minimum width.

Plurality of projections54can be provided having widely varied widths/shapes useful in conferring a desired rebound effect of a ball when contacted a particular projection54.FIGS.8&9A-D show exemplary cross-sectional geometries of a plurality of projections54of second playing surface50useful in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.8, which is a cross-section of first and second frame sides26,28, plurality of projections54resemble rectangular shapes and have a depth54D where top surface56flat and substantially in line with top surface of frame top22of board assembly20. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.9A, which is a cross-section of first and second frame sides26,28, plurality of projections54resemble triangular shapes having maximum width54W at the base that tapers to minimum width54dat top surface56having an edge that provide a fin-like aspect and in line with top surface of frame top22of board assembly20. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.9B, which is a cross-section of first and second frame sides26,28, plurality of projections54resemble oblong shapes having maximum width54W at the base and minimum width54dat top surface56having a rounded top portion and are in line with top surface of frame top22of board assembly20. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.9C, which is a cross-section of first and second frame sides26,28, plurality of projections54resemble trapezoidal shapes having maximum width54W at the base that tapers to minimum width54dat top surface56having a flat top surface.FIG.9Calso depicts top surface56of each of the plurality of projections54lying below the depth of top surface of first and second frame sides26,28illustrating that a subset or all of top surface56(flat or otherwise) of plurality of projections54may have depth54D that is not in line with a top surface of frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26, and/or second frame side28of second playing surface50. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.9D, which is a cross-section of first and second frame sides26,28, plurality of projections54can comprise multiple different geometric shapes and/or varied depths of a plurality of projections disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of projections54may be reversible removeable from second playing surface50. The ability to remove one or more of the plurality of projections54allows for the selective placement or removal of each of the one or more of the plurality of projections54of second playing surface50to enable a user to modify and customize the arrangement of the plurality of projections54. For example, in some embodiments, and referringFIGS.10A-C, frame top22is configured to include one or more slots62dimensioned and sized to receive a first end of a removeable projection54′. Frame bottom24is similarly configured with one or more slots64dimensioned and sized to receive a second end of removeable projection54′ and each of the one or more slots64of frame bottom24is aligned with a corresponding slot of the one or more slots62of frame top22of (as best seen inFIG.10Bwhere one or more slots64are shown as ghosted features). In operation, a first end of removeable projection54′ is inserted into a slot of the one or more slots62of frame top22and a second end of removeable projection54′ is inserted into a slot of the one or more slots64of frame bottom24. To provide added stability, each removeable projection54′ can optionally include at least one peg58on its bottom surface that is sized and positioned along its length to correspondingly fit into at least one socket68.

Frame top22also includes a recessed portion70dimensioned and sized to receive a securing lid72. Frame bottom24is similarly configured with a recessed portion dimensioned and sized to receive a securing lid74(as best seen inFIG.10B). Securing lids72,74includes one or more hinges76that affix securing lids72,74to frame top and bottom22,24respectively. In operation, one or more hinges76enable securing lids72,74to open thereby revealing recessed portions of frame top and bottom22,24and providing access to one or more slots62,64respectively or close, thereby covering recessed portions of frame top and bottom22,24and securing first and second ends of each removeable projections54′ within their respective one or more slots62,64.

In some embodiments, removable projections54′ have depth54D (can also be considered a height) that is less than depth20D of frame top, frame bottom, first frame side, and second frame side22,24,26,28. In such a configuration, when as part of a folding exemplary portable ball play and practice apparatus10(as shown inFIG.10Band discussed below), a storage space is formed therein upon folding, into which various components may be stored. For example, the depth54D can be about 0.25 to about 1 inch less than depth20D and as such, provides and forms a cavity/storage space having a “thickness” of one inch when portable ball play and practice apparatus10is in a folded/closed configuration. Various backstop components and/or other items, such as, e.g., a cover for second board assembly disclosed herein, one or more beach blankets, and/or personal items, may be thereby stored therein.

In some embodiments, portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprise a hinged board assembly20′ including a first board component20a′ and second board component20b′. For example, and referring toFIGS.10B-C&12, hinged board assembly20′ comprises one or more hinges59that affix first and second board components20a′,20b′ to each other where each of the one or more hinges59is secured to second frame side28of first board component20a′ and first frame side26of second board component20b′. In some embodiments, first and second board components20a′,20b′ are identical or substantially similar to board assembly20. In some embodiments, first and second board components20a′,20b′ are each a modification of board assembly20. For example, the side of first board component20a′ that abuts the side of second board components20b′ (e.g., second frame side28of first board component20a′ and first frame side26of second board component20b′) can be dimensioned and sized to form a projection54when in the open play position. In operation, one or more hinges59enable first and second board components20a′,20b′ to move into an open play position thereby revealing and providing useable access to second playing surface50or to move into closed play position, thereby enclosing second playing surface50and optionally creating an internal storage compartment. Closure of portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprise hinged board assembly20′ facilitates transport of portable ball play and practice apparatus10.

Additionally, portable ball play and practice apparatus10may be provided having a board assembly that includes at least one hinge mechanism that enables the board to be folded along the at least one hinge mechanism. This foldable configuration provides a folded transportation configuration.

In some embodiments, portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprise hinged board assembly20′ can optionally further include a locking element that more securely fixes hinged board assembly20′ in the open play position and prevents first and second board components20a′,20b′ from unwanted give, folding, or closure upon impact by a ball upon the forwardly facing playing surface during use. Hinged board assembly20′ may be provided with and utilize any suitable locking element that can securely fixes hinged board assembly20′ in the open play position and prevents first and second board components20a′,20b′ from unwanted give, folding, or closure upon impact by a ball upon the forwardly facing playing surface during use. For example, in some embodiments, and referring toFIG.12, hinged board assembly20′ includes a locking element80comprising one or more securing rods82, one or more first securing rod holders84, and one or more second securing rod holders86. One or more securing rods82are each linear in shape and have a first end and a second end and is dimensioned and sized to span across first and second board components20a′,20b′. Each of the one or more securing rods82is secured onto a rearwardly facing playing surface that is not in play (e.g., first playing surface40as shown inFIG.12) in a manner were each of the one or more securing rods82spans across first and second board components20a′,20b′. Each of the one or more securing rods82is held in place by inserting or otherwise reversable affixing a first end of a particular securing rods82to one of the one or more first securing rod holders84and inserting or otherwise reversable affixing a second end of a particular securing rods82to one of the one or more second securing rod holders86.

In some embodiments, portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprise a modular board assembly20″. Modular board assembly20″ provides a system which enables a plurality of modular board assembly20″ as modules of a system that can be connected to each other, thereby providing a customizable playing surface which increases the playable surface area of first or second playing surface40,50. In addition, such a modular system allows for one modular board assembly20″ to have its forward facing surface be first playing surface40, and another modular board assembly20″ to have its forward facing surface be second playing surface50. In this way a first playing surface can be formed have one or more first playing surfaces40and one or more second playing surfaces50in any combination or order to create a dynamic forward playing surface having characteristics of both first and second playing surfaces40,50.

Referring toFIGS.11A-B, each modular board assembly20″ is affix to another modular board assembly20″ in a manner where second frame side28of first modular board assembly20a″ abuts first frame side26of second modular board assembly20b″ and second frame side28of second modular board assembly20b″ abuts first frame side26of third modular board assembly20c″. In some embodiments, first, second, and third modular board assemblies20a″,20b″,20c″ are identical or substantially similar to board assembly20. In some embodiments, first, second, and third modular board assemblies20a″,20b″,20c″ are each a modification of board assembly20. For example, the side of first modular board assembly20a″ that abuts the side of second modular board assembly20b″ (e.g., second frame side28of first modular board assembly20a″ and first frame side26of second modular board assembly20b″) can be dimensioned and sized to form a projection54when in the open play position. Likewise, similar modifications would be incorporated to the side of second modular board assembly20b″ that abuts the side of third modular board assembly20c″.

WhileFIG.11Adepicts a system comprising three modular board assemblies20a″,20b″,20c″, any number of modular board assemblies may be provided and connected to each other. In some embodiments, a system can comprise, e.g., at least 2 modular board assemblies20″, at least 3 modular board assemblies20″, at least 4 modular board assemblies20″, at least 5 modular board assemblies20″, at least 6 modular board assemblies20″, at least 7 modular board assemblies20″, at least 8 modular board assemblies20″, at least 9 modular board assemblies20″, or at least 10 modular board assemblies20″. In some embodiments, a system can comprise, e.g., at most 2 modular board assemblies20″, at most 3 modular board assemblies20″, at most 4 modular board assemblies20″, at most 5 modular board assemblies20″, at most 6 modular board assemblies20″, at most 7 modular board assemblies20″, at most 8 modular board assemblies20″, at most 9 modular board assemblies20″, or at most 10 modular board assemblies20″. In some embodiments, a system can comprise about 2 to about 3 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 4 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 5 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 6 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 7 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 8 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 2 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 4 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 5 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 6 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 7 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 8 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 3 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, about 4 to about 5 modular board assemblies20″, about 4 to about 6 modular board assemblies20″, about 4 to about 7 modular board assemblies20″, about 4 to about 8 modular board assemblies20″, about 4 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 4 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, about 5 to about 6 modular board assemblies20″, about 5 to about 7 modular board assemblies20″, about 5 to about 8 modular board assemblies20″, about 5 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 5 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, about 6 to about 7 modular board assemblies20″, about 6 to about 8 modular board assemblies20″, about 6 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 6 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, about 7 to about 8 modular board assemblies20″, about 7 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 7 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, about 8 to about 9 modular board assemblies20″, about 8 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″, or about 9 to about 10 modular board assemblies20″.

Modular board assembly20″ comprises one or more connector systems that enables one modular board assembly20″ to another one modular board assembly20″. For example, in some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.11A, each modular board assembly20″ is shown with two connector systems90, with one portioned near the top and the other positioned near the bottom. Modular board assembly20″ may be provided with and utilize any suitable connector system that can secure one modular board assembly20″ with the other modular board assembly20″, including, without limitation a mechanical connector, a magnetic connector, a slot and rail connector, a hook and loop fastener.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.11B, each modular board assembly20″ comprises components of one or more connector systems90. Each of the one or more connector systems90comprise a pin92a slot96. Pin92includes a head93and a stem94. Slot96is an aperture that comprise a head receiving portion97that is complementary sized to receive head93and a channel portion98that is narrower than head receiving portion97and has a width to complement and snugly receive stem94of pin92. Slot96is dimensioned and sized to operationally receive pin92and securely connect one modular board assembly20″ with the other modular board assembly20″. Pin92from each of the one or more connector systems90is located at a frame side, such as, e.g., first frame side26or second frame side28with slot96from each of the one or more connector systems90at the opposite frame side and operationally aligned with a corresponding pin92. In some embodiments, pin92from each of the one or more connector systems90is located at first frame side26and the corresponding slot96from each of the one or more connector systems90is located at second frame side28. In some embodiments, pin92from each of the one or more connector systems90is located at second frame side28and the corresponding slot96from each of the one or more connector systems90is located at first frame side26. In some embodiments, one subset of pins92from the one or more connector systems90is located at first frame side26and the corresponding subset slots96from the one or more connector systems90is located at second frame side28and another subset of pins92from the one or more connector systems90is located at second frame side28and the corresponding subset slots96from the one or more connector systems90is located at first frame side26. In operation, and referring toFIG.11B, head93of pin92is inserted into head receiving portion97of slot96until stem94is aligned with channel portion98and then slide thought channel portion98to securely engage pin92into slot96.

A board assembly disclosed herein can optionally and further comprise one or more additional components or features that enhance functionality, convenience or playability of a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein. For example, a board assembly disclosed herein can further comprise one or more carry apertures through which a user may pass their hand when carrying a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein and/or positioning a board assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, and referring now toFIGS.3,5,10B, &15, board assembly20and hinged board assembly20′ are each shown with one or more carry apertures29. One or more carry apertures29are each dimensioned and sized to comfortable allow a user to insert or pass their hand and enable a secure gripping position. In addition, one or more carry apertures29are each positioned on board assembly20or hinged board assembly20′ in a manner that enables easy gripping and lifting of board assembly20or hinged board assembly20′ and/or portable ball play and practice apparatus10. As such, one or more carry apertures29are each typically located near the perimeter of frame top22, frame bottom24, first frame side26, and/or second frame side28. In addition, with respect to hinged assembly20′ one or more carry apertures29are aligned with each other upon folding of portable ball play and practice apparatus10. Although not shown, modular board assembly20″ may also include one or more carry apertures29.

As discussed below, a board assembly disclosed herein can optionally and further comprise one or more features required to operationally engage with a stand assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein comprises one or more support arm apertures, one or more tether anchors, and/or one or more support arm pivots.

A portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein comprises a stand assembly dimensioned and sized to provide a stable support to a board assembly disclosed herein. A stand assembly disclosed herein is typically composed of ridged and durable materials such as, e.g., wood, metal, fiberglass, hard plastic, and the like. A stand assembly disclosed herein comprises one or more support arm assemblies and one or more stabilizing assemblies. Each of the one or more stabilizing assemblies are spaced apart and placed on either side of a rearward facing surface of a board assembly disclosed herein to provide a stable support of the board assembly. Attachment of one or more stabilizing assemblies to a rearward facing surface of a board assembly occur at one or more engagement points of a board assembly. In some embodiments, one engagement points are positioned at an interior portion a rearward facing surface of a board assembly. As shown inFIGS.3-5&12such interior portion positioning, as shown by first and second engagement points32,33,32′,33′, is typically near first and second frame sides26,28and in the upper half of a board assembly as such positioning provides the required stable support of the board assembly. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.13&14, one or more engagement points, as shown by attachment points33′,34′, are positioned on the upper half of a surface of first and second frame sides26,28of a board assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIGS.23&24, one or more engagement points32,33, are positioned within first and second frame sides26,28of a board assembly disclosed herein. Besides providing the requisite stable support of a board assembly such surface positioning enables first and second support arms disclosed herein to more easily set up stand assembly disclosed herein so that the desired playing surface is outwardly facing.

In some embodiments, portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprise a collapsible board assembly20″. Collapsible board assembly20′″ provides a system which enables board assembly20′″ to be reversibly expandable to enable collapsible board assembly20′″ to adopt an expanded configuration or a retracted configuration. An expanded configuration of collapsible board assembly20′″ is employed when use of portable ball play and practice apparatus10is desired while a retracted configuration is employed when disassembly into a compact profile of collapsible board assembly20′″ is desired for easy transport or storage of portable ball play and practice apparatus10. Unlike the other board assemblies disclosed herein, collapsible board assembly20′″ lacks first playing surface40. As collapsible board assembly20′″ lacks first playing surface40, both surfaces of collapsible board assembly20′″ are each second playing surface50, and either can be positioned as a forward-facing surface and used as described herein.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.18&20, collapsible board assembly20′″ comprises a four-sided structure with a frame top22′, a frame bottom24′, a first side frame26′ and a second frame side28′. Frame top22′ is opposite to frame bottom24′ and frame top22is generally parallel to frame bottom24′. Similarly, first frame side26′ is opposite to second frame side28′ and first frame side26′ is generally parallel to second frame side28′. First and second frame sides26′,28′ span between frame top and bottom22′,24′ and are substantially perpendicular to frame top and bottom22′,24′. As shown inFIG.18, interspaced between first and second frame sides26′,28′ are one or more elongated projections54that define spaces which function as one or more furrow60. Each of the one or more elongated projections54have one end attached to frame top22′ and the opposite end attached to frame bottom24′.

Frame top and bottom22′,24′ are configured to be reversibly expandable to enable first and second frame sides26,28to expand away from each other or retract towards one another. Generally, the distance of expansion of collapsible board assembly20′″ will be defined by the length frame top and bottom22′,24′ can be completely expanded. The distance collapsible board assembly20′″ can be retracted will generally be defined by the physical constrains imposed by first and second frame sides26′,28′ and the number of one or more elongated projections54present in collapsible board assembly20′″. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.18&20, frame top and bottom22′,24′ are composed of a fabric or other pliable material or an elastic material that enables reversibly expandable of first and second frame sides26′,28′. In some embodiments, frame top and bottom22′,24′ are a scissor or accordion-style truss composed of a metal or hard plastic that enables reversibly expandable of first and second frame sides26′,28′.

In some embodiments, frame top and bottom22′,24′ are absent and in their place are one or more board cords or ropes, such as, e.g., one board cord, two board cords, three board cored, four board cords, or five board cords. A board cord disclosed herein links together first frame side26′, second frame sides28′ and each of the one or more elongated projections54in a manner that enables correct orientation and position of first frame side26′, second frame sides28′ and each of the one or more elongated projections54when in the expanded configuration. A board cord disclosed herein is composed of a fabric, rope, or other pliable material or an elastic material that enables reversibly expandable of first and second frame sides26′,28′. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.21, collapsible board assembly20′″ includes a first board cord46, a second board cord47, and a third board cord48. In these embodiments, first frame side26′, second frame side28′, and each of one or more elongated projections54includes a first board cord aperture, a second board cord aperture, and a third board cord aperture. Each of first, second, and third cord apertures is a through hole sized and dimensioned to enable insertion therethrough of first board cord46, second board cord47, and third board cord48, respectively. In addition, each first board cord aperture from first frame side26′, second frame side,28′, and each of the one or more elongated projections54is aligned with respect to each other to enable first board cord46to insert through each first cord aperture in a manner that allows traversal of first board cord46across the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. Similarly, each second board cord aperture from first frame side26′, second frame side,28′, and each of the one or more elongated projections54is aligned with respect to each other to enable second board cord47to insert through each second cord aperture in a manner that allows traversal of second board cord47across the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. Likewise, each third board cord aperture from first frame side26′, second frame side,28′, and each of the one or more elongated projections54is aligned with respect to each other to enable third board cord48to insert through each third cord aperture in a manner that allows traversal of third board cord48across the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. The location of first and third board cord apertures will generally be on the upper quarter and lower quarter of collapsible board assembly20′″, respectively as this location generally provides the best stability. In addition, the location of second board cord apertures will generally be centrally located on collapsible board assembly20′″ as this location generally provides the best stability. In some embodiments, first cord apertures are located just above upper rod apertures disclosed herein and third cord apertures are located just below lower rod apertures disclosed herein. The one or more board cords disclosed herein can include one or more fasteners that hold the one or more board cords in place, such as, e.g., a knot, a plug, a clamp, a clasp, or other type fastener. A fastener disclosed herein is typically secured on either side of a cord aperture located on first and second frame sides26′,28′, one or more elongated projections54, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.21, first, second and third board cords46,47,48are secured to collapsible board assembly20′″ by tying a knot49on either side of each of their respective board cord apertures located on first frame side26′, second frame side,28′, and each of the one or more elongated projections54.

Collapsible board assembly20′″ further includes one or more board stabilizing rods, each having a first end and a second end and having a length sized and dimensioned to traverse the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.18, collapsible board assembly20′″ further includes a first board stabilizing rod77and a second board stabilizing rod78. First and second board stabilizing rods77,78have a securing hole79near first and second ends, each being a though hole sized and dimensioned to receive a securing pin89therethrough. Securing holes79are positioned so that when first and second board stabilizing rods77,78are properly positioned within collapsible board assembly20′″ as it adopts the expanded configuration, one securing hole79is located on the inside surface of first frame side26′ and another securing hole79is located on the inside surface of second frame side28′. Additionally, first board stabilizing rod77has an engagement point32″ near its first end and an engagement point33″ near its second ends, and optionally second board stabilizing rod78has engagement point32″ near its first end and engagement point33″ near its second end. Engagement points32″,33″ are located next to securing holes79in a manner where securing holes79lie in between the first and second ends of first and second board stabilizing rods77,78and engagement points32″,33″. In some embodiments, engagement points32″,33″ are notches cut into one location, or two locations where one is opposite the other, of first and/or second board stabilizing rods77,78. First frame side26′, second frame side28′, and each of one or more elongated projections54includes an upper rod aperture30and a lower rod aperture31. Each upper and lower rod aperture30,31is a through hole sized and dimensioned to enable insertion therethrough of first and second board stabilizing rods77,78respectively. In addition, each upper rod aperture30from first frame side26′, second frame side,28′, and each of the one or more elongated projections54is aligned with respect to each other to enable first board stabilizing rod77to insert through each upper rod aperture30in a manner that allows traversal of first board stabilizing rod77across the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. Similarly, each lower rod aperture31from first frame side26′, second frame side,28′, and each of the one or more elongated projections54is aligned with respect to each other to enable second board stabilizing rod78to insert through each lower rod aperture31in a manner that allows traversal of second board stabilizing rod78across the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration.

Additionally, one or more board stabilizing cords can optionally be present to provide further stability to collapsible board assembly20′″ when in the expanded configuration. Each of the one or more stabilizing cords disclosed herein have a length sized and dimensioned to traverse the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′ when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.18, collapsible board assembly20′″ further includes a first stabilizing cord87and a second stabilizing cord88, each having a first end and a second end opposite first end. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.18, the first end of first stabilizing cord87is attached to second frame side28′ near where frame top22′ attaches to second frame side28′ and the second end of first stabilizing cord87is attached to first frame side26′ near where frame bottom24′ attaches to first frame side26′, and the first end of second stabilizing cord88is attached to first frame side26′ near where frame top22′ attaches to first frame side26′ and the second end of second stabilizing cord88is attached second frame side28′ near where frame bottom24′ attaches to second frame side28′. In these embodiments, first and second stabilizing cords87,88, form an X-structure when collapsible board assembly20′″ is in the expanded configuration. In some embodiments, first and second stabilizing cords87,88can be attached to first and second frame sides26′,28′ by inserting first and second ends through holes present at the location of the attachment points of first and second frame sides26′,28′ and then tying a knot at each end inserted therethrough. Alternatively, first and second stabilizing cords87,88can be attached to first and second frame sides26′,28′ by a fastener such as, e.g., a screw, a staple, a rivet, a tack, or other fastener that can attach first and second stabilizing cords87,88to first and second frame sides26′,28′.

In operation, collapsible board assembly20′″ is adopted into the expanded configuration by moving first and second frame sides26′,28′ away from each other until fully expanded. Generally, if present, first and second stabilizing cords87,88are until fully expanded at this point as well. First and second board stabilizing rods77,78are then inserted through each upper and lower rod aperture30,31, respectively in a manner where first and second board stabilizing rods77,78traverse the distance between first and second frame sides26′,28′. Once properly positioned, securing pins89can be inserted through securing holes79of at least second board stabilizing rod78, although securing pins89can also be inserted through securing holes79of first board stabilizing rod77, so as to fix in place and stabilize collapsible board assembly20′″ in the expanded configuration. In this manner, engagement points32″ of first and second board stabilizing rods77,78lie within furrow60formed in between second frame side28′ and elongated projection54and engagement points33″ of first and second board stabilizing rods77,78lie within furrow60formed in between first frame side26′ and elongated projection54. Once first and second board stabilizing rods77,78are secured, expanded collapsible board assembly20′″ can now receive a stand assembly disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, second playing surface50further and optionally comprises a flexible cover, such, as, e.g., a fabric or thin flexible material (not shown). Such, flexible cover is opaque in order to conceal one or more elongated projections54and furrows60of second playing surface50. The purpose of flexible cover is to hide second playing surface50from the view of a user in order to further reduce the user's ability from anticipating a rebounding path a ball might travel when striking and rebounding from one or more elongated projections54and furrows60of second playing surface50. Such concealment is useful for increasing the skill level of a user or providing one or more users with a more challenging game.

In some embodiments, a stand assembly disclosed herein can comprises a support arm assembly including one or more support arms and, optionally, a stabilizing assembly including one or more tethers and optionally one or more stabilizing pads. Each of the one or more support arms is typically a multi-sided or closed-arc linear structure having an attachment, a first end including a board assembly engagement portion and a second end including a stabilizing pad engagement portion. Each of the one or more tethers comprises a first end including a board assembly engagement portion and a second end including a support arm engagement portion. Each tether is typically a flexible material that optionally can be elastic and includes, without limitation, a static cord like a rope, cable, or other static line, or an elastic cord like a bungee cord, rubber cord, or other flexible line. Each of the one or more stabilizing pads comprises at attachment portion operationally configured to affix to a stabilizing pad engagement portion of a support arm and a stabilizing portion. Each stabilizing pad is configured to stability interact with a support surface to provide added stability to a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein. As assembled, a stabilizing pad is reversibly but securely affixed to a stabilizing pad engagement portion of a support arm and then a board assembly engagement portion of the support arm is reversibly but securely affixed into an engagement portion on a board assembly disclosed herein. To increase stability of a stand assembly, a board assembly engagement portion of a tether is secured to an attachment point located on a board assembly disclosed herein and a support arm engagement portion of the tether is secured to an attachment point located on the support arm.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.2-5, a stand assembly100comprises a support arm assembly110including a first support arm112and a second support arm122and a stabilizing assembly130including a first tether132, a second tether142, a first stabilizing pad150and a second stabilizing pad160. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.2-4, first and second tethers132,142(depicted as elastic cords) comprise a first end including a board assembly engagement portion133,143and a second end including a support arm engagement portion134,144. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.2-5, first and second stabilizing pad150,160comprises at attachment portion152,162and a stabilizing portion154,164.

As shown inFIGS.2-5, first and second support arms112,122are each a four-sided linear structure of rectangular shape defined by a length, width, and height and a first end including an board assembly engagement portion113,123, respectively, and a second end including a stabilizing pad engagement portion114,124, respectively. First and second support arms112,122are spaced apart and placed on either side of a rearward facing surface to provide stable support of a board assembly disclosed herein, with board assembly20being the example inFIGS.2-5. Attachment of first and second support arms112,122to a rearward facing surface of a board assembly disclosed herein occur at first and second engagement points32,33, respectively of a board assembly. In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.2-5, first and second engagement points32,33are positioned at an interior portion a rearward facing surface of board assembly20nearby first and second frame sides26,28and in the upper half of board assembly20as such positioning provides the requires stable support of board assembly20.

In some embodiments, and still referring toFIGS.2-5, first and second board assembly engagement portions113,123can be configured as tenons to reversable and securely fit into first and second engagement points32,33, respectively of board assembly20which are operationally configured as mortises. By utilizing a mortise and tenon joint, in particular a shouldered joint, first and second board assembly engagement portions113,123are operationally configured to precisely engage their respective first and second engagement points32,33. First and second board assembly engagement portions113,123as tenons have shoulders that seat when fully entered into first and second engagement points32,33and are wedged in place. Accordingly, such a through tenon and mortise, as a shouldered joint shown here, provides for a flush, strong, stable and removable attachment of first and second support arms112,122of stand assembly100to board assembly20.

A ball and practice apparatus10comprising a support arm assembly110having first and second support arms112,122results in a board assembly disclosed herein, including board assembly20,20′ and20″, having a fixed angle of play θ that is static or not adjustable. An angle of play θ disclosed herein is an angle that keeps rebounding ball4′ airborne for a sufficient time that user2can meaningfully engage rebounding ball4′ in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has a fixed angle of play θ of more than 90° with respect to the horizon, where fixed angle of play θ is the angle measured from the support surface upon which the stand assembly is disposed upon to the forward-facing playing surface. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play θ of, e.g., about 110°, about 115°, about 120°, about 125°, about 130°, about 135°, about 140°, about 145°, about 150°, about 155°, or about 160° with respect to the horizon.

When stabilizing pads154,164are absent, stabilizing pad engagement portion114,124have squared off ends which contact a support surface upon which portable ball play and practice apparatus10is disposed. If disposed upon a soft, giving support surface, such as sand on a beach, squared off ends of stabilizing pad engagement portion114,124can be pushed into and driven into the soft, giving support surface to provide secure placement of portable ball play and practice apparatus10.

Still referring toFIGS.2-5, board assembly20can further comprise a first attachment point34disposed on one of first or second frames sides26,28and a second attachment point35disposed on the other of first or second frames sides26,28. First attachment point34is configured to reversibly receive board assembly engagement portion133of first tether132and second attachment point35is configured to reversibly receive board assembly engagement portion143of second tether142. Also shown inFIGS.2-5, first support arm112can further comprise a first attachment point115and second support arm122can further comprise a second attachment point125. First attachment point115is configured to reversibly receive support arm engagement portion134of first tether132and second attachment point125is configured to reversibly receive support arm engagement portion144of first tether142. First and second board assembly engagement portion133,143and first and second support arm engagement portion134,144can be configured as, for example, a J-hook, an eye-hook, or lanyard. First and second attachment points34,35and first and second attachment points115,125can be configured as, for example, a peg, a screw, a bolt, a nail, a J-hook, or an eye-hook. As shown inFIGS.2-5, first and second board assembly engagement portion133,143and first and second support arm engagement portion134,144are configured as a J-hook and first and second attachment points34,35and first and second attachment points115,125are configured as an eye-hook.

Stabilizing assembly130includes multiple, different interchangeable stabilizing pads to accommodate various playing conditions and surfaces. As shown inFIG.3, stabilizing pads154,164can be configured based on the type of support surface stabilizing pads154,164will interact with and provide a stabilizing effect to portable ball play and practice apparatus10relative to a support arm assembly110without such stabilizing pads. For example, stabilizing portions154,164can be configured as a spike having a base that tapers to a distal point structured to penetrate turf, sand, natural, or other penetrable ground surface, to provide a stabilizing effect to portable ball play and practice apparatus10when in use on such surface. As another example, stabilizing portions154,164can be configured as an anti-skid pad having treated and/or textured surface, for example, elastomeric material or other suitable material providing an increased coefficient of friction between portions of stabilizing portions154,164. Such anti-skid surface provides a stabilizing effect to portable ball play and practice apparatus10when in use on a solid surface, for example, man-made surface, such as a court surface, hardwood flooring, asphalt, tiled surface, paved surface, clay surface, smooth surface, textured surface, rubberized surface, or other solid-like surface.

As assembled, stabilizing pad150is reversibly but securely affixed to stabilizing pad engagement portion114of first support arm112and then board assembly engagement portion113of first support arm112is reversibly but securely affixed into a first engagement portion32on board assembly20. To increase stability of stand assembly100, a board assembly engagement portion133of first tether132is secured to an attachment point34located on a board assembly20and a support arm engagement portion134of first tether132is secured to an attachment point115located on first support arm112. Second support arm122, second stabilizing pad160and second tether142of support arm assembly110are assembled in the same manner as described for first support arm112, first stabilizing pad150and first tether132.

As shown inFIGS.1,3&4, by disassembling and reassembling stand assembly100, portable ball play and practice apparatus10can be changeably configured between a first playing position and a second playing position. More specifically, in a first playing position shown inFIG.3, board assembly20is positioned, relative to stand assembly100, such that first playing surface40is forwardly facing and second playing surface50is rearwardly facing. In a second position shown inFIG.4, board assembly20is positioned, relative to stand assembly100, such that second playing surface50is forwardly facing and first playing surface40is rearwardly facing.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.18-20, a stand assembly100comprises a support arm assembly110including a first support arm112′ and a second support arm122′ and, optionally, a stabilizing assembly. As shown inFIG.20, first and second support arms112′,122′ are each a four-sided linear structure of rectangular shape defined by a length, width, and height and a first end including a board assembly engagement portion113′,123′, respectively, and a second end. As shown inFIGS.19&20, board assembly engagement portions113′,123′ can each be a notch sized and dimensioned to receive engagement points32″,33″ of first board stabilizing rod77of collapsible board assembly20′″. First and second support arms112′,122′ are spaced apart and placed on either side of a rearward facing surface to provide stable support of a board assembly disclosed herein, with board assembly20being the example inFIGS.18-20. Although not shown, stand assembly100of collapsible board assembly20′″ can further include a stabilizing assembly including a first tether and a second tether similar to stabilizing assembly130with first tether132and a second tether142and attached to first and second frame sides26′,28′ and first and second support arms112,122, in a manner similar to that described above for first tether132and a second tether142.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.22-25, a stand assembly of portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprises a support arm assembly including a first support arm112and a second support arm122. First and second support arms112,122are each a cylinder shape defined by a length and diameter. During assembly, first and second support arms112,122are inserted into first and second engagement points32,33respectively, located in first and second frame sides26,28. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.24, first and second support arms112,122comprises an outer and inner tube arrangement that enables the length of first and second support arms112,122to be adjusted.

In some embodiments, a stand assembly disclosed herein can comprises a support arm assembly including one or more swingable support arms and a stabilizing assembly including one or more swingable stabilizing feet. Each of the one or more swingable support arms is typically a multi-sided or closed-arc linear structure having a first end including a board assembly engagement portion and a second end including a stabilizing foot engagement portion including a securing pin aperture. Each of the one or more swingable stabilizing feet is typically a multi-sided, open-arc, or closed-arc linear structure having a first end including a board assembly hinge portion and a second region including a hinge, a support arm slot, one or more securing pin apertures, and a securing pin. Each swingable stabilizing foot is configured to stability interact with a support surface to provide added stability to a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein. As assembled, a board assembly engagement portion for each swingable support arm is secured to an attachment point of a board assembly disclosed herein and each swingable stabilizing foot is affixed to a hinge engagement portion on a board assembly disclosed herein. A stabilizing foot engagement portion of each swingable support arm is then inserted into a support arm slot of a swingable stabilizing foot it is operationally aligned with. A securing pin aperture of for each swingable support arm is then aligned with a securing pin aperture of the one or more securing pin apertures of a swingable stabilizing foot and a securing pin is inserted therethrough reversibly and securely attaching each swingable support arm to its respective swingable stabilizing foot. The movement allowed by both the one or more swingable support arms and one or more swingable stabilizing feet enable a user to adjust the angle a board assembly disclosed herein to one desired for use.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.12, a stand assembly100comprises a support arm assembly110including a first swingable support arm212and a second swingable support arm222and a stabilizing assembly130including a first stabilizing foot250and a second stabilizing foot260. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.12, second stabilizing foot260comprises a board assembly hinge portion262and a stabilizing portion264. Similarly, first stabilizing foot250comprises a board assembly hinge portion (not shown) and a stabilizing portion (not shown).

As shown inFIG.12, first and second swingable support arms212,222are each a four-sided linear structure of rectangular shape defined by a length, width, and height. Each of first and second swingable support arms212,222include a first end including an board assembly engagement portion213,223, respectively, and a second end including a stabilizing foot engagement portion214,224, respectively. First and second swingable support arms212,222are spaced apart and placed on either side of a rearward facing surface to provide stable support of a board assembly disclosed herein, with hinged board assembly20′ being the example inFIG.12. Attachment of first and second swingable support arms212,222to a rearward facing surface of a board assembly disclosed herein occur at first and second engagement points32′,33′, respectively of a board assembly. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.12, first and second engagement points32′,33′ are positioned at an interior portion a rearward facing surface of board assembly20′ nearby first and second frame sides26,28and in the upper half of board assembly20′ as such positioning provides the requires stable support of board assembly20′. In some embodiments, first and second engagement points32′,33′ are configured include tenons to reversable and securely fit into first and second engagement points32,33, respectively of board assembly20which are operationally configured as mortises.

In some embodiments, and still referring toFIG.12, first board assembly engagement portion213comprises a pivot through hole and engagement point32′ is configured as a bracket with a through hole that enables rotational movement. A first pivot joint218is formed by inserting first board assembly engagement portion213into engagement point32′ and reversibly and securely affixing both components by a pin, such as a cotter or a hitch pin clip or the like, for example, inserted through the through holes of first board assembly engagement portion213and engagement point32′. First pivot joint218enables first swingable support arms212to freely pivot about the pin of first pivot joint218enabling first swingable support arm212to swing toward or away from board assembly20. A second pivot joint228is similarly formed using second board assembly engagement portion223and engagement point33′ as described above for first board assembly engagement portion213and engagement point32′. Both first and second swingable support arms212,222can have the ends rounds, e.g., half-circle shaped, to facilitate movement of their respective swingable support arm about the pin of first and second pivot joint218,228.

As shown inFIG.12, first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260are each a four-sided linear structure of rectangular shape defined by a length, width, and height and a first end including an board assembly hinge portion and a stabilizing portion including a support arm slot255,265, one or more securing bolt apertures, and a securing bolt, respectively. Each of first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260are reversibly and securely affixed to a board assembly disclosed herein including board assembly20,20′ and20″. For example, as shown inFIG.12, second swingable stabilizing foot260is reversibly and securely affixed to board assembly20′ securing a second hinge268to a second board assembly hinge portion262of second swingable stabilizing foot260and a second attachment point34′ of board assembly20′ located on frame bottom24. First swingable stabilizing foot250is reversibly and securely affixed to frame bottom24of board assembly20′ in the same manner as described for second swingable stabilizing foot260. In some embodiments, hinges, as shown for second268inFIG.12, are attached in a manner enabling first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260and a board assembly disclosed herein to be substantially fully rotated about the hinges to enable play on either playing surface of a board assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260and a board assembly disclosed herein may be collapsible about hinges to enable a folded-like, face-to-face configuration, e.g. with first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260substantially abutting first playing surface40or second playing surface50. Such collapsible positioning allows for ease of transport or storage of portable ball play and practice apparatus10.

Referring toFIG.12, each of support arm slots255,265is a narrow channel within first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, respectively and parallel to the length of its respective stabilizing foot. The placement of support arm slots255,265along its respective stabilizing foot is generally based on the desired angle of a board assembly disclosed herein to be achieved and is typically dimensioned and sized to operationally angle a board assembly disclosed herein between from about 30° to about 75°. As best seen for second securing bolt aperture266inFIG.12, each of one or more securing bolt apertures are holes running perpendicular to and into support arm slots255,265, respectively, to form through holes configured to receive securing bolt, as shown inFIG.12for securing bolt269. One or more securing bolt apertures are each spaced apart and aligned along a portion or all of support arm slots255,265, respectively. In some embodiments, each securing bolt aperture forms a through hole on either side of its respective support arm slot. In some embodiments, each securing bolt aperture forms a through hole on one side of its respective support arm slot but a corresponding blind hole on the other side of its respective support arm slot. Inserting a securing bolt into one of the one or more securing bolt apertures suitable affixes stabilizing foot engagement portions214,224of first and second swingable support arms212,222, to first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, respectively. As such, securing bolts provided for quick and easy connection between first and second swingable support arms212,222and first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, respectively. As discussed below, by selectively connecting first and second swingable support arms212,222to first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted as desired.

Still referring toFIG.12, stabilizing foot engagement portion224of second swingable support arm222is inserted into support arm slot265of second swingable stabilizing foot260in an manner that aligns a securing bolt aperture of second swingable arm222with one of the one or more securing bolt apertures266of second swingable stabilizing foot260and enables securing bolt269to be inserted through the securing bolt apertures266and securing bolt aperture of second swingable arm222to reversibly and securely attach second swingable arm222to second swingable stabilizing foot260. First swingable support arm212is reversibly and securely attached to first swingable stabilizing foot250in the same manner as described for second swingable arm222. Once first and second swingable arms212,222, are securely attached to first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, a board assembly disclosed herein is operationally and stably fixed at a certain angle. Since attachment of first and second swingable arms212,222to first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260are reversable, a user can adjust the angle of a board assembly disclosed herein by removing the securing bolts, aligning securing bolt apertures of first and second swingable arms212,222with a different securing bolt aperture of the one or more securing bolt apertures of first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, and then reinserting securing bolts.

A ball and practice apparatus10comprising a support arm assembly110having first and second support arms212,222and first and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260, results in a board assembly disclosed herein, including board assembly20,20′ and20″, that can have its angle of play θ adjusted. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play θ that can be adjusted from about 110° to about 160° with respect to the horizon, where angle of play θ is the angle measured from the support surface upon which the stand assembly is disposed upon to the forward-facing playing surface. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play θ that can be adjusted from, e.g., about 110° to about 120°, about 110° to about 130°, about 110° to about 140°, about 110° to about 150°, about 110° to about 160°, about 120° to about 130°, about 120° to about 140°, about 120° to about 150°, about 120° to about 160°, about 130° to about 140°, about 130° to about 150°, about 130° to about 160°, about 140° to about 150°, about 140° to about 160°, or about 140° to about 160° with respect to the horizon. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play that can be adjusted from, e.g., about 120° to about 160°, about 125° to about 155°, about 130° to about 150°, about 135° to about 145° with respect to the horizon.

In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play adjusted by a range encompassing, e.g., at least 30°, at least 35°, at least 40°, at least 45°, at least 50°, at least 55°, at least 60°, at least 65°, at least 70°, or at least 75°. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted by a range encompassing, e.g., at most 30°, at most 35°, at most 40°, at most 45°, at most 50°, at most 55°, at most 60°, at most 65°, at most 70°, or at most 75°. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted by a range encompassing, e.g., about 30° to about 40°, about 30° to about 50°, about 30° to about 60°, about 30° to about 70°, about 35° to about 40°, about 35° to about 50°, about 35° to about 60°, about 35° to about 70°, about 40° to about 50°, about 40° to about 60°, about 40° to about 70°, about 45° to about 50°, about 45° to about 60°, about 45° to about 70°, about 50° to about 60°, about 50° to about 70°, about 55° to about 60°, about 55° to about 70°, or about 60° to about 70°.

In some embodiments, a stand assembly disclosed herein can comprises a support arm assembly including one or more swingable support arms and a stabilizing assembly including a swingable stabilizing platform. Each of the one or more swingable support arms is typically a multi-sided or closed-arc linear structure having a first end including a board assembly engagement portion and a second end including a stabilizing foot engagement portion including a securing pin aperture. A swingable stabilizing platform is typically a four-sided base whose length and width are similar in size and dimension to a board assembly disclosed herein that it is associated with. A swingable stabilizing platform has one side including one or more board assembly hinge portions, and two sides that each including one or more securing pin apertures and a securing pin. Swingable stabilizing platform is configured to stability interact with a support surface to provide added stability to a portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein. As assembled, a board assembly engagement portion of each swingable support arm is secured to an attachment point of a board assembly disclosed herein and a swingable stabilizing platform is affixed to a hinge engagement portion on a board assembly disclosed herein. A securing pin aperture for each swingable support arm is then aligned with a securing pin aperture of the one or more securing pin apertures located on either the second or third sides of a swingable stabilizing platform and a securing pin is inserted therethrough to reversibly and securely attaching the swingable support arm to the swingable stabilizing platform. The movement allowed by both the one or more swingable support arms and the swingable stabilizing platform enable a user to adjust the angle a board assembly disclosed herein to one desired for use.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.13, a stand assembly100comprises a support arm assembly110including a first swingable support arm312and a second swingable support arm322and a stabilizing assembly including a swingable stabilizing platform350. As shown inFIG.13, first and second swingable support arms312,322are each a four-sided linear structure of rectangular shape defined by a length, width, and height. Each of first and second swingable support arms312,322include a first end including an board assembly engagement portion313,323, respectively, and a second end including a stabilizing foot engagement portion314,324, respectively. First and second swingable support arms312,322are spaced apart and placed on either side of a rearward facing surface to provide stable support of a board assembly disclosed herein, with board assembly20being the example inFIG.13. Attachment of first and second swingable support arms312,322to a rearward facing surface of a board assembly disclosed herein occur at first and second engagement points, respectively of a board assembly. In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.13, second engagement point34′ is positioned in the upper half of second frame side28and of board assembly20as such positioning provides the requires stable support of board assembly20. Similarly, a first engagement point (not shown) is positioned in the upper half of first frame side26and of board assembly20as such positioning provides the requires stable support of board assembly20.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.13, second board assembly engagement portion323comprises a pivot through hole and an engagement point34′ of board assembly20is configured as a blind hole housing that enables rotational movement and can include a sleaved or ball-bearing socket. A second pivot joint328is formed by aligning pivot through hole of second board assembly engagement portion323with blind hole housing of engagement point34′ and reversibly and securely affixing both components by a pin, such as a cotter or a hitch pin clip or the like, for example. Second pivot joint328enables second swingable support arms322to freely pivot about the pin of first pivot joint328enabling second swingable support arm322to swing toward or away from board assembly20. Similarly, first board assembly engagement portion313comprises a pivot through hole and an engagement point (not shown) of board assembly20is configured as a blind hole housing that enables rotational movement and can include a sleaved or ball-bearing socket. A first pivot joint (not shown) is formed using a first board assembly engagement portion313and an engagement point (not shown) as described above for second board assembly engagement portion323and engagement point34′. Both first and second swingable support arms312,322can have the ends rounds, e.g., half-circle shaped, to facilitate movement or operational effectiveness of their respective swingable support arm about the pin of first and second pivot joints.

In some embodiments, and still referring toFIG.13, swingable stabilizing platform350is a four-sided structure having a length, width, and height and defined by a first side351, a second side352, a third side353, a fourth side354, a top surface355, and a bottom surface356. First side351is opposite to third side353and first side351is generally parallel to third side353. Similarly, second side352is opposite to fourth side354and second side352is generally parallel to fourth side354. Second and fourth sides352,354span between first and third sides351,353and are substantially perpendicular to first and third sides351,353. First side351of stabilizing platform350includes one or more board assembly hinge portions362configured to removably receive a hinge368. Second and fourth sides352,354of swingable stabilizing platform350each include a stabilizing portion364.

Stabilizing portion364of second and fourth sides352,354each include one or more securing bolt apertures366, and a securing bolt369. Swingable stabilizing platform350is reversibly and securely affixed to a board assembly disclosed herein including board assembly20,20′ and20″. For example, as shown inFIG.13, swingable stabilizing platform350is attached to board assembly20by securing hinge368to a board assembly hinge portion362located at first side351of swingable stabilizing platform350and an attachment point35′ of board assembly20located on frame bottom24. Although one securing hinge368is depicted, more than one hinge368is present in order to provide sufficient stability to portable ball paly and practice apparatus10. In some embodiments, securing hinge368is attached in a manner enabling swingable stabilizing platform350and a board assembly disclosed herein to be substantially fully rotated about securing hinge368to enable play on either playing surface of a board assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, swingable stabilizing platform350and a board assembly disclosed herein may be collapsible about securing hinge368to enable a folded-like, face-to-face configuration, e.g. with top surface355of swingable stabilizing platform350substantially abutting first playing surface40(or second playing surface50), for ease of transport or storage of portable ball play and practice apparatus10.

Referring toFIG.13, second and fourth sides352,353each include one or more securing bolt apertures366that are spaced apart. The placement of one or more securing bolt apertures366along its respective side is generally based on the desired angle of a board assembly disclosed herein to be achieved and is typically dimensioned and sized to operationally angle a board assembly disclosed herein between from about 30° to about 75°. Each of securing bolt apertures366is configured as a blind hole housing that can include a sleaved or ball-bearing socket and is configured to receive securing bolt369. Inserting securing bolt369into one of the one or more securing bolt apertures366suitable affixes stabilizing foot engagement portions314,324of first and second swingable support arms312,322, to second and fourth sides352,353, respectively of swingable stabilizing platform360. As such, securing bolt369provided for quick and easy connection between first and second swingable support arms312,322and swingable stabilizing platform360. As discussed below, by selectively connecting first and second swingable support arms312,322to swingable stabilizing platform360, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted as desired.

Still referring toFIG.13, a securing bolt aperture325of stabilizing platform engagement portion324of second swingable support arm322is aligned with one of the one or more securing bolt apertures366of fourth side354of swingable stabilizing platform350which enables securing bolt369to be inserted through securing bolt aperture325of stabilizing platform engagement portion324and securing bolt apertures366to reversibly and securely attach second swingable arm322to swingable stabilizing platform350. First swingable support arm312is reversibly and securely attached to second side352of swingable stabilizing platform350in the same manner as described for second swingable arm322. Once first and second swingable arms312,322, are securely attached to swingable stabilizing platform350, a board assembly disclosed herein is operationally and stably fixed at a certain angle. Since attachment of first and second swingable arms312,322to swingable stabilizing platform350are reversable, a user can adjust the angle of a board assembly disclosed herein by removing the securing bolts, aligning securing bolt apertures of first and second swingable arms312,322with a different securing bolt aperture of the one or more securing bolt apertures of swingable stabilizing platform350, and then reinserting securing bolts.

A ball and practice apparatus10comprising a support arm assembly110having first and second support arms312,322and swingable stabilizing platform350, results in a board assembly disclosed herein, including board assembly20,20′ and20″, that can have its angle of play adjusted. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play θ that can be adjusted from about 110° to about 160° with respect to the horizon, where angle of play is the angle measured from the support surface upon which the stand assembly is disposed upon to the forward-facing playing surface. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play θ that can be adjusted from, e.g., about 110° to about 120°, about 110° to about 130°, about 110° to about 140°, about 110° to about 150°, about 110° to about 160°, about 120° to about 130°, about 120° to about 140°, about 120° to about 150°, about 120° to about 160°, about 130° to about 140°, about 130° to about 150°, about 130° to about 160°, about 140° to about 150°, about 140° to about 160°, or about 140° to about 160° with respect to the horizon. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein has an angle of play θ that can be adjusted from, e.g., about 120° to about 160°, about 125° to about 155°, about 130° to about 150°, about 135° to about 145° with respect to the horizon.

In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted by a range encompassing, e.g., at least 30°, at least 35°, at least 40°, at least 45°, at least 50°, at least 55°, at least 60°, at least 65°, at least 70°, or at least 75°. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted by a range encompassing, e.g., at most 30°, at most 35°, at most 40°, at most 45°, at most 50°, at most 55°, at most 60°, at most 65°, at most 70°, or at most 75°. In some embodiments, a board assembly disclosed herein can have its angle of play θ adjusted by a range encompassing, e.g., about 30° to about 40°, about 30° to about 50°, about 30° to about 60°, about 30° to about 70° about 35° to about 40°, about 35° to about 50°, about 35° to about 60°, about 35° to about 70° about 40° to about 50°, about 40° to about 60°, about 40° to about 70°, about 45° to about 50° about 45° to about 60°, about 45° to about 70°, about 50° to about 60°, about 50° to about 70° about 55° to about 60°, about 55° to about 70°, or about 60° to about 70°.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.13, a ballast370or other weighted element can be deposed upon top surface355of swingable stabilizing platform350may be provided to provide additional stability to portable ball play and practice apparatus10when in use.

A portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein can optionally comprise a backstop assembly. A backstop assembly is dimensioned and sized to prevent errant balls that fail to properly rebound off a board assembly disclosed herein from careening off away from a field of play. For example, a ball could fail to strike a board assembly disclosed herein or strike a board assembly disclosed herein in a manner that causes the ball to deflect away from the field of play. A backstop assembly disclosed herein achieves this function by, e.g., capturing a ball to halt it from leaving a field of play, or redirecting the ball by into a field of play, thus minimizing a user's time wasted chasing down errant balls.

In some embodiments, a backstop assembly is a stand-alone component that is typically set up behind a board assembly and stand assembly disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a stand-alone backstop assembly comprises a net, L-shaped connector joints, and stiff or flexible poles to form frame to which a net is attached and having front opening that can be a rectangular or half circle in shape. A stand-alone backstop assembly generally has front openings with a height of about 4 feet to 8 feet and width of about 6 feet to 24 feet. Non-limiting examples of a stand-alone backstop assembly include an ice hockey goal, a field hockey goal, and a soccer goal, each of which is widely available in commerce.

In some embodiments, a backstop assembly affixed to either or both a board assembly and stand assembly disclosed herein. A attachable backstop assembly disclosed herein requires that the associated portable ball play and practice apparatuses10further includes additional components to enable reversable attachment of the attachable backstop assembly to either or both a board assembly and stand assembly disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, an attachable backstop assembly comprises one or more net poles and a net. Each of the one or more net poles is typically a multi-sided or closed-arc linear structure defined by a length and width (or diameter) and having a first end including a net engagement portion and a second end including a platform engagement portion. In addition, each net poles can be rigid or flexible and may also be configured as a nesting sectional pole. In some embodiments, a net pole disclosed herein can have a length of, e.g., at least 4 feet, at least 5 feet, at least 6 feet, at least 7 feet, at least 8 feet, at least 9 feet, or at least 10 feet. In some embodiments, a net pole disclosed herein can have a length of, e.g., at most 4 feet, at most 5 feet, at most 6 feet, at most 7 feet, at most 8 feet, at most 9 feet, or at most 10 feet. In some embodiments, a net pole disclosed herein can have a length of, e.g., about 4 feet to about 5 feet, about 4 feet to about 6 feet, about 4 feet to about 7 feet, about 4 feet to about 8 feet, about 4 feet to about 9 feet, about 4 feet to about 10 feet, about 5 feet to about 6 feet, about 5 feet to about 7 feet, about 5 feet to about 8 feet, about 5 feet to about 9 feet, about 5 feet to about 10 feet, about 6 feet to about 7 feet, about 6 feet to about 8 feet, about 6 feet to about 9 feet, about 6 feet to about 10 feet, about 7 feet to about 8 feet, about 7 feet to about 9 feet, about 7 feet to about 10 feet, about 8 feet to about 9 feet, about 8 feet to about 10 feet, or about 9 feet to about 10 feet.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.14, an attachable attached backstop400comprises a first net pole402, a second net pole412, and a net420. Each of first and second net poles402,412is cylindrical in shape defined by a length and diameter, flexible, and includes a net engagement portion404,414and a second end including a platform engagement portion406,416, respectively. Net420is a four-sided structure having a first side421, a second side422, a third side423, and a fourth side424. A first net pole pocket426is located at the corner of first and fourth sides421,424and second net pole pocket428is located at the corner of first and second sides421,422. Net pole pockets426,428can be made for either a hard material such as plastic or a flexible material such as, e.g., a nylon fabric.

To enable reversible attachment of backstop assembly400, portable ball play and practice apparatuses10further includes additional components. As shown inFIG.14, swingable stabilizing platform350further include a first net pole engagement point372and a second net pole engagement point374each shaped and sized to receive therein platform engagement portion406,416of first and second net poles402and404, respectively First and second net pole engagement points372,374are positioned proximate to corners formed by second and third sides352,353and third and fourth sides353,354of swingable stabilizing platform350. Each of first and second net pole engagement points372,374can be, e.g., a peg configured to be inserted into a hole within first and second platform engagement portions406,416, respectively, a threaded blind hole configured to receive a threaded portion of first and second platform engagement portions406,416, respectively, or a blind hole configured to receive first and second platform engagement portions406,416, respectively.

In addition, and still referring toFIG.14, board assembly20further include a first net pole engagement point37and a second net pole engagement point38each shaped and sized to reversibly affix therein first and second net poles402and404, respectively. Each of first and second net pole engagement points37,38can be, e.g., a flexible prong configured to be reversibly secure a portion of first and second net poles402and404, respectively, or an eye-hook configured to be reversibly receive a portion of first and second net poles402and404, respectively, inserted therewithin.

To assemble backstop assembly400to portable ball play and practice apparatuses10, first net pole402is reversibly secured to second net pole engagement point374of swingable stabilizing platform350and first net pole engagement point37of board assembly20. Similarly, second net pole412is reversibly secured to first net pole engagement point372of swingable stabilizing platform350and second net pole engagement point38of board assembly20. Net420is then secured to the resulting X-shaped frame by reversibly securing first net pole pocket426to net first engagement portion404and second net pole pocket428to second net engagement portion414. Net400is then allowed to drape down behind portable ball play and practice apparatus10. Net400can optionally include weights, e.g., incorporated within third side423to increase the tautness of net400when assembled.

As portable ball play and practice apparatus10can be reversibly configured to have forward playing surface being either first playing surface40or second playing surface50, additional components required to reversibly attach attachable attached backstop400are either duplicated or adjustable in order to be operationally configured to affix attachable attached backstop400in either orientation. For example, and referring toFIG.13, since swingable stabilizing platform350and board assembly20can be substantially fully rotated about hinge368to enable play on either first playing surface40or second playing surface50, first and second net pole engagement points372,374of swingable stabilizing platform350can be 1) duplicated on both top surface355and bottom surface356of swingable stabilizing platform350, or 2) configured to be removably affixed or switchably adjustable so as to enable selectively placement of first and second net pole engagement points372,374to either top surface355or bottom surface356. First and second swingable stabilizing feet250,260can be similarly configured to duplicate or provide for removably affixed or switchably adjustable first and second net pole engagement points372,374.

Likewise, first and second net pole engagement points37,38of swingable board assembly20can be 1) duplicated on both first playing surface40or second playing surface50, or 2) configured to be removably affixed or switchably adjustable so as to enable selectively placement of first and second net pole engagement points37,38to either first playing surface40or second playing surface50. Such configuration allows backstop assembly400to be used with either first or second playing surface40,50to catch balls and prevent them from careening off away from a field of play. Board assemblies20′,20″ can be similarly configured to duplicate or provide for removably affixed or switchably adjustable first and second net pole engagement points37,38.

In some embodiments, an attachable backstop assembly comprises one or more return panels. Each of the one or more return panels is sized and configured to reversibly affix to one of a frame top, first frame side or second frame side of a board assembly disclosed herein. Each return panel is so affixed to a board assembly disclosed herein that it extends the surface area of a forward-facing playing surface. In addition, each return panel disclosed herein can optionally be affixed using a spring hinge. In such configuration, each panel adopts a first position that maximizes the surface area covered by the return panels and upon being struck by a ball, the stuck return panel recoils rearwardly and then returns forward to the first position thereby redirecting the ball by into a field of play.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIGS.15&16, an attachable backstop assembly400′ comprises a top return panel430sized and configured to reversibly affix to frame top22of board assembly20, a first side return panel440sized and configured to reversibly affix to first frame side26of board assembly20, a second side return panel450sized and configured to reversibly affix to second frame side28of board assembly20, a first rebound tether460and a second rebound tether470. Top return panel430, first side return panel440, and second side return panel450are each reversibly affixed to frame top22, first frame side26, and second frame side28, respectively using one or more hinges458, which optionally are spring hinges. Alternatively, each return panel can be reversibly affixed via pegs or gate hinge J-bolt that provide a suitable recoil mechanism.

In some embodiments, and referring toFIG.15, each of top return panel430, first side return panel440, and second side return panel450is a four-sided structure having a length, width, and depth and defined by a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a top surface, and a bottom surface. First side is opposite to third side and first side is generally parallel to third side. Similarly, second side is opposite to fourth side and span between first and third sides. With respect to top return panel430, this panel is dimensioned and sized as an isosceles trapezoidal shape with second and fourth sides being angles and first side having a greater length than third side. With respect to first side return panel440, this panel is dimensioned and sized as a right-angled trapezoidal shape with fourth side being angled and first side having a greater length than third side. With respect to second side return panel450, this panel is also dimensioned and sized as right-angled trapezoidal shape but with second side being angled and first side having a greater length than third side. When assembled, angled second side of second side return panel450forms a mitered corner with angled fourth side of top return panel430. Similarity, angled fourth side of first side return panel440forms a mitered corner with angled second side of top return panel430.

As shown inFIGS.15&16, each mitered corner can be optionally and reversibly secured with a rebound tether4600. Tether460comprises a first engagement portion462and a second engagement portion464. As best seen inFIG.16, rebound tether460can be affixed to mitered corner formed by second side return panel450and top return panel430by attaching first engagement portion462to an engagement point452of second side return panel450and second engagement portion464to an engagement point432of top return panel430. Similarly, another tether260can be affixed to mitered corner formed by first side return panel440and top return panel430by attaching a first engagement portion462to an engagement point442of first side return panel440and a second engagement portion464to an engagement point432of top return panel430. Each rebound tether460is typically a flexible and resilient elastic material that includes, without limitation, an elastic cord like a bungee cord, rubber cord, or other elastic line. When elastic, rebound tether460can be the sole recoil mechanism that redirects a ball by into a field of play or be used in conjunction with hinge458when such hinge is a spring hinge.

Aspects of the present specification disclose, in part, kits comprising one or more components as disclosed herein. Kits provide a convenient enclosure of components useful to sell, transport or store portable ball play and practice apparatus disclosed herein and its use as disclosed herein to facilitate or enhance a commercial sale. For example, in some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.17, a kit500may comprise portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprising board assembly20and stand assembly100, and optionally backstop assembly400with, optionally a container510and/or one or more instructions provided on suitable media describing instructions useful to assemble portable ball play and practice apparatus10and/or practice a method or use employing portable ball play and practice apparatus10. In some embodiments, kit500may comprise portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprising board assembly20′ and stand assembly100, and optionally backstop assembly400with, optionally a container510and/or one or more instructions provided on suitable media describing instructions useful to assemble portable ball play and practice apparatus10and/or practice a method or use for assemble portable ball play and practice apparatus10. In some embodiments, kit500may comprise portable ball play and practice apparatus10comprising a plurality of board assemblies20″ and stand assembly100, and optionally backstop assembly400with, optionally a container510and/or one or more instructions provided on suitable media describing instructions useful to assemble portable ball play and practice apparatus10and/or practice a method or use for assemble portable ball play and practice apparatus10.

Container510is dimensioned and sized to enclose portable ball play and practice apparatus10as well as one or more instructions and one or more optional components disclosed herein and is useful for storing, transporting or caring of same. Exemplary containers include, but are not limited to, a box, a bag (for example, a duffel bag), a carrying case (soft or hard sided), crate, cart or any other suitable device sized to contain and/or store and/or transport at least one ball play and practice apparatus as herein disclosed. In some examples, container510may have at least one handle512for ease of carry, maneuvering and transport. In some embodiments, kit500comprises a single container510configured to enclose all components portable ball play and practice apparatus10, and optionally one or more other components, such one or more balls and/or one or more stabilizing pad engagement portions114,124, for example. In some embodiments, kit500can comprise multiple containers510, where one container510enclose portable ball play and practice apparatus10as well as one or more instructions and one or more optional components disclosed herein and the remainder of the multiple containers510configured to individually enclose one or more of a board assembly disclosed herein, a stand assembly disclosed herein and/or a backstop assembly disclosed herein as well as or enclose one or more other components, such one or more balls and/or one or more stabilizing pad engagement portions114,124, for example.

Kit500may include labels or inserts. Labels or inserts include “printed matter” that can be provided as separate material, a packing material (e.g., a box), or attached or affixed to a container containing a kit component. Labels or inserts can additionally include a computer readable medium, such as a disk (e.g., hard disk, flash memory), optical disk such as CD- or DVD-ROM/RAM, DVD, MP3, magnetic tape, or an electrical storage media such as RAM and ROM or hybrids of these such as magnetic/optical storage media, FLASH media or memory type cards. Labels or inserts may include identifying information of one or more components therein, dose amounts, does frequency or timing, information on the individual components. Labels or inserts can include information identifying manufacturer information, lot numbers, manufacturer location and date. Labels or inserts can include information on a condition or situation for which a kit component may be used. Labels or inserts can include instructions for using one or more of the kit components in a method, or use as disclosed herein. Instructions can include dosage amounts, frequency or duration, and instructions for practicing any of the methods or uses, or treatment protocols described herein as well as warnings on potential hazards or situations where it would not be appropriate to use the components of the kit.

Aspects of the present specification can also be described by the following embodiments:1. A portable ball play and practice apparatus comprising a board assembly, the board assembly comprising one or more sides, a first playing surface, and a second playing surface substantially opposing the first playing surface, the one or more sides including a frame top and a frame bottom with the frame top being opposite to the frame bottom and generally parallel to the frame bottom, and the first playing surface configured to provide a different rebound effect when contacted by a ball relative to the second playing surface; a stand assembly, the stand assembly being dimensioned and sized to provide a stable support to the board assembly and an angle of play, the stand assembly comprising one or more components including a support arm assembly; wherein the apparatus is configured to adopt into a first playing position or a second playing position, wherein in the first playing position the board assembly is changeably positioned such that the first playing surface is forwardly facing and available for use and the second playing surface is rearwardly facing and available for operational engagement with the one or more components of the stand assembly, wherein in the second position the board assembly is changeably positioned such that the second playing surface is forwardly facing and available for use and the first playing surface is rearwardly facing and available for operational engagement with the one or more components of the stand assembly.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the board assembly further comprises a first frame side, and a second frame side, wherein the first frame side is opposite to second frame side and is generally parallel to second frame side, and wherein the first and second frame sides span between the frame top and the frame bottom and are substantially perpendicular to the frame top and frame bottom.3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the board assembly is configured as a single component.4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the board assembly comprises two or more board assembly component.5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the board assembly comprises a first board assembly component, a second board assembly component, and a hinge mechanism connecting the first and second board assembly components, the hinge mechanism enabling the first and second board assembly components to be foldable onto each other to define a folded configuration.6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein when in the folded configuration, the board assembly is in a transportable configuration.7. The apparatus of claim 5 or 6, wherein when in the folded configuration, the board assembly defined an internal storage compartment.8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the board assembly further comprises a connector system that enables the board assembly to be reversibly coupled to another board assembly.9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first playing surface is a flat, planar surface.10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second playing surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart projections that define furrows therebetween.11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle about 30° to about 90°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the frame bottom, or an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the frame top.12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in a vertical projection pattern where each of the plurality of spaced apart projections are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart at regular intervals, and each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle about 90°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the frame bottom.13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in a vertical projection pattern where each of the plurality of spaced apart projections are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart at irregular intervals, and each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle about 90°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the frame bottom.14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in an angular projection pattern where each of the plurality of spaced apart projections are not parallel to one another.15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in an angular projection pattern, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle about 30° to about 89°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the frame bottom, or an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the frame top.16. The apparatus of any one of claim 10, 11, 14, or 15, wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in a sunburst arrangement, a V-shaped arrangement, an inverted V-shaped arrangement, a double V-shaped arrangement, or an inverted double V-shaped arrangement.17. The apparatus of any one of claims 10-16, wherein a subset or all of the plurality of spaced apart projections has substantially the same depth.18. The apparatus of any one of claims 10-16, wherein a subset or all of the plurality of spaced apart projections has a varied depth.19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the varied depth forms a uniformly linear slope or a curvilinear slope.20. The apparatus of any one of claims 10-19, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart projections has a top surface.21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the top surface is flat, an edged, or rounded.22. The apparatus of any one of claims 10-21, wherein each of the furrows defined by the plurality of spaced apart projections have a width of about 3 inches to about 8 inches.23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the angle of play of the stand assembly is non-adjustable or adjustable.24. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the angle of play of the stand assembly is adjustable.25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the angle of play can be adjusted by at least 75°.26. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the support arm assembly comprises a first support arm and a second support arm.27. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the support arm assembly is a swingable support arm assembly.28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the swingable support arm assembly comprises a first swingable support arm and a second swingable support arm.29. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the stand apparatus further comprises a stabilizing assembly.30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the stabilizing assembly comprises a first tether and a second tether.31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the stabilizing assembly is a swingable stabilizing assembly.32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the swingable stabilizing assembly comprises a first singable stabilizing foot and a second swingable stabilizing foot.33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the swingable stabilizing assembly comprises a swingable stabilizing platform.34. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the second playing surface further comprises a pliable covering that conceals or otherwise masks the plurality of spaced apart projections.35. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-34, further comprising a backstop assembly.36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the backstop assembly is a separate, stand-alone component or a component integral to the apparatus.37. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein the backstop assembly comprises a net.38. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein the backstop assembly comprises one or more return panels.39. A portable ball play and practice apparatus comprising a reversibly expandable board assembly, the reversibly expandable board assembly comprising a four-sided structure defined by a frame top, a frame bottom, a first frame side, a second frame side, and one or more elongated projections, wherein the frame top is opposite to the frame bottom and generally parallel to the frame bottom, wherein the first frame side is opposite to the second frame side and generally parallel to the first frame side, and wherein the first and second frame sides span between the frame top and the frame bottom and each being substantially perpendicular to the frame top and the frame bottom; wherein each of the one or more elongated projections is interspaced between the first and second frame sides; and wherein the reversibly expandable board assembly is configured to adopt an expanded configuration or a retracted configuration, and a stand assembly, the stand assembly being dimensioned and sized to provide a stable support to the reversibly expandable board assembly and an angle of play, the stand assembly comprising a support arm assembly.40. The apparatus of claim39, wherein in the expanded configuration, one or more furrows are created, each of the one or more furrows being a space between the first frame side and an elongated projection of the one or more elongated projections adjacent to the first frame side, a space between two adjacent elongated projections of the one or more projections, or a space between the second frame side and an elongated projection of the one or more elongated projections adjacent to the second frame side.41. The apparatus of claim 39 or 40, wherein each of the furrows has a width of about 3 inches to about 8 inches.42. The apparatus of any one of claims 39-41, further comprising a first board stabilizing rod, the first board stabilizing rods having a length sized and dimensioned to traverse the distance between the first and second frame sides when the reversibly expandable board assembly is in the expanded configuration, the first board stabilizing rod configured to fix in place and stabilize the reversibly expandable board assembly in the expanded configuration.43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein each of the first frame side, the second frame side, and each of the one or more elongated projections further comprise a first rod aperture, wherein the first rod aperture is a through hole sized and dimensioned to enable insertion therethrough the first board stabilizing rod, and wherein each of the first rod apertures of the first frame side, the second frame side, and each of the one or more elongated projections is aligned with respect to each other to enable insertion of the first board stabilizing rod through each of the first rod apertures in a manner that allows traversal of the first board stabilizing rod across the distance defined between the first and second frame sides when the reversibly expandable board assembly is in the expanded configuration.44. The apparatus of claim 42 or 43, further comprising a second board stabilizing rod, the second board stabilizing rod having a length sized and dimensioned to traverse the distance between the first and second frame sides when the reversibly expandable board assembly is in the expanded configuration, the second board stabilizing rod configured to fix in place and stabilize the reversibly expandable board assembly in the expanded configuration.45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein each of the first frame side, the second frame side, and each of the one or more elongated projections further comprise a second rod aperture, wherein the second rod aperture is a through hole sized and dimensioned to enable insertion therethrough the second board stabilizing rod, and wherein each of the second rod apertures of the first frame side, the second frame side, and each of the one or more elongated projections is aligned with respect to each other to enable insertion of the second board stabilizing rod through each of the second rod apertures in a manner that allows traversal of the second board stabilizing rod across the distance defined between the first and second frame sides when the reversibly expandable board assembly is in the expanded configuration.46. The apparatus of any one of claims 42-45, wherein the first board stabilizing rod further comprises one or more engagement points, each of the one or more engagement points configured to reversibly affix to the support arm assembly.47. The apparatus of any one of claims 42-45, wherein the first board stabilizing rod further comprises one or more engagement points, wherein one of the one or more engagement points is configured to reversibly affix to a first support arm of the support arm assembly, and another of the one or more engagement points is configured to reversibly affix to a second support arm of the support arm assembly.48. The apparatus of any one or claims 39-47, wherein the support arm assembly comprises a first support arm and a second support arm.49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the first board stabilizing rod further comprises a first engagement point and a second engagement point, wherein the first engagement point is configured to reversibly affix to the first support arm and the second engagement point is configured to reversibly affix to the second support arm.50. The apparatus of any one of claims 39-49, further comprising a backstop assembly.51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the backstop assembly is a separate, stand-alone component or a component integral to the apparatus.52. The apparatus of claim 50 or 51, wherein the backstop assembly comprises a net.53. The apparatus of claim 50 or 51, wherein the backstop assembly comprises one or more return panels.54. A kit comprising an apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1-53, the kit optionally comprising instructions, one or more containers, one or more balls, one or more additional components.55. A system comprising as defined in any one of claims 1-54 and further including one or more balls.56. The system of claim 55, wherein the one or more ball include a volleyball, a tennis ball, a racquetball, a soccer ball, or a playground ball.

EXAMPLES

The following non-limiting examples of drills, such as volleyball drills, are provided for illustrative purposes only in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments of use now contemplated. These examples should not be construed to limit any of any embodiments described in the present specification, including those pertaining to portable ball play and practice apparatus or methods of their uses as disclosed herein.

In volleyball, pepper, usually used as a verb, is an extremely popular warm-up drill, generally involving two players. Variations with more players exist. (Similar to the Law of Hyena). In one example of pepper in accordance with the present disclosure, two players face each other separated by a distance of 5-20 feet (2-6 meters). Distances vary based upon the players' preference. Player2starts by hitting or tossing a volleyball toward the portable ball play and practice apparatus5disclosed herein, the ball then rebounding off of the forwardly facing surface in play (either first playing surface40or second playing surface50, depending upon the desired configuration of portable ball play and practice apparatus10, as disclosed herein). Player1then either passes the ball back to player2starting the drill or can hit the ball back toward the portable ball play and practice apparatus10. Upon rebounding, Player2then can either set the ball back and player1can spike the ball back, forcing player2to dig the ball where player1can set it, allowing player2to spike it. Player1passes the spiked ball, and the cycle starts over again.

In closing, foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is to be understood that, although aspects of the present invention are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these described embodiments are only illustrative of the principles comprising the present invention. As such, the specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Therefore, it should be understood that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are in no way limited to a particular element, compound, composition, component, article, apparatus, methodology, use, protocol, step, and/or limitation described herein, unless expressly stated as such.

In addition, groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each such grouping may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other groupings disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more alternative embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations of a grouping may be included in, or deleted from, the grouping for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the grouping as modified, thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain changes, modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions and sub-combinations thereof can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such changes, modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to that precisely as shown and described by this specification.

The words, language, and terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. In addition, such words, language, and terminology are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element, step or limitation can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

The definitions and meanings of the elements, steps or limitations recited in a claim set forth below are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements, steps or limitations which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements, steps and/or limitations may be made for any one of the elements, steps or limitations in a claim set forth below or that a single element, step or limitation may be substituted for two or more elements, steps and/or limitations in such a claim. Although elements, steps or limitations may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements, steps and/or limitations from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. As such, notwithstanding the fact that the elements, steps and/or limitations of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, steps and/or limitations, which are disclosed in above combination even when not initially claimed in such combinations. Furthermore, insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. Accordingly, the claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. For instance, as mass spectrometry instruments can vary slightly in determining the mass of a given analyte, the term “about” in the context of the mass of an ion or the mass/charge ratio of an ion refers to +/−0.50 atomic mass unit. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term “comprising”, variations thereof such as, e.g., “comprise” and “comprises”, and equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof like “including”, “containing” and “having”, encompass all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features alone or in combination with unrecited subject matter; the named elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” (or variations thereof such as, e.g., “consist of”, “consists of”, “consist essentially of”, and “consists essentially of”) in lieu of or as an amendment for “comprising.” When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, limitation, step, integer, or feature not expressly recited in the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features and any other elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase “comprising” (and equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed-ended transitional phrases “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” As such, the embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase “comprising” expressly and unambiguously provide description, enablement, and support for the phrases “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

Lastly, all patents, patent publications, and other references cited and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge from any country. In addition, nothing in this regard is or should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents are based on the information available to the applicant and do not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.