Abstract:
A variety of training boards and panel assemblies are supported by an indoor floor base to provide targets with rebound capability for developing and improving ball handling skills. Panel supporting uprights extend upwardly from a base housing to provide backing and necessary stability for a rebound panel. The supporting uprights are configured to provide supporting surfaces to which the rebound panels are attached, with the supporting surfaces aligned to position the rebound panels in a desired orientation. To provide stability, the base housing includes frictional elements to help hold in place for while in a gym floor. Also, the base housing is configured to hold weights of a desired configuration, thus cooperating with the frictional elements to hold the training board in place while being subjected to forces from balls. In addition, the supporting uprights have multiple support surfaces capable of aligning the panels in a desired orientation, thus providing multiple rebound characteristics to the user.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/249,677, filed Oct. 12, 2005, entitled “Ball Control Training Device,” which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/618,039 entitled “Pass Back,” filed Oct. 12, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to sports training boards and other equipment designed to improve ball handling skills, and more particularly to targets with rebound capability for use in improving a soccer player&#39;s reactions and ball handling skills, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. 
         [0003]    Regardless of their levels of ability and experience, soccer players retain the need and desire to improve their kicking and other ball handling skills, and improve their reactions to approaching soccer balls, whether passed or deflected. While soccer matches and practice sessions certainly afford opportunities to further develop these reactions and skills, many players seek additional opportunities to work on their playing skills, at locations other than soccer fields where space may be limited, and at times when other soccer players may not be available. 
         [0004]    A known product intended to address these needs includes a face panel or board designed to provide a rebound surface, two support boards hinged to the panel and positionable to extend rearwardly from the face panel to support it on the ground, and a center board also hinged to the face panel for keeping the support boards spaced apart and in position when the product is in use. While this product is useful for certain practice activities, it is unduly heavy and lacks the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of training activities. 
         [0005]    Further approaches to providing a training resource, which is not as heavy but provides desired stability, have included a training board or panel designed to provide a rebound surface and related support structures which may be staked into the ground. Obviously, this staking process provides more stability and a more rigid structure. This approach can be very beneficial and effective when used outdoors where staking is possible, however, does not adapt itself well to indoor applications. Clearly, most indoor athletic facilities do not appreciate having devices staked into the floor. 
         [0006]    When utilized indoors, the challenge for such a training structure such as those disclosed or described above relates to stability. Obviously, it is possible to create a supported upright structure which is itself rigid and stable. However, it is much more challenging to provide a structure which will stay in place when used indoors and will not slide across the floor. This is especially true when permanent anchoring structures are not available. 
         [0007]    Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an athletic training device that is compact and lightweight, yet durable and able to withstand repeated contact with soccer balls and other projectiles. 
         [0008]    Another object is to provide a ground supported target with rebounding capability and a means for securely and releasably fixing the target to the ground. 
         [0009]    An additional object is to provide a training device that can be used indoors or outdoors. 
         [0010]    A further object is to provide a training device with rebound capability that is more flexible in terms of providing target areas of different sizes and different angles relative to the ground. 
         [0011]    Yet another object is to provide a portable, ground supported athletic training device that is easier to use, transport, and store. 
         [0012]    Also, an object of the present invention that can support multiple rebound surfaces when used indoors. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    To achieve these and other objects, there is provided an indoor/outdoor athletic training device. The device includes a generally rectangular structure having length, width and thickness directions. A substantially smooth rebound surface extends generally in the length and width directions and is appropriately exposed to allow a ball to be kicked there against. A first panel support arm is mounted to the panel structure for pivoting between a panel support position in which the first arm extends rearwardly away from the panel structure, and a storage position in which the first arm is disposed along and adjacent the panel structure. A second panel support arm is also mounted to the panel structure for pivoting between a panel support position in which the second arm extends rearwardly away from the panel structure, and a storage position in which the second arm is disposed along and adjacent the panel structure. A similar third support arm may likewise be attached to provide additional support. The first arm and second arm, when in their respective support positions, are adapted to support the panel structure in an upright position on generally level ground with the width direction at a predetermined angle relative to the ground. A plurality of panel anchoring members or stakes are insertable into the ground to releasably secure the panel structure to the ground in the upright position when being used outdoors. 
         [0014]    Each of the panel anchoring members can have an elongate shaft and an enlarged head at one end of the shaft. Preferably the panel structure and the support arms are provided with apertures running through these components, and the anchoring members extend through the apertures and into the ground. Thus, the anchoring members cooperate to securely fix the panel structure against sliding or skidding over the ground in response to horizontal forces, such as the impact from a kicked soccer ball. As compared to designs that rely on the weight of the board and support structure to resist sliding, the anchoring members provide a secure hold, yet allow a lightweight target construction. 
         [0015]    In addition to the above-discussed ability to stake the support structure into the ground, the present invention also provides the ability to utilize the same board in an indoor setting by incorporating an indoor base unit which is easily coupled to the above-referenced structure. The indoor base includes a floor contacting panel which is designed to be placed upon an indoor floor of different types. The floor contacting panel includes frictional components intended to provide sufficient friction with the floor, thus keeping the indoor base in place when encountering ball forces. In addition, the indoor base includes uprights, which attach to the board and provide supporting structures to maintain the board in a desired position. 
         [0016]    In order to provide additional versatility, the indoor base includes at least two supporting structures on opposing sides of the uprights. These supporting structures are oriented at slightly different angles with respect to the floor contacting surface, thus providing the ability to place the related board at similar varying orientations. Further, the multiple support surfaces allow for multiple boards to be simultaneously used, thus providing a 2-sided training structure. 
         [0017]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the panel structure can incorporate components for generating sensible signals in response to a soccer ball or other object contacting the rebound surface. More particularly, pressure sensitive components, speakers and associated circuitry as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,462 (Snyder, et al.). Further, the panels can incorporate selection circuitry for generating different sounds or visible displays in response to different episodes of soccer ball contact. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    For a further understanding of the above and other features and advantages, reference is made to the following detailed description and to the drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a frontal elevation of a training board for soccer, constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation showing the training board mounted on level ground; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation of the training board; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a rearward perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the training board; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of part of the training board of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a forward elevation of a further alternative embodiment soccer training board; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation of the training board shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the training board; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a curved training board; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a training board configuration incorporating pressure-responsive signaling components; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the signaling components; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13  are perspective views of the front side and back side of an indoor training board; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the indoor base unit; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the indoor base unit; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a side view of an alternative embodiment for the indoor training device which illustrates two training boards utilized by a single device; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a rear view of the multi-use panel. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    Turning now to the drawings, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a training board  16  for soccer practice and training, for example to develop more accuracy in kicking and other ball handling techniques, and for improving the ability to react quickly to ball movement, specifically rebounds from board  16 . The training board can be formed of suitable polymeric materials such as urethane and high density polyethylene, wood, or aluminum and other metals. The training board can have a length in the range of 3 feet to 6 feet, a width ranging from 12 inches to 18 inches, and a thickness on the order of one-half inch to one and one-half inches. 
         [0036]    Training board  16  has a smooth, substantially planar rebound surface  18  which optionally can bear a visible target as indicated at  20 . A pair of stakes  22  and  24 , located near opposite ends  26  and  28  of the board, protrude downwardly from the training board. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows training board  16  mounted to the ground  30 , which preferably is substantially level. Stake  24  (and stake  22 , not shown) protrude into the ground, and tend to maintain board  16  in an upright position as shown, in which the direction of the board width is substantially vertical, and a bottom edge  32  of the board is contiguous with the ground. A pair of support arms, one of which is shown at  34 , extend rearwardly from the training board when in the support position shown in  FIG. 2 , to support board  16  in the upright position. Support arm  34  is coupled to the training board through a hinge  36 , to pivot relative to the board about a vertical (width direction) axis. Arm  34  has a rearward support region  38  that contacts the ground to support the training board in the upright position. A stake  40 , passing through an aperture in support region  38  and into the ground, keeps the support arm in place and cooperates with stakes  22  and  24  to prevent the training board and arms from skidding or slipping horizontally over the ground in response to the impact of a soccer ball striking rebound surface  18 , or other horizontal forces. Stake  40  includes an elongate shaft  42  that readily passes through the aperture in arm  34 , and a head  44  larger in diameter than the aperture. 
         [0038]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , a support arm  46  is mounted pivotally to the training board through a hinge  48 , and includes a rearward support region  50  positioned to engage the ground and having an aperture therethrough adapted to receive a stake similar to stake  40  for maintaining and securing training board  16  in the upright position. Arms  34  and  46  are shown in a storage position, in which each arm is disposed along and adjacent a reverse surface  52  of the board. Stakes  22  and  24 , also mounted pivotally relative to the training board, are shown in an upwardly pointing storage position adjacent the training board. 
         [0039]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , an alternative panel assembly  54  is illustrated, which includes a reinforcing structure designed to reduce weight. The reinforcing structure includes a plurality of spaced apart vertical wall sections  72 , a plurality of horizontal (lengthwise) wall sections  74 , and a plurality of inclined wall sections  76 , all extending rearwardly from the face panel. The wall sections cooperate to impart strength to the panel assembly, in particular resistance to bending and breaking under stress due to impact of soccer balls or other objects striking rebound surface  58 . As is readily apparent in  FIG. 4 , wall sections  72 - 76  occupy only a fraction of the total volume occupied by the reinforcing structure. As compared to a solid panel assembly, panel assembly  54  requires much less material, and thus weighs considerably less. 
         [0040]    Panel support arms  78  and  80  are mounted to the panel assembly near opposite side edges  82  and  84  through hinges  85  and  87 , for rotation about respective vertical axes. Wall sections  72 - 76  are configured to provide pockets  86  and  88  to contain the support arms, so that the arms when in the storage position are recessed as indicated for arm  78 . Support arm  80  is shown in the panel support position. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of a portion of the panel near side edge  82 , showing several wall sections and hinge  85  in more detail. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates a further alternative embodiment training board assembly  118  including an elongate panel  120  and panel support brackets  122  and  124  on opposite sides of the panel. Upper pins  126  and  128 , and lower pins  130  and  132  project outwardly from the panel through openings in the brackets. 
         [0043]    As seen in  FIG. 7 , bracket  124  includes an upright section  134  disposed along a side edge of the panel, a horizontal forward extension  136  with several openings  138 - 142  formed therethrough, and an elongate rearward horizontal extension  144 . Apertures  146  and  148  through extension  144  accommodate stakes insertable into the ground to releasably support and secure the bracket and panel  120  in the manner previously described. Optionally, bracket  124  can be hinged near the forward end of extension  144  as indicated at  150 , to allow a user to fold the bracket into a storage position against panel  120 . 
         [0044]    Panel support bracket  122  is substantially the same as bracket  124 . 
         [0045]    Lower pin  132  is spring loaded, and accordingly can be pushed inward to free it from bracket  124 , and lower pin  130  likewise can be freed from bracket  122 . This facilitates a pivoting of panel  120  about a horizontal axis determined by upper pins  126  and  130 . By selecting one of openings  138 - 142  to receive pin  132 , panel  120  can be releasably locked into any one of several vertical or nearly vertical angles relative to the ground. The non-vertical angles are selected to provide elevated returns or “kick-backs” of soccer balls kicked against the panel. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is a top view showing a stabilizing arm  152  secured at its opposite ends to support brackets  122  and  124 . As an option to further secure the assembly to the ground, stake-receiving apertures can be formed through the stabilizing arm as indicated at  154  and  156 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  is a top view of an alternative training board  208  and a pair of supporting arms  210  and  212  pivotable to the support positions shown. Board  208  is curved about an axis that extends in the panel width direction, and is convex in the direction toward a player using the board. This arrangement tends to scatter rebounds of the soccer ball over a wider range, to provide practice in reacting to the deflected and passed balls. Alternatively, curved boards could also be concave in the direction toward the player. 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows a further alternative panel assembly  214  including a face panel  216 , a panel reinforcing structure  218 , and a sensing and signaling layer  220  between the panel and reinforcing structure. A speaker  222  and a light source  224  are mounted to opposite sides of the panel assembly. 
         [0049]    As indicated schematically in  FIG. 11 , sensing and signaling layer  220  includes a pressure-responsive sensor  226 , a signaling component  228 , and optionally further includes a selection component  230  coupled between the sensor and signaling component. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,462, which patent is incorporated by reference herein, sensor  226  generates an electrical signal responsive to pressure from the impact of a soccer ball against the face panel. Upon receiving the electrical signal, component  230  selects one of several outputs and provides the selected output to signaling component  228 , which may be either speaker  222  or light source  224 . The speaker (or light source) emits one of several sounds (or one of several light displays), depending on the output selected. Of course, if only a single audio or visible response is desired, the selection component is eliminated and the sensor is coupled directly to the light source or speaker. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , an embodiment of the indoor/outdoor training wall of the present invention are shown in perspective view. In these particular views, the training wall is set up for indoor use. In order to achieve this, indoor/outdoor training wall  250  includes a multi-use wall or panel  252  in conjunction with an indoor base  254 . As can be seen, multi-use panel  252  is primarily formed as a board or wall and includes a ball return surface or rebound surface  256  which is designed to withstand the force of balls being propelled towards this surface, and providing rebounds in a predictable manner. Multi-use panel  252  also includes a reverse side  258  which is designed to provide a stable backing or supporting structure. As discussed in reference to the various embodiments above, the supporting structures provided on reverse side  258  often include foldable legs or extensions designed to be placed on a field of grass surface when utilized outside. In this particular embodiment, this outdoor supporting structure includes a first leg  260 , a second leg  262 , and a third leg  264 . As can be seen, first leg  260  is extended outwardly and attached to indoor base unit  254 . Further discussion regarding this leg and its function is outlined below. Second leg  262  and third leg  264 , however, are shown in their retracted or folded positions, both being adjacent to first side  258  of multi-use panel  252 . 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , indoor base  254  includes a floor contact housing  266  along with a first upright  268  and a second upright  270 . First upright  268  and second upright  270  are configured, in this embodiment, to be identical to one another. As can be seen, both first upright  268  and second upright  270  are coupled to floor contact unit  266  in a manner to allow folding between an upright position and a storage/transport position. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , there is shown a more detailed view of second upright  270 . To provide the desired folding capabilities, a hinge pin  274  is threaded through an interacting tabbed portion made up of tabs configured on second sidewall  270  and floor contact unit  266 . As can be recognized, this allows second upright  270  to be folded down to a position which is adjacent floor contacting unit  266 . 
         [0053]    Second upright  270  is configured to have a first supporting surface  280  and a second supporting surface  282 , both of which are configured to support and appropriately align multi-use panel  252  (not shown). In this particular embodiment, first supporting surface  280  is configured to be at a 90-degree angle with respect to a floor contacting surface  276 . Similarly, second supporting surface  282  is configured to be oriented at an angle of approximately 105 degrees with respect to floor contacting surface  276 . As will be discussed further below, this allows two different configurations and two different orientations for multi-use panel  252 . This alternative positioning thus produces different reactions or rebounds when a ball strikes the respective rebound surface. 
         [0054]    In this particular embodiment, first support surface  280  and second support surface  282  are formed by attaching appropriate contact plates  284  and  286 , respectively. Each contact plates  284  and  286  are primarily sheet metal with respective folded tabs  290  to accommodate attachment to a molded plastic upright housing  292 . In order to better provide appropriate ball rebounds, first support surface  280  and second support surface  282  also include resilient pads  294  and  296 , designed to absorb some of the shock produced when a ball hits an attached panel surface. Resilient padding will also cause a rebound or spring effect, thus providing a more lively rebound which is desirable for those utilizing the device. 
         [0055]    As can be seen in the various figures, molded upright  292  includes a number of cutouts or recesses. For example, a first pair of recesses  302  are provided adjacent to first support surface  280 . Similarly, a second pair of cutouts  304  are positioned adjacent to second support surface  282 . Referring now back to  FIG. 13 , a plurality of connecting knobs  310  are shown to exist within the recesses. As similarly illustrated in  FIG. 17 , each pair of recesses accommodates a similar pair of connecting knobs. In the preferred embodiment, multi-use panel  252  will include a number of threaded studs (not shown) extending from the back side thereof. These threaded studs will extend through openings in first contact plate  284  or second contact plate  286 , as desired, to accommodate attachment. Connecting knobs  310  are each configured to interact and couple with the existing threaded studs. Naturally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different types of connection methodologies can be utilized including spring loaded coupling mechanisms, cotter pins, etc. In the present embodiment, threaded studs provide for very secure attachment, thus creating a more solid unit and consequently ball rebounds are more desirable. 
         [0056]    Referring again to  FIG. 14 , floor contacting surface  276  includes a number of frictional elements  314 . Each of these frictional elements  314  are intended to prevent indoor base  254  from sliding when placed upon a floor surface, such as a gymnasium floor. Several different configurations for frictional elements  314  are possible, including rubber feet, rubberized strips, or any similar structures which could be utilized to create friction. Further, if it is intended to use the training wall on synthetic grass surfaces, other types of frictional elements may include hook-and-loop type materials (e.g. Velcro®). To increase the effectiveness of frictional elements,  314 , indoor base  254  will typically be held down by weights of some type.  FIG. 13  illustrates the placement of two sand bags  316  upon the top of floor contact unit  266 . Naturally, many types of weights are possible. 
         [0057]    As generally discussed above, the training device of the present invention is capable of both indoor and outdoor use. As discussed, first leg  260 , second leg  262 , and third leg  264 , all attached to the back surface of multi-use panel  252 , can easily accommodate outdoor use. In this particular configuration, indoor base  254  is simply removed and stored for later use. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , a top view of indoor base  254  is provided. In this particular view, first upright  268  and second upright  270  are shown in their upright positions, thus only the end is visible. As illustrated by dotted lines  318 , a footprint area is reserved for folding down of these uprights. Also illustrated is a top view of floor contact housing  266  to which first upright  268  and second upright  270  are coupled. As further illustrated, floor contact housing  266  includes a first recess  320  and a second recess  322 , both to accommodate existing structures attached to multi-use panel  252 . More specifically, staking hardware is attached to the back side of multi-use panel for staking into the ground during outdoor use. To avoid the necessity for removing the staking hardware, first recess  320  and second recess  322  are simply provided in floor contact housing  266 . Similarly, a pair of handle cutouts  324  are provided for ease in carrying indoor base  254  when not in use. Lastly, floor contact housing  266  includes a first threaded pin connector  326  and a second threaded pin connector  328  to accommodate the attachment of first leg  260  when desired. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , first leg  260  can easily be utilized during indoor use to provide additional stability. As can be contemplated, stability of the training device is a primary concern due to the forces applied during use. By providing the ability to utilize first supporting leg  260 , such stability is enhanced. 
         [0059]    As suggested above, indoor base  254  is capable of accommodating multiple multi-use panels at a single time. In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 16 , a first multi-use panel  340  and a second multi-use panel  342  are simultaneously attached to indoor base  254 . Again, a plurality of connection knobs  310  are each utilized to achieve this connection scheme. In this configuration, both sides of indoor/outdoor training wall  250  can simultaneously be utilized, with each side providing a very different reaction. As can be illustrated, first multi-use panel  340  is oriented at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the bottom surface of indoor base. In a similar manner, second multi-use panel  342  is configured at an angle with respect to the bottom surface of indoor base. As such, a ball kicked toward second multi-use panel will rebound or be returned through the air, thus providing this type of training experience for the user. It is contemplated that similar structures could potentially be used to support more than three multi-use panels. 
         [0060]    As shown in the various figures, and specifically in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , floor contact housing  266  is substantially planar, and designed to have floor contact surface  276  placed on a floor or similar type surface. The opposing or upper surface is specifically configured to provide a weight supporting surface. This weight supporting surface can accommodate weights or sand bags to provide additional stability where necessary. As can be anticipated, the number and type of weights utilized will vary depending upon the particular application and the particular use of indoor/outdoor training device  250 . Additionally, specific grooves or receiving structures (not shown) could be included to accommodate and closely hold these weights or sandbags. 
         [0061]    To further illustrate the details of a multi-use panel  252 ,  FIG. 17  illustrates one embodiment thereof. More specifically,  FIG. 17  illustrates the backside  258  of multi-use panel  252  including several of the components discussed above. In this particular embodiment, a number of anchoring leg assemblies are attached to the reverse side  258  of multi-use panel  252 . More specifically, a first anchoring leg assembly  350 , a second anchoring leg assembly  352 , and a third anchoring leg assembly  354  are illustrated. As can be seen, the first anchoring leg assembly  350  includes first leg  260  as one component thereof. First leg  260  is attached to a base plate  360  which accommodates attachment to rear surface  258 . Also included in anchoring leg assembly  350  is a first anchoring stake  370 , which is again coupled to first base plate  360 . As briefly discussed in relation to  FIG. 13  above, first leg  260  is hingedly attached a first end thereof to allow hinging movement to occur. In this particular figure, the upper or top end of first leg  260  is attached in this manner to first base plate  360  thus the bottom or lower end is permitted to move away from first base plate  360 . To further accommodate adjustment, first leg  260  includes a first leg extension  261  which is allowed to extend in a telescoping manner. 
         [0062]    As mentioned above, first anchoring leg assembly  350  includes a first anchoring stake  370 . First anchoring stake  370  is held in place by a number of coupling components, which easily allow for movement. Most significantly, an end holding component  380  contains and captures an upper angled end of first anchoring stake  370  while also allowing it to be released. Once released, upper and can be pulled away from first base plate  360 , thus allowing the stake to slide downwardly. This allows first anchoring state  370  to be driven into the ground, thus staking and holding multi-use panel  252  when used outdoors. First coupling element  380  is thus obviously capable of holding first anchoring stake in a withdrawn a position when the staking device is not desired. This will be specifically helpful when utilized in conjunction with indoor base. This embodiment illustrates one approach to staking when used for outdoor use. Certainly alternatives exist, such as having stakes placed on the ends of multi-use panel  252  to provide anchoring into the ground. 
         [0063]    As further illustrated in  FIG. 17 , second anchoring leg assembly  352  and third anchoring leg assembly  354  all include virtually identical component to those discussed above. Thus, second anchoring leg assembly  352  includes second leg  262  having second extension  263 , second base plate  362 , second anchoring stake  372  and second coupling element  382 . Similarly, third anchoring leg assembly  354  includes third leg  264  having third extension  265 , third base plate  364 , third anchoring stake  374  and third coupling element  384 . 
         [0064]    Also shown in  FIG. 17  are a plurality of removable anchoring stakes  390 , each capable of being held within appropriate structures in the back side of multi-use panel  352 . Further, removable stakes  390  can be utilized with first leg  260 , second leg  262 , and third leg  264  when the indoor/outdoor training wall  250  is utilized outdoors. More specifically, each of these removable stakes  390  are inserted into apertures within first leg extension  261 , second leg extension  263 , and third leg extension  265  to provide additional stability and support. Naturally, these removable stakes could take on many different forms and features. Shown here, a woven strap  392  is attached to an upper end of each stake thus accommodating easy removal. 
         [0065]    To accommodate indoor use, back surface  258  also includes coupling plates  396  which have the threaded posts  398  used to attach indoor base. While this embodiment uses a place to support threaded posts  398 , the posts could also be simply embedded in the board structure. 
         [0066]    In addition to several of the variations mentioned above, the components outlined above could be molded or formed to create a single unit which is collapsable and transportable. For example, the indoor base  254  and multi-use panel  252  could easily be coupled to one another in such a manner to be folded relatively flat. Such a configuration could include a hinged attachment between the indoor base  254  and multi-use panel  252  which allow for the configuration outlined above, in addition to a folded orientation that causes rebound surface  256  and bottom surface  276  to be adjacent to one another. 
         [0067]    As another potential alternative, stakes could be provided on the outside of first upright  268  and second upright  270  which would accommodate staking of the indoor base  254  into the ground when it is desired to use that structure outdoors. Such a configuration would allow for indoor and outdoor use of this base unit, which may provide advantages. Naturally, many other staking alternatives are possible. 
         [0068]    A further embodiment of the present invention could utilize uprights that include adjustable supporting surfaces. Such a structure could include a movable support capable of adjusting the angle with respect to the bottom of indoor base, thus allowing a panel to produce different rebounds depending on the setting. 
         [0069]    The above embodiments of the present invention have been described in considerable detail in order to illustrate their features and particular operation. It is clearly understood, however, that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which have been described herein. Rather, reference should be made to the appended claims as indicative of the scope and content of the present invention.