Abstract:
A variety of training boards and panel assemblies are releasably secured to the ground to provide targets with rebound capability for developing and improving ball handling skills. Pivotably mounted panel support arms, and stakes insertable through the arms and panel base region into the ground, are used to orient and secure training boards and panels relative to the ground. Complementary coupling elements can be used to join several panels together, and support brackets can be configured to mount panels at various vertical and near vertical orientations.

Description:
[0001]     This application 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.  
         [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.  
         [0005]     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.  
         [0006]     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.  
         [0007]     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.  
         [0008]     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.  
         [0009]     Yet another object is to provide a portable, ground supported athletic training device that is easier to use, transport, and store.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     To achieve these and other objects, there is provided an athletic training device. The device includes a panel structure having mutually perpendicular length, width and thickness directions, and a substantially smooth obverse surface extending generally in the length and width directions. A first panel support arm is mounted to the panel structure near a first end thereof 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 mounted to the panel structure near a second end thereof 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. 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 are insertable into the ground to releasably secure the panel structure to the ground in the upright position.  
         [0011]     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.  
         [0012]     Another aspect of the present invention is an athletic training apparatus. The apparatus includes a panel assembly having mutually perpendicular length, width and thickness directions, a substantially smooth obverse surface extending generally in the length and width directions, and a base region extending in the length direction along one edge of the panel assembly with a base region thickness greater than a general panel thickness over most of the panel assembly. A plurality of first apertures extend through the base region. A panel support structure is adapted to extend rearwardly from the panel assembly in a panel support position for maintaining the panel assembly in an upright position on generally level ground with the base region and a rearward support region of the support structure in contact with the ground. A plurality of second apertures extend through the support region. A plurality of elongate anchoring members are provided, each adapted to extend through one of the first and second apertures and into the ground. The anchoring members cooperate to releasably secure the panel assembly to the ground in the upright position.  
         [0013]     Along with the secure fixation provided by the anchoring members, the base region of the panel assembly provides a convenient location for forming relatively short apertures to accommodate the anchoring members. Further, the panel assembly can incorporate a panel reinforcing structure to support a relatively thin face panel against soccer ball impact and other forces. The reinforcing structure can have an open frame configuration, thus to provide the necessary impact resistance without unduly adding to the mass of the panel structure.  
         [0014]     Further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a training board assembly. The assembly includes a first panel having first mutually perpendicular length, width and thickness directions, and a substantially smooth obverse surface extending generally in the first length and width directions. A set of first coupling elements are disposed along a first edge of the panel. A first panel support structure is adapted to extend rearwardly from the first panel in a panel support position for maintaining the first panel in an upright position on generally level ground with the first panel and a rearward support region of the support structure in contact with the ground. The assembly includes a second panel having second mutually perpendicular length, width and thickness directions, and a substantially smooth second obverse surface extending generally in the second length and width directions. A set of second coupling elements are disposed along a second edge of the second panel. The first and second coupling elements are adapted to form a plurality of interlocking engagements, each involving one of the first coupling elements and one of the second coupling elements, to releasably couple the first and second panels in a selected alignment with the first and second edges adjacent one another and the first and second obverse surfaces providing a substantially continuous single surface.  
         [0015]     The multiple panel approach can be used to selectively increase the size of the target area, by adding to the horizontal length, by adding to the vertical width, or both. Panels with universal coupling configurations can be used alone, or in any desired arrangement.  
         [0016]     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 obverse 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. 
     
    
     IN THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     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:  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a frontal elevation of a training board for soccer, constructed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation showing the training board mounted on level ground;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevation of the training board;  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a forward perspective view of an alternative embodiment soccer training board;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a rearward perspective view of the training board;  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of part of the training board;  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation showing the training board mounted on level ground;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative support arm design;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative panel reinforcing structure;  
         [0027]      FIG. 10  is a forward elevation of a further alternative embodiment soccer training board;  
         [0028]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation of the training board shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the training board;  
         [0030]      FIG. 13  is a rear elevation showing an assembly of two soccer training boards;  
         [0031]      FIG. 14  is a forward elevation showing two soccer training boards coupled side by side;  
         [0032]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of a curved training board;  
         [0033]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a training board configuration incorporating pressure-responsive signaling components; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 17  is a block diagram of the signaling components. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [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.  
         [0036]     Training board  16  has a smooth, substantially planar obverse 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 obverse 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]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative training board or panel assembly  54  including a face panel  56  with a substantially planar obverse surface  58 , and a panel reinforcing structure  60  behind the face panel. An enlarged base region  62  is formed along the bottom of the panel assembly with a forward projection  64  that provides a wider bottom edge  66 . Apertures  68  and  70  extend through the forward projection in the vertical (width) direction.  
         [0040]     As seen in  FIG. 5 , 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 obverse surface  58 . As is readily apparent in  FIG. 5 , 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.  
         [0041]     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.  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a portion of the panel near side edge  82 , showing several wall sections and hinge  85  in more detail.  
         [0043]     As seen in  FIG. 7 , panel assembly  54  is secured to the ground in the upright position by pivoting support arms  78  and  80  to the panel support position. Then, with base region  62  and respective free end regions  90  and  92  in contact with the ground, stakes similar to stake  40  are inserted into the ground through apertures  68 ,  70  and apertures  94  and  96  of the support arms.  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  shows an alternative support arm  98  usable with panel assembly  54  and training board  16  in lieu of the support arms shown. Arm  98  has a closed loop structure with an aperture  100  formed through a horizontal arm segment  102  to receive a shaft  104  of a stake  106 . A spherical head  108  of the stake abuts segment  102  to secure the support arm in the manner previously indicated.  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative version training board panel assembly  110  including a planar face panel  112  and a reinforcing panel  114  contiguous with a reverse surface of the face panel. Although most of reinforcing panel  114  is planar, the planarity is interrupted by discontinuities or indentations  116  extending in the rearward (thickness) direction from the rest of the panel. Indentations  116  can be formed as nodules, or elongate channels or grooves, spaced apart by about four to six inches. The nodules or grooves impart structural rigidity, much in the same manner as wall sections  72 - 76  of panel assembly  54 . If desired, the nodules or grooves can be arranged to provide pockets, so that the support arms (not shown) can be recessed when in the storage position.  
         [0046]      FIG. 10  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.  
         [0047]     As seen in  FIG. 11 , 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 .  
         [0048]     Panel support bracket  122  is substantially the same as bracket  124 .  
         [0049]     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.  
         [0050]      FIG. 12  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 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 13  shows an alternative training board arrangement including an upper panel  158  and a lower panel  160 . Opposite upper pins  162  and  164  protrude from panel  158  in the length direction, as do lower pins  166  and  168 . Similarly, upper pins  170  and  172  and lower pins  174  and  176  protrude from lower panel  160 .  
         [0052]     A row of coupling elements in the form of tabs  178  are formed along a lower edge  180  of the upper panel. A row of complementary coupling elements in the form of recesses  182  are formed along an upper edge  184  of the lower panel. The maximum dimension (panel length direction) of tabs  178  is greater than the dimension (again, panel length direction) of the gap at the entrance of each recess. However, due to the flexibility of panels  158  and  160 , tabs  178  and the regions of lower panel  160  near the gaps flex to allow insertion of each tab into the associated recess for a snap fit that releasably holds panels  158  and  160  together, aligned so that the respective obverse surfaces of the panels (not shown) cooperate to provide a single, continuous ball contact surface.  
         [0053]     Lower panel  160  is supported and secured to the ground by brackets (not shown) similar to brackets  122  and  124 . To further stabilize upper panel  158  relative to the lower panel, a panel mounting structure is provided in the form of several rods  186 , each rod secured to the panels by members  188  and  190  near its opposite ends.  
         [0054]      FIG. 14  shows an alterative panel arrangement including panels  192  and  194  adapted to be coupled side by side by tabs  196  arranged along a side edge  198  of panel  192 , and an array of recesses  200  along a side edge  202  of panel  194 . Along an opposite side edge  204  of panel  192  is a set of recesses  200 . Likewise, a set of tabs  196  is formed along an opposite side edge  206  of panel  194 . Thus, the panels can alternatively be coupled along opposite side edges  204  and  206 . As a further alternative, the assembly can be enlarged to include further similarly configured panels. Each of panels  192  and  194  is oriented and secured relative to the ground by support arms and stakes (not shown) as previously described.  
         [0055]      FIG. 15  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.  
         [0056]     Alternatively, curved boards can be concave in the direction toward the player.  
         [0057]      FIG. 16  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.  
         [0058]     As indicated schematically in  FIG. 17 , 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.