Random rebound practice device

Abstract

A random rebound sports training device is provided which includes a pair of misaligned or offset net structures disposed on a frame that enable a projectile striking the net structures to rebound in a random manner. The structures are secured to a support frame such that the openings formed in the net structure, which are larger than normally utilized, are offset from one another. The offset of each of the net structures greatly reduces the potential for a projectile striking the device from contacting the same portions of the net structures, thereby causing the projectile to rebound in a random manner from the device. The frame on which the net structures are mounted can be easily configured between a use configuration and a storage configuration. Further, each of the net structures can be secured to a single support frame, or can extend from separate frames onto a target frame to provide multiple use sections on the device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to sporting equipment, and more specifically to a rebound practice device utilized to practice games requiring balls or other projectiles to be thrown or caught by an individual.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]To enable individuals to practice various sports involving the throwing of a projectile, such as a ball, at a specified target, such as another player, a number of different practice devices have been developed. The majority of these devices include a target having a rebound component or net which directs the projectile thrown by the individual against the target back to the individual after striking the target.[0003]To enhance the realistic, live action game qualities of the practice targets of this type, a number of different devices have been developed which allow the device to rebound or redirect the projectile back to the individual in an unpredictable, or random, manner. These devices, instead of having a net, us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]According to another aspect of the present invention, the net structures attached to the support and target panels of the device are each formed similarly to rebound nets used in prior art rebound net devices, but each define apertures therein that are larger than normally used in rebound net designs. The larger apertures formed in the net structures of the present device enhance the ability of the misaligned net structures on the target panel to redirect the projectile striking the target panel in a random and unpredictable manner. Further, the net structures forming the rebound section of the target panels are secured to the frame for the target panels with a tension in the net structures that is higher than that used in prior art net constructions. This higher tension in the net structures further enhances the ability of the net structures to rebound a ball striking the net structures in a random manner.

Problems solved by technology

These types of materials are not easily deformed into more compact forms, such that to store the rebound surfaces the surfaces formed of these materials must often be disassembled for storage, instead of being folded similar to simple rebound nets.

In addition, due to the different requirements for mounting these heavier random rebound surfaces to form the practice device, the type of frames supporting these surfaces necessarily have to be constructed differently from the conventional frames utilized to hold rebound nets, making the devices less lightweight and portable as a result.

Thus, while providing more realistic game play than prior rebound devices, the random rebound structures are limited in their usefulness due to their portability and storage limitations.

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