GB2621970A

GB2621970A - Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2621970A
Application number: GB2208327.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Deacon Shane; Mackley Neil; Mackley David
Original assignee: Targetbound Sports Ltd
Current assignee: Targetbound Sports Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-07
Filing date: 2022-06-07
Publication date: 2024-03-06
Anticipated expiration: 2042-06-07
Also published as: WO2023237863A1; GB202208327D0; GB2621970B

Abstract

A rebound device for practising e.g. tennis shots has a frame surrounding a rebounding surface. Link members are provided at edges of the frame to link frames together into a row of devices (fig.7) by connecting link members together. The link member comprises a body having a first link portion 16, a second link portion 18 and a mid-portion 14 located therebetween. The first link portion extends from the mid-portion in a first direction D1 and the second link portion extends from the mid-portion in a second direction D2 transverse to D1. A first engagement portion 20 extends from the first link portion 16 in a direction transverse to D1, and a second engagement portion 26 having a form complementary to the first engagement portion extends from the second link portion in a direction transverse to D2. The link body has a channel 13 to accommodate the frame of the rebound device (fig. 3A). The device also has a stand with an arm to adjust the angle of the device in use (fig.4).

Description

APPARATUS

The present invention provides a link member for attachment to a substantially planar surface, a sports training apparatus incorporating such a link member and a sports training system comprising a plurality of such linked sports training apparatuses, particularly for use during ball sports training. In particular, the present invention provides a portable sports training apparatus and system for use during solitary tennis practice and coaching drills.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical tennis coaching session involves a tennis player being monitored and instructed by a tennis coach who may or may not also engage in a rally with the tennis player. However, often it is more useful for the coach to be observing the player's form and positioning, rather than observing the ball as a participating player. Therefore, a second player is often positioned on the other side of the net to return shots made by the player being coached and/or to provide shots to the player so that the player may practice returning the shot under the close observation of the coach.

However, where a second player is not available, a rebound net or similar rebound device may be provided. A rebound net comprises a target comprising a tensioned net at which the player aims the ball. On impact, the ball rebounds from the tensioned net and, depending on the placement of the net and the speed of impact of the ball, the ball will rebound back over the net to the player in a simulation of a conventional tennis rally. However, there are a number of requirements for such devices to be useful. Firstly, the player has to be proficient enough to be able to successfully hit the device, which is of a limited surface area. This can be difficult for an inexperienced player. Secondly, the speed of the ball has to be sufficient that the ball is able to rebound successfully back over the net and with enough power to emulate a return ball. Therefore the apparatus' coefficient of restitution must be maximised to retain enough kinetic energy to achieve this desired outcome. However, even with a proficient player and sufficiently fast ball speed, the limitations are significant, including a similar return angle and speed each time, and a significant loss of momentum of the ball as energy is absorbed through the tensioned net. Finally, the angle of the tensioned net is typically fixed in order to make the device more stable and able to withstand impact by tennis balls during use. This limits the return angle of the rebound ball, thereby restricting the scope of training provided.

There is therefore a need for an improved rebound device for example that is one or more of portable, lightweight, adjustable, and of sufficient size to be usable by inexperienced players, but also useful to experienced players when training without a second player on the other side of the net to return their shots.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art. Aspects of the present invention are set out in the attached claims.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a link member comprising a link body, the link body defining a channel for engagement with a substantially planar member, the link body having: a first link portion, a second link portion and a mid-portion located therebetween, the first link portion extending away from the mid-portion in a first direction D1 and the second link portion extending from the mid-portion in a second direction D2 transverse to the first direction Dl; and a first engagement portion extending from the first link portion in a direction transverse to first direction D1, and a second engagement portion having a complementary form to the first engagement portion and extending from the second link portion in a direction transverse to the second direction D2.

In one embodiment, the first and second engagement portions are formed integrally with the link body. This facilitates ease of manufacture as well as ensuring greater strength than if provided as a separate component that is subsequently attached to the link body. Such an integrally formed link member could be produced by plastic moulding, metal casting or any other suitable method known to the skilled person and suitable for function. Plastic moulding is preferable to reduce costs of manufacture, but metal casting may be considered for purposes of durability.

In a further embodiment, first engagement portion comprises a first connector extending parallel to the first direction D1, and the second engagement portion comprises a second connector extending parallel to the second direction D2, the first and second connectors having complementary inter-engageable forms.

The provision of complementary connectors with forms that may be engaged with one another allows respective first or second connectors to be connectable with the respective second or first connectors of an identical adjacent link member.

Preferably, the first connector defines an aperture and the second connector comprises an elongate portion, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the elongate portion is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the aperture. Thus, connection of adjacent identical connectors would involve engagement of the elongate portion of one link member within the aperture of an adjacent link member.

However, it is to be appreciated that alternative complementary forms may be used in addition, or as an alternative to male and female connectors such as an elongate member and aperture. For example, the connectors could comprise two piece latch arrangements, snap fit arrangements, aligned holes and separate bolt securing means, a strong hook and loop engagement arrangement or any other suitable arrangement known to the skilled person. However, the elongate member and aperture arrangement described above has the advantages of simplicity of design, ease of manufacture, reduced cost, strength of form, and ease of releasable engagement, so carries several advantages over alternative arrangements.

In a further embodiment, each link member further comprises a first connector located adjacent the first engagement portion and a second connector located adjacent the second engagement portion. Preferably, the respective first and second connectors are angled with respect to the first and second link portions.

Preferably, the respective first and second connectors extend away from respective first and second engagement portions at an acute angle relative to respective first and second link portions. This allows pivotable engagement of another component with the connector without risk of foiling on the ground on which the connector is supported in use as the acute angle ensures that there is sufficient clearance space between the engagement portions and the ground.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a sports training apparatus comprising: a substantially planar body having a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface opposing the first surface, the substantially planar body defining a plurality of edge portions, including a first straight edge portion having a first end and an opposing second end and defining a first axis, X and a second straight edge portion opposing the first straight edge portion and extending parallel to the first straight edge portion, the first ends of respective first and second straight edge portions being aligned with one another; and a plurality of link members according to a first aspect of the invention, wherein one link member is arranged at each end of the respective first and second straight edge portions and each respective link member is engaged with the substantially planar body.

In this way, if the planar body is square or rectangular, a link member will be arranged at each corner and engaged with the substantially planar body. Preferably, respective link members are secured to the substantially planar body. Suitable securing means include, but are not limited to, nuts and bolts, adhesion using suitable glue, and securing clips. Alternatively, the link members may be formed integrally with a frame in which the substantially planar body is arranged.

In one embodiment, the sports training apparatus further comprises a stand, the stand comprising an angled leg member having a first leg end engaged with a first connector located at the first end of the first straight edge portion, and a second leg end engaged with a second connector located at the first end of the second straight edge portion.

The angled leg member may comprise a V-shaped member, but a U-shaped member is preferable for increased stability during use.

The stand may further comprise a longitudinal arm member having a first arm end and a second arm end distal to the first arm end, the first arm end engaged with the leg member, wherein the arm member is pivotable relative to the leg member.

Preferably, the substantially planar body defines a plane, P1, and the arm member is pivotable through a plane, P2, transverse to plane P1.

In one embodiment, the stand is operable to move between a first folded configuration where the angled leg member is arranged adjacent the second surface and a second extended configuration where the angled leg member extends in a direction away from the second surface.

Being able to fold the stand provides significant advantages: 1. The stand will take up less space for the purposes of storage; 2. The stand will be suitable for transportation, for example, in a regular car, rather than requiring transportation in a larger vehicle; and 3. The stand is easier to move by one person rather than being a large unwieldy structure that may require more than one person to move it when in use on a tennis court. Moving the stand around a court is important to achieve a variety of return angles and speeds, so this is a significant advantage.

In a further embodiment, the second surface of the substantially planar body is provided with retaining means for engaging the second arm end, the retaining means arranged on the second surface and located equidistant from the first and second straight edge portions and distanced from the angled leg member when the stand is in the second extended configuration. The retaining means preferably comprises a pin that locates the second arm end in place relative to the substantially planar body. Alternatively, the second arm end may be provided with a high friction portion to hold it in engagement with the second surface of the substantially planar body. However, it is appreciated that this would only be applicable when the apparatus is used with inexperienced or weak players such that ball speeds are lower and impact forces sufficiently low to not dislodge such a frictional fit between the second arm end and the second surface of the substantially planar body. In one embodiment, the arm member is adjustable in length. This allows the angle of inclination of the substantially planar surface to be adjusted as desired to achieve varied return angles. The arm may be adjustable in length in any suitable way known to the skilled person such as, but not restricted to, a tube with aligned apertures and spring buttons, a hydraulically extendable arrangement, a telescopic arrangement, assembly of multiple portions (for example by screw fit or frictional fit) to achieve an adjustable desired length.

In one embodiment, the second arm end is retained at the retaining means when the stand is in the second extended configuration and is released from the retaining means to move the stand from the second extended configuration to the first folded configuration.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a sports training system comprising a plurality of sports training apparatuses according to a second aspect of the present invention, wherein adjacent sports training apparatuses are in the second extended configuration, and adjacent apparatuses are oriented to align the first ends of the first and second straight edges of respective apparatuses, wherein the first straight edge of one sports training apparatus is arranged parallel to the second straight edge of an adjacent sports training apparatus such that the first and second engagement portions of adjacent link members are aligned and reversibly engaged with one another.

In one embodiment, the arm members of adjacent apparatuses are of the same length as one another and the respective planar members of respective adjacent apparatuses extend in a common plane.

This provides a secure, but adjustable, releasably linked array of substantially planar surfaces, thus providing a larger target area for inexperienced players, while still retaining the advantages of individual apparatuses that may be folded for ease of storage or transportation and which can be manipulated by a single user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the front of an embodiment of a link member in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the embodiment of figure 1; Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views from the rear and one side of the embodiment of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view from the rear and one side of a sports training apparatus in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention in an expanded configuration incorporating the link member of figure 1; Figure 5 is a perspective view from the rear of the embodiment of figure 4 in a folded configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a corner portion of the embodiment of figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view from one side and above of the lower edge of the embodiment of figure 4; Figure 8 is a perspective view from the front and one side of an embodiment of a sports training system in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention incorporating two of the sports training apparatus embodiments of figure 4; Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment of figure 8; and Figure 10 is a side view of the embodiment of figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 to 3B show an embodiment of a link member in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.

Link member 10 comprises a body 12 defining a channel 13. Body 12 comprises a first link portion 16 and a second link portion 18, and a mid-portion 14 located between the first and second link portions 16, 18.

Mid-portion 14 is substantially planar and has a first planar surface 15 defining a first plane P1; and a second planar surface 15a defining a second plane P2, the second planar surface 15a opposing the first planar surface 15 with P1 and P2 being substantially parallel to one another, with channel 13 extending therebetween.

First link portion 16 extends away from mid-portion 14 in a first direction D1 and second link portion 18 extends away from the mid-portion 14 in a second direction D2. First direction D1 is substantially transverse to second direction D2.

Link member 10 further comprises a first engagement portion 20 extending from the first link portion 16. Link member 10 further comprises a second engagement portion 22 having a complementary form to the first engagement portion 20, second engagement portion 22 extending from the second link portion 18.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, first engagement portion defines an aperture 24 therethrough, aperture 24 extending parallel to first direction D1, 5 and the second engagement portion 26 comprises an elongate member 26 extending in a direction parallel to second direction D2. Aperture 24 has a first dimension, and elongate member 26 has a second dimension that is less than the first dimension, such that elongate member 26 of link member 10 may fit within aperture 24 of an adjacent link member 10' and aperture 24 of link member 10 may receive an elongate member 26 of an adjacent link member 10' therein.

It can be seen from figure 3 that the elongate member 26 and aperture 24 are oval in cross-section. However, the cross-sectional shape of elongate member 26 and aperture 24 may be any suitable corresponding forms of required dimension including, but not restricted to, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, rhomboid or any other suitable curved or angular contour.

Further, in the embodiment shown, first engagement portion defines an aperture 24 and second engagement portion 26 provides a corresponding elongate member 26, each dimensioned to allow releasable engagement of adjacent links members 10, 10' as described above. However, it is to be appreciated that the first and second engagement portions may be provided with any suitable complementary forms of engagement to allow adjacent link members 10, 10' to be releasably connected, during use. For example, first and second engagement portions could comprise complementary snap fit, or frictional fit forms, or suitably oriented hook structures, or a pin connector arrangement or releasably engageable members of a latching arrangement or the like.

However, the arrangement described with reference to the figures is strong and easily manufactured as part of a single piece moulding of link member 10, 10'.

Link member 10 is further provided with a first connector 28 and a second connector 30. First connector 28 extends from first engagement portion 20 at an acute angle relative to the second plane, P2. Second connector 30 extends from second engagement portion 22 at an acute angle relative to the second plane, P2. First connector 28 defines a first open channel 32, and second connector 30 defines a second open channer 34, respective open channels 32, 34 extending in a direction transverse to one another.

Figure 4 shows a view of the rear of an embodiment of an assembled sports training apparatus 100 in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. Sports training apparatus 100 comprises a planar rectangular body 102 having a rebound surface 104 and a rear surface 106 opposing the rebound surface 104 and extending parallel to the rebound surface 104. Edges 108, 110, 112 and 114 extend along the outer edges of rectangular body 102.

A link member 10 is provided at each corner of rectangular body 102, such that the or each corner of rectangular body 102 is received within channel 13 of a respective link member 10, each link member 10 being secured in place relative to the rectangular body 102 by securing means. In the link member 10 shown in figures 1 to 3B, securing means comprises a plurality of aligned securing apertures 36 extending through body 12 and suitable to receive securing bolts therethrough.

Once a corner of rectangular body 102 is received within channel 13 of body 12, securing apertures located at the corners of rectangular body 102 are aligned with securing apertures 36 and securing bolts used to secure the link member 10 and corner together.

Respective link members 10 are oriented relative to rectangular body 102 such that first and second connectors 28, 30 are located distal to rear surface 106 and proximal to rebound surface 104. This facilitates the attachment of a stand 200 to the rectangular body 102 to allow rectangular body to be presented at an inclined angle relative to the ground, when in use.

Stand 200 comprises a substantially U-shaped elongate member comprising a central portion 202 having a first leg 204 and a second leg 206 opposing the first leg 204. U-shaped elongate member further comprises a first engagement portion 208 extending from first leg 204 of central portion 202 and a second engagement portion 210 extending from second leg 206 of central portion 202.

Each of respective first and second engagement portions 208, 210 is provided with an engagement member 212, 214 located at an end distal to central portion 202.

Once at least two link members 10 have been secured to adjacent corners of rectangular body 102, stand 200 can be engaged with body 102. First engagement member 212 of first engagement portion 208 at first leg 204 of stand 200 is engaged with one of the first and second connectors 28, 30 of one link member 10, and second engagement member 214 of second engagement portion 210 at second leg 206 of stand 200 is engaged with one of the first and second connector 28, 30 of adjacent link member 10'.

It is possible that engagement of the stand 200 with respective link members 10, 10' is a fixed engagement, such that rebound surface 104 is held at a specific non-adjustable angle relative to the ground. However, it is preferable that, as shown in the embodiment of figures 4 and 5, stand 200 is in hinged engagement with link members 10, 10' such that stand 200 may be pivoted about first and second connectors. This allows the stand to be moved between an extended configuration in which the rear surface 106 is distanced from central portion 202 and rebound surface 104 is presented at a suitable angle for use, and a folded configuration in which rear surface 106 and central portion 202 become located substantially adjacent one another.

Further, it may be possible to locate rectangular body 102 at a desired distance from central portion 202 of stand 200 to achieve a preferred inclination of rebound surface 104 for use. This may be achieved simply by frictional engagement at the hinged engagement point between respective first and second ends 204, 206 of stand 200 and respective link member 10, 10'. However, depending on the force with which rebound surface 104 is likely to be impacted during use, reliance on frictional resistance may not be sufficient to prevent movement of rectangular body 102 towards central portion 202 of stand on application of impact force at rebound surface 104. This problem can be overcome as shown in the embodiment of figures 4 and 5, and as described below.

Stand 200 is further provided with an elongate arm 216 with a first end 218 in pivotal engagement with a mid-region of central portion 202 and a second free end 220 distal to first end 218. Further, rear surface 106 of rectangular body 102 is provided with retainer 108 for releasable engagement with second free end 220 of arm 216 when sports training apparatus is in an expanded configuration and rebound surface is presented at an inclined angle relative to the ground on which is it supported, during use.

When use has been completed, free end 220 of arm 216 is released from retainer 108 provided on rear surface 106 of rectangular body 102, arm 216 is then pivoted about central portion 202 and central portion 202 is pivoted relative to link members 10, 10' towards rear surface 106 of rectangular body 102 until it is folded into a position substantially adjacent to rear surface 106. First end 218 of arm 216 is pivoted about central portion 202 of stand 200 until is also lies substantially adjacent rear surface 102, which second free end 220 of arm 216 extending distal to retainer 108 and clips into place to hold the leg secure during transit and storage. Once in the folded configuration, sports training apparatus 100 is sufficiently compact for either convenient storage or for ease of transportation.

Although it is to be appreciated that arm 216 may be of fixed dimension such that in the expanded configuration, rebound surface 104 may be inclined at a single angle, in the embodiment shown in figures 3 and 4, arm 216 is adjustable in length, thereby allowing the inclination of rebound surface 104 to be adjusted to a desired inclination to suit the sports training being undertake and/or the expertise of the user. For example, different angles of inclination will be desirable to deliver different types of return and cope with different serve speeds when being used in tennis serve training.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, arm 216 comprises a lightweight aluminium tube with a series of aligned apertures and sprung buttons to allow a series of adjustable settings. However, it is to be appreciated that any suitable length adjustment of arm 216 known to the skilled person and suitable for function to be used in addition or as an alternative to the adjustment mechanism of the described embodiment. For example, arm 216 may be hydraulically adjustable or may comprises multiple lengths which are selectively joined to one another to provide an arm of desired length.

It will be appreciated that sports training apparatus 100 is subject to significant force when hit by a tennis ball at speeds of up to 140 mph. Therefore, optionally, frictionally resistant material, such a foam padding or the like, is provided around at least a ground engaging portion of first and second legs 204, 205, to provide increased levels of friction with the ground on which is it to be support during use. This serves to increase the stability of the sports training apparatus 100 during use and also reduces unwanted movement during impact events at the rebound surface 104 during use.

Rebound surface 104 comprises any material or combination of materials known to the skilled person and suitable to act as a surface which is strong enough to withstand repeated impact from a tennis ball under serve conditions, but has material properties that facilitate the rebound of the ball after impact. Examples of suitable surface materials include, but are not limited to, fibreglass, aluminium, polyurethane, acrylic and the like. Suitable materials to sit behind the surface material include, but are not limited to, polystyrene or foam type materials.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A link member comprising a link body, the link body defining a channel for engagement with a substantially planar member, the link body having: -a first link portion, a second link portion and a mid-portion located therebetween, the first link portion extending away from the mid-portion in a first direction D1 and the second link portion extending from the mid-portion in a second direction D2 transverse to the first direction Dl; and -a first engagement portion extending from the first link portion in a direction transverse to first direction D1, and a second engagement portion having a complementary form to the first engagement portion and extending from the second link portion in a direction transverse to the second direction D2.
2. A link member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second engagement portions are formed integrally with the link body.
3. A link member as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first engagement portion comprises a first connector extending parallel to the first direction D1, and the second engagement portion comprises a second connector extending parallel to the second direction D2, the first and second connectors having complementary inter-engageable forms.
4. A link member as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first connector defines an aperture and the second connector comprises an elongate portion, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the elongate portion is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the aperture.
5. A link member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each link member further comprises a first connector located adjacent the first engagement portion and a second connector located adjacent the second engagement portion.
6. A link member as claimed in claim 5, wherein the respective first and second connectors extend away from respective first and second engagement portions at an acute angle relative to respective first and second link portions.
7. A sports training apparatus comprising: a substantially planar body having a first substantially planar surface and a second substantially planar surface opposing the first surface, the substantially planar body defining a plurality of edge portions, including a first straight edge portion having a first end and an opposing second end and defining a first axis, X and a second straight edge portion opposing the first straight edge portion and extending parallel to the first straight edge portion, the first ends of respective first and second straight edge portions being aligned with one another; and a plurality of the link members of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein one link member is arranged at each end of the respective first and second straight edge portions and each respective link member is engaged with the substantially planar body.
8. A sports training apparatus as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a stand, the stand comprising an angled leg member having a first leg end engaged with a first connector located at the first end of the first straight edge portion, and a second leg end engaged with a second connector located at the first end of the second straight edge portion.
9. A sports training apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the stand further comprises a longitudinal arm member having a first arm end and a second arm end distal to the first arm end, the first arm end engaged with the leg member, wherein the arm member is pivotable relative to the leg member.
10.A sports training apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the substantially planar body defines a plane, P1, and the arm member is pivotable through a plane, P2, transverse to plane P1.
11.A sports training apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the stand is operable to move between a first folded configuration where the angled leg member is arranged adjacent the second surface and a second extended configuration where the angled leg member extends in a direction away from the second surface.
12.A sports training apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second surface of the substantially planar body is provided with retaining means for releasably retaining the second arm end, the retaining means arranged on the second surface and located equidistant from the first and second straight edge portions and distanced from the angled leg member when the stand is in the second extended configuration.
13.A sports training apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the arm member is adjustable in length.
14.A sports training apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the second arm end is retained at the retaining means when the stand is in the second extended configuration and is released from the retaining means to move the stand from the second extended configuration to the first folded configuration.
15.A sports training system comprising a plurality of sports training apparatuses as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein adjacent sports training apparatuses are in the second extended configuration, and adjacent apparatuses are oriented to align the first ends of the first and second straight edges of respective apparatuses, wherein the first straight edge of one sports training apparatus is arranged parallel to the second straight edge of an adjacent sports training apparatus such that the first and second engagement portions of adjacent link members are aligned and reversibly engaged with one another.
16.A sports training system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the arm members of adjacent apparatuses are of the same length as one another and the respective planar members of respective adjacent apparatuses extend in a common plane.