A goal rebound system

Abstract

A goal rebound system comprises a substantially planar upright section 1a, configured so that a playing projectile striking the upright section will rebound off the upright section; and a connection means 1b configured to connect between the upright section 1a and the structure of a goal. The connection means 1b and upright section 1a configured so that the connection to the goal is behind the goal line. The upright sections may be telescopic (see figure 5).

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a goal rebound system. BACKGROUND The use of rebounding sports practice structures is well known in the prior art. These types of devices are used to deflect a ball which has been tossed, hit or kicked against the rebounder, in order to cause the ball to rebound away from its initial direction of travel. A typical, known, type of rebounder has a planar rebounding surface, usually held within a frame structure which is disposed at an angle to the playing surface. In use, a user throws, kicks or hits the ball which strikes the planar surface, which is generally disposed at an upward angle in relation to the playing surface, causing the ball to rebound away from the rebounder. Known prior art sports practice structures include for example: US5,054,791; US5,048,844; US5,042,820; US4,948,147; US4,462,599; US5,833,234, and; US8,043,172. As well as these examples, a training device called the QUICK FEET™ rebounder made by the Matrix Sports Group utilizes a plurality of rectangular frames covered with fabric material, such frames having vertical and horizontal support members. The horizontal members of each frame are joined to horizontal members of adjacent frames, forming a polygonal figure having a plurality of straight sides and an open interior. The user of this rebounder climbs into the open interior so that they are surrounded by the frames, and kicks the ball toward the fabric covering of a selected frame, causing the ball to rebound back toward the user. The user then repeats this process. When training, a rebound system allows shots to be practiced so that the ball always rebounds at a set angle, or in a manner that ensures that the ball remains confined to a small area and can therefore be recovered easily. However, when playing a game, play will stop when a goal is scored, with the ball or puck retained in the goal. Alternatively, if using a rebounder system of the known type, it can be difficult to know when a goal has been scored - to know for certain that the ball or puck or similar has crossed the scoring line. A useful skill for football is being able to practice controlling and scoring from shots that rebound from inside a goal after the ball has crossed the line. Standard goals are designed to absorb the energy of a moving ball and to retain the ball within the goal, and this can make it difficult to consistently practice these types of shot. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to provide a goal rebound system which goes some way to overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public or industry with a useful choice. The term “comprising” as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means “consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both. As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun. Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said to consist in a goal rebound system, comprising: a substantially planar upright section, configured so that a playing projectile striking the upright section will rebound off the upright section; a connection means configured to connect between the upright section and the structure of a goal; the connection means and upright section configured so that the connection to the goal is within the body of the goal behind the goal line. In an embodiment, the upright section comprises a hinge configured to allow the body of the upright section to be folded. In an embodiment, the upright section is configured so as to telescope. In an embodiment, the upright section is sized so as to extend approximately one-quarter of the height of the goal. In an embodiment, the connection means comprises a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism. In an embodiment, the connection means comprises a rigid connector or connectors configured to releasably connect around a pole. In an embodiment, the upright section comprises straight sides, the connection means located so as to connect the sides to upright parts of the goal structure. In an embodiment, the upright section comprises a straight lower edge, the connection means located so as to connect the lower edge to a portion of the goal structure. In an embodiment, the upright section and the connection means are mutually configured so that in use the upright section is angled rearwards. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings which show an embodiment of the device by way of example, and in which: Figure 1 shows a rebounder of a first known prior art type, the rebounder comprising a net connected to and stretched between the posts and crossbar of a goal so as to rebound a ball hitting the mouth of the goal. Figure 2 shows a goal rebound system of a second known prior art type, where the net of a goal is configured so that a ball can be bounced off the net at the rear of the goal behind the goal and the playing pitch for the goal, for practice purposes. Figure 3 shows a goal rebound system according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 4a shows a goal rebound system according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 4b shows a variation of the second embodiment of goal rebound system shown in figure 4a Figure 5 shows a goal rebound system according to a third embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a goal rebound system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a goal rebound system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a goal rebound system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 shows a goal rebound system according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the invention, and variations thereof, will now be described in detail with reference to figures 3 to 9. With reference to figure 3, in the preferred embodiment, the goal rebound system 1 is configured for use with a standard known type of goal setup. The standard goal as shown in figure 3 (and figures 4 to 9) is formed from a number of elongate elements connected together to form the goal - that is, two uprights 2 at either side of a goalmouth, connected by a crossbar 3 running across the top of the goalmouth and connected at each end of the crossbar 3 to the top end of the uprights 2. The crossbar 3 forms / is aligned with the upper edge of the goal mouth. It can be seen that the uprights 2 and crossbar 3 form the goal mouth. The standard goal as shown in the figures and as used with the invention has a backwards depth - that is, a depth that extends to the rear of the goal mouth. Two upper extensions 4 and two lower extensions 5 extend rearwardly from the upper ends and lower ends respectively of the uprights 2. The upper and lower ends of the extensions 4, 5 at each side are connected via rear uprights 6, at each side of the goal. A lower crosspiece 7 is connected at each of its ends to the rearwards / lower end of the lower extensions 5 and the lower ends of the rear uprights 6 extending across the rear of the goal between the rear uprights 6 and lower extensions 5 at each side. The lower crosspiece 7 and the crossbar 3 are substantially the same length, and, in use, when connected to their respective elements, extend parallel to one another across the goal. In normal use, the goal would be used with a net (not shown) that is connected over the top of and on the outside of the framework created by the extensions 4, 5, uprights 2, crossbar 3 and lower crosspiece 7, leaving the goal mouth (between the uprights 2 and crossbar 3) open. The net is kept relatively loose so that the energy of a ball, puck, or similar (this type of item generally referred to in this specification as a ‘playing projectile’) hitting the net is absorbed by the net and the ball remains within the goal. Rebounder Board - First Embodiment A first embodiment of goal rebound system 1 is shown in figure 3, connected to the lower crosspiece 7. The goal rebound system 1 comprises an upright section 1a and a connection portion 1b. Connection Portion The connection portion 1b in this embodiment comprises a number of cloth strips that extend from an edge of the upright section, the strips comprising a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism that allows them to wrap around themselves and releasably connect to one another to form a closed loop. In use, the strips are looped around the lower crosspiece 7 to connect the goal rebound system to the lower crosspiece. Upright Section The upright section 1a comprises a substantially rigid planar element having a rectangular profile, that in use (when the goal rebound system 1 is connected to the lower crosspiece 7) is aligned to extend upright substantially vertically from the lower crosspiece 7. The upright section 1a in this embodiment can be formed from wood, plastic, or metal. The upright section 1a in this embodiment is sized so as to extend approximately one-quarter of the height of the goal. Other sizes (e.g. one-fith, one-third, one-half, etc) can also be used. When the upright section is struck by a playing projectile, the projectile will rebound off the upright section with very little of its energy being absorbed by the upright section. As shown in figure 3, in use two goal rebounders are connected side-by-side to the lower crossbar 7 so as to run across substantially the entire width of the goal. Rebounder Board - Second Embodiment A variation or second embodiment of the goal rebound system is shown in figures 4a and 4b. The goal rebound system 100 in this embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment shown in figure 3 and described above. However, in this embodiment, the connection portion 100b runs along / is aligned with the side edges of the upright section 100a as well as the lower edge of the upright section. This allows the upright section to be angled forwards towards the goal mouth slightly so that the edges are in alignment with the rear uprights 6, with the cloth loops of the connection portion 100b on the side edges of the upright section 100a used to connect the upright section 100a to the rear uprights. As shown in figure 4a, the upright section 100a comprises a single unit that runs substantially the width of the goal from one side to the other. A variation of this embodiment is shown in figure 4b, the upright section 200a in this variation formed from two substantially-equally-sized parts hingedly connected at their centre via hinges 201, the seam between the parts aligned substantially vertically in use. This variation allows the system 200 to be formed as a single unitary item (rather than the two separate units of the first embodiment), but to still be folded for storage and transport and similar. This is useful as it allows the system to be used with larger or full-size goals, while still allowing the system to be transported easily. Rebounder Board - Third Embodiment A variation or third embodiment of the goal rebound system is shown in figure 5. In this embodiment, the goal rebound system 300 comprises a telescoping unit having a hollow central section 302 from which extending sections 304 can be stored and then slid out or withdrawn ready for use. In a similar manner to the second embodiment, connection portions 300b are located along the side edges of the extending sections 304 of the upright section 300a as well as the lower edge of the upright section 300a. The upright section 300a is connected to the goal at its sides and lower edge, angled forwards towards the goal mouth slightly so that the edges are in alignment with the rear uprights 6. The telescoping nature of the upright section 300a allows it to be collapsed down for storage or transport or similar. This is useful as it allows the system to be used with larger or full-size goals, while still allowing the system to be transported easily. The goal can be adjusted to extend completely across the entire width of the rear of the goal, and then packed away quickly and easily for transport and storage. Rebounder Board - Fourth Embodiment A variation or fourth embodiment of the goal rebound system is shown in figure 6. In this embodiment, the connection portions 400b are located along the lower edge of the upright section 400a. However, in this embodiment, these are formed as rigid connectors - e.g. from plastic or metal or wood or similar. The connectors are formed, and attached to, the upright section 400a so that when the connection portions 400b are attached to the lower crossbar 7, the upright section 400a will extend across the rear of the goal, but angled rearwards (that is, with the lower edge further forward towards the goal mouth than the upper edge). This has the effect of creating a high ball rebound return, where a ball will strike the board and then return out of the goal in an arching angle. This configuration allows additional practice of the skills necessary to deal with this type of rebound. Rebounder Board - Fifth Embodiment A variation or fifth embodiment of the goal rebound system is shown in figure 7. The goal rebound system in this embodiment is similar to that of figure 4a. However, in this embodiment, the connection portion 500b is located so as to only run along / be aligned with the side edges of the upright section 500a. As shown in figure 7, this allows the goal rebounder to be located higher up on the rear uprights 6, towards the top of the goal. The upright section 500a is aligned at an angle that follows the angle of the rear uprights, with the top or upper edge of the upright section 500aforwards of the lower or bottom edge of the upright section 500a. Rebounder Board - Sixth Embodiment A variation or sixth embodiment of the goal rebound system is shown in figure 8. In this embodiment, the goal rebounder is configured so that it can be located in the side of the goal. The lower edge and side edges of the upright section 600a have integral connection portions 600b. The connection portions 600b on the lower edge (which connects to the lower extension 5) and the front side edge (which connects to the upright 2) are formed as cloth loops. The connection portions 600b on the rear side edge (connecting in use to the rear upright 6) are formed as rigid connectors -e.g. from plastic or metal or wood or similar. As shown, in use the upright section 600a is aligned substantially upright, following the plane of the side of the goal. Rebounder Board - Seventh Embodiment A variation or seventh embodiment of the goal rebound system is shown in figure 9. In this embodiment, the goal rebounder is configured so that it can be located in the goal across the rear corner at one side, at an angle to both the side of the goal and the rear of the goal. In this embodiment, the upright section 700a has integral connection portions 700b at each of its lower corners, so that the side closest to the front of the goal can be connected to the lower extension 5, and the side closest to the rear of the goal can be connected to the lower crosspiece 7. In use, the upright section 700a is preferably aligned substantially vertically upright, but can be aligned angled slightly rearwards (lower edge forward of the upper edge). In all of the embodiments described above, the upright sections are generally of the same or similar heights. That is, if stood upright so that they extend substantially vertically, they will be approximately quarter of the height of the goal. Use In use, players shoot at the goal in the normal manner, kicking the ball into / through the mouth of the goal. When using just the standard goal with a connected net, the energy of the bail is absorbed by the net so that it comes to a stop within the goal. However, when using the goal rebound system of the invention, players can score (the ball clearly crosses the scoring line at the front of the goal and enters the goal), and the ball is then rebounded or returned out of the goal as it bounces off the upright section. Players can score in any type and size of goal post and get the ball in return (rebound) for repetitive goal scoring practice. It should be noted that the rebounder can be positioned either on the inside or on the outside of the net. When the net absorbs the energy of the ball, it does so by moving over significant distances. However, the net cannot do this if the ball hits the net and the net only moves a short distance before the ball then strikes the rebounder (through the net). The rebound system allows shots to be practiced so that the ball always rebounds at a set angle, or in a manner that ensures that the ball remains confined to a small area and can therefore be recovered easily. However, in contrast with prior art rebounders, it can easily be seen when a goal has been scored - to know for certain that the ball or puck or similar has crossed the scoring line. As noted above, the upright sections are sized so as to extend approximately one-quarter of the height of the goal. 70%+ of all goals scored in the FIFA World Cup were scored in the lower area of the goal posts. Therefore it is important for players to practice techniques for scoring within the lower part of a goal, and the system of the present invention provides immediate feedback in relation to their technique, and allows them to rapidly set up subsequent practice shots. These rebound shots have the benefit of not only being rapid to set up, but their practice can also incorporate the effects of a non-scoring rebound (e.g. if a shot at goal has been knocked away without scoring, but another or the same player subsequently scores from the rebound). As described above, the goal rebound system for most of the embodiments is configured to be connected to the goal in the lower / lowest part of the goal, so as to allow practice for low rebound shots or similar. However, as shown in the embodiment of figure 7, the rebound system could also be located in any other preferred part of the goal (e.g. the upper rear part in the embodiment of figure 7). The rebound system could also be configured so as to located in the mid-part of the rear, or the mid- or upper part of the side. This allows for shot practice in other areas of the goal, and not just the lower rear.

Claims

1. A goal rebound system, comprising:a substantially planar upright section, configured so that a playing projectile striking the upright section will rebound off the upright section;a connection means configured to connect between the upright section and the structure of a goal;the connection means and upright section configured so that the connection to the goal is behind the goal line.

2. A goal rebound system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upright section comprises a hinge configured to allow the body of the upright section to be folded.

3. A goal rebound system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the upright section is configured so as to telescope.

4. A goal rebound system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the upright section is sized so as to extend approximately one-quarter of the height of the goal.

5. A goal rebound system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the connection means comprises a hook-and-loop fastening mechanism.

6. A goal rebound system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the connection means comprises a rigid connector or connectors configured to releasably connect around a pole.

7. A goal rebound system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the upright section comprises straight sides, the connection means located so as to connect the sides to upright parts of the goal structure.

8. A goal rebound system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the upright section comprises a straight lower edge, the connection means located so as to connect the lower edge to a portion of the goal structure.

9. A goal rebound system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the upright section and the connection means are mutually configured so that in use the upright section is angled rearwards.

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