CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/890,219 entitled Apparatus and Method of Play for a Soccer Kicking and Trapping Game filed August 22, 2019.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[002] The invention relates to an apparatus and method of play for a soccer kicking and trapping game.

2 The Prior Art

[003] Backyard games are fun and enjoyed by people far and wide. There have been many games invented that involve an object being tossed to a target such as ring toss, horseshoes, comhole and bocce ball. These backyard games usually require a minimal amount of space and can be easily moved from one location to another. These games also include a scoring system involving 2 teams of 2 players. Several attempts have been made to provide portable devices that provide a target or simulated goal for play in an area smaller than a regulation soccer field.

[004] For example, U.S. Patent 4,842,284 entitled Center Soccer Two Way Goal provides a miniature frame and netting that can be staked into the ground. U.S. Patent 5,346,228 entitled Soccer Goal and Gaming Apparatus provides a basketball hoop mounted on a frame to support it horizontally on the ground or in a raised position. U.S. Patent 5,556,104 entitled Soccer Practice Device provides an L-shaped frame with backboard supported on one leg and a net supported on the other leg. The frame can be oriented with the backboard vertical, the backboard angled, or the net vertical. These devices simply offer small-scale targets. In some instance the backboard will serve to return the ball to the player. However, no unique game is provided nor are there features to develop other skills of the player.

[005] U.S. Patent 5,556,106 entitled Soccer Training Device and Method of Training provides an indoor practice screen with multiple targets. Below the target is a complex ball return system, similar to a bowling alley. U.S. Patent 6,846,253 entitled Soccer Training System provides a small frame to support a net. In an alternate configuration, a target panel is suspended across the frame with one or more target openings. These systems are not portable games that can be taken to another yard and easily set up. They are basically providing large-scale multiple targets.

[006] None of these games involve a soccer theme with a unique target and scoring system. This invention solves this problem by providing a portable device that serves as a one or two team goal in addition to a skill improving feature.

SUMMARY OF THU INVENTION

[007] A soccer kicking and trapping game and method of play are provided herein.

Many people have created soccer goals that are lightweight and portable but none of them have the same structure as this. This scoring apparatus or goal is unique because there are several ways a player can score and it has a scoring area on the top section of the goal which is usually just a crossbar. Therefore, a player can kick directly into the scoring apparatus, onto the top section of the scoring apparatus, into the hole that exists on the top section of the scoring apparatus or player A can kick to player B who redirects the ball into the back entrance of the scoring apparatus.

[008] The apparatus includes the following features, taken singly or in any combination including a raised top panel that defines two goals below its front and rear sides. Left and right supports that raise the top panel above the ground about 1.2 and 1.5 times a soccer ball diameter. The supports extend down at 90 degrees from the top panel. In a further embodiment, the supports extend down at greater than 90 degrees from the top panel.

For example, the supports extend down about 100 to 120 degrees from the top panel. The top panel is a rectangle having a depth about 2 times a soccer ball diameter. The top panel is a rectangle having a width about 3 times a soccer ball diameter. The top panel includes an aperture of circular configuration with a diameter about 1.2 and 1.5 times a soccer ball diameter. The top panel and supports are formed as a single piece of material. The top panel and supports are integrally molded as a single piece of material. For example, the top panel and supports are injection molded as a single piece.

[009] One aspect of the invention relates to a soccer kicking and trapping game having a multi-faceted goal panel with an aperture disposed in the center thereof along with top and bottom surfaces. The goal panel further includes a front edge, a rear edge and left and right sides forming a periphery of the goal panel. Left and right supports are pivotally coupled to the left and right sides. The supports fold against said bottom surface for portability and storage and fold outwardly to form legs that elevate the goal panel for game play above a playing surface. In the game play configuration, the space below the front edge and between the legs forms a first goal, the space between the rear edge and the legs forms a second goal, and the aperture forms a third goal.

[0010] Each support includes an upper end pivotally coupled to said goal panel and a lower end with a width greater than said upper end. A semi-circular cutout is formed within said lower end so that the supports avoid occluding the aperture when folded against said bottom surface. In this manner a soccer ball can be conveniently placed within the aperture and cutouts for portability and storage.

[0011] The game is played with a soccer ball having a width W, wherein the aperture has a diameter that is between about 2.0 times and about 2.4 times greater than width W. The supports elevate the goal panel a distance above the playing surface that is between about 2.0 times and about 2.4 times greater than width W. The supports when folded outwardly form an angle between about 100 degrees and 120 degrees to the goal panel. The goal panel and the supports are made from a material durable enough to withstand multiple repeated strikes from soccer balls. The goal panel and said supports are made from wood, wood composites, plywood, natural materials treated to provide water resistance, plastic, synthetic material or metal. For plastic construction, the goal panel and said supports are formed from injection molded plastic, blow molded plastic or foam injection molded plastic.

[0012] The goal panel is integrally formed from molded plastic and includes a flat top surface, a pair of bosses extending off the bottom surface at each of the left and right sides and structural ribs on the bottom surface disposed between the aperture and the bosses. Each support is made from molded plastic in a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape with the lower end being parallel to, and longer than, the upper end. The upper end includes longitudinally extending hinge panel which is shorter than said upper end. A pair of hinge pins extends laterally outwardly from the hinge panel for engaging the bosses. Structural ribs run around the periphery of the support and extend between the semi-circular cutout and the hinge panel. The diameter of the semi-circular cutout along the lower end of the support is approximately the same length as the hinge panel. [0013] There is also provided a method of playing a soccer kicking and trapping game.

In preparation for the single goal game, one goal is configured by unfolding supports and locating the goal at approximately a middle point on a playing field. Two or more players are divided into teams A and B and a starting team is chosen. A round is played by having a player from Team A kick a soccer ball toward the goal, then having a player from Team B kick a soccer ball toward the goal. Various points are awarded for different interactions between the soccer ball and the goal result including an automatic win interaction. A score is determined for each team at the end of each round (a) if a threshold number of point is awarded or an automatic win interaction is achieved declaring that team the winner (b) if the winning score is not achieved repeating the playing, awarding and determining steps (c) if both teams are tied at or above the threshold continuing to an overtime round.

[0014] The goal includes an elevated goal panel having an aperture disposed in the center thereof, a front edge, and a rear edge. Points are awarded when a player passes the ball on the ground below the front edge of their goal. Additional points are awarded when a player passes the ball in the air which hits the goal directly or after being redirected by a team member. More additional points are awarded when a player passes the ball in the air which is redirected below the rear edge or through the aperture. More higher points are awarded when a player passes the ball in the air through the aperture.

[0015] In preparation for the double goal game, two goals A and B are configured by unfolding the supports and locating the goals at opposing ends of a playing field. Two or more players are divided into teams A and B assigned to goals A and B, respectively, and a starting team and an ending team are chosen.

[0016] A player from the starting team kicks a soccer ball toward their goal or a team member wherein the team member optionally traps the soccer ball and kicks the soccer ball toward their respective goal or a team member. Kicking and trapping continues until a goal shot is taken. A player from the ending team then gets a turn. Turns alternate between the teams until all players have had a turn thereby completing a round.

[0017] Various points are awarded for different interactions between the soccer ball and the goal result including an automatic win interaction. A score is determined for each team at the end of each round (a) if a threshold number of point have been awarded or an automatic win interaction is achieved declaring that team the winner (b) if the winning score is not achieved repeating the playing, awarding and determining steps (c) if both teams are tied at or above the threshold continuing to an overtime round.

[0018] Each goal includes an elevated goal panel having an aperture disposed in the center thereof, a front edge, and a rear edge. The awarding various points step includes: awarding points when a player passes the ball on the ground below the front edge of their goal; awarding additional points when a player passes the ball in the air which hits the goal directly or after being redirected by a team member; awarding more additional points when a player passes the ball in the air which is redirected below the rear edge or through the aperture; and awarding a more higher additional points when a player passes the ball in the air through the aperture including declaring awarding an automatic win interaction.

[0019] The awarding various points step may include specific points as follows: awarding 1 point when a player passes the ball on the ground below the front edge of their goal; awarding 3 points when a player passes the ball in the air which hits the goal directly or after being redirected by a team member; awarding 5 points when a player passes the ball in the air which is redirected below the rear edge or through the aperture; and awarding an automatic win interaction when a player passes the ball in the air through the aperture.

[0020] The determining step includes determining (a) if 25 points are solely awarded or an automatic win interaction has been achieved declaring that team the winner (b) if neither team achieves 25 points repeating the playing, awarding and determining steps (c) if both teams are tied at or above 25 points continuing to an overtime round. Playing an overtime round includes awarding various overtime points for different interactions between the soccer ball and the goal result including an automatic win interaction. Playing an overtime round additionally includes determining an overtime score for each team at the end of each overtime round (a) if a team is awarded more points than the other team, declaring that team the winner (b) if an automatic win interaction is achieved declaring that team the winner (c) if both teams are tied repeating said steps of playing an overtime round, awarding various overtime points, and determining an overtime score. [0021] A method of playing a soccer game includes the following features, taken singly or in any combination. A top panel is raised above the ground with a front side, an opposed rear side and an aperture. In a skill game, kicking a soccer ball so it drops through the aperture of the raised top panel. The area below the front side comprising one goal, and the area beneath the rear side comprising a second goal. In a competitive game, one team kicking a soccer ball beneath the front side and the other team kicking a soccer ball beneath the rear side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] The advantages, nature, and various additional features of the invention will appear more fully upon consideration of the illustrative embodiments now to be described in detail in connection with accompanying drawings. In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a soccer kicking and trapping game. [0024] FIG. 2 is a front, top perspective view of the game.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a rear, top perspective view of the game.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of the goal panel.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of an alternate embodiment of a support.

[0028] FIG. 6A is a top, right, rear side perspective view of the goal with the supports folded against the bottom of the goal panel.

[0029] FIG. 6B is a bottom, right, front side perspective views of the goal with the supports folded against the bottom of the goal panel.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a top, front, right side perspective view of the goal with the supports opened and configured for play.

[0031] FIG. 8 A is a front side elevational view of the soccer kicking and trapping game with supports folded with a stowed soccer ball.

[0032] FIG. 8B is a front side elevational view of the soccer kicking and trapping game with supports open and soccer ball removed.

[0033] FIG. 9 is an environmental view of the soccer kicking and trapping game played in a field with one goal.

[0034] FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the soccer kicking and trapping game played in a field with two goals.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the steps during play of the soccer kicking and trapping game. RETATT,ER DESCRIPTION OF THF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] A soccer kicking and trapping game is provided with a multi-faceted soccer scoring apparatus. This game is unique because it comes with a scoring apparatus that is novel to soccer and it is played in teams of two. The general purpose of the invention is provide a means for people to play a soccer related game that requires less skill, and is less strenuous and requires less space than a typical game of soccer. The scoring apparatus will be of sturdy construction but small and light enough to easily transport from one place to another. Therefore it is ideal for a backyard, park, beach or any open area.

[0037] The game is played by player A kicking the ball toward the target where a teammate is positioned behind the target. Player A can either kick the ball directly into or on the top portion of the target to score points. Another option is for player A to kick the ball past the goal to player B who can redirect the ball into or on top of the target. [0038] Referring now in detail to the drawing, and in particular FIGs. 1, 2 and 3, the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 of the invention includes a top panel 10 that is raised above the playing field by supports 12a and 12b. Top panel includes a left side 10a, a right side 10b, a front side lOf and a rear side lOr. Supports extend down from the left side and the right side to raise top panel above the playing field by a distance greater than the diameter of a regulation soccer ball. For example, if a soccer ball has a diameter of 8 inches, the top panel would be raised to a height of between 16 and 20 inches, preferably 18 inches. Since there are different sized balls, the height of the top panel can be set between 2.0 and 2.4 times the ball diameter, preferably 2.2 times the ball diameter. The width of front side lOf and rear side lOr is about 2 times the diameter of a soccer ball.

The area between the ground and the front side lOf, bordered by the supports, forms a first goal 20a. The area between the ground and the rear side lOr, bordered by the supports, forms a second goal 20b.

[0039] Top panel 10 is rectangular having dimensions approximately 2 times by 3 times the diameter of a soccer ball. In other words a depth D that is 2 times the diameter and a width W that is 3 times the diameter. FIG. 1 shows rear side 1 Or as a rectilinear edge.

The front and rear sides could also be arc shaped with the curve extending outwardly away from aperaturelOc. In a practical embodiment, the front and rear sides are formed by three rectilinear sections of approximately equal length that extend the top panel outwardly in the center, as depicted by lOf in FIG. 1. With three sections at the front and rear edges the top panel in its entirety has an irregular 8-sided octagonal shape.

[0040] Top panel 10 also includes an aperture 10c which is centered within the top panel. The center aperture is a circular opening between about 2.0 times and 2.4 times the soccer ball diameter, preferably 2.2 times the ball diameter. When using an 8 inch diameter ball, the aperture may be between 17 and 18 inches in diameter. Kicking the ball on a fly into the center aperture provides a skill improving drill that can be practiced by one or more players. In a competitive game, kicking the ball into the aperture could give a team multiple points, whereas kicking the ball through one of the goals 20a, b could give a team 1 point.

[0041] Supports 12a, 12b may extend down perpendicular to the top panel. In an alternate embodiment, the supports may extend down at a draft angle A, for example 100 to 120 degrees from the top panel so that they flair outwardly providing a wider, more stable stance. The draft angle may provide an advantage for removing the apparatus in a one piece construction from an injection molding machine, blow molding machine or foam injection machine. The apparatus may be made from plastic, polymer, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material or any other suitable material. In addition, the draft angle would allow multiple one piece construction devices to be stacked for shipping and retail display.

[0042] In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, top panel 30 and supports 40 are separately molded from plastic, for example blow molded. Top panel 30 includes two pairs of bosses 32 at the left and right sides thereof, with an aperture 30c located in the center. The bosses extend downwardly from the bottom of the top panel. As shown the lower surface of top panel is generally recessed to reduce the amount of material used and lower the overall weight. Structural ribs 36 are disposed between the aperture and the bosses.

[0043] Support 40 includes a hinge panel 50 extending from the upper end 44 and being shorter than the upper end. The hinge panel is about the same thickness of the support and extends off the top end of the support. Accordingly, the hinge panel resides in the same plane as the remainder of the support. The upper end 44 is shorter than the lower end 42 and longer than the hinge panel. The hinge panel is also shorter than the span 34 between the bosses, for example 1/16 to 1/4 inches shorter, preferably 1/8 inch shorter. A pair of hinge pins 52 extend outwardly from the hinge panel and in opposite directions from each other. The hinge pins also reside in the same plane as the hinge panel and the remainder of the support. The hinge panel extends outwardly in a longitudinal direction from the support, like a support extension. The hinge pins extend transversely to the longitudinal direction. The bosses 32 include correspondingly sized holes facing each other for receiving the hinge pins. The lower end 42 includes a semi-circular cutout 46 having a diameter D measured along a line that is co-linear with the bottom surface of the support. The diameter is approximately the same length as the hinge panel. The diameter D is approximately the same as the diameter of a soccer ball, for example, 8 inches. As shown the inner surface of support is generally recessed to reduce the amount of material used and lower the overall weight. Structural ribs 48 are disposed between the semi-circular cutout and the hinge panel. More particularly, ribbing extends around the periphery of the support, with additional ribs extending radially outward from the semi-circular cutout. Ribs extend radially outwardly from the semi-circular cutout 46 towards the comer where the hinge panel 50 meets the upper end 44 of the panel.

[0044] FIG. 6A shows the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 fully assembled with the supports 40a, 40b folded flat against the lower surface of top panel 30. The supports are about half the length of the top panel. Accordingly, when the supports are folded they form a second panel about the size of the top panel and arranged parallel to the top panel. When the supports 40a, 40b are folded the semi-circular cutouts form a circular cutout that is concentric to the aperture 30c. The circular cutout is sized so that a soccer ball 6 of the game can fit snugly therein for transport and storage. FIG. 6B illustrates with greater clarity that the supports 40 are about half the length of top panel 30. Supports 40 are narrower than top panel 30. For example, the centerline where the two supports meet, the supports are about 1 inch narrower than the top panel. At the end of the supports where the hinge panel originates, the supports are about 2 inches narrower than the top panel. To use the soccer kicking and trapping game, the supports 40 are folded open to the play configuration as shown in FIG. 7. From the folded position, the supports are pivoted away from the top panel 30 between about 100 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0045] One version of play involves a soccer kicking and trapping game with one goal as shown in FIG. 9. If a soccer ball 6 is stored in the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 as shown in FIG. 8 A, it would first be removed as shown in FIG. 8B. The soccer kicking and trapping game 8 is referred to under the tradename “Spotkick Goal.” The Spotkick Goal is then configured for game play 100 by unfolding the left and right supports to their fully open position. The Spotkick Goal is then located in the approximate center or middle 102m of the game area or playing field 102p with the supports placed on the ground thereby elevating the goal panel above the playing field. The utility of the Spotkick Goal is that soccer kicking, trapping and scoring can be engaged in within an area much smaller than a regulation size soccer field. The single Spotkick Goal is well suited for a game being played in a smaller backyard or confined indoor space. The Spotkick Goal provides a space below the front edge and between the legs as a first goal, the space between the rear edge and the legs as a second goal, and the aperture as a third goal.

[0046] Two teams are fielded, where each team consists of one or more players. Team A starts with the soccer ball and attempts to score points by kicking the soccer ball into one of the goals or into contact with the Spotkick Goal. Team B then has an opportunity to score points thereby completing one round. The first goal can be assigned as Team A’s goal while the second goal can be assigned as Team B’s goal. The third goal, referred to as “The Spot” then serves as a bonus goal for both teams.

[0047] A scoring system is provided where different interactions between the ball and the Spotkick Goal result in various point awards. At the most basic level a player A1 that passes the ball on the ground into their first or second goal is awarded 1 point. A player that passes the ball in the air which hits the Spotkick Goal directly or after being redirected is awarded 3 point. A player A2 that passes the ball in the air which is redirected by player A1 into the third goal is awarded 5 points. A player B that passed the ball in the air directly into the third goal, that is “The Spot”, is awarded an automatic win. The team that first accumulates 25 points wins. At the end of a round if the score is tied at 25 or more points, the game goes into overtime. Overtime consists of one extra round and the team that scores the most points is the winner. If the score is again tied, a further overtime round commences until a winner emerges. At the end of the game, the supports are folded against the lower surface of the goal panel so that the Spotkick Goal is ready for transport or storage. The soccer ball can be conveniently disposed in the aperture of the goal panel and the semi-circular cutouts formed within the lower ends of the folded supports. [0048] Another version of play involves a soccer kicking and trapping game 8 with two goals as shown in FIG. 10 with the method of play set forth in the flow chart of FIG. 11.

If a soccer ball 6 is stored in the soccer kicking and trapping game 8 as shown in FIG. 8A, it would first be removed as shown in FIG. 8B. The Spotkick Goals are configured for game play by unfolding the left and right supports to their fully open position - 100. The Spotkick Goals are then located at opposing ends 102 of the game area or playing field 102p with the supports placed on the ground thereby elevating the goal panel above the playing field - 102. The Spotkick Goals can be arranged in a horseshoe game layout.

The Spotkick Goals are placed 12 yards apart, space permitting. The game is flexible in that the distance between the goals can be adjusted based on the size of the playing field and the skill of the players. The Spotkick Goal provides a space below the front edge and between the legs as a first goal, the space between the rear edge and the legs as a second goal, and the aperture as a third goal. The player who is up, stands behind a line even with their opponents goal, thereby having approximately 12 yards to their goal. In FIG.

10 players A2 and B2 are shown behind the line (of their opponents goal) kicking toward their goal about 12 yards away.

[0049] Two teams are fielded, where each team consists of one or more players. Team A uses Spotkick Goal A while Team B uses Spotkick Goal B. The starting team is selected by coin toss or other method - 104. Team A starts with the soccer ball and attempts to score points by kicking the soccer ball into one of the goals or into contact with the Spotkick Goal A. Team B then has an opportunity to score points at Spotkick Goal B thereby completing one round - 106. In FIG. 10, player A2 is shown kicking directly through the front of their goal, and also shown having their ball redirected by teammate A1 to hit the goal or pass through one of the goals. Player B2 is shown kicking directly into the front goal, and also having their ball redirected by teammate B1 to hit the goal or pass through the rear of the goal.

[0050] A scoring system is provided where different interactions between the ball and the Spotkick Goal result in various point awards. At the most basic level a player that passes the ball on the ground into their first goal is awarded 1 point. A player that passes the ball in the air which hits the Spotkick Goal directly or after being redirected by a teammate is awarded 3 point. A player that passes the ball in the air which is redirected into the second goal or the third goal is awarded 5 points - 108. A player that passes the ball in the air directly into the third goal, that is “The Spot”, is awarded an automatic win - 110. The team that first accumulates 25 points wins - 122. If scores are below 25 points continue playing additional rounds - 120. At the end of a round if the score is tied at 25 or more points, the game goes into overtime - 124. Overtime consists of one extra round - 130, 132 and the team that scores the most points is the winner - 134. If the score is again tied - 136, a further overtime round commences until a winner emerges. At the end of the game, the supports are folded against the lower surface of the goal panel so that the Spotkick Goal is ready for transport or storage. The soccer ball can be conveniently disposed in the aperture of the goal panel and the semi-circular cutouts formed within the lower ends of the folded supports.

[0051] A sample set of instructions is included as follows.

Method of Play (Standard)

The game can be played indoors or outdoors in a space that provides ample room. The game uses two Spotkick goals.

The game can be played with one goal or two. In the preferred format, the game is played with two opposing goals and two two-player teams. The first player that initiates play for the first team will kick the ball to the opposing goal with the opposite player from that team kicking the ball back to the original goal. Then the second team will follow the same procedure. When all participants have had the chance to kick the ball a round is complete. After the ball is kicked, points are awarded if the ball successfully hits or goes through the target and whether or not the ball goes through the goal either assisted or unassisted. The team that reaches 25 or more points first after an equal number of rounds are completed wins the game. Another way to win the game is the automatic win. This occurs when a player kicks the ball through the opening in the top of the goal without assistance. If the score is tied after an equal number of rounds and both team score is 25 or greater, then an overtime of one round will be played. The team with the highest number of points in that round wins. If the score is still tied the process repeats until there is a winner.

Standard Rules

• The game is played with 1 or 2 Spotkick goals (preferably 2)

• The game is played with 2 or 4 players (preferably 4)

• The goals will be placed 12 yards apart (front to front)

• Team partners face each other from OPPOSITE GOALS

• Play starts at either goal. Partners will alternate passing and trapping (if needed)

• Both teams get an equal number of chances to score. A round is complete when all players have had a chance to kick and receive. If the score is tied at 25 or more points at the end of a round, the teams go into overtime. Overtime consists of one extra round and the team that scores the most points is the winner. If the score is tied after playing one round of overtime, the same process continues until there is a winner.

Scoring (Simple)

• The first team to score 25 points wins. • A team earns points based on several factors.

• Kicker passes the ball ON THE GROUND and the ball o Goes through the front of goal- 1 point

• Kicker passes the ball IN THE AIR and the ball o hits the goal directly or after being redirected- 3 points o is redirected by partner into the reverse side of goal or the hole on top (“The Spot) of the goal- 5 points

• AUTO WIN- Kicker passes the ball directly into “The Spot”

[0052] Having described preferred embodiments of a soccer kicking and trapping game and a method of playing a soccer kicking and trapping game (which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The soccer kicking and trapping game may be made from a variety of durable, weatherproof materials and manufactured by various methods, including plastic molding methods. The game may be of unitary structure or provide separate supports that fold for convenient transport and storage. A regulation size soccer ball or other bah may be included in combination with the soccer kicking and trapping game. Regardless of the ball size, the aperture in the top panel has a diameter about 2.0 to 2.4 times the ball diameter. The top panel is raised above the ground, i.e. the support height is, about 2.0 to 2.4 times the ball diameter. In the folding version, the supports include semi-circular cutouts that have a diameter approximately the same or slightly smaller than the ball diameter. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus described aspects of the invention, with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.