A backstop and portable training system for a bat-and-ball games

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to backstops and portable training systems for bat and ball games and in particular for cricket. BACKGROUND

Playing nets are used for training in the playing of bat-and-ball games such as cricket. The purpose of playing nets is to act as a backstop - that is, to stop the ball travelling out of a designated playing area when the batter hits the ball, thus saving time and minimising the need for fielders. Therefore, playing nets are useful for training, and for when playing "backyard", "street" or "beach" cricket - when typically there are few or no players to act as fielders to cover the playing area.

Playing nets are typically supported by a fixed frame or posts so that the assembled net stands well above the height of the player (e.g. cricket nets typically stand between 2.5 metres to 3 metres high).

Cricket nets consist of an elongate rectangular cricket pitch (the central strip of the playing area) into which two wickets are placed (one each at opposing ends of the cricket pitch) and a net surrounding three sides of the playing area, with the bowling "end" left open. Similar playing nets exist in the form of baseball batting cages, for baseball.

Playing nets may be installed as a permanent structure on many ovals, cricket centres, clubs and schools. "Portable" nets are available - for example, in the form of:

(a) foldable nets or practice cages that can be extended to their full length for use then folded away to save space; (b) a mobile net system (tunnel cage), in which the cage-style frame is mounted on wheels for mobility.

However, these "portable" nets utilise a metal frame and are still substantial in structure (e.g. the resulting structure of the foldable cricket net stands at over 2.5 metres in height), making them unsuitable for many home environments or as a portable system to transport to a park.

The playing of ball games in the backyard or at a park or beach has a long history in many cultures. Various portable devices have been devised for playing ball games outdoors, including portable soccer nets. However, these devices are generally not suitable as backstops for bat-and-ball games like cricket, baseball, softball, tennis or golf.

In soccer and basketball, the entire portable backstop (net or goalpost) serves as a target so that a ball landing anywhere within the area defined by the backstop will result in a score. Bat-and-ball games are different because the backstop may serve a dual purpose of stopping a ball from exiting the playing area behind the batter, but also presenting a target which, if hit, can cause the batter to get out. For example, in cricket hitting the wicket and causing the wicket to "break" will cause the batter to be "out". Therefore, the playing of cricket involves protecting the wicket (target) behind the batter from balls bowled toward the batter.

Various portable bat-and-ball game targets are available, such as:

(a) US 3,986,719: a ball target for practising golf, including a rectangular frame mounted on unidirectional rockers and a mesh net secured within the perimeter of the frame. The device is configured so that when a golf ball is driven into it, the force of impact causes the frame to rock backwards on the unidirectional rockers (to tilt the top of the frame away from the golfer);

(b) US 4,643,423: a pitching target including a self-supporting frame (A-shaped at each end) and a weighted, flexible screen (having a "strike zone" depicted on it) hanging from a crossbar at the top of the frame. A trough positioned beneath the screen receives balls impacting on the screen and falling downwardly therefrom; and

(c) US 4,148,555: a target scoring device formed of resilient material such as a net supported by elastic members and a frame, with a complex mechanical trigger system that shows when the target has been hit;

(d) US 4,497,485: a baseball pitching target comprising a rectangular peripheral frame staked to the ground and having a mesh backstop having a centrally located insert that represents a target (e.g. with sight indicia representing parts of the baseball environment such as a catcher's mitt). Pitched balls that hit the strike zone are collected in a compartmentalised ball-receiving bag. Balls that miss the strike zone are projected back toward the pitcher by the action of the spring-mesh structure of the backstop.

However, none of the above ball game targets is suitable for use in cricket, since the configuration of target area within a strike zone, or the strike zone generally, are not appropriate for playing cricket. In baseball and softball, a ball is pitched toward a batter standing near the home plate or base but there is no need to protect the home plate from the pitcher during pitching. US 3,986,719 is a target that sits in front of the batter and therefore is not suitable as a backstop for games such as cricket. Further, US 3,986,719 and US 4,643,423 are cumbersome to assemble and bulky to transport. US 4,148,555 involves a complex trigger mechanism with various moving parts unsuitable for scoring in cricket as the trigger target is tilted away from the player. US 4,497,485 does not involve moving parts but the trampoline action of the backstop is not suitable when playing ball games such as cricket, particularly when cricket is played with a tennis ball or other similar ball since the backstop will tend to sling the ball too far in a direction away from the target.

It would be useful to have a backstop suitable for use in bat-and-ball games such as cricket, and that is suitable for use in the typical home environment or as a portable system to transport to a park or other outdoor playing area (e.g. for playing cricket or backyard cricket - the latter also known as street cricket, beach cricket or gully cricket). Typically, backyard or street cricket is played using a ball having a looped (including fibrous) fabric surface such as a conventional tennis ball or any similar inflated ball having a fibrous felt, fabric, hair or wool covered surface. Tennis balls are commonly used in this context because they are less likely to inflict injuries than a cricket ball - they are also cheaper and more readily available than conventional leather-covered cricket balls and easier to hit due to different aerodynamics than cricket balls. AU 2003100878 describes a cricket training apparatus for use in cricket nets. The apparatus includes shaped target devices to affix to the sidewall nets of a cricket net. While the apparatus is intended for use in improving player skills by providing a mechanism for players to visualise the correct placement of shots, it needs to be secured to a cricket net. Therefore, AU 2003100878 suffers a disadvantage in that its use is limited to circumstances in which a cricket net is readily available.

AU2008101055 describes a portable training aid for use in practising the game of cricket. The training aid includes a target that is located in front of an arrestor, the arrestor including an opening and one or more walls behind the opening. Balls that miss the target will be stopped by the arrestor in an area behind the target, while balls that strike the target will rebound away from the training aid and generally be found in front of the target. However, AU2008101055 cannot differentiate between balls that strike the target but still pass through the opening of the arrestor and balls that miss the target and go directly through the opening of the arrestor. The former balls would result in the batter being "out" while the latter would not.

It would be useful to have a readily transportable and assembled backstop and portable system for use in ball games such as cricket and that also provide players with a target, so as to improve player skills. It would be useful if the target could provide a more reliable indication of whether or not a target area representing a wicket or a fielder has been struck. None of the prior art devices above is able to provide an indication of when a target area has been struck by a bat - a situation that affects scoring which is unique to cricket - or when a scoring event such as a ball caught by a fielder has taken place.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved or alternative backstop for a bat-and-ball game such as cricket, and including one or more target areas on the backstop to improve player skill with both bat and ball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a bat-and-ball game backstop for cricket including:

(a) a body made of suitable material to aid in preventing a ball thrown towards a batter from exiting a playing area, wherein : i. the body comprises a central portion flanked by a side portion on either side; and ii. each side portion is adjustable at an angle less than 180 degrees relative to the central portion so that the backstop is capable of standing substantially upright on a supporting surface; and one or more target areas on the body, wherein each target area is configured to act as one portion of a hook and loop fastener for attaching to a corresponding portion of the hook and loop fastener on sporting equipment such that when contact is made between: i. a target area within the backstop, and ii. said sporting equipment, the target area fastens to said sporting equipment, thereby interfering with movement of said sporting equipment.

The invention thus provides a backstop for a bat-and-ball game such as backyard cricket, including one or more target areas on the backstop for improving player skills. The invention overcomes the problems of existing backstops, which are generally not suited for backyard cricket or too cumbersome and bulky for most home environments or for transportation to a park or other outdoor playing area.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be performed, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and example.

FIGURE 1 is a front view of one arrangement of a preferred embodiment of a backstop for a bat-and-ball game according to the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

FIGURE 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a backstop for a bat-and-ball game according to the invention, showing securing means for retaining the backstop in a substantially upright state during game play. Securing means are shown at each end of the backstop and, as shown in ghost, intermediate to the ends.

FIGURE 4 is a front view of another arrangement of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. FIGURE 5 shows two view of exemplary sporting equipment in the form of a ball suitable for use with the backstop shown in any of the preceding Figures.

FIGURE 5A is a front view of a conventional tennis ball or other similar fibrous or felt covered ball.

Figure 5B is a perspective view of a modified ball (e.g. a cricket ball or rubber ball) with a portion of looped fabric for use with a target area providing corresponding hooked fabric.

Figure 6 is a back view of exemplary sporting equipment in the form of a cricket bat suitable for use with the backstop shown in any of the preceding Figures.

Figure 7 shows two views of an embodiment of an independent target area according to the invention.

Figure 7A is a front view of an independent target area showing patches or strips of hook and loop fastener.

Figure 7B is a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 7B, shown from the back and demonstrating an exemplary support means.

Preferred embodiments of the backstop

The invention provides a new or alternative backstop for a bat-and-ball game such as cricket, including one or more target areas on the backstop for improving player skills. The invention overcomes the problems of existing backstops and portable target devices, which are generally not suited for cricket or too cumbersome and bulky for most home environments or for transportation to a park or other outdoor playing space.

Referring to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of the backstop 100 is illustrated. The preferred embodiment 100 includes:

(a) a body 103 made of suitable material to aid in preventing a ball thrown towards a batter from exiting a playing area; and (b) one or more target areas (depicted by the shaded areas labelled 120) on the body 103.

The backstop is suitable for assembly on grass, sand or around a concrete cricket pitch and enables cricket to be played without the need for fielders. The target areas provide player feedback and enable scoring without relying on visual assessment, complex scoring devices or collection means such as a ball pocket or bag, which are inconvenient to use when there is a small number of players because it interrupts game play. The body

The body 103 is made of material such as a polyester or nylon material (e.g.

trilobal, shade cloth) or other material suitable for heavy duty or sporting use and relatively resistant to damage from contact with the hooked fabric element of hook and loop fasteners.

In the preferred embodiment 100, the body 103 includes a central portion 105 with a side portion 110 on either side. The body may be made from continuous or discrete, adjoining portions. I n one arrangement, the portions of the preferred embodiment are configured as shown in Figure 1. I n an alternative arra ngement, the portions of the preferred embodiment are configured so that the body takes the form of an arc (see Figure 4).

The backstop 100 is configured so that it is able to be self supporting in an upright state (i.e. substantially perpendicular to a supporting surface such as the ground 115 - as shown in Figure 1). The backstop 100 is capable of being self supporting by virtue of:

(a) the relative positioning of the side portions in relation to the central

portion. As shown in the arrangement of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the side portions 110 of the body 103 are able to be positioned on an angle relative to the central portion 105. I n the arc arrangement showing in Figure 4, the angle of curvature of the side portions relative to the angle of curvature of the central portion achieves the same result as the angled arrangement between side and central portions of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The side portions are delineated from the central portion in the arc arrangement shown in Figure 4 by dashed lines; however, as for the arrangement in Figure 1 these portions may be continuous or discrete adjoining portions; and

the inclusion of attachment means on the body. The attachment means provide the ability to attach the backstop to support means such as battens (not shown in Figure 1). The support means enhance the structural rigidity of the backstop 100.

The positions of the side portions 110 relative to the central portion 105 of the embodiment in Figure 1 are better seen in Figure 2, which shows a top view of the preferred embodiment of the backstop 100. The angle between the side portions 110 and the central portion 105 of the body 103 is depicted by the letter X. When measured from the front of the backstop (that is, the surface of the backstop facing toward the playing area in which the batter and bowler are positioned), the angle is less than 180 °, preferably between around 90° and 155°, and ideally around 135°. The ability to adjust the angle enables the backstop to be adapted for use in a range of locations - e.g. on different types of supporting surface such as on grass or sand, or configured around a concrete cricket pitch.

The support means may be any suitable elongate shaped solid material such as a batten, post, pole, pipe, guide or other (such as wood, fibreglass, metal [e.g.

aluminium], rigid plastic, rubber, etc). In the preferred embodiment, the backstop is appropriately attached to support means which provide the required structural rigidity to assist in retaining the backstop 100 in an upright state. The support means also act as pivot points about which to angle the side portions 110 relative to the central portion 105. In this way, the support means act to define the side perimeters of each portion of the backstop 100. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, the body of the backstop is attached to support means (such as a batten) at each of its free ends (at the points marked A) and pivoted around the support means (e.g. batten) at each point of inflexion (i.e. where the central portion meets a side portion - see the points marked B). The attachment means can be any suitable means for attaching the support means to the body, including reversible attachment means (e.g. ties, strips of hook and look fastener attached to the body, channels on the body for receiving the support means) and/or permanent attachment means such as glue, rivets and the like. In one arrangement, the support means sit on the ground. In another

arrangement, the support means (e.g. battens) are able to be partially inserted into the supporting surface 115 (e.g. lawn or sand) to further enhance structural rigidity. In the arc arrangement, there may be additional support means such as battens to provide structural rigidity to the body along its curvature, inserted into channels along the curvature of the body (indicated in ghost by the item labelled 170).

Target area(s)

The preferred embodiment also includes one or more target areas on the body. These are represented as the shaded areas labelled 120 in Figure 1, which are illustrated by way of example only.

Each target area 120 provides one portion of a hook and loop fastener (exemplary arrangements are depicted in Figure 4) so that when contact is made between a target area and sporting equipment bearing the corresponding portion of the hook and loop fastener, the sporting equipment is capable of fastening to the target area. This corresponds to a scoring event (e.g. a caught ball or a wicket being knocked over) and provides player feedback during use. For example, the target area may provide a hooked fabric surface having one or more hooks capable of hooking on to one or more loops of a looped (including fibrous) fabric surface. Thus the target area is capable of attaching to sporting equipment having a looped (including fibrous) fabric surface upon contact, such as a tennis ball or other ball with a similar surface, or a modified cricket bat having a strip of looped fibrous fabric attached to back of the bat. Conversely, the target area may be configured to act as the loop portion, capable of attaching to sporting equipment bearing a corresponding hook portion.

In this way, each target area is configured to act as a portion of a hook and loop fastener, while a tennis or other sporting equipment with a suitable surface provides the corresponding portion, for fastening the sporting equipment to a target area within the backstop when contact is made between the target area and the sporting equipment. The fastening of sporting equipment to the target area corresponds to a scoring event.

For example, a tennis ball 180 (Figure 5A) or a modified ball 190 (Figure 5B) of any kind (e.g. cricket, leather, rubber or plastic) covered with a strip of one portion of a hook and loop fastener () bowled toward a batter in the playing area that strikes a target area behind the batter will fasten to that target area. In the preferred embodiment, at least one target area represents a wicket behind the batter (e.g. the target area has the appearance of a wicket and includes strips of hook and loop fastener positioned along the parts of the wicket that represent the stumps and bails). A ball fastened to the target area representing the wicket indicates that the wicket has been hit by the bowled ball. A ball struck by the batter and fastened to the target area representing the wicket also indicates that the wicket has been hit by the struck ball.

Similarly, a modified cricket bat 200 (Figure 6) or other similar hitting apparatus 200 having a strip of, say, looped fabric surface attached, say to the tip or back of the bat, which fastens to the hooked (corresponding) fabric surface of the target area representing a wicket indicates that the batter has struck the wicket with the bat. In all these examples, the sporting equipment fastened to the part of the target area representing a wicket indicates that the batter is "out".

One or more target areas are positioned on the body of the backstop so as to represent (including taking on the appearance of) one or more components of the playing area (e.g. a wicket, a fielder, a base, net or fence). Contact between a target area and the sporting equipment (as corresponding portions of a hook and loop fastener) interferes with movement of the sporting equipment. This inteference with movement (e.g. fastening of a ball to a target area representing a wicket) provides feedback to a player during game play, training or practice, by simulating a scoring event.

In some arrangements of the preferred embodiment, one or more target areas are included in addition to the wicket. These additional target areas represent fielders. A struck or bowled ball that fastens to one of these additional target areas indicates a ball caught by a fielder.

The target areas are attached to the body of the backstop, say by stitching, adhesive or other suitable attachment means. In some arrangements, the attachment means are reversible (e.g. zippers, buttons, press studs, or hook and loop fasteners) to enable one or more target areas to be removed or added, for adjusting the level of difficulty of game play (e.g. the inclusion of more fielders increases the chances of being caught out). Reversible attachment means also enable fielders to be 'portable' so that they can be repositioned on the field represented by the body of the backstop as desired.

Alternative embodiments

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the backstop 130 which includes channels 140 for receiving support means such as battens 150 into the backstop so that the backstop is securely attached to the support means. The channels run along the side perimeters of each portion in a direction such that when in use the channels are substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface (e.g. the ground).

The support means can be retained within the channels during transport, storage and use, thereby assisting to reduce the steps involved in assembly and

disassembly.

The support means 150 serve the same purpose as the support means as described in the preceding discussion - namely, to provide structural rigidity and support for retaining the backstop in an upright state and to serve as pivot points about which to angle the side portions relative to the central portion.

The embodiment 130 also includes securing means 160 for further securing the backstop to the supporting surface such that that the backstop is retained in a substantially upright state during game play. The securing means 160 may be any suitable means for securing the backstop to the ground or other supporting surface during use such as:

(a) one or more guy ropes, each guy rope having opposing ends, one end being attached to the body such as a part of the body at or near the support means 150; and

(b) one or more pegs, each peg securing a guy rope to the supporting surface, such that tension on the ropes secures the backstop to the supporting surface in a substantially upright state during use. Assembly of the embodiment 130 thus involves the step of using securing means such as guy ropes and peg assemblies to secure the backstop to the ground in a substantially upright state. For example, the embodiment 130 includes at least one guy rope attached to a batten or post at each free end of the backstop 130.

Preferably, there are two guy ropes at each free end, splayed from each other and angled away from the backstop as they travel toward the ground - as illustrated in Figure 3. A further guy rope secures each end of the central portion, extending from the top of a batten down to the ground at the back of the backstop (i.e. the surface of the backstop facing away from the playing area). Each guy rope is attached to the ground by a peg, stake, spike or other suitable retaining means for securing the guy rope in position.

In experiments by the inventor, this embodiment 130 is capable of withstanding the rigours of outdoor use even in windy conditions. This embodiment can also be left assembled, say in the backyard, for several weeks and will be maintained in a substantially upright state.

In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the backstop is made of a printable textile upon which is printed a wicket and one or more fielders. The wicket and fielder(s) represent one or more target areas, each of which will have attached to it a hooked fabric surface to enable fastening of sporting equipment having a looped fabric surface - as described above. Other details may also be printed on the backstop. The printed backstop assists in simulating play as though on a sports field.

In some arrangements, the target areas may include auditory feedback means such as a sound emitting device so that a sound is emitted when the target area is struck. An example is the sound of a ball or bat striking a wicket. This provides players with auditory feedback to further assist in improving player skill and to enhance the game experience. A specific example of a backstop for use in backyard cricket is provided below.

EXAMPLE 1

A body made from three continuous portions, each portion being

approximately 1200 mm high (although up to 1800 mm is also suitable) and about 1500 mm wide. Four channels (pole pockets) are located on the body - one at each free end of the backstop and one at each end of the central portion. A readily available rigid plastic tubular post is inserted into each channel and pushed into the ground. The posts extend a few centimetres higher than the channel - so that guy ropes can be wound around the top of the post, extending down to the ground at an angle. Tent pegs are used to secure the guy ropes to the lawn.

The body may be made from polyester printed continuously in one sheet to represent a cricket pitch on an oval. Alternatively, the body can be printed in sections and joined, such as at the channels (pole pockets). The print includes a wicket keeper, and, say two, fielders, plus target areas representing the wicket and a hand of each fielder.

Assembly takes around a few minutes with two people (the minimum required to play backyard cricket).

Preferred embodiments of a portable training system

In an embodiment, the invention further provides a portable training system for a bat and ball game includes a backstop 100 (see Figures 1-4) as described earlier in this document and any suitable sporting equipment that provides a portion of a hook and loop fastener that corresponds with another portion of the hook and loop fastener on one or more target areas on the backstop.

Such sporting equipment includes:

(a) a conventional tennis or similar ball 180 (Figure 5A) having a fibrous felt, fabric, hair or wool covered surface;

(b) a modified ball 190 (Figure 5B) of any kind (e.g. cricket, leather, rubber or plastic) covered with a strip of one portion of a hook and loop fastener; (c) a modified bat 200 (Figure 6), racquet or similar sporting equipment covered with a strip or patch of one portion of a hook and loop fastener at an appropriate position (e.g. the tip or back of the bat - see Figure 6).

In another embodiment, the portable training system further includes one or more target areas discrete or independent from the body. These "independent" target areas 210 (Figure 7) represent (typically in appearance as well as by positioning) fielders or other components of the playing area, such as a fence, and can be positioned separately from the backstop. This allows the size of the playing area and/or the difficulty of play to be adjusted further than by adjustment target areas on the backstop alone.

The independent target areas share most of the features as target areas positioned on the backstop described earlier in this document, other than being separate from the backstop. Importantly, independent target areas include strips or patches of hook and loop fastener (an example is depicted in Figure 7A) so that the independent target areas are able also to function as the corresponding portions of hook and loop fastener to suitable sporting equipment.

The independent target areas 210 may be free standing (achieved by any suitable support means) and easily moveable. Examples of suitable support means 220 (Figure 7B) for independent target areas include:

(a) a stake or peg for use on a soft supporting surface;

(b) a stand such as a bent oval-shaped stand (as shown in Figure 7B).

The independent target areas 210 can be used as an alternative to the full backstop if the playing area is not large enough or if supporting surface (e.g.

ground) is not suitable for inserting the securing means of the backstop.

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the backstop and portable training system is that they provide a portable and simple to assemble backstop for use in bat-and-ball games such as cricket that is suitable for use in the typical home environment or as a portable system to transport to a park or other outdoor playing area (e.g. for playing backyard cricket, or for training in the school or club environments). The body of the backstop can be rolled up for storage and transportation (e.g. in a bag), then unrolled for assembly. This is useful for environments such as schools and clubs in which it may be necessary to have several teams playing simultaneously.

A further advantage of the preferred embodiments is that they provide one or more target areas for improving player skill with both bat and ball. This is because a clear indicator of a scoring event is provided when sporting equipment (including balls and bats) strikes a target area, removing the need to rely on visual assessment, complex scoring devices, devices such as ball bags or pockets that capture balls (which are inconvenient to use when there is a small number of players and play must be interrupted to retrieve a ball from a pocket or bag behind the backstop). This makes the preferred embodiments useful as a training aid, whether at home or in a school or club environment (e.g. when used as a sporting or physical education activity).

The invention provides a backstop for a bat-and-ball game such as cricket, and in particular backyard cricket, including one or more target areas on the backstop for improving player skills. The invention further provides a portable training system for a bat and ball game, including a backstop and sporting equipment. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to particular embodiments or applications described herein.