Polyethylene backboard training device

Abstract

A backboard training device having high density polyethylene panels mounted so that buckling is avoided and unwanted sound is reduced.

1 . A backboard training device comprising:
 at least two panels mounted to a rigid support by a movable mount, the panels comprising high density polyethylene having a high coefficient of expansion;   the movable mount constructed and arranged to allow the panels to move in relation to each during ambient temperature changes to avoid buckling of the panels;   an anti-vibration strip disposed between the movable mount and the panels; and   an anti-friction strip disposed between the movable mount and the panels to allow the panels to move in relation to one another.   
   
   
       2 . A backboard training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the anti-vibration strip and the anti-friction strip are combined. 
   
   
       3 . A backboard training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable mount comprises a plurality of wheels attached to the panels, and at least one track mounted to the rigid support, the wheels contacting the at least one track so that the panels can slide in relation to one another in a horizontal direction. 
   
   
       4 . A backboard training device according to  claim 3 , wherein the track comprises a U-shaped channel having an opening facing in an upward direction. 
   
   
       5 . A backboard training device according to  claim 3 , wherein the track comprises a U-shaped channel having an opening facing the panels. 
   
   
       6 . A backboard training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the movable mount comprises a plurality of slots substantially aligned in a horizontal direction, the panels being movably secured to the movable mount using bolts that pass through the panels and the slots, the slots having a width greater than the diameter of the bolts to allow movement in a vertical direction and the slots having a length to accommodate expansion and contraction of the panels. 
   
   
       7 . A backboard training device according to  claim 1 , wherein the panels comprise HDPE panels having a surface layer and at least one other layer bonded to the surface layer, the surface layer and the at least one other layer having different colors, and at least one marking formed by removing the surface layer in the shape of the marking to expose the color of the at least one other layer. 
   
   
       8 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the surface layer is green, the other layer is white, and the marking comprises at least one line. 
   
   
       9 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the surface layer and other layer are formed by coextrusion. 
   
   
       10 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the panel is about 4 feet by 8 feet. 
   
   
       11 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the panel is about 4 feet by 10 feet. 
   
   
       12 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the thickness of the panel is about 0.5 inch to about 2 inches. 
   
   
       13 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the marking is a net line, the color of the surface layer is green, and the color of the other layer is white. 
   
   
       14 . A backboard training device according to  claim 7 , wherein the HDPE panels being mounted so that the markings one each panel line up to form a tennis line.