Soccer rebounder

Abstract

A portable, self-standing ball rebounder includes upper and lower frames that support a flexible material that serves as a ball rebounding surface. The upper frame is raised relative to the lower one for using the rebounder. The upper frame may be collapsed relative to the lower frame for storing the rebounder.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A portable, self-standing ball rebounder, comprising:
 An upper frame and a lower frame, the upper frame disposed a spaced distance substantially above and parallel to the lower frame when the rebounder is in use, with the upper frame having substantially the same shape as the lower frame, wherein both of the frames are constructed in a manner so as to form a generally continuous hoop that includes a curved portion, with a flexible material spanning the distance between the upper and lower frames, the material providing an outwardly facing elastic ball rebound surface that surrounds the periphery of the rebounder, and means for reversibly collapsing the rebounder, to collapse the rebounder into a flattened condition for storing the rebounder, so that that the upper frame is substantially adjacent to the lower frame when in such condition, and for raising the upper frame from the lower frame and holding the upper frame spaced above the lower frame in order to use the rebounder.   
     
     
         2 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the curved portion is an outwardly curved portion. 
     
     
         3 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the curved portion is an inwardly curved portion. 
     
     
         4 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower frames are substantially circular hoops. 
     
     
         5 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the means for reversibly collapsing the rebounder includes upper cross members connected to the upper frame that define an upper hub, and lower cross members connected to the lower frame that define a lower hub, and a removable vertical strut member for connecting the upper and lower hubs together at a spaced distance. 
     
     
         6 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible material has an upper edge that is connected to the upper frame by an elastic means, and a lower edge that is connected to the lower frame by another elastic means. 
     
     
         7 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower frames are constructed in a manner so as to form a generally continuous hoop that includes at least one straight portion and at least one curved portion. 
     
     
         8 . The rebounder of  claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower frames are constructed in a manner so as to form a generally continuous hoop that includes a straight portion, an inwardly curved portion, and an outwardly curved portion.