Play and Practice Apparatus, System and Use

Abstract

The present specification discloses a play and practice apparatus, system and associated methods of use and kits comprising such play and practice apparatus and/or system. In particular aspects, the play and practice apparatus, system and associated methods of use are utilized for practice and/or games utilizing a ball. In one aspect, the play and practice apparatus has a first playing surface and a second playing surface substantially opposing the first playing surface, and the ball can be a volleyball. In another aspect, the play and practice apparatus is useful as a training aid as well as for playing a game utilizing the play and practice apparatus.

1 . A portable ball play and practice apparatus comprising
 a board assembly, the board assembly comprising a single panel having a length, a width, and depth that defines a first playing surface and a second playing surface opposite the first playing surface, the first and second playing surfaces each having a top and a bottom opposite the top, and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first playing surface comprising one or more first surface engagement points and the second playing surface comprising one or more second surface engagement points,   a stand assembly, the stand assembly comprising a first support arm assembly and a second support arm assembly;   wherein the apparatus can adopt a first playing position or a second playing position,   wherein in the first playing position the first playing surface is forwardly facing and has an angle of play available for use and the second playing surface is rearwardly facing and the one or more second surface engagement points being available for engagement with the first and second support arm assemblies of the stand assembly, and   wherein in the second position the second playing surface is forwardly facing and has an angle of play available for use and the first playing surface is rearwardly facing and one or more first surface engagement points being available for engagement with the first and second support arm assemblies of the stand assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first playing surface has different playing characteristics relative to the second playing surface. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first playing surface provides a different rebound effect of a ball relative to a rebounding effect of the ball achieved using the second playing surface. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first playing surface interacts with a ball in a reasonably predictable manner. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second playing surface interacts with a ball in an unpredictable manner. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first playing surface is a flat, planar surface. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second playing surface comprises a plurality of spaced apart projections that define furrows therebetween. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle about 30° to about 90°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the bottom of second playing surface, or an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the top of second playing surface. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in a vertical projection pattern where each of the plurality of spaced apart projections are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart at regular intervals, and each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle of about 90°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the bottom of second playing surface. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in a vertical projection pattern where each of the plurality of spaced apart projections are substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart at irregular intervals, and each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle of about 90°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the bottom of second playing surface. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in an angular projection pattern where each of the plurality of spaced apart projections are not parallel to one another. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of spaced apart projections are arranged in an angular projection pattern, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart projections form a projection angle about 30° to about 89°, the projection angle being an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the bottom of second playing surface, or an angle formed by the juncture of each of the plurality of spaced apart projections and the top of second playing surface. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of play is non-adjustable or adjustable. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of play is more than 90° as measured from a support surface upon which the apparatus is disposed upon to the forward-facing first or second playing surface. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the depth of the board assembly is about 1 inch to about 5 inches. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the board assembly is about 30 inches to about 60 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the length of the board assembly is about 36 inches to about 48 inches. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the width of the board assembly is at most 16 inches. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the width of the board assembly is about 12 inches to about 24 inches. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second playing surface further comprises a pliable covering that conceals or otherwise masks the second playing surface.