CN114271603A

CN114271603A - Table tennis ball playing device

Info

Publication number: CN114271603A
Application number: CN202111091810.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J-M·杜邦德迪内钦; G·吉瓦特
Original assignee: Decathlon SE
Current assignee: Decathlon SE
Priority date: 2020-09-17
Filing date: 2021-09-17
Publication date: 2022-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2041-09-17
Also published as: FR3114015B1; EP3970560C0; EP3970560B1; EP3970560A1; CN114271603B; FR3114015A1

Abstract

A device (10) for playing table tennis comprising: a base (14) comprising a first pillar (22); a deck (16) that pivots relative to the first leg between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first support element (32) comprising a pivot portion (34) pivotably mounted with respect to the deck and an attachment portion (36) configured to cooperate with a net (N); a first crank (38) attached to the pivot; a first lever (40) pivotally mounted relative to the first leg and pivotally mounted such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the deck when the deck is in the deployed position and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the deck when the deck is in the collapsed position.

Description

Table tennis ball playing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the technical field of sports equipment (mounting devices), in particular to the technical field of equipment for playing table tennis, such as table tennis tables.

More precisely, the invention relates to a device for playing table tennis comprising at least one playing surface on which the ball bounces and which can be placed in an extended position during use and in a folded position corresponding to a storage position when the table tennis game is completed.

Background

Table tennis tables are known that include a base on which a first playing surface and a second playing surface are pivotally mounted. The playing surfaces can be placed in a folded position, in which the playing surfaces extend vertically, and an unfolded position, in which the playing surfaces extend horizontally to allow table tennis. These tables are typically equipped with a net assembly comprising two support posts and a net, each end of the net being attached to one of the support posts. Conventionally, these support posts include a pincer-like base that allows the support post to be removably mounted on one of the countertops.

Thus, when the table is stowed, the support posts are separated from the respective playing surfaces prior to placing the first and second playing surfaces in the collapsed position. One disadvantage is that the net assembly must be stored separately from the table, so that if not properly stored, the net assembly risks being lost or damaged. Furthermore, this type of table involves a number of operations for mounting and dismounting the net assembly each time the table is used and each time it is stowed, which has proven to be particularly limiting.

Table tennis tables are also known, as described in document FR 2138048. The table includes a base on which two playing surfaces are pivotally mounted. The base is equipped with a mechanism for folding the table, which comprises a stick, the end of which cooperates with a gear of a support to which a pillar (upright) configured to support a net post is attached. The posts remain substantially vertical when the two tables are driven together to their collapsed positions.

One disadvantage of such tables is that the two playing surfaces are inseparable and must be joined and placed simultaneously in either the collapsed or expanded position. In particular, it is not possible to fold a single table top. Thus, the table of this document provides little construction and is not modular. Furthermore, it is not possible for one person to fold or unfold this type of table because of the need to act on both playing surfaces simultaneously to fold them. Furthermore, this document also provides for disconnecting the net assembly comprising the posts and net during folding of the table. Here too, there is a risk of loss or damage to such net assemblies. Furthermore, the folding mechanism of the table is particularly heavy and cumbersome and the gears run the risk of being stressed and of wearing out quickly, which impairs the use of the table.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for playing table tennis, which solves the above problems.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for playing table tennis comprising at least one first module comprising:

-a base configured to rest on the ground and comprising at least one first pillar having an upper end;

-a table top supported by the base and pivotally mounted relative to an upper end of a first leg of the base along a first pivot axis between an extended position in which the table top extends transversely to the first leg of the base and a folded position in which the table top extends parallel to the first leg;

-at least one first support element comprising a pivot portion pivotably mounted relative to the table top along a second pivot axis, the pivot portion extending parallel to the table top, the first support element further comprising an attachment portion extending transversely relative to the pivot portion and configured to cooperate with the net;

-at least one first crank extending transversely with respect to the pivot of the first support element and having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to said pivot;

-at least one first lever having a first end pivotably mounted along a third pivot axis relative to the at least one first pillar of the base, the first lever further having a second end pivotably mounted along a fourth pivot axis relative to the second end of the first crank,

pivoting of the table top between its unfolded position and its folded position can drive the at least one first support element to pivot relatively relative to the table top along a second pivot axis, the first support element being configured such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the table top when the table top is in the unfolded position and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the table top when the table top is in the folded position.

The base may include one or more legs configured to rest on the ground. The playing surface is preferably rectangular in shape and defines the playing area of the player.

The first strut preferably extends substantially vertically. Furthermore, in the folded position, the table top extends substantially vertically or is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. This folded position corresponds to a storage position in which the surface on the floor occupied by the apparatus, and therefore the overall size of the apparatus, is reduced. In the deployed position, the playing surface preferably extends substantially horizontally, parallel to the ground. This deployed position corresponds to a use position in which the player can shoot the ball off the playing surface and play a table tennis ball.

The user may bring the table top from its unfolded position into its folded position by raising the table top. Advantageously, the table top can assume a large number of positions between the unfolded position and the folded position.

Such a first module forms a half-ball table of a table tennis table. A table tennis table may be formed by mating a second module with the first module, for example by abutting the playing surface of such a second module with the playing surface of the first module. The second module is then advantageously free of any support elements, cranks and rods. The first module may also be placed against a wall, allowing the user to play the ball alone by bouncing the ball against the wall.

The first module of the device according to the invention is independent of any other module and can be stored separately. The table top of the first module can be placed in a folded position, in particular independently of the position of the table top of the second module. One benefit is that the table formed by mating the first module with the second module is modular and can be placed in a variety of configurations. For example, only the deck of the first module may be placed in the deployed position. Thus, the table is particularly modular.

The pivot of the at least one support element advantageously extends horizontally, while the attachment of the first support element advantageously extends vertically upwards to allow attachment to a net positioned above the table top. The device advantageously comprises a net connected to the attachment of said first support element. The attachment portion of the first support element advantageously extends parallel to the first strut.

In the deployed position of the table top, the attachment of the first support element may be such that the net remains perpendicular to the table top to allow table tennis.

The first module is advantageously equipped with a second support element, which second support element further comprises an attachment portion configured to cooperate with the net for mounting the net on the table top between the attachment portions of the first and second support elements.

Without limitation (limitation), the at least one support element may be mounted directly on the table top, for example in a housing formed (fanned) in the table top. In a variant, still without being limiting, the apparatus advantageously comprises a box attached under the table, on which the at least one first support element is pivotably mounted.

Without being limiting, the first support element may be equipped with a system for adjusting the tension of the net connected to its attachment, or a system for adjusting the height of the net connected to its attachment.

The first, second, third and fourth pivot axes define a deformable quadrilateral under consideration in a plane transverse to said axes.

The distance between the second pivot axis of the pivot of the at least one first support element relative to the table top and the fourth pivot axis of the first lever relative to the first crank is fixed. Similarly, a distance between the first pivot axis of the table top relative to the first strut and the third pivot axis of the first lever relative to the first strut is fixed.

Furthermore, when the table top is rotationally driven in a first rotational direction with respect to the first column from its unfolded position to its folded position along the first pivot axis, the first lever is also rotationally driven in the first rotational direction with respect to the first column along the third rotational axis. The quadrilateral formed by the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes is distorted. The first lever drives the first crank to rotate relative to the table top along the second pivot axis in a direction opposite to a first direction of rotation of the table top relative to the first support. The first crank drives the pivot and attachment portions of the at least one first support element to pivot relative to the table top along the second pivot axis in a direction opposite the first rotational direction of the table top relative to the first strut. The attachment portion of the first support element pivots relative to the table top and is brought closer to the table top.

Thus, the angle formed between the attachment and the table top is reduced.

In the folded position of the table top, the attachment portion of the first support element does not project perpendicular to the table top, but instead extends along the table top, which reduces the overall size of the device in this position. Furthermore, several devices can be stored alongside one another without the at least one first support element forming an obstacle to the side-by-side positioning of the devices. In particular, the table top of the second module may be placed in the folded position and also abut the table top of the first module in the folded position. Furthermore, the at least one support element does not risk being hit and being damaged or injuring a user passing in the vicinity of the device.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to keep the at least one support element mounted on the table top. Unlike prior art table tennis tables, the net assembly does not have to be installed and then removed during each use, and therefore the connector assembly does not have to be installed and then the support elements of the playing surface disconnected. This greatly reduces the number of operations for setting and retracting the device.

In the folded position of the table top, the attachment portion of the first support element preferably extends into the plane of the table top, in such a way as to further reduce the overall size of the device in the folded position.

Similarly, when the table top is rotationally driven relative to the first support along the first pivot axis and in the second rotational direction from its folded position to its unfolded position, the first lever is also rotationally driven relative to the first support along the third rotational axis in the same second rotational direction. The first lever drives the first crank to rotate relative to the table top along a second pivot axis in a direction opposite to a second direction of rotation of the table top relative to the first post. The first crank drives the pivot and attachment portions of the at least one first support element to pivot relative to the table top along the second pivot axis in a direction opposite the second rotational direction of the table top relative to the first strut. The attachment portion pivots relative to and away from the tabletop.

The angle formed between the attachment portion of the first support element and the table top increases until it extends transversely to the table top. When the playing surface is brought from the folded position into the unfolded position, the attachment portion is brought into a position which immediately allows playing of a table tennis ball, wherein the net can delimit two playing areas. Therefore, the display can be performed more easily.

Thanks to the invention, the position, in particular the angle, between the table top and the attachment portion of the at least one first support element is adjusted when the table top is placed in the folded or unfolded position. In other words, thanks to the invention, the attachment of the first support element automatically pivots with respect to the table top when said table top is brought from the unfolded position into the folded position, and vice versa, thus reducing the operations required to stow or stow the device.

Furthermore, the table top of the device according to the invention can be brought into a folded or unfolded position independently of any other table top of the device. Thus, in contrast to prior art table tennis tables, a single user can easily fold the device.

Advantageously, said attachment of the first support element is considered to remain substantially immovable in the terrestrial reference frame when the table top is brought from the unfolded position into the folded position and vice versa. One benefit is that the net remains substantially immovable in the terrestrial frame of reference regardless of the position of the playing surface, preferably in a position that allows table tennis. It is therefore not necessary to act on the first support element before the ball can be played or when it is stowed. The attachment of the first support element is advantageously maintained in a substantially vertical plane, and the net may thus be maintained in such a substantially vertical plane.

Advantageously, the device is configured such that the attachment portion of the first support element is rotated with respect to the table by an angle between 80 ° and 100 °, preferably approximately equal to 90 °, when said table is advanced from the folded position to the unfolded position, and vice versa.

Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes are substantially parallel to each other. They advantageously extend parallel to the mesa. The first, second, third and fourth pivot axes advantageously extend on the same side of the table top.

Advantageously, the distance between the first and third pivot axes is substantially equal to the distance between the second and fourth pivot axes, and the distance between the first and second pivot axes is substantially equal to the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes. The first, second, third and fourth pivot axes then define a deformable parallelogram.

Advantageously, but not limitatively, the distance between the first and third pivot axes may be of the order of a few millimeters greater or less than the distance between the second and fourth pivot axes. Similarly, the distance between the first and second pivot axes may be slightly greater or slightly less than the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes. One benefit is that a gap remains which facilitates the deformation of the deformable parallelogram and thus the pivoting of the first lever, the first crank and the first support element. This may also allow for better tightening of the net attached to the attachment of the first support element.

Advantageously, the attachment portion of the at least one first support element extends vertically. In other words, the attachment portion of the first support element is immovable regardless of the position of the table top. One benefit is that the net is maintained in a vertical plane so that the first support element does not have to be operated before the ball can be played. This further facilitates the placement of the device.

In a variant, without limitation, the attachment portion of the first support element may be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical when the table top is in the folded position.

Preferably, the pivot portion of the at least one first support element extends below the table top when the table top is in the deployed position. One benefit is improved compactness of the device. Without limitation, the first support element can be pivotally mounted on a box attached under the countertop.

Preferably, the pivot of the at least one first support element has a first end to which the first crank is attached and a second end, the attachment of the at least one first support element cooperating with the second end of the pivot. The first support element advantageously has an "L" shape.

Preferably, the first support element extends laterally from a lateral edge of the table top.

Advantageously, the pivot portion of the first support element comprises a sleeve which is pivotably mounted relative to the deck along the second pivot axis and to which the first crank is attached, the pivot portion further comprising a stem cooperating with the attachment portion of the first support element, the stem being slidably mounted inside the sleeve between the retracted position and the deployed position. In the deployed position of the spine, the attachment portion of the first support element extends laterally from a lateral edge of the tabletop. One benefit is the ability to use the device in official competitions where the net must extend laterally beyond the playing surface. The backbone is closer to the tabletop when the backbone travels from the deployed position to the retracted position. One benefit is that by placing the spine in the retracted position when the device is stowed, the overall lateral dimensions of the device can be reduced. Furthermore, when the stem is in the retracted position, the net is no longer taut, which may reduce its wear. This also allows the table top to be brought into the folded position without obstructing the net.

Without being limitative, it is conceivable to equip the net with an elastic tightening system that makes it possible to keep the net tight between the attachment portion of the first support element and the second attachment portion when the stem is in the retracted position. One benefit is to keep the net pressed against the table in the folded position to avoid it being hung up and damaged.

Pivoting of the crank along the second pivot axis can drive the sleeve to pivot along the same pivot axis.

Preferably, the backbone is rotationally locked relative to the sleeve such that pivoting of the sleeve relative to the table top along the second pivot axis can drive the attachment of the first support element to pivot relative to the table top by means of the backbone.

Without limitation, rotational locking of the stem relative to the sleeve may be achieved by interlocking the stem and the sleeve. In a variant, still without limitation, the stem may be equipped with a pin extending in a longitudinal groove formed in the sleeve.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one first support element comprises a locking device having a locking position in which it holds the backbone in the deployed position and an unlocking position in which it allows the backbone to be placed in the retracted position. One benefit is to avoid accidental retraction of the backbone, for example because the user hits the attachment of the first support element or because of the tension exerted on said attachment by the net. One advantage is also that sufficient tension is maintained in the net throughout the table tennis game.

When the locking device is placed in the unlocked position, the backbone can be retracted, for example manually by a user.

Advantageously, the locking device is configured to travel from the locked position to the unlocked position as the deck travels from the unfolded position to the folded position, so that the user does not have to place the locking device in the unlocked position. This further facilitates the stowing of the device.

Advantageously, the locking means are configured to automatically travel from the unlocked position to the locked position when the spine is brought from the retracted position into the deployed position.

Preferably, the locking device further comprises a locking housing and an engagement member, one of the locking housing and the engagement member being fixed to the table top and the other being provided on the backbone of the at least one first support element, the engagement member being configured to engage with the locking housing when the locking device is in the locked position and to disengage from the locking housing when the locking device is in the unlocked position.

It will be appreciated that the locking housing may be formed in the table top or in an element fixed to the table top, such as a locking unit, with the engagement member fixed to the backbone. Conversely, the lock housing may be formed in the backbone with the engagement member secured and fixed relative to the deck. In the locking position of the locking device, the engagement member cooperates with the locking housing to lock the backbone in translation relative to the sleeve of the first support element.

Advantageously, the locking means is configured such that the engagement member is disengaged from the locking housing when the at least one first support element is pivoted relative to the table top along the second pivot axis. One benefit is the ability to place the unlocking means in the unlocked position simply by pivoting the table top to its folded position relative to the first support. The user does not need to act on the locking device to place it in the unlocked position. This further facilitates the stowing of the device.

After placing the table top in the folded position, the backbone of the first support element can be brought into the retracted position, for example by applying a force on the attachment portion of the first support element in the direction of the table top.

Preferably, the at least one first support element comprises a return member configured to bring the backbone from its deployed position into its retracted position. In the retracted position of the stem, the return element is in the rest position. In the deployed position of the backbone, the return element is tensioned and urged towards its rest position. One benefit is that when the locking device is placed in the unlocked position, the spine enters the retracted position and the attachment portion is closer to the tabletop. The user does not have to exert a force on the attachment portion. This further facilitates the stowing of the device.

Without limitation, the return member may be a tensioner type spring or elastic cable, a first end of which is attached to the interior of the sleeve and a second end of which cooperates with the backbone of the first support element.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second support element comprising an attachment portion configured to cooperate with the mesh, the first and second support elements extending on both sides of the plate. The net may be made to cooperate with the attachment portions of the first and second support elements and be tightened between these two attachment portions so as to delimit two playing areas.

The first support element and the second support element are preferably substantially identical.

Advantageously, the device further comprises a net cooperating with the attachment portions of said first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the table top is in the deployed position, the pivot portion of said first support element extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane.

Without limitation, in the folded position of the table top, the mesh may relax slightly.

Advantageously, the base comprises at least one second strut having an upper end to which the table top is pivotably mounted along a fifth pivot axis, and the second support element comprises a pivot portion pivotably mounted relative to the table top along a sixth pivot axis, the pivot portion extending parallel to the table top, the attachment portion of the second support element extending transversely relative to the pivot portion, the apparatus further comprising:

-a second crank extending transversely with respect to the pivot of the second support element and having a first end attached to said pivot and a second end;

a second lever having a first end pivotally mounted along a seventh pivot axis relative to the second strut of the base, the second lever further having a second end pivotally mounted along an eighth pivot axis relative to a second end of the second crank,

pivoting of the table top between its deployed position and its folded position can drive the relative pivoting of the second support element with respect to the table top along a sixth pivot axis, the second support element being configured such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the table top when the table top is in the deployed position and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the table top when the table top is in the folded position.

During pivoting of the table top, the dynamics (kinetics) of the assembly formed by the second bar, the second crank and the second support element are similar to the dynamics of the assembly formed by the first bar, the first crank and the first support element.

Advantageously, the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes are collinear with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth pivot axes, respectively.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a second module comprising a playing surface and a base supporting the playing surface of the second module, the second module being configured to cooperate with the first module to form a table tennis table. Advantageously, the deck of the second module is pivotably mounted relative to the base of the second module.

The second module preferably does not have any support elements, as long as the first module has at least one support element, so that the net can be supported.

In order to form a table tennis table, the first and second modules are advantageously abutted so that their respective playing surfaces extend in extension of each other so as to form a playing surface. Without limitation, the device may be equipped with a fixture such that the first and second modules may be secured during the race.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, by way of non-limiting example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device for playing table tennis in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a bottom view with the tabletop in an extended position;

FIG. 3 shows a first support element of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the first support element of FIG. 3 without the sleeve;

FIG. 5 shows the apparatus of FIG. 2 in a side view;

FIG. 6 shows a locking device of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the tabletop in an intermediate position;

FIG. 8 shows another view of the apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 shows the apparatus of FIG. 7 in a side view;

FIG. 10 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the tabletop in a collapsed position;

FIG. 11 shows the apparatus of FIG. 10 in a side view;

FIG. 12 shows another view of the apparatus of FIG. 10; and

fig. 13 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, which comprises two modules.

Detailed Description

The invention relates to a table tennis ball playing device.

Fig. 1 shows a top view of a device 10 according to the invention for playing table tennis. In this non-limiting example, the apparatus 10 includes a single first module 12 that includes a base 14 and a table 16 configured to rest on the floor S. The apparatus 10 further includes first and second pivot mechanisms 30, 30' and a table tennis net N.

The base 14 includes a pair of legs including a first leg 18 and a second leg 20 each having a first end configured to rest on the floor S and a second end pivotally mounted with respect to the deck 16. The base 14 also includes a first leg 22 having an upper end 22a and a second leg 24 having an upper end 24 a. The table top 16 is pivotally mounted relative to the upper ends 22a, 24a of the first and second struts 24 along a first pivot axis X1. Thus, the deck 16 is supported by the base 14 and is pivotally mounted between the collapsed position and the extended position with the first and

second legs

22, 24 of the base. The first and

second struts

22, 24 are fixed relative to each other.

The first pivot mechanism 30 and the second pivot mechanism 30' extend on both sides of the table top 16. As shown in fig. 2, the first pivot mechanism includes the first support element 32, the first crank 38, and the first lever 40. The second pivot mechanism 30' includes a second support element, a second crank and a second rod. In this non-limiting example, the first and second pivot mechanisms 30, 30' are formed from the same components and are substantially symmetrical with respect to each other, such that only the first pivot mechanism 30 and its dynamics will be described in detail.

The first support element 32 is pivotably mounted relative to the table top 16 along a second pivot axis X2 below the table top.

The first support element 32 is shown in fig. 3. As can be seen in this figure, the first support element 32 includes a pivot portion 34 and an attachment portion 36. The attachment portion 36 is configured to mate with the net N. The attachment portion 36 and the pivot portion 34 are perpendicular relative to each other such that the first support element 32 has an "L" shape.

The pivot portion 34 has a first end 34a and a second end 34 b. The attachment portion 36 extends from the second end 34b of the pivot portion perpendicular to the pivot portion 34. The pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32 comprises a sleeve 35 and a stem 37 cooperating with an attachment portion 36 of said first support element 32. The stem 37 is slidably mounted internally of the sleeve 35 between a retracted position and a deployed position. Fig. 3 shows the deployed position. In the deployed position, the backbone 37 extends substantially outside the sleeve 35.

In fig. 3, it can also be seen that an opening 31 is formed in the sleeve 35.

The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends along the attachment direction D. The first support element 32 further comprises an adjustment mechanism 39 for adjusting the position of the attachment portion 36 relative to the pivot portion 34 along the attachment direction D. One benefit is the ability to adjust the height of the mesh relative to the tabletop 16.

Fig. 4 shows the first support element 32 of fig. 3. In this fig. 4, the sleeve is not shown for illustrative purposes. It can be seen that the first support element 32 also comprises a return member 56. In this non-limiting example, the return member 56 has the shape of a tensioner-type elastic cable, the first end of which is configured to be attached to the interior of the sleeve 35 and the second end of which is attached to the interior of the backbone 37 of the first support element.

The return member 56 is configured to exert a return force on the backbone 37 to bring it from its deployed position into its retracted position when the locking device is placed in the unlocked position. In the retracted position of the stem 37, the return element 56 is in the rest position. In the deployed position of the backbone 37, the return element 56 is tensioned and tends towards its rest position.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, it can be seen that the net N is attached between the attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 and the attachment portion of the second support element. The net N extends in a substantially vertical plane P1.

The pivot part 34 of the first support element 32 is pivotably mounted on the box 17 attached under the table top 16 along said second pivot axis X2. It extends along said second pivot axis X2 below the table 16 parallel to the table 16 and parallel to the plane P1 of the net N. More precisely, the first support element 32 comprises a mounting bush 41 arranged at an end of the sleeve 35 and pivotably mounted with respect to the tank 17. Advantageously, the mounting bushing 41 has at least one tooth configured to extend within a bore in the sleeve. The mounting bush allows the sleeve 35, and thus the pivot 34, to pivot relative to the tank 17.

Without limitation, the mounting bushing 41 is removably attached at the end of the sleeve 35 by means of said teeth. Without limitation, the first support element 32 may include a gripping member (e.g., a gripping ring) to hold the teeth of the mounting bushing 41 in engagement with the bore in the sleeve. The clamping member is fixed to the bushing. The sleeve 35 of the pivot 34 extends inside the box 17. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends from the second end 34b of the pivot portion 34.

The first pivot mechanism 30 also includes a first crank 38. The first end 38a of the first crank is attached to the first end 34a of the pivot 34 of the first support element 32. The crank 38 extends transversely to said pivot 34 and therefore transversely with respect to the second pivot axis X2. The crank also has a second end 38 b.

The first pivot mechanism 30 additionally includes a first lever 40 having a first end 40a and a second end 40 b. The first end 40a of the first lever 40 is pivotally mounted relative to the first leg 22 of the base 14 along a third pivot axis X3. The third pivot axis X3 extends below the first pivot axis X1. The second end 40b of the first lever 40 is pivotally mounted relative to the second end 38b of the first crank 38 along a fourth pivot axis X4. The bar 40 is an elongated element extending substantially parallel to the table top 16 and transverse to the pivot of the first support element.

Fig. 5 shows the device of fig. 1 and 2 in a side view. As can be seen in fig. 5, the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes X1, X2, X3, X4 extend parallel to each other on the same side of the table top and parallel to the table top 16. Furthermore, in this non-limiting example, in a plane P2 perpendicular to the pivot axes, the distance between the first and third pivot axes X1, X3 is substantially equal to the distance between the second and fourth pivot axes X2, X4. Similarly, the first and second pivot axes X1, X2 are separated by a distance substantially equal to the distance separating the third and fourth pivot axes X3, X4.

Furthermore, the four pivot axes define a deformable parallelogram structure.

The apparatus 10 also includes a locking device 50 shown in fig. 6. The locking device 50 is configured to occupy a locked position, in which it holds the stem 37 of the first support element 32 in the deployed position, and an unlocked position, in which it allows the stem 37 to be placed in the retracted position.

Without limitation, the locking device 50 includes a lock housing 52 formed in an outer wall of the backbone 37. The locking device further comprises an engagement member 54 pivotally mounted on the cassette 17 fixed to the table top 16. In the locked position of the locking device 50 shown in fig. 6, the locking member 54 is configured to engage with the locking housing 52 to translationally lock the stem 37 of the first support element 32 relative to the tabletop 16 and relative to the sleeve 35. This makes it possible to keep the backbone 37 in the deployed position. In the unlocked position of the locking device 50, the engagement member 54 is no longer engaged with the lock housing 52, so that the backbone 37 is no longer translationally locked and can be brought into the retracted position.

The return member 56 is configured to bring the backbone from its deployed position into its retracted position when the locking device is placed in the unlocked position.

The locking device 50 further comprises a spring 58 extending between the inner wall of the box 17 and the eccentric portion of the engagement member 54. The spring 58 exerts a constant force on the engagement member 54 to drive rotation thereof. The spring 58 serves to maintain the engagement member 54 in engagement with the lock housing 52. Further, when the backbone 37 enters the deployed position, the engagement member 54 automatically engages the lock housing 52 under the force of the spring 58.

In the deployed position of the backbone 37, the opening 31 formed in the sleeve 35 is disposed facing the lock housing 52.

The placement of the tabletop 16 in the deployed position will now be described next.

Fig. 1, 2 and 5 show the device 10 in an initial use configuration, which allows for table tennis. In this configuration, the tabletop 16 is in the deployed position such that it extends horizontally, parallel to the floor S, and perpendicular to the first support 22. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends substantially vertically transversely to the table top 16. The angle β formed between the attachment portion 36 and the table 16 is about 90 °.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the backbone 37 of the first support element 32 is in the deployed position such that the attachment portion 36 of the first support element extends laterally from the first lateral edge 16a of the tabletop. The locking device 50 is in a locked position such that it holds the backbone 37 in the deployed position, as shown in fig. 6.

To bring the tabletop 16 into the folded position, the user raises the tabletop to pivot it relative to the base 14 along the first pivot axis X1, as shown in fig. 7, 8, and 9, in a first rotational direction. Figures 7 and 8 show the table top in an intermediate position between the folded and unfolded positions.

The first lever 40 is rotationally driven in this same first rotational direction along the third pivot axis X3 relative to the first strut 22. This has the result of deforming the parallelogram formed by the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes X1, X2, X3, X4. The first lever 40 drives the first crank 38 in rotation relative to the table top along the second pivot axis X2 in a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation of the table top 16 relative to the first support 22. As long as the first crank 38 is connected to the pivot 34 of the first support element 32, it drives said pivot and therefore the first support element in rotation along the second pivot axis X2.

The attachment portion 36 of the at least one first support element 32 is also pivoted relative to the table top along the second pivot axis in a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation of the table top relative to the first strut. As can be seen in fig. 9, the attachment portion 36 is thus closer to the table 16, so that the angle β formed between the attachment portion 36 and the table 16 gradually decreases. However, when considered in the terrestrial frame of reference, the attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 remains substantially vertical.

As the first support element 32 pivots relative to the tabletop 16, the engagement member 54 disengages from the lock housing 52. The locking device 50 is brought into the unlocked position so that it allows the stem 37 of the first support element to be placed into the retracted position. The return force exerted on stem 37 by return member 56 drives the stem to slide inside sleeve 35 from its deployed position to its retracted position. The length of the pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32 is reduced and the attachment portion 36 is brought closer to the table top. In the retracted position shown in fig. 7 and 8, the stem 37 extends substantially inside the sleeve 35, the distance between the first support element 32 and the second support element being reduced so that the net N is no longer taut.

In other words, the spine 37 of the first support element 32 automatically enters the retracted position when the deck 16 is brought from the deployed position into the collapsed position.

By continuing to pivot the deck 16 relative to the base 14 in the first rotational direction, the deck is brought all the way into the collapsed position shown in figures 10, 11 and 12. The pivoting of the first support element 32 relative to the table top continues.

In the collapsed position, the deck 16 extends substantially vertically parallel to the first and

second supports

22, 24. The overall size of the device is greatly reduced. The apparatus 10 is then in the storage configuration. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends parallel to the tabletop 16 and, without limitation, extends in the plane of and along the tabletop. The angle β formed between the attachment portion 36 and the table 16 is substantially zero.

It can be seen that when the table top is pivoted relative to the first support column, the first support element 32, and hence the attachment portion 36, remains substantially immovable in a substantially vertical plane when considered in the terrestrial frame of reference. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element remains in a vertical position parallel to the first strut 22. One benefit is that the presentation of the apparatus 10 is facilitated by eliminating the steps of installing and positioning the support elements and the mesh.

When the deck 16 is brought from the unfolded position into the folded position, the second support element 32' pivots in a similar manner to the first support element 32. Furthermore, the stem of the second support element also enters the retracted position.

As long as the net N is no longer taut between the attachment portions of the first and second support elements, it does not impede pivoting of the table top 16 nor placement thereof in the folded position.

In order to bring the device 10 into the use configuration again, it is proposed to pivot the table top 16 in a second rotational direction from its folded position to its unfolded position. The first support element 32 and its attachment 36 are pivoted relative to the table top so that the angle β formed between said attachment 36 and the table top 16 increases until it is approximately equal to 90 °.

The backbone 37 of the first support element 32 can then be brought into the deployed position, for example manually by the user. Due to the presence of the spring 58, the engagement member 54 automatically enters the lock housing 52 and the locking device 50 enters the locked position such that the backbone is held in the deployed position.

Fig. 13 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus includes the first module 12 and the second module 120 as previously described. The second module 120 includes a stage 160. The first and

second modules

12, 120 are arranged alongside one another such that their playing surfaces 16, 160 abut one another in a manner defining a playing surface and extend in extension of one another. The first and second modules form a table tennis table. They may be separate and independent of each other.

Claims

1. Device (10) for playing table tennis, comprising at least one first module (12) comprising:

-a base (14) configured to rest on the ground (S) and comprising at least one first pillar (22) having an upper end (22 a);

-a table top (16) supported by the base and pivotally mounted relative to an upper end of a first leg of the base along a first pivot axis (X1) between an extended position in which the table top extends transversely to the first leg of the base and a folded position in which the table top extends parallel to the first leg;

-at least one first support element (32) extending laterally from an edge of the table top (16), the first support element comprising a pivot (34) pivotally mounted with respect to the table top along a second pivot axis (X2), the pivot extending parallel to the table top, the first support element further comprising an attachment portion (36) extending transversely with respect to the pivot and configured to cooperate with a net (N);

-at least one first crank (38) extending transversely with respect to the pivot of the first support element and having a first end (38a) and a second end (38b), the first end being attached to the pivot;

-at least one first lever (40) having a first end (40a) pivotally mounted along a third pivot axis (X3) with respect to the at least one first pillar of the base, the first lever further having a second end (40b) pivotally mounted along a fourth pivot axis (X4) with respect to a second end of the first crank,

the pivoting of the table top between its unfolded position and its folded position being able to drive the relative pivoting of the at least one first support element relative to the table top along the second pivot axis, the first support element being configured such that its attachment extends perpendicular to the table top when the table top is in the unfolded position and such that it extends parallel to the table top when the table top is in the folded position, the pivot (34) of the first support element (32) comprising a sleeve (35) which is pivotably mounted along the second pivot axis (X2) relative to the table top (16) and to which the first crank (38) is attached, the pivot further comprising a backbone (37) cooperating with the attachment (36) of the first support element, the stem is slidably mounted inside the sleeve between a retracted position and a deployed position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis (X1), the second pivot axis (X2), the third pivot axis (X3), and the fourth pivot axis (X4) are substantially parallel to each other.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a distance between the first pivot axis (X1) and the third pivot axis (X3) is substantially equal to a distance between the second pivot axis (X2) and the fourth pivot axis (X4), and wherein a distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is substantially equal to a distance between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion (36) of the at least one first support element (32) extends vertically.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivot (34) of the at least one first support element (32) extends below the deck (16) when the deck is in the deployed position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivot (34) of the at least one first support element (32) has a first end (34a) and a second end (34b), the first crank (38) being attached to the first end of the pivot, the attachment portion (36) of the at least one first support element cooperating with the second end of the pivot.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the attachment portion (36) of the first support element (32) extends along an attachment direction (D), and wherein the first support element comprises an adjustment mechanism (39) for adjusting the position of the attachment portion relative to the pivot portion (34) along the attachment direction.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stem (37) is rotationally locked relative to the sleeve (35) such that pivoting of the sleeve relative to the table top along the second pivot axis (X2) can drive the stem to pivot along the second pivot axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one first support element (32) comprises a locking device (50) having a locked position in which the locking device holds the backbone (37) in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which the locking device allows the backbone to be placed into the retracted position.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the locking device (50) is configured to travel from the locked position to the unlocked position when the deck (16) travels from the deployed position to the collapsed position.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the locking device (50) comprises a locking housing (52) and an engagement member (54), one of the locking housing and the engagement member being fixed to the deck (16) and the other being provided on the backbone of the at least one first support element (32), the engagement member being configured to engage with the locking housing when the locking device is in the locked position and to disengage from the locking housing when the locking device is in the unlocked position.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the locking device (50) is configured to travel from the locked position to the unlocked position when the table top (16) travels from the unfolded position to the folded position, and wherein the locking device (50) is configured such that the engagement member (54) is disengaged from the locking housing (52) during pivoting of the at least one first support element (32) relative to the table top (16) along the second pivot axis (X2).

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one first support element (32) comprises a return member (56) configured to bring the backbone (37) from its deployed position into its retracted position.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second support element (32 ') including an attachment portion cooperating with the mesh, the first support element (32) and the second support element (32') extending on both sides of the tabletop (16).

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising the net (N) cooperating with the attachment portions of the first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the deck (16) is in the deployed position, the pivot portion (34) of the first support element (32) extending parallel to the substantially vertical plane.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second module (120) including a playing surface (160) and a base supporting the playing surface of the second module, the second module configured to cooperate with the first module (12) to form a ping-pong table.