EP0398826A1 - Training device for tennis or similar sport - Google Patents

Training device for tennis or similar sport Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0398826A1
EP0398826A1 EP90420231A EP90420231A EP0398826A1 EP 0398826 A1 EP0398826 A1 EP 0398826A1 EP 90420231 A EP90420231 A EP 90420231A EP 90420231 A EP90420231 A EP 90420231A EP 0398826 A1 EP0398826 A1 EP 0398826A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
net
launcher
balls
ramp
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP90420231A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacob Siekierski
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0398826A1 publication Critical patent/EP0398826A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/40—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies
    • A63B69/406—Stationarily-arranged devices for projecting balls or other bodies with rotating discs, wheels or pulleys gripping and propelling the balls or bodies by friction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices allowing initiation and training in tennis.
  • the invention aims to achieve such a device which responds better than so far to the various wishes of the practice.
  • the device according to the invention is light, compact and of low enough cost price to be widely distributed among tennis enthusiasts.
  • the invention also relates to a device whose ball launcher, unlike existing launchers, is independent of the ball receiving net, so that it can send balls randomly without any particular command, thanks to its flexible suspension by relation to the framework of the device.
  • the device according to the invention is characterized in that the net is independent of the launcher and in that the variations in orientation of the launcher are generated, on the one hand, by the vibrations of the chassis under the effect of the impact of the balls on the net and, on the other hand, by the reaction on said launcher caused by the ejection under pressure of the balls.
  • a drive device essentially comprising a chassis 1 produced by means of a tubular structure capable of supporting a net 2, as well as a ball launcher 3.
  • the frame 1 comprises, first of all, an upper frame 4, composed of a horizontal tube 4 a and two lateral tubes 4 b , 4 c each having an angled shape and, for example, oriented obliquely to the vertical .
  • the two side tubes 4 b and 4 c each extend by a tube 4 d , 4 e forming a connection of the frame 4 with a base 5 comprising, first of all, a foot 5 a following the tubes 4 d , 4 e converging towards it and which has the shape of a "U" , the crossbar of which preferably has a central part 5 b raised and turned towards the rear.
  • the base also comprises an element composed of a transverse bar 5 c associated with the junction of the tubes 4 d , 4 e and of the foot 5 a and which is extended towards the rear by two oblique arms 5 d , 5 e, of which the free ends rest on the ground, substantially below the base of the tubes 4b , 4c , as illustrated in fig. 2.
  • the net 2 illustrated in fig. 3, comprises an upper side 2 a with cut sides, that is to say in the form of a roof. It has, near its base 2 b , an opening 2 c located on its axis of symmetry and whose section is much greater than that of a tennis ball.
  • a heavy washer 8 with a cross section greater than that of a ball and made of metal or any other suitable material.
  • Another possibility consists in associating with a heavy washer or not elastic fixing means attached to the base 5 d , 5 e and to the transverse bar 5 c .
  • the launcher 3 which is located below the net and without any connection with it, is formed, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, by a two-piece casing, ie a shell 9 for receiving the balls and a casing 10 surrounding this shell 9.
  • the shell 9 comprises an open upper face 90 disposed under the opening 2 c of the pocket 2 d of the net 2 and from which a curved passage 91 develops in which each ball rolls up to a launching mechanism 11 carried, in the illustrated embodiment, by the housing.
  • the corridor 91 is composed of two cheeks in the shape of a "V" connected by a flat or slightly curved bottom. The distance between the cheeks is greater than the diameter of a tennis ball 12.
  • the casing 10 serves as a receptacle for the shell 9 which is assembled at the upper opening 100 of the casing by an interlocking assembly, so that the shell and the casing do not form a single piece.
  • the rounded underside of the casing 10 is provided with a perforation 101 situated near its vertical front face 102 and in which a hemispherical cap 13 is engaged in which the rounded free end of a vertical pivot facing upwards 14 comes engage to maintain the housing 10 in unstable equilibrium.
  • the pivot 14 may be formed by the end of a tubular segment or, alternatively, by a sphere mounted in this end.
  • the top of the front face 102 of the latter is provided with a toothed belt 15 or the like capable of cooperating with a loop 16 supported by a strap passed around the bar 5 c of the base 5.
  • the housing constituted by the 'assembly of the shell 9 and the housing 10, is flexibly associated with the chassis 1, while being, in one way or another, in unstable support on a pivot.
  • the launching mechanism 11, located at the bottom of the corridor 91, essentially comprises a roller 17 with a curved periphery whose plane of symmetry coincides with that of the corridor 91 and which is wedged on the output shaft of an electric motor 18 the flange of which is fixed to a depression made in one of the cheeks of the corridor 91.
  • the transverse vertical plane PP ′, passing through the shaft of the electric motor, is situated slightly below the free end of the bottom 92 of the corridor 91, while the distance from the end of this passage relative to the periphery of the roller 17 is substantially equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the ball 12.
  • the free end of the bottom 92 has a notch 92 a in which is engaged at a hinged end of a ramp 19 ramp formed in the form of a wafer.
  • This ramp is supported by an eccentric or cam 20 preferably of polygonal shape and which is itself in elastic support on a spring leaf 21 secured to the casing 10.
  • the cam is provided with an eccentric transverse axis 22 passing right through the casing 10 in two lights 103 thereof.
  • the distance between the ramp 19 and the periphery of the roller 17 is, of course, less than the diameter of the ball 12, so that it is compressed when the roller drives it until it escapes its action to be propelled outwards through an opening 104 made in the vertical front face 102 of the casing.
  • the protruding ends of the axis 22 are each provided with an operating wheel 23 making it possible to rotate the cam and to change the compression force exerted on the ball during rotation of the roller 17.
  • the operation is as follows.
  • the net ballasting system performs its receptacle function by stretching it down and stabilizing it to form the pocket in which the balls will fall one after the other fall by gravity and be transferred to the thrower crossing the opening 2 c of the net and the central opening of the washer 8.
  • this opening 2 c is stabilized above the launcher.
  • each ball on the net causes vibrations transmitted to the chassis which in turn communicates them to the housing consisting of the shell 9 and the housing 10.
  • the housing is thus subjected to vibrations, because it does not is not rigidly attached to the chassis. Under these conditions, when the ball is expelled, it is randomly, so that the trajectories of successive balls are different.
  • the combination of the three effects of movement of the launcher makes that the trajectories of balls are always different.
  • the inclination of the housing constituted by the shell 9 and the casing 10 by variations in the position of the belt 15 relative to the loop 16, the vertical orientation of the trajectory is changed.
  • an appreciable advantage consists in the fact that the elastic application of the ramp can vary by changing the orientation of the cam by maneuvering the flywheels 23. This variation in the position of the ramp makes it possible to change the power of the shot in accentuating more or less the bottleneck formed between the periphery of the roller and the ramp.
  • Another important aspect of this arrangement consists in that part of the shocks exerted on the shaft and the bearing of the motor, during the compression of the balls when they pass between the ramp and the roller, is absorbed by the fact elastic mounting of the ramp. As the length over which the bales are compressed is short, the engine heating is reduced, as is the energy consumed. It is thus possible to implement a low power motor, provided with an output shaft of reduced diameter. An economic achievement is thus obtained.
  • Fig. 2 shows that it can be envisaged to connect the net 2 to the rear of the chassis 1, in particular along the tubes 4 b and 4 c , by a tensioner coming to join the tubes 4 b and 4 c at the level of their rope, to bring the net back, to enlarge the pocket 2 d , in a position illustrated in broken lines.
  • Fig. 4 shows that it is advantageous to have the shell 9 have an upper wall 9 a intended to cover the roller 17 and to delimit the inlet 90 directly above the pocket 2 d .
  • the wall 9 a can advantageously be used to carry, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a pierced bar or the like 95 on which can adaptably adjust the end of one or more rods 96 for suspending the launcher 3, in association with the pivot 14.
  • a rod 96 in the shape of a "V" is arranged to fit into one of the holes in the bar 95 and in two holes in the foot 5 a .
  • This rod 96 performs functions similar to the belt 15 while providing the functional advantage of better pivoting of the launcher on its pivot.
  • Fig. 7 shows an advantageous alternative embodiment according to which the motor 18 is suspended, for example by a clamp 18 a , at a return 9 b from the upper wall 9 a .
  • the clamp 18 a surrounds the motor 18 by passing through two notches 9 c made in the return 9 b .
  • the return 9b constitutes an elastically deformable part conferring a possibility of vertical displacement on the roller 17 ensuring the adjustment of the compression of the balls 12, in order to obtain different speeds of propulsion of the balls. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the ramp 19 and to constitute the corridor only by the bottom 92.
  • the flexibility of the return 9 b can, if necessary, be made adjustable by the presence of a tensioner 97.
  • the wall 9 a and the return 9 b constitute a kind of box in which can be placed and protected any electrical or electronic equipment supplying the motor 18.
  • the tensioner 97 can be replaced by means of electronic control of the motor inserted between the wall 9 a and the return 9 b , varying the speed of rotation of the roller, so as to obtain variable speeds of propelling bullets.

Abstract

The device according to the invention comprises a frame (1) whose upper part of the framework (4) supports a net (2) which comprises means for forming a pocket (2d) whose lower part is weighted by a ring (8) surrounding its opening (2c). The frame (1) carries a vertical pivot (14) on which is placed the base of the casing of the launcher (3) which is, additionally, attached to the said frame by a flexible link (15, 16). Thus, the impact of the balls on the net (2) causes vibrations of the frame (1) which give rise to variations in the position of the launcher (3) which are, additionally, caused by the ejection of the balls, so that their trajectories are random. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention se réfère aux dispositifs permettant l'initiation et l'entraînement au tennis.The present invention relates to devices allowing initiation and training in tennis.

Il existe des dispositifs de ce genre dans le commerce qui sont construits sur des principes présentant des avantages et des inconvénients.There are devices of this kind in the trade which are built on principles having advantages and disadvantages.

En général, de tels dispositifs sont relativement lourds à transporter et coûteux, dans la mesure où ils comprennent un grand nombre de composants.In general, such devices are relatively heavy to transport and expensive, insofar as they comprise a large number of components.

L'invention vise la réalisation d'un tel dispositif qui réponde mieux que jusqu'à présent aux divers desiderata de la pratique. Le dispositif conforme à l'invention est léger, peu encombrant et de prix de revient suffisamment bas pour pouvoir être largement diffusé parmi les amateurs de tennis.The invention aims to achieve such a device which responds better than so far to the various wishes of the practice. The device according to the invention is light, compact and of low enough cost price to be widely distributed among tennis enthusiasts.

L'invention vise, encore, un dispositif dont le lanceur de balles, contrairement aux lanceurs existants, est indépendant du filet de réception des balles, afin qu'il puisse envoyer des balles de manière aléatoire sans commande particulière, grâce à sa suspension souple par rapport au cadre du dispositif.The invention also relates to a device whose ball launcher, unlike existing launchers, is independent of the ball receiving net, so that it can send balls randomly without any particular command, thanks to its flexible suspension by relation to the framework of the device.

Pour atteindre les objectifs ci-dessus, le dispositif selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que le filet est indépendant du lanceur et en ce que les variations d'orientation du lanceur sont engendrées, d'une part, par les vibrations du châssis sous l'effet de l'impact des balles sur le filet et, d'autre part, par la réaction sur ledit lanceur provoquée par l'éjection sous pression des balles.To achieve the above objectives, the device according to the invention is characterized in that the net is independent of the launcher and in that the variations in orientation of the launcher are generated, on the one hand, by the vibrations of the chassis under the effect of the impact of the balls on the net and, on the other hand, by the reaction on said launcher caused by the ejection under pressure of the balls.

L'invention apparaîtra plus clairement dans la description qui va suivre faite en référence aux dessins.

  • La fig. 1 est une vue en élévation d'un dispositif d'entraînement conforme à l'invention.
  • La fig. 2 est une vue de côté.
  • La fig. 3 est une vue à petite échelle du filet utilisé dans le dispositif suivant l'invention.
  • La fig. 4 est une coupe longitudinale du lanceur de balles du dispositif conforme à l'invention.
  • La fig. 5 est une coupe suivant V-V (fig. 4). On y a représenté en IV-IV le plan de coupe de la fig. 4.
  • La fig. 6 est une vue en plan partiel prise selon la ligne VI-VI de la fig. 4.
  • La fig. 7 est une coupe-élévation partielle d'une variante de réalisation du lanceur.
The invention will appear more clearly in the description which follows, made with reference to the drawings.
  • Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a drive device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a side view.
  • Fig. 3 is a small-scale view of the net used in the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of the launcher balls of the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a section along VV (fig. 4) . There is shown in IV-IV the section plane of FIG. 4.
  • Fig. 6 is a partial plan view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4.
  • Fig. 7 is a partial sectional elevation of an alternative embodiment of the launcher.

On a illustré, aux fig. 1 et 2 un dispositif d'entraînement suivant l'invention comprenant, essentiellement, un châssis 1 réalisé au moyen d'une structure tubulaire susceptible de soutenir un filet 2, ainsi qu'un lanceur de balles 3. Illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 a drive device according to the invention essentially comprising a chassis 1 produced by means of a tubular structure capable of supporting a net 2, as well as a ball launcher 3.

Le châssis 1 comprend, tout d'abord, un cadre supérieur 4, composé d'un tube horizontal 4a et de deux tubes latéraux 4b, 4c présentant chacun une forme coudée et, par exemple, orientés obliquement par rapport à la verticale. Les deux tubes latéraux 4b et 4c se prolongent chacun par un tube 4d, 4e formant liaison du cadre 4 avec un piètement 5 comportant, tout d'abord, un pied 5a faisant suite aux tubes 4d, 4e convergeant vers lui et qui affecte la forme d'un "U" dont la barre transversale présente, de préférence, une partie centrale 5b relevée et tournée vers l'arrière. Le piètement comporte, encore, un élément composé d'une barrette transversale 5c associée à la jonction des tubes 4d, 4e et du pied 5a et qui se prolonge vers l'arrière par deux bras obliques 5d, 5e dont les extrémités libres reposent sur le sol, sensiblement en dessous de la base des tubes 4b, 4c, comme illustré en fig. 2. The frame 1 comprises, first of all, an upper frame 4, composed of a horizontal tube 4 a and two lateral tubes 4 b , 4 c each having an angled shape and, for example, oriented obliquely to the vertical . The two side tubes 4 b and 4 c each extend by a tube 4 d , 4 e forming a connection of the frame 4 with a base 5 comprising, first of all, a foot 5 a following the tubes 4 d , 4 e converging towards it and which has the shape of a "U" , the crossbar of which preferably has a central part 5 b raised and turned towards the rear. The base also comprises an element composed of a transverse bar 5 c associated with the junction of the tubes 4 d , 4 e and of the foot 5 a and which is extended towards the rear by two oblique arms 5 d , 5 e, of which the free ends rest on the ground, substantially below the base of the tubes 4b , 4c , as illustrated in fig. 2.

Le filet 2, illustré en fig. 3, comprend un côté supérieur 2a à pans coupés, c'est-à-dire en forme de toit. Il comporte, près de sa base 2b, une ouverture 2c située sur son axe de symétrie et dont la section est largement supérieure à celle d'une balle de tennis.The net 2, illustrated in fig. 3, comprises an upper side 2 a with cut sides, that is to say in the form of a roof. It has, near its base 2 b , an opening 2 c located on its axis of symmetry and whose section is much greater than that of a tennis ball.

Le côté 2a du filet 2 est associé au tube horizontal 4a du cadre 4 au moyen d'un tendeur élastique 6, comme illustré en fig. 1, de telle sorte qu'en ramenant ce côté anguleux à l'horizontale l'on provoque un creusement de l'ensemble du filet qui devient concave en direction de l'avant. La base 2b du filet coopère avec un autre tendeur 7 dont les deux extrémités sont accrochées aux jonctions des tubes 4b, 4d, respectivement 4c, 4e, si bien qu'à l'arrière de ce tendeur le filet forme une poche 2d particulièrement bien illustrée en fig. 2. Le filet est suspendu de manière que l'ouverture 2c du filet se trouve à la base de cette poche. Pour faciliter le maintien de la forme du filet, on associe, à la périphérie de l'ouverture 2c, par exemple une rondelle pesante 8 de section de passage supérieure à celle d'une balle et réalisée en métal ou en toute autre matière appropriée. Une autre possibilité consiste à associer à une rondelle pesante ou non des moyens de fixation élastique accrochés au piètement 5d, 5e et à la barrette transversale 5c. Side 2 a of the net 2 is associated with the horizontal tube 4a of the frame 4 by means of an elastic cord 6, as illustrated in FIG. 1, so that by bringing this angular side to the horizontal one causes a digging of the whole of the net which becomes concave towards the front. The base 2 b of the net cooperates with another tensioner 7 , the two ends of which are hooked to the junctions of the tubes 4 b , 4 d , respectively 4 c , 4 e , so that at the rear of this tensioner the net forms a pocket 2 d particularly well illustrated in fig. 2. The net is suspended so that the opening 2 c of the net is at the base of this pocket. To facilitate the maintenance of the shape of the net, there is associated, at the periphery of the opening 2 c , for example a heavy washer 8 with a cross section greater than that of a ball and made of metal or any other suitable material. . Another possibility consists in associating with a heavy washer or not elastic fixing means attached to the base 5 d , 5 e and to the transverse bar 5 c .

Le lanceur 3, qui se trouve en-dessous du filet et sans aucune liaison avec lui, est constitué, comme illustré par les fig. 4 et 5, par un boîtier en deux pièces, soit une coque 9 de réception des balles et un carter 10 entourant cette coque 9. Ces deux pièces peuvent être, avantageusement, réalisées en matière plastique moulée par injection ou thermo-formée. La coque 9 comprend une face supérieure ouverte 90 disposée sous l'ouverture 2c de la poche 2d du filet 2 et à partir de laquelle se développe un couloir courbe 91 dans lequel chaque balle roule jusqu'à un mécanisme de lancement 11 porté, dans la forme de réalisation illustrée, par le boîtier. Tel que cela ressort de la fig. 5, le couloir 91 est composé de deux joues en forme de "V" raccordées par un fond plat ou légèrement bombé. La distance entre les joues est supérieure au diamètre d'une balle de tennis 12. The launcher 3, which is located below the net and without any connection with it, is formed, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, by a two-piece casing, ie a shell 9 for receiving the balls and a casing 10 surrounding this shell 9. These two parts can advantageously be made of injection-molded or thermo-formed plastic. The shell 9 comprises an open upper face 90 disposed under the opening 2 c of the pocket 2 d of the net 2 and from which a curved passage 91 develops in which each ball rolls up to a launching mechanism 11 carried, in the illustrated embodiment, by the housing. As shown in fig. 5, the corridor 91 is composed of two cheeks in the shape of a "V" connected by a flat or slightly curved bottom. The distance between the cheeks is greater than the diameter of a tennis ball 12.

Le carter 10 sert de réceptacle à la coque 9 qui est assemblée à l'ouverture supérieure 100 du carter par un assemblage à emboîtement, afin que la coque et le carter ne forment plus qu'une seule pièce. La face inférieure arrondie du carter 10 est pourvue d'une perforation 101 située à proximité de sa face avant verticale 102 et dans laquelle on engage un capuchon hémisphérique 13 dans lequel l'extrémité libre arrondie d'un pivot vertical tournée vers le haut 14 vient s'engager pour maintenir le carter 10 en équilibre instable. Le pivot 14 peut être constitué par l'extrémité d'un segment tubulaire ou, encore, par une sphère montée dans cette extrémité. Le haut de la face avant 102 de ce dernier est pourvu d'une courroie crantée 15 ou analogue propre à coopérer avec une boucle 16 soutenue par une lanière passée autour de la barrette 5c du piètement 5. Ainsi, le boîtier, constitué par l'assemblage de la coque 9 et du carter 10, est associé de manière souple au châssis 1, tout en étant, d'une manière ou d'une autre, en appui instable sur un pivot.The casing 10 serves as a receptacle for the shell 9 which is assembled at the upper opening 100 of the casing by an interlocking assembly, so that the shell and the casing do not form a single piece. The rounded underside of the casing 10 is provided with a perforation 101 situated near its vertical front face 102 and in which a hemispherical cap 13 is engaged in which the rounded free end of a vertical pivot facing upwards 14 comes engage to maintain the housing 10 in unstable equilibrium. The pivot 14 may be formed by the end of a tubular segment or, alternatively, by a sphere mounted in this end. The top of the front face 102 of the latter is provided with a toothed belt 15 or the like capable of cooperating with a loop 16 supported by a strap passed around the bar 5 c of the base 5. Thus, the housing, constituted by the 'assembly of the shell 9 and the housing 10, is flexibly associated with the chassis 1, while being, in one way or another, in unstable support on a pivot.

Le mécanisme de lancement 11, situé au bas du couloir 91, comprend, essentiellement, un galet 17 à périphérie bombée dont le plan de symétrie coïncide avec celui du couloir 91 et qui est calé sur l'arbre de sortie d'un moteur électrique 18 dont la bride est fixée sur un enfoncement réalisé dans l'une des joues du couloir 91. Le plan vertical transversal P-P′, passant par l'arbre du moteur électrique, est situé légèrement en deçà de l'extrémité libre du fond 92 du couloir 91, tandis que la distance de l'extrémité de ce couloir par rapport à la périphérie du galet 17 est sensiblement égale ou légèrement inférieure au diamètre de la balle 12. Dans une forme de réalisation, l'extrémité libre du fond 92 comporte une entaille 92a dans laquelle est engagée à articulation une extrémité cambrée d'une rampe 19 réalisée sous la forme d'une plaquette. Cette rampe est soutenue par un excentrique ou came 20 préférablement de forme polygonale et qui est lui-même en appui élastique sur une lame de ressort 21 solidaire du carter 10. La came est pourvue d'un axe excentré transversal 22 traversant de part en part le carter 10 dans deux lumières 103 de celui-ci. La distance entre la rampe 19 et la périphérie du galet 17 est, bien entendu, inférieure au diamètre de la balle 12, de manière que celle-ci soit comprimée lorsque le galet l'entraîne jusqu'à ce qu'elle échappe à son action pour être propulsée vers l'extérieur à travers une ouverture 104 pratiquée dans la face avant verticale 102 du carter. Les extrémités dépassantes de l'axe 22 sont chacune pourvues d'un volant de manoeuvre 23 permettant de faire tourner la came et de changer la force de compression qui s'exerce sur la balle lors de la rotation du galet 17. The launching mechanism 11, located at the bottom of the corridor 91, essentially comprises a roller 17 with a curved periphery whose plane of symmetry coincides with that of the corridor 91 and which is wedged on the output shaft of an electric motor 18 the flange of which is fixed to a depression made in one of the cheeks of the corridor 91. The transverse vertical plane PP ′, passing through the shaft of the electric motor, is situated slightly below the free end of the bottom 92 of the corridor 91, while the distance from the end of this passage relative to the periphery of the roller 17 is substantially equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the ball 12. In one embodiment, the free end of the bottom 92 has a notch 92 a in which is engaged at a hinged end of a ramp 19 ramp formed in the form of a wafer. This ramp is supported by an eccentric or cam 20 preferably of polygonal shape and which is itself in elastic support on a spring leaf 21 secured to the casing 10. The cam is provided with an eccentric transverse axis 22 passing right through the casing 10 in two lights 103 thereof. The distance between the ramp 19 and the periphery of the roller 17 is, of course, less than the diameter of the ball 12, so that it is compressed when the roller drives it until it escapes its action to be propelled outwards through an opening 104 made in the vertical front face 102 of the casing. The protruding ends of the axis 22 are each provided with an operating wheel 23 making it possible to rotate the cam and to change the compression force exerted on the ball during rotation of the roller 17.

Le fonctionnement est le suivant.The operation is as follows.

Supposons qu'une balle tombe dans la coque 9, le moteur 18 étant alimenté en continu pour que la rotation du galet 17 soit constante, cette balle vient en contact avec la périphérie du galet 17 qui la comprime élastiquement sur une faible distance par rapport à la rampe 19, puis au moment où la balle échappe à l'action du galet, elle est propulsée vers l'extérieur, afin que le joueur puisse la renvoyer dans le filet.Suppose that a ball falls into the shell 9, the motor 18 being supplied continuously so that the rotation of the roller 17 is constant, this ball comes into contact with the periphery of the roller 17 which compresses it elastically over a short distance from the ramp 19, then when the ball escapes the action of the roller, it is propelled outward, so that the player can return it to the net.

Comme indiqué plus haut, le système de lestage du filet assure sa fonction de réceptacle en l'étirant vers le bas et en le stabilisant pour former la poche dans laquelle les balles vont les unes après les autres tomber par gravité et être transférées dans le lanceur en traversant l'ouverture 2c du filet et celle centrale de la rondelle 8. Ainsi, cette ouverture 2c est stabilisée au-dessus du lanceur.As indicated above, the net ballasting system performs its receptacle function by stretching it down and stabilizing it to form the pocket in which the balls will fall one after the other fall by gravity and be transferred to the thrower crossing the opening 2 c of the net and the central opening of the washer 8. Thus, this opening 2 c is stabilized above the launcher.

L'impact de chaque balle sur le filet entraîne des vibrations se transmettant au châssis qui les communique lui-même au boîtier constitué de la coque 9 et du carter 10. Le boîtier est ainsi soumis à des vibrations, du fait qu'il n'est pas rigidement fixé au châssis. Dans ces conditions, lorsque la balle est expulsée, elle l'est de manière aléatoire, si bien que les trajectoires des balles successives sont différentes.The impact of each ball on the net causes vibrations transmitted to the chassis which in turn communicates them to the housing consisting of the shell 9 and the housing 10. The housing is thus subjected to vibrations, because it does not is not rigidly attached to the chassis. Under these conditions, when the ball is expelled, it is randomly, so that the trajectories of successive balls are different.

De plus, sous la pression des balles au moment de l'expulsion par le galet, on assiste à un déplacement de l'ensemble coque-carter vers l'arrière grâce à la souplesse de la courroie crantée 15 et de l'équilibre instable du carter sur le pivot 14. De plus, du fait du bombement de la périphérie du galet, la balle n'est pas toujours centrée par rapport à son plan de symétrie, ce qui entraîne une faible oscillation du carter lors de la compression des balles. De plus, grâce à la périphérie bombée du galet, les balles se trouvent plus ou moins fortement comprimées, entraînant des angles et des vitesses de propulsion variables.In addition, under the pressure of the balls at the time of expulsion by the roller, there is a displacement of the shell-casing assembly towards the rear thanks to the flexibility of the toothed belt 15 and the unstable balance of the housing on the pivot 14. In addition, due to the bulging of the periphery of the roller, the ball is not always centered relative to its plane of symmetry, which causes a slight oscillation of the housing during the compression of the balls. In addition, thanks to the curved periphery of the roller, the balls are more or less strongly compressed, resulting in varying angles and propulsion speeds.

Ainsi, la combinaison des trois effets de déplacement du lanceur fait que les trajectoires de balles sont toujours différentes. De plus, en changeant l'inclinaison du boîtier constitué par la coque 9 et le carter 10, par variations de la position de la courroie 15 par rapport à la boucle 16, on change l'orientation verticale de la trajectoire.Thus, the combination of the three effects of movement of the launcher makes that the trajectories of balls are always different. In addition, by changing the inclination of the housing constituted by the shell 9 and the casing 10, by variations in the position of the belt 15 relative to the loop 16, the vertical orientation of the trajectory is changed.

On notera qu'un avantage appréciable consiste dans le fait que l'application élastique de la rampe peut varier en changeant l'orientation de la came par manoeuvre des volants 23. Cette variation de position de la rampe permet de changer la puissance du tir en accentuant plus ou moins le goulot d'étranglement constitué entre la périphérie du galet et la rampe.It will be noted that an appreciable advantage consists in the fact that the elastic application of the ramp can vary by changing the orientation of the cam by maneuvering the flywheels 23. This variation in the position of the ramp makes it possible to change the power of the shot in accentuating more or less the bottleneck formed between the periphery of the roller and the ramp.

Un autre aspect important de cet agencement consiste en ce qu'une partie des chocs exercés sur l'arbre et le palier du moteur, lors de la compression des balles au moment de leur passage entre la rampe et le galet, se trouve amortie du fait du montage élastique de la rampe. La longueur suivant laquelle les balles sont comprimées étant courte, l'échauffement du moteur est diminué, de même que l'énergie consommée. Il est ainsi possible de mettre en oeuvre un moteur de faible puissance, pourvu d'un arbre de sortie à diamètre réduit. On obtient, ainsi, une réalisation économique.Another important aspect of this arrangement consists in that part of the shocks exerted on the shaft and the bearing of the motor, during the compression of the balls when they pass between the ramp and the roller, is absorbed by the fact elastic mounting of the ramp. As the length over which the bales are compressed is short, the engine heating is reduced, as is the energy consumed. It is thus possible to implement a low power motor, provided with an output shaft of reduced diameter. An economic achievement is thus obtained.

On observe, enfin, que la butée de l'axe 22 contre les extrémités supérieures des lumières 103 limite au repos la course élastique de la rampe 19. Finally, it is observed that the stop of the axis 22 against the upper ends of the openings 103 limits the elastic stroke of the ramp 19 at rest .

On a ainsi réalisé un dispositif de lancement de balles de tennis ou analogues répondant particulièrement bien aux souhaits des pratiquants et qui est de dimensions réduites, de sorte qu'après démontage il est facilement transportable dans tout coffre de voiture. On notera que le moteur est un moteur à courant continu à basse tension alimenté en 12 volts, de telle sorte qu'il ne présente aucun danger, en particulier pour les enfants.There has thus been produced a device for launching tennis balls or the like which responds particularly well to the wishes of the practitioners and which is of reduced dimensions, so that after disassembly it is easily transportable in any car trunk. Note that the motor is a low voltage direct current motor supplied with 12 volts, so that it presents no danger, in particular for children.

La fig. 2 montre qu'il peut être envisagé de relier le filet 2 à l'arrière du châssis 1, notamment le long des tubes 4b et 4c, par un tendeur venant rejoindre les tubes 4b et 4c au niveau de leur corde, pour ramener le filet vers l'arrière, en vue d'agrandir la poche 2d, dans une position illustrée en trait discontinu. Fig. 2 shows that it can be envisaged to connect the net 2 to the rear of the chassis 1, in particular along the tubes 4 b and 4 c , by a tensioner coming to join the tubes 4 b and 4 c at the level of their rope, to bring the net back, to enlarge the pocket 2 d , in a position illustrated in broken lines.

La fig. 4 montre qu'il est avantageux de faire comporter à la coque 9 une paroi supérieure 9a destinée à recouvrir le galet 17 et à délimiter l'entrée 90 à l'aplomb de la poche 2d. La paroi 9a peut, avantageusement, être mise à profit pour porter, comme illustré par la fig. 6, une barrette percée ou analogue 95 sur laquelle peut s'adapter, de façon réglable, l'extrémité d'une ou plusieurs tiges 96 de suspension du lanceur 3, en association avec le pivot 14. Dans l'exemple illustré, une tige 96 en forme de "V" est aménagée pour venir s'emboîter dans l'un des orifices de la barrette 95 et dans deux orifices pratiqués dans le pied 5a. Cette tige 96 assume les fonctions similaires à la courroie 15 tout en offrant l'avantage fonctionnel d'un meilleur pivotement du lanceur sur son pivot. Fig. 4 shows that it is advantageous to have the shell 9 have an upper wall 9 a intended to cover the roller 17 and to delimit the inlet 90 directly above the pocket 2 d . The wall 9 a can advantageously be used to carry, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a pierced bar or the like 95 on which can adaptably adjust the end of one or more rods 96 for suspending the launcher 3, in association with the pivot 14. In the example illustrated, a rod 96 in the shape of a "V" is arranged to fit into one of the holes in the bar 95 and in two holes in the foot 5 a . This rod 96 performs functions similar to the belt 15 while providing the functional advantage of better pivoting of the launcher on its pivot.

La fig. 7 montre une variante de réalisation avantageuse selon laquelle le moteur 18 est suspendu, par exemple par un collier de serrage 18a, à un retour 9b de la paroi 9a supérieure. Le collier de serrage 18a entoure le moteur 18 en passant à travers deux entailles 9c pratiquées dans le retour 9b. Le retour 9b constitue une partie déformable élastiquement conférant une possibilité de déplacement vertical au galet 17 assurant le réglage de la compression des balles 12, en vue d'obtenir différentes vitesses de propulsion des balles. De cette manière, il est possible de supprimer la rampe 19 et de constituer le couloir uniquement par le fond 92. La flexibilité du retour 9b peut, le cas échéant, être rendue réglable par la présence d'un tendeur 97. La paroi 9a et le retour 9b constituent une sorte de boîtier dans lequel peut être placé et protégé tout appareillage électrique ou électronique d'alimentation du moteur 18. Fig. 7 shows an advantageous alternative embodiment according to which the motor 18 is suspended, for example by a clamp 18 a , at a return 9 b from the upper wall 9 a . The clamp 18 a surrounds the motor 18 by passing through two notches 9 c made in the return 9 b . The return 9b constitutes an elastically deformable part conferring a possibility of vertical displacement on the roller 17 ensuring the adjustment of the compression of the balls 12, in order to obtain different speeds of propulsion of the balls. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the ramp 19 and to constitute the corridor only by the bottom 92. The flexibility of the return 9 b can, if necessary, be made adjustable by the presence of a tensioner 97. The wall 9 a and the return 9 b constitute a kind of box in which can be placed and protected any electrical or electronic equipment supplying the motor 18.

Selon une variante avantageuse de réalisation, le tendeur 97 peut être substitué par des moyens de commande électronique du moteur inséré entre la paroi 9a et le retour 9b, faisant varier la vitesse de rotation du galet, de manière à obtenir des vitesses variables de propulsion des balles.According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the tensioner 97 can be replaced by means of electronic control of the motor inserted between the wall 9 a and the return 9 b , varying the speed of rotation of the roller, so as to obtain variable speeds of propelling bullets.

L'invention n'est pas limitée au mode d'exécution décrit ci-dessus, elle englobe, au contraire, toutes les variantes formant des équivalents techniques.The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, it encompasses, on the contrary, all the variants forming technical equivalents.

Claims (11)

1 - Dispositif d'entraînement pour jeu de tennis consistant en un châssis (1) soutenant un filet (2) associé à un lanceur (3) de balles (12),
caractérisé en ce que le filet (2) est indépendant du lanceur (3) et en ce que les variations d'orientation du lanceur (3) sont engendrées, d'une part, par les vibrations du châssis (1) sous l'effet de l'impact des balles sur le filet (2) et, d'autre part, par la réaction sur ledit lanceur (3) provoquée par l'éjection sous pression des balles (12). 1 - Training device for tennis game consisting of a frame ( 1 ) supporting a net ( 2 ) associated with a thrower ( 3 ) of balls ( 12 ),
characterized in that the net ( 2 ) is independent of the launcher ( 3 ) and in that the variations in orientation of the launcher ( 3 ) are generated, on the one hand, by the vibrations of the chassis ( 1 ) under the effect of the impact of the balls on the net ( 2 ) and, on the other hand, by the reaction on said launcher ( 3 ) caused by the ejection under pressure of the balls ( 12 ). 2 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que son filet (2) comporte des moyens de le conformer, de telle manière qu'il forme une poche (2d ) à la base de laquelle est ménagée une ouverture lestée (2c ) d'évacuation des balles (12) entourée par un organe pesant (8). 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that its net ( 2 ) comprises means for conforming it, so that it forms a pocket ( 2 d ) at the base of which is provided a weighted opening ( 2 c ) evacuation of bales ( 12 ) surrounded by a heavy member ( 8 ). 3 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le châssis (1) comporte un cadre (4) formant un pivot vertical (14) sur l'extrémité libre, au moins semi-sphérique, tournée vers le haut duquel est posé le lanceur (3) qui est, en outre, attaché audit châssis (1) au moyen d'une liaison souple (15, 16 ou 95, 96) réglable. 3 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame ( 1 ) comprises a frame ( 4 ) forming a vertical pivot ( 14 ) on the free end, at least semi-spherical, facing upwards which is placed the launcher ( 3 ) which is also attached to said chassis ( 1 ) by means of a flexible connection ( 15, 16 or 95, 96 ) adjustable. 4 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 1 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que le lanceur comprend une coque (9) de réception des balles supportant un mécanisme de lancement (11) de celles-ci et un carter (10) dont la base repose sur le pivot (14). 4 - Device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the launcher comprises a shell ( 9 ) for receiving the balls supporting a launching mechanism ( 11 ) thereof and a housing ( 10 ) whose base rests on the pivot ( 14 ). 5 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la coque de réception (9) comprend une face supérieure ouverte (90) à partir de laquelle part un couloir courbe (91) dans lequel chaque balle (12) roule jusqu'au mécanisme de lancement (11). 5 - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving shell ( 9 ) comprises an open upper face ( 90 ) from which leaves a curved passage ( 91 ) in which each ball ( 12 ) rolls to the mechanism launch ( 11 ). 6 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de lancement (11) comprend un galet rotatif (17) à périphérie bombée et une rampe (19) contre laquelle chaque balle (12) est comprimée par le galet jusqu'à ce qu'elle échappe à son action pour être propulsée vers l'extérieur à travers une ouverture (104) ménagée à cet effet dans la face avant (102) du carter (10). 6 - Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the launching mechanism ( 11 ) comprises a rotary roller ( 17 ) with curved periphery and a ramp ( 19 ) against which each ball ( 12 ) is compressed by the roller up '' that it escapes its action to be propelled outwards to through an opening ( 104 ) made for this purpose in the front face ( 102 ) of the housing ( 10 ). 7 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la rampe (19) est chargée élastiquement au moyen d'un ressort à lame (21) fixé au carter (10) et agissant sur une came (20) qui est en contact avec le dessous de la rampe, ladite came étant pourvue d'un axe excentré (22) traversant deux lumières (103) ménagées dans les cloisons latérales du carter (10) et dont la longueur limite la course élastique de la rampe (19). 7 - Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the ramp ( 19 ) is loaded elastically by means of a leaf spring ( 21 ) fixed to the housing ( 10 ) and acting on a cam ( 20 ) which is in contact with the underside of the ramp, said cam being provided with an eccentric pin ( 22 ) passing through two slots ( 103 ) formed in the lateral partitions of the casing ( 10 ) and the length of which limits the elastic stroke of the ramp ( 19 ). 8 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la came (20) est de profil polygonal et en ce que les extrémités dépassantes de son axe (22) portent chacune un volant de manoeuvre (23) pour assurer sa rotation. 8 - Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the cam ( 20 ) is of polygonal profile and in that the protruding ends of its axis ( 22 ) each carry an operating wheel ( 23 ) to ensure its rotation. 9 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que le galet (17) et le moteur (18) sont portés par un retour (9b ) déformable élastiquement, formé par une paroi (9a ) fermant en partie le dessus de la coque (9). 9 - Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the roller ( 17 ) and the motor ( 18 ) are carried by a return ( 9 b ) elastically deformable, formed by a wall ( 9 a ) partially closing the top of the shell ( 9 ). 10 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que la flexibilité du retour (9b ) peut être rendue réglable par l'intermédiaire d'un tendeur (97). 10 - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the flexibility of the return ( 9 b ) can be made adjustable by means of a tensioner ( 97 ). 11 - Dispositif suivant la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que le moteur (18) est équipé de moyens électroniques de réglage de sa vitesse de rotation. 11 - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the motor ( 18 ) is equipped with electronic means for adjusting its speed of rotation.
EP90420231A 1989-05-17 1990-05-16 Training device for tennis or similar sport Withdrawn EP0398826A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8906677A FR2647021B1 (en) 1989-05-17 1989-05-17 DRIVE DEVICE FOR TENNIS GAME OR THE LIKE
FR8906677 1989-05-17

Publications (1)

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EP0398826A1 true EP0398826A1 (en) 1990-11-22

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90420231A Withdrawn EP0398826A1 (en) 1989-05-17 1990-05-16 Training device for tennis or similar sport

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EP (1) EP0398826A1 (en)
BR (2) BR9002349A (en)
FR (1) FR2647021B1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3713658A (en) * 1970-11-20 1973-01-30 J Cook Ball throwing and receiving system
US4772017A (en) * 1979-09-17 1988-09-20 Eriksen Willy M Projector for projecting a tennis ball

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3713658A (en) * 1970-11-20 1973-01-30 J Cook Ball throwing and receiving system
US4772017A (en) * 1979-09-17 1988-09-20 Eriksen Willy M Projector for projecting a tennis ball

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2647021A1 (en) 1990-11-23
BR9002349A (en) 1991-08-06
BR9002306A (en) 1991-08-06
FR2647021B1 (en) 1991-07-26

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