Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
  • A63B67/04—Table games physically beneficial for the human body, modelled on outdoor sports, e.g. table tennis
• • 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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
  • A63B2209/08—Characteristics of used materials magnetic
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2210/00—Space saving
  • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport

Definitions

• the invention relates to a table tennis mounting assembly to connect various components to a table tennis table.
• Table tennis is a common indoor/outdoor sport that employs the use of a rectangular shaped table whereby two to four players strike a spherical, celluloid ball across and over a net stretched in an upright manner across the center of the table.
• the table tennis table has standard measurements of 108 inches long from one end to other.
• the table is typically 60 inches wide from one side to the other side.
• clamps are removably secured to the table by screw clamps or spring clamps or similar mechanism that engages the bottom and upper surface of the table along the side edges.
• the clamps are mounted in the center of the table where the two halves of the table meet and where there is a break in the table apron.
• the screw clamps In order to utilize the C-clamp net mounting device, the screw clamps must be sufficiently tightened to securely attach the net mount to the table playing surface, and to prevent shifting of the system relative to the table.
• the mounting device must not be attached so securely as to cause damage to the playing surface should a sufficient force act upon it thereupon shifting it.
• a metallic steel rim or "apron" is under the table.
• Steel aprons vary in thickness or width but many are essentially 1 inch wide and connect to the underside of the table edge.
• the apron generally extends down in distance ranging from 1.5 inches to 2 inches.
• the apron provides structural integrity to the table by supporting the table edges. By doing so, the apron assists in preventing the table edges from becoming chipped or damaged and it also helps delay the effects of warping of the table playing surface. Because the apron is located along the edge on each table half, it is not continuous along the entire table. Thus, the traditional C-clamp net mount still clamps to the table itself, as opposed to the apron.
• table tennis apparati other than play net mounts, paddles, and tables have become available to the table tennis player, both for play and practice purposes.
• Some of these apparati include practice net mounts, paddle holders, ball holders, net gauges, decorative key chains, and personal scorekeepers, among other things.
• These apparati are typically brought into the facility and relevant area of play by the individual player. In the best case scenario, they are used for their intended purpose and then the player removes them from the playing area, typically, and unnecessarily, being forced to walk away from the table tennis table to place them into gym bags, storage bins, or other ancillary places of storage.
• a net mounting device to a table tennis table in a manner less likely to damage or warp the table tennis playing surface when attached to the table.
• the same net mounting device would also provide a greater resistance to movement when it is inadvertently shifted in a rearward or forward fashion by a force moving parallel with the side apron on the table.
• such a device would also provide for easy installation and removal of the net assembly from the table.
• such a device would also provide for a way to store it at the table itself without either jeopardizing the structural integrity of the table playing surface or obscuring the playing surface during play or practice.
• an apron mounting device that is: (1) attuned to the necessity of strong and simple attachment to the table; (2) applies consistent holding force; and, (3) allows for easy removal from the table.
• a mounting apparatus that is attuned to be modified for storage of other ancillary table tennis apparati at the table without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the table.
• the present invention entails detachably attaching the mounting device at its most secure and stable point that is nearest to the table playing surface, i.e., the metallic table apron and/or any other metallic portion of the table or table accessories.
• the current invention does not make significant contact with the wood portion of the table and, therefore, does not contribute substantially to the warping of the table.
• the current invention also better addresses the problem of how the mounting device can secure the table when it is jostled or shifted during play. Because current mounting systems attach to the playing surface and underside of the table, they easily shift or "slide" when a force travels across them.
• the current innovation allows for connection of, for example, the center net mount on the apron in such a way that shearing forces or jostling the table during play or accidentally striking the apparatus can transfer these forces to the strongest part of the table; the apron. Because the mounting device is attached to a vertical surface (the steel apron) as opposed to a horizontal surface (the upper and lower faces of the table playing surface), the force can be more evenly spread across the entire weight of the table.
• the clamp When the standard C-clamp is engaged, the clamp exerts compression force against the table for as long as it is attached. As such, it behooves a table owner to remove the clamp immediately after use to avoid prolonged exposure to these compression forces.
• the table owner may choose to remove the apparati, but need not do so to raise the table.
• players could store smaller apparati immediately under the table playing surface by attaching them to the inner face of the table apron/frame by use of magnetic devices. Larger apparati could be stored by similar ways, but perhaps in different places under the same table playing surface.
• FIG. 1 is a view of the prior art.
• FIGs. 2 to 11 demonstrate various embodiments of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention:
• FIG. 1 shows an example of the prior art device.
• the table includes a table top surface 10, a table bottom surface 12, and an apron 14.
• the apron 14 has an apron exterior surface 16 and an apron center edge 18.
• Each half of the table has a table center edge 19.
• the two halves of the table come together, there is center gap 20 formed. That is, the two table center edges 19 come together close enough to form a small gap. In practice, this gap between the apron vertical edges is approximately (3.5 inches to 4 inches) wide.
• the traditional means for connecting the table halves is with a C-clamp. Shown in FIG. 1 is the top portion 22 of a typical C-clamp. The top portion 22 sandwiches the table between the lower portion (not shown). Accordingly, the traditional clamping mechanisms never involve the apron 14.
• FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the invention. Shown is the apron internal surface 24, which for all intents and purposes is under the table bottom surface 12 and faces the interior portion of the table. Thus, it is largely hidden from normal view. Attached on the apron is an apron attachment 26 that also has an apron attachment inner surface 28 that is adjacent to the apron exterior surface 16.
• apron attachment shall be construed to include any attachment that is adapted to magnetically attach to any metallic portion of the table, including the frame, the legs, the center net, etc. As such, although denominated as an “apron” attachment, the term “apron attachment” also includes attachments to the metal legs or the metal frames too.
• the apron attachment 26 may include one or more magnets so that the attachment 26 magnetically attaches to the apron 14.
• the apron attachment 26 may also include an attachment housing 30, which may be a separately manufactured piece that is operably connected to the attachment 26 or may be integrally formed with the attachment 26.
• the apron attachment 26 may be adapted to serve as a center net mount.
• the simplest embodiment for center net mounts would include a net mount operably connected to the apron attachment 26 and/or attachment housing 30.
• the center net mount would generally extend vertically upwards to the table top surface 10 and include a net connected thereto.
• the opposite side of the table would include a similar arrangement such that the net would be strung across the table at the center.
• it is likely that the center net would be positioned above the center gap 20. This arrangement of having a vertical net mount that extends parallel to the apron exterior surface 16.
• FIG. 2 shown is a net mount assembly, the apron attachment 26 and the attachment housing 30.
• an attachment housing horizontal portion 32 Operably connected or integrally formed with the attachment housing 30 and/or apron attachment 26 is an attachment housing horizontal portion 32.
• the horizontal portion 32 extends perpendicular to the apron exterior surface 16. In one embodiment, the horizontal portion extends horizontally for at least 6 inches from the table playing surface.
• Extending from the horizontal portion end 33 is an attachment housing vertical portion 34, which generally extends parallel to the apron exterior surface 16.
• the vertical portion 34 may extend vertically for at least 5 inches.
• the vertical portion 34 includes a vertical portion exterior surface 36. Partially shown is a net 38 that would essentially run along the center of the table. Net 38 may be directly connected to the vertical portion 34 or may be indirectly connected.
• FIG. 3 demonstrates another view of the invention.
• the attachment housing 30 also includes an attachment housing vertical portion 34.
• the vertical portion external surface 36 is also shown. On this external surface, various indicia may be included, such as product names, trade names, or designs.
• one embodiment of the invention may reside in an apron attachment assembly that is adapted to connect to the apron portions at the center.
• This attachment assembly may include a center net 38 attached thereto.
• the attachment assembly may include simply a vertical portion upon which the net is attached such that the vertical portion is substantially in the same plane as the apron exterior surface.
• the attachment assembly may include a horizontal portion that extends out from the table and then extends vertically as shown in FIG. 2.
• apron attachments 26 Depending upon the intended use of the apparatus, a variety of materials and holding configurations exist which could comprise the apron attachments 26. These magnetic materials could be constructed of steel, ceramic, alnico (both cast and sintered), samarium cobalt, and neodymium-iron-boron (also known as "rare earth"), among others. Additionally, numerous factors need to be taken into account to determine the necessary strength of the magnetic device that will be utilized for attaching each table tennis apparatus. Some of these factors include the size, shape and surface condition of the surface adhered to, motion, vibration, friction, holding angle, and various machining forces. As such, one embodiment of the apron attachments 26 is neodymium-iron-boron material.
• NdFeB magnets have some excellent advantages over utilizing other magnetic alloys. NdFeB magnets are cost-effective because the main elements Nd and Fe are highly abundant. Additionally, when constructed, they are mechanically stronger (less brittle) than comparable magnetic alloys with similar magnetic fields. Finally, NdFeB magnets are particularly lightweight.
• apron attachments may vary.
• one or more magnets may be used.
• Various quantities and types of magnets may be used.
• magnets may be used in combinations with other non-magnet apron attachments.
• an apron attachment 26 may include a clamp too.
• an apron housing may include a magnet and a clamp. As such, it is intended that the apron attachment 26 may or may not include magnets or other apron attachments.
• FIG. 4 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention. Shown are the apron attachment 26 and the attachment housing 30. As with any embodiment described herein, the apron attachment 26 may be located within a recess in the attachment housing 30 or may be a separate piece connected to the housing 30. In this embodiment, the invention may be located at the table end 42, as opposed to the table center. In this regard, a practice net mount 44 is shown operably connected to the attachment housing 30. The practice net mount 44 can extend for some distance and may also include a practice net 46 attached thereto.
• FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention.
• the apron attachment assembly may be used as a practice net system so that a player on one end of the table can hit balls into the opposite end and have the net capture the balls.
• apron attachment housing 30 on either side of the table. Extending from each housing 30 is a practice net mount 44 with a net 46 attached. The angle of the practice net mount can be routinely adjusted so that the net 46 area is made smaller or larger. Extending the angle of the practice net mount also may make the net tauter.
• the net 46 may be attached to the practice net mount directly or via a sleeve 48 slid over the mount 44.
• an underside strand 50 may be part of the net lower portion that either hugs up against the underside of the table or may include apron attachments 26 to connect to the apron.
• underside strand 50 may include one or more magnets that can attach to the apron. In this regard, balls striking the net will collect in the net.
• FIG. 5 demonstrates an embodiment in which the attachment housings 30 are on each side apron of the table
• the invention may also be adapted for use along the table end 51 and the side apron.
• one attachment housing 30 may be attached to the side apron and the other attachment housing 30 attached to the table end apron.
• This set up would be useful for a player practicing corner shots or severe side-angle shots.
• the practice net can capture shots hit toward the side of the table.
• the invention may move along the entire table perimeter as desired.
• Fig. 6 demonstrates one embodiment of a ball collection system.
• the lower portion 49 of the net may also include a collection conduit 52 that channels collected balls into a bucket 54.
• the channelsing mechanism may be designed from the net itself, that is, weaving the net in a fashion that it funnels towards the bottom area.
• the net may be formed in such a manner as to include a collective low area where the balls will accumulate.
• the conduit 52 may traverse the entire table length to channel balls to the opposite end to bring balls within the general vicinity of the player.
• the ball is struck, hits the net, collects in the conduit, and is shunted back to the opposite end so that the player can grab it and replay the ball.
• a ball holding device such as a bucket may be placed near the player.
• the conduit may shunt balls back to the robotic ball launcher for subsequent reuse.
• FIG. 7 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention. Shown in FIG. 7 is the attachment housing 30.
• the attachment housing 30 attaches to the apron 14.
• the housing 30 may be adapted to accommodate any component desired to be attached to the housing 30.
• a center net mount assembly may be attached to the housing 30.
• an end table practice net mount may be attached to the housing 30. Therefore, it is intended that the housing 30 be adapted to provide for modular replacement of the attached accessories.
• other accessories that may be attached include banners (such as advertising banners), ball holders (e.g., a ball sleeve or a bucket), hooks (e.g. from which to hang paddles), etc.
• FIG. 7 demonstrates that the attachment housing 30 may be adapted in a male- female receptacle arrangement to provide for easy swapping of the attached accessories.
• Housing 30 includes a female receptacle 56 adapted to receive a male counterpart. Although shown as housing 30 including the female receptacle, it is understood that the housing 30 may include the male receptacle instead. Accordingly, an embodiment of the invention resides in an attachment housing 30 that is adapted to operably connect to one or more components.
• any embodiment described herein, for example the practice net mount may also include attachments to the metal legs or the metal frame.
• attaching to the apron 14 itself is not the sole use of the attachments.
• the "apron attachment” may magnetically attach to legs or frames too.
• FIG. 8 demonstrates another embodiment of the invention. Because the apron housing and/or attachment ought to be designed so as to maintain its place on the apron, the invention may also include a means to assist removing the housing from the apron. The simplest manner to remove the housing from the apron is simply to pull it off.
• a handle 58 may be formed with (either integrally or separately formed and then attached to) the apron housing or apron attachment.
• the means may include a lip 60 designed to roll the housing off the table apron.
• the user may grasp the handle 58 and pull the handle in the direction X thereby causing the housing to roll on the lip 60.
• the lip has a lip interior surface 62 that will roll against the apron exterior surface 16.
• the user need not scrape the apron exterior surface 16 and thereby mar the surface.
• the handle 58 while shown is optional. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user need only grasp the horizontal portion 32 and/or the vertical portion 34 to act as the handle 58 would.
• FIG. 9 shows another embodiment, the means for assisting the removal of the apron housing may include a dampening unit.
• the dampening unit may be a magnetic dampening unit (MDU).
• MDU is a material, way or process that is capable of redirecting the magnetic field lines of the apron attachment magnet.
• the MDU is capable of "blocking" or interfering with the magnetic field and thereby lessen the force of magnetic attraction between the apron attachment magnet and the apron.
• Materials such as mu-metals, highly magnetic permeable materials, superconductors, or another magnet can be used.
• FIG. 9 demonstrates one embodiment of the MDU 64.
• the MDU is seen from its interior surface 65, that is, the MDU interior surface 65 that would be the surface facing the apron exterior surface (not shown).
• Shown in the MDU 64 is a window 66.
• the MDU blocker 68 is shown.
• the MDU 64 slides along one or more guides 70, such as slots formed in the attachment housing 30. Accordingly, in the normal operation, the MDU 64 is slid into a position such that the window 66 is in front of the apron attachment 26.
• the apron attachment 26 can attach to the apron. While its preferable that the attachment 26 be in direct contact with the apron, it is understood that the attachment 26 may not be directly attached to the apron.
• the user may slide the MDU 64 over such that the MDU blocker 68 travels in front of the attachment 26, thereby "blocking" or otherwise interfering with the attachment's 26 ability to contact the apron.
• the housing 30 thereby is easily removed.
• the window 66 shifts to a position that is in front of a generic part of the housing 30.
• the MDU blocker 66 may comprise a material adapted to interfere or block the magnetic attachment 26.
• one embodiment of the invention may include the blocker 68 comprising a magnet such that one surface of the blocker 68 magnet is opposite to the attachment inner surface 28 so that when the MDU is slid over the attachment 26 magnet, the magnet of the MDU repels the attachment 26 magnet, thereby assisting in removal.
• FIG. 9 demonstrates an embodiment in which the attachment 26 is stationary and the MDU 64 is moveable. It is also understood that the reverse may also occur.
• the attachment 26 may be on a sliding member such that the attachment 26 slides behind a stationary MDU 64, thereby achieving the same objective.
• the guides 70 may be vertical oriented slots in which the blocker 68 is individually inserted. In this regard, the user would insert a blocker 68 for each window 66 present.
• the user may slide the MDU 64 over the attachment 26.
• the material of the MDU 64 may provide sufficient interruption so that removal is facilitated.
• FIG. 10 shows another embodiment. Shown is the apron attachment housing 30 that has within it a cavity 72 that has threaded walls 72 and a release screw 74.
• This release screw 74 is positioned pe ⁇ endicular to and away from the apron exterior surface 16. Turning the screw in a clockwise motion drives the release screw 74 through the threaded cavity 72, thereby driving the attachment housing 30 farther from the exterior surface of the apron 16. Turning the screw in a counter-clockwise motion drives the attachment housing 30 toward the exterior surface of the steel apron. Accordingly, there is disclosed a means for removing or assisting the removal of the housing 30 or the attachment from the apron.
• the means may include a screw or series of screws, a lever, a handle, a lip, a release mechanism, an MDU, a hole, a tab, a thread or pull cord, the apparatus itself or a combination thereof.
• the means may include an MDU having a sliding mechanism, an MDU blocker, or a combination thereof.
• the means may include an MDU blocker adapted to repel the apron attachment 26.
• the means may also include a means for sliding the attachment 26. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the means for facilitating removal be considered to be any feature recited herein as an assembly or as a component thereof. It is also intended that the means for assisting in removal include the structures, acts, materials, equivalent structures, equivalent acts, and/or equivalent materials, or any combination thereof. It is also intended any feature may be specifically excluded from any embodiment despite any feature being shown as part of any embodiment.
• the invention has complementary aspects facilitating storing various table tennis apparati on the table tennis table.
• there is a standard length table tennis table with a metallic apron extending two inches from the edge of the table to the floor there is approximately 1,080 cubic inches of storage space on the underside of the combined two halves of the table tennis table. Consequently, there is ample space under the table playing surface upon which the apparati discussed herein could be stored.
• FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the invention.
• a pair of apron attachments 26 connected to an attachment housing 30.
• This embodiment is useful to connect the two halves of the table together so that it creates a locking mechanism to hold the halves together.
• the apron attachment(s) 26 connects to the apron exterior surface 16 as described above.
• This invention also comprises various apparati detachably attaching to the apron.
• net gauges for ensuring proper net height, paddles/rackets, ball holders, etc. may be attached to the apron.
• These apparati may include recesses ready to accommodate an apron attachment 26 - thereby permitting removal of the attachment 26 from the apparatus.
• the apparati may include the apron attachment 26 being manufactured together with the apparati.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
• Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
• Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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ID=33490512

Family Applications (1)

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• 2004
  • 2004-05-14 JP JP2006533124A patent/JP2007516013A/ja active Pending
  • 2004-05-14 US US10/557,777 patent/US20070060422A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-05-14 EP EP04752364A patent/EP1631363A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2004-05-14 WO PCT/US2004/015336 patent/WO2004105895A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2004-05-14 CN CN200480019534.3A patent/CN1819860A/zh active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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