EP3160600B1 - Play structure comprising a base that rests on the ground - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a play structure comprising a base disposed in abutment on the ground and at least one element mounted on said base.
It applies in particular to a play structure for the practice of a sport, in particular basketball, said structure therefore carrying a basketball panel and comprising at least one element which is rotatably mounted on the base between a folded position and an upright position to allow the use of said panel.
Such structures are known, the base of which comprises a central chassis on which at least one element carrying the basketball panel is mounted in rotation, as well as wheels mounted on said chassis to allow the movement of said structure, in particular so as to be able to store them in a room provided for this purpose at the end of their use.

The documents US-5,316,290 and US-5,800,294 describe foldable play structures for the practice of basketball arranged to be mounted at the rear of a motor vehicle, in particular in the transport compartment of a “pick-up” type vehicle (document US-5,316,290 ) or on the coupling part of such a vehicle (document US-5,800,294 ).
The document WO-2009/038762 describes a base arranged in abutment on the ground, comprising a central chassis on which wheels are mounted to allow its movement, at least some of which can be filled with ballast material.
The document US-1,518,227 describes a structure comprising an operative part mounted on a post adjustable in height, said post being mounted on a base provided with wheels to allow its movement.

In particular, the document US-5,893,809 describes a structure for the practice of basketball, the base of which has a chassis on the front end of which an element carrying a basketball panel is rotatably mounted, said chassis further comprising a U-shaped reservoir refillable with ballast material , for example based on water and / or sand, to form a counterweight to the element in the upright position in order to prevent the tilting of said structure.

Furthermore, this document provides for having wheels on the front end of the chassis to allow movement of the structure by pressing on said wheels.

However, such structures are not entirely satisfactory, in that their displacement requires an effort of the user to put them in abutment on their wheels, which can be painful, and even dangerous, because of the large total weight. the base filled with ballast material and the element (s) carrying the basketball backboard.
The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing in particular a play structure whose base is arranged to easily allow the movement of said structure, in particular for its storage in an appropriate room, and this while ensuring optimal maintenance of said structure during use.

To this end, the invention provides a play structure according to claim 1.

• les figures 1 représentent une structure de jeu selon l'invention en position de rangement, respectivement en perspective (figure 1a) et de côté (figure 1b) ;
• les figures 2 représentent la structure de jeu des figures 1, dans laquelle un élément inférieur monté en rotation sur la base est en position dressée, respectivement en perspective (figure 2a) et de côté (figure 2b) ;
• les figures 3 représentent la structure de jeu des figures 1 en position d'utilisation, dans laquelle l'élément inférieur est en position dressée et un élément supérieur monté en rotation sur ledit élément inférieur est en position déployée, respectivement en perspective (figure 3a) et de côté (figure 3b) ;
• les figures 4 représentent la structure de jeu des figures 1 en position d'utilisation, dans laquelle une première partie de l'élément inférieur est en outre disposée en position élevée hors d'une deuxième partie dudit élément inférieur, respectivement en perspective (figure 4a) et de côté (figure 4b) ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation partielle en coupe longitudinale de la structure de jeu selon les figures 3, les figures 5a et 5b représentant un agrandissement de respectivement une extrémité inférieure et une extrémité supérieure de l'élément inférieur ;
• les figures 6 et 7 sont des représentations en perspective de la base de la structure de jeu des figures 1 à 4, l'élément inférieur étant en position dressée.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, given with reference to the appended figures, in which:

• the figures 1 represent a play structure according to the invention in the storage position, respectively in perspective ( figure 1a ) and from the side ( figure 1b );
• the figures 2 represent the game structure of figures 1 , in which a lower element rotatably mounted on the base is in the upright position, respectively in perspective ( figure 2a ) and from the side ( figure 2b );
• the figures 3 represent the game structure of figures 1 in the position of use, in which the lower element is in the upright position and an upper element mounted in rotation on said lower element is in the deployed position, respectively in perspective ( figure 3a ) and from the side ( figure 3b );
• the figures 4 represent the game structure of figures 1 in the position of use, in which a first part of the lower element is also arranged in an elevated position outside a second part of said lower element, respectively in perspective ( figure 4a ) and side ( figure 4b );
• the figure 5 is a partial representation in longitudinal section of the play structure according to the figures 3 , the Figures 5a and 5b showing an enlargement of respectively a lower end and an upper end of the lower element;
• the Figures 6 and 7 are perspective representations of the base of the game structure of figures 1 to 4 , the lower element being in the upright position.

In relation to these figures, a structure of play is described below, in particular for the practice of basketball.
The play structure comprises a base 1 disposed in abutment on the ground and at least one element mounted for rotation on said base between a folded position and an upright position for the use of said structure. Alternatively, the element can be telescopically mounted on the base 1 between a retracted position and an upright position for using the structure.
In the embodiment shown, the structure comprises a lower element 2 rotatably mounted on the base 1 between a folded position and an upright position, as well as an upper element 3 on which is mounted a basketball hoop 4 and which is mounted rotating on an upper end of said lower element between a folded position and a deployed position.

Thus, the structure is available between a storage position, in which the lower 2 and upper 3 elements are respectively in the folded and folded position, and a position of use, in which the lower 2 and upper 3 elements are respectively in the upright position. and deployed, by successively passing the lower element 2 from the folded position to the upright position, then the upper element 3 from the folded position to the deployed position.

Alternatively, the structure may comprise a single element 2 having a lower end rotatably mounted on the base, as well as an upper end carrying a basketball board 4.

The base 1 comprises a central chassis 5 on which the lower element 2 is mounted in rotation, as well as wheels 6 mounted on the chassis 5 to allow the movement of the structure. In connection with the figure 6 , the wheels 6 each comprise a hub secured to the central chassis 5, said hubs being arranged to allow the wheels 6 to rotate independently of each other.

In particular, at least some of the wheels 6 are arranged so that they can be filled with a ballast material, for example water or sand, in order to form a counterweight to the lower element 2 in the upright position. To do this, the fillable wheels 6 each comprise a cylindrical reservoir on the periphery of which an opening 7 is arranged to allow them to be filled with such ballast material.

For good weight distribution, the fillable wheels 6 are distributed in pairs on either side of the central chassis 5. In relation to the figures, the base 1 comprises in particular three pairs of fillable wheels 6 distributed on either side of the central chassis 5.

Furthermore, the axis of revolution of the tanks extends horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis 5, so that the base 1 can be moved by rolling said tanks around their periphery.

As regards the mounting of the lower element 2, the central frame 5 has a front end on which said lower element is mounted in rotation. Thus, to place the play structure in the position of use, the user first of all passes the lower element 2 from the folded position ( figures 1 ) in the upright position ( figures 2 ) by rotating it relative to the front end of the central chassis 5.

To facilitate the arrangement of the structure in the position of use, said structure comprises a system for assisting the movement of the lower element 2 in the upright position. Such an assistance system is all the more desirable since the user, by moving the lower element 2 in the upright position, must not only handle said lower element, but also the upper element 3 disposed in the folded position on said element. lower, as well as the basketball panel 4 mounted on said upper element, which can be restrictive due to the total weight of the assembly.

In relation to the figures, the assistance system comprises a link arm 8 which has a first end mounted in rotation on the lower element 2, as well as a second end mounted in translation on the base 1, for example on a rail formed for this purpose on the central chassis 5.

Furthermore, the assistance system comprises spring means 9 mounted on the central chassis 5 on either side of the second end of the link arm 8, said spring means being arranged to actuate the translation of the link arm 8 by relative to the central frame 5, so as to assist the movement of the lower element 2 in the upright position.

To do this, the spring means 9 are locked in the constrained position when the lower element 2 is in the folded position. For example, the spring means 9 can be compression springs - respectively tension springs - which are contracted - respectively stretched - when the lower element 2 is in folded position, so as to accompany the translation of the link arm 8 by relaxing - respectively by contracting - towards their rest position.

To ensure safety, whether during use of the structure or during its arrangement in the position of use, said structure further comprises a locking system 10 for the lower element 2 in the upright position, in order to prevent said lower element does not inadvertently rock in the folded position.

In particular, the blocking system 10 comprises means for blocking the link arm 8 in translation and / or in rotation, in particular studs 11 carried by one of said link arm and the lower element 2, said studs being intended to be blocked in a receiving device carried by the other of the lower element 2 and the link arm 8 when said lower element is in the upright position.

In relation to the figures, the receiving device comprises a plate 12 which is rotatably mounted on the lower element 2 and which has a blocking slot for the studs 11 mounted on the link arm 8.

Thus, during the deployment of the lower element 2 in the upright position, the studs 11 are positioned in the blocking slot of the plate 12, so as to activate the blocking system 10.

Furthermore, to have the structure in the storage position, the plate 12 is actuated manually in rotation to unlock the studs 11 from the slot, so as to be able to move the link arm 8 in translation and thus allow the arrangement of the element. lower 2 in the folded position.

In connection with the figure 7 , the blocking system 10 also comprises a hook 13 mounted in rotation on the link arm 8 and intended to be hooked manually to a transverse bar 14 before mounted above the rail on the central chassis 5, in order to prevent translation of said link arm in said rail and thus contribute to blocking the lower element 2 in the upright position. To bring more stability to the structure when it is placed in the use position, the lower element 2 is designed to come to rest on the ground in the upright position, which makes it possible to avoid tilting of said structure in said position of use.

To do this, the lower element 2 comprises two feet 15 mounted on either side of its lower end and intended to come to bear on the ground when said lower element is in the upright position. Thus, the feet 15 ensure better stability of the structure, in particular by preventing it from tilting on the sides, and this in combination with the base 1 which forms a counterweight to prevent it from tilting forwards or backwards. The feet 15 also make it possible to prevent the base 1 from rolling when the lower element 2 is in the upright position, in particular during the use of the play structure or during its arrangement in the use position.

Once the lower element 2 is in the upright position, the user can arrange the play structure in the use position by passing the upper element 3 from the folded position ( figures 2 ), in which said upper element is disposed against said lower element, in the deployed position ( figures 3 ), and this by manually pivoting said upper element relative to the upper end of the lower element 2 on which it is rotatably mounted.

The upper element 3 comprises a free end on which the basketball board 4 is mounted, said panel comprising a board 4a and a hoop 4b on which a net can be hung.

To limit the size of the play structure when it is placed in the storage position, the basketball panel 4 can be arranged so as to be folded against the upper element 3 which is itself disposed against the lower element 2 when placed in the folded position. To do this, the basketball panel 4 can be rotatably mounted on the free end of the upper element 3.

Furthermore, the arch 4b can be rotatably mounted on the panel 4 so as to be folded against the board 4a when the play structure is in the storage position. As a variant, the hoop 4b can be mounted reversibly on the panel 4 by means of a tool-free system, in order to allow the user to easily disassemble said hoop when he wishes to store the play structure.

In particular, as shown in the figures 3 and 4 , the upper element 3 comprises two pairs of upper parallel bars 3a and lower 3b which each have a rear end rotatably mounted on the upper end of the lower element 2, as well as a front end on which the basketball hoop 4 is rotatably mounted. Thus, the upper element 3 forms a deformable parallelogram which allows the user to pass said upper element into the deployed position and to erect the basketball panel 4 in a single gesture.

In addition, to facilitate the arrangement of the upper element 3 in the deployed position, said upper element comprises a handle 16 that the user can grasp to manipulate said upper element.

The play structure further comprises a system for locking the upper element 3 in the deployed position, in order to prevent any inadvertent tilting of said upper element in the folded position, in particular during the use of the structure, and thus ensuring the safety of users.

To do this, the locking system comprises a hook 17 mounted on one of the upper 3 and lower 2 elements, said hook being hooked manually on the other of said lower and upper elements when said upper element is in the deployed position. In particular, the hook 17 can be mounted in rotation to facilitate its manipulation by the user.

In connection with the figure 5b , the hook 17 is mounted on the upper element 3 and the lower element 2 comprises a device carrying a pin 18 on which said hook is hung when said upper element is in the deployed position. On the figures 3 , the lower element 2 is in the upright position and the upper element 3 is in the deployed position, the basketball panel 4 and the hoop 4b which it carries being erected forward. The play structure can therefore be used.

However, depending on the user's level of practice, age and / or size, the height of the panel 4 can be adjusted. To do this, the lower element 2 comprises a first part 2a slidingly mounted in a second part 2b between a retracted position in said second part ( figures 3 ) and an elevated position outside said second part ( figures 4 ), said lower element being equipped with a system for actuating the movement of said first part in the raised position.

In particular, the lower end of the second part 2b is rotatably mounted on the central frame 5 and carries the two feet 15, and the upper element 3 is rotatably mounted on an upper end of the first part 2a.

In connection with figures 5 , the actuation system comprises a strap 19, a first end of which is fixed to the second part 2b, said strap being mounted on a winding means around its second end. In particular, the winding means comprises a crank 20 mounted on the second part 2b, in particular on a housing 21 carried by said second part and inside which the second end of the strap 19 opens out to be wound around said crank.

In addition, the second part 2b comprises a slide 22 fixed on its upper end, the strap 19 sliding out of said slide when it is wound around its second end.

Furthermore, the first part 2a is supported on the strap 19 between its first and second ends in order to be able to be moved in the raised position - respectively retracted - by winding - respectively unwinding - of said strap.

In connection with figures 5 and 5a , the first part 2a comprises a slide 23 formed on its lower end and in which the strap 19 slides when the system is actuated.

To prevent the total weight of the first part 2a - upper element 3 - basketball panel 4 assembly from resting on the strap 19, in particular on the portion of said strap disposed in the slide 23 of said first part, the system of actuation may include a safety device which, when actuated, supports said first part to block it at the desired height.

In particular, such a safety device may comprise a pin intended to be placed in an orifice formed on the first part 2a and corresponding to a desired height for the panel 4, the user pulling said pin out of said orifice before unwinding the strap. 19 of the winding means 20 when it wishes to retract said first part in said second part, for example during the arrangement of the structure in the storage position.

To ensure the safety of users during the use of the play structure, the actuation system further comprises a device for blocking the first part 2a in the raised position, in order to prevent any untimely movement of said first part towards its retracted position, and therefore any brutal and uncontrolled, and therefore potentially dangerous, lowering of the basketball hoop 4.

To do this, the blocking device is in particular arranged to block the winding means 20 of the strap 19, so that the user must manually actuate said device in order to be able to unwind said strap and thus dispose the first part 2a in the retracted position. .

In particular, the blocking device can be a pin safety device as described above, the pin of which is arranged to block the first part 2a in the elevated position while blocking in rotation the winding means 20 of the strap 19. Thus, in order to be able to unwind the strap 19, the user is obliged to first remove the pin, which makes it possible to avoid that the strap 19 is unrolled while the first part 2a is locked in the raised position. Indeed, if the user unlocked the first part 2a while the strap 19 is unrolled, said first part would slide suddenly in the second part 2b, which would cause a brutal and uncontrolled descent, and therefore potentially dangerous, of the basketball hoop 4 .

According to another embodiment, the locking device may comprise a ratchet wheel comprising teeth on its circumference and integral in rotation with the winding means 20, as well as a latch intended to snap into one of the teeth of said wheel when the winding means 20 is actuated to wind the strap 19 and raise the first part 2a, so as to form a stop with said tooth to prevent rotation of said means in the opposite direction of unwinding of said strap. Thus, to be able to unwind the strap 19 and retract the first part 2a, the user must first manually release the latch from the ratchet wheel.

According to another embodiment, in particular when the winding means comprises a crank 20, the blocking device may also include means intended to interfere with said crank to prevent its rotation in the direction of unwinding of the strap 19. In particular, the actuation system comprises a latch 24 rotatably mounted on the second part 2b near the crank 20, the user manually rotating said latch to place it against the handle of the crank 20 in order to block the latter in rotation.

Claims (11)

1. Play structure comprising a base (1) placed on the ground and at least one lower element (2) that can be mounted on said base in an upright position in order for said structure to be used, said base comprising:

   - a central frame (5) on which said element is mounted;

   - wheels (6) mounted on said frame in order to allow said structure to be moved;

   some of said wheels being arranged in order to be able to be filled with a ballast material in order to form a counterweight to the lower element (2) in upright position for the use of said structure, said structure comprising an upper element (3) on which is mounted a basketball backboard (4), said upper element being mounted in rotation on an upper end of said lower element (2) between a folded position and a deployed position, said play structure being arranged from a storage position to a position of use by successively switching the lower element (2) from one folded down position to the upright position, then the upper element (3) from the folded position to the deployed position, said upper element comprising two pairs of upper (3a) and lower (3b) parallel bars that each have a rear end mounted in rotation on the upper end of the lower element (2), as well as a front end on which the basketball backboard(4) is mounted in rotation.
2. Play structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the lower element (2) is mounted in rotation on the central frame (5) between a folded down position and the upright position.
3. Play structure according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the refillable wheels (6) each include a cylindrical reservoir on the periphery of which an opening (7) is arranged in order to allow them to be filled with the ballast material.
4. Play structure according to claim 3, characterised in that the axis of revolution of the reservoirs extends horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame (5), so that said base is movable by rolling said reservoirs on their periphery.
5. Play structure according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the refillable wheels (6) are distributed in pairs on either side of the central frame (5).
6. Play structure according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises three pairs of refillable wheels (6) with a ballast material.
7. Play structure according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the wheels (6) each include a hub integral with the central frame (5), said hubs being arranged in order to allow the wheels (6) to rotate independently one from the other.
8. Play structure according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the central frame (5) comprises a front end on which the lower element (2) is mounted in rotation.
9. Play structure according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the lower element (2) is arranged to rest on the ground in upright position in order to prevent the tipping over of the play structure arranged in the position for use.
10. Play structure according to any of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that the lower element (2) has a first portion (2a) mounted slidingly in a second portion (2b) between a retracted position in said second portion and a raised position outside of said second portion, said element being provided with a system for actuating the movement of said first portion in raised position.
11. Play structure according to claim 10, characterised in that the system for actuating comprises a strap (19) of which a first end is fastened to the second portion (2b), said strap being mounted on a means (20) for winding around its second end, the first portion (2a) bearing on said strap between its first and second ends in order to be able to be moved in raised - respectively retracted - position by winding - respectively unwinding - of said strap.

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