EP3903893A1 - System for fitting a table tennis net to a table tennis table - Google Patents

Abstract

System for connecting a table tennis net to a table tennis table, the system comprising a locking device comprising: a hollow body (12), at least one orifice (20) being formed in said body so to open at a first end outside the system and at a second end inside the body, a pusher (13) movably mounted in the body between a low position in which the pusher allows access to the interior of the body via the second end of the orifice and a high position in which the pusher blocks access to the interior of the body via the second end of the orifice.

Description

The invention relates to a system for connecting a table tennis net to a table tennis table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A table tennis table is equipped with a net to mark the boundary between two game portions of the table top.

The net is usually held in position by means of a set of two fixing systems, each fixing system being secured to one side of the table on the one hand and to one side of the net on the other hand. Generally, one or both fastening systems are equipped with a cleat around which one can wind one of the ends of a retaining wire stiffening the upper edge of the net.

It therefore turns out to be relatively tedious to tension the net correctly, in particular so that the tension exerted by each end of the retaining wire is the same.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a system for connecting a table tennis net to a table tennis table which is easier to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• un corps creux, au moins un orifice étant ménagé dans ledit corps de sorte à déboucher à une première extrémité à l'extérieur du système et à une deuxième extrémité à l'intérieur du corps,
• un poussoir monté mobile dans le corps entre une position basse dans laquelle le poussoir autorise l'accès à l'intérieur du corps via la deuxième extrémité de l'orifice et une position haute dans laquelle le poussoir bouche l'accès à l'intérieur du corps via la deuxième extrémité de l'orifice.

With a view to achieving this aim, a system for connecting a table tennis net to a table tennis table is proposed, the system comprising a locking device comprising:

• a hollow body, at least one orifice being made in said body so as to open at a first end outside the system and at a second end inside the body,
• a pusher movably mounted in the body between a low position in which the pusher allows access to the interior of the body via the second end of the orifice and a high position in which the pusher blocks access to the interior of the body through the second end of the orifice.

In this way, it suffices for a user to depress the pusher in order to free access to the interior of the body: he can thus insert therein a thread for maintaining a table tennis net. The user then releases the pusher: the wire is thus blocked inside the body by being wedged between the body and the pusher.

The invention consequently makes it possible to easily block a retaining thread of a table tennis net and therefore to tighten said net well.

Advantageously, the invention also makes it possible to properly block the thread, which guarantees better tension over time of the net.

Throughout the present application, the terms “lower”, “upper” ... must be understood according to the position in service of the table tennis table when it rests on a floor.

Optionally, the device is itself mounted to move between an upper position and a lower position in the system.

Optionally, an upper face of the pusher is shaped to form, when the pusher is in the lower position, with at least the orifice a channel in which a thread for retaining the net is intended to be inserted. Optionally, a groove is made in the upper face of the pusher, the groove extending in the extension of the orifice when the pusher is in the low position.

Optionally at least a second orifice is made in the body so as to open out at a first end outside the system and at a second end inside the body.

Optionally, the two orifices extend opposite each other. Optionally, the high position of the pusher is an equilibrium position of the pusher.

Optionally, the locking device comprises means for returning the pusher to its high position. Optionally, the upper face of the pusher is in a bowl.

Optionally, the upper face of the pusher is at least partially textured.

The invention relates to an assembly of a first system as mentioned above and a second system as mentioned above. Optionally, such an assembly comprises a table tennis net.

• Presser le poussoir pour l'amener dans sa position basse,
• Insérer un fil de maintien du filet dans l'orifice,
• Relâcher le poussoir pour provoquer le coincement du fil entre le poussoir et le corps.

The invention relates to a table tennis table comprising at least one system as mentioned above. The invention also relates to a method of connecting a table tennis net to a system as mentioned above comprising the steps of:

• Press the pusher to bring it to its lower position,
• Insert a thread retaining the net in the hole,
• Release the pusher to cause the wire to jam between the pusher and the body.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of a particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 est une vue en coupe centrale d'un système de liaison d'un filet de tennis de table à une table de tennis de table selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue agrandie d'une partie du système illustré à la figure 1 ;
• La figure 3 illustre une première étape de liaison du filet au système illustré à la figure 1 ;
• La figure 4 illustre une deuxième étape de liaison du filet au système illustré à la figure 1 ;
• La figure 5 illustre une troisième étape de liaison du filet au système illustré à la figure 1.

The invention will be better understood in the light of the description which follows with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• The figure 1 is a central sectional view of a system for connecting a table tennis net to a tennis table table according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• The figure 2 is an enlarged view of part of the system shown in figure 1 ;
• The figure 3 illustrates a first step of connecting the net to the system shown in figure 1 ;
• The figure 4 illustrates a second step of connecting the net to the system shown in figure 1 ;
• The figure 5 illustrates a third step of connecting the net to the system shown in figure 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A table tennis table comprises, in a manner known per se, a plate comprising a first plate portion having a first planar surface and a second plate portion having a second planar surface. The table also includes a net marking the delimitation between the two tray portions. In a manner known per se, the net comprises a retaining thread passing through the upper edge of the net and projecting from each side of the edge so as to have a first left end and a second right end arranged outside the net.

The table further comprises at least one connecting system 1 of the net to the table and preferably at least two connecting systems 1 which are arranged on either side of the table each at the border between the two plate portions.

Since the two connection systems 1 are identical, the following description of one of the connection systems 1 therefore also applies to the other of the connection systems 1.

With reference to figures 1 to 2 the connection system 1 according to a particular embodiment of the invention comprises a supporting structure 2.

The supporting structure 2 is generally L-shaped and thus presents a column 4, the lower end of which is extended by a base 3 for attachment to the table. The base 3 is substantially horizontal and thus extends straight along a first axis X and the column 4 is substantially vertical and thus extends straight along a second Z axis orthogonal to the first axis X. The base 3 is equipped with means securing 5 to the table.

The base 3 will preferably be pivotally mounted on the table via its free end about an axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the table.

The base 3 can thus be that described in the patent. FR 2 914 626 .

The base 3 can thus be that described in the patent. FR 2 914 626 with the difference that the free end of the base mounted to pivot on the table is in two parts, the base 3 further comprising means for fixing the two parts together. The fixing means comprise, for example, a screw for fixing the two parts to one another. It is thus possible to already position a part of the free end of the base 3 around the axis, then attach the second part and finally fix the two parts together. The base 3 will thus pivot with respect to the table while being well secured to the latter.

Column 4 thus has one side facing the table and another side facing the outside of the table. Column 4 is also hollow over its entire height (height considered along the second axis Z).

In order to secure the net to the table, each lateral end of the net is fixed to the side facing the table of one of the aforementioned columns 4. Thus, one comes to fix the left end of the retaining wire to the left connecting system and the right end of the retaining wire to the right connecting system. This also makes it possible to tighten the net.

The connection system 1 furthermore comprises a rod 6 extending inside the column 4. The rod 6 is here arranged so as to extend rectilinearly along the second axis Z.

The rod 6 is typically mounted to move in the column 4 between a low position and a high position. Preferably, the rod 6 is slidably mounted in the column 4 between its two positions.

For example, the connection system 1 comprises a wheel 7 arranged in the connection system 1 so as to be concentric with the second axis Z.

The wheel 7 is only partially arranged inside the supporting structure 2: only an angular sector 8 of the wheel is thus accessible from the outside. In this way, a user can turn the wheel 7 around the second axis Z relative to the supporting structure 2 via said angular sector 8.

The wheel 7 is also traversed along the second axis Z by a threaded hole 9. The wheel 7 is in fact arranged around the rod 6 which passes through the threaded hole 9. Preferably, the rod 6 is externally threaded on at least one section 10 of the rod, the thread of said section 10 being able to cooperate with that of the threaded hole 9. Optionally, only the lower section 10 of the rod 6 is externally threaded, the wheel 7 is therefore arranged correspondingly at said section 10. For example, the wheel 7 is arranged at the level of the elbow formed between the base 3 and the column 4.

Furthermore, the connection system 1 comprises a locking device 11 of each associated end of the thread for retaining the net.

The locking device 11 is preferably arranged in the supporting structure 2 at the level of the upper end of the column 4.

Said locking device 11 comprises a hollow body 12 and a pusher 13 mounted in said body 12. Optionally, the body 12 comprises a receptacle 14 extended below a plate 15. The pusher 13 comprises an active portion 16, on which the user is intended to act, portion active 16 extended below by a leg 17. Thus, the active portion 16 of the pusher 13 is housed in the receptacle 14 and the leg 17 extends inside the plate 15, the leg 17 like the plate 15 extending. coaxially with each other. Optionally, the plate 15 and the leg 17 are arranged at least partly inside the column 4 so as to extend coaxially with the second axis Z.

Preferably, the upper end of the rod 6 is fixed to the plate 15 so that the rod 6 and the body 12 are integral with one another. For example the rod 6 is arranged in the lower part of a duct formed in said plate 15 so as to extend along the second axis Z and in which the leg 17 extends in the upper part. Furthermore, the plate 15 is arranged in a chute extending inside the column 4 along the second axis Z so that the plate 15 can slide along said chute and therefore of the column 4 along the second axis Z. The body 12 is consequently mounted on the column 4 by a sliding connection. Therefore, the body 12 forms anti-rotation means for the rod 6.

In this way, a rotation of the wheel 7 around the second axis Z in a first direction of rotation causes the rod 6, and therefore of the locking device 11, to slide towards its upper position inside the column 4 according to the second Z axis and a rotation of the thumbwheel 7 around the second Z axis in a second direction of rotation causes the rod 6, and therefore the locking device 11, to slide towards its lower position inside the column 4 along the second Z axis.

It is thus easily possible to lower or raise the device. blocking 11 relative to the supporting structure 2.

The connection system 1 is preferably arranged so that when the rod 6 is in its lower position, a lower face of the receptacle 14 rests on an upper face of the column 4: thus the receptacle 14 extends outside the column 4. in the continuation of this one. At the level of the external junction between the column 4 and the locking device 11, the column 4 and the receptacle 14 therefore have the same external section. The plate 15 is on the other hand arranged inside the column 4.

The connection system 1 is further arranged so that when the rod 6 is in its upper position, the receptacle 14 is offset superiorly from the upper face of the column 4, only a lower portion of the plate 15 then remaining at the bottom. inside said column 4.

We are going to present the pusher 13 in detail.

Furthermore, the pusher 13 is arranged in the connecting system 1 so that at least the upper face 19 of the active portion 16 is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. In the present case, the upper face 19 is inclined relative to a plane normal to the second axis Z. Said upper face 19 is thus sloping towards the ground towards the outside of the table.

The locking device 11 is therefore ergonomic for the user. Typically the user can wrap his hand around the column 4 and press on the upper face 19 using the thumb of his same hand; the inclination of the upper face 19 facilitating this position by avoiding in particular the user having to bend his thumb to actuate the pusher 13.

Preferably, the upper face 19 is cupped in order to better match the roundness of the underside of the user's thumb.

This further improves the ergonomics of the connection system. Preferably at least the upper face 19 is textured. This limits the risks of slipping between the user's finger and said upper face 19.

For example the upper face 19 has ribs.

In addition, the pusher 13 is movably mounted in the body 12 between a working position in which the pusher 13 is pressed into the body and a rest position also called the high position. Optionally, the pusher 13 projects from the body 12 in the rest position (but not in the working position).

Typically, the pusher 13 is movably mounted in the body 12 only according to a translational movement. In the present case, the pusher 13 is slidably mounted in the body 12 along the second axis Z.

Preferably, the rest position is a position of equilibrium.

Optionally, the working position is not a position of equilibrium.

The locking device 11 thus comprises means for returning the pusher 13 to the rest position. Typically, the return means comprise a spring 18 surrounding the leg 17, one end of which is fixed to the plate 15 and the other end of which is fixed to the leg 17. Thus when the user presses the pusher 13 the spring 18 is compressed so that when the user releases the pusher 13, said pusher 13 automatically returns under the action of the spring 18 to its rest position. Furthermore, the body 12 comprises at least one orifice 20 passing through at least one of its walls so as to open out on the one hand outside the locking device 11 and on the other hand inside the body 12. Preferably, said orifice 20 is formed in receptacle 14 extending in a radial direction R. Optionally, the upper face 19 slopes in the same radial direction R.

According to a particular embodiment, the body 12 comprises a second orifice 21 passing through at least one its walls so as to open out on the one hand outside the locking device 11 and on the other hand inside the body 12. The second orifice 21 is formed in the receptacle 14 so as to extend into the extension of the first orifice 20 in the same radial direction R as the first orifice 20. The two orifices 20, 21 thus jointly form a same channel extending rectilinely in said radial direction R. The two orifices 20, 21 are here identical.

According to a particular embodiment, the channel opens out at a first end of the side of the column 4 oriented towards the table and at a second end of the opposite side of the column 4 oriented towards the outside of the table. The two orifices 20, 21 are however not open on the upper face of the receptacle 14.

According to a preferred embodiment, the pusher 13 also partly forms the channel defined by the two orifices 20, 21 when the pusher 13 is in its working position. For example, a groove 22 is formed in the upper face 19 so that when the pusher 13 is in its working position, the groove 22 extends in the radial direction R between the two orifices 20, 21. The groove 22 s' turns out to be rectilinear. Preferably, the groove 22 has a cross section of a smaller diameter than that of the two orifices 20, 21. This facilitates the passage of the wire in the channel.

The pusher 13 is thus mounted movably in the body 12 so that, in its rest position, the groove 22 is located above the two orifices 20, 21. The channel is then no longer visible. In addition, the pusher 13 blocks access to the interior of the body 12 through the two orifices 20, 21 (as can be seen in figure 2 in which the pusher 13 is in the rest position). In the present case, the lower part of the active portion 16 of the pusher 13 extends between the two orifices 20, 21.

Furthermore, the pusher 13 is movably mounted in the body. 12 so that in its working position the groove 22 extends between the two orifices 20, 21 in their respective extension. The channel is therefore visible so that the pusher 13 no longer obstructs the access to the interior of the body 12 through the two orifices 20, 21.

In service, with reference to the figure 3 , the user presses the pusher 13 via its upper face 19 in order to bring it into its working position. The two orifices 20, 21 and the groove 22 are then aligned so that the channel is visible.

The user can therefore insert one of the ends of the thread F of the net in this channel as visible at the figure 4 by inserting the wire F into the first hole 20 then pushing it so that the wire F passes through the groove 22 before coming out of the locking device 11 via the second hole 21.

The user can release the pusher 13 when the thread F has been sufficiently drawn to obtain a good tension of the net: the pusher 13 then rises to its rest position again blocking the passage between the two orifices 20, 21 and eliminating the channel straight. Consequently, the end of the wire F is found blocked in the connection system 1 as visible at the figure 5 by being wedged between the pusher 13 and the body 12. More precisely, the end of the wire F forms a first baffle as it passes between the first orifice 20 and the groove 22 (because the groove 22 is in the rest position of the pusher 13 above the first orifice 20) and a second baffle in its passage between the second orifice 21 and the groove 22 (because the groove 22 is in the rest position of the pusher 13 above the second orifice 21 ).

The wire F is thus pinched in two zones and is consequently deformed. The wire F is thus very well blocked in the connection system 1.

It is retained that the groove 22 of the pusher 13 facilitates the placing the wire F in the locking device 11 by guiding the wire F from one hole 20 to another 21.

Advantageously, due to the fact that the groove 22 is formed in the upper face 19 of the active portion 16, it is possible for a user to press the pusher 13 with the thumb of one of his hands and to insert the wire F through inside the locking device 11 with his other hand, the wire F then passing under the thumb still in place on the pusher 13 thanks to the presence of the groove 22.

The arrangement of the wire F in the blocking device 11 is thus simple and rapid.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and it is possible to provide variant embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Although here the locking device and the supporting structure are two different parts secured to each other, the supporting structure and the body of the locking device may be in one piece and / or in one piece.

It will be possible to dispense with an assembly making it possible to adjust the relative height between the locking device and the supporting structure. This assembly may also exist but be different from a rod-knurl assembly.

In place of directly lowering the pusher, the connection system may include an assembly making it possible to actuate the pusher indirectly, for example by means of the rod and the wheel which will this time make it possible to raise or lower the pusher and not the blocking device as a whole.

The pusher may also be in equilibrium in its working position: it will then be up to the user to raise said pusher to the rest position in order to block the wire between the pusher and the body.

The pusher can be freed from a groove. We will be able to consider having only one hole through which the wire is inserted and not two holes.

Claims (13)

System for connecting a table tennis net to a table tennis table, the system comprising a locking device (11) comprising: - a hollow body (12), at least one orifice (20) being formed in said body so as to open at a first end outside the system and at a second end inside the body, - a pusher (13) movably mounted in the body between a low position in which the pusher allows access to the interior of the body via the second end of the orifice and a high position in which the pusher blocks access to inside the body via the second end of the port. A system according to claim 1, wherein the device is itself mounted movably between an upper position and a lower position in the system. System according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which an upper face (19) of the pusher is shaped to form with at least the orifice (20), when the pusher (13) is in the lower position, a channel in which a net retaining wire is intended to be inserted. System according to Claim 3, in which a groove (22) is formed in the upper face of the pusher, the groove extending in the extension of the orifice when the pusher is in the lower position. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a second orifice (21) is formed in the body so as to open at a first end outside the system and at a second end inside the body. System according to Claim 5, in which the two orifices (20, 21) extend opposite each other. System according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the high position of the pusher (13) is a position of equilibrium of the pusher. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the locking device comprises return means (18) of the pusher in its high position. System according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the upper face (19) of the pusher is cup-shaped. System according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the upper face of the pusher (13) is at least partially textured. An assembly of a first system according to one of claims 1 to 10 and of a second system according to one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a table tennis net. Table tennis table comprising at least one system according to one of claims 1 to 10. Method of bonding a table tennis net to a system according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising the steps of: - Press the push-button (13) to bring it to its lower position, - Insert a thread retaining the net in the hole, - Release the pusher to cause the wire to jam between the pusher and the body.

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