EP3970560A1 - Facility for the practice of table tennis - Google Patents

Abstract

Installation (10) for playing table tennis comprising a base (14) comprising a first upright (22); a plate (16) pivoting relative to the first upright between an unfolded position and a folded position; a first support element (32) comprising a pivoting portion (34) pivotally mounted relative to the plate and a fixing portion (36) configured to cooperate with a thread (N); a first crank (38) attached to said pivot portion; a first connecting rod (40) pivotally mounted relative to said first upright and pivotally mounted so that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the deck when said deck is in the unfolded position, and so that its attachment portion extends parallel to the deck when said tray is in the folded position.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the technical field of sports facilities and in particular facilities for playing table tennis, for example table tennis tables.

The present invention relates more specifically to installations for the practice of table tennis comprising at least one plate on which a ball is caused to bounce and which can be placed in an unfolded position, during use, and in a folded position, corresponding to a storage position, when the game of table tennis is over.

Prior technique

There are known table tennis tables comprising a base on which are pivotally mounted a first plate and a second plate. Said trays can be placed in a folded position in which they extend vertically, and in an unfolded position in which they extend horizontally to allow the practice of table tennis. These tables are generally provided with a net assembly comprising two support posts and a net, each end of which is fixed to one of the support posts. These support posts traditionally comprise a base in the form of a clamp allowing said support posts to be mounted on one of the trays, in a removable manner.

Also, when storing the table, said support posts are disconnected from the corresponding tray before placing the first and second trays in the folded position. A disadvantage is that the net set must be stored independently of the table, so it is liable to be misplaced or damaged if not stored properly. In addition, this type of table involves numerous assembly and dismantling operations of the net assembly each time the table is used and stored, which proves to be particularly restrictive.

We also know table tennis tables such as that described in the document FR 2 138 048 . This table comprises a base on which are pivotally mounted two trays. The base is provided with a folding mechanism of the table comprising bars whose end cooperates with the toothed wheels of a support to which is attached a post configured to support a net post. When the two plates are driven together towards their folded position, the upright remains substantially vertical.

A drawback of this table is that the two tops are inseparable and that they must be placed together and simultaneously in the folded or unfolded position. In particular, it is not possible to fold a single tray. The table in this document therefore only offers a few configurations and is not modular. In addition, it is not possible for a single person to fold or unfold this type of table insofar as it is necessary to act simultaneously on the two trays to fold them. Furthermore, this document also provides for disconnecting the net assembly, comprising the posts and the net, when folding the table. Again this set of nets may be misplaced or damaged. In addition, the folding mechanism of this table is particularly heavy and bulky and the toothed wheels risk being heavily stressed and wearing out quickly, which compromises the use of the table.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to propose an installation for the practice of table tennis remedying the aforementioned problems.

• une embase configurée pour reposer sur un sol et comprenant au moins un premier montant présentant une extrémité supérieure;
• un plateau supporté par ladite embase et étant monté pivotant par rapport à l'extrémité supérieure du premier montant de l'embase, selon un premier axe de pivotement, entre une position dépliée dans laquelle il s'étend transversalement au premier montant de l'embase et une position pliée dans laquelle le plateau s'étend parallèlement audit premier montant;
• au moins un premier élément de support comprenant une portion de pivotement montée pivotante par rapport au plateau selon un deuxième axe de pivotement, ladite portion de pivotement s'étendant parallèlement au plateau, le premier élément de support comprenant en outre une portion de fixation s'étendant transversalement par rapport à la portion de pivotement et étant configurée pour coopérer avec un filet ;
• au moins une première manivelle s'étendant transversalement par rapport à la portion de pivotement du premier élément de support et présentant une première extrémité et une seconde extrémité, la première extrémité étant fixée à ladite portion de pivotement ;
• au moins une première bielle ayant une première partie d'extrémité montée pivotante par rapport audit au moins un premier montant de l'embase, selon un troisième axe de pivotement, ladite première bielle ayant en outre une seconde partie d'extrémité montée pivotante par rapport à la seconde extrémité de la première manivelle selon un quatrième axe de pivotement,

le pivotement du plateau entre sa position dépliée et sa position pliée entrainant un pivotement relatif dudit au moins un premier élément de support par rapport au plateau, selon le deuxième axe de pivotement, le premier élément de support étant configuré de sorte que sa portion de fixation s'étend perpendiculairement au plateau lorsque ledit plateau est dans la position dépliée, et de sorte que sa portion de fixation s'étend parallèlement au plateau lorsque ledit plateau est dans la position pliée.To do this, the invention relates to an installation for playing table tennis, comprising at least a first module, said first module comprising:

• a base configured to rest on a floor and comprising at least a first post having an upper end;
• a plate supported by said base and being pivotally mounted relative to the upper end of the first upright of the base, along a first pivot axis, between an unfolded position in which it extends transversely to the first upright of the base and a folded position in which the tray extends parallel to said first upright;
• at least a first support element comprising a pivoting portion pivotally mounted relative to the plate according to a second pivot axis, said pivoting portion extending parallel to the plate, the first support element further comprising a fixing portion extending transversely relative to the pivot portion and being configured to cooperate with a thread;
• at least a first crank extending transversely relative to the pivoting portion of the first support element and having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to said pivoting portion;
• at least a first connecting rod having a first end portion pivotally mounted relative to said at least one first upright of the base, along a third pivot axis, said first connecting rod further having a second end portion pivotally mounted relative to at the second end of the first crank along a fourth pivot axis,

the pivoting of the tray between its unfolded position and its folded position causing a relative pivoting of said at least one first support element with respect to the tray, along the second pivot axis, the first support element being configured so that its fixing portion extends perpendicular to the tray when said tray is in the unfolded position, and so that its fixing portion extends parallel to the tray when said tray is in the folded position.

The base may include one or more legs configured to rest on the floor. The board is preferably rectangular in shape and defines a player's playing area.

The first upright preferably extends substantially vertically. Also, in the folded position, the plate extends substantially vertically or slightly inclined relative to the vertical. This folded position corresponds to a storage position in which the floor area occupied by the installation and therefore the size of said installation are reduced. In the unfolded position, the plate preferably extends substantially horizontally, parallel to the ground. This unfolded position corresponds to a use position in which a player can bounce a ball on said plate and play table tennis.

The user can bring the tray from its unfolded position to its folded position by lifting the tray. The plate is advantageously able to assume an infinite number of positions between the unfolded position and the folded position.

Such a first module forms a half table tennis table. A table tennis table can be formed by causing a second module to cooperate with said first module, for example by attaching the top of such a second module to the top of the first module. The second module is then advantageously devoid of support element, crank and connecting rod. The first module can also be placed against a wall, thus allowing the user to play alone by bouncing the ball against said wall.

The first module of the installation according to the invention is independent of any other module and can be stored separately. The tray of said first module can be placed in the folded position independently in particular of the position of the tray of a second module. One benefit is that a table formed by bringing the first module into cooperation with a second module is modular and can be placed in numerous configurations. For example, only the top of the first module can be placed in the unfolded position. The table is therefore particularly modular.

The pivoting portion of said at least one support element advantageously extends horizontally while the fixing portion of said first support element advantageously extends vertically, upwards, in order to allow the fixing of a net positioned above of said plate. The installation advantageously comprises a net connected to the fixing portion of said first support element. The fixing portion of the first support element advantageously extends parallel to the first upright.

In the unfolded position of the board, the fixing portion of the first support element makes it possible to maintain a net perpendicular to the board in order to allow the practice of table tennis.

The first module is advantageously provided with a second support element also comprising a fixing portion configured to cooperate with a net, for mounting the net on said plate, between the fixing portions of said first and second support elements.

In a non-limiting manner, said at least one first support element can be mounted directly on the plate, for example in a housing made in said plate. As a variant, and still without limitation, said installation advantageously comprises a box fixed under the plate on which said at least one first support element is pivotally mounted.

In a non-limiting manner, the first support element may be provided with a system for adjusting the tension of a net connected to its fixing portion or even with a system for adjusting the height of a net connected to its fixing portion.

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

The distance between the second pivot axis of the pivot portion of said at least one first support element with respect to the plate and the fourth pivot axis of the first connecting rod with respect to the first crank is fixed. Similarly, the distance between the first pivot axis of the plate relative to the first upright and the third pivot axis of the first connecting rod relative to the first upright is fixed.

Also, when the plate is rotated relative to the first upright, along the first pivot axis, according to a first direction of rotation, from its unfolded position to its folded position, the first connecting rod is also rotated relative to the first amount, along the third pivot axis, in this same first direction of rotation. The quadrilateral formed by the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes is then deformed. The first connecting rod drives the first crank in rotation relative to the plate along the second pivot axis, in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation of said plate relative to the first upright. The first crank causes the pivoting portion and the fixing portion of said at least one first support element to pivot relative to the plate along said second pivot axis, in a direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation of the plate by compared to the first amount. Said fixing portion of the first support element pivots with respect to the plate and is brought closer to said plate.

The angle formed between said fixing portion and the plate is therefore reduced.

In the folded position of the plate, the fixing portion of the first support element does not project perpendicularly to the plate and on the contrary extends along the plate, which reduces the size of the installation in this position. In addition, several installations can be stored side by side without said at least one first support element forming an obstacle to the side-by-side positioning of said installations. In particular, the plate of a second module can be placed in the folded position and be attached to the plate of said first module, also in the folded position. In addition, said at least support element does not risk being struck and being damaged or injuring a user passing close to the installation.

The installation according to the invention makes it possible to maintain said at least one support element mounted on said plate. Unlike the table tennis tables of the prior art, it is not necessary to assemble then disassemble the net assembly, and therefore to connect and then disconnect the support element from the tabletop, at each game session. number of operations for setting up and storing the installation is greatly reduced.

In the folded position of the tray, the fixing portion of the first support element preferably extends in the plane of the tray, so as to further reduce the size of the installation in the folded position.

Similarly, when the plate is rotated relative to the first upright, along the first pivot axis, according to a second direction of rotation, from its folded position to its unfolded position, the first connecting rod is also rotated relative to the first upright, along the third pivot axis, in this same second direction of rotation. The first connecting rod drives the first crank in rotation relative to the plate along the second pivot axis, in a direction of rotation opposite to the second direction of rotation of said plate relative to the first upright. The first crank causes the pivoting portion and the fixing portion of said at least one first support element to pivot relative to the plate along said second pivot axis, in a direction of rotation opposite to said second direction of rotation of the plate by compared to the first amount. Said fixing portion pivots with respect to the plate and is remote from said plate.

The angle formed between said fixing portion of the first support element and the plate increases until it extends transversely to said plate. When the board is brought from the folded position to the unfolded position, the fixing portion is brought into a position immediately allowing the practice of table tennis, in which a net can delimit two playing areas. installation is therefore facilitated.

Thanks to the invention, the position and in particular the angle described between the plate and the fixing portion of said at least one first support element is adjusted when the plate is placed in the folded or unfolded position. In other words, thanks to the invention, the fixing portion of the first support element is automatically pivoted relative to the tray when said tray is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position and vice versa, thus reducing the operations necessary to setting up or storing the installation.

In addition, the plate of the installation according to the invention can be brought into the folded or unfolded position independently of any other plate of the installation. Also, unlike the tables of the prior art, a single user can fold the installation easily.

Advantageously, said fixing portion of the first support element remains substantially immobile, considered in the terrestrial frame of reference, when the tray is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position and vice versa. An interest is to maintain a substantially immobile net in said terrestrial reference, preferably in a position allowing the practice of table tennis, whatever the position of the board. It is therefore not necessary to act on the first support element before being able to play or during storage. The fixing portion of the first support element is advantageously maintained in a substantially vertical plane, thus making it possible to maintain the net in such a substantially vertical plane.

Advantageously, the installation is configured so that the fixing portion of the first support element rotates through an angle of between 80° and 100°, preferably approximately equal to 90°, relative to the plate, when said plate goes from the folded position to the unfolded position and vice versa.

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

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

Advantageously, but in a non-limiting way, the distance between the first pivot axis and the third pivot axis can be slightly greater or slightly less than the distance between the second pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis, by an order of size of a few millimeters. Likewise, the distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis may be slightly greater or less than the distance between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis. An interest is to keep a game facilitating the deformation of the deformable parallelogram and therefore the pivoting of the first connecting rod, the first crank and the first support element. This also makes it possible to better tension a net fixed to the fixing portion of the first support element.

Advantageously, the fixing portion of said at least one first support element extends vertically. In other words, the fixing portion of the first support element is immobile, whatever the position of the plate. An interest is to maintain a net in a vertical plane, so that it is not necessary to act on the first support element before being able to play. Setting up the installation is made even easier.

Alternatively, but in a non-limiting way, the fixing portion of the first support element can be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical when the tray is in the folded position.

Preferably, the pivoting portion of said at least one first support element extends under the plate when said plate is in the unfolded position. One advantage is to improve the compactness of the installation. In a non-limiting manner, the first support element can be pivotally mounted on a box fixed under the plate.

Preferably, the pivoting portion of said at least one first support element has a first end and a second end, said first crank being fixed to said first end while the fixing portion of said at least one first support element cooperates with the second end of said pivot portion. The first support element advantageously has the shape of an “L”.

Preferably, the first support member extends laterally from a side edge of the tray.

Advantageously, the pivoting portion of the first support element comprises a sleeve pivotally mounted relative to the plate along the second pivot axis and to which said first crank is fixed, said pivoting portion further comprising a rod cooperating with the fixing portion of said first support element, the rod being slidably mounted inside said sheath between a retracted position and an extended position. In the deployed position of the rod, the attachment portion of the first support element extends laterally from the side edge of the tray. An interest is to be able to use the installation in official competition, where the net must extend laterally, beyond the plateau. When the rod passes from the deployed position to the retracted position, it is brought closer to the plate. One advantage is to be able to reduce the lateral bulk of the installation when it is stored, by placing the rod in the retracted position. In addition, when the rod is in the retracted position, the net is no longer taut, which makes it possible to reduce its wear. This also allows the tray to be brought into the folded position without the net getting in the way.

In a non-limiting manner, it may be envisaged to provide the net with an elastic tensioning system making it possible to keep the net taut between the fixing portion of the first support element and a second fixing portion, when the rod is in retracted position. One advantage is to keep the net pressed against the plate in the folded position, in order to prevent it from hanging down and being damaged.

Pivoting of the crank along the second pivot axis causes said sheath to pivot along this same second pivot axis.

Preferably, the rod is locked in rotation relative to said sheath, so that the pivoting of the sheath relative to the plate along the second pivot axis causes the pivoting of the fixing portion of the first support element relative to the plate, by the intermediate of said rod.

In a non-limiting way, the locking in rotation of the rod with respect to the sleeve can be obtained by form cooperation between said rod and said sleeve. As a variant, and still in a non-limiting way, the rod can be provided with a lug extending in a longitudinal groove made in the sheath.

According to a particularly advantageous aspect, said at least one first support element comprises a locking device having a locking position in which it holds the rod in the extended position and an unlocked position in which it allows the rod to be placed in the retracted position. One advantage is to avoid involuntary retraction of the rod, for example by a user hitting the fixing portion of the first support element or because of the tension exerted by the net on said fixing portion. An advantage is also to maintain sufficient net tension throughout the game of table tennis.

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

Advantageously, the locking device is configured to pass from the locked position to the unlocked position when the tray passes from the unfolded position to the folded position, whereby it is not necessary for the user to place the locking device lock in the unlocked position. Storage of the installation is made even easier.

Advantageously, the locking device is configured to move automatically from the unlocked position to the locking position when the rod is brought from the retracted position to the deployed position.

Preferably, the locking device comprises a locking housing and an engagement member, one being integral with the plate while the other is arranged on the rod of said at least one first support element, the engagement being configured to engage with the locking housing when the locking device is in the locking position and to disengage from the locking housing when the locking device is in the unlocked position.

It is understood that the locking housing can be provided in the plate or in an element fixed to the plate, for example a locking block, while the engagement member is fixed to the rod. Conversely, the locking housing can be formed in the rod while the engagement member is integral and fixed with respect to the plate. In the locking position of the locking device, the engagement member cooperates with the locking housing to block the translation of the rod relative to the sheath of said first support element.

Advantageously, the locking device is configured so that the engagement member disengages from the locking housing when said at least one first support element is pivoted relative to the plate, along the second pivot axis. An advantage is to be able to place the unlocking device in the unlocked position only by pivoting the plate relative to the first upright towards its folded position. The user is not required to act on the locking device to place it in the unlocked position. Storage of the installation is made even easier.

After having placed the tray in the folded position, the stem of the first support element can be brought into the retracted position, for example by exerting a force on the fastening portion of the first support element, in the direction of the tray.

Preferably, said at least one first support element comprises a return member configured to bring the rod from its deployed position to its retracted position. In the retracted position of the rod, the return element is in a rest position. In the deployed position of the rod, the return element is tensioned and tends towards its rest position. An advantage is that the rod is brought into the retracted position, and that the fixing portion is brought closer to the plate, when the locking device is placed in the unlocked position. It is not necessary for the user to exert a force on the fixing portion. Storage of the installation is made even easier.

In a non-limiting manner, the return member may be a spring or an elastic cable of the tensioner type, a first end of which is fixed inside the sheath and a second end of which cooperates with the rod of the first support element.

Preferably, the installation further comprises a second support element comprising a fixing portion configured to cooperate with a net, the first and second support elements extending on either side of the plate. A net can be put in cooperation with the fixing portions of the first and second support elements and stretched between these two fixing portions in order to delimit two play areas.

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

Advantageously, the installation further comprises a net cooperating with the fixing portions of said first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the tray is in the unfolded position, the pivoting portion of said first support element extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane.

In a non-limiting way, in the folded position of the tray, the net can be slightly relaxed.

• une seconde manivelle s'étendant transversalement par rapport à la portion de pivotement du second élément de support et présentant une première extrémité et une seconde extrémité, la première extrémité étant fixée à ladite portion de pivotement ;
• une seconde bielle ayant une première partie d'extrémité montée pivotante par rapport audit deuxième montant de l'embase, selon un septième axe de pivotement, ladite seconde bielle ayant en outre une seconde partie d'extrémité montée pivotante par rapport à la seconde extrémité de la seconde manivelle selon un huitième axe de pivotement,

le pivotement du plateau entre sa position dépliée et sa position pliée entrainant un pivotement relatif dudit second élément de support par rapport au plateau, selon le sixième axe de pivotement, le second élément de support étant configuré de sorte que sa portion de fixation s'étend perpendiculairement au plateau lorsque ledit plateau est dans la position déployée, et de sorte que sa portion de fixation s'étend parallèlement au plateau lorsque ledit plateau est dans la position pliée.Advantageously, the base comprises at least a second upright having an upper end at which the plate is pivotally mounted according to a fifth pivot axis and the second support element comprises a pivot portion pivotally mounted relative to the plate according to a sixth pivot axis, said pivot portion extending parallel to the plate, the attachment portion of the second support element extending transversely relative to said pivot portion, the installation further comprising:

• a second crank extending transversely relative to the pivoting portion of the second support member and having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to said portion swivel;
• a second connecting rod having a first end portion pivotally mounted relative to said second upright of the base, along a seventh pivot axis, said second connecting rod further having a second end portion pivotally mounted relative to the second end of the second crank along an eighth pivot axis,

the pivoting of the tray between its unfolded position and its folded position causing said second support element to pivot relative to the tray, along the sixth pivot axis, the second support element being configured so that its fixing portion extends perpendicular to the tray when said tray is in the deployed position, and so that its attachment portion extends parallel to the tray when said tray is in the folded position.

The kinematics of the assembly formed by the second connecting rod, the second crank and the second support element, during pivoting of the plate, is similar to the kinematics of the assembly formed by the first connecting rod, the first crank and the first element support.

Advantageously, the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes coincide respectively with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eight pivot axes.

Preferably, the installation further comprises a second module comprising a tabletop and a base supporting the tabletop of said second module, said second module being configured to cooperate with the first module in order to form a table tennis table. The plate of the second module is advantageously pivotally mounted with respect to the base of the second module.

The second module preferably does not have a support element, insofar as the first module has at least one support element making it possible to support a net.

To form a table tennis table, the first and second modules are advantageously joined, so that their respective tops extend in the extension of one another in order to form the playing surface. In a non-limiting manner, the installation may be provided with a securing device making it possible to secure the first and second modules during the game.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1]La figure 1 illustre un premier mode de réalisation d'une installation pour la pratique du tennis de table selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 2]La figure 2 illustre l'installation de la figure 1 , en vue de dessous, le plateau étant en position dépliée ;
• [Fig. 3]La figure 3 illustre le premier élément de support de l'installation de la figure 1
• [Fig. 4]La figure 4 illustre le premier élément de support de la figure 3 , sans le fourreau ;
• [Fig. 5]La figure 5 illustre l'installation de la figure 2 , en vue de côté ;
• [Fig. 6]La figure 6 illustre le dispositif de verrouillage de l'installation de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig. 7]La figure 7 illustre l'installation de la figure 1 , le plateau étant dans une position intermédiaire;
• [Fig. 8]La figure 8 montre une autre vue de l'installation de la figure 6 ;
• [Fig. 9]La figure 9 illustre l'installation de la figure 7 en vue de côté ;
• [Fig. 10]La figure 10 illustre l'installation de la figure 1 , le plateau étant en position pliée ;
• [Fig. 11]La figure 11 illustre l'installation de la figure 10 en vue de côté ;
• [Fig. 12]La figure 12 montre une autre vue de l'installation de la figure 10 ; et
• [Fig. 13]La figure 13 illustre un second mode de réalisation d'une installation selon l'invention, comprenant deux modules.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ]The picture 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an installation for playing table tennis according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 2 ]The figure 2 illustrates the installation of the figure 1 , in bottom view, the tray being in the unfolded position;
• [ Fig. 3 ]The picture 3 illustrates the first support element of the installation of the figure 1
• [ Fig. 4 ]The figure 4 illustrates the first support element of the picture 3 , without the scabbard;
• [ Fig. 5 ]The figure 5 illustrates the installation of the figure 2 , in side view;
• [ Fig. 6 ]The figure 6 illustrates the locking device of the installation of the picture 1 ;
• [ Fig. 7 ]The figure 7 illustrates the installation of the picture 1 , the plate being in an intermediate position;
• [ Fig. 8 ]The figure 8 shows another view of the installation of the figure 6 ;
• [ Fig. 9 ]The figure 9 illustrates the installation of the figure 7 in side view;
• [ Fig. 10 ]The figure 10 illustrates the installation of the figure 1 , the tray being in the folded position;
• [ Fig. 11 ]The figure 11 illustrates the installation of the figure 10 in side view;
• [ Fig. 12 ]The figure 12 shows another view of the installation of the figure 10 ; and
• [ Fig. 13 ]The figure 13 illustrates a second embodiment of an installation according to the invention, comprising two modules.

Description of embodiments

The invention relates to an installation for playing table tennis.

The figure 1 illustrates an installation 10 according to the invention for playing table tennis, seen from above. In this non-limiting example, the installation 10 comprises a single first module 12. The first module comprises a base 14 configured to rest on a floor S as well as a plate 16. The installation 10 further comprises a first pivoting mechanism 30 and a second pivoting mechanism 30' as well as a table tennis net N.

The base 14 comprises a pair of feet comprising a first foot 18 and a second foot 20 each having a first end configured to rest on the ground S and a second end mounted to pivot relative to the plate 16. The base 14 further comprises a first upright 22 having an upper end 22a and a second upright 24 having an upper end 24a. The plate 16 is pivotally mounted at the upper end 22a of the first upright and at the upper end 24a of the second upright 24 along a first pivot axis X1. The plate 16 is therefore supported by the base 14 and pivotally mounted to the first and second uprights 22,24 of said base between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first upright 22 and the second upright 24 are fixed relative to each other.

The first pivoting mechanism 30 and the second pivoting mechanism 30' extend on either side of the plate 16. As illustrated in picture 2 , the first pivoting mechanism comprises a first support element 32, a first crank 38 and a first connecting rod 40. The second pivoting mechanism 30' comprises a second supporting element, a second crank and a second connecting rod. In this non-limiting example, the first pivoting mechanism 30 and the second pivoting mechanism 30′ are formed from the same components and are substantially symmetrical with respect to each other, so that only the first pivoting mechanism 30 and the its kinematics will be described in detail.

The first support element 32 is pivotally mounted relative to the plate 16, under said plate, along a second pivot axis X2.

The first support element 32 is illustrated in picture 3 . As can be seen in this figure, the first support element 32 comprises a pivoting portion 34 and a fixing portion 36. The fixing portion 36 is configured to cooperate with the thread N. The fixing portion 36 and the pivoting portion 34 are perpendicular to each other, so that the first support element 32 has the shape of an "L".

The pivoting portion 34 has a first end 34a and a second end 34b. The fixing portion 36 extends perpendicular to the pivoting portion 34, from the second end 34b of said pivoting portion. The pivoting portion 34 of the first support element 32 comprises a sheath 35 and a rod 37 cooperating with the fixing portion 36 of the said first support element 32. The rod 37 is slidably mounted inside the said sheath 35 between a retracted position and a deployed position. The deployed position is shown on the picture 3 . In this deployed position, rod 37 essentially extends out of sheath 35.

On the picture 3 , it is also noted that an opening 31 is made in the sheath 35.

The fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends along a fixing direction D. The first support element 32 further comprises an adjustment mechanism 39 making it possible to adjust the position, considered according to said fixing direction D, of said fixing portion 36 with respect to said pivoting portion 34. One interest is to be able to adjust the height of the net with respect to the plate 16.

The figure 4 illustrates the first support element 32 of the picture 3 . In this figure 4 , the sheath is not shown for the purposes of the description. It can be seen that the first support element 32 also comprises a return member 56. In this non-limiting example, the return member 56 has the form of an elastic cable of the tensioner type, one end of which is configured to be fixed to inside the sheath 35 and of which a second end is fixed inside the rod 37 of the first support element.

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

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

The pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32 is pivotally mounted on a box 17 fixed under the plate 16, along said second pivot axis X2. It extends along said second pivot axis X2, under the plate 16, parallel to the plate 16 and parallel to the plane P1 of the thread N. More specifically, the first support element 32 comprises a mounting ring 41 mounted at the end of the sheath 35 and pivotally mounted relative to the housing 17. This mounting ring 41 advantageously has at least one tooth configured to extend inside an orifice made in the sheath. The mounting ring allows the pivoting mounting of said sheath 35 and therefore of said pivoting portion 34 with respect to the housing 17. In a non-limiting manner, the mounting ring 41 is fixed in a detachable manner to the end of the sheath 35 by the intermediate of said tooth. In a non-limiting way, the first support element 32 can comprise a clamping element, for example a clamping ring, making it possible to maintain the tooth of the mounting ring 41 in cooperation with the orifice made in the sheath. This clamping element makes it possible to secure the assembly of the ring on the sheath. The sheath 35 of said pivoting portion 34 extends inside the casing 17. The fixing portion 36 of said first support element 32 extends from the second end 34b of said pivoting portion 34.

The first pivoting mechanism 30 also comprises a first crank 38. The first crank has a first end 38a fixed to the first end 34a of the pivoting portion 34 of the first support element 32. This crank 38 extends transversely to said pivot portion 34 and therefore transversely relative to the second pivot axis X2. The crank also has a second end 38b.

The first pivot mechanism 30 further includes a first link 40 having a first end portion 40a and a second end portion 40b. The first end part 40a of the first connecting rod 40 is pivotally mounted relative to the first upright 22 of the base 14, along a third pivot axis X3. The third pivot axis X3 extends under the first pivot axis X1. The second end part 40b of the first connecting rod 40 is pivotally mounted relative to the second end 38b of the first crank 38 along a fourth pivot axis X4. The connecting rod 40 is an elongated element extending substantially parallel to the plate 16 and transversely to the pivoting portion of the first support element.

The figure 5 illustrates the installation of figure 1 and 2 in side view. On this figure 5 we see that the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes X1, X2, X3, X4 extend parallel to each other, on the same side of the plate and parallel to the plate 16. In addition, in this non-limiting example, considered in a plane P2 perpendicular to said pivot axes, the distance separating the first and third pivot axes X1, X3 is substantially equal to the distance separating the second and fourth pivot axes X2, X4. Similarly, the distance separating the first and second pivot axes X1, X2 is substantially equal to the distance separating the third and fourth pivot axes X3, X4.

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

The installation 10 also comprises a locking device 50 illustrated in figure 6 . This locking device 50 is configured to assume a locking position in which it holds the rod 37 of the first support element 32 in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which it allows the rod 37 to be placed in the retracted position.

In a non-limiting manner, the locking device 50 comprises a locking housing 52 made in the outer wall of the rod 37. The locking device also comprises an engagement member 54 pivotally mounted on the housing 17, integral with the plate 16. In the locking position of the locking device 50 illustrated in figure 6 , the engagement member 54 is configured to engage with the locking housing 52 in order to block the rod 37 of the first support element 32 in translation relative to the plate 16 and relative to the sheath 35. This makes it possible to maintain the rod 37 in the deployed position. In the unlocked position of the locking device 50, the engagement member 54 is no longer engaged with the locking housing 52 so that the rod 37 is no longer locked in translation and can be brought into the retracted position.

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

The locking device 50 also comprises a spring 58 extending between an inner wall of the casing 17 and an eccentric portion of the engagement member 54. The spring 58 exerts on the engagement member 54 a force making it possible to rotate it. The spring 58 keeps the engagement member 54 engaged with the locking housing 52. In addition, when the rod 37 is brought into the deployed position, the engaging member 54 automatically engages with the locking housing. 52 under the force of the spring 58.

In the deployed position of the rod 37, the opening 31 formed in the sheath 35 is arranged facing said locking housing 52.

We will now describe the placing in the deployed position of the plate 16.

The figure 1 , 2 and 5 show the installation 10 in an initial configuration of use, allowing the practice of table tennis. In this configuration, the plate 16 is in the unfolded position so that it extends horizontally, parallel to the ground S and perpendicular to the first upright 22. The fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends substantially vertically, transversely to plate 16. The angle β formed between said fixing portion 36 and plate 16 is approximately 90°.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the rod 37 of the first support element 32 is in the deployed position so that the fixing portion 36 of the first support element extends laterally from a first side edge 16a of the plate. The locking device 50 is in the locking position so that it holds the rod 37 in the deployed position, as illustrated in figure 6 .

To bring it into the folded position, the user lifts the plate 16 so as to make it pivot relative to the base 14, along the first pivot axis X1, as illustrated in figure 7 , 8 and 9 , in a first direction of rotation. The figure 7 and 8 illustrate an intermediate position of the tray between the folded position and the unfolded position.

The first connecting rod 40 is driven in rotation with respect to the first upright 22, along the third pivot axis X3, in this same first direction of rotation. This has the consequence of deforming the parallelogram formed by the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes X1, X2, X3, X4. The first connecting rod 40 drives the first crank 38 in rotation relative to the plate along the second pivot axis X2, in a direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation of said plate 16 relative to the first upright 22. Insofar as it is fixed to the pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32, the first crank 38 drives said pivot portion and therefore the first support element in rotation along the second pivot axis X2.

The fixing portion 36 of said at least one first support element 32 also pivots relative to the plate along said second pivot axis, in a direction of rotation opposite to said first direction of rotation of the plate relative to the first upright. As we see in figure 9 , said attachment portion 36 is therefore brought closer to said plate 16, so that the angle β formed between said attachment portion 36 and plate 16 is gradually reduced. The fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32 remains however substantially vertical, considered in the terrestrial frame of reference.

Given the pivoting of the first support element 32 relative to the plate 16, the engagement member 54 disengages from the locking housing 52. The locking device 50 is brought into the unlocked position so that it allows the setting in the retracted position of the rod 37 of the first support element. The return force exerted by the return member 56 on the rod 37 causes said rod to slide inside the sheath 35, from its extended position to its retracted position. The length of the pivoting portion 34 of the first support element 32 is reduced and the fixing portion 36 is brought closer to the plate. In the retracted position illustrated in figure 7 and 8 , the rod 37 extends essentially inside the sheath 35. The distance between the first element of support 32 and the second support element is reduced so that the net N is no longer taut.

In other words, the rod 37 of the first support element 32 is automatically brought into the retracted position when the plate 16 is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position.

By continuing the pivoting of the plate 16 with respect to the base 14 according to the first direction of rotation, the plate is brought to the folded position illustrated in figure 10 , 11 and 12 . The pivoting of the first support element 32 relative to the plate is continued.

In the folded position, the plate 16 extends parallel to the first and second uprights 22,24, substantially vertically. The size of the installation is then greatly reduced. The installation 10 is then in a storage configuration. The fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends parallel to the plate 16, and in a non-limiting manner, in the plane of the said plate and along the said plate. The angle β formed between said fixing portion 36 and plate 16 is substantially zero.

It can be seen that the first support element 32, and therefore the fixing portion 36, remain substantially immobile considered in the terrestrial frame of reference, in a substantially vertical plane, during the pivoting of the plate with respect to the first upright. The fixing portion 36 of the first support element is held in a vertical position, parallel to the first upright 22. One interest is to facilitate the installation of the installation 10 by dispensing with installation and positioning steps of the support element and the net.

When the tray 16 is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position, the second support element 32 ' is pivoted in a manner similar to the first support element 32. In addition, the rod of the second support element is also brought into the retracted position. .

Insofar as the net N is no longer stretched between the fixing portions of the first and second support elements, it does not interfere with the pivoting of the plate 16 and does not interfere with its placement in the folded position.

To bring the installation 10 back into the configuration of use, it is necessary to pivot the plate 16 in a second direction of rotation, from its folded position to its unfolded position. The first support element 32 and its fixing portion 36 pivot relative to the plate so that the angle β formed between said fixing portion 36 and the plate 16 increases until it is approximately equal to 90°.

The rod 37 of the first support element 32 can then be brought into the deployed position, for example manually by a user. Thanks to the spring 58, the engagement member 54 is automatically brought into the locking housing 52 and the locking device 50 is brought into the locking position, so that the rod is held in the deployed position.

The figure 13 illustrates a second embodiment of the installation according to the invention. In this embodiment, the installation comprises a first module 12 as described previously as well as a second module 120. The second module 120 comprises a plate 160. The first and second modules 12,120 are positioned one beside the another, so that their trays 16.160 are joined and extend in the extension of one another so as to define the playing surface. The first and second modules form a table tennis table. They can be separated, and are independent of each other.

Claims (16)

Installation (10) for playing table tennis, comprising at least a first module (12), said first module comprising: - a base (14) configured to rest on a floor (S) and comprising at least a first upright (22) having an upper end (22a); - a plate (16) supported by said base and being pivotally mounted relative to the upper end of the first upright of the base, along a first pivot axis (X1), between an unfolded position in which it extends transversely to the first upright of the base and a folded position in which the tray extends parallel to said first upright; - at least one first support element (32) extending laterally from an edge of the plate (16), the first support element comprising a pivoting portion (34) pivotally mounted relative to the plate along a second pivot axis ( X2), said pivoting portion extending parallel to the plate, the first support element further comprising a fixing portion (36) extending transversely with respect to the pivoting portion and being configured to cooperate with a thread (N ); - at least a first crank (38) extending transversely relative to the pivoting portion of the first support element and having a first end (38a) and a second end (38b), the first end being fixed to the said portion of swivel; - at least a first connecting rod (40) having a first end portion (40a) pivotally mounted relative to said at least a first upright of the base, along a third pivot axis (X3), said first connecting rod further having a second end part (40b) pivotally mounted relative to the second end of the first crank according to a fourth pivot axis (X4), the pivoting of the tray between its unfolded position and its folded position causing a relative pivoting of said at least one first support element with respect to the tray, along the second pivot axis, the first support element being configured so that its fixing portion extends perpendicular to the tray when said tray is in the unfolded position, and so that its fixing portion extends parallel to the tray when said tray is in the folded position, the pivoting portion (34) of the first support element (32) comprising a sheath (35) pivotally mounted relative to the plate (16) along the second pivot axis (X2) and to which said first crank (38) is fixed, said pivot portion further comprising a rod (37) cooperating with the fixing portion (36) of said first support element, the rod being slidably mounted inside said sheath between a retracted position and a deployed position. Installation according to claim 1, in which the first, second, third and fourth pivot axes (X1, X2, X3, X4) are substantially parallel to each other. Installation according to claim 2, in which the distance between the first pivot axis (X1) and the third pivot axis (X3) is substantially equal to the distance between the second pivot axis (X2) and the fourth pivot axis ( X4), and wherein the distance between the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis is substantially equal to the distance between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the fixing portion (36) of the said at least one first support element (32) extends vertically. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the pivoting portion (34) of the said at least one first support element (32) extends under the tray (16) when the said tray is in the unfolded position. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the pivoting portion (34) of the said at least one first support element (32) has a first end (34a) and a second end (34b), the said first crank (38) being fixed to said first end while the fixing portion (36) of said at least one first support element cooperates with the second end of said pivoting portion. Installation according to claim 6, in which the fixing portion (36) of the first support element (32) extends along a fixing direction (D), and in which the first support element comprises an adjustment mechanism (39 ) making it possible to adjust the position, considered along said fixing direction, of said fixing portion with respect to said pivoting portion (34). Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the rod (37) is locked in rotation with respect to the said sleeve (35), so that the pivoting of the sleeve with respect to the plate according to the second pivot axis (X2 ) causes said rod to pivot along the second pivot axis. Installation according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the said at least one first support element (32) comprises a locking device (50) having a locking position in which it holds the rod (37) in the deployed position. and an unlocked position in which it allows the retracted position of the rod. Installation according to claim 9, in which the locking device (50) is configured to pass from the locked position to the unlocked position when the tray (16) passes from the unfolded position to the folded position. Installation according to claim 9 or 10, in which the locking device (50) comprises a locking housing (52) and an engagement member (54), one being integral with the plate (16) while the other is disposed on the stem of said at least one first support member (32), the engagement member being configured to engage with the locking housing when the locking device is in the locking position and to disengage from the locking housing when the locking device is in the unlocked position. Installation according to Claims 10 and 11, in which the locking device (50) is configured so that the engagement member (54) disengages from the locking housing (52) during the pivoting of the said at least one first element of support (32) relative to the plate (16), along the second pivot axis (X2). Installation according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, in which the said at least one first support element (32) comprises a return member (56) configured to bring the rod (37) from its deployed position to its retracted position. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second support element (32') comprising a fixing portion configured to cooperate with a net, the first and second support elements (32,32') extending on either side of the plate (16). Installation according to Claim 14, further comprising a thread (N) cooperating with the fixing portions of the said first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the tray (16) is in the unfolded position, the portion pivot (34) of said first support element (32) extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a second module (120) comprising a plate (160) and a base supporting the plate of said second module, said second module being configured to cooperate with the first module (12 ) to form a table tennis table.

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