EP3970560B1 - Facility for the practice of table tennis - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the technical field of sports installations and in particular installations allowing table tennis to be played, for example table tennis tables.

The present invention relates more precisely 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 table tennis game is over.

Prior art

Table tennis tables are known comprising a base on which a first plate and a second plate are pivotally mounted. Said boards 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 equipped with a net assembly comprising two support posts and a net, each end of which is attached to one of the support posts. These support posts traditionally include a clamp-shaped base allowing the mounting of said support posts on one of the trays, in a removable manner.

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

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

A disadvantage of this table is that the two tops are inseparable and that they must be placed jointly 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 as it is necessary to act simultaneously on the two tops to fold them. Additionally, this document also provides for disconnecting the net assembly, including the posts and net, when folding the table. Here again this set of nets risks being lost 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.

The documents JPS55109566 U And WO2014/196671 A1 each disclose a known foldable table tennis table.

Presentation of the invention

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

To do this, the invention relates to an installation for practicing table tennis according to claim 1.

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

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

The user can move the tray from its unfolded position to its folded position by lifting the tray. The plate is advantageously capable of taking 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 making a second module cooperate with said first module, for example by joining 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, 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 of the position of the tray of a second module. An advantage is that a table formed by the cooperation of the first module with a second module is modular and can be placed in numerous configurations. For example, only the tray 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 tray. 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 table, the fixing portion of the first support element makes it possible to maintain a net perpendicular to the table 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 provided in said plate. As a variant, and still in a non-limiting manner, said installation advantageously comprises a housing 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 can 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 relative to the plate and the fourth pivot axis of the first connecting rod relative to the first crank is fixed. Likewise, 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, in 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 in relation to the first amount. Said fixing portion of the first support element pivots relative 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 perpendicular to the plate and on the contrary extends along the plate, which reduces the bulk of the installation in this position. In addition, several installations can be stored next to each other 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 is not likely to be struck and damaged or injure a user passing near the installation.

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

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

Likewise, when the plate is rotated relative to the first upright, along the first pivot axis, in a second direction of rotation, from its folded position to its unfolded position, the first connecting rod is also rotated relative to the first amount, 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 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 in relation to the first amount. Said fixing portion pivots relative to the plate and is moved away 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 easier.

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 plate when said plate is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position and vice versa, thus reducing the operations necessary to the installation or storage of 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 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 plate is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position and vice versa. An advantage is to maintain a net substantially immobile in said terrestrial frame of 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 when storing. The fixing portion of the first support element is advantageously held 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 describes a rotation of an angle between 80° and 100°, preferably approximately equal to 90°, relative to the plate, when said plate moves 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 on 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 manner, 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, of the 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 advantage is to maintain a clearance 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 advantage 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 even easier.

Alternatively, but in a non-limiting manner, the fixing portion of the first support element may be slightly inclined relative to the vertical when the plate 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 benefit is to improve the compactness of the installation. In a non-limiting manner, the first support element can be pivotally mounted on a housing 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 pivoting portion. The first support element advantageously has the shape of an “L”.

Preferably, the first support element extends laterally from a side edge of the plate.

Advantageously, the pivoting portion of the first support element comprises a sheath mounted to pivot 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 deployed position. In the deployed position of the rod, the fixing portion of the first support element extends laterally from the side edge of the plate. An advantage is to be able to use the installation in official competition, where the net must extend laterally, beyond the board. When the rod moves from the deployed position to the retracted position, the fixing portion of the first support element is brought closer to the plate. An advantage is to be able to reduce the lateral bulk of the installation when storing it, by placing the rod in the retracted position. In addition, when the rod is in the retracted position, the net is no longer tense, which reduces 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 can be envisaged to provide the net with an elastic tensioning system making it possible to maintain the net stretched between the fixing portion of the first support element and a second fixing portion, when the rod is in the retracted position. An advantage is to keep the net pressed against the plate in the folded position, in order to prevent it from hanging and being damaged.

The pivoting of the crank along the second pivot axis causes the pivoting of said sheath 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 intermediate of said rod.

In a non-limiting manner, the rotation of the rod relative to the sheath can be blocked by shape cooperation between said rod and said sheath. Alternatively, and still in a non-limiting manner, the rod can be provided with a lug extending in a longitudinal groove formed 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 maintains the rod in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which it allows the rod to be placed in the retracted position. An advantage is to avoid the involuntary retraction of the rod, for example by a user striking 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 table tennis game.

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

Advantageously, the locking device is configured to automatically move 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 secured to the plate while the other is arranged on the rod of said at least one first support element, the locking member 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 integral with the plate, for example a locking block, while the engagement member is integral with the rod. Conversely, the locking housing can be provided in the rod while the engagement member is integral and fixed relative 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 during pivoting of said at least one first support element 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 even easier.

After placing the plate in the folded position, the rod of the first support element can be brought into the retracted position, for example by exerting a force on the fixing portion of the first support element, in the direction of the plate.

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 put under tension 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 force on the fixing portion. Storage of the installation is 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 placed 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 playing 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 plate is in the unfolded position, the pivoting portion of said first support element extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane.

Without limitation, 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 along a fifth pivot axis and the second support element comprises a pivoting portion pivotally mounted relative to the plate along a sixth pivot axis, said pivot portion extending parallel to the plate, the fixing 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 element and having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to said portion pivoting;
• a second connecting rod having a first end part pivotally mounted relative to said second upright of the base, along a seventh pivot axis, said second connecting rod further having a second end part pivotally mounted relative to the second end of the second crank along an eighth pivot axis,

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

The kinematics of the assembly formed by the second connecting rod, the second crank and the second support element, when the plate pivots, 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 eighth pivot axes.

Preferably, the installation further comprises a second module comprising a plate and a base supporting the plate 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 mounted to pivot relative to the base of the second module.

The second module is preferably devoid of 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 together, so that their respective plates extend in the extension of one another in order to form the playing surface. In a non-limiting manner, the installation can be provided with a joining device allowing the first and second modules to be joined together 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 ]There figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an installation for playing table tennis according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 2 ]There figure 2 illustrates the installation of the figure 1 , seen from below, the tray being in the unfolded position;
• [ Fig. 3 ]There Figure 3 illustrates the first supporting element of the installation of the figure 1
• [ Fig. 4 ]There Figure 4 illustrates the first support element of the Figure 3 , without the scabbard;
• [ Fig. 5 ]There Figure 5 illustrates the installation of the figure 2 , in side view;
• [ Fig. 6 ]There Figure 6 illustrates the locking device of the installation of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig. 7 ]There Figure 7 illustrates the installation of the figure 1 , the plate being in an intermediate position;
• [ Fig. 8 ]There figure 8 shows another view of the installation of the Figure 6 ;
• [ Fig. 9 ]There Figure 9 illustrates the installation of the Figure 7 in side view;
• [ Fig. 10 ]There Figure 10 illustrates the installation of the figure 1 , the plate being in the folded position;
• [ Fig. 11 ]There Figure 11 illustrates the installation of the Figure 10 in side view;
• [ Fig. 12 ]There Figure 12 shows another view of the installation of the Figure 10 ; And
• [ Fig. 13 ]There 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.

There 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 pivotally mounted 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 amount 22 and the second amount 24 are fixed relative to each other.

The first pivot mechanism 30 and the second pivot mechanism 30' extend on either side of the plate 16 . As illustrated in figure 2 , the first pivot mechanism comprises a first support element 32 , a first crank 38 and a first connecting rod 40 . The second pivot mechanism 30' comprises a second support element, a second crank and a second connecting rod. In this non-limiting example, the first pivot mechanism 30 and the second pivot mechanism 30' are formed from the same components and are substantially symmetrical with respect to each other, so that only the first pivot mechanism 30 and 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 Figure 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 net 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 said first support element 32 . The rod 37 is slidably mounted inside said sheath 35 between a retracted position and an deployed position. The deployed position is shown on the Figure 3 . In this deployed position, the rod 37 extends essentially outside the sheath 35 .

On the Figure 3 , we also see that an opening 31 is provided in the sheath 35 .

The fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends in a fixing direction D. The first support element 32 further comprises an adjustment mechanism 39 making it possible to adjust the position, considered in said fixing direction D , of said fixing portion 36 relative to said pivoting portion 34 . An advantage is to be able to adjust the height of the net relative to the plate 16 .

There figure 4 illustrates the first support element 32 of the Figure 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 includes a return member 56 . In this non-limiting example, the return member 56 has the shape of a tensioner type elastic cable, a first end of which is configured to be fixed inside the sheath 35 and a second end of which is fixed inside of 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 put under tension and tends towards its rest position.

Referring again to the figures 1 And 2 , we see that the net N is fixed between the fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32 and the fixing portion of the second support element. The net N extends in a substantially vertical plane P1 .

The pivoting portion 34 of the first support element 32 is pivotally mounted on a housing 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 precisely, 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 to the inside an orifice provided in the sheath. The mounting ring allows the pivoting mounting of said sheath 35 and therefore of said pivoting portion 34 relative 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 manner, the first support element 32 may comprise a clamping element, for example a clamping ring, making it possible to hold the tooth of the mounting ring 41 in cooperation with the orifice provided in the sheath. This tightening element makes it possible to secure the mounting of the ring on the sheath. The sheath 35 of said pivoting portion 34 extends inside the housing 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 further 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 pivoting 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 comprises a first connecting rod 40 having a first end part 40a and a second end part 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 portion 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.

There figure 5 illustrates the installation of figures 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. Furthermore, 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. Likewise, 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 take a locking position in which it maintains 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 formed in the exterior wall of the rod 37. The locking device also comprises an engagement member 54 pivotally mounted on the housing 17 , secured to 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 blocked 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 further comprises a spring 58 extending between an interior wall of the housing 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 cause it to rotate. 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 engagement member 54 automatically engages with the locking housing 52 under the force of spring 58.

In the deployed position of the rod 37 , the opening 31 made in the sheath 35 is placed opposite said locking housing 52.

We will now describe placing the tray 16 in the deployed position.

THE figures 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 the plate 16 . The angle β formed between said fixing portion 36 and the 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 lateral 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 figures 7 , 8 And 9 , in a first direction of rotation. THE figures 7 And 8 illustrate an intermediate position of the plate between the folded position and the unfolded position.

The first connecting rod 40 is rotated relative to the first upright 22 , along the third pivot axis X3 , in this same first direction of rotation. This has the effect 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 . To the extent that it is fixed to the pivoting portion 34 of the first support element 32 , the first crank 38 drives said pivoting 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 fixing portion 36 is therefore brought closer to said plate 16 , so that the angle β formed between said fixing portion 36 and the plate 16 is progressively reduced. The fixing portion 36 of the first support element 32, however, remains substantially vertical, considered in the terrestrial reference frame.

Taking into account 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 rod 37 of the first support element to be placed in the retracted position. The return force exerted by the return member 56 on the rod 37 causes said rod to slide inside the sheath 35 , from its deployed position towards 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 tensioned.

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 relative to the base 14 in the first direction of rotation, the plate is brought to the folded position illustrated in figures 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 said plate and along said plate. The angle β formed between said fixing portion 36 and the plate 16 is substantially zero.

It can be seen that the first support element 32 , and therefore the fixing portion 36 , remain substantially immobile when considered in the terrestrial reference frame, in a substantially vertical plane, during the pivoting of the plate relative 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 . An advantage is to facilitate the installation of the installation 10 by eliminating steps of installation and positioning of the support element and the net.

When the plate 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 to the retracted position .

To the extent that the net N is no longer stretched between the fixing portions of the first and second support elements, it does not hinder the pivoting of the plate 16 and does not hinder its placing in the folded position.

To bring the installation 10 back into the configuration of use, it is necessary to rotate 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.

There 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 above as well as a second module 120 . The second module 120 comprises a plate 160. The first and second modules 12 , 120 are positioned next to each other, so that their plates 16 , 160 are joined together and extend in the extension of one of the other 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)

1. An installation (10) for playing table tennis, comprising at least one first module (12), said first module comprising:

   - a base (14) configured to rest on a floor (S) and comprising at least one first upright (22) having an upper end (22a);

   - a panel (16) supported by said base and being mounted pivotably with respect to the upper end of the first upright of the base, along a first axis of pivot (X1), between an unfolded position in which it extends transversally to the first upright of the base and a folded position in which the panel extends parallel to said first upright;

   - at least one first support element (32) extending laterally from an edge of the panel (16), the first support element comprising a pivot portion (34) mounted pivotably with respect to the panel along a second axis of pivot (X2), said pivot portion extending parallel to the panel, the first support element further comprising an attachment portion (36) extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion and being configured to cooperate with a net (N);

   - at least one first crank (38) extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion of the first support element and having a first end (38a) and a second end (38b), the first end being attached to said pivot portion;

   - at least one first rod (40) having a first end part (40a) mounted pivotably with respect to said at least one first upright of the base, along a third axis of pivot (X3), said first rod moreover having a second end part (40b) mounted pivotably with respect to the second end of the first crank along a fourth axis of pivot (X4),

   the pivoting of the panel between its unfolded position and its folded position driving a relative pivoting of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel, along the second axis of pivot, the first support element being configured such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the panel when said panel is in the unfolded position, and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the panel when said panel is in the folded position, the pivot portion (34) of the first support element (32) comprising a sleeve (35) mounted pivotably with respect to the panel (16) along the second axis of pivot (X2) and to which said first crank (38) is attached, said pivot portion further comprising a stem (37) cooperating with the attachment portion (36) of said first support element, the stem being mounted slidably inside said sleeve between a retracted position and a deployed position, the installation being characterized in that in the deployed position of the stem (37), the attachment portion of the first support element extends laterally from the lateral edge of the panel (16), and in that when the stem (37) goes from the deployed position to the retracted position, the attachment portion of the first support element is brought closer to the panel (16).
2. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot (X1,X2,X3,X4) are substantially mutually parallel.
3. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distance between the first axis of pivot (X1) and the third axis of pivot (X3) is substantially equal to the distance between the second axis of pivot (X2) and the fourth axis of pivot (X4), and wherein the distance between the first axis of pivot and the second axis of pivot is substantially equal to the distance between the third axis of pivot and the fourth axis of pivot
4. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment portion (36) of said at least one first support element (32) extends vertically.
5. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pivot portion (34) of said at least one first support element (32) extends under the panel (16) when said panel is in the unfolded position.
6. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pivot portion (34) of said at least one first support element (32) has a first end (34a) and a second end (34b), said first crank (38) being attached to said first end while the attachment portion (36) of said at least one first support element cooperates with the second end of said pivot portion.
7. The installation as claimed in 6, wherein the attachment portion (36) of the first support element (32) extends along an attachment direction (D), and wherein the first support element comprises an adjustment mechanism (39) for adjusting the position, considered along said attachment direction, of said attachment portion with respect to said pivot portion (34).
8. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stem (37) is rotationally locked with respect to said sleeve (35), such that the pivoting of the sleeve with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot (X2) drives the pivoting of said stem along the second axis of pivot.
9. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one first support element (32) comprises a locking device (50) having a locking position in which it keeps the stem (37) in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which it allows the putting of the stem into the retracted position.
10. The installation as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking device (50) is configured to go from the locking position to the unlocked position when the panel (16) goes from the unfolded position to the folded position.
11. The installation as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the locking device (50) comprises a locking housing (52) and an engaging member (54), the one being secured to the panel (16) while the other is disposed on the stem of said at least one first support element (32), the engaging 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.
12. The installation as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein the locking device (50) is configured such that the engaging member (54) disengages from the locking housing (52) during the pivoting of said at least one first support element (32) with respect to the panel (16), along the second axis of pivot (X2).
13. The installation as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein said at least one first support element (32) comprises a return member (56) configured to bring the stem (37) from its deployed position into its retracted position.
14. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second support element (32') comprising an attachment configured to cooperate with a net, the first and second support elements (32,32') extending on either side of the panel (16).
15. The installation as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a net (N) cooperating with the attachment portions of said first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the panel (16) is in the unfolded position, the pivot portion (34) of said first support element (32) extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane.
16. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a second module (120) comprising a panel (160) and a base supporting the panel 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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