FR2631845A1 - TRAILER, IN PARTICULAR, FOR GAME BOWLING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a trailer for automobiles, composed of a loading platform surmounting rolling means and comprising coupling means and side walls integral with the longitudinal and transverse edges of said loading platform. This trailer is characterized in that it comprises means 15 for winding and unwinding a carpet of flexible material 12 constituting, in particular, the track of a bowling game 2. The invention relates to the field of leisure.

Description

_1 -

  The invention relates to a trailer for automobiles, consisting of a

  loading beam surmounting rolling means and comprising hitching means and strips integral with the longitudinal and transverse edges

said loading tray.

  This invention relates, in particular, to the specialized industry

in the field of recreation.

  The practice of bowling requires, as a general rule, an infra-

  complex and not very mobile structure. Apart from bowling and balls, it is essential to have a specially equipped

  dirt track, perfectly leveled and horizontal. The present

  of a sandbox downstream of this playground, is usually only

  necessary to slow down and constitute a collection area for the projected balls

at high speed by the players.

  In order to facilitate the return of the balls to the latter, a ramp, substantially inclined and arranged in parallel with the game track, ensures

  the rolling of said balls by gravity. In general, these inserts

  are designed in such a way that it can not be envisaged

  place from one place to another without this requiring considerable work.

  This disadvantage is even more damaging as the area occupied

  bowling is particularly important and prevents

  extend their number indefinitely so as to offer the possibility of

  play this game in many public or private places.

  There is also another game of bowling, of American origin, whose rules are almost identical. However, this bowling game is appealing

  more complex facilities, such as fully self-sufficient

  matted to pick up the bowling pins, or return the balls to the player.

  In addition, this game is practiced in closed premises and in more stringent conditions such as the use of playgrounds in parquet-wood flatness

  perfect. The aforementioned drawbacks are naturally amplified.

  In addition, bowling games of the removable type, composed of

  demountable elements in order to be able to transport them. These

  These consist essentially of a mat made of flexible material, simulating the playground and a banister of the balls. This is formed by a plurality of interlocking profiles arranged, in the course of play, one behind

  the others, the profile located downstream from the playground, forming an integrated

  in order to provide sufficient speed to the balls so that they can reach the upstream end of the game track. In addition, bumpers located at the rear of the bowling position serve as

  braking and blocking balls.

  Although portable, this bowling game poses a problem in terms of its handling during the introduction and its folding. Indeed,

  the carpet, made of a flexible material, synthetic or otherwise, is

  necessarily large because of the regulatory dimensions of

  the playground. As a result, its weight, which is not negligible, constitutes a

  dicap in particular, during its loading or unloading either in a vehicle or on a trailer. The unwinding and rolling of this carpet

  flexible are also very delicate operations.

  In order to reduce the weight of the carpet, it was considered

  give a triangular shape whose base serves as the location of bowling.

  In reality, this solution has brought only a negligible improvement

  aforementioned, the carpet having retained sufficient weight so that it can not

be handled easily.

  The present invention aims to remedy all the disadvantages

  above mentioned by proposing a trailer for automobiles

  bend and fold the soft mat forming the bowling alley without

  no difficulty and no special effort.

  Of course, there are already a number of trailers improving the loading capacity of a vehicle. So, they are formed, in the

  In most cases, a loading platform resting on means of

  and comprising coupling means ensuring the articulated connection of the trailer to said vehicle. In some cases, this loading platform is provided with side panels making it possible to define a container facilitating transport.

various objects.

  However, loading a bowling game in such a trailer

  poses the same problems as in the context of a car trunk.

  For this purpose, the present invention consists of a self-propelled trailer

  mobile platform consisting of a loading platform surmounting rolling means

  and having coupling means and side rails integral with the edges

  longitudinal and transverse dimensions of said loading platform, trailer character-

  characterized in that it comprises means for winding and unwinding a mat of flexible material constituting, in particular, the track of a bowling game. -3-

  The advantages obtained by virtue of this invention consist, essen-

  in that the trailer, with the aid of appropriate means, makes it possible to deploy but also to fold up, the flexible mat forming the playing track without its

  it is not necessary at any time to lift the total weight of said carpet.

  By reducing, thus, the difficulties of the assembly and the dismounting of a game of bowling, this one gains, considerably, in mobility and it can be considered to use it at all times and in all places. This invention

  contributes, therefore, to the extension of the practice of this game.

  Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from

  course of the following description given by way of non-limiting example and ac-

  accompanied by drawings in which:

  FIG. 1 is a schematic and perspective view of a trailer in accordance with

  me to the invention and constituting the area of collection of balls, located at the bottom of the bowling alley, shown in its configuration in use; - Figure 2 is a schematic and top view of the trailer shown in Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a schematic rear view of the trailer during transport, the flexible carpet forming the playground has been wound-; - Figures 4 to 6 show, schematically, the trailer in its position

  during the game and comprising means for braking and blocking the

  designed according to three distinct embodiments.

  Reference is made more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  The present invention relates to a trailer 1 for automobiles, more particularly intended for the transport and handling of a set of

  2. Thus, this trailer -1 has a loading platform 3 sur-

  amount of rolling means 4 known per se. It is also provided with coupling means 5 ensuring its articulated connection to the towing vehicle. Said loading platform 3 is also provided, on its longitudinal and transverse edges 7, with side panels 8, 9, respectively, defining a container for

  facilitate the transportation of various objects.

  As for bowling 2, it consists of balls 10 and pins 11,

  the first allowing the player to overthrow the latter. He is also

  equipped with a mat of flexible material 12 constituting the playground and

  preferably having a triangular shape whose base 13 serves as an

bowling placement 11.

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  The main interest of the triangular shape of this flexible mat 12 con-

  is essentially a reduction in the weight and bulk of this

  last during transport and its handling during assembly or re-

bowling game 2.

  It further comprises at least one ball return ramp 14 formed by a series of channel-shaped profiles nested within each other. This return ramp 14 extends parallel to the playing field and makes it easy to return the various balls to the player from the location of the pins 11. By arranging such ramps 14, on either side of the soft mat 12, a play area is defined outside of

  which the balls 10 can not evolve.

  The particularity of the trailer 1, adapted to the game of pins 2, consists in that it comprises, according to a feature of the invention, means

  winding and unwinding the carpet of flexible material 12.

  Pregentially, these means 15 are formed by a horizontal pin 16 maintained, at its ends 17, 18, in free rotation in housing

  arranged for this purpose, either in the side panels 8 secured to the longitudinal edges

  6 of the loading platform 3, sDit in the side panels 9 disposed transver-

  badly on the latter. Advantageously, it provides these housings made in the side panels 8 or 9, rolling means facilitating the rotation of

pin 16.

  On the latter is fixed the downstream end 19 of the flexible belt 12.

  Thus, by conferring on said pin 16 a rotational movement in a given direction by means of a manual control or appropriate motor means,

  this flexible mat 12 is caused to wind up or unwind without much difficulty.

  ficulty. In addition, at the end of winding, the flexible belt 12 is in the loaded position on the trailer 1, without it being necessary to lift its weight

total to achieve this result.

  It will be noted that with regard to the unfolding of the flexible carpet 12, it can

  be assured, just like winding, through manual

  or by appropriate motor means but it is also possible to perform this operation by simply pulling on the end

upstream 20 of this flexible carpet 12.

  According to another embodiment, it will be chosen to associate this end with

  upstream 20 to the horizontal pin 16 to ensure the winding of the table.

  The swallowed end 19 of the latter is, under these conditions, -5-

  securely attached to the loading platform 3.

  In the case of manual control of the rotation of the spindle 16, this is ensured, preferably by means of a crank 21 connected to one of the ends 17 of the spindle 16, this end 17 being made accessible through an opening 22 arranged in one or the other of the side panels 8,9.

  The intervention of motor means to ensure the training of the bro-

  16 gives the trailer 1 a character of automatism with the aim of

  to further facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the bowling game 2.

  Thus, these motor means may be of the electric type powered by

  means of energy production corresponding to the vehicle towing the

  1. The latter may also be provided with energy supply means

  independent power supply, such as a battery for operation

said motor means.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the latter are

  staged by a disengageable drive mechanism connecting the rolling means

  4 to pin 16 to give the latter a rotational movement

  in a specific direction during the retreat or advance of the trailer 1.

  Thus, it can be envisaged to control the unfolding of the carpet

  ple 12 and, unlike, its winding on the pin 16 causing,

  respectively, the advance or the retreat of the trailer 1.

  A mixed solution is also proposed, according to which the unwinding of the flexible belt 12 is obtained following a traction exerted on the latter and whose winding is carried out by animating the trailer 1 or a movement

  in advance of a recoil.

  In the context of this embodiment, this drive mechanism is necessarily disengageable to lock in rotation pin 16 during transport.

  Reference is made more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the trailer constitutes a

  collection area 23 balls 10 and, for this purpose, comprises means of braking

  swimming and blocking 24 said balls arriving at the end of the game track for-

  substantially removed by the downstream end 19 of the flexible mat 12.

  In fact, thanks to these braking and locking means 24, the balls, animated, in some cases, with a high speed, are initially

  slowed down and kept in a well-defined space. This provision clearly

  you, therefore, to misplace the balls outside the playground.

- 6-

  Thus, these means 24 are constituted, preferentially, by a bu-

  toir 25 composed of at least one apron 26 of flexible material arranged, lightly

  upstream of the trailer 1 above the flexible belt 12 and in a plane

  vertically parallel to the pin 16. This apron 26 is maintained in this po-

  sition using support means 27 formed, advantageously, two arms 28,29. These are attached at their rear end 30,31 to the trailer 1 and

  maintain, at their free end 32,33, a cross member 34 to which is

  the upper edge 35 of said apron 26.

  For the proper functioning of the bowling game 2, the apron 26 extends

  above the flexible belt 12 to a height substantially greater than the diameter

  of the balls 10. These can, therefore, because of their speed, pro-

  evoke the uprising of the chart 26 and then orientate oneself

  reduced to the collection area 23.

  In case this apron 26 is of insufficient efficiency to slow down

  firing-the quickest balls 10, the stopper 25 is provided with a second apron 36 fixed to the arms 28,29 via a cross member 37 arranged downstream

of the first apron 26.

  This slowing of the balls 10 can be obtained, also, by constituting by means of the loading platform 3 and the rear drop-side 9, abutting the latter, an inclined plane. The trailer 11 is, under these conditions, tilted to the rear position, tilting caused by the simple weight of the flexible mat 12

  resting on the rear portion 38 of the loading tray 3. Thus, the

  the 10, beyond the first apron 26, are caused to climb this inclined plane

  and, finally, to restore their kinetic energy.

  With regard to the arms 28, 29 constituting the support means 27, these are preferably of retractable nature so that, at the end of

  play, they can take place in the trailer 1.

  Figures 4 to 6 show such braking and locking means 24 balls 10 executed in three different modes. In FIG. 4 are represented arms 28, 29 supporting two aprons 26, 36 and applying, mainly, to a trailer 1 borrowing a tilted position during play. Thus, these arms 28, 29 are held horizontally, on the one hand, by guides 39 secured to the upper edges 40 of the side panels 8 attached to the longitudinal edges 6 of the loading platform 3. On the other hand, the rear end 30,31 of these arms 28,29 is introduced into means shock absorbers 41 fixed either to said loading platform 3 or to the side walls 8. Such damping means 41 also contribute to a gradual restitution

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  of the kinetic energy accumulated by the balls 10 and thus avoid the

shock effects.

  During transport, arms 28,29 are disengaged from their means.

  dampers 41 and are slidably introduced into other guides 42 present near the upper edge 40 of the side panels 8.

  The rear drop-side 9 is then raised to its upright position and

  closes the container of the trailer 1.

  In the context of Figure 5, the arms 28,29 are fixed at an angle

  43 on the rear drop-side. 9. As a result, depending on whether the latter is folded

  kills and rests on the ground or is in raised position, said arms 28,29 emerge

  gent in the back of the trailer 1 or come to retrieve it.

  In this case, the cross member 34 to which the apron 26 is attached is preferably

  pivotally mounted to the free end 32,33 of the arms 28,29 so as to guarantee said apron 26 its vertical position during play.

  that this embodiment applies, indifferently, to trailers

  horizontal lines during play or forming an inclined plane.

  The solution proposed in Figure 6 is to proceed to the

  the arms 28,29 by the rear drop-side 9. The latter is equipped, in these

  conditions, two sleepers 34,37 to which are attached

  soft material 26,36. This configuration requires maintaining the horizontal position

  of the trailer 1 during play. For this purpose, the latter is

  denies, in its rear portion 44, retractable feet 45 avoiding its bascu-

  under the influence of the weight of the flexible belt 12.

  In addition, the trailer 1 is provided with attachment means 46, such as a chain, fixed to the longitudinal sides 8 and limiting the pivot angle of the rear side wall 9 with respect to the Loading plate 3. This sidewall

  rear 9 is maintained, therefore, in a horizontal position, above the table.

  flexible udder 12. As for the aprons 26,36, they occupy, in these conditions, a vertical position because of their cross 34,37 articulated mounted

on the back side 9.

  Of course, in the event of the spindle overturning in the trailer 1, so that its ends 17, 18 cooperate with the transverse sidewalls 9, the two embodiments previously described and shown in FIGS.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 will advantageously be applied to one of the longitudinal

tudinal 8.

  This trailer 1, due to its sufficient size, allow, 8- furthermore, to accommodate the different profiles forming the return ramps

  14 balls 10, but also the latter, and the pins 11.

  In general, this trailer 1 will serve as housing for all the accessories necessary for the practice of bowling. In addition, a

  tarpaulin or cover 47 will close the assembly.

  As a result, the trailer 1, according to the invention, gives the bowling game 2 a mobility hitherto unequaled. It contributes, therefore, to the extension of the practice of this sport which could not know the success which it deserved because of the very reduced number of existing installations to date.

  Although the invention has been described in connection with a form of

  particular, it is understood that it is by no means limited and that various modifications of forms, materials and combinations of these various elements can be made without departing from the framework and

the spirit of the invention.

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Claims (13)

claims   1. Trailer for automobiles, consisting of a loading platform (3) surmounting rolling means (4) and comprising coupling means   (5) and side panels (8,9) integral with the longitudinal (6) and transverse edges (6).   saux (7) of said loading tray (3) characterized in that it comprises means (15) for winding and unrolling a carpet mat-   flexible material (12) constituting, in particular, the track of a bowling game (2).   2. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (15) consist of a horizontal pin (16)   maintained at its ends (17, 18) in free rotation in   swung, either in the sides (8) integral with the longitudinal edges (6) of the   loading tray (3) is in the side panels (9) arranged transverse-   on the latter, said housing being provided with rolling means.   3. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 2, characterized in that the belt material qouple (12) is fixed at its downstream end (19) on the pin (16) to cause winding or unwinding at of the rotation of the latter.   4. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 2, characterized in that, during the winding and unwinding of the mat of flexible material (12), the upstream end (20) of the latter is fixed on the spindle (16). )   the downstream end (19) being secured to the loading platform (3).   5. Trailer for automobiles according to claims 1 and 2, characterized   characterized in that it comprises manual control means, such as a crank, for rotating the spindle (16), said crank being connected to one end of the latter, accessible through a   opening arranged in one of the sides (8) or (9).   6. Trailer for automobiles according to claims 1 and 2, characterized   characterized in that it comprises motor means for rotating the spindle (16), these motor means being fed by means of production   in energy either corresponding to the automobile or of an autonomous type Morque 1.   7. An automobile trailer according to claims 1 and 2, characterized   because it includes motor means, consisting of a mechanism   disengageable drive coupling connecting the rolling means (4) to the broach   che (16) to give the latter a rotational movement in a specific direction during the retreat or the advance of the trailer 1 and roll up the carpet in - 10 - flexible material (12).   8. Trailer for automobiles according to claims 1 and 2, characterized   risille by the fact that it constitutes a collection area (23) balls (10)   a bowling game (2) arriving downstream of the formed game track, substantially   tiellement, by the mat of flexible material (12) and comprises means for braking and locking (24) of said balls (10) formed by a bumper (25) consisting of at least one apron (26) of flexible material arranged slightly upstream of the trailer (1), above the mat of flexible material (12) in a   vertical plane parallel to the spindle (16).   9. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 8, characterized in that the stopper (25) comprises support means (27) of the apron (26).   formed by two arms (28,29) fixed at their rear end (30,31) to the   morque (1) and now, at their free end (32,33), a crossbar (34) to which is fixed the upper edge (35) of said apron (26), said arms   (28,29) being of retractable type and coming to lodge inside the Morque (1) during transport.   10. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 8, characterized in that the loading plate (3) and the rear side wall (9) abut the latter component, during the game, an inclined plane that the balls (10)   are caused to climb beyond the apron (26) forming the stopper (25).   An automobile trailer according to claims 9 and 10, characterized   characterized in that the arms (28,29) supporting the apron (26) are   horizontally, on the one hand, by guides (39) secured to the upper edges (40) of the side panels (8) attached to the longitudinal edges (6) of the loading platform (3) and, on the other hand, by damping means (41) fixed either on the latter or the side walls (8) and in which are engaged the rear ends (30,31) of said arms (28,29) during play; during transport, these rear ends (30,31) of the arms (28,29) being slidably introduced into other guides (42) near the   upper edge (40) of the side panels (8).   12. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 9, characterized in that the arms (28,29) are fixed at an angle (43) on the rear side (9) or on a side wall (8) fixed on one longitudinal edges (6) of the trailer (1), and borrowing a retracted position or emerging from the latter as the sideboard (8) or (9) is raised or folded during the   clearance, the crossbar (34) to which the apron (26) is attached being pivotally mounted - 11 - on your arms (28,29).   13. Trailer for automobiles according to claim 9, characterized   in that the arms (28, 29) are formed, substantially, by a   delle (8) or (9) arranged parallel to the pin (16) and to which is secured at least one apron (26) with a crossbar (34) pivotally mounted, said side wall (8) or ( 9) being connected by fastening means   (46) to the trailer (1) to limit its angle of rotation relative to the   loading water (3), retractable feet (45) reported in the part   the rear (44) of the trailer (1) now in the horizontal position tale.