FR2663548A1 - GYMNASTICS SPRINGBOARD. - Google Patents

Abstract

A gymnastics springboard (1 ') has an upper part (2) in the form of a plate and a lower part (5) in the form of a spar, which move away from each other towards the front side (4) of said springboard, from a rear securing zone (8). A leaf spring (10) is located between the two parts. An elastic damping device (18) is provided in the region between the lower part (5) and a section (17) of the leaf spring (10) which is arranged next to a securing area (15) with the lower part (5), and is movable relative to this lower part (5).

Description

GYMNASTICS SPRINGBOARD

  The present invention relates to a gymnastic springboard provided with a plate-shaped upper part

  on which is provided the momentum surface, and

  below which is a lower part in particular in the form of a spar, which gives support to the springboard in

  the position of use, the upper and lower parts

  re moving away from each other towards the anterior side

  of the springboard, from a posterior zone of solidarisa-

  tion, said springboard further having a leaf spring which is interposed between the upper and lower parts and is connected, on the one hand, to the lower part, and on the other

  leaves at the upper part in the anterior region of the trem-

  plin. A springboard of this kind is described in patent DE-C-10 32 140 It has a plate-shaped lower part composed of two elongated joists, on the rear side of which the upper part is located, which gives a arrangement substantially describing an acute angle in lateral elevation The upper and lower parts yawn away from each other in the direction of the anterior side The intermediate space thus formed houses a blade of

  spring having, in particular, a curved configuration

  line substantially in the shape of an S, which provides support

  reciprocal elastic of the two parts The area of solidarity

  between the leaf spring and the upper part,

  found in the anterior region of the springboard.

  In service, the lower part of the springboard is placed on a support structure, for example the floor of a gymnasium, then the gymnast stores the desired propulsion energy, jumping on the grip surface

  momentum which is formed on the upper face of the upper part

  An increasing optimization of the methods of

  drag resulted in a gradual increase in gold

  the propelling force which is then applied to the springboard Ain-

  if, during use by high-level athletes, it may happen that the upper part breaks due to the fact that the opposing force developed by the spring leaf is too modest The gymnast then undergoes a strong impact, which can harm

  re to his health and athletic performance.

  The object of the invention is precisely to improve the

  springboard of the aforementioned type, so that it can also

  resist strong constraints without any increase

  of the elastic stroke, while presenting characteristics

optimal elasticity.

  According to the invention, this object is achieved by the fact that an elastic damping device is provided in the region between the lower part and the section of the spring leaf which is arranged next to the

  joining area with the lower part, and is movi-

  the relative to this lower part.

  This prevents the upper part

  strongly strike the lower part in the event of

  excessive drag imposed on the spring leaf The device

  depreciation causes a uniform increase and progress-

  antagonistic force when the upper part

  pectively the leaf spring, approaches the part

  lower, especially towards the end of the maximum pos-

  spring leaf sible Without any increase in

  elastic race which the upper part has, it

  consequently follows a characteristic curve of better and "harder" elasticity; in this case, depending on the design of the damping device, it is possible to obtain harmonization in accordance with requirements and taking, for example, a progressive nature The ability to bear loads

  increases by around 30% compared to known stepping stones.

  Judiciously, the damping device is fixed in a captive manner either to the leaf of spring, or to the lower part. A gap can then be reserved in the direction of the respectively loose part, of

  such that the damping effect occurs only-

  ment after a certain deflection of the leaf spring.

  However, to promote a uniform development of the

  antagonistic force, the damping device is judicious

  cieux in contact or in permanent connection (e) both with the leaf of spring, that with the lower part In this case, preferably, a fixed connection is respectively established,

for example by gluing.

  Preferably, the damping device encompassed

  be at least one damping element Several damping elements can be arranged in superposition and / or

  especially in lateral juxtaposition in the direction of the lar-

  springboard geur It has proved particularly convenient to design the damping device in the form of

  minus one shock absorber block, which has support properties

  elastic pleat and consists, in particular, of a gifted material

  such properties To be able to perform a simple adjustment

  full of the elasticity characteristic, with adaptation to the expected propulsive force, it is advantageous that a damping element or a damping block considered comprises,

  respectively, at least one recess which extends judiciously-

  right through, like a piercing, in particular

  link transversely to the height direction of the

  springboard At least one stiffening element in one material

  elastic band can be inserted into the hole thus formed, which implies a variation in the compressibility properties of the damping device. Therefore, in accordance with the propulsive force of the gymnasts, it is possible to

  vary the springiness characteristic of the springboard

be the "hard" and "soft" ranges.

  So that the springboard does not become too hard, and

  to avoid breakage in the presence of strong con-

  drag, it is additionally possible to interpose in the joining zone between the upper part and the leaf spring, in the vicinity of the anterior side of the springboard

  between the two aforementioned parts, a group of elas-

  tick which comprises at least one elastic element and is already known, by itself, from patent EP-B 1-0 086 274 It then takes place, conveniently, a simultaneous increase in the available elastic stroke The elastic elements are them

  also, judiciously designed so that their characteristic curve

  or their elasticity can be respectively

  It may in particular be planned to carry out the ele-

  elastic elements in a manner identical to that of the arrangement

  damping tif, respectively damping blocks. Since the damping device exercises

  a stabilizing effect on the springboard, especially when

  that it is fixedly connected to the lower part

  and the leaf spring, it is advantageously possible

  ble to provide a leaf spring consisting of several

  individual bodies, and in particular two bodies arranged in jux-

  lateral taposition Compared to an uninterrupted leaf spring in one piece, this saves

  material and considerable weight reduction The possibility

  The advantageous quality is also offered to use, as

  that material constituting the leaf of spring, a plas-

  a tick that replaces wood, which shows a propensity for fa-

  markedly smaller jig which gives the springboard

  elastic properties remaining excellent even after a long

  gue duration of use Since, due to the mass

  greater than that of the wood used in the prior art, a single spring leaf, consisting of a plastic material and uninterrupted over the entire width of the springboard, would result in unstable use of said springboard, the presence of the damping device , simultaneously exercising the function of a stabilization device, makes it possible to switch to an embodiment of the leaf spring in several parts

  with, as a corollary, a reduced overall volume of the-

  so-called blade This is also an advantage given

  that it turns out that normally a leaf spring made of

  plastic is significantly stiffer than such a blade

consisting of wood.

  In the spirit of the invention, it is moreover obvious that the damping device is also located in the region between the leaf spring and the part

  lower when, being installed upstream of the resistor blade

  comes out, it acts directly against the upper part.

  The invention will now be described in more detail by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawing in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration, in

  perspective, of a first simple embodiment of the trem-

  plin; FIG. 2 is a side elevation illustrating,

  in the position of use, another embodiment par-

  particularly advantageous of the springboard; and

  Figure 3 is a front view of the springboard,

lon arrow III of figure 2.

  It should first describe the

  characteristics common to the two exemplary embodiments.

  Thus, both a springboard 1 according to FIG. 1 as well as a

  plin 1 ′ according to FIGS. 2 and 3 have an upper part

  lower 2 in the form of a plate which extends in the form of an arc of a circle, from a posterior side 3 of the springboard,

  towards an anterior side 4 of the latter Said upper part

  it is notably materialized by a slightly arched board or by a panel, the material used being wood having, in particular, a laminated structure In the illustrated position of use, the bulging of the part

  upper is directed upwards.

  A lower part 5 is located opposite

  the lower face of the upper part 2 in the down position

  is, that is to say in the position of use of the springboard.

  This lower part is also, preferably, light-

  domed upwards It can also have a plate-type structure, and we prefer a spar-shaped design. Such a design is visible in the

  two exemplary embodiments, in which the lower part

  rieure consists of two elongated joists 6, 6 'in the form of panels or bars These are arranged in

  parallel juxtaposition, with transverse spacing

versal 7 of the springboard 1, 1 '.

  In the vicinity of the posterior side 3 of the springboard, the upper 2 and lower 5 parts are connected one to

  the other in a rigid or articulated way The area of solidarisa-

  tion is designated by 8 The two parts 2, 5 deviate from each other from this area, towards the anterior side 4 of the springboard, which gives rise to a space

  tab 9 whose height, near the front side

  4, is larger than in the vicinity of the posterior side 3.

  The result is, in side elevation, an arrangement of the two

  parts 2, 5 which describes a substantially acute angle.

  The intermediate space 9 contains a leaf spring which is made up, in the two preferred embodiments, of two bodies 14, 14 ′ arranged at a distance

  each other in the transverse direction 7 Each of the soli-

  ves 6, 6 'is thus associated with one of the bodies 14, 14' of the spring leaf because the latter are applied, each time, between one of said joists 6, 6 'and the upper part 2 When this part 2 is observed from above, the joists 6, 6 'and the bodies 14, 14' of the leaf spring are associated in the vicinity of the lateral edges

from the top.

  The leaf spring 10 (that is to say the two bodies 14, 14 ′ in the case under consideration) is respectively connected,

  on the one hand, to the lower part 5 or to the joist 6, 6 'as-

  company and, on the other hand, to the upper part 2 on the anterior side 4 of the springboard A joining zone 15, between

  the leaf spring 10 and the lower part 5 is shorter

  near the posterior side 3 of the springboard that a zone 16 of

  lidarisation with the upper part 2, which is essentially located near the anterior edge of this upper part. When viewed in side elevation, the leaf spring preferably has an arcuate shape with two sections

  in an arc linked to each other by a bifur-

  cation, which gives a configuration similar to an S A

  particularly rigid connection, which can be designed as a link

  its bolted, is established in the joining zone 1 i.

  An elastic damping device 18 is provided.

  taggedly provided between the lower part 5 and a section 17 of the leaf spring O which is located next to the joining zone 15, and is movable relative to the lower part. In the concrete embodiment, such a device is is therefore found in the anterior region of the springboard, between a joist 6, 6 'considered and the section

  overlying 17 of the body 14 or 14 'of the leaf spring.

  The damping device comprises, in the exemplary embodiments, for each combination of a joist

  and a body of the leaf spring, a damping element

  ment 19 which is produced in the form of a damping block and preferably consists of a gifted plastic

  elastic properties of rubber These are in particular

  polyurethane foam bottom In this way, two elements

  damping elements 19, 20 of this type are thus arranged in lateral juxtaposition in the transverse direction 7, it being understood that a single damping element 19 can also be used, in particular in the presence of a blade

  spring 10 in one piece or in one piece.

  When the springboard 1, 1 'is used, a gymnast jumps from the rear side 3 of the springboard onto the

  upper part 2 which for this purpose comprises, on its upper face

  higher, a surface 21 for gaining momentum Under the effect of the

  propulsive force which is then developed, the upper part

  upper 2 flexes elastically downwards, towards the lower part 5, overcoming the force of the blade

  spring 10 In this case, the damping device 18 em-

  fishing that the spring leaf 10 or the upper part 2 comes to press violently against the lower part 5, respectively by the free end of its section 17 or by the region of its anterior edge Said device generates an antagonistic force which believes in particular in as the elastic stroke increases, so that a

gentle shock absorption.

  In the embodiment of airès, Figure 1,

  the section 17 of the leaf spring 10 is directly im-

  planted from below on the upper part 2, in the area

  of securing 16, in a rigid and fixed manner The dis-

  positive damping 18, materialized by the two blocks

  shock absorbers 20, is in the region between this

  te bonding zone 16 and the free end of the so-

  live 6, 6 'considered Each damper block 20 is assu

  jetti to the face of the lower part 5 which faces upwards, the joining being then ensured by a

  in any way and, for example, that can be designed

  me a joining by bonding No joining of the-

  maple is not established with the leaf spring 10 or the upper part 2, a gap 22 being reserved however

  between the damper block 20 considered, and the section above

  jacent of the springboard So when a gymnast takes off

  on the upper part 2, only the leaf spring 10 exer-

  this first of all its action, while the effect of the damping device 18 occurs only after a certain elastic stroke, when the section 17 rests on the blocks

  shock absorbers 20 These blocks 20 could also, in a

  corresponding way, be fixed to the upper part 2 or to the spring leaf 10, and be freely suspended downwards. It is however advantageous that the opposing force can develop gradually, without any transition threshold, for which the leaf spring 10 and the lower part 5 are in lasting connection with each other via the device. damping 18 In this case, the connection with the leaf spring 10 can also be ensured indirectly, by means of the upper part 2 At least one joining by contact proves necessary, but one will however choose, d 'in a convenient way, the form of

  realization of the springboard 1 'according to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the

  which the damping device 18 is subject, by its damping blocks 20, to both the leaf spring 10 and

the lower part 5.

  The bottom line is therefore that the

  damping device 18 is located in the compression region

  between the lower part 5 and the section 17 of the spring leaf 10 which is associated with the upper part 2 In this case, it is not imperative that the damping device be directly housed in the intermediate space separating the leaf spring 10 and lower part 5 If the joining zone 16 is for example located in a region in

  withdrawal from the anterior side 4 of the springboard, the

  positive damping 18, installed upstream of section 17,

  could approach directly the upper part 2.

  However, it is particularly advantageous to opt for a solution in which the damping device 18 is located in the intermediate space between the spring leaf

  and the lower part 5, which is open towards the an-

upper 4 of the springboard.

  Another advantageous embodiment is implemented in the springboard 1 ′ according to FIGS. 2 and 3 An additional group of elastic elements 23 is then in the joining zone 16 between the upper part 2 and the spring leaf 10 In the embodiment, this group comprises two elastic elements 23 of the aforementioned type which are interposed, each time, between one of the sections

  17 of the bodies 14, 14 'of the leaf spring, freely in holder

  overhang, and the associated internal face of the upper part 2.

  With unchanged ability to bear loads,

  said elements provide a higher elastic stroke, which is particularly advantageous Now, we are practically in the presence of a triple elastic arrangement which

  consists of the leaf spring 10, the damping device

  18 and elastic elements 23 This allows a

  very fine adaptation to the requirements respectively imposed.

  Concerning the production of elastic elements

  23, their arrangement and their mode of action, it is quite

  carefully referred to the content of the aforementioned patent EP-B 1-

  0 086 274, bringing out more specific details.

  It is preferably intended that the device for

  weaving 18 or its damping blocks 20 is (are) res-

  pectively, essentially, in the region directly underlying the joining zone 16 Insofar as a group of elastic elements 23 is provided, as in

  the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3, this group

  eg is located directly above the device

  damping 18 in the height direction of the springboard.

  However, if necessary, a certain time lag

  can also exist in the longitudinal direction of the springboard.

  In order to obtain a simple manufacturing, the damping blocks 20 and the elastic elements 23 can be of

  mutually identical structures As a damped block

  sor, it is in particular conceivable to use a connector block

  substantially quadrangular external figuration, the longitudinal direction of which coincides with the transverse direction 7 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the longitudinal edges can optionally be rounded In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the damping block 20 has a central region 24 of cylindrical or straight cylindrical shape, to which is attached, on diametrically opposite sides,

  a respective base 25 integrally molded.

  The latter judiciously takes the form of a bar

  rectangular, so that a respective shrinkage of sec-

  tion is arranged longitudinally, in the transition zone

  between the central region and the base 25 considered The bases

  its 25, whose outer face is flattened and in particular flat, allow secure subjection to the respective associated surface area of the lower part 5 or of the spring leaf 10, in particular during a bonding by bonding

flat.

  Preferably, the damper blocks 20 are res-

  pectively pierced with at least one and, conveniently,

  exactly a recess 26 This is especially infinite-

  broken in the longitudinal direction of the damper block 20 considered, so that the latter can be manufactured in a very simple manner. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the central region 24 of the damper block considered is, consequently, of hollow cylindrical realization.

  The presence of the recesses 26 has the effect of

  to show particular flexibility and elasticity properties

  linked to the shock absorber block 20 considered These properties are also desirable for the elastic elements 23 which may have to be used. This is why, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the latter have the same structure as the shock absorber blocks 20 L layout

  is also identical, so that the recesses 26 extend

  tooth in the transverse direction 7 of the springboard 1, 1 'In the example

  full of realization according to figure 1, the elements of

  weaving 19 are also pierced with a recess 26 corresponding to

  laying In the vicinity of the recess 26, the cross-section

  element 19 or block 20, and / or the elastic element

  tick 23, is in particular tubular and conveniently shaped

tubular profile.

  The recesses 26 formed in the springboard 1 ′ have the additional objective of serving as housing for at least one elastic stiffening element 27 If necessary, as symbolized by an arrow 31 in FIG. 3, said element can be respectively inserted or fitted into one of the respective recesses 26 of the damper blocks 20 or of the

  elastic elements 23, it being understood that such elements

  stiffening elements 27 can be introduced into any

  door which of the recesses 26 The stiffening elements

  tion 27 consist of materials with elastic flexibility

  tick, in particular of a plastic material It may be braided pieces rolled into cylindrical bodies, or else pins adapted by matching shapes The larger the diameter of the recesses 26, the greater the volume occupied by a stiffening element 27 important and, therefore,

  the greater the influence that can be exerted on the

  elasticity characteristic of the damping block 20 or of the element

ment elastic 23 considered.

  In the two illustrated exemplary embodiments, it

  is planned as a complementary measure, with a view to optimizing

  read the elastic damping, whether the leaf spring 10 or

* respectively, in this case, the two bodies 14, 14 ', consisting

  However, while the ele-

  damping elements and elastic elements consist

  preferably made of polyurethane foam, the plastic material

  tick which is used in this case is, judiciously, a plastic material reinforced by glass and / or carbon fibers The realization in plastic material offers the advantage consisting in that the fatigue of the material is notably

  reduced compared to wood, which increases considerably

the longevity of the springboard.

  Because, however, a leaf spring 10 in

  plastic material is of greater mass and rigidity

  res to those of wood, it is convenient to proceed to the subdi-

  vision, illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, in two

  separate bodies 14, 14 'of the leaf spring which are res-

  pectively associated with one of the joists 6, 6 'This subdivision poses absolutely no problem in the springboard 1', because the fixed connection of the upper 2 and lower 5 parts, ensured by means of the elastic elements 23 and the

  damping device 18, provides excellent stability

  This is the reason why, in the example

  full of realization according to figure 1, the preference should

  be granted for a one-piece construction of the resistor blade

  spell extending over two joists 6, 6 ', in the absence of a

  such a fixed link established in the anterior region of the trem-

  plin In this case, however, a reduction in the thickness of the leaf spring 10 should be sought so as to

  reduce the elastically recalled masses, as well as the tension

  springboard dance to rebound after the momentum.

  In springboard 1 'according to Figures 2 and 3, the agen-

  cementing in succession of the two elastic devices, consisting of

  killed by elastic elements and by shock absorbing elements

  weaving, offers the possibility of fine harmonization and

  specifies, however, that the spring leaf 10 implanted parallel

  it applies most of the elastic force.

  Of course, this blade can also consist of more

  individual blades arranged one on top of the other.

  It is also advantageous that the elements

  elastic and / or the elastic shock absorber hand-

  are sure to hold the springboard together when applying

  cation of thrust forces In particular, the upper part is prevented from being offset laterally with respect to the lower part if the gymnast's momentum does not take place exactly in the center, which ultimately gives a

optimal jump. It goes without saying that many modifications can be made to the

  springboard described and represented, without going out

of the scope of the invention.

Claims (12)

-R E V E N D I C A T I O N S-   1 gymnastic springboard with a upper part   plate-shaped top on which the surface is formed   momentum, and below which is a   lower tie in particular in the form of a spar, which gives support to the springboard in the position of use, the parts   upper and lower deviating from each other in direction   tion of the anterior side of the springboard, from a post-   of solidarity, said springboard further having   a leaf spring which is interposed between the upper parts   lower and lower and is connected, on the one hand, to the part   lower, and secondly to the upper part in the re-   anterior part of the springboard, springboard characterized in that an elastic damping device (18) is provided in   the region between the lower part (5) and the section   lesson (17) of the spring leaf (10) which is arranged next to the zone (15) for securing with the lower part (5),   and is movable relative to this lower part (5).   2 Springboard according to claim 1, characterized   by the fact that the damping device (18) is ensured   jetti at least to the spring leaf (10) or to the lower part (5).   3 Springboard according to claim 2, characterized   by the fact that a gap (22) is reserved, under the condition   resting of said springboard (1; 1 '), between the damping device (18) and the lower part (5) or the blade   spring (10), respectively loose with respect to said device positive.   4 Springboard according to claim 1 or 2, charac-   terrified by the fact that the spring leaf (10) and the lower part (5) are in permanent connection with each other   through the damping device (18).   Springboard according to claim 4, characterized   by the fact that the damping device (18) is ensured   jetti both to the spring leaf (10), and to the part lower (5).   6 Springboard according to any one of the claims   1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the damping device   weaving (18) is produced in the form of at least one element   damping ment (19) endowed with elastic flexibility.   7 springboard according to claim 6, characterized in that several damping elements (19) are   arranged in lateral juxtaposition.   8 Springboard according to claim 6 or 7, character-   laughed at by the fact that at least one damping element (19)   is made in the form of a damper block (20), consisting   both in particular in a plastic material such as polyurea- thanne.   9 Springboard according to any one of the claims   tions 1 to 8, characterized in that a group of elastic elements, including at least one elastic element (23), is interposed in the connection zone (16) between the part   upper (2) and the leaf spring (10), between these two parts ties (2, 10).   Springboard according to any one of the claims   1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the damping device   weaving (18) is located in the region, mainly   tiel, directly below the joining zone (16)   between the upper part (2) and the leaf spring (10).   11 Springboard according to any one of the claims   tions 6 to 10, characterized in that at least one element   damping (19) or damping block (20) and possibly-   ment, or alternatively, at least one elastic element (23) possibly   when present, is pierced with at least one recess (26) which is conveniently uninterrupted and extends transversely relative to the direction of the height of the springboard; and has, at   in the vicinity of said recess (26), a cross section no-   both tubular and conveniently shaped as a tubular profile.   12 Springboard according to claim 11, characterized   by the fact that the recess (26) of at least one shock absorbing element   weaving (19) or damping block (20) and possibly, or   as a variant, of at least one elastic element (23) possibly-   present, is designed as housing for at least one   elastic stiffening element (27).   13 Springboard according to any one of the claims   orations 1 to 12, characterized in that the leaf spring (10) consists of two bodies (14, 14 ') which are arranged in   lateral juxtaposition, with spacing, a cushioning element   weaving (19) or damping block (20) and additionally, judiciously, an elastic element (23) being associated attached to each leaf spring.   14 Springboard according to any one of the claims   1 to 13, characterized in that the leaf spring   (10) consists of a plastic material, in particular a material   plastic sheet reinforced with glass or car- bone.