FR3065882A1 - REMOVABLE TARGET DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

A target device comprising a substantially planar target carrier and at least one fastener element having a first end secured to the target carrier and a second end having a fastener adapted to cooperate with a longitudinal member, the target device being characterized in that the fastener element has a deformable junction permitting movement of the target carrier when a force is applied to said target carrier, said junction including means for generating a biasing force for returning the target carrier to its initial position.

Description

REMOVABLE TARGET DEVICE

FIELD

The field of the invention relates to the field of targets for sports in which a projectile such as a ball is to be launched by a player. More particularly, the field of the invention relates to removable targets capable of returning to an initial position after being hit. The invention relates more particularly to target devices intended to be fixed to a fixed element such as a post or a transverse of a goal.

STATE OF THE ART

There are targets which can be fixed to posts for a goal such as those described in application US2014 / 0349786 or application EP2605841. These targets have the disadvantage of being suspended and can therefore only be attached to the crossbar. In addition, during powerful impacts such as those caused by free kicks, the targets are liable to come off, the fastenings being carried out by a flexible strap. Finally, once impacted, the target does not necessarily return to its initial position. Indeed, in this latter configuration, the target can move along the transverse or not be restored in a perfectly coplanar position in the plane formed by the frame of the goal.

There are targets comprising a dedicated attachment to a pole forming a specific frame such as that described in document US 2015/0246275. These targets include a fixation with a return element making it possible to return to an initial position. However, the fixation remains relatively fragile. Furthermore, this type of attachment cannot be moved easily, they are once and for all attached to a removable frame. This is the frame that is applied to a post. This solution is

-2binding when we want to move the target to a specific location or when we want to use the target for a goal whose dimensions do not correspond to the frame to which it is fixed.

There is a need to define a removable target which can be fixed to a post and which makes it possible to absorb shocks caused by shots. There is in particular a need to define a removable target offering new possibilities minimizing the intervention of a man to replace the target after each impact in an initial position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a target device comprising a substantially flat target support and at least one fixing element comprising a first end held integral with the target support and a second end comprising a fixing device able to cooperate with a longitudinal element, the target device being characterized in that the fixing element comprises a deformable junction allowing movement of the target support when a force is applied to said target support, said junction comprising means for generating a force of reminder to return the target support to its initial position.

According to one embodiment, the first end is held in the thickness of the target support.

According to one embodiment, the fixing device comprises two removable parts around a pivot connection and a clamping means for clamping the two parts around the longitudinal element.

According to one embodiment, the internal shape of the two removable parts is adapted to cooperate by tightening with a cylindrical shape.

According to one embodiment, the target device comprises two fastening elements whose junctions are parallel to each other.

According to one embodiment, the junction has a hollow longitudinal shape comprising:

a first extremal portion comprising in the hollow zone a first spring;

a second extreme portion comprising in the hollow zone a second spring;

a deformable central portion comprising in the hollow zone a connecting chain connecting the first spring to the second spring.

According to one embodiment, the target support comprises a cover containing at least foam portion adapted to cooperate with the length and the height of the cover.

According to one embodiment, the target support comprises a metallic structure fixed at the first end and sandwiched between two portions of foam held in the house.

According to one embodiment, the target support comprises a pressure sensor making it possible to activate a sound or light control.

According to one embodiment, at least one junction comprises a movement sensor making it possible to activate a sound or light control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

Figure 1: a football goal comprising a target device of the invention;

Figure 2: a football goal comprising a plurality of target devices of the invention in particular held on the crossbar or on one of the posts;

Figure 3: a perspective diagram of an example of a target device of the invention in a first installation position and in a second position after being hit by a balloon Figure 4: a first embodiment of a fastener (or fixing device) for fixing the target device to a post having a substantially cylindrical shape;

Figure 5: a second embodiment of a fastener for fixing the target device to a post having a shape whose section is a parallelogram;

Figure 6: a bending device, also called a junction, allowing a folding of the target device under the effect of a restoring force induced by the impact of a balloon;

FIG. 7: an example of target support comprising a cover and a foam portion;

FIG. 8: a sandwich structure included in the target support making it possible to maintain the junction of the target device;

FIG. 9: a structure forming a target body associated with a threaded retaining plate for the introduction of an extreme portion of the junctions 21.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a football goal 3 to which is attached a target device 1 of the invention, also called "target 1". The target 1 is fixed to a post 31. According to another use, the target 1 can be fixed to the transverse bar 33 or to an opposite post 32. FIG. 1 illustrates a trajectory of a balloon 2 about to strike the target 1.

The target 1 of the invention comprises a target support 10, at least one junction 21, also called a bending device, and a fixing device 23, or clip 23, capable of cooperating with a longitudinal element.

FIG. 2 represents a front view of a football goal frame comprising posts 31, 32 and a transverse bar 33. A handball or hockey goal frame also applies to the invention. In general, any longitudinal element is suitable for use in the context of the invention. FIG. 2 represents a plurality of targets 1 fixed at different positions of the posts 31, 32 and of the cross bar 33 in order to illustrate a variety of use cases.

-5Each target 1 has a fixing 20 allowing it to be fixed to a longitudinal element 31, 32, 33 such as a post or transverse.

According to a first embodiment, the attachment 20 comprises a single holding element 21, also called a junction 21. This embodiment allows rapid attachment of the target 1 on a frame.

According to a second embodiment, the target 1 has two junctions 21 or three junctions 21. According to another embodiment, the target has a plurality of junctions 21. These embodiments make it possible to strengthen the fixation and prevent the target 1 spin during an impact on the edge of target 1.

According to one embodiment, the junctions 21 are all arranged on the same side of the target 1. According to another embodiment, junctions 21 can be arranged on two different edges of the target 1, the two edges forming for example a angle together. This configuration allows a fixing on a corner of a frame with a junction fixing a post and a junction fixing a transverse.

FIG. 3 represents a target 1, the target support 10 of which is in two positions, a first position POS1 of which corresponds to an equilibrium position in which the target is fixed to a post 31 and a second position of which POS2 corresponds to a position of the target 1 reached after an impact caused by a balloon shot 2. During the movement of the target body 10, the junctions 21 have produced a bending and have been deformed to ensure the displacement of the target support 10.

The target 1 comprises at the end 210 of the junction 21 a fixing device 23 able to cooperate with a longitudinal element 31. The fixing device 23 advantageously makes it possible to produce the periphery of the longitudinal element 31 in order to make the junction 21 integral with the longitudinal element 31.

Furthermore, the target 1 has at the end 211 a holding element making the junction 21 integral with the target 1.

FIG. 4 represents an example of a fixing device 23 adapted to cooperate with a longitudinal element 31 having a circular or elliptical section. The longitudinal element 31 can therefore be of tubular shape. Alternatively, the fixing device 23 can be adapted to cooperate with a shape of square section such as that shown in FIG. 5. This fixing device can therefore be adapted to handball goal posts or to a goal of the type installed at Hampden Park in Glasgow during the final of the European Cup of Champions Clubs on May 12, 1976 and having failed to allow a favorable rebound in shots from the Greens twice.

An advantage of the various embodiments is therefore to offer great compatibility depending on the structure of the frame used. Other forms may be compatible with an embodiment of the device for fixing the target 1 of the invention.

According to one embodiment, the fixing device 23 comprises a clamp {22, 22 '} provided with a clamping handle 25. According to one embodiment, the clamp {22, 22'} has a first part 22 and a second removable part 22 '. A first position makes it possible to wind or produce a periphery of the longitudinal element 31, it is the "closed" position. A second position makes it possible to release the device for fixing the longitudinal element 31, it is a so-called "open" position. A pivot link 24 makes it possible to hold each of the two parts 22, 22 ’together and to rotate these parts in order to pass from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

The tightening handle 25 makes it possible to lock the closed position of the tightening collar 22, 22 'and ensures that the latter is held around the longitudinal element 31. The tightening handle 25 is removable and can thus be folded over a portion of the clamp 22, 22 '. Different embodiments are possible. In a first embodiment, the tightening handle 25 is held on a first part 22 ’and is folded down on a second part 22. The end 250 of the tightening handle 25 is held

By making a stop on the part forming a projection 220 of the fixing device 23. According to another embodiment and possibly compatible with this latter mode, an adjustment screw (not shown) makes it possible to adjust the positions of the two parts 22, 22 'to adjust the tightening.

According to one embodiment, the junction 21 is fixed to the fixing device 25 from a first plate 27 secured to the junction 21 and cooperating with a second plate 26 secured to the fixing device 23. A fixing element makes it possible to join the two plates {26, 27}. It can be for example a screw-nut system. Other examples of fastening elements can be used in order to reinforce the planar connection between the plates 26, 27.

According to another embodiment, the junction 21 is extended into a part 22 'cooperating with the longitudinal element 31. In this case, the junction 21 is not fixed to the fixing device 23, but they partly form the same room. FIG. 5 illustrates this exemplary embodiment, at least part of the junction 21 forms a single piece with the part of the clamp 22 ’. The parts 21, 22 ’can be produced, for example, by molding.

Other fixing methods can be used to make the fixed connection between one end of the junction 21 and the fixing device 23.

FIG. 6 represents an exemplary embodiment of a junction 21 comprising different elements performing a function of a bending element comprising means for generating a restoring force in order to restore the target device 10 to an initial position after an impact.

According to one embodiment, the junction 21 comprises a first part 41 comprising a hollow tubular part in which is arranged a first spring 410. The junction 21 further comprises a second part 43 also comprising a hollow tubular part in which is arranged a second spring 430. The two parts 41, 43 form extreme extensions intended to cooperate on the one hand with the target support 10 and on the other hand with the fixing device 23. The junction

-821 further comprises a deformable portion 42 arranged between the parts 41 and 43.

According to one embodiment, the deformable portion 42 comprises a chain 422. According to another embodiment, a rope or a non-rigid element can be used, such as a flexible element. Any other element equivalent to the function of a chain and connected on either side to the first spring 410 and to the second spring 430 can be used. A function can be described as an element allowing deformation of the springs while ensuring a link between the two springs 410, 430.

An advantage of the chain 422 is to keep substantially the same non-deformable length during an impact in order to transmit all of the tensions exerted from one spring to the other.

When the target support 10 is struck, it is driven in its rotational movement around the longitudinal element 31. The target support 10 undergoing the movement causes the elongation of the spring 410 which places tension on the chain 422 and which in turn causes tension on the spring 430. This architecture allows a deformation of the junction 21 which is highly stressed. In addition, it makes it possible to generate a restoring force to restore the target support 10 to an initial position POS1. A deformable portion 421 covering the chain 422 makes it possible to camouflage the latter. In addition, the deformable portion 421 makes it possible to ensure a certain longitudinal rigidity which makes it possible to keep the central portion 41 aligned with the end portions 41 and 43. This portion 421 can be made of a plastic material or of rubber so as to be able to be also distort.

FIG. 7 represents an embodiment of a target support 10 comprising a cover 11 containing at least one foam portion 13. According to one embodiment, the shape of the cover 11 is substantially parallelepiped and the foam 13 has a shape which cooperates with at least two dimensions, or even three dimensions, of the cover 11. The target support 10 has a length L, a height H and a thickness E. When the target support 10 has a square profile, the length L and the height H are identical. According to one embodiment, the support of

-9target 10 has a cylindrical shape with a circular profile type section and a thickness of a few centimeters.

According to one embodiment, the cover 11 has an opening 12, for example of the “zipper” type. According to another embodiment, a lace allows a tightening of two opposite parts having openings. According to another embodiment, the cover 11 includes Velcro type straps so as to close two parts of the cover 11 forming an opening. The opening preferably extends along a diagonal of the target support 10. According to another embodiment, the cover 11 has an opening extending along one side of the target support 10 and which can, for example, extend beyond the two lateral edges. The opening can be made on one face of the support 10 or on the edge of the support, that is to say in the edge forming a thickness.

According to one embodiment, the cover 11 includes a marking, for example forming a target, that is to say comprising concentric circles. According to one embodiment, the cover 11 has a different color for each of its faces. The target can therefore be returned. One interest of the target is that it operates independently of its direction of installation. Indeed, the junctions 21 can deform in one direction as in the other. In practice, the target may include two faces of different colors, for example to adapt to the ambient light or depending on whether it is installed indoors or outdoors. It can include, for example, fluorescent marking for evening training.

The target 1 of the invention can include different versions of thicknesses E. The thickness E can be between a few centimeters and several tens of centimeters. A range from 4cm to 10cm is particularly advantageous as a weight / resistance compromise.

According to one embodiment, the target comprises a plurality of foam portions arranged parallel to each other. These can be reinforced with other layers of heavier material.

FIG. 8 represents a first embodiment in which a plate 14, for example made of metal, is arranged between two foam portions 13, 13 ’. The metal plate 14 advantageously extends the junction 21 so as to be integral with it. The contact surface between the plate 14 and a portion of the foam portions 13 and 13 ′ shown ensures good retention of the latter in the target support 10. The cover 11 can for this purpose comprise at least one opening (not shown) allowing the introduction of the plate 14. This opening can be designed to be partially closed in case of use. The cover then only has an opening the size of the tubular portion of the junction 21 in the event of use.

The plate 14 forms a metal structure which can be fixed in different ways to the first end 211 of the junction 21. The plate 14 can be, for example, welded to the junction 21. When two junctions 21 are used, each of they are fixed to a plate 14 inserted in the target support 10.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment in which the junctions 21 are extended inside the target support 10 by two longitudinal elements 14 ensuring contact in the length or in the height so as to maintain the target support 1. When two junctions 21 are present, the portions 14 suffice to hold the junctions 21 integral with the target support 10.

The target support 10 then comprises two openings of diameter D1 capable of allowing a portion of the junction 21 to pass. According to one embodiment, the target support 10 comprises a side plate comprising two threaded openings. The side plate could for example have the same profile as the edge shown in FIG. 9 illustrating the diameters D1. In this embodiment, the junctions 21 include a threaded portion allowing their introduction so as to be held in the plate. The threaded portions can be extended so as to obtain a maximum contact surface inside the target support 10.

According to an alternative embodiment, the target support 10 comprises portions of polymer, of plastic type, to replace the

-11 foam which has been described previously. According to another embodiment, a polystyrene or a solid granular material can be used.

An advantage of the target 1 of the invention is that it offers great mechanical strength and relative maneuverability, in particular for fixing it to a post or to a transverse. In addition, it offers an impression of percussion due to its movement. This impression allows you to appreciate the power of an impact with the ball and to make the appreciation of training more realistic.

The target 1 of the invention also offers functionality to return to its initial position POS1 thanks to a restoring force generated by a double spring mechanism 410, 430 after an impact. An advantage is to avoid replacing target 1 after each impact since the system ensures automatic and faithful repositioning in an initial position POS1.

Finally, the target 1 of the invention offers a fixing device 23 to a post or a transverse 31, 32 which can adapt to the diameter of the section of the post. In addition, the locking mechanism provides good support to the post. The device comprising a portion forming a periphery of the post, this denier can therefore be made integral with the device in the event of tightening.

The target 1 of the invention therefore constitutes a training element for a footballer or any other player in a ball sport which can restore an qualitative impact. In addition, this target 1 can easily be installed, fixed and then removed.

According to embodiments, the target 1 of the invention can be associated with a bell to generate noise on each impact. According to one embodiment, the target comprises a pressure sensor or a motion sensor which can be associated with an electronic light or sound indicator. According to one embodiment, the target comprises a radio tag or any other communication interface making it possible to transmit data relating to the impacts to a remote unit. The remote unit then comprises for example a data interface, a memory and a

-12 calculator for storing the information transmitted. According to one embodiment, the impact information can be transmitted to a Smartphone via a Bluetooth or wifi link.

Claims (10)

1. Target device (1) comprising a substantially flat target support (10) and at least one fixing element (20) comprising a first end (211) held integral with the target support (10) and a second end (210 ) comprising a fixing device (23) able to cooperate with a longitudinal element (31), the target device (1) being characterized in that the fixing element (20) comprises a deformable junction (21) allowing movement of the target support (10) when a force is applied to said target support (10), said junction (21) comprising means for generating a restoring force making it possible to return the target support (10) to its initial position . 2. Target device (1) according to claim 1. characterized in that the first end (211) is held in the thickness of the target support (10). 3. Target device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing device (23) comprises two removable parts (22, 22 ') around a pivot connection (24) and a clamping means (25 ) to tighten (es the two parts around the longitudinal element (31), 4. Target device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the internal shape of the two removable parts (22, 22 ’) is adapted to cooperate by tightening with a cylindrical shape. 5. Target device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two fixing elements (20) whose junctions (21) are parallel to each other. 6. Target device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the junction (21) has a hollow longitudinal shape comprising: A first end portion (41) comprising in the hollow zone a first spring (410); a second end portion (43) comprising in the hollow zone a second spring (430); a deformable central portion (42) comprising in the hollow zone a connecting chain connecting the first spring (410) to the second spring (430). 7. Target device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the target support (10) comprises a cover (11) containing at least foam portion (13) adapted to cooperate with the length and the height of the cover (11). 8. Target device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the target support comprises a metal structure (14) fixed to the first end (211) and sandwiched between two portions of foam (13,13 ' ) kept in the house. 9. Target device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the target support (10) comprises a pressure sensor for activating a sound or light control. 10. Target device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one junction (21) comprises a movement sensor making it possible to activate a sound or light control.