FR3102067A1 - Sports equipment to form a cage suitable for the practice of combat sports, in particular mixed martial arts - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to sports equipment for forming a cage suitable for the practice of combat sport, for example for the practice of mixed martial arts (also called “mixed martial arts” or MMA). The sports equipment comprises a set of panels (3) intended to be juxtaposed and erected to form a peripheral enclosure of said cage. The panels (3) comprise bases (9) suitable for laying said panels (3) on the ground, in an erect and removable manner. And, between at least two juxtaposed panels (3), the assembly means (8) consist of rotary assembly means (8a) which allow a rotational maneuver of said two panels (3) juxtaposed along an axis of rotation ( 8 ') oriented parallel to the adjoining uprights (41). Said set of panels (3) can be maneuvered between two configurations: - a deployed configuration, advantageously self-supporting, adapted to form said peripheral enclosure of the cage (2), and - a folded configuration, advantageously self-supporting, suitable for its storage. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Sports equipment to form a cage adapted to the practice of combat sports, in particular mixed martial arts

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical field of sports equipment adapted to the practice of combat sports.

It relates more particularly to sports equipment for forming a cage suitable for combat sports, for example for the practice of mixed martial arts (also called "mixed martial arts" or MMA).

State of the art

Combat sports belong to a family of sporting activities in which two fighters compete against each other.

Some combat sports are practiced inside a peripheral enclosure which is known as a "cage".

This is for example the case of mixed martial arts (also called "mixed martial arts" or MMA), which is a hybrid combat sport in which percussion techniques and gripping techniques are mixed.

In general, the cage comprises a set of panels which are juxtaposed, and erected with respect to the ground, to form the peripheral enclosure. These panels are preferably eight in number, to together form a so-called "octagon" cage.

The panels each comprise a frame which is closed by an openwork filling, for example a mesh. Each frame comprises two uprights which are connected by a high crosspiece and a low crosspiece.

The frames of two juxtaposed panels are also secured to one another by means of assembly.

In a gym, the installation of such a cage is often permanent. The panels are indeed often particularly heavy, which limits handling; moreover, the assembly/disassembly operations of these panels are complex, in particular due to the structure of the assembly means.

And, once installed, such a cage blocks a relatively large space within the gym, sometimes to the detriment of other sports activities.

These constraints can then hinder the acquisition of such equipment for the development of sports halls.

It is also common for gyms to be equipped with undersized equipment, so as to limit / reduce the loss of floor space.

Presentation of the invention

In order to remedy the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes sports equipment intended to form a cage suitable for the practice of combat sports.

This sports equipment is adapted to be retracted / deployed, and this in a particularly efficient way, to take into account the needs of users.

More particularly, the invention relates to sports equipment for forming a cage adapted to the practice of combat sports, for example for the practice of mixed martial arts (also called “mixed martial arts” or MMA).

The sports equipment comprises a set of panels, preferably eight in number, intended to be juxtaposed and erected to form a peripheral enclosure of said cage.

The panels each feature a frame closed by an openwork filling; the frame comprises two uprights connected by a high crosspiece and a low crosspiece.

The frames of two juxtaposed panels are secured to one another by assembly means.

And the panels have legs suitable for placing said panels on the ground, in an erected and removable manner.

Between at least two juxtaposed panels, the assembly means consist of rotary assembly means which allow a rotational maneuver of said two juxtaposed panels along an axis of rotation oriented parallel to the adjoining uprights, so that said set of panels is maneuverable between two configurations:

- a deployed configuration, advantageously self-supporting, adapted to form said peripheral enclosure of the cage, and

- A folded configuration, advantageously self-supporting, suitable for storage.

Such sports equipment thus constitutes a retractable/collapsible cage.

Between two uses, such sports equipment can be maneuvered in its folded configuration to free up space in a gym. And, if necessary, the sports equipment can be deployed in the gym quickly and easily.

This "retractable / foldable" functionality also allows the acquisition of sports equipment whose dimensions are adapted to optimal practice (without undersizing, to take into account the loss of space between two uses).

According to one embodiment, the rotary assembly means between two juxtaposed panels comprise two hinges:

- an upper hinge, attached to the level of the upper crosspieces of said two juxtaposed panels, and

- A lower hinge, attached to the level of the lower crosspieces of said two juxtaposed panels.

Preferably, the hinges each include:

- two fixing pieces, each of which is secured to one of the two juxtaposed panels, and

- a pivot connecting member, provided between said two fixing parts to together define the axis of rotation.

More preferably, each fastener, generally L-shaped, comprises:

- a vertical arm, introduced and fixed within the upright of one of the two juxtaposed panels, and

- a horizontal arm, receiving the pivot connecting device.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product in accordance with the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

- the rotary assembly means are structured to allow a folded position in which the two juxtaposed panels are positioned facing each other and in two parallel planes, adapted to the folded configuration;

- the rotary assembly means comprise indexing means, adapted to define an angle between the two juxtaposed panels, according to an open position adapted to the deployed configuration;

- the panels are equipped with rolling means, advantageously carried by the legs and located on the outside, suitable for rolling said panels on the ground in an erected manner, advantageously for maneuvering between the deployed and folded configurations and/or for moving the panels in stowed configuration; preferably, the rolling means are associated with maneuvering means between two positions: - an active, low position, in which said rolling means rest on the ground and the legs are spaced from the ground, and - an inactive, high position , wherein said rolling means are raised relative to the ground and the legs rest on the ground, which rolling means consist for example of jockey wheels;

- the legs, and possibly the rolling means, are carried by the rotary assembly means, if necessary by the lower hinges, advantageously at the level of the uprights of the panels;

- between at least two pairs of successive panels, the assembly means comprise removable connection means which have two configurations: - an attached configuration, in which the two successive panels are secured to each other, and - a detached configuration, in which the two successive panels are separable from each other; preferably, said set of panels comprises at least two groups of at least two panels, for example two groups of four panels, which successive panels in a group are secured by rotary assembly means, and which assembly means between the panels of two different groups include removable connecting means;

one of the panels has a passage equipped with a leaf;

- the open filling consists of a wire mesh stretched over the frame;

- the sports equipment also includes a roll-up mat, intended to cover the ground surrounded by the panels in the deployed configuration.

The present invention further relates to a method for maneuvering the sports equipment according to the invention, from the deployed configuration to the folded configuration, which method comprises:

(i) if necessary, the operation of the removable connecting means in detached configuration for the separation of the groups of panels,

then the folding of the panels of each group by a rotating maneuver via the rotary assembly means, to form a zigzag folding,

Or

(ii) the rotational movement of the panels via the rotary assembly means, if necessary opposite each other and in two parallel planes, to form a flattened loop formed by two rows of panels.

Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

Detailed description of the invention

In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

is a general and perspective view of a sports equipment according to the invention, comprising a set of panels in a deployed configuration adapted to form a peripheral enclosure;

is a general and perspective view of the sports equipment according to FIG. 1, in which the assembly means between the panels are represented in a dissociated state with respect to the latter;

is an enlarged view of a detail III of FIG. 2, showing assembly means between two panels;

is an enlarged view of a detail IV of Figure 2, showing assembly means;

is an enlarged view of a detail V of FIG. 2, showing assembly means;

is an enlarged view of a detail VI of Figure 2, showing assembly means;

is a side view of the sports equipment according to Figure 1, in which rolling means rest on the ground and the legs are spaced from the ground;

is a perspective view which shows a maneuver of removable connecting means in detached configuration, for the separation of two groups of panels;

is a perspective view showing the folding of a first panel;

is a perspective view showing the folding of a second panel;

is a perspective view showing the folding of the panels into a zigzag folding shape;

is a general, schematic view showing the folding of the panels into a flattened loop folding shape;

shows an alternative embodiment for a first fastening part forming the assembly means between two panels;

shows an alternative embodiment for a second fastener forming the means of assembly between two panels.

It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and/or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

The sports equipment 1, shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, comprises a cage 2 suitable for the practice of combat sports.

Such sports equipment 1 is in particular suitable for the practice of combat sports of the mixed martial arts genre (also called "mixed martial arts" or MMA).

This sports equipment 1 is thus advantageously suitable for equipping a sports hall which is dedicated to mixed martial arts, or even to multi-sports.

Mixed martial arts encompasses hybrid combat sports, in which percussion techniques and gripping techniques are mixed.

In general, the sports equipment 1 comprises a set of panels 3 (at least two panels 3) which are intended to be juxtaposed and erected to together form / delimit a peripheral enclosure of the cage 2.

By "juxtaposed", we also mean that the panels 3 are arranged in series, one after the other. In other words, the successive panels 3 are arranged to form at least part of a peripheral belt or a peripheral enclosure.

Each panel 3 is thus secured with another panel 3 or with two other panels 3.

By "erected", it is advantageously meant that the panels 3 extend vertically or in a vertical position (still said perpendicular to the horizontal ground).

The panels 3 are preferably eight in number, to together form a cage 2 which is commonly referred to as an "octagon".

The panels 3 each comprise a frame 4 closed by a perforated filling 5.

A frame 4 comprises two uprights 41 which are connected by an upper crosspiece 42 and by a lower crosspiece 43 (FIG. 2).

The uprights 41 extend parallel to each other, advantageously vertically. The upper crosspiece 42 and the lower crosspiece 43 extend parallel, relative to each other, advantageously horizontally. Such a frame 4 thus has a generally square or rectangular shape.

Each frame 3 thus has a general plane 3′, in which frame 4 still extends (FIGS. 8 and 9).

The uprights 41 and the crosspieces 42, 43 advantageously consist of tubular parts, preferably made of metal.

The uprights 41 are continuous here, emerging vertically through the crosspieces 42, 43. The uprights 41 are terminated by two vertical orifices 411, coaxial (only the upper vertical orifices 411 are visible in FIG. 2).

The vertical orifices 411 advantageously have a diameter which is identical to the internal diameter of the uprights 41.

The uprights 41 of two juxtaposed (or successive) panels 3 are also juxtaposed or adjoining with respect to each other.

For this, as illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the frames 4 of two juxtaposed panels 3 are secured, one to the other, by assembly means 8 which will be described in more detail later. .

The perforated filling 5 here consists of a mesh stretched over the frame 4.

This perforated filling 5 is secured to the frame 4 by any suitable fastening means, for example with a metal wire or a rope.

This perforated filling 5 here also has a square or rectangular shape.

One of the panels 3 still has a passage 35 equipped with a leaf 36, to enter/exit the cage 2.

In this sports equipment 1 according to the invention, the set of panels 3 is maneuverable between two configurations:

- a deployed configuration, advantageously self-supporting, adapted to form the peripheral enclosure of the cage 2 (FIGS. 1 and 2), and

- a folded configuration, advantageously self-supporting, suitable for storage due to reduced bulk (figures 11 and 12).

By "deployed configuration", en includes panels 3 which are closed on themselves, to form together a closed belt of panels 3 (figures 1 and 2). Alternatively, not shown, the deployed configuration also includes successive panels 3 which are intended to be attached opposite a wall, so that the peripheral enclosure is formed by the combination between the panels 3 and part of the wall located between panels 3.

To obtain these two configurations, the sports equipment 1 is advantageously adapted to be placed removably on the ground (not shown), in particular in the deployed configuration.

The ground is advantageously flat and horizontal. This ground is advantageously devoid of structural means dedicated to the reception of this sports equipment 1.

For example, the floor consists of a rigid floor or a soft floor.

For this stable installation, the panels 3 comprise legs 9 suitable for laying these panels 3 on the ground, in an erected and removable manner.

These legs 9 are advantageously underlying with respect to the lower crosspiece 43.

These legs 9, described in more detail later, contribute to a laying of the panels 3 in a freestanding manner, in particular in the deployed configuration.

To obtain the two configurations, between at least two juxtaposed (or successive) panels 3, the assembly means 8 consist of rotary assembly means 8 a which allow a rotational maneuver of the two juxtaposed panels 3 along an axis of rotation 8' oriented parallel to the adjoining uprights 41.

The axis of rotation 8', between two juxtaposed panels 3, thus extends vertically or at least approximately vertically.

The two successive panels 3, interconnected by the rotary assembly means 8a , thus form a pair of panels 3 or a pair of panels 3 which has a dihedral structure.

The two panels 3 in question define, between them, an opening angle A between their respective general planes 3' (FIGS. 8 and 9).

The opening angle A is thus intended to vary according to the angular position between the two associated panels 3:

- a first opening angle A1 , in which the two panels 3 are in an open position and which corresponds to the deployed configuration, and

- A second opening angle A2 , in which the two panels 3 are in a closed/folded position and which corresponds to the folded configuration.

In this case, for the folded configuration, the rotary assembly means 8a are advantageously structured to allow a folded position in which the two juxtaposed panels 3 are positioned facing each other and in two parallel planes ( figures 9 to 11).

In other words, the second opening angle A2 is then advantageously zero or at least approximately zero. And the general planes 3' of the two juxtaposed panels 3 are parallel to each other.

According to the illustrated embodiment, in particular in Figures 2 to 4, the rotary assembly means 8a between two juxtaposed panels 3 comprise two hinges 10:

- an upper hinge 10 a , attached to the level of the upper crosspieces 42 of the two juxtaposed panels 3, and

- A lower hinge 10b , attached to the level of the lower crosspieces 43 of the two panels 3 juxtaposed.

In this case, the lower hinge 10b also forms the base means 9.

As shown in greater detail in Figures 3 and 4, the hinges 10 each include:

- two fixing pieces 101, which are each secured to one of the two juxtaposed panels 3, and

- a pivot connecting member 102, provided between the two fixing parts 101 to together define an axis of rotation 102' and as a corollary the axis of rotation 8' between the two panels 3.

More precisely, each fixing part 101 here has a general L shape. Such a fixing part 101 is advantageously made of metal, advantageously made in one piece by welding.

This attachment piece 101 includes here:

- a vertical arm 1011, introduced and fixed within the upright 41 of one of the two juxtaposed panels 3, and

- a horizontal arm 1012, receiving the pivot connecting member 102 and advantageously the vertical arm 101.

The vertical arm 1011 consists, for example, of a cylindrical section whose outer diameter corresponds, except for clearance, to the inner diameter of the vertical orifices 411 and the uprights 41.

The two vertical arms 1011 are advantageously parallel to each other and are intended to pivot around the axis of rotation 102'.

This vertical arm 1011 has for example a height of 10 to 50 cm.

Such a vertical arm 1011 is thus intended to be fitted into an upright 41, by introduction in translation through one of these vertical orifices 411.

The fixing of a vertical arm 1011 in its upright 41 is advantageously obtained by any suitable mechanical locking means, for example by bolting.

In this sense, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the fixing part 101 may comprise locking means 1015 which are adapted, on the one hand, to lock the vertical arm 1011 in translation in its upright 41 and, on the other hand, to lock in rotation (or even to position/guide angularly) the vertical arm 1011 in its upright 41 and thus to lock in rotation (or even to position/guide angularly) the corresponding fastener 101.

The locking means 1015 here consist of a second vertical arm coming opposite the upright 41.

This second vertical arm 1015 includes a slot 1015 a (here in the form of a vertical notch opening upwards) which is intended to open opposite the upright 41.

The light 1015 a is intended to receive an assembly member 1015 b (for example a bolt or a pin) which is attached between this second vertical arm 1015 and the adjoining upright 41.

Each horizontal arm 1012 is presented here in the form of a plate, presenting two opposite faces.

At the level of the lower hinge 10b , a lower face 1013 (free) of the horizontal arm 1012 here constitutes one of the legs 9 (FIG. 3).

The vertical arm 1011 and the pivot connecting member 102 are carried by the same face 1014 of the horizontal arm 1012.

Each horizontal arm 1012 advantageously carries part of the pivot link member 102.

The pivot connecting member 102 consists here of a connecting structure in the form of a hinge, preferably also in the form of a hinge to allow removable assembly/disassembly of the juxtaposed panels 3 (advantageously by vertical translation).

The hinge structure forming the pivot connecting member 102 is further illustrated by Figures 13 and 14. The hinge advantageously consists of a double hinge; each fixing piece 101 carries one of the two branches of this double hinge.

In other words, the pivot link member 102 confers a degree of freedom in rotation between the assembled fasteners 101 and between its respective vertical arms 1011, along the axis of rotation 102' of the pivot link member 102.

This axis of rotation 102' is thus intended to define the axis of rotation 8' between two juxtaposed panels 3.

In addition, the pivot connecting member 102 is advantageously located on the outside relative to the cage 2 in its deployed configuration. This characteristic is interesting to avoid protruding structures likely to injure the practitioners present in cage 2.

For this, the axis of rotation 102 'of the pivot connecting member 102 is located at a distance from the fixing parts 101, for example a distance of 5 to 50 cm.

Preferably, the rotary assembly means 8a comprise indexing means 11 which are adapted to define the first opening angle A1 between the two juxtaposed panels 3, this according to the open position adapted to the deployed configuration (see figures 1 and 4 in particular).

In this case, these indexing means 11 are formed by the horizontal arms 1012 which are intended to bear against one another when the juxtaposed panels 3 reach the open position.

This support then constitutes an end position in rotation for the fasteners 101 assembled.

Alternatively, the indexing means 11 can be formed directly by the pivot connecting member 102, having an end-of-travel position in rotation.

Again according to an advantageous characteristic, the panels 3 are equipped with rolling means 12 which are suitable for rolling these panels 3 on the ground in an erected position.

Such rolling means 12 are thus particularly advantageous for maneuvering the panels 3 between the deployed and folded configurations (FIGS. 7 to 11) and/or for moving the panels 3 on the ground in the folded configuration (FIG. 11).

The rolling means 12 are advantageously carried by the legs 9 (formed here by the lower hinges 10 b ) and are located on the outside (relative to the panels 3 in the deployed configuration).

The rolling means 12 consist for example of a wheel/castor 121 which is mounted on a clevis 122 pivoting about a vertical axis of rotation.

The rolling means 12 are associated with maneuvering means 13 between two positions:

- an active position, low, in which the rolling means 12 rest on the ground and the legs 9 are spaced from the ground (raising), and

- an inactive position, high, in which the rolling means 12 are raised relative to the ground and the legs 9 rest on the ground.

In other words, in the active position, the rolling means 12 project vertically with respect to the legs 9; and in the inactive position, the rolling means 12 are retracted vertically relative to the legs 9.

In this case, the rolling means 12, with the maneuvering means 13, consist for example of jockey wheels.

The operating means 13 then comprise a lever 131 which is operable in rotation around a vertical axis of rotation, so as to move the rolling means 12 in vertical translation.

In general, the legs 9 and the rolling means 12 are carried by the rotary assembly means 8a , in this case by the lower hinges 10b .

Only one of the two fixing parts 101 of the lower hinge 10b is equipped with rolling means 12.

These legs 9 and the rolling means 12 are advantageously positioned at the uprights 41 of the panels 4.

By "at the level" is advantageously meant a distance of less than 50 cm.

Rolling means 12 and legs 9 are then advantageously arranged between the two pivoting panels 3 forming a pair of panels 3.

Again according to an advantageous characteristic, at least two juxtaposed panels 3 can be separated from each other.

By this separation, the adjoining uprights 41 can be spread / separated from each other; the corresponding panels 3 can then be pivoted independently of each other.

This characteristic thus makes it possible to open the belt of panels 3, or even to divide the set of panels 3 into at least two groups of panels 3.

This removable connection is advantageously located between two pairs of panels 3. In each pair, the panels 3 are assembled by the rotary assembly means 8a to allow a rotational maneuver of the two juxtaposed panels 3.

For this, between at least two pairs of successive panels 3, the assembly means 8 comprise removable connecting means 8 b which have two configurations:

- an attached configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2), in which the two successive panels 3 are secured to each other, and

- A detached configuration (Figure 8), in which the two successive panels 3 are separable from each other.

The assembly means 8 preferably comprise several removable connecting means 8 b (at least two) which are distributed over the belt of panels 3.

The set of panels 3 then comprises at least two groups 15 of at least two panels 3, for example two groups of four panels 3 (FIG. 8).

In each group 15, the successive panels 3 are secured by the aforementioned rotary assembly means 8a .

The assembly means 8 between the panels 3 of two different groups 15 then comprise removable connection means 8 b .

Such removable assembly means 8b are shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6.

Here again, the removable assembly means 8 b between two juxtaposed panels 3 comprise two parts:

- an upper connecting member 8b1 (FIG. 6), attached to the level of the upper crosspieces 42 of the two juxtaposed panels 3, and

- A lower connecting member 8b2 (Figure 5), attached to the level of the lower crosspieces 43 of the two panels 3 juxtaposed.

Each connecting member 8b1 , 8b2 comprises two fasteners 101, which are each secured to one of the two juxtaposed panels 3 (advantageously without the pivot connecting member 102).

Each fastener 101 is identical, or at least similar, to the fasteners 101 described above in relation to Figures 3 and 4 or with Figures 13 and 14.

This fixing part 101 thus comprises the vertical arm 1011 and the horizontal arm 1012.

In addition, each of the two fixing parts 101 of the lower connecting member 8b2 is equipped with rolling means 12 (FIG. 5).

Each fixing part 101 also includes a side arm 1016 (here a plate) which is intended to rest on the side arm 1016 of the other fixing part 101.

The adjoining side arms 1016 are secured to each other by an assembly member 1017, for example by a strap or a bolt.

Each fastener 101 may also include locking means 1015 described in relation to Figures 13 and 14.

In general, the sports equipment 1 may also include a roll-up mat (not shown), intended to cover the ground surface surrounded by the panels 3 in the deployed configuration.

This roll-up mat is advantageously made of a flexible material, to absorb shocks and to limit the risk of injury for athletes.

The present invention also relates to the method for maneuvering the sports equipment 1, from the deployed configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2) to the folded configuration (FIGS. 11 and 12).

In the deployed configuration, the panels 3 rest on the ground via the base means 9.

If necessary, the rolling means 12 are in the inactive, high position, and raised relative to the ground.

The sports equipment 1 is then adapted to sports practice.

When the sports equipment 1 must be stored, this process begins, if necessary, with the operation of the rolling means 12 in the active position (FIG. 7). For this, an operator intervenes on the maneuvering means 13 dedicated.

The rolling means 12 then come to rest on the ground, then cause the legs 9 to rise relative to the ground.

The panels 3 then rest on the ground via the rolling means 12.

In a first embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 11, the removable connecting means 8b are operated in the detached configuration.

The panels 3 are then separated into groups 15 of panels 3, here two in number (FIG. 8).

Then, in each group 15, the terminal panels 3 are each folded facing one of the two central panels 3 (FIGS. 9 and 10).

This operation of each end panel 3 consists of a rotational movement around the axis of rotation 8' defined by the rotary assembly means 8a .

These 3-terminal panels are advantageously folded here on the same side, outwards.

The two central 3-panels can then also be folded up, one facing the other (here towards the inside).

Here again, this operation of the central panels 3 consists of a rotational movement around the axis of rotation 8' defined by the rotary assembly means 8a .

Such a folding offers a zigzag folding for each group 15 of panels 3.

The group 15 then has a parallelepipedic size, the width of which corresponds to a panel 3 and the thickness corresponds, at least approximately, to the superposed panels 3.

According to a second embodiment represented in FIG. 12, the panels 3 are moved in translation and in rotation via the rotary assembly means 8a which remain in an attached configuration (without maneuvering in the detached configuration).

The panels 3 are brought opposite each other and in two parallel planes, to form a flattened loop formed by two rows of panels 3.

The panels 3 then have a parallelepipedic size, the width of which corresponds to an alignment of coplanar panels 3 (here four in number) and the thickness corresponds, at least approximately, to two superimposed panels 3.

In the various embodiments, the panels 3 in the folded configuration can be moved by rolling on the ground with a view to their storage.

For the installation of the cage 2, the operation of the sports equipment 1 is reversed from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration.

In particular, the sports equipment 1 is deployed at the desired location. This maneuver can be facilitated by the rolling means 12.

According to a variant embodiment not shown, the sports equipment 1 may comprise at least two panels 3 connected by the rotary assembly means 8a , without the removable connecting means 8b .

Such panels 3 can then cooperate with a wall, to together delimit the sports enclosure.

Claims (12)

Sports equipment to form a cage adapted to the practice of combat sports, for example for the practice of mixed martial arts (also called "mixed martial arts" or MMA),
which sports equipment comprises a set of panels (3), preferably eight in number, intended to be juxtaposed and erected to form a peripheral enclosure of said cage,
which panels (3) each comprise a frame (4) closed by a perforated filling (5),
which frame (4) comprises two uprights (41) connected by an upper crosspiece (42) and by a lower crosspiece (43),
which frames (4) of two juxtaposed panels (3) are secured to one another by assembly means (8),
characterized in that the panels (3) comprise legs (9) suitable for laying said panels (3) on the ground, in an erected and removable manner,
and in that, between at least two juxtaposed panels (3), said assembly means (8) consist of rotary assembly means (8a) which allow a rotational maneuver of said two juxtaposed panels (3) along an axis of rotation (8') oriented parallel to the adjoining uprights (41),
so that said set of panels (3) is maneuverable between two configurations:
- a deployed configuration, advantageously self-supporting, suitable for forming said peripheral enclosure of the cage (2), and
- A folded configuration, advantageously self-supporting, suitable for storage. Sports equipment, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the rotary assembly means (8a) are structured to allow a folded-down position in which the two juxtaposed panels (3) are positioned facing each other and in two parallel planes, adapted to the folded configuration. Sports equipment, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotary assembly means (8a) between two juxtaposed panels (3) comprise two hinges (10):
- an upper hinge (10a), attached to the level of the upper crosspieces (42) of said two juxtaposed panels (3), and
- a lower hinge (10b), attached to the level of the lower crosspieces (43) of said two panels (3) juxtaposed. Sports equipment, according to claim 3, characterized in that the hinges (10) each comprise:
- two fixing pieces (101), which are each secured to one of the two juxtaposed panels (3), and
- a pivot connecting member (102), provided between said two fixing parts (101) to together define the axis of rotation (8'). Sports equipment, according to claim 4, characterized in that each fixing part (101), generally L-shaped, comprises:
- a vertical arm (1011), introduced and fixed within the upright (41) of one of the two juxtaposed panels (3), and
- a horizontal arm (1012), receiving the pivot connecting member (102). Sports equipment, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rotary assembly means (8a) comprise indexing means (11), adapted to define an angle between the two panels (3) juxtaposed , in an open position adapted to the deployed configuration. Sports equipment, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the panels (3) are equipped with rolling means (12), advantageously carried by the legs (9) and located on the outside, suitable for rolling said panels (3) on the ground in an erected manner, advantageously for maneuvering between the deployed and folded configurations and/or for moving the panels (3) in the folded configuration. Sports equipment, according to claim 7, characterized in that the rolling means (12) are associated with maneuvering means (13) between two positions:
- an active, low position, in which said rolling means (12) rest on the ground and the legs (9) are spaced from the ground, and
- an inactive, high position, in which said rolling means (12) are raised relative to the ground and the legs (9) rest on the ground,
which rolling means (12) consist for example of jockey wheels. Sports equipment, according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the legs (9), and if necessary the rolling means (12) according to Claims 7 or 8, are carried by the assembly means rotating (8a), if necessary by the lower hinges (10b). Sports equipment, according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, between at least two pairs of successive panels (3), the assembly means (8) comprise removable connecting means (8b) which have two configurations:
- an attached configuration, in which the two successive panels (3) are secured to each other, and
- a detached configuration, in which the two successive panels (3) are separable from each other. Sports equipment, according to claim 10, characterized in that said set of panels (3) comprises at least two groups (15) of at least two panels (3), for example two groups of four panels (3),
in that the successive panels (3) in a group (15) are joined together by rotary assembly means (8a), and
in that the assembly means (8) between the panels (3) of two different groups (15) comprise removable connecting means (8b). A method for maneuvering sports equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11 from the deployed configuration to the collapsed configuration, which method comprises:
(i) in relation to claim 10, the operation of the removable connecting means (8b) in a detached configuration for the separation of the groups (15) of panels (3),
then the folding of the panels (3) of each group (15) by a rotational maneuver via the rotary assembly means (8a), to form a zigzag folding,
Or
(ii) the rotational movement of the panels (3) via the rotary assembly means (8a), if necessary facing each other and in two parallel planes, to form a flattened loop formed by two rows of panels ( 3).