FR3132230A1 - Play structure for tennis training - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a play structure for tennis training, comprising a canvas (1) arranged in a frame (3) in an inclined position with respect to a player, said frame comprising two lateral uprights (7) on which the canvas (1) is associated by forming a striking surface (1a) which extends along a rolling plane P of the ball (2) on it, as well as a lower crosspiece (9b) comprising a bead (10b) with a elastically deformable wall (17) which extends projecting from the plane P, the canvas (1) forming a return surface (1b) such that a ball (2) rolling downwards on the striking surface (1a) ends up its downward stroke by a rebound driven by the elastic deformation of the wall (17) under the effect of the impact of said ball. Figure 1

Description

Play structure for tennis training

The invention relates to a playing structure for tennis training.

Structures are known comprising an inclined canvas towards which a tennis ball can be struck by a player, said canvas being arranged in a frame presenting a striking surface which allows the return of the struck ball.

Such structures make it possible in particular to return the ball to the player at intervals of time allowing him to practice exchanging balls without the help of a partner. Thus, the player can work and improve his hitting techniques, such as the forehand or the backhand, but also learn to anticipate his movements to better receive the ball sent by an opponent.

Documents EP-3 740 291, EP-2 514 494 and CN-204 017 318 describe such a structure, in which the frame is supported by a base structure which is arranged to allow the positioning of the striking surface of the canvas in an inclined position relative to the player to allow the ball to have an upward then downward trajectory before being returned to the player.

In order to optimize the time between two strikes, the prior art provides for specifically conforming the upper part of the frame, in particular by over-tilting or under-tilting it relative to the striking surface, in order to delay the return of the ball towards its downward course. Furthermore, the ball is returned towards the player by providing a rebound of said ball on a lower part of the frame.

However, the prior art provides rigid frames which are not satisfactory both in the conformation possibilities of their upper part and in the rebound capacity of the ball on their lower part. Furthermore, the achievements according to the prior art do not prevent the ball from leaving the frame.

The invention aims to improve the prior art by proposing a game structure making it possible to improve the trajectory of return of the ball to the player while optimizing the time between two strikes, and this by means of a simple and simple design framework. which is particularly convenient to use. The playing structure according to the invention also makes it possible to hold the ball in the frame, while being quick to install and store, lighter and easier to use.

To this end, the invention proposes a playing structure for tennis training, comprising a canvas towards which a tennis ball can be hit by a player, said canvas being arranged in a frame so as to allow the return of the hit ball, said frame being carried by a base structure allowing the positioning of said canvas in an inclined position relative to the player, said frame comprising two lateral uprights on which respectively an edge of the canvas is associated by forming on said canvas a surface strike which extends along a plane P of rolling of the ball on it, said frame further having two upper and lower crosspieces respectively delimiting longitudinally between them the striking surface, the lower crosspiece comprising a flange having an elastically deformable wall which extends projecting from the plane P, the canvas having a lower edge associated with said wall by extending the striking surface by a return surface formed on said wall so that a ball rolling downwards on the striking surface ends its downward stroke by a rebound driven by the elastic deformation of the wall under the effect of the impact of said ball on it.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, made with reference to the appended figures, in which:

shows in perspective view from the front a play structure according to one embodiment of the invention;

And

represent in perspective seen from the front, from two different points of view, the frame and the base structure of the structure of the , the canvas not being represented;

represents a partial enlargement of the upper left corner of the ,

being a schematic representation of a section of the following the cutting plane CC;

is a partial representation in sagittal section of the play structure of the preceding figures, centered on the upper crosspiece fitted to the frame;

is an enlargement in front view of the upper part of the playing structure of the preceding figures, showing in particular the trajectory of a ball;

is a partial perspective representation seen from the rear of the upper part of the play structure of the preceding figures;

represents in side view the play structure of the previous figures, in which the support frame of the canvas is inclined relative to the ground at two different angles;

is a partial representation in front view of the lower part of the play structure of the preceding figures;

represents in perspective seen from the front a play structure according to another embodiment of the invention, the schematically representing sections of the left side upright of the respectively at the level of the striking surface (top) and at the level of the ball return surface (bottom);

partially represents in sagittal section a play structure according to the invention, said section being centered on the lower crosspiece of said play structure;

shows in perspective view from the front a play structure according to a variant embodiment of the invention;

represents in perspective view from the front a play structure according to another embodiment of the invention.

In relation to these figures, a game structure for tennis training is described below.

The structure comprises a canvas 1 towards which a tennis ball 2 can be struck by a player, said canvas being arranged in a frame 3 so as to allow the return of the hit ball 2. The frame 3 is carried by a base structure 4 to allow the positioning of the canvas 1 in an inclined position relative to the player.

Advantageously, the play structure comprises at least one inflatable chamber 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d forming the frame 3 and/or the base structure 4, which makes it possible to lighten the weight of said play structure, but also to reduce its bulk by deflating it when not in use, in order to facilitate storage and transport.

In the embodiments shown, the play structure comprises both an inflatable frame 3 and an inflatable base structure 4. Especially :

• in a first embodiment, the play structure comprises a single inflatable chamber 5 forming both the frame 3 and the base structure 4 (Figures 1-8, 11);

• in a second embodiment, the play structure comprises two distinct inflatable chambers 5a, 5b respectively forming the frame 3 and the base structure 4, which are reversibly associated to form the structure ( ) ;
• in a third embodiment, the base structure 4 is made with two separate inflatable chambers 5c, 5d which are reversibly associated ( ).

The play structure is thus inflatable from a limited number of air entry points, which makes inflation and deflation easier. For this purpose, each chamber 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d can have an inflation/deflation valve which can be adapted to be connected to a conventional inflation pump.

Each inflatable chamber 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d has a waterproof envelope, in particular formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), arranged in a sleeve 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d in particular for aesthetic reasons and/or for protect the frame 3 or the base structure 4 against possible risks of wear and/or puncture. The sleeves 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d can in particular be made of synthetic textile material, for example based on polyester.

In particular, each sleeve 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d comprises a tubular part intended to match the exterior geometry of the frame 3 or the base structure 4, and to which the canvas 1 is associated at its periphery, for example by seam 8, by gluing and/or welding, or removably by a zip, hooks or self-gripping means.

The play structure in the inflated state has the following dimensions in particular:

• a height of between 190 cm and 250 cm, in particular of the order of 230 cm;
• an average tubular section with a diameter of between 9 cm and 12 cm, in particular of the order of 10 cm.

The canvas 1 can be made of an elastically deformable textile material, in particular a woven or knitted openwork material of the 2D “mesh” type, which can be made of polymer fibers, in particular based on polyester (PES). Alternatively, the inflatable structure makes it possible to use a non-elastic or slightly elastic canvas 1, for example in the form of a fabric or knitted fabric, to the extent that the ball induces a deformation of the structure in addition to that of canvas 1.

The frame 3 comprises two side uprights 7 on which respectively an edge of the canvas 1 is associated by forming on said canvas a striking surface 1a which extends along a plane P of rolling of the ball 2 on it, as well as two crosspieces respectively upper 9a and lower 9b delimiting longitudinally between them the striking surface 1a. In particular, the plane P extends back from the side uprights 7, for example by associating the canvas 1 under said uprights, so as to hold the ball 2 laterally on the striking surface 1a.

In the embodiments shown, the frame 3 has two inflatable side flanges 10 forming the uprights 7, as well as a transverse flange 10b forming the lower crosspiece 9b.

Likewise, the base structure 4 has two horizontal flanges 11a which can for example be intended to rest on the ground, each of said horizontal flanges being extended by a rear vertical flange 11b on the upper end of which the frame 3 is supported .

Advantageously, as shown in the , the upper ends of the rear vertical flanges 11b are reversibly associated with the frame 3, in particular by means of fastening elements 12a, 12b of the snap button type, self-gripping means, buckles and clips, which makes it possible in particular to facilitate the folding of the play structure in the deflated state.

In particular, the frame 3 can have different zones of association of the upper ends of the rear vertical flanges 11b, which are arranged to be able to modify the angle α of inclination relative to the ground of the frame 3 by varying the angle β that forms a frontal plane F containing said tubes with said ground, as shown in the .

To do this, the frame 3 can comprise four male or female parts 12b of press studs, which are each associated with the rear of respectively a lateral upright 7 by being aligned horizontally in pairs, each pair being offset vertically by a distance of the order of 20 cm relative to the other pair along said amounts.

Furthermore, each upper end of a rear vertical flange 11b can be equipped with a press button part 12a complementary to the parts 12b fixed to the rear of the frame 3, in order to allow the player to adjust the angle α of inclination of said frame by associating said ends on the parts 12b of corresponding press studs at the rear of said frame.

In the two embodiments shown, the rear vertical flanges 11b are connected at their upper ends by a transverse flange 10a forming the upper crosspiece 9a, and at their lower ends by a transverse flange 11d for example intended to come to rest on the ground , in order to improve the stability of the play structure in the inflated state.

In particular, the transverse flanges 10a, 11d are formed in continuity with the rear vertical flanges 11b, in order to be inflated with said rear flanges from the same air entry point.

In Figures 1, 4, 6, 8, the play structure further comprises a rebounding rear canvas 13 which is associated with the rear vertical flanges 11b and the transverse flanges 10a, 11d of the base structure 4. The rear canvas 13 can be carried out in a similar way to canvas 1, allowing other exercises to be done, different from those of canvas 1 before: work on the volley, more rhythmic strikes (because the return is faster), service, etc. Alternatively, the rear fabric 13 may have a different structure from that of the fabric 1, for example in 2D mesh.

The canvas 1 extends above the upper transverse section 10a by extending the striking surface 1a by a return surface 1c so that a ball 2 rolling upwards on the striking surface 1a ends its upward stroke on said return surface, said return surface being surmounted by a cap 15 forming between them a space 16 into which the ball 2 is intended to be introduced.

In relation to Figures 4 and 5, the upper transverse section 10a comprises an elastically deformable wall 14 which extends projecting from the plane P at a height δ1 towards the player, the canvas 1 extending over said wall so that a ball 2 rolling upwards on the striking surface 1a ends its upward stroke with a rebound driven by the elastic deformation of the wall 14 on the effect of the impact of said ball on it.

In relation to the , the upper transverse flange 10a is angled away from the player so as not to substantially interfere with the trajectory of the ball 2 which rolls on the striking surface 1a above said flange.

According to this embodiment which can also be implemented with the realization of Figures 4 and 5, the canvas 1 can have a wall which extends projecting from the plane P, so that a ball 2 rolling upwards on the surface strike 1a ends its upward stroke with a rebound driven by the wall under the effect of the impact of said ball on it. In particular, the wall can be formed from a strip sewn in extra thickness on the canvas 2, in particular by being placed above the upper transverse section 10a.

The frame 3 has an upper transverse section 10c which forms a top crosspiece 9c with which an upper edge of the canvas 1 is associated, forming the return surface 1c between said top crosspiece and the upper crosspiece 9a.

The top flange 10c is formed in continuity with the side uprights 7, so that it can be inflated with them from the same air entry point. In particular, each side upright 7 has an upper end which is connected to the adjacent end of the top crosspiece 9c by an oblique tubular portion 10d.

The cap 15 can be made of a synthetic textile material of the polyester type, and has two side edges associated respectively with an upright 7, as well as an upper edge associated with the top crosspiece 9c by forming the space 16 with the return surface 1 C. The edges of the cap 15 can in particular be associated with the frame 3 by sewing 8, gluing and/or welding, or removably by a zip, hooks or self-gripping means.

As shown in Figures 3 and 3a, the side edges of the return surface 1c are respectively associated with an upright 7 under the side edges of the cap 15.

In particular, in relation to the , the cap 15 overcomes the deformable wall 14 by a distance Δ1 of between 110% and 180% of the diameter of a tennis ball 2, so that said wall can bounce the ball 2 on the cap. To do this, each side edge of the cap 15 is associated with an amount 7 along a fixing line 8a which is spaced by a height Δ2 of at least 8 cm relative to the fixing line 8b of the adjacent side edge of canvas 1.

As shown on the , the flange 10b forming the lower crosspiece 9b has an elastically deformable wall 17 which also extends projecting from the plane P, following a height δ2 towards the player, the canvas 1 having a lower edge 18 which extends the striking surface 1a by a return surface 1b formed on said wall so that a ball 2 rolling downwards on the striking surface 1a ends its downward stroke by a rebound driven by the elastic deformation of the wall 17 under the effect of the shock of said bullet on her.

Advantageously, the fact of providing a fully inflatable frame 3 and a base structure 4 makes it possible to elastically deform the entire playing structure in contact with a ball 2, in order to improve the movement of said ball along striking surfaces 1a and return surfaces 1c, but also to improve its rebound on the return surface 1b. In addition, the return trajectory of the ball 2 to the player is improved while optimizing the time between two strikes, by simply configuring an inflatable structure which is particularly practical to use. Furthermore, the inflatable structure allows you to benefit from a rear canvas 13 whose rebound properties are improved.

In relation to the , the lower edge 18 of the fabric 1 is arranged on the rod 10b along a transverse line D which projects from the plane P, so that the return surface 1b comprises a portion 18a of said edge which covers the elastically deformable wall 17.

In particular, the lower edge 18 is associated with the flange 10b and the portion 18a of the lower edge 18 has two side edges 19 which are separated from the uprights 7 of the frame 3. On the , the lower edge 18 is associated with the lower crosspiece 9b and the side uprights 7 so as to form a space γ of the order of 3 cm between each free side edge 19 and the side upright 7 adjacent to the level of line D.

In the two embodiments shown, each of the horizontal flanges 11a of the base structure 4 is extended by a front vertical flange 11c which is connected to a lateral flange 10 forming an upright 7.

In the first embodiment (Figures 1, 2a, 2b, 7, 8), each front vertical flange 11c is formed in continuity with the corresponding lateral flange 10, in order to be able to be inflated with said lateral flanges from the same air entry point. Likewise, the transverse flange 10b forming the lower crosspiece 9b is formed in continuity with the vertical flanges 11c and lateral flanges 10.

The front vertical flanges 11c are connected by a base flange 11e which is shaped so as to present:

• two lateral portions 20a intended to rest on the ground, in particular to improve the stability of the play structure; And
• a central portion 20b associated under the flange 10b forming the lower crosspiece 9b, in order to provide elastic reinforcement to improve the rebound of the ball 2 on said crosspiece, and therefore the return of said ball towards the player.

In particular, the base section 11e has two intermediate vertical portions 20c which each connect a lateral portion 20a to the central portion 20b.

The central portion 20b can in particular be reversibly associated under the flange 10b forming the lower crosspiece 9b, in particular by means of fixing elements 21a, 21b of the snap button or self-gripping means type.

Thus, when he wishes to store the play structure, the player can in particular dissociate the central portion 20b from the lower crosspiece 9b and the rear vertical flanges 11b from the vertical uprights 7, in order to facilitate deflation and folding.

In the second embodiment shown ( ), the frame 3 comprises a transverse flange 10e for example intended to come to rest on the ground, said flange connecting the lower ends of the side uprights 7 being formed in the continuity of the flanges 10 forming said uprights.

Furthermore, the transverse flange 10b forming the lower crosspiece 9b is formed in continuity with the front vertical flanges 11c of the base structure 4, each of said vertical flanges having an upper end which is reversibly associated with an adjacent vertical upright 7, for example by means of fastening elements such as snap buttons or self-gripping means.

Thus, to dismantle this play structure, the player can dissociate the frame 3 from the base structure 4 by unhooking the front 11c and rear 11b vertical flanges from the side uprights 7 before separately deflating said frame and said base structure.

In relation to the , the base structure 4 comprises a lower inflatable chamber 5c having a rear flange intended to be reversibly associated with a lower flange of a rear inflatable chamber 5d to form the transverse flange 11d of said structure.

Claims (15)

Playing structure for tennis training, comprising a canvas (1) towards which a tennis ball (2) can be struck by a player, said canvas being arranged in a frame (3) so as to allow the return of the ball (2) hit, said frame being carried by a base structure (4) allowing the positioning of said canvas in an inclined position relative to the player, said frame comprising two lateral uprights (7) on which respectively an edge of the canvas (1) is associated by forming on said canvas a striking surface (1a) which extends along a plane (P) of rolling of the ball (2) on it, said frame furthermore having two respectively upper crosspieces (9a) and lower (9b) delimiting longitudinally between them the striking surface (1a), said playing structure being characterized in that the lower crosspiece (9b) comprises a flange (10b) having an elastically deformable wall (17) which extends projecting from the plane (P), the canvas (1) having a lower edge (18) extending the striking surface (1a) by a return surface (1b) formed on said wall so that a ball (2) rolling downward on the striking surface (1a) ends its downward stroke with a rebound driven by the elastic deformation of the wall (17) under the effect of the impact of said ball on it. Play structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edge (18) of the canvas (1) is arranged along a transverse line (D) which projects from the plane (P) so that the return surface ( 1b) comprises a portion (18a) of said edge which covers the elastically deformable wall (17). Playing structure according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper crosspiece (9a) comprises a section (10a), the canvas (1) extending above said section extending the striking surface ( 1a) by a return surface (1c) so that a ball (2) rolling upwards on the striking surface (1a) ends its upward stroke on said return surface, said return surface being surmounted by a cap (15) by forming between them a space (16) into which the ball (2) is intended to enter. Play structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the tube (10a) and/or the canvas (1) has a wall (14) which extends projecting from the plane (P), so that a ball ( 2) rolling upwards on the striking surface (1a) ends its upward stroke with a rebound driven by the wall (14) under the effect of the impact of said ball on it. Play structure according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the canvas (1) has an upper edge which is associated with a top crosspiece (9c) forming the return surface (1c) between said top crosspiece and the upper crossbar (9a). I structure according to claim 5, characterized in that the cap (15) has two side edges associated respectively with an upright (7), and an upper edge associated with the top crosspiece (9c) forming the space (16) with the return surface (1c). Play structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one inflatable chamber (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) forming the frame (3) and/or the base structure (4 ). Play structure according to claim 7, characterized in that the frame (3) has two lateral flanges (10) forming the uprights (7) and two transverse flanges (10b, 10c) forming the lower crosspiece (9b) and a top crosspiece (9c). Play structure according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the base structure (4) has two horizontal flanges (11a), each of said horizontal flanges being extended by a rear vertical flange (11b) on the end upper part of which the frame (3) is supported. Play structure according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper ends of the rear vertical flanges (11b) are connected by a transverse flange (10a) forming the upper crosspiece (9a). Play structure according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the upper ends of the rear vertical flanges (11b) are reversibly associated with the frame (3). Play structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that each of the horizontal flanges (11a) of the base structure (4) is extended by a front vertical flange (11c) which is connected to a lateral flange (10) forming an amount (7). Play structure according to claim 12, characterized in that the front vertical tubes (11c) are connected by a base tube (11e) which is shaped so as to present two side portions (20a) and an associated central portion (20b). under a flange (10b) forming the lower crosspiece (9b). Playing structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the plane (P) extends back from the side uprights (7) so as to hold the ball (2) laterally on the striking surface ( 1a). Play structure according to any one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a single inflatable chamber (5) forming the frame (3) and the base structure (4).