JP2007516013A - Table tennis mounting assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A table tennis fixture assembly is disclosed that is adapted to connect and disconnect from the table guard plate and the frame. Specifically, the present invention is an apparatus comprising: a) a table tennis protection plate attachment, the table tennis protection plate attachment comprising a protection plate attachment inner surface; b) the table tennis protection plate The fixture further comprises one or more magnets partially or wholly disposed on the table tennis protection plate attachment, the magnet being adapted to be removably attached to the outer surface of the table tennis protection plate An apparatus having an outer surface is provided.

Description

(Technical field of the invention)
The present invention relates to a table tennis mounting assembly for connecting various components to a table tennis table.

(Background of the Invention)
Table tennis is a common indoor / outdoor sport that uses a rectangular platform, whereby two or four players are stretched in an upright fashion through the center of the platform. Go over the top and hit a spherical celluloid ball.

  The table tennis table has a standard dimension of 108 inches long from one end to the other. This platform is typically 60 inches wide from one side to the other. A central net is located in the middle of this platform during both play and practice. This is stretched between the net holding devices located along each side. That is, the net is extended from one side of the platform to the other side.

  Traditionally, the most common means of attaching these net mounts to this platform has included C-shaped clamps. Such clamps are removably secured to the table by screw or spring clamps or similar mechanisms that engage the upper and lower surfaces of the table along the side edges. This clamp is attached to the central part of the table. At the center, the two halves of the platform are in contact. In this central part, there is a crack in the protection plate (apron) of this stand.

  However, a number of defects are associated with these types of net mounting systems. These defects fall into two categories. (1) The net mounting system is improperly mounted on the stand. (2) The net mounting system is improperly used to level the playing surface of the table tennis table.

  Regarding the first problem, in order to use a C-shaped clamp net fixture, the screw clamp is used to fix and attach the net fixture to the playing surface of the platform and to prevent movement of the system relative to the platform. It must be fully tightened. At the same time, however, the fixture need not be attached firmly enough to cause damage to the playing surface if sufficient force is applied to move the device. (Movement can occur in a variety of ways. Most often, this is because the player accidentally hits the rear or front edge of the platform, or the player or the ball hits the net fixture during play. There is currently no standard quantified measure of the force with which the net fixture is secured to this platform. As a result, these net fittings are most often either insufficiently or excessively tightened to the platform. This problem exists especially for arthritic patients, children, or people who have weak grip and consequently are unable to properly tighten the C-clamp in the intended manner. If the fixture is tightened inadequately on the playing surface, the side shear forces cause the device to move suddenly. When this happens, often the surface of the table is shaved. On the other hand, if the fixture is over-tightened to the playing surface, this procedure also tends to damage both the upper and lower surfaces of the platform. As this damage increases, it becomes difficult to continue tightening the net fitting. This problem is exacerbated by new rules that apply to the construction of ping-pong tables that require the use of particleboard / composite pressboards. Once this degradation of the composite material begins in the net attachment region, this is facilitated exponentially by later applying the same compressive force associated with using the C-shaped clamp net attachment assembly.

  As noted above, another problem associated with using C-shaped clamping members is the improper use of these fixtures to “level” the playing surface of the platform. This procedure occurs when the two halves of the platform are brought together but they are not level with each other. In contrast to adjusting the pedestal with an adjustment collar at the base of its frame or its legs, many people use a C-shaped fixture to force the two halves of the pedestal to be level. Screw the two halves of the platform together until done. Thus, the lower half is raised and the higher half is lowered. Afterwards, this “leveling” procedure does not necessarily bend the base at or near the mounting point, and has already occurred naturally on the playing surface of the base due to degradation, humidity, separation of directional wood bits, etc. It is clear that it promotes the “distortion” process. A constant C-shaped clamping pressure also causes excessive strain and fatigue to the platform, particularly in the net fixture region.

  In order to maintain a proper playing surface, a metal steel rim or “protection plate” is under the table. Steel guard plates vary in thickness or width, but many are approximately 1 inch wide and connect to the underside of the pedestal edge. This guard plate typically extends down a distance in the range of 1.5 inches to 2 inches. This guard plate provides structural integrity to the pedestal by supporting the rim of the pedestal. In this way, the guard plate helps to prevent the pedestal edge from being chipped or damaged. This also helps delay the effect of distortion of the playing surface of the platform. Since the protective plate is located along the edge of each half of the table, the protective plate is not continuous along the entire table. Thus, the conventional C-shaped clamp net fixture still clamps the platform itself, in contrast to this guard plate. As a result, the intention to attach this steel protection plate to extend the life of the playing surface is ruined by the conventional procedure of attaching a C-shaped clamping member to the playing surface of the table.

  Also, as a natural result of repeated use of a play net or practice net, the corners of the end of the platform can be deformed by chipping, cracking, scraping, dents, and the like. This is a particular problem. This is because the top surface of the table is fair play during the game. Therefore, even if the hit ball hits any part (including the outer edge and corner) of the playing surface of the table, it is still playing. When the ball hits one of these chipped, scraped or recessed areas, the ball bounces irregularly, thereby ruining play.

  To further illustrate, many table tennis equipment, other than playnet fixtures, rackets, and tables, are available to table tennis players for both play and practice purposes. Some of these tools include, among other things, practice net fittings, racket holders, ball holders, net gauges, decorative key chains, and personal score recording tools. These tools are typically brought into the facility and associated play area by individual players. In the best case scenario, these are used for their intended purpose, after which the player typically removes those equipment from the playing area and, if not necessarily, carries it away from the table tennis table. Place them in a sports bag, storage bin, or other auxiliary storage location. In the worst case scenario, these small gears are also left vulgarly on the floor in the playing area during play or practice. At the same time, there is clearly a great danger of being crushed and destroyed. For larger equipment (eg, practice net fittings and play net fittings), a fairly large market has developed to produce and supply various storage bins and transport equipment that can place these items. Yes. Continued reliance on these obsolete styles of storing table tennis equipment only serves to frustrate the purpose of improving the popular appeal of the game.

  In view of the above problems, it would be advantageous to devise a method for detachably attaching a net mount to a table tennis table in a manner that is less likely to damage or distort the playing surface of the table tennis table when attached to the table tennis table. is there. The same net fixture also increases resistance to movement if it is inadvertently moved backwards or forwards by a force that moves parallel to the side guards on the platform. Ideally, such a device also provides for easy installation and removal of the net assembly from the platform. Finally, such a device also provides a way to store the device on the platform itself without sacrificing the structural integrity of the platform's playing surface or hiding the playing surface during play or practice. .

  The above problems are solved and technical progress is achieved by the present invention. A guard plate fixture is disclosed. This guard plate fitting (1) meets the need for strong and simple attachment to the base, (2) applies a consistent holding force, and (3) allows easy removal from the base. Similarly, an attachment tool is disclosed. This mounting tool is adapted to be modified to store other auxiliary table tennis tools on the table without compromising the structural integrity of the table tennis table.

  In contrast to attaching this mounting assembly to the weakest part of the table tennis table (i.e., the top surface of the wood composite table), the present invention provides the most fixed and stable point (i.e., closest to the playing surface of the table) (i.e. Including releasably attaching the fixture at a tabletop table or metal accessory guard plate and / or any other metal part of the accessory. By attaching this attachment to the metal base protection plate, the problem of scraping and destroying the playing surface of the base when mounting the assembly is alleviated. Furthermore, unlike standard C-shaped clamps, which can inevitably cause premature distortion to the ping-pong table when installed improperly, the present invention makes significant contact with the wood portion of the ping-pong table. Therefore, it does not substantially contribute to the distortion of the table tennis table.

  Importantly, the present invention also deals well with the problem of how the fixture can secure the ping-pong table if pushed or moved during play. Since the mounting system of the present invention attaches to the playing surface and underside of the ping-pong table, the system easily moves or “slides” when a force is applied. With this innovation, for example, in a manner that can transmit these forces to the most powerful part (protection plate) of the ping-pong table, by pushing the ping-pong table during shearing or play or accidentally hitting this tool, It becomes possible to connect the central net fitting on the protective plate. Since the mounting tool is mounted on a vertical surface (steel guard) rather than a horizontal surface (upper and lower surfaces of the table playing surface), this force can be more evenly distributed throughout the weight of the table tennis table.

  In addition, another problem associated with storage is solved. Players can use various table tennis equipment and leave it in the playing area and do not necessarily place them on the floor during play or practice or after use. In addition, individual table tennis clubs may wish to have larger items (eg, practice net fixtures or play net fixtures) stored on individual tables, so that these tools are readily available to players. You can hope it will be possible. Similarly, the clubs described above can store these tools in metal mounting racks, avoiding the same tool misplacement or net tool tangles that normally arise when stored in bins or buckets. obtain.

  When a standard C-shaped clamp is involved, the clamp exerts a compressive force against the ping-pong table as long as it is attached. Thus, the owner of the platform must remove the clamp immediately after use to avoid prolonged exposure to these compressive forces. By attaching a tool to the guard plate / frame, the pedestal owner may choose to remove the tool, but need not do so to lift the table tennis table. Alternatively, the player can store these tools just below the playing surface of the table by attaching smaller tools to the inside surface of the table guard plate / frame through the use of magnetic tools. Larger equipment can be stored in a similar manner, but possibly at various locations under the same playing surface.

(Detailed description of the invention)
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art device. As described above, the table includes the table upper surface 10, the table lower surface 12, and the protection plate 14. The protection plate 14 has a protection plate outer surface 16 and a protection plate center side edge 18. Each half of the pedestal has a pedestal center edge 19. A central gap 20 is formed when the halves of these platforms are brought together. That is, the two platform center edges 19 together are close enough to form a small gap. In any case, this gap between the vertical edges of the guard plate is about (3.5 to 4 inches) wide. For this purpose, the two halves of the pedestal need to be connected, so the traditional means for connecting the halves of the pedestal is a C clamp. Shown in FIG. 1 is an upper portion 22 of a typical C-clamp. The upper part 22 sandwiches a table between the lower part (not shown). Thus, traditional clamping mechanisms never involve the guard plate 14.

  FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is a guard plate inner surface 24 that is underneath the underside 12 of the pedestal and faces the interior of the pedestal for all purposes and purposes. Therefore, the protective plate inner surface 24 is almost hidden from the normal visual field. The guard plate is attached with a guard plate fixture 26, which also has a guard plate inner surface 28, which is adjacent to the guard plate outer surface 16. To do. As used herein, the term “protection plate attachment” is any, adapted to be magnetically attached to any metal part of the pedestal, including frames, legs, center nets, etc. It should be construed to encompass the fixture. Thus, although referred to as a “protection plate” attachment, the term “protection plate attachment” also encompasses attachments to metal legs or metal frames.

  In one embodiment, the guard plate fixture 26 may comprise one or more magnets so that the fixture 26 is magnetically attached to the guard plate 14. The guard plate fixture 26 may also include a fixture housing 30, which may be a separately manufactured component that is operatively connected to the fixture 26, or integral with the fixture 26. Can be formed.

  In embodiments of the present invention, the guard plate fixture 26 may be adapted to act as a central net fixture. The simplest embodiment for a central net attachment comprises a net attachment that is operatively connected to the guard plate attachment 26 and / or the attachment housing 30. In this regard, the central net fixture generally extends upwardly perpendicular to the table top surface 10, and the central net fixture comprises a net connected thereto. Obviously, the opposite side of the platform has a similar arrangement so that the net is stretched across the platform in the center. Furthermore, perhaps the central net is located above the central gap 20. In this arrangement, the vertical net attachment extends parallel to the protective plate outer surface 16.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the net fixture assembly (protection plate fixture 26 and fixture housing 30) is shown. It is the fixture housing horizontal portion 32 that is operatively connected to or integrally formed with the fixture housing 30 and / or guard plate fixture 26. The horizontal portion 32 extends perpendicular to the protective plate outer surface 16. In one embodiment, this vertical portion extends horizontally by at least 6 inches from the playing surface of the platform. Extending from the end 33 of the horizontal portion is a vertical portion 34 of the fixture housing, which generally extends parallel to the guard plate outer surface 16. The vertical portion 34 may extend vertically by at least 5 inches. The vertical portion 34 includes a vertical portion outer surface 36. Partially shown is a net 38, which essentially extends along the center of the platform. The net 38 can be directly connected to the vertical portion 34 or can be indirectly connected.

  FIG. 3 shows another view of the present invention. Shown is the central edge of the guard plate that together form the central gap 20. A guard plate fixture 26 is shown in the fixture housing 30. The fixture housing 30 also includes a vertical portion 34 of the fixture housing. The outer surface 36 of this vertical portion is also shown. This outer surface can be provided with various indicators (eg, product name, trademark, or pattern).

  Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention may relate to a guard plate fixture assembly adapted to connect a guard plate portion centrally. The fixture assembly may include a central net 38 attached thereto. The fixture assembly may simply comprise a vertical portion to which the net is attached, so that the vertical portion is substantially in the same plane as the protective plate outer surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the fixture assembly may comprise a horizontal portion that extends from the platform and then extends vertically.

  Depending on the intended use of the device, there are a variety of materials and retention configurations (which may include a guard plate fixture 26). These magnetic materials are, among others, constructed from steel, ceramic, alnico (both cast and sintered), samarium cobalt, and neodymium-iron-boron (also known as “rare earth”). obtain. In addition, a number of factors need to be considered in order to determine the required strength of the magnetic device utilized to mount each of the table tennis devices. Some of these factors include the size of the surface to be attached, the shape of the surface to be attached and the surface condition of the surface to be attached, movement, vibration, friction, holding angle, and various machining forces. Thus, one embodiment of the guard plate fixture 26 is a neodymium-iron-boron material. NdFeB magnets have some advantages over using other magnetic alloys. NdFeB magnets are cost effective. This is because the main elements Nd and Fe are very abundant.

  Furthermore, when constructed, these magnets are mechanically stronger (less brittle) than the corresponding magnetic alloys with similar magnetic fields. Finally, NdFeB magnets are particularly lightweight.

  Further, the direction or number of guard plate attachments can vary. First, one or more magnets can be used. Various qualities and types of magnets can be used. Also, the magnet can be used in combination with other non-magnetic protective plate attachments. For example, the guard plate fixture 26 may also include a clamp. Furthermore, the protective plate housing may comprise a magnet and a clamp. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the protective plate attachment 26 may or may not include a magnet or other protective plate attachment.

  FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Shown are guard plate attachment 26 and attachment housing 30. As with any embodiment described herein, the guard plate fixture 26 may be located in a recess in the fixture housing 30 or may be a separate piece connected to the housing 30. obtain. In this embodiment, the present invention may be located at the end 42 of the table rather than at the center of the table. In this regard, a practice net attachment 44 is shown operably connected to the attachment housing 30. The practice net attachment 44 may extend some distance and may also include a practice net 46 attached thereto.

  FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the guard mount assembly can be used as a practice net system so that a player at one end of the platform can hit the ball at the opposite end and the ball into the net. Can be captured. Thus, shown are two sets of guard plate housings 30 on either side of the platform. Extending from each housing 30 is a practice net attachment 44 with a net 46 attached thereto. The angle of the practice net fixture can be routinely adjusted so that the area of the net 46 is made smaller or larger. By widening the angle of the practice net attachment, it is possible to stretch the net even further. The net 46 can be attached to the practice net fixture either directly or via a sleeve 48 that slides on the mount 44. The ball that hits the net 46 is captured by the net but is attracted to the lower portion 49 of the net 46 so that the lower portion 49 of the net can be connected to the bottom or side of the platform so that the ball is almost or I cannot escape from this net. In one embodiment, the lower strand 50 can be part of the lower portion of the net, which strand adheres to the underside of the platform or connects to a guard plate fixture 26 for connection to a guard plate. It can either be provided. For example, the lower strand 50 can comprise one or more magnets, which can be attached to a guard plate. In this regard, balls that hit the net are collected in the net.

  Although FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the fixture housing 30 is on a guard plate on each side of the pedestal, the present invention is also adapted for use along the pedestal end 51 and side guard plates. obtain. For example, one fixture housing 30 may be attached to the side guard plate and the other fixture housing 30 may be attached to the guard plate at the end of the platform. This setting is useful for players who practice corner shots or harsh side-angle shots. Therefore, the practice net can capture shots that are struck toward the side of the platform. In this regard, the present invention can move along the entire circumference of the platform as desired.

  FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a ball collection system. Here, the lower portion 49 of the net may also include a collection conduit 52 that carries the collected balls into the bucket 54. In this manner, as the balls hit the net 46, they are carried to a common collection area, enter the conduit 52, and enter the ball holding device (eg, bucket 54). Of course, this carrying mechanism can be designed from the net itself, i.e. it can be knitted in a funnel-like fashion towards the bottom area. Thus, the net can be formed in such a manner as to have a lower area for collection, where the balls collect in the lower area for collection. In another embodiment (not shown), the conduit 52 may carry the ball across the entire length of the platform to the opposite side and may direct the ball to a position that is generally proximate to the player. In this manner, the ball is hit, hits the net, is collected in a conduit, and redirected back to the opposite end so that the player grabs the ball and again with the ball You can play. A ball holding device (eg, a bucket) may be placed near the player. In yet another embodiment, for a person using an automatic ball launcher, the conduit may be redirected back to the automatic ball launcher for subsequent reuse.

  FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Shown in FIG. 7 is a fixture housing 30. As described above, the attachment housing 30 is attached to the protection plate 14. Accordingly, the housing 30 is adapted to accommodate any component designed to be attached to the housing 30. As described above, the central net fixture assembly may be attached to the housing 30. Further, the practice net attachment at the end of the platform can be attached to the housing 30. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the housing 30 is adapted to provide module replacement of the attached accessories. Other accessories that can be attached for this purpose include flags (eg, advertising flags), ball holders (eg, ball sleeves or buckets), hooks (eg, for hanging a racket from this hook), and the like. It is done.

  FIG. 7 shows that the fixture housing 30 can be fitted within a male-female socket arrangement to provide easy replacement of attached accessories. The housing 30 includes a female receptacle 56 that is adapted to receive a male counterpart. Although shown as a housing 30 that includes a female socket, it is understood that the housing 30 may instead include a male receptacle. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention relate to a fixture housing 30 that is adapted to be operably connected to one or more components.

  As noted above, it is noted that the term “protection plate attachment” covers any attachment adapted to be magnetically attached to any part of the platform. Accordingly, any embodiment described herein (eg, a practice net attachment) may also comprise attachments to metal legs or metal frames. In short, attachment to the protective plate 14 itself is not the only way to use these attachments. The “protection plate attachment” can also be magnetically attached to the leg or frame.

  FIG. 8 is in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Since the guard plate housing and / or fixture must be designed to remain in place on the guard plate, the present invention may also include means to assist in the removal of the housing from the guard plate. The simplest way to remove the housing from the protective plate is to simply pull the housing off. The handle 58 may be formed with a guard plate housing or guard plate fixture (either integrated or separately formed and then attached).

  In yet another embodiment, the means may comprise a lip 60 designed such that the housing rolls away from the pedestal guard. In this embodiment, the user may grab the handle 58 and pull the handle in direction X, thereby causing the housing to roll over the lip 60. In particular, the lip has a lip inner surface 62 that rolls into contact with the protective plate outer surface 16. In this regard, the user does not have to scrape the protective plate outer surface 16 thereby damaging the surface. Nevertheless, the handle 58 shown is an option. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user need only grasp the horizontal portion 32 and / or the vertical portion 34 to act similarly to the action of the handle 58.

  FIG. 9 shows another embodiment, and the means for assisting in the removal of the protective plate housing may comprise a dampening unit. If a magnet is used as the protective plate fixture, this buffer unit can be a magnetic buffer unit (MDU). This MDU is a material, method or process that can redirect the magnetic field lines of the protective plate fixture magnet. In this respect, the MDU may “block” or interfere with the magnetic field, thereby reducing the magnetic attractive force between the guard plate magnet and the guard plate. A material such as mu metal, highly permeable material, superconductor, or another magnet may be used.

  FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of MDU 64. In this figure, the MDU is seen from its inner surface 65 (ie, MDU inner surface 65), which is the surface facing the protective plate outer surface (not shown). A window 66 is shown in the MDU 64. In this window 66, the guard plate fixture 26 and the guard plate inner surface 28 can be seen. An MDU blocker 68 is shown. In this embodiment, there is at least one window 66 and at least one MDU blocker 68. The MDU 64 slides along one or more guides 70 (eg, slots formed in the fixture housing 30). Accordingly, in normal operation, the MDU 64 is slid to a position where the window 66 is in front of the protective plate attachment 26. In this way, the protection plate attachment 26 can be attached to the protection plate. It will be appreciated that while the attachment 26 is preferably in direct contact with the protective plate, the attachment 26 may not be attached directly to the protective plate. If the user wishes to remove the housing 30, he or she may “block” the ability of the MDU blocker 68 to move to the front of the fixture 26, thereby contacting the guard 26 with the guard plate or other The MDU 64 may be slid so that the attachment 26 interferes with the ability of the fixture 26 to contact the guard plate in a manner. The housing 30 is thereby easily removed. At this point, the window 66 is shifted to a position in front of the entire portion of the housing 30.

  It will be appreciated that in yet another embodiment, the correspondence between the number of fixtures 26 and the number of MDU blockers 68 may be 1: 1. However, it is also understood that any embodiment may have fewer MDU blockers 68 than the fixture 26. For this purpose, it is desirable to have a sufficient number of MDU blockers 68 to assist the user in removing the housing 30.

  As previously mentioned, this MDU blocker 66 may include a material adapted to interfere with or block the magnetic fixture 26. For this purpose, one embodiment of the present invention may include a blocker 68 comprising a magnet such that one surface of the magnet of the blocker 68 is opposite the fixture inner surface 28. As a result, when the MDU slides over the magnet of the fixture 26, the MDU magnet repels the magnet of the fixture 26, thereby assisting in removal.

  FIG. 9 shows an embodiment where the fixture 26 is fixed and the MDU 64 is movable. It is understood that the reverse is also possible. For example, the attachment 26 may be on a slide member so that the attachment 26 slides behind the stationary MDU 64, thereby achieving the same purpose.

  In yet another embodiment, the sliding mechanism of FIG. 9 can be adapted so that the MDU blocker 68 is moved alone. For example, guide 70 may be a vertical slot into which blockers 68 are individually inserted. At this point, the user inserts a blocker 68 for each window 66 present.

  In yet another embodiment, the MDU blocker 68 need not be present at all. If the user desires to remove the housing 30, the user can slide the MDU 64 over the fixture 26. The MDU 64 material may provide sufficient interference so that removal is facilitated.

  FIG. 10 shows another embodiment. Shown is a guard plate housing 30 having a cavity 72 therein, the cavity 72 having a threaded wall 72 and a release screw 74. The loosening screw 74 is perpendicular to the protective plate outer surface 16 and is positioned away from the protective plate outer surface 16. As the screw is turned clockwise, the loosening screw 74 will penetrate the threaded cavity 72, thereby pushing the fixture housing 30 further away from the outer surface of the guard plate 16. When the screw is turned counterclockwise, the fixture housing 30 is directed toward the outer surface of the steel protection plate.

  Accordingly, means are disclosed for removing the housing 30 or fixture from the guard plate or assisting in its removal. This means may include a screw or series of screws, levers, handles, lips, release mechanisms, MDUs, holes, tabs, screws or pulls, the device itself or a combination thereof. Further, the means may comprise an MDU having a sliding mechanism, an MDU blocker, or a combination thereof. Further, the means may comprise an MDU blocker adapted to repel the guard plate attachment 26. This means may also comprise means for sliding the attachment 26. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that the means for facilitating removal be considered as any form described herein as an assembly or as a component thereof. Means for assisting removal are also intended to encompass the structure, action, material, equivalent structure, equivalent action, and / or equivalent material, or any combination thereof. Although all forms are shown as part of all embodiments, it is also intended that all forms can be specifically excluded from all embodiments.

  As described above, the present invention has a supplementary aspect that facilitates storing various table tennis devices on the table tennis table. If the player decides to store these items in or on a location other than the platform itself, excess space is now wasted. Assuming there is a standard length ping-pong table with a metal guard that extends 2 inches from the edge of the table to the floor, there are approximately 1 under the two halves of the table tennis table combined. There is a storage space of 080 cubic inches. In conclusion, there is an extra space below the playing surface of the platform on which the devices discussed herein can be stored.

  FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, shown is a pair of guard plate attachments 26 connected to the attachment housing 30. This embodiment is useful for connecting the halves together so that the guard plate fixture creates a locking mechanism that holds the two halves of the platform together. This protective plate attachment 26 connects the protective plate external surface 16 as described above.

  The present invention also includes various devices that are detachably attached to the protective plate. For example, a net gauge, a paddle / racquet, a ball holder or the like for ensuring an appropriate net height can be attached to the protection plate. These devices may include a recess that is ready to accommodate the guard plate fixture 26. Thereby, the attachment 26 can be removed from the device. In addition, the device may include a guard plate fixture 26, which is manufactured with the device.

  It should be understood that the foregoing is only directed to a limited number of embodiments, which are provided for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and modifications of the above-described embodiments can be made, and these modifications are intended not to depart from the scope of the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the prior art. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (20)

An apparatus comprising:
a) Table tennis protection plate attachment, the table tennis protection plate attachment comprising a protection plate attachment inner surface;
b) The table tennis protection plate attachment further comprises one or more magnets partially or entirely disposed on the table tennis protection plate attachment, the magnets being detachably attached to the outer surface of the table tennis protection plate Having a magnetic outer surface adapted to,
apparatus. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guard plate fixture comprises a fixture housing adapted to hold one or more table tennis accessories. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fixture housing comprises a male socket, the male socket being adapted to mate with a female socket in the table tennis accessory. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fixture housing comprises a female socket, the female socket being adapted to mate with a male socket in the table tennis accessory. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the accessory is a net attachment. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the net fixture is at least one of a central net fixture and a practice net fixture. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the fixture housing is disposed between two or more magnets. (C) the fixture housing comprises a male socket, the male socket being adapted to fit with a female socket in the table tennis accessory;
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein (d) the fixture housing is disposed between two or more magnets. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the accessory is a net assembly. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein at least one of the protection plate attachment and the protection plate housing further comprises means for removing the magnet from the table tennis protection plate. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the protection plate attachment and the protection plate housing further comprises means for assisting removal of the magnet from the table tennis protection plate. A method for preventing premature damage to a ping-pong table, including:
a) obtaining a magnet; and b) inserting the magnet into a guard plate fitting adapted to be detachably attached to the table tennis guard plate;
Including the method. The method according to claim 12, comprising placing the protection plate fixture on a table tennis protection plate. 14. The method of claim 13, comprising attaching table tennis accessories to the guard plate fixture. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the table tennis accessory is a storage device. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the table tennis accessory is a net fixture. Kit, the following:
a) a guard plate fixture; and b) at least one table tennis accessory adapted to be connected to the guard plate fixture;
Including a kit. The kit of claim 17, wherein the accessory is a net attachment. The kit of claim 17, wherein the accessory is a storage device. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a net fitting and a storage device.

Images