Claims:1. An installation (10) for playing table tennis, comprising at least one first module (12), said first module comprising:
- a base (14) configured to rest on a floor (S) and comprising at least one first upright (22) having an upper end (22a);
- a panel (16) supported by said base and being mounted pivotably with respect to the upper end of the first upright of the base, along a first axis of pivot (X1), between an unfolded position in which it extends transversally to the first upright of the base and a folded position in which the panel extends parallel to said first upright;
- at least one first support element (32) extending laterally from an edge of the panel (16), the first support element comprising a pivot portion (34) mounted pivotably with respect to the panel along a second axis of pivot (X2), said pivot portion extending parallel to the panel, the first support element further comprising an attachment portion (36) extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion and being configured to cooperate with a net (N);
- at least one first crank (38) extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion of the first support element and having a first end (38a) and a second end (38b), the first end being attached to said pivot portion;
- at least one first rod (40) having a first end part (40a) mounted pivotably with respect to said at least one first upright of the base, along a third axis of pivot (X3), said first rod moreover having a second end part (40b) mounted pivotably with respect to the second end of the first crank along a fourth axis of pivot (X4),
the pivoting of the panel between its unfolded position and its folded position driving a relative pivoting of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel, along the second axis of pivot, the first support element being configured such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the panel when said panel is in the unfolded position, and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the panel when said panel is in the folded position, the pivot portion (34) of the first support element (32) comprising a sleeve (35) mounted pivotably with respect to the panel (16) along the second axis of pivot (X2) and to which said first crank (38) is attached, said pivot portion further comprising a stem (37) cooperating with the attachment portion (36) of said first support element, the stem being mounted slidably inside said sleeve between a retracted position and a deployed position.
2. The installation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot (X1,X2,X3,X4) are substantially mutually parallel.
3. The installation as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distance between the first axis of pivot (X1) and the third axis of pivot (X3) is substantially equal to the distance between the second axis of pivot (X2) and the fourth axis of pivot (X4), and wherein the distance between the first axis of pivot and the second axis of pivot is substantially equal to the distance between the third axis of pivot and the fourth axis of pivot.
4. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the attachment portion (36) of said at least one first support element (32) extends vertically.
5. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pivot portion (34) of said at least one first support element (32) extends under the panel (16) when said panel is in the unfolded position.
6. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pivot portion (34) of said at least one first support element (32) has a first end (34a) and a second end (34b), said first crank (38) being attached to said first end while the attachment portion (36) of said at least one first support element cooperates with the second end of said pivot portion.
7. The installation as claimed in 6, wherein the attachment portion (36) of the first support element (32) extends along an attachment direction (D), and wherein the first support element comprises an adjustment mechanism (39) for adjusting the position, considered along said attachment direction, of said attachment portion with respect to said pivot portion (34).
8. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stem (37) is rotationally locked with respect to said sleeve (35), such that the pivoting of the sleeve with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot (X2) drives the pivoting of said stem along the second axis of pivot.

9. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one first support element (32) comprises a locking device (50) having a locking position in which it keeps the stem (37) in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which it allows the putting of the stem into the retracted position.
10. The installation as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking device (50) is configured to go from the locking position to the unlocked position when the panel (16) goes from the unfolded position to the folded position.
11. The installation as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the locking device (50) comprises a locking housing (52) and an engaging member (54), the one being secured to the panel (16) while the other is disposed on the stem of said at least one first support element (32), the engaging member being configured to engage with the locking housing when the locking device is in the locking position and to disengage from the locking housing when the locking device is in the unlocked position.
12. The installation as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein the locking device (50) is configured such that the engaging member (54) disengages from the locking housing (52) during the pivoting of said at least one first support element (32) with respect to the panel (16), along the second axis of pivot (X2).
13. The installation as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein said at least one first support element (32) comprises a return member (56) configured to bring the stem (37) from its deployed position into its retracted position.
14. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second support element (32’) comprising an attachment configured to cooperate with a net, the first and second support elements (32,32’) extending on either side of the panel (16).
15. The installation as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a net (N) cooperating with the attachment portions of said first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the panel (16) is in the unfolded position, the pivot portion (34) of said first support element (32) extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane.
16. The installation as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a second module (120) comprising a panel (160) and a base supporting the panel of said second module, said second module being configured to cooperate with the first module (12) to form a table tennis table.

Description:Technical Field
This invention relates to the technical field of sporting installations and particularly installations for playing table tennis, for example table tennis tables.
This invention more precisely relates to installations for playing table tennis comprising at least one panel against which a ball is made to bounce and which can be placed in an unfolded position, during use, and in a folded position, corresponding to a storage position, when the game of table tennis is finished.
Prior art
Table tennis tables are known comprising a base on which are pivotably mounted a first panel and a second panel. Said panels can be placed in a folded position in which they extend vertically, and in an unfolded position in which they extend horizontally to allow the playing of table tennis. These tables are generally equipped with a net assembly comprising two support posts and a net, each of the ends of which is attached to one of the support posts. These support posts conventionally comprise a pincer-shaped base allowing the mounting of said support posts on one of the panels, in a removable manner.
Thus, when the table is put away, said support posts are disconnected from the corresponding panel before placing the first and second panels in the folded position. One drawback is that the net assembly must be stored independently of the table, such that it risks being lost or damaged if it is not correctly stored. Furthermore, this type of table involves many operations to mount and dismantle the net assembly every time the table is used and every time it is put away, which proves particularly limiting.
Table tennis tables are also known such as that described in the document FR 2 138 048. This table comprises a base on which two panels are pivotably mounted. The base is equipped with a mechanism for folding the table comprising bars, the ends of which cooperate with the toothed wheels of a support to which is attached an upright configured to support a net post. When both panels are jointly driven into their folded position, the upright remains substantially vertical.
One drawback of this table is that the two panels are inseparable and must be placed jointly and simultaneously in the folded or unfolded position. In particular, it is not possible to fold a single panel. The table of this document thus offers few configurations and is not modular. In addition, it is not possible for a single person to fold or unfold this type of table insofar as it is necessary to act simultaneously on both panels to fold them. Furthermore, this document also makes provision for disconnecting the net assembly, comprising the posts and the net, during the folding of the table. Here again this net assembly risks being lost or damaged. In addition, the folding mechanism of this table is particularly heavy and cumbersome and the toothed wheels risk being heavily stressed and wearing out quickly, which compromises the use of the table.
Summary of the invention
One aim of this invention is to make provision for an installation for playing table tennis remedying the aforementioned problems.
To do this, the invention relates to an installation for playing table tennis, comprising at least one first module, said first module comprising:
- a base configured to rest on a floor and comprising at least one first upright having an upper end;
- a panel supported by said base and being mounted pivotably with respect to the upper end of the first upright of the base, along a first axis of pivot, between an unfolded position in which it extends transversally to the first upright of the base and a folded position in which the panel extends parallel to said first upright;
- at least one first support element comprising a pivot portion mounted pivotably with respect to the panel along a second axis of pivot, said pivot portion extending parallel to the panel, the first support element further comprising an attachment portion extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion and being configured to cooperate with a net;
- at least one first crank extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion of the first support element and having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to said pivot portion;
- at least one first rod having a first end part mounted pivotably with respect to said at least one first upright of the base, along a third axis of pivot, said first rod moreover having a second end part mounted pivotably with respect to the second end of the first crank along a fourth axis of pivot,
the pivoting of the panel between its unfolded position and its folded position driving a relative pivoting of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel, along the second axis of pivot, the first support element being configured such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the panel when said panel is in the unfolded position, and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the panel when said panel is in the folded position.
The base may comprise one or more legs configured to rest on the floor. The panel is preferably of rectangular shape and defines the area of play of a player.
The first upright preferably extends substantially vertically. Also, in the folded position, the panel extends substantially vertically or slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. This folded position corresponds to a storage position wherein the surface on the floor occupied by the installation and therefore the overall dimensions of said installation are reduced. In the unfolded position, the panel extends preferably substantially horizontally, parallel to the floor. This unfolded position corresponds to a use position in which a player can bounce a ball off said panel and play table tennis.
The user can bring the panel from its unfolded position into its folded position by raising the panel. The panel is advantageously able to take up an infinity of positions between the unfolded position and the folded position.
Such a first module forms a half-table of a table tennis table. A table tennis table can be formed by making a second module cooperate with said first module, for example by adjoining the panel of such a second module to the panel of the first module. The second module is then advantageously devoid of any support element, crank and rod. The first module can also be placed against a wall thus allowing the user to play alone by bouncing the ball against said wall.
The first module of the installation according to the invention is independent of any other module and can be stored separately. The panel of said first module can be placed in a folded position, specifically independently of the position of the panel of a second module. One benefit is that a table formed by making the first module cooperate with a second module is modular and can be placed in many configurations. For example, only the panel of the first module can be placed in the unfolded position. The table is therefore particularly modular.
The pivot portion of said at least one support element advantageously extends horizontally while the attachment portion of said first support element extends advantageously vertically upward, to allow the attachment of a net positioned above said panel. The installation advantageously comprises a net connected to the attachment portion of said first support element. The attachment portion of the first support element advantageously extends parallel to the first upright.
In the unfolded position of the panel, the attachment portion of the first support element makes it possible to keep a net perpendicular to the panel to allow the playing of table tennis.
The first module is advantageously equipped with a second support element also comprising an attachment portion configured to cooperate with a net, for the mounting of the net on said panel, between the attachment portions of said first and second support elements.
Without limitation, said at least one support element can be mounted directly on the panel, for example in a housing fashioned in said panel. In a variant, and still without limitation, said installation advantageously comprises a box attached under the panel on which is pivotably mounted said at least one first support element.
Without limitation, the first support element can be equipped with a system for adjusting the tension of a net connected to its attachment portion or else a system for adjusting the height of a net connected to its attachment portion.
The first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot define a deformable quadrilateral under consideration in a plane transversal to said axes.
The distance between the second axis of pivot of the pivot portion of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel and the fourth axis of pivot of the first rod with respect to the first crank is fixed. Similarly, the distance between the first axis of pivot of the panel with respect to the first upright and the third axis of pivot of the first rod with respect to the first upright is fixed.
Also, when the panel is rotationally driven with respect to the first upright, along the first axis of pivot, along a first direction of rotation, from its unfolded position into its folded position, the first rod is also rotationally driven with respect to the first upright, along the third axis of pivot, in this first direction of rotation. The quadrilateral formed by the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot is the deformed. The first rod drives the first crank in rotation with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot, in a direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation of said panel with respect to the first upright. The first crank drives the pivoting of the pivot portion and of the attachment portion of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel along said second axis of pivot, in a direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation of the panel with respect to the first upright. Said attachment portion of the first support element pivots with respect to the panel and is brought closer to said panel.
The angle formed between said attachment portion and the panel is therefore reduced.
In the folded position of the panel, the attachment portion of the first support element does not project perpendicular to the panel and contrariwise extends along the panel, which reduces the overall dimensions of the installation in this position. Furthermore, several installations can be stored beside one another without said at least one first support element forming an obstacle to the positioning of said installations side-by-side. In particular, the panel of a second module can be placed in the folded position and be adjoined to the panel of said first module, also in the folded position. In addition, said at least one support element does not risk being struck and being damaged or injuring a user passing by near the installation.
The installation according to the invention makes it possible to keep said at least one support element mounted on said panel. Unlike the table tennis tables of the prior art, it is not necessary to mount then dismantle the net assembly, and therefore the connector assembly, then disconnect the support element of the panel, at each play session. The number of operations for the setting-out and storing away of the installation is greatly reduced.
In the folded position of the panel, the attachment portion of the first support element preferably extends into the plane of the panel, in such a way as to further reduce the overall dimensions of the installation in the folded position.
Similarly, when the panel is rotationally driven with respect to the first upright, along the first axis of pivot, along a second direction of rotation, from its folded position into its unfolded position, the first rod is also rotationally driven with respect to the first upright, along the third axis of pivot, in this same second direction of rotation. The first rod drives the first crank in rotation with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot, in a direction of rotation opposite the second direction of rotation of said panel with respect to the first upright. The first crank drives the pivoting of the pivot portion and of the attachment portion of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel along said second axis of pivot, in a direction of rotation opposite said second direction of rotation of the panel with respect to the first upright. Said attachment portion pivots with respect to the panel and is distant from said panel.
The angle formed between said attachment portion of the first support element and the panel increases until it extends transversally to said panel. When the panel is brought from the folded position into the unfolded position, the attachment portion is brought into a position immediately allowing the playing of table tennis, in which a net can delimit two areas of play. The installation can thus be set out more easily.
Owing to the invention, the position and in particular the angle described between the panel and the attachment portion of said at least one first support element is adjusted when the panel is put in the folded or unfolded position. In other words, owing to the invention, the attachment portion of the first support element is automatically pivoted with respect to the panel when said panel is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position and conversely, thus reducing the operations necessary to the setting-out or storing-away of the installation.
In addition, the panel of the installation according to the invention can be brought into a folded or unfolded position independently of any other panel of the installation. Thus, contrary to the tables of the prior art, a single user can fold the installation easily.
Advantageously, said attachment portion of the first support element remains substantially immovable, considered in the terrestrial reference frame, when the panel is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position and conversely. One benefit is to keep a net substantially immovable in said terrestrial frame of reference, preferably in a position allowing the playing of table tennis, whatever the position of the panel. It is therefore not necessary to act on the first support element before being able to play or when storing away. The attachment portion of the first support element is advantageously maintained in a substantially vertical plane, thus making it possible to maintain the net in such a plane substantially vertical.
Advantageously, the installation is configured such that the attachment portion of the first support element describes a rotation of an angle between 80° and 100°, preferably approximately equal to 90°, with respect to the panel, when said panel goes from the folded position to the unfolded position and conversely.
Preferably, the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot are substantially mutually parallel. They advantageously extend parallel to the panel. The first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot extend advantageously on one and the same side of the panel.
Advantageously, the distance between the first axis of pivot and the third axis of pivot is substantially equal to the distance between the second axis of pivot and the fourth axis of pivot, and the distance between the first axis of pivot and the second axis of pivot is substantially equal to the distance between the third axis of pivot and the fourth axis of pivot. The first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot then define a deformable parallelogram.
Advantageously, but without limitation, the distance between the first axis of pivot and the third axis of pivot can be slightly greater than or slightly less than the distance between the second axis of pivot and the fourth axis of pivot, by an order of magnitude of a few millimeters. Similarly, the distance between the first axis of pivot and the second axis of pivot can be slightly greater than or slightly less than the distance between the third axis of pivot and the fourth axis of pivot. One benefit is to preserve a clearance facilitating the deformation of the deformable parallelogram and therefore the pivoting of the first rod, of the first crank and of the first support element. This also makes it possible to better tauten a net attached to the attachment portion of the first support element.
Advantageously, the attachment portion of said at least one first support element extends vertically. In other words, the attachment portion of the first support element is immovable, whatever the position of the panel. One benefit is of maintaining a net in a vertical plane, such that it is not necessary to work the first support element before being able to play. The setting-out of the installation is further facilitated.
In a variant, without limitation, the attachment portion of the first support element can be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical when the panel is in the folded position.
Preferably, the pivot portion of said at least one first support element extends under the panel when said panel is in the unfolded position. One benefit is to improve the compactness of the installation. Without limitation, the first support element can be mounted pivotably on a box attached under the panel.
Preferably, the pivot portion of said at least one first support element has a first end and a second end, said first crank being attached to said first end while the attachment portion of said at least one first support element cooperates with the second end of said pivot portion. The first support element advantageously has the shape of an “L”.
Preferably, the first support element extends laterally from a lateral edge of the panel.
Advantageously, the pivot portion of the first support element comprises a sleeve mounted pivotably with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot and to which said first crank is attached, said pivot portion further comprising a stem cooperating with the attachment portion of said first support element, the stem being mounted slidably inside said sleeve between a retracted position and a deployed position. In the deployed position of the stem, the attachment portion of the first support element extends laterally from the lateral edge of the panel. One benefit is to be able to use the installation in official competitions, in which the net must extend laterally beyond the panel. When the stem goes from the deployed position to the retracted position, it is brought closer to the panel. One benefit is to be able to reduce the lateral overall dimensions of the installation when it is stored away, by putting the stem in the retracted position. Furthermore, when the stem is in the retracted position, the net is no longer taut, which makes it possible to reduce its wear. This also makes it possible to bring the panel into the folded position without the net hindering.
Without limitation, it can be envisioned to equip the net with an elastic tautening system making it possible to keep the net taut between the attachment portion of the first support element and a second attachment portion, when the stem is in the retracted position. One benefit is to keep the net pressed against the panel in the folded position, in order to avoid it dangling and being damaged.
The pivoting of the crank along the second axis of pivot drives the pivoting of said sleeve along this same axis of pivot.
Preferably, the stem is rotationally locked with respect to said sleeve, such that the pivoting of the sleeve with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot drives the pivoting of the attachment portion of the first support element with respect to the panel, by way of said stem.
Without limitation, the rotational locking of the stem with respect to the sleeve may be obtained by interlocking said stem and said sleeve. In a variant, and still without limitation, the stem can be equipped with a pin extending in a longitudinal groove fashioned in the sleeve.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, said at least one first support element comprises a locking device having a locking position in which it keeps the stem in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which it allows the stem to be put in the retracted position. One benefit is to avoid the accidental retraction of the stem, for example by a user striking the attachment portion of the first support element or because of the tension exerted by the net on said attachment portion. One advantage is also to keep sufficient tension in the net throughout the game of table tennis.
When the locking device is put in the unlocked position, the stem can be retracted, for example manually by a user.
Advantageously, the locking device is configured to go from the locking position to the unlocked position when the panel goes from the unfolded position to the folded position, owing to which it is not necessary for the user to put the locking device in the unlocked position. The storing-away of the installation is further facilitated.
Advantageously, the locking device is configured to automatically go from the unlocked position to the locking position when the stem is brought from the retracted position into the deployed position.
Preferably, the locking device further comprises a locking housing and an engaging member, the one being secured to the panel while the other is disposed on the stem of said at least one first support element, the engaging member being configured to engage with the locking housing when the locking device is in the locking position and to disengage from the locking housing when the locking device is in the unlocked position.
It will be understood that the locking housing can be fashioned in the panel or in an element secured to the panel, for example a locking unit, while the engaging member is secured to the stem. Conversely, the locking housing can be fashioned in the stem while the engaging member is secured and fixed with respect to the panel. In the locking position of the locking device, the engaging member cooperates with the locking housing to lock the translation of the stem with respect to the sleeve of said first support element.
Advantageously, the locking device is configured such that the engaging member disengages from the locking housing upon the pivoting of said at least one first support element with respect to the panel, along the second axis of pivot. One benefit is to be able to put the unlocking device in the unlocked position solely by pivoting the panel with respect to the first upright into its folded position. The user is not required to act on the locking device to place it in the unlocked position. The storing-away of the installation is further facilitated.
After putting the panel in the folded position, the stem of the first support element can be brought into the retracted position, for example by exerting a force on the attachment portion of the first support element, in the direction of the panel.
Preferably, said at least one first support element comprises a return member configured to bring the stem from its deployed position into its retracted position. In the retracted position of the stem, the return element is in a rest position. In the deployed position of the stem, the return element is tautened and tends toward its rest position. One benefit is that the stem is brought into the retracted position, and that the attachment portion is brought closer to the panel, when the locking device is put in the unlocked position. It is not necessary for the user to exert a force on the attachment portion. The storing-away of the installation is further facilitated.
Without limitation, the return member can be a spring or an elastic cable of tensioner type, a first end of which is attached to the inside of the sleeve and a second end of which cooperates with the stem of the first support element.
Preferably, the installation further comprises a second support element comprising an attachment portion configured to cooperate with a net, the first and second support elements extending on either side of the panel. A net can be made to cooperate with the attachment portions of the first and second support elements and tautened between these two attachment portions in order to delimit two areas of play.
The first support element and the second support element are preferably substantially identical.
Advantageously, the installation further comprises a net cooperating with the attachment portions of said first and second support elements and extending in a substantially vertical plane when the panel is in the unfolded position, the pivot portion of said first support element extending parallel to said substantially vertical plane.
Without limitation, in the folded position of the panel, the net can be slightly relaxed.
Advantageously, the base comprises at least one second upright having an upper end to which the panel is mounted pivotably along a fifth axis of pivot and the second support element comprises a pivot portion mounted pivotably with respect to the panel along a sixth axis of pivot, said pivot portion extending parallel to the panel, the attachment portion of the second support element extending transversally with respect to said pivot portion, the installation further comprising:
- a second crank extending transversally with respect to the pivot portion of the second support element and having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to said pivot portion;
- a second rod having a first end part mounted pivotably with respect to said second upright of the base, along a seventh axis of pivot, said second rod moreover having a second end part mounted pivotably with respect to the second end of the second crank along an eighth axis of pivot,
the pivoting of the panel between its unfolded position and its folded position driving a relative pivoting of said second support element with respect to the panel, along the sixth axis of pivot, the second support element being configured such that its attachment portion extends perpendicular to the panel when said panel is in the deployed position, and such that its attachment portion extends parallel to the panel when said panel is in the folded position.
The kinetics of the assembly formed by the second rod, the second crank and the second support element, during the pivoting of the panel, is similar to the kinetics of the assembly formed by the first rod, the first crank and the first support element.
Advantageously, the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot are respectively colinear with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth axes of pivot.
Preferably, the installation further comprises a second module comprising a panel and a base supporting the panel of said second module, said second module being configured to cooperate with the first module to form a table tennis table. The panel of the second module is advantageously mounted pivotably with respect to the base of the second module.
The second module is preferably devoid of any support element, insofar as the first module has at least one support element making it possible to support a net.
To form a table tennis table, the first and second modules are advantageously adjoined, such that their respective panels extend in the extension of one another in order to form the playing surface. Without limitation, the installation can be equipped with a securing device making it possible to secure the first and second modules during the game.

Brief description of the drawings
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[Fig. 1]Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an installation for playing table tennis according to the invention;
[Fig. 2]Figure 2 illustrates the installation of figure 1, in bottom view, the panel being in the unfolded position;
[Fig. 3]Figure 3 illustrates the first support element of the installation of figure 1;
[Fig. 4]Figure 4 illustrates the first support element of figure 3, without the sleeve;
[Fig. 5]Figure 5 illustrates the installation of figure 2, in side view;
[Fig. 6]Figure 6 illustrates the locking device of the installation of figure 1;
[Fig. 7]Figure 7 illustrates the installation of figure 1, the panel being in an intermediate position;
[Fig. 8]Figure 8 shows another view of the installation of figure 6;
[Fig. 9]Figure 9 illustrates the installation of figure 7 in side view;
[Fig. 10]Figure 10 illustrates the installation of figure 1, the panel being in the folded position;
[Fig. 11]Figure 11 illustrates the installation of figure 10 in side view;
[Fig. 12]Figure 12 shows another view of the installation of figure 10; and
[Fig. 13]Figure 13 illustrates a second embodiment of an installation according to the invention, comprising two modules.

Description of the embodiments
The invention relates to an installation for playing table tennis.
Figure 1 illustrates an installation 10 according to the invention for playing table tennis, in top view. In this non-limiting example, the installation 10 comprises a single first module 12. The first module comprises a base 14 configured to rest on a floor S and a panel 16. The installation 10 further comprises a first pivot mechanism 30 and a second pivot mechanism 30’ along with a table tennis net N.
The base 14 comprises a pair of legs comprising a first leg 18 and a second leg 20 each having a first end configured to rest on the floor S and a second end mounted pivotably with respect to the panel 16. The base 14 moreover comprises a first upright 22 having an upper end 22a and a second upright 24 having an upper end 24a. The panel 16 is mounted pivotably with respect to the upper end 22a of the first upright and at the upper end 24a of the second upright 24 along a first axis of pivot X1. The panel 16 is therefore supported by the base 14 and mounted pivotably with the first and second uprights 22,24 of said base between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first upright 22 and the second upright 24 are fixed with respect to one another.
The first pivot mechanism 30 and the second pivot mechanism 30’ extend on either side of the panel 16. As illustrated in figure 2, the first pivot mechanism comprises a first support element 32, a first crank 38 and a first rod 40. The second pivot mechanism 30’ comprises a second support element, a second crank and a second rod. In this non-limiting example, the first pivot mechanism 30 and the second pivot mechanism 30’are formed of the same components and are substantially symmetrical with respect to one another, such that only the first pivot mechanism 30 and its kinetics will be described in detail.
The first support element 32 is mounted pivotably with respect to the panel 16, under said panel, along a second axis of pivot X2.
The first support element 32 is illustrated in figure 3. As can be seen in this figure, the first support element 32 comprises a pivot portion 34 and an attachment portion 36. The attachment portion 36 is configured to cooperate with the net N. The attachment portion 36 and the pivot portion 34 are perpendicular with respect to one another, such that the first support element 32 has the shape of an “L”.
The pivot portion 34 has a first end 34a and a second end 34b. The attachment portion 36 extends perpendicular to the pivot portion 34, from the second end 34b of said pivot portion. The pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32 comprises a sleeve 35 and a stem 37 cooperating with the attachment portion 36 of said first support element 32. The stem 37 is mounted slidably inside said sleeve 35 between a retracted position and a deployed position. The deployed position is illustrated in figure 3. In this deployed position, the stem 37 extends essentially outside the sleeve 35.
In figure 3, it can also be seen that an opening 31 is fashioned in the sleeve 35.
The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends along an attachment direction D. The first support element 32 further comprises an adjustment mechanism 39 for adjusting the position, considered along said attachment direction D, of said attachment portion 36 with respect to said pivot portion 34. One benefit is to be able to adjust the height of the net with respect to the panel 16.
Figure 4 illustrates the first support element 32 of figure 3. In this figure 4, the sleeve is not shown for the purposes of the description. It can be seen that the first support element 32 also comprises a return member 56. In this non-limiting example, the return member 56 has the shape of an elastic cable of tensioner type, a first end of which is configured to be attached to the inside of the sleeve 35 and a second end of which is attached to the inside of the stem 37 of the first support element.
The return member 56 is configured to exert a return force on the stem 37 to bring it from its deployed position into its retracted position, when the locking device is put in the unlocked position. In the retracted position of the stem 37, the return element 56 is in a rest position. In the deployed position of the stem 37, the return element 56 is tautened and tends toward its rest position.
Referring again to figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the net N is attached between the attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 and the attachment portion of the second support element. The net N extends in a substantially vertical plane P1.
The pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32 is mounted pivotably on a box 17 attached under the panel 16, along said second axis of pivot X2. It extends along said second axis of pivot X2, under the panel 16, parallel to the panel 16 and parallel to the plane P1 of the net N. More precisely, the first support element 32 comprises a mounting bushing 41 arranged at the end of the sleeve 35 and pivotably mounted relative to the box 17. Advantageously, this mounting bushing 41 has at least one tooth configured to extend within a hole in the sleeve. The mounting bushing allows pivoting of the sleeve 35 and thus of said pivot portion 34 relative to the box 17.
Without limitation, the mounting bushing 41 is detachably attached at the end of the sleeve 35 by means of said tooth. Without limitation, the first support element 32 can comprise a clamping member, for example a clamping ring, to maintain the tooth of the mounting bushing 41 in cooperation with the hole in the sleeve. This clamping member secures the mounting of the bushing on the sleeve. The sleeve 35 of said pivot portion 34 extends inside the box 17. The attachment portion 36 of said first support element 32 extends from the second end 34b of said pivot portion 34.
The first pivot mechanism 30 also comprises a first crank 38. The first crank has a first end 38a attached to the first end 34a of the pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32. This crank 38 extends transversally to said pivot portion 34 and therefore transversally with respect to the second axis of pivot X2. The crank also has a second end 38b.
The first pivot mechanism 30 additionally comprises a first rod 40 having a first end part 40a and a second end part 40b. The first end part 40a of the first rod 40 is mounted pivotably with respect to the first upright 22 of the base 14, along a third axis of pivot X3. The third axis of pivot X3 extends under the first axis of pivot X1. The second end part 40b of the first rod 40 is mounted pivotably with respect to the second end 38b of the first crank 38 along a fourth axis of pivot X4. The rod 40 is a long thin element extending substantially parallel to the panel 16 and transversally to the pivot portion of the first support element.
Figure 5 illustrates the installation of the figures 1 and 2 in side view. In this figure 5 it can be seen that the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot X1,X2,X3,X4 extend parallel to one another, on one and the same side of the panel and parallel to the panel 16. Furthermore, in this non-limiting example, considered in a plane P2 perpendicular to said axes of pivot, the distance separating the first and third axes of pivot X1,X3 is substantially equal to the distance separating the second and fourth axes of pivot X2,X4. Similarly, the distance separating the first and second axes of pivot X1, X2 is substantially equal to the distance separating the third and fourth axes of pivot X3,X4.
Moreover, the four axes of pivot define a deformable parallelogram structure.
The installation 10 also comprises a locking device 50 illustrated in figure 6. This locking device 50 is configured to take up a locking position in which it keeps the stem 37 of the first support element 32 in the deployed position and an unlocked position in which it allows the stem 37 to be put in the retraced position.
Without limitation, the locking device 50 comprises a locking housing 52 fashioned in the outer wall of the stem 37. The locking device also comprises an engaging member 54 mounted pivotably on a box 17, secured to the panel 16. In the locking position of the locking device 50 illustrated in figure 6, the locking member 54 is configured to engage with the locking housing 52 to translationally lock the stem 37 of the first support element 32 with respect to the panel 16 and with respect to the sleeve 35. This makes it possible to keep the stem 37 in the deployed position. In the unlocked position of the locking device 50, the engaging member 54 is no longer engaged with the locking housing 52 such that the stem 37 is no longer translationally locked and can be brought into the retracted position.
The return member 56 is configured to bring the stem from its deployed position into its retracted position, when the locking device is put in the unlocked position.
The locking device 50 moreover comprises a spring 58 extending between an inner wall of the box 17 and an eccentric portion of the engaging member 54. The spring 58 exerts a permanent force on the engaging member 54 to drive it in rotation. The spring 58 is used to keep the engaging member 54 engaged with the locking housing 52. Furthermore, when the stem 37 is brought into the deployed position, the engaging member 54 automatically engages with the locking housing 52 under the force of the spring 58.
In the deployed position of the stem 37, the opening 31 fashioned in the sleeve 35 is disposed facing said locking housing 52.
There will now follow a description of the putting of the panel 16 in the deployed position.
Figures 1, 2 and 5 show the installation 10 in an initial use configuration, allowing the playing of table tennis. In this configuration, the panel 16 is in the unfolded position such that it extends horizontally, parallel to the floor S and perpendicular to the first upright 22. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends substantially vertically, transversally to the panel 16. The angle ß formed between said attachment portion 36 and the panel 16 is approximately 90°.
Furthermore, in this configuration, the stem 37 of the first support element 32 is in the deployed position such that the attachment portion 36 of the first support element extends laterally from a first lateral edge 16a of the panel. The locking device 50 is in the locking position such that it keeps the stem 37 in the deployed position, as illustrated in figure 6.
To bring it into the folded position, the user raises the panel 16 in such a way as to make it pivot with respect to the base 14, along the first axis of pivot X1, as illustrated in figures 7, 8 and 9, in a first direction of rotation. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an intermediate position of the panel between the folded position and the unfolded position.
The first rod 40 is rotationally driven with respect to the first upright 22, along the third axis of pivot X3, in this same first direction of rotation. This has the consequence of deforming the parallelogram formed by the first, second, third and fourth axes of pivot X1,X2,X3,X4. The first rod 40 drives the first crank 38 in rotation with respect to the panel along the second axis of pivot X2, in a direction of rotation opposite the first direction of rotation of said panel 16 with respect to the first upright 22. Insofar as it is attached to the pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32, the first crank 38 drives said pivot portion and therefore the first support element in rotation along the second axis of pivot X2.
The attachment portion 36 of said at least one first support element 32 also pivots with respect to the panel along said second axis of pivot, in a direction of rotation opposite said first direction of rotation of the panel with respect to the first upright. As can be seen in figure 9, said attachment portion 36 is therefore brought closer to said panel 16, such that the angle ß formed between said attachment portion 36 and the panel 16 is gradually reduced. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 remains however substantially vertical, when considered in the terrestrial frame of reference.
Due to the pivoting of the first support element 32 with respect to the panel 16, the engaging member 54 disengages from the locking housing 52. The locking device 50 is brought into the unlocked position such that it allows the putting of the stem 37 of the first support element into the retracted position. The return force exerted by the return member 56 on the stem 37 drives the sliding of said stem inside the sleeve 35, from its deployed position into its retracted position. The length of the pivot portion 34 of the first support element 32 is reduced and the attachment portion 36 is brought closer to the panel. In the retracted position illustrated in figure 7 and 8, the stem 37 extends essentially inside the sleeve 35. The distance between the first support element 32 and the second support element is reduced such that the net N is no longer taut.
In other words, the stem 37 of the first support element 32 is automatically brought into the retracted position when the panel 16 is brought from the unfolded position to the folded position.
By continuing the pivoting of the panel 16 with respect to the base 14 along the first direction of rotation, the panel is brought all the way into the folded position illustrated in figures 10, 11 and 12. The pivoting of the first support element 32 with respect to the panel is continued.
In the folded position, the panel 16 extends parallel to the first and second uprights 22,24, substantially vertically. The overall dimensions of the installation are then greatly reduced. The installation 10 is then in a storage configuration. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element 32 extends parallel to the panel 16, and without limitation, in the plane of said panel and along said panel. The angle ß formed between said attachment portion 36 and the panel 16 is substantially zero.
It can be seen that the first support element 32, and therefore the attachment portion 36, remain substantially immobile when considered in the terrestrial frame of reference, in a substantially vertical plane, when the panel pivots with respect to the first upright. The attachment portion 36 of the first support element is kept in a vertical position, parallel to the first upright 22. One benefit is to facilitate the setting- out of the installation 10 by dispensing with the steps of installation and positioning of the support element and the net.
When the panel 16 is brought from the unfolded position into the folded position, the second support element 32’ is pivoted in a similar way to the first support element 32. Furthermore, the stem of the second support element is also brought into the retracted position.
Insofar as the net N is no longer taut between the attachment portions of the first and second support elements, it does not hinder the pivoting of the panel 16 and does not hinder its putting into the folded position.
To bring the installation 10 into the use configuration again, it is advisable to pivot the panel 16 in a second direction of rotation, from its folded position to its unfolded position. The first support element 32 and its attachment portion 36 pivot with respect to the panel such that the angle ß formed between said attachment portion 36 and the panel 16 increases until it is approximately equal to 90°.
The stem 37 of the first support element 32 can then be brought into the deployed position, for example manually by a user. Owing to the spring 58, the engaging member 54 is automatically brought into the locking housing 52 and the locking device 50 is brought into the locking position, such that the stem is kept in the deployed position.
Figure 13 illustrates a second embodiment of the installation according to the invention. In this embodiment, the installation comprises a first module 12 as previously described as well as a second module 120. The second module 120 comprises a panel 160. The first and second modules 12,120 are positioned beside one another, such that their panels 16,160 are adjoined and extend in the extension of one another in such a way as to define the playing surface. The first and second modules form a table tennis table. They can be separated and are independent of one another.