Sports article comprising connectable hollow tubular elements that can be rolled up

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a sports article (20) comprising a first element (21) made of bistable composite material comprising an end (211, 212) suitable for being reversibly placed in an unrolled (S1) or rolled-up (S2) state, in which: - in the unrolled state (S1), the end (211, 212) is self-supporting and assumes a stable elongate shape extending along a first axis (x) and has a slot (F) with a predefined width (L1) along its length (x), - in the rolled-up state (S2), the slot (F) has a width (L1') larger than the predefined width (L1) and the end (211, 212) is rolled up around a second axis (y), the sports article (20) further comprising a second element and a first connector (23) suitable for connecting the first element (21) to the second element, the first (21) and second (22) elements connected by the first connector (23) forming part of a structure of the sports article (20).

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Sporting article comprising connectable rollable hollow tubular elements TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of sporting goods.

[0002] The present invention relates to sporting goods comprising a plurality of tubular elements and in particular wherein the tubular elements are hollow, rollable and connectable via a connector. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The state of the art is known to provide compactable sporting goods, i.e., transportable, for example by being foldable or disassemblable. By "compactable" is meant an item having a smaller footprint in a state suitable for transport than its footprint in a state suitable for practicing sport. In this respect, the sporting item is more compact during transport than during practicing sport.

[0004] These compactable sports items allow for sports to be played on the go, often outdoors, such as in a park, garden, or on the beach. These sports items can be stored, often in a cover or carrying bag, after being disassembled and / or folded.

[0005] To achieve this, most of these sporting goods include elements that are connected to each other. For example, in the case of a goal, for example a football goal, two uprights, also called posts, are connected at their upper end to a crossbar. These uprights, at their lower end, are connected to the rest of the structure, which keeps the assembly formed by the two uprights and the crossbar upright, that is, vertical.

[0006] Such a goal cage is shown in Figure 1. The two uprights 11 and 12 are connected by connectors (not shown) to the crossbar 13. The uprights 11 and 12 and the crossbar 13 are for example tubes, that is to say rigid, hollow elements extending along an axis and of circular section. The uprights 11 and 12 and the crossbar 13 and the connectors are most often made of metal.

[0007] The connectors may be included directly in the various elements, allowing the elements to connect to each other, for example via threading and tapping systems at the ends, or by interlocking. Alternatively or additionally, the goal cage may include connectors not belonging to one of the elements of the structure, the connector comprising two ends adapted to receive two elements, for example to receive one end of the upright 11 and one end of the crossbar 13, thus connecting the upright 11 to the crossbar 13. The connector may receive an element by interlocking the element in the connector or via screwing systems, for example by means of a thread and a tap.

[0008] Other elements 14 allow the goal to stand on a flat ground, and in particular the assembly of uprights 11 and 12 and the crossbar 13 to stand in the same vertical plane. These elements 14 are for example of the same nature as the uprights 11 and 12 and the crossbar 13, for example hollow metal tubes.

[0009] Like the goal cage described above, many of these compactable sporting goods use metal. Metal is a heavy material, difficult to recycle, and its manufacturing consumes resources and has a significant environmental impact. Furthermore, when the elements of the sporting goods are tubes, they retain a significant bulk, even when disassembled, imposed by their length. The more tubes the structure has, the shorter these tubes will be, but the longer the assembly / disassembly will be. Conversely, the fewer tubes the structure has, the faster the assembly / disassembly will be, but the longer these tubes will be and therefore the bulkier they will be even when stored.

[0010] Other compactable sporting goods include inflatable and deflatable elements. Once deflated, the elements are compact, and the sporting goods are therefore also compact. However, these solutions require an inflation pump, and their inflatable structure is made of PVC, which is not very recyclable.

[0011] There is therefore a need to offer a compactable sports article which does not have the disadvantages of the state of the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above, by allowing a sports article that is more compact than the state of the art once stored, and whose elements have a higher recyclability than the state of the art.

[0013] One aspect of the invention relates to a sports article comprising at least one first element made of bistable composite material comprising at least one end adapted to be in an unrolled state or in a wound state, wherein: in the unrolled state the end is self-supporting and takes a stable elongated shape along a first axis and has a slot of predefined width along its length along the first axis, in the wound state the slot has a width greater than the predefined width and the end is wound around a second axis extending transversely to the first axis, the end is adapted to pass from the wound state to the unrolled state in a reversible manner, the sports article further comprising at least one second element and at least one first connector adapted to connect the first element to the second element when the at least one end of the first element is in the unrolled state,the first and second elements connected by the first connector forming at least part of a structure of the sporting article.,

[0014] Thanks to the invention, a more compact sports article than in the prior art is proposed, when each element of the sports article is in the rolled-up state. An advantage of the invention is the possibility of rolling up only a part of each element, and keeping the other part unrolled. This makes it possible, for example, to create extensible elements, i.e. elements whose length can be modified, a larger part of the element passing from the rolled-up state to the unrolled state to lengthen the length of the stable unrolled shape along the first axis. This is made possible thanks to the use of a technology called "bistable reeled composite" material, abbreviated BRC. For example, the Rolatube® brand offers this type of composite, which can be used in the present invention.

[0015] The invention also makes it possible to propose a sports article that is more recyclable than in the prior art, that is to say comprising a greater number of recyclable components. This is made possible by eliminating the use of metal, which is absent from wound bistable composite materials. In addition, these materials comprise a large number of textile fibers, which are more easily recyclable than in the prior art, and for lower energy consumption than in the prior art.

[0016] In addition to the characteristics which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the sports article according to one aspect of the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second element is made of a bistable composite material and comprises at least one end adapted to be in the unrolled state or in the wound state, the end being adapted to change from the wound state to the unrolled state reversibly, the first connector being further adapted to connect the first element to the second element when the at least one end of each element is in the unrolled state, the ends of the first and second elements in the unrolled state connected by the first connector forming at least part of a structure of the sporting article.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sporting article according to the invention further comprises a third element comprising at least one end adapted to be in an unrolled state or in a wound state and according to which the first element is adapted to pass entirely from the wound state to the unrolled state in a reversible manner, the sporting article comprising a second connector configured to connect the end of the third element to a second end of the first element, when the second end of the first element and the end of the third element are in the unrolled state, the three elements in the unrolled state connected by the first connector and the second connector forming at least part of a structure of the sporting article.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bistable composite material comprises a first substrate pre-stressed in the elongated stable shape, and a plurality of pre-stressed fibers extending along the second axis in the wound state, the plurality of fibers being under tension in the wound state, the fibers being selected from fibers carbon and / or glass fibers, the substrate being made of a material chosen from a plastic and / or a metal.

[0020] In one embodiment, each connector connects two elements by comprising two ends, each end having an opening adapted to receive the end of one of the two elements.

[0021] In one embodiment, each connector is made of at least one material selected from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or a metal.

[0022] In one embodiment, each connector is manufactured by three-dimensional printing or injection molding.

[0023] In one embodiment, the structure formed by the connected elements is a post intended to cooperate with a net or is included in a walking stick, in a fishing rod, in an inflatable boat mast, in a windsurfing mast, in a basketball hoop support, in an oar or in a weight bar.

[0024] In one embodiment, the two ends of at least one connector form a predefined angle and according to which the structure formed by the connected elements is included in a goal cage, in a camping tent or in a weight station.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising a sports article according to the invention and a tool adapted to change each element of the sports article from the unrolled state to the rolled-up state. The tool makes it possible to minimize the force required to change the element of the sports article from the unrolled state to the rolled-up state, by simply sliding the element into the tool.

[0026] In one embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the tool is further adapted to change the element of the article from the rolled-up state to the unrolled state.

[0027] In one embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the tool comprises a first end of circular section, a center of which is the first axis and adapted to receive at least one end of at least one element of the sporting article in the unrolled state, and a second end of which at least a portion is wound around the second axis.

[0028] The invention finds a particular advantage in the implementation of existing compact sports articles in which it is possible to replace the tubular metal elements with the bistable composite material elements of the invention, and to adapt the connectors.

[0029] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The figures are presented for information purposes only and in no way limit the invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a state-of-the-art goal cage. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a bistable composite material element as included in a sports article according to the invention. Figures 3A and 3B respectively show a schematic representation of an unrolled state and a rolled-up state of a bistable composite material as included in a sports article according to the invention. Figures [Fig. 4A] and [Fig. 4B] respectively show a schematic representation of an unrolled state and a rolled-up state of a bistable composite material element as included in a sports article according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a part of a structure of a sporting article according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6A shows a schematic representation of a connector of a structure of a sporting article according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 6B shows a schematic representation of an element end adapted to be received by a connector of a structure of a sporting article according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a sporting article according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 8A and Figure 8B respectively show a schematic representation of a sporting article according to one embodiment of the invention. Figures [Fig. 9A], [Fig. 9B], [Fig. 9C], [Fig. 9D], [Fig. 9E] and [Fig. 9F] show a schematic representation of a tool suitable for changing at least one element of a sports article from the unrolled state to the rolled-up state according to the invention. Figures [Fig. 10A], [Fig. 10B], [Fig. 10C], [Fig. 10D], [Fig. 10E] and [Fig. 10F] show schematic representations in different sectional views of an embodiment of a connector included in a sporting article according to the invention. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a sectional view of an embodiment of an element of a sporting article according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0032] The invention relates to the use of bistable composite material wound in a sports article. Such a material may be used in an element of the sports article, preferably in a structure of the sports article.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an element 21 made of bistable composite material. According to the invention, such an element 21 is included in a sports article.

[0034] Element 21 has two ends 21 1 and 212. Each end is either in an unwound state S1, like end 21 1 in Figure 2, or in a wound state S2, like end 212 in Figure 2.

[0035] In the unrolled state S1, the end 21 1 is self-supporting and takes a stable elongated shape along a first longitudinal axis x. This elongated shape is preferably a tubular shape, i.e. a hollow shape extending along an axis and of substantially circular section. This elongated shape has a slot of predefined width along its length along the x axis, as shown in Figure 3A and in Figure 3B. Thus, the end 21 1 has a tube shape open along its length, the opening following the longitudinal axis x.

[0036] In the wound state S2, the slit has a width greater than the predefined width of the slit, i.e. the end 212 of the element 21 is more flattened than when it takes a tubular shape in the unwound state S1. When one end of the element 21 is sufficiently flattened, the end can be wound on itself, around a transverse axis y. Of course, the invention is not limited to the ends of the element 21 in that the entire element 21 is preferentially wound around the axis y in the wound state S2 and unwound in an elongated, preferentially tubular shape with a slit, in the unwound state S1, and in that the element 21 is adapted to pass entirely from the wound state S2 to the unwound state S1 in a reversible manner, following the action of a predefined force on the element 21.

[0037] The ends 21 1 and 212 are adapted to change from the wound state S2 to the unwound state S1 reversibly, i.e. to change from the wound state S2 to the unwound state S1 and to change from the unwound state S1 to the wound state S2. For this, the bistable composite material comprises at least one substrate prestressed in the stable elongated shape, i.e. the substrate is prestressed in the tubular shape, but the substrate is deformable, i.e. by exerting a force greater than a predetermined force, the substrate can move away from its stable elongated state. The material comprises a fiber matrix. The fiber matrix is ​​for example glass fibers and / or carbon fibers. The fiber matrix is ​​not under tension in the unwound state S1. By passing into the coiled state S2, that is to say by exerting a force on the substrate, the fibers in the direction normal to the direction of the exerted force will contract.By contracting, these fibers will constrain the element 21 in the wound state S2. Thus, the material is stable, thanks to the fibers, in the wound state S2, the fibers keeping the element 21 wound, and the material is also stable, thanks to the substrate, in its unwound state S1, the substrate keeping the slit less wide than when it is open, i.e. keeping the element 21 in a tubular shape. The substrate is made of a plastic material, preferably polypropylene. The substrate may comprise plastic threads, to provide the prestressing. The fibers may be bonded to the substrate by a polymer, which acts as a bonding matrix. The material used may be a material such as that known as Rolatube®.

[0038] Figure 3A shows a schematic representation of an unrolled state of the element 21 seen in cross-section (in a plane along the y-axis) and a wound state of the element 21 seen in cross-section (in a plane along the y-axis).

[0039] As shown in Figure 3A, the element 21 is in an unwound state S1 and has a circular or substantially circular section. The element 21 in the unwound state S1 comprises a slot F of width L1. The width L1 is preferably between 0.5 and 1 centimeter, preferably equal to 1 centimeter. The narrower the slot, the more difficult it is to constrain the element 21 so that it passes from the unwound state S1 to the wound state S2. Indeed, the smaller the width L1 of the slot F, the longer the fibers 213 along the circular circumference, and the less force they exert to constrain the element 21 in the wound state S2.

[0040] By exerting additional force, often manually, at the slot F, a user can then move the element 21 from the unwound state S1 to the wound state S2. To do this, the user must enlarge the slot F, moving the element 21 from a stable state S1 to another stable state S2. Since the element 21 is not stable in the intermediate states, it is not possible for the user to maintain the element 21 in an intermediate state, or with difficulty.

[0041] When the element 21 is in the wound state S2, the width L1 ' of the slot F is greater than the width L1 of the slot F in the unwound state S1 . The element 21 also has a height H1 ' less in the wound state S2 than the height H1 of the element 21 in the wound state S1 . In other words, the element 21 is flattened in the wound state S2.

[0042] When the element 21 is fully in the unrolled state S1 , the element 21 has an overall shape of a tube open along the longitudinal slot F. This tube is self-supporting, that is, it has sufficient strength to carry its own weight when placed on stable ground. In addition, the tube has sufficient strength to resist a stress imposed on its ends, in the same way as a metal or rigid plastic tube. The only way to roll up the element 21 is to exert a force at the slot F, to widen the slot F.

[0043] When the element 21 is entirely in the wound state S2, the element 21 has the overall shape of a serpentine, i.e. a substantially flat strip wound on itself around the transverse axis y. To move to the unwound state, it is sufficient to exert a tensile force on the free end of the strip and unwound the element 21.

[0044] The invention uses the advantages of this rollable bistable composite material to provide a compact sports article when rolled up and having sufficient strength when unrolled, for example in tubular form.

[0045] Thus, an example of a part of a structure of a sporting article is shown schematically in Figure 5. This part of the structure comprises a first element 21 and a second element 22, connected by a connector 23. Each element 21 and 22 comprises respectively two ends 211 and 212 and respectively 221 and 222, for example ends of a tube comprising a slot (not shown). At least one end of the first element 21 and of the second element 22 is in an unrolled state S1, to be able to be connected by the connector 23. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the ends 212 of the element 21 and 222 of the element 22 are in an unrolled state S1 and are connected via the connector 23.In Figure 5, the two elements 21 and 22 are entirely in the unrolled state S1, but the invention also covers cases where the ends 211 and 221 would be in a rolled-up state S2, making it possible to modify the length of the elongated shape forming the end 212 and 222 respectively.

[0046] In one embodiment, at least one of the elements of the sports article is formed of two elements 21 a and 21 b nested in their unrolled state S1, as shown in Figure 1 1. For example, the element 21 is in fact formed by the nesting of two elements 21 a and 21 b in their unrolled state S1. This nesting is carried out in such a way as to no longer have a visible slot, that is to say that a part of one of the two elements 21 a and 21 b covers the slot of the other element 21 a or 21 b. Preferably, the slots Fa and Fb are opposite, that is to say that they are in opposition with respect to the longitudinal axis x along which the element 21 extends. This allows the element 21 to be more resistant to the forces exerted by the user on the sports article.The interlocking of elements also makes it possible to create a sliding between the elements 21 a and 21 b, and therefore to create an extensible element 21, that is to say one whose length can vary according to the wishes of the user. To disassemble the sports article, it is sufficient to separate the two elements 21 a and 21 b forming each tube, and to roll up each element on itself so that it is in the rolled up state S2.

[0047] The connector 23 comprises at least two ends 231 and 232, each end being adapted to receive one end of one of the elements 21 and 22. At the Figure 5, the end 231 of the connector 23 receives the end 212 of the element 21 and the end 232 of the connector 23 receives the end 222 of the element 22.

[0048] Figure 6A shows a schematic representation of the connector 23. The two ends 231 and 232 of the connector 23 form an angle θ. This angle is for example 90°, for example to form a right angle between the two elements 21 and 22. This angle can vary between 15° and 180°, for example to connect two elements together and thus extend the length of the structure formed by the two elements when the angle θ is 180°.

[0049] To receive one end of an element 21 or 22, the connector 23 has adapted ends. For this, each end comprises, for example, a diameter greater than the diameter of the end of the element that it is adapted to receive. The diameter of each end of the connector 23 must remain fairly close to the diameter of the end of the element that it is adapted to receive in order to maintain the element 21 in the connector. For example, a difference of several millimeters can be envisaged, for example a difference of between 1 and 5 millimeters. The elements 21 and 22 preferably have a diameter of between 25 and 50 millimeters, more preferably 32 millimeters. Each end of the connector 23 has the shape or substantially the shape of the end of the element 21 that it is adapted to receive, in order to maintain the element 21 or 22 connected in the connector 23.

[0050] An example of a suitable shape of connector end 23 is the shape shown in Figure 6B. Figure 6B shows a sectional view along section plane A of Figure 5, i.e. a section at the ends 212 of element 21 and 231 of connector 23 when these ends are connected. The end 231 of connector 23 has a shape suitable for receiving the end 212 of element 21. The end 231 of connector 23 is formed of two arcuate walls connected together, forming an opening in which the end 212 of element 21 can be received. This opening has substantially the same shape as the shape of the end 212 of the element 21, that is to say that of an arc of a circle, with a radius less than the radius formed by the outer wall of the end 231 of the connector 23, but with a radius greater than the radius formed by the inner wall of the end 231 of the connector 23.

[0051] The structure of the sports article may comprise more than two elements 21. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment in which the structure of the sports article comprises a third element 25. This third element 25 is of the same nature as the elements 21 and 22, that is to say it is at least partly made of rollable bistable composite material, preferably entirely made of rollable bistable composite material. This third element 25 is for example connectable to the first element 21 via a connector 24, when the first element 21 and the third element 25 are in the unrolled state S1, or at least when the end 252 of the element 25 and the end 211 of the element 21 are in the unrolled state S1. The connector 24 is for example identical to the connector 23, that is to say adapted to receive at least one end of each of the elements 21 and 25.Alternatively, connector 24 is different from connector 23, for example because connector 24 includes more ends adapted to receive elements, or fewer ends adapted to receive elements, than connector 23, or by having a different angle formed between its ends than the angle formed by the ends of connector 23.

[0052] In other embodiments, the structure of the sporting article has a predefined number of connectors and a predefined number of elements. All the elements are made of a rollable bistable composite material and can be, simultaneously, in a rolled state S2. Thus, it is possible to obtain a very compact sporting article, having a footprint defined by the dimension of the elements when in the rolled state S2, as well as by the dimensions of the connectors, which are not made of a rollable bistable composite material. The connectors are preferably made of plastic, for example injection molded in thermoplastic, or metal.

[0053] It is also possible to wrap an element around another element already in the wound state S2. Thus, it is possible to obtain a single wound block comprising all the elements, and the size is further reduced.

[0054] The entire set of rolled-up elements and connectors can be transported in a carrying bag or in a cover, adapted for this purpose. The invention does not have the disadvantage of the state of the art of requiring a cover of length at least equal to the length of the longest element among all the elements of the structure of the sporting article, because the elements are now rollable.

[0055] Figures 10A to 10F show schematic representations of an embodiment of a connector of a sporting article according to the invention, according to different sectional views.

[0056] The connector 30 shown in Figures 10A to 10F comprises at least one sliding end 301, an opening 302 formed by the space created between tabs 303 and an outer wall 304, and one end 305.

[0057] The sliding end 301 comprises a tapped hole in its center, that is to say the center of which is the longitudinal axis x, adapted to receive a screw thread, thus creating a screw / nut system, the nut being formed by the sliding end 301. The screw (not shown) is inserted through the second end 305 of the connector 30, on the side of the connector 30 opposite the side of the connector 30 where the sliding end 301 is placed. The second end 305 comprises a hole for inserting the screw, the hole having a diameter greater than the diameter of the screw thread but less than the diameter of the screw head, making it possible to hold the screw in the connector 30 when its screw thread is screwed into the tapped hole of the sliding end 301. Thus, the sliding end is also held in the connector 30.

[0058] When the screw is screwed or unscrewed, the sliding end 301 slides into a generally circular opening, a center of which is the longitudinal axis x, the opening being created by a plurality of tabs 303. For example, without limitation, the connector 30 includes six tabs 303, arranged along the circumference of the sliding end 301 and belonging to the body of the connector 30. The tabs 303 and the sliding end 301 are not fixed together, allowing the sliding end 301 to slide in the lengthwise direction of the tabs 303, i.e., along the longitudinal axis x.The space between the different tabs 303 can be filled by the sliding end 301, the sliding end 301 then having a surplus of material forming teeth 301 1, making it possible to fill these spaces, the sliding end 301 then taking the overall shape of a toothed wheel, that is to say comprising teeth 301 1, the tabs 303 being inserted between the teeth of the toothed wheel 301.

[0059] When the sliding end 301 slides towards the inside of the connector 30, that is to say when the sliding end 301 approaches the end 305 following screwing of the screw, the tabs 303 are pushed back towards the outer wall 304 of the connector 30, thanks to the fact that the tabs have a thickness which increases as they approach the end 305. In other words, the tabs 303 are thinner at their end, that is to say at the level of the sliding end 301 when it is unscrewed, and are increasingly thicker as they approach the end 305.

[0060] By being pushed towards the outer wall 304 of the connector 30, the tabs 303 reduce the opening 302 that they form with the outer wall 304. This opening 302 is adapted to receive a rollable bistable composite material element in its unrolled state S1, or two nested rollable bistable composite material elements, in their unrolled states S1. For this, the opening 302 has a diameter close to or equal to the diameter of the nested element or elements that it receives, and a thickness sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the nested element or elements. When the connector 30 receives an element or elements nested in the opening 302, and when the screw is screwed in, the sliding end 301 approaches the end 305, the tabs 303 are pushed towards the outer wall 304, thus reducing the thickness of the opening 302 and tightening the tabs against the element or elements nested in the opening 302.The nested element or elements are then held in the opening 302 and therefore in the connector 30. To remove the nested element or elements from the connector 30, it is sufficient to unscrew the screw at the end 305 and remove the nested element or elements from the connector 30.

[0061] The connector 30 may form one or more ends 231, 232, 241 and / or 242 of one or more connectors 23 and 24, for example all ends of the connectors 23 and 24. The different ends thus formed by connectors 30 may be held together by a connector body, for example by welding or injection molding or three-dimensional printing, to form the complete connectors 23 and 24 as described above. The connector 30 has for example a length D of between 30 and 50 millimeters, preferably 40 millimeters.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sporting article is a goal cage, adapted to receive a play object, for example a ball. The goal cage is then for example a football or handball goal cage. A goal cage according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 8A, which shows two elements 22 and 25 forming uprights of the goal cage, and an element 21 forming a crossbar of the goal cage. The elements 22 and 25 preferably have a length of between 50 and 90 centimeters, preferably still 70 centimeters. The element 21 preferably has a length of between 80 and 120 centimeters, preferably still 95 centimeters. As in Figure 7, the elements 21 and 22 are connected by a connector 23 (not shown in Figure 8A) and the elements 25 and 21 are connected by a connector 24 (not shown in Figure 8A). Additional elements 26 are connected to this assembly formed by the elements 21, 22 and 25. They are for example connected there by being connected via connectors (not shown), for example similar to the connectors 23 and / or 24.The additional elements 26 allow the set of elements 21, 22 and 25 to hold in a given position, preferably vertically, that is to say in a vertical plane, in order to form a goal cage suitable for receiving a game object, for example a ball. The additional elements 26 preferably have a length of between 40 and 80 centimeters, more preferably 55 centimeters. The goal cage structure may be accompanied by a net, which can be reversibly attached to the structure formed by the elements 21, 22, 25 and 26.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sporting article is a weight training station, for example a so-called "parallel" bar, intended to be used with a second bar "parallel" to the first bar. For example, the weight training station may be adapted for a user to perform pull-ups and / or dips. A weight training station according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 8B, which shows two elements 22 and 25 forming uprights of the weight training station, and an element 21 forming a grip bar of the weight training station. As in Figure 7, the elements 21 and 22 are connected by a connector 23 (not shown in Figure 8B) and the elements 25 and 21 are connected by a connector 24 (not shown in Figure 8B). Additional elements 26 are connected to this assembly formed by the elements 21, 22 and 25.They are for example connected there by being connected via connectors (not shown), for example similar to the connectors 23 and / or 24. The additional elements 26 allow all of the elements 21, 22 and 25 to hold in a given position, preferably vertically, that is to say in a vertical plane, in order to form a stable and solid bodybuilding bar.

[0064] The stability of the elements in their unrolled state S1 is an advantage for the implementation of sports article structures requiring resistance to stress while having minimal bulk during transport or storage in their rolled-up state S2.

[0065] In a non-shown embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is a camping tent structure. The elements then form hoops, connected together by connectors, for example having a right angle or a flat angle. The structure of the camping tent cooperates with a canvas in order to create a strong, weather-resistant camping tent, while having minimal bulk once the different elements made of rollable bistable composite material are disconnected and rolled up.

[0066] In a non-represented embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is an upright intended to cooperate with a net, for example with a badminton or volleyball net. Each upright may be composed of a single element made of a rollable bistable composite material, or of several of these elements, for example two elements connected by a connector forming a flat angle or a greater number of these elements. A second identical upright may be provided to create a structure. A specific connector may then be used, for each upright, to connect the net to each upright, this connector having one end adapted to receive one end of an upright, and another end adapted to cooperate with a net, for example a badminton or volleyball net, for example with a removable net attachment system or with a pulley and crank system.

[0067] In a non-shown embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is a fishing rod. The fishing rod, for example a pole fishing rod, may comprise a single or multiple elements of a windable bistable composite material nested as in Figure 11, thereby creating a fishing rod of extendable length. The fishing rod may further comprise a reel, and a connector adapted to receive the reel and connect it to at least one of the elements forming the fishing rod.

[0068] In a non-shown embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is a walking stick. Such a walking stick may comprise a single or several elements of a rollable bistable composite material nested as in Figure 1 1 , thereby creating a walking stick of extendable length. The walking stick may further comprise a connector comprising a walking stick tip, for example a tip, the connector being adaptable to one end of the member in the unfurled state S1 . The walking stick may further comprise a second connector comprising a handle for holding the walking stick.

[0069] In a non-represented embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is a mast, for example of a boat, for example an inflatable one, or even a windsurf board. Such a mast may comprise a single or several elements made of a rollable bistable composite material nested as in Figure 1 1, thus creating a boat mast of extendable length. The mast may further comprise a connector, for example adapted to be fixed to the hull of a boat or to a windsurf board, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unrolled state S1. The mast may further comprise connectors for holding a sail on the mast, and therefore to the boat or to the windsurf board.

[0070] In a non-shown embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is a boat oar, which comprises a single or more nested rollable bistable composite material elements as in Figure 11, thereby creating a boat mast of extendable length. The oar may further comprise a connector comprising a blade, the bistable composite material element or elements forming an oar handle, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unrolled state S1.

[0071] In a non-shown embodiment, the structure of the sporting article is a basketball hoop support, which comprises a single or more nested rollable bistable composite material elements as in Figure 11, thereby creating a basketball hoop support of extendable height. The basketball hoop support may further comprise a connector, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unrolled state S1, the connector comprising means for receiving a basketball hoop.

[0072] Figures 9A to 9E show schematic representations of a tool according to one aspect of the invention. Such a tool according to one aspect of the invention may be included in a kit according to another aspect of the invention.

[0073] The kit according to the invention comprises a sports article 20 according to the invention, as presented previously, and a tool 31 according to the invention. The tool 31 according to the invention is adapted to pass at least one element of the article from the unrolled state S1 to the rolled-up state S2. In one embodiment, the tool 31 according to the invention is also adapted to pass the element of the sports article from the unrolled state S1 to the rolled-up state S2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9C, which is a longitudinal sectional view along the section plane BB of Figure 9B, the tool 31 according to the invention comprises two ends 31 1 and 312. The first end 31 1 is adapted to receive an element of the sports article 20 made of rollable bistable composite material, for example the element 21, when the element is in the unrolled state S1. The tool 31 makes it possible to change the element from the unrolled state S1 to the rolled state S2. For example, in Figures 9A to 9F, the end 31 1 of the tool 31 is adapted to receive an element which has an open tube shape in the unrolled state S1 , for example the open tube end 21 1 by a slot F of the element 21 of Figure 2. The end 312 is adapted to receive one end of an element in the unrolled state S1 by comprising two walls delimiting an opening of the shape of the end of the element in the unrolled state S1 .The two walls 311 1 and 31 12 are connected together to form the opening, for example by a third wall 31 13. The opening thus created makes it possible to receive the end of the element in the unrolled state S1. For this, the opening has dimensions close to those of the element that it receives, for example the same dimensions, preferably dimensions greater than a few millimeters or centimeters, for example greater than 1 to 10% of the dimensions of the element that it receives, for example greater than 5%. Preferably, the dimensions of the opening are greater than the dimensions of each element of the structure of the sports article 20, in order to pass each element of the sports article 20 from the unrolled state S1 to the rolled-up state S2.

[0075] The element received by one end of the tool 31, preferably the end 31 1 , can then slide in the tool 31 and deforms following the shape of the element 31. At the exit of the element 31 after having slid through the entire length of the tool 31 , at the end 312, the element 21 passes into the wound state S2, because the tool 31 has a flattened shape and is wound around the axis y. For this, the two walls 31 1 1 and 31 12 take the desired shape of the element 21 in the wound state, that is to say with the slot F more open than in the unwound state S1 , with a more flattened than in the unrolled state S1. The slot F has for example the length L1' at the outlet of the tool 31, that is to say at the end 312 shown in Figure 9F, and the length L1 at the inlet of the tool 31, that is to say at the end 311 shown in Figure 9D, with L1 less than L1'.

[0076] Over a large portion of the tool 31, i.e. from the first end 311 to at least 75 percent of the length of the tool along the x-axis, the two walls are straight or substantially straight in the cutting plane B, in order to pass the slot F from the length L1 to the length L1', and in order to pass the shape of the element from its open circular section to its flattened arc-of-circle section (or even, in one embodiment, to a straight section, therefore completely flattened), the flattened shape being shown in Figure 9E. The second end 312 then makes it possible to pass from a flat or flattened strip to a wound strip, by comprising a portion curved towards the inside of the tool 31, allowing the element to take a wound shape around the y-axis.

[0077] The first end 311 of the tool 31 then extends along the first axis x, that is to say its length follows the axis x, and the second end 312 of the tool 31 is wound around the second axis y transverse to the axis x. When the element is of open tubular shape in the unwound state S1, the first end 312 of the tool 31 is wound around the first axis x.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Sports article (20) comprising at least one first (21) element made of bistable composite material comprising at least one end (211, 212) adapted to be in an unrolled state (S1) or in a rolled-up state (S2), in which: - in the unrolled state (S1) the end (211,212,221,222) is self-supporting and takes a stable elongated shape along a first axis (x) and has a slot (F) of predefined width (L1) along its length along the first axis (x), - in the wound state (S2) the slot (F) has a width greater (L1 ') than the predefined width (L1 ) and the end (21 1 ,212,221 ,222) is wound around a second axis (y) extending transversely to the first axis (x), - the end (21 1 ,212,221 ,222) is adapted to pass from the rolled-up state (S2) to the unrolled state (S1 ) in a reversible manner, the sports article (20) further comprising at least one second element and at least one first connector (23) adapted to connect the first element (21 ) to the second element when the at least one end (21 1 ,212) of the first element (21 ,22) is in the unrolled state (S1 ), the first (21 ) and the second (22) elements connected by the first connector (23) forming at least part of a structure of the sports article (20).

2. Article (20) according to the preceding claim according to which the second (22) element is made of bistable composite material and comprises at least one end (221, 222) adapted to be in the unrolled state (S1) or in the wound state (S2), the end (221, 222) being adapted to pass from the wound state (S2) to the unrolled state (S1) in a reversible manner, the first connector (23) being further adapted to connect the first element (21) to the second element (22) when the at least one end (21 1, 212, 221, 222) of each element (21, 22) is in the unrolled state (S1), the ends (21 1, 212, 221, 222) of the first (21) and of the second (22) elements in the unrolled state (S1) connected by the first connector (23) forming at least part of a structure of the sporting article (20).

3. Article (20) according to one of the preceding claims further comprising a third element (25) comprising at least one end (251,252) adapted to be in an unrolled state (S1) or in a wound state (S2) and wherein the first element (21) is adapted to pass entirely from the wound state (S2) to the unrolled state (S1) in a reversible manner, the sports article comprising a second connector (24) configured to connect the end of the third element (25) to a second end (211) of the first element (21), when the second end (211) of the first element (21) and the end (252) of the third element (25) are in the unrolled state (S1), the three elements (21,22,23) in the unrolled state (S1) connected by the first connector (23) and the second connector (24) forming at least part of the structure of the sports article (20).

4. Article (20) according to one of the preceding claims according to which the bistable composite material comprises a first substrate prestressed in the elongated stable form, and a plurality of prestressed fibers extending along the second axis (y) in the wound state (S2), the plurality of fibers being under tension in the wound state (S2), the fibers being chosen from carbon fibers and / or glass fibers, the substrate being made of a material chosen from a plastic and / or a metal.

5. Article (20) according to one of the preceding claims according to which each connector (23,24) connects two elements (21,22,25) by comprising two ends (231,232,241,242), each end (231,232,241,242) having an opening adapted to receive the end (21 1,212,221,222,251,252) of one of the two elements (21,22,25).

6. Article (20) according to claim 5 according to which each connector (23,24) is in at least one material chosen from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or a metal.

7. Article (20) according to claim 6 wherein each connector (23,24) is manufactured by three-dimensional printing or by injection molding.

8. Article (20) according to one of the preceding claims according to which the structure formed by the connected elements (21, 22, 25) is an upright intended to cooperate with a net or is included in a walking stick, in a fishing rod, in an inflatable boat mast, in a windsurfing mast, in a basketball hoop support, in an oar or in a weight bar.

9. Article (20) according to one of claims 5 to 8 according to which the two ends (231, 232, 241, 242) of at least one connector (23, 24) form a predefined angle and according to which the structure formed by the connected elements (21, 22, 25) is chosen from a goal cage, a camping tent or a weight training station.

10. Kit comprising a sports article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims and a tool (31) adapted to pass at least one element (21, 22, 25, 26) of the sports article (20) from the unrolled state (S1) to the rolled-up state (S2). [Claim 1 1 ] Kit according to claim 10 in which the tool is further adapted to pass the element (21 , 22, 25, 26) of the article (20) from the wound state (S2) to the unwound state (S1 ).

12. Kit according to one of claims 10 or 11 in which the tool (31) comprises a first end (311) of circular section whose center is the first axis (x) and adapted to receive at least one end (211, 212, 221, 222, 251, 252) of at least one element (21, 22, 25) of the sports article (20) in the unrolled state (S1), and a second end (312) of which at least a part is wound around the second axis (y).

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