Apparatus for playing basketball

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for playing basketball, comprising a base (1) and a column (2) having an upper part (2a) for carrying a plate (3) on which a basket (4) is mounted, said column having a lower part (2b) rotatably mounted on said base, said plate (3) being mounted on said upper part (2a) by a rotating mechanism (39) between an angular use position and an angular storage position, said mechanism comprising a sub-plate (40) for connecting upper ends of said upper part (2a) together, said sub-plate comprising an extension (41) connected to said plate (3) by a friction pivot, the use position of said plate being defined by said sub-plate abutting on a member (50) fixed to said plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for playing basketball, comprising a base arranged to be supported on the ground, and a column having an upper portion for supporting a plate on which a basketball hoop is mounted. Background Technology

[0002] Such foldable devices for easy installation and storage are known, particularly when the need for tools and / or the time required for such operation are limited, which can actually hinder the use and storage of the device.

[0003] Documents FR-3022795 and FR-3022796 describe a device for playing basketball, wherein a base is equipped with two rows of wheels, a housing is formed between the two rows of wheels, and the wheel posts have a lower portion that is rotatably mounted on the base so that the posts can be reversibly arranged between a stowed storage configuration and an upright use configuration, in which at least the lower portion is arranged within the housing.

[0004] In the storage structure, the plate is placed above the base according to its usage angle. When the longitudinal dimension of the plate is larger than the front dimension of the base, it may cause a problem of large volume. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to improve the prior art by providing a device for playing basketball, wherein the plate supporting the basketball hoop can be positioned in a location that allows for a reduction in the volume of the device in its storage structure, and is particularly set in a simple and intuitive manner without the need for tools.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a device for playing basketball, the device comprising a base configured to be supported on the ground and a column having an upper portion for supporting a plate, the basketball hoop being mounted on the plate, the column having a lower portion rotatably mounted on the base so as to reversibly position the column between a stowed storage configuration against the base and an upright use configuration, the plate being mounted on the upper portion between an angular use position and an angular storage position by means of a rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism including a sub-plate for connecting the upper ends of the upper portion together, the sub-plate including an extension (41) connected to the plate (3) by a friction pivot, the angular use position of the plate being defined by the sub-plate abutting against a member (50) fixed to the plate. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a rear perspective view of the device in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 1a Rear perspective view showing the lower part of the column and the base of the same device;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 , 1a An enlarged perspective view of the column of the equipment, centered on the system used to actuate the movement of the upper part.

[0011] Figure 2a and Figure 2b It is based on two different sagittal planes Figure 2 The cross-section of the actuation system;

[0012] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c Rear view respectively Figure 3a ) and based on two different orientations of the stereo diagram ( Figure 3b , 3c )express Figure 1 , 1a Equipment in storage structures, 2, 2a, and 2b;

[0013] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c They represent in Figures 1 to 4c In the device, at the location ( Figure 4a ), in storage location ( Figure 4b ) and in the decomposition diagram ( Figure 4c (This is a rear perspective view of the plate being installed on the upper part of the column.)

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 4a An enlarged view, centered on the stop member that defines the position of the plate;

[0015] Figure 6 It is based on Figures 1 to 5 A partial sectional view of the sagittal plane of the mechanism in the equipment used to mount a plate onto the upper part of a column. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Referring to these accompanying drawings, a device for playing basketball is described below.

[0017] The device includes a base 1 arranged to be supported on the ground, and a column 2 having an upper part 2a for supporting a plate 3 on which a basket 4 is mounted.

[0018] The column 2 has a lower part 2b which is rotatably mounted on the base 1 so that the column can be reversibly positioned between the stowed storage structure and the upright use structure.

[0019] The base 1 is equipped with two lateral structures 5, which form a housing 6 therebetween, such that in the storage configuration, at least the lower portion 2b of the column 2 is disposed within the housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 1 includes a frame 7 on which the lower portion 2b is rotatably mounted, and the lateral structures 5 supported by the frame form a U-shaped housing 6 therebetween.

[0020] Two lateral structures 5 form a counterweight to the column 2 in the upright structure, so as to prevent the device from tilting and thus ensure the safety of its user.

[0021] At least one lateral structure 5 may be arranged to be filled with ballast material, such as water or sand. In the illustrated embodiment, each lateral structure 5 has three modules 5a aligned in a sagittal direction, each of the modules including a box 8 having an opening 9 thereon so that the opening can be filled with such ballast material.

[0022] In order to properly distribute the weight, the lateral structure 5 has the same module 5a, which is symmetrically distributed on either side of the sagittal intermediate surface containing the column 2 relative to the module 5a of the other lateral structure 5.

[0023] The base 1 is also equipped with wheels 10 to enable the device to move, especially in its storage configuration.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 1 is equipped with two rows of wheels 10, each row of wheels forming a lateral structure 5, and a housing 6 for receiving the lower part 2b in the folded configuration is formed between the lateral structures.

[0025] Specifically, each wheel 10 forms a ballast module 5a for the corresponding lateral structure 5 and has a cylindrical tank 8 with an opening 9 on its periphery to allow the tank to be filled with ballast material. The axis of rotation of the tank extends horizontally and perpendicular to the sagittal plane of the frame 7 so that the base 1 can be moved by rolling the tanks around their periphery.

[0026] exist Figure 1 , 1a In 3a to 3c, frame 7 includes a central beam 7c, on which wheels 10 are mounted on both sides. Specifically, each wheel 10 includes a hub 12 fixed to the central beam 7c, the hubs being arranged such that the wheels 10 can rotate independently of each other.

[0027] Regarding the installation of the lower part 2b, the central beam 7c of the frame 7 has a front portion on which the lower part is rotatably mounted. Therefore, in order to arrange the equipment in the use configuration, the user first moves it from the retracted configuration to the upright configuration by pivoting the lower part 2b relative to the front portion of the beam 7c.

[0028] To facilitate its arrangement in the use configuration, the device includes a connecting arm 13 having a front end 13a hinged to the lower part 2b and a rear end hinged to the base 1 (particularly by being disposed in the housing 6) for receiving the lower part.

[0029] Specifically, at least one of the front end 13a and the rear end of the connecting arm 13 is slidably mounted on the lower part 2b and the base 1, respectively.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting arm 13 includes a front end 13a rotatably mounted on the rear surface of the lower portion 2b and a rear end rotatably and slidably mounted on a horizontal track formed on the central beam 7c.

[0031] The lower part 2b is equipped with at least one leg 18, which is arranged laterally to stabilize the column 2 in an upright structure, in particular to prevent it from tilting in the side, and in conjunction with the base 1 that forms a counterweight to prevent it from tilting forward or backward.

[0032] In the figure, the lower part 2b includes two legs 18 disposed on both sides of its lower end. The legs 18 are fastened to the lower part 2b so that the support 2 is supported on the ground when it is in an upright configuration, which also allows the base 1 to be prevented from rolling when the equipment is in use.

[0033] The upper part 2a is slidably mounted on the lower part 2b, and the device includes a system 22 for actuating the movement over a travel between a stored retracted position and at least one extended position corresponding to a usage height.

[0034] Reference Figure 2 , 2a And 2b, the actuation system 22 includes a housing 23 fastened to the rear wall of the lower part 2b and a mechanism for moving the upper part 2a housed in the housing, the mechanism including an operating socket 24 protruding from the housing.

[0035] Specifically, the control port 24 is located on the rear wall 23a of the housing 23, and the outer casing 6 of the base 1 is arranged to receive the lower part 2b in a retracted configuration, while preventing access to the control port, such as... Figure 3a As shown.

[0036] Therefore, when the device is in its storage configuration, the risk of accidental deployment of the upper part 2a is optimally limited, and thus there is no need to make significant changes to the geometry of the housing 6, and therefore no need to make significant changes to the geometry of the base 1.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper part 2a is slidably mounted in the lower part 2b. Specifically, as... Figure 2 and 2aAs shown, the actuation system 22 includes a vertical row of holes 25 formed on the back side of the upper part 2a and a mechanism including a gear 26 rotatably actuated by a worm gear 27, the gears being arranged to successively engage with the holes 25 so that the upper part 2a slides in the lower part 2b.

[0038] Gear 26 is rotatably mounted in housing 23 along coronal axis A1, and worm 27 is rotatably mounted in housing 23 along sagittal axis A2. Worm 27 has a rear end protruding from rear wall 23a of housing 23, and metal ring 24 is fastened to the rear end, thereby forming an operating socket for operating the mechanism.

[0039] Advantageously, the hand crank 28 can be reversibly associated with the operating ring 24 of the screw 27 so as to be removed from the ring when the mechanism is not actuated. This arrangement not only allows for limiting the volume of the system 22 when it is arranged in the housing 6, but also limits the risk of unintentional actuation of the mechanism when the device is in use configuration, thus ensuring user safety.

[0040] The actuation mechanism includes two gears 26 and 29 with different diameters, which are rotatably fixed. (Reference section) Figure 2a and 2b The large-diameter wheel 26 is assembled into the hole 25, and the small-diameter gear 29 is driven by the worm 27.

[0041] The worm 27 can be arranged such that the actuating bushing 24 is required to actuate the upper part 2a in either direction of movement. Therefore, in particular, when the worm 27 is not actuated, rotation of the wheels 26, 29 in the retraction direction of the upper part 2a is prevented. This allows the upper part to be held at a selected height to ensure user safety by preventing accidental retraction of the lower part 2b during use of the device.

[0042] To limit the volume of the equipment in the storage structure, the upper part 2a of the column 2 includes an upper section 30a of the support plate part 3 and a lower section 30b slidably mounted on the lower part 2b. The upper section is movably mounted between the use structure and the storage structure relative to the lower section. In the use structure, the upper section is extended relative to the lower section. In the storage structure, the upper section and the lower section are arranged in a compact manner.

[0043] Therefore, once the lower part 2b is in an upright position, the user can use the crank 28 to actuate the system 22 to successively extend the lower section 30b beyond the lower section, and then actuate the upper section 30a relative to the lower section to install the device in the usage configuration.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper section 30a is rotatably mounted on the lower section 30b between an angled upright use configuration and an angled folding storage configuration.

[0045] Specifically, the upper section 30a includes at least a pair of parallel rods 31, each parallel rod having a rear end rotatably mounted on the upper end of the lower section 30b, and a front end rotatably mounted on the plate 3 along the coronal axis. Thus, the upper section 30a forms a deformable four-bar linkage, which allows the user to unfold the upper section at an angle and place the plate 3 in a single posture.

[0046] The device may also include a system 32 for locking the upper section 30a in the upright configuration to prevent any unintentional tilting of the upper section in the folded configuration, especially during use of the device, and thus ensure the safety of the user.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the locking system 32 includes a housing 33 mounted on the upper end of the lower section 30b, and the rear end of the upper parallel rod 31 is rotatably mounted on each side of the housing. The housing surrounds the locking mechanism, which can be reversibly actuated by a toggle rod 34 mounted on the upper part of the housing.

[0048] Plate 3 can move between a use position and a storage position relative to the upper section 30a, which allows for limiting the volume of plate 3 in the storage configuration of the equipment.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, plate 3 has a quadrilateral, particularly rectangular, geometry that, when in its storage position, rotates 90° relative to its usage position on the upper segment 30a. Specifically, plate 3 has longitudinal and lateral dimensions that substantially correspond to the sagittal and coronal dimensions of base 1, respectively. Therefore, given that base 1 has a sagittal dimension larger than its coronal dimension to ensure the stability of the device with respect to forward and backward tilt, a rectangular plate suitable for athletic exercises can be stored within the volume of the base.

[0050] Plate 3 in an angled position ( Figure 1 , 4a , 4c) and angled storage positions ( Figures 3a to 3c and Figure 4b It is rotatably mounted on the upper section 30a between the two positions, particularly by means of a rotating mechanism 39 between the two positions.

[0051] Reference Figures 4a to 6 The rotating mechanism 39 includes a sub-plate 40 for connecting the upper ends of the upper section 30a together, the sub-plate including an extension 41 connected to the plate via a friction pivot. Figure 4a As shown, when the plate 3 is in the use position, the extension 41 is positioned above the upper part 30a.

[0052] The extension 41 of the subplate 40 includes a U-shaped structure with two branches 42 having means for connecting the upper ends of the upper part together, the base 42a of the U-shape engaging in a pivot connection.

[0053] Specifically, each branch 42 has a pair of vertical side plates 43, between which the upper end of a rod 31 is rotatably mounted.

[0054] The extension 41 is clamped against the plate 3 by at least one friction insert 45 inserted therein, and the device also includes a clamping adjustment device 46 to optimize the frictional torque of rotation.

[0055] For this purpose, the rotating mechanism 39 includes a front cup 48 and a rear cup 47 fastened to the back of the plate 3, with an extension 41 disposed between the cups 47 and 48, the cups 47 and 48 being equipped with a device 46 for clamping the extension therebetween, and at least one cup 47 or 48 accommodating a friction insert 45.

[0056] exist Figure 4a , 4b In 4c, each cup 47, 48 accommodates a friction insert 45, and an extension 41 is clamped between the cups and fastened to the rear of the plate 3 by four screws 46.

[0057] Each insert 45 is rotatably fixed between cups 47, 48 and includes a friction bushing 45a that is clamped against the rear surface 41b and front surface 41a of the extension 41 by clamping bushings 47a, 48a formed on adjacent cups 47, 48, respectively.

[0058] Extension 41 has a square cross-section, such as Figure 6 As shown in the figure, or rectangular, the friction bushings 45a are clamped on the front surface 41a and the rear surface 41b of the cross section respectively.

[0059] Each clamping bushing 47a, 48a has a notch 49, particularly two notches 49 with the same angular size, which are radially opposite each other along the bushing.

[0060] After the lower part 2b is set in the upright structure, the user can pivot the plate 3 in the use position by using the rotating mechanism 39. Then, the user can pivot the upper part 30a to set it in the upright structure, and then actuate the system 22 to make the lower part 30b stand upright from the lower part 2b until the plate 3 reaches the desired height.

[0061] The position of the plate 3 is defined by the sub-plate 40 adjacent to the member 50 fixed to the plate. This arrangement allows the plate to be selectively positioned in its storage and use locations with a simple and intuitive gesture, and therefore does not require the use of tools.

[0062] Advantageously, the stop member 50 of plate 3 includes a device 51 for locking the use position, which allows the position to be protected, in particular by preventing any unintentional rotation of the plate during use of the equipment.

[0063] refer to Figure 5 The locking device is a latch 51, which is reversibly mounted on a shaft 52 fixed to the subplate 40. In particular, the shaft 52 is fixed to the lower end of a branch 43 of the U-shaped extension 41. The latch 51 includes a hook 51a, which is mounted on the shaft in the locked position, and a leg 51b, which the user can grasp with his hand to pivot the latch 51 away from the hook 51a of the shaft when he wishes to pivot the plate 3 to its storage position.

[0064] like Figure 4c As shown, the basket 4 is fastened to the plate 3 so as not to interact with the sub-plate 40 when the plate rotates. For this purpose, the basket 4 includes a support 53 that is mechanically fastened to the plate 3 independently of the sub-plate 40.

[0065] Advantageously, the basket 4 has an extension 4a which is rotatably mounted around an axis 54 fixed to its support 53 to secure it to the plate 3, so that the basket can be folded up from its horizontal use position toward a vertical storage position against the plate 3, thereby limiting the volume of the basket in the storage configuration of the equipment.

[0066] For this purpose, the support member 53 has two vertical sidewalls 53a that extend from the front of the base plate 3 in a sagittal direction, and the extension 4a is rotatably mounted on the coronal shaft 54 ​​fastened between the sidewalls.

[0067] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the support member 53 further includes:

[0068] The bottom 53b extends along the coronal axis at the rear of its vertical sidewall 53a and is fixed to the plate 3 by screws; and

[0069] The second coronal axis 55 is fastened between its vertical sidewalls 53a, and when the basket is in the use position, the extension 4a of the basket 4 is adjacent to the second coronal axis.

Claims

1. A device for playing basketball, the device comprising a base (1) and a column having an upper column (2a) and a lower column (2b), the upper column having an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being movably mounted relative to the lower section, the upper section having an upper end and carrying a plate (3), the plate having a back side and a front side, on which a basketball hoop (4) is mounted, the lower column being rotatably mounted on the base, the lower column being configured to move between a retracted storage configuration against the base (1) in a horizontal plane substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the base and an upright use configuration in a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the base, the plate (3) being rotatably mounted on the upper end of the upper section by a rotating mechanism (39), the rotating mechanism having a sub-plate, a friction insert, a rear cup and a front cup, the rear cup being fixed to the back side of the plate, the rotating mechanism being connected to the upper end of the upper section, and the sub-plate (40) being attached to the back side of the plate. The extension (41) of the sub-plate (40) includes a U-shaped structure, the two branches (42) of which carry for connecting the upper ends of the upper section together, the base (42a) of the U-shaped structure being forcibly fitted into the rotating mechanism by abutting against the back of the plate by inserting a friction insert between the sub-plate and the plate, the extension being disposed between the front cup and the rear cup, the front cup and the rear cup being equipped with clamping adjustment devices for holding the extension therebetween, at least one of the front cup and the rear cup receiving the friction insert, and the use position of the plate being defined by the sub-plate abutting against a stop member fixed to the plate.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the angled use position, the extension (41) is disposed above the upper column (2a).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping adjustment device is configured to adjust the frictional torque of the rotation of the rotating mechanism.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction insert (45) includes a friction bushing (45a) which is held on the surfaces (41a, 41b) of the extension (41) by the clamping bushing (47a) of the rear cup (47) and the clamping bushing (48a) of the front cup (48).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stop member (50) of the plate includes a locking device (51) for locking the angled use position.

6. The device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The locking device is a latch (51) that is reversibly engaged with a shaft (52) fixed to the subplate (40).

7. The device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The basket (4) is fastened to the plate (3) so that it does not interact with the sub-plate (40) when the plate rotates.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The upper column (2a) is slidably mounted on the lower column (2b), and the device includes an actuation system (22) for actuating movement, the stroke of which includes between a retracted storage position and at least one extended position corresponding to the use height. The actuation system includes a housing (23) fastened to the rear wall of the lower column (2b) and a moving mechanism housed in the housing for moving the upper column (2a), the moving mechanism including an operating socket (24) protruding from the housing (23).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The upper column portion (2a) of the column (2) includes an upper section (30a) that supports the plate (3) and a lower section (30b) that is slidably mounted on the lower column portion (2b). The upper section is rotatably mounted on the lower section between an angled upright use configuration and an angled folding storage configuration that abuts against the lower section (30b).

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plate (3) has a quadrilateral geometry and when in the angled storage position, the plate rotates 90° relative to the angled use position on the upper column (2a).

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The basket (4) has a lateral extension (4a) which is rotatably mounted about an axis (54) of a support (53) fixed to the plate (3), so that the basket can be folded up from a horizontal use position to a vertical storage position against the plate.

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