Assembly for practising a sport comprising a concave table

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly for practising a sport, designed for a ball exchange between two players, comprising: - a ball; - a table (1) comprising a playing surface (2) extending longitudinally between two opposite action edges (21), between which the players will exchange the ball; the playing surface (2) having a curved longitudinal profile, between its two action edges (21), delimiting an open concavity above the table (1), the playing surface (2) and the ball being configured to damp bouncing of the ball on the playing surface (2).

Description

Set for practicing a sport including a concave table

[0001] The field of invention is that of the design and manufacture of sports equipment.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a game set comprising a table, a ball, the ball being adapted to be exchanged by players above the table.

[0003] In the field of invention, table tennis is known, which is a racket sport between two or four players around a table.

[0004] A table tennis table has a rectangular, flat, and horizontal playing surface. The table includes a base supporting the playing surface.

[0005] The playing surface is divided into two identical parts by a net extending above the playing surface.

[0006] In table tennis, the ball is a plastic sphere.

[0007] The table and ball are configured so that the ball can bounce sufficiently when it hits the playing surface.

[0008] In fact, a table tennis ball must meet certain bounce conditions, that is to say that when dropped thirty centimetres above the playing surface, it must bounce at least 23 centimetres.

[0009] During the game, players exchange the ball by hitting it with rackets to make it go over the net and bounce on the opposing side of the playing surface.

[0010] When learning table tennis, beginners need to understand and anticipate the trajectory of the ball, including its direction and bounce.

[0011] For young beginners, anticipating the rebound can be complex.

[0012] In the field of the invention, tables are also known having a convex surface used in the sport called "Teqball" (registered trademark).

[0013] In this sport, players use balls that they must bounce on the opposing court, sending them from their own court using, for example, their heads or legs.

[0014] Of course, learning such a sport for beginners, especially beginners who have no knowledge of football, is even more complex than for table tennis.

[0015] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a set for practicing a sport, of the type comprising a table and a ball intended to be used on the table, which is easy for a beginner to learn, and in particular easier than table tennis.

[0017] The invention also aims to provide such a set in which a beginner can more easily grasp the trajectory of the ball than for the aforementioned sports.

[0018] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to an assembly for the practice of a sport, designed for an exchange of balls between two players, comprising: - a ball; - a table comprising a playing surface extending longitudinally between two opposite action edges, between which the players are led to exchange the ball; characterized in that the playing surface has a curved profile, between its two action edges, delimiting an open concavity above the table, and in that the playing surface and the ball are configured to cushion rebounds of the ball on the playing surface, the table comprising a frame supporting the playing surface, and means for cushioning the playing surface relative to the frame.

[0019] Thanks to the invention, players are encouraged to roll the ball on the playing surface which is concave.

[0020] Due to the concave shape of the playing surface, and the configuration of the playing surface and the ball to cushion the rebounds, the latter will have its rebounds cushioned, following its return, to arrive towards the opposing player by rolling on the playing surface.

[0021] A beginner does not have to anticipate a bounce of the ball when he has to return the ball coming towards him by rolling on the ball.

[0022] Thanks to the curved profile of the playing surface, the ball rises towards the opposing player who can hit the ball as soon as it crosses the edge of the playing surface in a trajectory that is easily predictable for the player.

[0023] The set according to the invention therefore makes it easier for beginners to learn a racket sport.

[0024] Thanks to the frame and the damping means, when the ball hits the playing surface, part of the kinetic energy of the ball is transmitted to the playing surface, which does not return it entirely to the ball due to the damping of the playing surface relative to the frame. The damping of the ball on contact with the playing surface is thus reinforced.

[0025] According to a preferred feature, the frame comprises three crosspieces supporting the playing surface and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal profile of the playing surface, including:- two end crosspieces positioned in the immediate vicinity of the action edges of the playing surface;- a central crosspiece equidistant from the two end crosspieces, the playing surface not being supported between the crosspieces, at least at a median longitudinal section of the table.

[0026] Thanks to this feature, the playing surface can have relative flexibility between the crosspieces.

[0027] This relative flexibility improves the cushioning of the ball when it comes into contact with the playing surface between the crosspieces, and particularly where the ball is most likely to first hit the playing surface after a return by a player.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the profile of the playing surface has:- a main arc section centered longitudinally on the playing surface, and having a main radius of curvature;- two secondary arc sections positioned on either side of the main arc section, and each having a secondary radius of curvature of a value less than the main radius of curvature.

[0029] This playing surface profile helps the ball roll easily across the table after a return and helps the ball bounce back once it reaches the action edge.

[0030] Preferably, the table comprises a central obstacle extending perpendicular to the longitudinal profile of the playing surface, and overhanging the playing surface, providing a space for the ball to pass through.

[0031] With such a central obstacle, players must control the return of the ball to roll it across the playing surface so that it crosses the central part of the table.

[0032] In this case, advantageously, the central obstacle is mounted adjustable in height on the table relative to the playing surface.

[0033] By adjusting the height of the central obstacle, it is possible to position this central obstacle in a higher position for beginners and in a lower position for experienced people.

[0034] According to an advantageous variant, the table comprises two side walls extending in height from two side edges of the playing surface, between the action edges.

[0035] Such side walls prevent the ball from rolling off the playing surface through the side edges of the playing surface. They also allow for the development of different playing strategies by deflecting the ball against the side walls.

[0036] Preferably, each side wall has a fixed central section, and, near each action edge, a removable end.

[0037] This allows the ball to leave the playing surface through the ends of the side edges of the playing surface.

[0038] In this way, the set can be more easily used by four players playing doubles.

[0039] Advantageously, the ball has a rebound resilience from a height of 254 cm, less than or equal to 15%, preferably 12%, at least at 23°C, and between 25% and 35%, preferably between 25% and 30%, at 45°C.

[0040] Such a ball could, for example, be a hollow rubber sphere with a low bouncing capacity.

[0041] The ball then corresponds to a ball used in the practice of squash.

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which:1a is a schematic representation of a table of a set according to the invention, according to a bottom view, illustrating in particular a playing surface and crosspieces of the table;1a is a schematic representation of a longitudinal profile of the playing surface of a table of the set according to the invention;1a is a schematic representation of the table according to the longitudinal section III-III shown in the, illustrating the playing surface supported by the crosspieces as well as a base of the table, as well as side walls extending in height from lateral edges of the playing surface, and a central obstacle under which a ball of the set must roll;is a schematic perspective representation of the table.;

[0043] With reference to figures 1 to 4, a table 1 of a set according to the invention for practicing a sport is shown.

[0044] The set is designed for a ball exchange between two players, or four players.

[0045] The set thus includes a ball which is particularly specific to the set.

[0046] As detailed below, this ball is designed to not have a significant ability to bounce on the table 1.

[0047] An XYZ coordinate system is shown in these figures. This defines three axes, including an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The X axis is orthogonal to the Y axis, and the Z axis is orthogonal to both the X axis and the Y axis.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4, the table 1 comprises a playing surface 2.

[0049] The whole thing is designed so that the ball rolls on this playing surface 2.

[0050] As can be seen in the figure, the playing surface 2 has, when viewed from below, a rectangular shape.

[0051] This playing surface 2 extends longitudinally between two action edges 21 opposite each other.

[0052] Notably, the playing surface 2 extends longitudinally along the X axis.

[0053] These two action 21 edges extend parallel to each other.

[0054] The two action edges 21 thus extend orthogonally to the X axis and parallel to the Y axis.

[0055] Between these two action edges 21, the players are led to exchange the ball above the playing surface 2.

[0056] The playing surface 2 also has two side edges 22.

[0057] These lateral edges 22 extend, according to an orthogonal projection in a plane defined by the X and Y axes, parallel to each other.

[0058] The lateral edges 22 thus extend in a plane orthogonal to the Y axis.

[0059] These two lateral edges 22 join the two action edges 21 and each extend in a plane perpendicular to these action edges 21.

[0060] The side edges 22 have a length greater than that of the action edges 21.

[0061] According to one possible embodiment, the lateral edges 22 may have a length less than that of the action edges.

[0062] The action edges 21 and the side edges 22 together form a border of the playing surface 2.

[0063] The playing surface 2 is for example formed by a polypropylene plate with a thickness of 3 mm.

[0064] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the playing surface 2 has a curved longitudinal profile.

[0065] By longitudinal profile is meant the path formed by the playing surface in a plane defined by the X axis and by the Z axis, and extending orthogonally to the two action edges 21 which each extend in the same plane.

[0066] By having a curved profile, the playing surface 2 has a longitudinal profile composed of at least one arcuate section with a radius of curvature whose point of origin is located above the playing surface.

[0067] It is also possible that the curvature of the playing surface does not follow an arc of a circle with a radius of a constant value in the vertical plane.

[0068] This curved longitudinal profile is presented by the playing surface 2 between its two action edges 21.

[0069] Of course, along the Y axis, playing surface 2 has the same longitudinal profile.

[0070] The curved longitudinal profile of the playing surface 2 delimits an open concavity above the table 1.

[0071] With reference to the, the profile of the playing surface 2 has a main arc section 201 centered longitudinally on the playing surface 2 and having a main radius of curvature RP.

[0072] Furthermore, the profile of the playing surface 2 has two secondary arc sections 202 positioned on either side of the main arc section 201.

[0073] Each secondary arc section 202 has a secondary radius of curvature RS.

[0074] As can be seen in the figure, the secondary radius of curvature RS is of a smaller value than the principal radius of curvature RP.

[0075] As an indication and not a limitation, the main radius of curvature RP has a value of 5,687 mm, while the secondary radius of curvature RS has a radius of curvature value of 642 mm.

[0076] Each secondary arch section 202 is directly abutted to the primary arch section 201.

[0077] Furthermore, the longitudinal profile of the playing surface 2 has straight sections 203 extending directly following the secondary arc sections 202 to the action edges 21.

[0078] In other words, the playing surface 2 successively presents, from one action edge 21 to the other action edge 21, a straight section 203, one of the secondary arc sections 202, the main arc section 201, the other secondary arc section 202, then the other straight section 203.

[0079] Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 4, according to the present embodiment, the table 1 comprises a frame which carries the playing surface 2.

[0080] The frame includes 3 crosspieces which support the playing surface 2.

[0081] The three crosspieces are notably composed of:- two end crosspieces 31 positioned close to the action edges 21 of the playing surface 2;- a central crosspiece 32 equidistant from the two end crosspieces 31.

[0082] The frame also includes a 33 base.

[0083] The crosspieces are attached to the base 33.

[0084] Each crossbar extends parallel to the action edges 21 of the playing surface 2.

[0085] The table 1 also includes means for damping the playing surface 2 relative to the frame.

[0086] These means of damping the playing surface 2 make it possible to limit the rebound of the ball on the playing surface 2 to cause it to roll rather than bounce.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown, the playing surface 2 is not supported between the adjacent crosspieces, at least at the level of a middle longitudinal section of the table 1.

[0088] In the absence of support, cushioning from flexibility of the playing surface between adjacent crosspieces is provided to playing surface 2.

[0089] The manner in which the playing surface 2 is held relative to the frame forms the aforementioned damping means.

[0090] According to the present embodiment and with reference to figures 1 and 3, the table 1 comprises two side walls 5 which extend in particular in height from the two side edges 22 of the playing surface 2, between the action edges 21.

[0091] According to the present embodiment, the two side walls 5 are integrated into the frame.

[0092] In fact, each side wall 5 has a groove inside which the side edge 22 of the playing surface 2 is inserted.

[0093] According to one variant, the playing surface 2 is constrained inside the side walls 5 to present its curved shape.

[0094] According to another variant, the playing surface 2 can be preformed and inserted into the grooves.

[0095] To contribute to the damping capacity of the playing surface 2, the grooves provided in the side walls 5 have a width greater than that of the thickness of the playing surface 2, allowing movement of the playing surface 2 relative to the side wall 5.

[0096] Alternatively, the playing surface 2 may be assembled to the side walls 5 and the assembly is designed to provide a damping capacity to the playing surface, for example by implementing elastically deformable pads to support the playing surface.

[0097] By extending upwards from the lateral edges 22 of the playing surface 2, each lateral wall 5 makes it possible to return the ball 2 towards the inside of the playing surface 2 when the latter strikes one of the lateral walls 5.

[0098] The side walls 5 extend between the action edges 21. The side walls 5 extend more precisely to the action edges 21.

[0099] According to the present embodiment, each side wall 5 has a fixed central section 51 and, near each action edge 21, a removable end 52 relative to the central section 51.

[0100] By dismantling the removable ends 52, a ball rolling on the playing surface 2 is allowed to leave this playing surface 2 via the mounting location of the removable end 52.

[0101] With reference to the, the table 1 also comprises a central obstacle 4 which extends parallel to the action edges 21, and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal profile of the playing surface 2.

[0102] This central obstacle 4 overlooks the playing surface 2, providing space for the ball to pass through.

[0103] This central obstacle 4 is in particular mounted adjustable in height on the table 1 in relation to the playing surface 2.

[0104] According to the present embodiment, the central obstacle 4 is in particular mounted adjustable in height on the two side walls 5, and more specifically on the central section 51.

[0105] The central obstacle 4 takes the form of a plate which may, for example, be made of wood.

[0106] The ball in the set is comparable to a squash ball with very low bounce capacity, such as that used at professional levels.

[0107] This ball of the set takes for example the form of a hollow rubber sphere.

[0108] The ball advantageously has a rebound resilience from a height of 54 cm of less than or equal to 15%, and preferably equal to 12%, at least at 23°C, and between 25 and 35%, preferably between 25 and 30%, at 45°C.

[0109] The assembly according to the invention may also comprise rackets allowing players to hit the ball to return it to the playing surface after the latter has left the playing surface by one of the action edges 21 or by one of the side edges 22 at the location of a removable end 52 disassembled from the table 1.

Claims

Assembly for practicing a sport, designed for an exchange of balls between two players, comprising:- a ball;- a table (1) comprising a playing surface (2) extending longitudinally between two opposite action edges (21), between which the players are led to exchange the ball;characterized in that the playing surface (2) has a curved longitudinal profile, between its two action edges (21), delimiting an open concavity above the table (1), and in that the playing surface (2) and the ball are configured to dampen rebounds of the ball on the playing surface (2), the table (1) comprising a frame supporting the playing surface (2), and means for damping the playing surface (2) relative to the frame. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame comprises three crosspieces supporting the playing surface (2) and extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal profile of the playing surface (2), including:- two end crosspieces (31) positioned in the immediate vicinity of the action edges (21) of the playing surface (2);- a central crosspiece (32) equidistant from the two end crosspieces (31), the playing surface (2) not being supported between the adjacent crosspieces, at least at the level of a median longitudinal section of the table (1). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile of the playing surface (2) has:- a main arc section (201) centered longitudinally on the playing surface (2), and having a main radius of curvature (RP);- two secondary arc sections (202) positioned on either side of the main arc section (201), and each having a secondary radius of curvature (RS) of a value less than the main radius of curvature (RP). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table (1) comprises a central obstacle (4) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal profile of the playing surface (2), and overhanging the playing surface (2) while providing a space for the ball to pass through. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central obstacle (4) is mounted adjustable in height on the table (1) relative to the playing surface (2). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table (1) comprises two side walls (5) extending in height from two side edges (22) of the playing surface (2), between the action edges (21). Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each side wall (5) has a fixed central section (51), and, near each action edge (21), a removable end (52). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ball has a rebound resilience from a height of 254 cm, less than or equal to 15%, preferably 12%, at least at 23°C, and between 25% and 35%, preferably between 25% and 30%, at 45°C.

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