Sporting goods comprising connectable, rollable hollow tubular elements

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a sporting article (20) comprising a first element (21) made of bistable composite material having an end (211, 212) adapted to be reversibly in an unrolled (S1) or rolled (S2) state, wherein: in the unrolled state (S1) the end (211, 212) is self-supporting and assumes a stable elongated shape along a first axis (x) and has a slot (F) of predefined width (L1) along its length (x); in the rolled state (S2) the slot (F) has a width (L1') greater than the predefined width (L1) and the end (211, 212) is rolled around a second axis (y); the sporting article (20) further comprising a second element and a first connector (23) adapted to connect the first element (21) to the second element; the first (21) and second (22) elements connected by the first connector (23) forming a part of a sports article structure (20). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: 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 in which the tubular elements are hollow, rollable and connectable via a connector. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is known from the prior art that sporting goods can be compacted, i.e., transported, for example by being foldable or collapsible. "Compactable" means an item that takes up less space in a transportable state than it does in a state suitable for playing sports. In this respect, the sporting goods are more compact during transport than during use.

[0004] These compact sports items allow for the practice of sports on the go, often outdoors, for example in a park, garden, or on the beach. These sports items can be stored, often in a carrying case or bag, after being disassembled and / or folded.

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

[0006] Such a goal cage is shown in [Fig. 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, rigid, hollow elements extending along an axis and having a circular cross-section. The uprights 11 and 12, the crossbar 13, and the connectors are most often made of metal.

[0007] The connectors can be included directly within the various elements, allowing the elements to connect to each other, for example via threaded and tapped end systems, or by interlocking. Alternatively or complementaryly, the goal cage can include connectors not belonging to any of the structural elements, 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 can receive an element by fitting the element into the connector or via screw systems, for example through threading and tapping.

[0008] Other elements 14 enable the goal cage to remain on a flat surface, and in particular enable the uprights 11 and 12 and the crossbar 13 to remain in the same vertical plane. These elements 14 are, for example, of the same material 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 manufacture is resource-intensive and has a significant environmental impact. Furthermore, when the components of the sporting goods are tubes, they retain a considerable bulk, even when disassembled, due to their length. The more tubes the structure contains, the shorter these tubes will be, but the longer the assembly / disassembly will take. Conversely, the fewer tubes the structure contains, the faster the assembly / disassembly will be, but the longer these tubes will be, and therefore the more cumbersome 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 has low recyclability.

[0011] There is therefore a need to offer a compactable sports item that does not have the disadvantages of the state of the art. Summary of the invention

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

[0013] One aspect of the invention relates to a sporting 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 rolled-up state, in which: • In its unrolled state, the end is self-supporting and takes on a stable, elongated shape along a first axis, and presents a slot of predefined width along its length along the first axis. • In the coiled state, the slot has a width greater than the predefined width, and the end is coiled around a second axis extending transversely to the first axis. • The end is adapted to change reversibly from the coiled to the uncoiled state, • the sporting article further comprising at least one second element and at least one first connector suitable for connecting the first element to the second element when 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 one part of a structure of the sporting article.

[0014] Thanks to the invention, a more compact sporting article than in the prior art is offered when each element of the sporting article is in its coiled state. An advantage of the invention is the possibility of coiling only a portion of each element, while leaving the other portion uncoiled. This makes it possible, for example, to create stretchable elements, i.e., elements whose length can be modified, by allowing a larger portion of the element to transition from the coiled to the uncoiled state to extend the length of the stable uncoiled shape along the first axis. This is made possible by the use of a technology known as "bistable reeled composite" or "bistable reeled composite," 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 offer a sporting 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 the 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 with lower energy consumption than in the prior art.

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

[0017] In one embodiment, the second element is made of bistable composite material and includes at least one end adapted to be in the unrolled state or in the rolled state, the end being adapted to change from the rolled state to the unrolled state reversibly, the first connector being further adapted to connect the first element to the second element when 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 one 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 rolled-up state and wherein the first element is adapted to pass entirely from the rolled-up state to the unrolled state reversibly, 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 one part of a structure of the sporting article.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bistable composite material comprises a first prestressed substrate in the stable elongated form, and a plurality of prestressed 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 carbon fibers and / or glass fibers, the substrate being made of a material selected 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 chosen from a thermoplastic elastomer and / or a metal.

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

[0023] In one embodiment, the structure formed by the connected elements 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 stand, in an oar or in a weightlifting 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 contained within a goal cage, a camping tent or a weight training station.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising a sporting article according to the invention and a tool adapted for moving each element of the sporting article from the unrolled state to the rolled-up state. The tool minimizes the force required to move the element of the sporting article from the unrolled state to the rolled-up state by simply sliding the element within the tool.

[0026] In one embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the tool is further adapted to pass the article element from the wound state to the unwound state.

[0027] In one embodiment of the kit according to the invention, the tool comprises a first circular section end of which one center 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 part is wrapped 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 illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention. • Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a state-of-the-art goal cage. • Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a bistable composite material element as included in a sporting article according to the invention. • Figures 3A and 3B show respectively a schematic representation of an unrolled state and a rolled state of a bistable composite material as included in a sporting article according to the invention. • Figures [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] respectively show a schematic representation of an unrolled state and a rolled state of a bistable composite material element as included in a sporting article according to the invention. • Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of part of a structure of a sporting article according to one embodiment of the invention. • Fig. A shows a schematic representation of a connector of a structure of a sporting article according to an embodiment of the invention. • Fig. B shows a schematic representation of an end of an element adapted to be received by a connector of a structure of a sporting article according to an embodiment of the invention. • Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a sporting article according to one embodiment of the invention. • Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B respectively show a schematic representation of a sporting article according to an 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 adapted to pass at least one element of a sporting article from the unrolled state to the rolled-up state according to the invention. • Figures [Fig.1OA], [Fig.1OB], [Fig.1OC], [Fig.1OD], [Fig.1OE] and [Fig.1OF] show schematic representations according to different cross-sectional views of an embodiment of a connector included in a sporting article according to the invention. • Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a cross-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 on different figures has a unique reference.

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

[0034] The element 21 has two ends 211 and 212. Each end is either in an unwound state SI, like the end 211 in [Fig.2], or in a wound state S2, like the end 212 in [Fig.2].

[0035] In the unwound state SI, the end 211 is self-supporting and assumes a stable elongated shape along a first longitudinal axis x. This elongated shape is preferably tubular, that is, a hollow shape extending along an axis and having a substantially circular cross-section. This elongated shape has a slot of predefined width along its length along the x-axis, as shown in [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 3B]. Thus, the end 211 has the shape of a tube open along its length, the opening following the longitudinal axis x.

[0036] In the coiled state S2, the slot has a width greater than the predefined slot width, i.e., the end 212 of the element 21 is flatter than when it takes on a tubular shape in the uncoiled state SL. When one end of the element 21 is sufficiently flattened, the end can curl up 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 preferably coiled around the y-axis in the coiled state S2 and uncoiled in an elongated, preferably tubular, shape with a slot in the uncoiled state SI, and in that the element 21 is adapted to transition entirely from the coiled state S2 to the uncoiled state SI reversibly, following the action of a predefined force on the element 21.

[0037] The ends 211 and 212 are adapted to transition from the coiled state S2 to the uncoiled state SI reversibly, that is, to transition from the coiled state S2 to the uncoiled state The material is unwound (SI) and can transition from the unwound (SI) state to the wound (S2) state. For this, the bistable composite material comprises at least one substrate prestressed in its stable elongated shape. This means the substrate is prestressed in a tubular shape, but it is deformable; that is, by applying a force greater than a predetermined value, the substrate can deviate from its stable elongated state. The material includes a fiber matrix. The fiber matrix is, for example, composed of glass and / or carbon fibers. The fiber matrix is ​​not under tension in the unwound (SL) state. Upon transitioning to the wound (S2) state, i.e., by applying a force to the substrate, the fibers in the direction normal to the direction of the applied force will contract. As they contract, these fibers will constrain element 21 to the wound (S2) state.Thus, the material is stable, thanks to the fibers, in its coiled state S2, the fibers holding the element 21 coiled, and the material is also stable, thanks to the substrate, in its uncoiled state SI, the substrate keeping the slot narrower than when it is open, that is, maintaining the element 21 in a tubular shape. The substrate is made of a plastic material, preferably polypropylene. The substrate may include plastic fibers to provide prestressing. The fibers may be bonded to the substrate by a polymer, which acts as a bonding matrix. The material used may be such as that known as Rolatube®.

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

[0039] As shown in [Fig. 3A], the element 21 is in an uncoiled state SI and has a circular or substantially circular cross-section. The element 21 in the uncoiled state SI comprises a slot F of width LL. 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 to pass from the uncoiled state SI to the coiled state S2. Indeed, the smaller the width L1 of the slot F, the longer the fibers 213 following the circular circumference are, and the less force they exert to constrain the element 21 into the coiled state S2.

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

[0041] When the element 21 is in the wound state S2, the width Ll' of the slot F is greater than the width Ll of the slot F in the unwound state SL. The element 21 also has a The height HT is lower in the rolled state S2 than the height H1 of element 21 in the rolled state SI. In other words, element 21 is flattened in the rolled state S2.

[0042] When element 21 is fully uncoiled SI, element 21 has an overall tube shape open along the longitudinal slot F. This tube is self-supporting, meaning it has sufficient strength to bear its own weight when placed on a stable surface. Furthermore, the tube has sufficient strength to withstand stress applied to its ends, in the same way as a rigid metal or plastic tube. The only way to coil element 21 is to apply a force at slot F, thereby widening the slot.

[0043] When the element 21 is entirely in the wound state S2, the element 21 has an overall serpentine shape, that is to say, a substantially flat strip wound around itself around the transverse axis y. To change to the unwound state, it is sufficient to apply a pulling force to the free end of the strip and unwrap the element 21.

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

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

[0046] In one embodiment, at least one of the elements of the sporting article is formed from two elements 21a and 21b nested in their unfolded state SI, as shown in [Fig. 11]. For example, element 21 is actually formed by the nesting of two elements 21a and 21b in their unfolded state SL. This nesting is carried out in such a way as to eliminate any visible gap, i.e., a portion of one of the two elements 21a and 21b covers the gap of the other element 21a or 21b. Preferably, the gaps Fa and Fb are opposite, i.e., they are in opposition with respect to the longitudinal axis x along which element 21 extends. This allows element 21 to be more resistant to the forces exerted by the user on the sporting article. The interlocking design also allows for sliding between elements 21a and 21b, thus creating an extendable element 21, meaning its length can be adjusted according to the user's needs. To disassemble the sports equipment, simply separate the two elements 21a and 21b that form each tube, and roll each element up on itself so that it is in the rolled 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. In [Fig.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] Fig. A shows a schematic representation of the connector 23. The two ends 231 and 232 of the connector 23 form an angle 0. 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 lengthen the length of the structure formed by the two elements when the angle 0 is 180°.

[0049] To receive one end of an element 21 or 22, the connector 23 has adapted ends. For this purpose, each end has, for example, a diameter larger than the diameter of the end of the element it is adapted to receive. The diameter of each end of the connector 23 must remain sufficiently close to the diameter of the end of the element it is adapted to receive in order to keep the element 21 in the connector. For example, a difference of several millimeters can be considered, 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, preferably 32 millimeters. Each end of the connector 23 has the shape or substantially the shape of the end of the element 21 it is adapted to receive, in order to keep the element 21 or 22 connected in the connector 23.

[0050] An example of a suitable end shape for connector 23 is the shape shown in [Fig. ôB]. [Fig. ôB] shows a sectional view along section plane A of [Fig. 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 the connector 23 has a shape adapted to receive the end 212 of the element 21. The end 231 of the connector 23 is formed of two arc-shaped walls connected to each other, forming an opening into which the end 212 of the 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 sporting article may comprise more than two elements 21. The [Fig. 7] shows a schematic representation of an embodiment in which the structure of the sporting article includes a third element 25. This third element 25 is of the same nature as elements 21 and 22, that is, it is at least partly made of rollable bistable composite material, preferably entirely 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 SI, or at least when the end 252 of element 25 and the end 211 of element 21 are in the unrolled state SI. The connector 24 is, for example, identical to the connector 23, that is, adapted to receive at least one end of each of elements 21 and 25.Alternatively, connector 24 differs from connector 23, for example, because connector 24 has more or fewer ends suitable for receiving elements than connector 23, or because it has 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, the overall dimensions of which are defined by the size 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 thermoplastic, or of metal.

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

[0054] The entire set of rolled-up elements and connectors can be transported in a carrying bag or cover adapted for this purpose. The invention does not have the disadvantage, common in the prior art, of requiring a cover with a length at least equal to the length of the longest element among all the structural elements of the sporting article, since 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 cross-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 an end 305.

[0057] The sliding end 301 includes a tapped hole in its center, i.e. whose center 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 to the side of the connector 30 where the sliding end 301 is located. The second end 305 includes a hole for inserting the screw, the hole having a diameter larger than the diameter of the screw thread but smaller than the diameter of the screw head, allowing the screw to be held in the connector 30 when its 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 in or unscrewed, the sliding end 301 slides in a generally circular opening, one center of which is the longitudinal axis x, the opening being created by a plurality of tabs 303. For example, but not limited to, the connector 30 comprises 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 along the length of the tabs 303, that is, 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 an excess of material forming teeth 3011, allowing these spaces to be filled, the sliding end 301 then taking on an overall shape of a toothed wheel, i.e. comprising teeth 3011, the tabs 303 fitting between the teeth of the toothed wheel 301. .

[0059] When the sliding end 301 slides into the connector 30, i.e. when the sliding end 301 approaches the end 305 following the tightening of the screw, the tabs 303 are pushed towards the outer wall 304 of the connector 30, thanks to the fact that the tabs have a thickness that increases as they approach the end 305. In other words, the tabs 303 are thinner at their end, i.e. at the sliding end 301 when it is unscrewed, and are increasingly thick 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 they form with the outer wall 304. This opening 302 is adapted to receive a rollable bistable composite material element in its unrolled state SI, or two nested rollable bistable composite material elements in their unrolled states SL. For this purpose, the opening 302 has a diameter close to or equal to the diameter of the nested element(s) it receives, and a thickness sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the nested element(s). When the connector 30 receives a nested element(s) in the opening 302, and when the screw is tightened, the sliding end 301 As it approaches 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 inserted element(s) present in the opening 302. The inserted element(s) are then held in the opening 302 and therefore in the connector 30. To remove the inserted element(s) from the connector 30, simply unscrew the screw at end 305 and remove the inserted element(s) from the connector 30.

[0061] The connector 30 can form one or more ends 231, 232, 241 and / or 242 of one or more connectors 23 and 24, for example, all the ends of connectors 23 and 24. The various ends thus formed by connectors 30 can be held together by a connector body, for example by welding or injection molding or 3D 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, adapted to receive a game object, for example, a ball. The goal is then, for example, a football or handball goal. A goal according to this embodiment is shown in [Fig. 8A], which shows two elements 22 and 25 forming the goalposts, and an element 21 forming a crossbar. Elements 22 and 25 preferably have a length between 50 and 90 centimeters, preferably 70 centimeters. Element 21 preferably has a length between 80 and 120 centimeters, preferably 95 centimeters. As in [Fig. 7], elements 21 and 22 are connected by a connector 23 (not shown in [Fig. 8A]) and elements 25 and 21 are connected by a connector 24 (not shown in [Fig. 8A]). Additional elements 26 are linked to this set formed by elements 21, 22 and 25.They are connected, for example, via connectors (not shown), such as connectors 23 and / or 24. The additional elements 26 allow the assembly of elements 21, 22, and 25 to be held in a given position, preferably vertically, i.e., along a vertical plane, to form a goal suitable for receiving a game object, for example, a ball. The additional elements 26 preferably have a length between 40 and 80 centimeters, and preferably 55 centimeters. The goal structure may be accompanied by a net, which can be reversibly attached to the structure formed by elements 21, 22, 25, and 26.

[0063] In one embodiment, the sports equipment 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 [Fig. 8B], which shows two elements 22 and 25 forming uprights of the weight training station, and an element 21 forming a gripping bar of the weight training station. As in [Fig. 7], elements 21 and 22 are connected by a connector 23 (not shown in [Fig. 8B]) and elements 25 and 21 are connected by a connector 24 (not shown in [Fig. 8B]). Additional elements 26 are connected to the assembly formed by elements 21, 22, and 25. They are connected, for example, by means of connectors (not shown), such as connectors 23 and / or 24. These additional elements 26 allow the assembly of elements 21, 22, and 25 to maintain a given position, preferably vertically, i.e., along a vertical plane, in order to form a stable and solid weightlifting bar.

[0064] The stability of the elements in their unrolled state SI 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 an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a camping tent structure. The elements then form hoops, connected to each other by connectors, for example, at a right angle or a straight angle. The camping tent structure cooperates with a canvas to create a sturdy, weather-resistant camping tent, while having a minimal footprint once the various rollable bistable composite material elements are disconnected and rolled up.

[0066] In an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a post designed to cooperate with a net, for example, a badminton or volleyball net. Each post may consist of a single rollable element made of bistable composite material, or of several such elements, for example, two elements connected by a connector forming a flat angle, or a greater number of such elements. A second identical post may be provided to create a structure. A specific connector may then be used for each post to connect the net to each post, this connector having one end adapted to receive one end of a post, 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 an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a fishing rod. The fishing rod, for example, a "pole" rod, may comprise one or more interlocking, rollable bistable composite material elements as in [Fig. 1 1], thus creating a fishing rod of extendable length. The fishing rod may in addition include a reel, and a suitable connector to receive the reel and connect it to at least one of the elements forming the fishing rod.

[0068] In an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a walking stick. Such a walking stick may comprise one or more interlocking, rollable, bistable composite material elements as in [Fig. 11], thus creating a walking stick of extendable length. The walking stick may further comprise a connector including a walking stick tip, for example, a point, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unrolled state SI. The walking stick may further comprise a second connector including a handle for holding the walking stick.

[0069] In an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a mast, for example, for a boat, for example an inflatable boat, or for a windsurfing board. Such a mast may comprise one or more interlocking, rollable, bistable composite material elements as in [Fig. 1 1], thus creating a boat mast of extendable length. The mast may further comprise a connector, for example, adapted to be attached to the hull of a boat or a windsurfing board, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unrolled state SL. The mast may further comprise connectors for attaching a sail to the mast, and thus to the boat or windsurfing board.

[0070] In an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a boat oar, which comprises one or more interlocking elements of rollable bistable composite material as in [Fig. 1 1], thus creating a boat mast of extendable length. The oar may further comprise a connector including a blade, the element or elements of bistable composite material forming an oar handle, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unrolled state SL.

[0071] In an embodiment not shown, the structure of the sporting article is a basketball hoop support, which comprises one or more interlocking elements of rollable bistable composite material as in [Fig. 1 1], thus creating a basketball hoop support of extendable height.The basketball hoop support may further include a connector, the connector being adaptable to one end of the element in the unfolded state IF, the connector including 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 sporting article 20 according to the invention, as previously described, and a tool 31 according to the invention. The tool 31 according to the invention is adapted to move at least one element of the article from the unrolled state SI to the state rolled S2. In one embodiment, the tool 31 according to the invention is also adapted to pass the element of the sporting article from the unrolled state SI to the rolled state S2.

[0074] As shown in [Fig. 9C], which is a longitudinal sectional view along the section plane BB of [Fig. 9B], the tool 31 according to the invention comprises two ends 311 and 312. The first end 311 is adapted to receive an element of the sporting article 20 made of rollable bistable composite material, for example, element 21, when the element is in the unrolled state SI. The tool 31 allows the element to be passed from the unrolled state SI to the rolled state S2. For example, in Figures 9A to 9F, the end 311 of the tool 31 is adapted to receive an element that has an open tube shape in the unrolled state SI, for example, the end 211 in the form of an open tube through a slot F of element 21 of [Fig. 2].The end 312 is adapted to receive the end of an element in the unrolled state SI by comprising two walls defining an opening in the shape of the end of the element in the unrolled state SL. The two walls 3111 and 3112 are connected to each other to form the opening, for example by a third wall 3113. The opening thus created allows the end of the element in the unrolled state SL to be received. For this purpose, the opening has dimensions close to those of the element it receives, for example the same dimensions, preferably a few millimeters or centimeters larger, for example 1 to 10% larger than the dimensions of the element it receives, for example 5% larger. Preferably, the dimensions of the opening are larger than the dimensions of each element of the structure of the sporting article 20, in order to move each element of the sporting article 20 from the unrolled state SI to the rolled-up state S2.

[0075] The element received by one end of the tool 31, preferably from the end 311, can then slide in the tool 31 and deforms following the shape of the element 31. At the exit of the element 31 after sliding through the entire length of the tool 31, at the end 312, the element 21 passes into the coiled state S2, because the tool 31 has a flattened shape and is coiled around the y axis. For this, the two walls 3111 and 3112 take the desired shape of the element 21 in the rolled state, that is to say with the slot F more open than in the unrolled state SI, with a flatter shape than in the unrolled state SL The slot F has for example the length Ll' at the exit of the tool 31, that is to say at the end 312 shown in [Fig.9F], and the length Ll at the entrance of the tool 31, that is to say at the end 311 shown in [Fig.9D], with Ll less than Ll'.

[0076] Over a large part of the tool 31, that is to say from the first end 311 to at least 75 percent of the tool's length 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-circle section (or, in a mode of realization lisation, to a straight section, therefore completely flattened), the flattened shape being represented in [Fig.9E]. The second end 312 then allows to go from a flat or flattened strip to a rolled strip, by including a part convex towards the inside of the tool 31, allowing the element to take a rolled shape around the y axis.

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

Claims

1.

2.

3. Demands Sporting article (20) comprising at least one first (21) element of bistable composite material comprising at least one end (211,212) adapted to be in an uncoiled state (S1) or in a coiled state (S2), in which: - in the uncoiled state (SI) 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 (Ll) along its length along the first axis (x), - in the wound state (S2) the slot (F) has a greater width (LF) than the predefined width (Ll) and the end (211,212,221,222) is wound around a second axis (y) extending transversely to the first axis (x), - the end (211,212,221,222) is adapted to transition reversibly from the coiled state (S2) to the uncoiled state (S1), the sporting 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 at least one end (211,212) of the first element (21,22) is in the uncoiled state (SI), the first (21) and second (22) elements connected by the first connector (23) forming at least one part of a structure of the sporting article (20). Article (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second (22) element is made of bistable composite material and comprises at least one end (221,222) adapted to be in the unwound state (SI) or in the wound state (S2), the end (221,222) being adapted to pass from the wound state (S2) to the unwound state (SI) reversibly, the first connector (23) further being adapted to connect the first element (21) to the second element (22) when at least one end (211,212,221,222) of each element (21,22) is in the unwound state (SI), the ends (211,212,221,222) of the first (21) and second (22) elements in the unwound state (SI) connected by the first connector (23) forming at least one part of a structure of the sporting article (20). Article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising in in addition to a third element (25) comprising at least one end (251,252) adapted to be in an unrolled state (SI) or in a rolled-up state (S2) and according to which the first element (21) is adapted to pass entirely from the rolled-up state (S2) to the unrolled state (SI) reversibly, the sporting 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 (SI), the three elements (21,22,23) in the unrolled state (SI) connected by the first connector (23) and the second connector (24) forming at least a part of the structure of the sporting article (20).

4. Article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bistable composite material comprises a first prestressed substrate in the stable elongated 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 selected from carbon fibers and / or glass fibers, the substrate being of a material selected from a plastic and / or a metal.

5. Article (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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 (211,212,221,222,251,252) of one of the two elements (21,22,25).

6. Article (20) according to claim 5, wherein each connector (23,24) is in at least one material selected 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 any one of the preceding claims that the structure formed by the connected elements (21,22,25) is an amount 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 stand, in an oar or in a weightlifting bar.

9. Article (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, whereby 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 sporting 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 sporting article (20) from the unrolled state (S1) to the rolled-up state (S2).

11. Kit according to claim 10 wherein 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 (SI).

12. Kit according to any one of claims 10 or 11 wherein the tool (31) comprises a first end (311) of circular cross-section having a center at 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 sporting article (20) in the unrolled state (SI), and a second end (312) at least a part of which is wound around the second axis (y).