PLAY STRUCTURE FOR PLAYING BASKETBALL

Abstract

A play structure for the practice of basketball, comprising a base that rests on the ground, as well as: a lower element mounted in rotation on said base between a folded down position and an upright position; an upper element on which is mounted a basketball backboard (4), said upper element being mounted in rotation on an upper end of said lower element between a folded position and a deployed position; said play structure being arranged from a storage position to a position of use by successively switching the lower element from the folded down position to the upright position, then the upper element from the folded position to the deployed position, the lower element being arranged to rest on the ground in upright position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is the US national phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/FR2015/051758, filed Jun. 29, 2015, which application claims priority to French Application No. FR 1456109, filed Jun. 27, 2014. The priority application, FR 1456109, is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a play structure, in particular for the practice of basketball.

PRIOR ART

Such play structures are known which are foldable in order to facilitate their implementation and their storage, especially by limiting the use of tools and/or the time required for such operations, which can be indeed dissuasive, as for the use of said structure than for its storage.

For example, document U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,453 describes a play structure for the practice of basketball comprising a base that rests on the ground, as well as:

a lower element mounted in rotation on said base between a folded down position and an upright position;

an upper element on which is mounted a basketball backboard, said upper element being mounted in rotation on an upper end of said lower element between a folded position and a deployed position.

In addition, to allow adjustment of the height of the basketball backboard, the lower element has a first portion mounted slidingly in a second portion between a retracted position in said second portion and a raised position outside of said second portion.

As such, in order to arrange the structure in position of use, it is sufficient to successively switch the lower element from the folded down position to the upright position, then the upper element from the folded position to the deployed position, then to raise at least partially the first portion of the lower element, according to the desired height for the basketball backboard.

In the same way, to arrange the structure in storage position, it is sufficient to retract possibly the first portion of the lower element in the second portion, then to successively replace the upper element in folded position and the lower element in folded down position, the base forming in particular a storage box of which the lid is integral in rotation with the lower element to allow the storage of the structure in said box when said lower element is replaced in folded down position.

However, this structure do not provide full satisfaction, in that its structure remains relatively complicated. Moreover, to assure its maintain in position of use, the structure presents only oblique arms mounted in rotation on the base and on the lower element and destined to be deployed during the passage of said lower element in upright position, which is not sufficient to prevent its vertical tipping over.

The invention aims to improve prior art by proposing in particular a play structure easy to assemble in order to its use and which, in folded storage position, comprises a minimal encumbrance and is easy to carry, and this while ensuring an optimum maintaining in position of use to avoid any risk of tipping over.

To this effect, the invention proposes a play structure for the practice of basketball, comprising a base that rests on the ground, as well as:

a lower element mounted in rotation on said base between a folded down position and an upright position;

an upper element on which is mounted a basketball backboard, said upper element being mounted in rotation on an upper end of said lower element between a folded position and a deployed position;

said play structure being arranged from a storage position to a position of use by successively switching the lower element from the folded down position to the upright position, then the upper element from the folded position to the deployed position, the lower element being arranged to rest on the ground in upright position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other particularities and advantages of the invention shall appear in the following description, given in reference to the annexed figures, wherein:

FIG. 1a shows a perspective play structure according to the invention in storage position;

FIG. 1b shows a side view of the play structure of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2a shows a play structure according to the invention wherein the lower element is in an upright position;

FIG. 2b shows a side view of the play structure of FIG. 1a, in the position illustrated in FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3a shows a play structure according to the invention in position of use, wherein the lower element is in upright position and the upper element is in a deployed position;

FIG. 3b shows a side view of the play structure of FIG. 1a, in the use position illustrated in FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4a shows a play structure according to the invention in position of use, wherein the first portion of the lower element is furthermore arranged in raised position outside of the second portion of said lower element;

FIG. 4b shows a side view of the play structure of FIG. 1a, in the use position illustrated in FIG. 4a;

FIG. 5 partially show a longitudinal cross-section of the play structure according to FIG. 3a;

FIG. 5a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower end of the lower element of the play structure;

FIG. 5b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an upper end of the lower element of the play structure;

FIG. 6 shows a top perspective of the base of the play structure of FIGS. 1a to 4b, with the lower element in an upright position; and

FIG. 7 shows a right rear perspective view of the base of the play structure of FIGS. 1a to 4b, with the lower element in an upright position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In relation with these figures, a play structure is described hereinbelow for the practice of basketball.

The play structure comprises a base 1 that rests on the ground, a lower element 2 mounted in rotation on said base between a folded down position and an upright position, as well as an upper element 3 on which is mounted a basketball backboard 4 and which is mounted in rotation on an upper end of said lower element between a retracted position and an upright position.

As such, the structure can be arranged between a storage position, wherein the lower 2 and upper 3 elements are respectively in folded down and folded position, and a position of use, wherein the lower 2 and upper 3 elements are respectively in upright and deployed position, and this by successively switching the lower element 2 from the folded down position to the upright position, then the upper element 3 from the folded position to the deployed position.

The base 1 comprises a central frame 5 on which the lower element 2 is mounted in rotation, as well as wheels 6 mounted on the frame 5 in order to allow for the movement of the structure. In relation with FIG. 6, the wheels 6 each include a hub integral with the central frame 5, said hubs being arranged in order to allow the wheels 6 to rotate independently one from the other.

In particular, at least some of the wheels 6 are arranged in order to be able to be filled with a ballast material, for example water or sand, in order to form a counterweight to the lower element 2 in upright position. To do this, the wheels that can be filled 6 each include a cylindrical reservoir on the periphery of which an opening 7 is arranged in order to allow them to be filled with such a ballast material.

For a good distribution of the weight, the wheels that can be filled 6 are distributed in pairs on either side of the central frame 5. In relation with the figures, the base 1 comprises in particular three pairs of wheels that can be filled 6 distributed on either side of the central frame 5.

Moreover, the axis of revolution of the reservoirs extends horizontally and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame 5, so that the base 1 can be moved by rolling said reservoirs on their periphery.

With regards to the mounting of the lower element 2, the central frame 5 has a front end on which said lower element is mounted in rotation. As such, in order to arrange the play structure in position of use, the user firstly switches the lower element 2 from the folded down position (FIG. 1) to the upright position (FIG. 2) by pivoting it in relation to the front end of the central frame 5.

In particular, in order to facilitate the arrangement of the structure in position of use, said structure comprises a system for assisting in the moving of the lower element 2 in upright position. Such a system for assisting is all the more so desirable in that the user, by moving the lower element 2 in upright position, must not only manipulate said lower element, but also the upper element 3 arranged in folded position on said lower element, as well as the basketball backboard 4 mounted on said upper element, which can prove to be constraining in light of the total weight of the whole.

In relation with the figures, the system for assisting comprises a linking arm 8 that has a first end mounted in rotation on the lower element 2, as well as a second end mounted in translation on the base 1, for example on a rail formed for this purpose on the central frame 5.

Moreover, the system for assisting comprises spring means 9 mounted on the central frame 5 on either side of the second end of the linking arm 8, said spring means being arranged to actuate the translation of the linking arm 8 with respect to the central frame 5, in such a way as to assist the moving of the lower element 2 in upright position.

To do this, the spring means 9 are blocked in constrained position when the lower element 2 is in folded down position. For example, the spring means 9 can be compression—respectively traction—springs which are contracted—respectively stretched—when the lower element 2 is in folded down position, in such a way as to accompany the translation of the linking arm 8 by expanding—respectively by contracting—to their rest position.

In order to ensure safety, whether during the use of the structure or during its arrangement in position of use, said structure further comprises a system for blocking 10 the lower element 2 in upright position, in order to prevent said lower element from tipping over in an untimely manner in folded down position.

In particular, the system for blocking 10 comprises means for blocking the linking arm 8 in translation and/or in rotation, in particular studs 11 carried by one among said linking arm and the lower element 2, said studs being intended to be blocked in a device for receiving carried by the other among the lower element 2 and the linking arm 8 when said lower element is in upright position.

In relation with the figures, the device for receiving comprises a plate 12 which is mounted in rotation on the lower element 2 and which has a slot for blocking studs 11 mounted on the linking arm 8.

As such, during the deployment of the lower element 2 in upright position, the studs 11 are positioned in the slot for blocking of the plate 12, in such a way as to activate the system for blocking 10.

Moreover, in order to arrange the structure in storage position, the plate 12 is actuated manually in rotation in order to unblock the studs 11 from the slot, in such a way as to be able to move the linking arm 8 in translation and as such allow for the arrangement of the lower element 2 in folded down position.

In relation with FIG. 7, the system for blocking 10 also comprises a hook 13 mounted in rotation on the linking arm 8 and intended to be manually hooked to a front transversal bar 14 mounted above the rail on the central frame 5, so as to prevent the translation of said linking arm in said rail and as such contribute to the blocking of the lower element 2 in upright position.

In order to provide further stability to the structure when it is arranged in position of use, the lower element 2 is arranged to rest on the ground in upright position, which makes it possible to prevent the tipping over of said structure in said position of use.

To do this, the lower element 2 comprises two legs 15 mounted on either side of its lower end and intended to rest on the ground when said lower element is in upright position. As such, the legs 15 provide better stability to the structure by preventing in particular the tipping over thereof on the sides, and this in combination with the base 1 which forms a counterweight in order to prevent it from tipping over towards the front or towards the rear. The legs 15 also make it possible to prevent the base 1 from rolling when the play structure is in position of use.

Once the lower element 2 is in upright position, the user can arrange the play structure in position of use by switching the upper element 3 from the folded position (FIG. 2), in which said upper element is arranged against said lower element, to the deployed position (FIG. 3), and this by manually pivoting said upper element in relation to the upper end of the lower element 2 on which it is mounted in rotation.

The upper element 3 comprises a free end on which the basketball backboard 4 is mounted, said backboard comprising a board 4a and a hoop 4b on which a net can be hung.

In order to limit the encumbrance of the play structure when it is arranged in storage position, the basketball backboard 4 can be arranged in such a way as to be folded back against the upper element 3 which is itself arranged against the lower element 2 when arranged in folded position. To do this, the basketball backboard 4 can be mounted in rotation on the free end of the upper element 3.

Moreover, the hoop 4b can be mounted in rotation on the backboard 4 so as to be folded back against the board 4a when the play structure is in storage position. Alternatively, the hoop 4b can be reversibly mounted on the backboard 4 by means of a system without a tool, in order to allow the user to easily dismount said hoop when he wishes to store the play structure.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper element 3 comprises two pairs of upper 3a and lower 3b parallel bars that each have a rear end mounted in rotation on the upper end of the lower element 2, as well as a front end on which the basketball backboard 4 is mounted in rotation. As such, the upper element 3 forms a deformable parallelogram that allows the user to switch said upper element into deployed position and to upright the basketball backboard 4 in a single gesture.

Furthermore, in order to facilitate the arrangement of the upper element 3 in deployed position, said upper element comprises a handle 16 that the user can grasp in order to manipulate said upper element.

The play structure further comprises a system for locking the upper element 3 in deployed position, in order to prevent any untimely tipping over of said upper element in folded position, in particular during the use of the structure, and as such ensure the safety of the users.

To do this, the system for locking comprises a hook 17 mounted on one among the upper 3 and lower 2 elements, said hook being hooked manually on the other among said lower and upper elements when said upper element is in deployed position. In particular, the hook 17 can be mounted in rotation in order to facilitate the manipulation thereof by the user.

In relation with FIG. 5b, the hook 17 is mounted on the upper element 3 and the lower element 2 comprises a device carrying a pin 18 on which said hook is hooked when said upper element is in deployed position.

In the FIG. 3, the lower element 2 is in upright position and the upper element 3 is in deployed position, the basketball backboard 4 and the hoop 4b that it carries being upright towards the front. The play structure can therefore be used.

However, according to the level of practice of the user, his age and/or his size, the height of the backboard 4 can be adjusted. To do this, the lower element 2 comprises a first portion 2a mounted slidingly in a second portion 2b between a retracted position in said second portion (FIG. 3) and a raised position outside of said second portion (FIG. 4), said lower element being provided with a system for actuating the movement of said first portion in raised position.

In particular, the lower end of the second portion 2b is mounted in rotation on the central frame 5 and carries the two legs 15, and the upper element 3 is mounted in rotation on an upper end of the first portion 2a.

In relation with the FIG. 5, the system for actuating comprises a strap 19 of which a first end is fastened to the second portion 2b, said strap being mounted on a means for winding around its second end. In particular, the means for winding comprises a crank 20 mounted on the second portion 2b, in particular on a case 21 carried by said second portion and inside of which the second end of the strap 19 opens in order to be wound around said crank.

Furthermore, the second portion 2b comprises a slide 22 fastened on its upper end, with the strap 19 sliding outside of said slide during its winding around its second end.

Moreover, the first portion 2a is bearing on the strap 19 between its first and second ends in order to be able to be moved in raised position—respectively retracted—by winding—respectively unwinding—of said strap.

In relation with the FIGS. 5 and 5a, the first portion 2a comprises a slide 23 formed on its lower end and wherein the strap 19 slides during the actuating of the system.

In order to prevent the total weight of the first portion 2a—upper element 3—basketball backboard 4 unit from resting on the strap 19, in particular on the portion of said strap arranged in the slide 23 of said first portion, the system for actuating can include a safety device which, when it is actuated, supports said first portion in order to block it at the desired height.

In particular, such a safety device can comprise a pin intended to be arranged in an orifice formed on the first portion 2a and corresponding to a desired height for the backboard 4, with the user pulling said pin outside of said orifice before unwinding the strap 19 of the means for winding 20 when he wishes to retract said first portion in said second portion 2b, for example during the arranging of the structure in storage position.

In order to ensure the safety of users during the use of the play structure, the system for actuating further comprises a device for blocking the first portion 2a in raised position, in order to prevent any untimely movement of said first portion towards its retracted position, and therefore any abrupt and uncontrolled lowering, and therefore potentially dangerous, of the basketball backboard 4.

To do this, the device for blocking is in particular arranged to block the means for winding 20 the strap 19, in such a way that the user has to manually actuate said device in order to be able to unwind said strap and as such arrange the first portion 2a in retracted position.

In particular, the device for blocking can be a safety device with a pin such as described hereinabove, of which the pin is arranged to block the first portion 2a in raised position while blocking in rotation the means for winding 20 the strap 19. As such, in order to be able to unwind the strap 19, the user is required to first remove the pin, which makes it possible to prevent the strap 19 from being unwound while the first portion 2a is blocked in raised position. Indeed, if the user were to unblock the first portion 2a while the strap 19 is unwound, said first portion would abruptly slide in the second portion 2b, which would result in an abrupt and uncontrolled descent, and therefore potentially dangerous, of the basketball backboard 4.

According to another embodiment, the device for blocking can include a ratchet wheel comprising teeth on its circumference and integral in rotation with the means for winding 20, as well as a latch intended to snap fit into one of the teeth of said wheel when the means for winding 20 is actuated to wind the strap 19 and raise the first portion 2a, in such a way as to form an abutment with said tooth in order to prevent the rotation of said means in the reverse direction of unwinding of said strap. As such, in order to be able to unwind the strap 19 and retract the first portion 2a, the user must first manually release the latch of the ratchet wheel.

According to another embodiment, in particular when the means for winding comprises a crank 20, the device for blocking can also comprise a means intended to interfere with said crank in order to prevent the rotation thereof in the direction of unwinding of the strap 19. In particular, the system for actuating comprises a latch 24 mounted in rotation on the second portion 2b in the vicinity of the crank 20, the user manually turns said latch in order to arrange it against the handle of the crank 20 in order to block the latter in rotation.

Claims

1. A play structure for the practice of basketball, comprising a base that rests on the ground, as well as:

a lower element mounted in rotation on said base between a folded down position and an upright position;

an upper element on which is mounted a basketball backboard, said upper element being mounted in rotation on an upper end of said lower element between a folded position and a deployed position;

said play structure being arranged from a storage position to a position of use by successively switching the lower element from the folded down position to the upright position, then the upper element from the folded position to the deployed position, said play structure being characterised in that the lower element is arranged to rest on the ground in upright position.

2. The play structure according to claim 1, further comprising a system for assisting in the moving of the lower element in upright position.

3. The play structure according to claim 2, the system for assisting including a linking arm that has a first end mounted in rotation on the lower element, as well as a second end mounted in translation on the base.

4. The play structure according to claim 3, the system for assisting including spring means mounted on the base on either side of the second end of the linking arm.

5. The play structure according to claim 4, the spring means being in constrained position when the lower element is in folded down position.

6. The play structure according to claim 3, further comprising a system for blocking the lower element in upright position.

7. The play structure according to claim 6, the system for blocking comprising means for blocking the linking arm in translation and/or in rotation.

8. The play structure according to claim 7, the system for blocking including studs carried by one among the linking arm and the lower element, said studs being intended to be blocked in a device for receiving carried by the other among the lower element and the linking arm when said lower element is in upright position.

9. The play structure according to claim 1, the lower element including two legs mounted on either side of its lower end and intended to rest on the ground when said lower element is in upright position.

10. The play structure according to claim 1, further comprising a device for locking the upper element in deployed position.

11. The play structure according to claim 10, the device for locking comprises a hook mounted on one among the upper and lower elements, said hook being hooked manually on the other among said lower and upper elements when said upper element is in deployed position.

12. The play structure according to claim 1, the upper element including two pairs of upper and lower parallel bars that each have a rear end mounted in rotation on a free end of the lower element and a front end on which the basketball backboard is mounted in rotation.

13. The play structure according to claim 1, the lower element including a first portion mounted slidingly in a second portion between a retracted position in said second portion and a raised position outside of said second portion, said lower element being provided with a system for actuating the movement of said first portion in raised position.

14. The play structure according to claim 13, the system for actuating including a strap of which a first end is fastened to the second portion, with said strap being mounted on a means for winding around its second end, with the first portion bearing on said strap between its first and second ends in order to be able to be moved in raised—respectively retracted—position by winding—respectively unwinding—of said strap.

15. The play structure according to claim 1, the base including:

a central frame on which the lower element is mounted in rotation;

wheels mounted on said frame in order to allow said structure to be moved.

16. The play structure according to claim 15, at least some of the wheels being arranged in order to be able to be filled with a ballast material in order to form a counterweight to the element in upright position in order for said structure to be used.