EP1815890B1 - Dampening device for a ball game racket - Google Patents

Abstract

The damping device (1) has a base area (7), head area (3) and tapered neck area (5), which is arranged between the foot and the head area. The tapered neck area is formed bar shape and cross section of the neck area is reduced opposite to base area and/or head area in a level. The base area is formed u-shaped, where base limb of u-form is connected with the neck range.

Description

The present invention relates to a damping device for ball game rackets, in particular tennis, squash, Racquetball-, badminton or Paddletennisschläger, which is particularly attachable to a fabric and / or a frame of the ball game racket. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a ball game racket with such a damping device. Also described is a method of making such a racquet and a method of attaching such a device to a ball racquet.

Ball game rackets of the type mentioned above have a frame with a head portion for receiving a string and a handle portion. Such clubs may further comprise a heart region or a fork arranged between the head region and the grip section.

When hitting a ball with such a racket initially a deflection of the racket, in particular the fabric and the frame, by the ball. After the deflection of the racket by the ball, the ball moves away from the bent or deflected racket. The club goes after the separation from the ball in its free damped oscillation (natural frequency) on. In this case, in particular, the vibrations generated when a ball hits the strings of the racket are transmitted to the user's arm. Such occurring by the hitting of a ball forces or shocks or vibrations are, at least in the long-term effect, partly responsible for the fact that the player health problem, such as the so-called tennis arm, can occur. Furthermore, a continuous compensation of the impact shock and the forces occurring during the game to a rapid fatigue of the player. Also, the control of the racket and thus the playing behavior is influenced by too strong, acting on the player forces and vibrations. Furthermore, the vibrations of the excited string at the beat are often perceived as disturbing. This is not least because the Frequency of the vibrations of the excited strings is at least partially in the audible range.

Damping devices for ball game rackets are known in principle. That's how it describes DE-U-84 051 02 a device for vibration damping in the covering of ball impact devices, which consists of crossing longitudinal and transverse strings, with a serving as Schwingungsdämpmngselement coupling member mechanically couples at least two longitudinal strings in at least one of their end regions. For this purpose, the coupling member is formed as an elastic element with a receptacle for the longitudinal strings, by which the longitudinal strings are kept at a distance, which is preferably different from the distance of the longitudinal strings to be coupled. The receptacle for the longitudinal strings to be coupled comprises via these slidable receiving sleeves, and the coupling member has at least one further receptacle in the form of a passage for a transverse string.

The US-A-5211397 relates to a vibration damper for tennis rackets with head and foot area and a tapered neck area wherein the head and foot areas have means for receiving two strings.

The US-A-4,732,383 describes a shock and vibration absorber for rackets, which is rod-shaped and is woven into an area between the handle and the nearest transverse string in the longitudinal strings. This absorber extends over the entire width of the racket in this area, the ends being defined in the spaces between the frame and the nearest longitudinal strings. The rod-shaped absorber is formed of multiple layers of a shock and frequency absorbing material that is soft, light and elastic.

The EP-A-0 497 561 relates to a shock absorber for ball game racket, which is formed as a flexible rubber-like belt with damping properties, wherein the flexible belt having a body portion with opposite sides, on each of which a plurality of transverse ribs are formed, which are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction, and end portions integrally with are connected to the body portion of the flexible belt, wherein the flexible belt is fastened to adjacent, longitudinally extending sides of the club head by means of fastening means and intertwined with the strings.

The DE-A-35 041 37 discloses a ball game racket, in which a provided within the frame covering for damping the vibrations after a respective beating of the ball with at least one damping means can be equipped, wherein the respective damping means is inserted in strings formed by the strings Freifelder and held in a form-fitting manner by the strings of the fabric ,

The US-A-4,776,590 discloses a cushioning device for ball game rackets formed from a block of viscoelastic foam and inserted between the strings of racket strings, the compressed block typically communicating with four adjacent strings.

The AT-B-352 590 describes a device for the eradication of vibrations in ball game rackets, wherein at least two longitudinal strings of clothing preferably at the heart end of the same mechanically coupled to each other by means of a vibration absorber, wherein the vibration damper is arranged outside the range of the transverse strings.

The GB-2 191 409 relates to a ball game racket with a damping device having a plurality of holes through which the longitudinal strings of the racket string are guided, wherein the damping device is arranged in the stringing area below the transverse tension on the racquet frame fitting and by means of a serving from the outside through the holes for receiving the covering holes Racket frame guided fastener is attached.

The US 4,765,620 describes a damping device for tennis rackets, for example, which has an elongated, vibratory element made of an elastomeric, energy-absorbing material. The oscillatory member is fixedly connected to a ducted strip mounted on the underside of the racket yoke. The damping device is fixed to the frame, wherein the oscillatory element is mounted within the neck region under the yoke.

Other damping devices of different types are for example in the JP-A-03231689 . EP-A-0 642 811 . EP-A-0 261 994 . US-A-4,190,249 . DE-A-37 24 205 . DE-A-39 10 890 . WO-A-8802271 . DE 10 2004 025 346 A1 . EP-A-0 441 971 and WO-A-9009215 , disclosed.

These known damping devices are not in terms of their damping properties, especially in relation to the vibrations transmitted to the player and the acoustic effects of vibrations, their installation costs, their relatively complex and therefore expensive production and / or their high weight satisfactory. Furthermore, they have no or only insufficient influence on the frame vibrations or the transmission of the string vibrations to the frame.

The present invention has for its object to provide an improved damping device and an improved ball game racket. Additional or alternative objects of the invention are to provide a damping device or a ball game racket with which the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome, an improved vibration behavior is achieved, an improved impact sound is achieved, which are simple and inexpensive to produce, which are easy and inexpensive to install, provide improved handling characteristics of the stringed and unstressed racquet and / or have improved game properties or effect.

This object is achieved with the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The invention is based on the basic idea of providing a damping device with at least one damping element, wherein the damping element has a foot or base region, a head region and a neck or connecting region arranged between the foot and the head region. In this case, the provision of a neck or connection region permits the formation of an optimum distance between foot or base region and head region or an optimal and secure positioning of the head region in the clothing plane with a preferred distance to the heart region of the racquet. The neck area is preferably tapered or constricted at least in the width or thickness direction of the damping device according to the invention in relation to the foot or base area and / or the head area. The damping device is preferably fastened by means of a fastening element in the region of the club heart on the frame of the ball game racket and is then itself in the range of the string bed.

The foot or base area is used inter alia for attachment of the damping device on the club heart and is therefore also referred to below as a mounting area.

Preferably, the foot or attachment area is formed substantially arcuate or U-shaped, wherein the neck area is connected to the foot area in the region of the arched dome or in the region of the base leg of the U-shape and wherein the open side of the U or. Bogenform away from the neck and head of the damping element. The neck region of the damping element is preferably web-shaped and preferably arranged centrally of the foot region and / or the head region. Overall, the damping element preferably has a substantially oval and / or rectangular or cuboidal basic shape or envelope. Preferably, the damping element is formed substantially in the form of an elongated, flat and optionally oval cuboid. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the neck area has a thickness which is lower than the basic shape, particularly preferably substantially smaller, and / or width.

The attachment region of the damping element according to the invention comprises at least two limbs arranged substantially parallel to one another, wherein the limbs of the attachment region are preferably designed for coupling in each case one longitudinal string of a racquet clothing. For this purpose, the attachment region preferably has at least one groove, a recess, an opening, a channel and / or a hole, hereinafter referred to as a passage, for coupling to or for receiving a longitudinal string. Preferably, the attachment portion has at least two legs, each having a passage for receiving and coupling with a longitudinal string.

Here, the passage is preferably formed as a bore with a constant diameter. According to a preferred embodiment, as described later, the passage is formed as a bore with different diameter ranges.

The passage is preferably formed so that it encloses a longitudinal string at least partially and at least in a partial region of the passage firmly, preferably by means of a press fit. The preferably at least two passages of the attachment region are preferably designed and arranged such that their respective longitudinal center lines at least substantially coincide with the longitudinal center line of the longitudinal string to be respectively received or coupled. Thus, an arrangement of the damping element in the covering of a ball game racket can be ensured without changing the distance or the tension of the strings or longitudinal strings with respect to their starting position, ie in the state without damping element.

The neck region of the damping element is preferably web-shaped and connects the attachment region with the head region. At the same time, the neck region of the damping element effects a defined spacing of the head region from the fastening region and preferably also permits positioning of the head region at a defined distance from the racquet frame, preferably the racquet heart and in the area of the racquet clothing or on the string bed.

The head region of the damping element has means for coupling with preferably at least two, more preferably two to eight, and most preferably three strings of racquet clothing. In this case, the devices are preferably formed as depressions, recesses, slots, grooves, holes and / or bores. Preferably, the head portion has means for coupling with at least two longitudinal strings and at least one cross string of a racket string. In this case, the means provided for receiving or coupling with the longitudinal strings means of the head portion are preferably aligned with the corresponding means of the mounting portion, so that they preferably receive the same strings or couple with the same strings. The head region of the damping element is preferably formed as a damping mass, which is connected via the neck region with the attachment region, which is preferably coupled to the racket frame. The head region of the damping device preferably has a larger, particularly preferably a significantly greater mass than the neck region. Preferably, the head region, at least in one plane, for example the clothing plane, is approximately circular. According to a preferred embodiment, the head region has an additional damping mass. Such an additional damping mass can be formed, for example, by the arrangement of a material of high density in or on the head region. Preferably, the head region has one or more additional Dämpfüngsmassen in the form of particular metal particles, preferably balls.

In a preferred embodiment, the damping device can be connected to at least one fastening element, wherein the damping device is arranged in the clothing area of the ball game racket and wherein the fastening element can be arranged in the frame region of the ball game racket and wherein furthermore the damping device and the at least one fastening element can be detachably connected to one another. Particularly preferably, the fastening element is designed such that it supports or complements the damping effect of the damping device.

The damping device and the at least one fastening element are preferably connectable by the racket frame, wherein according to a preferred embodiment, at least the damping device or the at least one fastening element at least partially penetrates the racket frame. Preferably, the at least one fastening element completely comprises at least two strings of the ball game racket fabric. The strings are preferably guided by the respective fastening element. In a preferred embodiment, the strings pass through and are completely enclosed by the damping device and the fastening element.

According to a preferred embodiment, the damping device and / or the fastening element are preferably each formed in one piece or integrally or integrally.

The damping device and the fastening element can be connected according to a preferred embodiment by means of a shrink fit or a press fit. In this case, the damping device preferably comprises the fastening element at least partially.

In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element penetrates the racket frame from the outside thereof and can be connected to the damping device in the clothing area. The fastening element preferably penetrates the racket frame in openings provided in the racket profile for receiving or passing through the stringed strings. For this purpose, the fastening element is preferably designed similar to a head, eye or heart band to be arranged on the club head and has a band section and at least one arranged thereon Sleeve section, wherein the band portion and the at least one sleeve portion are preferably formed integrally or in one piece. The number of sleeve-shaped sections preferably corresponds at least to the number of strings to be recorded. In this case, the sleeve-like sections preferably have a length such that they penetrate the racket frame so far that they extend into the clothing area of the racket and can be connected there to the damping device.

The measures provided in the attachment region of the damping device means for performing or for coupling with stringed strings are preferably at least partially formed such that they can be connected or coupled with the extending into the clothing area of the racket sleeve-shaped portions of the fastening element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the passages preferably provided in the legs of the fastening region have at least one section which has a diameter designed in such a way that a string guided through the passage is closely and preferably free of play in this region.

In a preferred embodiment, the damping device and / or the fastening element preferably comprise or are produced from elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and / or silicone.

In a further preferred embodiment, the damping device has a hardness of preferably about 5 to 100 Shore A, preferably about 20 to 70 Shore A and particularly preferably about 40 Shore A.

In a further preferred embodiment, the fastening element is harder than the damping device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the damping device has a density of about 0.30 to 2 g / cm ³ , preferably about 0.90 to 1.40 g / cm ^3, and more preferably from about 0.95 to 1.20 g / cm ³ on. Preferably, the damping device an additional, preferably in the head region arranged damping mass having a density of preferably about 2 to 10 g / cm ³ .

The weight of the damping device is preferably in the range of about 1 g to 10 g, and preferably about 3 g. The weight of the fastener is preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 5 g, and more preferably in the range of about 2 g.

In a preferred embodiment, the damping device is arranged in the region of the club head frame facing the heart region or the grip section. Preferably, the damping device is in the range of the longitudinal strings, i. arranged below the first transverse string of the clothing. The damping device can furthermore be coupled to one, particularly preferably the lowermost transverse string. The damping device according to the invention is particularly preferably coupled to at least the longest longitudinal string (s) of the clothing.

The present invention further relates to a ball game racket with a damping device according to the invention.

According to a method for producing an improved ball game racket with a damping device according to the invention, a ball game racket is first manufactured according to the manufacturing method known in the art.

In such a trained racket is preferably arranged in the region of the bridge or the connecting portion, as described above, the fastening element such that the sleeve-shaped portions are guided from the outside through the openings in the racket frame, so that they extend beyond the frame inside out. In this case, the band section of the fastening element preferably rests against the outside of the frame and the sleeve sections protrude inwards. Thereafter, the damping device is preferably pushed from the inside of the frame to the sleeve sections of the fastening element projecting beyond the frame or attached thereto. By appropriately selected outer diameter of the sleeve sections and the at least partially correspondingly formed inner diameter of the recesses or passages of the damping device are the Damper device and the fastener connected by a shrink or press fit. In an alternative method, the damping device is first positioned on the inside of the racket frame, and then the fastener is passed through the racket frame and into the cushioning device. The damping device and the fastening element are now connected to each other and to the racket frame. Subsequently, the racket is covered in a conventional manner, wherein at least some longitudinal strings are passed through the sleeves of the fastener.

The damping device according to the present invention proves to be particularly advantageous in that the damping properties of the head can be optimally utilized by the structure attachment area - neck area - head area. In particular, an exact, safe and reproducible positioning of the damping device and especially of the head of the damping device can be ensured. Furthermore, the head area is largely decoupled from the foot area by the formation of a neck region according to the invention or is defined coupled thereto, whereby an optimized damping behavior of the damping device with respect to the clothing, the frame and a targeted coupling of the frame and string vibrations is achieved. In particular, a slippage of the head region, which preferably represents the main damper, is prevented in the direction of the racquet's heart, which would result in a reduction of the damping function. At the same time there is a defined relationship between damper head, damper base and racquet frame by the formation of the neck area.

Also, the inventive design of the damping device with fastener allows targeted coupling to the frame. The foot area further allows secure positioning of the damping device with respect to the racket frame as well as secure attachment thereto. Slippage of the damping device and in particular of the head area is thus reliably prevented during play and during transport.

In addition, the damping device according to the invention allows a secure and positionally accurate attachment to rackets without stringing. Since thugs Usually produced without covering and delivered to the trade, the inventive design of the neck area allows structural rigidity of the damping device, which - even when using rather soft materials - prevents bending out of the clothing plane out during transport as much as possible and thus easy handling and a simple Transport of the unstressed racket allows.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Dämpfungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Dämpfungsvorrichtung die mittels eines Befestigungselements an einem Schläger angeordnet ist;

Fig.3

Kurven der Schwingungsamplitude des Schlägerrahmens bzw. der Bespannung in Abhängigkeit vom Abstand des Kopfbereichs einer erfindungsgemäßen Dämpfungsvorrichtung vom Herzbereich eines Schlägers, wobei Fig. 3a die Amplitude der Rahmenschwingung bei 655 Hz und Fig. 3b die Amplitude der Bespannungsschwingung bei 725 Hz darstellt;

Fig. 4

eine räumliche Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Dämpfungsvorrichtung, und

Fig. 5a und Fig. 5b

schematische Skizzen alternativer erfindungsgemäßer Dämpfungsvorrichtungen.

Hereinafter, a damping device according to the invention will be described with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a damping device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a plan view of a damping device according to the invention which is arranged by means of a fastener on a racket;

Figure 3

Curves of the oscillation amplitude of the racket frame or the clothing as a function of the distance of the head portion of a damping device according to the invention from the heart region of a racket, wherein Fig. 3a the amplitude of the frame vibration at 655 Hz and Fig. 3b represents the amplitude of the string at 725 Hz;

Fig. 4

a spatial view of a damping device according to the invention, and

Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b

schematic sketches of alternative damping devices according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a damping element according to the invention or a damping device 1. The damping element 1 according to the invention comprises a head portion 3, a foot or mounting portion 7 and a disposed between the foot portion 7 and the head portion 3 neck portion 5. The foot or mounting portion 7 Preferably, U-shaped or arc-shaped and preferably has two, in the longitudinal direction of the damping element 1 extending leg 9. The neck region 5 is preferably web-shaped and has a top view in relation to the legs 9 Fig. 1 smaller width. The neck region 5 preferably merges into this at about the vertex of the U-shaped or arcuate attachment region 7. At the attachment area 7 opposite end of the neck or connecting region 5 of the head portion 3 of the damping element 1 is arranged. This is formed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the plan view substantially circular. According to further embodiments of the invention, the head portion 3 in the plan view according to Fig. 1 a deviating from a pure circular shape geometry, such as an ellipse, square, rectangular or polygonal shape.

As in Fig. 1 illustrated, the neck region 5 is preferably arranged centrally to the foot area 7 and / or the head area 3. The neck region 5 is preferably tapered or constricted at least in the width and / or thickness direction of the damping device 1 according to the invention relative to the foot or base region 7 and / or the head region 3 and has a smaller, particularly preferably significantly smaller thickness and / or Width up. The width here refers to the width of the web-shaped neck region 5 in the representation according to FIG Fig. 1 , Thickness refers to the dimension perpendicular to the leaf level acc. Fig. 1 ,

The fastening region 7 preferably has at least two passages 11, which extend essentially along or parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the damping element and are preferably arranged substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the passages 11 are each arranged in a leg 9 of the attachment region 7. The passages 11 have according to a preferred embodiment, two different in their dimensions sections 13, 15. Through the passages 11 longitudinal strings of the clothing (not shown) can be performed. Preferably, the portion 15 of the passages 11 has a substantially circular diameter, which is tuned to the string diameter, so that a string in the passage region 15 is narrow and substantially free of play or with little play is included. The diameter of the portion 15 may be selected to be smaller than the corresponding string diameter, so that the string receiving portion 15 must be stretched and the string corresponding to a shrink or press fit or a transitional seat.

Typically, the diameter of the region 15 is between about 0.7 mm and about 1.5 mm, preferably between about 1.1 mm and about 1.4 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter in the region 15 is about 1.3 mm. The diameter of a For this purpose suitable string of a string of a ball game racket in the range between about 0.8 mm and about 1.7 mm, preferably between about 1.1 mm and 1.5 mm and more preferably between about 1.2 mm and about 1.4 mm lie, wherein the diameter of the strings can also vary slightly.

The passages 11 furthermore preferably have a section 13 which has a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the section 15. The diameter of the portion 13 may be selected such that it has a corresponding sleeve-shaped portion of a fastener (see. Fig. 2 ). The connection of the sleeve-shaped portion of the fastener with portion 13 of the passage 11 of the first damping element 1 is preferably also as a press or shrink fit, wherein the outer diameter of the sleeve-shaped portion of the fastener is dimensioned slightly larger than the inner diameter of the corresponding portion 13. For example Inner diameter of the portion 13 in the range of about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm, preferably from about 3.5 mm to about 4.2 mm and more preferably at about 3.7 mm.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the passage 11, in the region 15 and / or in the region 13, is substantially circular. However, the passage 11 may, at least partially, also have different geometries, if a string passing through it is at least partially narrow and substantially free of play or with little play is included.

The passages 11 of the first damping element 1 may have a passage length in the range of about 3 mm to 30 mm, and preferably in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm. The length of the portions 13 is preferably in the range of about 1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of about 2 mm to about 15 mm and particularly preferably in the range of between about 10 mm and about 14 mm. Furthermore, the portions 15 of the passages 11 preferably have a length in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably in the range of about 1 mm to about 8 mm and particularly preferably in the range between about 2 mm and about 5 mm. The respective passages 11 or their section 13 and / or 15 may have different diameters exhibit. In a preferred embodiment, the passages 11 and their respective sections 13, 15 have substantially the same length.

In a further embodiment of a damping element, the passages 11 have a plurality of chamfers and / or diameter transitions in the region of the transition of the sections 13 and 15. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of a passage 11 in the region of the transition from section 13 to section 15, starting from the diameter of section 13 up to the diameter of section 15, decreases continuously and / or stepwise. The passages 11 may have chamfers or radii at their respective ends. Such chamfers or radii serve in particular for easier insertion of the strings or sleeve-shaped sections into the passages 11, an improved vibration or damping behavior and / or an improved stress distribution in the damping device to avoid stress peaks, which can lead to damage of the damping device ,

The damping device 1 is preferably mirror-symmetrical to a longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the foot region 7, the neck region 5 and / or the head region 3 are preferably formed in one piece and / or integrally.

The legs 9 of the mounting portion 7 preferably have a width d ₁ (in the drawing plane acc. Fig. 1 ) and / or thickness (perpendicular to the drawing plane acc. Fig. 1 not shown) from about 4 mm to about 8 mm, preferably about 6 mm. The length of a leg 9 preferably corresponds substantially to the length of a passage 11. The cross section of a leg 9 preferably has a square, rectangular or circular contour. In the case of a polygonal cross-section, in preferred embodiments one or more sides are formed with a radius. Such a radius is preferably about 2 to 3 mm. Preferably, the outwardly, ie away from the damping element sides of the legs 9 are provided with a radius, whereas the remaining sides are formed substantially flat. The outer sides of the legs are preferably spaced by a distance d ₂ of about 17 mm to about 23 mm, and preferably about 20 mm. The inner sides of the legs 9 are preferably at a distance d ₃ of about 5 mm to about 9 mm, preferably of about 7 mm, spaced. The substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the damping element. 1 extending longitudinal axes B of the passages 11 are preferably spaced apart by a distance d ₄ of preferably about 11 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably about 13 mm.

The length l _{1 of} the recess 17 resulting between the legs 9 of the fastening element 7 is preferably in the range of about 3 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably in the range of about 8 mm to about 17 mm and particularly preferably in the range of about 15 mm. In the plan view according to Fig. 1 the lower sides 19 of the legs 9 are preferably formed flat. Preferably, you form the corresponding frame contour, on which they rest. The bottom of the damping element 1 according to the invention accordingly Fig. 1 Thus, preferably has one of the inclination or the radius of the inner contour of a racket frame at the appropriate place corresponding geometry.

Preferably go, in the plan view according to Fig. 1 , the outer sides of the legs 9 of the fastening element 7 curved or provided with a radius in the neck region 5 via.

The neck region 5 of the damping element 1 is preferably of bar-shaped design and preferably has a substantially rectangular, circular or oval cross-section which, on the one hand, merges fluently into the head region 3 of the damping element 1 and, on the other hand, flows smoothly into the fastening region 7 of the damping element 1. The neck region 5 of the damping element 1 preferably has a length of 1 ₂ from about 5 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably from about 7 to about 13 mm, and particularly preferably about 11 mm. The length 1 ₂ of the neck portion 5 is measured by the mutually closest points of an imaginary discontinued outer contour of the head portion 3 and the fixing portion 7 along the longitudinal axis A of the damping device. 1

The width d _{5 of} the neck region 5 at its narrowest point, preferably approximately centrally with respect to its length l ₂ , is preferably about 1 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm, and most preferably about 2 mm , The thickness at the corresponding location, ie the extent of the neck region 5 perpendicular to the page plane as shown in FIG Fig. 1 is preferably in the range of 1 mm to about 6 mm, more preferably in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 5 mm, and more preferably in the range of about 3 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the neck region is greater, for example, at least 0.5 mm greater than its width, so that the damping element perpendicular to the clothing plane is more rigid and thus less deflected during transport.

The reduction in cross-section of the neck region 5 with respect to the foot region 7 and / or the head region 3 in the thickness and / or width direction is preferably in the range between about 10% and 95%, more preferably between about 25% and 90%, even more preferably between about 45% and 85% and more preferably over 50% and over 75%, respectively.

The head area 5 points, as shown in the sheet plane Fig. 1 , preferably a circular shape with a diameter d ₆ of preferably about 15 mm to about 25 mm, more preferably from about 16 mm to about 22 mm and particularly preferably about 18 mm. The thickness of the head region 3 is measured perpendicular to the page plane as shown Fig. 1 is preferably uniform and is preferably about 2 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably about 4 mm to about 8 mm, and most preferably about 6 mm.

The head area 3 has means 21, 23 for coupling the damping element 1 in the head area 3 to the strings of a clothing. Preferably, the head portion 3 comprises two means 21 for coupling, each having a longitudinal string of clothing, and means 23 for coupling to a transverse string of the clothing. The devices 21, 23 are preferably formed of slots, grooves, depressions, clamps and / or bores, the corresponding passages 21, 23 form. Preferably, the passages 21, 23 do not form a closed profile but are respectively towards the outside, ie as shown in FIG Fig. 1 opened to the right or left (passage 21) or above (passage 23) to allow recording a string string. In contrast, the passages 11 in the attachment region 7 preferably have a closed profile.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the passages 21 are formed approximately circular, wherein they each laterally outward over its entire length go over into a slot 25. The slot 25 preferably has a smaller thickness (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Fig. 1 ) as the diameter of the passages 21 and extends over the entire length of the passages 21 up to the outside of the head portion. 3

Typically, the diameter of the passages 21 is the same size as that of the passages in the region 15

The passages 21 and the center line C of the passages 21 are preferably aligned with the center line B of the passages 11 of the attachment region 7. Thus, the passages 21 and the passages 11 preferably serve to couple with the same string strings.

The passages 21 are preferably spaced a distance d ₇ in the range of preferably about 11 mm to about 15 mm, and more preferably about 13 mm, and further preferably have a maximum distance d ₈ of about 1 mm to about 4 mm, and especially preferably from about 2.5 mm to the outside of the head region 3. The distances are understood to be measured from the center line C of the passages 21. Preferably, the distance d ₇ corresponds to the distance d ₄ .

The passage 23 is preferably slot-shaped, wherein the slot in the region of the longitudinal axis A of the damping device 1 preferably has a maximum depth of about 2 mm to about 4 mm, particularly preferably about 3 mm. Preferably, the slot-shaped passage 23 has a width of about 7 mm. The slot 23 preferably has a smaller thickness (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Fig. 1 ) extends as the diameter of the passages 21 and extends over the entire width of the head portion 3 to the outside of the head portion 3. Here, the passage 23 preferably merges into the passages 21 and / or slots 25. Preferably, the thickness (perpendicular to the drawing plane acc. Fig. 1 ) of the passage 23 in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and more preferably about 1 mm. Preferably, the slots 23 and 25 have the same thicknesses.

Particularly preferably, the damping device has a total length in the range of preferably about 35 mm to about 60 mm, more preferably from about 40 mm to about 52 mm and particularly preferably about 47 mm.

The distance 1 ₄ of the center D of the head portion 3 of the damper 1 or of the center of gravity D of the head portion 3 for abutting on the bottom of the racket frame damping device 1 or to the racket frame is in Fig. 2 shown. The length 1 ₄ is preferably in the range between about 1.5 and 7 cm, more preferably in the range between about 2 cm and about 4.5 cm and even more preferably between about 3 cm and about 4 cm. Preferably, the center of gravity D is located below the first transverse string.

Fig. 2 shows a means of a fastener 31 according to the invention to the bridge 61 of a ball game racket frame (only partially shown) attached damping device according to the invention 1. The fastening element 31 has a band-shaped portion or a band 33 and at least one sleeve portion or sleeve 35 arranged thereon. Band 33 and sleeve 35 are preferably formed integrally or integrally. Through the band 33 and the sleeve 35 extends at least one passage 37 for receiving at least one string of clothing of the ball game racket. Although the band 33 is shown to be substantially flat in the illustrated embodiment, it may have any other cross-sectional shapes, such as those common to head, neck and sleeve bands, respectively. Preferably, the band 33 is formed such that its sleeve 35 facing contour corresponds to the contour of a sample racket frame at the appropriate place. The sleeves 35 are at least partially preferably of a length sufficient to penetrate the frame profile of the racket from the outside and to extend beyond the inside of the racket such that proper connection with the damping element 1 is possible. Preferably, the sleeves 35 have a length of about 8 mm to 30 mm and more preferably from about 12 mm to about 25 mm. Preferably, the sleeves 35 at least partially different lengths. Preferably, the centrally arranged sleeves 35 each have the same length. Preferably, the fastener 31 is mirror-symmetrical to the axis A. The sleeves 35 are preferably spaced according to the arrangement of the openings in the racket frame. The fastening element preferably has two sleeves 35, but may also have several, for example, six sleeves 35.

In Fig. 2 is a section of the heart region of a ball game racket according to the invention with an opening 53 which is formed by two side sections 55, 57 and a connecting portion or a bridge 61 in the head region of the racket, shown schematically. For reasons of strength, for example, a further connecting element can be provided between the two side sections 55, 57 of the heart region.

According to the in Fig. 2 illustrated preferred embodiment, the damping element 1 is arranged on the inside of the bridge 61, ie in the region for receiving the fabric. The fastening element 31 is arranged on the corresponding opposite outer side of the bridge 61 such that the band 33 abuts the bridge 61. Furthermore, the sleeves 35 of the fastener 31 are guided through the openings provided in the frame for receiving the fabric. The damping element 1 is arranged on the inside of the bridge 61 such that it encloses the protruding sleeves 35 with its passages 11 and receives them. Here, the diameter ratios are preferably selected such that the damping element 1 and the fastening element 31 are connected to a press or shrink fit. Here, the outer diameter of the sleeves 35 is preferably formed larger than the inner diameter of the passages 11 and sections 13, so that when connecting the damping elements, the passages 11 are widened. For this purpose, the ends of the passages 11 and / or the sleeves 35 are preferably provided with radii or chamfers.

As in Fig. 2 it can be seen, the damping device may be arranged on the ball game racket 51, that the damping element 1 is arranged in the region of the fabric below the lowest transverse string in the region of the longest of longitudinal strings. The strings preferably form a shrink or press fit with the portions 15 and the passages 37. The damping element 1 and / or the fastening element 31 is therefore preferably made of an elastically deformable material. The damping element 1 and / or the fastening element 31 preferably comprise or are / are made of an elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and / or silicone. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastener 31 is made for use as head, heart or eyelet bands made of known materials such as polyamide (for example, PA-66, PA-11) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

The weight of the fastener 31 is preferably in the range of about 0.5 to 6 g, and more preferably in the range of about 2 g.

Fig. 3 shows curves of the vibration amplitude of the racket frame or the fabric as a function of the distance of the center of gravity of a damping element from the frame in the heart region of a racket (l ₄ ), wherein Fig. 3a the amplitude of the frame vibration at 655 Hz and Fig. 3b represents the amplitude of the stringing vibration at 725 Hz as a function of the distance, where three test series 1 to 3 and their average are plotted as a curve, wherein the vibration excitation takes place in the geometric center of the clothing.

It can be clearly seen that the oscillations exemplified by a targeted positioning of the damping element according to the invention are significantly reduced. In particular, the frame vibration in the range of about 650 Hz, which is a well audible and often annoying vibration can be successfully damped.

The damping behavior depends in particular on the variables described above, such as mass of the head part 3, length l ₄ and / or length l ₂ . For example, the attenuation (reduction of the amplitude by x% compared to undamped oscillation) at l ₄ = 0.5 cm is about 0%; at l ₄ = 1cm approx. 33%; at l ₄ = 1.5 cm approx. 45%; at l ₄ = 2cm approx. 1%.

Fig. 4 shows a spatial view of a damping device according to the invention, wherein hidden lines are shown in dashed lines. The damping device acc. Fig. 4 is essentially the same as in relation to Fig. 1 and 2 described damping device according to the invention.

Fig. 5 shows schematic sketches of preferred alternative inventive damping devices, in particular with regard to the head shape of the previously differ. As shown in Fig. 5a the head portion 3 is substantially formed as an elongated cuboid in the direction of the transverse strings, the receiving devices or passages for receiving 4 to 8 longitudinal strings 71, preferably 4 longitudinal strings 71, has. As shown in Fig. 5b is the head portion according to the embodiment in FIG Fig. 5a essentially formed as an elongated cuboid having receiving devices or passages for receiving 2 longitudinal strings. The head portion of the damping devices according to Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b preferably has a height h of about 2 to 20 mm.

The damping device according to the invention and the racket according to the invention enable an improved vibration behavior of the ball game racket, in particular with respect to the vibrations transmitted to the player and to the acoustic effects of the vibrations. Furthermore, the damping device according to the invention has a low weight and thus does not adversely affect the racket or the handling of the racket. It brings about improved playing properties, in particular because the damping device according to the invention not only allows a coupling of the strings and a harmonization of the string vibrations, but can also effect a connection with the frame by the connection of the damping element with the fastening element. This in turn allows the string vibrations are damped, but also the frame vibrations are reduced. In particular, the damping device according to the invention provides optimum sound enhancement, preferably by filtering out the frame vibration at about 655 Hz and / or string vibration at about 725 Hz. Particularly advantageous is the connection of the acting as a mass head portion 3 of the damping element with the foot or mounting portion 7 proves about the web-shaped neck portion 5 with reduced cross-section. By suitable design of the neck region 3, in particular with regard to cross-section and / or length, an optimal positioning and an optimized behavior of the head region can be effected in order thus to achieve an improved club behavior. The damping device according to the invention is inexpensive to produce and assemble.

Depending on the specific embodiment of the features of the damping device can be the damping behavior of the damping device or the vibration behavior of the strings and / or the frame. In a preferred embodiment, in particular the design of the neck region 5, the head region 3 and / or the further geometric dimensions of the damping element causes an optimization of the damping behavior of the damping device.

By adapting the design and / or the arrangement of the damping element according to the invention and in particular the described neck region 5, the specific characteristics and characteristics of the ball game racket can be adjusted according to the requirements.

Claims (16)

1. Dampening device (1) for a ball game racket comprising a foot region (7), a head region (3) and a tapering neck region (5) arranged between the foot region and the head region, wherein the foot region (7) comprises at least two legs (9) extending essentially parallel with each other for retaining one longitudinal string of the racket stringing each, and wherein the head region (3) comprises means for retaining at least two, preferably three strings.
2. The dampening device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the neck region is configured as a web.
3. The dampening device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of the neck region (5) is reduced in at least one plane relative to that of the foot region (7) and/or the head region (3).
4. The dampening device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of the neck region (5) is reduced relative to that of the foot region (7) and/or the head region (3).
5. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot region (5) is essentially U-shaped, wherein the base leg of the U-shape is connected with the neck region.
6. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot region (7) comprises at least one opening (11) for retaining a longitudinal string.
7. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is realized as a bore having a variable diameter.
8. The dampening device (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the opening is configured such that it firmly encloses a longitudinal string at least partially.
9. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the neck region (5) causes a defined distance (l₂; l₄) between the foot region (7) and the head region (3) and between the head region (3) and the frame at the racket heart (61).
10. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for retaining the strings in the head region are configured as cavities, slots, grooves and/or bores.
11. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head region is configured for being coupled with at least two longitudinal strings and at least one transverse string.
12. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for retaining longitudinal strings provided in the head region are flush with the corresponding means in the fixing region.
13. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head region represents essentially the dampening mass or is connected with the dampening mass.
14. The dampening device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the dampening mass is approximately 0.5 g to 15 g.
15. The dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in combination with a fixing element (31) for being fixed to the racket frame.
16. A ball game racket comprising a dampening device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the dampening element (1) is arranged in the stringing region of the ball game racket.

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