EP2255356A1

EP2255356A1 - Capodaster

Info

Publication number: EP2255356A1
Application number: EP09723181A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Georg Vochezer
Original assignee: Rudolf Wittner GmbH and Co KG; Wittner GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Rudolf Wittner GmbH and Co KG; Wittner GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2008-03-19
Filing date: 2009-03-13
Publication date: 2010-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-13
Also published as: US20110023683A1; BRPI0908976A2; KR20100127229A; JP5064599B2; US8093476B2; CN101978417B; ATE533144T1; DE102008015583A1; ES2377182T3; CN101978417A; WO2009115461A1; EP2255356B1; JP2011515709A; CA2718694A1

Abstract

Capo tasto for fixing on a neck of a stringed musical instrument, comprising a first arm on which a string engaging region is arranged, a second arm on which a engaging region for a neck rear side is arranged, a slide bearing for holding the first arm for displacement on the second arm, the slide bearing having a displacement guide which is formed by at least one slot or at least one groove with an opening direction transverse to a displacement direction, at least one first contacting surface which is formed on the first arm, and at least one second contacting surface which is formed on the second arm, a movability apart of the first arm and the second arm, which increases the spacing between the string engaging region and the neck rear side engaging region being lockable by contact of the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface, and the opening direction being oriented at least approximately parallel to the first contacting surface and at least approximately parallel to the second contacting surface.

Description

capo

The invention relates to a capo for fixing to a neck of a stringed musical instrument, comprising a first arm, on which a string conditioning area is arranged and a second arm, on which a contact area for a shark backside is arranged.

Capo to shorten the vibrating length of strings of a stringed musical instrument. A capo is stretched between two frets around the neck of the stringed musical instrument and presses the strings onto the frets. Spieitechnisch usable then remains the string length between a bridge of the stringed musical instrument and the covenant, which iij the bridge nearest.

From DE 10 2006 059 821 B3 a capo is known, which a string-conditioning device, a strap for fixing the string-Anlage- device at the neck and a fixing device for fixing the

Tension bands on the string conditioning device comprises. At least one tab is arranged on the string contact device, by means of which the capo is susceptible to the neck of the stringed musical instrument.

From EP 1 143 408 B1, a capo is known which comprises a string contact arm, a clamp arm and a pivot connection which pivotally connects the clamp arm and the string contact arm to each other at a position along the arms. The pivotal connection includes a releasable locking device that selectively locks the pivotal connection as well as the relative pivoting movement of the clamping arm and the string contact arm against movement in an opening direction while allowing relative pivoting movements in a closing direction. From US 4,793,234 a capo is known, which has a rigid arm which is to extend across the neck over the strings of a stringed musical instrument. A string contact party! is located on this arm. A resiliently formed C-shaped part is connected to the arm. About this part can exert a clamping force.

From US 2,604,805 a capo is known, which comprises two L-shaped parts which are connected by a bolt with screwed wing nut.

From GB 2 141 860 A a capo is known with a U-shaped frame.

From US 6,573,440 Bl another capo is known.

From DE 358 280 a Saitendrücker for lutes and similar musical instruments with spring for pressing down on the strings is known. These are two semi-circular taverns with handles! provided that lie within a coil spring so that they stand when lifting the bridge associated with them from the strings. There are provided rolls which slide on the neck of the instrument.

The invention has for its object to provide a capo of the type mentioned, which is fixed in a simple manner to the neck of a stringed musical instrument and has advantageous properties.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the aforementioned capo that a sliding bearing is provided, via which the first arm is slidably supported on the second arm, and which has a sliding guide, which is formed by at least one contactor or at least one groove with an opening direction transversely to a displacement direction, at least one first contact surface, which is formed on the first arm, and at least one second contact surface, which at the second arm is formed, wherein by contact of the at least one first contact surface and the at least one second contact surface Aufeinanderzu-displaceability of the first arm to the second arm, which increases the distance between the string conditioning area and the neck rear abutment region, can be blocked , and where the

Opening direction at least approximately parallel! is oriented to the first contact ^¬ surface and at least approximately parallel to the second contact surface.

The capo tasto according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner with a minimization of the number of required components.

It is a one-handed operation of the capo possible; this can be put on with one hand and the fixation can be solved.

The contact surfaces can be formed so that they are only effective when a pressure force is exerted on the arms through the neck, d. H. if a fixation or prefixing is done on the shark of the stringed musical instrument. It can thereby perform a clamping pressure metering. Too great a tension on a string can cause a detuning of the string. A too low clamping pressure can cause a whirring of the string. In the solution according to the invention an optimized setting is possible.

The sliding bearing has a displacement guide, which is arranged on the second arm, Such a displacement guide can be formed in a simple manner. The displacement guide is formed by at least one slot or at least one groove on an arm (such as the second arm). In this at least one slot or in at least one groove, the other arm (for example, the first arm) or an element fixed to the other arm can be guided. If the opening direction of the at least one slot or of the at least one groove is parallel to the first contact surface and the second contact surface, then in a simple constructive embodiment, the diverging displaceability can be blocked in a simple manner when the capo-damper is clamped on the shark, without that other means of detection (such as screws or the like) are necessary. This allows easy one-hand operation. The number of required components is minimized. In addition, an adjustment of the pressure force in a simple manner possible, since a Aufeinanderzu-displaceability is possible.

The opening direction is a direction transverse to the displacement ^¬ direction. It points in the outer space and is a dipping direction, over which (at least) one pin element of the other arm is immersed in the at least one slot or the groove. The opening direction is at least approximately parallel to the strings. It is also oriented transversely to a side surface of the corresponding arm.

The opening direction is that direction, to which the at least one slot or the at least one groove is not limited at least on one side by material of that arm on which the at least one slot or the at least one groove is formed.

The at least approximately parallelism of the opening direction to the first contact surface and the second contact surface is present at each contact position of the first contact surface and the second contact surface before and in particular at each position of the first arm to the second arm.

In known from the prior art Kapodastern, in which a first arm and a second arm are purely pivotal movement to each other, the fundamental problem arises that no longer optimally align a string conditioning area with the beginning of the fixation Iisst Until a final clamping position An arm makes a circular motion due to the pivoting action. In the inventive solution is by the Sliding a linear movement of the first arm possible, which is aligned transversely and in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the strings of the musical instrument. This makes it possible to achieve a uniform distribution of pressure on all strings and possible errors due to inaccurate placement of the capo can be corrected in a simple manner.

In the solution according to the invention, the first arm or the second arm may each be formed in one or more parts.

It is advantageous if the that in the contact-apart displaceability is inhibited at least one first Kontaktfiäche and a second contact surface are formed min ^¬ least when the capo is clamped on the neck. It then acts a compressive force, which blocks the Aufeinander-displaceability of the first arm on the second arm. However, an operator can still move the first arm on the second arm, if the clamping force is to be increased.

It is expedient for the at least one first contact surface and the at least one second contact surface to be designed such that an upward movement of the first arm and the second arm in the opposite direction to a direction of displacement of the first arm and the second arm is released. This adjusts the clamping force.

In particular, the displacement guide is a linear guide. It is sufficient if the first arm on the second arm is linearly displaceable.

It has proven advantageous if the at least one second contact surface lies at least approximately parallel to the displacement guide. This makes it easy to secure a fixation position. In a structurally simple embodiment, the first arm via min ^¬ is maintained least one pin element on the displacement guide. Via the at least one pin element which is inserted ^¬ immersed in the slide guide can be realized in a simple manner Verschiebiichkeit of the first arm on the second arm. The at least one pin element may be a separate from the first arm and fixed to this element, It may also be integrally formed on the arm. It may for example also be designed as a pin.

A longitudinal extension direction of the at least one pin element is parallel to the opening direction of the at least one slot or the at least one groove. This longitudinal extension direction is then parallel to the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sliding bearing is designed as a pivot sliding bearing, wherein the first arm is pivotable relative to the second arm. This makes it easier to put on and loosen the capo to the neck of the stringed musical instrument. By a pivoting apart of the first arm and the second arm can be easier to put on the neck, in particular a one-handed placement is facilitated. Furthermore, the release can be facilitated.

In particular, a pivot axis of the pivot sliding bearing is perpendicular to the displacement guide. As a result, the pivot sliding bearing can be formed in a simple manner. A pin element, which serves to shift ^{¬ management of} the first arm on the second arm, can also serve as a shaft for the pivotal mounting. The pivot axis is preferably parallel to the opening direction and thereby also parallel to the first contact surface and the second contact surface.

Conveniently, the swivel-sliding bearing on a shaft which is guided displaceably in a displacement guide and in the displacement Guide is rotatable. The corresponding capo can thus be produced with minimal effort.

It is particularly advantageous if the displacement guide is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the strings when placed on the neck capo. As a result, it is possible to realize a uniform distribution of pressure on the strings; By a linear and at least approximately vertical mobility of the first arm with the string conditioning area on the string during tensioning, it can be achieved that all strings are pressurized at least approximately uniformly.

It is particularly advantageous if a pivotable rocker is arranged on the first arm, on which the string conditioning area is seated. The pivot bearing is arranged in particular centrally on the rocker. The swiveling rocker distributes the clamping pressure of the string conditioning area evenly over the strings. This prevents the pressure distribution on the strings from being different, which may cause some strings to be out of tune and other strings to be jarring due to low pressure. As a result, the operator is also a larger pressure range or range available before strings are audibly detuned. Furthermore, an inventive capo is universally applicable by providing a pivotable rocker; it is no longer necessary to adapt individual span widths to individual instruments. The uniform clamping pressure distribution allows use with different bundle lengths.

In known from the prior art Kapodastern the fundamental ^¬ Liche problem occurs that takes place directly at investment fixation and thus optimal alignment of a string conditioning area is no longer possible. In the inventive solution is a linear, transverse and in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the strings oriented movement of the first arm can be carried out due to the slidable ^¬ ness of the first arm on the second arm. If the capo tasto invention If a user is not set up quite precisely, this error can be compensated for by the swiveling rocker.

In particular, a pivot axis of the rocker is parallel to a pivot axis of a pivot sliding bearing, via which ersteer first arm is held on the second arm. This will iässt easily achieve an opti ^¬-optimized distribution of forces.

In one embodiment, the string conditioning area is formed by means of an elastic material. This will Iässt easily achieve an equal ^¬ distribution of force.

It is particularly advantageous if the string conditioning area is formed by an elastic pad. This is for example in one piece. As a result, a uniform pressure distribution on the strings can be achieved even with a curved neck of a stringed musical instrument.

It is particularly advantageous if the elastic pad has a varying contact surface for strings transverse to a string extension direction, wherein the effective contact surface for strings with a larger diameter is smaller than for strings with a smaller diameter. The effective contact surface, with which a string rests against the elastic pad, results from the diameter of the string times the contact length of the string with the elastic pad. For strings with larger diameter would result in the same Kontaktstänge on the elastic pad a larger effective Anlagefiäche. This could cause the string to penetrate less deeply into the cushion. By appropriately varying forming the bearing surface for the strings by which it is ensured that the contact length of strings of different diameter is different for the facility at the Aniagefläche lower, it is ensured that the effective contact surface different ^¬ Licher strings is at least approximately equal. This prevents, for example, thicker strings (bass strings) penetrating less deeply into the elastic pad than thinner strings. This in turn will the Danger reduces that thicker strings can dodge while playing the stringed musical instrument.

In a manufacturing technology favorable embodiment, the elastic padding on a triangular space. Through this triangular space can provide a varying string contact surface, which increases in one direction. This direction is transverse to the satellite extension directions. This can provide at least approximately equal effective string conditioning surfaces for thicker strings and thinner strings.

It is particularly advantageous if the contact area for the neck ^rear side is formed by an elastic pad. Characterized Beschädi ^¬ conditions are avoided by the application of the second arm on the back of the neck. Furthermore, a fixation of the capo tasto on the neck is possible in a simple manner. By applying pressure to the elastic pad this is compressed and thereby, when a corresponding displacement position of the first arm is present to the second arm, achieve a blocking position by contact of the at least one first contact surface and at least one second contact surface. The blocking position can in turn be canceled in a simple manner, if a further force is exerted on the elastic pad to allow relative pivoting between the first arm and the second arm.

In a structurally favorable embodiment, the first arm has a channel-shaped area with raised side edges, in which the string conditioning area is arranged. As a result, the string conditioning area can be fixed in a simple manner to the first arm and, in particular, can be fixed in a pivotable manner.

In particular, a rocker is pivotally fixed to the raised side edges. At the side edges, a pin element can be fixed, which forms, for example, an outer shaft for the rocker. It has proved to be advantageous if the string conditioning area extends beyond a front end of the first arm, d, h. with respect to one end of the string conditioning region, which is closest to the second arm, the string engagement region has a greater length than the first arm. It has been shown that this is a uniform clamping pressure on the strings exercisable.

It is advantageous if a spring device is arranged between the first arm and the second arm, which exerts a force by means of which the first arm is displaceable and / or pivotable away from the second arm. This makes it easy to fix a capo tasto according to the invention on the neck and the fixation can be solved in a simple manner. When fixing the first arm and the second arm then have a maximum opening width relative to each other, so that a simple placement is possible. The solution can be implemented by appropriate exercise of a telescope.

In particular, the spring means is supported on the first arm and the second arm to effect a corresponding application of force.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring device has a spring region and in particular a free end which is displaceably supported relative to the second arm and on this. As a result, the spring action is not influenced by the displaceability of the second arm on the first arm, on the other hand, the mobility of the first arm is ensured on the second arm.

In a compact design, one or more windings of the spring device are arranged around a shaft of a pivot slide bearing.

It is favorable if the at least one contact surface is formed by an outer contour region of the first arm, which is assigned to the second arm. turns. This results in a compact construction, the Ko πtaktf laugh are then produced by appropriate design of the outer contours.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the at least one second contact surface is formed by an outer contour region of the second arm, which faces the first arm.

Manufacturing technology, it is also advantageous if the at least one first contact surface is integrally formed on the first arm. For the same reason it is advantageous if the at least one second contact surface is a ^¬ lumps formed on the second arm. It must therefore be fixed to the respective arm no further components to form a Kontaktfiäche.

Conveniently, the one arm is forked at a Koppiungsbereich with the other arm with opposite fork elements which engage over the other arm. The other arm is thereby immersed in an intermediate region between fork elements. As a result, the two arms can be held together in a simple manner, whereby contact surfaces for blocking a fixing position can also be realized in a simple manner.

In particular, at least one contact surface for the other arm is formed at an intermediate region between the forked elements. As a result, a capo tasto according to the invention can be made compact and also easy to operate and in particular operate with one hand.

It is favorable if the at least one spring device is arranged and designed such that a fixing position on the neck can be released by applying pressure to the first arm in the direction of the neck rear-side abutment region. In particular, this releasability is possible by applying pressure in the vicinity of a front end of the first arm. As a result, a capo can be solved in a simple manner via one-hand operation. The following description of preferred embodiments is used in connexion ^¬ with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention. Show it :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a capo according to the invention with a section of a neck of a stringed instrument;

Figure 2 is the same view as in Figure 1, wherein the capo is fixed to the neck;

Figure 3 is a side view of the capo of Figure 1, wherein hidden elements are shown in broken lines;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 1 (opened capo);

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view along the line 5-5 according to FIG. 2

(fixed capo tasto);

Figure 6 shows a further Ausführungsbeispiei an inventive

Capoasters in sectional view; and

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the capo according to Figure 6 along the line 7-7.

A capo is a device that serves to shorten the vibrating length of strings 10 of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar, a mandolin or a banjo. A capo is applied between two brackets 12a, 12b (FIGS. 1, 2) on a neck 14 of the stringed musical instrument and stretched around the neck 14. As a result, the strings 10 are pressed onto the collars 12a, 12b. The technically usable string length is then the length between a bridge of the stringed musical instrument and between the Covenant of the two frets, which is next to the bridge. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, this is the collar 12b.

Capodasters are used, for example, to adapt the corresponding stringed musical instrument to a vocal part. The stringed musical instrument sounds higher through the string shortening over a capo; characterized a piece of music need not be posited in a suitable target key trans ^¬. Capo toasters are also used to transform a piece of music into a technically simple form, without having to change the key in which it sounds.

An embodiment of a capo according to the invention, which is shown in Figures 1 to 5 and designated 16 there, comprises a first arm 18 (Saitenkontaktarm) and a second arm 20 (Haisrückseiten- contact arm). The first arm 18 is for abutment with the strings 10 and includes or holds a string abutment portion 22. The second arm 20 is for abutment with a rear face 24 of the neck 14 and includes or holds a neck rear abutment portion 26.

The first arm 18 is slidably held on the second arm 20 via a sliding bearing 28. In the embodiment shown and described, the sliding bearing is designed as a pivot slide bearing 30, via which the first arm 18 is also pivotable relative to the second arm 20.

The arm 20 has a C-shaped configuration with a first portion 32 on which the pivot slide bearing 30 is located, and a second portion 34 on which the neck rearward abutment portion 26 is disposed.

At the first region 32 a in a linear direction 36 extending displacement guide 38 is arranged. The displacement guide 38 is oriented transversely and in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the strings 10 when the capo is mounted (see FIG. 3). At least in the region of the displacement guide 38, the second arm 20 has a laterally outwardly covered inner space 40 (FIG. 4). This interior is open to one side 42. On the side 42, the second arm 20 has an outer contour 44, which is at least approximately parallel to the linear direction 36. As will be described in greater detail below, a second contact surface 46 for the first arm 18 is formed via this outer contour 44.

The displacement guide 38 is formed by through slots 48, which are aligned aligned with each other in walls 50 which define the interior 40 laterally. The slots 48 have an opening direction 51 (FIGS. 5 and 7). In the opening direction, the slot 48 is not limited by material. The opening direction 51 points into the outer space.

The second region 34 is arranged at an angle to the first region 32. At the transition from the first region 32 to the second region 34, the second arm 20 is provided with a curved outer contour. Opposite side surfaces 52a, 52b of the second arm 20 are substantially flat and parallel to each other. The neck back abutting portion 26 is formed by an elastic structure such as an elastic pad 54 fixed to or near a front end of a second portion 34 of the second arm 20.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, if no pressure forces are exerted thereon, the elastic pad 54 has a triangular shape in cross-section with a rounded tip in the direction of the string conditioning area 22.

The first arm 18 has approximately the shape of a large L. Via a coupling region 56, it is connected to the second arm 20. The coupling region 56 is fork-shaped with a first loading element 58a and a second fork element 58b (FIG. 4). The first forked element 58a and the second fork member 58b are spaced from each other with a gap 60 between them. The second arm 20 is immersed in the space 60 and the first yoke 58a and the second hub 58b surround the second arm 20 on the side surfaces 52a and 52b.

A pin element 62 is fixed to the first fork element 58a and the second fork element 58b. This is penetrated by the contactors 48 in the second arm 20. A penetration direction is parallel to the opening direction 51. The pin element 62 is displaceable in the displacement guide 38 in a direction / opposite direction 64. As a result, the first arm 18 is also displaceable relative to the second arm 20. The displacement direction 64 is transverse and, for example, perpendicular to the opening direction 51. A longitudinal extension direction of the pin element 62 is at least approximately parallel to the opening direction 51.

The pin member 62 is rotationally fixed or rotatably fixed to the coupling portion 56 of the first arm 18. It is in the displacement guide 38 with ^¬ style spie! led that it is rotatable in this. The pin member 62 thereby forms a shaft 66 of the pivot sliding bearing 30, by means of which the first arm 18 is pivotable relative to the second arm 20 about a pivot axis 68. The pivot axis 68 is perpendicular to the direction / opposite direction 64 (ie, perpendicular to the linear direction 36). The pivot axis 68 is preferably parallel to the opening direction 51.

On the first arm 18 and the second arm 20, a spring device 70 is arranged. This comprises a coil spring 72, which is supported on the first arm 18 and the second arm 20. The coil spring 72 includes spring coils 74 which are disposed on the second arm 20 about the pin member 62. The inner diameter of the spring coils 74 is larger than the outer diameter of the pin member 62; the coil spring 72 is thereby held loosely on the pin member 62. A spring region 76 extends from an associated last winding into a fixing region 78 of the first arm 18. This spring region 76 is firmly fixed to the fixing region 78.

From the first winding, a spring arm 80 leads to the second arm 20 and is "loosely" supported in the inner space 40. The support is such that the displaceability of the first arm 18 is not impeded by the spring means 70, d. H. the spring arm 80 is displaceable in the inner space 40. However, the spring arm 80 is constantly supported on the second arm 20 in order to exert a spring force on the first arm 18 can.

The spring force of the spring means 60 acts to tend to move the first arm 18 away from the second arm 20; H. To increase the distance between the Saitenaniagebereich 22 and the Haisrückseiten-contact area 26.

The first arm 18 has an upper surface 82 having a first well region 84 at or near the coupling region 56 and a second well region 86 disposed at or near a forward end 88. The first well region 84 serves as a user's finger engaging surface when the capo 16 is to be fixed to the neck 14. The second trough area 86 serves as a contact surface for a user's finger when the capo 16 is to be released from a fixing position.

The top 82 of the first arm 18 is smooth. Toward the neck rear abutment region 26, the first arm 18 is channel-shaped with raised side edges 92a, 92b, between which there is a gap 94 which is open to the neck rear abutment region 26.

On the first arm 18, a rocker 90 is pivotally mounted. For this purpose, a pin member 96 is fixed to the side edges 92a, 92b, which extends through the intermediate space 94. The rocker 90 is seated on this pin element 96. The pin member 96 forms a (outer) while a Schwenkiagers 98. A pivot axis 100 of this pivot bearing 98 is parallel to the pivot axis 68 of the pivot sliding bearing 30th

On the rocker 90 turn the string conditioning area 22 is arranged. This has a width such that it can extend over all the strings of a fingerboard of the corresponding stringed musical instrument.

The rocker 90 has an inner side of the first arm 18 facing such a shape that a pivoting in a certain angular range such as between -5 ° and + 5 ° is possible.

The rocker 90 extends with a front end 102 beyond the front end 88 of the first arm 18.

Arranged on the first arm 18 is a first contact surface 104 which, in cooperation with the second contact surface 46, blocks a fixing position of the capo tasto 16 on the neck 14. (It is also possible to provide a plurality of first contact surfaces 104 and second contact surfaces 46; for example, such a plurality of contact surfaces is realized by providing partial surfaces.) For the sake of simplicity, the following text always refers to a contact surface, which in principle may also be designed in several parts ,)

The opening direction 51 is oriented parallel to the first contact surface 104 and the second contact surface 46.

The first contact surface 104 is formed at the coupling portion 56 between the first fork member 58a and the second fork member 58b. The second arm 20 with its second contact surface 46 dives, depending on the displacement position of the first arm 18, in the intermediate space 60 and the first Kontaktfiäche 104 may abut the second contact surface 46. The first contact surface 104 and the second contact surface 46 are each integrally formed on the associated arm 18 and 20, respectively. They are formed on an outer contour facing the other arm. The outer contour 44 of the second arm 20, on which the second contact surface 46 is formed, then faces a boundary surface of the intermediate space 60, on which the first contact surface 104 is formed. Accordingly, an outer contour of the first arm 18 to the coupling region 56 of the outer contour 44 of the second arm 20 to.

The first arm 18 and the second arm 20 are made of a plastic material, for example! produced. Also, the rocker 90 is made of a Kunststoffmateria! produced.

In one embodiment, which is shown in Figures 6 and 7, the string conditioning portion 22 is formed as an elastic pad 106. It is especially one-piece. This elastic pad 106 is disposed on the rocker 90. The elastic pad 106 has a contact surface 108 for strings 10, with which it acts on the strings 10. The Anlagefiäche 108 has in a direction 110 which is transverse to the strings 10, a varying shape: The contact surface 108 increases away from the pivot sliding bearing 30 away. For example, the elastic pad 106 has a free space 112 which is triangular in shape. As a result, the elastic pad 106 has a first flank 114a and a second flank 114b, between which the free space 112 lies. The free space 112 has no contact area for the strings 10. The first flank 114a and the second flank 114b are connected in the area of the front end 102 of the rocker 90 via a bridge element 116.

The elastic pad 106 has a wedge-shaped recess over the free space 112. This shortens the contact area of a string 10 on the string conditioning area 22. Often, the neck 14 of a stringed musical instrument is arched. Due to the elastic pad 106, such a curvature transverse to the strings 10 can be compensated.

Musical instruments are covered with different thick strings. Thicker strings are used to produce deeper notes and thinner strings are used to produce higher notes. By forming the contact surface 108 of varying shape of these differences which cause different effective conditioning ^¬ surfaces, can be compensated at the capo sixteenth The effective contact surface of a string on the elastic pad 106 results from the product of the diameter of the corresponding string 10 and the contact length of the corresponding string 10 on the pad 106. The free space 112 makes it possible to shorten the contact length on the pad, since in the direction 110 the contact area is reduced. As a result, at least approximately the effective Anlageftächen all strings align with each other; for thinner strings farther from the pivot slide bearing 30, the diameter is smaller, but the contact length at the elastic pad 106 is larger. For strings which are closer to the pivot sliding bearing 30 (low tone strings), the diameter is larger and the contact length is smaller due to the clearance 112.

It can thereby achieve a uniform penetration depth of all strings 10 in the elastic pad 106. In particular, this prevents thinner strings penetrating deeper into the elastic pad 106 than thicker strings, which could cause the thicker strings to move laterally during play.

The neck rear abutment region 26 is formed for example by an elastic pad 118, which is pushed onto the second arm 20 and, for example, in a region 120 (Figure 6) is hooked with this. The elastic pad 118 is additionally glued to the second arm 20, for example. It preferably extends over an entire area 122 of the second arm 20, which may come into contact with the neck 14 of the stringed musical instrument.

Otherwise, the first arm 18 and the second arm 20 are the same as described above.

The capo tasto according to the invention works as follows:

When the pin member 62 is pushed upwardly as shown in FIG. 1, the string engaging portion 22 is the largest distance from the neck back engaging portion 26. The spring force of the spring device 70 also pushes the first arm 18 away from the second arm 20 in a pivoting direction about the pivot axis 68 until a surface delimiting the intermediate space 60 abuts an upper region of the outer contour 44. The capo-off-16 then has a maximum opening width, and it can be easily placed on the Hats 14 of a stringed musical instrument.

It is a one-hand operation possible.

The capo 16 is placed on the stringed musical instrument so that thicker strings (bass strings) are closer to the pivot slide bearing 30 and thinner strings (high tone strings) are farther away. This ensures that the contact length of the corresponding strings on the elastic pad 106 behaves at least approximately reciprocally to the diameter of the corresponding string 10.

An operator then slides the arm 18 down the translation guide 38 in the direction / opposite direction 64, displacing the string abutment portion 22 toward the neck rear abutment portion 26.

This can be achieved in the simplest way, if the second arm 20 is held at the bottom with one or more fingers and the thumb of the user in the first well region 84 acts on the first arm 18 for its displacement.

The operator exerts pressure on the first arm 18. It is done by sliding on the strings 10 and a tensing. A pivoting movement no longer takes place.

As a result of the at least approximately vertical orientation of the displacement guide 38 relative to the strings 10, uniform pressure is applied to all strings 10; since no pivotal movement is present, which leads basic ^¬ additionally, various types of strings to different degrees ^¬ pressure applied, one 12b is given a uniform Saitenanpressung to the collars 12a, for all strings 10th

The fixation is achieved in that an operator presses, for example, with his thumb on the second well region 86. At the same time he exerts a tension on the second arm 20 from below. Due to the elastic design of the neck rear abutment region 26, the fixation can be solved and the arm 18 pushes up on the second arm 20 in the displacement guide 38 due to the spring force of the spring device 70 high.

As mentioned above, the fixation and locking is possible with one hand.

It is possible that if too high a clamping pressure was selected or the position of a fixed capo 16 must be changed to perform the solution without manual conversion. The thumb then only has to be shifted from the first well region 84 into the second well region 86.

The spring device 70 and the pivotable mounting of the first arm 18 on the second arm 20 are used for easy Aufsetzbarkeit / solvability of the capo 16 on the neck 14. For fixed holding the capo 16 on It is sufficient for the neck 14 to provide a "only" sliding contact and to provide a first contact surface 104 and a second contact surface 46.

When the capo tasto 16 is held under pressure on the neck 14, then the first contact surface 104 presses against the second contact surface 46 and a blocking member is fixed. To fix this blocking position no additional tools such as screws or the like are necessary. Due to the parallel orientation of the opening direction 51 to the first contact surface 104 and the second contact surface 46 results in the fixation of the locked position. If a greater clamping force (clamping force on the strings 10) to be exercised, then the first arm 18 can be moved further in the displacement ^¬ guide 38. So it is a dosage of the clamping force possible. The movement apart of the first arm 18 and the second arm 20 is realized by the first contact surface 104 and the second contact surface 46 only in one direction, which increases the distance between the string conditioning region 22 and the neck rear side abutment region 26. In the opposite direction to another agility (under exercise of force) to increase the clamping force is possible.

By the rocker 90, on which the string conditioning area 22 is arranged, the clamping pressure can be distributed evenly on the strings 10. For this purpose, in particular the pin element 96, which forms a shaft for the rocker 90, is arranged centrally on the rocker 90 in order to allow the uniform clamping pressure distribution.

Thus it is no longer absolutely not ^¬ agile in the inventive solution that the capo 16 is accurately placed on the strings of the 10th (In known from the prior art Kapodastem an exact placement on the strings is absolutely necessary, otherwise the pressure distribution is very different to the strings. A very different pressure distribution can lead to some of the strings ver ^¬ true due to high pressure while on other strings the pressure is too low, which can lead to a whirring of a corresponding string.) In the solution according to the invention an operator also has a larger pressure range available before strings 10 are audibly detuned.

Basically, it is the case that different stringed musical instruments have different fret lengths. Since in the solution according to the invention a uniform pressurization of the strings 10 can be achieved, no span adjustment must be made to the respective bundle length. This means that the capo 16 is universally applicable.

The clamping pressure with which the saturation area 22 acts on the strings 10 can be adjusted individually by an operator.

Claims

claims

1. capo for fixing on a neck (14) of a stringed musical in ^¬ ment, comprising a first arm (18) to a soft Saitenanlage- region (22) is arranged, a second arm (20), (to which a contact region 26) for a neck rear face (24), a sliding bearing (28; 30) via which the first arm (18) is slidably held on the second arm (20) and which has a displacement guide (38) passing through at least one Slit (48) or at least one groove is formed with an opening direction (51) transversely to a displacement direction (64), at least a first contact surface (104) which is formed on the first arm (18), and at least one second contact surface (46 ), which is formed on the second arm (20), wherein by contact of the at least one first contact surface (104) and the at least one second contact surface (46) a disengagement of the first arm (18) to the second arm (20) which the Abstan d is between the string conditioning area (22) and the neck rear side abutment area (26), lockable, and wherein the opening direction is oriented at least approximately parallel to the first contact surface (104) and at least approximately parallel to the second contact surface (46).

2. capo tasto according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first contact surface (104) and the at least one second contact surface (46) are formed so that upon contact the Ausein- ander-displaceability is locked when the capo tasto (16) is clamped on the neck (14).

3. capo tasto according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first contact surface (104) and the at least one second contact surface (46) are formed so that a Aufeinanderzu- displaceability in the opposite direction to a divergence-displaceability of the first Arms (18) and the second arm (20) is released.

4. capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement guide (38) is a ünearführung.

5. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second contact surface (46) is at least approximately parallel to the displacement guide (38).

6. capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (18) via at least one pin element (62) on the displacement guide (38) is guided

7. capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sliding bearing (28) as a pivot slide bearing (30) is formed, wherein the first arm (18) relative to the second arm (20) is pivotable.

8. capo tasto according to claim 7, characterized in that a pivot axis (68) perpendicular to the displacement direction (64) is oriented.

9. capo tasto according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the pivot slide bearing (30) has a shaft (66), which is displaceably guided in a displacement guide (38) and in the displacement guide (38) is rotatable.

10. capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked ^¬ characterized in that the displacement guide (38) is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the strings (10) when placed on the neck (14) capo.

11. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the first arm (18) has a pivotable rocker (90) is arranged, on softer Saitenaniagebereich (22) sits

12. capo tasto according to claim 11, characterized in that a pivot axis (100) of the rocker (90) is paraüel to a pivot axis (68) of a pivot slide bearing (30), via which the first arm (18) on the second arm ( 20) is mounted pivotably and displaceably.

13. capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Saitenaniagebereich (22) is formed by means of an elastic material.

14. Capo tasto according to claim 13, characterized in that the string conditioning area (22) by an elastic poster (106) is formed.

15. capo tasto according to claim 14, characterized in that the elastic pad (106) has a varying contact surface (108) transversely to a string extension direction, wherein the contact surface (108) is smaller for strings (10) with a larger diameter than for strings (10). 10) with a smaller diameter.

16. capo tasto according to claim 15, characterized in that the elastic pad (106) has a triangular free space (112).

17. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked ^¬ characterized in that the Antagebereich (26) for the neck rear side (24) by means of an elastic pad (54) is formed.

18. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first arm (18) has a channel-shaped area with raised side edges (92a, 92b), on which the string conditioning area (22) is arranged.

19. Capo tasto according to claim 18, characterized in that at the raised side edges (92 a, 92 b) a rocker (90) is pivotally fixed.

20. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the string conditioning area (22) extends beyond a front end (88) of the first arm (18) also.

21. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the first arm (18) and the second arm (20) has a Federein direction (70) is arranged, which exerts a force through which the first arm (18) away from the second arm (20) is slidable and / or pivotable.

22. Capo tasto according to claim 21, characterized in that the spring means (70) on the first arm (18) and the second arm (20) is supported.

23. Capo tasto according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the spring means (70) has a spring portion (80) which is displaceable relative to the second arm (20) and is supported on this.

24. Capo tasto according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that a winding or a plurality of windings (74) of the spring means (70) is arranged for a while (66) of a pivot sliding bearing (30) or are.

25. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked ^¬ characterized in that the at least one first contact surface (104) by an outer contour region of the first arm (18) is formed, which faces the second arm (20).

26. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second contact surface (46) by an outer contour region (44) of the second arm (20) is formed, which faces the first arm (18).

27. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first contact surface (104) is integrally formed on the first arm (18).

28. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one second contact surface (46) is integrally formed on the second arm (20).

29. Capo tasto according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one arm (18) at one coupling region (56) with the other arm (20) is fork-shaped with opposite fork elements (58 a, 58 b), which the other arm (20 ).

30. Capo tasto according to claim 29, characterized in that in an intermediate region between the fork elements (58a, 58b) at least one contact surface (104) for the other arm (20) is formed.

31. Capo tasto according to one of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that the at least one spring means (70) is arranged and formed such that a Ftxierungssteliung on the neck (14) by applying pressure to the first arm (18) in the direction of the neck backs - Abutment region (26) is detachable.