DEVICE FOR USE IN A TABLE TENNIS GAME

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for use in a table tennis game. In particular, the present invention relates to a device that can be used for table tennis instead of a conventional table tennis table, which has a solid playing surface.

[0002] Table tennis tables consist of a single- or multi-piece playing surface and a base frame to support the playing surface. The playing surface is typically made of a solid and hard material such as wood or melamine resin and has a smooth or flat playing surface to ensure that a table tennis ball used in a game of table tennis bounces or rebounds from the playing surface in a predictable manner and at a sufficient height.

[0003] Weatherproof table tennis tables are available for outdoor use, and non-weatherproof tables are suitable only for indoor use. There are stationary table tennis tables, made of concrete, for example, for use in schoolyards, parks, or recreational facilities, as well as mobile table tennis tables, whose multi-part playing surface is foldable and has wheels on the base, allowing the table to be moved.

[0004] However, it is difficult for a user to transport the well-known mobile table tennis tables over long distances due to the solid material required for the rebound properties and thus the heavy weight of the playing surface plate as well as due to the large packing size of the table tennis table even when folded.

[0005] Further prior art can be found in WO2006 / 079058A1 and US7 254 853 B1.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for use in a table tennis game which has a small packing size and is easy to transport.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of patent claims 1, 3, 5 and 6.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a device for use in a table tennis game comprises a flexible inflatable body having a first outer wall which is configured to provide a playing surface for the table tennis game when the inflatable body is inflated when used as intended, and a second outer wall which, when the inflatable body is inflated, is opposite the first outer wall and spaced therefrom, wherein the first outer wall and the second outer wall or the first outer wall and a layer arranged between the first outer wall and the second outer wall are connected by means of a plurality of connecting fibers.

[0010] The connecting fibers are arranged such that they are distributed, preferably evenly distributed, across the entire space formed between the first outer wall and the second outer wall, or between the first outer wall and the layer arranged between the first outer wall and the second outer wall. The connecting fibers can be arranged such that, in the inflated state during intended use, they are distributed in a width direction and / or a length direction of the inflatable body and are spaced apart from one another, for example, approximately 1 cm apart, and run along a height direction of the inflatable body between the first and second outer walls.

[0011] According to the invention, the playing surface for table tennis is not provided by a solid playing surface, as is the case with conventional table tennis tables, but rather by the inflatable body. This allows the weight of the element providing the playing surface to be significantly reduced compared to conventional table tennis tables.

[0012] By providing the plurality of connecting fibers according to one embodiment, which connect the first outer wall and the second outer wall to one another, the connection between the first outer wall and the second outer wall is extremely tear-resistant, so that the inflatable body can be subjected to a high internal pressure, preferably an internal pressure of up to 172375 Pa. Furthermore, due to the plurality of connecting fibers, the playing surface for the table tennis game is extremely dimensionally stable in the inflated state and can withstand high loads, thus ensuring that the table tennis ball bounces or rebounds from the playing surface in a predictable manner and at a sufficient height during the game.

[0013] When not in use for a table tennis game, the inflatable body can be deflated, thereby reducing its dimensions. In this state, the dimensions of the inflatable body can be further reduced, for example, by folding and / or rolling up the deflated inflatable body. Thus, the dimensions of the inflatable body can be reduced to a small pack size compared to the inflated state, and especially compared to a solid playing surface.

[0014] The inflatable body comprises a fabric layer having a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and the plurality of connecting fibers connecting the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer together, wherein the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are spaced apart from one another in the inflated state, the first outer wall comprises the first fabric layer, and the second outer wall comprises the second fabric layer.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the inflatable body comprises a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer, wherein the first plastic layer is arranged on a side of the first fabric layer facing away from the second fabric layer and the first outer wall comprises the first plastic layer, the second plastic layer is arranged on a side of the second fabric layer facing away from the first fabric layer and the second outer wall comprises the second plastic layer.

[0016] The inflatable body has a side wall which is connected to the first outer wall and the second outer wall in such a way that an airtight interior or a substantially airtight interior of the inflatable body is formed by the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the side wall, wherein the inflatable body has a valve via which the interior can be filled and emptied with a gas such as air.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the inflatable body comprises at least two fabric layers arranged one above the other between the playing surface and a main surface of the inflatable body formed by the outer surface of the second outer wall, wherein each of the at least two fabric layers has a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer and a respective plurality of connecting fibers which connect the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer to one another, wherein the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer are arranged at a distance from one another in the inflated state, the first outer wall comprises the first fabric layer of the fabric layer closest to the playing surface, and the second outer wall comprises the second fabric layer of the fabric layer closest to the main surface.

[0018] The inflatable body has at least one intermediate plastic layer, wherein two adjacent ones of the at least two fabric layers are glued together by a respective intermediate plastic layer, in that the second fabric layer of an upper one of the two adjacent fabric layers during the intended use is glued to the first fabric layer of a lower one of the two adjacent fabric layers during the intended use.

[0019] The inflatable body has a side wall which is connected to the first outer wall and a first plastic intermediate layer of the at least one plastic intermediate layer in such a way that a first airtight interior space of the inflatable body is formed by the first outer wall, the first plastic intermediate layer and the side wall, wherein the inflatable body has a first valve via which the first interior space can be filled and emptied separately, the side wall is connected to the second outer wall and the first plastic intermediate layer in such a way that a second airtight interior space of the inflatable body is formed by the second outer wall, the first plastic intermediate layer and the side wall, and the inflatable body has a second valve via which the second interior space can be filled and emptied separately.

[0020] In another embodiment, the inflatable body can have a side wall that is connected to the first outer wall and a first plastic intermediate layer of the at least one plastic intermediate layer in such a way that a first airtight interior space of the inflatable body is formed by the first outer wall, the first plastic intermediate layer and the side wall, wherein the inflatable body has a first valve via which the first interior space can be separately filled and emptied, the side wall is connected to the second outer wall and a second plastic intermediate layer of the at least one plastic intermediate layer in such a way that a second airtight interior space of the inflatable body is formed by the second outer wall, the second plastic intermediate layer and the side wall, the inflatable body has a second valve via which the second interior space can be separately filled and emptied,and the inflatable body has a plurality of third plastic intermediate layers of the at least one plastic intermediate layer, which are arranged between the first and the second of the at least one plastic intermediate layer, each of the third plastic intermediate layers is connected to the side wall in such a way that a respective airtight interior of the inflatable body is formed by the respective third plastic intermediate layer and an adjacent one of the at least one plastic intermediate layer, and the inflatable body has a respective further valve via which the respective airtight interior can be filled and emptied separately.

[0021] The device further comprises a plurality of additional connecting fibers having a first end which is linked to a lateral edge region of the first fabric layer during intended use or to a lateral edge region of the second fabric layer during intended use, and having a second end which is linked to a third fabric layer provided on an inner side of the side wall of the inflatable body, wherein the inflatable body is configured such that, in the inflated state, the additional connecting fibers run transversely with respect to the playing surface.

[0022] Furthermore, the device can further comprise a plurality of further additional connecting fibers having a first end linked to a first section of a third fabric layer provided on an inner side of the side wall of the inflatable body, and having a second end linked to a second section of the third fabric layer opposite the first section of the third fabric layer. The further additional connecting fibers are preferably arranged such that, when the inflatable body is inflated, several of them run parallel to the playing surface and spaced from one another in the width direction of the inflatable body, and several of them run parallel to the playing surface and spaced from one another in the length direction of the inflatable body when the inflatable body is inflated.Furthermore, several of the further additional connecting fibers can be arranged one above the other in the height direction when the inflatable body is inflated.

[0023] Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the device further comprises a plurality of reinforcing struts arranged in or on the side wall and extending perpendicularly with respect to the playing surface when the inflatable body is inflated. The reinforcing struts preferably have a high degree of rigidity and can be made, for example, from a metal. In an embodiment in which the reinforcing struts are provided only on or in the side wall, the inflatable body can be folded down to a small pack size after deflation, for example by folding over the side wall sections of the four sides of the inflatable body and then rolling up the inflatable body.

[0024] The first plastic layer and / or the second plastic layer and / or the at least one intermediate plastic layer is preferably formed as a polyvinyl chloride layer (PVC layer).

[0025] Preferably, the device is configured such that, in the inflated state of the inflatable body, the connecting fibers extend perpendicularly or at least substantially perpendicularly to the playing surface. In this way, the force acting due to the internal pressure to drive the first and second outer walls apart can be optimally absorbed by the connecting fibers.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the number of connecting fibers per unit area is higher in a lateral edge region, particularly the edge region, of the inflatable body during intended use than in other regions. This increases the strength of the edge region, allowing a sharp and extremely resilient edge to be achieved.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the inflatable body can have a silicone reinforcement in a lateral edge region of the first outer wall during intended use, in particular the edge region of the inflatable body. This increases the strength of the edge region, allowing a sharp and extremely resilient edge to be achieved.

[0028] The device preferably further comprises a base frame configured to support the inflated inflatable body during intended use. The dimensions of the base frame and the thickness of the inflatable body in the inflated state are preferably selected such that, during intended use, the distance between the playing surface and a surface on which the device is set up is 760 mm.

[0029] The base frame may comprise an adhesion device such as a suction cup which is designed to cause the base frame to adhere to a smooth surface of a substrate.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the underframe is designed as a collapsible underframe having a plurality of support rods and a plurality of connecting rods, wherein the support rods are designed as telescopic rods, and two adjacent support rods are connected by means of two connecting rods in such a way that a first end of a first of the connecting rods is pivotally connected to an end of one of the support rods that is upper during intended use, a second end of the first connecting rod is pivotally connected to an end of another support rod that is lower during intended use, a first end of a second of the connecting rods is pivotally connected to an end of one of the support rods that is lower during intended use, and a second end of the second connecting rod is pivotally connected to an end of the other support rod that is upper during intended use.

[0031] The dimensions of the base frame can be selected such that the length of the base frame in an unfolded state is 1480 mm and the width of the base frame in the unfolded state is 740 mm. Furthermore, the dimensions of the base frame are selected such that the base frame, in a folded state, can be stowed in a backpack together with the rolled-up inflatable body and, if appropriate, together with a table tennis net that is designed to be mounted on the inflatable body in the inflated state.In this way, the device for use in a table tennis game can be easily transported by a user to any location in a compact package, making it possible to play table tennis flexibly anywhere, for example in a park, in the garden, on vacation, or at locations where parties are held. The device can be set up and played in any location in a short time using a commercially available pump, such as a pump for inflatable stand-up paddle boards. In particular, the fact that the device for use in a table tennis game can be carried in a backpack in a compact package means that the possible uses are wide, while the device can also be stored space-savingly when not in use.

[0032] Preferably, the device further comprises at least one fastening device by which the inflatable body is fastened to the base frame during intended use.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the at least one fastening device can be designed as a push button.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the at least one fastening device can have a nose provided on the upper end of a support rod during intended use and a tab provided on the second outer wall, into which the nose engages during intended use.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the base frame comprises at least one inflatable and flexible support body to which the inflatable body is attached during intended use and which has a drop stitch structure.

[0036] The at least one support body can have a first and a second support body main surface, wherein between the first and second support body main surface at least one fabric layer with a first and a second fabric layer is arranged, which are connected via a plurality of connecting fibers and run substantially parallel to the first and second support body main surface in the inflated state, each of the at least one fabric layer is surrounded by at least one plastic layer such that a respective airtight interior space is formed, and the at least one support body has at least one valve via which the respective airtight interior space can be filled and emptied.

[0037] The at least one support body may comprise a single fabric layer, wherein the at least one plastic layer comprises plastic layers whose outer surfaces form the first and second support body main surfaces, and plastic layers by which the plastic layers forming the first and second support body main surfaces are connected to one another in such a way that a single airtight interior space is formed by the at least one plastic layer.

[0038] Preferably, the device further comprises a fastening device by which the inflatable body is fastened to the at least one supporting body during intended use.

[0039] The at least one fastening device can be designed as a push button.

[0040] Furthermore, the at least one support body preferably has a first and a second support body, wherein the device further comprises at least one belt, on the first and the second support body a respective loop is provided, to which the at least one belt is fastened during intended use such that the at least one belt is tensioned.

[0041] In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting fibers is distributed substantially over the entire space formed between the first outer wall and the second outer wall or between the first outer wall and the layer disposed between the first outer wall and the second outer wall.

[0042] A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the figures.

[0043] They show: Fig. 1 a device for use in a table tennis game according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a schematic plan view of an inflatable body according to an embodiment of the device for use in a table tennis game, Fig. 3 a representation to illustrate a folding of the Fig. 1 shown inflatable body, Fig. 4 the inflatable body in a rolled-up state, Fig. 5 a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the inflatable body, Fig. 6 a schematic view of an inflatable body according to another embodiment, Fig. 7 a schematic view of an inflatable body according to another embodiment, Fig. 8 a base frame of the device according to a first embodiment in an unfolded state, Fig. 9 that in Fig. 8 shown base frame in a folded state, Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a support rod of the Fig. 8 und 9 shown base frame together with the inflatable body, and Fig. 11 a device for use in a table tennis game according to another embodiment.

[0044] Fig. 1 1 illustrates a device for use in a table tennis game according to one embodiment. The device 100 for use in a table tennis game comprises an inflatable and flexible body 10 according to one embodiment, a base 20 according to a first embodiment, on which the inflatable body 10 rests and is optionally attached, and a table tennis net 30 mounted on the inflatable body 10.

[0045] In Fig. 1 The inflatable body 10 is shown in an inflated state, in which it has the shape or at least substantially the shape of a playing surface of a conventional table tennis table. The inflatable body 10 has a first main surface 11, which, in the assembled state of the device 100 during intended use, forms the upper surface or top of the inflatable body 10 and serves as a playing surface for the table tennis game. According to a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the inflatable body 10 in the inflated state correspond to the requirements placed on a playing surface used in a competition. With reference to Fig. 2 , which shows a schematic plan view of an inflated inflatable body 10 according to one embodiment, in this case the inflatable body 10 has a length l of 2740 mm and a width b of 1525 mm. In other embodiments, the length and / or width of the inflated inflatable body 10 or the first main surface 11 may also deviate from the specifications for use in competition purposes.

[0046] On the main surface 11, a center line 12 is provided, which runs along a width direction of the main surface 11 and divides it into two equal playing area sections. Fig. 1 The table tennis net 30 shown is stretched along this center line 12 for use of the inflatable body 10 for table tennis and mounted on the inflatable body 10. Furthermore, playing surface section center lines 13 are provided, which divide the two playing surface sections into two equal sections along the width direction. Furthermore, base lines 14 are provided at the two ends of the main surface 11 viewed in the longitudinal direction, and side lines 15 are provided at the two ends of the main surface 11 viewed in the width direction. The center line 12, the playing surface section center lines 13, the base lines 14, and the side lines 15 can be formed, for example, by means of a printing process.

[0047] On a second main surface 19, which forms the lower surface or underside of the inflatable body 10 in the assembled state of the device 100 during intended use, a valve (not shown) is provided, through which a user can pump air into the inflatable body 10 using a commercially available pump to inflate it. This valve and other valves mentioned below in the description can include, for example, a valve used on inflatable stand-up paddle boards (SUP boards) for filling and deflating the board with air, a bicycle valve, or a car valve.

[0048] Starting from the inflated state, the user can release the air from the inflatable body 10 via the valve, so that its dimensions can be reduced to a small pack size in the deflated state. For example, the inflatable body 10 can be folded in the deflated state as shown in Fig. 3 illustrated by an arrow P, first folded lengthwise and then rolled up. In this way, the inflatable body 10 can be folded as shown in Fig. 4 illustrated in such a way that the height of the cylinder is about 800 mm and the diameter of the cylinder is about 450 mm.

[0049] Preferably, the inflatable body 10 is designed such that a thickness of the inflatable body 10, that is, a distance between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19, is 50 mm in the inflated state.

[0050] In order to ensure a bouncing or rebounding behavior of a table tennis ball that is similar to the bouncing or rebounding behavior of a table tennis ball when using a conventional solid playing surface, the inflatable body 10 has a structure that enables high dimensional stability in the inflated state and withstands particularly high loads. To this end, the inflatable body 10 has, in particular, a structure referred to as a drop-stitch or drop-stitch construction. The inflatable body 10 has at least one layer package containing two layers that are arranged one above the other between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19 and are connected to one another via a plurality of connecting fibers, wherein each of the connecting fibers is knotted or linked to the two layers, and a length of each of the connecting fibers, measured between the respective knotting points, is preferably the same.The connecting fibers are preferably arranged such that they are distributed over the entire space formed between the two layers. When the inflatable body 10 is inflated, air is pumped between these two layers, causing them to move away from each other and tensioning the connecting fibers. The connecting fibers can, in particular, be arranged such that, when the inflatable body 10 is inflated, they extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19. Preferably, one of these two layers, which are connected via the connecting fibers, is firmly connected to a layer whose outer surface forms the first main surface 11.In this way, the first main surface 11, which serves as a playing surface for table tennis when used as intended, is extremely dimensionally stable when inflated and can withstand high loads, thereby ensuring that the table tennis ball bounces or rebounds from the first main surface 11 in a predictable manner and at a sufficient height.

[0051] Preferably, the inflatable body 10 contains a plurality of the layer packages described above, each consisting of two layers which are connected by means of a plurality of connecting fibers, wherein each of the layer packages is or can be bonded and vulcanized with a plastic layer such as a polyvinyl chloride layer.

[0052] In particular, the inflatable body 10 can be as in Fig. 5 For example, as shown, they comprise a plurality of connecting fibers 16 that interconnect a first wall or outer wall 17 of the inflatable body 10, which has the first main surface 11 as its outer surface, and a second wall or outer wall 18 of the inflatable body 10, which has the second main surface 19 as its outer surface, or that establish a connection between the first wall 17 and the second wall 18. The connecting fibers 16 can be formed, for example, from polyester or synthetic polymers or another suitable material with high tear and tensile strength.

[0053] The first wall 17 of the inflatable body 10 comprises an air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material and can, for example, be as in Fig. 5 illustrates a first layer 41 or a first fabric layer 41 of a fabric layer 40, a first upper plastic layer 50, and a second upper plastic layer 51, which are arranged one above the other in such a way that the outer surface of the second upper plastic layer 51 or a layer applied thereto, for example, printed, forms the first main surface 11. The material of the second upper plastic layer 51 and / or the layer applied thereto is selected such that the main surface 11 is well suited for table tennis.

[0054] The first upper plastic layer 50 is firmly and preferably directly connected to the first layer 41 of the fabric layer 40, and the second upper plastic layer 51 is firmly and preferably directly connected to the first upper plastic layer 50, wherein the connection of the individual layers can be effected, for example, by lamination or gluing or gluing followed by vulcanization.

[0055] The second wall 18 of the inflatable body 10 comprises an air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material and can, for example, be as shown in Fig. 5 illustrates a second layer 42 of the fabric layer 40, a first lower plastic layer 52 and a second lower plastic layer 53, which are arranged such that the outer surface of the second lower plastic layer 53 forms the second main surface 19. The first lower plastic layer 52 is firmly and preferably directly connected to the second layer 42 of the fabric layer 40, and the second lower plastic layer 53 is firmly and preferably directly connected to the first lower plastic layer 52, wherein the connection of the individual layers can be effected, for example, by lamination or adhesive bonding or adhesive bonding followed by vulcanization.

[0056] Furthermore, the inflatable body 10 comprises a side wall 60, which, in the inflated state, extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall 17 and the second wall 18. The side wall 60 comprises an air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material and is connected to both the first wall 17 and the second wall 18 such that the first wall 17, the second wall 18, and the side wall 60 define or form a substantially airtight interior of the inflatable body 10, which can be filled with air or deflated via the valve.Preferably, the inflatable body 10 is designed such that, when the valve is closed, an internal pressure of at least 103425 Pa (15 psi), more preferably of up to 172375 Pa (25 psi) can prevail and be maintained in the interior space permanently or at least over a period of several hours or days, without a quantity of air escaping from the inflatable body 10, which would significantly impair the rebound properties of the table tennis ball with respect to the first main surface 11, or even destroy the inflatable body 10.

[0057] In addition to the first fabric layer 41 and the second fabric layer 42, the fabric layer 40 also has the plurality of connecting fibers 16, wherein each of the connecting fibers 16 is connected or linked to both the first fabric layer 41 and the second fabric layer 42.

[0058] Starting from a deflated or at least not fully inflated state of the inflatable body 10, in which a distance between the first wall 17 and the second wall 18 is small and the connecting fibers 16 are in a relaxed state, the distance between the first wall 17 and the second wall 18 increases during inflation with increasing internal pressure of the inflatable body 10 until the connecting fibers 16 are taut and prevent a further increase in the distance between the first wall 17 and the second wall 18. Due to the large number of connecting fibers 16 that are attached to the first fabric layer 41 and the second fabric layer 42, the inflatable body 10 is extremely tear-resistant.Furthermore, due to the large number of connecting fibers 16, a distance between the first wall 17 and the second wall 18 in the inflated state is extremely uniform, so that a curvature of the first main surface 11 is largely prevented and thus the rebound behavior of a table tennis ball is well predictable.

[0059] According to the Fig. 5 In the embodiment shown, the connecting fibers 16 are connected to the first wall 17 and the second wall 18 in such a way that the connecting fibers 16 run substantially vertically to the first wall 17 and the second wall 18 in the fully inflated state. In another embodiment, the connecting fibers 16 can also be arranged such that two connecting fibers 16 are attached to one point or position of the first or second fabric layer 41, 42, which are attached to the other of the first and second fabric layers 41, 42 at different points or positions, so that the two connecting fibers 16 enclose an angle with one another or run obliquely to one another in the inflated state.

[0060] Preferably, the inflatable body 10 is constructed such that the number of connecting fibers 16 per unit area is higher in a lateral edge region of the inflatable body 10 during intended use, preferably in the regions where the base lines 14 and the side lines 15 are provided, than in other regions. In this way, the rigidity in these regions, which correspond to the respective edges of the inflatable body 10, can be increased.

[0061] Furthermore, in these lateral edge regions of the first wall 17, for example in the regions in which the base lines 14 and the side lines 15 are provided, silicone reinforcements 61 can be provided, which reinforce the edges of the inflatable body 10, but have sufficient flexibility so that the inflatable body 10 can be folded.

[0062] In addition or alternatively to the above measures for reinforcing the lateral edge regions of the inflatable body 10 during intended use, as shown by an inflatable body 10A according to another embodiment in Fig. 6 schematically illustrated, additional connecting fibers 16A may be provided in these areas, which in the inflated state run diagonally or transversely with respect to the first main surface 11 and / or second main surface 19 and are taut. Although in Fig. 6 not shown, the inflatable body 10A has the same shape as the Fig. 5 The inflatable body 10 shown in Figure 1 has a first and a second wall, the arrangements and structures of which are similar to those of the Fig. 5 correspond to the first wall 17 and second wall 18 shown.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the connecting fibers 16, as in Fig. 6 illustrated, may not be provided in these lateral edge regions. In another embodiment not shown, however, the connecting fibers 16, which run substantially perpendicular to the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19 in the inflated state, may be provided in these lateral edge regions in addition to the additional connecting fibers 16A.

[0064] Preference is given to Fig. 6 As shown schematically, a third fabric layer 62 is provided on the inside of the side wall 60, which is firmly and preferably directly connected to the side wall 60. The connection can be made, for example, by lamination or gluing, or gluing followed by vulcanization. A first end of a respective connecting fiber 16A is linked to the third fabric layer 62, and the second end of the respective connecting fiber 16A is linked to the first fabric layer 41 or the second fabric layer 42.

[0065] In this way, the side wall 60 can be prevented from bulging outward in the inflated state due to the high internal pressure, which would result in the edges formed between the outer surface of the side wall 60 and the first or second main surface 11, 19 being rounded. By providing the diagonally running connecting fibers 16A, it can thus be achieved that, in the inflated state, a right-angled or almost right-angled edge is formed, in particular between the outer surface of the side wall 60 and the first main surface 11, whereby the rebound behavior of the table tennis ball in the edge region essentially corresponds to that when using a solid playing surface plate with a rectangular edge.

[0066] Preferably, the second ends of those connecting fibers 16A, the first end of which is connected to a section of the third fabric layer 62 located in an upper half of the third fabric layer 62 during intended use, are linked to the second fabric layer 42 located at the bottom during intended use, while the second ends of those connecting fibers 16A, the first end of which is connected to a section of the third fabric layer 62 located in a lower half of the third fabric layer 62 during intended use, are linked to the first fabric layer 41 located at the top during intended use.

[0067] The additional connecting fibers 16A can be arranged such that, in the inflated state, the connecting fibers 16A linked to the first fabric layer 41 enclose the same angle or substantially the same angle with the first main surface 11, and the connecting fibers 16A linked to the second fabric layer 42 enclose the same angle or substantially the same angle with the first main surface 11.

[0068] In addition or alternatively to the additional connecting fibers 16A, as in Fig. 6 illustrated, further additional connecting fibers 16B may be provided, which in the inflated state preferably run parallel to the first main surface 11 and / or the second main surface 19 and are taut. In this case, a first end of a respective further additional connecting fiber 16B is linked to a first section of the third fabric layer 62, and a second end of this further additional connecting fiber 16B is linked to a second section of the third fabric layer 62 opposite the first section of the third fabric layer 62 in the inflated state. Preferably, the respective mutually opposite first and second sections of the third fabric layer 62 are arranged such that the respective further additional connecting fibers 16B extend along the longitudinal direction or along the width direction of the inflatable body 10.

[0069] The first end and the second end of the connecting fibers 16B are preferably arranged at first and second sections of the third fabric layer 62 that are centrally located with respect to the vertical direction. In one embodiment, several of the connecting fibers 16B can also be arranged spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction and / or the longitudinal direction or width direction.

[0070] By providing the additional connecting fibers 16B, it is possible to prevent the side wall 60 from bulging outwards in the inflated state due to the high internal pressure

[0071] Just like the connecting fibers 16, the additional connecting fibers 16A and / or the further additional connecting fibers 16B can be formed, for example, from polyester or synthetic polymers or another suitable material with high tear and tensile strength.

[0072] As described above, the inflatable body 10 may comprise a plurality of layer packages each comprising two layers arranged one above the other between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19 and connected by a plurality of connecting fibers, wherein each of the connecting fibers is knotted or linked to the two layers, and a length of each of the connecting fibers running vertically to the first and / or second main surface 11, 19, measured between the respective knotting points, is preferably the same.

[0073] In these cases, at least the topmost layer package when used as intended or preferably each of the layer packages can be used with reference to Fig. 6 described additional connecting fibers 16A and the third fabric layer 62 and optionally the further additional connecting fibers 16B in a corresponding arrangement. Furthermore, at least in the uppermost layer package or in each of the layer packages, the number of connecting fibers 16 per unit area can be higher in the lateral edge region of the inflatable body during intended use than in other regions.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, in the lateral edge regions of the uppermost layer package or the lateral edge regions of the first wall 17 during the intended use, the Fig. 5 described silicone reinforcements 61 may be provided.

[0075] Alternatively or additionally, on or in the side wall 60, as shown in Fig. 6 As illustrated, reinforcing struts 63 with high rigidity, which are formed, for example, from a metal, may be provided. The reinforcing struts 63 are preferably arranged such that they extend between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19 along the height direction of the inflatable body 10. The provision of the reinforcing struts 63 can also prevent the side wall 60 from bulging outward in the inflated state due to the high internal pressure.

[0076] Furthermore, one or more air-impermeable or at least substantially air-impermeable intermediate layers, preferably plastic intermediate layers, are preferably provided between adjacent layer packs of the plurality of layer packs, as seen in the vertical direction of the inflatable body during intended use. These intermediate layers are each connected to the air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable side wall 60 in such a way that respective airtight or at least substantially airtight interior spaces corresponding to the number of the plurality of layer packs are formed. The respective intermediate layers can be formed, for example, by an adhesive layer, by means of which the corresponding fabric layers of the adjacent layer packs are bonded to one another.In this case, the side wall 60 may comprise a plurality of air-impermeable or at least substantially air-impermeable side wall sections, each of which laterally surrounds a respective layer package.

[0077] For each of these airtight or at least substantially airtight interior spaces, a respective valve can be provided, via which the respective interior space can be inflated and deflated. The respective valves are preferably mounted such that, during intended use, they are provided on a side surface or the side wall 60 or the side wall sections of the inflatable body 10, 10A in a central region, for example, at the level of the center line 12. In one embodiment, however, the valve for the lowest interior space during intended use can be provided on the underside of this interior space.

[0078] With reference to Fig. 7 In the following, an embodiment is described in which the inflatable body comprises two of these layer packages. The inflatable body 10B according to this embodiment has, as shown in Fig. 7 schematically shown, a first, upper airtight or essentially airtight interior space I1 when used as intended and a second, lower airtight or essentially airtight interior space I2 when used as intended, which are arranged one above the other between the first main surface 11 and the second main surface 19. The first airtight interior space I1 and the second airtight interior space I2 are separated by an air-impermeable or essentially air-impermeable intermediate layer 70, preferably a plastic intermediate layer, which is formed, for example, by an adhesive layer which bonds the second layer 42 or second fabric layer 42 (not shown) of the upper fabric layer 40 or the upper layer package S1 and the first layer 41 or first fabric layer 41 (not shown) of the lower fabric layer 40 or the lower layer package S2 to one another.

[0079] Here, the Fig. 7 not shown side wall 60 as described above, have a first side wall section which laterally surrounds the upper layer package S1, and a second side wall section which laterally surrounds the lower layer package S2.

[0080] The first airtight or substantially airtight interior space I1 is inflatable and deflatable via a valve V1 provided on the corresponding side wall portion, and the second airtight or substantially airtight interior space I2 is inflatable and deflatable via a valve V2 provided on the underside of the inflatable body 10B.

[0081] Fig. 8 illustrates the base frame 20 according to the first embodiment in an unfolded state. The base frame 20 has a plurality of support rods 21 and a plurality of connecting rods 23, wherein each two adjacent support rods 21 are connected by two connecting rods 23. One end of each connecting rod 23 is pivotally connected to an end of one of the support rods 21 that is located at the top during intended use, and the other end of each connecting rod 23 is pivotally connected to an end of the other support rod 21 that is located at the bottom during intended use. Furthermore, the centers of the two connecting rods 23 that connect the adjacent support rods 21 can also be connected to one another in order to increase the stability of the base frame 20.

[0082] Preferably, the base frame 20, in particular the support rods 21 and the connecting rods 23, are made of light and stable materials such as aluminum, in order to keep the weight of the base frame 20 low on the one hand and to ensure safe storage of the inflatable body 10 on the other hand.

[0083] The support rods 21 are configured to support the inflatable body 10 or the inflatable bodies 10A and 10B in the inflated state. The lengths of the support rods 21 and the thickness of the inflatable body 10 in the inflated state are selected such that a distance between the first main surface 11 of the inflatable body 10 and a ground on which the device 100 is constructed is 760 mm. The support rods 21 preferably have holes (not shown) at their ends 22, which are located at the bottom during intended use, through which holes, for example, tent pegs can be inserted into a soft ground to anchor the base frame 20 or to fix its position.

[0084] The support rods 21 are designed in particular as telescopic rods, so that the base frame 20 can be moved from the Fig. 8 shown unfolded state into a Fig. 9 shown folded state in order to be able to reduce the packing dimensions of the base frame 20 when not in use and in particular for transport. During the folding process, the distances between the support rods 21 are successively reduced, whereby the support rods 21 designed as telescopic rods are extended due to the connection with the connecting rods 23, wherein the support rods 21 and the connecting rods 23 run almost parallel in the folded state. In this way, the base frame 20 can be folded up when not in use such that it has a small packing size. Together with the rolled-up inflatable body 10 and optionally with the table tennis net 30, the folded base frame 20 can then be stowed in a backpack so that the user can easily transport the device 100 to any location and set it up there using a pump.

[0085] To ensure a secure stand of the device 100, the inflatable body 10 can be attached to the base frame 20 by means of suitable fastening devices. According to one embodiment, the respective fastening devices can be designed, for example, as snap fasteners (not shown).

[0086] In this case, a part with a recess can be provided on one selected from the second main surface 19 of the second outer wall 18 of the inflatable body 10 and the end of one or more corresponding support rods 21 which is located at the top during intended use, and a part with a matching button can be provided on the other selected from the second main surface 19 of the second outer wall 18 of the inflatable body 10 and the respective end of several corresponding support rods 21 which is located at the top during intended use.

[0087] In another embodiment, the fastening devices can be as in Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a plurality of hooking devices or tabs 80 which are provided on the second main surface 19 of the inflatable body 10 and comprise a plurality of lugs / struts 81 which are provided on the respective ends of a plurality of corresponding support rods 21 which are located at the top during intended use, preferably of the outer support rods 21 in the assembled state, wherein a respective lug / strut 81 and a respective hooking device / tab 80 are arranged and configured such that the lug / strut 81 hooks or engages in the corresponding hooking device / tab 80 during intended use, so that the inflatable body 10 is fastened to the respective support rod 21 by the hooking / engagement of the lug / strut 81 in the hooking device / tab 80.

[0088] Here, the hooking devices / tabs 80 and noses / struts 81 are preferably arranged such that, with appropriate arrangement and alignment of the inflatable body 10 with respect to the support rods 21, the noses / struts 81 slide into the hooking devices / tabs 80 when the base frame 20 is unfolded, so that when the unfolding process is completed, each of the noses / struts 81 is inserted into the corresponding hooking device / tab 80.

[0089] Regardless of whether the fastening devices are designed as push buttons or as a combination of hooking devices / tabs 80 and lugs / struts 81, an adhesive device 82, such as a suction cup, can be provided at the lower end of one or more support rods 21 during intended use. The adhesive devices 82 can be used to cause the base frame 20, and thus the entire device 100, to adhere to a base with a smooth or substantially smooth surface, such as an asphalt base, a tar base, or a concrete slab. In this way, the device 100 can be prevented from being displaced on the base, for example, by a gust of wind.

[0090] Fig. 11 illustrates a device for use in a table tennis game according to another embodiment. The device 101 for use in a table tennis game comprises an inflatable and flexible body 10C according to one embodiment, a base frame 200 according to a second embodiment, on which the inflatable body 10C rests and is optionally fastened, and a table tennis net (not shown) corresponding to the Fig. 1 shown table tennis net 30, and which is mounted on the inflatable body 10C.

[0091] The base frame 200 according to the second embodiment comprises two inflatable and flexible support bodies 210, 220, which may, for example, be cuboid-shaped and each have a structure that enables high dimensional stability in the inflated state and withstands particularly high loads. For this purpose, the two inflatable support bodies 210, 220 have a drop-stitch construction similar to the construction described with reference to the inflatable bodies 10, 10A, 10B.

[0092] In Fig. 11 The inflatable support bodies 210, 220 are shown in the inflated state, wherein each of the inflatable support bodies 210, 220 has a first main support surface 212, 222 and a second main support surface 213, 223 as well as four secondary support surfaces formed by the remaining side surfaces of the inflatable support bodies 210, 220, and the first main support surface 212 and the second main support surface 223 face away from each other. Preferably, the respective first and second main support surfaces 212, 222, 213, 223 extend perpendicular to the first main surface 11 of the inflatable body 10C and parallel to the width direction of the first main surface 11 of the inflatable body 10C.

[0093] Each of the two inflatable support bodies 210, 220 has a valve 211, 221 which, as in Fig. 11For example, this can be provided on the respective second main support surface 213, 223, and through which the user can pump air into the respective inflatable support body 210, 220 using a commercially available pump to inflate it. Starting from the inflated state, the user can release air from the respective inflatable support body 210, 220 via the respective valve 211, 221, so that their dimensions can be reduced to a small pack size in the deflated state.

[0094] With reference to the above-mentioned drop-stitch construction, the first and second support bodies 210, 220 comprise at least one layer package (not shown) containing a fabric layer with two layers or fabric layers arranged between the respective first and second support body main surfaces 212, 222, 213, 223 and connected to one another via a plurality of connecting fibers, wherein each of the connecting fibers is knotted or linked to the two layers, and a length of each of the connecting fibers measured between the respective knotting points is preferably the same. The connecting fibers are preferably arranged such that they are distributed over the entire space formed between the two fabric layers. The fabric layers preferably run substantially perpendicular to the first main surface 11.

[0095] The connecting fibers can in particular be arranged such that, in the inflated state of the support bodies 210, 220, they extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the respective first and second support body main surfaces 212, 222, 213, 223.

[0096] In the event that the first and / or second support body 210, 220 each comprises only one of these layer packages, the respective two layers, which are connected via the connecting fibers, are firmly connected to respective air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable layers, the outer surfaces of which form the respective first and second support body main surfaces 212, 222, 213, 223. The side walls, whose outer surfaces form the support body secondary surfaces, also comprise an air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable layer, thus forming an airtight interior.

[0097] To ensure a secure stand of the device 101, the inflatable body 10C is attached to both the first support body 210 and the second support body 220 by means of suitable fastening devices. The respective fastening devices can be designed, for example, as snap fasteners.

[0098] In this case, according to one embodiment, a part with a recess can be provided on one selected from the second main surface 19 of the second outer wall 17 of the inflatable body 10C and the upper side surface of a respective support body 210, 220 during intended use, and a part with a matching button can be provided on the other selected from the second main surface 19 of the second outer wall 17 of the inflatable body 10C and the upper side surface of a respective support body 210, 220 during intended use.

[0099] Furthermore, in this case, according to another embodiment, a laterally projecting projection (not shown) with one or more holes can be provided at an upper end of a respective support body 210, 220 during intended use, and one or more deformable lugs (not shown) can be arranged on the second main surface 19 of the second outer wall 17 of the inflatable body 10C, which are arranged corresponding to the holes in the projection.

[0100] To attach the inflatable body 10C to the support bodies 210, 220, the inflatable body is first placed on the support bodies 210, 220 such that the deformable tabs penetrate the holes and a portion of the tabs protrudes downward beyond the laterally projecting projection. Then, the downwardly projecting portion of the tabs is deformed such that a bead is formed that covers a portion of the laterally projecting projection surrounding the hole, thus preventing the inflatable body 10C from being separated from the support bodies 210, 220.

[0101] The inflatable body 10C can be released from the support bodies 210, 220 by pulling on the bead so that the corresponding tab returns to its original state. In this state, the inflatable body 10C can be separated from the support bodies 210, 220 by lifting it.

[0102] Except for the parts of the fastening device provided on the inflatable body 10C, the inflatable body 10C may have the same structure as one of the inflatable bodies 10, 10A and 10B described above.

[0103] Furthermore, an adhesive device (not shown), such as a suction cup, can be provided on the lower side of at least one of the support bodies 210, 220 during intended use. The adhesive devices can cause the support bodies 210, 220, and thus the entire device 101, to adhere to a substrate with a smooth or substantially smooth surface, such as an asphalt substrate, a tar substrate, or a concrete slab. This can prevent the device 101 from being displaced on the substrate, for example, by a gust of wind.

[0104] To further improve the stability of the device 101, the first and second support bodies 210, 220 can be connected via one or more tensioned straps 230, 231, 232, 233. For example, loops (not shown) can be provided in the area of ​​the corners of the mutually facing main support body surfaces 213, 222 of the first and second support bodies 210, 220, wherein the respective straps 230, 231, 232, 233 are attached to a respective loop of the first support body 210 and a respective loop of the second support body 220.

[0105] Preferably, the straps 230, 231, 232, 233 are attached to the loops in such a way that one of the straps 230 is attached to a loop provided in the region of a lower left corner with respect to a plan view of the second support body main surface 213 of the first support body 210 and to a loop provided in the region of an upper left corner with respect to a plan view of the first support body main surface 222 of the second support body 220, one of the straps 231 is attached to a loop provided in the region of an upper left corner with respect to the plan view of the second support body main surface 213 of the first support body 210 and to a loop provided in the region of a lower left corner with respect to the plan view of the first support body main surface 222 of the second support body 220,one of the straps 232 is attached to a loop provided in the region of a lower right corner with respect to the plan view of the second support body main surface 213 of the first support body 210 and to a loop provided in the region of an upper right corner with respect to the plan view of the first support body main surface 222 of the second support body 220, and one of the straps 233 is attached to a loop provided in the region of an upper right corner with respect to the plan view of the second support body main surface 213 of the first support body 210 and to a loop provided in the region of a lower right corner with respect to the plan view of the first support body main surface 222 of the second support body 220.

[0106] According to one embodiment, in the inflated states, the respective distances d between the respective first and second support body main surfaces 212, 222, 213, 223 of the first and second support bodies 210, 220 may be, for example, 125 mm. In other embodiments, these distances d may also be different from 125 mm and / or may be different for the first and second support bodies 210, 220.

[0107] Furthermore, in the inflated states, in the state in which the inflatable body 10C is attached to the support bodies 210, 220, respective heights h of the first and second support bodies 210, 220 can be selected such that a distance between the first main surface 11 of the inflatable body 10C and the ground on which the device 101 is constructed is 760 mm. Furthermore, in the inflated states, in the state in which the inflatable body 10C is attached to the support bodies 210, 220, respective lengths l T , measured parallel to the width direction of the inflatable body 10C, can be, for example, 1400 mm.

Claims

1. A device (100, 101) for use in a game of table tennis, comprising a flexible inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) having a first outer wall (17) adapted to provide a playing surface (11) for the game of table tennis in an inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) when in use as intended, and a second outer wall (18) which, in the inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C), faces the first outer wall (17) and is spaced apart therefrom, the first outer wall (17) and the second outer wall (18) being connected by means of a plurality of connecting fibers (16), whereby the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) comprises a fabric layer (40) having a first fabric layer (41), a second fabric layer (42) and the plurality of connecting fibers (16) connecting the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) to each other, wherein the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) are spaced apart in the inflated state, the first outer wall (17) comprises the first fabric layer (41), and the second outer wall (18) comprises the second fabric layer (42), the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) has a side wall (60) connected to the first outer wall (17) and the second outer wall (18) such that an airtight interior of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) is formed by the first outer wall (17), the second outer wall (18) and the side wall (60), and the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) has a valve via which the interior can be inflated and deflated, wherein the device further comprises a plurality of additional connecting fibers (16A) having a first end associated with a lateral edge portion of the first fabric layer (41) in the intended use or with a lateral edge portion of the second fabric layer (42) in the intended use, and a second end associated with a third fabric layer (62) provided on an inside of the side wall (60) of the inflatable body (10A), wherein the inflatable body (10A) is arranged in such a way that in the inflated state the additional connecting fibers (16A) run transversely with respect to the playing surface (11).

2. The device (100, 101) according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) comprises a first plastic layer (50) and a second plastic layer (52), wherein the first plastic layer (50) is arranged on a side of the first fabric layer (41) facing away from the second fabric layer (42) and the first outer wall (17) comprises the first plastic layer (50), the second plastic layer (51) is arranged on a side of the second fabric layer (42) facing away from the first fabric layer (41) and the second outer wall (18) comprises the second plastic layer (52).

3. Apparatus (100, 101) for use in a game of table tennis, comprising a flexible inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) having a first outer wall (17) adapted to provide a playing surface (11) for the game of table tennis in an inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) when in use as intended, and a second outer wall (18), which, in the inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C), faces the first outer wall (17) and is spaced apart therefrom, the first outer wall (17) and a layer disposed between the first outer wall (17) and the second outer wall (18) being connected by means of a plurality of connecting fibers (16), whereby the inflatable body (10B) comprises at least two fabric layers (40) arranged one above the other between the playing surface (11) and a main surface (19) of the inflatable body (10B) formed by the outer surface of the second outer wall (18), each of the at least two fabric layers (40) comprises a first fabric layer (41), a second fabric layer (42) and a respective plurality of connecting fibers (16) which connect the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) to each other, wherein the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the inflated state, the first outer wall (17) comprises the first fabric layer (41) of the fabric layer (40) closest to the playing surface (11), and the second outer wall (18) comprises the second fabric layer (42) of the fabric layer (40) closest to the main surface (19), and the inflatable body (10B) has at least one intermediate plastic layer (70), wherein two adjacent ones of the at least two fabric layers (40) are bonded by a respective intermediate plastic layer (70), in that the second fabric layer (42) of an upper one of the two adjacent fabric layers (40) in the intended use is bonded to the first fabric layer (41) of a lower one of the two adjacent fabric layers (40) in the intended use, and whereby either (i) the inflatable body (10B) has a side wall (60) which is connected to the first outer wall (17) and a first intermediate plastic layer (70) of the at least one intermediate plastic layer (70) in such a way that a first airtight interior (I1) of the inflatable body (10B) is formed by the first outer wall (17), the first intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), the inflatable body (10B) has a first valve (V1) via which the first interior (I1) can be filled and emptied separately, the side wall (60) is connected to the second outer wall (18) and the first intermediate plastic layer (70) in such a way that a second airtight interior (I2) of the inflatable body (10B) is formed by the second outer wall (18), the first intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), and the inflatable body (10B) has a second valve (V2) via which the second interior (I2) can be filled and emptied separately, or (ii) the inflatable body (10) has a side wall (60) which is connected to the first outer wall (17) and a first intermediate plastic layer (70) of the at least one intermediate plastic layer (70) in such a way that a first airtight interior (I1) of the inflatable body (10B) is formed by the first outer wall (17), the first intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), the inflatable body (10) has a first valve via which the first interior can be filled and emptied separately, the side wall (60) is connected to the second outer wall (18) and a second intermediate plastic layer of the at least one intermediate plastic layer in such a way that a second airtight interior of the inflatable body (10) is formed by the second outer wall (18), the second intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), the inflatable body (10) has a second valve via which the second interior can be inflated and deflated separately, and the inflatable body (10) has a plurality of third intermediate plastic layers of the at least one intermediate plastic layer arranged between the first and the second of the at least one intermediate plastic layer, wherein each of the third intermediate plastic layers is connected to the side wall (60) in such a way that a respective airtight interior space of the inflatable body (10) is formed by the respective third intermediate plastic layer and an adjacent one of the at least one intermediate plastic layer, and the inflatable body (10) has a respective further valve via which the respective airtight interior space can be filled and emptied separately, wherein the device further comprises: a plurality of additional connecting fibers (16A) having a first end associated with a lateral edge portion of the first fabric layer (41) in the intended use or with a lateral edge portion of the second fabric layer (42) in the intended use, and a second end associated with a third fabric layer (62) provided on an inside of the side wall (60) of the inflatable body (10A), wherein the inflatable body (10A) is arranged in such a way that in the inflated state the additional connecting fibers (16A) run transversely with respect to the playing surface (11).

4. A device (100, 101) according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, further comprising a plurality of further additional connecting fibers (16B) having a first end connected to a first portion of a third fabric layer (62) provided on an inner side of the side wall (60) of the inflatable body (10A) and a second end connected to a second portion of the third fabric layer (62) opposite to the first portion of the third fabric layer (62).

5. A device (100, 101) for use in a game of table tennis, comprising a flexible inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) having a first outer wall (17) adapted to provide a playing surface (11) for the game of table tennis in an inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) when in use as intended, and a second outer wall (18) which, in the inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C), faces the first outer wall (17) and is spaced apart therefrom, the first outer wall (17) and the second outer wall (18) being connected by means of a plurality of connecting fibers (16), whereby the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) comprises a fabric layer (40) having a first fabric layer (41), a second fabric layer (42) and the plurality of connecting fibers (16) connecting the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) to each other, wherein the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) are spaced apart in the inflated state, the first outer wall (17) comprises the first fabric layer (41), and the second outer wall (18) comprises the second fabric layer (42), the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) has a side wall (60) connected to the first outer wall (17) and the second outer wall (18) such that an airtight interior of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) is formed by the first outer wall (17), the second outer wall (18) and the side wall (60), and the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10C) has a valve via which the interior can be inflated and deflated, wherein the device (100, 101) further comprises: a plurality of reinforcing struts (63) arranged in or on the side wall (60) and extending vertically with respect to the playing surface (11) when the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) is inflated.

6. A device (100, 101) for use in a game of table tennis, comprising a flexible inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) having a first outer wall (17) adapted to provide a playing surface (11) for the game of table tennis in an inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) when in use as intended, and a second outer wall (18), which, in the inflated state of the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C), faces the first outer wall (17) and is spaced apart therefrom, the first outer wall (17) and a layer disposed between the first outer wall (17) and the second outer wall (18) being connected by means of a plurality of connecting fibers (16), whereby the inflatable body (10B) comprises at least two fabric layers (40) arranged one above the other between the playing surface (11) and a main surface (19) of the inflatable body (10B) formed by the outer surface of the second outer wall (18), each of the at least two fabric layers (40) comprises a first fabric layer (41), a second fabric layer (42) and a respective plurality of connecting fibers (16) which connect the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) to each other, wherein the first fabric layer (41) and the second fabric layer (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the inflated state, the first outer wall (17) comprises the first fabric layer (41) of the fabric layer (40) closest to the playing surface (11), and the second outer wall (18) comprises the second fabric layer (42) of the fabric layer (40) closest to the main surface (19), and the inflatable body (10B) has at least one intermediate plastic layer (70), wherein two adjacent ones of the at least two fabric layers (40) are bonded by a respective intermediate plastic layer (70), in that the second fabric layer (42) of an upper one of the two adjacent fabric layers (40) in the intended use is bonded to the first fabric layer (41) of a lower one of the two adjacent fabric layers (40) in the intended use, and whereby either (i) the inflatable body (10B) has a side wall (60) which is connected to the first outer wall (17) and a first intermediate plastic layer (70) of the at least one intermediate plastic layer (70) in such a way that a first airtight interior (I1) of the inflatable body (10B) is formed by the first outer wall (17), the first intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), the inflatable body (10B) has a first valve (V1) via which the first interior (I1) can be filled and emptied separately, the side wall (60) is connected to the second outer wall (18) and the first intermediate plastic layer (70) in such a way that a second airtight interior (I2) of the inflatable body (10B) is formed by the second outer wall (18), the first intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), and the inflatable body (10B) has a second valve (V2) via which the second interior (I2) can be filled and emptied separately, or (ii) the inflatable body (10) has a side wall (60) which is connected to the first outer wall (17) and a first intermediate plastic layer (70) of the at least one intermediate plastic layer (70) in such a way that a first airtight interior (I1) of the inflatable body (10B) is formed by the first outer wall (17), the first intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), the inflatable body (10) has a first valve via which the first interior can be filled and emptied separately, the side wall (60) is connected to the second outer wall (18) and a second intermediate plastic layer of the at least one intermediate plastic layer in such a way that a second airtight interior of the inflatable body (10) is formed by the second outer wall (18), the second intermediate plastic layer (70) and the side wall (60), the inflatable body (10) has a second valve via which the second interior can be inflated and deflated separately, and the inflatable body (10) has a plurality of third intermediate plastic layers of the at least one intermediate plastic layer arranged between the first and the second of the at least one intermediate plastic layer, wherein each of the third intermediate plastic layers is connected to the side wall (60) in such a way that a respective airtight interior space of the inflatable body (10) is formed by the respective third intermediate plastic layer and an adjacent one of the at least one intermediate plastic layer, and the inflatable body (10) has a respective further valve via which the respective airtight interior space can be filled and emptied separately, wherein the device further comprises: a plurality of reinforcing struts (63) arranged in or on the side wall (60) and extending vertically with respect to the playing surface (11) when the inflatable body (10, 10A, 10B, 10C) is inflated.