CN105989817B

CN105989817B - Adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for violins or viola

Info

Publication number: CN105989817B
Application number: CN201510097475.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿尔多·巴拉蒂; 玛利亚·库恩
Original assignee: Kuhn Schulder Lester Co
Current assignee: Kuhn Schulder Lester Co
Priority date: 2014-11-06
Filing date: 2015-03-05
Publication date: 2020-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-05
Also published as: CN105989817A; JP6639106B2; CA2869862A1; CA2869862C; EP3018653A1; AU2014268173B2; AU2014268173A1; RU2600712C1; JP2016090997A; EP3018653B1; CN204423889U

Abstract

An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola, a shoulder rest for a bowed string instrument, a shoulder rest for a violin or viola are disclosed. An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola comprising: a shoulder engaging body having a first end and a second end and having a shoulder engaging side and an instrument facing side; a first foldable fork-shaped holding member provided at the first end portion to hold a violin or a viola and foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position; a second foldable fork-shaped holding member provided at the second end portion to hold a violin or a viola and foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position; a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod supporting a first collapsible forked clamping member, slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, and having an arcuate channel; a second slidable end member for supporting the second collapsible fork clamp member, slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, and having an arcuate channel.

Description

Adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for violins or viola

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a shoulder rest for a violin or viola.

Background

A shoulder rest is an accessory device attachable to a violin or viola. Typically, the shoulder rest has forked clamping members or "feet" for detachably mounting the shoulder rest to the sides of the rear portion of the violin or viola. The shoulder rests keep the instrument at a comfortable height for the musician. The shoulder rest may have a body contour that generally follows the natural curve of a human shoulder and collarbone.

To accommodate two instruments of different sizes and the physical structure and posture preferences of the musician, the distance and height between the fork-shaped gripping members of some shoulder rests is adjustable.

Some examples of Adjustable Shoulder rests are disclosed in U.S. patent No. 5270474 (Kun) entitled "Shoulder Rest for Violin or the Like" (Violin or the Like), U.S. patent No. 5419226 (Kun) entitled "Violin Shoulder Rest" (Violin ShoulderRest), U.S. patent No. 5567893 (Kun) entitled "Shoulder Rest for Violin or the Like" (shouldered Rest for Violin or the Like "), U.S. patent No. 6031163 (culum et al) entitled" Adjustable Shoulder Rest for Violin or the Like "(adj Adjustable Shoulder Rest for Violin or the Like)", U.S. patent No. 7265284 (Muir et al) entitled "Violin or the Like Instrument" (the Violin shores), all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

To allow for more compact storage, some Shoulder rests are foldable (or "collapsible"), such as one of the Shoulder rests in U.S. patent No. 5731531 (Kun) entitled Shoulder Rest for Violin or similar Instrument, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The main body or bridge of the shoulder rest may be made of different materials, such as polymers, composites, metals or wood. United states patent No. 6291750 (Farha) entitled "Bridge for a Violin or Viola shouldered rest" discloses a body or Bridge made from a laminate comprising a plurality of thin wood sheets, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Other improvements in Shoulder Rest ergonomics are disclosed in united states patent No. 7385124 (clement) entitled "clamping member for a Violin Shoulder Rest" which is incorporated herein by reference.

While adjustable and collapsible shoulder rests are well known in the art, further improvements in their adjustability and ergonomics are highly desirable.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a novel adjustable and foldable shoulder rest. The shoulder rest includes two independently operable pull-tab adjustment structures for independently adjusting (i.e., extending or retracting) the collapsible fork. On the shoulder-engaging side of the shoulder rest, the shoulder rest has a foam pad with an opening. The fork of the shoulder rest is rotatably mounted to a drum that is enclosed with a slidable end member. Other features and aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Accordingly, one inventive aspect of the present disclosure is an adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola. The shoulder rest includes a shoulder engaging body having a first end and a second end, the shoulder engaging body further having a shoulder engaging side and an instrument facing side. The shoulder rest includes a first foldable forked clamping member disposed at the first end for clamping the violin or viola, wherein the first foldable forked clamping member is foldable from an engaged position to a folded position. The shoulder rest comprises a second foldable forked clamping member arranged at the second end for clamping the violin or viola, wherein the second foldable forked clamping member is foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position. The shoulder rest includes a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod supporting a first clamping member, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotatable when the first clamping member is pivoted between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the first clamping member. The shoulder rest includes a second slidable end member for supporting the second clamping member, the second slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the second slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotatable when the second clamping member is pivoted between the deployed position and the folded position, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument-facing side of the shoulder-engaging body to extend or retract the second clamping member. The first slidable end member includes a first projection shaped to engage one of a first set of apertures disposed in the first groove, and the second slidable end member includes a second projection shaped to engage one of a second set of apertures disposed in the second groove.

Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a shoulder rest for a bowstring instrument, the shoulder rest comprising a shoulder engaging body having a shoulder engaging side and an instrument facing side, a first foldable prong for attachment to an instrument, wherein the first foldable prong is foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position, and a second foldable prong for attachment to an instrument, wherein the second foldable prong is foldable from the unfolded position to the folded position. The shoulder rest includes a first slidable end member for receiving a rod supporting the first prong, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended cantilevered position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the rod rotates as the first prong pivots between the deployed and folded positions, wherein the first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the first prong. The shoulder rest includes a second slidable end member for supporting the second prong, the second slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended cantilevered position, the second slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the lever rotates when the second prong is pivoted between the deployed position and the folded position, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the second prong. The first slidable end member includes a first projection adapted to engage one of a first set of apertures disposed in the first groove. The second slidable end member includes a second projection adapted to engage one of a second set of apertures disposed in the second groove.

A further inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a shoulder rest for a violin or viola, the shoulder rest comprising a shoulder-engaging body having a first end and a second end, and a shoulder-engaging side and a musical instrument-facing side, a first foldable prong attachable to the violin or violin and foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position, and a second foldable prong attachable to the violin or violin and foldable from the unfolded position to the folded position. The shoulder rest includes a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod that supports the first fork, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotatable as the first fork pivots between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the first fork. The shoulder rest further includes a second slidable end member for supporting the second prong, the second slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the second slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotatable as the second prong pivots between the deployed position and the folded position, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the second prong. The shoulder rest further includes a foam pad disposed on the shoulder engaging side. The foam pad may include an optional plurality of openings.

A further inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a shoulder rest for a violin or viola, the shoulder rest comprising a shoulder-engaging body having a first end and a second end, and a shoulder-engaging side and a musical instrument-facing side, a first foldable prong attachable to the violin or violin and foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position, and a second foldable prong attachable to the violin or violin and foldable from the unfolded position to the folded position. The shoulder rest includes a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod that supports the first fork, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotatable as the first fork pivots between the extended position and the folded position, wherein the first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the first fork. The shoulder rest includes a first rotatable drum enclosed within a rotating housing of the first slidable end member. The shoulder rest includes a second slidable end member for supporting the second prong, the second slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the second slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotatable as the second prong pivots between the deployed position and the collapsed position, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the second prong. The shoulder rest is enclosed by a second rotatable drum within the rotating housing of the second slidable end member.

This summary is provided to emphasize certain significant inventive aspects and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the limitations of all inventive aspects of the disclosure. Other inventive aspects may be disclosed in the detailed description and drawings.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shoulder rest in a retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoulder rest in an extended position;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the shoulder rest in a retracted position;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the shoulder rest in the extended position;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the shoulder rest in a retracted position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the shoulder rest in an extended position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the shoulder rest in a retracted position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the shoulder rest in an extended position;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the shoulder rest in a retracted position;

figure 10 is another end view of the shoulder rest in the extended position;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the shoulder rest in a retracted position;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the shoulder rest in an extended position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shoulder rest in a retracted position, showing the shoulder pads facing upwardly;

figure 14 is another perspective view of the shoulder rest in the extended position;

figure 15 is another perspective view of the shoulder rest in a folded position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the shoulder rest in a folded position, showing the instrument-facing side facing upwardly toward the instrument side;

figure 17 is another perspective view of the shoulder rest in a folded position;

fig. 18 is an exploded (assembled) view of the shoulder rest;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the base member;

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the underside of the base member;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a foam cushion or pad having die cut holes;

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of the shoulder end;

FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of a pull tab adjustment mechanism for extending or retracting the slidable shoulder member and its prongs;

FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the clavicle end;

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of a pull tab adjustment mechanism for extending or retracting the slidable lockbone end member and its prongs;

FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the slidable shoulder member;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the slidable shoulder member showing the rod mounted to the rotatable packaged drum;

FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of the slidable clavicle end member;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the slidable clavicle end member showing the rod mounted to the rotatable packaged drum;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a slidable shoulder member;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the underside of the slidable shoulder member;

fig. 32 is a perspective view of the shoulder member holding plate, showing the internal structure;

fig. 33 is a perspective view of the shoulder member retaining plate showing the exterior face;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a slidable clavicle end member;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the underside of the slidable clavicle end member;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a clavicular end member retaining plate showing internal structure;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the clavicular end member retaining plate showing the exterior face;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a threaded fork drum;

FIG. 39 is another perspective view of the threaded fork drum;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a threaded fork drum;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shoulder rest with a thumbscrew;

FIG. 42 is a top view of the shoulder rest of FIG. 41;

figure 43 is a side elevational view of the shoulder rest of figure 41;

figure 44 is an exploded (assembled) view of the shoulder rest of figure 41;

FIG. 45 is a side cross-sectional view of the shoulder end with a thumbscrew adjustment mechanism; and

figure 46 is a side cross-sectional view of a clavicle end with a thumbscrew adjustment mechanism.

It should be noted that throughout the drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shoulder rest is identified by reference numeral 10 and includes a shoulder engaging body (or "bridge") 20 and a foam pad or cushion 30. The shoulder engaging body (or "bridge") 20 has a first end 40 and a second end 50. The shoulder engaging body 20 has an instrument facing side 60 and a shoulder engaging side 70. A first foldable fork clamp member (or "fork") 80 having a pair of prongs, prongs or fingers 82, the first foldable fork clamp member 80 being disposed at a first end of a shoulder-engaging body for clamping a violin or violin. The fork has a hole 84 for receiving the threaded rod. The clamping members (or forks) may be folded from an unfolded position to a folded position. A second foldable fork-like gripping member (or "fork") 90 having a pair of prongs, prongs or fingers 92 is provided at the second end of the shoulder-engaging body/bridge for gripping a violin or violin, the second foldable fork-like gripping member 90. The second fork 90 has a hole 94 for receiving a threaded rod 96. The second clamping member (second prong) is also foldable from the unfolded position to the folded position.

The shoulder rest 10 shown in fig. 1 is adjustable to increase or decrease the distance between the

forks

80, 90. The shoulder rest 10 includes a pair of adjustment mechanisms to adjust the distance between the forks. Each adjustment mechanism in the shoulder rest of fig. 1 includes a

slidable end member

100, 110, the

slidable end members

100, 110 having respective pull-tab

adjustable slides

102, 112 actuated by lifting pull-

tabs

104, 114. The adjustment mechanism enables the slidable end members (shoulder 100 and clavicular 110 end members) to slide in the grooves relative to the body 20. In this manner, the

end members

100, 110 may extend or contract. In fig. 1, the

end members

100, 110 are shown fully collapsed. Fig. 2 shows the

end members

100, 110 partially extended. As shown in fig. 2, when partially or fully extended, the

end members

100, 110 are also referred to as being cantilevered. As described in more detail below, the

slidable end members

100, 110 have been packaged with

drums

106, 116 that rotatably support the forks.

Figure 2 also shows the slidable end members sliding in the respective grooves. Tongue slide 102 includes a tab on its underside that is shaped to engage one of a plurality of first apertures 24 (e.g., transverse slots) formed in groove 28.

Figures 3 and 4 (from another perspective) show the shoulder rest 10 in the retracted and extended positions respectively. According to the present description, the first end 40 is also referred to as the "shoulder end" and the second end 50 is also referred to as the "clavicle end". The shoulder end should not be confused with the shoulder engaging side 70. The shoulder engaging side contacts the musician's shoulder, i.e., the musician rests on the shoulder engaging side, thereby providing a shoulder rest. And the shoulder end and the clavicle end refer to the slidable end members 100, 110 (also referred to as "slidable support members").

As shown in fig. 1-6, the shoulder engaging body (bridge) 20 is asymmetrical. In fig. 5-6, the shoulder-engaging body 20 is laterally curved (i.e., curved to one side) when viewed from above, with a width generally increasing from the clavicle end toward the shoulder end, except for a rounded transition at the shoulder end. Likewise, in fig. 6, it is apparent that the grooves 28 or sliding paths are angled with respect to each other when viewed from above (i.e., the grooves 28 or sliding paths are not parallel or aligned with each other). Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, the tongue shaped slides 102, 112 are not parallel or aligned with each other.

As shown in fig. 7-8, the shoulder end member 100 is shorter in height than the clavicular end member 110. In fig. 7 to 8, the shoulder-engaging body 20 is bent upward from the clavicle end to the shoulder end when viewed from the side. As shown in fig. 7-8, the shoulder end is convex and the clavicle end is concave. The shoulder members are convex to match the curvature of the convex shoulder. The clavicular end member is concave to match the curvature of the concave clavicular end. More specifically, the first recess at the shoulder end is convex and the second recess at the clavicle end is concave. The sliding movement of the shoulder members follows an arcuate, generally convex path. The sliding movement of the clavicular end member follows an arcuate, generally concave path. In fig. 7-8, it is apparent that the paths are angled relative to each other when viewed from the side (the paths are not parallel or aligned).

As further shown in fig. 7-8, the

forks

80, 90 are preloaded such that the forks clamp or grip the violin or viola with a desired clamping or gripping force. The angle of inclination of the fork determines the amount of preload. When the forks are mounted to a violin or viola, the angle of the forks changes (i.e., opens). In other words, when attached to a musical instrument, the angle of these forks is greater (more "open") relative to their unattached position. The angle of inclination varies as the fork extends or retracts relative to the shoulder engaging body.

As shown in fig. 7-8, the tongue-shaped slider is flush with the shoulder-engaging body 20 because it slides in the concave groove. In other words, the top curved surface of the slider of each of the

end members

100, 110 translates with the base member 20 to enhance the appearance.

Fig. 9-10 also show how shoulder-engaging body 20 curves upward and leftward from the clavicle end to the shoulder end.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 11 to 15, the shoulder rest 10 further comprises a foam pad or cushion 30 attached to the instrument-facing side of the shoulder-engaging body (bridge), thereby providing a padded or padded shoulder rest.

As shown in fig. 11-15, 18 and 21, the foam cushion 30 optionally includes a plurality of open cells, openings or holes 32. The opening 32 may be die cut or manufactured using another technique. Foam pads with openings provide a number of advantages. The openings make the foam pad lighter. The opening provides more traction on the shoulder, preventing the shoulder rest from sliding on the shoulder. In other words, the opening provides enhanced grip. The openings in the pad also enhance the appearance of the shoulder rest. The pad may be made of NBS, neoprene (polychloroprene) or other equivalent synthetic rubber, sponge or foam. As shown, the opening may be an elongated opening. The opening may be elongated and curved, wherein the curvature increases from the ends towards the middle. Other shapes and sizes of openings may be substituted.

As mentioned above, the shoulder rest is both adjustable and foldable. Fig. 11 shows the shoulder rest with the

prongs

80, 90 in an engaged (deployed) position for mounting to or clamping to a violin or viola, while fig. 12 shows the extended or cantilevered

prongs

80, 90. The forks are independently adjustable and independently collapsible (or "collapsible"). Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of the shoulder rest in the retracted position and the extended position. The fork may be folded for storage or transport. Fig. 15-17 show the fork folded.

In this illustrated embodiment, the fork-shaped clamping members (or "forks") 80, 90 are asymmetrical. In the illustrated embodiment, the fork is also rotatable. In the illustrated embodiment, the forks are threaded onto threaded rods 86, 96 (as shown in fig. 18), which threaded

rods

86, 96 allow the forks to be raised or lowered, and also allow the forks to be rotated relative to the base. The fork may also be folded or unfolded (i.e., closed or opened).

In summary, the shoulder rest 10 further comprises a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod supporting the first clamping member, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel or groove through which the threaded rod can rotate as the clamping members pivot between the extended and folded positions. The first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument facing side of the bridge to extend or retract the first clamp member relative to the bridge. Likewise, the shoulder rest 10 further comprises a second slidable end member for supporting the second clamping member, the second slidable end member also having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod can rotate as the clamping members pivot between the deployed and folded positions, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument-facing side of the bridge to extend or retract the second clamping member relative to the bridge.

In the illustrated embodiment, there is no locking mechanism to lock the forks in the folded or unfolded positions. However, in other embodiments, there may be a locking mechanism to lock the forks in the folded or unfolded positions. Alternatively, there may be indexing or friction fit for the fork fold structure.

Thus, the shoulder rest may be adjusted by extending or retracting the fork. As described above, the fork may also be rotated to provide further adjustability. When extended, the slidable end members and their respective forks are cantilevered. When extended in bending (cantilevered), there is some lateral and/or torsional play or tolerance to provide more adjustability. In other words, when extended (cantilevered), the slidable end member may twist to accommodate the instrument and/or may twist when torque is applied to the attached shoulder rest.

The first slidable end member includes a first projection shaped to engage one of a plurality of first apertures disposed in the first groove. Likewise, the second slidable end member includes a second projection shaped to engage one of a plurality of second apertures disposed in the second groove.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of apertures includes a transverse slot disposed substantially orthogonal to an axis of sliding movement of the first support member within the first groove, and wherein the second plurality of apertures includes a transverse slot disposed substantially orthogonal to an axis of sliding movement of the second support member within the second groove, wherein the projection is a transverse rib shaped to engage one of the transverse slots. In the illustrated embodiment, the transverse slots are provided in only the inward half of each groove.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second slidable end members includes a pull-tab unlocking member that flexes when pulled away from the groove, thereby disengaging the projection from the aperture, the pull-tab unlocking member being resiliently biased to return to an unflexed position against the groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull-tab unlocking member comprises an elongated tab terminating in a curved rounded tip that curves away from the groove. The tab has a thickness less than the thickness of the slidable end member and a width less than the width of the slidable end member.

Fig. 18 is an exploded or assembled view of the main components of the shoulder rest 10, namely the shoulder engaging body (bridge) 20, the pad 30, the

forks

80, 90, the

slidable end members

100, 110, the

drums

106, 116 and the

retainer cover plates

120, 130. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the shoulder engaging body (bridge) 20. To assemble the shoulder rest, the pad 30 is attached to the shoulder-engaging body 20. The stem of the fork is secured to the

drum

106, 116, and the

drum

106, 116 is rotatably received in the bore of the

slidable end member

100, 110. The

retainer cover plates

120, 130 are snapped into place to retain the drum within the slidable end member.

As shown in fig. 19, the shoulder engaging body (or bridge) 20 may have a chamfer along the side of the shoulder engaging body. The chamfer makes the holding and handling of the shoulder engaging body easier and also beautifies the appearance of the shoulder engaging body. The shoulder engaging body 20 has first and second grooves 28 having a plurality of apertures, e.g., transverse slots 24. These holes may be provided on the front (innermost) half of the recess. A pair of guide lips or slots 26 extend along the sides of the groove to retain the tongue slide.

Fig. 20 is a lower perspective view of the shoulder engaging body 20 of the shoulder rest. The underside may have a lip or rim 22 extending around the perimeter of the shoulder engaging body into which the pad may be partially recessed.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the foam cushion 30 or foam padding. As shown, the pad has a plurality of openings, holes or apertures 32. As shown in fig. 21, the foam pad or cushion has a contour or shape that matches the shoulder engaging body. As further shown, the pad or liner has a uniform thickness, but in other embodiments this need not be the case. In fig. 21, the cushion is a single unitary foam piece, but in other embodiments, the cushion may include two or more foam pieces.

Fig. 22-40 show structural details of the slidable shoulder end member and the slidable clavicular end member.

Figure 22 shows the shoulder end 40. The figure shows the fork 80 mounted to its threaded rod 86. This enables the fork 80 to be raised or lowered relative to the body 20 and also enables the fork to be rotated relative to the body. The threaded rod is threaded into a corresponding threaded annulus or hole in the rotatable drum. As shown, the first slidable end member (shoulder end member) 100 comprises a cylindrical drum assembly. FIG. 23 illustrates a pull-tab adjustment mechanism for a slidable shoulder member. It should be noted that the slide path is convex at the shoulder end 40 as shown in fig. 22. Fig. 22 and 23 show that the transverse slots 24 may be tapered or flared to receive similarly shaped projections 105 or teeth. The figure shows 6 slots 24, but the number may vary in other embodiments. Thus, the protrusion may be located in any one of 6 positions, providing 6 different degrees of linear extension. Fig. 23 shows how the pull tab 104 may be bowed or curved, but other shapes or contours may also be sampled. The figure also shows how there is a front space 107 to provide sufficient finger or thumb clearance to lift the tab 104.

Fig. 24 shows the clavicular end 50, which clavicular end 50 provides a concave sliding path for the tongue shaped slider 112. Fig. 25 illustrates a tabbed adjustment mechanism for the slidable clavicle end member 110. The pull tab 114 is lifted or pulled to transfer the protrusion from one slot 24 to another slot 24. A front space 117 is provided to allow a finger or thumb to access the pull tab 114. Sliding the clavicular end member as shown in fig. 24 moves the fork 90 and its finger or collet 92. The fork 90 is supported by a threaded rod 96 and, as described in detail below, the fork 90 is rotatable with the drum.

Fig. 26 shows a slidable shoulder member 100 including an aperture B for receiving and enclosing a drum. The gap G is provided by narrowing or thinning the tongue shaped slide in the area just before the protrusion to increase the local bending. A cavity C is provided below the hole B for receiving a retainer cover plate. Fig. 27 is an enlarged side view of the slidable shoulder member 100 showing the rod 86 secured to the rotatable, encapsulated drum 106. The retainer cover 120 snaps into place in the cavity in the bottom of the end member 100 to hold the drum 106 in place.

Figure 28 is a side view of the slidable clavicular end member 110 having similar holes B, chambers C and gaps G as described above. Fig. 29 is an enlarged side view of the slidable clavicular end member 110 showing the rod 96 secured to the rotatable encapsulating drum 116. The retainer cover 130 is snapped into place in the cavity C to retain the drum in the bore B of the slidable clavicular member 110.

Fig. 30 shows a slidable shoulder member 100. The slidable shoulder member 100 has a pull tab 104 and a rounded or semi-circular forward end 148, the end 148 defining a finger access space 107 for accessing the pull tab 104. The pull tab is formed integrally with the tongue-shaped slider 102 and is laterally spaced in part from the slider by two narrow slots or

channels

144, 146. As shown in fig. 19, the lip 142 runs along the edge of the end member to slide within the slot 26 of the shoulder engaging groove 28 in the body 20. The rounded front 140 of each lip 142 facilitates insertion into the slot. As shown in fig. 30, end member 100 has a rotating housing 149, with rotating housing 149 defining a bore B for receiving and enclosing drum 106. The rotating housing 149 has a first arcuate recess 150 to allow the lever to rotate when the fork is folded. The housing 149 also has a second arcuate groove 152 to provide clearance for rotation of the bottom portion of the lever when the fork is lowered. In other words, when the fork is lowered, the bottom portion of the lever may extend beyond the drum, requiring a back clearance for the bottom extension of the lever to rotate with the drum.

Fig. 31 shows the underside of the slidable shoulder member 100. The lower side has a cavity C. Two tabs 154 are provided for snap-fit connection into the receptacle 122 shown in fig. 32. The underside view of fig. 31 also shows the projection 105.

Fig. 32 shows a shoulder end member holding plate (holder cover plate) 120. Retainer guide fins 124 are provided to both hold the drum in place and also guide the drum as it rotates. Fig. 33 shows the smooth outer surface of the shoulder member holding plate.

As shown in fig. 34, the structure of the clavicular end member is similar and analogous to the structure of the shoulder end member. The clavicular end member 110 has tabs 114,

channels

144, 146, a side edge lip 142, wherein the side edge lip 142 has a rounded front 140, and a swivel housing 149 defining a hole B and first and second

arcuate grooves

150, 152. In the underside view of fig. 35 there is a cavity C and a protrusion 154, wherein the protrusion 154 is for snap-fit connection to the socket 134 of the cover plate 130 shown in fig. 36. The holder guide fins 134 hold and guide the drum. Fins 134 are taller than fins 124. As shown in fig. 37, the outer surface of the clavicular end member retaining plate is smooth.

As shown in fig. 38-40, a cylindrical drum assembly ("drum") 116 has a concave side 116b by which the drum can be held between the finger and thumb. As shown in fig. 38 to 40, the drum has concave side surfaces that are concave. In other embodiments, the concave drum 116 may be replaced by another suitable rotating element that achieves the same or similar kinematics. The drums are enclosed within respective end members (slidable support members). The drum 116 has a hole 116a for the rod and an arcuate recess 116 c.

Figures 41 to 46 show a shoulder rest with a thumbscrew adjustment mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention.

As shown in fig. 41 to 43, the shoulder rest 10 has the same shoulder engaging body 20 and foam pad 30 as described above. Likewise, the shoulder rest has one prong 80 (with a prong, or finger 82) at the shoulder end and another prong 90 (with a prong, or finger 92) at the clavicle end. The shoulder member 100 has a tongue-shaped slide 102. The clavicular end member 110 has a tongue shaped slide 112. A first thumbscrew 160 secures the first tongue slide 102 in place on the shoulder end. Likewise, second thumbscrew 162 secures second tongue slide 112 in place on the shoulder end. These thumbscrew adjustment mechanisms are alternatives to the pull-tab adjustment mechanism described in the first embodiment.

Fig. 44 shows how the shoulder rest is assembled by the following steps: the shoulder engaging body 20 is connected to the pad/cushion 30 and the

drums

106, 116 are encased within the

end members

100, 110. As described above, the

retainer cover plates

120, 130 retain the

drums

106, 116 within the bores of the

end members

100, 110. As shown in fig. 44, the shoulder member 100 has a threaded bore 164, and the thumbscrew 160 is threaded into the threaded bore 164. Clavicular end member 110 has a threaded bore 166, and thumbscrew 162 is threaded into threaded bore 166. As shown in fig. 45, the tip 161 of the thumbscrew 160 protrudes into one of the plurality of holes (e.g., lateral slots) to lock the slide 102 in place. Similarly, as shown in fig. 46, the tip 163 of thumbscrew 162 extends into one of the lateral slots 24, thereby locking slide 112 in place.

The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary embodiments only. Those skilled in the art of the present specification will appreciate that various changes, modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments herein without departing from one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the exclusive rights sought by the applicant or applicants is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola, the shoulder rest comprising:

a shoulder engaging body having a first end and a second end, the shoulder engaging body further having a shoulder engaging side and an instrument facing side;

a first foldable pronged gripping member disposed at the first end to grip the violin or viola, wherein the first foldable pronged gripping member is foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position;

a second foldable cross-shaped clamping member provided at the second end to clamp the violin or viola, wherein the second foldable cross-shaped clamping member is foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position;

a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod supporting the first foldable fork clamp member, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod rotates when the first foldable fork clamp member pivots between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the first foldable fork clamp member;

a second slidable end member for supporting a second foldable forked clamp member, the second slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position, the second slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod is rotated when the second foldable forked clamp member is pivoted between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument-facing side of the shoulder engaging body to extend or retract the second foldable forked clamp member;

wherein the first slidable end member includes a first protrusion shaped to engage one of a plurality of first apertures disposed in the first groove;

wherein the second slidable end member includes a second protrusion shaped to engage one of a plurality of second apertures disposed in the second groove; and

wherein each of the first and second slidable end members includes a pull-tab adjustable slide that flexes when pulled away from the groove, thereby separating the protrusion from the aperture, the pull-tab adjustable slide being resiliently biased to return to an unflexed position against the groove.

2. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shoulder rest further comprises a foam pad attached to the shoulder engaging side of the shoulder engaging body to provide a padded shoulder rest.

3. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 2, wherein the foam pad includes a plurality of openings.

4. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slidable end member comprises a cylindrical drum assembly having a concave side by which the cylindrical drum assembly is retained between the finger and thumb.

5. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the forked gripping member is asymmetric.

6. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of apertures includes a transverse slot arranged substantially orthogonal to the axis of sliding movement of the first support member within the first recess, and the second plurality of apertures includes a transverse slot arranged substantially orthogonal to the axis of sliding movement of the second support member within the second recess, and the projection is a transverse rib shaped to engage one of the transverse slots,

wherein the transverse grooves are provided only in the inward half of each groove.

7. A shoulder rest for a bowed string instrument, the shoulder rest comprising:

a shoulder engaging body having a shoulder engaging side and an instrument facing side;

a first foldable prong for attachment to the musical instrument, wherein the first foldable prong is foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position;

a second foldable prong for attachment to the musical instrument, wherein the second foldable prong is foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position;

a first slidable end member for receiving a threaded rod supporting the first foldable prong, the first slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended cantilevered position, the first slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod rotates when the first foldable prong is pivoted between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the first slidable end member is slidable within a first groove in the instrument-facing side of the shoulder-engaging body to extend or retract the first foldable prong;

a second slidable end member for supporting a second foldable prong, the second slidable end member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended cantilevered position, the second slidable end member further having an arcuate channel through which the threaded rod rotates when the second foldable prong is pivoted between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the second slidable end member is slidable within a second groove in the instrument-facing side of the shoulder-engaging body to extend or retract the second foldable prong;

wherein the first slidable end member comprises a first protrusion adapted to engage one of a plurality of first apertures disposed in the first groove; and

wherein the second slidable end member comprises a second protrusion adapted to engage one of a plurality of second apertures disposed in the second groove; and

8. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shoulder rest further comprises a foam pad disposed on the shoulder-engaging side, the foam pad comprising a plurality of openings.

9. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first recess is convex and the second recess is concave.

10. A shoulder rest as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the first and second slidable end members rotatably receives a drum bearing a threaded rod of each fork.