FR2870380A1 - Stringed musical instrument e.g. guitar, folding device, has pin hinge guiding movement of handle, and blocking system with knurl screw screwed in tapped thread of part of hinge to align handle and body of instrument in unfolded position - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a pin hinge (3) articulated by three main parts that are assembled by two pins (4) perpendicular to a handle (1) of an instrument, where the pin hinge guides the movement of the handle. A blocking system has a knurl screw (9) fixed at the backside of a handle and screwed in a tapped thread of a part of the hinge to align the handle and body (2) of the instrument in an unfolded position.

Description

2870380 1

  The present invention relates to a device for folding with a simple gesture a stringed musical instrument, (for example: guitars, basses, cellos and any instrument of the same type) to allow a more convenient transport, a certain discretion when traveling , and offer a rational and reduced footprint.

  After fully reopening the handle (1) (folded for transport on the body (2) or chest or soundboard of the musical instrument) without intervention on the strings, the device according to the invention allows the instrument to recover its initial physiognomy for its traditional use.

  Io Note: Before folding the instrument it may be possible to use a small clip type bar placed in the middle of the ropes to keep them parallel and avoid any friction between them.

  Two possibilities are offered: 1) On an existing string instrument (handle and integral body) the device, according to the invention, can be put in place after having carefully cut the handle (1) naked or right body (2) and removed, on the handle (1), the exact thickness that takes the device. It is then an adaptable kit.

  2) On a new instrument designed and manufactured in two parts, the device according to the invention will allow assembly in original assembly.

  The device according to the invention can be split into two distinct parts according to the manufacturing and cost constraints: Note: The project below is a synthesis that provides for the use of a single folding and automatic locking device requiring, in manufacturing, a 2S more complex machining (fig 1).

  1 A hinge system: The device uses a hinge (3) hinged in three main parts, provided with two perpendicular axes (4) to the handle (1) which assemble the three elements of the hinge (3) and allows rotation.

  3o This piece, once installed, guides the movement of the handle (1) to the stop (5) and restores the instrument configuration, rigidity and nominal performance.

  The central part of the hinge (3) is provided with lugs which are inserted in guides pierced for this purpose in the other two parts of the hinge 35 (3) to reinforce the rigidity and the precision of the movement. handle (1) stroke stop, the tension of the strings is restored as originally once the locking device is engaged.

  The hinge (3) in three parts allows to fold the handle (1) of the instrument completely without being hampered by the stick or string tensioners, which (1) is pressed against the body of the instrument (2) .

  A locking system: It can be manual or automatic: A manual type: On the back of the handle (1), a knurled screw (8) is screwed into a threaded thread in the fixed part which acts as a nut integral with the body ( 2) of the instrument. Screwing is carried out as far as the stop. The alignment of the handle (1) and the body (2) o of the instrument is then perfect. The wheel (8) can be notched and graduated to find, after each folding, a determined rope tension. It will then be necessary to keep a slight clearance between the two stops (5) B automatic type: A hook (10) attached to the back of the handle (1) of the instrument engages a5 in a notch (5) made to this effect in the body (2) of the instrument.

  This notch is consolidated by a metal striker (5) which preserves the material of the instrument and ensures a constant rigidity in the case where hinge (3) and locking (5) are two distinct elements in the manufacture.

  A spring blade (7) calibrated, resting on the hook (10) in the guide bore, provides the necessary pressure to allow automatic engagement in the notch (5).

  The hook (10) is extended by a threaded rod on which is screwed a knob (8) resting on a washer (9), itself bearing on the pierced hinge element. This knob (8) allows to adjust perfectly (as in the manual eS type) the alignment of the handle (1) and the body of the instrument (2).

  The eyelet (6) in the lower part of the hook (10) allows to pass the finger and pull on the hook (10) of a force contrary to the pressure exerted by the leaf spring (7) to disengage the blocking automatic and fold the instrument.

  Fixing the parts used in this process will be achieved by screwing @ l) or any other appropriate means depending on the various materials encountered in the constitution of musical instruments.

  The material used for producing the invented parts will be adapted to the constraints (mechanical, thermal, chemical or other) intrinsic to the type of use. Note:

  Viewed from above, the presence of the kit or folding device is invisible.

  Seen from below, the mechanism is visible but discreet and has no protrusion.

  Only the eyelet can exceed according to the effort required to disengage.

  In order for this effort to be low, it suffices to release the locking tension by slightly unscrewing the knob (8), which has the effect of reducing the tension of the strings.

  Depending on the type of instrument, the hinge axes of the hinge (3) can be used as a bar.

Claims (4)

  1) Device for a musical string instrument whose handle (1) and the body (2) are separated, characterized in that it comprises a hinge system (3) for folding or unfolding the handle (1). ) and a locking system (5) and (6) to restore the instrument to its instrument configuration.   2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it uses an articulated hinge (3) in three main parts provided with two axes (4) perpendicular to the handle (1) of the instrument which assemble the three elements of the hinge ( 3), the hinge guiding the movement of the handle (1) to the stop.   w 3) Device according to claim 2 characterized in that the central portion of the hinge (3) is provided with lugs which are inserted in guides pierced for this purpose in the other two parts of the hinge (3).   4) Device according to one of claims 2 or 3 characterized in that the locking system (5) and (6) comprises a knurled screw (9) attached to the back of the -15 sleeve (1) which is screwed into a thread threaded of the hinge piece integral with the body of the instrument and allowing the alignment of the handle (1) and the body (2) in the unfolded position.