GB2330232A - Counter-balance seat-strap for supporting a bassoon - Google Patents

Abstract

A counter-balance seat-strap comprising a strap 2 on which the player sits, a metal fitting 5 with hook 3 to which the strap connects and an adjustable elasticated section 1 with adjuster buckle 4 also connected to the metal fitting 5. The bassoon player fastens the elasticated section 1 around the front right leg of his or her chair by means of the velcro tabs 6 and sits on the strap 2, connecting the hook to the bottom of the bassoon through the hole in the end-cap. When the playing position is assumed (Fig. 3) the elasticated section 1 is stretched creating a pull which prevents the bassoon's weight falling against the left hand. This is shown by arrows(8).

Description

Counter-balance seat-strap This invention relates to a bassoon seat-strap.

Bassoon players, both amateur and professional have long been searching for an ideal way to support the considerable weight of the bassoon during playing. One such method is the ordinary seat-strap, whereby the bassoonist simply sits on a length of material or leather and attaches one end to the bottom of the bassoon. The bassoon then rests against the right thigh but this creates a great deal of weight on the left hand as the greater part of the bassoon's weight is above the thigh; thus the left hand has to support this 'leaning' weight causing tiredness and impairment of technical facility.

According to the present invention there is provided a new counterbalance seat-strap comprising a strap on which the bassoonist sits, a metal fitting to which this connects and from which a hook is attached to the bassoon, and an adjustable elasticated section which is fastened around the front right chair leg.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows the invention with all its components.

Fig 2 shows a close-up of the invention in use.

Fig 3 shows how weight is prevented from falling onto the left hand.

To use the counter-balance seat-strap the elasticated section 1 is fastened around the front right leg of the bassoonist's chair by means of the velcro tabs 6. The bassoonist sits on the strap 2 and connects the hook 3 to the bottom of the bassoon through the hole in the end cap of the bassoon. As the playing position is assumed the elasticated section 1 is stretched as shown in fig. 2 and the pull created prevents the bassoon's weight falling onto the left hand. The arrows 8 in fig. 3 show this effect.

The flexibility of the elasticated section 1 still allows freedom of movement.

The amount of weight alleviated from the left hand may be easily adjusted.

If the buckle 4 is moved towards metal fitting 5 the elasticated section 1 is lengthened and less tension is created in the elasticated section, allowing more weight to be felt on the left hand. When the buckle 4 is therefore moved away from the metal fitting 5, more tension is created and more weight alleviated from the left hand.

The weighted section of the strap 7 prevents the invention sliding off the bassoonist's chair during breaks in rehearsal or performance.

Claims (4)

1. Claims 1. A counter-balance seat-strap which alleviates the weight of the bassoon felt during playing from the left hand.
2. 2. A counter-balance seat-strap as claimed in claim 1 with which the bassoonist can vary the amount of weight alleviated from the left hand by adjusting the length of the elasticated section.
3. 3. A counter-balance seat-strap as claimed in claims 1 and 2 which due to the flexible nature of the elasticated section still allows the bassoonist a feeling of freedom of movement.
4. 4. A counter-balance seat-strap as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 3 which will not slide off the players chair by virtue of the weighted section in the opposite end of the strap.