US20090145784A1

US20090145784A1 - Combination cymbal case and chair

Info

Publication number: US20090145784A1
Application number: US11/999,490
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher G. Schaff
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-06
Filing date: 2007-12-06
Publication date: 2009-06-11

Abstract

A carrying case that functions as a chair or stool and is specifically designed to carry and protect cymbals. The case is designed to carry multiple cymbals and other items while providing a comfortable ergonomic seat for use during performance or setup. This combination cymbal case and chair will provide a cost effective, portable method of transporting cymbals, and other items while also serving as a comfortable place to sit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a case that is designed for the dual purpose of functioning as a chair as well as a case for cymbals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Excessive equipment setup and transportation time is a problem for working musicians. Percussionists generally require the use of cymbals. They also usually use a chair or drum stool. Currently, percussionists require a stool which is often carried in a case as well as an additional case specifically designed to protect and transport cymbals. When preparing for performances, musicians value setup and transport time. Having excessive number of cases to transport requires extra time for musicians who generally only get paid for performances but do not get paid for instrument setup and transport. Excessive equipment setup and transportation time is a problem for working musicians.
Since cymbals are expensive musical instruments, most percussionists require a means to protect and transport them to protect them from damage. The usual arrangement by which percussionists or drummers transport cymbals is to use a cymbal case. Also, to transport a drum seat or stool, percussionists often place a folding stool, such as Drum Workshop model 9120M into a hardware case along with instrument stands. Hardware cases that also serve as drum chairs or stools are available but are not specifically designed to carry cymbals.
The usual arrangement by which percussionists or drummers transport cymbals is to use a cymbal case. This method requires an expensive separate case that is specifically designed to protect and transport cymbals. Cymbal cases that are currently available do not generally provide any other function than to protect and transport cymbals. Additionally, during performance the cymbal case needs to be stored where it will not distract performers or audience. To transport a drum seat or stool, percussionists often place a folding stool into a hardware case along with instrument stands. Having a drum seat inside a drum hardware case adds extra weight and size requirement to the hardware case. Hardware cases that also serve as chairs or stools are available, but none are specifically designed to carry cymbals. Nor do any of the currently available combination cases and stools provide suitable area for storing cymbals. Such a case might function as a chair but its use requires a separate case for transporting cymbals.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide support for a person to sit on as a chair.
It is another object of the invention to use the carrying case for cymbals.
It is another object of the invention to use the cymbal carrying case as a chair to eliminate the need for a separate cymbal case and chair.
It is another object of the invention to develop a combination cymbal case and chair to improve cost effectiveness, reduce weight and reduce setup time for musicians.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a case that functions as a stool or chair and is specifically designed to carry and protect cymbals. The case is designed to carry multiple cymbals and other items while providing a comfortable ergonomic seat for use during performance. This combination cymbal case and chair will provide a cost effective, portable method of transporting cymbals, and other items while also serving as a comfortable place to sit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair. The case opening is shown in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair. The case opening is shown in the open position;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair with exterior panels transparent to illustrate contents (cymbals) with storage space for additional items;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair with exterior panels transparent to illustrate contents (cymbals) with storage space for additional items. The case opening is shown open in this view; and

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair with exterior panels transparent to illustrate contents (cymbals) with storage space for additional items. Cymbals are shown outside the case for illustration purposes.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair. The case opening 70 is shown in the closed position. The chair seating area 10 can be used to provide a comfortable place to sit. The chair seating area 10 could, but not necessarily, also function as a case opening 70 for the cymbal storage area 20.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair. The case opening 70 is shown in the open position. The case opening 70 is designed to provide convenient access to the cymbal storage area 20.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair with exterior panels transparent to illustrate contents (cymbals 60) with storage space for additional items. A handle 30 is attached to the combination cymbal case and chair structure 50 to provide a means for lifting or carrying the combination cymbal case and chair structure 50 and is specifically designed to contain cymbals 60 and other items.
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair with exterior panels transparent to illustrate contents (cymbals 60) with storage space for additional items. The case opening 70 is shown open in this view.
FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a combination cymbal case and chair with exterior panels transparent to illustrate contents (cymbals 60) with storage space for additional items. The cymbals 60 are shown outside the case for illustration purposes. A cymbal holding device 40 functions to secure and protect cymbals 60 during storage and transport.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination cymbal case and chair for transporting cymbals and supporting a person as a chair comprising:

means for providing the user a comfortable place to sit;

means for providing a suitable area specifically designed for storing cymbals;

means for moving the case with the user's hand or hands;

means for holding cymbals securely inside the case during storage or transport;

means for providing suitable structure for a chair and specifically designed to carry cymbals, securely connected to said means for moving the case with the user's hand or hands, rigidly housed to said means for providing a suitable area specifically designed for storing cymbals, and securely fitted to said means for providing the user a comfortable place to sit; and

means for providing convenient and easy access to the case contents, specifically designed to accommodate cymbals, conveniently positioned to said means for providing suitable structure for a chair and specifically designed to carry cymbals.

2. The combination cymbal case and chair in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing the user a comfortable place to sit comprises a chair seating area.

3. The combination cymbal case and chair in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing a suitable area specifically designed for storing cymbals comprises a cymbal storage area.

4. The combination cymbal case and chair in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for moving the case with the user's hand or hands comprises a handle.

5. The combination cymbal case and chair in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for holding cymbals securely inside the case during storage or transport comprises a cymbal holding device.

6. The combination cymbal case and chair in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing suitable structure for a chair and specifically designed to carry cymbals comprises a combination cymbal case and chair structure.

7. The combination cymbal case and chair in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providing convenient and easy access to the case contents, specifically designed to accommodate cymbals comprises a case opening.

8. A combination cymbal case and chair for transporting cymbals and supporting a person as a chair comprising:

a chair seating area, for providing the user a comfortable place to sit;

a cymbal storage area, for providing a suitable area specifically designed for storing cymbals;

a handle, for moving the case with the user's hand or hands;

a cymbal holding device, for holding cymbals securely inside the case during storage or transport;

a combination cymbal case and chair structure, for providing suitable structure for a chair and specifically designed to carry cymbals, securely connected to said handle, rigidly housed to said cymbal storage area, and securely fitted to said chair seating area; and

a case opening, for providing convenient and easy access to the case contents, specifically designed to accommodate cymbals, conveniently positioned to said combination cymbal case and chair structure.

9. A combination cymbal case and chair for transporting cymbals and supporting a person as a chair comprising:

a chair seating area, for providing the user a comfortable place to sit;

a handle, for moving the case with the user's hand or hands;