US20110186606A1

US20110186606A1 - Musical Instrument Half Strap Support

Info

Publication number: US20110186606A1
Application number: US13/020,179
Authority: US
Inventors: Lori Ann APTHORP
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-02-03
Filing date: 2011-02-03
Publication date: 2011-08-04

Abstract

A half strap instrument support device with quick release buckles for easy attachment and detachment. The present invention is able to anchor to a part of the user's body to support the head stock or nut area of a ukulele.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/300,995 filed on Feb. 3, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device that straps a musical instrument to the user. More specifically, the present invention is meant to hold the neck steady for free movement of the fretting hand without having to alter the instrument by installing hardware or using hooks, glues or tapes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, the technique for playing small stringed instruments like the ukulele requires the right arm to fully hold the instrument firmly against the body, while still being able to strum and pick. The left arm is often times needed as well to help hold up the instrument, but that function can interfere with free movement of the left hand to play the notes desired. Many players find this difficult to master, especially for various styles of playing, and on the larger/top heavy instruments. A strap is a good solution for this problem. However, most manufacturers do not provide a strap attachment on their instruments, so adding a strap to a ukulele normally requires someone to drill a hole into the instrument and install some hardware. If this installation is done incorrectly, it can cause a crack in the instrument. Some people are concerned that their instrument will be accidently damaged during this process. Others don't like the way a strap button looks on the instrument, because the button is not part of the intended design, and is often out of scale (using a guitar sized button). In addition, some people might feel that drilling a hole might affect the value or the sound of the instrument, since it is a permanent alteration. Some people would like a strap, but lack access to a qualified craftsman for installation. Some instruments are meant to stand on their own on a flat end, and a strap button would make that no longer possible. Currently, the products on the market are full straps that require a strap button or pin to be installed, or a kind of lanyard with a hook, that comes from underneath the instrument, and hooks onto the edge of the sound hole. The Sound Hole Hook solution places a padded hook on the sound hole, which is a very delicate area on a small stringed instrument like a ukulele. The soundboard is very thin, and it's free movement directly affects the sound of the instrument. So, applying a hook to that location can damage the structure of the instrument as well as dulling deaden the sound. The hook device is also unattractive, and the security of the instrument is still dependent on the constant attention of the player. If the player were to let go of the instrument, it would roll forward and possible fall off the hook to the floor. Or, at the very least, place a lot of extra pressure on that delicate soundboard area around the hook.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention making use of a slide adjustable loop for the securing fastening loop.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the instrument loop making use of a slide adjustable loop for the securing fastening loop.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the anchor extension in which details views are taken and shown in FIG. 4-5. The anchor extension is shown with a strap keeper to hold the excess strap from dangling.

FIG. 4 is a view of the instrument male buckle connected to the anchor extension.

FIG. 5 is a view of the anchor loop of the anchor extension.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the leg anchor loop of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the instrument loop where a tie is used as the securing fastening loop.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the instrument loop 1 where a button snap strap is used as the securing fastening loop.

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a user using the present invention in an arm loop strap configuration.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of a user using the present invention in an arm loop strap configuration.

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of a user using the present invention in an arm band strap configuration.

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of a user using the present invention in an arm band strap configuration.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of a user using the present invention in a belt loop configuration.

FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of a user using the present invention in a belt loop configuration.

FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a user using the present invention in a thigh strap configuration.

FIG. 16 is a rear elevational view of a user using the present invention in a thigh strap configuration.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is a musical instrument half strap that is able to stabilize the neck of a musical instrument, such as the ukulele, without the need for damaging pegs, hooks, glues or tapes. The present invention comprises of an instrument loop 1, an anchor extension 2, and a leg anchor loop 3. The instrument loop 1 is used to fasten onto the musical instrument by means of either tying or strapping. For example, the instrument loop 1 can strap onto the headstock or above the nut of the ukulele. By looping about the head stock or above the nut of the ukulele, the present invention is able to securely hold the instrument without damage. Additionally, the present invention being a half strap does not require a peg or strap button on the bottom of the ukulele. This decreases and tampering with the original material of the ukulele, for less damage and unaltered sounds. The anchor extension 2 is an elongated strap that is used to anchor the instrument to a body part on the users by an anchor loop 24. The leg anchor loop 3 is a component of the present invention that allows the anchor extension 2 to reach a farther body part such as the user's legs. The users are able to sling the anchor extension 2 from their waist, arms, or legs over a shoulder to hold the musical instrument in place.
In reference to FIG. 2, the instrument loop 1 comprises of a securing loop fastener 11, a loop extension 12, and an instrument female buckle 13. The loop extension 12 is a very short strap segment that extends the securing loop fastener 11 from the instrument female buckle 13. The securing loop fastener 11 is connected to the loop extension 12. The instrument female buckle 13 is connected to the loop extension 12 opposite to the securing loop fastener 11. Resultantly, the securing loop fastener 11 is connected to the instrument female buckle 13 by the loop extension 12. In reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, the securing loop fastener 11 is a fastening loop selected from the group consisting of a strap with a cap nut and screw, a strap with button snaps, a tie, a loop strap, a lacing, and a slide buckle strap. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the securing loop fastener 11 is a slide buckle strap.
In reference to FIG. 3-5, the anchor extension 2 is an elongated strap extending the instrument loop 1 from an anchor loop 24. The anchor extension 2 comprises an instrument male buckle 23 and the anchor loop 24. The anchor extension 2 additionally has an anchor end 21 and an instrument end 22. The instrument male buckle 23 further comprises an adjustment slit 231. The anchor extension 2 is inserted through the instrument male buckle 23 in a manner where the instrument end 22 is weaved through the adjustment slit 231. As a result, the instrument male buckle 23 is connected to the anchor extension 2 by means of the adjustment slit 231. The adjustment slit 231 having a plurality of teeth is able to secure itself onto the anchor extension 2. The anchor extension 2 being pulled through the adjustment slit 231 for adjustable length will result in excess strap dangling from the rest of the anchor extension 2. To prevent the excess from loosely dangling, the present invention can optionally comprise of an extension strap keeper 25 that is slidably positioned on the anchor adjustor to hold the excess strap. The anchor loop 24 of the anchor extension 2 further comprises of an anchor male buckle 241 and an anchor female buckle 242. The anchor male buckle 241 is fastened onto the anchor extension 2 in a similar fashion as the instrument male buckle 23, allowing the anchor loop 24 to be adjustable in size to fit users of all sizes. The anchor female buckle 242 is connected to the anchor end 21 of the anchor extension 2. The anchor female buckle 242 is connected to the anchor male buckle 241. The connection of the anchor female buckle 242 with the anchor male buckle 241 along with the anchor extension 2 defines the anchor loop 24.
In reference to FIG. 6, the leg anchor loop 3 is a loop strap that comprises an adjustable buckle 31 and a strap keeper 32. The leg anchor loop 3 is a separate component that is used only as a further extended anchor for the anchor extension 2. The leg anchor loop 3 allows the anchor extension 2 to anchor onto a user's thigh. The adjustable buckle 31 is a quick release buckle that allows the user to easily strap or release the leg anchor loop 3 to and from their leg. The adjustable buckle 31 allows the user to adjust the size of the leg anchor loop 3 to fit users of different sizes. However, adjustability means the leg anchor loop 3 will have some excess dangling straps. To hold the excess dangling strap, the leg anchor loop 3 makes use of the strap keeper 32 to hold the excess strap with the rest of the leg anchor loop 3. In reference to FIG. 1, the instrument loop 1 is connected to the anchor extension 2 by means of the instrument male buckle 23 being inserted and secured to the instrument female buckle 13. The anchor extension 2 is able to connect to the leg anchor loop 3 by means of the anchor loop 24 being interlinked with the leg anchor loop 3.
The present invention is a non-destructive method of supplying support to help make playing easier, and to improve tone and volume. It requires no drilling, no glues or adhesives, no hooks to mar or alter the instrument. Sitting or standing, the design of the present invention helps stabilize the neck of the instrument so that it doesn't shift out of position while being played. It also allows more freedom for the strumming/picking hand of the user because it is no longer needed to support the entire weight of the instrument. In addition, since the arm is no longer tightly clamping the instrument to the body, the sound box is able to vibrate more freely to provide an improvement to the volume and tone of the instrument. Tone is also improved because the instrument is not moving out of position during left hand movements, allowing the player to have more accurate finger placement. The instrument female and male buckles and the anchor female and male buckles provide the present invention with two quick release points. The two quick release points on the present invention allow for the device to be easily separated from the player, and the instrument from the strap. So, it becomes very simple when a person chooses to disengage from the system. The user is able to disconnect the instrument and then connect another instrument with another instrument loop 1 or the user can disconnect the contact point from the body end, removing both instrument and strap without leaving any trailing straps on the body to get caught on anything.
The design of the present can be configured in several different ways, enabling the player to choose between different weight bearing configurations depending on their preference for the particular situation. By looping the anchor loop 24 around the user's arm, the present configuration offers weight distribution to the upper body, and independence from clothing restrictions. These two configurations can be accomplished in two different ways: one as a fixed loop and one as a sliding loop. For children, and homes with children, the fixed loop configuration would be recommended. The sliding loop configuration can allow for another quick way to disengage from the strap. The present invention can also interlink the anchor loop 24 with a user's belt loop to distribute the weight in a way that doesn't involve fatiguing the neck, making it perhaps more comfortable for some people. Finally, there is the leg anchor loop 3, which is similar to interlinking the anchor loop 24 to a belt loop but without needing to wear pants with loops or a belt. The leg anchor loop 3 configurations is a solution for those who are wearing workout pants, pajamas, or other less structured casual clothing. Additionally, the lower connection point of the leg anchor loop 3 configurations doesn't interfere as much with un-tucked shirts. It is nearly as comfortable as far as weight distribution as the belt/belt loop configuration. However, the down side of the leg anchor loop 3 configurations is more restriction to leg movement. Of course, leg movement is at a minimum when one is sitting. Therefore the leg anchor loop 3 configuration is especially useful in a sitting position. The present invention, in contrast to the common sound hole hook systems, offers more security. If a player were to briefly lose control of the instrument, the half strap would keep the instrument safely hanging from the shoulder, from the head stock in a vertical orientation without letting it crash to the floor.
The present invention can be made from a flexible material such as fabric webbing, leather, or any other suitable material, and is attached by a tie, loop or band to the headstock/nut area of the instrument. The rest of the device is attached to the user. However, because of the nature of the present invention being a half strap, the user is still required to use the strumming/picking arm to lightly support the sound box end of the instrument. The head and neck of the instrument is stabilized by the present invention anchored to the player. The aid of the present invention allows for a much lighter pressure needed from the strumming/picking arm without the need of any support from the fretting hand. In reference to FIG. 9-16, there are several configurations for the user to support the musical instrument. For right handed players (reversed directions for left-handed players):

- 1. Arm Loop Strap—connecting the instrument loop 1 to the headstock/nut area, over the left shoulder, across the back, and looping around the right arm circling at the arm pit/shoulder region by anchor loop 24.
- 2. Arm Band strap—connecting the instrument loop 1 to the headstock/nut area, over left shoulder, across the back, and looping around the right arm circling at the upper arm region by anchor loop 24. p1 3. Belt loop/waist belt—connecting the instrument loop 1 to the headstock/nut area, over left shoulder, down the back, and attached on rear right side belt loop or to a belt by anchor loop 24.
- 4. Thigh strap—connecting the instrument loop 1 to the headstock/nut area, over left shoulder, down the back, with anchor loop 24 interlinking the leg anchor loop 3, and the leg anchor loop 3 being attached to the right thigh.
  The configurations of the present invention provide the user with two or more quick release points that will make it easy for disconnection of the present invention from the player or the instrument. Each configuration will have a method for adjustment of the length of the anchor extension 2, or perhaps a method to control excess length. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the instrument female/male buckles and the anchor female/male buckles are quick release buckles. The use of quick release buckles allow the present invention to be used with any other device with a corresponding quick release device. Therefore, the present invention allows for further developments with a variety of possible accessories to achieve additional configurations. Possible accessories available for the present invention include conversion attachments that can convert the present invention into a full strap.

The design of the present invention is helpful for beginners, since it allows them to concentrate on playing without concern for losing control or dropping the instrument. For those who wish to eventually play without a strap, the present invention could be a way to help train people in the traditional arm grip method. With the popularity of the larger concert and tenor sized ukuleles, as well as the increased requests for the heavier geared tuners, a support device like the present invention could be very beneficial to all players. It is a simple, unobtrusive design that will not overwhelm the overall look of the instrument. However, if desired, a decorative design could be applied to the present invention to add style and interest. Because of the quick release system, it would be possible to offer additional headstock attachments separately, so that one strap could be easily and quickly used for many different instruments. Many ukulele players have more than one instrument, and may switch between instruments often. If each instrument had its own instrument loop 1, then it would be very easy to switch between instruments. This design will work on instruments of different shapes (for example FIG. 8 shaped instruments, pineapple shaped, boat paddle shaped, or cigar box shaped) and even on those that don't have a conventional sound hole. It is especially good for plastic, graphite, metal, and other non-wooden instruments, since they may not be well suited for installation of a strap button. The present invention is simple and easy to make, as well as easy to store.
A number of connection methods are possible between the instrument and the present invention. In each case there will be a quick release buckle connection on a part of the strap to connect to the rest of the device. The “Tie” method is one of the simplest, as shown in FIG. 7. It is a basic shoestring like cord, which encircles the instrument between the strings and head stock, and is tied in a knot. The “Loop” method is where a loop is passed between the strings and head stock, behind the nut, around and under the neck, and the base of the quick release buckle drawn through the looped cord. In reference to FIG. 2, the “Slide” method uses a strip of webbing or leather, encircling the instrument between the strings and head stock, and threading through a slide device, both ends sandwiched together going up through the first slot, over the center bar, and down through the second slot. The “Punched” method uses a strip of leather (or other suitable material) with holes punched in it, encircling the instrument between the strings and head stock, allowing a cord to stitch the sandwiched pieces together to form the closed loops for both buckle and instrument. The “Snap” method uses a strip of webbing or leather, encircling the instrument between the strings and head stock, employing a snap to connect the loop as shown in FIG. 8. The “Cap Nut” method uses a strip of webbing or leather, encircling the instrument between the strings and headstock, and through two holes in the strip, a Screw and receiving threaded Cap secures the ends of the loop. Alternative methods may include Velcro or similar hook and loop solutions for securing the loop to it. A magnetic connection for the loop/strap may also be an option. Each method of connection needs to be done without having to remove the strings for installation, and without any special tools.
With more and more people purchasing ukuleles and other small stringed instruments over the internet, the access to services common in music stores are not always available. Some stores sell instruments without also offering any services like strap button installation. And, a Ukulele Half-Strap would be something that anybody could use to get many of the benefits of having a strap, without having to alter their instrument.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A musical instrument half strap support comprises,

an instrument loop;

an anchor extension;

a leg anchor loop;

the instrument loop comprises a securing loop fastener, a loop extension, and an instrument female buckle;

the anchor extension comprises an instrument male buckle, an anchor loop, and an extension strap keeper;

the extension strap keeper being slidable and positioned on the anchor extension; and

the instrument loop being connected to the anchor extension.

2. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the securing loop fastener being connected to the loop extension;

the securing loop fastener being connected to the instrument female buckle by the loop extension; and

the instrument female buckle being connected to loop extension opposite to the securing loop fastener.

3. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 2 comprises,

the securing loop fastener being a fastening loop selected from the group consisting of a cap nut with screw, a snap, a tie, a loops strap, a lacing, and a slide buckle strap.

4. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the anchor extension being an elongated strap extending the instrument loop from the anchor loop; and

the anchor extension having an anchor end and an instrument end.

5. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 4 comprises,

the instrument male buckle comprises a adjustment slit;

the anchor extension being inserted through the instrument male buckle;

the instrument end being weaved through the adjustment slit; and

the instrument male buckle being connected to the anchor extension by the adjustment slit.

6. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the anchor loop comprises an anchor male buckle and an anchor female buckle;

the anchor male buckle being fastened to the anchor extension;

the anchor female buckle being connected to the anchor end; and

the anchor female buckle being connected to the anchor male buckle defining the anchor loop.

7. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the leg anchor loop being a loops strap having an adjustable buckle and a strap keeper.

8. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the instrument loop being connected to the anchor extension by means of the instrument male buckle being inserted and secured to the instrument female buckle; and

the anchor extension being connected to the leg anchor loop by means of the anchor loop being interlinked with the leg anchor loop.

9. A musical instrument half strap support comprises,

an instrument loop;

an anchor extension;

a leg anchor loop;

the anchor extension comprises an instrument male buckle, a anchor loop, and an extension strap keeper;

the extension strap keeper being slidable and positioned on the anchor extension;

the instrument loop being connected to the anchor extension;

the securing loop fastener being connected to the loop extension;

10. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

11. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

the anchor extension being an elongated strap extending the instrument loop from the anchor loop;

the anchor extension having an anchor end and an instrument end; and

the instrument male buckle comprises a adjustment slit.

12. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 11 comprises,

the anchor extension being inserted through the instrument male buckle;

the instrument end being weaved through the adjustment slit; and

13. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

the anchor loop comprises an anchor male buckle and an anchor female buckle;

the anchor male buckle being fastened to the anchor extension;

the anchor female buckle being connected to the anchor end; and

14. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

15. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

16. A musical instrument half strap support comprises,

an instrument loop;

an anchor extension;

a leg anchor loop;

the instrument loop being connected to the anchor extension;

the securing loop fastener being connected to the loop extension;

the anchor extension having an anchor end and an instrument end;

the instrument male buckle comprises a adjustment slit;

the anchor loop comprises an anchor male buckle and an anchor female buckle;

the anchor male buckle being fastened to the anchor extension;

the anchor female buckle being connected to the anchor end;

the anchor female buckle being connected to the anchor male buckle defining the anchor loop; and

17. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 16 comprises,

18. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 16 comprises,

the anchor extension being inserted through the instrument male buckle;

the instrument end being weaved through the adjustment slit; and

19. The musical instrument half strap support as claimed in claim 16 comprises,