Abstract: A floating hinge of the type which is composed of a lower member and an upper member each having a surface face and a channel including a pair of guideways located at their distal ends. A first arm and a second arm are employed to connect the upper member and the lower member and to provide movement of the members between an open position and a closed position. The first arm has a fixed end pivotably fixed to the lower member and a sliding end pivotably and slidably fixed to the upper member. The second arm has a fixed end pivotably affixed to the upper member and a sliding end pivotably and slidably fixed to the lower member. The sliding ends of the arms are pivotably and slidably affixed to their respective upper or lower member by a pin engaging an eccentrically fixed orifice of a pair of floating hinge slides fitted within the guideways of the channels of the upper and lower members. Means can be used to secure the upper member to the lower member when the hinge is in the closed position.

Abstract: A collapsible stringed musical instrument having an elongated body with a coupling portion at one end, a string bridge portion at the other end, a playing face and an opposite back face. A neck is provided with a coupling portion at one end and a string peg portion at the other end. The coupling portion of the neck is adapted to mate with the coupling portion of the body. A plurality of supports are pivotably affixed at one end to the back face of the body. The supports pivot from a closed position in which they are substantially situated within the outline of the elongated body to an open position in which they substantially extend beyond such outline.