Transportation device for a musical instrument

Abstract

The transportation device for a musical instrument, preferably for a cello, is made to fit over a conventional everyday case which is made of a hard material and which is provided with hinges. There is provided a protective cover for the everyday case which is adapted to the shape of the everyday case, is impact resistant and is completely surrounding the everyday case, when the everyday case is placed therein. The protective cover is inflatable and deflatable, and it is surrounded by an outside cover made of a puncture-proof and flexible fabric. The protective cover and the outside cover are attached to each other. Both covers are light-weight compared to the everyday case.

Description

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to a transportation device for a musical instrument, preferably for a cello, intended to be used in conjunction with and to fit over and around a conventional everyday case made of a hard material, which is provided with hinges and whose interior is intended for the admission of the musical instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays musicians, e.g., soloists and members of leading symphony orchestras, must travel frequently by air. To protect the instrument and its case during air transport, the secure packing of the instrument and its case requires special measures. It must be protected against external impact, such as sudden knocks, falls or drops, or abrasion on sharp corners, points, edges, and the like.

A particular risk is the flight itself. The musician delivers the instrument accommodated in a transport container (such as an everyday case) to the baggage check-in and receives it only upon arrival at the baggage claim. Unfortunately, serious damage can take place in transport, and sometimes the instrument is completely destroyed. The instrument in its container is treated improperly, it can be thrown from the airplane hold onto the baggage conveyancing system, or it can even be dropped from the airplane hold onto the tarmac from a height of several meters.

For everyday use, the musician ordinarily transports his instrument in an upholstered transport cover made from flexible material or in a hard shell case (“everyday case”). Such containers are absolutely suitable for daily use, where there is minimal risk from serious impact. These cases are advantageous because they are relatively lightweight. A hard-shell case for a cello weighs between 3 to 6 kg.

Under the name “flight case”, there are special hard shell-cases on the market which are offered for use on airline flights and are equipped with special features to prevent damage during flight transport. There is a hard shell case for a stringed instrument (Gill, D-91088 Bubenreuth) which is manufactured using fiber glass and contains an internal suspension fixture and velvet upholstery to help protect the instrument. Such a hard shell case possesses a weight of 9.5 kg for a cello and 23 kg for a double-bass.

Another available hard shell case (GEWA, D-82477 Mittenwald) employs a shell made from fiberglass-reinforced synthetic resin. An internal suspension fixture for the instrument is also provided. Another internal feature is foamed plastic upholstery for the back and ribs of the stringed instrument. Such hard shell cases for a double bass weigh 25 kg. So-called “flight cases” possess as a rule a weight considerably above that of the everyday case. This also accounts for the higher purchase price.

Nevertheless, insurance societies who provide insurance cover for musical instruments declare that hard shell cases, even if they are conceived and equipped for the rough conditions of flight transport, do not withstand occasional damage and therefore do not guarantee full protection.

Hence, a solution would be desirable which on the one hand offers full protection against destruction of the instrument during air transport, in particular as it relates to impact, and, on the other hand, is also relatively lightweight. The transportation device should dispense with the need for an additional and special flight container which is expensive to purchase, takes up considerable space, and is heavy to transport.

From the German patent application DE 100 38 467 A1 a foldable case from a soft, malleable material is designed for use with a musical instrument. The shape conforms to a typical musical instrument and is obtained here by inflating of inner tubes or aerial chambers located in the interior of the soft-case. These inner tubes or aerial chambers offer an additional protection for the musical instrument. It is to be stressed, however, that these inner tubes or aerial chambers are located in the interior of the soft-case. In the event of impact against a sharp object, the case might be punctured or pierced and with it the protecting inner tube, so that the air can escape. Such a soft-case is not planned for flight transportation and is designed especially for an acoustic guitar.

Another inflatable transportation device for a musical instrument is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,778. This device comprises an inflatable bottom portion and an inflatable lid portion with a space in which the instrument is accommodated, completely encased by independently inflatable structures. In addition it must be stressed that a conventional everyday case is not used here.

A transportation device which comprises a conventional hard shell case (“everyday case”) and an external protective cover is offered for journeys by air and available on the market. (BAM, F-14160 Dives-sur-Mer). The protective cover consists of two halves made of an impact resistant and extremely strong, respectable material, which are adapted to the shape of the everyday case and which are connected with each other by a completely running around zipper. The inside of the protective cover is laid out with a thick layer from a foamed plastic of high density which protects the everyday case and the instrument against impact and thermal charges. The protective cover is provided with three handles and two backpack belts. The protective cover when conceived for a cello case weighs 8 kg. Its weight lies therefore above the weight of the everyday case which usually amounts to 3 to 6 kg.

Also it must be emphasized that such protective covers are sized for specified everyday cases. Nevertheless, a varied use with different everyday cases of different manufacturers would be desirable. In addition, the owner of the protective cover needs a considerable space for keeping and storing it when not in use. When in use while traveling certain difficulties can arise because of the size, weight and solidity, e.g., with accommodation in a normal sized taxi, while getting on and off a bus or a streetcar, or with the transport over an escalator.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a transportation device for a musical instrument made to fit over a conventional hard shell everyday case and comprising an external protective cover to increase the security, in particular concerning journeys by air.

It is another object of the invention to improve the handling and still to reduce the weight of the complete transportation device.

And it is still another object of the invention to design the protective cover is such a way that it can be folded and stored when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a transportation device is provided

• • wherein a protective cover for the everyday case and the musical instrument contained therein is provided, wherein the protective cover is adapted to the shape of the everyday case, is impact resistant and is completely surrounding the everyday case, when the everyday case is placed therein,
  • wherein a zipper is provided, when said zipper is open, the everyday case is easily accommodated within the protective cover and easily removable from the protective cover,
  • wherein the protective cover is inflatable and deflatable,
  • wherein the protective cover is surrounded by an outside cover made of a puncture-proof and flexible fabric,
  • wherein the protective cover and the outside cover (are attached to each other, and
  • wherein the protective cover together with the outside cover is light-weight compared to the everyday case.

Such a transportation device can be used with all kinds of musical instruments, thus, e.g., with stringed- and plucked instruments, woodwind and brass instruments. It offers by the use of at least one aerial chamber and the puncture-proof outside cover an effective protection against sudden knocks, falls or drops or other improper external treatment. The protective cover can be adapted to different or various contours of everyday cases and therefore can be used with everyday cases of different manufacturers.

In connection with the transportation device a carrying bag may be used which is constructed of a light synthetic fabric and in which the protective cover, surrounded by the outside cover, can be accommodated after removal from the everyday case and after being folded. In such a carrying bag the protective cover and the outside cover (with the air deflated) may easily be stored away when not in use during a trip or at home. Proper handling is guaranteed, e.g., while traveling by taxi, and the transport by hand causes no serious problems, because the weight of the protective cover with outside cover and carrying bag is relatively low and amounts to approximately 3 kg, while the everyday case itself weighs between 3 to 6 kg.

The protective cover and the outside cover may be connected with each other, e.g., by glueing or welding or by a Velcro closing. The outside cover should be waterproof or provided with a water-proof layer.

The protective cover may possess one or several aerial chambers. If several aerial chambers exist, e.g., 2 or 3 which contribute to an increased level of security, these chambers should each be inflatable independently from one another. Each of these aerial chambers may consist of a series of single segments or partial aerial chambers, for instance, in the form of tubes, and the segments of every series should be connected with each other in parallel. The segments of the individual series should be arranged alternately beside each other. It is for safety reasons that the segments of the different series are arranged alternately beside each other. The thickness of the inflatable protective cover should be between 5 to 10 cm when inflated.

Additional embodiments are described in the subclaims.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For identical elements, the same reference numerals will be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-section through a protective cover for an everyday case (made of a hard material containing a stringed instrument) as well as through the attached outside cover, wherein the everyday case is shown in a side view,

FIG. 2 is a cross-section along the direction II-II of FIG. 1, wherein the everyday case is shown in side representation,

FIG. 3 a side view in the direction III-III of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a cross-section along the direction IV-IV of FIG. 1, whereby, according to a first modification, alternately side by side arranged air chambers of a first and a second series are used,

FIG. 5 is a view according to FIG. 4, whereby, according to a second modification, two independent air chambers are arranged on top of each other, and

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale according to a modification having circular protective cover tubes and a joint backing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to FIG. 1 the transportation device 2 for a musical instrument, here especially for a cello (not shown), comprises a flexible, inflatable and deflatable protective cover 4 (air bladder) for the protection of the everyday case 6 and the cello contained therein, and a comparatively thin and puncture-proof outside cover 8 which completely surrounds the protective cover 4.

In the conventional manner, the everyday case 6 has two hinges 10 and a number of locks 12 located around the circumference. A handle 14 is arranged on the opposite side of the hinges 10.

The protective cover 4 is illustrated—for reasons of clarity—at some distance from the everyday case 6. In reality in its inflated condition it lies close to the everyday case 6. It is at least roughly adapted to the contour of the everyday case 6. Also the puncture-proof outside cover 8 is shown at some distance from the protective cover 4. In reality adjoins the protective cover 4. As a matter of preference, they will be attached to each other, e.g., by glueing or by welding.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the single protective cover 4 consists of an internal layer 16 and an external layer 18. Both layers 16, 18 are made from a light, adaptable and foldable material, preferably from a synthetic material.

In the inflated state these layers 16, 18 have a distance D to each other. This distance D characterizes the thickness of the inflated protective cover 4 and therefore the thickness of the protecting air cushion (air bladder). The thickness D should lie in the area of about 5 to 10 cm to guarantee an effective impact protection during air transportation. Given the flexibility of the material used for the protective cover 4, it can expand while inflating, thus the dimensions will change upon inflation. Then the pressure, measured by a pressure gauge (not shown), determines the thickness D.

As mentioned, the outside cover 8 is made of an adaptable and puncture-proof material. There may be a water-proof layer or water-proof finish. This material should be abrasion-resistant at the same time. As a suitable material, in particular a bullet-proof fabric, such as the one known under the name “Kevlar”, or another fabric called “Zylon” may be used. The protective cover 4, together with the outside cover 8, is light-weight in comparison to the weight of the everyday case 6.

An aerial inlet not shown in FIG. 1 leading to the space between the layers 16, 18 allows the inflation by means of an air pump or an aerial compressor before starting a journey by air, namely through a valve. By the operation of this valve the air can also be released and emptied, when the protective cover 4 is not in use, so that it collapses. Then it can be removed easily from the everyday case 6, after opening of at least one zipper (later shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) for a less dangerous transport or for safekeeping. Afterwards the protective cover 4 and the outside cover 8 can be folded and accommodated together, e.g., in a carrying bag (not shown) or in another container, as desired.

From FIG. 2 it is evident that the protective cover 4 is divided, namely in two sections which allow the protective cover 4 to open up. Thereby the enclosure and removal of the everyday case 6 are allowed. The dividing area is marked with 20. In this dividing area 20 which corresponds to the broader end of the protective cover 4 a zipper 22 is attached to the outside cover 8. This zipper 22 extends to the dividing area 20 and beyond, along the right and left wall (shown in FIG. 1) of the outside cover 8. It extends a given distance S in each direction, approximately parallel to the case lid edge 24 of the everyday case 6. For inflation and deflation a valve 26 is provided. This valve 26 is located at a safe and suitable place underneath the outside cover 8, preferably in the area of the zipper 22. The valve 26 according to FIG. 2 is, after the fastening of the zipper 22, concealed under the outside cover 8 so that it cannot be damaged or torn off during transportation.

In FIG. 3 two different possibilities for attaching a zipper 22a, 22b are shown. The first zipper 22a corresponds to a great extent to the zipper 22 of FIG. 2. The zipper 22a, located at the broader end of the outside cover 8, proceeds here a distance S to the side after turning around 180° at each direction. The distance S can amount in each direction to half of the circumference of the outside cover 8.

The second zipper 22b proceeds in a linear fashion along one of both longer side walls of the outside cover 8. The dividing area 20 (not shown here) of the protective cover 4 proceeds parallel therewith, so that by this embodiment also two sections can be swung apart. In both instances the everyday case 6 can be removed easily from the protective cover 4 and the outside cover 8, after opening of the zipper 22a or 22b.

FIG. 3 also shows that the side wall of the outside cover 8 is provided with at least one handle 28 at a balanced position. Also at least one removable strap 30 is placed at the bottom of the outside cover 8. Besides, a pocket 32 is arranged in the side wall of the outside cover 8 for storing a small air pump, such as a mechanical air pump or a small electrical aerial compressor. Alternatively, these devices may be attached directly in this location. From FIG. 3 it becomes clear that the pocket 32 is arranged, in particular with a transportation device 2 for a stringed instrument, in the area of the neck of that stringed musical instrument, where the necessary space is available.

In FIG. 4 is a first modification of the protective cover 4 of FIG. 1 shown. There is also provided a protective cover 4 which entirely (up to the dividing area 20 according to FIG. 2) surrounds the everyday case 6.

In this particular design it comprises a first series 4A and a second series 4B of segments or partial air chambers 34, 36. All air chambers 34 of the first series 4A are connected with each other and are jointly inflatable as well as deflatable. Also the air chambers 36 of the second series 4B are connected with each other. They are also jointly inflatable and deflatable, but independently of those of the first series 4A. The air chambers 34, 36 are arranged alternately next to each other.

They can have the design of air tubes which have, e.g., been glued or welded together and possess—deviating from the representation in FIG. 4—a round cross section. In this case adaptable plastic tubes would be used. Also here the thickness D of the inflated protective cover 4 should be in the range from 5 to 10 cm. The outside cover 8 would again lie next to and outside the protective cover 4, or will even be connected with it.

The air can be supplied jointly to all air chambers 34 of the first series 4A via a first valve 38. The air can be deflated again via this same valve 38 before packing away the device 4, 8. The corresponding is true with regard to the air chambers 36 of the second series 4B and a second valve 40. Deviating from the representation, both valves 38, 40 should be placed well-protected, i.e. preferably underneath the surface of the outside cover 8.

Of course more than a first and second series 4A, 4B can be provided.

In FIG. 5 is a second modification of the protective cover 4 of FIG. 1 shown. The protective cover 4 comprises here a first and a second air chamber 42, 44, respectively, of an adaptable material. They are arranged close to one another, and together they surround the everyday case 6. For both air chambers 42, 44 only three layers of an adaptable material are required in total. In order to inflate and deflate the first air chamber 42 again, a first valve 38 is provided. Accordingly to inflate and deflate independently the second air chamber 44, a second valve 40 is provided. Also here the valves 38, 40 should be placed—deviating from the representation—well-protected underneath the surface of the outside cover 8. It is important that the protective air chambers 42, 44 are provided at least in the area of the front (top), preferably in the area of the bridge of the stringed musical instrument.

Also here the thickness D of the inflated protective cover 4 should range from 5 to 10 cm. Should one of the air chambers—in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 shown as first or second series 4A, 4B and as first or second air chamber 42, 44, respectively for any reason become punctured and the compressed air contained therein should escape, then the still-intact air chamber in each embodiment can still fulfill its important protective function, in particular during air transportation.

In FIG. 6 a protective cover 4 is shown which comprises a plurality of tubes arranged next to each other. Alternate tubular air chambers 34 form a first series 4A, whereas alternate tubular air chambers 36 form a second series 4B. The air chambers 34, 36 have a circular cross-section. A backing 50 in the form of a thin layer made of a flexible synthetic material is attached to the air chambers 34, 36. The backing 50 constitutes a protection for the protective cover 4.

The attachments of the air chambers 34, 36 are denoted as 52 and 54. The entire unit 8, 34, 36, 50 is flexible and easily foldable.

It is important to understand that with present invention the owner of a musical instrument may keep his or her everyday case and use it for air transportation so that it is available at the destination of a journey. It is only necessary to add the combination of the inflatable protective cover 4 and the outside cover 8 in order to achieve full damage protection during air transportation

Claims

1. A transportation device for a musical instrument, preferably for a cello, made to fit over a conventional everyday case made of a hard material, which is provided with hinges and whose interior is intended for the admission of the musical instrument,

wherein a protective cover for the everyday case and the musical instrument contained therein is provided, wherein the protective cover is adapted to the shape of the everyday case, is impact resistant and is completely surrounding the everyday case, when the everyday case is placed therein,

wherein a zipper is provided, wherein when said zipper is open, the everyday case is easily accommodated within the protective cover and easily removable from the protective cover,

wherein the protective cover is inflatable and deflatable,

wherein the protective cover is surrounded by an outside cover made of a puncture-proof and flexible fabric,

wherein the protective cover and the outside cover are attached to each other, and

wherein the protective cover together with the outside cover is light-weight compared to the everyday case.

2. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the outside cover has a broader end, and wherein the zipper is located at the broader end of the outside cover.

3. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the zipper extends approximately up to one half of the circumference of the outside cover.

4. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the outside cover is made of a puncture-proof and abrasion-resistant fabric.

5. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the outside cover is made of a puncture-proof and bullet-proof fabric.

6. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein in the region of the zipper either at the protective cover or at the outside cover there is provided at least one valve for inflating and/or deflating.

7. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein a pocket for housing an air pump is provided on the outside cover.

8. The transportation device according to claim 7 for a stringed instrument, in particular for a cello, wherein the pocket is arranged in the area of the neck of the stringed instrument.

9. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein a transportation means is provided.

10. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein a carrying bag is provided in which at least the protective cover can be placed after removing the protective cover from the everyday case and after folding.

11. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the outside cover is water-proof.

12. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover has a plurality of air chambers, which are inflatable independently from one another.

13. The transportation device according to claim 12, wherein there is provided at least a first and a second series of air chambers, and wherein the air chambers are arranged alternately side by side.

14. The transportation device according to claim 12, wherein the air chambers have a circular cross-section, and wherein a backing is attached to the air chambers.

15. The transportation device according to claim 12, wherein two protective air chambers are provided, which are arranged one above the other.

16. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein a backing is attached to the protective cover.

17. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the inflatable protective cover is in the area of about 5 to 10 cm when inflated.

18. The transportation device according to claim 1, wherein it is designed for air transport.