Abstract: A device to prevent damage to a musical instrument from impact, shock, impingement, contact, and abrasion, which comprises a relatively rigid, resilient shell, a compressible lining, and straps as a means of attaching the device to the musical instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container for an item, in which the item is selected from the group consisting of musical instruments, furniture and antiques, which container comprises a flexible, gas impermeable material adapted to be disposed around the item or a substantial portion thereof; sealing means for forming the material into a substantially sealed bag around the item or a substantial portion thereof, said sealed bag defining a chamber having an enclosed atmosphere; and means for controlling the humidity of the enclosed atmosphere. The container is particularly useful for musical instruments, especially keyboard instruments. A preservation system for an item and a method for preserving an item which utilize such a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clarinet and a flute of the woodwind family are provided with a case that holds the instrument firmly in position. The part of the case that opposes the instrument has a plurality of projections to close and hold closed all normally open keys when the case is closed, so that pressure on all of them is similar, so that there will be no malformation of keys or operating members. Thus, all keys will open and close as they are supposed to and the instrument will remain in good playable condition for a very long time. Although the invention is explained with regard to clarinets and flutes, it applies equally to all members of the woodwind family.

Abstract: A protective case for a musical instrument such as the violin or viola which is of the soft fabric material and which can be placed within a conventional harder musical case. A method of manufacturing such a case wherein first and second layers of fabric are placed in registry and sewed together, and subsequently inverted to form a first section, third and fourth layers of fabric are also placed in registry with the first section being intermediate thereof, the first section and third and fourth layers being sewed and subsequently inverted.

Abstract: A carrying case for transporting and storing two guitars, having two recesses adapted to hold both guitars firmly in place, and a hinged partition between the recesses supporting L-shaped body pads that urge each guitar into its respective recess when the case is closed.

Abstract: A case for acoustic and electrical sound instruments and including bottom and cover sections hingedly connectable with each other, a fastener for releasably securing the cover section to the other bottom section, and a least one retaining band connectable to the bottom section for releasably securing a sound instrument in the case.

Abstract: A rigid lightweight carrying case includes first and second frame members hingedly attached to one another, each comprising a band of rigid material substantially defining the outline of the carrying case and at least partially circumscribing the object to be carried in the case, a layer of rigid foam material affixed within each frame member and located towards the exterior of the case for providing structural rigidity to the case, a layer of soft foam material affixed within each frame member adjacent the rigid foam material and located towards the interior of the case, the soft foam being contoured to accommodate and provide support for an object to be carried in the case, an inner fabric layer of plush material on the interior of the case covering substantially the soft foam material, an outer fabric layer affixed to the exterior of the case covering substantially the rigid frame members and the rigid foam material, and means for carrying the case attached thereto, thus providing a carrying case that is b

Abstract: This invention relates to a muffler or mute for saxophone and other wind instruments comprising a muffling bag (10) with a durable external vinyl layer (12) and an internal layer of sound absorbing material (14). The saxophone (16) is entirely ensconced inside the saxophone muffler (except for the mouthpiece), and is securely held therein by an internal carriage assembly (30). The carriage assembly spaces and positions the saxophone, and hence the sound emanating from the keys as well as the bell of the saxophone is muted equally efficiently. Pockets (20) provided on the two sides of the saxophone enable the saxophonist to have access to the keys of the saxophone. A second hard-shell embodiment also functions as a mute and doubles as a saxophone carrying case.

Abstract: An improved system and design of interlocking corner protectors for use with stackable enclosures employs a unique interlocking structure whose geometry allows the protectors to serve as interlocking elements when mated with an identical or compatible protector, and to serve as a foot or spacer when the enclosure is placed on a plane surface. The system and the unique structure allows for efficient production and stockage. A first type of protector, which can be fabricated from a first tool, is useable on any corner of a 90 degree cornered enclosure. A second type of protector, which can be fabricated from a second tool, is useable on any corner which combines 90 degree and 135 degree angles, corner and is compatible with and interlocks with the first type of protector. When applied to suitably dimensioned enclosures, the protectors allow the enclosures to stack and to interlock compatibly with one another, whether the enclosures have 90 degree or 135 degree corners.

Abstract: A humidity control system for a musical instrument case includes at least two compartments venting into the inside of the case. At least one of these compartments is fitted for a desiccant pouch, with at least one compartment alternatively used and fitted for a humidifier. The use of more than two compartments (e.g., more than one humidifier or desiccant) may be occasioned by an extreme local atmosphere or an exceptionally large instrument or both. A hygrometer and a thermometer are preferably provided with the case to enable a musician to easily ascertain the environmental conditions inside the case. The musician then adds either the desiccant pouch or activates the humidifier in the appropriate compartment of the carrying case, as necessary. The compartments can be built into the case or fastened using conventional fasteners such as adhesive or snaps.

Abstract: A display package for point-of-purchase display of an article such as a musical instrument sounded by shaking or rotating. The display package has a first opening for facilitating grasping and manipulation of the package by a consumer. A second opening permits sound to be emitted by the instrument. The second opening may be shaped for allowing appendages of the musical instrument to strike a percussion surface of the musical instrument upon rotation of the package.

Abstract: A bag for carrying a guitar stand. The bag comprises a box shaped pouch having four walls, a bottom, an openable flap on top for a lid, and an interior compartment defined by the walls, bottom and lid. The flap and front wall of the pouch are provided with mating fasteners for securing the flap shut. The exterior surface of the front wall is provided with two loops, located on the lower portion of the wall approximately perpendicular to each other. The loops removably receive a folded down base of the guitar stand and a bar provided on the stand, respectively, in order to removably secure the stand to the outside of the bag. The bag is provided with a carrying strap by which the bag may be carried.

Abstract: A portable airtight inner case (W, Z) includes a receptacle (121) for having an item stored therein, for example a guitar (105), a hingedly mounted cover (11, 111) and a perimetric seal (39) to form a fluid seal between the cover (11, 111) and receptacle (121) when the cover is closed. The inner case cover and receptacle are made of a clear rigid plastic. A suction valve or pump (50, 130) opens to the inner case interior to evacuate fluid while a vacuum gauge (53) is provided for measuring the pressure. The inner case bottom wall (32, 117) has a plurality of pockets (74, 148) for having hangers extended therein to hang the case on a wall and stand pockets (142) to have stand parts of a foldable stand (85) extended therein or a stand (144) pivoted to the bottom wall to support the inner case (W, Z) in an inclined condition. A portable outer case (X, 170) has a compartment for containing the inner case.

Abstract: A display package for point-of-purchase display of an article such as a musical instrument having a percussion surface and a sounding aperture. The package has a top panel and a bottom panel, each of the top and bottom panels having openings, one for allowing consumer access to the percussion surface and the second for permitting emission of sound from the sounding aperture of the instrument. A collar shelf is coupled to the rear panel and disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the top panel for preventing motion of the instrument in any direction having a component tangential to the top panel.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument carrying case combines a well-placed storage space for bows and accessories with a humidity control system to completely protect and preserve the instrument. The case includes a base and an upper lid which together form the outer surface of the case. Inside the case, a lower lid divides the case into two compartments. A first compartment is formed between the lower lid and the base of the case, while a second compartment is formed between the lower lid and the upper lid. The first compartment is preferably lined with a protective padding which has a molded primary chamber for the instrument. In addition to the primary chamber, a humidity control system and an accessory chamber are preferably between the lower lid and the base of the case. Within the second compartment is a cache for a plurality of bows or other accessories. By separating the instrument and bows into two different compartments, the life of bow hairs and the wooden body of the instrument is prolonged.

Abstract: A substantially pear-shaped case (30) for an audio device (20), such as a compact disc player, and headphone set (10), the case (30) formed of a base (32) with side walls (34) extending therefrom to form a compartment tapering inwardly terminating in a narrowed portion distal the base (32). In combination, the audio device (20) is disposed in substantially upright condition in the compartment of the case (30) while the headphones (10) lie in an inverted substantially upright position with the ear speakers (12) lying in an upper narrowed portion (37) of the case and the curved connecting member (14) arranged in a U-shaped configuration lying in cooperative nesting position with the audio device (20) adjacent the base (32) of the case (30).

Abstract: A guitar cleaning kit for cleaning a guitar. The guitar cleaning kit includes a box with an open top and a spaced apart pair of divider panels forming a plurality of compartments in the box. A tray is provided in the box and rested on the divider panels. The tray has a plurality of elongate slots therethrough. A plurality of brushes are provided each having a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion of each brush has a plurality of outwardly extending bristles.

Abstract: A method and package for housing and dispensing at least one musical instrument string. The package includes a housing adapted to contain the at least one string in a generally coiled configuration. The package further includes at least one opening from which an end of the at least one string protrudes. The at least one opening is configured to retain and end of the at least one string adjacent an exterior of the housing to facilitate extraction of the string from the package. Alternate embodiments of the package include a plurality of separate compartments in a stacked or concentric configuration, each compartment having an opening to enable extraction of a string contained therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing bag (1) for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone made up of a material providing a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the instrument, and provided with a rear opening (9) allowing the hooking of the instrument, of a rear slot (13) for the hooking of the collar (5) to the saxophone, and with two entrances (10, 11), respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone.

Abstract: A guitar case has a casing frame including a plurality of inflatable bladders for defining a compartment for receiving a guitar and for resiliently supporting the guitar placed in the compartment. The bladders when inflated or expanded substantially surround and grip the guitar in the compartment. The bladders are releasably connected to one another along their peripheries, by a zipper or by VELCRO.TM. type loop and hook fasteners. The two halves of the inflatable guitar case may be completely separable. In that case, at least one of the bladders is provided with a shelf for supporting the guitar and with a stand element for supporting the bladder and the guitar in an upright orientation. The guitar case may be a stand-alone case and in that event is provided with a handle or hand grip for facilitating manual transport of the case and the guitar therein. Alternatively, the above-described guitar case may function as a liner to be inserted in a conventional guitar case with rigid or semirigid panels.

Abstract: A method for preparing a foam-layered packaging material, which method includes the steps of providing an outer shell having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls defining an interior space and having an open top; pouring onto the bottom wall of the outer shell a predetermined quantity of a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming reactants; covering the open top of the outer shell with an inner protecting and cushioning layer so as to define a confined space within outer shell; and allowing the mixture of polyurethane foam-forming reactants to foam and completely fill the confined space with polyurethane foam while at the same time forming a direct bond between the foam and the inner cushioning layer over substantially the entire surface of the inner cushioning layer facing the confined space; wherein the predetermined quantity of the polyurethane foam-forming reactants is an amount effective to substantially completely fill the confined space with polyurethane foam and bond the foam with substantially

Abstract: A musical sound equipment case used for rack-mounting sound equipment has a molded body with top and bottom surfaces raised above the valences. During impact to the top or bottom surface, the entire surface acts as a bumper or shock absorber to spread the load of the impact across the surface, as opposed to in the direction of the impact itself. Thus, the valences are less likely to experience the force of such an impact, and therefore less likely to incur damage.

Abstract: An instrument case and alarm is disclosed that provides a reliable alarm system that selectively uses audio, visual and radio alerts to attract attention to the case and instrument. In one preferred embodiment, the alarm emits a separate and distinct audible alarm if the instrument is removed from the case. The case comprises housing that protectively encloses the instrument. A door hinged mounts the housing to provide access therein. Several feet project from the housing to support the case. The alarm mounts inside the housing. A primary set switch penetrates the instrument case housing and the alarm frame. This primary switch is preferably key-operated. The switch sets the alarm. Preferably, my alarm has a selective down time. The alarm uses several triggers to sense detonation stimuli. The case trigger comprises two separately actuable sensor arrays. Preferably, at least one sensor on each array penetrates a case foot. Another trigger detects motions of the case. Another trigger detects case openings.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stringed musical instrument is formed by a single fabric panel that has a peripheral edge passage for a pull cord. The cord is equipped with an adjustable clamp that can be tightened on the cord to hold the cord in a tensioned condition for stretching the fabric panel around the sound box of a musical instrument. The cover material is a stretchable elastic material that conforms to corners and irregular surface contours on the sound, so that the cover achieves a form fit on the instrument.

Abstract: A personal carrying case used for keeping, for example, musical instruments, still and movie cameras, notebook computers or important documents is disclosed. The case has a layer bag consisting of inner and outer layers. The above layer bag is formed by precisely cutting a layer material into the inner and outer layers in order to substantially meet objective configuration and size of the case and by joining the inner and outer layers together on their cutting edges. A shock absorbing frame, which has the same configuration and size as those of the case, is cast with the layer bag inside the layer bag as a single structure. The above shock absorbing frame is formed by installing the layer bag in a mold having a cavity of the same configuration and size as those of the case and by injecting a pressurized foam material into the layer bag.

Abstract: A metal musical string having a plastic or polymer material covering an end of the string opposite to a ball end of the string is contained in a flexible enclosure or pouch. In a coiled configuration, the ends of the string are twisted around convolutions of the coil to maintain the coil configuration. Different colors of polymer material cover ends of respective different music strings to identify the strings contained in the single pouch. The polymer material is either thin to allow insertion through holes or slots of musical instruments or removable. The flexible enclosure is a sealed gas impervious pouch filled with a non-corrosive gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, etc.

Abstract: A dual utility carrying case for the storage and transportation of objects including firearms which includes a rigid outer case and a lightweight, independently usable inner case which fits snugly in the outer case. The outer case opens at one end to permit removal of the inner lightweight case.

Abstract: A musical instrument case containing one or more amplifiers and a plurality of speakers is described. The consolidated case comprises a substantially rectangular base portion having a recess configured to receive and retain a musical instrument therewithin. Pivotally attached to the base portion are first and second triangular cover members that are coactively adapted to fold over and completely cover or enclose the base portion leaving no exposed gaps.

Abstract: A drumstick station for holding drumsticks to be readily accessible to a drummer during a performance. The drumstick station has a stick holder which is adjustably mounted to a plurality of telescoping rods which may be mounted on a tripod base or on a drum itself. The telescoping rods allow a vertical adjustment in the height of the stick holder. The adjustable mounting of the stick holder to the telescoping rods allows the stick holder to be adjusted in two planes in addition to the vertical adjustment allowed by the telescoping rods. A variety of configurations within the stick holder allow a wide choice for a drummer in determining how the sticks are held within the drumstick station.

Abstract: An instrument carrying case comprising a lid for opening the case to an instrument receiving chamber within. The improvement is characterized in that a second case is provided secured to the first and having a chamber separate from the chamber of the carrying case, and access means being provided for the chamber of the second case other than through the chamber of the carrying case.

Abstract: A device for storing and retrieving one or more drumsticks, comprising in combination: a casing open at its top and defining a cavity, a drumstick support movable within the cavity in opposition to a first spring into locking engagement with a second spring, and trigger means for releasing the second spring; said device being characterized in that releasing the second spring causes said drumstick support means to move upwardly ejecting said drumsticks.

Abstract: A footstool for use by a guitar player. The footstool includes a foot support member, a first leg structure that is attached to the foot support member and delineates a compartment beneath the foot support member. The foot support member and the first leg support member are designed having a composite shape, such that when the footstool is inverted, the footstool conforms to, and facilitates being enclosed within a neck-end of a guitar carrying case. The footstool also includes a second leg structure designed for attachment within the compartment and is intended for use as an elevation adjustment mechanical arrangement for accommodating the guitar player's desired playing position. The compartment's length, depth and width are sized for receiving, and facilitating an unobstructed placement of the neck end (tuning peg end) of a guitar in the guitar carrying case.

Abstract: A case for holding, storage, protection and working of cane reeds for woodwind instruments which secures a number of reeds to protect against damage and distortion. The reed case maintains reeds in a flat condition during storage, insulates them from impact during storage, acts as a working surface in the restoration of desired reed qualities, and provides a container with a controlled environment for reed storage. The individual reeds are secured flat against interior surfaces of a central core member. The surfaces can be provided with ventilation holes for homogeneous reed drying. The reeds are protected from contact or damage by the core member. An outer cover can be added to further protect the reeds and to provide a controlled environment for storage. The holder taught in the present invention also provides a second set of flat surfaces, on the exterior of the core member opposite the reed securing surfaces, for use as working surfaces in the adjustment of reeds.

Abstract: A musical instrument case cover is disclosed, the cover being comprised of flexible fabric top and bottom panels having a surrounding side panel of the same fabric therebetween. The side panel is longitudinally bisected over a portion of its length by a slide fastener. The fabric employed in the panels is comprised of a reflective outer portion made up of an outer clear polyester coating over a reflective metallic layer of aluminum. A sheet of woven strips of polyethylene backs the metallic layer which, in turn, is backed by a layer of resilient foam. A fabric lining is the innermost layer, the top and bottom panels having a thick layer of resilient foam between this lining and the reflective outer portion. Interior slide fasteners secure openings in the fabric lining through which the thick layer of foam may be removed and replaced.

Abstract: A foldable stick bag for drumsticks, the stick bag being configured to be removably mounted to a drummer's stool and support a plurality of drumsticks in a readily accessible configuration at the sides of the drummer's stool. The stick bag is fabricated from a fabric-like material and with a seat portion that generally corresponds to the profile of the seat of the drummer's stool. A skirt depends downwardly from the periphery of the seat portion and supports a plurality of open-top pockets into which the drumsticks are inserted. Partial platforms in the pockets allow the drummer to selectively elevate preselected drumsticks above the rest of the drumsticks in the pockets. A cover encloses the exposed portions of the drumsticks and can be folded behind the drumsticks when the stick bag is mounted on the drummer's stool. A handle is secured to the skirt along with a bundling strap. The bundling strap secures the stick bag as a bundle with the handle exposed to accommodate hand carrying of the stick bag.

Abstract: Containers for receiving, holding and transporting a pair of drummer's cymbals from a hi-hat stand; containers for receiving, holding and transporting large diameter circular, sectionally arcuate objects in pairs such as musical cymbals of identical diameter taken from a hi-hat stand; receiving, containing and carrying containers for two paired, opposed cymbals taken from a hi-hat cymbal stand; containers adapted to receive, hold, contain and protect a pair of opposed, equal diameter cymbals actually mounted on a hi-hat cymbal stand, the containers not only holding and carrying the cymbals therewithin, but also transportable and carryable with the hi-hat stand, per se.

Abstract: A dual carrying case for two generally trapezoidally-shaped musical instruments is disclosed. The carrying case comprises a pair of generally trapezoidally-shaped pouch members, each of which is longitudinally elongate and includes a generally transversely extending wide end, a generally transversely extending narrow end, and first and second generally longitudinally extending side edges. The pouch members are each adapted to receive and enclose a musical instrument therein, and each pouch member includes means thereon engageable with means on the other of the pouch members for releasably fastening one of the pouch members to the other of the pouch members, with the narrow end of each of the pouch members positioned parallel to, facing and adjacent to the wide end of the other of the pouch members.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting a harp whereby the harp may be rolled in a substantially upright position across a supporting surface and, alternatively, whereby a harp may be transported in a substantially flat, horizontal position. The harp carrier includes specific structure for releasably engaging and retaining the base of the harp as well as adjustable arms for engaging and retaining the top of the harp. Provision is also made for carrying accessories such as music and a bench upon which the harpist may sit.

Abstract: A knob for attachment to a removable lid of a container, the knob containing a selectively actuatable music module. The knob serves both a utilitarian function, as a means for removing a lid from a container, and an entertainment or advertising function, by playing a preprogrammed message. Either function may be utilized separately or in combination as the user selects.

Abstract: A combined carrying case and stand for belled musical instruments, primarily those of the brass and woodwind types, including a housing for protection against damage and a base which incorporates a support mechanism to safely secure the instrument exposed in an upright position and conveniently available for use. The combination includes a one-piece protective housing attachable to a base having mechanically extendable legs tangentially radiating from the base at fixed spaced pivot points. The base also includes a centerpost contoured to a particular instrument which with the legs extended assures maximum stability of the instrument when placed in a vertical position.

Abstract: A clarinet stand made of semi-flexible plastic, constructed in such a way that there are no loose parts to assemble. Said stand, because of a unique, riveted spring action of the legs, makes possible the folding and unfolding of said legs in a matter of seconds. With legs folded, the units size and shape is comparable to that of the contour of the clarinet bell interior thus creating a unit that may be packed and stored in said bell while the clarinet is in the case. With the legs unfolded, the unit becomes a lightweight, durable stand which will hold the instrument securely, in a vertical position, when not in the player's hands.

Abstract: A portable, self-enclosed reed case that maintains the environment most conducive to woodwind reed maintenance. The reed case comprises a main enclosure that is divided by an aerated partition into a reed chamber and a hygrostat chamber, a reed slide adapted to receive and releasably secure a plurality of reeds, and a hygrostat container adapted to receive a hygrostat that maintains a constant relative humidity. The reed slide and hygrostat container, when assembled into the reed chamber and hygrostat chamber, respectively, form an interaction unit that maintains the reeds in a "ready-to-play" state.

Abstract: Height adjustment structure is provided for a music stand having upper and lower telescopic sections, at least one of which is tubular. The structure includes:(a) a height limiting flexible strand extending lengthwise within said tubular section or sections,(b) the strand having an upper portion attached to an upper one of said sections, and(c) the strand having a lower portion attached to a lower one of said sections,(d) the length of the strand between said attachments when taut blocking further elevation of the upper section related to the lower section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique ventilated fabric cover reinforced at selected portions for protecting finishes of stringed instruments. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive fabric cover is composed of interlaced, natural fibers woven or knitted in a prescribed ventilated pattern, and reinforced at selective portions which are more subject to wear as the instrument is played over time. The ventilated fabric is configured to protect and surround the outer rear peripheral portion of the stringed instrument, and may be custom sized for a wide variety of guitars, violins, violas, lutes, stringed basses, cellos, or the like. The unique cover further comprises elastic banding disposed in a central portion of the fabric to effect a tensioned form fit with the outer rear peripheral portion of the instrument to be protected.

Abstract: A container for fragile articles, such as musical instruments, includes an outer cover of scuff-resistant fabric which is compartmentalized to receive cooperating and similarly sized and shaped, shock-absorbing, inflatable, insert having finger-like elements, pneumatically interconnected to each other thru a header and also connected with an inflatable end-cover portion the latter cooperating with an end cover portion of the outer container cover to envelope the fragile article and protect it from shock and possible destruction in transit; the inflatable insert being easily removed for repair or replacement in the event of a puncture.

Abstract: An individual case for a wind instrument reed is provided which is formed by a U shaped piece (2) with closely spaced apart arms (2a,2b) in which the width between the arms corresponds to the thickness of the reed (1), this U shaped piece (2) having a certain resilience in the direction allowing its arms (2a,2b) to move slightly apart, this U shaped piece (2) being provided with two facing notches (3a,3b) provided respectively in its two arms (2a,2b). Projections (4) exert a transverse nipping force on the body of the reed (1), whereas an abutment surface (5) bears on the tapering end of the reed.

Abstract: A device for carrying elongated, irregularly-shaped objects, such as musical instrument stands, has an elongated main brace with straps, or other means, at either end, for wrapping around and securing the elongated, irregularly-shaped objects to the main brace. An adjustable handle is centrally located and moveable along the main brace to balance the load. Variable extension rods may be provided on either end of the main brace to extend its length and capacity as needed. The straps would be positioned at either end of the main brace, or the extension rods, and between them as needed. A flexible material may extend the length of the main brace to replace the straps, and wrap around, hold, secure, and protect the musical instrument stands.

Abstract: The invention comprises an adjustable case for stringed instruments, such as violins, violas, or guitars, which may have different body sizes within any given type. The case has a transverse interior fixed wall, preferably contoured for the button or lower end of the instrument body. This wall can be adjusted longitudinally to form a snug fit for any instrument having a body size within the adjustment range. The moveable wall has a cut-out area to act as a bearing surface for the neck of the instrument and tie-down straps to further eliminate movement during transit. A resilient pad, generally located on the floor of the case, is associated with each end wall structure. These support the sturdier end areas of the back of the body so that the more fragile central portion of the back is held above the bottom panel of the case. Thus, an impact to the outside of the case is not transmitted directly to the instrument.

Abstract: A guitar case and holder combination is provided which can be fixed by an auxilliary support member into a partially opened position enough to allow the case to stand upright and act as a holder for the guitar by means of a slanted and indented surface provided on one of the sides thereof.