Abstract: An improved floor protector for cello, bass, and bass drum endpins including raised supports on the upper surface to support the endpin effectively at multiple points. Moreover, the floor protector has a curved dome-like top which enables the endpin to engage the floor protector at a variety of angles. Further, the bottom of the floor protector is shaped so that the floor protector may grip a variety of surfaces. Another aspect of the improved floor protector is the use of a self-healing and non-marring material, such as a thermoplastic polymer. The material reduces dulling of the endpin due to contact with the floor protector. Further, the material increases the longevity of the floor protector due to its ability to be punctured without tearing.

Abstract: A device holder which includes a substantially L-shaped holder base having a horizontal mounting portion adapted for fastening to the counterhoop of a drum and a vertical holder portion with a cup-like head, a grooved cone supported on a spring in the cup-like head and secured to the cup-like head by an eye-end screw and a wing nut to hold a link and a device on the link, and a curved clamping plate turned about a pivot on the vertical holder portion of the holder base and adjustably fixed to the holder base by a screw bolt and a wing nut to secure the horizontal mounting portion of the holder base to the counterhoop of the drum.

Abstract: A multiple harmonica holder for supporting a plurality of harmonicas from the neck and shoulders of a musician. The multiple harmonica holder includes a harmonica holder device and a support for positioning the harmonicas such that they are accessible for playing at any given time without the use of the musician's hands.

Abstract: A three-point harness strap for suspending a musical instrument which has a main body and an extension, with a first connector for attaching the strap to the main body of the instrument, a second connector for attaching the strap to the extension of the instrument from its main body, and a third connector between the first and second connectors and for attachment to the instrument between its main body and extension for limiting the extent to which the strap can be displaced from the body of the instrument.

Abstract: A spinning drum carrier having a carrier frame including a curved abdomen support plate attached to a vertical support member which is curved inwardly slightly at the bottom end toward the wearer. The top of the vertical support member is angled inwardly at the top end toward the wearer and removably and adjustably attached to a pair of shoulder strap support members fitting over the shoulders of the user to support the frame and drum. The drum is removably and adjustably attached to an "I-shaped" drum support frame including a longitudinal main member having a straight center section and angled end portions for extending outwardly away from the user to facilitate the curvature of the drum. A pair of spaced apart drum holding members are mounted normal to the distal ends of the main member. Adjustable drum attachment means, such as rotating swivel hooks extend from the distal ends of the drum holding members to the drum rims.

Abstract: A ring adapter assembly is releasably attachable to a thumbrest of a woodwind musical instrument, such as an oboe, clarinet, English horn or straight saxophone, to provide an attachment ring in those instances when the thumbrest of the instrument does not include a permanent attachment ring. The ring adapter assembly allows a support device to be attached to the musical instrument to relieve the weight on the thumb and hand of a musician playing the instrument. One embodiment of the ring adapter assembly is used with fixed position thumbrests and is adapted to be seated on a top surface of the thumbrest so that an attachment ring within the assembly faces away from the musical instrument. A top portion of the assembly may be moved up and down by an adjustment screw and includes a spring wire which extends around the thumbrest to connect the assembly to the thumbrest.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a bracket for mounting drums of the snare and tom-tom type comprising a bracket for mounting drums of the tom-tom type consisting of a steel plate having a lip and adjustable hooks secured by screws that grasp the top and bottom of the pre-existing rim of the drum. Attached to the bottom of the bracket is a screw surrounded by shock absorbing material terminated with a rubber bumper to provide additional support of the bracket to the drum. A drum mounting attachment is attached to the bracket and not to the body of the drum. The bracket can be mounted to drums of different diameters with no modification to the bracket.

Abstract: A shoulder strap for musical instruments, in particular guitars, which includes a first and second portion. The first portion is arcuate from its end to the beginning of the second portion. Each end of the support is adapted to attach to a musical instrument by means of a pivot member and a connecting element.

Abstract: A harness that positions and stablizes a guitar or like instrument on a wearer. The harness utilizes three length-adjustable segments connected together at one end of each of the segments. The connection of the three segments is located behind the back of the wearer and the opposite end of each segment is structured for attachment to the anchor points on the guitar or like instrument. One segment goes up over the right shoulder and down across the torso and attaches to one of the instrument anchor points. A second segment wraps under the left arm and attaches to the same instrument anchor point. A third segment wraps under the right arm, diagonally downward and attaches to the second instrument anchor point. The length of each segment is adjusted to vary the position and stability of the instrument.

Abstract: A free standing harmonica holder designed to fit onto a microphone stand thus leaving the musicians hands free to play other instruments. Consisting of a means to attach the unit to a microphone stand by the use of common microphone threads 94. A way to hold a standard microphone 12 by employing a U-bolt 96 and U-bolt nuts 63. A way to hold one or more harmonicas by means of harp holding plates 40 and compression springs 46. A means to quickly change from one harmonica to another by utilizing a pivot point 100 at the back end of the tapered sound chamber 20.

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 suspension strap for placing over the shoulder down and across the back of a person, to suspend a musical instrument of the guitar family in front of said person, said strap comprising relatively flat, flexible, non-elastic material of sufficient tensile strength to suspend a musical instrument of the aforementioned type, said strap further comprising lateral curvature of intersecting radius' intermediate the ends and means whereby each end adjusts independently, said strap further comprising means whereby straps of the same make and color are easily distinguishably different.

Abstract: A chin rest assembly includes a mounting block assembly and a chin rest. The mounting block assembly is constructed to be mounted to the back end of a musical instrument and is constructed for releasably securing the chin rest to the musical instrument. The chin rest includes a mounting portion, a chin rest portion, and an extending portion, wherein the extending portion is positioned generally intermediate the mounting portion and the chin rest portion. When coupled to the musical instrument, the chin rest portion of the chin rest is positioned remote from the back end of the musical instrument so that the musical instrument is not positioned intermediate the chin and shoulder of the user.

Abstract: A carrier worn by a person to support a percussion instrument includes an abdominal plate having a load transferring surface swept with a curvature to extend along a part of the waist-line of such a person. A unitary frame is formed with a front portion continued by an elevating side portion to an upstanding rear portion. The front portion is rigidly joined to the abdominal plate and a back pressure plate is pivotally supported by a clevis assembly on the upstanding rear portion for imparting to the thoracic back region of the person some of the weight of a percussion instrument. Some of the forces are also imparted to the shoulders of a person by shoulder bars pivotally connected by clevis assemblies to the back pressure plate.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for a guitar strap characterized by a noteworthy decorative pattern, wherein the shoulder pad uses a see-through netting cover for the strap slidably disposed beneath same such that the strap decorative pattern always is in visual display.

Abstract: The "L" Guitar Support is a very effective, simple apparatus for supporting a guitar from beneath; when in use it attaches to the guitar with suction cups and rests on the guitarist's left leg. When not in use it can be flattened against the side of the guitar to a 1/4" thickness which makes it more possible to be able to remain on the guitar even when the guitar is in the case. Due to its design simplicity this support is not vertically rigid and the natural movement of the body can be maintained by the musician.

Abstract: A non-slip drumstick which uses a flexible, synthetic, finger-band to hold the index finger of a drummer in a fixed position. The invention comprises a cavity formed in the drumstick, a base assembly consisting of a top insert and a bottom insert and a finger-holding, flat surfaced "O" ring assembled in a slot in the top insert. The top and bottom inserts grip a pair of horizontal ribs formed in the cavity and lock together with latches formed in the top and bottom inserts. The drummer can use either an over or under hand grip. The flexible band can conform to the shape, angle, and movement of the index finger.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-compartmented belt-type carrier for a portable stereo unit having separate speakers. Each compartment is designed to receive a speaker and has a front face that includes at least one foraminous area that functions to allow a virtually non-obstructed transmission of sound from a housed speaker to the ambient environment. The carrier includes a movable cover member that is adapted to overlie the compartments. In addition, a flexible base is used to support the compartments, thereby allowing relative movement between the compartments and enhancing the fit of the device to the wearer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved design associated with the fabrication and construction of a musical instrument harness capable of supporting a guitar, banjo, and/or other like musical instrument. In accordance with the invention, the harness attaches itself at three separate and distinct locations to the musical instrument in question such that the weight of the musical instrument is apportioned and otherwise distributed to different portions of a musicians body so as to prevent, minimize and/or otherwise overcome fatigue.

Abstract: A weight support harness, including separate portions disposed over each of the shoulders and beneath the arms of a musician, terminates in a pair of hooks at the front of the musician for supporting a saxophone or similar instrument. The harness is adjustable to comfortably accommodate right or left handed, as well as male or female, musicians. Either of the pair of hooks is capable of supporting the instrument weight to permit transferring the instrument from the front position to a side position during breaks or between musical sessions. A separate adjustable strap is connected to each of the harness portions and extends across the back shoulders of the musician to distribute some of the instrument support to the musician's back. In one embodiment, supplemental straps are employed to reduce strap contact with a female musician's breasts.

Abstract: The holster stores a number of drumsticks--or mallets or other rigid beaters of percussion instruments--for instant and speedy withdrawal by a percussion player during performance if a drumstick needs to be suddenly replaced or added. The holster is a trapezoidal plate, typically of leather, provided with two rows of elastic loops, each row having the same number of identical loops. One row is formed along the long parallel side with wide loop spacing, and the other row along the short parallel side with close loop spacing. Each stored drumstick is inserted through two corresponding opposed loops, one in each row, with the striking end of the drumstick near a close spaced loop. The differential loop spacing between the rows causes the stored drumsticks to radiate out holding end first, and also deforms all loops to grip the drumsticks. The radiating out also causes the drumstick holding ends to be well spread apart for convenient withdrawal of a given drumstick without disturbing its neighbors.

Abstract: A device for removeably supporting a stringed instrument in playing position, of the type comprising a large sound box with strings mounted thereover that extend along a narrow neck, comprising a wide, waist-encircling belt defined by spaced-apart upper and lower edges, terminated by spaced-apart ends and including inter-connecting Velcro pads for attaching the belt about one's waist in overlap fashion, a first short length of flexible strap attached to one end to the belt, a second short length of flexible strap attached at one end to the instrument, spaced-apart from the neck, inter-connectable buckle halves for temporarily inter-connecting the first and the second straps to provide support for a portion of the weight of the instrument while providing room to lift the instrument away from the belt, and a shaped bracket including a shank portion including screws for mounting on the back surface of the sound box spaced-apart from the point of attachment of the second strap, a wide, downwardly angling hook por

Abstract: A frame structure for carrying a drum or other object in front of a person has a front support member engaging two substantially parallel side support members extending generally horizontally along the waist of a person, and is supported by the hips of a person. A back member, attached to the side support members, engages the back thoracic region of a wearer and provides a counteracting force to keep a drum or other carried article in a desired position. The back member includes a pair of telescoping lengthwise adjustable back support members terminating in a hinge point at a back plate. The back plate is provided with arcuate slots through which attaching bolts engage a flanged member of each of the back support members. This arrangement allows the angle between the two back support members to be adjusted in order to adjust the distance between the side members along the back of the person.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a musical instrument to a waist belt that is attached relative to a performer's waist. The apparatus includes a first anchor for being attached to the waist belt; a second anchor for being attached to the musical instrument; and securing structure for removably securing the first anchor to the second anchor.

Abstract: A guitar support apparatus which supports a guitar in the playing position while the guitarist is in the sitting position, consisting of a leg support strap supporting three legs hinged together and having guitar support means opposite the strap.

Abstract: A guitar or like instrument harness that supports the weight of an instrument evenly about the shoulders and back of the wearer, while stabilizing the instrument in any position desired by the wearer. The harness utilizes a single strap segment, with structures for attachment to anchor points on the instrument. The strap passes over both shoulders, crossing in the back. The instrument is supported from the loops on either side of the wearer, which are created by the generally "figure 8" type pattern of the strap. One attachment structure is free to slide along the strap, allowing it to maintain a balanced position as the strap shifts to maintain weight distribution along its length.

Abstract: A guitar strap comprises a narrow band of flexible material having a top side and bottom side, with the bottom side having an anchor member located thereon. In addition, cushion means are provided having a coupling member connected thereto for detachably affixing the cushion means to the anchor member on the bottom side of the band. This permits the cushion member to be readily detachable from the band and makes the cushion member capable of being affixed onto the anchor member at differing desired positions laterally along the bottom side of the band. In addition, there is provided an end belt having a belt coupling member connected to one side thereof, the band further having an end portion defining a tunnel for slidably receiving the end belt and an anchor member located on an outer surface of the end portion for detachably affixing the end belt to the end anchor member after sliding the end belt through the tunnel.

Abstract: A strap connector for the body of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, comprising two overlaid members, with the bottom member being more elongated than the top member to define a protective piece over the instrument body. A strap engagement ring is carried by the top member. That ring overlies the protective piece, whereby that piece protects the instrument body against contact with the ring. The strap connector is held to the body of the instrument by a projection from the instrument extending through a slit in the strap connector.

Abstract: A device worn on a musician's wrist used in combination with a fastening means on the lower end of a clarinet for supporting the weight of the clarinet and thus relieving the strain on the musician's thumb and hand muscles. The device is to be worn about the wrist and thumb and attached to an instrument comprising an elongate flexible means having an attachment means at one end and a wrist band at the opposite end. There is a means to secure the flexible means to a lower end of the instrument. The device includes a wrist band that is circumferentially disposed about a wrist joint over the area of the wrist's transverse carpal bones and ligaments. The wrist band has an attached strap which extends over the webbed portion of the space between the thumb and the index finger which courses downward upon leaving the webbed area, finally attaching to a clarinet lift point on the bell end of the clarinet.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a novel strap assembly for supporting a musical instrument, such as a saxophone by distributing the weight of the instrument across the back and shoulders of the user symmetrically.The strap assembly is comprised of a pair of shoulder straps being attached across the back of the user by two elongate projections and joined around the front of the user by two additional elongate projections. The pair of shoulder straps extend over the shoulders toward the front of the user, and are provided with a method for adjustable support of the instrument.

Abstract: A carrying holder of a musical instrument comprising a "T" bar, a pair of shoulder bars, a belly plate and fastening means. The pair of shoulder bars are fastened to a lateral plate of the "T" bar by bolts. Note that the fastening portions of the lateral plate are formed by two longitudinally aligned seats installed on two sides of the lateral plate. Each of the grooves has an appropriate number of semi-circular holes set separately so that bolts can be bolted through the semi-circular holes. On the corresponding positions of the shoulder bars, a hole and an arc-like slots are installed which make the shoulder bar is angularly adjustable about a bolt.

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: An apparatus for removably yet stably retaining and attractively suspending an article used for playing a musical instrument is disclosed. The apparatus, which can double as a jewelry system, includes a spring-loaded clip having two opposing arms, one of which includes a stabilizing projection. The clip removably retains a pick and a pick sleeve encasing the pick. Both the pick and pick sleeve have slots through their planar surfaces which receive the stabilizing projection of the clip arm when the encased pick is retained by the clip. The apparatus also includes a flexible loop element connected to the clip which loops upon itself and allow the clip and encased pick to be suspended from any structure encircled by the looped element.

Abstract: A magnetic pick-up is positioned below the strings of a stringed musical instrument having four strings. The pick-up comprises a long and narrow pick-up coil comprising wraps of insulated wire about a magnetic core. A pole piece is physically and magnetically connected to one end of the magnetic core. The pole piece includes a wide first portion which presents pole regions laterally inwardly adjacent the two outside strings of the instrument. It includes a narrower second portion which projects upwardly from the first portion and presents pole regions laterally inwardly adjacent the two inside strings. The coil and the pole piece produce a magnetic field which is elongated laterally of the instrument, generally parallel to the direction of greatest string displacement when the strings are stroked, finger or pick. The strings are located in the magnetic field.

Abstract: A strap mounting assembly mounts to the rear face of a guitar body having an electrical pickup therein at a balance point permitting rotation of the guitar body about a horizontal axis at that balance point. The assembly includes a flat face plate having a tapped hole therein, a ring connector concentrically mounted about the tapped hole and insulated from the metal base plate. The flat base plate is screwed to the rear face of the guitar body with the ring connector facing outwardly. An elongated electrically insulated material molded arm has outboard and inboard ends, each including a hole therein along a longitudinal center line at right angles to the center line. A retainer button projects through one end of the strap, and is rotatably mounted within the first hole via a metal sleeve and is threaded into the base plate tapped hole.

Abstract: A supporting device for stringed musical instruments, for example, guitars, banjos, mandolins and the like, is disclosed. The supporting device is constructed and arranged for supporting the musical instrument on the player to permit total freedom of the player's hands to play the instrument in a completely new way, thus allowing the player to create new techniques and sounds previously unknown to any player. The device, when in its operational position, has a plate which rests upon the player's leg leaving both hands free to explore the musical instrument as never before. Because the musical instrument is arranged perpendicular to the player's body, the player has maximum visibility of the instrument's entire playing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying an object, such as a percussion instrument, a backpack or a tray, includes a belly plate with a carrier extending outwardly therefrom to support the object in a generally overhanging position from a person. A rigid band extends along one or both sides of the person at the waistline area from the belly plate to the back of the person. A back-plate riser arm extends upwardly generally parallel to the spine of a person to apply a reactive force to the load at the thoracic region generally below the scapula region or at the sternum region. A pad assembly is adjustably positioned on the riser arms to engage the person's back or chest. A releasable latch interconnects the rigid band and the belly plate. A carrier bracket is releasably supported by the belly plate by engaging latch pins in notches located at opposite sides of a lock plate.

Abstract: One strap supports a fraction of the banjo weight from the banjo player's waist or hips. This strap is attached to the banjo at the two sides of the banjo resonator and passes around the player's torso. Two other straps support the remainder of the banjo weight from the player's shoulders. The weight carried by the shoulders is distributed in approximately equal fractions between the two shoulders. The shoulder straps are coupled in common to the top of the banjo resonator, pass respectively over the player's two shoulders and behind the player's back, and are there connected together. Two additional features are provided to permit the player to adjust the distribution of weight as between the player's torso and shoulders: (1) the torso strap and the shoulder straps are interconnected behind the player's back, and (2) the connection between the shoulder straps and the top of the resonator is through an adjustable linkage. The player controls the weight distribution by adjusting the linkage.

Abstract: A support mounting for support of a percussion instrument such as a drum or the like with respect to a carrier frame wherein the mounting structure includes inner and outer clamp elements which are engageable with a side wall portion of the instrument and an elongated, selectively releasable fastener secures the clamp elements with respect to the carrier frame. A rotary constraint precludes rotation of the instrument with respect to the support mounting and either the elongated fastener or the rotary constraint is effective to maintain the inner and outer clamp elements in clamping engagement with an instrument side wall portion therebetween.

Abstract: A guitar strap hook particularly adapted for attachment of straps to wooden guitars. The hook mounts on the side of the guitar against the heel portion of the neck. A screw is angled through the base of the hook and the side of the guitar and then into the foot portion of the neck.

Abstract: A carrier for a percussion instrument includes a belly plate with an instrument carrier extending outwardly therefrom to supply an instrument in an overhanging position from a person. A rigid band extends along one or both sides of the person at the waistline area from the belly plate to the back of the person. In one embodiment, a back-plate riser arm angles upwardly to traverse the spine of a person at an angle at the thoracic region generally below the scapula region. In a second embodiment, the same area of a person's back is traversed by a back-plate riser arm extending from a back section of the rigid band. A pad assembly is adjustably positioned on the riser arms to engage the person's back.

Abstract: A keyboard carrier having a brace and plate assembly attachable over the shoulders and along the belt line of a wearer, which comprises a u-shaped bracket extending from and connected by its legs to the brace and plate assembly, spaced apart arms each secured at its end to one leg of the bracket, a finger at an end of each arm, and a platform supported by the arms and secured to the fingers. The platform is adapted for mounting a keyboard thereon and has a plurality of friction pins extending therethrough arranged for securement to the keyboard. The platform may also have rod means adapted for pivotal securement in cooperating slots arranged in the arms.

Abstract: A musical instrument carrier comprising a support frame having shoulder pads, a front body engaging pad and a support frame securing the shoulder pads rearwardly of and above the front body engaging pad. The frame includes a pair of tubular members extending outwardly from the body engaging pad and dimensioned to receive a rod-like end portion of an instrument holder. The holder is shaped to engage an appropriate spot on the musical instrument such that the rod-like end portions register with the outwardly extending tubular members.

Abstract: A harness intended to be worn by a marching drummer, to support the drum in playing position at the front of the marcher. The harness comprises shoulder hooks supporting a center breast plate, from which a hanger structure depends. At the lower portion of the hanger structure there is an upwardly-facing hook means adapted to fit under and into a ledge on the drum wall. A spacer bar extends downward from the hook means, and has a forward-projecting abutment adapted for engagement with the side wall of the drum to maintain the latter in playing position while being supported by the hook means.

Abstract: A musical instrument support, having an improved slide for adjusting the length of the support and an improved clasp for engaging a musical instrument to be supported is disclosed. The slide is approximately circular in shape and is constructed in a manner to reduce the wearing of a cord which passes through the slide. This is accomplished by utilizing a sleeve which has a lower coefficient of friction than the material from which the slide is made. The cord forms two annular loops around the sleeve. The friction between the annular loops and the sleeve is sufficient to maintain the support at a given length. The clasp is constructed in a manner which reduces the number of moving parts needed to engage and disengage the musical instrument over the prior art thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the support of stringed musical instruments consisting of a specially designed belt, and means of attaching the belt to the instrument.

Abstract: A guitar support strap attached in swiveling relation about a rotation axis held firmly and in perpendicular relation to the guitar body wall, despite the relative thinness and weak construction material of the wall. In a preferred form, a wood screw threadably engaged to the guitar body wall serves as the rotation axis and is held against movement as might tend to allow the screw to work loose or inadvertently disengage from the wall by a steadying force applied in encircling relation about the wood screw.

Abstract: A guitar harness that stabilizes the guitar in any of a wide range of desired positions. While the player may raise the guitar neck when desired, the instrument is prevented from assuming a position with the neck lower than a preset angular position. The harness utilizes first and second strap segments, each of which has means at its respective ends for attachment to first and second anchor points on the instrument. The first strap segment passes from the first anchor point diagonally upwardly across the back of the player and over the player's shoulder to the second anchor point in the manner of a conventional guitar strap. The second strap segment extends from the first anchor point, across the player's stomach (between the stomach and the guitar body), around the player's back, and then across the player's chest to the second anchor point.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument such as an electric guitar or an electric bass guitar is balanced to render the instant comfortable to play, supported by a support plate at its center of gravity. The tuning machines are on the body for the purpose of balance. The neck should be of proper weight and rigidity to sustain greater tone and brilliance.