Supports Patents (Class 84/280)
  • Patent number: 11501744
    Abstract: A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument with a support element extending in a longitudinal direction for resting on the shoulder and/or chest of the player is intended to enable a particularly high tonal quality of the ensemble of instrument and shoulder rest. For this purpose, the support element is provided according to the invention with a number of opening slots extending in the longitudinal direction and completely penetrating the support element in its thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Gustav Pirazzi & Comp. GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Berent Korfker
  • Patent number: 11475786
    Abstract: A removable device for positioning a user's forearm and hand in relation to a guitar is provided. The removable device comprises: (i) a first strap overlying a first portion of the guitar and having attached thereto a first pad and a second pad; (ii) a second strap overlying a second portion of the guitar and joined to the first strap via a first connector, wherein the first connector is coupled to the guitar at a first point; and (iii) an adjustment mechanism overlying a third portion of the guitar and joined to the first strap, the second strap, the first connector, and a second connector, wherein the second connector is coupled to the guitar at a second point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: STRUM PERFECT LLC
    Inventor: James Lenger
  • Patent number: 11257469
    Abstract: Improved endpin block apparatus for stringed instruments are provided. The endpin block apparatus comprises an endpin support for securing and connecting an endpin to a stringed instrument. The endpin block apparatus may be fixedly attached to the instrument or may be able to rotate about an attachment location, allowing for adjustment of the angle of the instrument relative to the axis defined by the endpin and the musician. The endpin block apparatus provides one or more endpin insertion locations, allowing for one or more angles of the endpin relative to the axis of the instrument, which angle may be adjustable, and may allow for more of the instrument's weight to be borne by the endpin. The adjustable endpin angle and the adjustable endpin block apparatus rotation allow for a greater range of instrument location and angle, and more support of the instrument by the endpin, removing weight from the musician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Emmanuel Simon Feldman
  • Patent number: 11217212
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide and automatic endpin extension system to be used with an upright instrument, the system including a housing portion configured to be passed through a bottom aperture of an upright instrument, a coupling portion configured to be connected to the housing portion and to be coupled to the upright instrument proximate the bottom aperture, a telescoping endpin portion configured to be selectively moved up and down to extend out from, and withdraw into, the housing portion, a motor portion connected to the housing portion and configured to selectively drive the telescoping endpin portion up and down, and a controller portion configured to control the motor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Charles W. Pollard
  • Patent number: 10561519
    Abstract: A wearable computing device includes a first side portion and a second side portion that partially extend across a shoulder and rest on a front of a user. The device also includes a neck portion connected to the first side portion and the second side portion. The neck portion includes an outer edge and an inner edge. The neck portion is curved from the first side portion to the second side portion to extend around a portion of a circumference of the neck of the user. The neck portion is also curved from the outer edge to the inner edge to follow a curvature of a spine of the user. The wearable computing device also includes an input device and a mobile processor designed to determine output data based on input data. The wearable computing device also includes an output device designed to output the output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Tiffany Chen
  • Patent number: 10089970
    Abstract: An ergonomic harness system for hands-free support of violins and violas that incorporates two partly overlapping concave/convex shaped plates with attached rib tabs on each end that secure the plates to the instrument in a cross-pattern at the C-bouts and bottom edge of the instrument body. Mechanisms for expanding and contracting the plates allows the harness to accommodate instrument size variations and provides an adjustable binding force. A telescoping chest pad is secured to one end of the concave plate for supporting the instrument using the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Silverman Musical Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Tracy Silverman
  • Patent number: 10013956
    Abstract: An endpin holder includes a receiving member that has a butting stage against which a tip portion of an endpin with by a cello is butted, and a supporting member that supports the receiving member. The receiving member is rotatably supported by the supporting member. The receiving member is rotatably supported by the supporting member through a bearing. When the cello including the endpin is played, the sound and the acoustic quality can be caused to approach those of the natural resonance of the stringed instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Masami Aimi
  • Patent number: 9830893
    Abstract: An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola includes a shoulder-engaging body having first and second foldable forks at first and second ends of the body for attaching to the violin or viola, first and second slidable end members for supporting the first and second forks, the first and second slidable end members being slidable between retracted and extended position. In the extended position, the end member is cantilevered beyond its respective slot. The shoulder rest may have a foam cushion with openings attached to the shoulder-engaging side of the shoulder rest. The end members may define rotational housings for receiving respective rotatable drums that receive threaded stems of the forks, thereby enabling the height of the forks to be adjusted and further enabling the forks to fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: The Kun Shoulder Rest Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Balatti, Marina Kun
  • Patent number: 9601093
    Abstract: An endpin support 1 as an example of a musical instrument support to which the present invention is applied includes a lower plate member 2, an upper plate member 3, middle plate members 4, and a load receiving member 5. The lower plate member 2 is a portion that vibrates by resonating with sounds of a musical instrument and spreads vibrancy of the sounds. The lower plate member 2 and the upper plate member 3 are joined at a position at which their one end sides are aligned by two middle plate members 4 to form a main body portion 6 that receives a load when supporting an endpin. The two middle plate members 4 are provided at positions of both ends of the lower plate member 2, and a space is formed between the lower plate member 2 and the upper plate member 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Heiichiro Ohyama
  • Patent number: 9564112
    Abstract: An instrument cushion and support device includes a main body having a curved top surface, a curved bottom surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The main body includes a rigid central core and soft padding located between the curved top and bottom surfaces. A slip guard extends upward from the curved top surface of the main body at a location adjacent to the distal end, and a neck support extends upward from the top surface of the main body at a location adjacent to the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Lee W Corbitt
  • Patent number: 9349357
    Abstract: A violin knee-rest comprising a support with a connecting member attached. A rigid having an elongated opening member is attached to the connecting member. A sliding member is attached to a screw with a U shaped head and a screw thread. The sliding member is configured to slide across the rigid member through the first elongated opening. The sliding member having an elongated opening is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member by a first wing nut and a first washer arrangement. The violin receiving member has a first end which is threaded. The violin receiving member has a second end which is concave shaped to hold a base of the violin. The receiving member is configured to slide across the second elongated opening of the sliding member. The violin receiving member is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SSI TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Shivram S. Iyer
  • Patent number: 9336757
    Abstract: A shoulder rest structure for a violin and a viola is disclosed. The shoulder rest structure comprises a first body and a second body. The first body has a positioning piece in which the positioning piece has a first connecting part and a first counterpart connected to two ends thereof. The first connecting part connects at least one first adjustment piece; the first counterpart connects at least one second adjustment piece. The second body has a first side and a second side; the first side of the second body attaches to the first body correspondingly. By means of the ergonomic design of the present invention, the violin/viola practice is made more comfortable and the length of the shoulder rest can be adjusted by the user according to requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Kuan-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9311903
    Abstract: An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola includes a shoulder-engaging body having first and second foldable forks at first and second ends of the body for attaching to the violin or viola, first and second slidable end members for supporting the first and second forks, the first and second slidable end members being slidable between retracted and extended position, wherein the first and second slidable end members each comprises a pull-tab adjustment mechanism for relocating a protrusion shaped to engage one of a first plurality of apertures disposed in a slot. The shoulder rest may have a foam cushion with openings attached to the shoulder-engaging side of the shoulder rest. The end members may define rotational housings for receiving respective rotatable drums that receive threaded stems of the forks, thereby enabling the height of the forks to be adjusted and further enabling the forks to fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: THE KUN SHOULDER REST INC.
    Inventors: Aldo Balatti, Marina Kun
  • Patent number: 9153214
    Abstract: A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument includes a resting element configured to rest on a shoulder or chest of a player. The resting element has a base which is made of compressed wood. The base of the resting element is formed by a workpiece cut from a block of compressed wood having a cross direction which is substantially normal to a fiber orientation of the block of compressed wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GUSTAV PIRAZZI & COMP. KG
    Inventor: Berent Korfker
  • Patent number: 9117424
    Abstract: A multilayer article is configured to provide cushioning for a musical instrument. The multilayer article has an attachment layer configured to be detachably coupled to the musical instrument. An upper raised section layer is attached to the attachment layer and configured to be concave downward. A lower raised section layer attached to the attachment layer and configured to be concave upward. A center raised section layer attached to the attachment layer between the upper raised section layer and the lower raised section layer. The upper raised section layer, the lower raised section layer and the center raised section layer are arranged to ergonomically accommodate a clavicle of a human user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Albert Ivan Stern
  • Patent number: 9111513
    Abstract: A luthiery fixture or tool provides for a guitar or other stringed instrument to be rotationally supported and securely held above a surface, such as a work bench. The fixture is especially configured to support instruments having differing body dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventors: Donald Gregory Piper, John Leslie Partridge
  • Patent number: 8969690
    Abstract: A violin knee-rest comprising a support with a connecting member attached. A rigid having an elongated opening member is attached to the connecting member. A sliding member is attached to a screw with a U shaped head and a screw thread. The sliding member is configured to slide across the rigid member through the first elongated opening. The sliding member having an elongated opening is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member by a first wing nut and a first washer arrangement. The violin receiving member has a first end which is threaded. The violin receiving member has a second end which is concave shaped to hold a base of the violin. The receiving member is configured to slide across the second elongated opening of the sliding member. The violin receiving member is configured to be fastened at a desired location on the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: SSI Technologies
    Inventor: Shivram S. Iyer
  • Patent number: 8957290
    Abstract: A shoulder support for a musical instrument is provided, including a holding device, an arm, and a shoulder abutment element. The arm is held on the holding device by a first joint device and/or the shoulder abutment element is held on the arm by a second joint device. The first joint device is associated with a first fixing device, by which a relative position between the arm and the holding device can be fixed. The second joint device is associated with a second fixing device, by which a relative position between the shoulder abutment element and the arm can be fixed. A part of the first joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the arm on the holding device and/or a part of the second joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the shoulder abutment element on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wittner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Vochezer
  • Patent number: 8940984
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical musical instrument capable of generating a whole or partial instrument resonant frequency, said instrument comprising a body (1) having a first end (2) and a second end (3), a soundboard (4) positioned between said first and second ends adapted to generate a live frequency response and a contact microphone or sensor (5) adapted to receive said resonant frequency wherein said body includes a rigid member (6) positioned between said first and second ends of said body, said rigid member being adapted to apply tension or compression between said first and second ends of said body and simultaneously contact said soundboard between said first and second body ends such that said application of tension or compression adjusts or modifies said resonant frequency of said instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hotspur Management Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Paul Llewellyn Davies
  • Patent number: 8889974
    Abstract: Instrument chin support, and method providing a means for adjusting placement along any and all 3-dimensional axes (x, y, z). An assembled chin support can include a chin-plate shaped to provide the player with comfort; a ball joint and clamp that allow the adjustment of any or all angles in the x, y and z axes (i.e. rotation, yaw, pitch, tilt, and roll); an eccentric post that mates with a base-clamp so as to provide the player with a means to customize the height and lateral position (i.e. y and z axes) of the chin-plate; and a bracket commonly known in the art to affix the chin support to the instrument. Advantages include providing players with a chin support that players can customize to their individual body. By doing so this chin support can help alleviate most of the adverse health concerns many players struggle with while playing their instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Kreddle Rest LLC
    Inventor: Jordan Hayes
  • Publication number: 20140290460
    Abstract: A shoulder support for a musical instrument is proposed, which includes a holding device, by means of which the shoulder support is fixable or fixed to the musical instrument, at least one arm, which is fixable or fixed to the holding device, and a shoulder abutment element, which is fixable or fixed on the at least one arm and has a pad and a pad holder, the pad holder being movably held on an arm connecting part of the shoulder abutment element by means of a pad holder joint device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Georg Vochezer
  • Publication number: 20140260888
    Abstract: A wrist alignment device for attachment to a stringed musical instrument, the instrument comprising a neck portion comprising a fingerboard on one side of the neck portion and a nose portion contiguous with the neck portion, the device comprising a three-dimensional oblong body comprising a flat planar end and curved sides, the body removably attachable to a side of the neck portion that is opposite the side comprising the fingerboard and at an area where the neck and the nose portion meet, the device sized to come into contact with a ball portion of the hand of a player of the instrument, placing the wrist in a perpendicular position relative to the neck without inhibiting rotation of the wrist as is necessary for proper placement of the fingers on the finger board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: MICHELLE DARLENE LINQUIST
  • Patent number: 8829317
    Abstract: A wrist alignment device for attachment to a stringed musical instrument, the instrument comprising a neck portion comprising a fingerboard on one side of the neck portion and a nose portion contiguous with the neck portion, the device comprising a three-dimensional oblong body comprising a flat planar end and curved sides, the body removably attachable to a side of the neck portion that is opposite the side comprising the fingerboard and at an area where the neck and the nose portion meet, the device sized to come into contact with a ball portion of the hand of a player of the instrument, placing the wrist in a perpendicular position relative to the neck without inhibiting rotation of the wrist as is necessary for proper placement of the fingers on the finger board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Harmonious Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Michelle Darlene Linquist
  • Patent number: 8704065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder support (30) for a bowed instrument having a support element (32) for placing on the shoulder and/or chest of the player. To that end, there is provision according to the invention for the support element (32) of the shoulder support (30) to be produced from a thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Gustav Pirazzi & Comp. KG
    Inventor: Berent Korfker
  • Publication number: 20140090539
    Abstract: A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument includes a resting element configured to rest on a shoulder or chest of a player. The resting element has a base which is made of compressed wood. The base of the resting element is formed by a workpiece cut from a block of compressed wood having a cross direction which is substantially normal to a fiber orientation of the block of compressed wood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Gustav Pirazzi & Comp. KG
    Inventor: Berent Korfker
  • Patent number: 8637752
    Abstract: A strap mounted instrument stand includes a pair of hingedly connected plates. The stand is movable between a closed position, in which the plates lie against one another in a generally flat configuration, and an open position, in which the plates are disposed at an angle with respect to one another. A bracket extends in a generally normal direction from one of the plates to support a musical instrument when the stand is in the open position. A securement member secures the plates together in the closed position. Releasing the securement member allows the stand to move to the open position. The stand holds a musical instrument, such as a guitar, in an upright position when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Innocenti
  • Publication number: 20130276611
    Abstract: A shoulder support for a musical instrument is provided, including a holding device, an arm, and a shoulder abutment element. The arm is held on the holding device by a first joint device and/or the shoulder abutment element is held on the arm by a second joint device. The first joint device is associated with a first fixing device, by which a relative position between the arm and the holding device can be fixed. The second joint device is associated with a second fixing device, by which a relative position between the shoulder abutment element and the arm can be fixed. A part of the first joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the arm on the holding device and/or a part of the second joint device is configured as a fixing element for releasable fixing of the shoulder abutment element on the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Georg Vochezer
  • Patent number: 8492629
    Abstract: A shoulder rest for a violin, viola or like instrument is described which has a reduced risk and incidence of slippage and disengagement from the instrument by having provided thereon a cross-member adjacent to or displaced from the rest member of the shoulder rest, which cross-member is resilient and substantially stretch resistant and preferably linking two support members protruding from or associated with the rest member of the shoulder rest. When pressure is applied during use, the legs (or support members) of the shoulder rest do not splay and the shoulder rest remains in position. Feet or gripping members for attaching a shoulder rest to a violin reduced any detrimental impact to the sound quality of the violin caused by use of a shoulder rest by maintaining contact with the backplate only in the area of the backplate outside the inner purfling line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Pure Acoustic Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth Gordon Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130125728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder support for a bowed instrument having a support element for placing on the shoulder and/or chest of the player. To that end, there is provision according to the invention for the support element of the shoulder support to be produced from a thermoplastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GUSTAV PIRAZZI & COMP. KG
    Inventor: Berent Korfker
  • Patent number: 8403276
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a vertical instrument support system for musical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas David Michael Lewis, Maurice Stephen Blimkie
  • Patent number: 8399758
    Abstract: A tone control device is provided. The tone control device includes a bridge configured to be mounted to an instrument. The bridge includes a body and an adjustment area located within the bridge. The adjustment area and the body define at least one recess in at least one surface of the bridge. The tone control device further includes a weight assembly configured to be movable within the at least one recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Clement De Jule
  • Patent number: 8217254
    Abstract: In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is “onboard” the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Amit Shlomo Zoran, Marco Luigi Coppiardi
  • Publication number: 20120011982
    Abstract: A shoulder rest for a violin, viola or like instrument is described which has a reduced risk and incidence of slippage and disengagement from the instrument by having provided thereon a cross-member adjacent to or displaced from the rest member of the shoulder rest, which cross-member is resilient and substantially stretch resistant and preferably linking two support members protruding from or associated with the rest member of the shoulder rest. When pressure is applied during use, the legs (or support members) of the shoulder rest do not splay and the shoulder rest remains in position. Feet or gripping members for attaching a shoulder rest to a violin reduced any detrimental impact to the sound quality of the violin caused by use of a shoulder rest by maintaining contact with the backplate only in the area of the backplate outside the inner purfling line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Gordon Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120006176
    Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ying Gang Ruan
  • Patent number: 8022280
    Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Ying Gang Ruan
  • Patent number: 7897857
    Abstract: A self-corrective wrist positioning practice device including a planar elongated member having a two curved terminating ends with a pair of slots defined proximate each terminating end. Two adjustably securable straps are received within the pair of slots at the respective terminating ends. When oriented on the back of the wearer's arm the device permits while simultaneously mechanically signaling improper backward wrist bending without using electronic components. The device is also repositionable from the back to the side of the arm so as to signal improper bending of the wrist sideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Aaron Lockwood
  • Patent number: 7888569
    Abstract: The shoulder rest for a violin and a viola is formed in the manner that the basis of the shoulder rest (1) is partially rolled up in the opposite direction and that enables maximal adjustment to physiological characteristics of the violinist. The strain leg holder (2) is rotated for 180° C. in each direction in the way that the shoulder rest length is reduced from the functional shoulder rest length for one fourth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Avgustin Penic
  • Publication number: 20100242703
    Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ying Gang Ruan
  • Publication number: 20100077900
    Abstract: A holder is provided for maintaining a device such as a musical instrument in a steady position on the floor upon which the device has been placed. The holder is attached to the floor but can be easily removed. The holder is provided with a recess adapted to receive the device. The recess is located on the top of the holder. The holder separates the device from the floor and comprises a substrate which has a pressure sensitive adhesive affixed to its bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Zaidee Fuller
  • Patent number: 7659463
    Abstract: A viola/violin shoulder rest includes a first pad and a second pad made of soft foamed plastic material. A retainer is fixed between the first pad and the second pad. Each of the first pad and the second pad is formed with a sound reflection area which is a through hole. The sound reflection area of the first pad is alternatively stuffed with a natural sponge block. The sponge block is selectively coated at its top a gold foil. A number of feet made of silicon gel are fixed on the first pad in delta arrangement. A number of fastening posts are disposed on an upper surface of the retainer. A resilient band extends through where between the retainer and the second pad for the viola/violin player to deliver optimal sound color and quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Hwei-Ming Twu
  • Patent number: 7582818
    Abstract: A violin thumb pad that facilitates the optimal positioning of violin relative to the player's thumb supporting the violin neck, for teaching purpose and for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, is introduced. Assuming the violin player uses left hand to play the violin finger board, and used right hand to hold the bow, the violin thumb pad forces the left thumb and palm to turn towards the player so the player's fingers are inline with the violin string naturally. The violin thumb pad also forces the left thumb and to be comfortably straight. And it forces the left elbow to stay close with the player's body. The violin thumb pad also makes it easier to place the violin neck between the thumb and index finger and not letting the violin neck drop to the bottom of the thumb. The violin thumb pad comprises an elongated pad that has one side conformable to the thumb and one side conformable to the violin neck, and at least one harnesses or loops that fastens the pad to the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tong Luo
  • Publication number: 20090211426
    Abstract: The shoulder rest for a violin and a viola is formed in the manner that the basis of the shoulder rest (1) is partially rolled up in the opposite direction and that enables maximal adjustment to physiological characteristics of the violinist. The strain leg holder (2) is rotated for 180° C. in each direction in the way that the shoulder rest length is reduced from the functional shoulder rest length for one fourth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Avgustin Penic
  • Patent number: 7544871
    Abstract: An improved support for stringed musical instruments of the violin family, allowing the musician to play the instrument in a wide range of stable and adjustable playing positions without using pressure from the chin, jaw, neck, left hand, or shoulder resulting in comfortable playing positions and a relaxed body posture, the support sling consisting of one or more narrow lengths of flexible material slipped under the tailpiece of the instrument, over the adjacent shoulder of the musician, down diagonally across the musician's back, under the opposite underarm, and upwardly across the musician's chest until the opposite ends of the sling are adjacent to each other, whereby they may be connected to each other to form a continuous loop that extends around the body of the musician making a close and secure fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Karen Ann Ringeride
  • Patent number: 7488877
    Abstract: An adjustable and collapsible shoulder rest for a violin or like instrument that has an elongated single piece body with a first and second end being vertically extended at both ends by vertical guards which protect and prevent injury to the user when attempting to collapse the left and right gripping members. Vertical guards may be positioned at a fixed tilted angle to improve and train users to apply proper playing posture. Left and right gripping members have flexible separated gripping appendages that increase the surface area gripping of the instrument body and reduce or negate completely, any unwanted movement or slippage of the instrument body. Left and right gripping members are securely attached to left and right collapsible inserts by stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventors: David K. Cheng, Diana C. Liu
  • Publication number: 20090007751
    Abstract: An improved support for stringed musical instruments of the violin family, allowing the musician to play the instrument in a wide range of stable and adjustable playing positions without using pressure from the chin, jaw, neck, left hand, or shoulder resulting in comfortable playing positions and a relaxed body posture. The support sling (1) consists of one or more narrow lengths of flexible material slipped under the tailpiece (5) of the instrument, over one shoulder, down diagonally across the back to under the opposite underarm, upward across the chest the ends being fastened together by a knot (2) or adjustable and releasable fasteners to form a continuous loop around the body of the musician that is fit closely and securely. The support sling (1) is of simple design, easy to use, and fits easily alongside the instrument in its case. The support sling is an improvement over the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Karen Ann Ringeride
  • Publication number: 20080314225
    Abstract: A violin thumb pad that facilitates the optimal positioning of violin relative to the player's thumb supporting the violin neck, for teaching purpose and for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, is introduced. Assuming the violin player uses left hand to play the violin finger board, and used right hand to hold the bow, the violin thumb pad forces the left thumb and palm to turn towards the player so the player's fingers are inline with the violin string naturally. The violin thumb pad also forces the left thumb and to be comfortably straight. And it forces the left elbow to stay close with the player's body. The violin thumb pad also makes it easier to place the violin neck between the thumb and index finger and not letting the violin neck drop to the bottom of the thumb. The violin thumb pad comprises an elongated pad that has one side conformable to the thumb and one side conformable to the violin neck, and at least one harnesses or loops that fastens the pad to the thumb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Tong Luo
  • Patent number: 7459615
    Abstract: A soundboard, which vibrates and generates tones, does not hit the mounting member (components); as a result abnormal vibration/noise is not caused; a contact members are contacted and attached on the both sides of the soundboard which generates tones; the contact member is softer than the soundboard; mounting member is harder than the contact members, mounting members are contacted outside the both contact members; all of them from the mounting members through the mounting members are held and fixed with the connect members; the soundboard is detached from the hard mounting members with the soft contact member (sheet) in between; therefore the tone characteristics of the soundboard do not deteriorate, and abnormal vibration/noise caused by resonance of soundboard and other components do not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kawai Musical Instruments MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Kamada
  • Publication number: 20080196570
    Abstract: An adjustable and collapsible shoulder rest for a violin or like instrument that comprises an elongated single piece body with a first and second end being vertically extended at both ends by vertical guards which protect and prevent injury to the user when attempting to collapse the left and right gripping members. Vertical guards may be positioned at a fixed tilted angle to improve and train users to apply a proper playing posture. Left and right gripping members are comprised of a plurality of flexible separated gripping appendages that increase the surface area gripping of the instrument body and reduce or negate completely, any unwanted movement or slippage of the instrument body. Left and right gripping members are securely attached to left and right collapsible inserts by stems. Stems may be horizontally adjusted by placing the left and right collapsible inserts on different positioning holes located on the top ends of both collapsible inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: David K. Cheng, Diana C. Liu
  • Publication number: 20080156169
    Abstract: A viola/violin shoulder rest includes a first pad and a second pad made of soft foamed plastic material. A retainer is fixed between the first pad and the second pad. Each of the first pad and the second pad is formed with a sound reflection area which is a through hole. The sound reflection area of the first pad is alternatively stuffed with a natural sponge block. The sponge block is selectively coated at its top a gold foil. A number of feet made of silicon gel are fixed on the first pad in delta arrangement. A number of fastening posts are disposed on an upper surface of the retainer. A resilient band extends through where between the retainer and the second pad for the viola/violin player to deliver optimal sound color and quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Hwei-ming Twu
  • Patent number: RE42419
    Abstract: A chinrest pad system designed to hold a standard chinrest used with a string instrument that minimizes dampening of vibration and prevents damage caused by the metal components touching the edges of the instrument. The system includes pads located under the support surface of the chinrest member and on top of the lower lip plate used on the lower clamping member. The pads are specifically designed to partially engage the instrument's upper and lower edges and match the curvature of instrument surface immediately adjacent to the edge. Each pad also includes a rear extending lip that bends slightly around the upper or lower edge and extends rearward to prevent the metal rods used with the turnbuckles from contacting the rear surface. During assembly, the pads are positioned over the upper and lower edges so that the compression forces exerted by the support surface and the lower lip plate are centrally located over the sidewall transverse axis, thereby minimizing dampening of vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Gary L. Anderson