Transportation device for a musical instrument

Abstract

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

Description

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention refers to a transportation device for a musical instrument, preferably for a cello, intended to be used in conjunction with and to fit over and around a conventional everyday case made of a hard material, which is provided with hinges and whose interior is intended for the admission of the musical instrument. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Nowadays musicians, e.g., soloists and members of leading symphony orchestras, must travel frequently by air. To protect the instrument and its case during air transport, the secure packing of the instrument and its case requires special measures. It must be protected against external impact, such as sudden knocks, falls or drops, or abrasion on sharp corners, points, edges, and the like. [0003] A particular risk is the flight itself. The musician delivers the instrument accommodated in a transport container (such as an everyday case) to the baggage check-in and receives it only upon arrival at t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide a transportation device for a musical instrument made to fit over a conventional hard shell everyday case and comprising an external protective cover to increase the security, in particular concerning journeys by air.

[0014] It is another object of the invention to improve the handling and still to reduce the weight of the complete transportation device.

[0018] wherein a zipper is provided, when said zipper is open, the everyday case is easily accommodated within the protective cover and easily removable from the protective cover,

[0023] Such a transportation device can be used with all kinds of musical instruments, thus, e.g., with stringed- and plucked instruments, woodwind and brass instruments. It offers by the use of at least one aerial chamber and the puncture-proof outside cover an effective protection against sudden knocks, falls or drops or other improper external treatment. The protective cover can be adapted to different or various contours of everyday cases and therefore can be used with everyday cases of different manufacturers.

[0024] In connection with the transportation device a carrying bag may be used which is constructed of a light synthetic fabric and in which the protective cover, surrounded by the outside cover, can be accommodated after removal from the everyday case and after being folded. In such a carrying bag the protective cover and the outside cover (with the air deflated) may easily be stored away when not in use during a trip or at home. Proper handling is guaranteed, e.g., while traveling by taxi, and the transport by hand causes no serious problems, because the weight of the protective cover with outside cover and carrying bag is relatively low and amounts to approximately 3 kg, while the everyday case itself weighs between 3 to 6 kg.

Problems solved by technology

A particular risk is the flight itself.

Unfortunately, serious damage can take place in transport, and sometimes the instrument is completely destroyed.

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

The transportation device should dispense with the need for an additional and special flight container which is expensive to purchase, takes up considerable space, and is heavy to transport.

Such a soft-case is not planned for flight transportation and is designed especially for an acoustic guitar.

In addition, the owner of the protective cover needs a considerable space for keeping and storing it when not in use.

When in use while traveling certain difficulties can arise because of the size, weight and solidity, e.g., with accommodation in a normal sized taxi, while getting on and off a bus or a streetcar, or with the transport over an escalator.

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