Foldable string instrument

Abstract

A foldable stringed instrument is described, such as in the form of a travel guitar that folds at the mid-neck to present a reduced profile. The mid-neck folding is accomplished in a symmetrical manner about a three-part hinge located on the neck to configure the travel guitar into a reduced profile. The bridge assembly is longitudinally translatable relative to the head of the guitar to allow the guitar strings to be fully tensioned so that the upper portion of the neck is folded away from the lower portion of the neck and / or body to present a reduced profile. To deploy the travel guitar for playing, the upper portion of the neck is unfolded to align with the lower portion of the neck and / or body, and the bridge assembly is longitudinally translated relative to the head and locked in place so that the guitar can be tuned for playing.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is an international patent application (filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty) claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 574,246 filed on October 19, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to stringed instruments, and more particularly to stringed instruments (eg, guitars) that can be played anywhere but are configured to present a reduced profile for travel and / or compact storage. Background Art

[0004] Among musical instruments, stringed instruments such as guitars are the most popular. The solid necks of most stringed instruments are rigidly connected to a hollow or solid body. Although this structure contributes to predictable tuning and playing quality, it makes many stringed instruments cumbersome when traveling (e.g., by air, train, car, etc.), especially considering the extra volume (hard or soft) of the relevant situation. Although various stringed instruments have been tried to make it easier and / or more convenient to travel with or store these stringed instruments, most stringed instruments are just smaller or reduced versions of their traditional stringed instruments, which still bring challenges to travel and / or predictable tuning and playing quality. The present invention is intended to overcome or at least improve the shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention achieves this object by providing a foldable stringed instrument in the form of a travel guitar (by way of example only) that folds at the mid-neck to present a reduced profile. Although referred to hereinafter in the context of an electric travel guitar, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention extends beyond guitars and, by way of example only, may include any of a variety of stringed instruments that benefit from a reduced profile to facilitate travel and / or storage (e.g., an acoustic guitar, a bass guitar, a ukulele, etc.). According to one aspect, the travel guitar may be configured to accommodate or receive or otherwise be coupled to a tablet computer (e.g., an Apple iPad) and / or a smartphone (e.g., an Apple iPhone) having one or more applications for driving operations, functions, and / or effects associated with the travel guitar. According to one aspect, the mid-neck folding is accomplished in a symmetrical manner around a three-part hinge located in the neck to configure the travel guitar into a reduced profile.

[0006] In another aspect, a travel guitar can be configured such that the bridge assembly can be translated longitudinally relative to the head of the guitar to allow the guitar strings to relax sufficiently to allow the upper portion of the neck to be folded away from the lower portion of the neck and / or body to present a reduced profile. When it is desired to deploy the travel guitar for playing, the upper portion of the neck can be unfolded to align with the lower portion of the neck and / or body, and the bridge assembly is longitudinally translated relative to the head and locked in position to allow the guitar to be tuned for playing. The translation or movement of the bridge assembly can be accomplished manually (e.g., by using a handle member or other manual actuation mechanism coupled to the bridge assembly) and / or by using a servo motor (not shown) provided with the guitar, which, when actuated, will move the bridge assembly relative to the neck of the guitar to selectively tighten and relax the strings. In either embodiment (manual or automatic), the physical movement of the bridge assembly can be achieved by coupling the bridge assembly to a slidable rail within the body of the travel guitar and / or a sliding plate on the surface of the travel guitar.

[0007] In another aspect, a travel guitar can be configured with one or more translating truss rods or truss assemblies housed within at least a portion of the neck to enhance its strength and rigidity for more precise and prolonged tuning and fret alignment. In one aspect, the translating truss rods are rigid, unitary structures that are capable of longitudinal translation between a locked position and an unlocked position within one or more recesses or channels formed in the upper and / or lower neck. In the locked position, each integral truss rod is at least partially disposed within the lower and upper portions of the neck, which locks the upper neck into alignment with the lower neck. In the unlocked position, each integral truss rod is disposed within the lower neck and / or body portion and removed from the upper neck, thereby unlocking the upper neck so that it collapses into a reduced profile.

[0008] As described herein, each truss rod has a unitary, straight configuration and can translate with or independently of the translating bridge assembly. Translation of each truss rod can occur simultaneously with translation of the bridge assembly, or can be slightly staggered in time. Staggered translation is performed to provide for profile reduction, first involving translating the bridge assembly relative to the neck of the guitar (e.g., away from it according to one aspect) to reduce tension in the guitar strings, and then translating each truss rod to an unlocked position so that the upper neck can be folded toward the lower neck. Staggered translation during deployment of a travel guitar first involves translating each truss rod to a locked position after the upper and lower necks have been longitudinally aligned, and then translating the bridge assembly relative to the neck of the guitar to increase tension in the guitar strings in preparation for tuning.

[0009] Each truss rod may be constructed of a material having properties sufficient to enhance the strength and rigidity of the neck of a travel guitar, including, but not limited to, metal, carbon fiber, etc. Each truss rod may be manufactured to have any number of solid cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval, triangular, etc.) and / or non-solid cross-sectional shapes (e.g., generally crescent-shaped, generally V-shaped, generally U-shaped, etc.). If configured to have a non-solid cross-sectional shape, the "open" side of the truss rod may be positioned within the neck so as to face generally toward the underside of the neck (as opposed to toward the fretboard). This configuration will provide the brace with maximum strength and rigidity to resist the tendency of the neck to flex under the tension of the guitar strings after the guitar strings are tuned.

[0010] In one aspect, a collapsible stringed instrument is provided having a lower neck, an upper neck, a translation bridge assembly, and a translation truss assembly. The lower neck is movably coupled to the upper neck. The lower neck and the upper neck each include a fret board having a plurality of spaced frets arranged along at least one end of an upper surface. Each neck also includes at least one elongated recess sized to be linearly aligned when the lower neck and the upper neck are linearly aligned. The translation bridge assembly is configured with a translation tailpiece to selectively move in a linear manner relative to the lower neck and the upper neck. The translation tailpiece of the translation bridge assembly is configured to secure a first end of a set of musical strings extending over a first neck and a second neck.

[0011] The linear movement of the translating tailpiece of the translating bridge assembly relative to the lower neck and the upper neck in a first direction increases the tension applied to the musical string to produce a tensioned string state. The linear movement of the translating tailpiece of the translating bridge assembly relative to the lower neck and the upper neck in a second direction reduces the tension applied to the musical string to produce a relaxed string state. The translating truss assembly is sized to selectively move in a linear manner within the recesses of the first and second necks when the first and second necks are linearly aligned. When the musical string is in a relaxed state, the translating truss assembly is capable of linear movement in the first direction to unlock the neck hinge assembly so that the lower neck and the upper neck can be folded relative to each other about the neck hinge. When the string is in the relaxed state, the translating truss assembly is also capable of linear movement in the second direction to align and lock the neck hinge to maintain the lower neck and the upper neck in linear alignment.

[0012] In another aspect, a first direction of the translating tailpiece of the translating bridge assembly is linearly away from the lower neck and the upper neck and a second direction of the translating tailpiece of the translating bridge assembly is linearly toward the lower neck and the upper neck.

[0013] In another aspect, a first direction of the translating truss assembly is linearly away from the lower neck and the upper neck and a second direction of the translating truss assembly is linearly toward the lower neck and the upper neck.

[0014] In another aspect, the lower neck and the upper neck are movably coupled such that the lower neck and the upper neck can be folded relative to each other such that a surface of the fretboard of the lower neck faces generally away from a surface of the fretboard of the upper neck.

[0015] On the other hand, after the translating bridge assembly has been actuated to relax the string, the string can be configured to have a moderate tension (e.g., 1-5 pounds of force) in such a way that when the neck hinge assembly is in the folded configuration, the string will automatically "follow the fold" and avoid any vertical and / or lateral translation that would otherwise cause the string to detach from the neck.

[0016] In one aspect, one or more auxiliary string barriers can be used to further resist the strings from moving vertically and / or laterally when in a relaxed state and disengaged from the neck. The auxiliary string barriers preferably have sufficient clearance relative to the fretboard (e.g., 1 / 4 inch above the fretboard) so that the strings are not clamped or otherwise constrained during folding and unfolding, but are only constrained vertically and / or laterally to prevent disengagement from the neck. In one aspect, the auxiliary string barrier can be magnetically coupled to the neck and adjacent to the neck hinge for ease of placement and removal. For example, the auxiliary string barrier can have a magnet disposed therein that can be coupled to a magnet or magnetically attractive material (e.g., steel) located in the neck adjacent to the neck hinge (or vice versa).

[0017] In another aspect, a foldable stringed musical instrument includes at least one onboard electrical component and at least one electrical connector for establishing electrical communication between the at least one onboard electrical component and at least one external component.

[0018] In another aspect, a foldable stringed instrument includes a body coupled to a lower neck, the body including a handle member coupled to a translating truss assembly and a translating bridge assembly. In one embodiment, the handle provides a user with mechanical leverage and a purchase point to easily actuate the translating bridge assembly and the translating truss assembly to linearly move a floating tailpiece of the translating bridge assembly and a translating truss element in a first direction and a second direction. In one aspect, the actuation is staggered such that the string is relaxed before the translating truss element is removed from the neck hinge to transition from a playing position to a folded position, and conversely, the translating truss element is engaged into the neck hinge assembly before the translating tailpiece of the translating bridge assembly is returned to a fully tuned state for playing.

[0019] In another aspect, a collapsible stringed instrument includes a body coupled to a lower neck, wherein the body includes at least one recess sized to accommodate aspects of at least one of a translating bridge assembly, a translating truss assembly, an auxiliary string barrier for string containment during folding and unfolding, and a handle for selectively actuating the translating bridge assembly and the translating truss assembly to transition the stringed instrument between a playing position and a folded position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Numerous advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are applied to like elements, and wherein:

[0021] Figure 1-2 are perspective views of a foldable electric guitar according to aspects of the present invention in a playing position and a folded position, respectively;

[0022] Figure 3-5 are front, rear and side views, respectively, of a foldable electric guitar in a playing position according to aspects of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6-7 are perspective and rear views, respectively, of a foldable electric guitar in a folded position according to aspects of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8-10 are side, front, and rear views, respectively, of a collapsible electric guitar in a folded position, illustrating the string paths according to aspects of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.11 is a front view of a collapsible electric guitar equipped with a retaining nut assembly and an optional capo-style string management device (insert) according to aspects of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 12 to Figure 13 are perspective views of a retaining nut assembly in fully assembled and exploded forms, respectively, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 14 to Figure 15 is a perspective view of a retaining nut assembly of overall construction according to aspects of the present invention;

[0028] Figures 16 to 18 is a perspective view of a string roller assembly and optional string management device (string guide device on the roller assembly) according to aspects of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 19-21 is a perspective view of a height adjustable bridge assembly and optional string management device (string cover on the bridge assembly) according to aspects of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 22-23 are front perspective and rear views, respectively, of a guitar body according to aspects of the present invention (including a rear recess for a translating bridge assembly, a side recess for handle actuation, a top recess for passing strings from the rear recess, and a back groove for accommodating a coupler guide of a translating truss rod assembly);

[0031] Fig.24is a rear perspective view of a guitar body and mounting plate according to aspects of the present invention;

[0032] Fig.25 is a perspective view of a cover for a rear recess according to aspects of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 26-29 are perspective, bottom and side views, respectively, of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fretted musical instrument in a locked or tensioned configuration, including aspects of a handle, a translation bridge assembly, and a translation truss assembly, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 30-32 are perspective, top, and bottom views, respectively, of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fretted musical instrument in an unlocked or relaxed configuration, including aspects of a handle, a translation bridge assembly, and a translation truss assembly, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 33-35 are perspective, top, and bottom views, respectively, of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fretted musical instrument that transitions between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration according to aspects of the present invention, including aspects of a handle, a translation bridge assembly, and a translation truss assembly;

[0036] Figure 36-37 are perspective and top views of a translating tailpiece forming part of an actuating mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 38-39 are perspective and top views of a reference block constituting part of an actuating mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 40-41 is a perspective view of a bridge compression member forming part of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 42 to Figure 44 are perspective and top views of a translating truss rod assembly forming part of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 45 to Figure 46 is a perspective view of a coupler guide of a translating truss rod assembly forming part of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.47 According to aspects of the present invention Figures 45-46 a partial cross-sectional side view of a translation truss assembly used with a coupler guide of;

[0042] Fig.48is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly constituting part of a folding mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 49-52 are various views of a hinge base constituting part of a hinge assembly of a folding mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 53 to Figure 56 are various views of an intermediate hinge member constituting part of a hinge assembly of a folding mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention;

[0045] Figures 57 to 60 are various views of an upper hinge member constituting part of a hinge assembly of a folding mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention;

[0046] Fig.61 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly and a neck subassembly in a straight configuration according to aspects of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 62-63 are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a hinge assembly, a static (conventional) truss rod, and a translational truss assembly in a straight configuration according to aspects of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 64-65 are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a hinge assembly, a static (conventional) truss rod, and a translational truss assembly in a folded configuration according to aspects of the present invention;

[0049] Figures 66-68 is a perspective view of a neck during a manufacturing stage according to aspects of the present invention;

[0050] Fig.69 is a side view of a bent link forming part of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention; and

[0051] Fig.70 An eccentric (asymmetric) washer forming part of an actuation mechanism for a foldable fret musical instrument according to aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. Of course, it should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related constraints and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it will be appreciated that such development work may be complex and time consuming, but will still be routine work for a person of ordinary skill in the art who has the benefit of this disclosure. The travel guitar disclosed herein has various inventive features and components that may be patented individually or in combination.

[0053] Figure 1-10 Shown in a straight playing configuration ( Figure 1 ) and foldable travel configuration ( Figure 2 ) is a foldable electric guitar 10. The electric guitar 10 includes a neck 12 and a body 14, and a plurality of guitar strings 16 extend between a head 18 connected to the neck 12 or forming a part of the neck 12 and a translating bridge assembly 20 connected to the body 14 or forming a part of the body 14. The neck 12 includes a lower neck 30, an upper neck 32 and a middle neck 34, whose corresponding fretboard portions have a plurality of frets 22, which, in use, allow a player of the guitar 10 to produce any of a variety of notes by depressing each string 16 between each fret 22, as is known in the art. The neck 12 also includes a hinge assembly 36, which includes a hinge base 38, an intermediate hinge 40 and an upper hinge 42 (see Figure 4 The head 18 includes a plurality of tuning machines 24 to allow the strings 16 to be tuned as is known in the art, and a nut 44 having a string capturing feature as will be described below.

[0054] The translating bridge assembly 20 enables a user to selectively tighten and loosen the strings 16, while the translating truss assembly 46 enables a user to selectively lock and unlock the hinge assembly 36. More specifically, the translating truss assembly 46 cooperates with the necks 30, 32, 34 to Figure 3-5 The hinge assembly 36 is selectively locked and reinforced to enhance the structural integrity of the hinge assembly 36 when in the upright playing position shown, and the hinge assembly 36 is selectively unlocked to enable the neck regions 30, 32, 34 to transform the guitar 10 into a Figure 6-10 The folded travel configuration is shown for ease of storage and travel.

[0055] In one aspect, the translation bridge assembly 20 and the translation truss assembly 46 are coupled together and are also coupled to a rotatable handle 48, so that the guitarist can simply and easily rotate the handle 48 disposed along the edge of the body 14 to translate the bridge assembly 20 and the translation truss assembly 46 according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 1 14 is shown nested in a recess 50 formed along the lower periphery of the body 14 (e.g., in the Figure 3-5 In the playing configuration, the lower lug of the body 14 and in Figure 6-10 The notch 52 is a gap created by removing a portion of the body 14 adjacent the lower portion 30 of the neck 12 to functionally allow a player to access the upper frets 22 to play any range of higher notes (e.g., legato or rhythm).

[0056] The body 14 may include a number of suitable features, including, but not limited to, one or more pickups 54 for converting the vibrations of the strings 16 into electrical signals for transmission to an amplified source (e.g., an amplifier, headphones, a smart phone speaker, etc.), a height-adjustable bridge 56 for selectively raising and lowering the height of the strings 16 relative to the neck 12 and the body 14, a selector switch 58 for activating one or both of the pickups 54, and one or more controls 60 for controlling various aspects of the electrical signals (e.g., pitch and volume). The body 14 also includes an opening 62 sized to allow the strings 6 to pass from the top of the guitar 10 (after passing through the adjustable bridge 56) to be coupled to the translating bridge assembly 20 located in a recess 64 formed along the back of the body 14. Although not shown, the body 14 or other aspects of the guitar 10 may be equipped with any of a variety of onboard electronic devices (e.g., a tuner, synthesizer, pickups, batteries, AC / DC power supplies, input jacks for amplifiers, etc.), and may also include the ability to connect and / or receive a smartphone and / or tablet computer (not shown) having one or more applications (apps) for driving operations, functions and / or effects associated with the travel guitar 10.

[0057] The electric guitar 10 may be sized to have a folded footprint within the range of 16-19 inches in length, 2-4 inches in height, and 10-14 inches in width, but these ranges are provided as examples. The guitar 10 is preferably sized so that when folded it can fit into a briefcase, backpack, carry-on luggage (for airline travel), etc. It is contemplated that the guitar 10 will be provided with a protective case or container with a shaped and padded recess that can safely carry the guitar 10 in the folded configuration. The shaped protective case or container may be sized to fit into any other number of other bags or luggage (e.g., briefcases, backpacks, carry-on luggage (for airline travel), etc.). In this manner, the guitar 10 may be carried during travel in any luggage or baggage that the user normally or already uses (e.g., briefcases, backpacks, carry-on luggage), rather than forcing them to carry another piece of luggage or baggage that may prompt the need for checked luggage during airline travel. This effectively reduces the risk of damage to the guitar when it is checked into baggage handling (e.g., sub-zero temperatures at altitude in the cargo hold, damage due to mishandling or negligence by the baggage handling system or personnel, etc.), for example, and the additional charges for checked luggage. Guitar 10 weighs between 6 and 8 pounds, although a lighter weight may be achieved by optimizing the mechanism and material selection (i.e., using lightweight wood or non-wood substitutes such as carbon fiber, etc.).

[0058] The Electric Guitar 10 also features elegant and effective string management during folding and unfolding, such as Figure 8-10 This is accomplished in a variety of ways, all of which are intended to prevent or otherwise minimize the possibility of vertical and / or lateral migration of the string 16, which could cause the string 16 to disengage or separate from the neck 12 during or after the folding process. These ways include, but are not necessarily limited to, maintaining moderate tension on the string 16 during and after the folding process (as described below), and actively constraining the string 16 at various locations along the string path (as will be discussed below).

[0059] The translating bridge assembly 20 includes one or more springs 66 that apply only a moderate force (e.g., 1-5 pounds) to the strings 16 when the guitar 10 is converted to and maintained in the folded configuration. During the folding process, the moderate tension on the strings 16 causes the strings 16 to "follow the fold" and take Figure 8 The string path shown (string 16 is a dotted line) will now be described in detail. String 16 is anchored in a floating tailpiece (not shown) that forms part of the translating bridge assembly 20. From this anchor point, string 16 passes rearwardly to a roller assembly 68 ( Figure 4), then bend along the exterior of each roller on roller assembly 68 and angle upward through opening 62 in body 14 where they pass over each roller forming part of adjustable bridge assembly 56 en route and to tuning machines 24. While in the folded configuration, this includes the string 16 passing from adjustable roller assembly 68 through string slot 76 formed along the upper edge of the fretboard of lower neck 30, through string slot 45 formed along the lower edge of the fretboard of middle neck 34, through string slot 47 formed along the upper edge of the fretboard of middle neck 34, through string slot 49 formed along the lower edge of the fretboard of upper neck 32, through an opening formed in nut 44, and then into (and preferably locked to) tuning machines 24 on head 18. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the strings 16 are effectively registered within the respective grooves 70 , 72 , 74 , 76 such that they are less likely to migrate vertically and / or laterally to disengage from the neck 12 during or after folding.

[0060] As is known in the art, string management is also performed through the use of locking tuning machines 24. The locking tuning machines 24 include one or more set screws or nuts that can be adjusted to physically lock the strings 16 to the tuning machines 24, which will prevent the strings 16 from coming loose, as would be the case if tension was removed from a string 16 wound on a standard non-locking tuning machine.

[0061] The travel guitar 10 may also be equipped with Figure 1-11 The illustrated retaining nut system 44 helps capture or restrain the string 16 as it passes through to engage the tuning machine 24. Figure 12-13 As shown, the fixing nut 44 includes a base member 80 and a cover member 82. The base member 80 is made of a typical nut material (e.g., bone) and includes a typical string groove 84 to allow the string 16 to pass therethrough. For ease of understanding, Figure 12-13 Each slot 84 in the base member 80 is represented by a letter corresponding to the string passing therethrough (EADGBC). The cover member 82 can be selectively removed from the base member 80 by applying or removing a machine screw 86 into a threaded bushing 88 recessed in the base member 80.

[0062] It should be understood that the engagement between the base member 80 and the cover member 82 may be achieved in any other suitable manner, including but not limited to replacing the threaded bushing 88 with a magnet and embedding a ferromagnetic metal into the cover member 82 or using a ferromagnetic metal to form the cover member 82 (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, steel, etc.). Figure 12-13 As opposed to using a screwdriver in the illustrated embodiment, a user need only manually pull down the cover member 82 to access the strings 16 (eg, to replace the strings 16 ). Figure 14-15Another form is shown, which is a single nut 90 having a string hole 92 formed therethrough for passing the string 16 in the collapsed state and for string management restriction. As described above, Figure 14-15 Each hole 92 in the housing is designated by a letter corresponding to the string passing therethrough (EADGBC).

[0063] String management may also be performed by using a string capture mechanism above and / or to the sides of the strings 16 so that during and after the folding process, the strings 16 are prevented from migrating laterally and / or vertically to a position where the strings 16 may become disengaged from the neck 12 . Fig.11 One such manner is shown, namely by using a loose fitting capo-style string management device 94. The string management device 94 includes a crossbar 96, a pair of side bars 98, wherein the crossbar 96 is configured to be placed a sufficient distance above the fretboard so that the strings 16 are not pinched as with a standard capo, but are restrained laterally and vertically (but not longitudinally) to prevent the strings 16 from separating or becoming disengaged from the neck 12 during or after the folding process. The string management device 94 may be positioned anywhere along the length of the neck 12, but may find particular utility and effectiveness in preventing string migration and separation when adjacent to and / or placed on the hinge assembly 36 (i.e., above the upper end of the lower neck 30, above the lower end of the upper neck 32, and / or above the middle neck 34).

[0064] To help hold the string management device 94 in place after placement, one or more of the crossbars 96 and / or sidebars 98 may be equipped with one or more magnets or magnetically attractive materials (e.g., steel), such as generally shown at 102. The neck 12 may be similarly equipped with one or more magnets or magnetically attractive materials (e.g., steel), such as generally shown at 102. Equipped in this manner, the string management device 94 may be easily placed over the strings 16 before, during, and after the folding process to prevent the strings from detaching from the neck 12. Although not shown, it is also contemplated that each string management device 94 may be retained within the body 14 of the guitar 10 in a magnetically enabled recess. In this manner, the string management device 94 may be easily stored as part of the guitar 10 (rather than in a bag or the like) until use, with little chance of being lost or misplaced.

[0065] Any number of additional string management features may be provided, including but not limited to, when the string 16 passes over the roller assembly 68 ( Figure 4 ) to restrain or otherwise prevent or minimize the migration of the string 16. Figure 16-18, which can be accomplished by positioning the string guard 104 proximate the roller assembly 68. The roller assembly 68 includes a plurality of rollers 106 rotatably disposed about an axis 108 spanning between first and second mounting members 110. The rollers 106 are designated by letters corresponding to the respective guitar strings with which the rollers 106 are used. The axis 108 includes a generally flat end region 112 that extends into the mounting member 110 and is secured within a threaded hole 114 by a set screw 116. If the string guard 104 is used, the string 16 will have a vertical restraint as it passes over the rollers 106 in a relaxed state during folding or unfolding and / or after the folding process. It will be appreciated that the string guide 104 is entirely optional.

[0066] Still further string management features may be provided, including but not limited to restraining or otherwise preventing or minimizing migration of the strings 16 as they traverse the adjustable height bridge 56 during the folded or deployed state or after the folding process. Figure 19-21 A bridge string guide 120 is shown for use with the bridge assembly 56. The bridge assembly 56 may be any number of suitable adjustable bridges. The bridge string guide 120 includes a string cover 122, a pair of height-adjustable bracket assemblies 124, and a shaft 126 extending between the bracket assemblies 123 and extending through an internal opening disposed longitudinally through the string cover 122. The string cover 122 has a length sufficient to be positioned transversely over all of the strings 16 and a width sufficient to cover at least half the width ( Fig.19 ), the curved cross-section is rotatably adjustable relative to the strings 16. The height adjustable bracket assembly 124 includes a threaded post 128 with a rotatable thumbwheel 130. The threaded post 128 is rotatably coupled to the shaft 78. If the string cover 120 is used, the strings 16 will have a vertical orientation. They are constrained when they pass over the rollers of the height adjustable bridge 56 during folding or unfolding and / or after the folding process in a relaxed state. It will be understood that the string cover 120 is purely optional and may not be required.

[0067] Regardless of whether or not string cover 120 is used, according to aspects of the present invention, bridge assembly 56 includes a chamfered trailing edge 132. More specifically, the angle of chamfered trailing edge 132 enables roller assembly 68 to be positioned substantially adjacent to floating bridge assembly 20 (as opposed to being adjacent to or proximate to the rear wall of rear cavity 64). Figure 4 ). Furthermore, when the guitar 10 is in the folded state, the space within the cavity 64 is utilized to receive the head 18. This also has the effect of allowing the strings 16 ( Fig.19 ) have the added benefit of having a sharp corner, which helps increase the sustain when playing.

[0068] like Figure 22-23As shown, the body 14 is manufactured to include various openings required for mounting typical guitar hardware (e.g., pickups 54, control knobs 60, pickup selector switch 58, adjustable height saddle 56, etc.), and also includes various openings and recesses required for the actuation mechanism of the present invention. These include recesses 64 formed in the rear of the body 14 for the translating bridge assembly 20 and truss assembly 46, side recesses 50 formed along the lower periphery of the body 14 for the rod 48, and string openings 62 located adjacent to the adjustable height saddle 56 to pass strings from the translating bridge assembly 20 located in the recesses 64.

[0069] like Figure 23-24 As best shown in FIG. 1 , to aid in mounting the translating bridge assembly 20, a plate 134 is provided within a recess 136 formed within the rear recess 64. Preferably, the perimeter of the recess 136 closely matches the perimeter of the plate 134 to ensure that tolerances are tight for assembly accuracy and quality control in accordance with the present invention. The height of the plate 134 should preferably match the depth of the recess 136 to ensure a flush fit between the upper surface of the plate 134 and the surrounding surface within the rear recess 64. The plate 134 is preferably glued into place within the recess 136, but may be adhered or secured in any suitable manner, including the use of screws. The plate 134 includes a plurality of threaded holes to receive machine screws that pass through openings or holes formed in the translating bridge assembly 20 and the string roller assembly 68. More specifically, the holes 138 are used to mount the translating bridge assembly 20, while the holes 140 are used to mount the string roller assembly 68 (via machine screws placed through the mounting member 110). In this manner, the translating bridge assembly 20 may be quickly, easily, and securely mounted within the recess 64 during assembly of the guitar 10. This rigid fixation will have the added benefit of increasing the sustain and tone of the guitar 10 during use based on the secure mechanical fit between the body 14 and the plate 134.

[0070] like Figure 24-25As shown, a rear cover 142 is provided to enclose most of the mechanisms disposed in the rear recess 64. To this end, the rear cover 142 has an outer periphery that is shaped substantially the same as the contour of the recess 144 formed on the rear portion of the body 14. The rear cover 142 is preferably coupled to the body 14 by using a magnet 146 mounted in a hole 148 formed in the cover recess 144, the magnet 146 being matched with a magnet or ferromagnetic element 150 (e.g., a lug or BB of iron, cobalt, nickel, and steel) mounted at a corresponding position along the periphery of the cover 142. In this way, the rear cover 142 can be quickly and easily removed, such as to replace the string or to repair the actuation mechanism. The rear cover 142 can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to acrylic or other transparent materials, so that the user can visually inspect or appreciate the internal mechanisms that form the folding system of the present invention. A curved plate 152 is also provided to attach to the rear wall of the recess 64 to enhance the structural integrity of the rear wall, which can help enhance the impact resistance of the rear wall.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 26-35 The actuation mechanism associated with the handle 48, the translation bridge assembly 20 and the translation truss assembly 46 is described, wherein Figure 26-29 The mechanism 200 is shown in a locked or tensioned configuration, Figure 30-32 The mechanism 200 is shown in an unlocked or relaxed configuration, Figure 33-35 A mechanism 200 is shown for transitioning between locked and unlocked configurations. As will be discussed below, the handle 48 is rotatably disposed within a recess 50 of the body 14 (at approximately the longitudinal midpoint) such that it rotates in the same plane as the body 14. When the guitar 10 is in the playing position (see FIG. Figure 3-5 ), the handle 48 is disposed in the lower portion of the recess 50 (generally rearward toward the end of the guitar 10), and the structure of the mechanism 200 is as follows Figure 26-29 When the guitar 10 is in the folded position (see Figure 6-10 ), the handle 48 is disposed in the upper portion of the recess 50 (generally facing the head 18), and the structure of the mechanism 200 is as follows Figure 30-32 shown.

[0072] To change from the folded state ( Figure 1 ) to the playing state ( Figure 2 ),like Figure 33 to Figure 35 As shown, the neck 12 is straightened relative to the body 16, and then the handle 48 is rotated downward (away from the head 18), and the mechanism 200 will be Figures 6 to 10 The configuration shown moves to Figures 3 to 5 The configuration shown in FIG. 2 makes the translation tail 202 directly abut against or nearly abut against the reference block 204. Figure 3-5 In the fully expanded configuration shown, the guitar 10 can be tuned and played. Figure 1) to the collapsed state ( Figure 2 ), the handle 48 is rotated upward (toward the head 18), so that the translation tail 202 will be released and moved away from the bridge reference block 204 to present Figure 30-32 The translating tailpiece 202 is coupled to the reference block 204 by a pair of springs 198 that provide a constant tension (in the range of 1-5 pounds) on the guitar strings during the folded and transition states. In this way, the strings always have the right amount of tension, which helps them "follow the fold" and remain within the grooves 70, 72, 74, 76 in the neck 12 in the transition and folded states, and remain on the rollers 106 of the roller assembly 68 during the transition and folded states.

[0073] The translation bridge assembly 20 includes a translation tail piece 202 ( Figure 36-37 )、bridge reference block 204( Figure 38-39 ) and bridge compression member 206 ( Figure 40-41 ). Translation tail piece 202 ( Figure 36-37 ) is an anchor for the strings 16, and more specifically, includes a plurality of string openings 203 extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guitar 10 to receive the strings 16 therethrough. From this anchor point, the strings 16 will be tightened, thereby forming the above reference Figure 8-10 The translating tailpiece 202 includes an opening 205 for coupling to a crossbar 208 that includes rollers 210a, 210b configured to translate within or move along shafts 212a, 212b.

[0074] Bridge reference block 204 ( Figure 38-39) is fixed and non-movable within the body 14 and serves as a surface against which the translating tailpiece 202 moves to directly or nearly abut so that the strings 16 can be tuned to a playable state. The bridge compression member 206 is coupled to the crossbar 214 by rollers 216a, 216b configured to translate on or along the outside of the shafts 212a, 212b. The reference block 204 includes a rigid support extension 207 formed integrally with the body 209 of the reference block 204. The support extension 207 is hollow and includes an opening sized to pass a machine screw into the carriage 220, or alternatively, to mount the plate 134 within the rear recess 64. In fact, it is contemplated that all of the components of the translating bridge assembly 46 can be mounted directly on the plate 134, which can reduce weight and cost and simplify manufacturing and assembly. The datum block 204 also includes an extension 211 equipped with an opening 213 for rotatably coupling to the handle 48. The datum block 204 also includes an opening 215 for mounting to the carriage 220, but again, it is contemplated that the datum block 204 may be mounted directly to the body 14 and / or the plate 134 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The datum block 204 also includes an opening 217 for rotatably coupling to the link, and finally an opening 219 extending through the mount extension 207.

[0075] The bridge datum block 204 also includes a threaded hole 227 to accommodate a Fig.70 The eccentric washer 231 is shown. The eccentric washer 231 includes an opening 233 that is off-axis or asymmetrically positioned relative to the center axis of the washer 231. In use, the eccentric washer 231 is fixed in the threaded hole 227, such as by a machine screw or the like. Based on the off-axis configuration, the eccentric washer 231 can rotate around the machine screw in an asymmetrical manner. The purpose of the washer 231 is to allow the user or installation technician to adjust the physical travel of the L-shaped link 222 during the process of unlocking the actuation mechanism 200 to fold or prepare for re-actuation, such as Figure 30-35 In other words, the eccentric washer 231 can be selectively positioned to physically abut and stop the linkage 223 to stop any over-rotation, which could cause the linkage to over-extend and fail to re-actuate.

[0076] Bridge compression member 206 ( Figure 40-41 ) is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the L-shaped arm link 222 and is also coupled to the proximal end of the elongated rod 150, which in turn is coupled to the translating truss rod assembly 46, as described below. To this end, the compression member 206 includes an opening 221 and an opening 223, wherein the opening 221 is coupled to the elongated rod 150 and the opening 223 is rotatably coupled to the L-shaped arm link 222. The L-shaped arm link 222 pivots about a pin or post extending through the opening 221, such as Figure 33-35The compression member 206 also includes a pair of string openings 225 through which the strings 16 pass at all times, ie, when the guitar 10 is strung, played, and folded.

[0077] The mechanism 200 associated with the translation bridge assembly 20 and the translation truss assembly 46 includes a plurality of components, links, coupling mechanisms (e.g., nuts, bolts, washers, etc.). A pair of elongated L-shaped links 222 are rotatably coupled to the crossbar 214 at a distal end and rotatably coupled to the link 224 at a proximal end, which in turn is rotatably coupled to the curved link 234 ( Fig.69 ). The bent link 234 is rotatably connected to the handle 48. Fig.69 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the curved link 234 includes a first opening 228 to rotatably couple to the short link 224, which is rotatably coupled to the L-shaped link 222. The curved link 234 includes a second opening 226, which is rotatably coupled to the handle 48. The handle 48 includes a pin (not shown) that is sized to be received within the third opening 230 of the curved link 234. In this manner, the handle 48 can be partially rotated from the locked position (rearwardly within the recess 50) toward the unlocked position without encountering any significant resistance, thereby allowing the handle 48 to be easily removed from the recess 50.

[0078] The third opening 230 includes a gap 233 defining an arm 235 having a detent 231 on a distal end. The detent 231 and arm 235 cooperate with the pin of the handle 48 so that the pin will deform the arm 235 and the pin reaches the end of the length of the opening 230. This will provide the user with a tactile sensation, as well as an audible snap, which advantageously clearly indicates that the handle 48 has been extended to the end of the length of the opening 230. Figure 3-5 The fully locked position shown or moved from the locked position to start the folding process as described above. Fig.33 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the actuation mechanism 200 uses a curved link 234 configured in such a manner (i.e., having a pawl 231, a gap 233, an arm 235 that cooperates with a pin on the handle 48) that provides tactile and audible feedback that the handle 48 is in the fully locked and fully unlocked positions. This also advantageously retains the handle 48 within the undercut 50 in both the playing state and the folded state.

[0079] When the pin (not shown) strikes the end of the third opening 230, it then transmits a rotational force to the curved link 234 to drive its rotation. This rotation will cause the link 224 to force the L-shaped link 222 to move toward the end of the guitar 10 (opposite the head 18), which in turn will cause the rolling crossbar 214 and the accompanying bridge compression member 206 to move away from the translating tailpiece 202 disposed on the rolling crossbar 208. The removal of the bridge compression member 206 effectively unlocks the tailpiece 202 from the locked position abutting or adjacent to the bridge reference block 204. This allows the tailpiece 202 to move away from the reference block 204 through the rolling crossbar 208 under the tension of the strings 16.

[0080] During this initial relaxation process, the string 16 may travel in the range of approximately 1-2 inches. One or more springs 198 are coupled to the floating tailpiece 202 to inhibit and control the degree of string relaxation and to provide moderate tension on the string 16 before, during, and after the folding process to prevent the string 16 from vertically and / or laterally migrating, which may otherwise cause the string 16 to separate from or disengage from the neck 12. The string 16 may travel an additional distance (i.e., moving the upper neck 32 away from the playing position) during the folding process, ranging from 1-2 inches.

[0081] As mentioned above Figure 8-10 As described above, assuming that the translating tailpiece 202 (anchoring the string 16) is disposed in the recess 64 formed at the rear of the body 14 of the guitar 10, it is necessary to lead the string 16 out from the rear of the guitar 10. To this end, the roller assembly 68 ( Figure 17-18 ) is mounted on a plate 134 secured within a recess 144 in the rear recess 64 of the body 14. The roller assembly 68 includes a plurality of string rollers 106 (one for each string 16, e.g., six in the case of a six-string guitar) rotatably arranged along an axis 108 extending between a pair of mounting brackets 110 secured to the plate 134 by machine screws threaded into holes 140 in the plate 134. The roller assembly 68 may be provided with an optional backing plate 104 ( Fig.16 ) to help guide the strings 16 during the guitar stringing process and to hold the strings 16 before, during and after the folding process so that the strings 16 do not migrate from their positions within the roller assembly 68 and the corresponding positions within each individual roller 106.

[0082] The shafts 212a, 212b may be coupled to the carriage 220 via a plurality of grommets 218. The grommets 218 are constructed of a rubber or polymer (if used) that is sufficiently flexible to allow the shaft 212 to float with six degrees of freedom relative to the carriage 220. This "intentional tilt" will prevent the rollers 210, 216 from sticking or otherwise binding along the shaft 212, which might otherwise occur if the shaft 212 were fixed relative to the carriage 220 and were rigid or misaligned relative to the carriage 220.

[0083] like Figure 42-43 As shown, the translation truss assembly 46 includes an elongated rod 150 extending between a central extension member formed in the bridge compression member 106 and a dual truss rod assembly 300. The dual truss rod assembly 300 includes a coupler 152, a truss rod mounting block 302, a linkage 304 rotatably interconnecting the coupler 152 and the truss rod mounting block 302, and two truss rods 306 extending longitudinally away from the mounting block 302. The coupler 152 is mounted to the end of the elongated rod 150 having a double opening 308, and more specifically, the underside of the coupler 152 is equipped with two threaded holes (not shown) that are sized to threadably receive machine screws to pass through the openings 308 to secure the elongated rod 150 to the coupler 152. The truss rods 306 are sized to fully extend through the hinge assembly 36 when in a straight or playing configuration. When so extended, the hinge assembly 36 will be secured and locked so that the strings 16 can be adjusted and the guitar 10 can be played.

[0084] Truss rods 306 may be rigidly fixed to mounting block 302, or may be configured to float relative to mounting block 302. By way of example, referring to Fig.44 , the desired float may be achieved by providing a proximal region 310 of each truss rod 306 with a reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the associated hole 312 of the coupler 52 and an annular recess 314. A wave washer 316 may be positioned over the proximal region 310, and an outer clamp ring 316 snapped into place within the annular recess 314. In this way, the truss rod 306 will be able to move appropriately within the hole of the coupler 152 to allow the truss rod 306 to more easily enter the hole of the hinge assembly 36.

[0085] The coupler 152 also includes a rod 318 that is designed to be inserted into the coupler guide 320 ( Figures 45-46 ) is slidable in the coupling guide 320, which is mounted in a channel 322 ( Fig.23 ) in the connector. The connector guide 320 is shown mounted in Figure 4 and Fig.4714 in the main body 14. The coupler guide 320 includes a recess 324 having a pair of parallel sliding surfaces 326 with a gap therebetween that is greater than the width of the coupler 152 and less than the length of the post 318. In other words, when the translating truss assembly 46 moves back and forth in use, the post 318 of the coupler 152 slides on the sliding surface 324 and the coupler 152 is free to translate within the gap. In this way, the coupler guide 320 and the post 318 cooperate to provide vertical restraint and horizontal application of force without hindering movement. This ensures that the double truss rod 306 enters the hole formed in the hinge assembly 36 in a linear manner.

[0086] Now refer to Figures 48-50 The hinge assembly 36 is described, wherein Fig.48 is an exploded view of the hinge assembly 36, Figure 49-52 The hinge base 38 is shown in detail, Figure 53-56 The intermediate hinge 40 is shown in detail, Figures 57-60 The upper hinge 42 is shown in detail. The hinge assembly 36 includes a hinge base 38, an intermediate hinge 33, and an upper hinge 42. The hinge assembly 36 can be constructed of a variety of suitable materials, including but not limited to metal (e.g., aluminum), carbon fiber, plastic, etc., and manufactured by any suitable technology, including but not limited to machining, molding, 3D printing, etc.

[0087] The hinge base 38 includes a plurality of threaded holes 350 in the upper surface that are sized to receive machine screws (via Fig.23 The hinge base 38 is installed in the neck recess 354 after the neck 12 has been fully assembled ( Fig. 22 ). The hinge base 38 also includes a coupling extension 356 for rotatably coupling with a proximal recess 358 in the intermediate hinge 40 via a first pin 360 that extends through a hole 362 that passes perpendicularly through the first recess 358 when aligned with the coupling extension 356. The hinge base 38 also includes two elongated holes (not shown) sized to receive sleeve bearings 364 that are in turn sized to slidably receive the truss rod 306 to lock and unlock the hinge assembly 36 during use. To facilitate rotation between the hinge base 38 and the intermediate hinge 40, nylon or Teflon impregnated washers 366 may be placed within the recesses 368 formed on either side of the coupling extension 356.

[0088] The intermediate hinge 40 includes a proximal recess 358 and a distal recess 370. The proximal recess 358 is sized to be rotatably coupled to the coupling extension 356 of the hinge base 38 via a first pin 360 that extends through a hole 362 that passes perpendicularly through the proximal recess 358 when aligned with the coupling extension 356 of the hinge base 38. The distal recess 370 is sized to be rotatably coupled to the coupling extension 372 of the upper hinge 42 via a second pin 374 that extends through a hole 376 that passes perpendicularly through the distal recess 370 when aligned with the coupling extension 372 of the upper hinge 42. The intermediate hinge 40 has two elongated holes that are sized to receive sleeve bearings 378 that are in turn sized to slidably receive the truss rod 306 to lock and unlock the hinge assembly 36 during use. The upper hinge 42 has two holes (shorter than the holes of the hinge base 33 and the intermediate hinge 40) sized to receive sleeve bearings 380 which in turn are sized to slidably receive the truss rod 306 to lock and unlock the hinge assembly 36 during use. To facilitate rotation between the intermediate hinge 40 and the upper hinge 42, nylon or Teflon impregnated washers 382 may be placed within recesses 384 formed on either side of the coupling extension 372 of the upper hinge 42.

[0089] The upper hinge 42 includes a coupling extension 372, a stepped surface 386, and a midline recess 388. The coupling extension 372 is operable to rotatably engage within the distal recess 370 of the intermediate hinge 40, as described above. The stepped surface 386 is parallel to but spaced apart from the upper surface 390 and includes two threaded holes 392. The vertical surface 394 includes two additional holes 396. Combined Reference Figures 57-61 , the upper hinge 42 is sized to be secured to the neck subassembly 400 by inserting a machine screw 402 into a threaded hole 392 in the stepped surface 386. To enhance the rigidity of this joint, a dowel 404 extending from the horizontal hole and forwardly into a corresponding hole formed in an abutment surface of the neck subassembly 400, as well as glue or other adhesive on the abutment surface, may also be used. The centerline recess 388 is sized to accommodate the end of an adjustable truss rod 306 of standard construction, which can be used to change the curvature or alignment of the upper neck 32 by rotation of a bolt element 212 located adjacent the head 18 of the neck 12.

[0090] Figure 62-64 The locking and unlocking interaction between the hinge assembly 36 and the truss rod assembly 300 is shown. Figure 62-633, the truss rod assembly 300 is fully advanced into the hinge base 38 so that the mounting block 302 abuts or is adjacent to the end wall of the hinge base 38. In this state, the truss rod 306 will be fully advanced through the hinge assembly 36, and in an exemplary embodiment, through the sleeve bearings 364, 378, 380 in the hinge base 38, the intermediate hinge 40, and the upper hinge 42. To accomplish this operation in use, the handle 48 and the actuation mechanism 200 will be in a Figure 26-29 This causes the elongated rod 150 (mounted to the coupler 152) to push the truss rod assembly 300, causing the truss rod 306 to extend through the hinge assembly 36. Figure 64-65 In the embodiment of the present invention, the truss assembly 300 is translated (moved) away from the end wall of the hinge base 38 until the truss rod 306 is removed from the hinge assembly 36. To do this in use, the handle 48 and the actuating mechanism 200 are in the Figure 30-32 This causes the elongated rod 150 (mounted to the coupler 152 ) to pull the truss rod assembly 300 away from the end wall of the hinge base 38 , causing the truss rod 306 to be completely removed from the hinge assembly 36 .

[0091] like Figures 66-68 As shown, after assembling the hinge assembly 36 and positioning the adjustable truss rod 410 within the upper channel 440 in the neck subassembly 400, the fret board 442 can be glued to the upper surface of the neck subassembly 400, the hinge base 38, the middle hinge 40, and the upper hinge 42 ( Fig.66 Thereafter, the fret board 442 may be processed to form lower, middle, and upper fret board portions 444, 446, and 448, respectively, which define a proximal joint 450 and a distal joint 452 in the fret board 442 ( Fig.67 ). Finally, if Fig.68 As shown, the proximal and distal joints 450, 452 are machined in the area of ​​each guitar string path to create a generally "V-shaped" cutout area 454 spanning the proximal and distal fret board joints 450, 452. Figure 8-9 As best shown in FIG. 4 , the cutout area is sized to accommodate the strings 16 when separated due to folding the guitar 10 to prevent or minimize undesirable migration of the strings 16 when the guitar 10 is in the folded state. Also, the strings 16 will be subject to moderate tension due to the release of the floating bridge assembly 20 before folding begins. With the strings 16 coupled to the tailpiece 202, and the tailpiece 202 under moderate tension (1-5 pounds) from a pair of springs 198 extending between the tailpiece 202 and the reference block 204, the strings 16 will slowly "follow the fold" and remain in place within the cutout area 454 for elegant string management.

[0092] The operation of the translating bridge assembly 20 is staggered in time relative to the operation of the translating truss assembly 46 such that the string 16 is relaxed by the translating bridge assembly 20 before the translating truss assembly 46 is operated to unlock the hinge assembly 36 of the neck 12. More specifically, when the handle 48 is moved from Figure 26-29 When the fully locked position shown in FIG. 5 is actuated to the unlocked position (nested within the upper region of the recess 50), the floating tailpiece within the translating bridge assembly 20 moves away from the head 18 of the neck 12, causing the strings 16 to transition from a tuned state (maximum 150 pounds of force on the strings 16) to a relaxed state.

[0093] In the relaxed state, the primary force acting on string 16 comes from one or more springs forming part of translating bridge assembly 20, which are configured to exert only a modest force (e.g., 1 to 5 pounds, preferably 3 pounds) on string 16. Various friction reduction techniques are employed to minimize or eliminate friction along the string path ( Figure 8-10 This is why the main force acting on the string 16 in the folded configuration is the force of the spring 16.

[0094] Any features or properties of the above-described embodiments and variations may be used in combination with other features and properties of the above-described embodiments and variations as desired.

[0095] The travel guitars described herein overcome or at least ameliorate the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a reduced profile for ease of travel as well as predictable tuning and high quality guitar playing. In addition, by using commercially available computer tablets and / or smart phones, the effective cost of a travel guitar is reduced for the user because these devices can be used for other purposes.

[0096] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it is apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit. The embodiments discussed are selected and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications to suit the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefits to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A foldable stringed instrument, comprising: A hinged neck assembly including a lower neck, an upper neck and a middle neck, each of the lower neck, the upper neck and the middle neck having a proximal end and a distal end and an upper surface, a plurality of spaced frets disposed along at least a portion of the upper surface, the distal end of the lower neck being hingedly coupled to the proximal end of the middle neck, the distal end of the middle neck being hingedly coupled to the proximal end of the upper neck, and each of the lower neck, the middle neck and the upper neck having at least one aperture extending in linear alignment with one another when the lower neck, the middle neck and the upper neck are linearly aligned; a translating bridge assembly configured to selectively tighten and loosen a set of musical strings extending over the lower, middle, and upper necks based on linear movement of the translating bridge assembly relative to the lower, middle, and upper necks; as well as A translation truss assembly sized to selectively move in a linear manner relative to the lower neck, middle neck and upper neck to advance at least one elongated element into at least one hole in each of the lower neck, middle neck and upper neck when the lower neck, middle neck and upper neck are linearly aligned, wherein the translation truss assembly is further sized to selectively move in an opposite direction to remove the at least one elongated element from at least one hole in each of the middle neck and upper neck to enable the middle neck and upper neck to be hingedly folded away from the lower neck to reduce the length of the articulated neck assembly.

2. The foldable stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein: After the translating bridge assembly has been actuated to release the set of musical string displacements, the at least one elongated member is removed from the at least one aperture in each of the middle and upper necks.

3. The collapsible stringed instrument of claim 1, further comprising a rod configured to operate the translation bridge assembly and the translation truss assembly.

4. The collapsible stringed instrument of claim 3, further comprising a body sized to couple with the articulated neck assembly, the body including a neck recess sized to receive the proximal end of the lower neck, the body including a recess that receives the rod.

5. The foldable stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The articulated neck assembly includes a first joint at the junction of the distal end of the lower neck and the proximal end of the middle neck, and a second joint at the junction of the distal end of the middle neck and the proximal end of the upper neck, wherein each of the first joint and the second joint includes a plurality of grooves formed in the upper surface for accommodating the set of musical strings when the lower neck, the middle neck and the upper neck are in a folded state.

6. The collapsible stringed instrument of claim 1 further comprising a body sized to couple with the articulating neck assembly, the body including a neck recess sized to receive the proximal end of the lower neck.

7. The collapsible stringed instrument of claim 6, further comprising a plate secured within a recess formed in the body, the plate being sized to mount the translating bridge assembly to the body.

8. The foldable stringed musical instrument of claim 1, further comprising at least one on-board electrical component and at least one electrical connector for establishing electrical communication between the at least one on-board electrical component and at least one external component.

9. The foldable stringed instrument according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one onboard component includes a battery or battery pack to provide power, an electric pickup disposed near the musical string for picking up an electrical signal generated by playing the musical string, and a tuning machine for tuning the musical string.

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