Guitar Case

Abstract

A guitar case (10) is provided, comprising a resiliently flexible first teardrop oval shaped housing (12), the first housing (12) defining a guitar container (14), the guitar container (14) being adapted to operably receive a guitar (8); the first housing (12) including a guitar suspension device (16), the guitar suspension device (16) including: a body strap (18) configured to operably secure a body (20) of a guitar (8) away from a side (22) of the container (16); and a neck strap (24) configured to operably secure a neck (26) of the guitar (8) within the container (14). The case 10 further comprises a second elastically flexible teardrop oval shell (28) configured to operably and complementarily engage the first shell (12) in a flip-cover manner; and a fastening device configured to fasten the shells (12) and (28) together so that at least the upper shell (12) is elastically deformed above the container (14) to clamp the guitar (8) suspended in the container (14) between the shells (12) and (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates broadly to the field of musical instruments in general, and more particularly to guitar cases. Background Art

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was ever part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] The guitar is a popular instrument played by many people around the world. Given its widespread popularity, people often bring their guitars with them to music events, social occasions, and more. However, many guitars are not easy to transport. As a sensitive instrument, guitars are often easily damaged and often need to be carefully packed or stored for shipping.

[0004] As a result, a wide variety of guitar cases have been developed over the years. However, with traditional guitar cases, size and bulk are often proportional to the level of protection provided, i.e., larger and bulkier guitar cases may provide better protection for the guitar being transported therein, but at the expense of being more difficult to move and handle. Furthermore, given the inherently social nature of making music, traditional guitar cases are generally not very stylish, but are very practical.

[0005] An example of such a conventional guitar case is shown in US Pat. No. 6,283,287B1 issued to Carl, showing a typical clamshell hard case with two hinged hard shells forming a suitcase. Since it adopts a design method of extending the well-known hard briefcase design to a guitar suitcase, while providing good protection for the guitar, such a hard case is large and bulky, and is usually heavy to carry.

[0006] Applicants have identified a need in the art for a guitar case that provides good protection for a guitar when transported therein, while also being more stylish and easier to carry than conventional guitar cases. The present invention is conceived to improve upon the shortcomings of conventional guitar case technology. Summary of the invention

[0007] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that reference to a guitar herein generally includes reference to any suitable harp or musical instrument that can be transported in the guitar case described below. The suitability of the guitar case described herein for such musical instruments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a guitar box, comprising:

[0009] a resiliently flexible first housing having a guitar suspension defining a guitar container for receiving a guitar, the guitar suspension including a body strap and a neck strap, the body strap and neck strap configured to secure the guitar within the container such that a buffer zone is defined around the guitar;

[0010] a resiliently flexible second housing configured to complementarily engage the first housing in a clamshell manner; and,

[0011] A fastening device is configured to fasten the shells together so that at least one shell is elastically deformed above the container to clamp a guitar suspended within the buffer zone of the container between the shells.

[0012] Typically, the Young's modulus of the material constituting the first and second shells is selected so that elastic deformation of the shells caused by external pressure loads of the guitar cabinet extends only into the buffer zone and not to the guitar.

[0013] Typically, the first housing and the second housing are made of a polymer material.

[0014] Typically, the first shell and the second shell each comprise a teardrop oval shape.

[0015] In one example, a guitar hanging device includes at least one body strap for securing a body of the guitar away from a side of a container, and at least one neck strap configured to operably secure a neck of the guitar within the container.

[0016] In one example, the suspension device includes a removable neck support configured to elevate the neck of the guitar when the guitar is secured within the container by the neck strap.

[0017] Typically, the body and / or neck strap include hook and loop fasteners to allow adjustment when securing the guitar within the container.

[0018] Typically, the first shell and / or the second shell includes an inner layer of cushioning material for operatively cushioning the guitar against vibrations.

[0019] Typically, the container includes at least one cushioning support for cushioning the guitar within the container.

[0020] Typically, the cushioning support is configured as a removable storage bag.

[0021] Typically, the fastening means comprises a zip fastener or a snap closure, disposed around a portion of the periphery of the housing to facilitate elastic deformation of at least one of the housings to clamp the guitar within the container.

[0022] Typically, the first housing and the second housing are secured to each other by hinge means along a portion of the side of the container.

[0023] Typically, the first housing and / or the second housing includes an external connection point for operably receiving a harness.

[0024] Typically, the first housing and / or the second housing includes a handle for facilitating carrying of the guitar case. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a first housing of a guitar case according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of another embodiment of a guitar case;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of another embodiment of a guitar case;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the deformation of the elastic and flexible outer shell of the guitar case;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of another embodiment of a guitar case;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a schematic side view of one embodiment of a guitar case; and,

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side schematic view of one embodiment of a guitar case showing a guitar sandwiched between the shells when the shells are secured together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included only to illustrate the present invention to the skilled person. It should not be construed as a limitation to the broad overview, disclosure or description of the present invention described above. In the accompanying drawings, in the drawings that are incorporated for the purpose of illustrating the features of one or more exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals are used throughout to identify the same components.

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a broad example of an embodiment of a guitar case 10 according to aspects of the present invention. In summary, the guitar case 10 includes: a resiliently flexible first shell 12 having a guitar suspension device 16, the guitar suspension device 16 defining a guitar container 14 for accommodating a guitar 8, the guitar suspension device 16 including a body strap 18 and a neck strap 24, which is configured to secure the guitar 8 in the container so that a buffer zone 34 is defined around the guitar 8; the guitar case 10 also includes: a resiliently flexible second shell 28 configured to complementarily engage the first shell 12 in a flap manner; and a fastening device 30 configured to fasten the shells 12 and 28 together so that at least one of the shells 12 and / or 28 is resiliently deformed in the container 14, sandwiching the guitar 8 suspended in the buffer zone 34 of the container 14 between the shells 12 and 28.

[0035] Importantly, the Young's modulus of the materials constituting the first and second shells is selected so that elastic deformation of the shells caused by external pressure loads of the guitar case 10 extends only into the buffer zone and not to the guitar 8.

[0036] In one example, guitar case 10 includes a resiliently flexible first teardrop oval shell 12 defining a guitar container 14 for operably receiving therein a guitar 8. First shell 12 generally includes a guitar suspension device 16 including a body strap 18 configured to operably secure a body 20 of guitar 8 away from a side 22 of container 14, and a neck strap 24 configured to operably secure a neck 26 of guitar 8 within container 14, as shown.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the suspension device 16 is generally configured to securely hold and suspend the guitar 8 away from the side 22 of the case 10. This provides a crumple zone 34 for a buffer in case the case 10 is dropped or something strikes it, such as an external pressure load.

[0038] The guitar case 10 further includes a resiliently flexible second teardrop oval shell 28 configured to operably and complementary engage the first shell 12 in a clamshell manner. Typically, the first shell 12 and the second shell 28 are secured to each other along a portion of the side 22 of the container by suitable hinge means (not shown), such as a fabric hinge or the like.

[0039] In a typical example, the shells 12 and 28 are covered by an outer covering (not shown), which is typically made of a material, leather, etc., that contains the shells 12 and 28 and also serves as a suitable hinge device. The outer covering can be selected to improve the aesthetics of the guitar case 10, and a variety of options are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the teardrop elliptical shape of housings 12 and 28 generally increases the overall robustness of housing 10 due to the unitary box and lack of corners that could get caught on obstacles and potentially act as breakpoints (ie, points of force concentration).

[0041] The guitar case 10 also typically includes some form of fastening means (not shown) configured to fasten the shells 12 and 28 together so that at least the upper shell 12 is elastically deformed over the guitar container 14 to sandwich the guitar 8 suspended within the container 14 between the shells 12 and 28. Typically, the fastening means includes a zip or slide fastener or snap closure disposed around a portion of the side 22 of the container 14, but other variations are possible and within the scope of the present invention, such as straps, buckles, etc.

[0042] The first and second shells are typically made of a polymer material, such as injection molded plastic, but other options are entirely possible and contemplated. The first shell 12 and / or the second shell 28 may also include an inner layer of cushioning material located within the buffer zone 34 for operatively cushioning the guitar 8 against impact and increasing the protection of the shells 12 and 28 against elastic deformation due to external pressure loads.

[0043] In this example, the suspension device 16 includes a removable neck support 32 that is configured to elevate the guitar's neck 26 when the guitar is secured to the container 14 by the neck strap 24. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the neck support 32 may not be suitable for all guitars, but the height may be varied depending on the type of guitar stored in the case 10.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, body strap 18 and neck strap 24 include hook and loop fasteners to allow for adjustment when securing guitar 8 within container 14. However, variations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] The container 14 generally includes at least one cushioning support 36 for cushioning the guitar 8 within the container 14. Such cushioning support 36 can be positioned anywhere cushioning is needed in the container 14. In one example, the cushioning support 36 is further configured as a removable storage bag 38 or the like.

[0046] The first housing 12 and / or the second housing 28 typically include external connection points (not shown), such as D-rings or the like, for operably receiving a carrying strap, such as those known in the art. Typically, the first housing and / or the second housing include a handle 10 for conveniently carrying the guitar case.

[0047] Applicants believe that the present invention provides a particularly advantageous guitar case 10 that provides good protection for a guitar when transported therein while also being more stylish and easier to carry than conventional guitar cases.

[0048] In particular, the suspension assembly 16, including the neck strap 18 and body strap 24, holds the guitar 8 in the center of the case and away from the sides 22 to provide a cushioning or crumple area 34 around the guitar 8. In the event of a side impact, the cases 12 and 28 bear the full force of the impact, while the guitar 8 is secured in the center.

[0049] exist Figure 4 An example of this is shown in FIG. 1 , where the shells 12 and 28 are configured to leave a cushion or crumple zone 34 around the entire instrument 8. When the zipper is closed, the shells 12 and / or 28 flex or deform around the guitar 8 and create a "spring effect" where, in the event of a side impact - similar to the suspension system in a car - the shells deform to withstand the impact force, leaving the guitar safely suspended in the middle, surrounded by the cushion 34. Typically, foam protection (such as those used in other guitar cases or bags) is not needed around the guitar because the force will be absorbed by the shell itself. These shells are also strong enough to protect the guitar from severe top impacts.

[0050] It can also be said that alternative embodiments of the present invention broadly lie in the parts, elements and features mentioned or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more parts, elements or features, and where the integers specifically mentioned herein have known equivalents in the field to which the present invention relates, these known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures and well-known technologies are not described in detail, so that those skilled in the art will readily understand.

[0051] In the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of claimed subject matter), use of the terms "a," "an," "said," "the," and / or similar references are to be interpreted as covering the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to"), unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed to indicate that any non-claimed subject matter is essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0052] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner", "outer", "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will be oriented as "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can include orientations above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this article are interpreted accordingly.

[0053] It should be understood that references herein to "one example" or "an example" or similar exemplary language (e.g., "for example") of the present invention are not exclusive. Various substantial and specific practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described in text and / or graphics for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0054] Therefore, an example may illustrate certain aspects of the present invention, while other aspects are illustrated in different examples. These embodiments are intended to help technicians implement the present invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the present invention in any way, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. After reading this application, modifications (such as modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The inventor expects that the technician will appropriately adopt this modification, and the inventor intends to practice the claimed subject matter in a manner other than specifically described herein.

Claims

1. Guitar case, including: a first resilient and flexible housing having a guitar suspension device, the guitar suspension device defining a guitar container for receiving a guitar, the guitar suspension device including a body strap and a neck strap, the body strap and the neck strap being configured to secure the guitar within the container such that a buffer zone is defined around the guitar, wherein the body strap and the neck strap of the guitar suspension device include: at least one body strap for securing a body of the guitar to a side away from the container; and, at least one neck strap configured to operably secure a neck of the guitar within the container; a resiliently flexible second housing configured to complementarily engage the first housing in a clamshell manner; and, a fastening device, the fastener being configured to fasten the resiliently flexible first housing and the resiliently flexible second housing together; The container is configured in such a manner that when the resiliently flexible first shell and the resiliently flexible second shell are fastened together, the container causes at least one of the resiliently flexible first shell or the resiliently flexible second shell to elastically deform and form a non-planar surface adjacent the fastening device to sandwich the guitar between the resiliently flexible first shell and the resiliently flexible second shell; The Young's modulus of the material constituting the elastically flexible first shell and the elastically flexible second shell is selected so that the elastic deformation of the elastically flexible first shell and the elastically flexible second shell caused by the external pressure load of the guitar case extends only into the buffer zone and does not reach the guitar.

2. The guitar case of claim 1, wherein the elastically flexible first shell and the elastically flexible second shell are each made of a polymer material.

3. The guitar case of claim 1 wherein said resiliently flexible first shell and said resiliently flexible second shell each comprise a teardrop oval shape.

4. The guitar case of claim 1 , wherein the suspension device includes a removable neck support configured to elevate a neck of the guitar when the guitar is secured within the container by the at least one neck strap.

5. The guitar case of claim 4, wherein the at least one body strap and / or the at least one neck strap includes hook and loop fasteners to allow adjustment when securing the guitar within the container.

6. The guitar case of claim 1, wherein the resiliently flexible first shell and / or the resiliently flexible second shell includes an inner layer of cushioning material, the inner layer being operable to cushion the guitar against vibration.

7. The guitar case of claim 1, wherein the container includes at least one cushioning support for cushioning the guitar within the container.

8. The guitar case of claim 7, wherein the at least one cushioned support is configured as a removable storage bag.

9. The guitar case of claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises: A slide fastener or zip fastener, or a snap closure, is disposed around a portion of the periphery of each of the resiliently flexible first shell and the resiliently flexible second shell to facilitate elastic deformation of at least one of the resiliently flexible first shell and the resiliently flexible second shell to clamp the guitar within the container.

10. The guitar case of claim 9 wherein said resiliently flexible first shell and said resiliently flexible second shell are secured to one another along a portion of said container side by hinge means.

11. The guitar case of claim 1 , wherein the resiliently flexible first shell and / or the resiliently flexible second shell includes an external connection point for operably receiving a strap.

12. The guitar case of claim 1, wherein the resiliently flexible first shell and / or the resiliently flexible second shell includes a handle to facilitate carrying the guitar case.

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