Holder for a musical instrument

Abstract

Mounting bracket for a musical instrument (1) with a sound hole (2) formed on its underside, characterized in that the mounting bracket has a rod-shaped element (3) and a flexible element (4) connected to the rod-shaped element (3), wherein the length of the rod-shaped element (3) is greater than the diameter of the sound hole (2).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder for a musical instrument, in particular for a musical instrument with a sound hole formed on its underside, such as a handpan. The invention further relates to a holding system for fixing such a musical instrument on the lap of a musician. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Musical instruments like handpans or similar resonators are often played on the musician's lap to allow for a direct and intimate connection with the instrument. However, playing directly on the lap, often on the musician's thighs, carries the risk of the instrument slipping or shifting due to its smooth surface and the movements during playing. This leads to an unstable playing position, which can distract the musician and negatively impact sound quality and playing flow.

[0003] Alternatively, stands are available on which the musical instrument is placed. However, such stands are often bulky, difficult to transport, and unsuitable for mobile playing or playing on the lap, as they generally distance the instrument from the musician's body. They restrict the musician's flexibility and do not correspond to the preferred, close-to-the-body playing style of many musicians.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows a musical instrument like a handpan to be easily, securely, and stably fixed to the musician's lap to prevent slipping during playing, without resorting to bulky and unwieldy devices. The solution should be easy to manufacture, lightweight, and simple to use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a holder for a musical instrument with a sound hole formed on its underside comprises a rod-shaped element and a flexible element connected to the rod-shaped element, wherein the length of the rod-shaped element is greater than the diameter of the sound hole. This enables simple yet extremely secure anchoring of the musical instrument through the interaction of the rod-shaped element with the sound hole, effectively preventing slippage during playing.

[0006] The bracket is positioned in such a way that a certain, variable angle leads diagonally upwards from the mounting point (chair, seat cushion, stool) to the sound hole.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the musical instrument is a handpan, and the holder is optimally adapted to the specific geometry and playing style of handpans.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rod-shaped element is a rod or a T-piece made of plastic, metal, or wood. This allows for cost-effective and material-flexible manufacturing of the bracket, with both the rod and the T-piece ensuring stable anchoring in the sound hole.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible element, designed as a band, is attached centrally to the rod. This central arrangement ensures a balanced distribution of force and prevents unwanted tilting of the instrument during use.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible element, designed as a band, is attached to the base of the T-piece. This arrangement optimally utilizes the stable structure of the T-piece and enables direct and reliable force transmission.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible element, designed as a band, is connectable at its end opposite the rod-shaped element to a seat cushion or seating furniture. This anchors the entire system to the musician or their seat, resulting in an exceptionally stable and secure playing position.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mounting system for fixing a musical instrument with a sound hole formed on its underside to the musician's thighs comprises a rod-shaped element that is inserted into the sound hole and arranged rotated by 90° and connected to a seat cushion or piece of seating furniture via a flexible element. This describes a particularly simple and intuitive method for quickly and securely attaching the instrument, the 90° rotation realizing the locking mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown at least partially in the figures.

[0014] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating various preferred embodiments of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view and a top view illustrating the basic structure of the bracket. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the mounting system in use, in which the musical instrument is attached to a seat cushion by means of the mounting. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting system, in which the musical instrument is attached to a piece of seating furniture. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the underside of the musical instrument, illustrating the locked position of the rod-shaped element inside the sound hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The following sections describe preferred embodiments of the invention. It is understood that the described embodiments serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the basic principle of the bracket according to the invention. The bracket comprises a rod-shaped element 3 designed as a rod 3a and a flexible element 4 connected thereto, designed as a band 4a. In the Fig. Figure 1 does not show how the rod-shaped element 3, whose length is greater than the diameter of the sound hole 2 of the musical instrument 1, is passed through the sound hole 2.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the mounting system in an application situation. A musical instrument 1, shown here as a handpan, rests on the thighs of a musician (not shown). The rod-shaped element 3 of the mounting is guided through the sound hole 2 located on the underside of the musical instrument 1 and is then rotated by 90 degrees. In this position, the rod-shaped element 3 rests transversely to the sound hole 2 on the inner surface of the musical instrument 1, thus forming a secure anchor.

[0018] A flexible element 4, for example a webbing strap 4a, is connected to the rod-shaped element 3. The other end of the flexible element 4 is connected to a seat cushion 5 on which the musician sits. This connection securely fixes the musical instrument 1 against slipping forward or to the side, thus ensuring a stable and comfortable playing position.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment, which is the one described in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 2 is very similar. Instead of a seat cushion 5, the flexible element 4 is connected here to a piece of seating furniture 6, for example, a stool. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the musician plays on a fixed piece of seating furniture without a separate cushion. The function of securely fixing the musical instrument 1 remains unchanged. The seating furniture 6 serves as a fixed anchor point for the mounting system.

[0020] Fig.Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the underside of the musical instrument 1. The sound hole 2 and the rod-shaped element 3 arranged transversely within it are visible. This illustration clarifies the locking mechanism. The rod-shaped element 3 is longer than the diameter of the sound hole 2 and therefore cannot slide back through the sound hole 2 after the 90-degree rotation.

[0021] The flexible element 4 is attached to the rod-shaped element 3, which in turn leads to the seat cushion 5.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the rod-shaped element 3 can be a simple straight rod 3a or a T-shaped piece 3b, made of materials such as plastic, wood, or metal to ensure sufficient stability. The flexible element 4 can be attached centrally to the straight rod 3a or to the base of the T-piece 3b to ensure optimal force distribution. The flexible element 4 can be adjustable in length to accommodate different body sizes and seating positions and to adjust the desired tension. The invention thus offers a simple, lightweight, and highly effective solution for significantly improving the playing stability of instruments such as handpans. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 musical instrument, handpan 2 sound holes 3 rod-shaped element 3a Staff 3b T-piece 4 flexible element 4a Band, webbing 5 seat cushions 6 pieces of seating furniture, stools

Claims

Mounting bracket for a musical instrument (1) with a sound hole (2) formed on its underside, characterized in that the mounting bracket has a rod-shaped element (3) and a flexible element (4) connected to the rod-shaped element (3), wherein the length of the rod-shaped element (3) is greater than the diameter of the sound hole (2). Mounting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the musical instrument (1) is a handpan. Holder according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod-shaped element (3) is a rod (3a) or a T-piece (3b) made of plastic or metal or wood. Mounting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the band (4a) is attached centrally to the rod (3a). Mounting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the band (4a) is attached to the base of the T-piece. Mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (4a) is designed to be connectable at its end opposite the rod-shaped element to a seat cushion (5) or a seat (6). Mounting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band (4a) is designed to be length-adjustable. Mounting system for fixing a musical instrument (1) with a sound hole (2) formed on its underside on the thighs of the musician, characterized in that a rod-shaped element (3) is inserted into the sound hole (2) and arranged rotated by 90° and is connected via a flexible element (4) to a seat cushion (5) or a seat (6).

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