Cello harness and method of use thereof

Abstract

Provided is a cello harness including an adapted and a belt. The adapter includes a first plate; a means for mounting the first plate onto a cello; and a first part of an attachment means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from a belt. The belt includes a second plate; at least one strap attached to the second plate; and a second part of the attachment means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt. The second plate together with the at least one strap are configured to wrap around a waist of a cellist to secure the belt to the cellist, whereby the second plate is positioned at a front portion of a body of the cellist.

Description

PCT Patent ApplicationofElizabeth KovalchukForCELLO HARNESS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOFFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates to musical instrument harnesses in general, and more particularly to, cello harnesses.BACKGROUND

[0002] Cello performance has evolved to include standing while playing, but this technique presents challenges that few cellists have mastered. Standing performance allows musicians to move more freely, similar to violinists or guitarists, enabling better interaction and engagement with the audience. However, due to the size and mass of the cello, standing while playing is particularly demanding.

[0003] Existing cello harnesses typically use a shoulder strap, where the shoulder of the cellist bears the mass of the instrument. This design, however, often leads to shoulder injuries after prolonged playing, as the cello is heavy. Additionally, many of these harnesses fail to provide the necessary cello stability during performances, which can negatively impact playing accuracy. Some harness designs are also bulky or overly complicated, further limiting their practicality.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a cello harness that reduces or eliminates the strain on the shoulders, allowing cellists to perform standing without risking injury. Moreover, there is a need for a cello harness that stabilizes the cello during performances, offering the cellist better control to enhance precision while playing.SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the techniques described herein in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a preludeto the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0006] One or more embodiments provide a cello harness, including: an adapter, including: a first plate; a means for mounting the first plate onto a cello; and a first part of an attachment means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from a belt; and the belt, including: a second plate; at least one strap attached to the second plate; and a second part of the attachment means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt; wherein the second plate together with the at least one strap are configured to wrap around a waist of a cellist to secure the belt to the cellist, whereby the second plate is positioned at a front portion of a body of the cellist.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the means for mounting the first plate onto the cello includes at least a plurality of screw holes disposed on the first plate; and a plurality of screws are used together with the plurality of screw holes to mount the first plate onto the cello.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the first part of the attachment means includes a stepped pin fixed to the first plate; the stepped pin includes: a first cylindrical member fixed to the first plate; and a second cylindrical member fixed to the first cylindrical member; and the second cylindrical member has a larger diameter than a diameter of the first cylindrical member.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the second part of the attachment means includes a key way disposed on the second plate configured to mate with the stepped pin; the key way includes: a first opening; and a second opening connected to the first opening; the first opening is configured such that the second cylindrical member fits through the first opening; the second opening is configured such that the first cylindrical member fits through the second opening while the second cylindrical member cannot fit through the second opening; and a height of the first cylindrical member is greater than a depth of the second plate. In one or more embodiments, the height of the first cylindrical member is selected such that when the adapter is attached to the belt the cello is stable in position with no translation and rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stepped pin.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, attaching the adapter to the belt includes: passing the second cylindrical member from a front side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to a rear side of the first opening; and translating the stepped pin downwards into the second opening until the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, wherein: when the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the second cylindrical member is positioned on arear side of the second opening and the first cylindrical member is positioned between a front side and the rear side of the second opening; when the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the adapter is attached to the belt; and when the adapter is attached to the belt, the first cylindrical member of the stepped pin interfaces with an interior surface of the key way defining a portion of the second opening, thereby transferring a mass of the cello to the belt secured around the waist of the cellist, resulting in hips of the cellist bearing the mass of the cello.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first plate further comprises at least one aperture. In one or more embodiments, the second plate is curved. In one or more embodiments, the second plate further includes: a first slot disposed on a first end of the second plate; and a second slot disposed on a second end of the second plate; and the at least one strap includes a single strap that passes through the first slot and the second slot to attach the single strap to the second plate.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, a first part of a buckle attached to a first end of the at least one strap and a second part of the buckle attached to a second end of the at least one strap connect with one another to secure the belt around the waist of the cellist; a length of the belt is adjustable; and the length of the belt is adjusted to securely fit around the waist of the cellist.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the adapter further includes: a translational mechanism configured to translate the first part of the attachment means relative to the first plate; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the first part of the attachment means in position relative to the first plate. In one or more embodiments, the belt further includes: a translational mechanism configured to translate the second part of the attachment means relative to the second plate; and a locking mechanism configured to lock the second part of the attachment means in position relative to the second plate.

[0014] One or more embodiments include a method for a cellist to support a mass of a cello while playing the cello, including: mounting the first plate of the adapter onto the cello; securing the second plate of the belt and the at least one strap of the belt attached thereto around the waist of the cellist, above their hips and such that the second plate is positioned at the front portion of the body of the cellist; and attaching the first part of the attachment means to the second part of the attachment means.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes detaching the first part of the attachment means from the second part of the attachment means, including: translating the stepped pin upwards from the second opening into the first opening untilthe stepped pin can no longer translate further upwards along the first opening; and passing the second cylindrical member from the rear side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to the front side of the first opening to release the stepped pin from the key way.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a position of the first attachment means of the adapter along the first plate using a first translational mechanism or a position of the second attachment means of the belt along the second plate using a second translational mechanism; and locking the first attachment means of the adapter in the position using a first locking mechanism or locking the second attachments means of the belt in the position using a second locking mechanism.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

[0018] FIG. lAillustrates an example of a cello harness, according to some embodiments.

[0019] FIGS. IB- ID illustrate an example of an adapter of the cello harness illustrated in FIGS. 1A and IB.

[0020] FIGS. 1E-1G illustrate an example of a belt of the cello harness illustrated in FIGS. 1A and IB.

[0021] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the adapter of the cello harness illustrated in FIGS.IB and 1C mounted onto a cello.

[0022] FIGS. 3 A and 3B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the adapter and the belt of the cello harness illustrated in FIGS. 1 A-1G, respectively.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method for a cellist to support a mass of a cello using the cello harness illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A, and 2B, according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present inventions will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventions. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in theart, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Further, it should be emphasized that several inventive techniques are described, and embodiments are not limited to systems implanting all of those techniques, as various cost and engineering tradeoffs may warrant systems that only afford a subset of the benefits described herein or that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0025] Embodiments provide a cello harness including an adapter and a belt, the adapter and belt being configured such that the adapter is attachable to and detachable from the belt. In embodiments, the adapter includes a first plate, a means for mounting the first plate onto a cello, and a first part of a means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt. In some embodiments, the cello includes a Yamaha™ electric cello. In some embodiments, the means for mounting the first plate onto the cello includes a plurality of screw holes disposed on the first plate. In such embodiments, a plurality of screws are used together with the plurality of screw holes to mount the first plate onto the cello. In one instance, the plurality of screw holes may be disposed around a perimeter of the first plate. In some embodiments, the first part of the means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt includes a stepped pin fixed to the first plate. In embodiments, the stepped pin includes a first cylindrical member fixed to the first plate and a second cylindrical member fixed to the first cylindrical member, the second cylindrical member having a larger diameter than the diameter of the first cylindrical member.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first plate includes at least one aperture. In one instance, one or more of the at least one aperture may align with a compartment door, an opening, or a component of the cello, such that a cellist may still access the compartment door, the opening, or the component of the cello after mounting the first plate onto the cello. In another instance, one or more of the at least one aperture may align with a component of the cello such that the component is positioned within the aperture when the first plate is mounted onto the cello.

[0027] In embodiments, the belt includes a second plate, at least one strap attached to the second plate, and a second part of the means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt. In some embodiments, the second plate together with the at least one strap are configured to wrap around a waist of the cellist, just above their hips, to secure the belt to the cellist, whereby the second plate is approximately centrally positioned at a front portion of a body of the cellist. In some embodiments, the second plate is curved tomatch a natural contour of the front portion of the body of the cellist. In some embodiments, the second plate includes a first slot disposed on a first end of the second plate and a second slot disposed on a second end of the second plate. In such embodiments, the at least one strap includes a single strap that passes through the first slot and the second slot, thereby attaching the second plate to the single strap. The single strap is secured around the waist of the cellist by wrapping the single strap around the wait of the cellist and connecting a first end of the single strap with a second end of the single strap. In some embodiments, a first part of a buckle is attached to the first end of the single strap and a second part of the buckle is attached to the second end of the single strap and the first part of the buckle and second part of the buckle connect with one another (e.g., using a buckle) to secure the single strap around the waist of the cellist. A length of the belt may be adjustable (e.g., using at least one part of the buckle) such that the length of the belt may be adjusted to securely fit around the waist of the cellist, just above their hips. In some embodiments, the second part of the means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt includes a keyway disposed on the second plate and configured to mate with the stepped pin fixed to the first plate of the adapter. In some embodiments, the keyway includes a first opening and a second opening connected thereto, the two openings forming the keyway. In such embodiments, the first opening is configured such that the second cylindrical member may pass through the first opening and the second opening is configured such that the first cylindrical member may pass through while the second cylindrical member may not pass through the second opening. Further, in such embodiments, a height of the first cylindrical member is greater than a depth of the second plate such that the first cylindrical member may interface with an interior surface of the key way defining a portion of the second opening. In some embodiments, the height of the first cylindrical member is only slightly greater than the depth of the second plate such that translation and rotation of the stepped pin about its longitudinal axis is non-existent or minimal when the first cylindrical member interfaces with the interior surface of the key way defining the portion of the second opening.

[0028] In some embodiments, the stepped pin is translationally coupled to the first plate.In such embodiments, the adapter includes at least one translational mechanism that facilitates translation of the stepped pin in a particular direction, such as a vertical direction (e.g., up and down), a horizontal direction (e.g., left and right), and / or another direction (e.g., diagonal direction), and a corresponding locking mechanism for locking the stepped pin in a desired position. In some embodiments, the keyway is disposed on a separatecomponent translationally coupled to the second plate of the belt. In such embodiments, the belt includes at least one translational mechanism that facilitates translation of the key way in a particular direction, such as a vertical direction (e.g., up and down), a horizontal direction (e.g., left and right), and / or another direction (e.g., diagonal direction), and a corresponding locking mechanism for locking the key way in a desired position. The stepped pin and / or the key way may be translated to adjust a position of the cello relative to the cellist, thereby accommodating different cellists (e.g., cellists with different heights, different dominant hands, different playing styles, different preferred positioning of the cello, etc.). Different translational mechanisms and corresponding locking mechanisms may be used in different embodiments. For example, a rack and pinion with a detent mechanism may be used. As the pinion (e.g., a gear) rotates, it interfaces with the rack (e.g., to which the stepped pin or key way may be fixed), causing the rack to translate relative to a fixed frame (e.g., the first plate or the second plate), thereby converting rotational motion to linear motion. The detent mechanism may be applied to the pinion to hold its position, locking the translational movement of the rack. In another example, a sliding bar with a ratchet mechanism may be used. The bar (e.g., to which the stepped pin or keyway may be fixed) slides relative to a fixed frame (e.g., the first plate or the second plate), guided by tracks or grooves. The ratchet mechanism with pawls engages with teeth on the bar to allow movement in one direction while preventing movement in the reverse direction, unless the pawl is disengaged from the teeth on the bar.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cello harness further includes a shoulder strap. In one instance, the shoulder strap may connect to the belt on a first end and to the cello on a second end.

[0030] Embodiments further include a method for a cellist to support a mass of a cello using the cello harness including: mounting the first plate of the adapter onto the cello; securing the second plate and the at least one strap of the belt around the waist of the cellist, just above their hips; and attaching the adapter to the belt. In some embodiments, mounting the first plate of the adapter onto the cello includes mounting the first plate onto the cello using the plurality of screw holes disposed on the first plate and the plurality of screws. In some embodiments, securing the second plate and the at least one strap of the belt around the waist of the cellist includes connecting the first part of the buckle and the second part of the buckle with one another to secure the single strap around the waist of the cellist and adjusting the single strap until the belt is tightly secured around the waist of the cellist. In some embodiments, attaching the adapter to the belt includes passing the second cylindricalmember of the stepped pin from a front side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to a rear side of the first opening; translating the stepped pin downwards into the second opening until the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the second cylindrical member on a rear side of the second opening and the first cylindrical member positioned between a front side and the rear side of the second opening. When the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the adapter is attached to the belt. When the adapter is attached to the belt, the first cylindrical member of the stepped pin interfaces with the interior surface of the key way defining the portion of the second opening, transferring the mass of the cello to the belt secured around the waist of the cellist, resulting in the hips of the cellist bearing all the mass of the cello. Further, when the adapter is attached to the belt, the cello is stable in position with no or minimal translation and rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stepped pin.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method further includes: adjusting a position of the stepped pin along the first plate using at least a first translational mechanism; and locking the stepped pin in the position using at least a first locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting a position of the key way along the second plate using at least a second translational mechanism; and locking the key way in the position using at least a second locking mechanism.

[0032] In some embodiments, the method further includes detaching the adapter from the belt. In some embodiments, detaching the adapter from the belt includes: translating the stepped pin upwards from the second opening into the first opening until the stepped pin can no longer translate further upwards along the first opening; and passing the second cylindrical member from the rear side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to the front side of the first opening to release the stepped pin from the key way.

[0033] FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a cello harness 100 including an adapter 101 and abelt 102. FIGS. 1B-1D illustrate the adapter 101 including a first plate 103, aplurality of screw holes 104, a first aperture 105, a second aperture 106, and a stepped pin 107. The stepped pin includes a first cylindrical member 108 and a second cylindrical member 109 concentric to the first cylindrical member 108, the second cylindrical member 109 having a larger diameter than a diameter of the first cylindrical member 108. FIGS. 1E-1G illustrate the belt 102 including a second plate 110, a first slot 111, a second slot 112, a strap 113, a first part of a buckle 114, a second part of the buckle 115, and a key way 116 configured to mate with the stepped pin 107. The key way 116 includes a first opening 117and a second opening 118. The first opening 117 is configured such that the second cylindrical member 109 may pass through the first opening 117 and the second opening 118 is configured such that the first cylindrical member 108 may pass through while the second cylindrical member 109 may not pass through the second opening 118. A height 119 of the first cylindrical member 108 is greater than a depth 120 of the second plate 110 such that the first cylindrical member 108 may interface with an interior surface 121 of the key way 116 defining a portion of the second opening 118. The height 119 of the first cylindrical member 108 is only slightly greater than the depth 120 of the second plate 110 such that translation and rotation of the stepped pin 107 along and about its longitudinal axis 122, respectively, is non-existent or minimal when the first cylindrical member 108 interfaces with the interior surface 121 of the key way 116 defining the portion of the second opening 118.

[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the adapter 101 mounted onto a cello 200. A plurality of screws 201 are used together with the plurality of screw holes 104 for mounting the first plate 103 onto the cello 200.

[0035] The adapter 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2 may be mounted onto the Yamaha™ electric cello. In some embodiments, the adapter 101 is modified to fit a particular cello without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a shape and a size of the first plate 103 may be modified, a position and a size of the stepped pin 107 may be modified, a shape and a size of each of the apertures 105 and 106 may be modified, either of the apertures 105 and 106 may be excluded and / or additional apertures may be included, a position and a size of each of the plurality of screw holes 104 may be modified, and a number of the plurality of screw holes 104 may be modified. A position and a size of the key way 116 of the belt 102 may also be modified.

[0036] FIG. 3 A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the adapter 101 further including a translational mechanism 300 configured to vertically translate the stepped pin 107 relative to the first plate 103 and a locking mechanism 301 configured to lock the stepped pin 107 in position relative to the first plate 103. In this example, the translational mechanism 300 and locking mechanism 301 includes a linear slide rail and lock. FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the belt 102 further including a translational mechanism 302 configured to vertically translate the key way 116 relative to the second plate 110 and a locking mechanism 303 configured to lock the key way 116 in position relative to the second plate 110. In this example, the translational mechanism 302 and locking mechanism 303 includes a linear slide rail and lock. The linear slide rail and lockmay generally include an elongated rail (e.g., positioned on the adapter 101 and / or belt 102) having a track or channel along which a movable carriage, slider, or block attached to the movable component (e.g., the adapter 101 and / or belt 102) travels. The rail provides a defined linear path, allowing smooth and controlled movement of the carriage and the component attached thereto along a single axis. The carriage typically includes one or more bearing elements, rollers, or sliders that engage the rail track to reduce friction and maintain alignment during movement. The rail and carriage together allow precise linear motion while supporting loads in directions perpendicular to the travel path. A locking mechanism is provided to selectively fix the carriage and component attached thereto in a desired position along the rail. The locking mechanism may include, for example, a pin, cam, lever, or friction clamp that engages the rail or carriage to prevent relative movement. When the lock is disengaged, the carriage can freely slide along the rail; when engaged, it resists or prevents motion. The combination of the linear guide rail and lock enables adjustable positioning of a component along a fixed axis with secure retention once the desired position is achieved.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method for a cellist to support a mass of a cello using the cello harness 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, including: (400) mounting the adapter 101 onto the cello; (401) securing the belt 102 around a waist of the cellist, just above their hips; (402) attaching the adapter 101 to the belt 102; and (403) detaching the adapter 101 from the belt 102 after the cellist is finished with the cello. Mounting the adapter 101 onto the cello may include mounting the first plate 103 onto the cello using the plurality of screw holes 104 disposed on the first plate 103 and a plurality of screws. Securing the belt 102 around the waist of the cellist may include connecting the strap 113 and adjusting the strap 113 until the belt 102 is secured around the waist of the cellist. Attaching the adapter 101 to the belt 102 may include passing the second cylindrical member 109 of the stepped pin 107 from a front side of the first opening 117, through the first opening 117 of the key way 116, and to a rear side of the first opening 117; translating the stepped pin 107 downwards into the second opening 118 until the stepped pin 107 can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening 118, the second cylindrical member 109 on a rear side of the second opening 119 and the first cylindrical member 108 positioned between a front side and the rear side of the second opening 118. When the stepped pin 107 can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening 118, the adapter 101 is attached to the belt 102. When the adapter 101 is attached to the belt 102, the first cylindrical member 108 of the stepped pin 107 interfaces with theinterior surface 121 of the key way 116 defining the portion of the second opening 118, transferring the mass of the cello to the belt 102 secured around the waist of the cellist, resulting in the hips of the cellist bearing all the mass of the cello. Further, when the adapter 101 is attached to the belt 102, the cello is stable in position with no or minimal translation and rotation about a longitudinal axis 122 of the stepped pin 107. Detaching the adapter 101 from the belt 102 may include translating the stepped pin 107 upwards from the second opening 118 into the first opening 117 until the stepped pin 107 can no longer translate further upwards along the first opening 117; and passing the second cylindrical member 109 from the rear side of the first opening 117, through the first opening 117, and to the front side of the first opening 117 to release the stepped pin 107 from the key way 116.

[0038] The cello harness described herein redistributes the mass of the cello to the hips rather than the shoulders, as seen in traditional harnesses. This shift allows the cellist to stand and move more freely during performances — whether walking, dancing, or even doing a backbend — while significantly reducing the risk of shoulder injuries. Additionally, the harness provides stability to the instrument, giving the cellist greater control and improving playing accuracy. The simple adapter and belt design also minimizes the risk of mechanical failure, while maintaining a compact, discreet, and aesthetically appealing appearance.

[0039] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein are presented by way of example, and that numerous variations, modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In some instances, certain features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features of another embodiment, or multiple embodiments may be integrated together to achieve a desired result. Additionally, certain elements or steps of the described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or altered depending on the specific implementation or application.

[0040] In various embodiments, certain components, methods, or functionalities described herein may be modified or adapted to fit specific use cases or design constraints. These modifications may be made in view of particular user requirements, environmental conditions, or regulatory considerations.

[0041] Alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are also possible. In some cases, a particular feature described with reference to one embodiment may be utilized in other embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. Similarly, the order of steps in a process / method or the arrangement of components in a system or apparatusmay be altered, provided that the underlying principles of the invention are maintained.

[0042] While particular embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may be employed in place of the specifically described forms. In some cases, specific components may be replaced with functionally equivalent alternatives, and in others, operational steps may be rearranged or omitted, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cello harness, comprising:an adapter, comprising:a first plate;a means for mounting the first plate onto a cello; anda first part of an attachment means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from a belt; andthe belt, comprising:a second plate;at least one strap attached to the second plate; anda second part of the attachment means for attaching the adapter to and detaching the adapter from the belt;wherein the second plate together with the at least one strap are configured to wrap around a waist of a cellist to secure the belt to the cellist, whereby the second plate is positioned at a front portion of a body of the cellist.

2. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein:the means for mounting the first plate onto the cello comprises at least a plurality of screw holes disposed on the first plate; anda plurality of screws are used together with the plurality of screw holes to mount the first plate onto the cello.

3. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein:the first part of the attachment means comprises a stepped pin fixed to the first plate; the stepped pin comprises:a first cylindrical member fixed to the first plate; anda second cylindrical member fixed to the first cylindrical member; and the second cylindrical member has a larger diameter than a diameter of the first cylindrical member.

4. The cello harness of claim 3, wherein:the second part of the attachment means comprises a key way disposed on the second plate configured to mate with the stepped pin;the key way comprises:a first opening; anda second opening connected to the first opening;the first opening is configured such that the second cylindrical member fits through the first opening;the second opening is configured such that the first cylindrical member fits through the second opening while the second cylindrical member cannot fit through the second opening; anda height of the first cylindrical member is greater than a depth of the second plate.

5. The cello harness of claim 4, wherein attaching the adapter to the belt comprises:passing the second cylindrical member from a front side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to a rear side of the first opening; andtranslating the stepped pin downwards into the second opening until the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, wherein:when the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the second cylindrical member is positioned on a rear side of the second opening and the first cylindrical member is positioned between a front side and the rear side of the second opening;when the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the adapter is attached to the belt; andwhen the adapter is attached to the belt, the first cylindrical member of the stepped pin interfaces with an interior surface of the key way defining a portion of the second opening, thereby transferring a mass of the cello to the belt secured around the waist of the cellist, resulting in hips of the cellist bearing the mass of the cello.

6. The cello harness of claim 5, wherein the height of the first cylindrical member is selected such that when the adapter is attached to the belt the cello is stable in position with no translation and rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stepped pin.

7. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein the first plate further comprises at least one aperture.

8. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein the second plate is curved.

9. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein:the second plate further comprises:a first slot disposed on a first end of the second plate; anda second slot disposed on a second end of the second plate; andthe at least one strap comprises a single strap that passes through the first slot and the second slot to attach the single strap to the second plate.

10. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein:a first part of a buckle attached to a first end of the at least one strap and a second part of the buckle attached to a second end of the at least one strap connect with one another to secure the belt around the waist of the cellist;a length of the belt is adjustable; andthe length of the belt is adjusted to securely fit around the waist of the cellist.

11. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein the adapter further comprises:a translational mechanism configured to translate the first part of the attachment means relative to the first plate; anda locking mechanism configured to lock the first part of the attachment means in position relative to the first plate.

12. The cello harness of claim 1, wherein the belt further comprises:a translational mechanism configured to translate the second part of the attachment means relative to the second plate; anda locking mechanism configured to lock the second part of the attachment means in position relative to the second plate.

13. A method for a cellist to support a mass of a cello while playing the cello, comprising:mounting a first plate of an adapter onto the cello;securing a second plate of a belt and at least one strap of the belt attached thereto around a waist of the cellist, above their hips and such that the second plate is positioned at a front portion of a body of the cellist; andattaching a first part of an attachment means of the adapter to a second part of the attachment means of the belt to attach the adapter to the belt.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein:the first part of the attachment means of the adapter comprises a stepped pin fixed to the first plate;the stepped pin comprises:a first cylindrical member fixed to the first plate; anda second cylindrical member fixed to the first cylindrical member; and the second cylindrical member has a larger diameter than a diameter of the first cylindrical member;the second part of the attachment means of the belt comprises a key way disposed on the second plate configured to mate with the stepped pin;the key way comprises:a first opening; anda second opening connected to the first opening;the first opening is configured such that the second cylindrical member fits through the first opening;the second opening is configured such that the first cylindrical member fits through the second opening while the second cylindrical member cannot fit through the second opening;a height of the first cylindrical member is greater than a depth of the second plate; and the height of the first cylindrical member is selected such that when the first attachment means of the adapter is attached to the second attachment means of the belt, the cello is stable in position with no translation and rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stepped pin.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein attaching the first part of the attachment means of the adapter to the second part of the attachment means of the belt comprises:passing the second cylindrical member from a front side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to a rear side of the first opening; andtranslating the stepped pin downwards into the second opening until the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, wherein:when the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the second cylindrical member is positioned on a rear side of the second opening and the first cylindrical member is positioned between a front side and the rear side of the second opening;when the stepped pin can no longer translate further downwards along the second opening, the adapter is attached to the belt; andwhen the adapter is attached to the belt, the first cylindrical member of the stepped pin interfaces with an interior surface of the key way defining a portion of the second opening, thereby transferring a mass of the cello to the belt secured around the waist of the cellist, resulting in hips of the cellist bearing the mass of the cello.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:detaching the first part of the attachment means of the adapter from the second part of the attachment means of the belt to detach the adapter from the belt, comprising:translating the stepped pin upwards from the second opening into the first opening until the stepped pin can no longer translate further upwards along the first opening; andpassing the second cylindrical member from the rear side of the first opening, through the first opening, and to the front side of the first opening to release the stepped pin from the key way.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the second plate is curved.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein:the second plate further comprises:a first slot disposed on a first end of the second plate; anda second slot disposed on a second end of the second plate; andthe at least one strap comprises a single strap that passes through the first slot and the second slot to attach the single strap to the second plate.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein:the at least one strap comprises a single strap;a length of the belt is adjustable; andsecuring a second plate of a belt and at least one strap of the belt attached thereto around a waist of the cellist comprises:connecting a first buckle attached to a first end of the single strap and a second buckle attached to a second end of the single strap with one another to secure the second plate and the single strap around the waist of the cellist; andadjusting the length of the belt to securely fit around the waist of the cellist.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:adjusting a position of the first attachment means of the adapter along the first plate using a first translational mechanism or a position of the second attachment means of the belt along the second plate using a second translational mechanism; andlocking the first attachment means of the adapter in the position using a first locking mechanism or locking the second attachments means of the belt in the position using a second locking mechanism.

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