INSTRUMENT CASE FOR STRING INSTRUMENTS

Abstract

Instrument case for string instruments

The invention is based on an instrument case for receiving a string instrument (16), with a housing (12), with a receiving region (18), delimited by the housing (12), for receiving an instrument (16) and with at least one neck support module (28) comprising a neck support unit (34) for supporting an instrument neck.

It is proposed that the neck support module (28) comprises a bearing unit (40) having two bearing elements (46, 56) and supporting the neck support unit (34) in the receiving region (18) in an adjustable manner

Claims

1. An instrument case for receiving a string instrument, with a housing, with a receiving region, delimited by the housing, for receiving an instrument and with at least one neck support module comprising a neck support unit for supporting an instrument neck, wherein the neck support module comprises a bearing unit having two bearing elements and supporting the neck support unit in the receiving region in an adjustable manner.

2. The instrument case according to claim 1, wherein the bearing unit is embodied as a linear bearing unit.

3. The instrument case according to claim 1, wherein the first bearing element of the bearing unit is embodied as a bearing rail and is firmly connected to the housing.

4. The instrument case according to claim 3, wherein the second bearing element of the bearing unit is embodied as a bearing carriage and is connected to the neck support unit.

5. The instrument case according to claim 1, wherein the bearing unit comprises a blocking device, which is configured for a blocking of the bearing elements of the bearing unit in different positions.

6. The instrument case according to claim 1, wherein the bearing unit comprises a blocking device, which is configured for a blocking of the bearing elements of the bearing unit in different positions and wherein the blocking device comprises at least one first blocking element, which is connected to the first bearing element, and at least one second blocking element, which is connected to the second bearing element and is implemented correspondingly.

7. The instrument case according to claim 6, wherein the first blocking element comprises a toothing and that the second blocking element comprises a corresponding toothing, which engage into each other in a form manner for a blocking.

8. The instrument case at least according to claim 5, wherein the blocking device comprises a spring element, which is configured to press the first and second blocking elements into a blocking position.

9. The instrument case at least according to claim 5, wherein the blocking device comprises an actuation mechanism, by means of which the blocking device is manually adjustable between a blocking position and a release position.

10. The instrument case according to claim 6, wherein the blocking device comprises an actuation mechanism, by means of which the blocking device is manually adjustable between a blocking position and a release position and wherein the actuation mechanism comprises at least one actuation member, which is connected to the at least one second blocking element, and a spring element, against whose spring force the actuation member is deflectable.

11. The instrument case according to claim 10, wherein the blocking device comprises a spring element, which is configured to press the first and second blocking elements into a blocking position the spring element of the blocking device and the spring element of the actuation mechanism are implemented integrally with each other.

12. A neck support module according to claim 1.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0016] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings an exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features individually and will find further expedient combinations.

[0017] It is shown in:

[0018] FIG. 1 a schematic view of an instrument case according to the invention in a first exemplary embodiment, with a neck support module,

[0019] FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view through a central axis of a housing of the instrument case,

[0020] FIG. 3 a schematic top view onto the instrument case with a neck support unit of the neck support module in a maximum position,

[0021] FIG. 4 a schematic top view onto the instrument case with a neck support unit of the neck support module in a minimum position,

[0022] FIG. 5 a schematic sectional view of the neck support module through the central axis,

[0023] FIG. 6 a schematic view of a bearing unit, a blocking device and an actuation mechanism of the neck support module, and

[0024] FIG. 7 a schematic exploded view of the bearing unit and the actuation mechanism of the neck support module.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0025] FIGS. 1 to 7 show an exemplary embodiment of an instrument case 10 according to the invention. The instrument case 10 is realized by a guitar case. However, principally a different implementation of the instrument case 10, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, would also be conceivable, for example as a violin case, a viola case, or as a cello case or contrabass case. The instrument case 10 is configured for receiving a string instrument. The instrument case 10 comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 is realized by a shell housing. The housing 12 comprises two housing shells 14. The first housing shell 14 is embodied as a housing base body. The second housing shell, which is not shown in detail, is embodied as a lid. The first, lower housing shell 14 is configured to directly accommodate an instrument 16, wherein the lid, which is not shown in detail, is configured for closing the housing 12. The lid may be connected to the first housing shell 14 of the housing 12 via clamp closures (not visible). The instrument case 10 further comprises a receiving region 18, which is limited by the housing 12. The receiving region 18 is configured to accommodate an instrument 16. The instrument 16 is a string instrument. By way of example, the instrument 16 is here depicted as a violin. However, a different implementation of the instrument 16, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, would also be conceivable, like for example as a guitar, as a cello, as a viola or as a contrabass. The receiving region 18 is delimited by the first housing shell 14 and by the lid (not shown in detail) of the housing 12, In a closed state of the housing 12, the receiving region 18 is essentially closed. A shape of the housing 12, i. e, a shape of the housing shells 14, is adapted to a general shape of the instrument 16. An outer contour of the housing shells 14 roughly corresponds to a shape of the instrument 16. The housing 12 comprises a body region 22, in which a body of the string instrument 16 can be arranged. The housing 12 comprises a neck region 24, in which an instrument neck of the string instrument 16 can be arranged. The housing comprises a central axis 44. The central axis 44 is realized as a longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The central axis 44 preferably forms a reflection axis of the housing 12.

[0026] The housing shell 14 of the housing 12 comprises a base side 20. The base side 20 of the first housing shell 14 is implemented as a bottom. The base side 20 of the housing shell 14 is essentially planar. A shape of the base side 20 roughly corresponds to a two-dimensional contour of the instrument 16. In an accommodated state of the instrument 16, a bottom of the body of the instrument 16 faces toward the base side 20. In a peripheral region of the base side 20, a circumferential side wall 26 of the housing shell 14 adjoins the base side 20. The side wall 26 extends substantially perpendicularly to the base side 20. In an accommodated state of the instrument 16, a rib of the body of the instrument 16 faces toward the side wall 26. The rib of the instrument 16 extends substantially parallel to the side wall 26. In an accommodated state, the instrument 16 is surrounded by the housing shell 14. In an accommodated state, the instrument 16 is surrounded completely by the housing shell 14 in a plane that is parallel to the bottom of the body of the instrument 16. In an accommodated state, a side of the instrument 16 that forms a cover of the body of the instrument 16 is covered by the housing shell 14 of the housing 12 that is implemented as a cover and is not shown in detail. The body constitutes a resonating body, i, e, the sound box, of the instrument 16. The rib means those components of the body of the instrument 16 which form the side wall, respectively side walls, of the instrument 16.

[0027] The instrument case 10 comprises a neck support module 28 for a support of an instrument neck of the instrument 16 that is accommodated in the receiving region 18. The neck support module 28 is preferably configured to support a lower region of the instrument neck of the accommodated instrument 16. The lower region of the instrument neck is a region facing toward the body of the instrument 16. The neck support module 28 is also configured to support an upper region of the body of the instrument 16. The neck support module 28 is configured to support the instrument 16 in a transition region between the body and the instrument neck. The neck support module 28 is configured to provide a support surface 30, which the instrument 16 can be laid upon with its instrument neck. The neck support module 28 is configured to provide a support surface 32, which the instrument 16 can be laid upon with an upper region of its body. The neck support module 28 is configured for a positionally secure support of the instrument 16 in the receiving region 18 of the housing 12. The neck support module 28 is preferably configured to securely support the instrument 16 in the receiving region 18 of the housing 12. The neck support module 28 is configured for a positionally stable support of the instrument 16 in the receiving region 18 of the housing 12. The neck support module 28 is configured to sustain the instrument neck of the instrument 16 in the receiving region 18. Positionally stable and tilt-free support of a string instrument 16 in the receiving region 18 is enabled by the neck support module 28. Due to the neck support module 28, the string instrument 16 supported in the receiving region 18 can planarly lie upon the base side 20 of the housing 12 with the bottom of its body, and the instrument neck can be sustained at a distance from the base side 20 and can thus be supported securely.

[0028] For supporting the instrument neck, the neck support module 28 comprises a neck support unit 34. The neck support unit 34 is configured to provide the support surfaces 30, 32 for the instrument neck and for the upper region of the body of the instrument 16. The neck support unit 34 comprises a neck support element 36. The neck support element 36 comprises a support zone 38, which forms the two support surfaces 30, 32 for the instrument neck and for the upper region of the body of the instrument 16. The neck support element 36 is preferably implemented correspondingly to an underside of the instrument 16 in the transition region between the body and the instrument neck. Principally it would also be conceivable that the neck support unit 34 comprises several neck support elements, which in each case form a portion of the support surfaces 30, 32 for the instrument neck and for the upper region of the body of the instrument 16. These several neck support elements could then be adjustable relative to one another, thus allowing an adaption of the support surface formed by the neck support unit 34 to instruments 16 of different sizes.

[0029] The neck support module 28 comprises a bearing unit 40. The bearing unit 40 is configured to adjustably support the neck support unit 34 in the receiving region 18. The bearing unit 40 is in particular configured to support the neck support element 36 of the neck support unit 34 movably in the receiving region 18. The bearing unit 40 is in particular configured for an adaption of the neck support unit 34 to instruments 16 of different sizes. By the bearing unit 40, the support surfaces 30, 32 formed by the neck support unit 34 can be changed in their relative positions in the receiving region 18 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is preferably configured to support the neck support element 36 adjustably in a plane extending parallel to the base side 20 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is in particular configured to support the neck support element 36 movably along a displacement path.

[0030] The bearing unit 40 is embodied as a linear bearing unit. The bearing unit 40 that is embodied as a linear bearing unit is configured to support the neck support unit 34 displaceably along a bearing axis 42. The bearing axis 42 of the bearing unit 40 that is embodied as a linear bearing unit is preferably aligned parallel to the central axis 44 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is configured to support the neck support unit 34 in such a way that it is linearly displaceable along the bearing axis 42, i. e. along the central axis 44 of the housing 12. The neck support unit 34 is linearly displaceable by means of the bearing unit 40 along the bearing axis 42, i. e. along the central axis 42 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is configured to support the neck support unit 34 at a bearing distance X. The bearing distance X is preferably 5 cm to 10 cm. Principally it is also conceivable that the bearing distance has a larger or smaller value, depending on the differences in the sizes of the instruments 16 which are to be accommodated. The bearing unit 40 is configured to adjust the neck support unit 34 between a minimum position and a maximum position. For an adjustment of the neck support unit 34 between a minimum position and a maximum position, the bearing unit 40 is configured to adjust the neck support unit 34 by the bearing distance X.

[0031] The bearing unit 40 comprises a first bearing element 46. The first bearing element 46 is firmly connected to the housing 12. For a firm connection to the housing 12, the first bearing element 46 is firmly coupled with the base side 20 of the housing 12. The first bearing element 46 is connected to the base side 20 of the housing 12 via a form-fit connection in a loss-proof manner. Via the form-fit connection, the first bearing element 46 is preferably removably connected to the base side 20 of the housing 12. The first bearing element 46 is firmly connected to the base side 20 of the housing 12 via screw connections. Preferably the first bearing element 46 has two through holes 48, 50, through which respectively one screw element is guided for a fixation to the base side 20, For a fixation of the first bearing element 46 via the screw elements, threaded bores are introduced in the base side 20 of the housing 12.

[0032] The first bearing element 46 is embodied as a bearing rail. The first bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail forms the straight bearing axis 42. The bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail has in its side regions respectively one undercut 52, 54. The undercuts 52, 54 are implemented substantially U-shaped. The undercuts 52, 54 are configured so as to enable a form-fit engagement of an element that is to be supported.

[0033] The bearing unit 40 comprises a second bearing element 56. The second bearing element 56 is embodied as a bearing carriage. The second bearing element 56 that is embodied as a bearing carriage is configured to be arranged displaceably in the first bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail. The second bearing element 56 that is embodied as a bearing carriage is supported, displaceably via a slide bearing, in the bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail. The second bearing element 56 comprises a base body 58. The base body 58 is implemented by a substantially rectangular element. The second bearing element 56 comprises two bearing regions 60, 62. The bearing regions 60, 62 are configured for a support in the bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail. The bearing regions 60, 62 are configured in each case to engage in one of the undercuts 52. 54 of the bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail. The bearing regions 60, 62 are arranged on an underside 68 of the base body 58. The bearing regions 60, 62 are realized by webs 64, 66. The bearing regions 60, 62 are realized by L-shaped webs 64, 66. The webs 64, 66 are connected on the underside 68 of the base body 58. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend from the underside 68 of the base body 58 first downwards and then outwards. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend sidewise along the base body 58. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend sidewise in a main extension direction of the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend sideways in the main extension direction of the base body 58, preferably over a substantial length of the base body 58. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 are implemented integrally with the base body 58. The base body 58 is implemented together with the L-shaped webs 64, 66 as an injection-molded part.

[0034] The second bearing element 56 is firmly connected to the neck support unit 34. For a connection to the second bearing element 56, the neck support unit 34 comprises a base sheathing 70. The base sheathing 70 is configured to be coupled with the second bearing element 56. The base sheathing 70 is embodied as a shaped base plate. The base sheathing 70 forms a construction base of the neck support unit 34. The base sheathing 70 preferably forms a base structure for the neck support element 36 of the neck support unit 34. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected to the base sheathing 70. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected on an upper side of the base sheathing 70. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected to the base sheathing 70 by substance-to-substance bond, in particular via an adhesive connection. Principally it would also be conceivable that the base sheathing 70 is connected to the neck support element 36 via a force-fit and/or form-fit connection. The base sheathing 70 has on its underside a receiving region 100 for the second bearing element 56. The base sheathing 70 is configured to at least partially engage around the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The base sheathing 70 is connected to the second bearing element 56 via the receiving region 100. The base sheathing 70 is connected to the base body 56 of the second bearing element 56 via the receiving region 100 in a loss-proof manner. The base sheathing 70 is connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 by a form-fit connection. As a result, the base sheathing 70 is connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 preferably in such a way that it is non-destructively demountable. The base sheathing 70 has latch recesses 72, 74 in side regions of the receiving region 100. The base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 has on its side walls latch hooks 76, 78, which are in each case implemented correspondingly to the latch recesses 72, 74. For a form-fit connection of the base sheathing 70 to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56, the latch hooks 76, 78 are configured for a form-fit engagement into the latch recesses 72, 74. Principally it would also be conceivable that the base sheathing 70 of the neck support unit 34 is connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 in a different manner, for example via an adhesive connection. The neck support element 36 of the neck support unit 34 is connected to the second bearing element 56. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 via the base sheathing 70.

[0035] Via the two bearing elements 46, 56 a displaceable support of the neck support element 36 is enabled in the receiving region 18 of the housing 12. The neck support element 36 is adjustable between a minimum position and a maximum position by means of the bearing elements 46, 56. In the minimum position (see FIG. 4), the neck support element 36 has a minimum distance from a lower end of the body region 22 of the housing 12. In the maximum position (see FIG. 3), the neck support element 36 has a maximum distance from the lower end of the body region 22 of the housing 12. The neck support element 34 is adjustable between the minimum position and the maximum position by the bearing distance X.

[0036] The bearing unit 40 comprises a blocking device 80. The blocking device 80 is configured for a blocking of the bearing unit 40, i. e. for a locking of the bearing unit 40. The blocking device 80 is configured for a blocking of the bearing unit 40 in the minimum position, in the maximum position and in intermediate positions which are situated in-between. The blocking device 80 is configured to block the bearing elements 46, 56 of the bearing unit 40 in different positions relative to each other. The blocking device 80 is configured to block the bearing elements 46, 56 of the bearing unit 40 in the maximum position, in the minimum position and in positions which are situated between the maximum position and the minimum position.

[0037] The blocking device 80 comprises a first blocking element 82, which is connected to the first bearing element 46. The blocking device 80 comprises a further first blocking element 84, which is also connected to the first bearing element 46. Principally it would also be conceivable that the blocking device 80 comprises only one first blocking element 82, 84. The first blocking elements 82, 84 are implemented integrally with the first bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail. The blocking elements 82, 84 are in each case arranged on an inner wall of the bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail, above the respective U-shaped undercut 52, 54. The blocking elements 82, 84 in each case have a toothing 114, 116. The toothings 114, 116 are in each case introduced at the inner wall of the bearing element 46 that is embodied as a bearing rail, above the respective U-shaped undercut 52, 54, The toothings 114, 116 extend over an entire length of the first bearing element 46.

[0038] The blocking device 80 comprises a second blocking element 86, which is connected to the second bearing element 56. The blocking device 80 comprises a further second blocking element 88, which is also connected to the second bearing element 56. Principally it would also be conceivable that the blocking device 80 comprises only one second blocking element 86, 88. The second blocking elements 86, 88 are connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The second blocking elements 86, 88 are coupled in a displaceable manner with the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The base body 58 of the bearing element 56 comprises a receptacle 102, in which the blocking elements 86, 88 are arranged and supported in a displaceable manner. The receptacle 102 is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction of the base body 58. However, an off-center arrangement of the receptacle 102 would also be conceivable. The receptacle 102 is embodied as a receiving recess. The receptacle 102 that is embodied as a receiving recess extends continuously in a transverse direction. The receptacle 102 that is embodied as a receiving recess extends from a side surface of the base body 58 to an opposite-situated side surface. The receptacle 102 that is embodied as a receiving recess extends from an upper side of the base body 58 as far as a level of the bearing regions 60, 62. Principally it is also conceivable that the receptacle 102 that is embodied as a receiving recess is implemented continuously in a vertical direction as well, thus dividing the base body 58 into two separate portions. Per each second blocking element 86, 88 two guiding recesses 104, 106 are arranged on longitudinal walls of the receptacle 102. The second blocking elements 86, 88 in each case have two guiding elevations 108, 110, which are in a mounted state arranged in the guiding recesses 104, 106 of the base body 58. The blocking elements 86, 88 are in each case supported by the guiding elevations 108, 110 so as to be displaceable in the base body 58. The blocking elements 86, 88 are supported in the base body 58 movably in a transverse direction. The blocking elements 86, 88 are supported in the base body movably relative to each other. The blocking device 80 comprises a bearing pin 98, via which the blocking elements 86, 88 are supported so as to be guided relative to each other. The bearing pin 98 is firmly connected to the one second blocking element 88. Preferably the bearing pin 98 is injection-molded into the one second blocking element 88. The other second blocking element 86 comprises a bearing bushing 112, which is configured such that the bearing pin 98 engages therein for a guiding of the blocking elements 86, 88 relative to each other. The bearing bushing 112 is firmly connected to the one second blocking element 86. The bearing bushing 112 is preferably injection-molded into the one second blocking element 86.

[0039] The second blocking elements 86, 88 in each case have a toothing 118, 120. The toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 are implemented correspondingly to the toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84. For a blocking of the blocking device 80, the toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 are configured to engage into toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84 in a form-fit manner. The toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 are arranged on sides facing towards the toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84, on elevations which are arranged on an underside of the blocking elements 86, 88. In a mounted state, the toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 are arranged so as to be congruent with the toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84. In a blocking position of the blocking device 80, the toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 engage into the toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84 in a form-fit manner. In the blocking position, the second blocking elements 86, 88 are in an outer position and have been moved away from each other. In a release position of the blocking device 80, the toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 do not engage into the toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84. In the release position, the toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 have been moved out of a form-fit engagement with the toothings 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84. In the release position, the second blocking elements 86, 88 are in an inner position and have been moved toward each other. Principally it would also be conceivable that the first blocking elements 82, 84 in each case have a friction surface instead of the toothings 114, 116, and the second blocking elements 86, 88 in each case have a corresponding friction surface instead of the toothings 118, 120. The blocking device 80 is lockable via a friction-fit brought about by the friction surfaces of the first and second blocking elements 82, 84, 86, 88. In particular by pressing the friction surfaces of the first blocking elements 82, 84 to the friction surfaces of the second blocking elements 86, 88 an advantageous friction-fit is achievable.

[0040] The blocking device comprises a spring element 90. The spring element 90 is configured to press the first and second blocking elements 82, 84, 86, 88 into a blocking position. The spring element 90 is configured to press the second blocking elements 86, 88 into the corresponding first blocking elements 82, 84, The spring element 90 is configured to press the respective toothings 118, 120 of the second blocking elements 86, 88 into a form-fit connection with the respective toothing 114, 116 of the first blocking elements 82, 84. The spring element 90 is configured to press the second blocking elements 86, 88 into their blocking position. If there is no further force acting onto the blocking elements 86, 88 from outside, the blocking device 80 is automatically pressed into the locking position by the spring element 90. The spring element 90 is embodied as a compression spring. The spring element 90 is in particular embodied as a helical spring, The spring element 90 is arranged between the two second blocking elements 86, 88. The spring element 90 is put onto the bearing pin 98. The spring element 90 is configured to apply a force to the second blocking elements 86, 88, which presses the second blocking elements 86, 88 outwards and away from each other.

[0041] The blocking device 80 comprises an actuation mechanism 92, by means of which the blocking device 80 is adjustable between its blocking position and its release position. The actuation mechanism 92 comprises two actuation members 94, 96, which are in each case implemented together with one of the second blocking elements 86, 88. The actuation members 94, 96 are embodied as pressure elements, which can be gripped and pressed manually by an operator. The actuation members 94, 96 are implemented integrally with the respective blocking element 86, 88. The actuation members 94, 96 are implemented as elevations which are integrally molded to the respective blocking element 86, 88. The actuation mechanism 92 comprises a spring element, against whose spring force the actuation members 94, 96 are deflectable. The spring element of the actuation mechanism 92 is implemented integrally with the spring element 90 of the blocking device 80. The spring element of the actuation mechanism 92 is implemented by the spring element 90 of the blocking device 80.