Abstract
An adapter for mounting a support device for a stringed instrument, such as a violin or a viola. The adapter may include a first bracket having an area for at least partially encircling the tailpiece button of the stringed instrument, a second bracket, and a connecting device. The first bracket and the second bracket are disposed and connected by the connecting device in such a way that the area of the first bracket at least partially encircling the tailpiece button is in stationary contact with the tailpiece button.
Claims
1. An adapter for mounting a support device for a stringed instrument, in particular for a violin or a viola, the adapter comprising: a first bracket having a first area configured to at least section-wise encircle a tailpiece button of a stringed instrument; a second bracket; and a connecting device, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are disposed and connected by the connecting device in such a way that the tailpiece button is engaged by both the first bracket and the second bracket and the first area of the first bracket encircling the tailpiece button is, at least section-wise, in stationary contact with the tailpiece button.
2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is designed for positive-locking attachment to the stringed instrument, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are in contact with the tailpiece button.
3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket is configured to be in contact with a back of the stringed instrument.
4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the connecting device creates a rigid connection between the first bracket and the second bracket.
5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the first bracket has a base and the first area configured to at least section-wise encircle the tailpiece button is disposed in the base, a first radius of the first area corresponding to a second radius of the tailpiece button.
6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the first bracket has at least a first attachment section for connection to the connecting device.
7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the first attachment section has at least one passage with an internal thread for accommodating the connecting device.
8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the second bracket is configured to rest on a top of the stringed instrument.
9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the second bracket has at least a second attachment section for connection to the connecting device.
10. The adapter of claim 9, wherein the second attachment section has at least one passage with an internal thread for accommodating the connecting device.
11. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the second bracket has a second area for making contact with the tailpiece button of the stringed instrument, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are disposed and connected by the connecting device in such a way that the second area of the second bracket is in stationary contact with the tailpiece button.
12. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a carrier module connected to the adapter, wherein the carrier module is configured to receive at least one support device.
13. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a support device coupled to the adapter, the support device comprising at least one support member for placing against an upper body region of a user.
14. The adapter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first bracket and the second bracket is configured to be in contact with a top of the stringed instrument.
15. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the second bracket is configured to rest on a back of the stringed instrument.
16. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the stringed instrument is a violin.
17. An adapter for mounting a support device for a stringed instrument, in particular for a violin or a viola, the adapter comprising: an upper section including an attachment bracket; a middle section including a recess; and a lower section; wherein the upper section is configured to be in contact with a top of the stringed instrument, the lower section is configured to be in contact with a back of the stringed instrument, and the middle section is configured to connect the upper and lower sections to each other, such that the tailpiece button of the stringed instrument is accommodated in the recess of the middle section without contacting the middle section.
18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the attachment bracket of the upper section has a rounded E-shape configured to at least partially enclose tailpiece cords of the stringed instrument.
19. The adapter of claim 17, further comprising a carrier module connected to the adapter, wherein the carrier module is configured to receive at least one support device.
20. The adapter of claim 17, further comprising a support device coupled to the adapter, the support device comprising at least one support member for placing against an upper body region of a user.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative adapter with a first lower component in the form of a back bracket and a second upper component in the form of a lower saddle bracket. The lower saddle bracket has a rounded E-shape, as a result of which the lower and lower side areas of the tailpiece of the instrument are encircled when the attachment member is attached to the stringed instrument. The lower saddle bracket and the back bracket have screw zones which are connected by two screw sleeves. View from the instrument;
(2) FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the adapter of FIG. 1; view towards the instrument;
(3) FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an illustrative adapter with an upper (lower saddle bracket), middle (middle part), and lower section (back bracket). The middle part has a recess for receiving the tailpiece button. The back bracket is configured to rest on the back of the stringed instrument and has a flap for the chest;
(4) FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the adapter of FIG. 3; view towards the instrument (indicated by tailpiece);
(5) FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a mounted adapter of FIGS. 3 and 4, showing an upper side of a violin. The tailpiece is located in the recess of the middle section without touching it. The tailpiece cords are encircled by the upper component;
(6) FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an illustrative adapter wherein one component comprises a bracket and a U-profile for resting on the tailpiece button from below and the bracket is suitable for resting on the back of the instrument and the other component is in the form of a bracket for resting on the upper side of the instrument. Both components have receptacles and passages for corresponding connecting members. The violin's ribs may be engaged by the two components from above and below;
(7) FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the adapter according to FIG. 6; shown without end button;
(8) FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an illustrative adapter, wherein one component is essentially U-shaped and has a U-profile for supporting the tailpiece button from below and the other component is in the form of a bracket with rib feet for resting on the upper side of the instrument. Both components have receptacles and passages for corresponding connecting members;
(9) FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a first variant of the adapter in FIG. 8;
(10) FIG. 9B is an isometric view of a second variant of the adapter of FIG. 8;
(11) FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an illustrative adapter, wherein the tailpiece button is encompassed by both components;
(12) FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an illustrative adapter, wherein the tailpiece button rests on an area of a U-shaped component and, through resting, on an area of the other component. Both components have receptacles and passages for corresponding attachment members; view from instrument;
(13) FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the adapter of FIG. 11; view towards the instrument;
(14) FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a variant of the adapter according to FIGS. 11 and 12 in slimmer form;
(15) FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an upper section of an illustrative adapter in the form of an attachment member for attachment to the lower saddle, said member having a rounded E-shape, wherein the lower and lower side areas of the tailpiece of the instrument are encircled when the attachment member is attached to the stringed instrument (upper drawing). Upper section of the adapter in the form of an attachment member in closed form which is passed under the tailpiece cords (lower drawing);
(16) FIG. 15 is an isometric overall view of an illustrative adapter with a height-adjustable carrier module for connection to a support device, which is provided with supports for chin, chest and collarbone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(17) The following examples and the figures on which they are based clearly show the structure of adapters according to the present disclosure.
(18) FIG. 1 shows an adapter 1 comprising two components 11, 12. The first component 11 is a back bracket and is essentially U-shaped and has an area 113 which serves to support and encircle a section of the end button 8 In addition, the first component has an area that serves as a support at the back of the instrument. The first component 11, has on its outer sides receptacles 111, 112 in the form of external threads for attachment devices. The second component 12 is in the form of a lower saddle bracket 123 and serves to rest on the upper side or top of the instrument. The second component 12 has a rounded E-shape 123, as a result of which mounting to the tailpiece is simplified. This serves, for one thing, the purpose of resting on the instrument while, for another, the limbs of the E-shape encircle the tailpiece. Due to the rounded E-shape 123, the lower area of the tailpiece is encircled at three points (at the bottom and on both sides). The second component 12 can also be bracket-shaped overall. The rounded outer limbs of the E-shape or of the bracket are bent towards the axis of symmetry and rounded. The middle limb of the E is shortened. In addition, the free end sections of at least the outer limbs are bent out of one plane so that they overlap an edge web protruding beyond the upper side of the stringed instrument and so the adapter 1 can be securely fixed. To this end, the shape is adapted to allow the second component 12 to be threaded as easily as possible around the tailpiece.
(19) The second component 12 also has on its outer sides receptacles 121, 122 for attachment devices in the form of external threads. Both components 11, 12 are disposed towards each other by suitable connecting devices 13, in this case two counter-rotating screw sleeves with internal threads, and connected to each other as a result of the threaded connection. In this regard, the tailpiece button 8 rests on the U-shaped area 113 and, due to the connection with the second component 12, is engaged. The second component 12 rests on the upper side or top of the instrument and creates a stable connection between the components and the instrument. The first component 11 is in contact with the back of the instrument. Due to the positioning on the upper side, resting occurs preferably on the lower saddle and in the region of the lower saddle/upper edge of the instrument in the top area above the end block. Due to the positioning at the upper or lower side of the instrument, twisting or a rotary movement of the adapter 1 around the end button 8 is suppressed.
(20) FIG. 2 shows the adapter 1 described above from the opposite side, i.e. looking towards the instrument, of which only the tailpiece button 8 is shown.
(21) FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the adapter. The adapter 2 has an upper section in the form of a lower saddle bracket, a middle section 22 and a lower section 21 in the form of a back bracket, wherein the middle section 22 has a recess 223 for the tailpiece button 8 of the stringed instrument. The middle section 22 may also have a different shape and need not necessarily contain a recess. These sections may be monolithic or multi-piece and may, in the latter case, be interconnected by appropriate connecting members. The recess in the middle section 22 is essentially U-shaped to accommodate the tailpiece button 8. As a result, the adapter 2 can be mounted flush with the rib of the instrument and the end button 8 is accommodated in area 223 without making contact. The upper section 23 is attached to the middle section 22 and has the rounded E-shape already described above, as a result of which mounting to the tailpiece is simplified. The lower section 21, or back bracket, is essentially L-shaped and has a flap 211 for attaching a support element for the user's chest or clavicle. The horizontal limb of the L is suitable for resting on the back of the instrument. The adapter 2 also has a member 24 for adjusting and locking the angular position of the middle section 22 to the flap 211. The middle section 22 has receiving members in the form of sleeves 224, 225 for receiving a chin rest.
(22) In the case of the multi-piece embodiment, adapter 2 has on its outer sides receptacles 221, 222 for connecting devices, e.g. screws. The mutual alignment and locking of the sections of the adapter 2 can be effected, for example, by way of a screw connection on the upper section 23, as a result of which the lower 21, middle 22 and upper section 23 are positioned correctly relative to each other and with regard to the disposition on the instrument.
(23) FIG. 4 shows the previously described adapter 2 of FIG. 3 looking towards the instrument, of which only the end button 8 is shown.
(24) FIG. 5 shows the adapter 2 attached to a violin, in which the tailpiece button 8 is inserted into the recess 223 of the middle section 22 without touching it. To mount the adapter 2, the lower section 21 is placed against the bottom rib of the violin and the tailpiece button 8 is disposed in the recess 223 without touching it. Through use of the connecting devices, the sections of the adapter 2 are disposed towards each other, wherein the lower section 21 is attached to the back or the bottom rib and the upper section in the form of the attachment member 23 is attached to the top rib of the violin. This is preferably done in the region of the lower saddle. As a result, a stable connection is obtained between adapter 2 and the instrument. As a result of the rounded E-shape of the attachment member 23, the tailpiece cords are enclosed.
(25) Attachment therefore proceeds at the upper and lower sides of the instrument, wherein the tailpiece button 8 is not touched. Due to the tensioning or the distance between the attachment member 23 and the lower section 21 of the adapter 2, or due to the positive-locking attachment of the adapter 2 to the violin body, the adapter 2 is securely attached to the resonance body of the stringed instrument.
(26) FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the adapter. The adapter 3 comprises a first lower component 31 in the form of a back bracket and a second upper component 32. The first component 31 is essentially in the form of a bracket and has a U-shaped receiving area 313, which serves to receive a first section of the tailpiece button 8. The bracket shape of the first component 31 serves as a support at the back of the instrument. The first component 31 has on its outer sides receptacles 311, 312 for connecting devices (not shown). The second component 32 has an area 323 for receiving a further, second section (opposite the first section) of the end button 8. The second component 32 also has on its outer sides receptacles 321, 322 for attachment devices. Through use of the connecting devices, the two components are disposed towards each other and the end button 8 is positively engaged between the two support areas 313, 323 of the two components. This ensures a stable connection between the adapter 3 and the instrument. Attachment proceeds at the tailpiece button 8 and the back of the instrument.
(27) FIG. 7 shows the adapter 3 of FIG. 6 but without the end button. The receiving area 323 for the end button is clearly visible on the upper second component 32.
(28) FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the adapter. Adapter 4 comprises two components 41 and 42. The first component 41 is essentially U-shaped and has an area 413 which serves to support and encircle a section of the end button 8 (not shown). The first component 41 has on its outer sides receptacles 411, 412 in the form of external threads for attachment devices. The second component 42 is configured in the form of a lower saddle bracket 423 with rib feet and serves as a support on the upper side or top of the instrument. The second component 42 also has on its outer sides receptacles 421, 422 for attachment devices in the form of external threads. Both components 41, 42 are disposed towards each other by way of suitable connecting devices 43, in this case two counter-rotating screw sleeves with internal threads, and are connected to each other by way of the threaded connection. The tailpiece button 8 rests on the U-shaped area 413 and, due to the connection with the second component 42, is engaged. The second component 42 rests on the upper side or top of the instrument and creates a stable connection between the components and the instrument. Due to the positioning on the upper side, resting occurs preferably on the lower saddle and in the region of the lower saddle/upper edge of the instrument in the top area above the end block. Due to the positioning at the upper or lower side of the instrument, twisting or a rotary movement of the adapter 4 around the end button 8 is suppressed.
(29) FIGS. 9A and 9B show a variant of adapter 4 looking away from the instrument (FIG. 9A) and looking towards the instrument (FIG. 9B). The first component 51 of the adapter has on its outer sides receptacles 511, 512 for attachment devices. The second component 52 is configured in the form of a closed lower saddle bracket 523 and serves as a support on the upper side or the lower saddle of the instrument. The second component 52 also has on its outer sides receptacles 521, 522 for connecting devices (not shown). Both components 51, 52 are connected to each other by suitable connecting devices (not shown).
(30) FIG. 10 shows a further adapter 6 having two components 61, 62 in the form of two similarly shaped clamping parts, each having an area 611, 621 for the tailpiece button 8 (not shown) to rest on. The areas are adapted to the shape of the tailpiece button 8. Both components 61, 62 are drawn together around the tailpiece button 8 of the stringed instrument from two sides and then locked in place. The drawing together and locking can be done, e.g., by way of a screw connection or a wedge connection (neither of which is shown). In the latter case, the two components 61 and 62 can be correctly positioned relative to each other by tightening the wedge. In this embodiment, too, attachment proceeds only at the tailpiece button 8, without touching the rest of the instrument body. The advantage of this is that the connection has no negative effect on the sound board of the instrument, and that the sound and volume are not impaired.
(31) FIG. 11 shows a further variant of the adapter. The first component 71 is essentially U-shaped and an area 713 serves to accommodate the first section of the tailpiece button 8. The first component 71 has on its outer sides receptacles 711, 712 for connecting devices (not shown). The second component 72 has an area 723 for receiving a further second section (opposite the first section) of the end button 8 and has two recesses 724 for tailpiece cords. The second component 72 also has on its outer sides receptacles 721, 722 for attachment devices. Through use of the connecting devices, the two components are disposed towards each other and the end button 8 is positively engaged between the two support areas 713, 723 of the two components. This ensures a stable connection between the adapter 7 and the instrument. Attachment proceeds solely at the tailpiece button 8 without touching the rest of the violin body. The advantage of this is that the connection has no negative effect on the sound board of the instrument and the sound and volume of the instrument are not impaired.
(32) FIG. 12 shows the previously described adapter 7 from the opposite perspective, i.e. looking towards the instrument (represented by end button 8).
(33) FIG. 13 shows a variant of Adapter 7 in a slimmer version without the end button, FIG. 14 shows the upper section in the form of an attachment member in two embodiments. The components 23 of the adapter 2 and 523 of adapter 5 serve as examples here for illustrative but not definitive purposes. Receptacles 231 and 232; 521 and 522 can be used to receive connecting devices. The attachment member 23, e.g., has a rounded E-shape (top) or a bracket shape 523 (bottom), as a result of which mounting to the tailpiece is simplified. For one thing, the attachment member 23 serves as a support on the instrument while, for another, the limbs of the E-shape encircle the tailpiece. Due to the rounded E-shape, the lower part of the tailpiece is encircled at three points (at the bottom and on both sides). The attachment member 23; 523 can be a bracket-shaped member. The rounded outer limbs of the E-shape or of the bracket are bent towards the axis of symmetry and rounded. The middle limb of the E is shortened. In addition, the free end sections of at least the outer limbs are bent out of one plane such that they overlap an edge web protruding beyond the upper side of the string instrument and thus the adapter 2 or 5 can be securely fixed. The shape has been adapted to allow the attachment member 23; 523 to be threaded as easily as possible around the tailpiece. In the case of the closed bracket form 523, the tailpiece cords are routed under the bracket form.
(34) FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of the basic construction or the connection of a stringed instrument with any adapter 1 to 7 (in this case adapter 2) as described, for example, in FIGS. 1 to 14, which is connected to a support device 10 via a carrier module 9. The multi-part carrier module 9 is height-adjustable and can thus be adjusted to the length of the neck of the respective user of the instrument. The support device 10 has a clavicle rest 102 and a breast rest 103 in its lower part and a support for the chin 101 in its upper part. These said rests or supports have padding to protect the skin and muscles of the user.
(35) The series of paragraphs below recites various illustrative combinations of features of the present disclosure. These paragraphs are intended to represent a non-limiting presentation of suitable combinations, and are alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. A0. Adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7;) for mounting a support device (10) for a stringed instrument, in particular for a violin or a viola, comprising: a first component (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71) having an area for at least section-wise encircling the tailpiece button (8) of the stringed instrument; a second component (12; 23; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72); and a connecting device, characterised in that the first component (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71) and the second component (12; 23; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72) are disposed and connected by the connecting device in such a way that the area (113; 313; 413; 513; 611; 621; 713) of the first component (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61: 71) encircling the tailpiece button (8) is, at least section-wise, in stationary contact with the tailpiece button (8). A1. Adapter (3; 6; 7) in accordance with AO, characterised in that the adapter (3; 6; 7) is designed for positive-locking attachment to a stringed instrument, wherein the first component (31; 61; 71) and the second component (32; 62; 72) are in contact with the tailpiece button (8). A2. Adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A1, characterised in that at least the first component (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71) and/or the second component (12; 23; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72) is configured to be in contact with the back or with the top of the stringed instrument. A3. Adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A2, characterised in that the connecting device creates an essentially rigid connection between the first component (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61: 71) and the second component (12; 23; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72). A4. Adapter (1; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A3, characterised in that the first component (11) has a base and the area (113; 313; 413; 513; 611; 713) in the form of a circular section is configured in the base, the radius of said circular section corresponding to the radius of the tailpiece button (8). A5. Adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A4, characterised in that the first component (11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71) has at least a first attachment section (111; 211; 311; 411; 511; 711) for connection to the connecting device and/or a second attachment section (112; 212; 312; 412; 512; 712) for connection to the connecting device. A6. Adapter (2; 3; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with paragraph A5, characterised in that the first attachment section (311; 511; 711) and/or the second attachment section (312; 512; 712) each have at least one passage with an internal thread for accommodating the connecting device. A7. Adapter (1; 2; 4; 5) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A6, characterised in that the second component (12; 23; 32; 52) is designed like a bracket for resting on the top or the back of the stringed instrument. A8. Adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A7, characterised in that the second component (12; 23; 32; 42; 52; 72) has at least a third attachment section (121; 231; 321; 421; 521; 721) for connection to the connecting device and/or a fourth attachment section (122; 232; 322; 422; 522; 722) for connection to the connecting device. A9. Adapter (2; 3; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with paragraph A8, characterised in that the third attachment section (121; 231; 321; 521; 721) and the fourth attachment section (122; 232; 322; 522; 722) each have at least one passage with an internal thread for accommodating the connecting device. A10. Adapter (3; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through A9, characterised in that the second component (12) has an area (323; 723) for making contact with the tailpiece button (8) of the stringed instrument, wherein the first component (31; 71) and the second component (32; 72) are disposed and connected by the connecting device in such a way that the area (323;723) of the second component is in stationary contact with the tailpiece button (8). B0. Adapter (2) for mounting a support device (10) for a stringed instrument, in particular for a violin or a viola, comprising: an upper (23), middle (22) and lower section (21), wherein the upper section (23) is configured to be in contact with the top of the stringed instrument, the lower section (21) to be in contact with the back of the stringed instrument, and the middle section (22) serves to connect the upper (23) and lower sections (21). B1. Adapter (2) in accordance with B0, characterised in that the upper section (23) is designed as an attachment member, wherein the member has a rounded E-shape for at least partially encircling the lower area of the tailpiece of the stringed instrument. C0. Carrier module (9), which is connected to an adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7) in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through B1, characterised in that the carrier module (9) is suitable for receiving at least one support device (10). D0. Support device (10) for a stringed instrument, comprising at least one support member for placing against the neck/chin/shoulder region of a user, and an adapter (1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7), which is connected to the support member, in accordance with any of the previous paragraphs A0 through C0.
