Patent ID: 8978884
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: A45C,G10G

Abstract:
1. A hybrid protective case for a musical instrument having a contoured neck with a free end at one end, a body attachment region at an opposite end and an intermediate region therebetween, the case comprising: a semi-rigid back; a semi-rigid sidewall of a predetermined height extending from the back; a semi-rigid hinged cover to selectively enclose a region of space between the back, sidewall and cover upon closure of the cover, wherein the cover may be selectively fastened closed with a releasable fastener when the case is in a closed condition; and a multi-part neck-brace comprising one elongated and oval-shaped semi-rigid neck-support with a top surface and inwardly tapered shoulders, the neck-support being affixed to the back and having a height equal to or less than the height of the sidewall such that the top surface of the neck-support supports the intermediate region of the instrument neck whereby the free end of the neck is suspended in the space enclosed between the back and the cover, the multi-part neck-brace further comprising one elongated and linear neck-clamp opposing the neck-support and affixed to the cover such that the instrument neck is automatically secured between the top surface of the neck-support and the neck-clamp upon fastening the cover closed, the-neck-clamp having outwardly sloping walls that mate with the inwardly tapered shoulders of the oval-shaped neck-support upon fastening the cover closed, and no neck retaining band to secure the neck to the top surface of the oval-shaped neck-support.