Patent ID: 8381377
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: G10D

Abstract:
1. A bridge system for a string instrument with a plurality of string ball-ends, said bridge system comprising: a string instrument soundboard; a plate mounted upon said string instrument soundboard; said plate having a plurality of first holes defined therein for respectively accommodating a plurality of string ball-ends; said plate having a plurality of second holes defined therein for respectively accommodating a plurality of string ball-end entrappers for engaging said plurality of string ball-ends; and a bridge box attached to an underside portion of said plate, wherein said bridge box has a plurality of holes defined within a bottom plate thereof which are respectively aligned with said plurality of second holes of said plate for said plurality string ball-end entrappers; each one of said string ball-end entrappers comprising a cylindrical rod, an arm extending horizontally from a central portion of said cylindrical rod, a coiled spring mounted coaxially around a lower end portion of said rod disposed below said arm so as to be seated between said arm and said bottom plate of said bridge box, while an upper end portion of said rod, above said arm, protrudes outwardly from a respective one of said second holes defined within said plate, each one of said coiled springs normally biasing said arm into contact with an underside portion of said plate so as to effectively block each one of said plurality of first holes defined within said plate; whereby, in order to insert and entrap each one of said string ball-ends within said bridge box, a user presses downwardly upon each one of said upper end portions of said rods so as to compress said coiled springs and remove said arms from their positions blocking said plurality of first holes defined within said plate such that said user is able to insert said string ball-ends into said bridge box through a respective one of said first holes defined within said plate, whereupon release of pressure upon said upper end portions of said rods, said springs expand to their normal states whereby said arms again block said plurality of first holes defined within said plate thereby entrapping said string ball-ends within said bridge box.