Shoulder pad for decorative guitar strap

A shoulder pad for a guitar strap characterized by a noteworthy decorative pattern, wherein the shoulder pad uses a see-through netting cover for the strap slidably disposed beneath same such that the strap decorative pattern always is in visual display.

The present invention relates generally to an improved shoulder pad for a 
guitar strap, and more particularly to improvements which not only 
contribute to comfort of the guitarist which is the extent of the current 
practice, but which embodies an enhanced appearance for the cooperating 
guitar strap and pad combination. 
EXAMPLES OF THE PRIOR ART 
Pads of comfort-enhancing construction material, such as neoprene, are in 
common use in an interposed position between a weight-supporting strap 
whether for a guitar, golf bag, or the like, and the shoulder of the user, 
to negate the discomfort of the supported weight. 
In addition to the prior art shoulder pad depicted in FIG. 1 of this 
application of U.S. Pat. No. 3,323,698 for "Guitar Strap" issued to 
Sottile on Jul. 15, 1966 which masks the strap and thus has no significant 
impact on its display, there are other patented shoulder straps which 
improve on the comfort function of pad, but similarly have no 
appearance-enhancing function. 
The above is demonstrated by U.S. Pat. No. 1,631,694 for "Shoulder Pad" not 
specified for a guitar strap, but generally "for the protection of the 
shoulder when carrying objects by means of a strap passing over the 
shoulder" (left column, page 1), issued to Rick on Jun. 7, 1927. In Rick, 
the strap 9 is threaded through leather loops 5, 6 and 7 and presumably 
slidable beneath these loops. Although visible between the loops 5, 6 and 
7, the construction material of the strap 9 undoubtedly is confined to 
that which is abrasion-resistant, probably leather, in order to minimize 
abrading of the surface of the strap by the edges defining the loops. 
Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a guitar strap 
shoulder pad characterized by imparting a noteworthy display function when 
in use with the strap assembled to it, thereby overcoming the foregoing 
and other shortcomings of the prior art. 
More particularly, it is an object to so embody the within shoulder pad to 
highlight and favorably display the guitar strap, that a guitar strap with 
a decorative surface pattern is warranted for use therewith, all to the 
end of providing a combination shoulder pad and guitar strap of noteworthy 
utility. 
The description of the invention which follows, together with the 
accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention to 
the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art to which 
this invention appertains will be able to devise other forms thereof 
within the ambit of the appended claims.

As shown in FIG. 1, a guitarist 10 will typically support a guitar 12 at 
opposite ends of a strap 14 looped over a shoulder, as at 16, and use a 
neoprene or rubber shoulder pad 18 to cushion against the guitar weight 
and the forces generated by the strumming of the guitar. As illustrated, 
the prior art pad 18 receives the strap 14 under an opaque cover 18A to 
partake of sliding movements, as noted by the arrow 20, to accommodate the 
guitar positioning preference of the guitarist 10. 
Underlying the present invention is the recognition that a guitar strap 
typically of web construction material for strength, also in the weaving 
process is embodied with a highly decorative pattern, and that the 
shoulder pad should enhance, rather than mask, said strap decorative 
pattern. 
As shown in FIG. 5 intentionally drawn similar to FIG. 1 for comparison 
therewith, it can be noted that in use is a guitar strap 30 of web 
construction material 30A characterized by a highly decorative pattern 30B 
embodied by well understood weaving techniques in at least the outwardly 
facing surface of the belt. The strap decorative pattern 30B is in 
noticeable display in its assembled relation to the shoulder pad 32, as 
illustrated in FIG. 5 and as particularly noted at the shoulder loop 
location 34. 
Eschewing use of an opaque pad cover according to the prior art practice of 
FIG. 1, and as best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the within inventive 
shoulder pad 32 has a substantially rectangular neoprene base 32A with 
rounded front and rear extensions 33 and a strip 32B of net construction 
material in covering relation over the base 32A, which net is unattached 
except along coextensive edges beneath a sewn edge binding 36, as 
typically used in providing a finished edge appearance. Thus, 
appropriately connected to guitar-engaging clips 38 and 40, strap 30 is 
prepared for use, as best shown in FIG. 3, by being threaded in the 
direction 42 through a passageway 44 formed between the net strip 32B and 
the medial portion of the top of base 32A, thereby resulting in the 
assembled condition depicted in FIG. 2. In the FIG. 2 condition, the strap 
decorative pattern 30B is displayed through the interstices 46 of the 
netting strip 32B to contribute to an enhanced appearance of the shoulder 
pad 32. 
While the guitar strap maintained in prominent display as herein shown and 
disclosed in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and 
providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that 
it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment of the 
invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of 
construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended 
claims.