Musical instrument carrier

A musical instrument carrier includes a rod position regulating member that is attached to a rod in order to set the attachment position of a musical instrument, and can selectively be put in either a movable state with respect to the rod or a fixed state with respect to the rod in order to set the attachment position of a musical instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a musical instrument carrier that supports a musical instrument at the front of a performer.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-188368, filed Sep. 25, 2015, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Description of Related Art

A musical instrument carrier that supports a musical instrument such as a marching drum in front of a performer is conventionally used in parades, shows and the like.

As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2003-5745 (JP-A 2003-5754), this kind of musical instrument carrier has an abdomen rest member that is abutted on the abdominal area of the performer, a pair of rod clamps that are fixed to the front side of the abdomen rest member, and a pair of rods.

The rods are fixed to the inside of the rod clamps by the fastening of screws. Also, by fastening the screws, the heights of the rods and their positions in the rotation direction can be regulated.

In the case of supporting a musical instrument using the aforementioned musical instrument carrier, a rod mounting mechanism is mounted on the musical instrument, and by respectively inserting the rods in the pair of rod insertion holes provided in the rod mounting mechanism, the musical instrument is supported.

When supporting a musical instrument using the musical instrument carrier, the following process is performed.

First, the screws are loosened to put the rods in a movable state with respect to the respective rod clamps. Then, the height and/or position in the rotation direction (in other words, the opening degree) of the pair of rods are/is adjusted so as to be insertable in the rod insertion holes provided in the rod mounting mechanism. Subsequently, by tightening the screws, the positions of the rods with respect to the rod clamps are regulated.

Supporting a musical instrument using the musical instrument carrier in this way has been extremely cumbersome since it is necessary to perform the above process each time prior to playing the musical instrument.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was achieved in view of the aforementioned circumstances, and has as its object to provide a musical instrument carrier that can easily reproduce the adjusted height and/or position in the rotation direction of the rods.

The musical instrument carrier of the present invention has a carrier main body portion; a rod that supports a musical instrument at the front surface of the carrier main body portion; a rod clamp that is attached to the front surface of the carrier main body portion and that selectively holds the rod in either one of a movable state in the lengthwise direction of the rod or a fixed state in the lengthwise direction; and a rod position regulating member that is attached to the rod and that selectively engages with the rod in either one of a movable state in the lengthwise direction or a fixed state.

By the musical instrument carrier of one aspect of the present invention including the rod position regulating member, after positioning of the rod for supporting a musical instrument (specifically, after determining the height of the rod and/or the position of the rod in the rotation direction), it is possible to affix the rod position regulating member to the positioned rod.

Thereby, for example, in the state of the rod position regulating member being affixed to the rod, even if the height of the rod and/or the position of the rod in the rotation direction are/is altered from the predetermined position that has been determined, it is possible to easily reproduce the positioned height of the rod and/or the predetermined position of the rod in the rotation direction.

In the musical instrument carrier described above, the carrier main body portion may have an abdomen rest member that is abutted on the abdomen of a performer, and the rod clamp may be affixed to the front surface side of the abdomen rest member.

Also, the rod clamp may have a first fastening member that selectively holds the rod in either one of the movable state or the fixed state, and this first fastening member, when loosened, may hold the rod in the movable state, while the first fastening member, when tightened, may hold the rod in the fixed state.

Moreover, the rod position regulating member may position the rod by being abutted on the rod clamp in the state of being affixed to the rod.

In this way, by affixing the rod position regulating member to the rod so as to make contact with the rod clamp, since it is possible to make the position of the rod clamp affixed to the abdomen rest member serve as a reference position in the height direction, it is possible to easily reproduce the positioned height of the rod.

In the musical instrument carrier described above, the rod position regulating member may be detachable from the rod.

Also, the rod position regulating member may have a second fastening member, and the second fastening member, when tightened, may engage with the rod in a fixed state, while the second fastening member, when loosened, may engage in a movable manner with the rod.

In this way, by the rod position regulating member having the second fastening member that is detachable from the rod, it is possible to easily attach/detach the rod position regulating member to/from the rod.

The musical instrument carrier described above may have a protruding portion provided in either one of a displacement member that is displaced relative to rotation of the rod when the rod is rotated about the lengthwise direction, and the rod position regulating member.

Also, the protruding portion may regulate rotation of the rod by abutting on the other member in which the protruding portion is not provided among the displacement member and the rod position regulating member during rotation of the rod.

In this way, by causing the protruding portion to abut on the other member in which the protruding portion is not provided among the displacement member and the rod position regulating member during rotation of the rod, since it is possible to make the abutted position the positioned position of the rod in the rotation direction, it is possible to easily reproduce the position of the rod in the rotation direction at the positioned position of the rod in the rotation direction.

In the musical instrument carrier described above, the rod position regulating member may be rotatable in a range of not abutting on the displacement member during rotation of the rod.

By adopting such a constitution, when the musical instrument carrier is not in use, by rotating a rod on which the rod position regulating member is affixed to the center side of the abdomen rest member, it is possible to put the rod in a closed state. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the space required for storage of the musical instrument carrier.

Also, after the rod position regulating member is stored in a state of being affixed to the rod, upon using the musical instrument carrier, it is possible to easily make the position of the rod in the rotation direction the position of the rod in the rotation direction after positioning.

In the musical instrument carrier described above, the displacement member may be the abdomen rest member included in the carrier main body portion or the rod clamp.

In this way, by using the abdomen rest member or the rod clamp as the displacement member it is possible to sufficiently make the rod position regulating member function.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily reproduce the height and/or the position in the rotation direction of the rod after adjustment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinbelow, an embodiment applying the present invention will be described in detail referring to the drawings. Note that the drawings used in the following description are for describing the constitution of the embodiment of the present invention, and the size, thickness, and dimensions of each part that is illustrated may differ from the dimensional relation of the actual musical instrument carrier.

Note that in the following embodiment, directions such as up and down, unless otherwise specified, indicate directions in reference to a state of the performer standing while wearing the musical instrument carrier.

Embodiment

FIG. 1is a perspective view of the musical instrument carrier according to the embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is a front view of the musical instrument carrier shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a back view of the musical instrument carrier shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 4is a side view of the musical instrument carrier shown inFIG. 2. InFIG. 2toFIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding portions of the musical instrument carrier10shown inFIG. 1.

Referring toFIG. 1toFIG. 4, the musical instrument carrier10of the present embodiment has an abdomen rest member11, a pair of rod clamps12, a pair of rods14, a coupling member16, a shoulder rest member18, a back rest member19, and a rod position regulating member29. These members are assembled by a plurality of washer plates21and26, bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3, a backing plate23, a plurality of nut plates24and28, and a plurality of bolts27and the like.

That is, in the musical instrument carrier10, the carrier main body portion is constituted by the abdomen rest member11, the coupling member16, the shoulder rest member18, the back rest member19, and the parts for assembling them. A pair of rods14are attached by a pair of rod clamps12to the carrier main body portion.

The abdomen rest member11has an abdomen rest member main body31and slide grooves32and33. The abdomen rest member main body31is a plate-like member that is formed with the side portions thereof curved so as to match the shape of the abdomen of the performer. A back surface31bof the abdomen rest member main body31is abutted on the abdomen of the performer.

The abdomen rest member11is preferably constituted by a lightweight material (for example, aluminum) from the standpoint of easing the burden on the performer.

The slide grooves32and33are provided in parallel at the center portion of the abdomen rest member main body31, and penetrate the abdomen rest member main body31.

The slide grooves32and33are arranged so that they may extend in the extension direction of the coupling member16(in other words, the height direction (vertical direction) in the state of the performer wearing the musical instrument carrier10).

The widths of the slide grooves32and33are respectively set to a size through which the respective shafts of bolts52and57can pass.

The pair of rod clamps12are arranged at the lower portion of the front surface31aon both sides of the abdomen rest member main body31.

The rod clamp12has a rod housing portion35, a protruding portion36, a washer plate38, and a bolt39.

The rod housing portion35has a rod insertion hole (penetration hole) in which the rod14can be inserted. The rod insertion hole is a hole that penetrates the rod housing portion35.

The protruding portion36is constituted by two plate portions oppositely disposed with a gap interposed therebetween. Of the two plate portions, the plate portion in contact with the front surface31aside of the abdomen rest member main body31is affixed to the abdomen rest member main body31with two screws37from the back surface31bside of the abdomen rest member main body31. The protruding portion36is integrally constituted with the rod housing portion35.

A bolt39is fastened so as to reach the two plate portions constituting the protruding portion36via the washer plate38. Loosening the bolt39widens the gap between the two plate portions, whereby since the rod insertion hole also widens, a state arises of the rod14being able to move in the extension direction of the rod insertion hole within the rod clamp12.

On the other hand, tightening the bolt39narrows the gap between the two plate portions, whereby since the diameter of the rod insertion hole also narrows, the position of the rod14is restricted (in other words, the opening degree and height of the rod14are fixed).

Note that in the present invention, “height of the rod14” refers to the distance from the attachment position of the rod at the abdomen rest member of the musical instrument carrier10to the bent-back position at the one end side of the rod14(that is, the position that supports a musical instrument).

The rod14is constituted in a J shape by bending back a portion of one rod-like member, and has a short straight bar portion14-2, a long straight bar portion14-1, and a sloping coupling portion14-3that slopes slightly downward from the short straight bar portion to the long straight bar portion to couple them.

The rod14has a function of supporting a musical instrument with the short straight bar portion14-2on one end side, and coupling to the abdomen rest member11by the long straight bar portion14-1at the other end side. The rod14is fixed by the bolt39being fastened in the state of the long straight bar portion14-1at the other end portion side of the rod14being housed in the rod insertion hole of the rod clamp12, whereby the opening degree between the short straight bar portions14-2of the pair of rods14and height of the rods14are regulated.

For example, in the case of using the musical instrument carrier10to support a drum, the short straight rod portions14-2of the rods14are respectively inserted in the two rod insertion holes provided in the carrier coupling member (not illustrated) mounted on the drum. For this reason, in the case of supporting a drum using the musical instrument carrier10, it is necessary to adjust the opening degree and position of the rods14so that the rods14can be inserted in the two rod insertion holes of the carrier coupling member mounted on the drum.

Note that inFIG. 1, as one example of the rod14a rod formed in a J shape is given as an example, but the shape of the rod14can be suitably selected in accordance with the musical instrument to be supported, and is not limited to the shape shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5is a side view that is an enlargement of a portion of the musical instrument carrier shown inFIG. 4. “A” shown inFIG. 5denotes the moving direction of the shoulder rest member main body61when the slide portion62slides (hereinbelow “A direction”). InFIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding portions of the musical instrument carrier10shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 3.

Note that inFIG. 5, for the sake of convenience of description, a pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and a second curved portion62-1are illustrated in cross section.

The coupling member16has a pair of plate members41and42, a plurality of spacers44, a plurality of washer plates46,51, and56, a plurality of bolts47,52, and57, a plurality of nut plates49and54, and a backing plate53.

The plate member41is a flat plate-shaped member that extends between the abdomen rest member11and the shoulder rest member18, and is shaped such that the width thereof narrows as the distance increases from the abdomen rest member11. The plate member41has a first curved portion41-1that constitutes the upper end portion positioned on the shoulder rest member18side.

The first curved portion41-1is a member that is formed by curving a portion on the upper end portion side of the plate member41. The front surface and back surface of the first curved portion41-1are made to be flat surfaces. The shape of the first curved portion41-1, in the state of the performer wearing the musical instrument carrier10, projects out in a direction heading away from the chest of the performer, with a concavity formed on the performer's side.

Holes (not illustrated) that a plurality of the bolts52and57penetrate are provided at the lower end portion side of the plate member41so that the positions of the holes agree with at least a portion of the slide grooves32and33, and the plate member41is arranged to come into contact with the center part of the front surface31aof the abdomen rest portion main body31. The plate member41extends in the vertical direction, with a portion of the plate member41projecting upward of the abdomen rest member11.

The plate member42is a member that is constituted similarly to the aforementioned plate member41, and has a first curved portion42-1by curving a portion on the upper end portion side thereof. The plate member42is arranged on the back surface side of the abdomen rest member11, opposing the plate member41so that the first curved portion42-1faces the first curved portion41-1.

An example material of the plate members41and42includes aluminum, which is a lightweight metal.

A plurality of spacers44are arranged between the opposing surfaces of the plate members41and42, which project out from the abdomen rest member11. The plurality of spacers44each have a penetration hole allowing the insertion of a bolt47. The shape of the plurality of spacers44can for example be made cylindrical.

The plurality of spacers44have a function of maintaining the spacing between the opposing surfaces of the plate members41and42at a predetermined spacing by the height thereof.

The length of the plurality of spacers44should be set so as to be a slightly greater value than, for example, the thickness of the abdomen rest member main body31and the thickness of the slide member62described below that constitutes the shoulder rest member18.

Thereby, a gap that enables sliding of the abdomen rest member11arranged between the lower end portions of the plate members41and42and a gap that enables sliding of the second curved portion62-1of the slide member62arranged between the first curved portions41-1and42-1are formed.

Each of the plurality of bolts47passes through the washer plate46and the spacer44, and is screwed into a nut plate49arranged at the back surface of the plate member42. Thereby, the plate members41and42are fixed.

Note that in the present embodiment, as one example, the case of using four each of the spacer44, the washer plate46, the bolt47, and the nut plate49was given as an example, but the numbers of the spacers44, the washer plates46, the bolts47, and the nut plates49can be suitably selected and are not limited to four.

The bolts52penetrate the backing plate53that is arranged on the back surface of the slide groove32and the plate member42.

The bolts57penetrate the backing plate53that is arranged on the back surface of the slide groove33and the plate member42. Each of the bolts52and57is screwed into the nut plate54.

By passing the respective shaft portions of two bolts (two of the bolts52or two of the bolts57) in each of the parallel slide grooves32and33at mutually differing positions, the coupling member16can be made to slide so as to follow the extension direction of the slide grooves32and33without the coupling member16tilting with respect to the extension direction of the slide grooves32and33.

Thereby, it is possible to easily adjust the height of the abdomen rest member11so as to abut the abdomen of the performer wearing the musical instrument carrier10.

The abdomen rest member main body31is disposed between the plate members41and42, and by tightening the bolts52and57, the position thereof is maintained. On the other hand, by loosening the bolts52and57, the positional relation of the abdomen rest member main body31with the plate members41and42is adjusted by mutually shifting the position thereof without the abdomen rest member main body31being separated from the plate members41and42.

That is, by sliding the abdomen rest member main body31in the extension direction of the slide grooves32and33with respect to the plate members41and42, it is possible to easily adjust the position of the abdomen rest member main body31with respect to the plate members41and42.

The positional relations of the abdomen rest member main body31and the plate members41and42are maintained by sandwiching them so that the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31and the back surface of the plate member41make surface contact, and the back surface31bof the abdomen rest member main body31and the front surface of the plate member42make surface contact. Accordingly, compared to the case of the abdomen rest member main body31being held by only one surface thereof being brought into surface contact with a plate member, it is possible to increase the resistance between the abdomen rest member main body31and the plate members41and42. Thereby, the musical instrument carrier is less susceptible to shifting from the body of the performer during a performance.

The shoulder rest member18has a pair of shoulder rest member main bodies61, a slide member62, a plurality of washer plates64, a plurality of bolts65, and a plurality of nuts66.

The shoulder rest member main bodies61are for example formed by curving a plate material. The shoulder rest member main bodies61curve over a longer range than the first curved portions41-1and42-1. From the standpoint of lightening the musical instrument carrier10, it is possible to use for example aluminum as the material of the shoulder rest member main bodies61.

FIG. 6is a front view of the slide member shown inFIG. 2. InFIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding structures shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 5.

The slide member62has a slide member main body81that is a plate-shaped member formed in a U shape, slide grooves82to84, and bolt holes85.

As shown inFIG. 5, as a portion of the shoulder rest member18, at the lower portion of the slide member62a second curved portion62-1is formed having a shape corresponding to the curved shapes of the first curved portions41-1and42-1.

The second curved portion62-1is the shape of a portion of a hollow cylinder that is severed along the axis line, with a convex shape toward the front surface side of the musical instrument carrier. The upper portion of the slide member62conversely is convex-shaped toward the back surface side of the musical instrument carrier. The curved portion62-1of the slide member62is capable of sliding in the vertical direction within the curved space formed between the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1. The front surface and back surface of the curved portion62-1of the slide member62are shaped to come in contact with the respective facing surfaces of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1.

The second curved portion62-1is inserted in the gap formed between the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1. The second curved portion62-1slides while being guided along the circular arcs of the curved surfaces of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1.

From the standpoint of weight reduction of the musical instrument carrier10, it is possible to use, for example, aluminum as the material of the slide member main body81.

The three slide grooves82to84are provided so as to pass through the center portion of the second curved portion62-1. The slide grooves82to84are grooves that extend parallel to one another in the curved direction (vertical direction) of the second curved portion62-1.

The groove width of each of the slide grooves82to84is set to a size in which the shaft portion of each of the bolts22-1to22-3can pass, yet the head portion of each of the bolts22-1to22-3and the washer plates21cannot pass.

The bolt hole85is provided at both end portions of the slide member main body81that is formed in a U shape. Each bolt hole85is provided so as to penetrate the slide member main body81. The bolt65is screwed into the bolt hole85.

The bolt65, via the washer plate64, penetrates the portion at which one end portion of the shoulder rest member main body61and the front surface side of the bolt hole85of the slide member62overlap. The bolt65is screwed into the nut66that is disposed on the back surface side of the slide member62. Thereby, both ends of the slide member62and the pair of shoulder rest member main bodies61are respectively coupled.

The shaft portion of the bolt22-1is inserted in the slide groove82and screwed into the nut plate24so as to sandwich the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the backing plate23by the washer plate21and the nut plate24. The diameter of the shaft portion of the bolt22-1is constituted so as to be narrower than the width of the slide groove82.

The shaft portions of the bolts22-2and22-3are respectively inserted in the slide grooves83and84and screwed into the nut plates24similarly to the bolt22-1.

In this way, by coupling the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1, which are constituted by curving a plate material, using the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3, the washer plate21, and the nut plate24, it is possible to couple the coupling member16and the shoulder rest member18with a smaller bulge than the bulge formed by fastening with a screw the fastening rod holder to the conventional support rod (refer to JP-A 2003-5745).

Thereby, it is possible to improve the appearance of the musical instrument carrier10, and possible to suppress damage to a costume in the case of a performer wearing the musical instrument carrier10under a costume.

The slide grooves82to84are provided in the second curved portion62-1arranged between the pair of pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1. The shaft portions of the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3are respectively disposed in these slide grooves82to84and screwed into one nut plate24. With this structure, when the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3have been loosened, it is possible to slide the second curved portion62-1in a circular arc in the extension direction of the slide grooves82to84(the A direction inFIG. 5) in accordance with the physique of the performer wearing the musical instrument carrier10.

Thereby, it is possible to easily adjust the angle and top-point position of the shoulder rest member18along the circular arc of the large curvature of the curved portions, in conformance with the physique of the performer wearing the musical instrument carrier10. After this adjustment, by tightening the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3, since it is possible to keep the curved surfaces with large curvatures of the curved portions in the state of contact, it is possible to inhibit shifting of the musical instrument carrier10from the body of the performer during a performance.

Adjustment of the angle and position of the shoulder rest member18with respect to the abdomen rest member11in this way is performed by sliding the engagement position of the second curved portion62-1of the slide member62with respect to the first curved portions41-1and42-1of the coupling member16. The first curved portions41-1and42-1are formed by curving the coupling member16. The second curved portion62-1is formed by curving the slide member62. For this reason, the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1can be formed with a larger curvature than the rod and rod holder coupling the abdomen rest member and shoulder rest member in a convention musical instrument carrier. That is, both curved surfaces having a convex part and a concave part of the second curved portion62-1and the respectively opposing surfaces of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1make surface contact with a large curvature in the manner of being sandwiched.

Thereby, it is possible to support the abdomen rest member11with respect to the shoulder rest member18by surface contact of a large curvature. That is, the surface area over which the slide member62and the coupling member16make contact increases, whereby the holding force becomes greater. Accordingly, since it becomes easier to maintain the state of the musical instrument carrier10, in particular the abdomen rest member11thereof, being in close contact with the body of the performer, it is possible to inhibit shifting of the musical instrument carrier10from the body of the performer during a performance.

Also, since the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1have a circular arc shape, by sliding the slide member62with respect to the coupling member16along the curvature direction in the shape of the arc, it is possible to continuously change the attachment angle of the abdomen rest member11with respect to the shoulder rest member18.

FIG. 7is a side view that schematically shows the state of a performer with a thin physique wearing the musical instrument carrier shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 8is a side view that schematically shows the state of a performer with a heavy physique wearing the musical instrument carrier shown inFIG. 4.

InFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding structures shown inFIG. 1toFIG. 6. Also, inFIG. 7andFIG. 8, for the sake of convenience of description, the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1are illustrated in cross section.

Here, the manner in which the second curved portion62-1slides between the curved portions41-1and42-1in accordance with the physique of the performer, and whether the musical instrument carrier is mounted on the performer will be described.

When a performer B with a thin physique (a physique with a small abdominal thickness) wears the musical instrument carrier10, since the performer B's body is thin, the second curved portion62-1slides downward along the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1. Thereby, the top point T1of the shoulder rest member18is disposed at a position near the coupling member16. At such a position, a state arises in which the contact surface area of the shoulders of the performer B and the shoulder rest member18is large.

When a performer C with a heavy physique (a physique with a large abdominal thickness) wears the musical instrument carrier10, since the performer C's body is thick, the second curved portion62-1slides upward along the curved surfaces of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1, and the top point T2of the shoulder rest member18is formed at a position far from the coupling member16(a position farther than the top point T1shown inFIG. 7).

At such a position, a state arises in which the contact surface area of the shoulders of the performer C and the shoulder rest member18is large.

As described above, by the sliding of the second curved portion62-1along the curved surfaces of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1, it is possible to change the angle and top-point position of the shoulder rest member18. Thereby, it is possible to increase the contact surface area between the shoulders of performers of various physiques and the shoulder rest member18.

Note that although not illustrated, a cushion member that protects the abdominal portion, chest portion, or shoulders of the performer may as needed be provided on the back surface31bof the abdomen rest member main body31, the surface of the coupling member16(back surface of the plate member42) that comes into contact with the chest of the performer, and the lower surface of the shoulder rest member18that comes into contact with the shoulders of the performer.

Thereby, even in the case of using the musical instrument carrier10to support a heavy musical instrument, it is possible to prevent regions of the performer's body that come into contact with the musical instrument carrier10from becoming sore.

The back rest member19is a band-shaped member for coupling the other end portions of the pair of shoulder rest member main bodies61.

Both ends of the back rest member19are coupled to the other end portions of the pair of shoulder rest member main bodies61by the washer plates26, the bolts27, and the nut plates28. The back rest member19is a member that is abutted on the back of the performer.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of the rod position regulating member shown inFIG. 1.FIG. 10is a side view showing the rod position regulating member shown inFIG. 9. InFIG. 9andFIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to the constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding portions shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2.

The rod position regulating member29is a constitution that fastens both end sides of a U-shaped member, and has a rod mounting portion91, a protruding portion92, a nut plate93, and a bolt95.

The rod mounting portion91has a rod mounting portion main body97and a rod insertion through hole98. In the loosened state of the bolt95, the rod mounting portion91allows both rotation and sliding of the rod14.

The rod mounting portion91rotates with respect to the rod14, whereby even if the rod14is in a state of being affixed to the rod clamp12, it is possible to cause the protruding portion92of the rod position regulating member29to come into contact with or move away from the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31. Also, the rod mounting portion91slides with respect to the rod14, whereby it is possible to cause the end face of the rod position regulating member29to abut or move away from the rod clamp12.

The shape of the rod mounting portion91positioned on the side opposite the side at which the protruding portion92is disposed can for example be semicircular.

The rod insertion through hole98is a through hole that is provided so as to penetrate the rod mounting portion main body97. The shape of the rod insertion through hole98when observed from the side surface can for example be hexagonal or circular, but is not limited thereto.

Note that inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, as one example of the shape of the rod insertion through hole98when observed from the side surface, a hexagonal shape is illustrated.

In the state of the rod mounting portion91being mounted on the rod14, the protruding portion92protrudes in a direction intersecting the center axis L of the rod14(in the case of the present embodiment, a direction perpendicular with the center axis L as one example).

Note that in the present embodiment, a description is given taking as an example the protruding portion92protruding in a direction perpendicular with the center axis L, but it is not necessarily always perpendicular, and the protruding portion may protrude in a direction that intersects the center axis L.

The protruding portion92has a first plate portion101, a second plate portion102, and a space103.

The first plate portion101is integrally constituted with one end portion of the rod mounting portion91that is positioned on the front surface31aside of the abdomen rest member main body31. The first plate portion101has a screw hole101A that penetrates the center thereof.

The second plate portion102is integrally constituted with the other end portion of the rod mounting portion91. The second plate portion102is disposed opposing the first plate portion101via the space103.

The second plate portion102has a screw hole102A that penetrates the center thereof and is disposed opposite the screw hole101A.

The space103is a plate-shaped space, and is connected with the rod insertion through hole98.

That is, the structure which consists of the rod mounting portion91and the protruding portion92is made into a U shape.

It is preferable to constitute the rod mounting portion91and the protruding portion92with a material such that for example the protruding portion92deforms to a degree when the bolt95is screwed in. As such a material, it is possible to use for example aluminum.

The bolt95is screwed into the screw holes102A and101A from the second plate portion102side via the nut plate93.

When the bolt95is tightened in the state of the rod14inserted in the rod insertion through hole98, since the width of the space103narrows in the extension direction of the shaft portion95A of the bolt95and the diameter of the rod insertion through hole98narrows, the rod position regulating member29is fixed to the rod14.

Conversely, when the bolt95of the rod position regulating member29fixed to the rod14is loosened, since the width of the space103widens in the extension direction of the shaft portion95A of the bolt95and the diameter of the rod insertion through hole98increases, it is possible to change the orientation of the rod position regulating member29with respect to the abdomen rest member11by rotating it with respect to the rod14, and it is possible to remove the rod position regulating member29by sliding it along the rod14.

The length of the shaft portion95A of the bolt95may be made a length that does not protrude to the abdomen rest member main body31side in the state of for example a rod being fixed to the rod mounting portion91by tightening the bolt95.

Thereby, when regulating the height of the rod14and/or the rotation of the rod14using the rod position regulating member29, or when loosening the bolt95, the abdomen rest member main body31is not damaged by the distal end of the shaft portion95A, and it is possible to abut the surface101aof the first plate portion101disposed on the abdomen rest member main body31side on the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31.

Next, the method of using the musical instrument carrier that employs the rod position regulating member29will be described, focusing on the operation of the rod14and the rod position regulating member29accompanying the use thereof. Here, as an example the description shall be given of once converting the musical instrument carrier10shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2from a state of being used as a musical instrument carrier to the storage state when not used, and then returning it to the usage state.

The state of using the musical instrument carrier10as a musical instrument carrier is the state shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. In this state, each of the rods14is fixed to the abdomen rest member11by the tightening of the bolt39so as to assume a position of an angle and a height capable of supporting a musical instrument, in the state of the short straight bar portion14-2and the sloping coupling portion14-3of each rod14being in a predetermined opened state at the front side.

At this time, the rod position regulating member29regulates the height of the rod in the state of the face thereof that opposes the rod clamp12abutting on the rod clamp12, and the protruding portion92regulates the spacing between the short straight bar portions14-2of the rods14(that is, the opening degree of the rods14) in the state of abutting on the abdomen rest member.

The carrier can be converted from the use state to a storage state. In the storage state, the moving components are folded so as to make the musical instrument carrier10as compact as possible.

By collapsing each rod14so that the short straight bar portion14-2and the sloping coupling portion14-3mutually overlap at the center of the abdomen rest member, the rods14are made to conform as much as possible to the flat surface of the abdomen rest member11and thereby made compact in the depth direction. Moreover, by the rod clamp12clamping the long straight bar portion14-1of the rod14at the lowest possible position (the position near the sloping coupling portion14-3) so that the sloping coupling portion14-3approaches the abdomen rest member as much as possible, the rod14is made compact in the height direction.

When converting the carrier from the state of use to the storage state, first, the two bolts39are loosened to put the pair of rods14inserted in the pair of rod clamps12into a movable state in the vertical position and rotation direction. At this time, the bolt95is left tightened and so the state of the rod position regulating member29being fixed to the rod14is maintained.

Next, the rods14that have become movable are rotated and collapsed so that the short straight bar portion14-2and the sloping coupling portions14-3mutually overlap at the center of the abdomen rest member11, and are slid along the long straight bar portions14-1so that the sloping coupling portions14-3approach the abdomen rest member11as much as possible. In the state of having collapsed the rods14and slidden them up to make them as compact as possible, the two bolts39are tightened. Then, in the state of other movable components made as compact as possible, the carrier is put in the storage state.

At this time, the rod position regulating member29assumes a state of the face thereof opposite the rod clamp12being separated from the rod clamp12, and the protruding portion92assumes a state of separation from the abdomen rest member11. In this storage state, storage is possible even without the rod position regulating member29performing its regulating function.

Moreover, the musical instrument carrier10is returned from the storage state to the state once again of being used as musical instrument carrier supporting a musical instrument (the state shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2).

In the musical instrument carrier10put in the aforedescribed storage state, each rod14while in the collapsed state is slidden along the long straight bar portion14-1so that the sloping coupling portion14-3is moved away from the abdomen rest member11.

At this time, by sliding the rod14until the rod position regulating member29enters a state of the face thereof opposite the rod clamp12abutting the rod clamp12, it is possible to easily return the rod14to its position in the height position prior to storage. The rod14is then raised so that the short straight bar portion14-2may come forward.

At this time, the protruding portion92of the rod position regulating member29rotates until meeting the abdomen rest member11, whereby it is possible to easily return the rods14to the opening degree of the short straight bar portions14-2prior to storage.

Also, due to the affixed rod position regulating member29making contact with the rod clamp12and stopping, the pair of rods14can be prevented from separating from the rod clamps12and falling, and the positions of the rods14in the height direction are regulated. By putting the other moving parts in the state enabling use as a carrier, it is possible to return the musical instrument carrier10to the state of being used as a musical instrument carrier.

In this way, according to the musical instrument carrier of the present embodiment, it is possible to easily switch between the storage state and the use state.

Note that in the case of making the clamp position of the rod14with respect to the abdomen rest member11lower than the original position where the rod position regulating member29is clamped (in other words, making the length of the portion of the rod14that extends below the rod clamp12longer than the length of the rod14shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2), the bolt95is loosened prior to loosening the bolt39, and after sliding the rod position regulating member29upward, the bolt95is tightened to set and affix the rod position regulating member29at the new position on the rod14, and afterward the bolt39should be loosened to affix the rod14at the new position.

By following this procedure, since the position can be adjusted in a state in which either one of the bolt39and the bolt95is always tightened, it is possible to prevent the pair of rods14from falling from the rod clamps12even when the lengths of the pair of rods14are being increased.

In this way, the rod position regulating member29is arranged so as to make contact with the rod clamp12, and then by affixing the rod position regulating member29to the rod14, since the position of the rod clamp12affixed to the abdomen rest member11can be made to serve as a reference position in the height direction, it is possible to easily reproduce the position-adjusted height of the rods14.

In the case of regulating only the height direction of the pair of rods14using the rod position regulating member29, after bringing the lower end of the rod position regulating member29and the upper end of the rod clamp12into contact, the rod position regulating member29is affixed to the pair of rods14so that the rod position regulating member29and the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31do not make contact.

In this way, after position adjustment of the rods14, by bringing the rod position regulating member29into contact with the rod clamp12and affixing the rod position regulating member29to the rod14, even if the pair of rods14move to the center side or above the abdomen rest member main body31, by bringing the rod clamp12and the rod position regulating member29into contact, it is possible to easily make the height of the pair of rods14the position-adjusted height.

Note that in this case, adjustment of the position of the pair of rods14in the rotation direction is performed at the stage of inserting each rod14in the rod insertion hole of the rod mounting mechanism.

In the case of regulating the height and rotation-direction position of the pair of rods14using the rod position regulating member29, the lower end of the rod position regulating member29and the upper end of the rod clamp12are brought into contact, and in the state of the first plate portion101being made to abut the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31, the rod position regulating member29is affixed to each of the pair of rods14.

In this way, by bringing the rod position regulating member29and the upper end of the rod clamp12into contact and affixing the rod position regulating member29to each of the pair of rods14in the state of the first plate portion101being made to abut the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31, even in the case of the pair of rods14being moved to the center side or above the abdomen rest member main body31, by bringing the rod clamp12and the rod position regulating member29into contact and causing the first plate portion101to abut the front surface31aof the abdomen rest member main body31, it is possible to easily make the height and rotation-direction position of the pair of rods14the position-adjusted height and rotation-direction position of the pair of rods14.

Next, by inserting the short straight bar portion14-2of each rod, to which is affixed the rod position regulating member29, into the rod insertion hole of a rod mounting mechanism mounted to another musical instrument, the musical instrument carrier10supports another musical instrument via the rod mounting mechanism.

After a performance of the other musical instrument, when storing the musical instrument carrier10in a storage room or the like, the musical instrument carrier10is stored in the state of the rod position regulating member29being affixed to each of the pair of rods14.

At this time, by rotating the pair of rods14to the side where the protruding portion92is not present, it is possible to put the rods14in a closed state. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the space required for storage of the musical instrument carrier10.

Also, when using the rod position regulating member29after the carrier is stored in the state of the rod position regulating member29being affixed to each rod14, it is possible to easily make the height and the rotation-direction position of the rods14the position-adjusted height and rotation-direction position of the pair of rods14.

Also, when performing a musical instrument using the position adjustment after storage, by using the procedure described above, it is possible to easily insert the pair of rods14into the rod insertion holes of the rod mounting mechanism.

Note that in the example of the method of using the rod position regulating member29described above, the case of affixing the rod position regulating member29to the rod14so that the protruding portion92is positioned on the outer side was taken as an example, but the pair of rod position regulating members29may be respectively affixed to the rods14so that the protruding portions92are disposed on the inner side.

In this case, when storing the musical instrument carrier, in the state of the short straight bar portion14-2and the sloping coupling portion14-3of each rod14being rotated to the outer side, the musical instrument carrier is stored. The musical instrument carrier that is constituted in this manner can obtain the same effects as the case of the protruding portion92being disposed on the outer side.

Also, a pair of the rod position regulating members29may be affixed to upper and lower positions of one rod14in a manner sandwiching the rod clamp12. In this case, after adjusting the positions of the rods14so as to be able to use a musical instrument, in the state of one end face of each of the pair of rod position regulating members29abutting the rod clamp and the protruding portion92abutting the abdomen rest member, the bolt95is tightened and fixed, and then after adjusting the positions of the pair of rods14so as to enable insertion in the rod insertion holes of the rod mounting mechanisms mounted on another instrument, in the state of the other end face of each of the pair of rod position regulating members29being abutted on the rod clamp and the protruding portion92being abutted on the abdomen rest member, the bolt95is tightened and fixed.

At this time, the protruding portions92constituting the pair of rod position regulating members29disposed below the rod clamps12are arranged to be positioned on the opposite side of the protruding portions92constituting the pair of rod position regulating members29disposed above the rod clamps12.

In this way, by affixing a pair of the rod position regulating members29to the rods14above and below the rod clamps12in accordance with different musical instruments, it is possible to reproduce the positions on the rods14for two musical instruments by the upper and lower rod position regulating members29.

As the rod position regulating member29, a fastening member that is detachable from the rod14should be used.

By using a fastening member that is detachable from the rod14as the rod position regulating member29(as one example, the structure shown inFIG. 9and FIG.10), it is possible to easily attach and detach the rod position regulating member29to/from the rod14.

Note that the fastening member shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10is only one example, and the structure of the rod position regulating member29is not limited to the structure shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10.

According to the musical instrument carrier10of the present embodiment, by including the rod position regulating member29, after the positions of the rods14for mounting on a musical instrument (after adjustment of the height of the rods14and/or the position of the rods14in the rotation direction) have been determined, it is possible to affix the rod position regulating members29to the positioned rods14so as to make contact with the rod clamps12.

Thereby, in the state of for example the rod position regulating member29being affixed to each rod14, even if the height of the rods14and/or the position of the rods14in the rotation direction are/is altered from the position that has been determined, it is possible to easily reproduce the height of the rod14and/or the predetermined position of the rod14in the rotation direction.

Note that in the present embodiment, as one example, a description was given citing the case of providing the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1at the portion abutted on the chest of the performer, but the arrangement position of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1is not limited thereto.

The pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1for example may also be arranged at the abdomen rest member18, and may be arranged at the shoulder rest member main bodies61. It is possible to obtain the same effect as the present embodiment in such cases as well.

Also, instead of the constitution of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1, one may be adopted that can adjust the angle of the shoulder rest member and the abdomen rest member by fastening and fixing support rods in the manner shown in the aforementioned JP-A 2003-5754.

In this case, by attaching the rod position regulating members29to the support rods and having the protruding portions thereof abut on the shoulder rest member, it may be used to regulate the angle of the shoulder rest member and the abdomen rest member.

For example, the width of the rod holders87and88inFIG. 10of the aforementioned JP-A 2003-5745 may be made narrower than the shoulder straps76and77, and the rod position regulating members29may be affixed to the empty area, whereby when the support rods are rotated, the protruding portions may be made to abut on the shoulder straps76and77.

Also, if the distance (height) between the shoulder rest member and the abdomen rest member is adjusted by rods, the rod position regulating member may be used as a position regulating member of the rods. Without being limited thereto, it is also possible to use the rod position regulating member of the present invention in musical instrument carriers having constitutions in which rods are employed for operation.

Also, in the present embodiment, as one example, a description was given citing the case of using the shoulder rest member18in which the shoulder rest member main bodies61and the slide member62are separate units, but a shoulder rest member may be used in which the shoulder rest member main bodies61and the slide member62are integrated.

The size of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1(for example, the magnitude of the curvature radius of the curvature and the angle of the arc) and the extent of the curvature are not limited to the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 5.

By changing the size of the pair of first curved portions41-1and42-1and the second curved portion62-1(for example, the magnitude of the radius) and the extent of the curvature, it is possible to change the magnitude of the radius and the top-point position of the shoulder rest member18. Thereby, application to more performers with differing body shapes becomes possible.

For example, slide members of a plurality of types with differing radius magnitudes and differing top-point positions, and coupling members including a pair of first curved portions corresponding thereto are respectively prepared, and by using the slide members and coupling members in accordance with the physique of the performer, it is possible to apply the musical instrument carrier to more performers with differing body types.

Also, in the present embodiment as one example, a description was given taking as an example the musical instrument carrier10not having a hip rest member coupled to the back rest member19and abutting the hips of the performer, but the present invention can be applied to a musical instrument carrier having a hip rest member.

Also, in the present embodiment, a description was given taking as an example the case of the slide member62having three slide grooves (specifically, slide grooves82to84), but in the case of forming the slide grooves in the slide member62, the number thereof may also be one and is not limited to three.

In the case of for example the bulging of the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3being a concern, the head portions of the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3may be covered with resin having a hemispherical shape.

Thereby, catching and localized rubbing of the head portions of the bolts22-1,22-2, and22-3directly on a costume are eliminated, and it is possible to inhibit to a greater degree damage to a costume.

Also, in the present embodiment, bolts and nuts (including the nut plates and screw holes with threads cut in members) were used as the fastening members, but for example a cam lever lock system may be adopted instead of a nut and bolt, and fastening may also be achieved by other members and constitutions.

FIG. 11is a plan view showing the rod position regulating member and rod clamp according to a first modification in the present embodiment. InFIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding structures shown inFIGS. 2, 9, and 10.

A rod clamp106has the same constitution as the rod clamp12described above, other than having a concavity106A.

A rod position regulating member107has the same constitution as the rod position regulating member29described above, other than having a convexity107A corresponding to the shape of the concavity106A and being capable of being inserted in the concavity106A.

In the case of using the rod clamp106and the rod position regulating member107constituted in this way, after adjusting the position of the rod14, the convexity107A is inserted in and engaged with the concavity106A, and by affixing the rod position regulating member107to the rod14in the state of the rod clamp106and the rod position regulating member107abutting, it is possible to reproduce the position-adjusted position of the rod14in the rotation direction thereof.

FIG. 12is a plan view for describing another method of using the rod position regulating member and rod clamp shown inFIG. 11. InFIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding structures shown inFIG. 11.

The concavity106A and the convexity107A may also be made to face each other, and then the convexity107A may be brought near and arranged on the concavity106A. In this case, it is possible to reproduce the position-adjusted height of the rod14and the position of the rod14in the rotation direction.

FIG. 13is a plan view showing the rod position regulating member according to the second modification of the present embodiment.

InFIG. 13, the same reference numerals are given to those constituent portions that are the same as the corresponding structures shown inFIG. 2,FIG. 9,FIG. 10, andFIG. 11. Also, inFIG. 13, the rod clamp106shown inFIG. 11is illustrated.

The rod position regulating member109is constituted identically to the rod position regulating member107, except for excluding the protruding portion92from the rod position regulating member107shown inFIG. 11and fastening the rod mounting portion91to the rod14using the nut plate93and the bolt95.

In the case of using the rod position regulating member109in place of the rod position regulating member107shown inFIG. 11described above, after adjusting the position of the rod14, in the state of the convexity107A is inserted in and engaged with the concavity106A, by affixing the rod position regulating member109in the rod14, it is possible to reproduce the position-adjusted position of the rod in the rotation direction.

Note that the convexity107A of the rod position regulating member109and the concavity106A of the rod clamp106may also be made to face each other, and then the convexity107A may be brought near and arranged on the concavity106A.

In addition, the case of there being one concavity106A was taken as an example in the above description, but a constitution is also possible that provides a plurality of the concavities106A in the circumferential direction of the rod14, and by selectively engaging from among them with the convexity107A, performs regulation with a plurality of desired positions.

Note that the protruding portion92and a member that makes contact therewith in the present invention include the concavity106A and the convexity107A shown inFIG. 11toFIG. 13. That is, they should be portions that are displaced in the rotation direction of the rod during rotation thereof, and should abut displacement members that are relatively displaced with respect to the rod14at a predetermined rotation position of the rod14(for example, the abdomen rest member11and the rod clamp12and the like).