Strap pin fitting

Provided is a strap pin fitting allowing easy attachment and detachment of a strap with respect to a musical instrument. A strap pin fitting includes: a base plate; a strap retaining portion arranged on the base plate and configured to retain a strap; a through-hole formed in the base plate and allowing insertion of a strap pin; and a presser plate attached to the base plate. The presser plate is movable between an open position where the through-hole is opened and where the operation of inserting the strap pin into the through-hole is allowed and a closed position where a part of the through-hole is closed and where detachment of the strap pin from the through-hole is prevented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a strap pin fitting for attaching a strap to a musical instrument such as a guitar.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1is a diagram showing an example of strap pins20installed to a musical instrument12. As shown inFIG. 1, in a case where a user plays the musical instrument12such as a guitar while standing up, a musical instrument strap (hereinafter simply referred to as a “strap”)30is used. In view of this, the strap pins20for attaching the strap30are installed to the musical instrument12. The strap30includes a belt-shaped member32whose length is adjustable, and tongue-shaped attachment portions34respectively provided at both ends of the belt-shaped member32. Each of the attachment portion34has an attaching hole36(SeeFIG. 3), and each of the strap pin20is detachably attached to the attaching hole36. In the example shown inFIG. 1, the strap pins20are respectively attached to an end portion14of a body13of the musical instrument12and to a heel portion16which is a joining portion with a neck15and is on a side opposite the end portion14of the body13of the musical instrument12, however, the arrangement of the strap pins20should not be limited to the example.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing an example of the strap pin20. InFIG. 2, a reference numeral2A designates a perspective view of the strap pin20, and a reference numeral2B designates a side view of the strap pin20. As shown in the reference numerals2A and2B, the strap pin20has: a constricted portion20ahaving a circular cross-sectional shape; a divergent portion20bwhich is provided at a tip end of the constricted portion20aand has a shape diverging (expanding) outwards (in a radial direction orthogonal to an axial direction of the constricted portion20a); and an attaching portion (an attaching plate)20cwhich is provided on a side opposite the divergent portion20bof the constricted portion20aand constituting an attaching surface to the musical instrument12. The strap pin20is fastened to the musical instrument12by a screw (not shown). The strap pin20is of various configurations and sizes, which, however, are substantially of the same general features as those shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3is a diagram showing an example of the attachment portion34of the strap30. As shown inFIG. 3, the attachment portion34of the strap30has an attaching hole36for attaching the strap pin20. A slit38is formed continuously with the attaching hole36. In a case where the strap30is to be attached to the musical instrument12, the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20is passed through the attaching hole36while expanding the attaching hole36by virtue of the slit38, and the constricted portion20ais situated at the attaching hole36. Then, the slit38is contracted at the constricted portion20ato fasten the strap pin20and the strap pin20is prevented from detaching by the divergent portion20bso that the strap30is kept attached to the musical instrument12. As a result, in a case where a player plays the musical instrument while standing up, the player can use the strap30attached to the musical instrument12to hang the musical instrument12from his shoulder.

However, because the attaching hole36for attaching the strap pin20is continuous with the slit38in the attachment portion34of the strap30shown inFIG. 3, the strap30easily comes off from the strap pin20provided on the musical instrument12.

In view of the above-mentioned problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-217991 (hereinafter referred to as “PTL 1”) discloses a strap configured such that a reinforcing portion is superimposed on the strap attachment portion so that the strap attachment portion and the reinforcing portion are superimposed one upon the other to attach to the strap pin, and the slit extending from the attaching hole (retaining hole) in the reinforcing portion is formed at a position different from the slit extending from the attaching hole (retaining hole) in the strap attachment portion.

Citation List

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

When the player puts away the musical instrument after completion of his/her performance, the player detaches the strap, which has held the musical instrument to his body, from the strap pins. And when he/she is to resume his/her performance, the player puts the strap on his shoulder, and attaches the attaching holes of the strap to the strap pins of the musical instrument for preparation. Also in a case where he/she changes musical instruments, it is necessary to attach and detach the strap.

In the strap disclosed in PTL 1, the strap is not so easily detached from the strap pin of the musical instrument as compared with the conventional strap (SeeFIG. 3). On the other hand, as a result of the adoption of this structure, the strap becomes harder to detach, which is inconvenient for the player. Further, when the attaching and detaching of the strap is repeated, the attaching hole of the strap necessarily becomes loose. This reduces the force to retain the musical instrument and raises possibility of dropping the musical instrument.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The present invention aims to provide a strap pin fitting allowing easy attachment and detachment of the strap to and from the musical instrument.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following structure.

A strap pin fitting according to a first aspect of the present invention, includes: a base plate; a base plate; a strap retaining portion arranged on the base plate and configured to retain a strap; a through-hole formed in the base plate and configured to allow insertion of a strap pin; and a presser plate attached to the base plate and configured to be movable between an open position where the through-hole is opened so as to allow insertion of the strap pin into the through-hole and a closed position where a part of the through-hole is closed so as to prevent detachment of the strap pin from the through-hole.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the strap pin fitting of the first aspect, the presser plate is attached so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis that is in a direction orthogonal to a normal direction of the base plate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the strap pin fitting of the first aspect, the presser plate is attached so as to be rotatable around a rotation center that is in a normal direction of the base plate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the strap pin fitting of the second aspect or the third aspect, includes an urging member configured to urge the presser plate toward the closed position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the strap pin fitting of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the through-hole is formed by connecting together a large-hole portion and a small-hole portion that differ from each other in hole diameter.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the strap pin fitting of any one of the first to fourth aspects, the through-hole is formed by a single round hole.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform the attachment and detachment of the strap to and from the musical instrument.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating a strap pin fitting50according to the first embodiment. InFIG. 4, reference numeral4A designates a plan view of the strap pin fitting50, and reference numeral4B designates a side view of the strap pin fitting50.

As shown inFIG. 4, the strap pin fitting50according to the present embodiment is a connection member existing between the strap pin20and the strap30, and connecting them to each other. The strap pin fitting50mainly includes a base plate52, a presser plate54, and a strap retaining portion56.

The base plate52is formed of a flat plate-shaped member. In the base plate52, a through-hole58is formed so as to allow insertion of the strap pin20. The through-hole58is formed in such a manner that a large-hole portion58aand a small-hole portion58bwhich differ from each other in hole diameter, are connected together. As shown by reference numeral4A ofFIG. 4, in plan view, the large-hole portion58ahas a substantially circular shape. The small-hole portion58bhas an elongated-hole shape extending from the large-hole portion58ain a direction opposite the strap retaining portion56.

The large-hole portion58ais formed to be larger than an outer diameter of the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20, and has a size which allows the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20to pass therethrough.

The small-hole portion58bis formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20and smaller than the outer diameter of the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20. The small-hole portion58bhas a size which solely allows the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20to pass therethrough.

The presser plate54has a shape which is bent on a rear side (the strap retaining portion56side) in a front-rear direction (a longitudinal direction of the base plate52). That is, as shown by reference numeral4B ofFIG. 4, when the base plate52is seen from a side direction, the presser plate54as a whole has a substantially doglegged shape (or L-shape). The presser plate54is of a structure in which a front end portion62on the front side and a rear end portion64on the rear side are connected via a bent portion66that is a boundary portion of them.

Further, the presser plate54is attached to the base plate52so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (rotation center) in a direction orthogonal to a normal direction of the base plate52. More specifically, the presser plate54is attached onto a bending line which is along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base plate52via a hinge portion68in such a manner that the presser plate54is rotatable around the rotation axis (rotation center) in a direction which is along the bending line. The hinge portion68includes a hinge with a spring (corresponding to the “urging member” of the present invention) The hinge portion68is urged by the urging force of the spring in the direction in which the front end portion62of the presser plate54is pressed against the base plate52. That is, by the spring of the hinge portion68, the front end portion62of the presser plate54is urged toward a closed position where the large-hole portion58awhich is a part of the through-hole58is closed.

When, in a state in which the front end portion62of the presser plate54is thus urged toward the closed position by the spring of the hinge portion68, the presser plate54is pushed against the urging force of the spring (the front end portion62is pushed from below or the rear end portion64is pushed from above), the front end portion62of the presser plate54moves to an open position where the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58is opened, and there is attained a state in which the strap pin20can be inserted into the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58.

The strap retaining portion56includes a columnar member arranged on the base plate52. The strap retaining portion56is formed to have a size which allows the strap retaining portion56to pass through the attaching hole36of the attachment portion34of the strap30. In a case where the strap30is to be fastened to the strap retaining portion56, the strap retaining portion56is passed through the attaching hole36of the attachment portion30of the strap34and fastened by a screw (not shown), whereby the attachment portion34of the strap30is connected to the strap retaining portion56. Alternatively, a cap may be fitted with the distal end of the strap retaining portion56when connecting the attachment portion34of the strap30to the strap retaining portion56. Or, the strap retaining portion56and the attachment portion34of the strap30may be connected by a cord or the like. Further, the strap retaining portion56and the attachment portion34of the strap30may be connected by using a pin, an E-type retaining ring or the like.

In the a where the strap30is to be attached to the musical instrument12by using the strap pin fitting50constructed as described above, the strap retaining portion56is first inserted into the attaching hole36of the attachment portion34of the strap30and is fastened by a screw (not shown). Next, as shown by reference numerals5A and5B ofFIG. 5, in a state in which positioning is effected between the strap pin20and the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58, the strap pin20is passed through the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58from the lower surface side of the base plate52. At this time, the front end portion62of the presser plate54which is urged toward the closed position by the urging force of the spring of the hinge portion68is pushed by the strap pin20, whereby the front end portion62of the presser plate54moves to the open position such that the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20can be inserted into the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58. Then, after the strap pin20is inserted into the large-hole portion58atill the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20, the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20is caused to slide to the small-hole portion58bof the through-hole58as shown by reference numerals6A and6B ofFIG. 6. Then, due to the urging force of the spring, the presser plate54is restored of itself to the closed position where the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58is closed. As a result, the strap pin20is prevented from being detached from the through-hole58, and a state is attained in which the strap pin fitting50and the strap pin20are reliably connected to each other.

When the musical instrument12is to be removed after the performance, the rear end portion64of the presser plate54is pushed in from above toward the base plate52, whereby the front end portion62of the presser plate54which is closing the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58moves from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, it is possible to slide the strap pin20to the large-hole portion58aside, and easily detach the strap pin20from the large-hole portion58a.

As described above, the strap pin fitting50of the present embodiment includes: the base plate52; the strap retaining portion56which is arranged on the base plate52and retains the strap30, the through-hole58which is formed in the base plate52and allows the strap pin20to be inserted therethrough; and the presser plate54attached to the base plate52. The presser plate54is configured to be movable between the open position where the through-hole58is opened such that the strap pin20can be inserted into the through-hole58, and the closed position where a part of the through-hole58is closed such that the strap pin20is prevented from being detached from the through-hole58. Therefore, the connection and the disconnection between the strap pin fitting50and the strap pin20can be effected easily and quickly. Thus, the strap30and the strap pin20are connected through the intermediation of the strap pin fitting50, whereby the strap30can be easily attached to and detached from the musical instrument12.

While the presser plate54is urged by an urging member (the spring of the hinge portion68) toward the closed position where a part of the through-hole58is closed in the present embodiment, this should not be construed restrictively. For example, by using a lock mechanism (engagement mechanism) (not shown), it is possible to switch between a lock state in which the presser plate54is fixed at the closed position and a non-lock state in which the presser plate54is movable between the closed position and the open position.

Further, while the base plate52includes a flat plate-shaped member in the present embodiment, this should not be construed restrictively. For example, the base plate52may be bent or curved to be crest-shaped or trough-shaped (valley-shaped) along the longitudinal direction of the base plate52. Further, the presser plate54may be bent or curved to be crest-shaped or trough-shaped (valley-shaped) in conformity with the shape of the base plate52. This also applies to the second embodiment and examples of development described below.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, a description of the portions common to those of the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and the description will center on the characterizing portion of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating a strap pin fitting50A according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 7, the components that are common or similar to those ofFIG. 4are designated by the same reference numerals.

The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the structure of the presser plate54differs. More specifically, the presser plate54of the second embodiment functions as a plate spring capable of elastic deformation. Further, this presser plate54is rotatable around a rotation axis (rotation center) that is in the normal direction of the base plate52. Reference numeral69designates the rotation shaft portion of the base plate52.

In the present embodiment, when the strap pin fitting50A and the strap pin20are to be connected to each other, the strap pin20is inserted into the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58from the lower surface side of the base plate52in a state in which positioning is effected between the strap pin20and the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58as in the first embodiment described above. At this time, the strap pin20is inserted into the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58while pushing down the presser plate54with the strap pin20. While the presser plate54, which functions as a plate spring, is curved and deformed due to the elastic force thereof, it is possible to insert the strap pin20into the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58. Then, after the strap pin20is inserted into the large-hole portion58atill the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20, the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20is caused to slide to the small-hole portion58bof the through-hole58. Then, the presser plate54returns of itself to its original shape due to the elastic force thereof, and is restored to the closed position where the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58is closed. As a result, the strap pin20is prevented from detaching from the through-hole58, and the strap pin fitting50A and the strap pin20are reliably connected to each other.

In a case where the connection between the strap pin20and the strap pin fitting50A is to be released, the presser plate54is rotated to the open position where the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58is opened (indicated by the chain double-dashed line) as shown by reference numeral7A ofFIG. 7, whereby it is possible to detach the strap pin20from the through-hole58.

Thus, as in the first embodiment, also in the strap pin fitting50A of the second embodiment, the strap30and the strap pin20are connected to each other with the strap pin fitting50A interposed therebetween, whereby the strap30can be easily attached to and detached from the musical instrument12.

In the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the presser plate20to exhibit a strength high enough to support the musical instrument12, so long as the presser plate20has a function to close the large-hole portion58awhich is a part of the through-hole58so that the strap pin20may not be detached. Therefore, it is possible to use a resin or metal thin plate-shaped member which is thinner than the presser plate54of the first embodiment.

Further, while the presser plate54is rotatable around the rotation shaft portion69in the second embodiment, it is preferable for the presser plate54to be urged by an urging member such as a spring (not shown) toward the closed position where the large-hole portion58aof the through-hole58is closed. This helps to prevent the connection between the strap pin fitting50A and the strap pin20from being inadvertently released.

Further, in the second embodiment, it is preferable for the presser plate54to include an operating portion such as a protrusion. This makes it possible to easily perform the operation of rotating the presser plate54and facilitate the detachment operation when removing the strap pin fitting50A from the strap pin20.

Next, an example of development of the present invention will be described. While the through-hole58provided in the base plate52is formed by connecting together the large-hole portion58aand the small-hole portion58bwhich have differ from each other in hole diameter in the above-described embodiments, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the configuration of the through-hole58is not a combination of large and small hole portions.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating a strap pin fitting50B according to an example of development of the present invention. InFIG. 8, reference numeral8A designates a plan view of the strap pin fitting50B, and reference numeral8B designates an exploded view of the strap pin fitting50B. InFIG. 8, the components common or similar to those ofFIG. 4are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown by reference numeral8A ofFIG. 8, from the viewpoint of design, the strap pin fitting50B according to the example of development of the present invention is generally of a rounded configuration (a substantially egg-shaped configuration).

The strap pin fitting50B is the same as the above-described embodiments in that the strap pin fitting50B includes the base plate52, the presser plate54, and the strap retaining portion56. However, the strap pin fitting50B is greatly different from the above-described embodiments in that the through-hole58formed in the base plate52is a round hole having a circular shape in plan view. The inner diameter of the through-hole58is larger than the outer diameter of the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20(SeeFIGS. 9 and 10).

As shown by reference numeral8A ofFIG. 8, in plan view, the presser plate54has a shape which substantially overlaps the proximal end side region of the base plate52(the strap retaining portion56side region), and the presser plate54is rotatable around a rotation axis (rotation center) that is in the normal direction of the base plate52. When the presser plate54is arranged at a position (closed position) where the presser plate54overlaps the base plate52, the presser plate54closes a part of the through-hole58. At this time, the positional relationship and sizes of the presser plate54and the through-hole58are determined such that a clearance H formed between the through-hole58and the presser plate54is smaller than the outer diameter of the divergent portion20bof the strap pin20and is larger than the outer diameter of the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20(SeeFIGS. 9 and 10).

Thus, in a case where the presser plate54is rotated so as to arrange the presser plate54at the open position where the through-hole58is opened, a state is attained in which the strap pin20can be inserted into the through-hole58. On the other hand, in a case where the presser plate54is rotated in a state in which the strap pin20is inserted into the through-hole58so as to arrange the presser plate54at the closed position where a part of the through-hole58is closed, the strap pin20is prevented from detaching from the through-hole58because the clearance H formed between the through-hole58and the presser plate54is of the above-mentioned size.

On both sides (both side surfaces) of the base plate52, recessed portions (recesses)70are respectively provided. Due to the recessed portions70, non-overlapping regions which do not overlap the base plate52are formed in the presser plate54. Therefore, by pushing the presser plate54at positions corresponding to the regions in the rotational direction of the presser plate54, it is possible to perform the operation of rotating the presser plate54simply and easily.

Further, the base plate52has, in an intermediate region corresponding to the interval between the strap retaining portion56and the through-hole58, a protrusion72which has a circular shape in plan view and protrudes toward a side opposite the presser plate54. In a case where the strap30is attached to the strap pin fitting50B, the protrusion72functions as a strap support portion which supports the distal end portion of the strap30.

The strap retaining portion56is a portion which fixes the strap30to the base plate52by using a bolt74and a nut76. As shown by reference numerals9A and9B ofFIG. 9, in a case where the strap30is to be attached to the strap retaining portion56, a rotation hole78provided at the proximal end side of the presser plate54, a bolt insertion hole80provided at the proximal end side of the base plate52and an attaching hole36of the strap30are positioned so as to overlap each other in plan view, and in this state, the bolt74is passed through the respective holes from the presser plate54side, and the distal end portion of the bolt74protruding from the opposite side is fastened by the nut76via a washer82. At this time, the nut76is fastened to such a degree that the presser plate54can rotate by using the rotation hole78as a fulcrum. As a result, the strap pin fitting50B and the strap30are connected to each other, and the rotation operation of the presser plate54is enabled.

As shown by reference numerals9A and9B ofFIG. 9, in a case where the strap pin fitting50B and the strap pin20are to be connected to each other, the presser plate54is rotated in a predetermined direction (for example, in the clockwise direction) to move the presser plate54to the open position. Then, the strap pin20is inserted into the through-hole58of the base plate52. Next, as shown by reference numerals10A and10B ofFIG. 10, the presser plate54is rotated in the reverse direction (for example, in the counterclockwise direction), and the presser plate54is restored to the former state, that is, moved to the closed position. As a result, the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20inserted into the through-hole58of the base plate52is arranged in the clearance H formed between the through-hole58and the presser plate54. Therefore, there is no fear that the strap pin20is detached from the through-hole58, and the strap pin fitting50B and the strap pin20are reliably connected to each other.

In a case where the connection between the strap pin fitting50B and the strap pin20is to be released, procedures reverse to the above-described procedures should be executed, and a redundant description thereof will be left out.

As described above, in the strap pin fitting50B according to the example of development of the present invention, the through-hole58provided in the base plate52consists of one hole portion, and, through the rotation of the presser plate54, the presser plate54can be switched between the closed position where a part of the through-hole58is closed and the open position where the through-hole58is opened. Thus, the strap30and the strap pin20are connected to each other through the interposition of the strap pin fitting50B, whereby the attachment and detachment of the strap30to and from the musical instrument12can be easily effected, and it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments.

Further, in the above-described example of development, while the presser plate54can be switched between the closed position where a part of the through-hole58is closed and the open position where the through-hole58is opened, this should not be construed restrictively. For example, the presser plate54may be formed by a thin resin or metal plate-shaped member in such a manner that the presser plate54functions as a plate spring capable of elastic deformation. In this structure, it is possible to connect the strap pin fitting50B and the strap pin20by the same procedures as those of the above-described second embodiment without operation to rotate the presser plate54. That is, in a state in which positioning is effected between the strap pin20and the through-hole58, the strap pin20is inserted into the through-hole58from the lower surface side of the base plate52. At this time, when the strap pin20is inserted into the through-hole58while pushing the presser plate54in with the strap pin20, the presser plate54, which functions as a plate spring, can insert the strap pin20into the through-hole58while undergoing curving and deformation due to the elastic force of the presser plate54itself. And, after the strap pin20is inserted into the through-hole58till the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20, the constricted portion20aof the strap pin20is caused to slide to the edge portion of the through-hole58(the edge portion on the side opposite the strap retaining portion56). Then, the presser plate54is restored of itself to the former shape due to the elastic force of the presser plate54itself, to be restored to the closed position where a part of the through-hole58is closed. As a result, the strap pin fitting50B and the strap pin20are reliably connected to each other, while preventing the strap pin20from coming off from the through-hole58.

In a case where the connection between the strap pin20and the strap pin fitting50B is to be released, the presser plate54is rotated as in the above-described example of development, whereby it is possible to remove the strap pin20from the through-hole58.

In the above-described example of development, the configuration in which the through-hole58provided in the base plate52is formed by a round hole having a circular shape in plan view, is shown as an example of the preferred aspect. However, this should not be construed restrictively. For example, through-hole58may have an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or some other shape.

The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments and the example of development thereof described above but naturally allows various improvements and modifications without departing from the range of the scope of the gist of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST