Abstract:
A rest for guitar-like instruments is internally configured to receive the bottom of a guitar-like instrument and to allow the instrument to lean against another object. Preferably, a groove is provided in the bottom of the rest to allow the rest to fit over the handle of an amplifier. Also, the cavity is preferably shaped such that the back of the top of the guitar-like instrument leans on a wall or other supporting structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority of my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/133,903, filed May 13, 1999, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to accessories for musical instruments More particularly, the present invention relates to guitar accessories. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     Contemporary instrument stands are designed to totally support the weight and balance of an instrument (freestanding or hanging). Generally made from heavy steel tubing or hardened plastics, they generally require some assembly plus take up a lot of floor space and have a tendency to become tripping hazards or snag points, leaving a sense of insecurity for the instrument. 
     The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,099,441; 4,223,785; 4,474,290; 4,515,272; 5,024,328; 5,029,796; 5,149,901; 5,207,327; 5,497,689; 5,590,771; 5,713,465; 5,816,395; 5,833,051; and 5,876,813. Also incorporated by reference is UK Patent Application No. GB 2 276 314 and the references cited therein and in the U.S. Patents mentioned above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a rest for guitar-like instruments which is internally configured to receive the bottom of a guitar-like instrument and to allow the instrument to lean against another object. Preferably, a groove is provided in the bottom of the rest to allow the rest to fit over the handle of an amp (though the amp handle groove dimensions will vary based on the style of amp handle and type of instrument for which the rest is designed - some models of the rest of the present invention will be designed without an amp handle groove). Also, the cavity is preferably shaped such that the back of the top of the guitar-like instrument leans on the wall or other supporting structure. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention can be designed to fit any commercially available guitar or other stringed instrument, or other musical instruments. 
     The outside of the instrument rest of the present invention can be square, rounded, or sculpted to basically any size or shape. 
     Some light guitar-like instruments will stand up in the instrument rest of the present invention with no other support. 
     The present invention also comprises a neck support cushion, which is preferably used with the instrument rest of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, taken along the lines II—II in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cavity of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, taken along the lines V—V in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIGS. 8-28 are views of various ornamental designs for the outside of the present invention; 
     FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with an electric guitar being inserted therein; 
     FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with an electric guitar inserted therein; 
     FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a stringed instrument inserted therein; 
     FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a guitar inserted therein and leaning against an amp; 
     FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a horn inserted therein; 
     FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a box guitar inserted therein; 
     FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a stringed instrument inserted therein; 
     FIG. 36 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with an electric guitar inserted therein, and the guitar leaning against a neck rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 37 is a top view of the neck rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 38 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with an electric guitar inserted therein, and the guitar leaning against a keyboard neck rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the keyboard neck rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 40 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with an electric guitar inserted therein, and the guitar leaning against a headstock rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 41 is a side view of the headstock rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 42 is a side view of a headstock rest pad of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 43 is a side view showing the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention sitting on an amp and with an electric guitar inserted therein, and the guitar leaning against a keyboard neck rest pad of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the keyboard neck rest pad of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 45 is a front view of a guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, with a guitar therein; 
     FIG. 46 is a side view of a guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, with a guitar therein; 
     FIG. 47 is a side view of a guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 48 is a front view of a guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 49 is a front view of the guitar rest of a FIG. 48 and a tripod stand; 
     FIG. 50 is a front view of a guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 51 is a front view of a guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 52 is a top view of the guitar rest of the present invention shown in FIG. 45; and 
     FIGS. 53-56 are front perspective views of guitar rests of alternative embodiments of the present invention; 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The Instrument Rest method 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is a unique style of stand for guitars or other instruments that uses a different concept from all other stands of today. The instrument rest of the present invention is a holder or rest for guitars and other instruments. 
     Functionality 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is designed so that a musician can rest the bottom of an instrument on/in the rest, while resting the neck and/or headstock backwards against another object (such as an amplifier, speaker, chairs or even just a bare wall). 
     Material Composition 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is preferably made of either a molded polyurethane foam, ester#3, urethane foam, #1570bl, or some similar but not always chemically the same as, yet providing a similar working effect of, a foam type material, and may consist of several different compounds all together. 
     Specifications 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is designed to hold a wide range of instruments no matter the shape, size or weight (electric guitars, box guitars, bass guitars, violins, horns, etc.). Factors such as color, density, texture and actual dimensions will be determined upon manufacture and will be influenced by the type of instrument for which the rest is designed. 
     Features and Benefits 
     The instrument rest of the present invention will eliminate the sense of insecurity and inconvenience of contemporary stands, by allowing the musician to rest his or her instrument in places not allowed by contemporary stands (on top of amps, behind or beside amps, behind doors, on shelves—just about anywhere where conventional stands will not fit, the instrument rest of the present invention will). 
     The instrument rest of the present invention will accommodate instruments that do not fit properly in contemporary stands. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is preferably of one-piece construction, and is preferably compact and lightweight. 
     The uniqueness of the design of the instrument rest of the present invention allows for better weight support, superb balancing, and convenience of placement for an instrument. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention can be carried in most standard guitar cases, without damaging the instrument. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention will protect the finish of the instrument, by virtue of its design. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention can be made in extreme color variations, and in unique designs. 
     When using the instrument rest of the present invention, usually the instrument must be leaned against another object—the instrument rest of the present invention is usually not designed to solely support the instrument (it usually does not make the instrument free-standing—though some light guitar-like instruments will stand up in the instrument rest of the present invention with no other support). 
     The instrument rest of the present invention provides a lean-anywhere resting place. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention frees up valuable floor space. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is compact, lightweight and durable. 
     The instrument rest of the present invention is preferably colorful and stylish, with a leather-like feel (when made with molded urethane foam, for example). 
     Cords will never tangle on the instrument rest of the present invention. 
     No assembly is required for standard models of the instrument rest of the present invention. 
     The strap pin locations will vary in location, size, and number. 
     As used herein, “guitar-like instrument” refers to stringed musical instruments such as electric guitars, box guitars, bass guitars, banjoes, mandolins, fiddles, violins, but excluding free-standing instruments such as harps. 
     PARTS LIST 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention: 
       10  instrument rest of the preferred embodiment of the present invention  10 A- 10 N and  10 P- 10 V are instrument rests of alternative embodiments of the present invention 
       20  rest body 
       21  front of rest body 
       22  side of rest body 
       23  rear of rest body 
       30  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       34  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       35  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       36  guitar 
       37  rest body 
       38  front of rest body  37   
       39  side of rest body  37   
       40  groove for strap pin 
       44  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       45  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       46  guitar 
       47  rest body 
       48  front of rest body  37   
       49  side of rest body  37   
       50  groove for amp handle 
       54  cavity for receiving musical instrument 
       55  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       56  musical instrument 
       57  rest body 
       58  front of rest body  37   
       59  side of rest body  37   
       60  electric guitar 
       61  amp 
       62  speaker 
       63  neck of electric guitar  60   
       64  cords of guitar  60   
       65  box guitar 
       66  tripod stand 
       67  forks of tripod stand  66   
       70  neck rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention (can be compressed between amp  61  and speaker  62 ) 
       71  compression holes in neck rest pad  70  (will vary in size and quantity) 
       72  neck support area of neck rest pad  70   
       75  wall 
       80  pegboard neck rest pad 
       81  metal pegboard hooks of pad  80   
       82  neck support area of neck rest pad  80   
       83  pegboard 
       85  neck rest pad 
       86  neck support area of neck rest pad  85   
       87  strap of neck rest pad  85  (preferably nylon or Velcro brand hook-and-loop fastener material) 
       90  headstock rest pad of the preferred embodiment of the present invention 
       91  headstock support area of headstock rest pad  90   
       92  strap of headstock rest pad  90  (preferably nylon) 
       95  headstock rest pad of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       96  headstock support area of headstock rest pad  95   
       110  freestanding guitar rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention (it cradles more of the guitar than a standard rest  10 ) 
       120  rest body 
       121  front of rest body 
       122  side of rest body 
       123  rear of rest body 
       124  V-notch to allow for cords  64   
       130  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       134  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       135  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       136  guitar 
       137  rest body 
       138  front of rest body  137   
       139  side of rest body  137   
       144  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       145  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       147  rest body 
       148  front of rest body  147   
       149  side of rest body  147   
       210  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       220  rest body 
       221  front of rest body 
       222  side of rest body 
       223  raised rear of rest body to provide upright support 
       230  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       250  groove for amp handle 
       310  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       320  rest body 
       321  front of rest body 
       322  side of rest body 
       323  raised rear of rest body to provide upright support 
       330  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       331  cord recess to allow for cord for side-jacked instruments 
       350  groove for amp handle 
       410  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       420  rest body 
       421  front of rest body 
       422  side of rest body 
       431  tripod holes preferably completely through the body  420  to allow rest  410  to be slipped onto a conventional forked tripod stand  66   
       510  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       520  rest body 
       521  front of rest body 
       522  side of rest body 
       530  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       531  strap (nylon, e.g.) for connecting the left and right pieces of body  520   
       610  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       620  rest body 
       621  front of rest body 
       622  side of rest body 
       630  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       631  strap (nylon, e.g.) for connecting the left and right pieces of body  520   
       660  guitar 
       710  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       720  rest body 
       721  front of rest body 
       722  side of rest body 
       730  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       810  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       820  rest body 
       821  front of rest body 
       822  side of rest body 
       830  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
       910  instrument rest of an alternative embodiment of the present invention 
       920  rest body 
       921  front of rest body 
       922  side of rest body 
       930  cavity for receiving guitar-like instrument 
     Dimensions (Potential Approximate Preferred Ranges) 
     A 0.5″ to 22.0″ 
     B 0.125″ to 18.0″ 
     C 0.125″ to 16.0″ 
     D 0.5″ to 22.0″ 
     E 0.0″ to 8.0″ 
     F 0 to 60 Degrees 
     G 0.0″ to 2.5″ 
     H 0.0″ to 2.0″ 
     A 1  1.0″ to 26.0″ 
     B 1  3.0″ to 38.0″ 
     C 1  1.25″ to 24.0″ 
     A 2  2.0″ to 38.0″ 
     B 2  2.0″ to 38.0″ 
     C 2  0.5″ to 22.0″ 
     A 3  2.0″ to 38.0″ 
     B 3  0.0″ to 38.0″ 
     C 3  0.125″ to 16.0″ 
     A 4  0.0″ to 15.0″ 
     B 4  0.0″ to 2.5″ 
     This product may optionally have an exterior coating applied depending upon the type of foam used by the manufacturer. The coatings may vary from a urethane to a synthetic cloth type material depending on coatings market technology. 
     The following are exemplary values for the following dimensions of the rest when used with a standard electric guitar: 
     A—2.065″ 
     B—1.750″ 
     C—1.500″ 
     D—1.935″ 
     E—0.625″ (strap pin groove depth) 
     F—15-20 degrees (chosen to allow the instrument to rest in a backwards position, against another object) 
     G—1.250″ (width of groove to fit over amplifier handle) 
     H—0.750″ (depth of groove to fit over amplifier handle) 
     A 1 —4.500″ 
     B 1 —12.500″ 
     C 1 —3.500″ 
     A 2 —10.125″ 
     B 2 —9.875″ 
     C 2 —2.062″ 
     A 3 —10.125″ (rear) —9.875″ (front) 
     B 3 —2″ 
     C 3 —2.375″ 
     A 4 —11.0″ 
     B 4 —1.937″ 
     The following are exemplary values for the following dimensions of the rest when used with a standard large box guitar: 
     A—5.250″ 
     B—2.125″ 
     C—1.500″ 
     D—5.000″ 
     E—0.625″ 
     F—15-20 degrees 
     G—1.250″ 
     H—0.750″ 
     A 1 —7.000″ 
     B 1 —16.000″ 
     C 1 —3.250″ 
     A 2 —13.375″ 
     B 2 —11.875″ 
     C 2 —5.250″ 
     A 3 —13.375″ (rear) 
     —11.875″ (front) 
     B 3 —2.000″ 
     C 3 —2.375″ 
     A 4 —11.0″ 
     B 4 —1.937″ 
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.