Abstract:
This invention relates to a cover for a playable device, such as an instrument, a musical instrument, for example a guitar, a bass, a violin, a viola, or a cello, peripherals designed to resemble instruments, controllers designed to resemble instruments and/or toys. The cover can be form-fitted on a playable device leaving a playing area of the playable device fully exposed, such that the cover can be used while the playable device is being played or is merely being stored. The cover may protection from damage during use and storage. In some embodiments, the cover may be used to customize a playable device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a cover for a playable device, such as an instrument, a musical instrument, for example a guitar, a bass, a violin, a viola, or a cello, peripherals designed to resemble instruments, controllers designed to resemble instruments and/or toys. 
         [0002]    The cover can be fitted on a playable device leaving a playing area of the playable device fully exposed, such that the cover can be used while the playable device is being played, is being stored, or during transportation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Playable devices, such as instruments, peripherals designed to resemble instruments, and controllers designed to resemble instruments are often played with a portion of the playable device held against the body of the player. Relative movement between the playable device and the player may cause marring of the often attractive and expensive finish of the playable device. 
         [0004]    The body of a playable device during normal usage, or during the transportation of such instrument, is susceptible to scratches, cracks, dents, wear, damage from moisture and other damage. Such damage can reduce the useful lifetime of the instruments, reduce playability, and adversely affect the aesthetic qualities and tonal qualities. 
         [0005]    This may be especially true for electric guitars, peripherals and/or controllers designed to resemble electric guitars, the use of which tends to be more dramatic and movement oriented than that of other stringed instruments, in keeping with the type of music for which the electric instruments are best suited. 
         [0006]    The current state of customization involves painting or cutting into the body of the playable device. This process is usually expensive and almost always leaves the owners little option if at some point in the future they change their mind about the alteration. Decals have also been used but they can sometimes be difficult to remove and leave adhesive on the body of the playable device, which could potentially lower its value. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for an improved protective and decorative cover to aid in “non-destructive” playable device customization and ornamentation. 
         [0008]    As examples, various covers are described below which have been devised for use on stringed musical instruments. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,251,258, issued to G. H. Parker, shows a protective cover for an electric guitar, comprising a sheet of flexible plastic material conforming to the back surface of the guitar; an auxiliary annular covering is attached to edge areas of the flexible sheet to go around the edges and across the front surface of the guitar. In one form of the invention the auxiliary annular covering is an elastic fabric having an elastic strand going along its edge to draw the fabric against the guitar body surface. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,954, issued to L. Phillips et al on Mar. 21, 1967, shows a cover that partially encircles a guitar, such that the cover can remain on the guitar while the guitar is being played; the cover acts as a shield to protect the guitar surface from being scratched or marred due to direct contact with the person&#39;s clothing or body. The cover is designed to extend partially across the back of the guitar and fragmentary portion of the guitar edge; a strap is adapted to encircle the mid portion of the guitar body to retain the cover in position on the guitar. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,501, to John Toth, shows a protective cover for a violin. The cover is similar to the cover shown in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,309,954, in that it is designed to protect the musical instrument while the instrument is being played. The cover comprises a semi-circular bag or sack adapted to encircle an end portion of the sound box that normally contacts the person&#39;s shoulder, neck and chin, leaving the remaining portion of the instrument uncovered. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,678, issued to R. Messina, discloses a flexible cover adapted to substantially cover the entire sound box of a guitar, except for the stringed area. The cover comprises two panels having turned edges stitched together along approximately one half of the peripheral edge area of the cover. The remaining edge area of the cover comprises a conventional zipper tape, whereby the slider of the zipper can be opened or closed for inserting the guitar body into the cover or removing the guitar body from the cover. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,847, issued to Stanley Spindler, discloses a protective slip-on cover for a guitar body, comprising a back fabric sheet, a front fabric sheet, and a peripheral edge sheet joining said front and back sheets. The front sheet has a recess that exposes the strings and bridge of the instrument. The recess is of sufficient size as to permit the cover to be slipped on and off the guitar body. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,391, issued to R. Gibbs et al, discloses a ventilated fabric cover adapted to enclose the back and edge surfaces of a guitar or other stringed instrument. The cover extends onto the marginal edge of the guitar front surface, whereby the cover is retained on the instrument; an elastic band or drawstring can be provided along the marginal edge area of the cover. The cover fabric is a ventilated (open) weave material, reinforced with wear-resistant material at selected points at the edges of the instrument. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    An embodiment of the invention includes a cover for a playable device. As referred to herein a playable device may include, but is not limited to any musical instrument, any stringed instruments, any peripheral designed to simulate instruments, any controller designed to simulate instruments, for example guitars, basses, and/or violins, toys and/or any object designed to simulate an instrument. It should be noted that any depiction herein which refers to a specific playable device should be construed broadly to include any playable device. Further, the words playable device and instrument are used interchangeably herein. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, a cover may be form-fitting to accentuate an outline of the playable device. Further, a form-fitting cover may enhance the playability of a playable device. Covers which are form-fitting may be configured to provide protection from scratches, cracks, dents, wear, moisture, oils, perspiration, and/or other damage. In some embodiments, a cover may be formed from one or more panels having a shape that is roughly similar to the shape of the playable device. An outer edge of the panel may include a binding member including, but not limited to a binding, band, ligature and/or cord. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, tension in a panel and/or binding member may allow for a form fit of the cover on the playable device. When the panel is installed on the playable device, tensile forces come into play so as to promote a form fit of the cover. In some embodiments, the cover may be formed from a highly flexible material that readily conforms to corners and non-linear contours of the playable device. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the cover may include a front member coupled to a back member by an edge member. An engaging portion of the cover can be adapted to fit over protruding members on the playable device, such as an upper fin of the playable device. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, a cover may include one or more opening(s) which may fit over one or more strap button(s) typically found along the peripheral edge of a playable device. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, a cover for a playable device is a form fitting, removable covering, made from one or more layers. Layers may be made from different materials and may vary in thickness. In some embodiments, layers provide cushioning, protection, and/or moisture resistance. Alternately, some layers may be chosen due to aesthetic reasons. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, a user may have the ability to display aesthetic devices including, but not limited to visual images, photographic images, logos, designs, patterns, symbols, and appliqués such as gemstones, studs, spikes, and/or other objects of a decorative nature on a playable device without damaging or altering the body of the playable device itself. Some embodiments may include a combination of one or more aesthetic devices. Aesthetic devices may be placed on the cover in any position. 
         [0022]    Furthermore, the cover is easily removable and can be versatile in appearance. The cover is attractive because it attaches onto the body of a playable device in a manner outlining the shape of the playable device. Further, the easily removable cover may offer the user an array of inexpensive and convenient customization options. 
         [0023]    During use and installation, a portion of the cover may be fitted over a top edge of the playable device. The cover then may be pulled down onto the rear of the playable device. The material of the lower front portion of the cover can be pulled tight and engage at least a portion of the front lower edge of the playable device. Thus, the cover can be secured on the playable device. 
         [0024]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
         [0025]    Additional features and structural characteristics of the cover of the present invention will be apparent from the attached drawings and description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    Throughout the body of this description reference will be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  illustrates a back view of the guitar in  FIG. 1  including a cover as described herein; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top edge view of a playable device looking towards the body of the playable device; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a cover positioned on a playable device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    The following description is given by way of illustration only and shall not be taken as being in any way limiting as to the spirit or scope of the invention. Referring to the drawings, like numerals designate corresponding parts where possible throughout the several figures. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a front side of playable device  10  is illustrated. While  FIG. 1  depicts guitar  12 , cover  14  may be utilized with any playable device. Cover  14  may overlay a portion of guitar  12  body  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , cover  14  may substantially conform to at least a portion of body  16 . In some embodiments, a cover follows at least a portion of a contour delineating an outer edge of the instrument. As shown in  FIG. 1 , cover  14  may substantially cover upper contour  18  of guitar  12 . Cover  14  may provide protection on front surface  20  of guitar  12  from upper contour  18  to a portion of upper section  22  of guitar  12 . 
         [0038]    A surface area of a front or rear surface of the playable device overlayed by a cover may vary.  FIGS. 1 and 2  depict two different styles of covers. The covers have different shapes and cover varying portions of the front surface of a playable device. As shown in  FIG. 2  some embodiments, may include a cover which covers a smaller portion of front surface  20 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, a cover may cover a portion of an instrument in a range from about 10% to about 90%, such as about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, or about 90% of the surface area of a front side of the instrument body. The portion of the front surface of a playable device overlayed may vary from cover to cover. In some embodiments, a portion of a pick guard may be overlayed. Alternately, the pick guard may be exposed. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, a cover may engage at least a portion of the front lower edge of the playable device or instrument, such that a range from about 10% to about 90% of the perimeter of the front lower edge is engaged, such as about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, or about 90% of the perimeter of the front lower edge. The portion of the front lower edge of a playable device or instrument engaged may vary from cover to cover. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , body  16  may include protruding members  24 . Cover  14  may overlay protruding member  24 . Protruding members  24  may include, but are not limited to fins, offshoots, or any other design currently known in the art. For example,  FIG. 1  depicts protruding members  24  as fins  26 . In some embodiments, cover  14  may overlay an upper fin  28  as is shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternately, the cover may overlay at least a portion of one or more protruding members. In some embodiments, cover may overlay a portion of a protruding member. In one embodiment, the cover overlays only one protruding member where the instrument or playable device has two or more protruding members. In another embodiment, the cover overlays some number of protruding members that is less than the total number of protruding members present on the instrument or playable device. 
         [0042]    A back view of the playing device shown in  FIG. 3  depicts cover  14  positioned thereon. Back member  30  may be coupled to front member (not shown). A peripheral edge  34  of cover may include edge member  36  such as a binding, a band, a cord, edging, ligature, ribbon, rope, tape, or any other edging material known in the art. As shown in  FIG. 4 , edge member  36  may be coupled to peripheral edge  34  using coupling mechanisms, such as seams including, but not limited to superimposed seams, plain seams, French seams, lapped seams, bound seams, flat seams, butt seams, and/or any other seam known in the art. Stitches used in the seams may include, but are not limited to hidden stitches, cross-stitches, chain stitches, back-stitched chain stitches, braid stitches, cable chain stitches, knotted chain stitches, open chain stitches, petal chain stitches, rosette chain stitches, singalese chain stitches, twisted chain stitches, wheat-ear stitches, zig-zag chain stitches, backstitches, blanket stitches, embroidery stitches, lockstitches, running stitches, sashiko stitches, tack stitches, overlock stitches, any other stitches currently known in the art and/or any combination thereof.  FIG. 4  depicts stitches  38  coupling edge member  36  to peripheral edge  34 . 
         [0043]    In alternate embodiments, edge member  36  may be coupled to cover  14  using coupling mechanisms, such as closures, fasteners, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), adhesives, glue, sealers, sealants, tape, bands, welds, staples, and/or any mechanism known in the art. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, tension in the edge member may vary along the length of the edge. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a tension at first point  40  may vary from a tension at second point  42 . This variation of tension in the edge member may allow for a snug fit of the cover to the instrument or instrument like device. In an embodiment, a tension in the seam coupling edge member  36  to peripheral edge  34  may vary along a length of the perimeter. During construction of the cover, a tension of the thread used to couple edge member  36  to peripheral edge  34  may be controlled and/or varied in some embodiments. Controlling and/or varying tension within the seam coupling the edge member to the peripheral edge may allow for a snug fit of the cover to the playable device. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, an edge member may be configured to grip a playable device. In an embodiment, a player may store objects including, but not limited to picks in the space between the playable device and the edge member. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, a cover may include at least one opening for receiving a projection. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 4 , cover  14  may include opening  44  to receive projection  46 , such as knob  48  mounted on an exterior of the playable device. Projections may include, but are not limited to buttons, knobs, hooks, handles, toggles, tremolo arms, whammy bars, studs, switches, fins, jack plates etc. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, an opening in the cover may be positioned to allow access to a portion of the playable device, such as an aperture. Apertures may include, but are not limited to jacks, such as power jacks, input and/or output jacks, ports, universal serial bus ports, serial ports, parallel ports, and/or any other portion of the playable device where access is needed. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, one or more openings may be included in the cover corresponding to projections and/or apertures in the playable device. Openings in the cover may help to retain the cover on the playable device. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , openings  44  in the cover may include collar  50  which may include, but is not limited to a portion of fabric, a piece of binding, a grommet, eyelet, and/or a washer. Collar  50  may be constructed from one or more materials including, but not limited to fabric, rubber, plastic, metal, other materials known in the art and/or combinations thereof. The collar may have any geometry including, but not limited to regular shapes such as circles, squares, ovals, rectangles, trapezoids, triangles and the like and/or an irregular shape. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a top edge illustration of playable device  10  is shown looking towards playable device body  16 . In some embodiments, cover  14  may include opening  44  to receive projection  46 , such as strap button  52  mounted on an exterior of the playable device. 
         [0051]    Front member  54  may be coupled to back member  30  at juncture  56 . Juncture  56  may include coupling mechanism  58 . Coupling mechanisms may include, but are not limited to closures, fasteners, buttons and buttonholes, hook-and-eye systems, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), zippers, adhesives, glue, sealers, sealants, tape, stitches, welds, staples, bands, seams and/or any coupling mechanism known in the art. Seams which may be used include, but are not limited to superimposed seams, plain seams, French seams, lapped seams, bound seams, flat seams, butt seams, and/or any other seam known in the art. 
         [0052]    In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism may include a series of stitches including, but not limited to hidden stitches, cross-stitches, chain stitches, back-stitched chain stitches, braid stitches, cable chain stitches, knotted chain stitches, open chain stitches, petal chain stitches, rosette chain stitches, singalese chain stitches, twisted chain stitches, wheat-ear stitches, zig-zag chain stitches, backstitches, blanket stitches, embroidery stitches, lockstitches, running stitches, sashiko stitches, tack stitches, overlock stitches, any other stitches known in the art and/or any combination thereof. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , coupling mechanism  58  may include stitches  38 . During construction of coupling mechanisms, such as seams and stitches, thread tension along a length of juncture  56  may be varied. For example, during construction of the cover a tension of the thread may be controlled. In some embodiments, the tension of the thread may be controlled to allow for a snug fit of the cover to the playable device. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, a cover may be formed of one or more layers of insulating material, non-insulating material or a combination thereof. For example, a cover may be constructed from nylon covered neoprene. An embodiment may include a cover formed from one or more materials including, but not limited to neoprene, foam (e.g., flexible polyurethane foam), foam rubber, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, leather, vinyl, polyester, lycra, spandex, silicone, cotton, and/or the like, other elastic and partially elastic materials and/or materials known in the art. In some embodiments, two or more layers of material may be used together for use in a cover. Materials used for the cover may have variable thicknesses. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, a thickness of the cover may vary at different positions on the cover. For example, a cover may have sections having an increased thickness. In an embodiment, thicker sections may provide protection to the playing device. For example, an embodiment of a cover may include padded sections positioned to protect vulnerable parts of the playing device. 
         [0056]    Materials may have various surface configurations. For example, a surface of a material may be textured. Textures used in the cover may include, but are not limited to smooth textures, sharkskin textures, high profile textures, low profile textures, pattern textures, any textures known in the art and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, an inner surface of a cover may be textured. In some embodiments, surface texturing on an inner surface may inhibit slippage of the cover. 
         [0057]    In an embodiment, a layer of neoprene may be used. Neoprene layers may vary in thickness in a range from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, a neoprene layer may have a thickness in a range from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In an embodiment, a neoprene layer in a cover may have a thickness in a range from about 2 mm to about 4 mm. In an embodiment, a layer of neoprene and a layer of another material may be used. 
         [0058]    A neoprene layer may offer cushioning and/or protection for the playable device. For example, neoprene provides protection of the playable device with regard to oils and chemicals. In addition, some embodiments may include a flame retardant neoprene. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments the neoprene layer may be coupled to another material, such as nylon. In an embodiment, an inner surface of the cover may be neoprene and an outer surface of the cover may include a layer of another material as previously disclosed herein. 
         [0060]    In some embodiments, a cover may be manufactured in an array of styles including various colors and patterns, assorted materials or formed with cutout patterns. In addition, some embodiments may include pockets, storage pouches, quilted portions and/or additional cushioning materials coupled to the cover. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, a cover may include aesthetic devices or displays including, but not limited to visual images, photographic images, indicia, logos, designs, patterns, symbols, beading, gemstones, studs, spikes, light emitting devices, for example, displays, electroluminescent wires, light emitting diodes, polymeric light emitting diodes, chemiluminescent materials, heat sensitive dyes, and/or other objects of a decorative nature. The cover may be configured to conform to a playable device without the aesthetic devices damaging or altering the body of the playable device itself. Some embodiments may include a combination of one or more aesthetic devices. Aesthetic devices may be placed on the cover in any position. For example,  FIG. 6  depicts cover  14  including appliqué  60 . A material for an outer surface or an inner surface of the cover may be chosen due to aesthetic considerations in some embodiments. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, images may be positioned on a cover using various processes including, but not limited to ink jet printing, sublimation printing, dye-sublimation printing, silk screening, transfer processes, and/or any other process known or yet to be discovered in the art. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, measurements of the cover can vary in order to accommodate various playable devices, including instruments, or instrument like devices, such as peripherals, and/or controllers. 
         [0064]    During use of the cover, an engaging portion of the cover may be slipped over a portion of a protruding member of the playable device, such as a fin. The cover can then be pulled down and around the body of the playing device such that a portion of the front member engages the bottom contour of the playing device. Thus, an outer edge of the cover may be stretched over an outer contour of the playable device. The openings may be positioned to engage a strap button to inhibit slippage of the cover. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 7-9  depict various embodiments of cover  14  designed for playable devices  10 . Covers may vary in shape and design to conform to the shape of a playable device. 
         [0066]    Thus, the present invention is suitable for use with an instrument, a musical instrument, in particular stringed instruments, for example a guitar, a bass, a violin, a viola, or a cello, peripherals designed to resemble instruments, and/or controllers designed to resemble instruments, including game controllers. 
         [0067]    While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention can only be interpreted using the appended claims. 
         [0068]    The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described herein as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and possible variations and modifications which would be readily apparent are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.