Patent Publication Number: US-2006010657-A1

Title: Specialized strap system

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/572,890, filed on May 20, 2004. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to the field of musical instruments. More particularly, the present invention provides a specialized strap system to be used by, for example, various musicians, including saxophone players, which allows, for example, the ability to easily change horns without requiring multiple straps or re-adjusting one strap.  
      Any professional relies on tools to perfect their trade. Certainly musicians are among the most visible in the use of their tools. The most evident tools are the instruments they play. There are, however, many tools used by musicians that go largely unnoticed and, therefore, remain largely untouched by innovation.  
      One such tool is the focus of the present invention: the strap used by various musicians, especially woodwind players. Woodwind players, most notably saxophone players, rely on a strap around their neck or shoulders to help support their instrument. The strap is not only used to help bear the weight of the instrument, but when used properly may provide a reference point for a performer&#39;s interaction with the horn at the mouthpiece and keys.  
      Straps have been around since the introduction of the instruments. Whether a woodwind player, guitarist, or marching band drummer, straps are a necessary part of the performer&#39;s kit.  
      Because musicians&#39; straps go largely unnoticed there has been little innovation in this area. Considering saxophone straps as an example of the dearth of innovation, there has been little change in the past decade and minor evolution in the preceding time. Originally, a simple neck strap was provided with a hook to hold the horn. Limited modifications have been added to this basic strap, including adding pads to the strap, as is the case in the traditional model typically used today.  
      Most recently, Neotek™ developed a strap built of neoprene rubber to integrate the pad into the strap. Still others like DeJacques™ created a new adjustment mechanism and hook used to secure the strap to the horn.  
      Each of these prior art designs has drawbacks. In the case of traditional straps, comfort of the weight around the wearer&#39;s neck is an issue. While weight-bearing comfort was addressed with designs incorporating neoprene, those designs exacerbated another problem. That problem is the fact that after a short time of wear, the strap area becomes warm and can cause perspiration build up. This can cause the strap to be uncomfortable not only during the performance but, because many such straps do not dry quickly, also during performances over the subsequent days.  
      An issue with each of these straps, in addition to padding or moisture retention, is the adjustability. While adjustability is inherent in most designs and is critical to a performer&#39;s ability to play well, some designs are preferred over others based on various factors. There is a trade-off between the ease of adjustment and the ability for the adjustment to stay fixed in a set position. The ability of the adjusted strap to stay fixed in its adjusted position is particularly an issue for performers who are active and moving during their performance. For those who are relatively static while playing, ease of adjustment may be preferred over the ability to stay securely fixed in position.  
      This trade-off is understood no better than by a performer who plays different horns during a performance and has to choose between adjusting a single strap to fit different horns or wearing multiple straps. Use of multiple straps, while making changing horns quickly easier, has the additional drawback of having multiple straps that become wet with perspiration.  
      These shortcomings in the prior art are the focus of the invention disclosed herein. The features of this invention rely on novel applications of various elements to improve the overall experience of the performer using the invention. It would be advantageous to provide a strap system that allows for wicking of moisture away from the skin and for the dissipation of heat build up and washability for hygienic purposes. It would be further advantageous to provide for ease of adjustment of the strap. It would be particularly advantageous to provide a strap system that allows for easy connection and/or disconnection to an instrument and ease of adjustability.  
      The present invention provides the foregoing and other advantages.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides an advantageous strap system for use with various objects, such as musical instruments, tools, or other objects which can be carried or supported using a neck strap. In an example embodiment of the present invention, a strap system is provided which comprises a fabric neck loop having two ends and a first connection component affixed to at least one end of the neck loop. A connection strap comprising a length of fabric is provided. A second connection component is affixed to a first end of the connection strap for enabling a releasable connection with the first connection component. A connection means may be affixed to a second end of the connection strap for enabling a releasable connection between an object and the connection strap. The connection means may comprise a hook, a snap ring, or the like.  
      The fabric of the neck loop may comprise a fabric designed to wick moisture away from the skin of a user. Further, the fabric of the neck loop may comprise an outer layer comprised of such a wicking fabric and an inner layer comprised of a flexible reinforcing material, such as a mesh-type material. The outer wicking layer may be removable to allow for replacement or for cleaning.  
      In one example embodiment, the first connection component is affixed to both ends of the neck loop, forming a closed loop.  
      In a further example embodiment, the first connection component is affixed to one end of the neck loop and a third connection component affixed to the other end of the neck loop. A fourth connection component is affixed to the first connection component for enabling a releasable connection between the third connection component. The connection between the third and fourth connection component enables the neck loop to be opened or closed.  
      In an alternative example embodiment, the first connection component is affixed to one end of the neck loop and a third connection component is affixed to the other end of the neck loop. A junction connector is provided which has three connection components for enabling releasable connections with the first connection component of the neck loop, the second connection component of the connection strap, and the third connection component of the neck loop.  
      An adjustable element for adjusting an overall length of strap system may be provided, either on the neck loop, the connection strap, or both.  
      The object to be connected to the connection strap may be, for example, a musical instrument, a tool, or the like.  
      The connection strap and/or the neck loop may have means for identification of at least one of an owner of the object, the object, an object type, or similar information. Further, the connection strap may be designed for use as a handle for picking up the object when connected thereto. Decorative elements may also be provided on at least one of the neck loop and the connection strap.  
      In another example embodiment, the strap system may comprise a fabric neck loop, a connection strap comprising a length of fabric releasably connected to the neck loop, and a connection means affixed to the connection strap for enabling a connection between an object and the connection strap. Further, at least one releasable connection may be provided in the neck loop allowing the neck loop to be opened.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:  
       FIG. 1  shows an example embodiment of a prior art instrument strap;  
       FIG. 2  shows an example embodiment of a strap system in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  shows an example embodiment of a fabric strap that may be used with an example embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  shows a further example embodiment of a strap system in accordance with the present invention; and  
       FIG. 5  shows an example embodiment of a junction connector in accordance with the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.  
      The present invention provides a specialized strap system for holding objects, in particular, musical instruments. It should be noted that while the present invention is described herein for the purposes and benefit of a musicians, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features of the resent invention are equally applicable to any number of other users, including technicians using tools, or others that require the use of a strap connected to an object.  
      For the sake of understanding the present invention, it is important to consider a standard prior art woodwind strap as shown in  FIG. 1 . This prior art strap  100  is comprised of three major components. A neck loop  101  of the strap  100  typically goes around the performer&#39;s neck. Adjustment means  102  provides the performer with the ability to adjust the length of the strap  100 , thereby raising and lowering hook  103 , which connects to a retaining loop on the instrument. For the purposes of this example, a typical hook is shown. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide range of hooks of alternate design are well known. The particular design of the hook  103  is not a specific topic of this invention, and any known hook can be used with the invention.  
      The strap  100  may be a single continuous piece of material or made up of several pieces. Typically made of leather, canvas or other heavy woven fabric, the strap  100  is the key interface to the performer. The width, weight and pliability of the fabric all factor into the way the loop  101  of the strap  100  lays around the neck of the performer. Some straps have an additional pad to help make the strap more comfortable during use. As stated previously, some models integrate a spongy rubber like neoprene, which is common in diver&#39;s wetsuits to help provide an additional cushion around the neck.  
      The nature of the material used for the strap  100  usually causes heat to build up under the neck loop  101 . For some, this is not a problem of great consequence. For others, particularly those who perform on a stage under bright lights, this is a major issue and a cause for discomfort due to heat and the generation of perspiration on the part of the performer.  
      An example embodiment of a strap system  200  in accordance the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2 . A fabric neck loop  201  is provided which has ends  208 ,  209  thereof meeting at a junction  207 . Both ends  208 ,  209  of the fabric neck loop may be directly affixed to a connection component  202  as shown in  FIG. 2 , forming a closed loop. Alternative embodiments incorporating additional connecting pieces to provide a reinforced or extended connection are discussed in more detail below in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 .  
      The use of a connection component  202  at junction  207  provides a two-piece strap system  200 , with the neck loop portion  201  comprising one part of the strap system  200 . The second part of the two-piece strap system  200  is connection strap  203 . The connection strap  203  may comprise a length of fabric that can be connected to an object, such as a musical instrument, a tool, or the like. For consistency and ease of explanation, connection strap  203  is also referred to herein as instrument strap  203 . Instrument strap  203  may comprise a short piece of strap material with connection component  204  affixed to an end thereof. Connection component  204  is designed to releasably mate with the corresponding connection component  202 . The instrument strap  203  can therefor be connected to the neck loop  201  via the connection components  202 ,  204 . For example, one of the connection components  202 ,  204  may comprise a male connection component, and the other of the connection components may comprise a female connection component. It should also be appreciated that the connection components herein are of the type that form easily releasable connections. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of connection components may also be used with the present invention.  
      The instrument strap  203  may also include an adjustable element  205  to allow for variations in the overall length of the strap system  200 . The adjustable element  205  may comprise an adjustment buckle (e.g., similar to those found on backpack straps or the like) which allows one to adjust the overall length of the strap. The adjustable element  205  may alternatively be located on the neck loop  201 . It will also be appreciated that an adjustable element can be provided both on the neck loop  201  and the instrument strap  203 .  
      The instrument strap  203  may also include a connection means  206  to connect the instrument strap  203  to the object, tool, or instrument (not shown). This connection means  206  may take a number of forms, from a simple hook to a more elaborate connector system as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the connection means  206  may be of the type that allows a more stable or permanent connection to the instrument than that achieved by an open hook. Such connection means  206  may include the use of a snap ring or other connection between the instrument and the instrument strap  203 . Such a connection would allow for additional benefits, including a reliable means for handling the instrument.  
      A significant advantage of the strap system  200  is that a performer who desires to use multiple instruments during a performance can wear a single neck loop  201  and attach it to different instrument straps  203 , which can be individually adjusted to a desired length prior to the performance. Each of the different instrument straps  203  can be pre-connected to a different instrument and adjusted accordingly. This “quick-release” system has the advantage of minimizing adjustments of the strap system  200  during a performance. Further, by having multiple instrument straps  203  in place on various instruments prior to a performance, the performer can use it to quickly pick up or change instruments when desired. This is particularly useful with instruments like saxophones, for which avoiding handling the brass surface with sweaty hands is preferred.  
      The instrument strap  203  may also provide a means of quick identification of an instrument. Such quick identification may come in the form of using a particular color instrument strap  203  or by including information, like the owner&#39;s name, the type of object, or the like, on the instrument strap  203 . Decorative elements and designs can also be provided on the neck loop  200  and/or the instrument strap  203 . Such decorative elements or identification information may be imprinted, embroidered, or otherwise affixed directly onto the fabric of the neck loop  201  or instrument strap  203 . Alternatively, a clear plastic pouch may be provided on the neck loop  201  or instrument strap  203 , such as, for example, pouch  210  as shown on instrument strap  203 .  
      In an example embodiment of the present invention, a specialized fabric may be used as the basis for the neck loop  201 . Such fabric may be woven in a manner to allow, at a minimum, for moisture to pass through quickly for evaporation, but more ideally to provide a wicking capability. Such wicking capability will help remove any perspiration away from the user&#39;s body. Wicking fabric is in use today in a wide range of applications, but is most well known in sportswear applications. It should be appreciated that the neck loop  201  and the instrument strap  203  may be made of the same fabric or of different fabrics. For example, while it would be advantageous to provide the neck loop  201  in a wicking fabric, it is not as critical that the instrument strap  203  be made of such a wicking fabric. Therefore, the instrument strap  203  may be made of a cheaper, non-wicking fabric.  
      Because some performers need additional support for their instruments or have instruments of different sizes and weights, a mesh or other reinforcing material may be used along with the specialized fabric to give a stronger two-layered strap. This is particularly suitable for heavier instruments like baritone saxophones. A cross-section of such a material is shown in  FIG. 3 , with the wicking fabric  301  providing a cover for a flexible supportive reinforcing mesh  302 . The advantage of using a reinforcing mesh  302  inside of a wicking fabric  301  is that moisture can pass readily through for evaporation from the wearer&#39;s skin. Another advantage of using such fabrics instead of traditional materials is that the strap can be easily washed and dried for frequent use without the common issues of material deterioration.  
      The use of the inner support fabric  302  may allow for the outer wicking fabric  301  to be removed. For example, a cover made of the wicking fabric  301  may be easily removed and replaced via a means like Velcro, or by threading the mesh  302  through the cover  301  (e.g., where the cover is a tubular component), or other simple attachment means. Such a removable feature will allow a user to customize the strap by changing fabric colors or other aspects of the design. Of course, a user may simply choose to rely on the strap of reinforcing mesh fabric  302  and not rely on any particular covering.  
      A further example embodiment of a strap system  400  in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , at least one of the ends  408 ,  409  of the neck loop  401  of the strap system  400  (e.g., end  409 ) may terminate with a connection component  402 . This connection component  402  may be adapted to releasably mate with a connection component  403 , allowing the neck loop  401  to be opened and closed. Connection component  403  may be connected in a permanent manner to connection component  404 , which in turn is connected to the other end  408  of the neck loop  401 . Connection component  404  can mate with connection component  204  of the instrument strap  203 , as discussed above in connection with  FIG. 2 .  
      In an alternative example embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5 , connection components  402 ,  405  may be provided on both ends  408 ,  409 , respectively, of the neck loop  401 . These connection components  402 ,  405  are designed to releasably mate with corresponding connection components  403 ,  406  on a junction connector  501 . A third connection component  407  on the junction connector  501  is designed to mate with connection component  204  on the instrument strap  203 . As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, further flexibility is obtained by providing a junction connector  501  having three connection points. Such an arrangement will allow for maximum flexibility to the user by allowing for all components to be interchanged with minimum difficulty.  
      It should now be appreciated that the present invention provides an advantageous strap system for use with, for example, musical instruments.  
      Although the invention has been described in connection with various illustrated embodiments, numerous modifications and adaptations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.