An Improved Support for Violins and like Instruments.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Support for Violins and like Instruments.
I, WILLIAM PURCHASE, of 3, Graig View, Ynishir, near Pontypridd, Gentle-
mau, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to an improved support for violins and like instruments,
and has for its object to provide a simple means by which the instrument can
be more easily supported without requiring to be held by the chin of the
performer.
The device I propose to employ consists of a band or ribbon adapted to encircle
the neck of the performer.
To this ribbon is fitted a hook, preferably of wood, covered with velvet, cloth, or
any suitable material on its upper surface. This hook is formed with a small slot
through which the tape is passed or other means may be employed for securing the
hook or catch in position.
The head of the catch is furnished with a small groove at the angle or corner,
this groove being adapted to receive the beading around the edge of the
instrument.
A small piece of elastic or india rubber is inserted in the band to render the
arrangement resilient and enable a better grip to be obtained.
The holder is applied to the instrument at the waist engaging with a projecting
portion at one side.
The instrument is thus supported at about the middle and can rest upon the
shoulder without requiring to be gripped by the chin. This gives a better tone, as
it allows the instrument to vibrate more freely and also permits it to be more
conveniently held for the purpose of playing.
The length of the ribbon is adjusted by means of a buckle, clip or like
device.
Dated this 30th day of January 1896.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicaut.
An Improved Support for Violins and like Instruments.
1, WILLIAM PURCHASE, of 3 Graig View, Ynishir, near Pontypridd, in the
County of Glamorgan, Wales, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to supports for violins and like instruments, and consists
of a simple device by means of which the instrument can be more easily supported
than hitherto.

page_text: It is formed of a band or ribbon to encircle the neck of the performer, which
band or ribbon is attached to a hook, formed preferably of wood, the upper surface
of which is covered with velvet, cloth, or other suitable material, for the purpose
of preventing injury to the instrument supported..
In order that my invention may be fully understood and ascertained, I append
drawings, in which :--
Fig. 1 is a view of the violin support open.
Fig. 2 is a view of the same hooked as when surrounding the neck of the
performer.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the hook.
A indicates a cord which may be formed of any suitable fibrous material, such
as silk, cotton, or the like, and this is shewn as double, although it may consist of
a single band, cord, or ribbon. Near one end it is sewn or otherwise fastened at
the points a so as to form a loop a adapted to engage with a hook a', which is
attached to the other end of the band or cord. Or any other means of coupling
the ends may be adopted.
At convenient points a the ends of a length of rubber or other elastic material a
are fixed, and this length is shorter than the length of the band A between the two
points a, thus normally drawing this part at of the band up and causing it to
assume a waved or serpentine shape as shewn. Or the whole band or ribbon may
be elastic in character. The hook B is preferably of the shape shewn in Fig. 3,
and is composed of the body part b, the hook part b', and the cover 6* which is
formed of velvet, cloth, or similar soft material. The hook B is pierced at one
end by a hole or slot into which the part of the band between the points a³ as
well as the elastic at is inserted as shewn.
To use the violin support the band is passed round the neck of the performer
and one end fastened to the other, thus forming an endless ring. The depending
hook is then applied to or near the waist of the instrument in such manner that
the hooked part engages with the beading round the edge of the instrument,
thus, together with the shoulder of the performer, serving to support it. By its
use the necessity of gripping with the chin is wholly or partially obviated, though
this is in general resorted to for the purpose of steadying the instrument.
The length of the band or ribbon can be adjusted to suit the performer by means
of a buckle, clip, or the like in a manner well known.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. A support for violins and like instruments, substantially as described and
shewn.
2. A support for violins and like instruments consisting essentially of a band or
ribbon which can be passed round the neck, and the ends fastened together by any
convenient means, and an attached hook, the shoulder of which engages with the
edge of the violin, substantially as described and shewn.
3. A support for violins and like instruments, consisting essentially of a band or
ribbon which can be passed round the neck and the ends fastened together by any
convenient means, and part of which band or ribbon has the whole or a portion of
its length contracted by the use of a piece of elastic material, and an attached hook
the shoulder of which engages with the edge of the violin, substantially as described
and shewn.
WILLIAM PURCHASE.