Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 61/657,979, filed Jun. 11, 2012, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to accessory units for use with portable electronic devices and, more particularly, to a guitar connectable to a portable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Computers have revolutionized modern society. They enable us to perform tasks that we never dreamed of possible. One (1) facet of this enablement is affording us to do more with less. This desire is normally necessitated by efficiency, but this is not always the case. Many times we want to do more with less to exploit all aspects of our mental faculty and skill. This is not more apparent than with the pursuit of the arts, and in particular the musical arts. Composing and performing music requires reasoning, aptitude, and talent. It also entails being able to exploit all of these simultaneously, and with improvisation. It is important for a musician, or any artists for that matter, to be able to compose and re-compose to set the mood and react to the mood. Modern guitars incorporate several electronics to assist the guitarists in exploiting the mental faculty and skill that the guitarist has to offer. However, with the advent of personal, portable computers that can be interfaced with various electronics devises, guitarist would benefit from taking advantage of such technological advancement. It would be beneficial to have a guitar that can be played as it normally is, and to have it interfaced with a personal, portable computer that can provide the guitarists with a plethora of operational functions for the guitar. The development of guitar accessory for personal electronic equipment fulfills this need. 
     Prior art in this field consists of guitars and music systems that incorporate the enhanced functions within the system. These systems are elaborate and expensive. Despite their elaborate nature, they are still limiting. The limiting feature of these systems is that the user is stuck with the specific functions that are incorporated. Changing or modifying the functions requires significant modifications or software updates to the system itself. Furthermore, these systems are large and bulky. In addition to music systems that music performers use, there are brackets and interfacing apparatuses that have been developed over the years to assist with connecting personal, portable computers to other electronic devices. Yet, these are either very general set-ups or very device-specific. General set-ups consist of some type bracket or cradle that retains the computer in close proximity to a device so as to facilitate an easy connection between the two (2). Other more robust apparatuses enable interfacing so as to allow a user to control a device after the computer is connected, but these are limited to speakers, televisions, and other similar entertainment systems. There is no electronic adapter apparatus to enable a user to mount a computer onto a guitar, and manipulate the guitar features, as well as coordinate the other music systems connected to the guitar, through the computer as the user independently plays the guitar with his hands. 
     It is an object of this invention to have a guitar that can be played in various operational modes, one (1) of them being with the aid of a personal, portable computer connected to it. It is a further object of this invention to provide that guitar with enhanced features that a user can manipulate with the interfacing aspects of the computer. An additional benefit is for the guitar to be compatible with the commonly used personal, portable computers that pervade society such as a smart phone or a tablet. An additional benefit is for the interfacing to be configured such that manipulation can be achieved through the development of application software downloadable and modifiable on the personal, portable computer. A further benefit is to provide an ancillary stand to retain and support a personal, portable computer that is too large and heavy to be connected directly to the guitar during play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a guitar and guitar accessory, which provides an adapter and a docking station for a personal, portable computer. The apparatus can be operated in a normal guitar fashion or the apparatus can be enhanced with the addition of an existing personal, portable computer. A user is able to access music, apps, or similar features integral to the computers to enhance the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus comprises common features of a guitar such as a body, a neck, guitar strings, tuning pegs, etc. A key feature is that the body includes a switch to enables a user to toggle between a normal guitar mode and an enhanced digital mode of the apparatus with an attached computer. A second key feature is a computer insert positioned on a surface of the body. 
     The switch is electrically interconnected to internal circuitry of the apparatus. A surface of the apparatus has various inputs, which are also electrically interconnected to the internal circuitry, to further enhance the playing of the apparatus. The inputs include a XLR port, a plurality of memory inputs, a female connector for electrical interconnection to electrical components, a HDMI output, a headphone input, and an amp input. It is envisioned for other electrical inputs and controls to be supplied on the body to further enhance the playing of the apparatus. A surface of the body further comprises an insert to enable a computer to be mounted flush against the apparatus. The computer is mounted in such a way as to display a front face of the computer toward the user to enable user access. Once inserted, the computer is electrically interconnected to the circuitry via a connector charging/docking port. 
     The apparatus can be played in a normal guitar mode without the addition of the computer. In this mode, a user can still connect the apparatus to existing guitar electrical equipment just as any other guitar. When the apparatus employs the computer, the computer can be used to wirelessly accesses apps, games, music, etc. to play the guitar in enhanced modes. The circuitry of the apparatus comprises converters, microprocessors, RF chips, and transceivers to enable the use of Bluetooth technology and WiFi technology. The switching and circuitry enables a user, at his discretion, to have the apparatus communicate wirelessly with the various electrical equipment commonly used while performing, such as guitar amp. The apparatus is further provided with a portable charging stand that supports and retains the apparatus, as well as provides charging capabilities to the computer. The stand is equipped with an extension that transitions into a neck retainer. The neck retainer engages the neck of the apparatus for support. A power plug with integral input jack is also provided to enable connection to a household electrical outlet. 
     A user uses the device in either normal operational mode or in enhanced mode. After connecting the apparatus to an existing guitar amp, the switch is toggled into normal guitar mode. The apparatus is then played in common guitar mode. After switching the toggle switch to enhanced mode, a user connects a computer to the apparatus via the connector. A user then exploited the use of the XLR port, memory input, female connector, HDMI output, headphone input, and amp input at his discretion. A user can also activate the computer to access desired programs to further enhance the musical presentation and expression while playing the guitar. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental perspective view of a guitar system for personal electronic equipment  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a guitar assembly  15  of the guitar system for personal electronic equipment  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a bottom perspective view of the guitar assembly  15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is another bottom perspective view of the guitar assembly  15  depicting internal cavity portions  38 ,  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a functional block diagram depicting a hard-wired configuration of the guitar system for personal electronic equipment  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a functional block diagram depicting a wireless configuration of the guitar system for personal electronic equipment  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a charging stand  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  guitar system 
               15  guitar assembly 
               20  body 
               21  neck 
               23  first control plate 
               24  second control plate 
               26   a  volume knob 
               26   b  tone knob 
               28  pre-amplifier 
               30   a  first switch 
               30   b  second switch 
               31  instrument cable port (TRS) 
               32  memory media slot 
               33  30-pin female connector 
               35  headphone port 
               38  first cavity 
               39  first cavity cover 
               40  second cavity 
               41  30-pin male connector 
               42  latch 
               43  MIDI input port 
               44  MIDI output port 
               46  USB port 
               47  HDMI port 
               48  XLR output port 
               50  circuit board 
               51  radio frequency (RF) transceiver 
               52  signal 
               53  amplifier/speaker 
               54  amplifier female connector 
               55  computer application device 
               60  charging stand 
               61  tripod legs 
               62  extension 
               63  head retainer 
               64  body retainer 
               65  power plug 
               66  input jack 
               70  first battery 
               72  battery charger 
               80  receiver module 
               82  antenna 
               84  second battery 
               86  amplifier cable 
               88   a  first amplifier cable connector 
               88   b  second amplifier cable connector 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental perspective view of a guitar system for personal electronic equipment (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which comprises a guitar assembly  15  which provides analog and digital, hard-wired and wireless operational modes. The guitar assembly  15  provides a means to removably attach and communicate with a computer application device  55  such as a tablet computer (see  FIGS. 2 ,  3   a ,  3   b ). Integration of the guitar assembly  15  and the computer application device  55  enables communicating with, and managing of, various sound and music equipment to accomplish various related functions including broadcasting sound from an amplifier/speaker  53 , sound recording, sound play-back, and the like. The system  10  can also be switched so as to operate in a normal analog guitar mode, in either wired or wireless configurations, if desired. Additionally, a user is able to access music, computer applications, or similar features through the computer application device  55  or via connection to storage media devices. 
     The system  10  also provides wireless operation via a radio frequency signal  52  between an RF transceiver  51  within the guitar assembly  15 , and a receiver module  80  which works in conjunction with an existing amplifier/speaker  53  to broadcast sound and music wirelessly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3   a , and  3   b , top and bottom perspective views of the guitar assembly  15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The system  10  comprises common features of a guitar assembly  15  such as, but not limited to: a body  20  and a neck  21 . The system  10  is depicted here as a common electric guitar, yet other types may be utilized such as, but not limited to: an acoustic guitar, an acoustic-electric guitar, or the like. The body  20  is envisioned to comprise other common features of guitars such as a volume knob  26   a , a tone knob  26   b , and the like. 
     The body  20  includes a first control plate  23  along a front surface envisioned to comprise common guitar control features including a volume knob  26   a  and a tone knob  26   b , as well as a first switch  30   a  and a second switch  30   b . The first switch  30   a  enables the user to toggle the system  10  between a normal analog guitar mode and an enhanced digital mode of the system  10 , thereby utilizing an internal circuit board  50 , the computer application device  55 , and various connected peripheral equipment. The second switch  30   b  enables a user to toggle the system  10  between wired and wireless modes. The switches  30   a ,  30   b  are preferably common toggle-type switching devices, yet other electrical switches may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The switches  30   a ,  30   b  are electrically interconnected to the internal circuit board  50 . 
     A rear surface of the guitar body  20  comprises a first cavity  38 , having a “snap-in” first cavity cover  39 , which contains the circuit board  50 , the RF transceiver  51 , a rechargeable first battery  70 , and a battery charger  72 . The circuit board  50  comprises various electrical and electronic equipment including microprocessors, memory chips, embedded software, converters, a RF chip, Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi technology, and the like, necessary to the function of the system  10 . Said circuit board  50  is in electronic communication with the computer application device  55  via a 30-pin male connector  41 . Additionally, the circuit board  50  is in communication with the RF transceiver  51 , various peripheral equipment, and memory devices via corresponding connectors being mounted upon a second control plate  24  located along an end portion of the guitar body  20  including connectors such as, but not limited to: an amplifier/speaker jack (TRS) port  31 , a memory media slot (SD)  32 , a 30-pin female connector  33 , a MIDI input port  43 , a MIDI output port  44 , a USB port  46 , an HDMI port  47 , and an XLR output port  48 . Said connectors  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  43 ,  44 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48  further enhance the playing of the system  10 . Although these connectors  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  43 ,  44 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48  are depicted upon an end surface of the body  20  it is understood that other surfaces or locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . Each connector  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  43 ,  44 ,  46 ,  47 ,  48  is electrically interconnected to the circuit board  50  using appropriate wiring and cables. 
     The XLR output port  48  may be utilized for a microphone or similar device; the memory media slot  32  may be used to insert devices such as SD cards and Micro SD cards; the USB port  46  may be utilized for communication purposes as well as for charging the first battery  70 ; the 30-pin female connector  33  may be utilized for electrical interconnection to various electrical devices; the HDMI port  47  may be used for audio/video interfacing; the headphone port  35  may be utilized for interconnection of an existing headphone device; and, the amplifier/speaker jack (TRS) port  31  may be utilized for interconnection to an existing guitar amplifier/speaker  53 . It is understood that other controls can also be supplied on the body  20  without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     The rear surface of the body  20  also comprises a second cavity  40  which enables a computer application device  55  such as a tablet computer to be mounted flush against the system  10 . The computer application device  55  is secured into the second cavity  40  via a metal or plastic spring-loaded latch  42  incorporated into a perimeter edge of the second cavity  40  opposite the circuit board  50 . The display portion of the computer application device  55  is envisioned to face outwardly toward the user to enable user access. The computer application device  55  is electrically interconnected to the circuit board  50  via engagement of an integral 30-pin connector portion of the computer application device  55  with a mating 30-pin male connector  41  mounted in a corresponding location along a perimeter edge of the second cavity  40 . The 30-pin male connector  41  is located opposite the latch  42  and is envisioned to perform common charging/docking functions of the computer application device  55 . It is understood that various connectors which are associated with various types of computer application devices  55  may be utilized in lieu of the 30-pin male connector  41  without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The 30-pin male connector  41  is interconnected to the circuit board  50  to enable the features of the computer application device  55  to access and be accessed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , an electronic block diagram of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a first switch  30   a  which provides a means for a user to play the guitar assembly  15  in either a digital or an analog sound mode. For normal analog playing of the guitar assembly  15 , the first switch  30   a  is positioned respectively to electrically bypass the circuit board  50  and computer application device  55  portions, thereby communicating sound from the pre-amplifier portion  28  of the guitar assembly  50  directly to the instrument cable port (TRS)  31 . In this state a standard amplifier cable  86  is used to connect the guitar assembly  15  to an existing guitar amplifier/speaker  53 , thereby broadcasting sound through a loudspeaker portion of said amplifier/speaker  53 . The amplifier cable  86  further comprises a length of cable having first cable connector  88   a  and a second cable connector  88   b  portions at opposing ends. Said first  88   a  and second  88   b  cable connectors are plugged into the instrument cable port (TRS)  31  and an amplifier female connector  54  portion of the amplifier/speaker  53 . 
     To enable the system  10  to operate in a digital mode and produce digital sound, the first switch  30   a  is positioned so as to activate the circuit board  50  and computer application device  55  portions. The digital sound produced may be recorded, played-back, and so on, as well as be broadcasted as previously described using the amplifier/speaker  53 . When utilizing the computer application device  55 , it is understood that the electronic and electrical power portions of said computer application device  55  may also be utilized. The computer application device  55  provides wireless technology to accesses apps, games, music, or the like in a normal fashion. These features are played in combination with the normal playing of the guitar assembly  15 . The computer application device  55  is in electrical and electronic communication with the circuit board  50  via the 30-pin male connector  41 . The circuit board  50  is envisioned to comprise appropriate converters, a microprocessor, a RF chip, Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi technology, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   b , a functional block diagram depicting a wireless configuration of the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a second switch  30   b  which enables user selection of either wired or wireless transmission of both analog and digital sound data to the amplifier/speaker  53 . The second switch  30   b  may be positioned so as to wirelessly communicate the sound data to the amplifier/speaker  53  via activation of a RF transceiver  51  within the guitar body  20 . The RF transceiver  51  may be integrated into the circuit board  50  or act as a stand-alone device within the guitar body  20 . The RF transceiver  51  works in conjunction with a receiver module  80  being directly wired to the amplifier/speaker  53  via an amplifier cable  86 . The receiver module  80  is envisioned to be powered via an internal second battery  84 . The amplifier cable  86  is envisioned to be plugged into the receiver module  80  and into the amplifier female connector  54  portion of the amplifier/speaker  53 . A wireless signal  52  is transmitted from the RF transceiver  51  to an antenna portion  82  of the receiver module  80 . The receiver module  80  in turn converts and conducts the sound data to the amplifier/speaker  53  via the amplifier cable  86 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , perspective view of the charging stand  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. An accessory of the system  10  is a portable charging stand  60  which enables the system  10  to be retained and also provides charging capabilities to the computer application device  55  and first battery  70  portions. The charging stand  60  comprises common tripod legs  61  which are common to guitar stands. The tripod legs  61  provide a platform to retain the weight of the system  10 . The tripod legs  61  also comprise a body retainer  64  which support and suspend the system  10 . An extension  62  is interconnected to the tripod legs  61  and transitions into a neck retainer  63 . The neck retainer  63  engages the neck portion  21  of the system  10 . Routed within the tripod legs  61  is a power plug  65  with integral input jack  66 . The power plug  65  is connected to a household electrical outlet and routes power through the input jack  66  and into the USB port portion  46  of the system  10  to charge the first battery  70  and to charge/power the computer application device  55 . It is known that other similar electrical configurations can be utilized for the charging stand  60  without limiting the scope of the system  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 3   a.    
     The method of preparing the system  10  to perform wired analog and digital modes may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10 ; installing the computer application device  55  into the second cavity  40  by engaging the 30-pin male connector  41  and securing with the latch  42 ; placing the guitar assembly  15  upon the charging stand  60 ; plugging the power plug  65  into a household electrical outlet; plugging the input jack  66  into the USB port portion  46  of the system  10  for a period of time to charge the first battery  70  and the computer application device  55 ; removing the guitar assembly  15  from the charging stand  60 ; connecting the system  10  to an existing amplifier/speaker  53  using the amplifier cable  86 ; positioning the first switch  30   a  into a normal analog guitar mode; and, playing the system  10  in a common analog guitar manner. The system may be operated in the digital mode by positioning the first switch  30   a  into a digital guitar mode; utilizing the capabilities of the computer application device  55  to accesses apps, games, music, or the like, in combination with the normal playing of the guitar assembly  15 ; utilizing the XLR output port  48  for connection of a microphone or similar device; utilizing the memory media slot  32  to insert devices such as SD cards and Micro SD cards; utilizing the USB port  46  for communication purposes as well as for charging the first battery  70 ; utilizing the 30-pin female connector  33  for electrical interconnection to various electrical devices; utilizing the HDMI port  47  for audio/video interfacing; utilizing the headphone port  35  for interconnection of an existing headphone device; and, utilizing the amplifier/speaker jack (TRS) port  31  for interconnection to an existing guitar amplifier/speaker  53 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  in wireless analog and digital modes may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring an accessory receiver module  80  of the system  10 ; installing a fresh second battery  84  within the receiver module  80 ; positioning the receiver module  80  upon, or adjacent to, the amplifier/speaker  53 ; connecting the receiver module  80  to the amplifier/speaker  53  using the amplifier cable  86 ; setting the second switch  30   b  to a wireless mode; and, operating the guitar assembly  15  in a wireless manner to broadcast either analog or digital sound from the amplifier/speaker  53  as previously described above. 
     The first battery  70  and computer application device  55  may be recharged after use by replacing the guitar assembly  15  upon the charging stand  60  and inserting the input jack  66  into the USB port portion  46  of the system  10  for a period of time to recharge the first battery  70  and the computer application device  55 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Category: g