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(11) | EP 2 439 732 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE CASE FOR CYMBALS |
| (57) SUMMARY Individual protective case or cover for cymbals: individual case for cymbals. Protects the cymbal even when it is installed on its stand and may be removed without having to remove the cymbal or the nut holding the cymbal to its stand. It is a circular bag made from any type of fabric, vinyl, leather, plastic or flexible or semi-rigid material, made to fit each cymbal, to protect it. The cover or case has a radial aperture that runs from the top centre to the bottom centre - passing around the circumference - for accessing the cymbal, covering it completely. The main feature of this cover or case is that the cymbal can be installed on or removed from its stand, without removing the individual bag or case, to keep the cymbal protected at all times in particular from human contact. The individual cover or case for cymbals, to which the present invention relates, is an individual bag or cover for each cymbal that may be used along with any existing type of cymbal case or cymbal case, whether flexible or rigid and with or without centre guide, without having to remove the individual cymbal cover or case. It is also used to install the cymbals on their stands or remove them or also as protection when they are not in use thus preventing the cymbals being handled directly and protecting them from dust and particles. |
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0001] The individual protective case for cymbals, object of the present invention, is an individual bag or cover for each cymbal, also called ride cymbals, with a radial aperture, which can be used along with any type of existing cymbal cases or bags, whether flexible or rigid, with or without centre guide, without having to remove the individual cover or case for cymbals. It is also used to install cymbals on, or to remove them from, their stands or lecterns, and to protect them when not in use, thus preventing the direct contact of hands with cymbals, or to protect them from dust and particles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The skilled persons on percussion instruments are aware that drum kit cymbals are delicate pieces sensitive to tact, which can be easily stained or soiled, and that is very difficult to preserve them with its original shine and sound. A factor that severely affects the cymbals is the body fat left on the surface upon manipulation when they are installed on, or removed from, its stand, whereupon they get black and opaque and, consequently, deliver a less brilliant and symphonic sound. A dirty cymbal has a more opaque sound than a clean one.
[0003] So far, the solution to install the cymbal on its stand is to wear gloves or use flannel cloths to avoid touching them, or simply avoid its use and wipe the cymbal occasionally, which is usual. In practice, the musicians and, in this case, drummers, usually install all instruments on the stage hours before the show, and a break is also common between songs or sets of songs, and even gigs are scheduled for several days during which the instruments remain on stage. All of this generates long periods during which the instruments are not used, exposing them to dust, moisture and eventually to human contact, such as by cleaning staff, production staff, setting crew, etc.
[0004] In order to solve these problems, many drummers cover their cymbals with a sheet, so that dust does not settle on, and others use individual flannel cloths on each cymbal after playing which, so far, is the better practice to keep cymbals cleaner and shinier. Unfortunately, flannel cloths are often blow away by air, or are used to clean the drums or simply are taken by the cleaning staff.
[0005] There are cases or bags to store cymbals in order to keep them clean and, in like manner, there are some individual cases or covers, but their purpose is to make storage safer and transportation easier, instead of protecting the cymbals. They are designed to store several cymbals and, once the drum kit is mounted, these cases are useless because they are not designed to be used when the cymbal is installed on its stand. There are also individual bags for a single cymbal, but they are not designed to be installed on, or removed from, the cymbal without removing the cymbal from the stand.
[0006] With the individual protective case for cymbals, object of the present invention, the drawbacks related to the care of cymbals are fully resolved. The present invention is a single individual case for cymbals or ride cymbals that, in addition to allowing the individual installation, removal, transportation and manipulation of the cymbal in different manners, it also allows for the installation of the cymbal or ride cymbal on the drum kit without being removed. It is the only cover or case that has a radial aperture, given that the existing covers or cases have only an opening on their circumference or side. The present invention prevents the contact of the cymbal with fingers upon installation, removal, adjustment, cleaning (this case is also useful to carry out superficial cleaning) and an extremely useful tool is achieved, which fulfills a need not met so far, that is, protecting the cymbal or ride cymbal from the storage case or bag to the installation thereof. When the cymbals are not in use, they can be left on their stands (with the drum kit fully set up) without having to unbolt anything that secures them, and place a cover or case in each cymbal to protect it.
[0007] The individual protective case for cymbals, object of the present invention, is the best solution so far to keep the cymbals clean and shiny, free of dust or grease, which, so far, are inevitable when the cymbals are handled, and even the cymbals can be protected from human contact in order to keep them as new as possible with time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0008]
Figure 1: shows top and bottom views of the individual protective case for cymbals wherein each of the parts described below is indicated:
A. Body of the circle shaped case, tailored to each cymbal or ride cymbal.
B. Blank tag for the identification of cymbal.
C. Centre orifice of ½ - 3"
D. Radial aperture of the case
Figure 2: shows a top view of the individual protective case for cymbals in each of the embodiments:
- A. With a blank label to identify cymbal.
- B. With an extra bag to store any type of objects, such as drumsticks.
- C. With capo for clasp in upper and lower radius.
- D. With shoulder strap or belt.
- E. With reinforcement rods.
- F. With see-through bag for storing of cards and small objects.
- G. With reinforcement on radial aperture and center.
- H. With tab, hole or buckle for clasp of strap.
- I. With reinforcement around circumference, with double fabric, double stitching, ribbon, laces or any type of reinforcement.
- J. With a strap-like clasp.
Figure 3 and Figure 4: show the cymbal case with adapted metal rods that maintain the shape of the bag upon opening.
Figure 5: shows a view of the cymbal showing the store step of any cymbal or ride cymbal.
Figure 6: shows a view showing the different steps of placing the cymbals on their stands.
Figure 7: shows a view showing the different steps of placing the cymbal case on their cymbal or ride cymbal, when the cymbal is in the base or stand.
Figure 8: top view of the embodiment with radial and circumferential clasp.
Figure 9: top view of the embodiment with circumferential clasp and radial and central reinforcement.
Figure 10: top view of the simple plastic embodiment without additions.
Figure 11: top view of the embodiment with circumferential reinforcement, radial clasp and circumferential clasp.
Figure 12: top view of the embodiment with circumferential clasp.
Figure 13: top view of the simple embodiment made from any fabric.
Figure 14: top view of the embodiment with clips on edges of radial aperture.
Figure 15: top view of the embodiment with radial clasp, circumferential clasp, radial aperture and central reinforcement, and shoulder strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The individual protective case for cymbals is a circular bag tailor-made for cymbals, which has a ¼-to-5 inches orifice in the center (Figure 1C) - depending on the size of cymbal - and a radial aperture that runs from the center of the bag to a point on the circumference, forming a radius, both on the top and bottom, and these apertures are joined forming a single one. (Figure 1D).
[0010] The individual protective case for cymbals is a circular bag that fully covers the cymbal and is made from a variety of materials such as: flannel, vinyl-leather, leather, polyester, and all types of thick, think, vinyl or rubbery fabrics. It can also be made from any semi-rigid material (Figure 1A).
[0011] The case includes a label of different sizes and shapes, depending on user requirements, usually in white; on this label can be written with pencil, pen or marker to identify the cymbals. This label can be sewn on or glued on by sublimation, and the material can be vinyl or any material adapted to write on (Figure 1B).
[0012] The case includes a closing (optional) as a strap or ribbon on the circumference, of about 2" to 15" (Figure 2J) - this measure can vary depending on the dimensions of the case and user requirements - which can be tied from one end to other of the radial aperture and may be joined or closed using different fasteners such as Velcro, loop and hook, snap fastener, hole button, or any type of harness, with buttonholes and laces, even magnetically, if magnets can be adapted to the closing of the case.
[0013] The radial aperture of the case (Figure 1 D) includes a clip, tab or flap, wherein a closing can be adapted as a fastener which can be magnetic, Velcro, zipper, cord, buttonholes and laces, any type of button, any type of harness or hooks or closing (Figure 2C) or any holding device known for such purpose. The closing is optional so that the bag can be lacking it. The radial closing can run from the upper central orifice to the lower central orifice, passing around a point on the circumference, forming a single closing that runs from top centre to bottom centre. The bag can contain additional bags on the top and/or bottom as pockets to store small items such as pads, wrests, screws, flannels, cleaning liquids, etc. (Figure 2B).
[0014] On the central orifice and along both the upper and lower apertures, the stitching or hem thereof can be simple (just hem), over-spinning, both or none (if material such as tarp, canvas or impermeable plastic allows it). There is an option to reinforce it with a double hem (Figure 2G) or it may have a double fabric or patch to improve durability and endurance.
[0015] An extra reinforcement can be placed along the circumference in order to improve endurance for transportation, either with extra seams or folds, over spinning on the entire perimeter, passing around the radius to the center of the bag; this is optional (Figure 21).
[0016] The circumference closing or strap works perfectly as a handle for transportation or easy removal from other cymbal cases, as well as for an easier handling of the cymbal (Figure 2J).
[0017] There may be multiple types of individual protective cases for cymbals, such as those using rods or guides, which can be made from steel, aluminum, resistant plastic, fiberglass or carbon, a mixture of these materials or any material that can be used as a rod to provide firmness and support. The rod is held by the internal or external portion of the radial aperture, both upper and lower, as well as by the upper and lower radii (Figure 3B), and it runs from the circumference to the center, surrounding it so that the center can be totally free; rods are also used from center to circumference, opposite to radius aperture (Figure 3A). These rods are used so that when the bag or case is opened, it remains fully open for easy access to the cymbal or ride cymbal (Figure 4). When the bag is opened and the rods along the radial apertures (Figure 4B), they keep the bag or case in place, and the opposite rods (Figure 4A) keep the appearance of the bag or case, providing easy access to the same. The design as well as the amount of the rods can vary in thickness, shape, and amount, leaving to free choice any change in the design of the rods. The rods can be used in only one of the sides of the individual protective case for cymbals.
[0018] The individual protective case, object of the present invention, can be presented on any of the following embodiments:
- Tailored in a plastic bag of any size, either see-through or in color, or with any rubbery disposable material (Figure 10).
- Tailored from any material with or without screen-printing or personalized, with or without rods for easy opening (Figure 13)
- With handles, reinforcements, carrying belts, personalized prints, etc. (Figures 8, 9, 11, 15)
- With no closing on radius (Figure 9, 10, 12, 13, 14)
- With no closing on circumference (Figures 10, 12, 13, 14)
- With circumference strap, belt or closing (Figures 8, 9, 11, 12, 15) to close the bag;
- With buckle or buttonhole (Figures 8, 9, 11, 12, 15) either rectangular, round or any particular shape to hold the strap or belt, in order to close the aperture.
- With strap or belt for easy transportation on the shoulder, and which can be taken off or unfastened through any button, harness, buckle, buttonhole, zipper or any other type of mechanism that meets the specifications (Figure 15).
- With closing along radius by Velcro, zipper, cord, buttonholes and laces, any type of button, any type of harness or hooks, fly-like closing (Figures 8, 11, 15)
- Without a flange or flap for closing along radius (Figures 9, 10, 12, 13, 14)
- With reinforcement in the center (Figures 8, 9, 11, 15)
- With reinforcement from the center to the point opposite to radius aperture.
- With reinforcements along sections of the circumference.
- With reinforcements along the entire circumference (Figures 11, 15)
- All reinforcements that can be applied to the case can be either as a sublimation patch, sewn-on patch, glued-on patch, double fabric, double stitching, impermeable glue for rigidity, a patch applied to any extra stitching on the items mentioned that give more rigidity to the specific
[0019] point.
- Personalized prints: any cover or case can be printed or marked with any design and color(s) agreed.
- Without printing.
- With a white or color patch to write thereon, in order to identify the type of cymbal stored within each case.
- With or without see-through pocket to store any label, so that it is legible for identification.
- With or without additional bags on the surface of the case for different uses, either with or without a flap or tab for closing, which can be closed with Velcro, zipper, cord, buttonholes and laces, any type of button, any type of harness or hooks, fly-like closing, magnets, etc.
- Any brand, logo, design or personalization can be printed on each bag or case.
- With fasteners on both sides of the radial aperture, both upper and lower (Figure 14).
[0020] The individual case for cymbals is a circular bag or a cymbal-shaped case (round or oval), made tailored to each cymbal to fully protect it. It can be opened (manually) to insert the cymbal, store it and close the bag for transportation, installation or storage.
[0021] The individual cymbal case exposes the stand of the cymbal, so that it can be installed as any cymbal on any base, following the conventional steps.
[0022] Once the cymbal(s) is(are) mounted and arranged in the sought position, the bag can be removed.
The individual protective case for cymbals according to claim 1 characterized in that can be presented in multiple embodiments, such as, for example, those using rods or guides, which can be made from steel, aluminum, resistant plastic, fiberglass or carbon, a mixture of these materials or any material that can be used as a rod to provide firmness and support. The rod is held by the internal or external portion of the radial aperture, both upper and lower, and by the upper and lower radii (Figure 3B), and it runs from the circumference to the center, surrounding it, so that the center is totally free, and rods are also used from center to circumference opposite to radius aperture (Figure 3A). The design, as well as quantity of rods, can vary in thickness, shape, quantity, leaving to free choice any change on rod design. The rods can be used only on one side of the individual protective case for cymbals.
- Tailored in a plastic bag of any size, either see-through or in color, or with any rubbery disposable material (Figure 10).
- Tailored from any material with or without screen-printing or personalized, with or without rods for easy opening (Figure 13)
- With handles, reinforcements, carrying belts, personalized prints, etc. (Figures 8, 9, 11, 15)
- With no closing on radius (Figure 9, 10, 12, 13, 14)
- With no closing on circumference (Figures 10, 12, 13, 14)
- With circumference strap, belt or closing (Figures 8, 9, 11, 12, 15) to close the bag;
also used as a handle or holder or adjustable radial closing by Velcro, zipper, cord, buttonholes and laces, any type of button, any type of harness or hooks, fly, magnets or any known and applicable closing device for such purpose.- With buckle or buttonhole (Figures 8, 9, 11, 12, 15) either rectangular, round or any particular shape to hold the strap or belt, in order to close the aperture.
- With strap or belt for easy transportation on the shoulder, and which can be taken off or unfastened through any button, harness, buckle, buttonhole, zipper or any other type of mechanism that meets the specifications (Figure 15).
- With closing along radius by Velcro, zipper, cord, buttonholes and laces, any type of button, any type of harness or hooks, fly-like closing (Figures 8, 11, 15)
- Without a flange or flap for closing along radius (Figures 9, 10, 12, 13, 14)
- With reinforcement in the center (Figures 8, 9, 11, 15)
- With reinforcement from the center to the point opposite to radius aperture.
- With reinforcements along sections of the circumference.
- With reinforcements along the entire circumference (Figures 11, 15)
- All reinforcements that can be applied to the case can be either as a sublimation patch, sewn-on patch, glued-on patch, double fabric, double stitching, impermeable glue for rigidity, a patch applied to any extra stitching on the items mentioned that give more rigidity to the specific point.
- Personalized prints: any cover or case can be printed or marked with any design and color(s) agreed.
- Without printing.
- With a white or color patch to write thereon, in order to identify the type of cymbal stored within each case.
- With or without see-through pocket to store any label, so that it is legible for identification.
- With or without additional bags on the surface of the case for different uses, either with or without a flap or tab for closing, which can be closed with Velcro, zipper, cord, buttonholes and laces, any type of button, any type of harness or hooks, fly-like closing, magnets, etc.
- Any brand, logo, design or personalization can be printed on each bag or case.
- With fasteners on both sides of the radial aperture, both upper and lower (Figure 14).