INSTRUMENT

The invention relates to musical instruments— namely, to parts for musical instrument and specifically to components for attaching external devices.

The closest prior art of the claimed invention is a technical solution known from the patent US 7285709, which is a bearing structure with installed main components for autonomous operation of a musical instrument.

However, this structure is rather bulky, and the device is designed for use on a table. Furthermore, a carriage that moves along the fingerboard on guides is used for clamping printed music on the fingerboard. This embodiment can have a lower speed of holding notes and a minimum range of chords playing— that is, gripping in one octave only.

The technical problem to be solved by the claimed invention consists in creating a bearing structure for the elements that provide autonomous operation of the musical instrument.

The technical effect of the claimed invention is a more compact device without making structural changes and modifications to the instrument itself.

This technical effect is achieved based on the fact that the frame for autonomous operation of a string musical instrument comprises two walls, a rail, a bracket system, and a device for attaching the sound-producing mechanism; the rail can be attached to two walls, and the bracket system can be attached to two walls and to the rail and fixed to the fingerboard head and heel.

The bracket system can comprise an upper supporting bracket, a lower supporting bracket, and a load-bearing bracket; in this case, the upper supporting bracket can be fixed to two walls and the fingerboard head, the lower supporting bracket can be fixed to the rail and the fingerboard head, and the load-bearing bracket can be fixed to the rail.

The frame can comprise an upper holder and a top clamp; in this case, the upper supporting bracket can be fixed to the fingerboard head by the upper holder support and connected to the head top clamp.

The upper holder can be made of fabric-based laminate. The frame can comprise a lower holder and a bottom clamp; in this case, the lower supporting bracket can be fixed to the fingerboard head by the lower holder support and connected to the head bottom clamp.

The lower holder can be made of fabric-based laminate.

The frame can comprise a heel clamp that can be fixed to the fingerboard heel and to the load-bearing bracket.

The frame can comprise a beam that can be supported to the heel clamp and fixed to the load-bearing bracket.

The frame can comprise a transitional bracket that can be fixed to the load-bearing bracket.

The frame can comprise an attachment that can be fixed to the load-bearing bracket.

The frame can comprise a spacer that can be fixed to the device for attaching the sound-producing mechanism.

The frame can comprise an upper holder of the main body that can adjoin to the spacer.

The upper holder of the main body can be made of fabric-based laminate.

The sound-producing mechanism attachment device can be in the form of two side members.

The load-bearing bracket can comprise a hole.

The frame is a load-bearing structure on which the main components of the device are installed. The frame has fixing mechanisms to securely fasten the device on the musical instrument.

The claimed frame structure is fixed to the musical instrument without making any structural alterations (modifications) to the instrument itself, decreases vibrations caused by operating mechanisms (solenoids and servo drives), does not prevent transmission of sound, and the device as a whole has compact dimensions and a relatively low mass.

This was achieved by the overall rigidity of the structure and minimum contact with the body of the musical instrument— that is, minimum number and optimum location of supporting points in contact with the musical instrument. The compactness of the structure is ensured by fixing it to the fingerboard heel and to the fingerboard head. Furthermore, the guitar is clamped to the structure by gripping the main body shell from the upper (soundboard) and lower sides. As the guitar is rigidly fixed on the fingerboard, there is no need for fixing units near the guitar "button" area.

The lightness and compactness of the structure are also ensured by use of aluminum materials.

The sound-producing part was installed as overhanging without using additional structural supporting elements by ensuring the rigidity of said part.

Steel that allows for using thin sheet material is used to ensure rigidity of the overhanging structure where the sound-producing part is attached.

To prevent unwanted sounds coming from solenoids and to provide structural rigidity, solenoids are installed on a 5 mm thick plate with even fixation along the entire length of the fingerboard.

The claimed structure allows gripping (holding) notes from any octave and any chords, and the minimum time for gripping notes is only limited by the response time of the solenoids.

The best embodiment of the claimed invention is shown in Figs. 1-6 that illustrate the following:

Fig. 1 : frame view from the bottom

Fig. 2: frame view from the side

Fig. 3: frame view from the fingerboard head side

Fig. 4: frame view from the main body side

Fig. 5: frame view from above

Fig. 6: frame isometric view

Items 1-20 in Figs. 1-6 designate the following:

1 = solenoid

2 = plate

3 - wall

4 = rail

5 = upper supporting bracket

6 = lower supporting bracket 7 = load-bearing bracket

8 = transitional platform

9 = upper holder

10 = lower holder

11 = top clamp

12 = bottom clamp

13 = heel clamp 14 - beam

15 = transitional bracket

16 = attachment

17 = heel lower holder

18 = side member

19 = spacer

20 = upper holder of the main body

The frame for autonomous operation of a string musical instrument comprises two walls 3, a rail 4, a bracket system, and a device for attaching the sound-producing mechanism.

Solenoids 1 are used as string clamping devices. A dedicated single solenoid 1 is provided for each note of the musical instrument, a guitar in this case. Solenoids 1 are fixed to the plate 2 by means of the transitional platform 8 using two screws through rubber rings. Therefore, it is possible to fasten the solenoid 1 precisely in relation to the guitar string.

The plate 2 is designed as a base for fixing solenoids 1 and is fixed to two side walls 3. The plate 2 has a 5 mm thickness to ensure the required structural rigidity that is needed to precisely adjust the positions of solenoids 1 and prevents unwanted noises when playing the guitar.

The wall 3 is a longitudinal element providing structural rigidity, serves for fastening the plate 2, and prevents the structure from twisting. Both the rail 4— the main rigidity element— and the upper supporting bracket 5 are fixed to the wall 3.

The rail 4 is the main longitudinal element of structural rigidity; it is made entirely of metal and has a T-shaped cross-section. It is designed to provide structural rigidity along the guitar fingerboard and is fixed to the side walls 3. The rail 4 serves as a base for fixing the lower supporting bracket 6, load-bearing brackets 7, and side walls 3.

The upper supporting bracket 5 is designed to clamp the whole structure to the head of the guitar's fingerboard. This ensures that the guitar is clamped on the frame at the height of the soundboard of the guitar from above. It rests on the upper holder 9, is held in place by a screw, and is joined to the top clamp 11 of the fingerboard head by two screws that pass through oval holes. The upper supporting bracket 5 is fixed to the side walls 3.

The lower supporting bracket 6 is designed for jamming the entire structure on the guitar fingerboard head and ensures the guitar is clamped on the frame at the height of the soundboard of the guitar from below. The guitar is clamped between the top 9 and lower 10 holders, rests on the lower holder 10, is held in place by a screw, and is joined to the bottom clamp 12 of the fingerboard head by two screws passing through oval holes. The lower supporting bracket 6 is fixed to the rail 4.

The load-bearing bracket 7 is a transitional load-bearing element of the frame between the fingerboard part and the load-bearing elements of the guitar body. The load- bearing bracket 7 is fixed to the rail 4 and serves as a base for fixing elements of the frame body. The load-bearing bracket 7 has a hole that allows adjusting the position of the frame in relation to the guitar, specifically in relation to the heel clamp 13. The hole allows adjusting the position of the frame in a perpendicular plane to the guitar string plate. The beam 14 is fixed to the load-bearing bracket 7.

The transitional platform 8 is designed for mounting solenoids 1 and for installing solenoids 1 in relation to the guitar strings on the plate 2. The solenoid 1 is fixed by a rubber shim that provides setting adjustment of the solenoid 1.

The upper holder 9 is made of fabric-based laminate that keeps the guitar safe and prevents scratching; it is designed to clamp the guitar on the frame and rests on the screw of the upper supporting bracket 5.

The lower holder 10 is made of fabric-based laminate that keeps the guitar safe and prevents scratching; it is designed to clamp the guitar on the frame and rests on the screw of the lower supporting bracket 6. The top clamp 11 of the guitar fingerboard head is installed on the fingerboard head from above and joins to the bottom clamp 12 of the guitar fingerboard head. Together with the bottom clamp 12, it ensures integrity with the guitar; it is designed for fixing the frame in relation to the guitar and ensures the frame remains in a stationary position. The top clamp 11 has lugs that stand between the axis of the pegs for fixation and immobilization.

The bottom clamp 12 of the guitar fingerboard head is installed on the fingerboard head from below, joined to the top clamp 11 of the fingerboard head, and— together with the top clamp 11— provides rigidity. The bottom clamp 12 is designed for fixing the frame in relation to the guitar and ensures the frame remains in a stationary position. The bottom clamp 12 has tabs that stand thrust between pegs axis for fixation and immobilization.

The heel clamp 13 is fixed to the guitar heel by self-tapping screws; it is designed for fixing the guitar in relation to the frame. The frame is movable in relation to the heel clamp 13 and is an integral part of the guitar. The heel clamp 13 is joined to the load- bearing bracket 7 by two screws. Furthermore, the heel clamp 13 is a supporting member for the beam's screw 14.

The beam 14 is designed for adjusting the longitudinal position of the guitar in relation to the frame. Adjustment is provided by the beam's 14 screw that rests on the heel clamp 13. The beam 14 is attached to the load-bearing bracket 7.

The transitional bracket 15 is a transitional element between the load-bearing bracket 7 and the attachment 16; it is reinforced to provide a stable position for the guitar in case of wall mounting. The transitional bracket 15 is attached to the load-bearing bracket 7. Furthermore, the transitional bracket 15 serves as a support for the screw of the heel lower holder 17.

The attachment 16 is designed for mounting the guitar and frame on a wall; it is fixed to the transitional bracket 15. The attachment 16 has two eye lugs for wall mounting by screws; it is made of steel to ensure rigid fixation to the wall.

The heel lower holder 17 is made of fabric-based laminate to ensure guitar safety and prevent scratches. The heel lower holder 17 presses up on the guitar from below and is a supporting element for the guitar heel. The sound-producing mechanism attachment device is made in the form of two side members 18. The side member 18 is attached to the load-bearing bracket 7; it is made of steel to ensure rigid fixation of the sound-producing mechanism.

The shim 19 is designed for attaching the lower part of the plate 2; it has the screw of the upper holders of the main body 20 and is attached to the side members 18.

The upper holder 20 of the main body is made of fabric-based laminate to ensure guitar safety and prevent scratches. The upper holder 20 of the main body presses down on the guitar from above and is a supporting element for the guitar's soundboard. The foothold of the upper holder 20 of the main body is located in the shell plane to ensure guitar safety and prevent the guitar soundboard from breaking. The upper holder 20 of the main body rests on the shim 19 and is held in place by a screw.

The device shall be mounted as follows.

The rail 4 is attached to the side walls 3. The bracket system comprising the upper supporting bracket 5, the lower supporting bracket 6, the load-bearirjg bracket 7, and the transitional bracket 15 is attached to the rail 4. The bracket system is fixed to the guitar using the upper holder 9, the lower holder 10, the top clamp 11, the bottom clamp 12, the heel clamp 13, and the heel lower holder 17. The attachment 16 is fixed to the transitional bracket 15. The side members 18 are attached to the load-bearing bracket 7, then the shim 19 and the beam 14 are attached to the side members. The plate 2 is attached to the shim 19. The guitar is clamped from above by resting the upper holder 20 of the main body on the shim 19. The transitional platform 8 is attached to the plate 2. The solenoids 1 are attached to the transitional plate 8.

The examples given relate to a specific execution and do not exhaust all the possible embodiments of the claimed invention.

A person skilled in the art shall understand that different variations of the claimed device do not change the entity of the invention but merely determine its specific embodiments. For example, the sound-producing mechanism attachment device can be in the form of a plate or latches; the bracket system can comprise another set of brackets, for example, a single bracket near the fingerboard head and several brackets near the heel. Holders and clamps can also be realized in another way, for example, in the form of lugs or supporting screws. The main requirement is to attach the frame at two critical points— to the fingerboard head and heel. Therefore, the arrangement of brackets and corresponding holders and clamps is determined by the type and dimensions of the string instrument.