MANUFACTURING MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SUPPORT SLINGS AND

METHODS OF USING MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SUPPORT SLINGS Technical Field

The present invention relates to musical instrument support slings, methods of manufacturing musical instrument support slings and methods of using musical instrument support slings. Background

Instead of holding a relatively heavy musical instrument (such as a wind or brass instrument) with both hands when playing it, a musician can wear a support sling around their neck and attach the musical instrument to the support sling when playing. This frees the player's hands from holding the instrument so that they have more freedom in playing the instrument and can also help to support the weight of the musical instrument. However, the weight of the musical instrument can lead to discomfort for the player, even when a support sling is used, particularly if the musical instrument is played for prolonged periods of time. Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a musical instrument support sling, comprising:

a flexible linear strap;

first and second fastener parts; and

a clasp arranged to engage a musical instrument,

wherein the flexible linear strap is at least 160 cm long.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a musical instrument support sling, the method comprising: providing a flexible linear strap at least 160 cm long;

arranging first and second fastener parts on the flexible linear strap; and arranging a clasp on the flexible linear strap, the clasp being arranged to engage a musical instrument.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a musical instrument support sling, the musical instrument support sling comprising:

a flexible linear strap having a length greater than 160 cm;

first and second fastener parts; and

a clasp arranged to engage a musical instrument,

the method comprising passing part of the flexible linear strap over the shoulders of a wearer, along the back of the wearer and around the torso of the wearer.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a musical instrument support sling, the musical instrument support sling comprising:

a flexible linear strap;

first and second fastener parts attached to the flexible linear strap; and a clasp arranged to support a musical instrument,

the method comprising passing part of the flexible linear strap over the shoulders of a wearer and along the back of the wearer to enable each of the first and second fastener parts to releasibly engage with an item of clothing worn by the wearer.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows an example of a musical instrument support sling;

Figures 2A-2D show an example of a musical instrument support sling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3A shows a front view of a musical instrument support sling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3B shows a rear view of a musical instrument support sling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a rear view of another example of a musical instrument support sling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of method of manufacturing a musical instrument support sling in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown schematically an example of a musical instrument support sling 100. In Figure 1, the support sling 100 is shown in use, in other words being worn by a wearer 110 and supporting a musical instrument 120.

The support sling 100 is in the form of a loop. The loop is made from flexible material. Examples of flexible material include, but are not limited to, nylon, leather, cotton and polyester.

The support sling 100 comprises a clasp 130. Examples of clasps include, but are not limited to, hooks and clips. An example of a hook is a carabiner hook.

The clasp 130 is arranged to engage (or 'couple') with a corresponding attachment part of the musical instrument 120 such that the weight of the musical instrument 120 is supported by the support sling 100. The attachment part of the musical instrument 120 may, for example, comprise a ring.

In this example, the clasp 130 is coupled to the loop directly. In other examples, the clasp 130 is coupled to the loop indirectly, for example via a further loop of material. The further loop of material may be coupled to the lowest part of the loop. The use of the further loop enables the musical instrument 120 to be held at different heights and/or positions.

In this example, the musical instrument 120 is a saxophone. It will be understood however that the musical instrument 120 may be of a different type. For example, the musical instrument 120 may be a bassoon, a clarinet, a bass clarinet, a contra bass clarinet, an oboe, a bass oboe, a tuba, a horn, a drum, an accordion, etc. While the example support sling 100 described above with reference to Figure 1 is used to support a musical instrument, the support sling 100 is worn around the neck of the wearer 110 and, as such, the weight of the musical instrument is concentrated on the neck of the wearer 1 10. This can cause discomfort and/or injury to the 110 wearer due to the pressure applied to the wearer's neck, particularly if the support sling 100 is used to support a relatively heavy musical instrument and/or is used for prolonged periods of time. For example, the wearer 110 may play a relatively heavy instrument such as a saxophone for several hours at a time, such as when practicing or when performing in a concert. The weight of the instrument applied to the neck of the wearer 110 over such time periods can lead to neck strain and/or other injury.

In contrast, examples described herein enable relatively heavy instruments to be supported for relatively long periods of time with less or no discomfort to a player. Examples described herein enable the weight of the instrument to be distributed more evenly across the player's body compared to the support sling 100 described above with reference to Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 2A-2D, there is shown an example of a musical instrument support sling 200. In Figures 2A-2D, the support sling 200 is shown in an outstretched configuration, as opposed to an in-use configuration.

The support sling 200 comprises a flexible linear strap 202. The term "linear strap" is used herein to denote a strap that is able to extend along a straight (or approximately straight) line. Such a linear strap forms a single path that extends from one end of the strap to the other end of the strap.

In the outstretched configuration shown in Figures 2A-2D, the strap 202 extends between two ends 204, 206. Each of the ends 204, 206 is an extremity of the strap 202.

In this example, the strap 202 is continuous (or 'unbroken'). As such, the strap

202 is free of gaps or breaks. In this example, the strap 202 is free of interconnecting members, for example rigid interconnecting members. For example, the strap 202 is free of rings or hoops that are, for example, made of rigid material. Examples of rigid material include metal and plastic. An interconnecting member may be a junction arranged to connect at least two pieces of strap and/or to form a plurality of paths along the strap. As such, the strap 202 is free of junctions and forms a single path along the strap. In some examples, the strap 202 is made from a single piece of strap material. In other examples, the strap 202 is made from more than one piece of strap material joined together so as to form an overall linear strap.

The strap 202 may be formed of webbing. In this specific example, the strap

202 consists of flexible material. For example, the strap 202 may be made from polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather or any material that exhibits a relatively high tolerance to bending. In some examples, the strap 202 may comprise a foam material. For example, the strap 202 may be formed by sewing or otherwise attaching a foam material to a webbed material such as nylon. Incorporating foam into the strap 202 may increase a level of comfort for the wearer, particularly when the support sling 200 is used to support a relatively heavy musical instrument. In some examples, the strap 202 has a width of 50 millimeters (mm). The strap 202 may have different widths in other examples.

With reference to Figure 2B, one end of the support sling 200 comprises a first adjustment loop 210. The first adjustment loop 210 is formed of a part of the strap 202. The first adjustment loop 210 is arranged to enable the wearable size of the support sling 200 to be adjusted.

In this example, the support sling 200 comprises a first length adjuster 212. The first length adjuster 212 is coupled to the strap 202. The first length adjuster 212 is arranged to adjust the size of the first adjustment loop 210 by adjusting the length of the part of the strap 202 that forms the first adjustment loop 210. The first length adjuster 212 comprises an aperture to enable strap from the strap 202 to be fed into or withdrawn from the first adjustment loop 210, thereby adjusting the size of the first adjustment loop 210. The first length adjuster 212 may be a slide adjuster, a slide buckle or a tri-glide buckle.

The first adjustment loop 210 is anchored by a first end loop 214. The first end loop 214 is formed around a bar of the first length adjuster 212. The first end loop 214 is formed of two opposing pieces of the flexible linear strap 202. For example, an end of the strap 202 may be fed through the aperture in the first length adjuster 212 such that a first length of strap passes through the aperture, the first length of strap is folded back onto a second length of strap that has not passed through the aperture, and the first and second lengths of strap are secured to each other, thereby forming the first end loop 214 around the bar of the first length adjuster 212. For example, the first and second lengths of strap can be stitched together. The first end loop 214 therefore forms an anchor point for the first adjustment loop 210 which enables the first adjustment loop 210 to remain securely in position when the support sling 200 is worn. The first adjustment loop 210 is formed between the bar of the first length adjuster 212, around which the first end loop 214 is formed, and the aperture of the first length adjuster 212.

The support sling 200 further comprises a first fastener part 220. The first fastener part 220 is coupled to the first adjustment loop 210.

In this example, the musical instrument support sling 200 comprises shoulder pads 222, 224. The shoulder pads 222, 224 are coupled to the strap 202. In this example, the positions of the shoulder pads 222, 224 on the strap 202 are adjustable. In particular, the shoulder pads 222, 224 can be slid along part of the strap 202. The shoulder pads 222, 224 provide increased comfort when wearing the support sling 200 compared to a case in which shoulder pads 222, 224 are not used. The shoulder pads 222, 224 may be formed of sheep skin, foam or any other material that is useable to provide increased comfort to the wearer. In some examples, the shoulder pads 222, 224 are formed of self- adhesive foam or other suitable material, for example foam self-adhesive tape. In some examples, each of the shoulder pads 222, 224 is formed from approximately 27 cm of foam tape. The foam tape may be attached to the strap 202 via super glue or stitching, for example.

With reference to Figure 2C, the other end of the support sling 200 comprises a second adjustment loop 230, a second length adjuster 232 and a second end loop 234, which correspond to the first adjustment loop 210, the first length adjuster 212 and the first end loop 214 respectively and so a detailed description thereof is omitted. A second fastener part 226 is coupled to the second adjustment loop 230 in a similar manner to that in which the first fastener part 220 is coupled to the first adjustment loop 210. The first and second fastener parts 220, 226 are parts of a fastening mechanism. In this example, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 are configured to fasten to each other. For example, the first fastener part 220 may be configured to grip the second fastener part 226 in a secure manner. The first and second fastener parts 220, 226 may be two parts of a single fastening mechanism. For example, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 may be male and female parts of a side release buckle respectively. In some examples, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 comprise hook-and-loop fasteners. For example, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 may each comprise Velcro™ tape.

In this example, the first and second length adjusters 212, 232 are each operable to adjust a length of strap between the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 by adjusting the size of the first and second adjustment loops 210, 230 respectively. The length of strap between the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 corresponds to the wearable size of the support sling 200 when the support sling 200 is in an outstretched configuration. An outstretched configuration is a configuration in which the support sling 200 is stretched out end-to-end.

The support sling 200 comprises a clasp 235. The clasp 235 is coupled to the strap 202. In some examples, the clasp 235 is arranged to slide along the strap 202, e.g. to adjust the location of the clasp 235 on the strap 202. In other examples, the location of the clasp 235 on the strap 202 is fixed.

In this example, the clasp 235 is coupled to a loop portion 240 of the support sling 200. The loop portion 240 is formed of a part of the strap 202. The loop portion 240 is intermediate the first and second fastener parts 220, 226. The loop portion 240 is also intermediate the first and second adjustment loops 210, 230. As such, the loop portion 240 is referred to herein as a 'central' loop portion without implying that it is located in the exact centre of the support sling 200.

With reference to Figure 2D, a loop adjuster 242 is coupled to the support sling 200. The loop adjuster 242 is referred to herein as a 'central' loop adjuster 242 since it relates to the central loop portion 240, without implying that it is located in the exact centre of the support sling 200. The central loop adjuster 242 is operable to allow the size of the central loop portion 240 to be adjusted by allowing adjustment of the length of the part of the strap 202 that forms the central loop portion 240. The central loop adjuster 242 may also be arranged to allow the position of the central loop portion 240 on the support sling 200 to be adjusted. The central loop adjuster 242 may be a slide buckle. The central loop adjuster 242 comprises an aperture arranged to enable the length of the part of the strap 202 that forms the central loop portion 240 to be adjusted. The central loop adjuster 242 further comprises a bar arranged to anchor the central loop portion 240. A central loop portion anchoring loop 244 is formed around the bar of the central loop adjuster 242 to anchor the central loop portion 240. Anchoring the central loop portion 240 acts to stabilise the central loop portion 240 and enables the central loop portion 240 to remain securely in position when a musical instrument is attached to the clasp 235. The central loop portion 240 is formed between the bar and the aperture of the central loop adjuster 242. As such, the central loop portion 240 comprises four opposing sections of the strap 202, namely, two sections of the strap 202 that form the anchoring loop and two sections of the strap 202 that are arranged to pass through the aperture. All four strap sections that form the loop portion 240 are part of the same strap 202. The loop portion 240 may be formed without any stitching and/or junctions and/or interconnections.

The adjustability of the central loop portion 240 enables the height of the clasp 235 and/or the wearable size of the support sling 200 to be adjusted in use of the support sling 200, thereby providing flexibility for different musical instruments and/or different players. In some examples, the support sling 200 does not comprise a central loop portion.

In contrast to known support slings, such as the support sling 100 shown in Figure 1, the strap 202 is at least 160 cm long. It would not be practical to increase the length of the support sling 100 shown in Figure 1 to be at least 160 cm long since it would be too long to support a musical instrument at an appropriate height while the musical instrument is being played.

Also in contrast to known support slings, such as the support sling 100 shown in Figure 1, the support sling 200 is not worn around the neck of a wearer. As will be described in more detail below, the relatively long length of the strap 202 enables the support sling 200 to be worn in a different manner such that the weight of a musical instrument is distributed more evenly across a wearer's body. The length of the strap 202 therefore facilitates a reduction in the likelihood of neck strain, injury and/or discomfort that is associated with pressure being applied to the back of the wearer's neck.

In some examples, the strap 202 is at least 225 cm long. By requiring the strap 202 to be at least 225 cm long, compared to the broader feature of the strap 202 being at least 160 cm long, the support sling 200 may fit a majority of wearers whilst reducing a number of possible strap lengths that are used. By reducing a number of possible strap lengths, the manufacturing process of the support sling 200 may be simplified. In particular, a support sling having a strap that is approximately 235 cm long may fit most adults and children. A length of approximately 235 cm may be considered a substantially "universal" size, in that the support sling 200 can fit a majority of wearers using a strap of a single size. By enabling the support sling 200 to be made using a strap of a single size, the manufacturing process of the support sling 200 may be further simplified. In some examples, the strap 202 is at least 250 cm long. In one specific example, the strap 202 is approximately 260 cm long. By requiring the strap 202 to be at least 250 cm long, the support sling 200 may fit a majority of adult wearers of above average dimensions, whilst reducing a number of possible strap lengths to be used to fit such wearers, thereby simplifying manufacture. An upper limit to the length of strap used in the support sling 200 may be 300 cm. Although a support sling having a strap that is longer than 300 cm may still be worn, a strap that is longer than 300 cm may comprise an amount of material that is greater than that used in the functioning of the support sling 200, and may therefore be impractical. The upper limit to the length of strap may be greater than 300 cm in other examples. In some examples, the strap 202 is between 300 and 320 cm in length. For example, the strap 202 may be 312.5 cm in length.

The support sling 200 may comprise more, fewer and/or different components from those depicted in Figure 2. Referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, there is shown a front view and a rear view of the musical instrument support sling 200, respectively. The support sling 200 is depicted as being worn by a wearer 310. For convenience and clarity, the support sling 200 is not shown supporting a musical instrument, it being understood that it is intended for a musical instrument to be coupled to the clasp 235 of the support sling 200.

In this example, using the support sling 200 comprises passing part of the strap 202 over the shoulders of the wearer 310, along the back of the wearer 310 and around the torso of the wearer 310.

In this example, the wearer 310 passes the first and second ends of the strap 202, which comprise the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 respectively, over their left and right shoulders respectively. For example, the wearer 310 may dangle the central loop portion 240 in front of their chest, such that the clasp 235 is in front of the wearer 310, and pass the first and second ends of the strap 202 from front to back (or 'rearwardly') over their left and right shoulders respectively. The wearer 310 then passes the first and second ends of the strap 202 around the right and left sides of their torso respectively. In this example, the strap 202 forms an intersection on the back of the wearer 310 when the first and second ends of the strap 202 pass across (or 'cross') one another on the wearer's back. The first and second ends of the strap 202 may pass around the waist part of the torso, the ribcage part of the torso, or another part of the torso. In this example, the wearer 310 passes the first and second ends of the strap 202 around their torso from back to front (or 'forwardly').

After passing the first and second ends of the strap 202 around the torso, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 may be fastened together at the front of the wearer 310. Alternatively, rather than fastening the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 together at the front of the wearer 310, the first and second ends of the strap 202 can be passed across the front of the wearer 310 and around the left and right side of the torso respectively. The wearer 310 would then pass the first and second ends of the strap 202 from front to back (or 'rearwardly') around their torso at this stage. As such, the first and second ends of the strap 202 would each pass around the torso twice, firstly in a forward direction and secondly in a rearward direction. The first and second fastener parts 220, 226 could then be fastened together behind the wearer 310.

The first and/or second fastener parts 220, 226 may be passed through a belt loop of an item of clothing (for example trousers) worn by the wearer 310. The belt loop may be at the back, side or front of the wearer 310. The first and/or second fastener parts 220, 226 may be passed through multiple belt loops. This may further enhance musical instrument weight distribution and/or secure positioning of the support sling 200 during use compared to a case in which the first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 are not passed through a belt loop.

Compared to a support sling, such as the support sling 100 described above with reference to Figure 1, which is worn around a wearer's neck, the support sling 200 described above with reference to Figure 2 allows the weight of a musical instrument to be distributed more evenly across the wearer's body, thereby reducing the likelihood of neck strain, injury and/or discomfort, even when the support sling 200 is used for relatively long periods of time.

The support sling 200 described above with reference to Figure 2 also differs from known musical instrument harnesses. For example, known musical instrument harnesses comprise multiple straps, junctions, interconnections and/or rigid members and are relatively complicated and/or expensive to manufacture, relatively heavy and/or relatively large compared to the support sling 200. The support sling 200 may be relatively uncomplicated and/or inexpensive to manufacture, relatively light and/or relatively compact. For example, the support sling 200 may fit into a trouser pocket or instrument case when not in use. The support sling 200 may be folded or pressed together such that a largest dimension of the folded support sling is less than 20 cm. In some examples, the support sling 200 may be folded such that the largest dimension is less than 15 cm.

A single support sling 200 may fit wearers of different dimensions (e.g. heights and waist sizes), without altering the end-to-end length of the strap 202. For example a wearer 310 of relatively large dimensions may be able to wear the strap 200 with the first and second ends of the strap 202 passing around their torso only once and the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 being fastened in front of them and a wearer 310 of relatively small dimensions may be able to wear the strap 200 with the first and second ends of the strap 202 passing around their torso twice and the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 being fastened behind them. As such, the support sling 200 may be relatively flexible compared to a support sling which can only be worn in one configuration.

The first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 may or may not pass through the loop portion 240. The first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 may or may not pass through the loop portion 240 regardless of whether the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 are fastened to each other in front of or behind the wearer 310.

Where the first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 pass through the loop portion 240, the weight of a musical instrument can be distributed more evenly than if the first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 do not pass through the loop portion 240. However, not passing the first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 through the loop portion 240 may provide greater flexibility in positioning the clasp 235. For example, by not passing the first and/or second fastener part 220, 226 through the loop portion 240, the clasp 235 may be positioned above or below the first and/or second fastener parts 220, 226, for example dependent on the type of musical instrument that is to be supported.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a rear view of the musical instrument support sling 200 according to another example. The sling 200 is depicted as being worn by the wearer 310. For convenience and clarity, the sling 200 is not shown supporting a musical instrument, it being understood that it is intended for the sling 200 to support a musical instrument in use.

In this example, the sling 200 is worn by passing part of the strap 202 over the shoulders of the wearer 310 and along the back of the wearer 310 to enable each of the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 to releasibly engage with an item of clothing worn by the wearer 310. Examples of such items of clothing include, but are not limited to, trousers, shorts and belts. The first and second fastener parts 220, 226 may comprise one or more clips, buttons, eyes or pincers. In this specific example, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 are arranged to releasably engage with respective belt loops of a pair of trousers worn by the wearer 310. Since the strap 202 passes over the wearer' s shoulders, down the wearer's back and attaches to the item of clothing, the weight of the musical instrument is distributed more evenly across the wearer's body compared to a support sling worn around a wearer' s neck.

In this example, the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 pass over the left and right shoulders of the wearer 310 respectively and attach to right and left sides of the item of clothing respectively such that the strap 202 forms an intersection on the wearer's back. This facilitates an even weight distribution and/or facilitates keeping the sling 200 securely in place.

With reference to Figure 5, there is shown a method 500 of manufacturing a musical instrument support sling 200.

At item 510, a flexible linear strap 202 is provided. The strap 202 may be cut from a length of flexible strap material. The flexible linear strap has two ends 204, 206.

At item 520, the strap 202 is looped around a bar of the central loop adjuster

242, which forms a boundary of a first aperture of the central loop adjuster 242, to form the central loop portion anchoring loop 244. The strap 202 is looped around the bar by feeding one end 204 of the flexible linear strap 202 through the first aperture of the central loop adjuster 242.

In this example, at item 530, both ends 204, 206 of the strap 202 are fed through an aperture in the clasp 235 such that the clasp 235 is coupled to the strap 202. In other examples the clasp 235 is coupled to the strap 202 in a different manner. For example, the clasp 235 may be attached to the strap 202 via a clip or button. The clasp 235 may or may not comprise an aperture.

At item 540, the central loop portion 240 is formed by feeding both ends 204,

206 of the flexible linear strap 202 through a second aperture of the central loop adjuster 242. The central loop portion 240 is formed between the second aperture and the bar. As such, the central loop portion 240 is formed of a portion of the flexible linear strap 202. The flexible linear strap 202 comprises a further portion that is not formed in the central loop portion 240. The clasp 235 is thereby coupled to the central loop portion 240.

At item 550, the first and second ends 204, 206 of the strap 202 are fed through first and second shoulder pads 222, 224 respectively such that the first and second shoulder pads 222, 224 are coupled to the strap 202.

At item 560, the first and second ends 204, 206 of the strap 202 are fed through a first aperture of the first length adjuster 212 and a first aperture of the second length adjuster 232 respectively.

At item 570, the first and second ends 204, 206 of the strap 202 are fed through the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 respectively such that the first and second fastener parts 220, 226 are coupled to the strap 202.

At item 580, the first end 204 of the strap 202 is fed through a second aperture of the first length adjuster 212 to form the first adjustment loop 210. The first fastener part 220 is thereby coupled to the first adjustment loop 210. The first adjustment loop 210 is anchored by a first end loop 214 that is formed around a bar of the first length adjuster 212. The bar forms a boundary to the second aperture of the first length adjuster 212. The first end loop 214 is secured in place by stitching together the two opposing pieces of flexible linear strap 202 that together form the first end loop 214. Corresponding actions are performed at the second end 206 of the strap 202.

The items of method 500 may be performed in a different order from that described above.

Various measures (for example musical instrument support slings, methods of manufacture and methods of use) are provided in which a musical instrument support sling comprises a flexible linear strap, first and second fastener parts, and a clasp arranged to engage a musical instrument, wherein the flexible linear strap is at least 160 cm long.

In some examples, the flexible linear strap is at least 225 cm long.

In some examples, the flexible linear strap is at least 250 cm long.

In some examples, the first and second fastener parts are configured to fasten to each other. In some examples, the flexible linear strap comprises a loop portion formed of a part of the flexible linear strap and wherein the clasp is coupled to the loop portion.

In some examples, the support sling is arranged such that at least one of the first and second fastener parts is able to pass through the loop portion.

In some examples, the support sling comprises a loop adjuster operable to enable the length of the part of the flexible linear strap that forms the loop portion to be adjusted.

In some examples, the loop adjuster comprises a bar arranged to anchor the loop portion and an aperture arranged to enable the length of the part of the flexible strap that forms the loop portion to be adjusted.

In some examples, the part of the flexible linear strap that forms the loop portion comprises an anchoring loop formed around the bar of the loop adjuster, the loop portion being formed between the bar and the aperture of the loop adjuster.

In some examples, the first and second fastener parts are directly coupled to the flexible linear strap.

In some examples, the flexible linear strap is continuous.

In some examples, the flexible linear strap consists of flexible material.

In some examples, the flexible linear strap is free of interconnecting members.

In some examples, the flexible linear strap is free of rigid interconnecting members.

In some examples, the support sling comprises one or more shoulder pads coupled to the flexible linear strap.

In some examples, the support sling comprises one or more strap adjusters operable to adjust a length of strap between the first and the second fastener parts.

In some examples, the support sling may be folded such that a largest dimension of the folded musical instrument sling is less than 20 cm.

In some examples, a loop portion is formed from a portion of the flexible linear strap, wherein the clasp is coupled to the loop portion.

In some examples, forming the loop portion comprises feeding one end of the flexible linear strap through a first aperture of a loop adjuster to form an anchoring loop, and feeding both ends of the flexible linear strap through a second aperture of the loop adjuster.

The support sling may be used by passing part of the flexible linear strap over the shoulders of a wearer, along the back of the wearer and around the torso of the wearer.

In some examples, the passing of the part of the flexible linear strap over the shoulders of the wearer comprises passing a first end of the flexible linear strap over a left shoulder of the wearer and passing a second end of the flexible linear strap over a right shoulder of the wearer.

In some examples, the passing of the first end over the left shoulder comprises passing the first end rearwardly over the left shoulder, and the passing of the second end over the right shoulder comprises passing the second end rearwardly over the right shoulder.

In some examples, the passing of the part of the strap around the torso of the wearer comprises passing the first end of the flexible linear strap around a right side of the torso of the wearer and passing the second end of the flexible linear strap around a left side of the torso of the wearer.

In some examples, the passing of the first end around the right side of the torso comprises passing the first end forwardly around the right side of the torso, and the passing of the second end around the left side of the torso comprises passing the second end forwardly around the left side of the torso.

In some examples, the first and second fastener parts are fastened to each other at the front of the wearer.

In some examples, the first end of the flexible linear strap is passed across the front of the wearer and around the left side of the torso, and the second end of the flexible linear strap is passed across the front of the wearer and around the right side of the torso.

In some examples, the passing of the first end around the left side of the torso comprises passing the first end rearwardly around the left side of the torso, and the passing of the second end around the right side of the torso comprises passing the second end rearwardly around the right side of the torso.

In some examples, the first and second fastener parts are fastened to each other behind the wearer.

In some examples, at least one of the first and the second fastener parts are passed through the loop portion the clasp being coupled to the loop portion.

In some examples, a loop adjuster is used to adjust the length of the part of the flexible linear strap that forms the loop portion.

Various measures (for example musical instrument support slings, methods of manufacture and methods of use) are provided in which a musical instrument support sling comprises a flexible linear strap, first and second fastener parts attached to the flexible linear strap, and a clasp arranged to support a musical instrument, wherein part of the flexible linear strap is passed over the shoulders of a wearer and along the back of the wearer to enable each of the first and second fastener parts to releasibly engage with an item of clothing worn by the wearer.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are envisaged.

In examples described above, the support sling 200 is arranged to support a musical instrument. In other examples, the support sling 200 is arranged to support one or more other types of object.

In examples described above, the support sling 200 comprises a clasp 235. In other examples, the support sling 200 comprises a different type of arrangement to support a musical instrument, for example depending on the nature of the musical instrument. As such, the support sling 200 may comprise any type of musical instrument attachment member, an example of which is a clasp.

In examples described above, the strap 202 forms an intersection on the wearer' s back. In other examples, the strap 202 does not form an intersection on the wearer's back. For example, the first and second ends of the strap 202 may pass over the wearer's left and right shoulders respectively and attach to left and right sides of an item of the wearer's clothing respectively. In such cases, the strap 202 may be easier to wear (for example easier to put on and/or take off) than if an intersection was formed.

In examples described above, the support sling 200 comprises one or more adjustable loops which enable the support sling 200 to fit wearers and/or instruments of different sizes. In other examples, the support sling 200 does not comprise any loops. A support sling comprising no loops may be arranged to fit wearers of a particular size and/or a particular size and/or type of instrument. Such support slings comprising no loops may be simpler to manufacture than comparative support slings which comprise the one or more adjustable loops.

It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.