Protective sleeve for an instrument string and its method of application to an instrument
US7098391B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10D3/10
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A device and method for reducing wear and stress in the string of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar. Certain stringed instruments are strung by advancing strings through string apertures in the body of the instrument. The device includes tubular sleeves that are placed into the string apertures. As the instrument is strung, the strings of the instrument are tightened. When tightened, the strings abut against and bend around the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve has a curved surface against which the strings bend. This lowers stress concentrations in the strings at the points of the bend. Furthermore, the tubular sleeves are made from a material that is softer than the material of the instrument's strings. Accordingly, as the instrument's strings wear against the sleeves, the sleeves experience the wear more so than the strings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.