Hardshell musical instrument case with backpack attachment system

Abstract

A backpack attachment system for a hardshell musical instrument carrying case includes rings that are permanently attached to the exterior of the case, thereby allowing quick access for using a backpack type strap or straps for carrying the case. The strap set itself is optionally removable, but the attachment rings are not, being permanently mounted to the case, using, for example, rivets, screws, snaps or equivalent means.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A backpack attachment system, comprising: 
 a hardshell case for carrying a musical instrument, wherein the hardshell case has a shape of the musical instrument;    attaching means permanently affixed to the case for removably attaching a strap set thereto; and    a backpack-style strap set for carrying the case, removably attached to the attaching means.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attaching means comprises one or more rings and one or more mounting brackets compatible with the one or more rings.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching is selected from the group consisting of D rings, O rings, triangular rings and rectangular rings.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the rings are selected from the group consisting of metal rings, plastic rings, and equivalents thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the rings are gravity-stopped, such that the rings remain flat against the exterior of the case, when the rings are not in use.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the strap set comprises one or more straps.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the strap set comprises one or more snaphooks for attaching the strap set to the attaching means.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising means for affixing the attaching means to the case.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the affixing means comprise fasteners selected from the group consisting of screws, rivets, snaps, glue and cement.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising one or more plates for reinforcing the interior of the case.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attaching means include a mounting selected from the group consisting of a flat mounting and a recessed mounting.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the bracket and the ring are constructed as an integral one-piece assembly.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the bracket and the ring are constructed as a two-piece assembly.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an outer shape of the hardshell case has the shape of the musical instrument.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an interior shape of the hardshell case has the shape of the musical instrument.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the attaching means comprises one or more attachment bars and one or more mounting brackets compatible with the one or more attachment bars.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket and the attachment bars are constructed as an integral one-piece assembly.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the musical instrument is selected from the group consisting of: 
 a) a flute;    b) a clarinet;    c) an oboe;    d) a bassoon;    e) a saxophone;    f) a trumpet;    g) a cornet;    h) a trombone;    i) a French horn;    j) a flugelhorn;    k) a marching trumpet;    l) a marching French Horn;    m) a marching mellophone;    n) a marching baritone;    o) a marching euphonium;    p) a marching trombone;    q) a marching convertible tuba;    r) a marching soprano bugle;    s) a marching mellophone bugle;    t) a marching baritone bugle;    u) a marching euphonium bugle;    v) a marching Contrabass bugle;    w) a baritone;    x) a euphonium;    y) a tuba;    z) a sousaphone;    aa) a guitar;    bb) a mandolin;    cc) a mandola;    dd) a banjo;    ee) a steel guitar;    ff) a lap steel guitar;    gg) a ukulele;    hh) a violin;    ii) a viola;    jj) a cello;    kk) an upright bass;    ll) a snare drum;    mm) a marching drum;    nn) a cymbal;    oo) a xylophone; and    pp) a marching bell.