Instrument case

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for the protection and transportation of musical instruments can include cases constructed of a semi-rigid and lightweight material to enable convenient transportation of the instrument and instrumental accessories, such as in internal and compartmentalized storage areas. Extendable/collapsible legs can enable the case to be placed in a standing position and to enable instruments to be retrieved and/or inserted whilst the case is in the standing position. The lid may be foldable over the front of the case or removed entirely from the case.

1 . An apparatus for the storage of a musical instrument having an elongated neck and body in which the insertion or removal of the musical instrument can occur when the instrument is standing or prone, the apparatus comprising:
 a case having a semi-rigid form that is transportable by hand and protects instruments stored therein, the case comprising at least one back portion and two front portions;
 said two front portions comprising a lid and a lower section; 
 each of said two front portions and said at least one back portion comprise an exterior surface and an interior surface, and wherein the back portion and the lower section define an interior enclosure there between; 
 said case being constructed of at least two layered materials, said at least two layers, comprising a first layer configured to provide outer protection, and a second layer configured to provide a slick surface for facilitating placement of instrument; 
   a neck holder affixed to at least a portion of a interior surface of said at least one back portion, said neck holder for receiving and releasably holding a portion of a neck of said instrument to said at least one back portion; and   the interior enclosure formed by the case for receiving and holding a portion of said instrument;
 at least a portion of said lower section is fixably connected to said back portion, 
 at least a portion of said lid is removably and rotatably coupled to said lower section, 
 at least a portion of said lid is removably coupled to said back portion, and 
 said coupling of said lid to said lower section and said coupling of said lid to said back portion are independent such that actuation of said coupling of said lid to said back portion allows the lid to be rotated, and the actuation of the coupling of said lid to said back portion and said coupling of said lid to said lower section allows the lid to be removed. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one supporting member rotatably connecting to at least a portion of said back portion via a hinge connection,   said at least one supporting member transitions between a first position and a second position,
 said back portion comprises a recess sized for accommodating said at least one supporting member in said first position, and 
 said at least one supporting member in said second position configured to extend from a base of said case thereby supporting said apparatus in a inclined position. 
   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said lid and at least a portion of said back portion comprise at least one storage compartment. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein arrangement of said at least one storage compartments is configurable. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the case is configured for storage of a guitar. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a zipper connection couples said back portion to said lid. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a rivet insert couples said lid to said lower section. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a black ballistic nylon outer covering. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a soft dense foam layer along at least a portion of the interior enclosure. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a width of the interior enclosure formed between said lower section and said back portion is greater than a width between the lid and said back portion. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one strap attachment configured to removably receive a removable strap. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said strap attachment is configurable in a sling arrangement. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein said strap attachment is configurable in a backpack arrangement. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a reinforced handle. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a foam bottom cap. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising slip lining on the interior faces. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising structure along the slip lining for guiding the instrument into place when being stored. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said recess comprises at least one clasp, wherein said clasp is configured to receive said at least one supporting member. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a non-slip rubber boot fitted to an exterior surface.