Patent Application
20210401176
The embodiments generally relate to bags and electronic transport assemblies and, more specifically, relate to modular bags for carrying audio mixing components.
A production sound mixer is a member of a film production crew or television crew responsible for recording sound on set during the filmmaking or television production process using professional audio equipment. Equipment used may include various audio mixers and recorders, batteries, wireless radios, booms, audio storage components, headphones, cables, tools, sound logs, and power distribution systems. The specific equipment and amount thereof varies based on the production size and type.
The sound mixing professional often arrives with their equipment to capture a wide variety of sounds while considering the format of the finished product. Components are carried in a bag which holds each element and allows the sound mixing professional to move during the recording process.
In the current arts, bags are designed for specific equipment sizes and dimensions and only allow the user to carry the components in a single configuration. Using the carrying bag on a desktop, table, or other surface can be inconvenient for the sound mixing professional as the arrangement of the audio components is restricted to a single configuration. Further, it may be difficult to address technical problems, as current bags are unable to manage a large number of wires inherent in the production process.
This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Embodiments described herein provide an apparatus for carrying sound production components, comprising a rigid frame including vertically interspaced first, second, and third surfaces. Each of the first surface, second surface, and third surface releasably engage with a plurality of sound production components. A first wing and a second wing are pivotally mounted to the third surface to releasably engage with at least one of the plurality of sound production components. A bag receives the rigid frame in a folded configuration and encloses the rigid frame and the plurality of sound production components.
The embodiments provide a means for carrying sound production components as well as arranging the frame on a surface such as a desktop, table, etc. The apparatus may be carried both within the bag or using the frame to permit use in various settings.
In one aspect, a handle is releasably engaged with the rigid frame via one or more handle brackets.
In one aspect, the handle is pivotally engaged with the handle brackets.
In one aspect, the bag permits the handle to extend to the exterior of the bag.
In one aspect, the first and the second wings are arrangeable in a folded and an unfolded configuration.
In one aspect, the plurality of sound production components comprise at least one of the following: at least one power distribution system, at least one recorder, at least one audio mixer, at least one audio recorder, at least one battery, at least one wireless radio, at least one audio storage component, and a plurality of cables.
In one aspect, a computing device mount permits the mounting of a computing device.
In one aspect, a support is pivotally engaged with the first surface. The support arranges the frame in a suitable position when positioned on a surface.
A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.
In general, the embodiments provided herein relate to an apparatus for carrying production sound mixing components. The equipment used may include various audio mixers and recorders, batteries, wireless radios, booms, audio storage components, headphones, cables, tools, sound logs, and power distribution systems. Each equipment item may be releasably engaged with a frame, which may be arranged in a folded or unfolded configuration. The frame may be positioned within a bag during use or may be removed from the bag to allow the frame to be positioned on a surface such as a desktop, table, etc.
As used herein, the term “sound production components” relates to any electronic or non-electronic component utilized by a sound mixing professional during the filming and production processes. For example, sound production components may include audio mixers and recorders, batteries, wireless radios, booms, audio storage components, headphones, cables, tools, sound logs, and power distribution systems. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that the embodiments may be used to transport and operate sound production components not specifically mentioned in the instant disclosure.
The sound product components may be held in place on one or more surfaces using various attachment or securing means known in the arts. For example, hook-and-loop systems may be used to releasably the sound production components with the surfaces or portion thereof. In another example, rubber bumpers may be provided on the surface to secure the sound production component by compressive force.
In some embodiments, each tier facilitates the organization of sound mixing components. Tier heights may be adjusted based on the size and number of sound mixing components used. The first, second and third surfaces provide attachments for the sound mixing components to be mounted thereto while providing protection from shock, impact, and the like.
In some embodiments, each wing 250, 251 may be raised from the third surface 109 to permit the attachment of a at least one sound mixing component while in a folded configuration as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the bag 500 may comprise a plurality of compartments on the exterior of the bag wherein the user may dispose various items.
In some embodiments, the materials of the frame are sufficiently rigid to prevent bending or undue stress during use of the apparatus. Metals, metal alloys and similar materials may be used to provide sufficient rigidity. Further, lightweight rigid materials including carbon fiber and the like may be implemented to reduce weight of the frame making the apparatus suitable for long-term use. Edges of the materials may be finished to round edges and reduce the risk of injury, abrasion, and the propensity for unfinished materials to catch and snag textiles.
In some embodiments, the system may utilize a stationary fourth surface affixed to the frame.
In some embodiments, the internal frame is primarily constructed of carbon fiber and aluminum materials. This provides rigidity while maintaining light weight for portability. To facilitate component swapping or upgrading equipment the frame can be extended in height by replacing the four corner standoffs and their corresponding interior threaded rods.
When in use, the nylon shell surrounds the internal rack frame and acts as a typical location sound bag allowing equipment to be easily transported using the included shoulder strap or optional body harness. When removed, the system is converted to a desk console with a folding kickstand to elevate the front for enhanced viewing and operations. This also allows users full access to all equipment and connections.
In some embodiments, D-rings and other fastening points the outer bag or the internal frame may be suspended by a shoulder strap or a body harness.
In some embodiments, the system is configured to accept an optional integral power distribution device with rechargeable battery and a wire harness that distributes power to the various devices. The battery is mounted on an attached sled/bracket with a built-in power connector that allows one handed removal and replacement from the front of the unit. This is unique in that all other sound bags the battery does not have a battery sled/bracket, nor is it fastened securely and requires two hands to remove the battery from its connector.
In some embodiments, a torque hinged panel allows wireless devices with front controls to be viewed and operated at various angles. An optional pair of side wings that are attached to the hinged panel swing out and hold additional wireless equipment at an adjustable angle as well.
In some embodiments, the bag outer shell has a hook-and-loop system to secure a microphone boom pole. An exterior pocket pouch adds additional storage capacity to the travel bag, and can be removed and reattached by use of the hook-and-loop strips.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
