[Jeff Flowerday]

http://www.mcphersonguitars.com/activea.asp?CompID=23&btnSubmit=ByFileCategoryID&cboApplicationID=321&cboFileCategoryID=1068

In theory it should really let the top vibrate freely.

Interesting concept, has anyone seen one of these guitars?

 

[GuitarsCanada]

I have not seen anything like that. Would be interested in anyone who has. Some feedback.

 

[BrownID]

Builders like Thomas Humphrey and Allan Beardsell have been doing similar things for a while now on their cutaway models.

http://www.beardsellguitars.com/images/photos/28.jpg

This seems to be taking the concept one step further. The main drawback that I can see is that this design design does not afford the use of an adjustable trus rod.

 

[Lester B. Flat]

Violin makers have been doing that for the last 400 years. I seem to recall seeing some mid 20th century archtops built that way. I don't know what part of their design the patent would apply to.