| 1. A stand for a stringed musical instrument having a body portion and a neck portion along which the strings extend, the stand comprising a plurality of elongate members of the type defined herein, said elongate members being configured to provide a base for resting on a floor surface, a cradle portion for supporting the weight of the instrument in a vertical direction, and for restraining movement of the instrument in horizontal directions, a back portion extending upwardly from the cradle, the arrangement being such that the cradle portion and back portion are resiliently movable in use to absorb forces that may be exerted on the instrument, and the stand being foldable. Formatted: Bullets and 2. A stand according to claim 1 , wherein said elongate members are' Numbering each in a rod-like or tubular form, which permits flexing in any direction transverse to its length. 3. A stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the cradle portion of the stand is formed by one or more second said elongate members joined together. Formatted: Bullets and 4. A stand according to claim 3, wherein the cradle portion* Numbering has left and right leg portions, each leg portion being curved concavely from its free end towards the back portion, to define an open recess for location the base of the body of the instrument. 5. A stand according to claim 4, wherein the left and right leg portions, each curve convexly from the cradle portion to form the back portion for location the back of the body of the instrument. 6. A stand according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base is formed with at least three legs, one rear leg extending behind the back, and left and right side legs extending to the side and to the front of the stand, wherein each leg is of a substantial length, and contacts a supporting floor surface at or adjacent its free end, the major part of each leg being raised from the floor surface and extending upwardly into the back portion. 7. A stand according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stand is formed with at least four legs, two rear legs, and two front legs, left rear leg and left front leg being formed from a contiguous elongate, right rear leg and right front leg being formed from a contiguous elongate, left and right rear legs extending to the side and to the back of the stand, left and right front legs extending to the side and to the front of the stand, wherein each leg is of a substantial length, and contacts a supporting floor surface at or adjacent its free end, the major part of each leg being raised from the floor surface and extending upwardly to the join where all four legs meet . 8. A stand according to claim any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each front leg has a sinuous configuration along its length whereby to define said cradle portion. Formatted: Bullets and 9. A stand according to claim 8, wherein each front leg is benf Numbering upwardly from a free end to define a loop portion, the loop portion defining the front end of the cradle portion, and the front leg being curved concavely between the loop portion and the back portion to define an open recess of the cradle portion. 10. A stand according to any preceding claim wherein the back portion extends vertically from the cradle but is inclined towards the rear of the stand, such that the centre of gravity of the instrument in the stand is close to the rear of the cradle portion. 11. A stand according to any preceding claim wherein upper part of the back portion bends away from the instrument 12. A stand according to any preceding claim, including hinge means located at a join between said front and rear legs, to enable the stand to be moved from an operative position, to a folded position. 13. A stand according to any preceding claim, wherein said back leg extends a substantial distance to the back of the cradle portion for stability |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a musical instrument stand, particularly for stringed instruments such as cellos, guitars and violins that have a body portion and a neck portion along which the strings extend.
Background Art
Existing stands are usually made for musicians to take to gigs or recitals and are therefore robust and collapsible. An example of a guitar stand is shown in http://www.herculesstands.com/guitars/GS405B.htinl , the Hercules Stand GS405B. This has a tripod base, a post extending from the base, which is tiltabie to absorb shocks, and which has a clasp at its free end to locate the neck of the instrument. Such stand is made of strong rigid material so that it is not damaged when the stand is handled roughly.
Various designs for stands for stringed musical instruments have been proposed. US-A-4,582,282 discloses a guitar stand comprising rod-like front legs and a rod-like rear leg which form a supporting tripod. The body of the guitar is gripped between upturned front and rear ends of the front legs. This stand is not designed to absorb shock forces exerted on the guitar.
US-A-2005/0268771 discloses a guitar stand having a base member disposed on a supporting floor. An upstanding back member with the profile of a guitar has a supporting shock absorbing spring, and a collar at the top of the stand for gripping the guitar neck. Thus certain measures are provided to reduce the effects of impacts on the guitar when mounted on the stand. Of a somewhat similar design, a guitar stand has been proposed made of wood, http://www.sternerguitars.com/spring-stand.html ,
US-A-6693234 discloses a stand for a guitar which provides support for the guitar during a performance. It comprises a flexible rod, having its lower end placed on the stage floor, and terminating in a clip at its upper end which engages an edge of the guitar body.
US-A-1369742 discloses a stand for a banjo, which comprises a base member for holding the body of the banjo, being formed of wire which is bent to form supporting legs and to form a region for supporting the banjo body. An upstanding arm, which is pivotally or resiliently mounted to the base member, is arranged to grip part of the banjo body.
Nevertheless, a need remains for a stand for a stringed musical instrument, which can absorb shock loadings and other impulse forces arising from the careless placing of the instrument on the stand and accidental knocks to the instrument while on the stand and which is of an inexpensive foldable construction. Musicians at gigs often need to change instruments quickly without damaging their instrument
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the invention to provide a small foldable instrument stand which offers some protection to the instrument by absorbing mild pressure and gentle knocks, especially while the instrument is being placed on the stand.
The concept of the invention is a musical instrument stand, which is composed of elongate members that are strong, but have flexibility and resilience in directions transverse of their length, and which may be bent or deformed into a desired configuration. Such elongate members may be formed for example of steel or other metal, or a suitable plastic material, or a wood or natural fibres or a composite combining the properties of different material groups including ceramics and glass, and may be in the form of a rod, tube, strip, or have any other cross-section. Such an elongate member will be referred to in this specification as an elongate member of the type defined herein.
In a first aspect, the invention provides a stand for a stringed musical instrument having a body portion and a neck portion along which the strings extend, the stand comprising a plurality of elongate members of the type defined herein, said elongate members being configured to provide a base for resting on a floor surface, a cradle portion for supporting the weight of the instrument in a vertical direction, and for restraining movement of the instrument in horizontal directions, a back portion extending upwardly from the cradle, and the base extending to the rear of the cradle portion for stability, the arrangement being such that the cradle portion and back portion are resiliently movable in use to absorb forces that may be exerted on the instrument . ln accordance with the invention, the stand is made of a flexible material which allows both the cradle portion and the back portion to move in any direction. The stand in accordance with the invention may absorb impulses and mild shocks that occur in any direction during use that is in vertical and backwards directions,. One particular impulse force of concern is a vertical force which commonly occurs when the instrument is placed on the stand. Said cradle portion is operative to bend and absorb such force
In accordance with the invention, said cradle portion allows the instrument to be placed casually on the stand by self-location within the cradle. As preferred the cradle portion is formed by left and right portions of said elongate members, which extend from the back portion and are curved in two dimensions in order to locate the bottom of the instrument there between.
Said elongate members forming the stand may each be of a rod-like or tubular form, which permit flexing in any direction transverse to its length. This permits an increase in overall flexibility and utility of the stand. As preferred for simplicity, the elongate members may be of all the same material, e.g. steel of a certain diameter, with a plastic cladding. Further specific areas may include coil spring units for extra flexibility. Non flexible members may be added where flexibility is not needed, for example to form feet.
In the first and preferred embodiment, the stand is formed as a tripod, with at least three legs, one rear leg extending behind the back, and left and right side legs extending to the side and to the front of the stand. Each leg is of a substantial length, and contacts a supporting floor surface at or adjacent its free end. The remainder of the leg is raised from the floor surface and extends upwardly to join with the front legs. The front legs have a sinuous configuration along their lengths whereby to define said cradle portion and back portion. The lengths of the legs, and their spacing from a floor surface, ensure that impulse forces exerted on the musical instrument are absorbed to a large extent by the legs.
A further feature of the invention consists in hinge means located at the top of said back portion, for enabling the legs to be folded flat alongside one another for transportation and storage. In use, the legs are unfolded to an operative position, and the hinge means is such e.g. lockable or stiff, as to secure the legs there
In the second embodiment, the stand has four legs, left and right rear legs extending to the side and to the back of the stand, and left and right front legs extending to the side and to the front of the stand. The left front leg and left back leg are made from one contiguous elongate. The right front leg and right back leg are made from one contiguous elongate. The right legs and left legs are joined at a high point by a hinge. Each leg is of a substantial length, and contacts a supporting floor surface at or adjacent its free end. The remainder of the leg is raised from the floor surface and extends upwardly to the back portion. The front legs have a sinuous configuration along their lengths whereby to define said cradle portion and back portion. The lengths of the legs, and their spacing from a floor surface, ensure that impulse forces exerted on the musical instrument are absorbed to a large extent by the legs.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Preferred embodiments of the invention for the guitar will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment for a guitar, cello and violin;
Figure 2 is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 holding a guitar;
Figure 3 is a front view of the stand of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment;
Figure 5 is a side view of the stand of Figure 4 holding a guitar;
Figure 6 is a front view of stand of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 showing the stand bending under downwards pressure, dotted lines indicating movement of stand parts under such pressure;
Figure 8 is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 showing the stand bending under backwards pressure; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the stand of Figure 1 bending under backwards and downwards pressure on one side;
Figure 10 is a side view of the stand of Figure 1 in a folded position
Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the stand of Figure 3 in a folded position
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
According to the invention, the stand is mainly made from a strong but springy or flexible material which normally returns to its original position and shape after mild pressure or a gentle knock is applied to it. The material can be a single or composite material which has a coefficient of restitution enabling it to flex by bending or twisting and return to its original position and a high yield point so it does not permanently deform or fail when receiving moderate knocks or pressure. An example is thin rod or tube made of metal, composite material, plastic or wood. The material and the configuration of the stand are such that when mild pressure is applied, the stand will normally bend or twist before the instrument it is holding will be crushed or damaged. Also the material allows the stand to flex in multiple directions. This can be achieved by the shape and dimensions of the material as well as from the characteristics of the material itself.
It is possible to achieve a springy stand where the springy material is combined with more rigid material. An example would be solid feet attached to the end of the springy material. The amount of the rigid material which can be attached to the spring can vary. For example, lengths of more rigid or inflexible material could be attached to coiled springs or other flexible or springy material, enabling the length of inflexible material to be deflected in any direction. According to the invention, the configuration of the stand is designed to allow it to bend or twist when the instrument is placed on the stand subsequently returning to its original position when the instrument is removed. In this way the stand will absorb the force rather than the instrument, while still holding the instrument safely. Examples of this springiness in the design of the guitar stand are described below. Preferably the part of the stand in contact with the instrument may be covered in a material which creates friction between the instrument and the stand, reducing the risk of the instrument slipping off; and which also provides cushioning between the instrument and the stand. An example of this is silicone rubber or other plastic.
One embodiment of the invention adapted for a guitar or other similar instrument is shown in Fig 1 and is shown with a guitar in Fig 2. The stand comprising left and right front legs 4, which are each formed from a single elongate rod of spring steel, with a plastic cladding. The stand also has a rear leg 6, also formed from a single elongate rod of spring steel, with a plastic cladding. The front legs extend upwards to form a generally vertically extending back portion 10, which terminates at the junction with the rear leg 8.
The three legs form a tripod, and make angles of approximately 120° to each other. Rear leg 6 has its free end resting on the floor surface, and the remainder of the leg 16 rises, gently curving, above the floor to the apex of the tripod at join 8. Left and right front legs each have an outwardly extending free end, forming a foot portion 20. The leg then bends upwardly sharply from the floor surface, and is then folded over to define a loop portion 22. The leg curves downwardly from loop 22, and then up to the back portion 10 to form a concave recess portion 24. The back portion 10 bends backwards to the hinge 8 forming a convex curve. Loop 22 together with recess portion 24 define an open cradle portion 26, for holding the base or bottom of a guitar as shown in Figure 2. The guitar comprise a body portion A having a bottom part B, and a neck portion C. The cradle portion 26 makes it difficult for the bottom part of the guitar B to slip off forwards or laterally
In use, the guitar may be placed casually into the stand. The cradle portion 26, being of open recessed form will enable the bottom of the guitar to self locate therewithin. The guitar will rest, inclined to the vertical, resting on the convex loop forming back portion 10. Shock loadings caused by carelessly placing the guitar in the stand, will be absorbed by movement of cradle portion 26, back 10, principally as a result of the great flexibility of the tripod base, which is caused by the sinuous and lengthy configuration of legs 4, 6. If an uneven downward pressure is applied to the guitar, for example when being placed on the stand, the legs are able individually to flex or rotate to absorb this pressure. The results of such pressures, forces and shock loadings are shown more specifically in Figures 7 to 9. For example in Fig 7, if a force 48 is applied to the guitar forcing it downwards (including the weight of the guitar when the guitar is placed on the stand), the front legs 4 and the back leg 6 will bend downwards to the dotted configuration 40.
Fig. 8 shows how the stand will bend and spring if a force 49 is applied directly backwards on the guitar. The back 10 will bend backwards as at 41 while the back leg 6 will bend backwards as at 43 and the front legs and cradle 26 will spring upwards as at 42.
Fig 9 shows the flexibility where an uneven downwards force 50, is applied to the guitar shown in Fig 2. The front left leg 4 is bent downwardly as at 46, and the back leg 8 bends backwards and as at 45, The front right leg 4 , may spring up as at 69 or lift slightly off the floor before settling back down. The whole stand may then sway gently until the stand settles in its original position.
A second embodiment of the stand is shown in Figures 4 to 6, Similar parts to those of Figure 1 are denoted by similar reference numerals. Differences reside principally in the addition of a second back leg 30 enabling the left front and back legs, and right front and back legs to each be made of a single contiguous element. The left front leg 24 in Fig 4 is clasped by the hinge 8 and then continues down to form the left back leg 30. The part of the left leg which is clasped is formed into a bend so that it is unable to rotate in the clasp. When folding the left front leg 4 and left back leg 30 remain in the same position relative to each other but are brought alongside the right front leg 4 and right back leg 30 by the hinge.
.Fig 10 shows the stand of fig 1 fully folded. When fully folded the front legs 4, back leg 6 are aligned along side one another. The hinge also enables both front legs to rotate twards each other. The hinge may have a locking facility to enable the stand to be locked in the open position. of Figs 1 and 4. The hinge 8 enables the back leg 6 to rotate between the front legs. This has several advantages. It enables the stand to be transported easily and it enables the stands to be stacked together flat for transport and storage. .Fig 11 shows the stand of fig 4 when fully folded. . The left front leg 4 and back leg 30 is hinged to the right front leg 4 and back leg 30 so that they
are able to rest open as shown in Fig 4, or to fold together. When fully folded
the right and back legs are aligned along side one another as shown in Figure
11. The hinge may have a locking facility to enable the stand to be locked in
the open position of Figs 1 and 4.
Features of the invention are as follows:
1 A stand for a stringed instrument, having a frame work made of a
flexible or springy material
Formatted: Bullets and
2 A stand for a stringed instrument, having a frame work made of both * [ Numbering
a flexible or springy material and more rigid material, such that the
springy material enables the more rigid material to be moved in
different directions
3 An instrument stand wherein the configuration of the stand is
designed to allow it to spring, yield , bend or twist the instrument is
carelessly or forcefully placed on the stand
4 An instrument stand wherein the stand has a base, the elements of
which are able to spring, yield, bend or twist to different degrees.
5 An instrument stand wherein the configuration of the stand is such
that the instrument is supported at the base.
6 An instrument stand wherein supports for the base of the instrument
are able to spring, yield , bend or twist to different degrees
7 An instrument stand wherein the legs are attached together at a
hinging point so that when folded the legs all lie flat in the same
direction.
8 An instrument stand wherein the legs are attached together at a
hinging point which is placed behind the back portion so that the
hinge is not touched by the instrument
Formatted: Bullets and 9. An instrument stand wherein the part of the stand in contact with the" Numbering
instrument is covered in a material which creates friction between the
instrument and the stand An instrument stand wherein the part of the stand in contact with the instrument is covered in a material which provides cushioning between the instrument and the stand.
The springy components of the instrument stand are made of a single or composite material which has a coefficient of restitution and a high yield point.