Music stand

Abstract

There is provided a music stand which comprises a telescopic stem, a sheet music holder at one end of the stem and a supporting base at the other end of the stem, wherein the stem provides a retracted position and at least one extended position, the holder being pivotally attached to the stem so as to be rotatable between an angled position relative to the stem and a closed position against the stem.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a music stand which when not in use can be folded into a convenient shape for storage and transportation.

[0002] Conventional music stands include a substantially vertical stem, a supporting base with legs or feet, and a sheet music holder typically in the form of a tray or desk. Adjustment means are commonly provided to permit the music holder to be set at a preferred angle relative to the stem. Further adjustment means are commonly provided on the stem to control the height of the stand, this being typically assisted by employing a telescopic stem. The base and music holder may also be constructed to permit folding into a shape which facilitates packing, storage and transportation.

[0003] The known folding music stands suffer from a variety of disadvantages. Starting from the erect configuration the music holder generally has to be removed from the stem, thus splitting the product into two pieces which must be handled and stored separately. Some stands have music holders formed by a framework of pivoting bars which can be folded into a linear configuration, but these have the disadvantage that the framework does not provide sufficient support to enable a musician to write on a flimsy score. The folding bases usually have a tripod configuration of legs which in the open position may get in the way of the musician's feet.

[0004] Numerous screws or other locking devices have to be operated to enable the conventional stands to be dismantled and folded. Moreover, the folded shape of such stands does not lend itself to neat stacking or nesting.

[0005] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a music stand which provides a firm support for sheet music, has a wide range of adjustment in use and yet folds into a convenient shape for storage and transportation.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a music stand which comprises a telescopic stem, a sheet music holder at one end of the stem and a supporting base at the other end of the stem, wherein the stem provides a retracted position and at least one extended position, the sheet music holder being pivotally attached to the stem so as to be rotatable between an angled position relative to the stem and a folded position against the stem, wherein the sheet music holder includes one or more transverse ledges and, in which on moving from the angled position to the folded position the one or more transverse ledges of the sheet music holder are directed towards rather than away from the stem.

[0007] The invention provides for a music stand which can be folded from the erect position in three simple movements: retracting the stem, rotating the holder and folding the base. These movements can be undertaken in any sequence: The invention further provides for a stand which can be folded into a convenient flat configuration.

[0008] The music holder is preferably in the form of a flat plate with one or more transverse ledges. The ledges are usually comprised on the music supporting face of the holder. The ledges are generally fixed relative to the holder, but in embodiments may be arranged to be movable relative thereto for example by means of a pivot arrangement which enables the ledges to be folded towards and away from the holder (e.g. storage and in-use configurations). The flat plate can conveniently be approximately the same size as the music sheets it is intended to support.

[0009] The flat plate generally consists of a planar tray like structure, but in embodiments it may also be formed by a fan-like array of elements, which in combination define a flat plate form. In use with the stand in the raised position, sheet music is laid on the plate, with its lower edge(s) being supported by a transverse ledge. In one convenient embodiment of the invention the plate carries two transverse ledges one above the other: the upper ledge supporting sheet music, the lower ledge receiving such items as batons, pencils and erasers.

[0010] The pivotal attachment is preferably such that in the folded position the ledge or ledges on the (music supporting face of the) holder are directed towards rather than away from the stem. A gap is preferably provided in the ledge or ledges to permit the music-supporting side of the holder plate to fit snugly against the stem when in the folded position. The gap is preferably at the centre of the ledge. Provision of such gaps ensures that the holder can be rotated from its in-use position until the side upon which the music normally rests is in contact with the stem, this configuration being particularly advantageous in reducing the storage volume of the folded stand.

[0011] The underside of the music holder is preferably shaped, for example with depressions or projections, to match the folded configuration of other stands according to the invention so that when one folded stand is placed on another the stands engage with each other so as to assist orderly stacking. The music holder is pivotally attached to the stem by a pivot member which typically comprises a portion attached to the music holder, a portion attached to the stem, and a pivot pin common to the said portions. The axis of the pivot pin is preferably parallel to the plane of the flat plate.

[0012] Preferably the pivot member presents a level of friction to relative movement of the stem and holder such that the holder can be rotated to a desired angle and left there without the need for a locking device.

[0013] Preferably, the pivot member comprises a slotted spring pin such as to provide said level of friction. Suitably, the slotted spring pin comprises a cylindrical metal tube having a slit portion cut along its length such that in cross-sectional view it presents a circular profile with a slit cut through it. In aspects, the pin is made of spring steel and the slot enables it to be pushed into a hole which is smaller than the pin's free diameter, thereby ensuring that there exists a predictable level of contact force between the pin and the wall of the hole. This contact force in turn ensures that when the pin tries to turn within the hole a predictable level of friction is developed between the pin and the hole, which opposes the turning torque.

[0014] The pivot member is preferably attached to a point on the centre line of the holder. In general the attachment is most conveniently made to the centre of a transverse ledge on the lower edge of the holder, the pivot member being positioned within the height of the ledge in order for the stand to fold flat.

[0015] The preferred direction of folding is for the music-supporting side of the holder to be rotated to a folded position in which that side of the holder faces the stem. If the holder is set for use at an angle of 30.degree. to the vertical the rotation will therefore be through an angle of about 210.degree..

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention the holder is attached to the stem by a pivot whose axis runs transversely some way up the ledge and on the far side of it from the sheet music. The design and position of this pivot should be such that when the stand is in use the pivot member does not protrude in any way into the part of the holder on which the sheet music rests.

[0017] The stem consists of a number of telescopic elements. In a preferred embodiment of the invention friction joints are provided between adjacent telescopic elements. Such joints offer the advantage that the relative position of the telescopic elements to each other, and thus the height of the stand, can be readily adjusted without the need to slacken and re-tighten locking devices.

[0018] It is important that the stem has good lateral rigidity in its extended state. In a preferred embodiment of the invention to address this requirement the telescopic elements are of successively smaller cross-sectional size such that each one fits inside the next with a sufficient clearance to receive bearing elements which provide the desired friction joints. It is preferred that at least some of the bearing elements are spring-loaded, for example with leaf springs. The bearings should include stops to prevent the respective elements from being separated from each other.

[0019] Provision of internal bearing elements offers the advantage that both the friction joints and the means for aligning successive elements are entirely accommodated in the space between adjacent members so that each element can be of substantially the same length. Thus unlike many previous stands, the extra length gained by adding another element does not decline with each successive element.

[0020] The telescopic elements are preferably of non-circular cross-section. This prevents twisting of the stem and thus prevents rotation of the holder relative to the base. Preferred non-circular shapes include elliptical or polygonal cross-sections since these enhance the torsional stiffness of the stem, especially for stems with spring-loaded bearings. A hexagonal shape with two opposing sides of greater length than the other sides is especially preferred.

[0021] Preferably, the telescopic elements are all of substantially the same length.

[0022] The retracted length of the stem relative to the height of the music holder and the fore and aft dimension of the base are preferably such that the retracted stem fits within the envelope formed by the folded holder and base. Similarly the thickness of the stem and base are preferably less than the depth of the transverse ledge(s) such that in the folded position they are also within the said envelope. Such dimensions help in ensuring a convenient folded shape which facilitates transport and storage.

[0023] There are several convenient options for the shape of base according to the invention. It must however be of a sufficient size and weight to support the erect stand and may if required be weighted to improve stability.

[0024] In one configuration the base is in the form of an inverted box. This has the advantage that when the stand is folded the base and holder form an enclosed case with the retracted stem inside. Sheet music and other items could then also be carried inside the case. A carrying handle is preferably provided on an outside edge of the box.

[0025] In other configurations the base may be formed of two elongated legs, one either side of the stand and fixedly joined to each other by a cross member which supports the stem. Preferably the legs and the cross member are joined in the shape of the lower part of a capital A. This configuration not only gives the base a low profile but also enables multiple erected stands to nest compactly together.

[0026] In a preferred version of stand according to the invention the stem is inclined slightly to the vertical in the erect position, for example at an angle of about 15.degree., sloping towards the user and thus distancing the base from the user's feet.

[0027] The base can be attached to the stem by a pivot member similar to that attaching the music holder to the stem, but with a slightly different range of adjustment to allow the base to be rotated between the folded position in which the base is parallel to the stem and the erect position in which the base is parallel to the floor. The axis of rotation of this pivot member should be transverse to the stem and parallel to the axis of rotation of the music holder.

[0028] Preferably, the stand is provided with retention means between the base and the stem to retain the stand in the respective folded and erect positions.

[0029] Suitably, a pivot member between the base and stem acts as the retention means, and preferably includes one or more of friction means, a spring mechanism or stops to sustain it in the respective folded and erect positions but does not need to be stable at positions between the folded and erect positions. Depending of the configuration of the pivot member, movement of the base between the erect position to the folded position against the stem either requires rotation though 270.degree. plus any inclined angle of the erect stand, or through 90.degree. less any inclined angle of the erect stand. The means to sustain the base in the folded position must be of sufficient strength to support the weight of the base, including any stability weights within it.

[0030] In alternative embodiments of the invention the base may comprise two legs which instead of being fixedly joined to a cross member which supports the stem are each pivotally and independently attached to the said cross member. The pivot configuration can either be such that the legs can be folded inwards to a position parallel to and aligned with the said cross member or folded upwards to positions parallel to the stem. In one aspect, such independently rotatable legs their respective pivot members preferably include a dog mechanism to retain the legs in their respective folded and erect positions. In another aspect, the movement of the two legs is coupled through a coupling member (i.e. the legs are movable in coupled fashion).

[0031] To fold the stand, the holder is rotated until it lies flat against the stem, the stem is retracted to its minimum length, and the base is moved into its folded position. In this state the stand presents a substantially flat object approximately the size of a music score, with a depth equal to the depth of the ledge on the holder. Especially when the option of having locating devices is adopted, successive folded stands can be stacked in a stable manner.

[0032] Stands according to the invention offer a number of advantages: a firm and solid music holder; adjustment over a wide range of heights and angles; a base which sits flat on the floor. They can be folded and erected in three simple movements. They also offer a unitary construction, without the need for separately operated locking devices, and which avoids the problems associated with stands that need to be dismantled into two or more constituent parts.

[0033] The invention is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first version of music stand according to the invention and shown in the raised position ready for use;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a side section through the base of the stand shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from A-A in FIG. 1;

[0036] FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are detailed views of portions of the stem of the music stand shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; FIG. 3a shows the assembled stem in an extended position whereas FIGS. 3b and 3c present an exploded view of stem components;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a section through the centre of the music holder of the music stand shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, as viewed from B-B in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a section through the centre of an alternative version of music holder according to the invention, as viewed from a similar position to FIG. 4;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the stand;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative version of the stand;

[0041] FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d show side views of the stand of FIGS. 1 to 4, illustrating how it can be folded; and

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a variation of the music stand of FIG. 1.

[0043] The version of the stand illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 has a base 1, a telescopic stem 9 and a music holder 10 in the form of a tray.

[0044] The base 1 has a left leg 3 and a right leg 4, rigidly connected to the left and right ends respectively of a tubular bar 5 (shown in FIG. 2) and having small feet 2 at either end. The bar 5 is located and rotatable within a tubular bracket 6 attached to the lower end of the stem 9. The legs 3 and 4 and the bar 5 are joined in the shape of the lower part of a capital A.

[0045] The bar 5 has a hole 7 through which a ball bearing 8 is pushed under the action of a coil spring 8a towards the interior of the bracket 6. The number of such balls 8 and springs 8a can be varied in order to achieve sufficient force, and in one aspect, there are 4 of each of them. Furthermore, the axis of one or more of the ball bearing and spring pairs can be rotated very slightly relative to the others in order to eliminate backlash between the bar 5 and the bracket 6 at the fixed positions.

[0046] In one aspect as shown, shaped recesses 10a and 10b are provided within the bracket 6 so as to limit movement of the ball 9, and thus of the base 1, between positions 10a and 10b via an intermediate part 10c of the internal surface of the bracket 6. Thus the base 1 can be rotated through about 270.degree. within the bottom bracket 6 between the two extreme positions 10a and 10b, and is held in either one until rotated to the other.

[0047] In another aspect, shaped recesses 10a and 10b are provided within the bracket 6 so as to provide preferred positions of the ball 9, and thus of the base 1, in positions 10a and 10b of the internal surface of the bracket 6. Thus the base 1 can be rotated within the bottom bracket 6 between the two positions 10a and 10b, and is held in either one until rotated to the other.

[0048] The telescopic stem 9 consists of five tubular elements 11, 12, 13, 14,15, each of hexagonal lozenge-shaped cross-section. The said tubular elements are of successively smaller size such that they fit inside each other with some clearance., providing space for bearing elements 16, 17, 18, 19 to be located between them. For clarity of illustration the bearing elements 16 and 17 are shown in FIG. 3b externally to the tube 11, although in practice they are located within the tube 11 as shown in FIG. 3a. The bearing 16 is fixed to the inside of the tube 11 at its upper end, and prevented from movement along the tubes 11 and 12 by an outwardly protruding spigot 16a which engages in a hole 11 a in the tube 11. The bearing 17 is similarly located within the opposite side of the upper end of tube 11, again with an outwardly protruding spigot 17a which engages in a hole 11a in the tube 11, but with a leaf spring 20 interposed between the bearing 17 and the inside face of the tube 11. Bearing 18 is located on the outside of tube 12 at its lower end, and prevented from axial movement by an inwardly protruding spigot 18a which engages in a hole 12a in the tube 12. Bearing 19 is similarly located and prevented from axial movement on the opposite side of tube 12 and with a leaf spring 20 interposed between the bearing 19 and the outside face of the tube 12.

[0049] In the assembled stand the bearings 16, 17, 18, 19 and leaf springs 20 keep the tubes 11 and 12 in the required alignment to ensure a stable configuration of the stem 9, in which axial sliding can only take place when the surface friction provided by the springs 20 has been overcome. The telescopic extension of the tubes 11 and 12 is limited by bearings 16 and 18 making contact, and they are provided with resilient ends to act as buffers.

[0050] The tray 10 is attached to the top of stem 9 by a pivot member comprising a top bracket 21 attached to the stem 9, a slotted spring pin 22 and flanges 23 on the tray 10. The pin 22 passes through the tray flanges 23 and the top bracket 21, thereby acting as a pivot axle. The pin 22 is a tight fit within the flanges 23 and the top bracket 21 so as to provide torsional friction which maintains the tray 10 at any angle chosen by the user. The spring pin 22 is arranged to remain a tight fit irrespective of wear of the rubbing surfaces because its free diameter is greater than the bore diameter of the flanges 23 and the bracket 21.

[0051] Two ledges, 24 and 25, are provided across the lower edge of the tray 10. The first ledge 24 is to prevent music sheets from sliding off and the second ledge 25 provides storage for batons, pencils, erasers, etc. The ledges 24 and 25 each have a central gap and a depth such that in the folded position of the stand the tray 10 can be folded into a plane parallel to the axis of the stem 9.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows an alternative version of tray according to the invention, in which just one ledge 34 is provided. In this version the pivot member is located beneath the ledge 34 and comprises a top bracket 31 attached to the stem 9, a slotted spring pin 32 and flanges 33 on the underside of the ledge 34. The ledge 34 again has a central gap to accommodate the stem 9 in the folded position. The pin 32 is again a tight fit within the flanges 33 and the top bracket 31 so as to maintain the tray 10 at any chosen angle.

[0053] FIG. 6 shows an alternative version of stand according to the invention, in which the base takes the form of an inverted box 40 with a carrying handle 41. When the stand is folded the base 40 and tray 10 form a case with the retracted stem 9 inside. Sheet music and other items can then also be carried Inside the case.

[0054] FIG. 7 shows a further version of stand according to the invention, with a different means of attachment of the base legs. In this version legs 53 and 54 form with a bar 55 an opened base of similar "truncated A" appearance to that of FIG. 1. In the FIG. 7 version however the legs 53, 54 pivot about axes 56 and 57 respectively parallel to the stem 9.

[0055] FIG. 8a is a side view of the stand of FIGS. 1-4. It indicates by curved line A the action of rotating the music-holding tray 10 from its erect position to lie flat against the stem 9. FIG. 8b indicates by line B the rotation of the base 9 into its folded position. FIG. 8c indicates by line C the push action necessary to retract the stem 9 to its minimum length. Finally FIG. 8d shows the stand fully retracted with the tray 10 and base 1 lying flat against the stem 9 and thus presenting a substantially flat object for subsequent handling or storage.

[0056] FIG. 9 shows a variation of the music stand of FIG. 1, in which all elements of the stand correspond with those of FIG. 1 except leg elements 58 and 59. In the configuration of FIG. 9, the legs 58 and 59 point away from the musician rather than towards him. This has the advantage that the stem 9 is nearly vertical, and therefore the centre of gravity does not move nearer to the musician as the stand is raised. On the other hand the configuration shown in FIG. 1 invites the musician to stand in the open part of the base, and is therefore in some ways more user-friendly. The stem 9 in FIG. 1 is also less likely to get in the musician's way.

Claims

1. A music stand which comprises a telescopic stem, a sheet music holder at one end of the stem and a supporting base at the other end of the stem, wherein the stem provides a retracted position and at least one extended position, the sheet music holder being pivotally attached to the stem so as to be rotatable between an angled position relative to the stem and a folded position against the stem, wherein the sheet music holder includes one or more transverse ledges and, in which on moving from the angled position to the folded position the one or more transverse ledges of the sheet music holder are directed towards rather than away from the stem.

2. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the sheet music holder includes two transverse ledges one above the other.

3. A music stand as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, in which the sheet music holder is in the form of a flat plate.

4. A music stand as claimed in claim 3, in which the flat plate comprises a planar tray like structure.

5. A music stand as claimed in claim 2, in which a gap is provided in the ledge or ledges to permit the music-supporting side of the holder plate to fit snugly against the stem when in the folded position.

6. A music stand as claimed in claim 2, in which the holder is attached to the stem by a pivot whose axis runs transversely some way up the ledge and on the far side of it from the sheet music.

7. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the underside of the music holder is shaped to match the folded configuration of other stands according to the invention so that when one folded stand is placed on another the stands engage with each other so as to assist orderly stacking.

8. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the music holder is pivotally attached to the stem by a pivot member which comprises a pivot pin having an axis parallel to the plane defined by the sheet music holder.

9. A music stand as claimed in claim 8, in which the pivot member presents a level of friction to relative movement of the stem and holder such that the holder can be rotated to a desired angle and left there without the need for a locking device.

10. A music stand as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pivot member comprises a slotted spring pin such as to torsionally provide said level of friction.

11. A music stand as claimed in claim 8, in which the pivot member is attached to a point on the centre line of the holder.

12. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the stem consists of a number of telescopic elements having friction joints between adjacent telescopic elements.

13. A music stand as claimed in claim 12, in which the telescopic elements are of successively smaller cross-sectional size such that each one fits inside the next with a sufficient clearance to receive bearing elements which provide the desired friction joints.

14. A music stand as claimed in any claim 13, in which at least some of the bearing elements are spring-loaded.

15. A music stand as claimed in claim 12, in which the telescopic elements are of non-circular cross-section.

16. A music stand as claimed in claim 15, in which the telescopic elements have a hexagonal shape with two opposing sides of greater length than the other sides.

17. A music stand as claimed in claim 12, wherein the telescopic elements are all of substantially the same length.

18. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the retracted length of the stem relative to the height of the music holder and the fore and aft dimension of the base are such that the retracted stem fits within the envelope formed by the folded holder and base.

19. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the thicknesses of the stem and base are less than the depth of the transverse ledge(s) such that in the folded position they are within the envelope formed by the folded holder and base.

20. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the base is in the form of an inverted box.

21. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the base is formed of two elongated legs, one either side of the stand and fixedly joined to each other by a cross member which supports the stem.

22. A music stand as claimed in claim 21, in which the legs and the cross member are joined in the shape of the lower part of a capital A.

23. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the base comprises two legs which are each pivotally and independently attached to the said cross member.

24. A music stand as claimed in claim 23, wherein the two legs are coupled through a coupling member such that the legs are movable in coupled fashion relative to each other.

25. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, in which the stem in the erect position slopes towards a user.

26. A music stand as claimed in claim 1, having retention means between the base and stem which includes one or more of friction means, a spring mechanism or stops to retain the stand in the respective folded and erect positions.

27. A music stand as claimed in claim 26, wherein the retention means comprises a pivot member which includes one or more of friction means, a spring mechanism or stops.