Hinged stand with breakaway action

Abstract

The present invention provides a hinged stand for supporting an article, which includes a first member that includes a first support recess and a first bearing surface; a second member that includes a second support recess and a second bearing surface; and a breakaway hinged connection between the first and second members, which includes a hinge; and a first bias to constrain the first and second members at an operational non-zero angle relative to one another about the hinge. Another embodiment provides a hinged stand for supporting an article, which includes a first member that includes a hinge pin, a first support recess, and a first bearing surface; and a second member that includes a hook-shaped hinge support, a second support recess, and a second bearing surface; wherein the hook-shaped hinge support is adapted to receive the hinge pin, the hook-shaped hinge support and hinge pin cooperating to provide a breakaway hinged connection between the first and second members. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method, which includes contacting, supporting, or displaying at least one article selected from the group including a musical instrument, stringed musical instrument, guitar, book, sign, picture, placard, display case, and painting with the hinged stand.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/193,721, filed Nov. 13, 2003, pending, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hinged stand for supporting or displaying an article. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hinged stand for supporting or displaying a musical instrument, e.g., a guitar or other stringed instrument.

2. Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,282 discloses a guitar stand with a tripod-like structure having three rods, two of which are pivotable within a clamping band. U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,021 discloses a compact collapsible guitar stand with support legs connected to a T-hinge assembly. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,058,850 and 5,388,798 disclose easels, which are formed from a flat, generally diamond-shaped unitary member. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,350,143, 5,383,634, and 5,713,547 disclose collapsible guitar stands with three support legs pivotally attached to a central member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,689 discloses a foldable acoustic guitar stand having a generally U-shaped structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,744,735 discloses a folding guitar stand with two legs pivotally connected to a main member, each leg having a foot member with opposing balance rods for support. U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,417 discloses a guitar stand with three legs, two of which having special leg rods for support. U.S. Design Pat. No. 243,492 describes a display stand design, and U.S. Design Pat. No. 249,953 describes a combined bookholder and bookmark.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

As is apparent from the above discussion, support stands are known, in general, for supporting and/or displaying items such as musical instruments, guitars, and the like. Guitar stands typically support the guitar in an upright or inclined position. Guitar stands usually have a lower part, which cradles the guitar body, and an upper part, which supports the neck or back of the guitar by providing a point or points upon which the neck or back of the guitar rests. Such stands, however, are often large and bulky and are difficult to transport and store. Even when these types of stands are broken down or disassembled, they occupy a large volume or have an awkward shape, which makes them difficult to transport and store. The awkward or bulky disassembled form is also subject to damage during storage or transport, for example, in the case of a traveling musical group.

Other stands are known for supporting and/or displaying items such as books, paintings (framed and in progress), placards, signs, display cases, and the like. These stands, in addition to the aforementioned musical instrument stands, are often delicate—in order to save weight or reduce their size. Such stands are easily and irreversibly broken, for example, when accidentally knocked over or stepped upon.

Collapsible stands and folding stands are known, but they do not solve the problems outlined above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above problems, and others.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a hinged stand for supporting an article, which includes:

• • a first member that includes a first support recess and a first bearing surface;
  • a second member that includes a second support recess and a second bearing surface; and
  • a breakaway hinged connection between the first and second members, which includes:
    • a hinge; and
    • a first bias to constrain the first and second members at an operational non-zero angle relative to one another about the hinge.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a hinged stand for supporting an article, which includes:

• • a first member that includes a hinge pin, a first support recess, and a first bearing surface; and
  • a second member that includes a hook-shaped hinge support, a second support recess, and a second bearing surface;
  • wherein the hook-shaped hinge support is adapted to receive the hinge pin, the hook-shaped hinge support and hinge pin cooperating to provide a breakaway hinged connection between the first and second members.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method, which includes contacting, supporting, or displaying at least one article selected from the group including a musical instrument, stringed musical instrument, guitar, book, sign, picture, placard, display case, and painting with the hinged stand described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The following description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 shows the general parts of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a detail of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a section taken in the direction of 4A-4A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows a detail of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a section taken in the direction of 5A-5A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the stand open.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the stand supporting a guitar.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the stand closed.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the stand open.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention with the stand closed.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of one embodiment of the present invention with the stand open.

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood from the following detailed description of the invention, which is not intended to be limiting unless otherwise indicated.

The present invention desirably provides a stand that solves the problems with conventional stands. It is particularly suited for supporting and/or displaying any of a musical instrument, stringed musical instrument, guitar, book, sign, placard, display case, and painting (framed or in progress). In one embodiment, the stand is adapted to support and/or display a guitar. The stand is designed to be collapsible for easy storage and/or transport, and when so collapsed it assumes a streamlined profile, which is not bulky or awkward. When closed the stand can desirably fit into an instrument case, such as a guitar case, together with the instrument as appropriate. The stand desirably holds the guitar in an upright or inclined position. When in operation, the stand desirably has a lower part, which cradles the guitar body, and optionally an upper part, which supports the neck or back of the guitar by providing a point or points upon which the neck or back of the guitar rests. Importantly, the stand has a failsafe breakaway hinge feature, which allows the stand to respond to an outside force, such as being stepped upon, without being damaged.

In one embodiment, the hinged stand has a first bias to constrain the first and second members 1 and 2 at one or more angles with respect to one another. The angle may be suitably formed substantially between the respective major planes 22 and 23 of the first and second members 1 and 2 and having the hinge axis 20 as the angle vertex. The first bias suitably constrains the first and second members 1 and 2 at a non-zero operational angle with respect to one another about the hinge or hinge axis 20. This may be referred to herein as the operational or “open” position. The structure of this bias is not particularly limited so long as it has the appropriate function, which, in the context of the present invention, is to constrain the first and second members 1 and 2 at a particular angle, to reproducibly release without damage when subjected to a sufficient additional force, and to reproducibly re-engage without damage for continued use.

The stand can be easily opened and closed between its “open” and “closed” positions. The present invention has the particularly desirable feature in that if the stand is stepped on while it is sitting on the floor in its open position, or otherwise subjected to a sufficient angle-opening force, the bias or breakaway hinged connection 9 releases, and the stand can open to a larger angle further and lie flat against the ground. As used herein, the term, “bias” may also be referred to as a bias means, but such terminology should not be interpreted as restricting the invention to any specific structure. The guitar or other supported article may be suitably held in a near-upright or upright position by the stand. The bias constrains the first and second members 1 and 2 with a force sufficient to provide the stand with the structural stability to support the article and not collapse in normal use. When in operation, the first and second members 1 and 2 are in the open position, the first and second support recesses 5 and 6 cradle the article, and the bearing surfaces provide the “feet” or base upon which the stand contacts the underlying supporting surface, such as a horizontal surface or floor. The constraint, however, is not so strong as to prevent a user from easily closing the stand, e.g., for storage or transport, and it is not so strong as to prevent the user from easily opening the stand. In this regard, the user may suitably open and close the stand with one or both hands, pivoting the members about the hinge to any angle as appropriate. However, when the hinged stand, in an operational position, is subjected to an excessive force, such as a downward force, e.g., such as when accidentally stepped upon, the constraining force is overcome, the bias releases the hinge from the operational or other biased angle, and the stand can open to a larger angle, e.g., and lie flat against the ground. This eliminates stress going through the stand and protects it from being damaged. The hinge can thus breakaway without damage to the hinge or stand. Afterwards, the user can simply fold the first and second members 1 and 2 back into the operational position and continue using the stand. Thus, the stand may be easily reassembled for continued use.

Nonlimiting examples of the bias include at least one of a catch, pawl, dog, detent, indentation, protrusion 11, spring, rod 10, groove, spring detent, snap, hinged strip 30, hook and loop fabric (e.g., VELCRO™), magnet, or combination thereof on the first member 1. These components cooperate with one or more appropriate opposing structures on the second member 2, which may include at least one of a catch, pawl, dog, detent, indentation, protrusion 11, spring, rod 10, groove, spring detent, snap, hinged strip 30, hook and loop fabric (e.g., VELCRO™), magnet, or combination thereof on the second member 2.

In one embodiment, the first bias includes one or more detents on an outside portion of the hook-shaped hinge support 4 in cooperation with a springed rod 10 on the second member 2, the springed rod 10 having an axis defined by its two ends that is approximately parallel to a central axis 20 of the hinge. In this embodiment, the detents may be a concave portion in an otherwise convex outer surface or profile 19 of the hook-shaped hinge support 4, or may be defined by two adjacent protrusions 11 on the outer surface or profile 19 of the hook-shaped hinge support 4, or a combination thereof.

In the embodiment having the hook-shaped hinge supports 4 and hinge pins 3 illustrated in figures, the hinge components 3 and 4 may separate upon breaking away. In this embodiment, the user can then simply pick the stand up, engage the hinge pin(s) 3 with the hook-shaped hinge support(s) 4, fold the first and second members 1 and 2 back into the operational position and continue using the stand.

In one embodiment, the first bias may be a hinged strap 30 such as shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14. The hinged strap 30 suitably includes a hinged portion 32 at some point along its length. The hinged portion 32 may be any hinge, but a living hinge is shown in FIGS. 12-14. The hinged strap 30 may be connected to the first and second members 1 and 2 with one or more rotatable features 34. When the stand is closed, the hinged portion 32 on the hinged strap 30 suitably folds so that it may suitably stow between the closed members 1 and 2. When the stand is opened, the hinged portion 32 of the hinged strap 30 opens, and the hinged strap 30 controls the bias angle between the members 1 and 2. The rotatable features 34 allow each leaf of the hinged strap 30 to rotate relative to the surface of the respective first or second member 1 or 2 to which it is attached. One or both of the rotatable features 34 also provides a releasable connection, wherein when a sufficient angle-opening force is supplied to put the hinged strap 30 under sufficient tension, one or both of the rotatable features 34 releases from the respective member 1 or 2 to which they are attached, and the hinge can thus breakaway. One example of the releasable connection for the rotatable features 34 has two or more opposing male bumps 35 on the that snap into two or more respective female indentations 36. If the stand is stepped on, the male bumps 35 pop out of the female indentations 36, and the stand can open up and fold flat against the floor. The user can simply re-engage the male bumps 35 with the female indentations 36, and the stand is ready for reuse. The hinged strap 30, hinged portion 32, male bumps 35 and female indentations 36 may be made from any material, e.g., plastic.

No other guitar stand has this “breakaway” failsafe hinge feature. The present invention, however, is not limited to guitar stands, and may desirably be extended to and incorporated in other stands as appropriate, and these other embodiments are within the present invention.

Any hinge may be suitably used in the stand in accordance with the present invention. One example of a suitable hinge is the combination hook-shaped hinge support/hinge pin illustrated in the figures. The invention is not limited thereto, however. Other suitable hinges include a living hinge, a cloth living hinge, a fibrous living hinge, a plastic living hinge, a hinge having interspersed hinge supports joined by one or more hinge pins, butt hinge, butterfly hinge, flush hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge, continuous or piano hinge, slip hinge, flag hinge, combinations thereof, and the like. The hinge supports may have any shape sufficient to pivot around one or more hinge pins, including loop, cylindrical or hook-shaped. The hinge may be formed as an integral part of the first or second members or both, or the hinge may be attached to the members by one or more of adhesive, weld, ultrasonic weld, heat weld, solvent weld, fastener, screw, rivet, mechanical snap, combinations thereof, and the like. If appropriate, each side or “leaf” of the hinge, or the first and second members may be independently swaged or unswaged relative to the hinge axis. Such swaging may be half swage, full swage, or offset as appropriate. The hinge may be reverse assembled as appropriate. In one embodiment, a living hinge includes one or more thin sections of plastic that form a flexible hinged connection between the first and second members. The plastic living hinge material may be a flexible plastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, polystyrene, their copolymers, combinations thereof, and the like. Combinations of hinges and hinge materials are possible.

One example of a hinged stand with a living hinge is shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a hinged stand for supporting an article, which includes:

• • a first member 1 that includes a hinge pin 3, a first support recess 5, and a first bearing surface 7; and
  • a second member 2 that includes a hook-shaped hinge support 4, a second support recess 6, and a second bearing surface 8;
  • wherein the hook-shaped hinge support 4 is adapted to receive the hinge pin 3, the hook-shaped hinge support 4 and hinge pin 3 cooperating to provide a breakaway hinged connection 9 between the first and second members 1 and 2.

In one embodiment, the breakaway hinged connection 9 includes a first bias to constrain the first and members at an operational non-zero angle relative to one another having the hinge pin 3 at its vertex. In this embodiment, the breakaway hinged connection 9 is designed such that it is biased at a non-zero angle when the stand is in operation, e.g., supporting an article such as a guitar.

Nonlimiting examples of first and second members 1 and 2 are shown in FIG. 1.

Detail of one embodiment of a first member 1 is shown, for example, in FIG. 2. The hinge axis 20 is shown along the axial portion of the hinge pin 3 side of the breakaway hinge. Flats 13 are present on several of the knuckles 17 to allow a wire rod 10 to enter a slot 12, also shown. The springed rod 10 is one part of one example of a bias.

One embodiment of a second member 2 is shown, for example, in FIG. 5. The section in FIG. 5A shows a detail of a hook-shaped hinge support 4. The inner recess 14 thereof has a hook shape, and the outer surface 19 thereof is suitably convex. Detents are shown on the outer surface thereof, and two wire rod 10 locations 24 and 25 are shown, which correspond to “open” and “closed” locations. The “open” location 24 is one which biases the first and second members 1 and 2 at a non-zero angle relative to each other. This is one embodiment of the operational position. The other “closed” location 25 corresponds to the position of the wire when the first and second members 1 and 2 are biased in a closed position, or are effectively at an approximate angle of zero degrees with respect to each other. This closed location 25 is suitable for when the hinge is being stored or transported.

In one embodiment, the non-zero operational or open angle may be suitably between zero and 140 degrees such that when the first and second members 1 and 2 are so biased, the first and second support recesses 5 and 6 cooperate to support the article. When the first and second members 1 and 2 are biased at the non-zero angle, the first and second bearing surfaces cooperate to support the hinged stand. The non-zero angle may include any angle such as 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 27, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 degrees as appropriate. In one embodiment, the operational angle is between zero and 90 degrees.

The hinged stand can also include more than one bias, including one that constrains the first and second members 1 and 2 at an approximately zero degree angle with respect to one another about the vertex. In another embodiment, in addition to constraining the hinged stand to the operational non-zero angle, the bias constrains the first and second members 1 and 2 at an angle larger than the operational angle, including 180 degrees or larger. More than one bias may be present, and any bias may be used in combination. In one embodiment wherein hook-shaped hinge supports 4 and hinge pins 3 are used such as illustrated in the figures, the bias can be any angle between zero and an angle at which the hinge pin 3 may be removed from the hook-shaped hinge support 4.

In the case wherein a plurality of hinge supports 4 are present, adapted as they are to receive a plurality of hinge pins 3, then one, more than one, or every hinge support 4 may include at least one bias to constrain the first and second members 1 and 2 at the operational angle or closed angle. A single hinge support 4 may be suitably adapted to create at least one component of the bias. Any of a plurality of hinge supports 4 may be so adapted, and the single hinge support 4 so adapted may appear anywhere along the hinge axis 20. Mechanically, it may be advantageous to add the hinge bias wherever the hinge has the largest diameter. This enables the bias to be most effective, since it acts at the longest possible torque arm. In the illustrated embodiment, the single hinge support 4 so adapted is located at a central location along the hinge axis 20.

The hook-shaped hinge support 4 has an outer portion or profile 19 and a hook-shaped inner recess, so that the inner recess adapted to receive the hinge pin 3. The recess may be suitably adapted to receive the hinge pin 3 at a right angle to its central axis, e.g., at a right angle to the hinge axis 20.

In one embodiment, the first member 1 of the stand may suitably include a plurality of hinge pins 3, separated and supported by hinge pin knuckles 17. These plural pins have a common central axis, or hinge axis 20.

In one embodiment, the second member 2 may also include more than one hook-shaped hinge support 4. These, too, have a common central axis 20, and are adapted to receive a plurality of hinge pins 3.

The knuckles 17 supporting the hinge pins 3 may have any outer profile 18. Similarly, the outer profile 19 of the hook-shaped hinge support 4 may have any shape. The outer profiles 18, 19 of the knuckles 17 and/or hook-shaped hinge supports 4, and any individual knuckle 17 or support thereamong, may each be independently circular, elliptical, parabolic, polygonal, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and any combination thereof, when viewed in section along the hinge axis 20. If a plurality of hinge pins 3 and hook-shaped hinge supports 4 are present, they may have the same outer perimeters or diameters as the case may be, or their perimeters or diameters may vary along the length of the hinge axis 20. In one embodiment, such as substantially shown in the figures, the centrally located knuckles 17 and hook-shaped hinge supports 4 have outer perimeters that are larger than those at the ends of the hinge axis 20. This gives the hinged connection a pleasing arcuate shape.

One example of a first member 1 is shown, for example in FIG. 4. The section in FIG. 4A shows a detail of one hinge pin 3 and knuckle 17. The bumps 15 as shown form an inner wall that limits the wire rod 10 flex direction. The section A-A detail shows two surfaces that create a slot 12 in which the wire rod 10 is allowed to flex. The slot 12 is suitably adapted to secure the wire rod 10 in place in the event the first and second members become separated. This eliminates the possibility that the user might lose the wire rod 10 if it were to fall out when the first and second members are separated.

In one embodiment, the breakaway hinge connection includes an axial portion with first and second ends thereof, the first end being adjacent to the first and second support recesses 5 and 6, and the second end being adjacent to the first and second bearing surfaces; and wherein the first end provides an additional support surface 21 that cooperates with the first and second recesses for supporting the article. In another embodiment, the breakaway hinged connection 9 includes an axial portion with first and second ends thereof, the first end being adjacent to the first and second support recesses 5 and 6, and the second end being adjacent to the first and second bearing surfaces; and wherein the second end provides an additional bearing surface that cooperates with the first and second bearing surfaces to support the hinged stand in an operational position.

As noted above, the breakaway hinged connection 9 is adapted such that the first and second members 1 and 2 may be moved from the operational non-zero angle to an angle of approximately 180 degrees and greater without damaging the stand. In addition, the breakaway hinged connection 9 may be suitably adapted such that the first and second members 1 and 2 may be repeatedly moved from the operational non-zero angle to an angle of approximately 180 degrees and greater and back to the operational non-zero angle without damaging the stand.

In one embodiment, the first and second members 1 and 2 may be repeatedly moved through any angle between zero and 360 degrees without damaging the stand.

In one embodiment, the breakaway hinged connection 9 may suitably be adapted such that the first and second members 1 and 2 may be repeatedly moved from the operational non-zero angle to a larger angle and separated from one another, the hinge pin 3 being removable from the hook-shaped hinge support 4 at the larger angle, and the first and second members 1 and 2 may be unhinged accordingly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the breakaway hinge is adapted such that the first and second members may not be unhinged from one another. This embodiment has the advantage that the user would not need to realign the hinge pin 3 to the hook-shaped hinge support.

In one embodiment, the hinged stand includes a separate structure for holding the first and second members 1 and 2 in a closed position, such as a snap closure, hook and eye closure, magnetic closure, hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO™) closure, and the like.

In one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second members 1 and 2 are open in an operational position, the stand assumes a roughly tetrahedral shape, with one face of the tetrahedon substantially defined by the bearing surfaces (e.g., the intersection of the bearing surfaces with a horizontal surface upon which the stand rests); one face substantially defined by the major plane 22 of the first member 1; one face substantially defined by the major plane 23 of the second member 2; and a fourth face of the tetrahedron substantially defined by a major plane of the supported instrument or, alternatively, by a plane intersecting the additional support surface 21 and the frontmost projections of either the bearing surfaces 7 and 8 or the support recesses 5 and 6. In this manner, the hinge axis 20 substantially defines one edge of the tetrahedron, which is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface and which forms a load-supporting axis. If appropriate, at the uppermost end of the load-supporting axis is the additional support surface 21, and a bearing surface is at the lowermost end of the load supporting axis.

The assembly procedure for the stand is not particularly limited. In one embodiment, a small plastic tube 16 is slid over a springed wire rod 10 to minimize abrasion between the wire rod 10 and the plastic hinge. This tube 16 may or may not be necessary depending on the different materials used for the different parts, which may be selected according to the skill of the ordinary artisan. The wire rod 10, with the plastic tube 16 located at the center of the rod 10, is dropped down into its slot 12 in the first member 1. The second member 2 is then dropped down onto the first member 1, with the inner recess 14 of the hook-shaped hinge support on the second member 2 aligned with the hinge pin on the first member 1. As the second member 2 is rotated towards the “closed” position, the wire rod 10 pops over the protrusions 11 on the center hinge knuckle 17 that create the “detent” feature.

The stand may be easily opened and closed. If the stand is stepped upon while it is sitting on the floor in its open position, the wire can pop over the center hinge knuckle 17 protrusion 11 and the stand can open and fold flat against the ground. This eliminates stress going through the stand and protects it from being damaged. The user can then simply pick the stand up, engage the hinge pin(s) 3 with the hook-shaped hinge support(s) 4, and fold the first and second members 1 and 2 back into the operational position and continue using the stand.

The material forming the stand is not particularly limited. The stand may suitably be made of a plastic, metal, wood, or composite material, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the stand is made of plastic.

In one embodiment, each member of the stand includes a main plastic body which may have one or more rubber-like cushions 26 attached to it. In one embodiment, three cushions are used on each member, with two of the cushions 26 provide padding between the stand bearing surface and the floor, and one of the cushions 26 provides padding between the stand support recess and/or support surface and the instrument or article.

The cushions 26 can be made from any reasonably soft material which will not mar the finish on the guitar or floor. The material should be soft enough to protect the guitar finish and prevent the guitar from slipping in the stand. Suitable materials include silicone, rubber, vinyl, polyisoprene, TPE™, or KRATON™.

One embodiment is shown, for example, in FIG. 3, wherein the elastomeric cushions 26 are attached to the bearing surfaces and recess supports by hard plastic rails 27. The hard plastic rails 27 may be welded, ultrasonically welded, heat welded, or solvent welded down over the elastomeric cushions 26 to secure them in place. Alternatively, the rails 27 can be affixed using adhesive, screws, rivets, mechanical snaps, or other means, or any combination thereof. In view of cost efficacy and bond strength, ultrasonic welding may be advantageous. Alternatively, the cushions 26, without the rails 27, can be directly affixed using adhesive, screws, rivets, mechanical snaps, or other means, or any combination thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method, which includes contacting, supporting, or displaying at least one article selected from the group including a musical instrument, stringed musical instrument, guitar, book, sign, display case, picture, placard, and painting with the hinged stand described above.

The present invention is not limited to only the breakaway hinges shown. Other types of breakaway hinges may be suitably used in accordance with known manufactures.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A hinged stand for supporting an article, comprising:

a first member comprising a first support recess and a first bearing surface;

a second member comprising a second support recess and a second bearing surface; and

a breakaway hinged connection between the first and second members, comprising: a hinge; and a first bias to constrain the first and second members at an operational non-zero angle relative to one another about the hinge.

2. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the first bias comprises:

at least one selected from the group consisting of catch, pawl, dog, detent, indentation, protrusion, spring, rod, groove, spring detent, snap, hinged strip, hook and loop fabric, magnet, and combination thereof on said first member;

in cooperation with at least one selected from the group consisting of catch, pawl, dog, detent, indentation, protrusion, spring, rod, groove, spring detent, snap, hinged strip, hook and loop fabric, magnet, and combination thereof on said second member.

3. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises one or more living hinge, butt hinge, butterfly hinge, flush hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge, continuous or piano hinge, slip hinge, flag hinge, hinge having interspersed hinge supports joined by one or more hinge pins, or combination thereof.

4. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a plurality of hinge pins in contact with the first member, the hinge pins having a common central axis.

5. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a plurality of hinge supports in contact with the second member, the hinge supports having a common central axis.

6. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway hinged connection further comprises a second bias to constrain the first and members at an angle of approximately zero degrees relative to one another about the hinge.

7. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the non-zero angle is such that when the first and second members are so biased, the first and second support recesses cooperate to support the article.

8. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the non-zero angle is between zero and 140 degrees.

9. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the non-zero angle is between zero and 90 degrees.

10. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the non-zero angle is such that when the first and second members are so biased, the first and second bearing surfaces cooperate to support the hinged stand.

11. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway hinged connection further comprises an axial portion with first and second ends thereof, the first end being adjacent to the first and second support recesses, and the second end being adjacent to the first and second bearing surfaces; and wherein the first end provides an additional support surface that cooperates with the first and second recesses for supporting the article.

12. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway hinged connection further comprises an axial portion with first and second ends thereof, the first end being adjacent to the first and second support recesses, and the second end being adjacent to the first and second bearing surfaces; and wherein the second end provides an additional bearing surface that cooperates with the first and second bearing surfaces to support the hinged stand in an operational position.

13. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the first and second members may repeatedly be moved between an angle of zero degrees and an angle larger than zero degrees relative to one another about the hinge without damaging the stand.

14. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the first and second members may repeatedly be moved between the non-zero degree angle and an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to one another about the hinge without damaging the stand.

15. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the hinged stand is adapted to support at least one article selected from the group consisting of a musical instrument, stringed musical instrument, guitar, book, sign, picture, placard, display case, and painting.

16. A method, comprising contacting, supporting, or displaying at least one article selected from the group consisting of a musical instrument, stringed musical instrument, guitar, book, sign, picture, placard, display case, and painting with the hinged stand according to claim 1.

17. A hinged stand for supporting an article, comprising:

a first member comprising a hinge pin, a first support recess, and a first bearing surface; and

a second member comprising a hook-shaped hinge support, a second support recess, and a second bearing surface;

wherein the hook-shaped hinge support is adapted to receive the hinge pin, the hook-shaped hinge support and hinge pin cooperating to provide a breakaway hinged connection between the first and second members.

18. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the hinge supports further comprises at least one recess that is adapted to receive the hinge pin at a right angle to its central axis.

19. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway hinged connection further comprises a first bias to constrain the first and second members at an operational non-zero angle relative to one another having the hinge pin at its vertex, and wherein the first bias comprises a detent on an outside portion of the hook-shaped hinge support in cooperation with a springed rod on the second member, the springed rod having an axis defined by its two ends that is approximately parallel to a central axis of the hinge.

20. The hinged stand according to claim 1, wherein the hook-shaped hinge support comprises a convex outer portion and a hook-shaped inner recess, the inner recess adapted to receive the hinge pin.