Music Standza

Abstract

A portable music stand architecture is presented for solitary practice or for performance. The music stand comprises a base section, two side sections and a back section secured together. An accessory plate assembly is secured to the two side sections and comprises at least one recessed tray for storage of accessories, such as instrument accessories and musical tools. A shelf can be located within the interior of the music stand for retaining sheet music or music books. Further, a music display is secured to the accessory plate assembly to display music. The music display extends from two hinges connected along a front side of the accessory plate assembly, the music display pivots upward to lie flat when fully opened. When closed, the music display extends down above the base section of the music stand, leaving an opening underneath to allow access to the shelf.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No, 61/292,635 filed Jan. 6, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Portability and convenience along with storage have long been the desires of musicians regarding music stands. Typical music stands currently being manufactured are designed for use in groups in an orchestra, band or on stage, either during performances or in practice. As such, most of these music stands have legs, are lightweight, collapsible and as unobtrusive as possible. Stands of this type, however, typically lack rigidity in the desk assembly. As a result, they often do not provide adequate support for sheets or books of music, especially when the music is thin, or is of a large size. They are not suitable for supporting heavy items such as books. These music stands also do not allow for the storage of accessories.

Therefore, a music stand for use primarily for solitary practice, but which can also be used in performance, as well as for storing instrument maintenance items or music accessories would be useful. This type of music stand would be designed without legs, (but which could be placed on another legged structure), would be sturdier, larger and more stable than typical music stands. The design would create enough room to store accessories and instrument maintenance items, or books and music, while allowing steady, secure portable placement of the unit on potentially unstable surfaces or other legged items. This design, with its wide base and no legs, would allow it to be easily positioned in the same places where musicians typically practice—on tables, desks, furniture or the floor, in either theirs or in another musicians' studio or home.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a portable music stand primarily for solitary practice but which can also be used for performance. The music stand comprises a base section, two side sections, and a back section secured together. An accessory plate assembly, situated at the top of the unit, is secured to the two side sections and extends out over each of those two side sections, creating handles. A front-facing music display section is secured to the accessory plate assembly so as to display sheet music or music books.

Furthermore, the accessory plate assembly comprises at least one recessed tray for storage of accessories, such as instrument accessories, musical tools and water bottles, cups or cans. Additionally, a shelf can be located within the interior of the music stand for retaining sheet music, music books or other music accessories and tools.

Further, the music displayer extends from two hinges connected along a front side of the accessory plate assembly and which pivots upward so as to lie completely flat when fully opened. When closed, the music displayer extends down to several inches above the base section of the music stand, leaving an opening underneath to allow partial access to the interior of the cabinet.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the front and right side of a music stand wherein the music display is partially opened.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the front of the music stand wherein the music display is closed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front and right side of the music stand wherein the music display is fully opened.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the rear of the music stand.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the top of the music stand.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the top of the music stand wherein accessories are stored in the recessed trays.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the top of the music stand wherein additional accessories are stored in the recessed trays.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the top of the music stand wherein additional accessories are stored in the recessed trays.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the music stand wherein a music book is displayed on the music display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

Typically, music stands are designed for use in groups in an orchestra, band or on stage, either during performances or in practice. As such, most of these music stands have legs, are lightweight, collapsible and as unobtrusive as possible. Stands of this type, however, typically lack rigidity in the desk assembly. As a result, they often do not provide adequate support for sheets of music, especially when the music is thin or is of a large size. Neither are they suitable for supporting heavy items such as books. These music stands also do not allow for the storage of accessories or instrument maintenance items. Therefore, a music stand for use primarily for solitary practice, as well as for storing accessories would be useful.

Accordingly, the inventive device is a combination music stand and portable storage cabinet serving the purposes of displaying sheet music and music books, allowing musicians to read and play music, while also serving as a personal organizer for instrument accessories, maintenance items and musical scores. The front plate of the music stand device is designed to hold music sheets or books, functioning as a music stand, while the accessory plate assembly, located on the top of the stand and always accessible, as well as the interior, are designed for the organization, ease of access and storage of instrument and music accessories such as tools, musical scores and books, oils, cloths, various mouthpieces, pens, pencils, picks, tuners, reed refinishing blocks, metronomes, tape recorders, etc. Furthermore, the cabinet is a small portable tabletop unit designed to be supported on a flat surface, easily transported by hand, allowing it to be placed anywhere and at any height, when placed on another object, the musician chooses to play. Thus, the music stand is designed to be without legs, sturdier, larger and more stable than typical music stands.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a music stand 100 according to the present invention. The music stand 100 comprises a base section 102 secured to two side sections 104. The base section 102 is designed without legs to allow for steady, secure placement of the music stand 100 on a stable or unstable surface. Thus, the music stand 100, with the wide base section 102 and no legs, allows the stand 100 to be positioned in places where musicians typically practice, (i.e., on tables, desks, furniture or the floor in theirs or another musician's studio or home).

An accessory plate assembly 106 is then secured to the two side sections 104. The accessory plate assembly 106 is preferably angled from the rear to the front to create a generally trapezoidal shape. The accessory plate assembly 106 extends out over the two side sections 104, creating handles 108 on either side of the music stand 100. The handles 108 can serve as a base for attaching clip lights (not shown) or other accessories or tools. The accessory plate assembly 106 also comprises at least one recessed tray 110 a, b, c, d. Typically, there are multiple recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, positioned on the accessory plate assembly 106, however any number of recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, can be formed in the accessory plate assembly 106. Further, the recessed trays can comprise an oblong slot 110a, a recessed cylinder 110b and 110c, or a rectangular tray 110d.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the accessory plate assembly 106 comprises an oblong slot recessed tray 110a which can be used for the placement of accessories such as a metronome, tape recorder or cellular telephone. The oblong slot would hold thin objects with a front display, which when placed in the oblong slot 110a on their edge would show a clear upright hands free display. The accessory plate assembly 106 of FIG. 1 also comprises two recessed cylinders 110b and 110c. The recessed cylinders are approximately 2 inches deep, but could be between 1 and 5 inches deep. The first recessed cylinder 110b is approximately 2 inches in diameter, but could be between 1 and 3 inches in diameter. The first cylinder 110b is primarily used as a universal mouthpiece holder. The second cylinder 110c is approximately 3 inches in diameter, but could be between 2 and 5 inches in diameter. The second cylinder 110c is primarily used for holding cans, cups or water bottles, but could also be used as a secondary universal mouthpiece holder. Further, the accessory plate assembly 106 of FIG. 1 also comprises a rectangular catch-all tray 110d for accessories such as reeds, eyeglasses, pencils, pens, guitar picks, or other music accessories. All the recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, can be used for multiple purposes at the musician's discretion.

Furthermore, the music stand 100 also comprises a music display 112. The music display 112 is secured to the front side of the accessory plate assembly 106. The music display 112 is typically secured via hinges, but could also be secured by any other known fastener. The music display 112 pivots upwards to lie flat when fully opened, fully exposing the interior of the music stand 100 and the interior shelf. When closed, the music display 112 preferably extends down at approximately between 25 and 45 degrees, resting on the top edge of the two side sections 104 of the music stand 100, but other angular arrangements could be used without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The music display 112 extends down approximately 3 inches above the base section 102 of the music stand 100, but could be between 1 and 6 inches. The music display 112 leaves an opening exposed underneath, thus allowing a musician to partially access the interior of the music stand 100.

Further, a support rail 114 is positioned along the bottom of the music display 112, extending out approximately 1 and ½ inches at an 80 degree angle to the front plate, extending horizontally along its full length, but could be between 1 and 4 inches, and the angle could vary between 60 and 90 degrees. The support rail 114 allows for holding sheet music or music books. The interior of the music stand 100 is an open box with a shelf 116. The shelf 116 is approximately 7 inches wide and 14 inches long, but could be between 6 and 9 inches wide and between 13 and 15 inches wide. The shelf 116 is accessible from behind, even when the music display 112 is closed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a music stand 100, wherein the music display 112 is in a closed position. The music display 112 is secured to a front side of an accessory plate assembly 106, resting on the top edge of the two side sections 104 of the music stand 100. The music display 112 is typically secured via hinges, but could also be secured by any other known fastener. The music display 112 pivots upwards to lie flat when fully opened, exposing the interior of the music stand 100. When closed, the music display 112 extends down at approximately a 35 degree angle, but could be between 25 and 45 degrees, resting on the music stand 100. The music display 112 extends down approximately 4 inches above the bottom of the music stand 100, but could be between 1 and 6 inches. The music display 112 leaves an opening 206 exposed underneath, thus allowing a musician to access the interior of the music stand 100.

Further, a support rail 114 is positioned along the bottom of the music display 112, extending out approximately 1 and ½ inches at an 80 degree angle horizontally along its full length, but could be between 1 and 4 inches and between 60 and 90 degrees. The support rail 114 allows for holding sheet music, music books and the like.

The accessory plate assembly 106 also comprises at least one recessed tray (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). Typically, there are multiple recessed trays positioned on the accessory plate assembly 106, however any number of recessed trays can be formed in the accessory plate assembly 106. Further, the recessed trays can comprise an oblong slot 110a, a recessed cylinder 110b and 110c, or a rectangular tray 110d.

The oblong slot 110a would hold thin objects that have a front display, which when placed in the oblong slot 110a on their edge would show a clear upright hands free display, such as a metronome, tape recorder or cellular telephone. The first recessed cylinder 110b is primarily used as a universal mouthpiece holder. The second recessed cylinder 110c is primarily used for holding cans, cups or water bottles, but could also be used as a secondary universal mouthpiece holder. Further, the rectangular catch-all tray 110d would be used for accessories such as reeds, eyeglasses, pencils, pens, guitar picks, or other music accessories. However, all the recessed trays (110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d) can be used for multiple purposes at the musician's discretion.

Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates a music stand 100, wherein the music display 112 is in an open position. The music display 112 is secured to a front side of an accessory plate assembly 106. The music display 112 is typically secured via hinges 306, but could also be secured by any other known fastener. The music display 112 pivots upwards to lie flat when fully opened, exposing the interior of the music stand 100. When closed, the music display 112 extends down at approximately a 35 degree angle, but could be between 25 and 45 degrees, resting on the two side sections 104 of the music stand 100. The music display 112 extends down approximately 4 inches above the base section 102 of the music stand 100, but could be between 1 and 6 inches. The music display 112 leaves an opening exposed underneath, thus allowing a musician to access the interior of the music stand 100.

The interior of the music stand 100 is an open box with at least one shelf 116. The shelf 116 is approximately 7 inches wide and 13 inches long, but could be between 11 and 14 inches long and between 6 and 9 inches wide.

Furthermore, FIG. 4 illustrates the back of the music stand 100. The music stand 100 comprises two side sections 104 secured to a back section 408. An accessory plate assembly 106 is secured to the two side sections 104. The accessory plate assembly 106 comprises at least one recessed tray 110 a, b, c, d. Typically, there are multiple recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, positioned on the accessory plate assembly 106, however any number of recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, can be formed in the accessory plate assembly 106. Further, the recessed trays can comprise an oblong slot 110a, a recessed cylinder 110 b and 110c, or a rectangular tray 110d. All the recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, can be used for multiple purposes at the musician's discretion.

Further, an opening 410 above the top of the back section 408 allows interior accessibility to the shelf 116 from the rear. The opening 410 is approximately 3 inches above the back section 408, but could be between 0 and 13 inches.

FIG. 5 illustrates the top of the music stand 100, comprising an accessory plate assembly 106. The accessory plate assembly 106 comprises at least one recessed tray (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). Typically, there are multiple recessed trays positioned on the accessory plate assembly 106, however any number of recessed trays can be formed in the accessory plate assembly 106. Further, the recessed trays can comprise an oblong slot 110a, a recessed cylinder 110b and 110c, or a rectangular tray 110d.

The oblong slot 110a would hold thin objects with a front display, which when placed in the oblong slot 110a on their edge would show a clear upright hands free display, such as a metronome tape recorder or cellular telephone. The first recessed cylinder 110b is primarily used as a universal mouthpiece holder. The second recessed cylinder 110c is primarily used for holding cans, cups or water bottles, but could also be used as a secondary universal mouthpiece holder. Further, the rectangular catchall tray 110d would be used for accessories such as reeds, eyeglasses, pencils, pens, guitar picks, or other music accessories. However, all the recessed trays (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) can be used for multiple purposes at the musician's discretion.

Furthermore, the music stand 100 also comprises a music display 112 secured to the front side of the accessory plate assembly 106. When closed, the music display 112 rests on the top edge of the two side sections 104 of the music stand 100. Additionally, a support rail 114 is positioned along the bottom of the music display 112 for holding sheet music or music books.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a music stand 100 wherein various accessories 602 are stored in the recessed trays 110 a, b, c, d, of the accessory plate assembly 106.

FIG. 9 illustrates a music stand 100 wherein the music display 112 is displaying a music book 904. The music book 904 rests on the support rail 114 of the music display 112. The support rail 114 is positioned along the bottom of the music display 112, extending out approximately 1 and ½ inches at an 80 degree angle horizontally along its full length, but could be between 1 and 4 inches and between 60 and 90 degrees. The support rail 114 allows for holding sheet music, music books and the like.

The music display 112 is secured to the front side of the accessory plate assembly 106. The music display 112 is typically secured via hinges, but could also be secured by any other known fastener. The music display 112 pivots upwards to lie flat when fully opened, exposing the interior of the music stand 100. When closed, the music display 112 extends down at a 35-degree angle, resting on the top edge of the two side sections 104 of the music stand 100. The music display 112 extends down approximately 4 inches above the base section 102 of the music stand 100, but could be between 1 and 6 inches. The music display 112 leaves an opening 206 exposed underneath, thus allowing a musician to access the interior of the music stand 100 even when the music display 112 is closed.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A music stand, comprising:

a base section that allows for placement of music stand on unstable surfaces;

two side sections secured to the base section;

a back section secured to the base section and two side sections;

an accessory plate assembly secured to the two side sections, the accessory plate assembly extends out over each of the two side sections creating handles; and

a music display secured to the accessory plate assembly to display music.

2. The music stand of claim 1, wherein the accessory plate assembly comprises at least one recessed tray.

3. The music stand of claim 2, wherein the at least one recessed tray comprises at least one recessed cylinder, at least one oblong tray or at least one rectangular tray for placement of accessories.

4. The music stand of claim 3, wherein the accessories comprise at least one of tools, oils, cloths, tuners, metronomes, tape recorders, cellular telephones, instrument mouthpieces, reeds, eyeglasses, pencils, pens, guitar picks, water bottles, cups or cans.

5. The music stand of claim 1, wherein the music display comprises a support rail.

6. The music stand of claim 5, wherein the music display extends downward at an angle between 60 and 90 degrees to a location above the base section of the music stand.

7. The music stand of claim 6, wherein the music display is a hinged plate that extends from two hinges connected along a front side of the accessory plate assembly, the music display pivots upward to lie flat when fully opened.

8. The music stand of claim 1, further comprising a shelf located within interior of the music stand.

9. The music stand of claim 1, further comprising an opening above top of back section to allow interior accessibility from rear.

10. The music stand of claim 1, wherein the music stand is configured to be positioned on tables, desks, furniture or floors.

11. The music stand of claim 1, further comprising at least one clip light secured to handle sections of the accessory plate assembly.

12. A music stand for solitary practice or for performance, comprising:

a base section, two side sections, and a back section secured together;

an accessory plate assembly secured to the two side sections and comprising at least one tray and at least one recessed cylinder for retaining accessories; and

a music display that extends from two hinges connected along a front side of the accessory plate assembly and which pivots upward to lie flat when fully opened.

13. The music stand of claim 12, wherein the accessory plate assembly creates a trapezoid shape and extends out over each of the two side sections creating handles.

14. The music stand of claim 13, wherein the handles formed from the accessory plate assembly are used as a base for attaching at least one clip light.

15. The music stand of claim 12, wherein the accessories comprise at least one of tools, oils, cloths, tuners, metronomes, tape recorders, cellular telephones, instrument mouthpieces, reeds, eyeglasses, pencils, pens, guitar picks, water bottles, cups or cans.

16. The music stand of claim 12, further comprising a shelf located within interior of the music stand and wherein the shelf is accessible even when music display is closed.

17. A portable, tabletop music stand, comprising:

a base section, two side sections, and a back section secured together;

an accessory plate assembly secured to the two side sections and comprising at least one oblong tray, at least one rectangular tray, and at least two recessed cylinders for retaining accessories;

a shelf located within interior of the music stand; and

a music display that extends from two hinges connected along a front side of the accessory plate assembly and which pivots upward to lie flat when fully opened, and when closed the music display extends down above the base section, leaving an opening underneath to allow access to the shelf.

18. The music stand of claim 17, wherein the accessories for the at least one oblong tray comprise at least one of metronomes, tape recorders, or cellular telephones.

19. The music stand of claim 17, wherein the accessories for the at least one rectangular tray comprise at least one of eyeglasses, pencils or pens.

20. The music stand of claim 17, wherein the accessories for the at least two recessed cylinders comprise at least one of instrument mouthpieces, reeds, guitar picks, water bottles, cups or cans.