MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STAND

Abstract: A collapsible stand (1) for a musical instrument, having a bell, such as a saxophone, bass clarinet or the like, said stand comprising a base portion (2); at least two legs (3) releasably connected to said base portion (2) for supporting said stand on a substantially horizontal surface; support means (4) releasably or unreleasably connected to said base portion (2); and holder means (5) to support the outer surface of the bell of said musical instrument in said holder means and being releasably connected to said support means (4); wherein said support means (4) is arranged at an angle ( beta ), other than perpendicular, with the horizontal surface, when the stand (1) is mounted; and wherein said angle ( beta ) and furthermore the length of said support means (4) are predetermined such that, when the stand is collapsed, the base portion (2) and the support means (4) are insertible into and substantially fits in the bell of a saxophone, bass clarinet or the like.

Description: MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STAND FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to musical instrument stands, and more particular, to collapsible stands adapted for supporting musical instruments having a portion comprising keys, which portion is substantially vertical when held in a normal playing orientation, and furthermore having a bell extending substantially vertically from the bottom of said portion. Such musical instruments are e.g. saxophones and bass clarinets. Hereinafter, when the expression "saxophone" is used, all such instruments having the above explained configuration are meant. The straight versions of the soprano and sopranino saxophones are excluded, though. PRIOR ART The discomfort of carrying around not only the instrument or instruments, but also a music stand, the sheet music and furthermore a music instrument stand, which are all needed in many cases of music performance is well known to musicians. Numerous inventions have attempted to provide a musical instrument support, which is collapsible, light and easily portable. However, these inventions have only succeeded in a good result regarding certain musical instruments. None of them has solved said problem regarding saxophones. Musical instrument stands for e.g. flutes, clarinets or trumpets are relatively easy to provide, since such instruments can be supported by directing the end opening of the flute or the bell of the clarinet or the trumpet to a support on the floor. A trumpet support of this kind is disclosed in FR-A-2 Oil 027. Having such a stand, the trumpeter can easily and readily reach for the trumpet while e.g. being on stage. The stand according to FR-A-2 Oil 027 can. however, not be used for the saxophone, since saxophones arc provided with a substantially upright bell, when held in their normal playing orientation, which bell cannot be turned against the floor, since the middle part of the instrument, which bears all the keys, extends further beyond the bell, so that such a stand cannot even be reached by the bell. Even if it were possible to reach the stand, e.g. by placing the stand at the edge of a stage, in order to place the middle part of the saxophone beyond the edge of the stage, the stand of FR-A-2 Oil 027 could still not be used, since the position of the centre of gravity of a saxophone is such, that the saxophone would fall off the stage. Furthermore, the saxophonist would not be able to reach for the saxophone easily and readily, since he or she would have to turn it around before playing on it. FR-A-2 642 211 discloses a saxophone stand, which requires a holding device in the shape of a hook, which carries the weight of the saxophone, and a further holding device, which solely supports the bell of the saxophone for keeping it in a position of equilibrium. This saxophone stand is certainly collapsible, but it cannot be easily carried by the saxophonist. Another saxophone stand is documented by the document US-A-4 572 050, in which the saxophone is stood in an upright position. This stand solves the problem of holding the saxophone in such a position, that a strap around the neck is not necessary. Though the stand solves the problem of supporting the instrument, and though the stand is collapsible, it is not collapsible to such an extent that it is easily portable. It is also not light. US-A-4 407 182 discloses a musical instrument stand, which can be stored in the bell of e.g. a trumpet. This stand could, however, never be used for a saxophone for the same reasons as given above concerning the document FR-A-2 011 027. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is the main object of this invention to provide a musical instrument stand, in particular for musical instruments having substantially the shape of saxophones, whereby the stand can be easily and comfortably transported. It is another object of the invention to provide an instrument support, which is collapsible, light and easily portable. It is a further object of the invention to provide a musical instrument stand, which is easy to assemble. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a musical instrument stand, which is easy and cheap to manufacture. These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to accompanying drawings forming part thereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a collapsible stand for a musical instrument, having a bell, such as a saxophone, bass clarinet or the like, said stand comprising: a base portion; at least two legs releasably connected to said base portion for supporting said stand on a substantially horizontal surface; support means releasably or unreleasably connected to said base portion; and holder means to support the outer surface of the bell of said musical instrument in said holder means and being releasably connected to said support means; wherein said support means is arranged at an angle, other than perpendicular, with the horizontal surface, when the stand is mounted; and wherein said angle and furthermore the length of said support means arc predetermined such that, when the stand is collapsed, the base portion and the support means are inscrtible into and substantially fits in the bell of a saxophone, bass clarinet or the like. Thus, at least the base and the support of the musical instrument stand according to the invention can be easily transported in the bell of the saxophone. The following detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1 is a perspective view of a musical instrument stand in accordance with the invention, having a saxophone supported thereon. FIG 2 is a front elevation of the stand, as illustrated in figure 1. FIG 3 is a side elevation of a collapsed stand in accordance with the invention, having a saxophone indicated in broken lines. FIG 4 is a side elevation of a first embodiment of a collapsed stand, in accordance with the invention. FIG 5a is a side view of a second embodiment of a collapsed stand, in accordance with the invention. FIG 5b is an enlarged view of the legs as illustrated in figure 4a. FIG 6 is a side view of a third embodiment of a collapsed stand, in accordance with the invention. FIG 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the bell rest fitted onto a stand. FIG 8a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the bell rest fitted onto a stand. FIG 8b is a perspective view of the support for the bell rest according to figure 8a. FIG 9a is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the bell rest fitted onto a stand. FIG 9b is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the bell rest as shown in figure 9a. FIG 10a is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the bell rest withdrawn into the stand. FIG 10b is a cross-sectional view of the bell rest illustrated in figure 10a. FIG 10c is a cross-sectional view of the bell rest illustrated in figure lϋa. FIG 11a is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the bell rest fitted onto a stand. FIG lib illustrates the bell rest as shown in figure 11a as it has been disconnected from the stand. FIG lie illustrates the bell rest as shown in figure 11a fitted into the stand in a collapsed condition. FIG lid illustrates the bell rest as illustrated in figure 11a. FIG 12 illustrates a first embodiment of an additional lower bell rest. FIG 13 illustrates a second embodiment of an additional lower bell rest. FIG 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the bell rest fitted onto a stand. FIG 15 is a cross-section of the base with mounted leg, illustrating a bayonet coupling therebetween. FIG 16a shows a fourth embodiment of a collapsed stand, in accordance with the invention. FIG 16b is a cross-sectional view along the line XVI B-XVI B in figure 16a. FIG 16c shows the same view as figure 16b, but with the stand in an erected state.. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A saxophone fitted onto a music instrument stand 1 in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG 1. A saxophone consists of a bell A, a middle part B, which bears the keys, and a mouthpiece holder C. Saxophones are made in different standard sizes, namely - starting from the largest - bass saxophone, baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone, C-saxophonc, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone and sopranino saxophone. All of these are made curved, but the soprano and the sopranino saxophones arc also made in a straight version, looking like a clarinet. The stand according to the invention is thus only applicable to curved saxophones, disregarding size, but not to straight ones. The stand in accordance with the invention can also be used for other types of instruments that arc "saxophone-like" in form, i.e. which have a bell that extends upwards, when held in their normal playing orientation, from the bottom of a substantially vertical middle part which bears the keys. The bass clarinet belongs to the group of "saxophone-like" instruments. The stand 1 (see FIGS 1 and 2) according to the invention consists of a base 2, which is additionally supported by legs 3. The number of legs needed depends on the size of the saxophone. When only two legs arc used, a substantially flat surface of the base 2 constitutes one supporting point. When more than two legs arc used, the base can either be made such that the stand rests against a substantially horizontal surface, e.g. the floor, or it can be made such, that the base is not in contact with the surface at all, i.e. the stand rests solely on the legs. The stand 1 is furthermore provided with a support 4 which is arranged at an angle, which may be determined by two factors: The angle α between the support 4 and the substantially flat surface of the base 2 (see FIG 3) should be chosen such, that when the base 2 is fitted into the opening b of the bell of the saxophone, the thereon mounted support 4 should be able to fit into the bell A as well. The angle α is not the same for all sizes of saxophones, since e.g. the angle between the bell opening b and the bell on the tenor saxophone is smaller than that of the alto saxophone. Secondly, the angle β between the assembled support and the horizontal surface, e.g. a floor, should preferably be chosen such that the saxophone leans on the bell, when mounted on the stand, i.e. the centre of gravity should be biased to the direction to the bell. Certainly, the base 2 need not be provided with a flat surface. Instead, the base may have any suitable shape, e.g. spherical or conical, as long as it fits into the bell opening of the saxophone. The maximum length 1 of the base 2 together with mounted support 4 is, of course, equivalent to the depth of the bell A. Certainly, the length could be chosen shorter. It should be noted, though, that the support 4 may consist of two or more pieces arranged telescopically within each other. As will be more clearly explained below, a telescopical support 4 may require telescopical legs 3. Most saxophones of different brands arc made in a relatively similar shape within the respective sizes. For this reason, the stand can be made to fit into most brands on the market. It should be noted, though, that a stand for e.g. the tenor saxophone which has a non- tclescopical support 4, will certainly not fit into the bell of the smaller alto saxophone, but the alto saxophone can certainly be rested on the stand for the tenor saxophone. This is advantageous for a saxophonist, who e.g. plays both the tenor saxophone and the alto saxophone and has to change between the instruments every now and then on stage. Moreover, a stand 1 having a telescopical support 4 may fit into both the tenor and the alto saxophones, respectively, and may be used for both. In this case, the legs 3 must be tclescopical. since the stand for a tenor saxophone needs relatively long legs. Therefore, if the legs should fit into the bell of the alto saxophone, the legs must be tclescopical. It should be noted that the shape of the base 2 as shown in the figures is only a rough outline. On the contrary, the shape thereof depends on the size of saxophone, to which the stand is supposed to be adapted. Hence, it is the shape of the opening b of the saxophone that determines the shape of the base. When forming the base 2, the bottom of the base could align with the opening of the saxophone, and the rest could be made to smoothly aligh with the narrowing tapered inner surface thereof. Even though such a form of the base 2 is advantageous, the base 2 may have, as mentioned before, any suitable form, such as spherical, conical etc. Furthermore, there is a bell rest or holder means 5 provided, which grips the outer surface of the bell underneath the widening portion a of the saxophone. Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of a collapsed stand in accordance with the invention. The support 4 is solid or hollow and is mounted into the base 2. The legs 3 and optionally also the bell rest or holder means 5 arc placed in lumens 6 in the base 2 but outside the periphery of the support 4. The exact position for the lumens 6 is chosen differently for different sizes of saxophones, since the angle between the bell and the bell opening differs from size to size. The base 2 is furthermore provided with recesses 32 or any other suitable mounting means for the legs 3 for the erected state of the stand. Figure 5a illustrates a second embodiment of a collapsed stand in accordance with the invention, whereby the support 4 mounted on the base 2 is hollow for receiving the legs 3 and optionally also the bell rest or holder means 5, either within the hollow legs 3, as shown in figure 5a, or adjacent the legs within the support (not shown). Figure 5b shows one possibility of joining two legs. One leg is provided with one end, which has an enlarged diameter, for receiving the other leg. Of course, the legs 3 can alternatively be fitted loosely into the support 4. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention, whereby one leg 3 is fitted completely into another, hollow leg 3 and is placed in a hollow support 4. In some cases three or four legs may be desirable. If three legs arc chosen, it is preferable that one leg is fitted into another hollow leg, which has been connected to the hollow or solid leg, or vice versa. In the case of four legs, it is preferred to provide two hollow legs having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the support 4 but a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the two remaining legs. Hence, the two legs having the smallest diameter are fitted onto each other, according to the principle of figure 5b. Of course, the three or four legs 3 can be fitted loosely into the support, either within each other or adjacent to each other, depending on the size chosen for the support 4 and the legs 3, respectively. Optionally, one or more legs may be fitted into a lumen or lumens 6 of the base 2 instead. A bell rest or holder means 5 can be fitted either within the legs 3 or in an optional space between the legs and the support 4 or in a separate lumen, as shown in figure 4, or not at all, i.e. it is stored at another place in the saxophone case (cf. the embodiment of figure 14). Certainly, one or more legs 3 and the bell rest or holder means 5 can be dropped into the bell A of the saxophone and then the support 4 is fitted in afterwards into the bell A. This solution, however, requires a relatively small diameter of the support 4 to give space for the legs and optionally also the bell rest or holder means 5 outside the periphery of the support. Even though it has been implied that the support and the legs have a circular cross-section, it is obvious that also other cross-sections could be used, such as oval, triangular, square, rectangular or any polygonal cross-section would be suitable. Figure 7 shows a first preferred embodiment of a bell rest or holder means 5 according to the invention, mounted on a support 4. The bell rest or holder means 5 consists of two relatively rigid bars or members 9 fitted into front and rear holes 15', 15 of support 4. The angle between the bars or members 9 arc chosen such that they will efficiently support a saxophone rested thereon. The bars or members 9 are preferably covered with a coating or a tube 10 of a soft, resilient material, in order to protect the saxophone against scratches. Figure 8a illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the bell rest according to the invention. The two relatively rigid bars or members 9 arc joined at a hinge joint 11. and a spring 12 may be provided, which keeps the members 9 in such a position that pressure is put on protrusions 14, which fit into holes 15 in the support 4. Since such a bell rest or holder means 5 cannot be pushed through holes 15' according to figure 7, a cutout 16 is made in the end of the support 4 for receiving the bell rest (see figure 8b). Resilient material 10 and a spring cover 13 may be provided to protect the saxophone from scratches. Even though it has been implied, that the bars or members 9 would be straight, it is obvious that they could be bent, as indicated with broken lines in figures 7 and 8a to better fit the rounded cross-section of the saxophone. It should be noted, though, that different sizes of saxophones require varying sizes of bell rests, a varying angle between the bars or members 9 and also varying bending (as indicated with broken lines in figures 7 and 8a) of the bars or members 9. Figure 9a illustrates a third embodiment of the bell rest or holder means 5 of the invention. The bell rest or holder means 5 in this preferred embodiment consists of (see FIG 9b) a metal or plastic member 17, which is relatively soft and bendable, a relatively thin, but wide strip 18 made of e.g. sheet metal or a hard, bendable plastic material and a cover 19 of a resilient material, to protect the saxophone against scratches. The rear end of the bell rest or holder means 5 is fitted into a slit 16 in the front of the support 4 and into an opening 30 in the rear of the support. The bendable member 17 gives the bell rest or holder means the property of being bendable to any configuration in any direction, whereas the strip 18 restricts the number of bending directions to substantially two, namely transversely to an axis along the width of the cross- section thereof. The strip 18 furthermore helps to carry the saxophone, since the strip is relatively stiff in a direction transverse to the bending direction. Figures 10a to c illustrate a further embodiment of the bell rest or holder means, in accordance with the invention. In or inside the wall two lumens 24 arc provided. The lumens 24 are covered at a portion 25 closest to the top of the support 3. where outlets 26 arc provided. Farther down on the support 4, each lumen 24 is provided with a slit 27 in the outer wall of the support 4, which slit 27 is narrower than the width of the lumen 24. Within the lumen, there is provided a bar or member 9, preferably made of sheet metal or a hard, bendable plastics material. The bar or member 9 is wider than the slit 27. The cross section of the bar or member 9 could be circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular or any polygonal shape, even though an oval cross-section (sec figure 10b) is preferred for reasons of stability. The bars or members 9 may be covered with a resilient material. A button 28 is mounted on the bar or member 9 by means of a portion of reduced cross- section positioned in the slit 27 in such a way that when the bar or member 9 is in its retracted portion, within the lumen, the button 28 is substantially in one of its end positions of the slit 27. When the' button 28 is pushed to its other end position, the bars or members 9 are forced through the outlets 26. The openings arc arranged at such an angle to one another, that the bars or members 9 will adopt an angle, such that the widening portion a of the bell of the saxophone can be supported thereon. Figure 10c is a cross-sectional view of the bell rest illustrated in figure 10a. The holder means 5 of the embodiments of figures 9a-b and lOa-c could be provided with a reinforcing cover, which can be mounted on the bars or members 9 while assembling the stand. Figures lla-d illustrate another embodiment of a bell rest according to the invention. A plug 20 is provided with threads 21 corresponding to threads inside or outside the wall of the support 3. Bars or members 9 are connected to the plug 20 by means of hinges 22. The plug 20 is provided with two slits 23, so as to accommodate the ends of each bar or member 9 and for enabling swinging thereof from a position where the bars or members 9 can be fitted into the support to a position where the swung out bars or members 9 are locked between the plug and the support 3 to an angle which is suitable for supporting the saxophone. The bars or members 9 can of course be bent to conform with the rounded surface of the saxophone, but only to a limited extent, since there is only limited space within support 4. The plug 20 and the support 4 could also be provided with a bayonet coupling or be a press fit one with the other. The bars or members 9 could be provided with a cover of resilient material, for reasons already described. Of course, the usual kind of saxophone bell holder, which consists of a U-shape bell rest made of metal or hard plastics material, and being covered with a resilient material (cf. US-A-4 572 050) could be used on the stand according to the invention, but the bell rest would not fit into the bell of the saxophone: it would have to be stored somewhere else in the saxophone bag. Using such a bell rest, the connection between the bell rest and the support 4 could be performed as is shown in the embodiment of figure 8a. Optionally an additional bell rest for a lower point of the saxophone may be provided, even though not necessary, since the base 2 can form a lower additional bell rest in itself. It is, of course, possible to provide the base 2 with a groove for receiving a lower point of the saxophone. If such a groove is not sufficient, a rubber cup 7a (figure 12) or a brace 7b (figure 13) having a substantial U-shape could be provided. If the stand is supposed to be used for two or more sizes of saxophones, the stand may be provided with such additional bell rests 7a, 7b at points corresponding to a lower point of each saxophone of a smaller size, than the stand is intended for, in the sense of storing in the bell. The expression "lower point" refers to a point on the bell relatively close to the bottom of the saxophone, when held in a normal playing orientation. The additional bell rests 7a, 7b may be fastened to the support 4 by means of a screw 29, a clamp (not shown) or any other suitable fastening means. Figure 14 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the bell rest according to the invention. The bell rest or holder means 8 is shaped along the curved contour of the bell of the saxophone in both lengthwise and transverse directions. The bell rest or holder means 8 is attached by means of hooks, screws or the like to the support 4 and optionally also to the base 2. When the stand is collapsed, the base, the support and the legs are stored in the bell of the saxophone, while the bell rest or holder means 8 is stored outside and along the bell in the saxophone bag. Figure 15 illustrates one arrangement for mounting the legs 3 to the base 2. The leg 3 and the base 2 arc provided with a bayonet coupling 31 provided on the leg 3 and in recesses 32 in the base, respectively. It is obvious that other kinds of coupling means could be used, such as threads, press fits, expanders or the like. This also applies to the connection between the base 2 and the support 4, even though it is preferred that they are permanently connected to each other, e.g. by gluing or welding. The base 2 and the support 4 could also be formed by moulding in one piece. The base 2, the legs 3, the support 4 and the bell rest or holder means 5 can be made of any metal, but in order to achieve a light stand, a light metal, such as aluminium or titanium should be chosen, but also suitable plastics materials could be used. Figure 16a shows a fourth embodiment of a collapsed stand according to the invention. Within the hollow support 4, three legs 3 are pivotally connected to a connecting member 34 by means of hinges 37 (see figure 16c). As can be seen in figure 16b, the base 2 is provided with recesses 35 and a stop member 36. When the stand is assembled, the legs are pushed or pulled out of the interior of the support 4. The legs 3 can only be moved until the connecting member 34 engages the stop member 36. Now, the legs are pivoted about the hinges 37 to alignment with the recesses 35 (see figure 16c). The recesses 35 may be provided with reinforcement means in order to better withstand the weight of the saxophone. Advantageously such reinforcement means is a part of the support 4, which has been bent to at least partly cover the surface of the recesses 35. Even more advantageously, one or more springs may be arranged between the connecting member 34 and the legs 3, such that the legs 3 are biased to pivot about the hinges 37 to the position shown in figure 16c. OPERATION While assembling the stand, the collapsed stand 1 is taken out of the space inside the bell A of the saxophone. Optionally the bell rest is, as described above, stored somewhere else in the saxophone bag. The legs 3 are taken away from their preferred storage, as disclosed above. The legs 3 are fitted into the base of the stand 1 and the bell rest or holder means 5 is mounted on the support 4. Optionally, an additional support 7a, 7b is provided to give support to a lower part of the saxophone. Alternatively, a bell rest 8 which supports the whole contour of the bell of the saxophone may be provided. The stand is now ready for use. Certainly, a standard clarinet stand or a flute stand consisting of a conical member or a cylindrical member, respectively, and not being part of this invention, may advantageously be arranged on one of the legs 3 where the stand according to the invention is assembled. Various structural modifications may be made within the scope of this invention and no limitations other than those imposed by the appended claims arc intended.

Claims: Claims 1. A collapsible stand (1) for a musical instrument, having a bell, such as a saxophone, bass clarinet or the like, said stand comprising: a base portion (2); at least two legs (3) releasably connected to said base portion (2) for supporting said stand on a substantially horizontal surface; support means (4) releasably or unreleasably connected to said base portion (2); and holder means (5) to support the outer surface of the bell of said musical instrument in said holder means and being releasably connected to said support means (4); wherein said support means (4) is arranged at an angle (β), other than perpendicular, with the horizontal surface, when the stand (1) is mounted; and wherein said angle (β) and furthermore the length of said support means (4) are predetermined such that, when the stand is collapsed, the base portion (2) and the support means (4) arc insertible into and substantially fits in the bell of a saxophone, bass clarinet or the like. 2. A stand according to claim 1, whereby said support means (4) is hollow, for receiving said at least two legs (3) and/or said holder means (5). 3. A stand according to claim 2, whereby, in its collapsed state, said at least two legs (3) are adapted to fit completely one within the other or to fit only partly one within the other for connecting the legs to each other in a lengthwise relationship. 4. A stand according to claim 1, whereby said holder means (5) comprises two hingedly connected protruding members (9). 5. A stand according to claim 1, whereby said holder means (5) comprises a bar, which is flexible in a first, axial * plane, but is relatively stiff in a second, axial plane perpendicular to the first plane. 6. A stand according to claim 1, whereby additional support means (7a, 7b) is provided on the support at a point closer to the base (2) than the holder means (5), for supporting a lower point of the saxophone. 7. A stand according to claim 6, whereby the holder means (5, 5a, 5b) and the additional support means (7a, 7b) form a single piece (8), for supporting a standard size saxophone, bass clarinet or the like along its front between its bell and its bottom. 8. A stand according to claim 1, whereby a pair of substantially rigid, elongate members (9) are slidably arranged inside the outer wall of said support means (4), and said support is provided with openings (26) for allowing said elongated members to protrude at predetermined angles from the support so as to form said holder means (5). 9. A stand according to claim 1, whereby at least some of said legs are hollow for enabling insertion of another leg or said holder means (5). 10. A stand according to claim 1, whereby the shape of said base portion (2) is adapted to the inner surface of said bell. 11. A stand according to claim 2, whereby at least two legs (3) arc hingedly connected to a connecting member (34), and whereby the legs (3) and the connecting member (34) fit inside said hollow support (4).

Inventors: STEIN JAN, STEIN, JAN
Applicants: STEIN JAN, STEIN, JAN
Application year: 1993
Main classification: G10G5
IPC codes: G10G5