Abstract:
An apparatus for repositioning a piano between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation, and for moving the piano along a surface while in the vertical orientation. The apparatus comprises a base assembly, a cradle assembly, and a repositioning assembly. The base assembly provides a framework for connecting the cradle assembly to the repositioning assembly. The cradle assembly engages and supports the piano. The repositioning assembly moves the cradle assembly between a horizontal and a vertical position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/153,024 filed Apr. 27, 2015. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains generally to a piano moving apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus comprising a frame component and a lifting component for tilting, repositioning and relocating a grand piano. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Moving a grand piano generally requires incorporating the physical strength of several people and a variety of dollies, straps, skids, and carts. During the traditional process of moving a grand piano, a person on the moving team typically must lift the left front portion of the piano up off of the ground so that a second person can remove the left front leg. After the left front leg is removed, the weight once held by that leg is shifted to the lyre or pedal mechanism of the piano. A skid board is then located along the left side of the piano at a position where the piano is expected to rest once tipped over onto that side. The left front side of the piano is then lowered by the piano movers to the skid board while simultaneously pivoting on the pedal lyre and rear leg. This movement exerts a tremendous side load on the pedal lyre and rear leg of the piano. Essentially the entire weight of the piano is shifted to these two points which are constructed of wood and are not necessarily designed to support such side loading when the piano is tilted. To compensate for the excessive side load, the movers must physically support the additional weight manually. 
     Once lowered so that the front left bottom corner comes into contact with the skid board, the weight of the piano is then distributed between the side, the rear leg, and the pedal lyre. Next, the piano is raised to rest on the lowered left side on the skid board by pivoting around the front left bottom corner of the piano and the rear leg. This essentially balances the piano on the left side between the lower left side and the rear leg. The piano is then pushed by the movers up to a vertical position on the skid board. The piano is continuously repositioned for balance as needed and secured to the skid board with straps. Once secured, the piano and skid board are physically lifted by the movers and rotated around the front corner of the skid board approximately 45 degrees. A moving dolly is then positioned under the piano and skid board which are then physically lowered on to the dolly for transport. 
     Consequently, there exists a need for a piano moving apparatus that allows for a grand piano to be moved without the need for people to physically lift, turn, reposition, or in any way come into contact with the instrument while it is being lifted, turned, and positioned onto a skid board and dolly. The present invention discloses an apparatus for repositioning a grand piano vertically from the horizontal and vice versa on a skid board upon a dolly without the need to manually lift the piano. This decreases the safety issues associated with the process of moving heavy objects by limiting the amount of strenuous physical activity needed to move a piano during the tear down and set up phases. The likelihood of physical damage to the piano itself is also reduced. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed invention. 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 an apparatus for repositioning and moving a grand piano. The apparatus comprises a base assembly, a cradle assembly, and a repositioning assembly. The base assembly comprises a base frame that may function as a rolling dolly and a vertical frame extending substantially upward off of the base frame. The cradle assembly engages an underside of the piano. The repositioning assembly moveably connects the base assembly to the cradle assembly so that the cradle assembly may reposition the piano from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation or vice versa. 
     Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the base frame comprises a plurality of castors so that the apparatus and piano may be easily rolled along a surface as a single unit. The repositioning assembly comprises a cylinder top beam positioning element, a cylinder top beam, and a torque tube element. The cylinder top beam positioning element moveably connects the vertical frame of the base assembly to the cradle assembly with the torque tube element. The cylinder top beam is attached to the cylinder top beam positioning element. The apparatus further comprises a piston that moveably connects the cylinder top beam and the base assembly. As the piston is extended, the repositioning element then moves the cradle assembly from the substantially horizontal orientation to the substantially vertical orientation. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. 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 an apparatus for repositioning a piano in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a base assembly of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a cradle assembly of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a cylinder top beam positioning element of a repositioning assembly of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a cylinder top beam of the repositioning assembly of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a torque tube assembly of the repositioning assembly of the apparatus in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made 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 novel embodiments 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. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. The invention relates generally to an apparatus for mechanically lifting, tilting, and repositioning a grand piano for transport. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an apparatus  100  for repositioning and moving a grand piano without the need for manual lifting or repositioning. The apparatus  100  comprises a base assembly  102 , a cradle assembly  158 , and a repositioning assembly  188 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the base assembly  102  comprises a base frame  104  and a vertical frame  134 . The base frame  104  comprises a first frame rail  106 , a second frame rail  108  approximately parallel to the first frame rail  106 , and a pair of outside frame legs  110  connecting the first and second frame rails  106 ,  108  in an essentially rectangular configuration. The base assembly components are typically manufactured from sections of hollow metal tubing, channels, bars, panels or the like. However this is not meant as a limitation as any similar material or configuration as is known in the art, such as but not limited to plastic or composite materials in any geometric configuration may be used as well. 
     The base frame  104  further comprises an inside frame leg  112  that connects the first and second frame rails  106 ,  108  but is located at a position between the pair of outer frame legs  110 . The inside frame leg  112  is at least as long as the pair of outer frame legs  110  and typically extends beyond the second frame rail  108 . The inside frame leg  112  may comprise a plurality of extension members  114  to increase a length of the inside frame leg for additional stability as desired. The plurality of extension members  114  may be detachable from the inside frame leg  112 . The inside frame leg  112  may further comprise a foot member  120  attached to a furthest end  118  of a last of the plurality of extension members  116  that may be used to brace the inside frame leg  112  against a floor. 
     The base frame  104  further comprises a cylinder support rail  122 , a cylinder bracket  124 , and a plurality of casters  126 . The base assembly  102  further comprises a piston  130 . The piston  130  may comprise double center balance valves. The cylinder support rail  122  runs between the inside frame leg  112  and one of the pair of outer frame legs  110 . The cylinder bracket  124  is attached to the cylinder support rail  122  and the first frame rail  106  for connecting the piston  130  to the base frame  104 . Each of the plurality of castors  126  are attached to an underside  128  of the base frame  104  at a plurality of positions, thereby allowing the base frame  104  to roll along a surface. The apparatus  100  may also further comprise a reservoir (not shown) in fluid communication with the piston  130  for storing hydraulic fluid, a motor (not shown) for powering the piston  130 , and a controller (not shown) for directing the motor. However, this is not meant as a limitation as the piston  130  may be operated by air, gas, or electricity as well. 
     The vertical frame  134  comprises a pair of vertical frame rails  136 , a vertical cross frame rail  140 , and a mounting panel  142 . Each of the pair of vertical frame rails  136  extends approximately perpendicularly up from one of the outside frame legs  110  and from the inside frame leg  112  of the base frame  104  respectively. The vertical cross frame rail  140  connects a top  138  of each of the pair of vertical frame rails  136 . The mounting panel  142  is attached to the pair of vertical frame rails  136 , the vertical cross frame rail  140 , and the cylinder support rail  122  of the base frame  104 . 
     The vertical frame  134  further comprises a pair of horizontal pivot members  144  and a pair of vertical pivot members  150 . The pair of horizontal pivot members  144  each extends approximately horizontally back toward the first frame rail  106  from the top  138  of each of the pair of vertical frame rails  136 . Each of the horizontal pivot members  144  comprise a horizontal pivot hole  146  located on each of the horizontal pivot members  144  distal to the vertical frame rails  136 . The vertical frame  134  may further comprise a pair of horizontal swing arms  154  approximately configured in the same dimensions as the horizontal pivot members  144  that are located approximately adjacent to and in line with an outside edge  148  of the horizontal pivot members  144 . Each of the pair of horizontal swing arms  154  are moveably connected to one of the horizontal pivot members  144  via a mechanical fastener, pin, bearing, or the like at the horizontal pivot holes  146 . Each of the pair of vertical pivot members  150  extends approximately vertically up from the top  138  of the pair of frame rails  136 . Each of the pair of vertical pivot members  150  comprises a vertical pivot hole  152  distal to the vertical frame rails  136 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cradle assembly  158  comprises a cradle beam member  160  and a plurality of skid board posts  164 . The cradle assembly  158  may be detachable from the base assembly  102 . The cradle beam member  160  is aligned approximately parallel with the first frame rail  106  of the base frame  104 . The plurality of skid board posts  164  are attached to the cradle beam member  160  and extend approximately perpendicularly upward. The cradle assembly  158  further comprises a center support arm  172 , a first support arm  176 , and a second support arm  178 . The center support arm  172 , the first support arm  176 , and the second support arm  178  each are attached to the cradle beam member  160  and extend approximately perpendicularly from the cradle beam member  160  aligned at an approximately 90 degree angle to the plurality of skid board posts  164 . In other words, if the cradle beam member  160  was oriented along a z-axis and the plurality of skid board posts  164  were oriented along a y-axis, the center support arm  172 , the first support arm  176 , and the second support arm  178  would be oriented along an x-axis. 
     The center support arm  172  extends from the cradle beam member  160  substantially parallel with the inside frame leg  112  of the base frame  104 . The first support arm  176  extends from the cradle beam member  160  substantially parallel with one of the pair of outside frame legs  110  of the base frame  104 . Both the center support arm  172  and the first support arm  176  comprise a plurality of arm attachment points  174  for connecting to the repositioning assembly  188  as discussed infra. The second support arm  178  extends from the cradle beam member  160  substantially parallel with the other one of the pair of outside frame legs  110  of the base frame  104 . The second support arm  178  may comprise a first portion  180  attached to an underside  162  of the cradle beam member  160  and a second portion  184  attached to a distal end  182  of the first portion  180 . This creates a depressed portion in the second support arm  178  for accommodating a wing nut that may be present on the underside of the piano. The cradle assembly  158  may further comprise a plurality of adjustable pads (not shown) attached to the support arms  172 ,  176  and  178  to engage the piano as desired. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the repositioning assembly  188  comprises a cylinder top beam positioning element  190 , a cylinder top beam  208 , and a torque tube element  218 . The cylinder top beam positioning element  190  comprises a cradle mount cross member  192 , a pair of cradle mount plates  194 , and a pair of cradle support bars  204 . The cradle mount cross member  192  typically runs between the pair of cradle mount plates  194  at a slight backward angle. The pair of cradle support bars  204  are attached to an outside  196  of the pair of cradle mount plates  194 . The pair of cradle support bars  204  each comprise a plurality of attachment points  206  for attaching the pair of cradle support bars  204  to the plurality of attachment points  174  of the center and first support arms  172 ,  176  of the cradle assembly  158 . The pair of cradle mount plates  194  comprises a pair of top holes  198 , a pair of bottom holes  200 , and a pair of cradle mount pins  202  located in between the pairs of top and bottom holes  198 ,  200 . Each of the horizontal swing arms  154  from the vertical frame  134  of the base assembly  102  are rotatably attached to one of the pair of cradle mount pins  202 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the cylinder top beam  208  comprises a beam portion  210  and a pair of top beam arms  214 . The beam portion  210  comprises a piston arm attachment point  212 . The piston  30  comprises a piston arm  132  that attaches to the piston attachment point  212 . The top beam arms  214  are angled outward and comprise a pair of top beam pins  216 . The top beam pins  216  extend laterally out of the top beam arms  214  and rotatably connect to the pair of bottom holes  200  of the cradle mount plate  194 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the torque tube element  218  comprises a short torque tube  220 , a long torque tube  222 , and a pair of torque tube ends  224  for connecting the short and long torque tubes  220 ,  222 . The short torque tube  220  rotatably connects to the pair of vertical pivot holes  152  of the pair of vertical pivot members  150  of the vertical frame  134  of the base assembly  102 . The long torque tube  222  rotatably connects the pair of top holes  198  of the pair of cradle mount plates  194  of the cylinder top beam positioning element  190 . 
     To reposition the piano, that apparatus  100  moves between a first position where the cradle assembly  158  is substantially horizontal or parallel with the base frame  104 , and a second position where the cradle assembly  158  rotates upward approximately 90 degrees. To use the apparatus  100 , a user rolls the base assembly  102  under the piano from the front or keyboard side. Once positioned, the plurality of extension members  114  of the inside frame leg  112  are extended, and the foot member  120  is deployed to contact the floor. Proper position of the cradle assembly  158  comprises the center  172 , first and second support arms  176 ,  178  contacting the underside of the piano. The piston  130  is then activated to extend the piston arm  132  pushing the cylinder top beam  208  upward. As the cylinder top beam  208  is pushed upward, the torque tubes  220 ,  222  and pair of horizontal swing arms  154  rotate the cradle assembly  158  to the second position. As the apparatus  100  is moved to the second position, the piano tilts vertically along with the cradle assembly  158 . Once in the second position, the foot member  120  may be retracted, and the apparatus  100  and piano may be rolled in concert via the plurality of casters  126 . The apparatus  100  may further comprise a plurality of straps (not shown) for further securing the piano to the apparatus  100 . Once repositioned, the piston arm  132  is retracted and the apparatus  100  is returned to the first position. 
     Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.