Abstract:
A portable sound reflector designed to be placed under the soundboard of a piano in order to reflect sound laterally. The preferred embodiment includes a main panel which is held in the proper reflecting orientation by a pair of lateral wings. The lateral wings are preferably hinged to the main panel so that the entire assembly may be folded flat for transportation and storage. A pair of automatically-deploying stays are preferably included. These fold outward and downward to latch the lateral wings in the deployed state when the device is to be used. The hinges are preferably spring-biased toward the open position. This allows the device to assist the user in the unfolding process.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This invention relates to the field of musical performances. More specifically, the invention comprises a portable sound reflector designed to be placed beneath the sound board of a piano, and a method for using the sound reflector. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a prior art piano  10 . The type of piano shown is a concert grand, which includes a horizontally oriented sound board within frame  12 . Lid  14  covers the top of the frame. Legs  16  support the frame. Keyboard assembly  20  is located on the front of the piano, along with pedal assembly  18 . 
         [0008]    When such a piano is played before an audience, it is customary to raise lid  14 .  FIG. 2  shows the same piano with lid  14  in the raised position. Hinge  26  allows the lid to be rotated through an arc. Brace  22  locks into retainer  24  to hold the lid in the raised position. In this configuration the lid reflects the sound originating within frame  12  out toward the audience (to the right in the orientation shown in the view). 
         [0009]    The present inventor previously conceived and developed a device to increase the volume of projected sound from such a piano.  FIG. 3  shows the device—lower lid  30 . Lower lid  30  is connected to the bottom of frame  12  via hinge  27 . Pianos traditionally lack any sort of lower lid. The frame is simply open on the bottom. Although the bottom of the soundboard radiates an amount of acoustic energy that is comparable to the top, this energy is traditionally “wasted” because it is not projected toward the audience. The lower lid invention solves this problem. As shown in  FIG. 3 , reflected sound  34  is reflected laterally by both lid  14  and lower lid  30 . The inventor filed for a patent on the lower lid invention, and this application was ultimately issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,588. 
         [0010]    While the invention described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,588 is quite effective in projecting sound, it has certain shortcomings. First, the invention must be incorporated into the structure of the piano itself. This is not particularly difficult for newly constructed pianos, but it is not easily retrofitted to old pianos. In addition, many older concert pianos are quite valuable and the owners are naturally reluctant to drill holes or otherwise modify the piano from its original state. 
         [0011]    The &#39;588 invention also alters the appearance of the piano. Certain audience members expect a concert piano to appear exactly as it has appeared for the past two centuries, and are hostile to the idea of aesthetic variation even when it significantly improves the sound quality. 
         [0012]    Finally, the &#39;588 invention is obviously part of the piano, and not something that the pianist can carry along from venue to venue. Many pianists desire the enhanced sound available from the lower lid. However, the pianist obviously cannot carry a piano along in his or her travels and must instead perform using whatever configuration resides in the venue. 
         [0013]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a sound reflector analogous to the lower lid in the &#39;588 patent, while also being portable and aesthetically unobtrusive. The present invention provides such a solution. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention comprises a portable sound reflector designed to be placed under the soundboard of a piano in order to reflect sound laterally. The preferred embodiment includes a main panel which is held in the proper reflecting orientation by a pair of lateral wings. The lateral wings are preferably hinged to the main panel so that the entire assembly may be folded flat for transportation and storage. 
         [0015]    A pair of automatically-deploying stays are preferably included. These fold outward and downward to latch the lateral wings in the deployed state when the device is to be used. The hinges are preferably spring-biased toward the open position. This allows the device to assist the user in the unfolding process. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, showing a prior art concert piano. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing the piano of  FIG. 1  with the lid propped open. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view, showing the piano of  FIG. 2  with the addition of a lower lid. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an elevation view, showing a conventional piano and the proposed invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view, showing the proposed invention placed beneath a traditional piano. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, showing an embodiment of the proposed invention from the front. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 6  from the rear. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view, showing the rear of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a section view through the hinge joining the main panel to the left wing. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a section view through the hinge joining the left stay to the main panel. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view, showing the first step in the folding process whereby the invention is transitioned from the deployed state to the folded state. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view, showing the invention in the folded state. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation view, showing how the invention stands on the floor in the deployed state. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment in which the main panel is split into two pieces. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 14  in a folded state. 
           [0000]    
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10 
                   piano 
                   12 
                   frame 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   lid 
                   16 
                   leg 
                 
                 
                   18 
                   pedal assembly 
                   20 
                   keyboard assembly 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   brace 
                   24 
                   retainer 
                 
                 
                   26 
                   hinge 
                   28 
                   hinge 
                 
                 
                   30 
                   lower lid 
                   32 
                   portable sound reflector 
                 
                 
                   34 
                   reflected sound 
                   36 
                   main panel 
                 
                 
                   38 
                   right wing 
                   40 
                   hinge 
                 
                 
                   42 
                   hinge 
                   44 
                   left wing 
                 
                 
                   46 
                   top fold 
                   48 
                   left hinge 
                 
                 
                   50 
                   slot 
                   52 
                   left stay 
                 
                 
                   54 
                   contact tab 
                   56 
                   left stay hinge 
                 
                 
                   58 
                   left block 
                   60 
                   angle piece 
                 
                 
                   62 
                   abutment stop 
                   64 
                   abutment stop 
                 
                 
                   66 
                   center hinge 
                   68 
                   main panel half 
                 
                 
                   70 
                   split panel embodiment 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 4  shows a prior art piano without an attached lower lid. Portable sound reflector  32  is provided to reflect the sound energy traveling downward from the horizontally-oriented soundboard within the piano. Portable sound reflector  32  is placed on the floor as shown. One method of installing the reflector under the piano is to place it as shown and then slide it in the direction of the arrow. It may also be placed beneath he piano without sliding. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  shows portable sound reflector  32  in a suitable position under the piano. Reflected sound  34  travels laterally after striking portable sound reflector  32 . The position of the sound reflector may be varied to suite the tastes of the individual user, and the position shown in  FIG. 5  should be viewed as one possible position among many. 
         [0033]    The portable sound reflector should have an angled reflecting surface suitable in order to project the sound energy laterally toward the audience. The reflecting surface may be held in position by a virtually endless variety of devices.  FIGS. 6-12  illustrate two preferred embodiments of such devices. 
         [0034]      FIG. 6  shows main panel  36  being stabilized in position by a pair of wings. Right wing  38  is pivotally connected to main panel  36  via hinge  40 . A left wing—not visible in FIG.  6 —is pivotally connected to main panel  36  via hinge  42 . The hinges allow the two wings to be folded in against the main panel so that the reflector may be stored and transported in a collapsed (flat) state. 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  shows the same embodiment from the rear. Left wing  44  is visible in this view. The reader will observe that left wing  44  is pivotally attached to main panel  36  by hinge  42 . The inventor has discovered that a relatively rigid main panel provides better performance. Accordingly, top fold  46  is added along the upper edge of the main panel to provide rigidity. Reinforcing ribs or other stiffening components could be used as well. 
         [0036]    Many different materials can be used for the main panel and the wings. The main panel in one preferred embodiment is made of 0.375 inch (10 mm) thick clear acrylic. This provides good performance when stiffened by top fold  46 . Clear acrylic may also be used for the left and right wings—though possibly of a lesser thickness. While the use of a clear material is not significant to the actual performance of the invention, it does provide an aesthetically pleasing effect. The portable sound reflector is placed beneath the piano, where it is in shadow. The use of the clear material allows stage lighting from the area behind the piano to be visible to the audience. The result is that most audience members do not even notice the presence of the portable sound reflector. 
         [0037]    Once placed in position, it is important for the reflector to remain stable. Accordingly, the left and right wings in  FIG. 7  should be retained in the deployed position shown by a suitable mechanism or mechanisms. Again, there are many different types of mechanisms which could be used.  FIGS. 8-12  illustrate one possible mechanism. 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  shows a rear view of the portable sound reflector in the deployed state (right wing  38  and left wing  44  un-folded and positioned to support main panel  36 ). Left stay  52  is pivotally attached to main panel  36  by left stay hinge  56 . It pivots between a folded position and a deployed position. Left stay  52  is shown in the deployed position in  FIG. 8 . Contact tab  54  bears against the inward facing surface of left wing  44 . This prevents left wing  44  from folding inward. 
         [0039]    Left wing  44  is prevented from rotating further outward by the operation of left hinge  48 , which will be explained shortly. Left stay  52  is prevented from pivoting further downward by left block  58 , the operation of which will also be explained shortly. 
         [0040]    A mirror image of the stay mechanism for left wing  44  is provided for right wing  38 . However, in the vantage point of  FIG. 8 , the stay mechanism for the right wing is hidden behind the right wing and cannot be seen. 
         [0041]    The reader will note in  FIG. 8  that two detailed section views are called out.  FIG. 9  is a section through the area of left hinge  48 , while  FIG. 10  is a section through the area of left stay hinge  56 .  FIG. 9  shows one possibility for mounting the left hinge. Angle piece  60  is attached to main panel  36 . Any suitable joining technique may be used for all the joints in the present invention, including the user of fasteners, spot stakes, adhesives, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, angle piece  60  is glued to main panel  36 . Left hinge  48  is likewise glued to angle piece  60  and left wing  44 . 
         [0042]    In studying the geometry of  FIG. 9 , the reader will perceive that left wing  44  is free to fold inward toward main panel  36 , but is restricted from rotating further outward by the creation of abutment stop  62 . The abutment stop prevents unwanted further external rotation. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  shows how one half of left stay hinge  56  is attached to main panel  36  while the other half is attached to left stay  52 . Left block  58  is attached to main panel  36  in order to create abutment stop  64 . In studying this geometry, the reader will note that left stay  52  is free to rotate upward toward main panel  36  but is restricted from rotating further downward from the position shown in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  shows the deployed state for left stay  52  (corresponding to the view of  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0044]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate the process of converting the sound reflector from its deployed state to its folded state. To fold the device, left stay  52  is rotated up against main panel  36  as shown. In the folded state the left stay is approximately parallel to main panel  36  (within about 20 degrees of being parallel). Slot  50  is provided in the left hinge to allow contact tab  54  to clear. 
         [0045]    Once left stay  52  is in the position shown, the user may grasp left wing  44  and fold it inwards. The same may be done for the right stay and right wing  38 .  FIG. 12  shows the sound reflector of  FIG. 11  in a folded state. The reader will observe that it is a flat object having a minimal thickness. This configuration allows the reflector to be easily transported and stored. In fact, a pianist desiring to consistently use the reflector can simply carry it along on tour. 
         [0046]    Returning now to  FIG. 8 , additional design features of the sound reflector will be described. In order to ease the transition of the device from the folded to the deployed state, springs are preferably provided. A first spring is provided within left hinge  48 . This is preferably a torsional spring which tends to bias left wing  44  into a deployed position. A second spring may be provided for left stay  52 . This second spring is preferably also a torsional spring. It tends to bias left stay  52  from the folded position to the deployed position. Additional springs are provided for the mechanisms of the right wing which perform the same functions. 
         [0047]    Returning now to  FIG. 12 , the unfolding of the reflector will be described. If the reflector is stowed in a case, the user will first pull it free. The user then rotates the left and right wings into the deployed position. The springs biasing the left and right wings toward this position assist in the opening and—if suitably strong springs are provided—may even automate this process. 
         [0048]    The reflector will then be in the condition shown in  FIG. 11 . Once left wing  44  swings into the deployed position, slot  50  will release contact tab  54 . The biasing spring across left stay hinge  56 —aided by gravity—will then rotate left stay  52  down into the deployed position. The same sequence occurs in the mechanisms for the right wing. The user will thereby understand the folding and deploying of the device. 
         [0049]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , some preferred dimensions will be discussed for the invention. The inventor has discovered that the angle (α) between the main panel  36  and the floor is preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 75 degrees, more preferably in the range of 50 degrees to 60 degrees, and most preferably about 54 degrees. 
         [0050]    Returning now to  FIG. 6 , main panel  36  preferably has a height of about 24-36 inches and a width of about 60-70 inches. The fold across the top of the main panel is preferably about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. 
         [0051]    In the examples shown, the main panel and wings contact the floor along a bottom edge of each. This need not always be the case, since points or multiple points of contact could be provided for each (such as adjustable rubber feet). The sound reflector as a whole needs three lower contacting portions to be stable, but these need not assume any particular form. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate still another embodiment in which the main panel has been split in half to enhance portability.  FIG. 14  shows split panel embodiment  70  in an erected state. It is configured to reflect sound as for the prior embodiments. However, the reader will observe that the main panel has been divided into two pieces—each of which is designated as main panel half  68 . The two halves are pivotally joined by center hinge  66 . The left and right wings are pivotally connected by hinges as for the prior embodiments. 
         [0053]      FIG. 15  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 14  in a fully folded state. Center hinge  66  has been folded so that the two main panel halves  68  lie parallel. Likewise, the left wing  44  and right wing  38  have been folded. The result is a compact design which can be placed in a smaller carrying container. 
         [0054]    The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It is should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Numerous other variations will occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the claims presented, rather than by the examples given.