Patent Publication Number: US-7717377-B1

Title: Collapsible instrument stand

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates most generally to musical instrument stands. More particularly, the invention relates to a foldable and collapsible instrument stand that upon proper adjustment simultaneously supports the bottom, the back (or side), and the neck of an instrument, such as a string instrument. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The prior art currently offers a variety of instrument stands to meet the basic needs of musicians. In some settings, such as primary and secondary school music classrooms, a simple stand that can hold a plurality of instruments will often suffice and may be preferred due to cost and space considerations. For example, the utility patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,182) to Wilfer teaches a string instrument stand that may be employed to hold a plurality of such instruments. However, instrument stands that can support a number of instruments simultaneously have several disadvantages. First, they tend to be somewhat large and generally do not provide secure and stable support when holding instruments. In addition, if built having a sturdy construction, they tend to be heavy and are not easily moved from one location to another. Further, as can be seen in FIG. 1 of Wilfer, stands of this type may not provide for any adjusting to fit a respective instrument. For example, consider the size difference between a stand-up bass, an electric guitar, or an expensive vintage mandolin. To safely provide even a minimal level of support (e.g., somewhat precarious support) for this variety of string instruments would prove difficult, if not impossible, for a stand such as that taught by Wilfer. 
     When considering professional musicians, who often must transport their instruments, cases, and associated gear, an ideal stand would preferably be at least partially foldable, light weight, strong, and provided for fully supporting the various portions of the instrument. All this is preferable, while securely supporting a plurality of portions of the instrument, while preventing an easy knocking or toppling over of the instrument. Unfortunately, known lightweight and foldable instrument stands taught by the prior art are often structured with 3-point tripod (triangular footprint) base arrangements, and tend not to be very stable. Many of these exist in the prior art. A few possibly relevant examples may be found in Schoenig (U.S. Pat. No. 5,029,796) and Gracie (U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,344). In addition, as with the first class of stands discussed above, there is often no provision provided for fully supporting an instrument, in a robustly adjustable fashion, as taught by the collapsible instrument stand of the present invention. 
     Yet another class of instrument holding prior art inventions can be found in what may be termed multifunction instrument stands, which are structured for holding or at least partially supporting an instrument while providing at least one additional function. Several of many available examples can be found in Vail (D477,718), Vail (U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,315), and Brown (U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,597). 
     As understood by skilled individuals, a simple, robustly adjustable, and fully foldable instrument stand is most desirable. A most preferred structure would have a simple construction that reduces the number of constituent portions and is easy to set-up. Further, when considering high quality string instruments, which often have finely finished and highly polished surfaces, a preferred instrument stand would provide a secure, full, and possibly cushioned supporting of most if not all major portions of an instrument placed upon the stand. 
     Accordingly, the present invention teaches an improved instrument stand, structured to properly support and securely hold an instrument while distributing the weight of the instrument over a significantly greater area than present prior art stands. In addition, it would be most desirable to provide this instrument stand having a stable base, and a fully foldable structure that is easy to transport. A number of other characteristics, advantages, and or associated novel features of the present invention, will become clear from the description and figures provided herein. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. In particular, the embodiments included and described, have been chosen in order to best explain the principles, features, and characteristics of the invention, and its practical application, to thereby enable skilled persons to best utilize the invention and a wide variety of embodiments providable that are based on these principles, features, and characteristics. Accordingly, all equivalent variations possible are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the appended claims. 
     The above provided Background section is included to provide a quick and concise overview of several prior art instrument stands and possible motivations for at least a portion of the features of the present invention. This Background section is not intended to provide a complete and exhaustive summary of all prior art instrument stands that may be deemed related to this invention. Further, the content of the Background section is not intended to limit the scope and or meaning of the claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible instrument stand includes a base arranged for placing upon a support surface, such as a ground or floor surface. The base is structured with a front and a back, and preferably has a stable rectangular footprint. A first support portion is most preferably pivotally coupled to at least one of the base (proximate to one of the front or the back) and a second support portion. The first support portion is pivotally coupled to be movable for placing in either a folded position or a substantially upright position. When in the substantially upright position the first support portion is structured for supporting a back (or possibly a side) of an instrument. For example, if the instrument is a guitar, the first support portion is preferably arranged to support the back deck of the body of the guitar. 
     The included second support portion is pivotally coupled to at least one of the first support portion and the base. The second support portion is movable, by way of the included pivotal coupling(s), between a folded position and an extended position, and is further structured such that when in the extended position the second support portion provides for a contacting and supporting of a bottom surface of the instrument. 
     Another structure included with preferable embodiments of the collapsible instrument stand of the invention is an adjustable neck support. The adjustable neck support may include a slidably mounted elongated support post, and an adjustable head structure. Preferably the elongated support post of the adjustable neck support is slidably coupled to a second end of the first support portion such that the elongated support post is slidably movable to any position between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. This provides for a height adjustment of the adjustable neck support. Similarly, a head structure of the adjustable neck support may be slidably coupled to an upper end of the elongated support post, and slidably movable substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the elongated support post (and typically also to the first support portion). The slidable coupling of the head structure, providing for the substantially orthogonal motion, would enable a placing of an ‘instrument neck contacting portion’ of the adjustable neck support in any position between a first retracted position and a second extended position. This adjustment may be termed a depth adjustment. 
     Importantly, the collapsible instrument stand, and preferred structures thereof, are specifically provided to enable the instrument stand to be placed in either one of a collapsed state or a deployed state. The collapsed state provides for a substantial folding and collapsing of the structures of the instrument stand wherein the base, the first support portion, and the second support portion are folded nearly and substantially flat, with each portion still pivotally coupled to at least one other portion. It may also be noted that when in the collapsed state, each of the base, first support portion, and second support portion, are closely spaced and substantially parallel. Further, as will be discussed hereinafter in greater detail, when in the deployed state the instrument stand may be clamped onto an instrument case for transport therewith. 
     In contrast, the deployed state represents a state wherein the instrument stand is substantially ready to hold, and preferably securely support an instrument. When in the deployed state, the first support portion is fixed in the substantially upright position, the second support portion is fixed in the extended position, and as a function of the instrument to be held the (compound) adjustable neck supporting head structure is available for adjusting a height and a depth of the neck supporting portions. When a collapsible instrument stand of the invention is properly adjusted for a respective instrument, a placing of the instrument upon the stand will preferably result in a simultaneous supporting of a plurality of locations of the instrument. These locations would ideally include a bottom portion, a back (or possibly side) portion, and a neck portion/region. For example, when a string instrument is placed upon a properly adjusted collapsible instrument stand of the invention, the body bottom, the back deck of the body, and the neck (below and or proximate to an included head stock) will each be supported by instrument contacting surfaces of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, like elements are assigned like reference numerals and designations. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the emphasis instead placed upon the principles of the present invention. Additionally, each of the embodiments depicted is but one of a number of possible arrangements utilizing the fundamental concepts and features of the present invention. The drawings are briefly described as follows: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a conceptual block diagram of a generalized preferred embodiment of the collapsible instrument stand of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  provide a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a first preferred embodiment of the invention that is consistent with the depiction of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  in a fully deployed state with the neck support portion adjusted and substantially extended, such that the instrument stand is ready for use in fully and properly supporting a string instrument (as shown in a dashed outline). 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate perspective views of a first embodiment of an adjustable head of an adjustable neck support. 
         FIGS. 4C and 4D  illustrate side views of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , with the head portion depicted in a fully retracted position ( FIG. 4C ), and a fully extended position ( FIG. 4D ). 
         FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C illustrate an embodiment of the invention in each of a fully deployed (upright) state, a partially deployed/collapsed state, and a fully collapsed (nearly flattened) state, respectively. 
         FIG. 6A  provides a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the collapsible instrument stand of the invention, depicted in a deployed state, with the adjustable neck support fully retracted. 
         FIG. 6B  provides a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in the collapsed (folded) state, and ready for clamping to an instrument case. 
         FIGS. 6C and 6D  illustrate perspective views of a second possible embodiment of an adjustable head of the neck support portion, structured with a pair of strap holding posts extending from a head structure and arranged for anchoring each end of a neck engaging strap, included for selectively securing the neck of an instrument within a recess of the head structure while the instrument is being held upon the stand of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  depicts the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A through 6D  shown removably clamped onto an instrument case for transport therewith. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate a perspective view of yet another possible exemplary embodiment of the collapsible instrument stand of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  depicts another possible structure of the adjustable head having a very different head structure and a (telescoping) slidable coupling arrangement. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an additional means for securing the neck of a string instrument within a concave recess of the head structure of the adjustable head of the invention. 
     
    
    
     PARTIAL LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 18 
                 collapsible instrument stand (generalized) 
               
               
                   
                 18a, 18b 
                 collapsible instrument stand (alternates) 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 20a 
                 front (of 20) 
               
               
                   
                 20b 
                 back (of 20) 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 casters 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 first support portion 
               
               
                   
                 40a 
                 first (lower) end of 40 
               
               
                   
                 40b 
                 second (upper) end of 40 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 rigid coupling 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 second support portion 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 parallel elongated members 
               
               
                   
                 64a/64b 
                 linearly compressible elongated member (ex-1) 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 linearly compressible elongated member (ex-2) 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 (rigid) cross member 
               
               
                   
                 67 
                 height motion arrow 
               
               
                   
                 69 
                 depth motion arrow 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 adjustable neck support 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 elongated support post 
               
               
                   
                 72a 
                 upper end (of 72) 
               
               
                   
                 72a′ 
                 slide block 
               
               
                   
                 72b 
                 bottom end (of 72) 
               
               
                   
                 73 
                 support post locking knob 
               
               
                   
                 73a 
                 upper support post locking knob 
               
               
                   
                 74 
                 adjustable head 
               
               
                   
                 74a 
                 (alternate) adjustable head 
               
               
                   
                 75a 
                 head locking knob 
               
               
                   
                 75b 
                 head locking threaded rod 
               
               
                   
                 75c 
                 locking nut 
               
               
                   
                 75d 
                 case engaging head bumper 
               
               
                   
                 76 
                 head structure 
               
               
                   
                 76a 
                 concave recess 
               
               
                   
                 76b 
                 stepped adjustment slot 
               
               
                   
                 76b-1 
                 top slot portion 
               
               
                   
                 76b-2 
                 bottom slot portion 
               
               
                   
                 78 
                 strap anchoring post 
               
               
                   
                 78a 
                 strap anchoring tab 
               
               
                   
                 79 
                 neck securing strap (band) 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 linearly compressible elongated member 
               
               
                   
                 82a 
                 sleeve or cylinder 
               
               
                   
                 82b 
                 piston 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                 removable coupling 
               
               
                   
                 86a, 86b 
                 tube or tube portions 
               
               
                   
                 90a-90c 
                 hinge or pivot 
               
               
                   
                 92 
                 notch locking arrangement 
               
               
                   
                 92a 
                 cross bar 
               
               
                   
                 92b 
                 semicircular cutout or semicircular notch 
               
               
                   
                 94 
                 bumper holes 
               
               
                   
                 96 
                 adjustable body bottom bumpers 
               
               
                   
                 96a 
                 bottom bumper rod 
               
               
                   
                 98 
                 cushioning material 
               
               
                   
                 100 
                 guitar carry case 
               
               
                   
                 110 
                 handle of 100 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 guitar 
               
               
                   
                 300 
                 ground or support surface 
               
               
                   
                 Al 
                 angle between 20 and 40 
               
               
                   
                 A2 
                 angle between 40 and 60 
               
               
                   
                 F, F2 
                 applied directed force or point force 
               
               
                   
                 L 
                 longitudinal axis or plane of 40 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Before providing a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, along with preferable constituent components thereof, it is important to establish the definition of a number of descriptive terms and expressions that will be used throughout this disclosure. When referring the embodiments of the present invention, the terms ‘stand’, ‘collapsible stand’, ‘collapsible instrument stand’, and ‘foldable and collapsible instrument stand’, may all be considered equivalents. The term ‘substantially upright position’ will be used to describe the first support portion of the invention when in a position to support a portion of an instrument placed upon the instrument stand. More specifically, the first support portion will be almost vertical, but tilted back a predetermined number of degrees. For example, a possibly preferred range of angles with respect to a base or base portion, would place the first support portion at an angle of 70 to 89 degrees, or equivalently 1 to 30 degrees off a truly orthogonal angle with respect to the base. The actual angle, shown as angle A 1 , may be determined by the actual instrument to be placed in the instrument stand. The terms ‘extended’ or ‘extended position’ when employed with descriptions of a second support portion of the invention, would most preferably place the second support portion at an angle that is approximately 90 degrees rotated from the first support portion. However, in the most preferred embodiments of the invention, the actual angle desired may be 90 degrees, plus 0 and up to minus 10 to 15 degrees. As with the first support portion, the actual optimal pre-selected angle, which is shown as angle A 2 , may be best determined by the specific instrument to be supported and securely held in the stand. The terms ‘coupled’, ‘coupling’, ‘coupled to’, etc., are to be understood to mean that two or more described items are either directly connected together, or alternately, connected to each other via one or more additional, possibly implied or inherent structures or components. For example, when considering the ‘pivotal coupling’ of the first support portion to the second support portion, the coupling may be made by a simple press fit pin or dowel. Alternately, the pivot may be established about a common screw-top nut and bolt, or an additional and appropriate hinge structure. Essentially, any suitable arrangement for pivotally coupling and fixing two or more portions of the invention is to be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Other important terms and definitions will be provided, as they are needed, to properly define the present invention and its associated novel characteristics and features. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  provides a high level block diagram of an instrument stand  18  in accordance with the invention. A base  20  is arranged for placing upon a ground or other support surface that is typically substantially flat and often level. The base is structured having a front  20   a  and a back  20   b , which may be alternately and equivalently termed a front end or edge  20   a  and a back end or edge  20   b . Further, a preferred base  20  of the invention will be structured to provide a ‘non-triangular foot print’. 
     A first support portion  40  is arranged with a first end  40   a  and a second end  40   b  and is structured for supporting a back, or possibly a side, of an instrument. For example, as illustrated, the depicted embodiments of the first support portion may be best suited for supporting a back deck of a string instrument. 
     Preferably, the first support portion  40  is pivotally coupled to the base  20  proximate to one of the front  20   a  or the back  20   b  of the base. The included pivotal couplings enable the first support portion  40  to be moved (e.g., pivoted or rotated) for placing in either one of a folded position (substantially parallel to the base) or a substantially upright position. Importantly, the first support portion  40  may be provided of any suitable structure available for supporting a back (e.g., a back deck), or alternately a side, of an instrument when in the substantially upright position. A simple open frame structure will be discussed for clarity and simplicity. Other more elaborate structures are certainly possible and providable by skilled persons who have reviewed and fully understand this disclosure. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , a second support portion  60  is further included. The second support portion  60  is preferably pivotally coupled via one or more pivots, such as pivot  90   b  and or pivot  90   c , to at least one of the first support portion  40  and the base  20 . The pivotal couplings are provided such that the second support portion  60  is movable between a folded position and an extended position. Importantly, when the second support portion  60  is in the extended position, it is structured for contacting and supporting a bottom or bottom surface of the body of the instrument. When extended, a plane of preferable embodiments of the second support portion  60  may be approximately orthogonal to a plane or a longitudinal axis ‘L’ of the first support portion  40  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     Turning again to  FIG. 1 , and also shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  3 , yet another important structure providable with the present invention is depicted. A neck supporting structure that is fully adjustable is structured for supporting for the neck of the instrument placed upon the stand. In preferred embodiments the adjustable neck supporting means, such as adjustable neck support  70 , is included and structured to support a compound adjustment of the neck contacting surface. That is, the neck contacting surface is preferably adjustable in two (2) ways—which may termed ‘height’ and ‘depth’. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , and also seen in  FIGS. 2B and 4C , the adjustable neck support  70  is preferably provided having at least two slidable couplings to enable up/down adjustment (see height motion arrow  67 ), as well as in/out adjustment (see depth motion arrow  69 ). As depicted a member such as elongated support post  72  may be slidably mounted to the second end  40   b  of the first support portion  40 , preferably ‘in-line’ with a longitudinal axis L of the first support portion  40 . It should be noted that the slidable coupling is arranged such that the elongated support post  72  is slidably movable to any position between a fully retracted position ( FIGS. 2B and 6A ) and a fully or nearly fully extended position ( FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 7 , etc.). 
     Returning again to  FIG. 1 , the most preferred embodiments of the adjustable neck support  70  may further include a structure for establishing a slidable coupling between the upper end  72   a  (of the elongated support post  72 ) and an adjustable head  74  (or equivalently the head structure  76 .) As understood by skilled persons, the adjustable head  74  enables a sliding movement, providing for in/out adjustment, that is preferably substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated support post  72  and the first support portion  40 . This orthogonal motion may be termed and considered a depth adjusting motion. 
     Importantly, an employed slidable coupling would support a motion wherein a user may place and fix the adjustable head in any position between a first retracted position and a second extended position. When in or near the retracted position, a properly adjusted collapsible instrument stand of the invention may be supporting a thin bodied electric guitar. When in a more extended position, the instrument stand may be supporting a thick bodied stand-up bass instrument. 
     As shown in the included figures, the collapsible instrument stand  18  is specifically structured for being placed in either one of: 
     a) a collapsed state, as shown in  FIGS. 5C ,  6 B, and  7 , useful for carrying, transporting, and or storing the instrument stand away until next needed; or 
     b) a deployed state, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-3 ,  6 A, and  8 A, wherein the instrument stand  18  is available for accepting and securely holding an instrument placed upon the stand. 
     Therefore, when in the collapsed state, preferred embodiments of the collapsible instrument stand will provide for the base  20 , the first support portion  40 , and the second support portion  60  to be folded (relatively) ‘nearly flat’ with each closely spaced and substantially parallel to each other. It is to be understood, as clearly shown in  FIG. 5C , one or more of the base, first support portion, and the second support portion, may not be exactly parallel, but nearly or substantially parallel. When in the collapsed state the first support portion and or the second support portion may be described as being ‘folded nearly flat’. 
     Further, when in the deployed state, the first support portion  40  is in the substantially upright position ready to support a bottom of the instrument, the second support portion  60  is in the extended position, and the instrument stand is ready and available to hold and support an instrument. An additional adjusting of the height and depth of the adjustable neck support  70  of the instrument stand  18  may be required. Again, is it preferable that when an instrument is placed in a properly adjusted instrument stand of the invention, there is effected a simultaneous supporting of each of a bottom area or portion, a back area or surface, and a neck or upper portion of the instrument. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , when properly adjusted, an instrument such as a guitar  200 , which is depicted in a dotted outline is supported at the bottom, the back deck, and the upper neck portion. 
     Turning again to  FIG. 1 , the second support portion  60  may be coupled to the base  20  by way of one or more linearly compressible elongated members. The linearly compressible elongated members, may be provided in differing configurations. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6A , a linearly compressible elongated member(s) may be provided by a combination of  64   a  and  64   b , which may or may not be spring loaded, possibly damped using a fluid arrangement, and biased to an extended or maximum length position. The linearly compressible elongated members, such as  64   a / 64   b  (of  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) and  82  (of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  3 ), may be preferably fixed to the base  20  at an end), and one or both of the first support portion  40  and the second support portion  60 . Further, a number of varied structures providing an equivalent function to the linearly compressible elongated members  64   a / 64   b  and  82  may be employed. 
     Turning now  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a first preferred embodiment of the invention, which is consistent with the block diagram of  FIG. 1 , is illustrated in each of a perspective view and a side view, respectively. The collapsible instrument stand  18   a  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , is depicted in the deployed state and clearly showing embodiments of the first support portion  40 , the second support portion  60 , and the adjustable head  74 . The base  20 , as well as the first support portion  40  are depicted having a substantially open and rectangular frame structures—with each defining a plane passing through the frame structure (not explicitly labeled). This provides a base  20  with a (non-triangular) stable footprint for contacting a ground surface  300  ( FIGS. 1 and 2B ), and a first support portion  40  with a plane of surface area for contacting the instrument back (or possibly the side). The second support portion  60  is depicted formed of at least two spaced apart and substantially parallel elongated members  64 . In a most preferred embodiment a cross member  66  may be included, as shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B, and  3 . It may be noted that the second portion  60  of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 , and  5 A, may be structured having the cross member  66  arranged substantially parallel to the first end  20   a  and second end  20   b  of the base  20 . Further, the cross member  66  may be a rigid structure, and arranged with a first end  66   a  and a second end  66   b . As shown, this preferred embodiment includes a first parallel elongated member  64  that may be fixed at the first end  66   a  (at a right angle), while a second parallel elongated member  64  is shown fixed at the second end  66   b  in a like fashion. The illustrated embodiment, thereby establishing a spaced and parallel relationship between the parallel elongated members  64 , which as illustrated may provide a substantially u-shaped structure (when including the cross member  66 ). The pivotal coupling of the first support portion  40  and the second support portion  60  is provided by pivots  90   b , which may be structured as shown, using a simple through hole and screws. Further, each included linearly compressible elongated member  82  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2A through 3  may be most preferably oriented and maintained substantially parallel to each of the spaced parallel elongated member portions  64  (as best seen in  FIGS. 2B and 3 ). That is, even as the collapsible instrument stand  18   a  is moved from the deployed state ( FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 , and  5 A), to an intermediate state ( FIG. 5B ), and finally into the collapsed state ( FIGS. 5C ,  6 B, and  7 ), a substantially parallel orientation of items such as the linearly compressible elongated member(s)  82  and the included parallel elongated members  64 , may be maintained. 
     It may also be noted, the first preferred embodiment of the collapsible instrument stand  18   a  of  FIGS. 2A through 3  and  FIGS. 5A through 5C , is structured such that when a sufficient force F is applied, as indicated in  FIG. 5A , the collapsible instrument stand  18   a  is moved from the deployed state to the collapsed state. In a preferred embodiment, as the force F is applied (as shown) the bias force of an included spring loaded linearly compressible elongated members is overcome. As can be seen, as the first support portion  40  of  FIGS. 2A-3 , and  5 A is moved from the substantially upright position to the folded position, simultaneously the second support portion  60  moves from the extended position to the folded position. When included linearly compressible elongated members  82  may be most preferably provided as being loaded or biased to an open/extended position. For example, a possibly most preferred embodiment of the invention may be provided with a spring or gas loaded linearly compressible elongated member  82 , and may be further structured to provide two possibly needed functions: 
     a) If biased sufficiently to an open/extended position, an embodiment of a spring or gas loaded linearly compressible elongated members will assist the user when setting up the collapsible instrument stand  18   a , when going from the collapsed state to the deployed state; and 
     b) The spring biasing to the open/extended position may also serve to hold the instrument stand in the deployed state, even when loaded with an instrument of notable weight, such as a stand-up bass. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 , and elsewhere, a plurality of knobs, which may be termed ‘locking knobs’, may be included for adjustment purposes. For example, loosening support post locking knob  73  provides a simple example of a means enabling the adjusting of the position of the elongated support post  72 , and thereby the height of the adjustable head  74 . Once knob  73  has been loosened, the adjustable head structure  74  may be moved to any position, between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position, and locked in the selected position. It should also be noted that the placement of knob  73  may actually be as shown in  FIG. 2B  (projecting in a rearward direction), or may be arranged to project in another direction such as to one side of the first support portion  40  (not illustrated). Alternately, the knob  73 , as well as other knobs of the invention, may be provided by lower profile configurations, and thereby not project out as far as illustrated. Indeed, if necessary ‘snugger’ knobs may be employed, which have little or no rise above a surface. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A through 4D , and  6 A and  6 B, a first low cost, and possibly most preferred embodiment of an adjustable head  74  is depicted. As shown, this exemplary structure includes a head structure  76  that may be provided as a substantially monolithic construction. The head structure may preferably include a concave recess  76   a  for accepting a mid to upper neck portion of the instrument. As best seen in either  FIGS. 4A and 6C , the head structure  76  of an adjustable head  74  may be provided having a stepped adjustment slot  76   b . The stepped adjustment slot  76   b , as shown, is formed in the head structure by way of a pair of overlapping, superposed, and differently sized slots. For example as shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  6 C, and  6 D, the stepped adjustment slot may be formed with a top slot portion  76   b - 1  being of a narrow width W 1 , while the bottom slot portion  76   b - 2  is constructed with a wider slot width W 2 . When included, the stepped adjustment slot  76   b  may be combined with a mating structure provided at the upper end  72   a  of elongated support post  72 . One preferred embodiment of such a mating structure, which may be termed a slide block  72   a ′, is best seen in  FIGS. 4B and 6D . The slide block  72   a ′, and equivalent structures, are arranged to enable the head structure  76  to be slidably coupled to a member such as the elongated support post  72  for supporting the orthogonal motion—or equivalently the ‘depth adjustment’. 
     Importantly, the slide block  72   a ′ is sized for mating with the bottom and wider portion of the stepped adjustment slot  76   b - 2  to support sliding therein. The top portion  76   b - 1  of the stepped adjustment slot  76   b  is preferably structured so as to provide upper shoulders and top wall portions for the slide block  72   b ′ to be slidably supported. The slot also supports the passage of items such as bolts and rods. For example, as shown a (head locking) threaded rod  75   b  may be employed. The threaded rod  75   b  is provided for passing through the stepped adjustment slot  76   b , from top to bottom, and held and secured between the head locking knob  75   a  and one of: 
     a) a threaded hole provided, for example, in sliding block  72   a ′, which mates to the threads of the threaded rod  75   b  ( FIG. 6D ); or 
     b) an included locking nut  75   c  ( FIGS. 4B ,  4 C, and  4 D), with the threaded rod  75   b  preferably passing through a thru-hole in the slide block  72   a′.    
     Accordingly, the head locking knob  75   a , may for example, be rotated counter clockwise to loosen the head structure  76  for enabling the sliding thereof to a position between the retracted position ( FIG. 4C ) and the extended position ( FIG. 4D ). As skilled individuals will appreciate, the functions of structures enabling the slidable coupling of the adjustable head  74  to the elongated support post  72 , including the stepped adjustment slot  76   b , the slide block  72   a ′, and the locking knob  75   a , and others, may be provided by a number of alternate structural arrangements. For example, a basic rack and pinion arrangement (not illustrated) may be employed and provide a slidable coupling that possibly eliminates an explicit locking means. Alternately, a structure as depicted in  FIG. 9  may be employed. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a plurality of tubes  86   a  may be arranged in a spaced and parallel relationship, and fixed to a structure such as a center tube  86   aa . This arrangement provides for the depth adjustment by loosening flattened thumb screw  73   a  and slidably pushing the tubes (or rods)  86   b  further into, or pulling them further out of outer tubes  86   a . Similarly, an additional locking knob such as flattened thumb screw  73   aa  may be included to enable center tube  86   aa  to be moved up and down upon a round embodiment of elongated support post  72 . This latter arrangement including thumb screw  73   aa  and tube  86   aa , may be provided for enabling an adjusting the height of adjustable head  74  at the upper end  72   a  of elongated support post  72 . Accordingly, the structure of  FIG. 9 , may be employed to enable a height of the adjustable head  74  to be adjusted and maintained at each of the lower end of the elongated support post  72   b  (using locking knob  73  shown in  FIG. 2B ) and at the upper end  72   a  (using locking screw  73   a  shown in  FIG. 9 ). Thus, establishing what may be termed a ‘2-way’ adjustability of the height of the adjustable head  74  of  FIG. 9 . It may be further noted that the configuration of  FIG. 9 , enables the upper end  72   a  of the elongated support post  72  to be extended upwardly such that when in the deployed state additional accessory items may be fixed or coupled at the upper end  72   a . These accessory items may include sheet music support structures, microphone mounts/holders, etc. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the collapsible instrument stand  18   a  or  18   b , may configured with at least two spaced strap anchoring posts  78 . The spaced strap anchoring posts  78  may be fixed proximate to outer portions of the concave recess  76   a , and act as anchor points for a strap means  79 . The strap means  79  may be made of any suitable and available rubber or elastic material. As clearly shown in  FIG. 10  the anchor posts may securely hold the neck of the instrument within the concave recess  76   a . Regardless of the actual structure employed, once the neck is placed within the concave recess  76   a , a strapping arrangement, including at least one strap means will be useful for placing across the outer surface of the neck, between suitable anchor points/means, for securing the neck portion of the instrument within the concave recess  76   a —even if the instrument is accidentally bumped. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , illustrated is yet another embodiment of a collapsible instrument stand  18   b , which may be placed in a deployed state or a collapsed state.  FIG. 6A  provides a perspective view of instrument stand  18   b  depicted in the deployed state, with the adjustable head  74  in a substantially retracted position. In contrast,  FIG. 6B  provides a side view of the stand  18   a  of  FIG. 6A  in the collapsed state. 
     As can be seen best in  FIG. 6A , the instrument stand  18   b  includes a first support portion  40  composed of a plurality of outer frame portions, including elongated side members  40 - 1  and a center frame element  40 - 2 . Importantly, as illustrated the center frame element  40 - 2  is best provided as a hollow structure, sized to accept the elongated support post  72  in a slidable relationship. This slidable arrangement supports a sliding out, or extending of the elongated support post  72  ( FIG. 7 ), as well as a sliding in (retracting) of the elongated support post  72  ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ). 
     As discussed above, the inclusion of linearly compressible elongated members  64   a / 64   b , along with the pivotal coupling to each of the second end  20   b  of the base  20  and the first support portion  40 , enables the collapsible instrument stand  18   b  to be placed in either the deployed state or the collapsed state. Specifically, as the instrument stand  18   b  is changed for the deployed state of  FIG. 6A , into the collapsed state of  FIG. 6B , each linearly compressible elongated member  64   a / 64   b  is compressed and shortened—supporting the folding and collapsing of the present invention. In addition, if linearly compressible elongated members  64   a / 64   b  are not spring loaded (to assume an extended position), at least one linearly compressible elongated member  82  may most preferably be provided as a spring loaded linear damper that may be gas or liquid filled. It may be noted that if none of the included linearly compressible elongated members  82  or  64   a / 64   b  are spring loaded or gas biased, an additional locking means, may be included. The additional locking means, such as a locking knob that is not unlike locking knob  73 , may be employed with one or more members  82  and or  64   a / 64   b , for holding the instrument stand  18  in the collapsed state and or the deployed state. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , yet another possible embodiment of the collapsible instrument stand of the invention is illustrated. As with previous embodiments, the collapsible instrument stand  18   c  includes the base  20 , the first support portion  40 , and the second support portion  60 . As illustrated, a plurality of pivotal couplings are again provided. The first support portion  40  is pivotally coupled to the second support portion  60  via pivot or pivotal coupling  90   b . The second support portion  60  is coupled to the base  20  proximate to one of the front  20   a  (not illustrated) or the back  20   b  (as depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 8B ). The included pivotal couplings enable: 
     a) the first support portion  40  to be moved (e.g., pivoted or rotated) for placing in either one of a folded position (substantially parallel to the base) or a substantially upright position; and 
     b) the second support portion  60  to be moved (e.g., pivoted or rotated) between the folded position and the extended position. 
     As discussed hereinabove, when an instrument is placed upon a deployed collapsible instrument stand of the invention, the second support portion  60  is in the extended position for supporting a bottom of the instrument, the first support portion  40  is in the substantially upright position for supporting a back of the instrument, while an adjustable neck support  70  may be provided and adjusted for also supporting a neck of the instrument. This is certainly still the case with the embodiment of  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
     As clearly shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the linearly compressible elongated members, such as  64   a / 64   b  and  82 , may be omitted. In addition, the simple application of a force, such as point force F as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , will not cause the instrument stand  18   c  to change from the deployed state ( FIG. 8A ) to a collapsed state ( FIG. 5C ). More specifically, if there is a need to fold and collapse the instrument stand  18   c  and place it in the collapsed state, an upward force F 2 , as indicated in  FIG. 8A , is first applied to lift/rotate the first and second support portions. Importantly a notch locking arrangement  92  is employed with the embodiment of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , to enable the folding and collapsing of the instrument stand  18   c . The inclusion of this arrangement may be desirable for cost reasons (i.e., omits need for any linearly compressible elongated members) and greater loading capacity (i.e., can support larger and or heavier instruments). 
     Turning again to  FIG. 8A , as shown proximate to the front  20   a  of the base  20 , a cross bar  92   a  may be included and securely fixed to base portions in a transverse orientation. Further, each elongated side member  40 - 1  of the first support portion  40 , now has formed at the first end  40   a  a structure, to mate with the cross bar  92   a . As shown, a substantially cutout or semicircular notch  92   b  may be provided. The semicircular notch  92   b  is structured for engaging the cross bar  92   a , as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . When the notch  92   b  is engaging the cross bar  92   a , the instrument stand  18   c  is rigidly fixed in the deployed state. Upon a lifting of the cross member  65  (by applying the force F 2 ), the instrument stand  18   c  may be placed in the collapsed state. It may be noted that the structure illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , including the cross bar  92   a  and the notch  92   b , may be provided in a number of equivalent structures. For example, as understood by skilled persons, one or more dados may be provided and arranged for the first end  40   a  of each elongated side member  40 - 1  may fit into for being maintained in the deployed state. Yet other structures and alternate arrangements are possible. 
     Yet a further feature that may be included with embodiments of the present invention is providable for aiding in preventing an accidental knocking over of an instrument placed upon the collapsible instrument stand  18 . For example, the parallel elongated members  64  or  64   a  may be configured with at least one, and preferably a plurality bumper holes  94  (See  FIGS. 2A and 6B ). The bumper holes  94  are preferably spaced along an upper surface of parallel elongated members such as  64 ,  64   a , and  64   c . This enables the present invention to be adjusted to accommodate instruments of differing thicknesses. As such, each included bumper hole  94 , may be arranged to accept an adjustable body bottom bumper  96 . As best seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the bottom bumpers  96  may be supported upon a bottom bumper rod  96   a . In a possibly most preferred embodiment of the bottom bumper rod  96   a , a threaded rod may be employed that is arranged to mate with hole  94 , which may also be threaded. 
     A plurality of the bottom bumpers  96 , each fixed to the top of a rod  96   a , may be included for a number of reasons. First, properly located bottom bumpers  96  will further aid in preventing an instrument placed upon the collapsible instrument stands  18 ,  18   a , etc., from being inadvertently knocked over. In addition, as clearly illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the inclusion of bottom bumpers  96 , along with a case engaging head bumper  75   d , would enable the instrument stand to be collapsed, adjusted, and clamped to instrument case  100 . That is, once collapsed, a preferable embodiment such as stand  18   a ,  18   b , and or  18   c  may be clamped onto (i.e., piggy backed upon) the instrument case  100  by adjusting the height of the adjustable head  74 , and then tightening locking knobs such as  73  and  75   a . Importantly, structures such as the body bottom bumpers  96 , the bottom head bumper  75   d , etc., may be included with any of the possible embodiments of the invention. 
     Yet another possible feature of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 7 . As shown, if the base is formed of an appropriate and preferably substantially rectangular open frame structure, say having four or more outer support locations (e.g., corners), a plurality of outer support locations may be fitted with a rolling caster  22 . As appreciated by skilled persons, the inclusion of such casters or equivalent means, would enable other items to be placed upon and possibly secured to the carry case for easy rolling therewith. Further, the casters may be used to roll the collapsible instrument stand when in the deployed state, and an instrument placed upon or clamped to the instrument stand. A most preferable caster  22  may further include a locking mechanism, such as a locking lever or tab (not illustrated, but well known in the art). 
     It may be further noted that the embodiments of the instrument stand  18  of the invention may be constructed using any suitable materials. For example, it is contemplated that materials such as wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, and or a large variety of compositions may be employed for constructing the invention. 
     Returning to the generalized block diagram of the collapsible instrument stand  18  of  FIG. 1 , there is provided therein what is intended to be a broadly depicted generalized and generic embodiment. As such, a base member  20  may be termed a ‘base means’, the first support portion  40  may be termed a first support means, the second support portion  60  may be termed a second support means, and the adjustable neck support  70 , may be termed an ‘adjustable neck support means’. Importantly, these items may be structured as shown in the figures of this disclosure, or alternately in numerous equivalent versions. 
     Accordingly, while there have been described herein a plurality of the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made without departing from the invention. Therefore, when considering the differing instrument stand embodiments  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c , it must be understood that these are examples provided to fully define the invention. Other derivations are certainly providable by skilled individuals that have carefully reviewed the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     In addition, a number of additional minor structures may be provided that enhance the practical use of the present invention. For example, a skilled person would appreciate the usefulness of adding a cushioning material to certain ‘instrument contacting’ portions. One possible arrangement and use of cushioning materials  98  is depicted in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 C and  6 D. The inclusion of cushioning materials  98  upon certain support portions or surfaces of the collapsible instrument stand  18 , such as upon an inner arcuate surface of concave recess  76   a , or the instrument contacting surfaces of the first support portion  40  and the second support portion  60 , will certainly help to protect the finely finished surfaces of many quality instruments. 
     As such, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments of the present invention have been provided for the purposes of illustration, description, and enablement. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed and or illustrated. Obviously numerous modifications and alterations are possible in light of the above teachings, and it is fully intended to claim all modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims provided hereinafter.