Patent Abstract:
Improvements in an expandable stand with an adjustable travel stop within a musical instrument stand or elevating speaker is presented. The stand supports some weight of the instrument or speaker to relieve the weight. The stand has a securing mechanism that grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The stand is collapsible to fit within or can be carried with the case for the instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage. An adjustable travel stop for the travel stop to be inserted and removed from the inner tube diameter. The ability to insert and remove the travel stop allows the extension or the travel of the lift to be adjustable by moving the travel stop within the tube. The travel stop can be used to stop the travel length and or to establish the starting point for expansion.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/882,958 filed on Sep. 26, 2013 which claims priority to application Ser. No. 13/030,041 filed Feb. 17, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,027 that issued on Oct. 8, 2013 which claims priority the benefit of Provisional 61/305,848 filed Feb. 18, 2010 and application Ser. No. 13/315,816 filed Dec. 9, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,633,365 that issued on Jan. 21, 2014 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to improvements in an instrument and speaker lift stand for a musical instruments and sound speakers with an adjustable stop within the stand to limit travel. More particularly, the present musical instrument stand is a collapsible musical instrument stand that rigidly supports a sousaphone and other brass type instruments in an in a stored and in a playable position. The lift stand also functions to elevate a speaker with the collapsible stand. The stand supports all or the majority of the weight of the instrument or speaker in a static position to relieve the performer or technician of the weight of the musical instrument or speaker. 
     Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98: 
     Several products and patents have been. Exemplary examples of patents covering these products are disclosed herein. Musical instrument stands are desirable for supporting various articles and instruments since they provide selective height adjustment and a stable support. They are particularly useful is supporting such things as cameras, video equipment, telescopes, surveying instruments, and musical instruments. Musical instrument stands for brass instruments, however, raise special problems when used on steps or stairs of an auditorium or stadium. 
     There are several patents that describe various adjustable musical instrument stand devices. Bruneau U.S. Pat. No. 1,517,825 shows a tripod support for a table having adjustable legs. 
     This invention is an improvement over the inventor&#39;s, May, U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,910. The US patent office has issued several musical instrument stands to May that disclose and provide support for musical instruments namely U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,438,266, 7,588,228, 7,703,725 and 7,718,878. It is distinguished over the prior art in general, and these patents in particular by an adjustable musical instrument stand with independently adjustable legs which comprises a longitudinal extensible upright portion of telescoping tubular members, a plurality of collar members slidably mounted on the upright portion which are longitudinally adjustable relative to one another and to the upright portion for selective positioning thereon, and a plurality of movable leg members are operatively connected to upper and lower collar members for selective independent longitudinal positioning and radial extension relative to the upright portion and to one another. One leg of the musical instrument is adjustable in length, a sufficient amount, to permit support on two different stairs or steps of an auditorium or stadium. 
     Boehm, U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,130 discloses a holding device for surveying instruments which includes a channel-like mounting bracket with a pair of instrument gripping clamps and a pair of adjustable legs thereon which cooperate with the instrument to form a musical instrument type support for supporting the instrument in a reference position. 
     When the upper leg supporting collar and the corresponding lower collar are moved toward each other on the upright portion, the bottom of the leg connected thereto will be extended radially outward to be positioned an unequal distance from the center of the upright portion relative to the other legs, and the upper leg supporting collar and the corresponding lower collar are moved away from each other, the bottom of the leg connected thereto will be drawn radially inward to be positioned an unequal distance from the center of the upright portion relative to the other legs. The one adjustable leg of the musical instrument allows the stand to be erected on multi-level surfaces. 
     There are a number of patents that have been issued that work to plug the end of a pipe. The majority of these plugs use a metallic cone or an elastomeric washer that is squeezed to expand and fill and seal the plug within the inside diameter of the pipe. While these devices grip the inside of the pipe, they are simply a plug and the position along the interior length of the pipe is not adjustable. 
     Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable musical instrument stand that has independently adjustable movable legs. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide an adjustable musical instrument stand that allows for multiple angularities and musical instrument configurations. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable musical instrument stand that has two or more independently adjustable movable legs providing versatility and stability in the support system. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable musical instrument stand that allows for the body of the stand to be oriented in an off-axis position while maintaining the center of gravity in a stable support system. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow collars that support the legs, to be slidably adjusted past each other to allow for a greater variety of adjustment. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable support leg positioned on the musical instrument stand and under a musical instrument to provide additional support to the musical instrument while it is being played. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a spring or gas charged strut within the musical instrument stand that assists in the extension of telescoping members. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide additional extension legs that can be used in combination with the legs of the musical instrument stand to give greater extension capability for placement of the musical instrument stand on uneven surfaces. 
     Another object of the invention is for the geometry of the center tube and the legs to be essentially the same to allow for part commonality and interchangeability. 
     Another object of the invention is to allow the position of the leg brace to be adjustable to allow the angular arc or position of the leg to be adjusted beyond a single fixed fulcrum brace point. 
     It is another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable musical instrument stand for supporting articles which is simple in construction, light-weight, economical to manufacture, rugged and reliable in use. 
     It is another object of the present musical instrument stand to provide an expandable musical instrument stand made from extruded sections where the extruded sections include a dovetail feature that allows the extruded tubular sections to be locked together. 
     It is another object of this musical instrument stand to utilize dovetail locking features to engage tubular sections and allow the stand to become longer. The leg section creates both the leg support and the locking mechanism for the additional tubular extension. 
     It is another object of this musical instrument stand to allow the overall height of the instrument stand significantly reduced make the stand easier to transport and store, the long center tube support can be split into two or more pieces and assembled using an existing leg clamp to secure the two center tube sections rigidly together. 
     It is another object of this musical instrument stand is to provide an adjustable tripod stand that has two or more independently adjustable movable legs providing versatility and stability in the support system. 
     It is another object of this musical instrument stand is to provide an adjustable tripod stand that allows for the body of the stand to be oriented in a greater off-axis position while maintaining the center of gravity in a stable support system. 
     It is another object of the musical instrument stand is to allow collars that support the legs, to be slidably adjusted past each other to allow for a greater variety of adjustment. 
     It is an object of the expandable stand with an adjustable travel stop for the travel stop to be inserted and removed from the inner diameter of a tube. The ability to insert and remove the travel stop allows the extension or the travel of the lift to be adjustable by moving the travel stop within the tube. A hex key is inserted into the travel stop to lock the position, to adjust the position or to remove the travel stop. The travel stop can be used to stop the travel length and or to establish the starting point for expansion. 
     It is still another object of the musical instrument stand to utilize an assisted lifting mechanism, such as a spring or gas strut, to make adjusting the height of the playing surface of the musical instrument easier. The assisted lifting mechanism allows for an infinite number of heights that the instrument can be adjusted and the adjustment can be made quickly by a performer. Various lifting mechanisms can be used based upon the required force and the amount of extension that is required. 
     Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  shows a back isometric view of the sousaphone stand on a stadium stand supporting a sousaphone. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front perspective view of a tuba mounted in the stadium stand. 
         FIG. 3  shows a front perspective view of the sousaphone stand on a stadium stand supporting a sousaphone. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side perspective view of the sousaphone stand. 
         FIG. 5  shows a tubular clamp in an open configuration. 
         FIG. 6  shows the tubular clamp from  FIG. 4  receiving a tube. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the tubular clamp from  FIGS. 4 and 5  grasping a tube. 
         FIG. 8  shows a top perspective view of the sousaphone stand. 
         FIG. 9  shows the collapsed pieces of the sousaphone stand ready for transportation. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the extension mechanism. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the clamping mechanism for the extension lift mechanism. 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the travel stop components. 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross sectional view of the travel stop cut just above the split ring. 
         FIG. 14  shows an end view of the travel stop showing the tool insert socket. 
         FIG. 15  shows a cross sectional view cut lengthwise through the travel stop. 
         FIG. 16  shows a cross sectional view cut lengthwise through the travel stop showing the expansion of the split ring. 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the extendable tripod stand with a vertically mounted bass drum. 
         FIG. 18  shows a top perspective view of a compound lift mechanism. 
         FIG. 19  shows a detailed view of a compound lift mechanism. 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of the compound lift in a retracted condition with a top mounted speaker. 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of the compound lift in an extended condition with a top mounted speaker. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a back isometric view of the sousaphone stand on a stadium stand supporting a sousaphone.  FIG. 2  shows a front perspective view of a tuba mounted in the stadium stand.  FIG. 3  shows a front perspective view of the sousaphone stand on a stadium stand supporting a sousaphone and  FIG. 4  shows a side perspective view of the sousaphone stand. From  FIG. 1  a sousaphone  10  is shown resting upon the stand. The stand has two sets of legs,  30 ,  31  and  40 ,  41  that are configured to slide on a central tube  20 . The two sets of legs are independently connected to the central tube  20  to allow the legs to be placed on different elevations whereby allowing the first set of legs  30 ,  31  to be placed on the ground and the second set of legs to be placed on a bench seat  11  or similar raised platform that might be found in a stadium. While in some of the figures the legs are shown at different elevations they may also be placed on the same elevation or slightly offset in elevation to prone the stand in an off axis orientation. 
     The sousaphone is placed on the stand where the upper curved tube of the sousaphone  10  rests in the cradle of the arc sector or “V” receivers  60  and  61  that are covered with padding  62  to cushion the sousaphone  10 . The padding can be a variety of different materials including but not limited to felt, cloth, rubbers, plastics or elastomeric. The arc padded sectors  60  and  61  are connected to a head  21  with arms  63  and  64 . While arc sector or “V” receivers are shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the head may be replaced with an elbow  73  that is connected to a single clamp as shown and described in  FIGS. 4 to 5 . The cantilevered weight of the sousaphone  10  naturally rotates the sousaphone  10  in the arc sector or “V” receivers  60  and  61  such that the lower portion of the sousaphone  10  rests on pads  50  and  51 . 
     The pads  50  and  51  are pivotable on pivot pads  52  and  53  and can slide  54  on a second set of legs  40  and  41  to allow the pads  50  and  51  to be placed at a location that provides protection of the instrument. The pivoting and sliding of the pads  52  and  53  allows for player customization to accommodate placement of the pads  52  and  53 . 
     The first set of legs  30  and  31  are slidably connected to the central tube  20  with two independent dovetail tubular first upper collar slider  32  and first lower collar slider  33 . The first upper collar slider  32  is pivotably  35  connected to one end of each leg  30  and  31 , while the first lower collar slider  33  is pivotably  35  connected to leg brace(s)  56  that are then slidably  38  and pivotably  35  connected to an opposing end of each leg  30  and  31 . A tension screw  36  on each first upper and lower collar slider  32  and  33  secures each slider on the central tube  20 . The lower end of each leg  30  and  31  has a foot pad  37  to protect the surface where the stand is placed upon. 
     The second set of legs  40  and  41  are slidably connected to the central tube  20  with two independent dovetail tubular second upper collar slider  42  and second lower collar slider  43 . The second upper collar slider  42  is pivotably  45  connected to one end of each leg  40  and  41 , while the second lower collar slider  43  is pivotably  45  connected to leg brace(s)  44  that are then slidably  48  and pivotably  45  connected to an opposing end of each leg  40  and  41 . A tension screw  46  on each first upper and lower collar slider  42  and  43  secures each slider on the central tube  20 . The lower end of each leg  40  and  41  has a foot pad  47  to protect the surface where the stand is placed upon. 
     The collar sliders  32 ,  33 ,  38 ,  42 ,  43 , and  48  are configured with reverse facing dovetail edges having a wrap angle of less than 180 degrees of wrap on the central tube and the legs  30 ,  31 ,  40  and  41  that allows the collar sliders to slide past each other on the central tube  20  and or the legs  30 ,  31 ,  40  and  41 . In addition, because both the upper and lower collar sliders are independent, the angle of the leg  32 ,  33 ,  42  and  43  and or leg more brace(s)  56  and  44  are adjustable to alter the distance between the foot pads  37 ,  47  and the central tube  20 . 
     The central tube  20  has an internal extension tube  70  that can be adjusted in extension to raise or lower the height of the arc sector or “V” receiver  60 ,  61  pads  62 . The extension tube  70  can further be removed, as shown in  FIG. 9 , for storage or transportation. The extension tube is securable in position on the central tube  20  with a tube clamp  69  that operates with a cam  72  on a lever to allow for quick clamping and releasing of the extension tube  70 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , the bottom of the tuba  14  is placed onto the arc sector or “V” receivers  60  and the tube of the tuba  14  is secured in clamp  80 .  FIGS. 5 to 7  show and describe the clamp in greater detail. 
       FIG. 5  shows a tubular clamp in an open configuration,  FIG. 6  shows the tubular clamp  80  from  FIG. 4  receiving a tube and  FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the tubular clamp  80  from  FIGS. 4 and 5  grasping a tube. This clamp  80  can be placed on the extension tube  70  to grasp the tube  12  of a musical instrument. The riser tube  75  is held with elbow  73  in position on the instrument stand. The position of the tubular clamp on the stand is adjustable and secured with screw clamp  92 . 
     The tubular clamp  80  has a first arc sector or “V” receiver  81  and a second arc sector or “V” receiver  82  that grasps at least partially around the tube  12  of a musical instrument. The first arc sector or “V” receiver  81  pivots on a pivot axis  83  while the second arc sector or “V” receiver  82  pivots on a pivot axis  84  that extends through the body  91  of the tubular clamp  80 . The inside edges  93  limits the amount that the arc sector or “V” receivers will open. Each arc sector or “V” receiver  81  and  82  is padded or cushioned  86  to both frictionally grip the instrument tube  12  and to prevent damage to the instrument tube  12 . When the instrument tube is pushed into the tubular clap  80  the arc sector or “V” receivers  81  and  82  will pivot until holes  89  engage into pins  88  that will hold the arc sector or “V” receivers  81  and  82  in a closed orientation as shown in  FIG. 7 . When release  85  is pulled back  87  the pins  88  will be pulled out of retentions holes  89  whereby releasing the arc sector or “V” receivers  81  and  82  and spring  94  will pull  90  the arc sector or “V” receivers  81  and  82  open to release the tube  12 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a top perspective view of the sousaphone stand that is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . This orientation of the stand represents the orientation where a performer will place the sousaphone into the stand. Because of the weight and cost of a sousaphone performers must often support the weight of the instrument by placing the instrument on their legs as they rest on the stadium. Using this instrument stand, a performer can place the instrument stand in a stadium and adjust the height of legs  30 ,  31  and  40 ,  41  to accommodate the geometry of the stadium seat or bleacher. The performer will loosen the cam clamp  72  to raise or lower the extension tube  70  from the central tube  20  and then tighten the tube clamp. The performer will then rest the upper tube of the sousaphone in the pads  62  of the arc sector or “V” receivers  60  and  61  that exist on the ends of arms  63 ,  64  from head  21 . The sousaphone will then naturally rotate onto pads  50  and  51  that can also be adjustable on legs  30  and  31  to cushion the sousaphone. It is contemplated that to assist in positioning the extension tube  70  that a spring, gas filled strut or other similar lifting mechanism are can be incorporated into the central tube  20  to assist a performer to extend the extension tube  70  out of the center tube  20  as shown and described in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the collapsed pieces of the sousaphone stand ready for transportation. In this figure the central tube  20  including the cam clamp  72 , extension tube  70 , head  21  and the padded arc sector or “V” receiver musical instrument supports are separated from the leg assemblies. The leg assemblies will include the first leg set  30 ,  31 , sliders and foot pads  37 . The leg assemblies also include the second leg set that are partially visible behind the first leg set  30 ,  31 . The pads  50  and  51  are shown rotated against the pivoting sliders to minimize storage size. The slide collar  42  is shown removed from the central tube  20 . While  FIG. 9  shows the sousaphone stand, the tuba stand is disassembled in a similar manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10  that shows an exploded view of the extension mechanism  39 . The extension/lift mechanism can be a variety of different mechanism. In  FIG. 6  it is shown as a compression spring. In this figure the lift/extension mechanism is shown and described as a strut. The strut shown is a gas filled extension mechanism that naturally exists in an extended orientation. Pushing upon the two ends will compress the strut. Various different forces and extension lengths are available. When using the strut in the embodiments shown, the strut must be stopped med stroke at the length desired by the user. One contemplated embodiment of the clamping mechanism is shown and described in  FIG. 12 . 
     The strut  39  has end caps  57  and  55  that are installed with the tubes  34  and  26 . A set screw or stops  51  and  58  retain the end caps  57  and  55  within the tubes  34  and  26 . In one embodiment the end caps sit on the screws  51  and  58 . In another embodiment the screws  51  and  58  bind the end caps  57  and  55  to prevent the inner tube  34  from being accidentally removed from the outer tube  26 . A guide  59  exists in the middle of the strut  39  to reduce axial loading on the strut that could harm the seals of the strut  39 . The extension mechanism can be either inserted into the inner tube  34  or in the outer tube  26 . A securing means for securing a musical instrument is attached to the end of the upper tube  34 . The instrument securing means allows a performer to install a musical instrument such as a drum or other musical instrument onto the stand. Various types of percussion musical instruments are shown in the figures. In this figure the securing means is a saddle where a musical instrument is placed vertically into the securing means. 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the clamping mechanism  69 . Referring briefly to  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9  the clamping mechanism  69  is shown where the lower tube  26  and the upper tube  34  intersect. The clamping mechanism is an extrusion  260  with a central hole  262  where the lower portion of the clamping mechanism  69  is secured to the lower or outer diameter tube  26 . The clamping mechanism is partially split into a lower portion that is secured to the lower tube  26  (not shown) and an upper section that can temporally hold the upper tube  34  (not shown) the split  263  separates these two section and allows separate flexibility for clamping the upper and lower parts of the clamping mechanism  269 . A screw  264  closes the lower portion of the clamping mechanism  69  on the lower tube. A separate screw  265  passes through the upper portion of the clamping mechanism  69  where it is threaded into as shoulder bolt  267  with a threaded hole that the screw  265  threads into. A nut  268  retains the shoulder bolt  267  on a cam arm. The cam arm  266  has an eccentric hole that allows the upper portion of the clamping apparatus/griping means to close the gap  261  onto an upper tube to prevent extension of the upper tube  34  (not shown). 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the travel stop components. The travel stop is configured to fit within the center of a tube  34 , but could also be placed within tube  20  or  70  as shown in  FIGS. 1-4, 8, 9  or tube  34  shown in  FIG. 10 , or tubes  26 ,  70 , or  76  in  FIGS. 17-21 . The travel stop shown in  FIGS. 12-14  show a shoulder  153  that prevents insertion completely into the tube. In  FIGS. 15 and 16  the shoulder is not present and allows the travel stop to be inserted completely into the tube. The shoulder  153  has a stopping ridge  152  with a step, but could be rounded or otherwise shaped to prevent the travel stop from sliding into the tube. The outer diameter of the shoulder  153  is preferably the same diameter as the outer diameter of the tube to create a smooth transition from the tube  34  to the end cap shoulder  153 . 
     An elongated shank exists both above  151  and below  150  a split ring  160 . The elongated shank  150 / 151  provides both a guide and a bearing surface for the travel stop. The split ring  160  is preferably located along the center of the elongated shank  150 / 151 . The location of the split ring  160  must be placed sufficiently from the shoulder  152  to reduce the possibility of splitting the travel stop with the split ring  160  is expanded to grip the inside diameter of the tube  34 . A split  161  in the split ring  160  allows the outside diameter to expand to grip the inside diameter  34  of the tube. Various materials are contemplated for the travel stop. In the preferred embodiment the travel stop is made from a strong but fairly light weight material such as aluminum, but other material are contemplated such as plastic. It is also contemplated that the travel stop can be manufactured from a heavier material to provide some initial weight. Some heavier materials that are contemplated include but are not limited to copper alloys, stainless steel and other non-toxic and or non-rusting materials. Still other materials that are contemplated are hard rubbers that will still maintain some mechanical structure but also will provide some flexibility if impacted. 
     The bottom of the travel stop is generally flat  154  with a clearance hole that allows the threaded set screw  155  to be inserted from either end.  FIG. 13  shows a cross sectional view of the travel stop cut just above the split ring  160  cut through section  13 - 13  in  FIG. 15 . The split ring  160  exists within a recess  162  as shown in the sectional view in  FIG. 12 . The split  161  in the ring is obvious in this figure. The split is shown in an exaggerated opening to make it more visible. In the preferred embodiment the split  161  is perpendicular with the ring  160 , but it is also contemplated that the split  161  can exist at an angle to reduce the possibility that the split will occupy the area over the expansion pins  165 . The expansion pins  165  exist in holes  166 . The holes  166  are sized to provide clearance for the pins  165  to freely slide. The holes  166  pass from the center of the cylinder  151  to the outside of the cylinder  151 . A screw  155  with a tapered head pushes the pins  165  outward when the screw is turned into the travel stop. The shoulder  152  of the end plug is visible outside of the cylinder  151  and split ring  160 . 
       FIG. 14  shows an end view of the adjustable travel stop showing the tool insert socket. This view is the socket  156  for insertion of a hex key is visible. A hex key is inserted into the socket  156  to move the screw  155  into and out of the end cap. Movement of the screw  155  pushes the pins  165  as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a cross sectional view cut lengthwise through the adjustable travel stop. In this figure the screw  155  is backed away from the pins  165 . The screw  155  is backed away from the pins to allow the end cap to be inserted into the end of the tube  34 . To move the screw  155 , a hex key is inserted into the socket  156 , the end  154  of the end cap is held, and the hex key is turned to screw or unscrew the screw  155 . The end cap is inserted until the end of the tube  34  and into position. An installer can partially expand the split ring  160  to create a frictional or interference fit of the travel stop within the tube  34 . This frictional fit allows an installer to push/slide the travel stop into position within the tube  34  before locking the travel stop in position at an intermediate position between the two ends of the tube  34 . 
     When the screw  155  is turned into the end cap the tapered end  158  of the screw  155  pushes into the pins  165  to push the pins, through the clearance holes  166 , against the split ring  160  to make the split ring grip the inside diameter  134  of the tube  34 . The taper  158  of the screw  155  pushing against the pins and then the split ring is shown in more detail with  FIG. 16   
       FIG. 16  shows a cross sectional view cut lengthwise through the travel stop showing the expansion of the split ring  160 . The travel stop is shown deep within the tube  34  and requires an elongated Hex key to secure and remove the travel stop within the tube  34 . The Hex key and or the set screw can be magnetized to make removal of the travel stop insertion easier. This figure has a hex key  157  shown where it can engage into the hex socket  156  of the set screw  155 . As the screw  155  is turned clockwise  173  the screw moves into  174  the end cap and the tapered  158  end or nose of the screw  155  pushes pins  165  out  175  through the clearance holes  165  where the pins push the split ring  160  out  176 . 
     In  FIG. 17  the extendable stand is mounted with a vertically mounted on a bass drum. In each of the configurations the drum can be quickly removed from a performer&#39;s body mounted carrier and installed onto the adjustable stand. In all of these configurations the base or legs  23  extend from the lower central tube  26 . The extension mechanism exists inside one of the tubes where it is secured or located with screws  58  and or  51 . In all of these figures the upper tube  34  is shown partially pushed out of the lower tube  26 . The amount of extension of the upper tube  34  out of the lower tube  26  is determined by the performer preference and an infinite number of different heights are adjustable. The force and extension length of the extension mechanism is variable based upon the type and weight of instrument that is being supported. In the preferred embodiment the force of the extension mechanism is selected to allow for minimal force by the user to raise or lower the musical instrument  79  and the weight of the musical instrument is sufficient to approximately equal the force from the extension mechanism. 
     The strut can be fixed to the stand, or can be changeable. The clamping apparatus/griping means  69  grips the upper tube to prevent undesirable movement of the upper tube while a performer is performing. The location of the tube  70  is quickly adjustable with the eccentric cam arm  66 . In this figure, a series of drum supports  71  hold the vertically mounted drum  81 . 
     The inventor of this disclosure has also been awarded U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,438,266, 7,588,228, 7,703,725 and 7,718,878 that disclose tripod type stands. It is distinguished over the prior art in general, and these patents in particular by an adjustable musical instrument stand with independently adjustable legs  23  which comprises a longitudinal extensible upright portion of telescoping tubular members, a plurality of collar members  69  slidably mounted on the upright portion of  26  which are longitudinally adjustable relative to one another and to the upright portion of  26  for selective positioning. The lift mechanism further creates additional improvement and user performance features that were not obvious and are novel over the inventors prior patents. 
       FIG. 18  shows a top perspective view of a compound lift mechanism,  FIG. 19  shows a detailed view of a compound lift mechanism,  FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of the compound lift in a retracted condition with a top mounted speaker, and  FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of the compound lift in an extended condition with a top mounted speaker. In  FIGS. 18 and 19  a second or compound lift member  76  is mounted aside the lower central tube  26 . The parallel structure of the lower central tube with the compound lift member  76  provides additional stability when the parallel members are clamped. Releasing the lower clamping mechanism  69  allows the internal extension/lift mechanism rod  98 , as shown and described in  FIG. 10 , pushes upon connecting elbow  73  to extend as the guides  54  slide along the outrigger lift tube  76 . A second extension/lift mechanism  70  is exists within the outrigger lift tube  76  to provide a second lift to further extend the lift height of the stand by releasing upper clamping mechanism  74 . 
     In  FIG. 20  a speaker  99  is mounted to the top of the stand and shown in a lowered condition. In  FIG. 16  one of the legs  23  is shown slightly displaced to show an adjustment for placement of the stand on an uneven surface.  FIG. 16  also shows the speaker more fully elevated with both the first stage extension tube  98  and the second stage extension tube  70  released and extended. Once the tubes are extended to the desired extension, clamps  69  and  74  are secured. 
     Thus, specific embodiments of an expandable stand with an adjustable travel stop have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5