GB2462515A

GB2462515A - Folding music stand

Info

Publication number: GB2462515A
Application number: GB0912377A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Caryn Anne Moberly
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-15
Filing date: 2009-07-16
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-16
Also published as: GB2462502A; GB0814977D0; GB0907475D0; GB0912377D0; GB2462515B

Abstract

A folding music stand (20) for sheet music, which folds and unfolds in single operations, having a framework (26) comprising a base ledge (4) for supporting music pivotally mounted to a central pillar (30), and with bracing arms (34) pivotally mounted between the outer ends of the base ledge and the top of the central pillar, each bracing arm comprising first and second bracing links (40) pivotally connected together, and comprising sheet music support arms (28) pivotally coupled to the bracing links at points partway along their length. The music stand in the fully unfolded position resembles a zoomorphic face, with the music support arms forming ears, and this is a teaching aid.

Description

FOLDING MUSIC STAND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a folding music stand.

Background Art

A well known form of folding music stand is shown Figure 1, which is designed to be positioned on a supporting leg. The stand comprises a central pillar 2 to which is coupled a base ledge 4, formed in two parts 6, for supporting sheet music. Left and right diagonal bracing arms 8 extend between the outer ends of ledge 4 and the top of pillar 2. Each bracing arm comprises upper and lower links 10 interconnected at a pivot point 12. Outer horizontal and vertical arms 14, 16 together with ledge 4 define a rectangular area for supporting sheet music. The stand is articulated by means of pivot points 18 and 12 to permit folding to a compact configuration.

In order to fold up the stand from the open position of Figure 1, it is firstly necessary to pivot downwardly links 10 about pivot points 12, to disable their bracing function, and then to pivot upwardly base ledge parts 6 and arms 14,16 to a vertically upright position in which they are roughly coextensive with central pillar 2. In this position, arms 14, 16 project a large distance from pillar 2 and are vulnerable to damage. Arms 14, 16 are therefore further folded to a vertically downward position, in which the music stand has a very compact configuration for storage or transport. To open the folded stand, it is necessary to pivot upwardly the outer arms 14, 16 to a vertical position, otherwise the stand cannot be opened. The links 8 naturally follow the outer arms to a vertical position and must then be returned vertically downwardly. It is then possible to pivot open the stand to the configuration shown in Figure 1.

A problem with this stand is the relatively complex method of folding and unfolding, and the risk of damage should the correct procedure not be followed, particularly where young children are concerned.

This stand is also designed so that the links 10 and arms 14, 16 are positioned behind the base ledge when the stand is folded as shown in Figure 8. To allow room for these links and arms, the central pillar usually has a fold 51 in the lower part to allow room for the folded links and arms.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a folding music stand, which may be folded and unfolded by simple operations, and wherein the risk of damage to the music stand is reduced.

The present invention provides a folding music stand for sheet music, having a framework comprising a base ledge for supporting music mounted to the lower region of a central pillar, wherein the base ledge comprises left and right parts each pivotally connected to the central pillar at respective first pivot points, and with bracing arms pivotally mounted between the outer end regions of the base ledge at respective second pivot points and an upper region of the central pillar at respective third pivot points, and each bracing arm comprising first and second bracing links pivotally connected together at a respective fourth pivot point, and comprising sheet music support arms coupled to said framework, which include a first support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a fifth pivot point which is spaced from said first though fourth pivot points, and a second support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a fifth pivot point which is spaced from said first through fourth pivot points, and said first and second support arms being pivotally connected together at a sixth pivot point, such that the music stand may be folded and unfolded in respective single operations.

In a more general aspect, the present invention provides a folding music stand for sheet music, having a framework comprising a base ledge for supporting music pivotally mounted to a central pillar, and with bracing arms pivotally mounted between the base ledge and the central pillar, and each bracing arm comprising bracing links pivotally mounted together such that the framework may be folded and unfolded, and comprising sheet music support arms coupled to said framework, which include a first support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a pivot point, and a second support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a further pivot point said pivot points being spaced from the pivot mountings of said framework, and said first and second support arms being pivotally connected together at a still further pivot point, such that the music stand may be folded and unfolded in respective single operations.

In accordance with the invention, since the outer music support arms are not, in contrast, to the prior art, pivotally connected to the base ledge and to the central pillar at the same pivot points as the bracing arms, but are instead spaced from these pivot points, this enables much simpler folding and unfolding operations. This is because, in a fully folded configuration, the music support arms may not project such a significant distance beyond the central pillar that the risk of damage becomes significant. Hence it is not necessary to envisage a second folding operation wherein the music support arms are folded vertically downwardly. Accordingly to move the stand to an unfolded configuration, all that is necessary is to move the base ledge parts downwards from the folded configuration, and the music support arms and the bracing arms will follow, enabling the fully extended position to be achieved.

As preferred, a first set of said first and second music supports arms and fifth and sixth pivot points are provided on a left side of the framework, and a second set of said first and second music supports arms and fifth and sixth pivot points are provided on a right side of the framework.

Whilst the music support arms might be pivotally connected to the base ledge and/or central pillar, they are pivotally connected, in one preferred embodiment, to the bracing links, partway along the length of the bracing links.

As preferred, a completely symmetrical arrangement is provided, with the distance between the pivot points on each base ledge part being the same length as the distance between the pivot points on the central pillar, the bracing links being of equal length, and the music support arms being positioned symmetrically on the bracing links, with said fifth pivot points to the brace links being equally spaced from the pivot points of the bracing links to the central pillar and base ledge. The support arms form an equilateral or isosceles triangle in the support position.

However a wide range of variations is possible. For example the base ledges parts may not be the same length as the central pillar. The bracing links may be of unequal length. The outer support arms may be positioned asymmetrically relative to the bracing arms, and be of unequal length. Some form of tost motion such as slotted connection points may be provided to permit folding of asymmetric configurations. Where the stand is not symmetrical, the stand will close if two conditions are satisfied: firstly the distance between the first and third pivot points less the distance between the third and fourth pivot points is equal to the distance between the first and second pivot points less the distance between the second and fourth pivot points; and secondly the distance between the sixth and upper fifth pivot points plus the distance between the upper fifth and fourth pivot points is equal to the distance between the sixth and lower fifth pivot points plus the distance between the fourth and lower fifth pivot points.

A further feature of the invention is that the stand may in the fully open position provide a resemblance to a zoomorphic face, with the music support arms forming ears to the face, formed by the framework. This is a useful teaching aid for young children, and may be enhanced by the addition of decorative eyes, etc. It is a further object of the invention to prevent the bracing links and arms from scratching or rubbing against the decorative zoomorphic face which has been applied to the central pillar when the music stand is being folded. One method is to connect pivotally the bracing links to the face of the desk. In addition, the bracing links are held away from the applied zoomorphic face on the central pillar by either folding the central pillar at the top and bottom, creating an indented section of the central pillar of which the face can be applied, or by raising the bracing link above the central pillar at the pivot point by the addition of a washer, for example. Therefore when the stand is folded, the bracing links and arms are held in front of the desk without risk of damaging the zoomorphic face which is behind the desk.

The sheet music supports are also pivotally attached to the front of the bracing arms to enable the supports and arms to fold up in front of the desk.

Brief Description of the Preferred Embodiment

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a front view of a prior art folding music stand, in an extended position; Figure 2 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a music stand according to the invention, in a fully extended position and mounted on a telescopic leg Figure 3 is a front view of the stand of Figure 2 in a partly folded position; Figure 4 is a front view of the stand of Figure 2 in a fully folded position; Figure 5 is a front view of a modified version of the music stand of Figure 2, with decorative features added; Figure 6 is a front view of a modified version of the music stand of Figure 2, including extension arms for supporting sheet music; Figure 7 is a conceptual view of a modified version of the music stand of Figure 2, with dimensions altered to give an asymmetric shape; Figure 8 is a side view of a prior art folding music stand, in a folded position; and Figure 9 is a side view of a modified version of the music stand of Figure 2 in a fully folded position.

Descri�tion of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figure 2, a folding music stand 20 is positioned on a telescopic supporting leg 22, with base tripod 24. Stand 20 comprises a framework 26, formed of metal strips, which defines the structure of the music stand, and sheet music support arms 28 formed as metal strips and extending from the framework. The framework comprises a central pillar 30 to which is coupled a base ledge 4 for supporting sheet music, formed in two parts 31, each part 31 being pivoted at a respective first pivot point 32 to the lower end of pillar 30. Left and right diagonal bracing arms 34 extend between the outer io ends of ledge 4 at second pivot points 36 and third pivot points 38 at the top of pillar 30. Each bracing arm 34 comprises upper and lower links 40 interconnected at a fourth pivot point 42.

Sheet music support arms 28 are provided on the left and right hand sides of the frame work and comprise lower arms 44 each pivoted at a fifth pivot point 46 mid-way along lower links 40, and upper arms 48 each pivoted at a fifth pivot point 46 mid-way along upper links 40. Upper and lower arms 44, 48 are pivotally connected together a sixth pivot point 50.

In order to fold up the stand from the open position of Figure 2, it is firstly necessary to move the bracing links 40 downwards a small amount about the fourth pivot points 42 to break the aligned locking position. Then the base ledge parts 31 may be folded upwardly, causing the bracing links 40 to fold up further in a downwards direction, and for the support arms 44, 48 to fold up in an upwards direction, as shown in Figure 3. Eventually, the fully folded position is achieved as shown in Figure 4. In this position, support arms 44, 48 do not project such a significant distance beyond the folded framework that there is a significant risk of damage, as by bending. In order to unfold the stand from the fully folded configuration of Figure 4, base ledge parts 31 are gripped and folded downwardly. Bracing links 40 and support arms 44, 48 will unfold without additional manipulation being necessary, and the fully unfolded and erected configuration of Figure 2 is achieved in a single operation.

Thus, opening and cJosing are both possible in a single operation. Since the support arms are connected to the bracing links partway along the length of the bracing links, the support arms do not require any additional manipulation and will naturally open and close when the bracing links open and close. This is for several reasons. Firstly, when closed the support arms only protrude part of their length beyond the end of the base ledge and the central pillar because they are joined to the bracing links at a point along their length. When fully folded together with the base ledges, the support arms sit comfortably alongside the folded base ledge parts and are not vulnerable to being bent out of shape.

Secondly, when closed the point at which the support arms are attached to the bracing links is not adjacent to the top of the central pillar and so cannot rotate at that point. Thirdly, as only two pieces are joined together at any one point, there is no possibility of them being prevented from unfolding by pieces locking on each other, unlike the prior art. The order in which the pieces are placed will, however, affect how closely together the pieces will sit together when folded.

Fourthly, when the stand is opening and closing, the relationship between the support arms and the bracing links is that of a kite shape or a parallelogram, and so the pieces can open and close without resisting one another.

In order for the music stand to fold as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the distance between pivot points 38, 46 and 46, 36 should be equal. The distance between pivot point 42 and upper pivot 46 should be equal to the distance between pivot point 42 and lower pivot point 46. The distance between pivot points 46 and 50 should be of equal length on music support arms 44 and 48.

Referring to Figure 5, the zoomorphic nature of the unfolded stand, resembling a face, is emphasized by the addition of features q, r, s, resembling eyes, nose and mouth.

In Figure 6, extension arms n, p are pivotally connected to pivot points 50, together with music support arms 44, 48, in order to provide extra flexibility in handling sheet music.

Whilst a symmetrical shape of music stand is shown in Figures 2 to 6, various other shapes and configurations, both symmetrical and asymmetrical may be envisaged. Care needs to be exercised in selection of lengths of the pieces constituting the arms and links, and where necessary, some form of lost motion may need to be incorporated at the various pivot points to permit folding and unfolding.

In a further variation shown in Figure 7, this shows conceptually a variation of the music stand of Figure 2, wherein the central pillar 30 is of smaller dimension than the base ledge parts 31 and the lower support arm 44 is of smaller length than upper support arm 48. The various pieces of the music stand are dimensioned so as to provide right angled triangles with dimensions of sides in the ratios of 3:4:5. That is, first such triangles are formed between the central pillar 30, left base ledge part 31 and left bracing arm 34, and the central pillar 30, right base ledge part 31 and right bracing arm 34. Further such triangles with the dimensions 3:4:5 are formed by the left and right hand sets of music support arms 44, 48, together with the bracing links 34.

In order for bracing arms 34 and sheet music support arms 28 to fold in front of desk 31 as in Figure 9, the lower bracing arm 40 is atlacked at pivot points 36 to the front of the upright part of the base ledge 31. Also sheet music support arms 28 are attached at pivot points 46 to the front of bracing arms 34.

Also, the sheet music support arm 44 is attached at pivot point 50 to the front of sheet music support arm 48.

The upper bracing arms 40 are also prevented from touching the applied zoomorphic face 53 by a washer at the pivot points 38.

Claims

CLAI MS1. A folding music stand for sheet music, having a framework comprising a base ledge for supporting music mounted to the lower region of a central pillar, wherein the base ledge comprises left and right parts each pivotally connected to the central pillar at respective first pivot points, and with bracing arms pivotally mounted between the outer end regions of the base ledge at respective second pivot points and an upper region of the central pillar at respective third pivot points, and each bracing arm comprising first and second bracing links pivotally connected together at a respective fourth pivot point, and comprising sheet music support arms coupled to said framework, which include a first support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a fifth pivot point which is spaced from said first though fourth pivot points, and a second support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a fifth pivot point which is spaced from said first through fourth pivot points, and said first and second support arms being pivotally connected together at a sixth pivot point, such that the music stand may be folded and unfolded in respective single operations.
2. A music stand according to claim 1, wherein said first support arm is pivotally connected to a said first bracing link, partway along its length.
3. A music stand according to claim 2, wherein said second support arm is pivotally connected to a said second bracing link, partway along its length.
4. A music stand according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first and/or second support arm is pivotally connected to a respective bracing link, midway along its length.
5. A music stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the distances between the pivot points on the first and second support arms are of equal length.
6. A music stand according to any preceding claim, including a first set of said first and second support arms mounted at the left hand side of said framework, and a second set of said first and second support arms mounted at the right hand side of said framework.
7. A music stand according to any preceding claim, wherein the stand in the fully open position provides a resemblance to a zoomorphic face, with the music support arms forming ears to the face, formed by the framework.
8. A music stand according to claim 7, including items attached to the music stand resembling sense organs of a zoomorphic face.
9. A music stand according to any preceding claim, including an extension arm pivotally connected to said sixth pivot point.
1O.A music stand according to any preceding claim wherein the bracing arms are connected to the front of the upright part of the base ledge at the second pivot points.
11.A music stand according to any preceding claim wherein the sheet music support arms are connected to the front of the bracing arms at the fifth pivot points.
12. A music stand according to any preceding claim wherein the lower bracing arms are connected to the front of the upper bracing arm at the sixth pivot point.
13.A music stand according to any preceding claim wherein the top of the bracing arm is held away from the central part of the central pillar or from any zoomorphic face applied to it
14.A music stand according to any preceding claim wherein the central pillar is folded so that the central part of the central pillar or any zoomorphic face applied to it is not able to touch the bracing arms or sheet music support arms when folded.
15.A music stand according to any preceding claim wherein the bracing arms and sheet music arms do not touch the central part of the central pillar or any zoomorphic face applied to it when in a folded position.
16. A folding music stand for sheet music, having a framework comprising a base ledge for supporting music, pivotally mounted to a pillar, and with bracing arms pivotally mounted between the base ledge and the pillar, and each bracing arm comprising bracing links pivotally mounted together such that the framework may be folded and unfolded, and comprising sheet music support arms coupled to said framework, which include a first support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a pivot point, and a second support arm pivotally connected to said framework at a further pivot point, said pivot points being spaced from said pivotal mountings of said framework, and said first and second support arms being pivotally connected together at a still further pivot point, such that the music stand may be folded and unfolded in respective single operations.
17.A music stand according to claim 10, incorporating any of the features of claims 2 to 15.Folding music stands substantially as described with reference to any of Figures 2 to 7 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.