GB2595709A

GB2595709A - Apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard

Info

Publication number: GB2595709A
Application number: GB2008425.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: O'mahony Owen
Original assignee: Owen Omahony
Current assignee: Owen Omahony
Priority date: 2020-06-04
Filing date: 2020-06-04
Publication date: 2021-12-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-04
Also published as: WO2021244957A1; GB2595709B; GB202008425D0

Abstract

Apparatus 2 for supporting a musical keyboard 112 between two microphone stands 100, 106 comprising a body member 4 having a first end portion 6 and a second end portion 8. A first clamping arrangement 10 is provided at the first end portion 6 and configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand 100. A second clamping arrangement 12 is provided at the second end portion 8 and configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand 106. The body member 4 is arranged with respect to the first clamping arrangement 10 and the second clamping arrangement 12 such that, when the first clamping arrangement 10 is clamped to a first microphone stand 100 and the second clamping arrangement 12 is clamped to a second microphone stand 106 which is spaced from the first microphone stand 100, the body member 4 is arranged to support a musical keyboard for use of the keyboard. The body member may be inclined at an angle towards or aware from the user. The body member may be in the form of an expandable lattice.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A MUSICAL KEYBOARD

Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands such that the keyboard is supported during use of the keyboard.

Background

Venues that host live music events typically provide various stands for supporting musical instruments and devices used by performers. For example, a venue may provide stands for supporting equipment commonly used by performers such as electronic musical keyboards, synthesizers or mixing desks. However, the number of stands provided for particular instruments is often less than the number of stands required. In particular, venues often provide fewer stands for electronic musical keyboards than are required. As a consequence, performers must supply stands themselves or improvise accordingly. Stands, however, are typically bulky and so performers would prefer not to have to transport stands for their equipment to and from venues. Improvising also has drawbacks since it is often not possible to set up a suitable supporting arrangement.

The invention seeks to address the problem of having too few stands at a venue which are suitable for supporting an electronic musical keyboard. In particular, the invention seeks to address the problem of having to transport a bulky stand for an electronic musical keyboard.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands comprising: a body member having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first clamping arrangement at the first end portion and configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand; and a second clamping arrangement at the second end portion and configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand, wherein the body member is arranged with respect to the first clamping arrangement and the second clamping arrangement such that, when the first clamping arrangement is clamped to a first microphone stand and the second clamping arrangement is clamped to a second microphone stand which is spaced from the first microphone stand, the body member is arranged to support a musical keyboard for use of the keyboard.

The clamping arrangements are releasable and so allow for easy attachment of the apparatus to microphone stands and subsequent removal. The body member may provide a platform on which a musical keyboard may be placed during use. It will be appreciated that the apparatus would also be suitable for supporting devices similar to musical keyboards, such as a synthesizer or a mixing desk.

The first and second clamping arrangements may be configured to secure the body member to said first and second microphone stands such that the body member extends substantially horizontally. In embodiments in which the body member provides a platform or support surface, although the body member extends substantially horizontally, the supporting surface (or surfaces) may be inclined with respect to the horizontal, for example towards a user when a user is positioned in front of the keyboard supported by the body member.

The body member may be arranged such that it can be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane such that a musical keyboard supported by the body member is inclined towards or away from a user.

The apparatus may further comprise a locking arrangement configured to lock the body member at a desired angle of inclination, for example at an angle of inclination towards a user with respect to a horizontal plane.

The body member may be pivotable with respect to each of the first and second clamping arrangements about a pivot axis that extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the body member. This enables the body member to be inclined towards a user at a desired angle of inclination.

The first and second clamping arrangements may each comprise jaws which are openable to receive an upright post of a microphone stand.

The jaws of each of the first and second clamping arrangements may be secured together at their distal ends by respective fasteners.

The body member may be extendable and has an extended configuration for supporting a musical keyboard and a contracted configuration. The apparatus can therefore be collapsed for easy transportation and/or storage.

The body member may comprise support elements which are pivotally connected to each other to form an expandable lattice arrangement, such as a cross-linked arrangement.

The body member may comprise a first set of pivotally connected support elements extending in a first plane and a second set of pivotally connected support elements extending in a second plane.

The first plane may extend horizontally when the first and second clamping arrangements are secured to said first and second microphone stands respectively to support said musical keyboard for use of said musical keyboard.

The second plane may extend obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the first plane.

The second plane may extend vertically when the first and second clamping arrangements are secured to said first and second microphone stands respectively to support said musical keyboard for use of said musical keyboard.

The apparatus may further comprise at least one fastener for securing a musical keyboard to the apparatus.

The body member may comprise at least one support member which is movable outwardly in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the body member. The body member may comprise a plurality of support members which are movable outwardly in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the body member. This arrangement allows for relatively broad (i.e. wide) support to be provided by the body member when the support members are deployed outwardly, but allows for the apparatus to be compact for transport/storage. The support member or members may be arranged such that the support member is, or the support members are, moved outwardly by extension of the body member into the extended configuration.

The body member may comprise a travel case, such as a travel case for a musical instrument or a musical device. The travel case may be a travel case for a musical keyboard.

Each of the first and second clamping arrangements may comprise a fastener for securing the respective first and second clamping arrangements to a microphone stand. The fastener may be a quick-release fastener such as a nut and bolt arrangement having a cam device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands comprising: a first clamping arrangement configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand and comprising a first securing mechanism configured to be releasably secured to a first end portion of a musical keyboard; and a second clamping arrangement configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand and comprising a second securing mechanism configured to be releasably secured to a second end portion of the musical keyboard, wherein the first and second clamping arrangements are configured such that, when the first securing mechanism and the second securing mechanism are secured to first and second ends of a musical keyboard, respectively, and the first clamping arrangement and the second clamping arrangement are clamped to spaced apart first and second microphone stands, respectively, the musical keyboard is supported for use of the keyboard.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard which can be transported easily.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 2 shows a portion of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in a contracted configuration; Figure 4 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 1 secured to first and second microphone stands; Figure S shows the embodiment shown in Figure 1 secured to first and second microphone stands supporting an electronic musical keyboard in a first orientation; Figure 6 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 1 secured to first and second microphone stands supporting an electronic musical keyboard in a second orientation; Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 9 shows a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 10 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 9 in an unextended configuration; Figure 11 shows a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 12 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 11 in an unextended configuration; Figure 13 shows a sixth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 14 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 13 in an unextended configuration; Figure 15 shows seventh embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands; Figure 16 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 15 in an unextended configuration; Figure 17 shows an eighth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; Figure 18 shows a portion of the embodiment shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 shows a ninth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; Figure 20 shows a tenth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; Figure 21 shows an eleventh embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; Figure 22 shows a twelfth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; Figure 23 shows a thirteenth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; Figure 24 shows the apparatus shown in Figure 23 when not is use; Figure 25 shows a fourteenth embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard connected to two microphone stands; and Figure 26 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 25 in an unextended configuration.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows an apparatus 2 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands that are spaced apart from each other.

The apparatus 2 comprises a body member 4 having a first end portion 6 and a second end portion 8. A first clamping arrangement 10 is secured to the first end portion 6. A second clamping arrangement 12 is secured to the second end portion 8.

The body member 4 comprises a plurality of support elements 14, 16 which are pivotally connected to each other to form an extendable arrangement. The embodiment shown comprises an upper set of support elements 14 and a lower set of support elements 16. Each of the upper and lower sets of support elements 14, 16 comprises ten rigid support elements 14, 16. The support elements 14, 16 are arranged in five pairs, the support elements 14,16 of each pair are pivotally connected to each other at their respective centres to form a cross-linked lattice arrangement. The ends of each pair of the support elements 14 of the upper set of support elements are also pivotally connected to respective ends of an adjacent pair of support elements 14 of the upper set of support elements 14, with the exception of the pairs of support elements 14 at each end of the upper set of support elements which are connected to the first clamping arrangement 10 and the second clamping arrangement 12, respectively. The lower set of support elements 16 has the same arrangement as the upper set of support elements 14. The upper and lower sets of support elements 14, 16 are also connected to each other at the pivot points to provide structural rigidity between the two sets of support elements 14, 16. The upper set of support elements 14 and the lower set of support elements 16 thus form an extendable and contractable arrangement which allows the body member 4 to be expanded and contracted in a longitudinal direction. The arrangement is comparable to the extendable arrangement associated with the device commonly referred to as lazy tongs'.

The first clamping arrangement 10 comprises a cassette 18 having an upper wall 22, a lower wall 24 and opposing end walls 26, 28. A first opening 29 is provided along one side of the cassette 18 through which the first end portion 6 of the body 4 extends. Upper and lower slots 30, 32 are provided in the respective upper and lower walls 22, 24 of the cassette 18 which extend parallel to the direction of expansion and contraction of the body member 4. Each slot 30, 32 receives an end of a guide pin 34 that also extends through ends of upper support element 14 and the lower support element 16 that are within the cassette 18. The guide pin 34 is slidable along the slots 30, 32 in order to allow the support elements 14, 16 to pivot with respect to each other and so allow the body member 4 to expand and contract. A static pin 35 is also connected to the cassette 18 which extends through the other upper support element 14 and the other lower support element 16 which form the pairs of support elements connected to the first clamping arrangement 10.

The first clamping arrangement 10 also has a pair of recesses 36, 38 in the form of 'cut-outs' provided in the upper wall 22. Corresponding recesses 40, 42 (not visible, but indicated generally) are provided in the lower wall 24. A clamping mechanism 44 is disposed within the cassette 10. The clamping mechanism 44 is not visible in Figure 1, but it has the same configuration as the clamping mechanism of the second clamping arrangement of the second clamping arrangement 12 which is described in detail below.

The second clamping arrangement 12 has the same configuration as the first clamping arrangement 10 and comprises a cassette 46 having an upper wall 48, a lower wall SO and opposing end walls 52, 54. A first opening 56 is provided along one side of the cassette 46 through which the second end portion 8 of the body 4 extends. Upper and lower slots 58, 60 (lower slot 60 indicated generally in Figure 1) are provided in the respective upper and lower walls 48, 50 of the cassette 46. The upper and lower walls 48, 50 extend in a plane which is parallel to the direction of longitudinal expansion and contraction of the body member 4. Each slot 58, 60 extends perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction of expansion and contraction of the body member 4, and receives an end of a guide pin 62 that also extends through ends of the upper support element 14 and the lower support element 16 within the cassette 46. The guide pin 62 is slidable along the slots 58, 60 in order to allow the support elements 14, 16 to pivot with respect to each other and so allow the body member 4 to expand and contract. A static pin 63 is also connected to the cassette 18 which extends through the other upper support element 14 and the other lower support element 16 which form the pairs of support elements connected to the first clamping arrangement 10.

The second clamping arrangement 12 also has a pair of recesses 64, 66 in the form of 'cutouts' provided in the upper wall 48. Corresponding recesses 68, 70 are provided in the lower wall 50. A clamping mechanism 72 is disposed within the cassette 46.

With particular reference to Figure 2, the clamping mechanism 72 comprises a clamping element 74 mounted to a rod 75 that is secured to an end wall 52 of the cassette 46. The clamping element 74 is arranged to slide along the rod 75 within the cassette 46. The clamping element 74 also has a guide pin 78 at its distal end that engages with slots 80, 82 provided in the upper and lower walls 48, SO of the cassette 46. The rod 75 and the slots 80, 82 extend in a direction which is parallel to the upper and lower walls 48, 50 and perpendicular to the end walls 52, 54 and so, in the embodiment shown, constrain the clamping element 74 to move in the direction which is perpendicular to the direction in which the body member 4 extends and contracts in the longitudinal direction of the body member 4.

The clamping element 74 has two recesses 84, 86 provided in it that correspond with (i.e. have the same size and shape as) the recesses 64, 66, 68, 70 provided in the upper and lower walls 48, 50 of the cassette 46. The clamping element 74 can be moved between a first position in which the recesses 84, 86 are aligned with the recesses 64, 66, 68, 70 provided in the upper and lower walls 48, 50 of the cassette 46 and a second position in which they are not.

The rod 75 is threaded along a portion of its length and a knob 88 having a correspond threaded bore (not visible) is threadedly engaged with the rod 75. A compression spring 90 (indicate generally) extends along the rod 75 and is disposed between the knob 88 and the clamping element 74. The spring 90 is arranged to urged the clamping element 74 away from the knob 88 so that the recesses 84, 86 in the clamping element 74 are urged out of alignment with the recesses 64, 66, 68, 70 provided in the upper and lower walls 48,50 of the cassette 46.

Rotation of the knob 88 in one direction causes the knob 88 to move along the rod 75 towards the clamping element 74 thereby compressing the spring 90 between the knob 88 and the clamping element 74, and rotation of the knob 88 in the opposite direction causes the knob 88 to move away from the clamping element 74 thereby decompressing the spring 90. The arrangement therefore provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of force exerted by the spring 90 against the clamping element 74 at any particular position.

When not in use, the apparatus 2 may be in a contracted configuration in which the body member 4 is contracted and housed by the first and second clamping arrangements 10, 12, as shown in Figure 3. A locking mechanism 92 is provided centrally with respect to the body member 4 for locking the first and second clamping arrangements 10, 12 together when in the contracted configuration. The contracted configuration is compact and allows for easy storage and transportation of the apparatus 2.

Figure 4 shows the apparatus 2 secured to a first microphone stand 100 comprising an upright portion 102, which in the microphone stand shown is a pole, and a base 104. The apparatus 2 is also secured to a second microphone stand 106 which comprises an upright portion 108, which in the microphone stand shown is a pole, and a base 110.

In order to secure the apparatus 2 to the first microphone stand 100 and the second microphone stand 106, the clamping element 74 of the second clamping arrangement 12 is pressed against the spring 90, for example by a user, in order to bring the recesses 84, 86 in the clamping element 74 into alignment with the recesses 64, 66, 68, 70 provided in the upper and lower walls 48, 50 of the cassette 46 respectively.

The upright portion 108 of the second microphone stand 106 is then inserted into the aligned recesses 84, 64, 68 (or alternatively aligned recesses 86, 66, 70) and the clamping element 74 is released. The spring 90 urges the clamping element 74 against the upright portion 108 thereby clamping the upright portion 108 between the edges of the recess 84 or 86 and the edges of the recesses 64, 68 or 66, 70, respectively.

The same process is repeated with the first clamping arrangement 10 and the first microphone stand 100 in order to secure the first clamping arrangement 10 to the first microphone stand 100, as shown in Figure 4.

Once the apparatus 2 has been secured to the microphone stands 100, 106 the amount of extension of the body member 4 can be adjusted to accommodate a musical keyboard 112 placed on the body member 4, as shown in Figure S. The amount of extension could, of course, be adjusted prior to attaching the apparatus 2 to the microphone stands 100, 106.

In order to remove the apparatus 2, the clamping element 74 of the second clamping arrangement 12 is pressed against the spring 90 to realign the recesses 84, 86 in the clamping element 72 into alignment with the recesses 64, 66, 68, 70 provided in the upper and lower walls 48, SO of the cassette 46 so that the second clamping arrangement 12 can be removed from the second microphone stand 106. The same process is followed for the first clamping arrangement 10 and the first microphone stand 100 in order to completely remove the apparatus 2 from the microphone stands 100, 106. The body member 4 can then be contracted as shown in Figure 3 for transport and/or storage.

The apparatus 2 provides a convenient and compact means for supporting an electronic keyboard or similar device between two microphone stands. Since microphone stands are relatively numerous at venues, the apparatus provides a desirable alternative to conventional musical keyboard supports. The apparatus also provides ergonomic support since it does not require a central support and so does not obstruct a user's legs. In addition, the apparatus provides a stable supporting arrangement since a user can stand without interfering with the microphone stands to which the apparatus 2 is attached.

It will be appreciated that the order in which the clamping arrangements 10, 12 are secured to the stands 100, 106 and the stage at which the body member 4 is extended can be chosen according to a user preference at the time of assembly.

Figure 6 shows an alternative arrangement of the apparatus 2 described with respect to Figures 1 to 6 in which an upright portion 102, 108 of each microphone stand is inserted into both of the adjacent recesses in the cassettes 18,46 such that upper surfaces of the support elements 14, 16 of the body member 4 are inclined to the horizontal. This arrangement has the advantage that the keyboard 112 can be supported at an angle on a vertical portion of a microphone stand such that it is tilted towards a user.

Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 202 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 202 is a variation of the apparatus 2 described with respect to Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus 202 comprises a body member 204 having a first end portion 206 and a second end portion 208. A first clamping arrangement 210 is secured to the first end portion 206. A second clamping arrangement 212 is secured to the second end portion 208. The first and second clamping arrangements 210, 212 are the same as the clamping arrangements described with respect to Figures 1 to 6, although fewer details are shown in Figure 7.

The body member 204 comprises first and second joining elements 211, 213 which are pivotally connected to each other by a hinge 215. A plurality of support elements 214a, 216a and 214b, 216b extending between the first clamping arrangements and the first joining element 211 and the second clamping arrangement and the second joining element 213, respectively. The support elements 214a, 216a, 214b, 216b are otherwise arranged in the same manner as the support elements of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 and are connected to the first and second joining elements 211, 213 via pins 215a, 217a and 215b, 217b extending through respective slots 219a, 221a, 219b, 221b such that the pins 215a, 217a and 215b, 217b extending can slide within the respective slots 219a, 221a, 219b, 221b thereby allowing the body member 204 to expand and contract. Each joining element 211, 213 is provided with a cavity which can receive contracted support elements 214a, 214b, 216a, 216b in a manner similar to the cassettes of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus 204 can therefore be collapsed and folded into a very compact arrangement for storage and transport.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 302 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 302 is a variation of the apparatus 2 described with respect to Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus 302 comprises a body member 304 having a first end portion 306 and a second end portion 308. A first clamping arrangement 310 is secured to the first end portion 306. A second clamping arrangement 312 is secured to the second end portion 308.

The body member 304 comprises a plurality of support elements 314 which are pivotally connected to each other to form an extendable arrangement. The support elements 314 are arranged in the same manner as the upper support elements 14 of the embodiment described with respect to Figures 1 to 6.

The first clamping arrangement 310 comprises a first bracket 318, which is connected to the support elements 314 by a pin and slot arrangement in accordance with the embodiment described with respect to Figures 1 to 6, and a first clamping mechanism 320 which is pivotably connected to the first bracket 318 by a pin 321 such that the first clamping mechanism 320 can rotate with respect to the first bracket 318 about an axis defined by the pin 321 which extends parallel to the direction in which the body member 304 extends and contract longitudinally.

The first clamping mechanism 320 comprises first and second jaws 322, 324 which are connected to each other such that the jaws 322, 324 can be rotated open and closed. Each jaw 322, 324 has a respective recess 326, 328 provided in it which is configured to receive an upright portion, such as a pole, of a microphone stand. In the embodiment shown, each recess is v-shaped. A fastener 330, 332 in the form of a bolt 330 and nut 332 arrangement is pivotably connected to the first jaw 322 by a clevis arrangement such that it can be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding slot 332 provided in the second jaw 324 and then tightened.

A locking pin 334 is provided on the first jaw 322. The pin 334 is arranged to slidably extend through a hole 336 in the first jaw 322 such that it can be selectively inserted into one of a plurality of holes 338 provided in the first bracket 318. The pin 334 is resiliently biased towards the first bracket 318 by a compression spring arrangement 340 such that release of the pin urges the pin 334 through a hole 336 with which it is aligned.

Fasteners 342a, 342b are provided on the first bracket 318 for securing an electronic musical keyboard to the first bracket 318.

The second clamping arrangement 312 is constructed in the same manner as the first clamping arrangement 310 and so comprises a second bracket 344 which is connected to the support elements 314 by a pin and slot arrangement in the same manner as the first bracket 318, and a second clamping mechanism 346 which is pivotably connected to the second bracket 344 such that the second clamping mechanism 312 can rotate with respect to the second bracket 344 about an axis which extends parallel to the direction in which the body member 304 extends and contracts.

The second clamping mechanism 346 comprises first and second jaws 348, 350 which are connected to each other such that the jaws 348, 350 can be rotated open and closed. Each jaw 348, 350 has a respective recess 352, 354 provided in it which is configured to receive an upright portion, such as a pole, of a microphone stand. In the embodiment shown, each recess 352, 354 is v-shaped. A fastener 356, 358 in the form of a bolt 356 and nut 358 arrangement is pivotably connected to the first jaw 348 such that it can be pivoted into engagement with a corresponding slot 360 provided in the second jaw 350.

A locking pin (not visible) is provided on the second bracket 344. The pin is arranged to slidably extend through a hole (not visible) in the first jaw 348 such that it can be selectively inserted into one of a plurality of holes (not visible) provided in the second bracket 344. The pin is resiliently biased towards the second bracket 344 by a compression spring arrangement (not visible) such that release of the pin urges the pin through a hole (not visible) with which it is aligned.

In order to secure the apparatus 302 to the first microphone stand 100 and the second microphone stand 106, the second jaw 324 is pivoted open with respect to the first jaw 322 to receive an upright portion 108 of a microphone stand 106. The upright portion 108 is then inserted between the jaws 322, 324 and aligned with the recesses 326. The jaws 322, 324 are then pivoted closed and secured together by the fastener 330, 332 thereby securing the first clamping arrangement 310 to the first microphone stand 100. It will be appreciated that the angle of orientation of the first jaw 322 can be set by pulling on the pin 334 to disengage it form the first bracket 318, adjusting the angle of the first jaw 322 with respect to the first bracket 318 and releasing the pin 334 into a hole in the first bracket 318 at the desired angle.

The same process is repeated with the second clamping arrangement 312 and a second microphone stand 106 in order to secure the second clamping arrangement 312 to the second microphone stand 106.

Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 402 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 402 is a variation of the apparatus 302 described with respect to Figure 8. However, the apparatus 402 further comprises a third bracket 418 which is pivotably connected to the first bracket 318 and a fourth bracket 444 which is pivotably connected to the second bracket 344.

A second body member 404 having a first end portion 406 which is secured to the third bracket 418 and a second end portion 408 which is secured to the fourth bracket 444. The second body member 404 is configured in the same way as the first body member 304 which allows it to expand and collapse.

The second body member 404 and the third and fourth brackets 418, 444 pivot between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the plane in which the second body member 404 extends is perpendicular to the plane in which the body member 304 extends. The position of the first body member 304 and the second body member 404 may be locked in the open configuration by locking mechanisms (not shown) provided on the third and fourth brackets 418, 444. The arrangement provides improved rigidity and resistance to flexing and twisting.

In the closed configuration, the second body member 404 extends in a plane which is parallel with and spaced away from the plane in which the body member 304 extends, which makes it compact for easy transportation and/or storage.

Figures 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 502 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 502 is a variation of the apparatus 2 described with respect to Figures 1 to 6. The apparatus 502 comprises a body member 504 having a first end portion 506 and a second end portion 508. A first clamping arrangement 510 is secured to the first end portion 506. A second clamping arrangement 512 is secured to the second end portion 508.

The body member 504 comprises a plurality of support elements 514 which are pivotally connected to each other in a manner corresponding to the support members 14 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, to form an extendable arrangement. That is to say, the support elements 514 are arranged in five pairs, the support elements 514 of each pair are pivotally connected to each other at their respective centres to form a cross-linked arrangement. The ends of each pair of the support elements 514 are also pivotally connected to respective ends of adjacent pairs of support elements 514 by respective pin members 515. Pairs of support members 516 in the form of plates are arranged to extend perpendicularly with respect to the extending/contracting direction of the body member 504 across the intersection of each pair of support elements 514. Each plate 516 has a through hole 518 through which a pin member 515, connecting one of the support elements 514 of a pair of adjacent support elements 514 to another one of the support elements 514 of an adjacent pair of support elements, extends. Each plate also has a slot 520 which receives the pin connecting the other support element 514 of each of said pair of adjacent support elements 514. Each pin member 515 is arranged to slide along the respective slot 520 in which it is received in order to allow the support elements 514 to pivot with respect to each other and so allow the body member 504 to expand and contract in a longitudinal direction.

The first clamping arrangement 510 is secured to one of the plates 516 (e.g. a lower plate) at the first end portion 506 and the second clamping arrangement 512 is secured to one of the plates 516 (e.g. a lower plate) at the second end portion 508.

The first clamping arrangement 510 comprises a curved plate 522 configured to receive an upright portion of a microphone stand in use and a fastener 524, in the form of a threaded screw extending through the curved plate 522, which is arranged to clamp an upright portion of a microphone stand within the curved plate 522. The second clamping arrangement 512 has a similar configuration, having a curved plate 526 and a fastener 528.

The apparatus 502 can be extended and collapsed in a manner which is similar to the previous embodiments and can be secured to first and second microphone stands using the clamping arrangements 510, 512. Once in situ, the plates 516, which move outwardly over each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the body member 504 extends as the body member 51415 extended, provide a relatively wide support for a keyboard placed upon them. The body member 504 is therefore relatively broad when extended, which is desirable for supporting a musical keyboard, and relatively narrow when contracted, which is desirable for transport and/or storage.

Figures 13 and 14 show an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 602 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 602 is a variation of the apparatus 302 described with respect to Figure 8; however, instead of being cross-linked, each support element 614 of a body member 604 is pivotally connected at its ends to a respective adjacent support member 614. The first clamping arrangement 610 comprises first and second pivotally connected jaws 622, 624. The first jaw 622 is pivotally connected to an end of a support element 614 at a first end portion 606 of the body member 604.

Each jaw 622, 624 has a set of three semi-circular recesses 626, 627 of different diameters provided in it for receiving upright portions of a microphone stand of different diameters and which allow for the apparatus 602 to be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane by inserting a microphone stand into adjacent recesses 626 in a manner similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 6. The jaws 622, 624 may be held together by a fastening arrangement, such as the fastening arrangement of the embodiment shown in Figure 8.

The second clamping arrangement 612 has a configuration which is the same as the configuration of the first clamping arrangement 610, and so comprises a pivotally connected first and second jaws 648, 650 having semi-circular recesses 652, 653.

Figures 15 and 16 show an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 702 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 702 is a variation of the apparatus 2 described with respect to Figures 1 to 6, having a similarly extendable body member 704 and first and second clamping arrangements 710, 712 comprising first and second cassettes 718, 746. The first clamping arrangement 710, however, comprises a single recess 740 and a clamping mechanism 744 which comprises four threaded rods 775 which each extend through holes in space apart walls of the recess 740 on opposing sides of the recess and are threadedly engaged with respective adjustment knobs 788 disposed between two of the walls on each side of the recess 740. Each knob 788 is held captive by the walls between which it is disposed such that rotation of each knob 788 in opposite directions causes the threaded rod 775 with which it is engaged to move in and out of the recess 740. Two of the four rods 775 are arranged opposite the other two of the four rods 775 so that an upright portion of a microphone stand disposed within the recess can be clamped between the opposing rods 775. The rods 775 can be moved independently of each other such that the apparatus 702 can be inclined with respect to microphone stands to which it is secured thereby allowing a musical keyboard supported by the apparatus 702 to be inclined towards or away from a user, as desired. The cassette 718 further comprises a plate 790 which is secured to an end face of the remainder of the cassette 718 and is arranged to pivot upwardly to provide a ledge for supporting a keyboard.

The second clamping arrangement 712 has an arrangement which is the same as the arrangement of the first clamping arrangement including a plate 792, although some of the components of the second clamping arrangement 712 are not visible in Figure 15 or 16.

Figures 17 and 18 show an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 802 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The body member 804 is provided by a travel/storage case for an electronic keyboard having a first end portion 806 and a second end portion 808.

The first and second clamping arrangements 810, 812 (the second is indicated generally) have a configuration which is the same as the first and second clamping mechanisms 320, 346 described with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 8. The first clamping arrangement 810 therefore comprises first and second pivotably connected jaws 822, 824, a fastener 830, 832 in the form of a bolt 830 (which also has an integrated cam arrangement for providing a conventional quick-release function) and nut 832. Each jaw 822, 824 has a respective recess 826, 828 provided in it which is configured to receive an upright portion, such as a pole, of a microphone stand. In the embodiment shown, each recess is v-shaped. The clamping arrangements 810, 812, however, are secured directly to the ends of the body member 804 (i.e. the travel storage case) and so do not have an intervening bracket and pin arrangement connecting the clamping mechanism which allows rotation. A bracket such as the bracket of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 could, however, be provided if desired.

Figure 19 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 902 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 902 is a variation of the apparatus 302 described with respect to Figure 8. The first and second clamping arrangements 910, 912 have a construction similar to the first and second clamping arrangements 510, 512 described with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 11. The first and second clamping arrangements 910, 912 are, however, pivotally mounted to first and second brackets 918, 944, respectively to allow the body member 904 to be pivoted with respect to the clamping arrangements 910, 912.

Figure 20 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 1002 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 1002 is a variation of the apparatus described with respect to Figure 19. Each bracket 1018, 1044 comprises a flat plate having a recess at one side opposite the body member 1004. The first and second clamping arrangements 1010, 1012, are located below each respective recess and are fixed with respect to the brackets 1018, 1044, respectively.

Figure 21 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus on 1102 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 1102 is a variation of the apparatus described with respect to Figure 20. Each bracket 1118, 1144 and respective clamping arrangement 1110, 1112 is formed from a single flat metal plate, wherein each clamping arrangement 1110, 1112 is provided by a spur on a side opposite the body member 1104 folded downwardly and into a generally c-shaped configuration. Such an arrangement is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Figure 22 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 1202 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 1202 is a variation of the apparatus described with respect to Figure 19. The body member 1204, however, comprises a central support member 1216 which is configured in the same manner as each support member 516 described with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 11. The body member 1204 therefore provides three relatively wide supports including the central support member 1216 and the two brackets 1218, 1244 for an electronic keyboard.

Figure 23 shows an apparatus 1302 for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands. The apparatus 1302 comprises a first clamping arrangement 1310 having a first clamping mechanism 1320 configured to releasably clamp a first microphone stand and a second clamping arrangement 1312 having a second clamping mechanism 1346 (indicated generally) configured to releasably clamp a second microphone stand. The clamping mechanisms 1320, 1346 are substantially the same as the clamping arrangements shown in Figure 22. The first clamping arrangement 1310 further comprises a securing mechanism 1342a, 1342b configured to be releasably secured to a first end portion of a musical keyboard.

The second clamping arrangement 1312 also comprises a securing mechanism 1342c, 1342d configured to be releasably secured to a second end portion of a musical keyboard. The securing mechanisms 1342a, 1342b, 1342c, 1342d provide a clamping means that clamp against top and bottom surfaces of the keyboard. The securing mechanisms 1342a, 1342b, 1342c, 1342d are located in respective slots provided in first and second brackets 1318, 1344 of the clamping arrangements 1310, 1312, respectively, which allows them to be moved independently in a lateral direction in order to clamp a keyboard at a suitable location of the keyboard. It will be appreciated that other suitable securing means could be used, such as the securing means described with respect to the embodiments described above.

Figure 24 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 23 when not secured to a keyboard and ready for transport and/or storage.

Figure 25 Shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 1402 for supporting a musical keyboard between 2 microphone stands. The apparatus 1402 is a variation of the apparatus described with respect to Figure 22. Each clamping arrangement 1410, 1412, however, comprises two brackets 1418, 1419 and 1444, 1445 pivotally connected to each other, respectively. First and second brackets 1418, 1444 are connected to respective end portions of a body member 1404. A third bracket 141915 pivotally connected to the first bracket 1418 and arranged to pivot downwardly and outwardly for use in order to provide additional structural support for the body member 1404. The clamping arrangement 1410 is pivotally connected to the third body member 1419 in a manner similar to the embodiment described with respect to Figure 19. A fourth bracket 1445 is pivotally connected to the second bracket 1444 and arranged to pivot downwardly and outwardly for use in order to provide additional structural support for the body member 1404. The clamping arrangement 1412 is pivotally connected to the fourth body member 1445.

Figure 26 shows the embodiment shown in Figure 25 in a collapsed configuration for transport and/or storage.

It will be appreciated that in some circumstances other portions of a microphone stand could be used as attachment points, including portions which are or may be inclined to the vertical.

Furthermore, the various clamping arrangement and body members described above with respect to the different embodiments of the apparatus may be used, where suitable, interchangeably to provide a desired configuration and/or functionality. Several apparatus may be connected to microphone stands such that they provide a modular arrangement which provides support for one or more devices.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" or "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having"should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands comprising: a body member having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first clamping arrangement at the first end portion and configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand; and a second clamping arrangement at the second end portion and configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand, wherein the body member is arranged with respect to the first clamping arrangement and the second clamping arrangement such that, when the first clamping arrangement is clamped to a first microphone stand and the second clamping arrangement is clamped to a second microphone stand which is spaced from the first microphone stand, the body member is arranged to support a musical keyboard for use of the keyboard.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second clamping arrangements are configured to secure the body member to said first and second microphone stands such that the body member extends substantially horizontally.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the body member is arranged such that it can be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane such that a musical keyboard supported by the body member is inclined towards or away from a user.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a locking arrangement configured to lock the body member at a desired angle of inclination.
S. The apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the body member is pivotable with respect to each of the first and second clamping arrangements about a pivot axis that extends parallel to a longitudinal direction of the body member.
6. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second clamping arrangements each comprise jaws which are openable to receive an upright post of a microphone stand.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the jaws of each of the first and second clamping arrangements are secured together at their distal ends by respective fasteners.
8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, where in the body member is extendable and has an extended configuration for supporting a musical keyboard and a contracted configuration.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the body member comprises support elements which are pivotally connected to each other to form an expandable lattice arrangement.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the body member comprises a first set of pivotally connected support elements extending in a first plane and a second set of pivotally connected support elements extending in a second plane.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first plane extends horizontally when the first and second clamping arrangements are secured to said first and second microphone stands respectively to support said musical keyboard for use of said musical keyboard.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the second plane extends obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the first plane.
13. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second plane extends vertically when the first and second clamping arrangements are secured to said first and second microphone stands respectively to support said musical keyboard for use of said musical keyboard.
14. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one fastener for securing a musical keyboard to the apparatus.
15. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the body member comprises at least one support member which is movable outwardly in a lateral direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the body member.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the support member is arranged such that the support member is moved outwardly by extension of the body member into the extended configuration.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body member comprises a travel case.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the travel case is a travel case for a musical keyboard.
19. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second clamping arrangements comprises a fastener for securing the respective first and second clamping arrangements to a microphone stand, wherein the fastener is a quick-release fastener.
20. Apparatus for supporting a musical keyboard between two microphone stands comprising: a first clamping arrangement configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand and comprising a first securing mechanism configured to be releasably secured to a first end portion of a musical keyboard; and a second clamping arrangement configured to releasably clamp a microphone stand and comprising a second securing mechanism configured to be releasably secured to a second end portion of the musical keyboard, wherein the first and second clamping arrangements are configured such that, when the first securing mechanism and the second securing mechanism are secured to first and second ends of a musical keyboard, respectively, and the first clamping arrangement and the second clamping arrangement are clamped to spaced apart first and second microphone stands, respectively, the musical keyboard is supported for use of the keyboard.