WO2012090230A1

WO2012090230A1 - Support for musical instruments, in particular for percussion instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2012090230A1
Application number: PCT/IT2010/000517
Authority: WO
Inventors: Massimo CONTI
Original assignee: Conti Massimo
Priority date: 2010-12-29
Filing date: 2010-12-29
Publication date: 2012-07-05

Abstract

The present invention concerns a support frame (1) for musical instruments comprising a support structure (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) on which to be able to arrange one or more than one support elements (2; 2a) to bear the musical instruments. In accordance with the invention, the support structure comprises at least two bars (3a, 3b, 3c) hinged between them by a free end (5) in such a way as to result rotatable between a wide open position and a closing position wherein they result one close to the other. Moreover, the bars extend along directions of extension lying substantially on a single plane in such a way as to be able to lay directly on the ground along the said direction of extension to realize the support base when they are wide open. Last, at least one of the said bars includes a sliding binary (30) on which one or more than one of the said support elements (2; 2a) can be applied slidingly in a removable manner.

Description

SUPPORT FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS,

PARTICULAR FOR PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS

Field of the invention

The present invention concerns the technical field relative to the supports for musical instruments.

In particular, the invention refers to a particular support frame for percussion instruments, particularly compact and that can be easily and quickly assembled.

Background Art

Supports for percussion instruments in different structural forms have long been known.

In some particularly simple cases, the supports can include rods that lay on ordinary tripods and to which the percussion instruments, for example the cymbals, are connected on the opposite side.

In other cases, a particularly more complex frame can be included that comprises a central support bar lifted from the ground^' through a connection to rods furnished with tripods. The bar includes also attachments to which to connect all the instrumentation, thus creating a central area in which the user seats for playing. It is known how such a structure can be coupled with tripod single systems to be able to position further other additional instruments of the same nature or even different (for example, electrical mixers or sound control computers as well as microphones).

Such structures, however, result disadvantageous for the reasons described immediately below.

Such supports are in fact constituted of different components that are coupled between them in specific positions and then reciprocally fixed. All this requires a significant effort both in assembly phase and in disassembly phase. Considering also that concerts often finish late at night, the need for having support frames that are easily and quickly assembled/disassembled is still more important.

Moreover, the present support frames result particularly cumbersome since they are composed of a high number of components that have to be coupled between them. To the complexity of the assembly it is added the complexity of storage and transport of the equipment.

Last, even if the actual frames allow the adjustment of the instruments, the adjustment of them results difficult since the mobile parts are very heavy.

Disclosure of invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a support frame _. for musical instruments,, preferably of the percussion type, that solves at least in part the said inconveniences.

In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide a support frame that does not result cumbersome when it is no longer used and stored and that, at the same time, can be quickly assembled.

It is also the aim of the present invention to provide a support frame for musical instruments that allows the easy adjustment of the reciprocal distance between the instruments, each time modifiable at will, thus allowing always different configurations.

These and other aims are therefore obtained with the present support frame (1) for musical instruments, preferably of the percussion type, as per claim 1..

The frame includes a support structure (3) on which one or more than one support elements (2; 2a) can be arranged for bearing the musical instruments. Unlike the background art wherein physically the support structure is realized through tripods, in this case at least two bars (3a, 3b, 3c), preferably three, are included that extend along directions mainly of extension laying on a single plane in such a way as to be able to lay on the ground along the said direction of extension.

In such a manner, the support surface to the ground is not just limited to the single contact point of traditional tripods now, but it is a very stable support since it develops along the length of the bars themselves laid on the ground.

Moreover, the bars, in addition, result hinged between them by one of their free ends (5) in such a way as to result rotatable between an open wide position and a closing position wherein they result one close to the other .

Such further cunning device allows a very quick assembly as well as disassembly. The bars are in fact already ready for use and it is enough to open them wide and lay them on the ground to obtain a solid support base. At the end of the concert it is enough to close the bars and transport them away comfortably.

Last, at least one of the said bars includes a sliding binary obtained on the bar on the opposite side to the surface of the bar itself destined to lay on the ground. On such a binary there can be inserted one or more than one of the said support elements (2; 2a) slidingly in a removable manner, to which to connect the percussion instruments .

In such a manner, the percussion instruments result adjustable at any reciprocal distance along the bars, allowing the adjustment by the user at will.

Further advantages are inferred from the dependent claims . Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will result clearer with the description of some of its preferred embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

— Figure 1 describes an axonometric view of a support frame in accordance with the invention and laying on a support surface la;

— Figure 2 shows the frame in the closed configuration;

— Figure 3 shows a bar added to the three base elements of the frame;

— Figure 4 shows a hinging solution to connect two bars between them;

— Figure 5 shows a support cylinder 2 connected slidingly on the binaries of the bar and to which to connect in a separable manner a support rod for the instruments;

— Figure 6 shows the. solution with the long rods assembled on the cylinders;

— Figures 7 and 8 show a sliding support 2a for the bass drum.

Description of some preferred embodiments

Figure 1 shows a support frame 1 for musical instruments such as drums, cymbals and/or other percussion instruments.

In accordance with the invention, the support frame 1 includes, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, three section bars (3a, 3b, 3c) in the shape of rods lengthened and hinged between them by one of their free ends through hinges 5. The three section bars arranged between them in succession realize therefore a stable support base to. which there can be eventually added additional section bars 3d arranged laterally, along the length of the said three ones, such as for example shown in figure 3 and as better explained afterwards in this description.

The use of the three section bars in succession is preferred since it creates, as per figure 1, a square open on one side and therefore realizes a structure well stable with respect to the ground. Nevertheless, in the case of light musical instruments or a limited number of components, nothing would prohibit to arrange only two of them.

The bar has therefore its direction of longitudinal extension which is substantially rectilinear. The bar, in accordance with the invention, includes a lower surface 3' configured in such a way that it can be laid in a stable manner with respect to the ground along its direction of extension avoiding that it turns over or rotates on itself.

To that aim, there can be selected section bars, for example rectangular or quadrangular, or anyway such that the lower surface 3' results substantially flat in such a way as to be able to lay in a stable manner with respect to the ground avoiding that the bar turns over. A particularly stable section bar for the present aims results to be, for example, the rectangular section one, presenting a support surface 3' wider with respect to the height.

The preferred configuration of the invention includes in addition to the bar the addition of one or more than one plates 6, or other similar elements, arranged in correspondence of the surface 3' of one or more than one section bars, preferably of all the section bars.

In particular, the application of two plates 6 can be included for the central bar 3b and of one plate for each lateral- bar (3a, 3c). In such a manner, the plates increase the stability since they realize an extension of the flat support surface.

In addition, the plates could also be arranged all or in part turned towards the inside of the area delimited by the section bars themselves, as for example shown in figure 1. In such a manner, the user has the possibility of inclining more the instruments towards the centre of the area delimited by the section bars itself (area where the user is positioned) avoiding that such an inclination causes an overall turning over of the structure.

Nothing would prohibit, in the case of integration of such plates 6, even the use of different forms of section bars such as for example the circular one since in this case the flat surface 3' would be entirely realized by the plates themselves.

As better shown in figure 2, the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises that the three section bars 3a, 3b e 3c, hinged between them, are further provided each one with an upper binary 30 arranged on the opposite side to the surface 3' of the bar itself destined to lay on the ground.

Always in the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in figure 1 or figure 2, are further included binaries on the lateral faces of the bar and on the support surface 3' , even though they are not strictly necessary.

The said relative movement between the section bars is realized through hinges 5 in such a way that between them the section bars are rotatable between an opening configuration (as per figure 1) wherein the components are wide open between them and a closing position (as per figure 2), wherein the section bars are close one to -the other.

To that aim, as better described in detail in figure 4, the hinging 5 includes a fixed rotational pin

25 which is integral to each bar through the two shelves

26 at the end of the beam itself. The two pins are connected between them through one or, preferably, a pair of clamps 15 provided with eye at the ends to be able to insert them on the pins in such a way as to result overlapped between them and distanced, as shown in figure 4. The clamps, to avoid that they slide along the axis itself formed by the pins, can lay either on the shelves 26 of the bar and/or on a particular profile of the pin itself. One of the two clamps is connected to a handle 35 through which it is possible to tighten the clamp itself 15 against a shelf 26 or profile of the pin in such a way as to tighten quickly the pre-chosen opening position. The length of the clamps 15 is pre- chosen in such a way that, in the closing phase, the section bars can rotate up to bring to contact reciprocally the lateral faces as per figure 2.

The preferred embodiment of the invention also describes a further bar 3d arranged laterally with respect to one of the three section bars to bear additional instruments. It is evident that a frame in accordance with the present invention can include any number of such additional components 3d. To that aim, the lateral binary is exploited through which the additional bar is connected by means of a sliding block 40 that slides into the binary on one side and having a hinge similar to the one described previously in figure 4 for the rotation and the fixing in position. In particular, in that case there is no clamp 15 but simply the rotation pin and the handle. The support elements for the instruments are structurally · described below.

Figure 2, as well as figure 1, show a series of support cylinders 2 having on their heads a passing hole 2' on which to be able to insert a key 100 for screwing, as better described in detail below.

In particular, as better shown in figure 5, each cylinder 2 (about 10 cm high) includes in correspondence of its base 32 a screw 33 that is screwed in a hole obtained on the base itself. The opposite part of the cylinder includes a sliding block 34 with such a profile as to be able to be inserted slidingly into a binary, in particular way the binary 30 arranged on the upper face of the bar.

In such a manner, once the sliding block is inserted into the binary it is enough to screw the pin (for example through the use of the screwdriver 100 inserted into the hole in the head) in such a way that the screw 33, by being screwed, penetrates more into the seat in the base 32 of the cylinder where it is arranged, thus tightening the sliding block 34 and the base 32 in contrast against the binary.

To each cylinder, as for example shown in figure 6, a long rod 200 can be overlapped in a separable manner. The rod is hollow at the base in such a way as to be able to cover the cylinder and be fixed in a removable manner to it, for example by mechanical interference or, better, through a tightening handle screw 210. The opposite part of such a rod includes standard hooks to which to connect the musical instruments.

Alternatively, it could also be included an only rod integrated in a single piece, and not separable, provided on the opposite side to the sliding block connection means to connect the instruments. Such a rod can eventually be of the telescopic type.

A similar sliding coupling system is included also for the support 2a of the bass drum, formed by an arcuate element 2a having the circumference arc profile that follows the profile of the bass drum itself and generally connected to the central binary 2b.

Such arcuate element is bindable to the support structure 3 slidingly through a similar sliding block to that described for the cylinder 2 but that is inserted in a lateral binary.

Figure 7 better describes the sliding connection formed by a clamp system 57 on which a pair of screws is inserted having on the opposite side a sliding block absolutely similar to the one described for the cylinders. In such a manner, by screwing the screws (for example a socket head screw) the ^' support 2a can be easily tightened in the pre-chosen position.

Figure 8 shows from the top a further view of the support 2a to highlight retaining hooks 29 that better grasp and maintain in position the bass drum.

Having described the basic elements of the invention, we now pass onto, for more clarity, a description of functioning of it.

At the moment in which it is decided to prepare a concert, and therefore, to prepare the equipment, the support 1 is positioned in the closing configuration. In detail, the support 1 is presented in the closing configuration as per figure 2.

The wide opening of the section bars then takes place in such a way as to obtain a stable structure to be laid on the ground as per figure 1.

Once the desired position is reached, the components 3a, 3b and 3c are easily made integral through the tightening of the hinges 5 through the appropriate handles.

At this point the insertion of the support elements 2 takes place, which are inserted in the binaries of the section bars in the number required and then fixed by screwing them to the binaries. These can be in the shape of cylinders 2 to which the separable support rods 200 are sheathed or in the integrated shape of support rods or a combination of both.

The support 2a of the bass drum and the eventual additional lateral rods 3d are then fixed.

The structure is therefore quickly ready to bear the instruments and results easily adjustable to any position.

Claims

CLAIMS A support frame (1) for musical instruments comprising a support structure (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) on which to be able to arrange one or more than one support elements (2; 2a) for supporting the musical instruments and characterized in that the said support structure comprises at least two section-bars (3a, 3b, 3c) hinged between them by a free end (5) in such a way as to result rotatable between an open wide position and a closing position wherein one results close to the other, the said section bars extending along directions of extension lying substantially on a single plane so as to be able to be laid directly on the ground along the said direction of extension and wherein, further, at least one of the said section bars includes a sliding binary (30) on which one or more than one of the said support elements (2; 2a) can be applied slidingly in a removable manner. A support frame (1), according to claim 1, wherein three section-bars (3a, 3b, 3c) are included hinged between them in such a way as to form a stable support area when arranged in the open configuration. A support frame (1), according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binary (30) is arranged on the upper face of the bar opposite to the surface (3') of the bar destined to lay on the ground. A support frame (1), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein all the section bars forming the said support frame are provided with the said binary (30)

A support frame (1), according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein one or more than one support elements (2, 2a) are included having a sliding block (34) configured to be coupled into a binary of the bar in such a way as to allow their insertion in the binary and the sliding adjustment of position along the direction of extension (3a) of the bar .

A support frame (1), according to claim 5, wherein the support element (2) comprises a cylinder (2) having in correspondence of its base (32) a seat into which a screw is screwed, the screw having integrally to it, on the opposite side, a sliding block (34) in such a way that, by screwing in a direction the cylinder (2), the screw penetrates more into the base (32), tightening the sliding block and the base itself against the binary (30) .

A support frame (1), according to claim 7, wherein the said support element (2) further comprises a rod (200) hollow on one. side in such a way as to be able to be sheathed on the cylinder (2) and having connection means on the opposite side to be able to connect the musical instruments to it.

A support frame (1), according, to claim 5, wherein the said support elements (2a) comprise an arcuate element (2a) having a circumference arc profile that follows the profile of the bass drum to apply to it, the said arcuate element being bound slidingly to one of the said section bars through a sliding block integral to the support element. A support frame (1),. according to claim 8, wherein the arcuate element comprises a clamp system (57) on which at least a screw is inserted having on the opposite side a sliding block that slides into a binary, preferably the lateral binary.

A support frame (1), according to claim 1, wherein the hinging (5) includes a tightening handle through which to be able to tighten the pre-chosen position between the section bars. A support element (2; 2a) for a musical instrument characterized in that it comprises a sliding block in such a way as to be able to be inserted slidingly along a binary of a bar as per claim 1. A support element (2; 2a), according to claim 12,. wherein the support element comprises a cylinder (2) having in correspondence of its base (32) a seat into which a screw (33) is screwed, the screw bringing integrally to it, on the opposite side, a sliding block (34) in such a way that, by screwing in a direction the cylinder (2), the screw penetrates more into the base (32), tightening the sliding block and the base itself against the binary (30). A support element (2; 2a), according to claim 13, wherein the support element (2) further comprises a rod (200) hollow on one side in such a way as to be able to be sheathed on the cylinder (2) and having connection means on the opposite side to be able to connect the musical instruments to it.

A support frame (1), according to claim 13, wherein the said support element (2) is a rod in a single piece having on one side the said sliding block and on the opposite side connection means to connect the musical instruments to it.

A support frame (1), according to claim 13, wherein the support element (2a) further comprises an arcuate element (2a) having a circumference arc profile that follows the profile of the bass drum to apply to it, the said arcuate element being bound slidingly to one of the said section bars through a sliding block integral to the support element..