WO2022236117A1

WO2022236117A1 - Stool with instrument and/or accessory storage

Info

Publication number: WO2022236117A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/028162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Hammond; Robert Levine
Original assignee: Jason Hammond; Robert Levine
Priority date: 2021-05-07
Filing date: 2022-05-06
Publication date: 2022-11-10
Also published as: WO2022236117A9

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a stool for a musician, an artist, or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stool for a musician that is configured to hold or support items that a musician might require during practice or performance. A stool according to the present invention has a seat having a seat support and a seating surface; a base configured to make contact with a floor; a pedestal connecting the seat with the base, said pedestal having a length; and an accessory receiver disposed between the seating surface and the base.

Description

Stool with Instrument and/or Accessory Storage

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/185,510, filed on May 7, 2021.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a stool for a musician, an artist, or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a stool for a musician that is configured to hold or support items that a musician might require during practice or performance. Such items include one or more musical instruments, sheet music, percussion mallets, guitar picks, rosin, beverages, tuners, or the like.

Background of the Invention

Musicians face unique challenges in finding seating suitable for practice and/or performance. Space is often at a premium for musicians - whether in a crowded practice room or a performance space such as a stage, orchestra pit, or choir loft/space. In these spaces, crowded with instruments, instrument cases, chairs, people, and their various accessories, it is imperative to keep items necessary for practice/performance convenient to one’s seat and at the ready while maintaining a small footprint.

Accessories left on the floor next a music stand are easily knocked over and damaged when a musician adjusts the position of their chair while practicing or performing. A water bottle placed on the floor can easily be knocked over by an errant foot or a hastily adjusted chair, damaging an amplifier or electronic equipment such as a guitar pedal. Percussion mallets left on the floor can easily be damaged if stepped on or caught beneath rolling equipment.

Some musicians juggle multiple instruments while practicing or during a performance. A flautist, for example, might play both a concert flute and a piccolo during a program. A guitarist, for example, might have multiple instruments tuned to different keys to expedite transitions between songs. While freestanding instrument stands exist, they often take up too much floor space or are inconvenient to store or transport. As a result, an instrument that is not in use is often precariously placed on a music stand or on the floor. This, however, places the instrument at risk of going out of tune, cosmetic damage, damage to mechanical components, structural damage, or worse if the instrument is bumped, jarred, or dropped from a music stand.

Even if a musician uses only a single instrument, there are inevitably periods during practice or performance when that instrument is not in use, such as while a conductor works with other musicians in the group, during extended rests, or when an instrument is not used in a work. Typically, a musician holds the instrument in their lap during these periods of time. However, this can be awkward and uncomfortable. Further, it is advantageous to have one’s hands free during these times, for example to make notes, mark cues, or annotate sheet music with bowings, dynamics, and the like. There are also periods of time when a valuable and/or fragile musical instrument will inevitably be left unattended by a musician. While, under ideal circumstances, it is ideal to store an instrument in a protective case when it is unattended, this is not always practical or convenient. Instruments are again left on the floor, on a music stand, or on the seat of a chair. Instruments left on the floor can be stepped on or bumped, and large sized and/or awkwardly shaped instruments (such as trombones) are particularly challenging, as they occupy a significant amount of space if placed on the floor. Instruments placed on or hung from a music stand, or placed on the seat of a chair are easily bumped or knocked to the floor and damaged when musicians move to and from their positions in the practice or performance space. This can bring an abrupt and expensive end to a practice session or performance for a musician.

From a practical perspective, even in one’s home, one is more likely to play an instrument when that instrument is visible and easily accessible than an instrument hidden away in a case. Freestanding instrument stands provide an option for convenient and secure display, but they often take up significant floor space and are generally meant to be in a fixed position, requiring dedicated space. While numerous wall mount options are available for instruments and provide great space savings, placement of wall mounts for wood instruments in particular requires careful consideration of UV exposure from windows and temperature fluctuations on exterior walls that can lead to cracks in wood, separation of glued components, or the like. Further, wall mounts must be securely anchored to the wall and preferably mounted to a stud. This may be problematic for a musician that rents, leases, or borrows space, as all mounting options result in damaging plaster/drywall. Even if the space is owned by the musician, they may simply prefer an instrument storage or display option that does not result in damage to their wall(s).

Musicians that play electrified instruments face additional challenges with cable management while instruments are stored and, in some cases, during practice/performance.

Artists experience similar challenges in juggling multiple items while practicing their art, risking paint/water spills, broken brushes or applicators, and damaged pigments.

Thus, there exists a need to facilitate safe, secure, adaptable, and convenient instrument and/or accessory storage for musicians and artists. It is preferable that this storage have a compact footprint and be freestanding.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a stool configured to support an individual and one or more accessories. The stool has a seat having a seat support and a seating surface; a base configured to make contact with a floor; a pedestal connecting the seat with the base; a first accessory receiver disposed between the seating surface and the base.

In an embodiment, the pedestal of the stool is adjustable in height, and configured to adjust the height of the seat relative to the base.

In an embodiment, the first accessory receiver of the stool is detachably connected with one of the seat support, base, or pedestal. In an embodiment, the first accessory receiver of the stool is fixedly connected with one of the seat support, base, or pedestal.

In an embodiment, the first accessory receiver of the stool is pivotably connected to one of the seat support, base, or pedestal.

In an embodiment, the first accessory receiver of the stool is configured to have an adjustable length.

In an embodiment, the stool includes an accessory arm having a first end and a second end, the accessory arm being connected with one of the seat support, base, or pedestal at the first end and connected with the first accessory receiver at the second end of the accessory arm.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is fixedly connected at the first end and connected with the first accessory receiver at the second end of the accessory arm, and the accessory arm contains at least one pivot point/hinge.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool has an adjustable length.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is configured to be telescoping.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool and the first accessory receiver of the stool are detachably connected.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is pivotably connected at the first end of the accessory arm and detachably connected to the first accessory receiver of the stool at the second end of the accessory arm.

In an embodiment, the first accessory receiver of the stool is mounted to the pedestal and configured to be height adjustable along the length of the pedestal.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is mounted to the pedestal and configured to be height adjustable along the length of the pedestal.

In an embodiment, the stool includes a second accessory receiver disposed above or below the first accessory receiver.

In an embodiment, the stool includes a second accessory arm having a first end and a second end, the second accessory arm being connected with the base or pedestal at the first end and connected with the second accessory receiver at the second end of the accessory arm.

In an embodiment, the second accessory receiver of the stool is configured to rotate around the pedestal. In an embodiment, the second accessory arm of the stool is configured to rotate around the pedestal.

In an embodiment, the stool includes a backrest extending upward from the seat base.

In an embodiment, the stool in includes an accessory receiver operably connected to the backrest.

In an embodiment, a stool configured to support an individual and one or more accessories includes a seat having a seat support and a seating surface; a base configured to make contact with a floor; a pedestal connecting the seat with the base; and a plurality of accessory receivers disposed between the seating surface and the base.

In an embodiment, the stool includes an accessory arm connecting one of the plurality of accessory receivers with the pedestal.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is pivotably connected to the one of the plurality of accessory receivers.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is arm is adjustable in length.

In an embodiment, the accessory arm of the stool is mounted to the pedestal and configured to be height adjustable along the pedestal.

In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of accessory receivers is configured to be pivotable and/or height adjustable with respect to the pedestal.

In an embodiment, the stool includes a third accessory receiver operably connected to the backrest.

In an embodiment, the stool includes a cable management tool adjustably disposed between the seating surface and the base.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the various described embodiments described herein, reference should be made to the Detailed Description below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures.

Figs. 1A and IB are orthogonal views of a stool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a stool in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an accessory arm/accessory receiver in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an accessory arm/accessory receiver in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an accessory arm/accessory receiver in accordance with the present invention.

Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate a backrest and associated accessory receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a stool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a paired use of accessory receivers.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

It should be appreciated that the figures show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description

The following description sets forth exemplary structures, configurations, parameters and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments.

The following definitions may be used in this disclosure.

A “seat” refers to the seating surface and supporting structure (“seat support”) of the portion of a stool on which the user sits or perches. While different shapes/styles of seating surfaces are illustrated herein, it should be appreciated that these illustrations are non-limiting, and that any know seating surface shape/style may be incorporated herein without departing from the scope of the invention. While traditional flat or waterfall chair seats are contemplated, various ergonomic shapes such as saddle style seats or domed seats are also contemplated.

A “base” refers to the structure that forms the base of a stool and provides stability to the stool. One non limiting example of a base is a hub and spoke structure. Another non limiting example is a circular base structure. In some embodiments, the base may be configured to be in direct contact with the ground, floor, stage, or the like, or may have feet. In other embodiments, the base may further comprise wheels, casters, or sliders to facilitate movement of the stool. In some embodiments, the wheels, casters, or sliders may be locked or fixed in position to prevent undesired movement of the stool.

A “pedestal” refers to the post that connects the seat of a stool with the base of a stool. In use, the pedestal is generally oriented vertically. In some embodiments, the height of the pedestal may be adjustable, thus allowing the height of the seat to be adjusted so that it is ergonomic and/or height appropriate for the user, or is otherwise adjusted to the user’s preference. Typically, pedestals in adjustable height stools are pneumatic (and may also be referred to as “airlift” or “gas lift”. However, the pedestal height may be adjusted via any known manner including but not limited to a ratchet mechanism, a screw mechanism, hydraulic mechanism, tension mechanism, or the like. Additionally, it should be noted that the seat may be mounted to the pedestal using any known mounting hardware, and may be mounted in a fixed position or in a swivel fashion configured to allow the user to rotate their position when the stool is in use. While the exemplary pedestal described herein is circular in cross section, it should be appreciated that the cross-sectional area of the pedestal may be of any shape including triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the context of this application, an “accessory receiver" is a device configured to hold and/or store an accessory. Exemplary accessories include but are not limited to yokes, cradles, and other devices configured to hold and/or support musical instruments; trays; music stands; beverage/cup holders; bow holders; pouches configured to hold/store mallets, drumsticks, paintbrushes, writing utensils, and the like; tablet computer stands/holders; mobile phone stands/holders; monitor arms; keyboard stands (keyboard referring to both the musical variety and that used for typing); electronic component (amplifier, pedal, effects board, and the like) stands; and the like. It should also be appreciated that various aspects of the accessory arm, as described below, such as adjustability in length and angle to vary the position of the accessory receiver relative to the user and/or the floor, may be integrated into the accessory receiver.

An “accessary arm” refers to an arm that extends for a length and is configured to directly or indirectly connect with the seat support, the pedestal, or the base of the stool at a first end of the length and be permanently or detachably connected with one or more accessory receivers at a second end of the length. The arm may be of a fixed length or an adjustable length, and may include one or more pivot points, hinges, or articulation points. In some embodiments, the accessory arm is weighted and counterbalanced so that it can be adjusted in position in a manner similar to a computer monitor arm. In other embodiments, the hinges, pivot points, or articulation points can be fixed and adjusted using tension, for example by adjusting a screw or other threaded mechanism. In still other embodiments, quick release type mechanisms may be used to adjust or fix one or more points of articulation, limiting movement along the accessory arm.

The “floor" as used herein refers to the ground, floor of a room, stage, surface of a performance riser, or any similar surface upon which a stool might be placed or used, or upon which an individual might stand or perform. Fig. 1 is an orthogonal view of a stool 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stool 100 includes a seat 110. Seat 110 includes a saddle shaped seating surface 115 and a seat support 120. While a saddle shaped ergonomic seating surface is illustrated, as it provides advantages for a musician such as better weight distribution, improved support over a conventional folding chair, enhanced freedom of movement, encourages better posture, etc., it should be appreciated that the shape of the seating surface 115 may be modified, for example to better accommodate a cellist, without departing from the scope of the invention. The angle of the seating surface 115 may be adjusted via lever arm 170 to provide improved ergonomics and fit for the user.

Stool 100 includes a base 130 that includes a center portion or hub 145 and 5 arms that extend radially therefrom. Each arm is connected with a caster 135. While the hub and spoke/arm type base configuration illustrated in Fig. 1 is commonly used in stools, it should be appreciated that the base could be of any shape configured to provide weight distribution and stability for the overall stool structure. Additionally, while casters 135 facilitate mobility by allowing the stool to roll over a floor or other relatively flat surface, any type of caster or wheel appropriate for the floor could be used. Similarly, the base could include fixed or adjustable feet covered in rubber bumpers, stoppers, or the like without departing from the scope of the invention.

A pedestal 140 connects base 130 with seat 110. The pedestal may be of a fixed height, or be of an adjustable height, for example using a pneumatic lift controlled via lever 160 as is typical with height adjustable office chairs.

An accessory receiver 150 extends from pedestal 140 and is configured to receive an instrument such as a violin, viola, or ukulele. While a u-shaped accessory receiver is illustrated in Fig. 1, it should be appreciated that the shape of the accessory receiver may be modified to receive or hold any of a variety of instruments including woodwind instruments (such as clarinet, flute, oboe, piccolo, bassoon, saxophone, and the like); brass instruments (such as horns, trombone, trumpet, and the like), string instruments (such as guitars, violin, viola, cello, bass, bows, and the like); percussion instruments (such as a triangle, drum, cymbal, bell, or the like) and mallets/strikers; or may be configured to receive or hold other items or accessories that a musician or artist might want to have at the ready, including but not limited to beverages (in which case the accessory receiver is a “cup holder”), writing instruments, rosin, mutes, strings, mouthpieces, reeds, a tuning device, a metronome, or the like.

In Figs. 1A and IB, accessory receiver 150 is fixed to the pedestal 140 by collar 155. Collar 155 may be permanently fixed to the pedestal 140, and adjusted in vertical position by adjusting the height of the pneumatic cylinder via lever 160, but is preferably secured by a spring clip, hose clamp, or other tension mounted collar that can be adjusted along the length of pedestal 140 and secured at a preferred height by a user. It should also be appreciated that accessory receiver may be directly attached to the pedestal, for example, via a threaded receiver, welding, brazing, or the like. Further, the position of accessory receiver 150 may be rotationally adjusted such that the accessory receiver is adjusted to extend radially from the pedestal in a complete (360 degree) circle. In a non-limiting example, a violinist would prefer their instrument to hang from accessory receiver 150, and thus the position of collar 155 would be high enough to allow their violin to hang without contacting base 130. An accessory receiver configured to support a horn from beneath the horn, in contrast, would be preferably located closer to base 130. While Figs. 1 A and IB illustrates the accessory receiver being connected with the pedestal, it could also be directly connected with seat support 120 via a fixed manner such as welding or brazing. In some embodiments, seat support 120 may include a connector such as a quick release mechanism, threaded receiver, or the like used to secure the accessory receiver having a mateable connector. In still other embodiments, the accessory receiver may be permanently or detachably fixed to one or more arms of the base 130.

In some embodiments, accessory receiver 150 may be disposed at a second end of an accessory arm that is fixedly or adjustably connected with the seat support, pedestal, or base. The accessory arm may be of a fixed length, adjustable length, may include one or more hinges, pivot points, or other articulation such as a tension adjustable ball and socket joint, and preferably is configured to allow a user to adjust the position of the accessory receiver in space. It should be appreciated that the position of the accessory arm and accessory receiver can be fixed in space (via, for example, tensioning mechanisms, screws, cam locks, spring-loaded pins/holes, pins, and the like) so that any accessory placed in the accessory receiver remains securely in position.

As illustrated in Fig. IB, a stool in accordance with the present invention may include additional elements, such as foot rest 170 and back rest 175. The backrest 175 extends in an upward direction and is connected via a support to seat support 120.

It should be appreciated that details of the stool, such as whether the stool has a back rest/back support, footrest, one or more arms, lumbar support, or the like, may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, it should be appreciated that multiple accessory receivers may be disposed, with or without accessory arms, at any point between the seat and the base, between the seat support and the base, and/or along the pedestal in any radial direction without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, one or more accessory receivers, with or without accessory arms, may extend from a backrest, arm, footrest, or other feature of the stool without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figs. 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary stool 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Stool 200 includes a seat support 220 (note that the seating surface, which would normally abut seat support 220, is omitted for clarity) and a base 230 connected via a pedestal 240. While a fixed base, which has “feet” rather than casters/wheels is illustrated, casters, wheels, or the like may be added to the base in some embodiments. The pedestal may be of a fixed height, or be of an adjustable height. The height may be adjusted, for example, using a convention pneumatic lift as typically found in office or drafting style chairs. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any known height adjustment mechanism may be substituted therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in Figs. 2A-2C, a first positioning-type hinge 245 is secured to the bottom side of seat support 220 using conventional means such as screws, rivets, welding, brazing, adhesive, or the like (not explicitly illustrated). Positioning-type hinge 245 is illustrated as an incremental angle hinge, but may be any style of hinge configured to be locked or fixed into a specific position. Exemplary styles of hinges include, but are not limited to, lever-lock position hinges and set-angle position hinges (although it is appreciated that set-angle position hinges may sacrifice some adjustability). Positioning-type hinge 245 is configured to be connected with or secured to a first accessory receiver 260 (or an accessory arm that is configured to receive an accessory receiver as described herein) using conventional fastening techniques such as threading/screws, bolts, rivets, adhesive, welding, or the like, and may be permanently or detachably connected.

A second positioning-type hinge 245 is secured to collar 255 using conventional means such as screws, rivets, welding, brazing, adhesive, or the like (not explicitly illustrated). Positioning-type hinge 245 is illustrated as an incremental angle hinge, but may be any style of hinge configured to be locked or fixed into a specific position. Exemplary styles of hinges include, but are not limited to, lever-lock position hinges and set-angle position hinges (although it is appreciated that set-angle position hinges may sacrifice some adjustability). Positioning-type hinge 245 is configured to be connected with or secured to a second accessory receiver 265 (or an accessory arm that is configured to receive an accessory receiver) using conventional fastening techniques such as threading/screws, bolts, rivets, adhesive, welding, or the like, and may be permanently or detachably connected. As illustrated in Figs. 2A-2C, collar 255 is configured to fit around pedestal 240 and, in some embodiments, may be rotatable around the pedestal and/or adjustable in vertical position along the pedestal using a tensioning mechanism such as a tensioning knob, spring loaded clamp, hose clamp, or the like. Further, while the collar 255 illustrated in Figs. 2A- 2C provides a lateral offset for the positioning hinge/accessory receiver combination, it should be appreciated that any offset appropriate for the use case may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In a non-limiting example, in the case where 265 includes an adjustable length accessory arm, no offset is necessary, the positioning hinge may be mounted immediately adjacent to the pedestal (in the lateral direction), and the first or “stowed” position of the hinge would be vertical, such that the hinge and accessory arm/accessory receiver are parallel to the pedestal in the first or stowed position. Further, it should be appreciated that mixed hinge types may be used herein, i.e., an incremental angle hinge may be used for an upper hinge and a setangle position hinge may be used for the lower hinge.

As illustrated in Figs. 2A-2C, the positioning-type hinges 245 are movable between a first position illustrated in Fig. 2A along an arcuate path, as illustrated in Fig. 2B. The positioningtype hinges 245 may be fixed in a second position as illustrated in Fig. 2C. It should be appreciated that the precise angle of positioning is adjustable by the user based on the use case, for example, by depressing buttons 250 and releasing buttons 250 when the positioning-type hinge is adjusted to the preferred angle. Further, it should be appreciated that adjusting the angle of the positioning type hinge also adjusts the position of the accessory receiver or accessory arm/accessory receiver combination that is affixed thereto.

It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the stool may include only one positioningtype hinge/accessory receiver combination, based on the use case. For example, a violinist may only require hinge/accessory receiver combination secured to the seat base so that, in use, the hinge/accessory receiver extends from the seat base so that a violin can hang from the accessory receiver. In another non-limiting example, a trombonist may only require a lower hinge/accessory receiver combination that is height adjustable, as the bell of the trombone would sit on the accessory receiver. In other embodiments, the upper and lower hinge/accessory receiver combinations are used together to accommodate a larger instrument, such as a guitar. In this use case, for example, the upper accessory receiver would be configured to receive the neck of the guitar, while the lower accessory receiver would be configured to receive the body of the guitar (as illustrated in Fig. 8).

It should be appreciated that details of the stool illustrated in Figs. 2A-2C, such as the shape of the seating surface, whether the stool has a back rest/back support, footrest, one or more arms, lumbar support, or the like, may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, it should be appreciated that multiple accessory receivers may be disposed, with or without accessory arms, at any point between the seat and the base, between the seat support and the base, and/or along the pedestal in any radial direction without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, one or more accessory receivers, with or without accessory arms, may extend from a backrest, arm, footrest, or other feature of the stool without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an accessory arm/accessory receiver 300 in accordance with the present invention. In Fig. 3, accessory arm 320 extends from a first end 330, which is attached to a seat support, pedestal, base, or back of a stool, to a second end 335, which is connected with accessory receiver 310. Accessory receiver 310 is attached to second end 335 of accessory arm 320 via a mechanical mechanism. More specifically, the attachment/non- accessory receiving end of accessory receiver 310 is configured to fit within the structure of accessory arm 320, and is secured to accessory arm via a spring loaded pin 350 that fits within a hole 370 in the accessory arm. Thus the accessory receiver 310 can be quickly detached and swapped for a different style of accessory receiver by a user - simply by squeezing or compressing the spring loaded pin or pins, and pulling the accessory receiver 310 away from the accessory arm. It should be appreciated, however, that the second end of the accessory arm may have a quick release mechanism that is mated to a quick release mechanism at the attachment end of the accessory receiver, may have mated male/female connections, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention.

Also illustrated in Fig. 3 is the adjustability of the length of accessory arm 320, which permits a user to ultimately adjust the lateral position of the accessory receiver relative to the mounting point of accessory arm 320 on the stool. Spring loaded pin(s) 355 can be compressed by a user, and the second end 335 of the accessory arm can be moved in direction 305 to shorten the length of the accessory arm 320. The length of the accessory arm 320 can then be temporarily fixed into position by releasing spring loaded pin(s) 355 when they extend through one of a pair of through holes 370. It should be appreciated that the number and spacing of pairs of through holes 370 along accessory arm 320 may be varied to provide more or less granular adjustment without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be appreciated that other mechanisms, such as a telescoping mechanism, may be used to adjust the length of an accessory arm without departing from the scope of the invention.

In Fig. 3, accessory arm 320 also includes a pivot point 380, which can be fixed into place by allowing spring loaded pin(s) 360 to extend through one of two pairs of through holes 375. This permits a user to adjust the angle of the accessory arm relative to the floor/ground. To adjust the angle of the accessory arm, a user would compress the spring loaded pin(s) 360 and adjust the angle of the accessory arm by allowing the pins to extend through a different pair of through holes. It should be appreciated that any fixable or lockable pivot mechanism may be used to adjust the angle of the accessory arm without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be appreciated that an accessory arm may be adjustable in length, adjustable in angle, or both adjustable in length and angle without departing from the scope of the invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an accessory arm/accessory receiver combination 400 in accordance with the present invention. In Fig. 4, accessory arm 420 has a first end 430 configured to be connected with the stool at a seat support, along the pedestal, along the base, or along an option backrest, armrest, footrest or other feature. Accessory arm 420 has a second end 435 configured to be connected with accessory receiver 410. Second end 435 of accessory arm 435 is externally threaded so that it can be detachably connected with accessory receiver 410. However, it should be appreciated that any mated or quick connect style connector may be substituted for the threaded connector without departing from the scope of the invention. Accessory receiver 410 includes a hinge/pivot point 415 such as a friction hinge to allow a user to adjust the angle of the accessory receiver 410.

Accessory arm 420 also includes two pivot points 440, which are can be tensioned via a screw such as a thumb screw to fix accessory arm 420 at the desired angle. While accessory arm 420 is illustrated as having a fixed length in Fig. 4, it should be appreciated that accessory arm may be modified to have an adjustable length at one or more sections, without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the accessory arm may have only a single pivot point.

Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary emobidment of an accessory arm/accessory receiver 500 in accordance with the present invention. In Fig. 5, collar 510 is configured to fit around and move along the pedestal of the stool. When the desired position is reached, tension knob 520 is tightened to fix the accessory arm/accessory receiver 500 to the pedestal. Arm 530 connects with collar 510 at the first end and extends outward radially, with a pivot point 540 at the second end. At pivot point 540, arm 530 is pivotably connected with an accessory support arm 550. Accessory support bracket 560 extends from accessory support arm 550 and is configured to cradle or hold a portion of an instrument or other accessory. In some embodiments, accessory support bracket 560 may be padded to provide protection. It should be appreciated that accessory support arm may be fully extended when a user desires to place an accessory in accessory support bracket 560 (or when a user wants the accessory support bracket to be ready for use). Pivot point 540 may also serve as a pivot point to fold accessory support arm 550 and accessory support bracket 560 toward the pedestal, in a stowed or stored position. In some embodiments, the pivot point 540 may be a pivot hinge, may be a threaded device, may provide adjustable tension or may provide for incremental movement (such as a ratchet hinge), or any other mechanical mechanicsm designed for pivoting without departing from the scope of the invention.

Figs. 6A and 6B illustrates a backrest 600 and associated accessory receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that backrest 600 can be affixed to any style of stool (ergonomic, flat, saddle, etc.) using conventional means. Typically, the vertical support 650 is attached to seat support using screws or another threaded tensioning mechanism. However, the means/mechanism of attachment is nonlimiting.

In Fig. 6A, a back support 605 is attached to vertical support 650. Back support 605 may be permanently, adjustably, pivotably and/or detachably fixed to vertical support 650. For example, the height and/or angle of the back support may be adjusted to better fit the user. A plurality of through holes 630 extend through vertical support 650 to provide adjustability for accessory receiver mounting bracket 620, which is connected to sleeve 635, which is configured to receive vertical support 650 and be adjustable along the length of vertical support 650. Tensioning knob 625 is used to fix the sleeve 635 in place at a desired position along the length of vertical support 650. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 635 is fixed in place by a threaded screw that extends from tensioning knob 625 through one of the through holes and into accessory receiver mounting bracket 620. However, other tensioning mechanisms may be used to provide adjustability of the position of the mounting bracket along the vertical support without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accessory receiver 610 is secured to mounting bracket 620 by compressing spring loaded pin(s) 645, inserting them into the receiving end of mounting bracket 620, and allowing the pin(s) 645 to extend through the pair of through holes 640. In other embodiments, any quick connect or mated mechanical connector may be substituted for the pin/hole combination without departing from the scope of the invention. While not illustrated, the mounting bracket may also be configured as a pivotable and/or length adjustable accessory arm, without departing from the scope of the invention. While specific embodiments of accessory receivers 610 are illustrated in Fig. 6, it should be appreciated the this illustration is only to show the interchangeability of the accessory receivers, and is non-limiting. Any accessory receiver, as defined herein, may be substituted herein.

The accessory receiver illustrated in Fig. 6B is configured to take advantage of the mounting holes typically found at the back of a backrest, where the backrest is connected with a support structure via screws, bolts, rivets, or other mechanical fasteners. As illustrated in Fig. 6B, through holes 670 are configured to align with the fastener pattern for the backrest - and the plate 655 would be secured against the back of the backrest via the same mechanical fasteners that connect the backrest with underlying support structure. It should be appreciated that the pattern of holes/fasteners may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be appreciated that the backrest may be formed integrally with the support, and holes may exist or be drilled for the purpose of mounting plate 655 to the back (the side that does not provide support for a user’s back) of a backrest. Accessory support 660 is pivotably connected with mounting plate 655 at point 665 via, for example, a hinge. Accessory support 660 is then movable between position 1, which is configured to receive an accessory such as part of a musical instrument, and position 2, which is a stowed position. In some embodiments, accessory support 660 may be secured or locked in position 2 via, for example, a mechanical fastener or magnet 675.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a stool 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, the seating surface has been omitted to better illustrate the position of an accessory arm/accessory receiver mounted to the seat support. In Fig. 7, the stool 700 has a backrest 705 connected with a vertical support 710. Vertical support 710 is connected with seat support 730, which is in turn supported by height adjustable pedestal 770. A foot rest 775 sits at the bottom of height adjustable pedestal 770, which is in turn connected with base 780. Base 780 includes a plurality of casters 785. It should be appreciated that the details of these components may vary in connection mechanism, shape, size, style, material, and the like without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, some components, such as the backrest, vertical support, footrest, and casters, may be modified or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7 includes three accessory receivers 790, 791, and 792. It should be noted that, as illustrated in Fig. 7, multiple accessory receivers may be configured to work in concert to support an instrument or other accessory. As shown in Fig. 7, accessory receiver 791 is a yoke configured to support the neck of a guitar, bass guitar, cello, or similar instrument. Accessory receiver 792 is a yoke or cradle configured to support and/or cradle the bottom of the instrument. Thus, larger instruments can be securely supported in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Accessory arm 750 and accessory receiver 791, as illustrated in Fig. 7, are substantially similar to the accessory arm/accessory receiver combination described in Fig. 3, so that the angle of accessory receiver 791 can be varied, as can the distance from the seat (and musician/user) to the accessory receiver. Accessory arm 760 and accessory receiver 792 feature a similar hinge/pivot mechanism to adjust the angle of the accessory receiver, but utilize a thumb screw extending through a pair of through holes in the accessory arm to adjust the length of the accessory arm, permitting the position of accessory receiver 792 to be adjusted laterally in space, increasing or decreasing the distance of the accessory receiver 792 from the pedestal 770 to, for example, adjust for instruments of different thicknesses/depths (i.e., an electric guitar is quite thin relative to an acoustic guitar or a cello).

Accessory arm 750 is attached to seat support 730 at attachment point 735. In some embodiments, the attachment point may utilize an attachment mechanism that fixes the position of the accessory arm relative to the seat base. In other embodiments, the attachment mechanism pivots, allowing the user to adjust the accessory arm in an arc extending from the attachment point. In a nonlimiting example, this permits a user to bias the accessory arm to one side or the other to adjust for a preferred playing position or dominant side. In another nonlimiting example, in the situation where multiple musicians are clustered together, this may facilitate more efficient use of space. In still another nonlimiting example, this allows multiple users to customize the stool for their immediate needs without making any permanent or destructive adjustments, providing maximum adaptability and usability. It should be appreciated that the specifics of the attachment mechanism between the accessory arm and the seat support may be varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accessory arm 760 is rotatably connected to pedestal 770 via a collar 755. Collar 755 is tensioned and secured in place via one or more screws 765. Thus, accessory arm 760 and accessory receiver 792 can be adjusted to the left or right (relative to the seat support and user/musician) to match the bias of accessory arm 750 and accessory receiver 791. Further, in a non-limiting example, if the instrument supported by accessory receiver 791 does not require support from beneath (for example, a smaller, lightweight instrument such as a violin, viola, or ukulele that may hang from an accessory receiver), screw 765 may be unscrewed, and accessory arm 790 may be rotated around pedestal 770 and adjusted in vertical position so that it can be used in concert with accessory receiver 790 to accommodate a larger instrument, such as a guitar, cello, bass, trombone, or the like. It should be appreciated that accessory receiver 790, mounting bracket 720, and tensioning mechanism 725, as illustrated in Fig. 7., are configured in a manner similar to that described with respect to Fig. 6.

Further, it is noted that the angle of the accessory arm/accessory receivers may be adjusted to, for example, better retain an instrument and keep the instrument from slipping.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a paired use of accessory receivers. More specifically, Fig. 8 illustrates the use of a pair of accessory receivers configured to hold an electric guitar.

In some embodiments, a cable management tool is disposed between the backrest and the base of the stool, or between the seat and the base of the stool. The cable management tool may include one more hooks, hook and loop material, a raceway, a cable sleeve, cable ties, cable clips, adhesive cable clips, zip ties, or the like, and permits management of cables and cords relating to electronic accessories (electric instruments, effects tools, and the like) while using the stool of the present invention.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are intended to be exemplary only, and are not exhaustive or limiting. Certain features of the invention which are described in the context of separate embodiments for the sake of clarity may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention are described herein in the context of a single embodiment, and may be provided independently or in any suitable sub-combination without departing from the scope of the invention.

While the invention is described herein in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that modifications, variations, and alternatives to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the description provided herein is intended to include all such modification, variations, and alternatives that fall within the broad scope of the instant specification and appended claims. It is intended that the specification and examples provided herein be exemplary only and are non-limiting.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A stool configured to support an individual and one or more accessories, comprising: a seat having a seat support and a seating surface; a base configured to make contact with a floor; a pedestal connecting the seat with the base, said pedestal having a length; and a first accessory receiver disposed between the seating surface and the base.

2. The stool according to claim 1, wherein the first accessory receiver is detachably connected with one of the seat support, base, or pedestal.

3. The stool according to claim 1, further comprising an accessory arm having a first end and a second end, the accessory arm being connected with one of the seat support, base, or pedestal at the first end and connected with the first accessory receiver at the second end of the accessory arm.

4. The stool according to claim 3, wherein the accessory arm is fixedly connected at the first end and connected with the first accessory receiver at the second end of the accessory arm, and the accessory arm contains at least one pivot point.

5. The stool according to claim 1, wherein the first accessory receiver is secured to the pedestal and configured to be adjustable along in height relative to the base along the length of the pedestal.

6. The stool according to any of claims 1, further comprising a second accessory receiver disposed between the first accessory receiver and the base.

7. The stool according to claim 6, further comprising a second accessory arm having a first end and a second end, the second accessory arm being connected with the base or pedestal at the first end and connected with the second accessory receiver at the second end of the accessory arm.

8. The stool according to claim 1, further comprising a backrest extending upward from the seat base.

9. The stool according to claim 1, further comprising a third accessory receiver operably connected to the backrest.

10. A stool configured to support an individual and one or more accessories, comprising: a seat having a seat support, a seating surface, and a back rest extending from the seat support; a base configured to make contact with a floor; a pedestal connecting the seat with the base; and a plurality of accessory receivers disposed between the seating surface and the base.

11. The stool according to claim 10, further comprising an accessory arm connecting at least one of the plurality of accessory receivers with the pedestal.

12. The stool according to claim 11, wherein the accessory arm is pivotably connected to the one of the plurality of accessory receivers.

13. The stool according to claim 11, wherein the accessory arm is adjustable in length.

14. The stool according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of accessory receivers is configured to be pivotable and/or height adjustable with respect to the pedestal.

15. The stool according to claim 10, wherein one of the plurality of accessory receivers is operably connected to the seat support.

16. The stool according to claim 15, wherein the accessory receiver operably connected to the seat support is hinged and fixable in a first, stowed position and a second, support position.

17. The stool according to claim 10, further comprising a rear accessory receiver operably connected to the backrest.

18. The stool according to claim 17, wherein the rear accessory receiver is configurable in first position operable to receive an accessory and a second position configured for storage of the rear accessory receiver.

19. The stool according to any of claim 10, further comprising a cable management tool disposed along the pedestal of the stool.

20. A stool configured to support an individual and one or more accessories, comprising: a seat having a seat support, a seating surface, and a back rest extending from the seat support; a base configured to make contact with a floor; a pedestal connecting the seat with the base; a lower accessory receiver adjustably mounted to the pedestal via a tension collar; an upper accessory receiver pivotably mounted to the seat support; and a rear accessory receiver connected with the backrest, wherein the lower accessory receiver is pivotable between a first position configured for use with the upper accessory receiver, and a second position configured for use with the upper accessory receiver.