IN THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a sheet music holder embodiment of the present invention that is attached, as an example, to an acoustic guitar;
FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly diagram of the sheet music holder of FIG. 1 showing how the pieces come together and attach to the acoustic guitar;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view diagram of a decorative type of sheet music tray that could be included in the holders illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 represents a sheet music holder embodiment of the present invention, and is referred to herein by the general reference numeral 100. The sheet music holder 100 attaches, for example, to an acoustic guitar 102 comprising a body 104, a fret board 106, a key head 108, a bridge 110, and a sounding hole 112. The sheet music holder 100 itself comprises a sheet holding tray 120 with a tray clamp ball 122 joined by a clamp assembly 124 to a base clamp ball 126 and tightened with a handle 128. A power-assisted suction base has an activation lever 130 inside a base housing 132 that draws the base tight onto the guitar. A release tab 134 allows a quick release of suction cup 136 against a non-porous surface. A non-porous surfaced golpe board 138 is used if the instrument itself has a porous surface. The clamp assembly 124 allows a user to position the holding tray 120 with sheet music just about in any tilt or angle that is comfortable. The tray clamp ball 122 and base clam ball 126 are snuggled with the clamp assembly 124, the tray 120 is positioned as desired, and then the clamp is fully tightened.
The golpe board 138 is attached to the board 104, e.g., with adhesives, and provides a high quality, non-porous surface for vacuum cup attachment. Traditionally, golpe boards are attached to guitars for flamenco music performances where the guitar body is subject to heavy tapping that could damage the soft wood and finishes. If the guitar body 104 already has a suitable surface, the golpe board 138 is not needed and may be omitted.
The suction base and clamp assembly may be a National Products, Inc., type RAM-B-101-2241U, RAM-MOUNT with twist lock cup. The twist lock power-assisted suction device is described by Jeffrey Carnevali in U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,420, issued Dec. 23, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
FIG. 2 represents a sheet music holder assembly, and is referred to herein by the general reference numeral 200. The sheet music holder 200 attaches to a musical instrument or nearby surface. If an acoustic guitar 202, such comprises a body 204, a fret board 206, a key head 208, a bridge 210, and a sounding hole 212. The sheet music holder 200 itself comprises a sheet holding tray 220 with a tray clamp ball 222. A pair of clamp shells 224 and 225, with ball sockets, captures tray clamp ball 222 and a similar base clamp ball 226. They are simultaneously tightened around both balls 222 and 226 with a single T-handle tightening nut 228 on a bolt. A suction base has an activation lever 230 inside a base housing 232 that draws the base tight onto a non-porous surface. A release tab 234 allows a quick release of suction cup 236, e.g., against a golpe board 238 that was glued to the guitar body 204. The clamp assembly 224 allows a user to position the holding tray 220 with sheet music just about in any tilt or angle that is comfortable.
FIG. 3 shows a music sheet tray 300 with a particular decorative design that provides maximum surface area and strength with a minimum of weight. Of course, other designs could be used. The tray 300 comprises a tray clamp ball 302 to fit into a clamp as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A lip 304 provides a bottom support for sheets of paper, e.g., sheet music. The tray clamp ball 302 and base clamp ball are preferably about the same size diameter. A back 308 would be visible to an audience, and a backbone 306 provides added strength such as would be needed in a plastic injection molded implementation.
Although the present invention has been described in terms of the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting. Various alterations and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after having read the above disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications as fall within the “true” spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20080092717
