This application claims priority to the European Patent Office application No. 18151860.6 filed on Jan. 16, 2018.
The invention relates to a musical instrument stand, particularly a multiple guitar stand, in accordance with the preamble of Claims 1, 15, and 17, as well as a support element according to claim 14.
Stands for multiple musical instruments having a body and a neck, such as guitars or bass guitars, are fell-known from the state of the art. Particularly guitarists and bassists own and frequently use different guitars and bass guitars, which they would like to set aside for storage or to have ready for use in a rehearsal studio or on a stage in a musical instrument stand. Particularly high-quality musical instruments are delicate and have to be carefully set aside, i.e. propped up or leaned against something. Musical instrument stands should therefore, on one hand, ensure that the instrument set aside is not damaged, in particular that it does not fall over or become scratched, and, on the other hand, enable easy access to the instrument for a fast and smooth change of instruments.
A musical instrument stand for storing one or more musical instruments having a body and a neck, such as guitars, is well-known from DE 10 2010 052 584 B3. On two parallel side members that are spaced from each other, spacers and crossbars are alternately arranged, which are slid onto the side members. The crossbars connect the side members to each other and are intended to both prevent contact between the musical instruments placed on the spacers as well as to prevent the musical instruments from turning and falling out between the side members. By putting the end-side crossbars on end sections, the alternately arranged spacers are braced together on the side members and retained so they cannot move.
This type of musical instrument stand has multiple disadvantages. Firstly, the position of the spacers and crossbars on the side member is set. Secondly, only a precisely defined number of spacers and crossbars can be used with respectively predetermined lengths, which have to be accurately coordinated to the overall length of the side members. In addition, the musical instrument stand known is not suited for all body styles of musical instruments available.
Overall, the musical instrument stands known from the state of the art do not satisfactorily meet the stringent demands of musicians for individual adaptability and flexible usability.
Overall, the musical instrument stands known from the state of the art do not satisfactorily meet the stringent demands of musicians for individual adaptability and flexible usability.
The present invention therefore has the objective of providing a musical instrument stand that can be used more flexibly. In particular, the musical instrument stand should be adaptable for a number of different types of musical instruments having at least one body and one neck, preferably as easily as possible. In addition, musical instruments should be able to be set aside, in particular, without damaging them.
This object is achieved through a musical instrument stand according to Claims 1, 15, and 17, as well as through a support element according to Claim 14.
The object is achieved in particular through a musical instrument stand, especially a multiple guitar stand, for holding at least one musical instrument having a body and a neck, particularly a guitar and/or a bass guitar, wherein the musical instrument stand comprises a rack and at least a pair of support elements capable of being mounted on the rack having respectively one support surface for the body of the musical instrument, wherein the rack has a support frame with two support rails running parallel to each other having a respectively non-rotationally symmetrical, especially polygonal, cross-section shape and a contact bracket connected to the support frame, preferably so that it can pivot, wherein the contact bracket has a contact rail running parallel to the support rails and at least one support arm connecting the contact rail respectively to the support frames, wherein the contact rail defines at least one contact surface for the neck of the musical instrument directly or via contact elements capable of being mounted on the contact rail, wherein the support elements have respectively one mounting recess adapted to the cross-section shape of the support rails for fastening each support element on a support rail in at least one support arrangement set by being rotated relative to the support rail.
Particularly a support rail has a longitudinal axis, wherein the support rail has a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section shape or a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-sectional profile in a plane vertical to the longitudinal axis. A non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section shape of the support rail can mean a cross-section shape that is not congruent with itself in the case of a rotation (turning) at any angle about the longitudinal axis of the support rail. For example, the cross-section shape can be polygonal, especially rectangular, oval, elliptical, cross-shaped, T-shaped or an elongated cross-section with semicircular narrow sides (shape of an oblong hole). In particular, the cross-section shape is not circular. In particular, a form fit can be achieved between a support rail and a mounting recess. In particular, the cross-section shape of the support rail corresponds at least essentially to a cross-section or a contour of the mounting recess.
A support element is preferably designed to support the body of a musical instrument in the vertical direction (vertical to the support rail) and in the lateral direction (longitudinally to the support rail). Support elements are preferably not connected together among each other and can be arranged on support rails so that they can slide axially—at least when a minimum longitudinal force is applied. The cross-section shapes of both support rails and the mounting recesses of the support elements (all support elements) are preferably identical. Both support elements of a pair are particularly capable of being mounted on each of the two support rails. A support element can be mounted on a support rail in multiple support arrangements set by being rotated relative to the support rail, particularly in two different support arrangements. Three or four different support arrangements can also be designed.
A support element can have a one-piece or multi-piece design, wherein, particularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of a support rail, inner and outer elements of a support element and/or, with respect to the longitudinal direction of a support rail, consecutively arranged elements of a support element can be designed. A musical instrument stand can comprise different support elements, particularly pairs of support elements, which may differ particularly in their length, the form of their support surface, and/or through their material or materials, and can be adjusted particularly to the body shape of one or more specific musical instruments. In particular, a support element, or an element of a support element, can comprise multiple materials.
Support arms are preferably provisioned on both sides of the musical instrument stand, which form a contact bracket with the contact rail. However, a single center or lateral support arm is also conceivable, to which the contact rail can be connected in a T-shape or an L-shape.
A musical instrument stand according to the invention has the advantage that a support element, or a pair of (opposing) support elements, can be fastened in any axial position on a support rail or pushed there, for example if a specific gap is desired or necessary between adjacent resting musical instruments. In addition, the number of support elements mounted on a support rail can be freely chosen, as each support element can itself set its rotating position through the mounting recess, i.e. independently from additional potentially present support elements. Moreover, individual support elements can be replaced if necessary without having to adapt other support elements. Support elements of a varying length and shape can be replaced by each other and combined with each other. The musical instrument stand can be variably configured in respectively at least one support arrangement through the assembly of various support elements. In addition, separate fasteners can be eliminated the fastening a support element on a support rail so that it cannot rotate, whereby the assembly is simplified. Overall, flexibility and adaptability are enhanced by a musical instrument stand according to the invention.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, each support element is designed so that it can be mounted on the support rails in a first support arrangement set by being rotated relative to the support rail, particularly for supporting a first musical instrument, and a second support arrangement set by being rotated relative to the support rail, particularly for supporting a second musical instrument that differs from the first musical instrument, wherein the first and the second support arrangement are preferably rotated opposite each other at an angle between 60° and 120°, preferably by 90°. The angle can be particularly between 70° and 110°, between 80< and 100° or between 85° and 95°. Particularly the support surfaces of the support elements of a pair face each other in a first support arrangement (V-shaped arrangement of the support surfaces) and away from each in a second support arrangement (A-shaped arrangement of the support surfaces), wherein they preferably collectively comprise an angle of between 60° and 120°, preferably of 90°. Different support arrangements of a support element are achievable particularly by attaching it in the opposite direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the support rail (reverse), by attaching it in another rotational angle position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support rail (pushed on or clamped on rotated) or by attaching a support element on the respectively other support rail (interchange or replacement). Through various support arrangements of a support element, the musical instrument stand can be adapted to various types of musical instruments, particularly guitars with different body shapes, e.g. round (V-shaped arrangement of the support surfaces) or V-shaped bodies (A-shaped arrangement of the support surfaces).
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the support surface defines a bearing plane, which runs diagonally, particularly rotated by between 30° and 60°, preferably by 45′, to a symmetrical axis of the mounting recess. Bearing planes preferably run diagonally to the horizontal line. As a result, the support rails can be aligned differently than the desired bearing planes.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the mounting recess is arranged in a support element eccentrically, particularly displaced with respect to a center axis of the support element. A center axis can be understood as running vertically to the longitudinal axis of the support rail when the support element is assembled. In particular, the support surface extends on one side away from the mounting recess or projects towards the longitudinal axis of the support rail. In this way, a larger support surface of a support element, particularly a greater span between both support surfaces of a pair of opposing support elements is achieved, through which a musical instrument can be support more securely.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the support rail has a non-rotationally symmetrical, especially polygonal, cross-section shape, wherein the contact element has a mounting recess adapted to the cross-section shape of contact rail for mounting the contact element on the contact rail. In particular, the contact element has lateral support surfaces next to the contact surface for the lateral securing of a neck of the allocated musical instrument. The contact surfaces of the contact elements can be adapted to a specific neck geometry of the allocated musical instrument. A contact element can have an indentation for forming the contact surface. A contact element can also have a double indentation with a center protrusion, particularly for long embodiments of contact elements, for example in order to support the neck of a guitar, particularly an acoustic guitar, in both possible holding orientations. The contact element is preferably made as one piece, for example from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). This type if contact element has similar benefits as were already explained in conjunction with the support elements. In particular, a contact element can be freely positioned or shifted in the axial direction of the contact rail, especially independent of other provisioned contact elements. Separate fasteners for mounting a contact element on the contact rail so they it cannot rotate can be eliminated, which simplifies the assembly.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the mounting recess of the support elements and/or the contact elements is designed as a passage opening or a spring clip, wherein the support elements and/or the contact element can be pushed in the longitudinal direction or clamped in the transverse direction particularly onto the support rails or the contact rail. The support elements and/or the contact element can also be designed so they are capable of being attached or clipped on. In this manner, a positive connection secured against rotation is achieved between the mounting recess and the support rail. A spring clip (clip) can be engineered particularly from, an (in the area of the mounting recess) elastic material and with a mounting recess of the support element open on one side. The assembly of the support elements or the contact elements is simplified due to a shifting or clamping thereof. Separate fastening elements, such as screws, can be eliminated.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the support element forms a central support surface for supporting a body of a musical instrument and two opposing lateral support surfaces for restricting the lateral movement of the body of the musical instrument. Due to the central support surface, the body of the musical instrument can be supported particularly in the vertical direction. Due to the lateral support surfaces, a lateral rotation of the body of the musical instrument is prevented or at least restricted by the support element.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, a support element is designed in one area of the mounting recess more rigidly, preferably from a material with a higher rigidity, than in the area of the central support surface and/or in the area of the lateral support surfaces. In particular, the support element preferably has a bend-resistant and/or torsion-resistant design in the area of the mounting recess and preferably a soft elastic design in the area of the lateral support surfaces. The rigidity of the support element can, be determined by area due to its (inner) structure and through the materials used. A one-piece support element could be made for particular areas from other material components or another material structure, for example from fine-pored foam for a higher rigidity and from coarse-pored foam for a lower rigidity. The support element can be designed for particular areas as hollow, optionally having an inner pore, brace or honeycomb structure so as to be flexible or elastic in particular areas. The individual elements of a multi-component support element can be made from materials of a varying rigidity. In the area of the mounting recess, the support element is designed particularly sufficiently rigid in order to prevent the support element from rotating relative to the support rail under the weight of a rested musical instrument. In the area of the support surface, the support element is beneficially designed to be soft and elastic in order to adapt to the contour of the body of the rested musical instrument at least in particular areas and in particular to not damage it.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the support element has a center element and two side elements arranged on both sides of the center element, preferably capable of being connected to the center element, wherein the center element preferably forms the central support surface and the lateral support surfaces, wherein the center element is especially designed to be soft and elastic, particularly comprising an elastomer, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Thus, different functions of the support element can be adopted respectively by the individual elements of the support element, particularly the direct contact with the musical instrument and the connection of the support element to the support rail.
In another beneficial embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the side element forms the mounting recess, wherein the side element is designed to be especially bend-resistant and/or torsion-resistant, particularly consisting of a thermoplastic, preferably polyamide. For example, a side element is made from PA6. A bend-resistant and/or torsion-resistant side element has an adequate stability to prevent bending or rotating relative the support rails.
A support element having a center element and two side elements bears the advantage that the individual elements can be produced separately, particularly from different materials. Thus, the different functions of a support element can be performed by the individual elements. In particular, the side elements prevent the support element from rotating relative to the support rail, while the center element ensures that the musical instrument is securely and gently supported.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the center element can be connected to an outer side surface through a positive connection to a side element so that it cannot rotate, particularly by means of suitably formed, preferably stepped, edge profiles. The edge profiles are preferably designed, at least in sections, circumferentially along the perimeters of the center element or the side element around the longitudinal axis of the support rail. One or both side elements can be designed to be attachable to the center element. The side elements preferably have a, particularly isosceles, (rounded) basic triangular shape, which is adapted in particular in the area of a corner (angular) to the mounting recess. A positive connection secured against rotation between the center element and a side element has the benefit that the center element itself does not have to have a mounting recess matching the cross-section shape of the support rail. In particular, the center element can be designed in this way as a hollow body, through which its form elasticity or softness can be increased.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the center element comprises a hollow body open on both sides in the longitudinal direction, wherein—in one central area of the hollow body on an outer side—the support surface and—in at least one lateral area of the hollow body—a, preferably crescent-shaped, support edge protruding towards the support surface forms the lateral support surfaces.
In particular, the hollow body forms a passage opening for feeding the support rail through in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the support edge forms the lateral support surfaces on an inner side surface aligned towards the central area of the hollow body. The support surface preferably passes continuously into the lateral support surfaces. In particular, the hollow body on an outer side forms a (in a non-deformed state of the center element, i.e. without a supported musical instrument) flat support surface with inward curved (concave) lateral support surfaces connecting it thereto laterally. In particular, the hollow body has a narrower (elongated) cross-section with respect to the lateral areas, wherein the cross-section (constantly) expands towards the edges or towards the edge profile in the lateral areas, wherein the edge cross-section of the hollow body preferably aligns itself to the (triangular) edge cross-section of the side elements. A center element designed as a hollow body can be easily and economically manufactured and can have a high elasticity or softness. Thus, the support element can sit well on the contour of the body of the musical instrument.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support element has an inner support element, which forms the mounting recess, and an outer, preferably one-piece, cover element that can be mounted, particularly attached, on the inner support element, which forms in particular the central support surface and the lateral support surfaces, wherein preferably the inner support element is designed to be bend-resistant and/or torsion-resistant and the cover element is designed to be soft and elastic. The cover element can have fasteners on its rear side for attaching it to the inner support element, which is particularly adapted to the shape of the inner support element. In particular, the inner support element can be mounted in a first support arrangement and in a second support arrangement set by being rotated relative to the support rail, particularly capable of being pushed onto a support rail in the longitudinal direction or clamped onto a support rail in the transverse direction. The cover element is preferably fully made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
The object is also particularly achieved through a support element, which is designed for fastening on a support rail with a non-rotationally symmetrical cross-section shape of a musical instrument according to the invention.
The object is also particularly achieved through a musical instrument stand, particularly a multiple guitar stand, for holding at least one musical instrument having a body and a neck, particularly at least one guitar and/or bass guitar, particularly through by means of a musical instrument stand according to the invention described above, wherein the musical instrument stand comprises a rack and preferably at least one pair of support elements capable on being mounted on the rack having respectively one support surface for the body of the musical instrument, wherein the rack has a support frame with two support rails running parallel to each other having respectively a non-rotationally symmetrical, especially polygonal, cross-section shape and a, preferably pivoting, contact bracket connected to the support frame, wherein the contact bracket has a contact rail running parallel to the support rails and at least one support arm connecting the contact rail respectively to the support frames, wherein the contact rail defines at least one contact surface for the neck of the musical instrument directly or via contact elements capable of being fastened on the contact rail, wherein the at least one support arm has a telescopic design with respectively one outer support arm profile and an inner support arm profile that is received therein so that it can move.
The outer support arm profile can be made from a different material than the inner support arm profile. The outer support arm profile is preferably made from an aluminum tube, while the inner support arm profile is a plastic injection-molded part, preferably consisting of fiber-reinforced plastic, e.g. polyamide. On one hand, a telescopic musical instrument stand has the advantage that the contact rail can be positioned at any height, for example, in relation to the length of the necks of the musical instruments to be retained. Thus, flexibility during use and adaptability for different musical instruments is further increased. On the other hand, a telescopic support arm enables a smaller assembled size or packing size of the musical instrument stand, for example when not in use or for transportation.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the support arm has a locking mechanism, particularly between the outer and inner support arm profile in order to set the contact rail in a specific telescoped position. A latching mechanism, preferably having an operable locking button, can be provisioned as a locking mechanism in a section will the outer support arm profile overlaps with the inner support arm profile.
The object is also achieved in particular through a musical instrument stand, particularly a multiple guitar stand, for holding at least one musical instrument having a body and a neck, particularly at least one guitar and/or bass guitar, particularly through a musical instrument stand according to the invention described above, wherein the musical instrument stand comprises a rack and preferably at least one pair of support elements capable of being mounted on the rack with respectively one support surface for the body of the musical instrument, wherein the rack has a support frame with two support rails running parallel to each other having a respectively non-rotationally symmetrical, especially polygonal, cross-section shape and a contact bracket connected to the support frame, wherein the contact bracket has a contact rail running parallel to the support rails and at least one support arm, connecting the contact rail respectively to the support frames, wherein the contact rail defines at least one contact surface for the neck of the musical instrument directly or through contact elements capable of being mounted on the contact rail, wherein the support frame is connected to the contact bracket by at least one swivel joint so that it can pivot, wherein the contact bracket has a first engagement device and is capable of being set in at least an end position by means of a locking mechanism, preferably in both end positions.
A pivoting contact bracket has the advantage that the position of the contact bracket is variable, for example in order to set the inclination angle of the contact bracket with respect to the support frame for certain musical instruments. Thus, the musical instrument stand can be used more flexibly. The contact bracket can be secured against unintentional swiveling (collapsing) by locking the contact bracket in an end position. Thus, damage to the rested musical instrument and/or unintentional swiveling of the contact bracket, e.g. during transport, can be prevented.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a bending element firmly connected to the support frame, preferably a plastic spring element molded onto the support frame, which has a degree of bending freedom vertically to the pivot axis of the swivel joint and a second engagement device corresponding to the first engagement device and a spring supported on the support frame, preferably consisting of metal, which impinges the bending element in the direction of the pivot axis with engagement spring tension. This locking mechanism is constructively simple to execute. The spring can be inserted preferably from the bottom into a receiving opening of a crossbar of the support frame. The use of a metal spring has the advantage that the locking mechanism can be impinged with sufficiently large engagement spring tension.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, the spring has two pairs of contact tongues and a crossbar connecting the pairs of contact tongues, wherein the pair of contact tongues rest on the support frame and the crossbars engage into a groove of the bending element. The spring is particularly designed as a bent wire clip, e.g. consisting of steel with a diameter of approx. 3 mm. In this manner, the spring can impinge the bending element with a sufficiently large engagement spring tension.
In a beneficial embodiment of the invention, contact tongue ends of the spring engages in a circumferential groove of the axis of the swivel joint, particularly in order to axially secure the axis or the axle pin. The contact tongue ends are formed particularly through straight contact sections of the spring. In this way, the spring can also perform the function of securing the axis for pre-tensioning the bending element.
Although, contrary to the state of the art, it is not necessary according to the invention for the overall length of the support elements mounted on a support rail to be coordinated to the length of the side members in order to rotationally set the support elements due to the mounting recess of the support elements matched to the cross-section shape of the support rails, this can nevertheless be the case. On one hand, the lengths of various support elements capable of being mounted, or a set of support elements suitable for assembly having different lengths, can be coordinated to each other and to the length of the support rails in such a way that a number of different configurations can be produced. On the other hand, filling elements can be provisioned, which are pushed in or attached between two adjacent support elements, in order to prevent the support elements from shifting axially to each other when assembled. For example, support elements having lengths of 120 mm or 180 mm and filling elements having lengths of 30 mm could be provisioned in order to be assembled in various configurations on a support rail having an assembled length (length of the support rail between two crossbars) of 420 mm, 660 mm or 900 mm.
Examples of embodiments of the invention are explained in further detail below based on the drawings, which are respectively schematic diagrams. The following are shown here:
In the following, description of the invention, the same reference signs are used for identical and identically functioning elements.
Musical instrument stand 1 depicted in
The front two pairs of a total of four pairs of support elements 20a, 20b are mounted in a second support arrangement S2, while the rear two pairs are mounted in a first support arrangement S1 in the embodiment of musical instrument stand 1 depicted in
Each support element 20a, 20b has a center support snake 210a or 210b and lateral support surfaces 220a, 220b or 230a, 230b. Support surfaces 210a, 210b run respectively diagonally to support rails 12a or 12b and, in doing so, define bearing planes E tilted towards each other (see
An embodiment corresponding to
The assembly process or the adjustment of a musical instrument stand 1 can, be found in
Embodiments of a support element 20a according to the invention is depicted in
A musical instrument stand 1 with a musical instrument 2 rested therein is depicted in
A swivel joint 18 of rack 10 of a musical instrument stand 1 is depicted in
An embodiment of musical instrument stand 1 is depicted in
An alternative embodiment of a support element 20a or 20b is depicted in
A musical instrument stand 1 is depicted in
A musical instrument stand 1 or its assembly (see arrow in
A musical instrument stand 1 according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be used more flexibly and therefore being easily adaptable to the individual needs of the musician, particularly in order to be able to safely hold various types of musical instruments 2, preferably guitars with round and V-shaped bodies.
At this point, it should be indicated that all aspects of the invention described above, viewed separately on their own and in each combination, particularly the details depicted in the drawings, are claimed as essential for the invention. Specialists are familiar with changes thereof.
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18151860 | Jan 2018 | EP | regional |
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20200027429 A1 | Jan 2020 | US |