Portable instrument stand

Abstract

Portable instrument stand (1), comprising: - a case base (2) and a removable case lid (3) which together form a transport case (4), - two supports (5) that can be attached to the bottom of the case (2) and that can be positioned between a transport position and a working position, - a retaining element (6) for connecting the supports (5), which has receptacles (7) for elongated musical instruments (18), characterized in that - the supports (5) each have height-adjustable telescopic elements (8), and - the case lid (3) can be detachably attached to the telescopic elements (8) when these are extended into a working position, - wherein the attached case lid (3) forms a shelf (9) above the held musical instruments (18).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable instrument stand comprising a case base and a removable case lid, which together form a transport case. The instrument stand further comprises two supports attachable to the case base, which can be positioned between a transport position and a usage position, and a retaining element for connecting the supports, which has receptacles for elongated musical instruments.

[0002] Portable instrument stands are a well-established technology used by musicians who need to transport their instruments to various venues such as concerts, rehearsals, street performances, or lessons. During breaks or when using different instruments, the stands provide a secure place to store these often valuable instruments. Portable instrument stands are specifically designed to be foldable or collapsible for compact transport.

[0003] Typical portable instrument stands consist of several supports connected by joints or plug-in connectors. When folded, they can be reduced to a small volume and transported in bags or along with other equipment. At the performance location, they are set up and then provide a support for one or more musical instruments.

[0004] These instrument stands are typically assembled by unfolding or connecting the individual components. The instruments are then hung or placed in corresponding holders where they are securely held. After use, the stands can be folded up again and packed away for transport.

[0005] A disadvantage of well-known portable instrument stands is that, while they offer secure storage for instruments, they lack secure storage space for additional equipment that musicians typically carry. This additional equipment includes, for example, amplifiers, effects units, music stands, mouthpieces, or small instruments that are otherwise unsuitable for the instrument stand.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved portable instrument stand that overcomes the disadvantages of known solutions.

[0007] The problem is solved by a portable instrument stand with the features of the independent claim. Advantageous or preferred embodiments are each the subject of a corresponding dependent claim.

[0008] A portable instrument stand is proposed, comprising a case base and a removable case lid which, when joined, form a transport case, two supports attachable to the case base which can be positioned between a transport position and a working position, and a retaining element for connecting the supports which has receptacles for elongated musical instruments. The instrument stand according to the invention is characterized in that the supports each have height-adjustable telescopic elements and the case lid can be detachably attached to the telescopic elements when they are extended into a working position, with the attached case lid forming a shelf above the held musical instruments.

[0009] The case base and the removable lid, when assembled, form a closed transport case that protects the instrument stand components during transport and combines them into a compact transport volume. The transport case can, for example, be a hard-shell case.

[0010] The supports, which can be attached to the bottom of the case, allow the transport case to be converted into a functional instrument stand. The ability to position the supports between a transport and a working position means that they are stored compactly inside the case during transport and can be moved into an upright position for use as an instrument stand. The transport position can be, in particular, a folded-in, retracted, or removable position.

[0011] The support element connects the two supports into a stable unit and features recesses for elongated musical instruments. Elongated musical instruments are primarily stringed instruments such as guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, or similar instruments that have an elongated shape and are typically held by a neck or similar area.

[0012] According to the invention, the case lid, when assembled, also serves as a shelf above the musical instruments it holds. This shelf can preferably be used to place amplifiers, effects units, music stands, or other accessories. Additionally, the case lid protects the musical instruments from external influences such as moisture and dust.

[0013] The height-adjustable telescopic elements allow the instrument stand to be adapted to different instrument sizes, various installation locations, or specific usage requirements. The telescopic elements can be designed, for example, as telescoping tubes, extendable rods with locking points, or height-adjustable columns with clamping devices.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment provides that the supports are pivotally mounted on the case base. This pivoting mounting allows for a particularly compact and elegant solution for positioning the supports between the transport and operating positions. In the transport position, the supports can be folded flat against the case base or into corresponding recesses, thus achieving a minimal transport volume. To assemble the instrument stand, the supports are simply pivoted out from their folded position.

[0015] The swivel mounting is preferably achieved using hinges that create a permanent and stable connection between the supports and the case base. Hinges can be, for example, metal hinges, reinforced plastic hinges, or integrated joint connections. An advantage of hinges lies in their robustness and durability, as they allow repeated swiveling movements without wear.

[0016] The swiveling mounting offers the additional advantage that no separate fasteners can be lost, as the supports remain permanently attached to the case base. This simplifies the assembly of the instrument stand and reduces the risk of assembly errors or the loss of small parts during transport.

[0017] It is also advantageous if fasteners are provided for the detachable fixing of the supports to the case floor in the operating position. These fasteners ensure stable and secure positioning of the supports when the instrument stand is assembled. The detachable fixing allows the supports to be firmly anchored during use without creating a permanent connection that would hinder subsequent disassembly and transport. The fixed supports also facilitate easier assembly of the mounting element, which is, for example, screwed to the supports.

[0018] The fastening devices can be designed, for example, as screws, clamps, snap-fit ​​connections, or bayonet fittings. Screws are preferred because they allow for particularly secure and adjustable fixing. The screws can, in particular, engage the side walls of the case base and press or pull the extended supports against these side walls. Screws with wing nuts, which can be fastened without tools, can be used as examples of screw elements.

[0019] One advantage of the detachable fixing is that the supports cannot unintentionally change position when the instrument stand is assembled. This is particularly important when the stand is loaded with heavy musical instruments or exposed to external forces such as gusts of wind. At the same time, disassembly of the instrument stand remains quick and easy, as the fasteners can be released without tools or with simple aids.

[0020] The fasteners further contribute to the overall stability of the assembled instrument stand by ensuring a defined and reproducible positioning of the supports. This prevents the geometry of the instrument stand from changing or deteriorating due to repeated assembly and disassembly.

[0021] Advantageously, the telescopic elements have multiple holes and can be fixed to the supports at various heights using screws. This design allows for stepless height adjustment of the telescopic elements, thus enabling precise adaptation of the overall height of the instrument stand to different requirements.

[0022] The multiple bores can be configured, for example, as through holes, blind holes, or inserts. The bores are preferably arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal axis of the telescopic elements, creating defined height steps. The spacing between the bores can be adapted to typical instrument sizes or ergonomic requirements.

[0023] The fastening elements can be designed as handwheel screws, wing nuts, Allen screws, or locking screws. These elements engage with the supports, particularly through corresponding holes, especially threaded holes. When using locking screws, the telescopic elements can, for example, first be fixed vertically by a bolt on the locking screw. Tightening the locking screws then stabilizes the connection.

[0024] It is advantageous if the case lid has fasteners for a detachable connection to the telescopic elements. These fasteners enable a secure and stable attachment of the case lid to the extended telescopic elements, thus creating a functional shelf above the musical instruments.

[0025] The fastening elements can be designed, for example, as clamping devices, screw connections, quick-release fasteners, or plug connections. In particular, they can be attached to the case lid as separate components or designed as integrated parts of the case lid.

[0026] The detachable fasteners offer the advantage of flexible use of the instrument stand. The case lid can be attached as needed to provide storage and protection, or left off when this additional function is not required. After use, the case lid can be easily detached from the telescopic elements and reattached to the case base to create a compact transport case. The fasteners remain attached to the case lid and are not lost.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the fastening elements are designed as T-pieces that provide positive-locking connections for the telescopic elements. The T-shaped design of the fastening elements creates a particularly stable and defined connection between the case lid and the telescopic elements.

[0028] The T-pieces can be made of materials such as metal, reinforced plastic, or a composite. They preferably have a flange that is attached to or integrated into the case lid, and a connecting section that forms the positive-locking receptacle for the telescopic elements. The positive-locking connecting pieces can be designed, in particular, as bores, sleeves, or profiled openings that correspond to the geometry of the telescopic elements.

[0029] The form-fitting nature of the connecting pieces ensures precise positioning and prevents lateral shifting or twisting of the case lid relative to the telescopic elements. This is particularly advantageous when the tray is loaded with weight or when external forces act on the instrument stand.

[0030] A particular advantage of the T-shaped design lies in the large-area load distribution across the lid. The T-shape allows the acting forces to be distributed over a larger area of ​​the lid, thus avoiding local stress concentrations and ensuring the structural integrity of the lid. At the same time, the T-shaped geometry offers high stiffness against bending moments that can arise from asymmetrical loads on the storage compartment.

[0031] A further development proves particularly advantageous in which the T-pieces include clamping elements for the force-fit fixing of the telescopic elements. These clamping elements, for example, supplement the positive-locking connection provided by the T-piece connectors with a force-fit component, resulting in an even more secure and stable attachment of the case lid.

[0032] The clamping elements can be designed, for example, as screw clamps, clamping levers, clamping screws, or quick-release clamping devices. Preferably, they are arranged so that they act radially or tangentially on the telescopic elements, thereby creating a clamping effect. In particular, the clamping elements can be integrated into the T-pieces as separate components or designed as an integral part of the T-pieces.

[0033] The positive locking mechanism provided by the clamping elements increases the stability of the shelf formed by the case lid. This is particularly relevant when the shelf is loaded with heavy items such as amplifiers.

[0034] Another advantage of the clamping elements lies in their adaptability to different telescopic elements. Thanks to their force-fit mechanism, even slight tolerances or diameter variations in the telescopic elements can be compensated for without impairing the functionality of the connection.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the holding element has receptacles for several elongated musical instruments, the receptacles being designed in particular as indentations for instrument necks. This multiple arrangement significantly increases the capacity of the instrument stand and allows for the simultaneous holding of different instruments in a single system.

[0036] The recesses for multiple musical instruments can be designed, for example, as parallel slots, U-shaped grooves, or funnel-shaped indentations in the holding element. Preferably, the recesses are dimensioned and spaced so that different types of instruments can be held simultaneously without touching or interfering with each other.

[0037] Designing the neck recesses as indentations for instrument necks is a particularly instrument-friendly solution. The recesses can preferably be lined with soft materials such as foam, felt, or rubber to prevent scratches or other damage to the instrument necks. The shape of the recesses can be specifically adapted to the typical neck profiles of various instrument types.

[0038] The retaining element can be made from various materials, with plastic, wood, or metal being the preferred choices. Plastic offers the advantages of cost-effective production and low weight, while wood provides an attractive appearance and good damping properties. For applications requiring higher mechanical strength, the retaining element can be made of materials such as aluminum.

[0039] If the retaining element is not made of metal, it can advantageously be reinforced with a metal rail to increase its rigidity and load-bearing capacity. This metal rail can be integrated into the retaining element as a reinforcement element or connected to it as a separate component. The metal rail can, for example, be designed as a flat profile, a U-profile, or a round bar, and preferably extends over the entire length of the retaining element.

[0040] Reinforcement with a metal rail is particularly advantageous when the instrument stand is loaded with heavy instruments such as electric basses or multiple instruments simultaneously. The metal rail prevents the support element from bending and ensures an even distribution of the load across the supports.

[0041] A further advantageous improvement involves the inclusion of diagonal braces between the supports and the holding element. These diagonal braces provide additional stability and rigidity to the assembled instrument stand.

[0042] The diagonal braces can be designed, for example, as rigid connecting elements, adjustable braces, or tension wire elements. They are preferably arranged between the upper sections of the supports and the retaining element, forming, in particular, diagonal connections between these components. The diagonal braces can be made of metal, reinforced plastic, or other tensile-resistant materials. The arrangement of diagonal braces significantly stiffens the entire instrument stand structure against lateral forces and vibrations.

[0043] An advantageous design of the instrument stand includes a mounting device for a curtain on the case lid. This mounting device expands the functionality of the case lid, which serves as a storage area, by offering additional protection and design options.

[0044] The fastening device can be designed, for example, as an eyelet, hook, Velcro strip, snap fastener, or guide rail. Preferably, it is arranged along the edges of the case lid to allow for complete or partial enclosure of the musical instruments.

[0045] A key advantage of this design lies in the enhanced protection it offers the musical instruments. During outdoor performances, the curtain can protect them from rain, direct sunlight, or dust without requiring them to be removed from their stands. Simultaneously, the curtain can serve as a screen, concealing valuable instruments from prying eyes or creating a visually appealing presentation.

[0046] As a further advantage, the case lid and base can be connected to each other via several snap fasteners. This type of fastener allows for quick and easy closure of the transport case and simultaneously provides a secure connection between the two parts.

[0047] The use of multiple snap fasteners ensures an even distribution of force along the connection between the case lid and base. This prevents individual fasteners from becoming overloaded or the case from opening at unsecured points. Preferably, the snap fasteners are arranged symmetrically to achieve a balanced load.

[0048] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an instrument stand according to the invention in the assembled state without instruments, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the instrument stand according to the invention in the assembled state with instruments and curtain, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the instrument stand according to the invention in its transport state with the case lid removed and Fig. 4 a perspective view of an interior area of ​​a case lid of the instrument stand according to the invention.

[0049] In the following description of the figures, the same reference symbols are used for features that are identical and / or at least comparable in the various figures. The individual features, their design, and / or function are usually only explained in detail upon their first mention. If individual features are not explained again in detail, their design and / or function correspond to the design and function of the similarly functioning or identically named features already described with reference to the preceding figures. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, not all features shown in the figures may be labeled with a reference symbol. Likewise, of several identical components or features, only one or a few may be labeled.

[0050] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the instrument stand 1 according to the invention in its fully assembled and used state. The instrument stand 1 comprises a substantially rectangular case base 2, which serves as the base for the entire construction and, in the transport state, together with the case lid 3, forms the transport case 4 (see Figure 1). Fig. 3) forms.

[0051] Two supports 5 are pivotally mounted on the case base 2 via hinges 10. The hinges 10 allow the supports 5 to be positioned between a folded transport position and the upright operating position shown. In the upright position, the supports 5 are detachably fixed to the case base 2 by means of fasteners 11, the fasteners 11 preferably being designed as screw elements that press the unfolded supports 5 against the side walls of the case base 2, thereby creating a stable anchorage.

[0052] Each support 5 has a height-adjustable telescopic element 8, designed as a telescoping tube element. The telescopic elements 8 have several bores 12 arranged at regular intervals along their longitudinal axis, enabling stepwise height adjustment. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic elements 8 are positioned in an extended operating position and are fixed to the supports 5 by means of screw elements (not shown) inserted into the bores 12, providing a force-fit and form-fit connection. In this example, the bores 12 are located laterally on the telescopic elements 8. Alternatively, the bores 12 can also be located on the rear and / or front of the telescopic elements 8.

[0053] A retaining element 6 is arranged between the two supports 5, which provides the mechanical connection between the supports 5 and has several recesses 7 for elongated musical instruments 18. The recesses 7 are designed as indentations for instrument necks and can be lined with soft materials. The retaining element 6 can be reinforced with a metal rail (not shown) to increase its load-bearing capacity.

[0054] For structural reinforcement of the entire instrument stand structure, diagonal braces 16 are provided between the upper areas of the supports 5 and the retaining element 6. These diagonal braces 16 improve the stability of the instrument stand 1 even under asymmetrical loads.

[0055] Several snap fasteners 17 are arranged on the lid 3 of the case, which, in the transport state, enable a tool-free connection with corresponding counterparts on the base 2 of the case, thereby forming the closed transport case 4. The symmetrical distribution of the snap fasteners 17 ensures an even distribution of force along the connection line between the lid 3 and the base 2.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the instrument stand 1 according to the invention in its fully assembled and intended use. The instrument stand 1 serves here to hold two elongated musical instruments 18, for example an electric and an acoustic guitar.

[0057] In this example, an amplifier 19 is positioned on the shelf 9 formed by the case lid 3, allowing it to be stored safely and in a space-saving manner. Additionally, a curtain 20 is provided in this example, which is attached to a fastening device 28 (not shown) on the case lid 3 and hangs downwards. The curtain 20 can serve as weather protection, a privacy screen, or dust protection for the musical instruments 18 stored inside.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the instrument stand 1 according to the invention in its transport state as an open transport case 4 with the case lid 3 removed. This illustration demonstrates the compact storage of all components of the instrument stand 1 for safe transport.

[0059] The rectangular case base 2 forms the lower half of the transport case 4 and accommodates all the essential components of the instrument stand 1 in a space-saving arrangement. The two supports 5 are in their folded transport position, in which they are folded flat against the case base 2 or into corresponding recesses via the hinges 10. The pivoting mounting by means of hinges 10 enables this compact positioning and simultaneously ensures a permanent connection between the supports 5 and the case base 2, thus eliminating the risk of components being lost during transport.

[0060] The height-adjustable telescopic elements 8 of the supports 5 are retracted into their transport position within the supports 5. The fastening devices 11, which fix the supports 5 to the case base 2 in the operating state, are released, thus allowing the supports 5 to be folded in.

[0061] The retaining element 6 with its receptacles 7 for elongated musical instruments 18 is arranged in the base of the case 2 and takes up only a small amount of space in the transport state.

[0062] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the inside of the case lid 3 of the instrument stand 1 according to the invention. In this illustration, the arrangement and design of the fastening elements 13 become clear, which enable a detachable connection of the case lid 3 with the telescopic elements 8 and thereby create the functionality as a shelf 9.

[0063] The case lid 3 has two fastening elements 13 on its inner side, which are designed as T-pieces and positioned symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the case lid 3. This T-piece design enables a large-area load distribution on the case lid 3 and prevents local stress concentrations that could occur under point loads from heavy objects such as the amplifier 19.

[0064] Each fastening element 13 comprises a positive-locking connecting piece 14, which serves as a central receptacle for the telescopic elements 8. The connecting pieces 14 are preferably designed as openings that correspond to the geometry of the telescopic elements 8 and ensure precise positioning. The positive-locking nature of the connecting pieces 14 prevents lateral displacement or rotation of the case lid 3 relative to the telescopic elements 8, thus creating a defined and stable connection.

[0065] For the force-fit fixing of the telescopic elements 8, clamping elements 15 are provided on the fastening elements 13. These clamping elements 15 can be designed as clamping screws. The flange area of ​​the T-pieces is firmly connected to or integrated into the case lid 3 and enables efficient force transmission into the structure of the case lid 3. Reference symbol list 1 instrument stand 2 suitcase bottoms 3 suitcase lids 4 transport cases 5 support 6 retaining element 7th recording 8 telescopic elements 9 Storage 10 hinge 11 Fasteners 12 bore 13 Fastening element 14 Connecting piece 15 clamping element 16 diagonal brace 17 Snap fastener 18 Musical instrument 19 amplifiers 20 Curtain

Claims

[1] Portable instrument stand (1), comprising: - a case base (2) and a removable case lid (3) which together form a transport case (4), - two supports (5) that can be attached to the bottom of the case (2) and that can be positioned between a transport position and a working position, - a retaining element (6) for connecting the supports (5), which has receptacles (7) for elongated musical instruments (18), characterized by , that - the supports (5) each have height-adjustable telescopic elements (8), and - the case lid (3) can be detachably attached to the telescopic elements (8) when these are extended into a working position, - wherein the attached case lid (3) forms a shelf (9) above the held musical instruments (18). [2] Instrument stand (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the supports (5) are pivotably mounted on the case floor (2), in particular by means of hinges (10). [3] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that fastening means (11) are provided for the detachable fixing of the supports (5) to the case floor (2) in the operating position. [4] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the telescopic elements (8) have several bores (12) and can be fixed to the supports (5) in different height positions by means of screw elements. [5] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the case lid (3) has fastening elements (13) for detachable connection with the telescopic elements (8). [6] Instrument stand (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the fastening elements (13) are designed as T-pieces which have positive locking connecting pieces (14) for the telescopic elements (8). [7] Instrument stand (1) according to the previous claim, characterized by , that the T-pieces include clamping elements (15) for force-fit fixing of the telescopic elements (8). [8] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the retaining element (6) has receptacles (7) for several elongated musical instruments (18), wherein the receptacles (7) are designed in particular as indentations for instrument necks. [9] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that diagonal braces (16) are provided between the supports (5) and the retaining element (6). [10] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the case lid (3) includes a fastening device for a curtain (20). [11] Instrument stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the case lid (3) and the case base (2) can be connected to each other via several snap fasteners (17).

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