FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to music stands of the type used by musicians to hold sheet music securely and additional sheet music, books, papers, or writing implements on the stand so as to be readily available when needed. The Sheet Music Stand Helper can be placed on and removed from an existing music stand and can be packed and transported as a self-contained structure. Alternatively, its features might be attached to and be part of a complete music stand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whenever the inventor moved her stand or even bumped into it, all her music would come fluttering off the stand. This caused her to consider how she might keep the music from falling off her stand.

Although this invention will be described with reference to use by musicians, it will be evident that the invention can be used by anyone who wishes to secure papers or books to a music stand, or who wishes to have additional papers or books handy for use.

Musicians use music stands to display two or three sheets of music while the musicians play various instruments. Music stands usually allow for resting of sheet music on a lip, secured by gravity holding the sheets against the back and lip of the stand. Bumps into the stand or the placement of too many sheets against the stand would cause the music to fall off the stand or otherwise be displaced. Further, additional music which may be needed is not always readily available, having to be stored in a separate bag or carrying case and searched for and removed when needed.

A structure which secures music in use to the stand and which holds additional music to be readily available when needed would be helpful to the user of the music stand.

As a result of these design criteria, it would be advantageous if an existing music stand had a portable sleeve, which could be slipped or clipped onto it, which could secure music to it while in use and could hold additional sheets or books for ready availability when needed. The sleeve or device could be removed and easily carried with the user to wherever needed.

Description of Related Art

Previous music stand accessories provided means of holding various small items, none of which did so via the back of a music stand.

Other previous music stand accessories accommodated parts of musical instruments to be hung from the stand via various attachments.

No prior inventions combine the features of transparent and mechanical securing of sheet music to the music stand, music book storage compartments, and more general accessory storage all on the music stand. As described above, this functionality will be greatly appreciated by musicians and others wishing to use music stands to hold various papers and writing implements in a secure and orderly manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Sheet Music Stand Helper is a fabric sleeve the user can slip over the top of a music stand. It has two clear plastic pockets, one on the right and one on the left sides of the sleeve's front, for sheet music (or other papers) to be slid into. The plastic pockets are notched to allow easy insertion and removal of papers. Separating the two plastic pockets is an elastic strap. The elastic will hold music books or sheet music (or other papers) in place if you slide the center of the book under the elastic. The felt (or other) material under the elastic will muffle the sound if someone snaps the elastic against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Last, the Sheet Music Stand Helper will hold additional books, music, papers, or writing implements in a special pocket (or pockets) on the back of the sleeve.

The sleeve might alternatively be constructed of felt, vinyl, flannel-backed vinyl, cloth, or stiff fabric, or of any other suitable material. The Sheet Music Stand Helper might alternatively be clipped on, rather than slid on, and composed of plastic, vinyl, metal, composite material, Lucite, cardboard, or of any other suitable material. The Sheet Music Stand Helper might alternatively be attached as a hinged, stiff, front and back device, utilizing a clip, clasp, Velcro, snap, flap, tie, magnetic, or some other securing device, and having its body composed of plastic, vinyl, metal, composite material, Lucite, cardboard, or some other stiff or suitable material. Another alternative would be to have some sides secured via one of the securing methods mentioned and have another side or sides secured by zipper. Alternatively, the entire envelope might be secured to the music stand by zipper. Alternatively, the Sheet Music Stand Helper might consist only of the front of the described invention or of only the back of the described invention, utilizing a suitable securing device to attach it to the music stand.

The Sheet Music Stand Helper might have 2 or more center straps on the front, instead of only one. Alternatively, the strap(s) might be made of cord, rope, string, woven material or of vinyl, or any other suitable material, secured by Velcro, snaps, clips, buckles, ties, magnet(s), or by any other suitable securing method. The Sheet Music Stand Helper might alternatively utilize a metal clip, a magnetic apparatus, or an arm, made of metal, plastic or some other material, that swings down from a hinge, to secure books or papers, in lieu of the elastic strap(s).

Alternatively, under the strap(s) or securing apparatus, quilted fabric, plastic foam rubber, fabric, or any other material, preferably sound-dampening, might be used, instead of felt.

Alternatively, the transparent pockets on the front might be made of a semi-transparent plastic, sheer or non-sheer fabric rather than the clear plastic. Alternatively, the transparent pockets on the front might be made of nylon mesh, or of any other suitable transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque material. These pockets might utilize some method other than a notch to allow easy insertion or removal of papers; they might utilize a hole in the middle of each sheet, or the top edge of the plastic sheet might be cut at a diagonal, or the top edge might be cut in the shape of a â€˜vâ€™, a wavy design at the top, or a zipper across the top, or some other suitable design, to allow easy grasping of the papers held within.

Alternatively, the Sheet Music Stand Helper might have no transparent pockets on it, with only the strap(s) on its front to secure books or papers to it.

The Sheet Music Stand Helper might have zero, two, three, four, or more pockets on the back of it.

The Sheet Music Stand Helper might have zero, one, two, three, four, or more pockets on the front of it.

The Sheet Music Stand Helper might also have loops attached to its sides to allow the clipping on of writing implements to it. Alternatively, it might have pockets attached to its sides to allow the holding of writing implements. Additionally or alternatively, it might have either loops or pockets attached to its back to specifically allow the holding of writing implements. Additionally or alternatively, it might have a simple, smaller pocket(s) attached to the larger pocket on the back of it to allow the holding of writing implements or small objects.

The Sheet Music Stand Helper might be comprised of all of its features or of some of them.

The Sheet Music Stand Helper might also be constructed as features permanently attached to a whole music stand.

All variations in implementation of the concept of an added on sleeve or attachment to an existing music stand, to facilitate the above features on a music stand are covered by this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view of the front of a Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand according to the invention and shown in a condition ready for use;

FIG. 2 is a view of the back of a Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand according to the invention and shown in a condition ready for use;

FIG. 3 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper;

FIG. 4 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper;

FIG. 5 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand with labeled parts and features, and shown being used to hold music via front elastic and back pocket;

FIG. 6 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand with labeled parts and features, and shown being used to hold music via transparent plastic pockets;

FIG. 7 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand with labeled parts and features, and shown holding music books and papers in its back pocket;

FIG. 8 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper at an angle from the bottom with labeled parts and features.

FIG. 9 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper with all its individual parts shown separated and labeled, with arrows indicating placement in relation to each of the other parts.

FIG. 10 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper with all its individual parts shown separated and labeled, with arrows indicating placement in relation to each of the other parts:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a music-stand -fitting removable sleeve or clipped-on device that fits over a music stand, of the type used to display sheet music for a musician, which performs the purpose of holding music, books, papers, or writing implements via additional securing devices and pockets. More particularly, the Sheet Music Stand Helper is a removable sleeve or clipped-on device which fits over the top of a music stand, which has one or more pockets in the back for holding sheet music and/or writing implements, one or more transparent pockets in the front, for holding viewable sheet music, and a vertical strap in the middle to secure music to the Sheet Music Stand Helper, with fabric under the strap to muffle snapping sound should the securing strap be snapped.

A preferred embodiment of the Sheet Music Stand Helper is as a quilted fabric sleeve the user can slip over the top of a music stand. It has two clear plastic pockets on the right and the left sides of the sleeve's front, for sheet music (or other papers) to be slid into. The plastic pockets are notched to allow easy insertion and removal of papers. Separating the two plastic pockets is an elastic strap. The elastic will hold music books or sheet music (or other papers) in place if you slide the center of the book under the elastic. The felt (or other) material under the elastic will muffle the sound if someone snaps the elastic against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Last, the Sheet Music Stand Helper will hold additional books, music, papers, or writing implements in a special pocket (or pockets) on the back of the sleeve.

A preferred embodiment of the Sheet Music Stand Helper is described.

FIG. 1 is a view of the front of a Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand according to the invention and shown in a condition ready for use. In this figure, the Sheet Music Stand Helper has been slipped over the music stand and has the following labeled parts and features. Part 1 is the fabric sleeve that slips over the stand. Part 3 are the plastic pockets used to hold sheet music (or papers) to be viewed through them. Part 4 is the elastic to hold a book securely against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Part 5 is the felt to muffle the sound of the elastic, should it snap against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Label 6 is the notch in the plastic pocket to allow easy removal of sheets in pocket;

FIG. 2 is a view of the back of a Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand according to the invention and shown in a condition ready for use. In this figure, Sheet Music Stand Helper has been slipped over the top of the music stand and has the following labeled parts. Part 1 is the fabric sleeve that slips over the top of the music stand. Part 2 is the pocket to hold music (or papers) on the Sheet Music Stand Helper, for later use;

FIG. 3 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper. In this figure, the Sheet Music Stand Helper has the following labeled parts and features. Part 1 is the fabric sleeve that slips over the stand. Part 3 are the transparent plastic pockets used to hold sheet music (or papers) to be viewed through them. Part 4 is the elastic to hold a book securely against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Part 5 is the felt to muffle the sound of the elastic, should it snap against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Label 6 is the notch in the plastic pocket to allow easy removal of sheets in pocket;

FIG. 4 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper. In this figure, the Sheet Music Stand Helper has the following labeled parts. Part 1 is the fabric sleeve that slips over the stand. Part 2 is the pocket to hold music (or papers) on the Sheet Music Stand Helper, for later use;

FIG. 5 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand with labeled part and features, and shown being used to hold music via front elastic and back pocket and has the following labeled parts. Part 4 is the elastic to hold a book securely against the Sheet Music Stand Helper. Label 2 demonstrates music or books held in the pocket in the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper ready for use. Label 3 demonstrates book held in front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper by means of the elastic;

FIG. 6 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand with labeled parts and features, and shown being used to hold music via transparent plastic pockets and has the following labeled parts. Part 3 is the transparent material to securely hold and allow viewing of music (or sheets of paper);

FIG. 7 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper on a music stand with labeled parts and features, and shown holding music books and papers in its back pocket. In this figure, Sheet Music Stand Helper has the following labeled parts. Part 1 is the fabric sleeve that slips over the stand. Part 2 is the pocket to hold music (or papers) on the Sheet Music Stand Helper, for later use;

FIG. 8 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper at an angle from the bottom, showing the opening, labeled 1, at the bottom that allows it to be slipped onto a music stand.

FIG. 9 is a view of the front of the Sheet Music Stand Helper with all its individual parts shown separated and labeled, with arrows indicating placement in relation to each of the other parts. Part 1 is quilted fabric, folded over and connected at the sides (label 9) via stitching with thread, or alternatively, via Velcro, zipper, snaps, buttons, lacing through eyelets, adhesive, magnets, or some other securing method, to form an envelope closed on three sides with an opening at the bottom. Alternatively, two or more pieces of fabric sewn together could be used to create the envelope shape shown. The shape might also be achieved via leather, suede, vinyl, molded plastic, or any other suitable material. Part 2 is a transparent plastic sheet through which papers underneath can be seen. This is secured to the envelope formed above, on its right, left, and its bottom, indicated by dashed line labeled 6; this securing is achieved by stitching with thread, or by button fasteners, or by one of the methods that could be used to secure the sides of the fabric envelope. The bottom of the transparent sheet is secured to part 1 only on its front face, to allow the envelope formed to remain open at the bottom. The preferred method of attachment to the envelope would cover the edges of the plastic so as to conceal edges at the bottom and the sides; the side and bottom edges of transparent sheet are sewn into the seams of the side and around the bottom of part 1. Alternatively, fabric (or other suitable material) strips positioned over the side and bottom edges of the transparent plastic sheet (part 2) might be attached to parts 1 and 2 to cover the edges of the transparent plastic sheet and attach all three parts to each other. Alternatively, the transparent plastic sheet might be attached with revealed edges. Part 3 is felt, which is secured to the front face of part 1 and to part 2 via stitching at the dashed line (label 7) running up and down in its middle. Alternatively, adhesive, staples, or any other suitable securing method might secure part 3. Part 4 is elastic, secured at the top and the bottom (label 8), through parts 3,2, to the front face of part 1, via stitching, adhesive, staples, or any other suitable securing method.

FIG. 10 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper with all its individual parts shown separated and labeled, with arrows indicating placement in relation to each of the other parts. A pocket (3) is stitched (5) on the bottom and sides to attach it to the back of the envelope. The pocket is secured to the face of the back of the envelope, to allow the bottom of the envelope to remain open. Alternatively, the pocket might be secured by adhesive, staples, or via some other suitable securing method.

FIG. 11 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper shown in FIG. 10, with an alternate implementation of FIG. 10 shown separated and labeled, with arrows indicating placement in relation to each of the other parts. Labels 1 and 2 illustrate a series of loops, achieved by sewing a strip of fabric on an area towards the top of the pocket, with alternating portions of the strip sewn against the pocket (label 1), and alternating portions of the strip protruding out (label 2) forming a loop through which a pen clip could attach and hang from. Alternatively, the strip could be attached via adhesive, staples, or some other suitable securing method.

FIG. 12 is a view of the back of the Sheet Music Stand Helper shown in FIG. 10, with an alternate implementation of FIG. 10 shown separated and labeled, with arrows indicating placement in relation to each of the other parts. Part 1 illustrates another smaller pocket, the top of which is wider than the bottom. The bottom and sides are attached via stitching (label 2) and the top is puckered (label 3) and alternating portions of the smaller pocket are sewn and not sewn, achieving a series of smaller pockets in which writing implements might be stored. The smaller pocket might be attached by adhesive, staples, or via some other suitable securing method. Alternatively, the top for the smaller pocket might be the same length as the bottom and merely be sewn at the bottom and sides, with no additional attachment at the top, to allow storage of writing implements, or small objects.

The methods of the present invention can reliably and consistently provide a sheet music-stand helper such as the device illustrated in the preceding figures.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of and equivalents to these aspects. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.