FOLDABLE KEYBOARD SUSTAIN PEDAL STABILIZER

Abstract

The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is designed for use with either one keyboard sustain foot pedal or two keyboard sustain foot pedals. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprises a stabilizer base, a pedal-retention area in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base, a foldable section sandwiched between the stabilizer base and the pedal-retention area, and an underside having a non-slip surface. The foldable section is made of a flexible material such that the pedal-retention area folds onto the stabilizer base for packaging and transporting in a compact manner. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer provides stable footing for the musician on damp floors for one foot or both feet while providing a foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer that stabilizes either one or two keyboard sustain foot pedals. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer has no moving parts and is compatible with essentially any keyboard sustain foot pedal.

Claims

1. A foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal, said foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprises: a stabilizer base made of a flexible material; a pedal-retention area in cooperative engagement with said stabilizer base, said pedal-retention area made of said flexible material, said pedal-retention area including a retaining structure proximate to said stabilizer base, said retaining structure enabling secure retention of said keyboard sustain foot pedal within said pedal retention area; a foldable section sandwiched between said stabilizer base and said pedal-retention area, said foldable material being made of said flexible material; an underside of said stabilizer base and said pedal-retention area, said underside having a non-slip surface.

2. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said retaining structure includes an end-wall and a pair of sidewalls positioned in said pedal-retention area.

3. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said retaining structure includes a recess positioned in said pedal-retention area.

4. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said retaining structure includes an aperture positioned in said pedal-retention area.

5. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said pedal-retention area is made of a single piece of material.

6. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said underside includes a plurality of nodules.

7. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said underside has a plurality of treads.

8. A foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal, said foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprising: a stabilizer base; a pedal-retention area including a retaining structure, said retaining structure enabling secure retention of said keyboard sustain foot pedal within said pedal-retention area; a foldable section sandwiched between said stabilizer base and said pedal-retention area, said foldable section being made of a flexible material such that said pedal-retention area folds onto said stabilizer base for packaging and transporting in a compact manner; and an underside of said stabilizer base having a non-slip surface.

9. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 8, wherein said retaining structure comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an end wall.

10. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 8, wherein said pedal-retention area being made of said flexible material.

11. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 8, wherein said stabilizer base being made of said flexible material.

12. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 8, wherein said stabilizer base is made of said flexible material and said pedal retention area is made of said flexible material.

13. A foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use with a first and a second keyboard sustain foot pedals, said foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprising: a stabilizer base; a first pedal-retention area including a first retaining structure, said first retaining structure enabling secure retention of said first keyboard sustain foot pedal within said first pedal-retention area; a second pedal-retention area including a second retaining structure, said second retaining structure enabling secure retention of said second keyboard sustain foot pedal within said second pedal-retention area; a foldable section, said foldable section being sandwiched between said stabilizer base and said first and second pedal-retention areas, said foldable section being made of a flexible material enabling said first and said second pedal-retention areas to fold onto said stabilizer base for packaging and transporting in a compact manner; and an underside of said stabilizer base having a non-slip surface.

14. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 13, whereby said first retaining structure is a common sidewall, a sidewall and an endwall.

15. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 13, wherein said underside includes a plurality of nodules.

16. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 13, wherein said underside has a plurality of treads.

17. A foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal, said foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprises: a stabilizer base; a pedal-retention area in cooperative engagement with said stabilizer base, said keyboard sustain foot pedal fitting snugly within a recess or an aperture in a retaining structure in said pedal-retention area, said recess or said aperture having inner walls, said retaining structure ensuring secure retention of said keyboard sustain foot pedal within said pedal retention area; a foldable section sandwiched between said stabilizer base and said pedal-retention area, said foldable material made of a flexible material; and an underside of said stabilizer base and said pedal-retention area, said underside having a non-slip surface.

18. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said pedal-retention area has a first thickness and said foldable section has a second thickness, said first thickness being greater than said second thickness.

19. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said inner walls of said recess comprise said retaining structure.

20. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said inner walls of said aperture comprise said retaining structure.

21. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said underside includes a plurality of nodules.

22. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said underside has a plurality of treads.

23. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said recess is designed to retain therewithin in a snugly fit manner said keyboard sustain foot pedal.

24. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said aperture is designed to retain therewithin in a snugly fit manner said keyboard sustain foot pedal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1A depicts a top view of a first preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal to be positioned within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure.

[0019] FIG. 1B depicts a top view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1A, the device now being folded in a compact position ready for transport.

[0020] FIG. 2 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1A, with the keyboard sustain foot pedal being shown in phantom.

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1A, the pedal retention area now being folded onto and resting upon the stabilizer base.

[0022] FIG. 4 depicts an assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention, the keyboard sustain foot pedal being shown in phantom, where the retaining structure is positioned a recess within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure, along with Section A-A.

[0023] FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 4, with the stabilizer base positioned upon the pedal retention area.

[0024] FIG. 6 depicts an assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention, the keyboard sustain foot pedal being shown in phantom, where the retaining structure is an aperture positioned within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure, along with Section B-B.

[0025] FIG. 7 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 6, with the stabilizer base positioned upon the pedal retention area.

[0026] FIG. 8A depicts a top view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals to be positioned side-by-side within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure.

[0027] FIG. 8B depicts a top view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 8A, the device now being folded in a compact position ready for transport.

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 8A.

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 8A, the pair of pedal retention areas now being folded and resting upon the stabilizer base.

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts an assembly view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention, where the retaining structures are a pair of recesses positioned within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure, for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals to be positioned side-by-side within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure, along with Section C-C.

[0031] FIG. 12 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 11, with the stabilizer base positioned upon the pedal retention area.

[0032] FIG. 13 depicts an assembly view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention, where the retaining structure are a pair of apertures positioned within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure, for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals to be positioned side-by-side within the pedal retention area of the retaining structure, along with Section D-D.

[0033] FIG. 14 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 13, with the stabilizer base positioned upon the pedal retention area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3 depict a first preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10]. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] is for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] positioned within the pedal retention area [13] of the structure of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 1A depicts the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] in the unfolded position and FIG. 18 depicts the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] in the folded position, and ready for transport or storage.

[0036] The first preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] is designed for use with one keyboard sustain foot pedal [34].

[0037] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] comprises a stabilizer base [12], a pedal-retention area [13] in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base [12], a foldable section [28] sandwiched between the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal-retention area [13], and an undersurface [20] having a non-slip surface.

[0038] The undersurface [20] is depicted as a plurality of parallel treads that are useful in gripping the floor of the venue, approximately evenly spaced from each other.

[0039] The retaining structure [14] comprises a pair of sidewalls [16] essentially parallel to each other and an end-wall [22]. Positioned in the end-wall [22] is an end-wall notch for positioning an electrical cable extending from the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34].

[0040] The foldable section [28] is made of a flexible material such that the pedal-retention area [13] folds onto the stabilizer base [12] for packaging and transporting in a compact manner. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention provides stable footing for the musician on damp floors for one foot while providing a foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer that stabilizes a keyboard sustain foot pedal [34]. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] has no moving parts and is compatible with essentially any keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] that is commercially available.

[0041] FIG. 2 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10], with the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] being shown in phantom. FIG. 3 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10], the pedal retention area [13] now being folded onto and abutting the stabilizer base [12]. The stabilizer base [12] is made of a flexible material that enables a roll up for packaging and transporting the foldable keyboard sustain foot pedal of the present invention [10] in a conventional carrying case or bag.

[0042] The non-slip undersurface [20] may also be a plurality of aligned nodes [123] as depicted in FIG. 5.

[0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a second preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [110]. The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is shown in phantom in FIG. 4.

[0044] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110] comprises a stabilizer base [112], a pedal-retention area [113] in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base [112], a foldable section [128] sandwiched between the stabilizer base [112] and the pedal-retention area [113], and an undersurface [120] having a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface is depicted as a plurality of aligned nodes [123].

[0045] The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is positioned in the pedal retention area [113] within retaining structure [114].

[0046] The retaining structure [114] is positioned a recess [130] within the pedal retention area [113] of the retaining structure. The sidewalls of the recess [130] secure the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] in place in a snug manner within the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [110].

[0047] Section A-A is taken thru FIG. 4 and depicts the position of the recess [130] relative to the foldable section [128].

[0048] FIG. 5 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110], with the stabilizer base [112] positioned upon and abutting the pedal retention area [113].

[0049] FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a third preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [210]. The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is shown in phantom in FIG. 6.

[0050] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210] comprises a stabilizer base [212], a pedal-retention area [213] in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base [212], a foldable section [228] sandwiched between the stabilizer base [212] and the pedal-retention area [213], and an undersurface [220] having a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface is depicted as a plurality of nodes, approximately equidistant from each other.

[0051] The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is positioned in the pedal retention area [213] within retaining structure [214].

[0052] The retaining structure [214] is positioned an aperture [232] within the pedal retention area [213] of the retaining structure. The sidewalls of the aperture [232] secure the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] in place in a snug manner within the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [210].

[0053] Section B-B is taken thru FIG. 6 and depicts the position of the aperture [232] relative to the foldable section [228].

[0054] FIG. 7 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210], with the stabilizer base [212] positioned upon and abutting the pedal retention area [213].

[0055] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9, and 10 depict a fourth preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [310]. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [310] is for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals [34] to be positioned side-by-side within a pedal retention area [313] of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [310]. A typical keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is shown in phantom in FIG. 1A.

[0056] FIG. 8A depicts the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [310] in the unfolded position and FIG. 8B depicts the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [310] in the folded position, and ready for transport or storage.

[0057] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] is designed for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals [34] positioned side-by-side and parallel to each other, separated by a common sidewall [317].

[0058] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [310] comprises a stabilizer base [312], a pedal-retention area [313] in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base [312], a foldable section [328] sandwiched between the stabilizer base [312] and the pedal-retention area [313], and an undersurface [314] having a non-slip undersurface [320].

[0059] The undersurface [320] is depicted as a plurality of parallel treads that are useful in gripping the floor of the venue, approximately evenly spaced from each other.

[0060] The retaining structure [314] comprises a pair of sidewalls [316] essentially parallel to each other, a common sidewall [317] and an end-wall [322]. The common sidewall [317] is essentially parallel to the pair of sidewalls [316] and equidistant between them. Positioned in the end-wall [322] are a pair of end-wall notch [322] for positioning electrical cables extending from each keyboard sustain foot pedal [34].

[0061] The foldable section [328] is made of a flexible material such that the pedal-retention area [313] folds onto the stabilizer base [312] for packaging and transporting in a compact manner. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention provides stable footing for the musician on damp floors for one foot while providing a foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer that stabilizes a keyboard sustain foot pedal [34]. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention

[0062] has no moving parts and is compatible with essentially any keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] that is commercially available.

[0063] FIG. 9 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [310], with the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] being shown in phantom. FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [310], the pedal retention area [313] now being folded onto and abutting the stabilizer base [312].

[0064] FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [310], the pair of pedal retention areas [313] now being folded and resting upon the stabilizer base [312].

[0065] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a fifth preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [410]. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [410] is for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals [34] to be positioned side-by-side within a pedal retention area [413] of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [410]. A typical keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is shown in phantom in FIG. 1A.

[0066] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [410] comprises a stabilizer base [412], a pedal-retention area [413] in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base [412], a foldable section [428] sandwiched between the stabilizer base [412] and the pedal-retention area [413], and an undersurface [414] having a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface is depicted as a plurality of nodes, approximately equidistant from each other.

[0067] Each keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is positioned in the pedal retention area [413] within retaining structure [414].

[0068] Each retaining structure [414] is comprised of a recess [430] within the pedal retention area [413]. The sidewalls of each recess [430] secure each respective keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] in place in a snug manner within the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [410].

[0069] Section C-C is taken thru FIG. 11 and depicts the position of the recess [430] relative to the foldable section [128].

[0070] FIG. 12 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [410], with the stabilizer base [412] positioned upon and abutting the pedal retention area [413].

[0071] FIGS. 13 and 14 depict a sixth preferred embodiment of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [510]. The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [510] is for use with a pair of keyboard sustain foot pedals [34] to be positioned side-by-side within a pedal retention area [513] of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [510]. A typical keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is shown in phantom in FIG. 1A.

[0072] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [510] comprises a stabilizer base [512], a pedal-retention area [513] in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base [512], a foldable section [528] sandwiched between the stabilizer base [512] and the pedal-retention area [513], and an undersurface [520] having a non-slip surface. The non-slip surface is depicted as a plurality of nodes, each being approximately equidistant from each other.

[0073] The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is positioned in the pedal retention area [513] within retaining structure [514].

[0074] The retaining structure [514] is positioned an aperture [532] within the pedal retention area [513] of the retaining structure. The sidewalls of the aperture [532] secure the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] in place in a snug manner within the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [510].

[0075] Section D-D is taken thru FIG. 13 and depicts the position of the aperture [532] relative to the foldable section [528].

[0076] FIG. 14 depicts an end view of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [510], with the stabilizer base [512] positioned upon and abutting the pedal retention area [513].

[0077] Preferably, the pedal retention area, the foldable section, and the stabilizer base are all made of the same material and preferable are of one-piece construction.

[0078] Preferably, the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer has a one-piece construction.

[0079] The foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10 and 310] preferably has a uniform thickness of one-quarter inch.

[0080] The other preferred embodiments of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110, 210, 410, and 510] of the present invention have the pedal retention area [113, 213, 410, and 513] with a thickness of one-half inch, the foldable section [128, 218, 418, and 518] with a thickness of one-quarter inch, and the stabilizer base [112, 212, 412, and 512] with a thickness of one-half inch.

[0081] As used herein, non-slip means any suitable forms, such as cross-hatching, or a series of closely spaced nubs which extend over the underside of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention, or other indentations such as swirls which provide an anti-slip surface across the underside of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention, which form a textured surface that is adapted to provide a secure engagement with the floor.

[0082] Throughout this application, various Patents and Applications are referenced by number and inventor. The disclosures of these documents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

[0083] It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the foldable keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

PARTS LIST

[0084] 10. Foldable Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—1.sup.st Embodiment [0085] 12. Stabilizer Base [0086] 13. Pedal Retention Area [0087] 14. Retaining Structure [0088] 16. Sidewall [0089] 18. Top Surface [0090] 20. Corrugated Undersurface [0091] 22. End-Wall [0092] 24. End-Wall Notch [0093] 28. Foldable Section [0094] 34. Keyboard Sustain Foot Pedal [0095] 110. Foldable Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—2.sup.nd Embodiment [0096] 112. Stabilizer Base [0097] 113. Pedal Retention Area [0098] 114. Retaining Structure [0099] 118. Top Surface [0100] 120. Undersurface [0101] 123. Node [0102] 128. Foldable Section [0103] 130. Recess [0104] 210. Foldable Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—3.sup.rd Embodiment [0105] 212. Stabilizer Base [0106] 213. Pedal Retention Area [0107] 214. Retaining Structure [0108] 218. Top Surface [0109] 220. Undersurface [0110] 228. Foldable Section [0111] 232. Aperture [0112] 310. Foldable Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—4.sup.th Embodiment [0113] 312. Stabilizer Base [0114] 313. Pedal Retention Area [0115] 314. Retaining Structure [0116] 316. Sidewall [0117] 317. Common Sidewall [0118] 318. Top Surface [0119] 320. Corrugated Undersurface [0120] 322. End-Wall [0121] 324. End-Wall Notch [0122] 328. Foldable Section [0123] 410. Foldable Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—5.sup.th Embodiment [0124] 412. Stabilizer Base [0125] 413. Pedal Retention Area [0126] 414. Retaining Structure [0127] 416. Sidewall [0128] 418. Top Surface [0129] 420. Undersurface [0130] 423. Node [0131] 428. Foldable Section [0132] 430. Recess [0133] 510. Foldable Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—6.sup.th Embodiment [0134] 512. Stabilizer Base [0135] 513. Pedal Retention Area [0136] 514. Retaining Structure [0137] 516. Sidewall [0138] 518. Top Surface [0139] 520. Undersurface [0140] 528. Foldable Section [0141] 532. Aperture