Keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer

Abstract

A keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprises a stabilizer base, and a pedal-retention area in cooperative engagement with the stabilizer base. The pedal-retention area includes a retaining structure, the retaining structure enabling secure retention of the keyboard sustain foot pedal within the pedal-retention area. The retention structure may be an end-wall in combination with a pair of opposing sidewalls, a recess in combination with a pair of opposing sidewalls, or a recess in combination with an end-wall. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer may also include an expanded position and a retracted position, the expanded position being for cooperative engagement with the keyboard sustain pedal, the retracted position being for transporting the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer. The under surface of the stabilizer has non-slipping properties.

Claims

1. A keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal, said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprising: a stabilizer base; a pedal-retention area in cooperative engagement relative to said stabilizer base, said pedal-retention area including a retaining structure, said retaining structure enabling secure retention of said keyboard sustain foot pedal within said pedal retention area; and a hinge affixing said stabilizer base to said pedal-retention area, said hinge enabling rotation between said stabilizer base and said pedal-retention area.

2. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is made of a natural rubber material, a synthetic rubber material, or a blend of one or more natural rubber materials and one or more synthetic rubber materials.

3. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said retaining structure is an end-wall.

4. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 3, wherein said end-wall is disposed between a pair of sidewalls.

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

6. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 5, wherein said recess is positioned in said pedal-retention area between a pair of sidewalls.

7. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is made of a polymer, said stabilizer base having an underside, said underside having a non-slip surface.

8. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer having an expanded position and a retracted position, said expanded position being for cooperative engagement with said keyboard sustain foot pedal.

9. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer having an expanded position and a retracted position, said retracted position being for transporting said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer.

10. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 1, wherein said hinge is attached to a bottom surface of said stabilizer base.

11. A keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use on a floor of a venue with a keyboard sustain foot pedal, said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprising: a flat base section attached to a pedal-retention area; a recess within said flat base section, said recess securely retaining and stabilizing said keyboard sustain foot pedal within said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer; and an underside of said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer having a non-slip surface for stabilization of said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer with said floor of said venue.

12. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 11, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is made of a natural rubber material, a synthetic rubber material, or a blend of one or more natural rubber materials and one or more synthetic rubber materials.

13. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 12, wherein said underside is compatible with a floor surface of said venue, said venue having varying textures and hardnesses to provide a non-slip engagement with said floor surface.

14. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 11, wherein said underside is formed of a high surface energy material that maintains affinity to a floor surface even in the presence of a film of water on said floor surface.

15. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 11, wherein said underside is made of a wear-resistant, anti-skid polymer.

16. A keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal, said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer comprising: a flat base section attached to a pedal-retention area; and a retaining structure in said flat base section, a recess being part of said flat base section, said recess securely retaining and stabilizing said keyboard sustain foot pedal within said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer, said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer having an underside, said underside having a non-slip surface including a plurality of nodules protruding from said underside of said base.

17. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 16, wherein said pedal-retention area is disposed between a pair of sidewalls.

18. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 16, wherein said underside is compatible with a floor surface of said venue, said venue having varying textures and hardnesses to provide a non-slip engagement with said floor surface.

19. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 16, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer has an expanded position and a retracted position, said retracted position being for transporting said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer.

20. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of claim 16, wherein said keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is made of a natural rubber material, a synthetic rubber material, or a blend of one or more natural rubber materials and one or more synthetic rubber materials.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts an assembly view of a keyboard sustain foot pedal mounted upon a first preferred embodiment the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts an assembly view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 depicts an end view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer being in a folded position ready for transport.

(5) FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer being in a folded position ready for transport.

(6) FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 1, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer being in a folded position ready for transport.

(7) FIG. 7 depicts an assembly view of a keyboard sustain foot pedal mounted upon a second preferred embodiment the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 depicts an assembly view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 7.

(10) FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view depicting a keyboard sustain foot pedal mounted upon a third preferred embodiment the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 11 depicts an assembly view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 10.

(12) FIG. 12 depicts a bottom view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 10.

(13) FIG. 13 depicts a top view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 10.

(14) FIG. 14 depicts a side view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(15) Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a keyboard instrument sustain foot pedal [34] (in dotted lines) positioned on a first preferred embodiment of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10].

(16) The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] is for use with a keyboard sustain foot pedal [34]. The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] comprises a stabilizer base [12], and a pedal-retention area [13] for retaining the keyboard sustain foot pedal [32].

(17) The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] is securely retained onto the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] by a retaining structure [20]. The retaining structure as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a pair of sidewalls [16] joined by an end-wall [22].

(18) The pedal-retention frame area [13], the pair of sidewalls [16], and the end-walls [22] are preferably made of a single piece of polymer material, which are preferably a plurality of rows of aligned nodules [23] protruding upwardly on the underside of the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal retention area [13]. Also, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] preferably has a non-slip underside [19] comprising a plurality of nodules [23].

(19) However, 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 keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10], or other indentations such as swirls which provide an anti-slip surface across the underside [19] of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10], which form a non-slip or textured surface that is adapted to provide a non-slip engagement with the floor.

(20) Referring now to FIG. 3, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] is severed into a stabilizer base [12] and a pedal retention area [13] along a stabilizer seam [21]. The hinge [40] is preferably a conventional door hinge comprising a pair of flats, and a round center section. The first flat is secured to the underside [19] of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [10] by screw-type fasteners and aligned with the edge of the stabilizer base [12] and the second flat is secured to the edge of the pedal retention area [13]. A hinge connects the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal retention area [13] along the stabilizer seam [21], enabling rotation between them.

(21) The keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] preferably includes a pedal cord [36] for securing to a keyboard (not shown). A notch [24] is disposed in the end-wall [22] for retaining and positioning the cord [36].

(22) The keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] is preferably made of a darkened or black rigid polypropylene material, such as an oriented polyethylene terephthalate, or a simulated polypropylene material and preferably having a non-aggressive tread pattern.

(23) FIG. 4 depicts an end view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] of FIG. 1, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [10] being in a folded position ready for transport.

(24) FIG. 7 depicts an assembly view of a keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] mounted upon a second preferred embodiment the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110] of the present invention. FIG. 8 depicts an assembly view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110] of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110] of FIG. 7.

(25) FIG. 7 depicts the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] (in phantom) positioned in a recess [115] that is part of a retaining structure [120] on the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110]. FIG. 8 depicts the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [110] with the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] removed from the recess [115] within the pedal-retaining structure [113].

(26) Here, the retaining structure is a recess [126] in pedal retention area [13] which prevents the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] from sliding backward over the pedal retention area [13] during use.

(27) The pedal-retention frame area [13], the pair of sidewalls [16], and the end-walls [22] are preferably made of a single piece of polymer material, which are preferably a plurality of rows of aligned nodules [23] protruding upwardly on the underside of the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal retention area [13]. Also, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [110] preferably has a non-slip underside [19] comprising a plurality of nodules [23].

(28) Referring now to FIG. 9, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [110] is severed into a stabilizer base [12] and a pedal retention area [13] along a stabilizer seam [21]. The hinge [40] is preferably a conventional door hinge comprising a pair of flats, and a round center section. The first flat is secured to the underside [19] of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [110] by screw-type fasteners and aligned with the edge of the stabilizer base [12] and the second flat is secured to the edge of the pedal retention area [13]. A hinge connects the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal retention area [13] along the stabilizer seam [21], enabling rotation between them.

(29) FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of a keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] mounted upon a third preferred embodiment the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210] of the present invention. FIG. 11 depicts an assembly view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210] of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 depicts a bottom view of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210] of FIG. 10.

(30) FIG. 10 depicts the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] (in phantom) positioned in a recess [126] that is part of a retaining structure [120] on the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210]. FIG. 11 depicts the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer [210] with the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] removed from the recess [126] within the pedal-retaining structure [120].

(31) Here again, the retaining structure is a recess [126] in pedal retention area [13] which prevents the keyboard sustain foot pedal [34] from sliding backward over the pedal retention area [13] during use.

(32) The pedal-retention frame area [13], the pair of sidewalls [16], and the end-walls [22] are preferably made of a single piece of polymer material, which are preferably a plurality of rows of aligned nodules [23] protruding upwardly on the underside of the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal retention area [13]. Also, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention [210] preferably has a non-slip underside [19] comprising a plurality of nodules [23] on the stabilizer base [12] and the pedal retention area [13].

(33) In another preferred embodiment, the under-layer that contacts with a floor is made of a wear-resistant, anti-skid polymer such as a polyurethane, a styrene butadiene copolymer, or a polycarbonate. Other materials suitable for forming the bottom layer include acrylic terminated aromatic polyurethanes and epoxides. The bottom layer could generally be cross-linked highly (e.g., 10-50 mole percent), and its glass transition temperature, when measurable, could be below 5 degrees C. and in any case below 10 degrees C. The bottom layer could be formed to have a high surface energy, so that it does not lose all affinity to a floor surface even in the presence of a film of water on the floor surface.

(34) In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer is made deploying conventional 3D print technology. There are different 3D printing technologies and materials that can be used, but all are based on the principle that a digital model is turned into a solid three-dimensional physical object by adding material layer by layer. In addition, 3D printing does not require tools and molds.

(35) Such processes are well-known in the art as shown on-line at 3D Printing Tutorial: 3D Printing from SketchUp” (https://all3dp.com/best-3d-printing-tutorial/). See also U.S. Pat. No. 10,005,126 (Page), U.S. Pat. No. 9,977,840 (Makeig); U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,902 (Bodet et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,724 (Olaru).

(36) U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,902 (Bodet et al.) discloses a press for manufacturing a one-piece object and method for using said press. A press for manufacturing a one-piece object includes two rotary plates which are parallel but offset, each carrying a mold having two portions. Each mold portion can be placed above or below, so that the mold portion of the first mold situated above faces the mold portion of the second mold situated below. First parts of the object, for example skirts, are inserted in the press in an insertion zone. In parallel, second parts, for example caps, are introduced into an introduction zone. In a common zone, third parts, for example dispensing heads, are over-molded on the first and second parts brought close in the common zone in the same position as in the finished object. After opening the press, the plates are turned so that the finished objects are in the portion of the second mold.

(37) U.S. Pat. No. 9,393,724 (Olaru) discloses a multi shot injection molding apparatus. The multi shot injection molding apparatus comprises a stationary machine platen, a first mold plate, a first injection unit connected to a first mold plate for delivering a first molding material to a plurality of first molding cavities, a movable machine frame, a carrier coupled to a movable machine platen, a second mold plate, a second injection unit for delivering a second molding material to a plurality of second molding cavities, a rotary handling unit having a first plurality of rotary handling unit mold cavity portions n and a second plurality of rotary handling unit mold cavity portions, wherein the rotary handling unit is positionable in a first position and is configured to remove the first portions of the molded parts, a first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, a processing station and an ejection station.

(38) 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 to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

(39) It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the keyboard sustain pedal stabilizer of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in lieu 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

(40) 10. Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—1.sup.st Embodiment 12. Stabilizer Base 13. Pedal Retention Area 16. Stabilizer Support Sidewall 19. Underside 20. Retaining Structure 21. Stabilizer Seam 22. Stabilizer End-Wall 23. Nodule 24. Notch 34. Keyboard Sustain Foot Pedal 36. Pedal Cord 38. Pedal Ballast 40. Hinge 110. Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—2.sup.nd Embodiment 113. Pedal Retention Area 115. Recess 210. Keyboard Sustain Pedal Stabilizer—3.sup.rd Embodiment