MOBILE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

• US 20090120264A1
• Filed: 01/19/2009
• Published: 05/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ray L. Wheeler, Walter E. Wilson
• Original Assignee: Ray L. Wheeler, Walter E. Wilson
• Inventors: Wheeler, Ray L., Wilson, Walter E.
• Application Number:
  US12/356,042
• Publication Number:
  US 20090120264A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 84/174
• CPC Class Codes: G10C 1/04 of grand pianos
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/32 Constructional details

Abstract

A system relating to improving the usefulness of one or more electronic pianos by providing a multifunctional outer housing. Such outer housing is assembled substantially from modular components, preferably adapted for rapid set-up and breakdown. The housings are designed to generally resemble traditional acoustic pianos. The system incorporates a number of hardware components including an onboard computer device adapted to query and display information contained within a music-related database. A method of commercial distribution is also disclosed.

Claims

1. ) A system related to enhancing the usefulness of least one electronic piano, said system comprising:

a) at least one piano-simulating assembly structured and arranged to generally simulate the outer appearance of at least one stringed-acoustic piano;

b) wherein said at least one piano-simulating assembly comprises at least one housing structured and arranged to removably house the at least one electronic piano in at least one playable position;

c) wherein said at least one housing comprises at least one assembly of mountable elements, each said mountable element structured and arranged to be repeatably demountable from said at least one housing;

d) wherein said at least one assembly of mountable elements comprises at least one first interior compartment formed substantially within said at least one housing;

e) wherein at least one said mountable element of said assembly of mountable elements comprises at least one first support shelf structured and arranged to support the at least one electronic piano in the at least one playable position;

f) wherein at least one said mountable element of said assembly of mountable elements comprises at least one second support shelf structured and arranged to support at least one electronic visual display in at least one position viewable by at least one player of the at least one electronic piano;

g) wherein said at least one second support shelf is located substantially within said at least one first interior compartment;

h) wherein at least one said mountable element of said assembly of mountable elements comprises at least one first front closure-panel structured and arranged to at least partially enclose said at least one first interior compartment;

i) wherein said at least one first front closure-panel comprises

i) at least one opening structured and arranged to assist viewing of the at least one electronic visual display by the at least one player, and

ii) at least one first sound-passing aperture structured and arranged to facilitate the passage of audible sound waves from within said at least one first interior compartment through said at least one first front closure-panel.

2. ) The system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one piano-simulating assembly adapted to simulate the outer appearance of at least one upright stringed-acoustic piano.

3. ) The system according to claim 2 wherein each said mountable element comprises at least one cam-and-post fastener structured and arranged to assist repeatable demounting of said mountable element from said at least one housing.

4. ) The system according to claim 2 wherein at least one said mountable element of said assembly of mountable elements comprises:

a) at least one second front closure-panel structured and arranged to at least partially enclose at least one second interior compartment of said at least one housing;

b) wherein said at least one second front closure-panel comprises

i) at least one foot-pedal aperture structured and arranged to accommodate the passage of at least one portion of at least one foot-actuated pedal assembly through said at least one second front closure-panel, and

ii) at least one second sound-passing aperture structured and arranged to facilitate the passage of audible sound waves through said at least one second front closure-panel.

5. ) The system according to claim 4 wherein at least one second front closure-panel comprises at least one access door structured and arranged to assist user access to said at least one second interior compartment.

6. ) The system according to claim 4 wherein at least one said mountable element of said assembly of mountable elements further comprises:

a) at least one top panel;

b) at least one rear panel;

c) at least one bottom panel; and

d) at least two side panels.

7. ) The system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one first interior compartment is substantially separated from said at least one second interior compartment by said at least one first support shelf.

8. ) The system according to claim 6 further comprising such at least one electronic piano.

9. ) The system according to claim 6 further comprising:

a) at least one data processor structured and arranged to process music-related data;

b) wherein said at least one data processor comprises at least one onboard personal computer.

10. ) The system according to claim 9 wherein:

a) such at least one electronic visual display comprises at least one computer monitor; and

b) said at least one computer monitor is structured and arranged to interoperate with said at least one onboard personal computer.

11. ) The system according to claim 10 further comprising such at least one electronic piano.

12. ) The system according to claim 6 wherein each said mountable element comprises a substantially planar panel.

13. ) The system according to claim 12 wherein said substantially planar panel comprises a substantially wood-based material.

14. ) The system according to claim 13 wherein said substantially wood-based material comprises at least one plywood material.

15. ) The system according to claim 13 wherein said substantially wood-based material comprises at least one particle board material.

16. ) A method related to providing at least one custom piano housing adapted to house at least one electronic keyboard, the at least one custom piano housing adapted to generally simulate the outer appearance of at least one stringed-acoustic piano, such method comprising the steps of:

a) producing at least one stored inventory comprising groups of mountable elements, each such group usable to assemble the at least one custom piano housing;

b) offering to provide such at least one custom piano to at least one customer by providing at least one custom ordering system allowing selection of at least one custom combination of mountable elements usable to produce at least one custom piano housing;

c) providing for acceptance of at least one custom order and at least one payment from the at least one customer; and

d) providing for shipping such at least one custom combination of mountable elements to the at least one customer.

17. ) The method according to claim 16 wherein:

a) each such mountable element is structured and arranged to be repeatably demountable from such at least one custom piano housing; and

b) at least one portion of such mountable elements comprise sufficient modularity to assist interchangeability of such mountable elements between the groups of mountable elements.

18. ) A system, related to enhancing the usefulness of at least one electronic piano, said system comprising:

a) at least one appearance simulator structured and arranged to generally simulate the outer appearance of at least one stringed-acoustic grand piano;

b) wherein said at least one appearance simulator comprises at least one housing structured and arranged to removably house the at least one electronic piano in at least one playable position;

c) wherein said at least one housing comprises at least one assembly of mountable elements, each such mountable element being structured and arranged to be repeatably demountable from said at least one housing to assist compact stowage;

d) wherein at least one mountable element of said at least one assembly of mountable elements comprises at least one outer side-panel structured and arranged to generally resemble at least one outer rim of the at least one stringed-acoustic grand piano;

e) wherein said at least one outer side-panel is sufficiently flexible to repeatably form at least one compound curve; and

f) wherein said at least one outer side-panel is sufficiently flexible to repeatably form a substantially flat plane.

19. ) The system according to claim 18 wherein said at least one appearance simulator comprises:

a) at least one dual-piano support assembly structured and arranged to support the at least one electronic piano and at least one second electronic piano within said at least one housing;

b) wherein said at least one dual-piano support assembly comprises

i) at least one first support structured and arranged to support the at least one electronic piano in at least one first playable position, and

ii) at least one second support structured and arranged to support at least one second electronic piano in at least one second playable position located at an elevation above such at least one first playable position.

20. ) The system according to claim 19 wherein said at least one outer side-panel comprises at least one substantially translucent plastic.