Stringed musical instrument using spring tension
US7888570B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10D3/147
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A stringed musical instrument employs springs to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts over time. In one embodiment, once a string is placed in appropriate tune, a mechanical visual indicator is set. As such, if tune of the string changes due to string elongation or contraction, the change is reflected by misalignment of the mechanical visual indicator even if the change cannot be aurally detected. Perfect tune can be reestablished by realigning the indicator. In another embodiment, a force modulating member is interposed between a spring and its corresponding musical string. The force modulating member is adapted so that the tension actually applied to the string by the spring is not linearly related to the force exerted by the spring as the spring changes in length.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.