US3743751A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined musical instrument and drum sound effects unit
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-01-28
•
Granted: 1973-07-03
•
Expires: 1991-01-28
Abstract
Abstract A drum sound effects unit is combined with a stringed musical instrument to produce drum accompaniment to add a definite, rigid beat and depth to the music being played. The musical instrument has a body and elongated neck portion with a plurality of strings extending along the same. The drum sound effects unit is an electronic device that produces sounds at a selected tempo independent of the instrument and to be followed by the playing of the instrument. The sound unit is compact and enclosed in the instrument thereby making said instrument self contained. The onoff switch is also carried by the instrument and is operative in response to a control lever of a tremulant unit, said lever extending over at least some of the strings in one position and spaced away from the strings in another position. A reversing switch is provided to select the desired on and off position. A self-contained stereo transmitter may be provided in the instrument for processing the sound signals to be reproduced in stereo. Additional controls for the drum sound effects unit are provided in spaced relationship for volume, style and tempo; the volume being variable by the inside of the forearm of the player.
Inventors
- 👤 R Ibanez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 17:48
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H3/00; G10H3/12; G10H3/14; G10H3/18; G10H1/00; G10H1/36; G10H1/40; G10H2210/00; G10H2210/341; G10H2210/361; G10H2240/00; G10H2240/171; G10H2240/201; G10H2240/211
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A stringed musical instrument comprising a body and elongated neck portion, a plurality of strings extending along the body and neck portion for producing musical sounds when played, and in combination a free-running drum sound effects unit interconnected with said instrument, said unit operating to produce sounds at a selected tempo independent of the instrument and to be followed by playing of the instrument, and on-off switch means mounted on said instrument separate from said strings so as to be operable independently, said switch means being positioned adjacent said strings to allow ease of operation during playing of said instrument and interconnected to and for directly controlling said drum sound effects unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A stringed musical instrument comprising a body and elongated neck portion, a plurality of strings extending along the body and neck portion for producing musical sounds when played, and in combination a free-running drum sound effects unit interconnected with said instrument, said unit operating to produce sounds at a selected tempo independent of the instrument and to be followed by playing of the instrument, and on-off switch means mounted on said instrument separate from said strings so as to be operable independently, said switch means being positioned adjacent said strings to allow ease of operation during playing of said instrument and interconnected to and for directly controlling said drum sound effects unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
105 words
The stringed musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 1 wherein said instrument further comprises a control lever for engagement by the player''s playing hand, pivot mounting means on said instrument for said lever for extending the same in one position over at least some of the strings and in another position spaced away from said strings, and wherein said switch means is interconnected with said lever so as to be operative in response to pivoting of said lever whereby said sound effects unit may be controlled in response to the natural movement of the player''s hand across the strings during playing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 2 wherein said lever is interconnected with said switch means so as to be operable to actuate said switch means to the on position to operate said drum sound effects unit when the same is placed in position physically overlying at least some of said strings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 3 wherein is further provided a second switch connected in circuit with said switch means for reversing the operation of the same so that said switch means may be placed in the operating position when said lever is pivoted free of said strings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
the musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 1 wherein said drum sound effects unit is mounted on and totally within said body of the musical instrument to allow unrestricteD movement of the player.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 1 wherein is further provided a sound pickup for said strings mounted on said body adjacent said strings, a stereo transmitter mounted on said instrument for processing sound signals from said instrument and said unit, and means separate from said instrument for receiving, separating and reproducing the string and drum sounds separately to give stereo effect.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 1 wherein said drum sound effects unit on said instrument includes a volume control, a selector switch for varying the beat and style of the drum sounds, and a speed control for varying the tempo.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 7 wherein said volume control, selector switch and speed control are positioned at spaced locations on the face of said body for ease of use.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 8 wherein said volume control is positioned along the upper portion of said body for engagement with the inside of the forearm of the player during playing whereby the volume may be varied by movement of said forearm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
The musical instrument and drum sound effects unit combination of claim 1 wherein said switch means comprises a microswitch mounted on said instrument, a control circuit carried by said instrument including said micro-switch for operating said drum sound effects unit, a pivotal lever mounted on said instrument interconnected with and for actuating said microswitch and adapted to be engaged by the playing hand, and override means mounted on said instrument for allowing movement of said lever past the operating position of said microswitch whereby precise positioning is not required.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-02 | 1977-01-01 | 1977-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-02 | 1981-01-01 | 1981-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-02 | 1985-01-01 | 1985-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |