US3748943A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
String mounting and adjustment for steel guitars
Assignee: Emmons Guitar Co Inc
•
Filing: 1972-04-07
•
Granted: 1973-07-31
•
Expires: 1992-04-07
Abstract
Abstract The tension of each string of a musical instrument is adjusted by means of a member which is supported by and slidably displaceable relative to a pivotable lever over which the string passes. The movement of the pivotable lever can be varied by rotation of an elongated rod which projects from the frame of the instrument for actuation of the foot pedal.
Inventors
- 👤 R Lashley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:05
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D1/00; G10D1/04; G10D1/05; G10D1/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
In combination with a musical instrument having a string, means for mounting and controlling the tension of said string comprising a string supporting assembly provided at one end of the instrument and a string supporting and tensioning assembly provided at the other end of the instrument, each of said assemblies including an elongated displaceable lever having an arcuate portion over which the string passes, means for adjustably securing the ends of said string to the displaceable levers, means for adjustably displacing at least one of said levers to selectively vary the tension of said string, said displacing means including at least one elongated, axially displaceable and rotatable rod, a manually actuated pivotable linkage, and means for selectively coupling said rod and said pivotable linkage for displacing said linkage upon axial displacement and rotation of said rod for selectively controlling displacement of said at least one lever and consequently the tone of the string.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
In combination with a musical instrument having a string, means for mounting and controlling the tension of said string comprising a string supporting assembly provided at one end of the instrument and a string supporting and tensioning assembly provided at the other end of the instrument, each of said assemblies including an elongated displaceable lever having an arcuate portion over which the string passes, means for adjustably securing the ends of said string to the displaceable levers, means for adjustably displacing at least one of said levers to selectively vary the tension of said string, said displacing means including at least one elongated, axially displaceable and rotatable rod, a manually actuated pivotable linkage, and means for selectively coupling said rod and said pivotable linkage for displacing said linkage upon axial displacement and rotation of said rod for selectively controlling displacement of said at least one lever and consequently the tone of the string.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
In combination with a musical instrument as recited in claim 1, said displacing means further including pedal means for displacing said pivotable linkage and said elongated rod.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
In combination with a musical instrument as recited in claim 1, said displacing means further including pedal means connected to said pivotable linkage, said coupling means defining a clutch arrangement including a stop collar secured to said rod, a screw member threadably secured to said linkage and means adapted to transmit rotation of said rod and stop collar to said screw member for displacing said linkage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
94 words
In combination with a musical instrument as recited in claim 1, said means for adjustably securing the ends of said string to the displaceable lever including means on one of said levers for retaining and pre-tensioning the string, the other of said displaceable levers having a slidable member in engagement therewith and displaceable therealong, said slidable member having an end of the string attached thereto, and means supported by said other end and threadably engaging said slidable member for displacing said slidable member along said other lever to change the tension of said string.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
In combination with a musical instrument as recited in claim 3, said clutch arrangement further including a recess formed within said stop collar and said means adapted to transmit rotation of said rod to said screw comprising a coil spring member surrounding said screw and having an end portion passing through said screw and adapted to be received within said collar recess.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
63 words
In combination with a musical instrument as recited in claim 2, and further including a frame for supporting said string supporting assembly and said string supporting and tensioning assembly, said frame including at least one end wall defining at least one opening therein, one end of said elongated rod normally being positioned flush with said end wall, and protruding exteriorally of said frame.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-30 | 1977-01-29 | 1977-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-30 | 1981-01-29 | 1981-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-30 | 1985-01-29 | 1985-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |