US3758697A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard reach extenders
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-01-19
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1992-01-19
Abstract
Abstract An attachment for an actual piano, for example, comprising a smaller size keyboard than that of the full-size instrument with a linkage for coupling the attached keyboard in such a way that its keys actuate those of the actual full-size keyboard. The reduced size of the keyboard permits a child to play the instrument without hindrance due to the smaller size of his hands. A second linkage is provided for the attachment keyboard for altering the lateral spaces between the keys whereby the reach of the attachment keys may be varied to accommodate the reach of a user of the attachment.
Inventors
- 👤 D Goldsmith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:08
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10C; G10C3/00; G10C3/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
An attachment unit for operative association with a musical instrument which includes a plurality of individual instrument keys arranged in keyboard form and having a first, standard size, said attachment unit including, in combination, a housing unit adapted for physical association with said musical instrument, a plurality of individual attachment keys of reduced width relative to said instrument keys and disposed within said housing, said attachment keys being laterally spaced apart in one position of use by a predetermined distance, and mounted so as to permit depression of their forward ends in response to an applied key striking pulse and arranged such that each attachment key occupies a position within the attachment corresponding to its counterpart key in the instrument, and separate means disposed within said housing for transmitting an impulse to a portion of each of said instrument keys in response to an impulse received by said attachment keys, whereby an impulse imparted to a given attachment key will be transmitted to a corresponding instrument key, said attachment unit further including means operative in response to a single means for altering said lateral spaces between keys, whereby the reach of the attachment keys may be varied to accommodate the reach of a user of the attachment unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
208 words
An attachment unit for operative association with a musical instrument which includes a plurality of individual instrument keys arranged in keyboard form and having a first, standard size, said attachment unit including, in combination, a housing unit adapted for physical association with said musical instrument, a plurality of individual attachment keys of reduced width relative to said instrument keys and disposed within said housing, said attachment keys being laterally spaced apart in one position of use by a predetermined distance, and mounted so as to permit depression of their forward ends in response to an applied key striking pulse and arranged such that each attachment key occupies a position within the attachment corresponding to its counterpart key in the instrument, and separate means disposed within said housing for transmitting an impulse to a portion of each of said instrument keys in response to an impulse received by said attachment keys, whereby an impulse imparted to a given attachment key will be transmitted to a corresponding instrument key, said attachment unit further including means operative in response to a single means for altering said lateral spaces between keys, whereby the reach of the attachment keys may be varied to accommodate the reach of a user of the attachment unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
An attachment unit as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said attachment keys pivots about a common axis, wherein each of said keys includes a collar unit forming a portion of the pivot point thereof, and wherein a plurality of levers are arranged as a telescoping bellows to provide a portion of said means for altering said lateral spacing between keys.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
An attachment unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said single means for altering said spaces between keys are operative in response to movement of a single control unit and wherein said control unit is disposed adjacent the keyboard portion of said attachment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |