US3775546A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ladder-like electronic musical instrument
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-06-14
•
Granted: 1973-11-27
•
Expires: 1992-06-14
Abstract
Abstract Electronic music instrument with separate tone generators which are assigned to the various tones and which are energizable by contact switches or proximity switches. Geometric-type elements are arranged in a regular assembly departing from a keyboard. The elements are designed and arranged in a manner encouraging the use of the sense of touch. Each element is assigned to a particular tone and capable of triggering said contact switches or proximity switches, respectively. The elements may have the form of the rungs of a ladder, or the steps of a stairway, or of mosaic components of a flooring.
Inventors
- 👤 M Honegger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 10:58
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/02; G10H1/04; G10H1/053; G10H1/055; G10H1/0551
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
An electronic musical instrument in the form of a ladder-like structure comprising, in combination, a pair of side members produced from electrically non-conductive material, said side members being provided with substantially uniformly spaced securing means disposed in transversely aligned pairs; a removable rung received in each pair of said securing means, said rung being produced from ferro-magnetic material and at least one of each pair of spaced securing means including a magnet retaining the associated rung in mounted position; a plurality of tone generators, each of which is assigned to a different tone, at least one tone generator being provided for each rung; and separate electrical switch means associated with each rung and having electrical connection with an associated tone generator whereby said tone generator is switched on responsive to a signal received from its associated rung.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
An electronic musical instrument in the form of a ladder-like structure comprising, in combination, a pair of side members produced from electrically non-conductive material, said side members being provided with substantially uniformly spaced securing means disposed in transversely aligned pairs; a removable rung received in each pair of said securing means, said rung being produced from ferro-magnetic material and at least one of each pair of spaced securing means including a magnet retaining the associated rung in mounted position; a plurality of tone generators, each of which is assigned to a different tone, at least one tone generator being provided for each rung; and separate electrical switch means associated with each rung and having electrical connection with an associated tone generator whereby said tone generator is switched on responsive to a signal received from its associated rung.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
An electrical musical instrument as set forth in claim 1 including a amplifier and a speaker, all of the tone generators being electrically connected to the amplifier through a common busbar and the musical tones produced are audible through said speaker.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
An electronic musical instrument as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electrical switch means are capacitive proximity switches.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |