US3855894A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key assembly
Assignee: GIBSON PIANO VENTURES Inc A DELAWARE Corp
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Filing: 1974-05-06
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Granted: 1974-12-24
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Expires: 1994-05-06
Abstract
Abstract An octave of keys, as for an electronic organ, is formed as a unitary subassembly. A plastic hinge strip extending the length of an octave is provided. The sharp or black keys are formed integral with the hinge strip, while the key bars for the white or natural keys are likewise formed integral with the strip. White keys are snapped on to the key bars and the octave subassembly of keys is then mounted on the organ key bed as a unit and without individual adjustment of the respective keys.
Inventors
- 👤 H Thomas
- 👤 R Olszowka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:10
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10C; G10C3/00; G10C3/12; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S84/00; Y10S84/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A key assembly for use as in a musical instrument keyboard comprising an elongated mounting strip for attachment to supporting structure, a plurality of keys of a first type, a plurality of flexural portions respectively integrally connecting said keys of said first type to said mounting strip, a plurality of key bars corresponding to keys of a second type, a plurality of flexible portions respectively integrally connecting said key bars to said mounting strip, and a plurality of keys of said second type respectively secured to said key bars.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A key assembly for use as in a musical instrument keyboard comprising an elongated mounting strip for attachment to supporting structure, a plurality of keys of a first type, a plurality of flexural portions respectively integrally connecting said keys of said first type to said mounting strip, a plurality of key bars corresponding to keys of a second type, a plurality of flexible portions respectively integrally connecting said key bars to said mounting strip, and a plurality of keys of said second type respectively secured to said key bars.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the keys of the first type comprise sharp keys and the keys of the second type comprise natural keys.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the plurality of keys of the second type are respectively secured to the key bars.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 3 and further including means forming a hook connection between each key of said second type and a respective key bar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
105 words
A key assembly for use as in a musical instrument keyboard comprising a molded plastic elongated mounting strip for attachment to supporting structure, a plurality of plastic keys of a first type integrally molded with said mounting strip, an integrally molded plurality of flexure portions respectively integrally connecting said keys of said first type to said mounting strip, a plurality of integrally molded key bars corresponding to keys of a second type, a plurality of integrally molded flexible plastic portions respectively integrally connecting said key bars to said mounting strip, and a plurality of keys of said second type respectively secured to said key bars.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
105 words
A key assembly for use as in a musical instrument keyboard comprising a molded plastic elongated mounting strip for attachment to supporting structure, a plurality of plastic keys of a first type integrally molded with said mounting strip, an integrally molded plurality of flexure portions respectively integrally connecting said keys of said first type to said mounting strip, a plurality of integrally molded key bars corresponding to keys of a second type, a plurality of integrally molded flexible plastic portions respectively integrally connecting said key bars to said mounting strip, and a plurality of keys of said second type respectively secured to said key bars.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein the integrally molded plastic parts are of one type of plastic and the second type of keys are of a different type of plastic.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein each key of a second type is secured to its respective key bar by means of a hooklike interconnection and means providing a friction fit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein each key bar is provided with a hollow upstanding boss and each key of a second type is provided with a depending post frictionally received in a respective boss to secure said key of a second type to the respective key bar.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein each key of a second type has depending side walls frictionally engaging exterior portions of a respective boss.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein each key bar has upstanding ribs extending longitudinally adjacent its side edges, and each key of a second type has depending side walls embracing said ribs.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein each key bar has upstanding ribs extending longitudinally adjacent its side edges, and each key of a second type has depending side walls embracing said ribs.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of said posts is hollow.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A key assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein each key bar has a hole through it within a respective boss and aligned with a respective hollow post to permit threading of a retaining screw into said post.
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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) | 1977-12-23 | 1978-06-24 | 1978-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-23 | 1982-06-24 | 1982-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-23 | 1986-06-24 | 1986-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |