US4031798A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Soundboard for stringed musical instruments
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1975-10-31
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Granted: 1977-06-28
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Expires: 1995-10-31
Abstract
Abstract Soundboards for stringed musical instruments comprising radially/circumferentially anisotropic sheets. The soundboards may be constructed of wooden wedges arranged so that the wood grain radiates from the focal point of the sheet. The soundboards preferably have at least a partially rounded periphery. Stringed instruments containing the novel soundboards are disclosed wherein the strings are coupled to the soundboards through a bridge located near the focal point of the soundboard.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur E. Sidner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 21:26
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D3/00; G10D3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
A soundboard for stringed musical instruments comprising a solid sheet which is radially/circumferentially anisotropic and which comprises a plurality of longitudinally-grained, wooden sections radiating from the focal point of the sheet and wherein said sheet includes a plurality of curved braces concentric about the focal point of said sheet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
49 words
A soundboard for stringed musical instruments comprising a solid sheet which is radially/circumferentially anisotropic and which comprises a plurality of longitudinally-grained, wooden sections radiating from the focal point of the sheet and wherein said sheet includes a plurality of curved braces concentric about the focal point of said sheet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A soundboard according to claim 1 wherein the periphery of said soundboard is at least partially rounded.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
76 words
A plucked-string musical instrument comprising tensioned strings, a soundboard, and means coupling said strings to said soundboard wherein the improvement comprises a soundboard which is a radially/circumferentially anisotropic sheet comprising stiff fibers in a matrix, said fibers running substantially radially from a focal point of said sheet, said soundboard including a plurality of braces concentric about said focal point and wherein means coupling said strings to said soundboard is a bridge attached near said focal point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
A plucked-string musical instrument comprising tensioned strings, a soundboard, and means coupling said strings to said soundboard wherein the improvement comprises a soundboard which is a radially/circumferentially anisotropic sheet comprising stiff fibers in a matrix, said fibers running substantially radially from a focal point of said sheet, said soundboard including a plurality of braces concentric about said focal point and wherein means coupling said strings to said soundboard is a bridge attached near said focal point.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A plucked-string musical instrument according to claim 3 wherein the periphery of said soundboard is at least partially rounded and the base of said bridge has a periphery similar to the periphery of said soundboard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
A plucked-string musical instrument according to claim 4 wherein said soundboard comprises a substantially semi-circular sheet comprising a plurality of longitudinally grained wooden sections radiating from a focal point on the straight edge of said sheet and wherein said soundboard includes curved braces on the underside of said sheet which are concentric about the focal point of the sheet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A plucked-string musical instrument according to claim 5 wherein said bridge has a semi-circular base having its straight edge adjacent and parallel to the straight edge of the soundboard.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
A plucked-string musical instrument according to claim 4 wherein said soundboard comprises a substantially circular sheet comprising a plurality of longitudinally grained wooden sections radiating from a focal point in the center of said sheet and wherein said soundboard includes curved braces on the underside of said sheet which are concentric about the focal point of the sheet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
A plucked-string instrument according to claim 3 wherein said instrument is a lute.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A plucked-string instrument according to claim 3 wherein said instrument is a guitar.
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) | 1980-06-27 | 1980-12-27 | 1981-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-27 | 1984-12-27 | 1985-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-27 | 1988-12-27 | 1989-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |