US4121488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Step-on type tone scale play device
Assignee: NEP CO Ltd
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Filing: 1977-02-24
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Granted: 1978-10-24
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Expires: 1997-02-24
Abstract
Abstract A step-on type tone scale play device has a flexible mat within which is arranged a plurality of flexible switch elements in accordance with a tone scale and is adapted to produce corresponding music sounds when marks configured on the surface of a mat to indicate the position of each switch element are stepped on. The device is very easy to keep and carry, and convenient to display or perform as compared to the conventional device, as the mat is light and capable of folding or rolling into a compact form.
Inventors
- 👤 Kakunosuke Akiyama
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:03
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/32; G10H1/34; G10H1/344; G10H1/348; G10H2220/00; G10H2220/155; G10H2220/341; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S84/00; Y10S84/07; Y10S84/08; Y10S84/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A step-on type tone scale play device comprising a flexible mat, a plurality of switch elements arranged on said mat and representing the notes of a musical scale, said switch elements including oppositely disposed flexible conductive sheets forming at least a part of said mat, a flexible and resilient insulating cushion interposed in the space between said sheets, said cushion having means defining a plurality of holes, there being at least one such hole associated with each of said switch elements, means defining at least one conductive member extending into each said hole forming between said sheets a normally open pair of contacts, said mat further having means defining markings on a surface thereof corresponding to the positions of said switch elements, an electronic control circuit adapted to produce an audible sound, said switch elements being connected to said circuit and adapted to close the respective contacts and produce a discrete sound when the mat is stepped on at a position corresponding to one of said markings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A step-on type tone scale play device comprising a flexible mat, a plurality of switch elements arranged on said mat and representing the notes of a musical scale, said switch elements including oppositely disposed flexible conductive sheets forming at least a part of said mat, a flexible and resilient insulating cushion interposed in the space between said sheets, said cushion having means defining a plurality of holes, there being at least one such hole associated with each of said switch elements, means defining at least one conductive member extending into each said hole forming between said sheets a normally open pair of contacts, said mat further having means defining markings on a surface thereof corresponding to the positions of said switch elements, an electronic control circuit adapted to produce an audible sound, said switch elements being connected to said circuit and adapted to close the respective contacts and produce a discrete sound when the mat is stepped on at a position corresponding to one of said markings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said insulating cushion being made in one piece extending all over said mat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1, wherein one of said conductive sheets being made in one sheet extending all over said mat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 in which said conductive members comprise conductive projections carried on at least one of said sheets and extending into said holes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 in which said conductive members comprise projections formed on each of said sheets and extending toward each other within said holes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 in which said conductive members comprise discrete conductive elements received in said holes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 in which each said marking includes a plurality of said switch elements for reliability of operation.
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) | 1981-10-23 | 1982-04-24 | 1982-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-23 | 1986-04-24 | 1986-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-23 | 1990-04-24 | 1990-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |