US4157050A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pedal guitar
Assignee: Emmons Guitar Co Inc
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Filing: 1977-06-06
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Granted: 1979-06-05
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Expires: 1997-06-06
Abstract
Abstract This invention consists of a novel string assembly for split tuning a steel guitar or other musical instrument having pedals or levers for varying the pitch of the sounds produced by the strings as they are plucked. The mechanism of this invention allows the musician to play a particular string and produce a musical tone absent any pedal movement, the same string played with a first pedal depressed produces a second tone and with only a second pedal depressed produces a third tone. A fourth tone is then capable of being produced by the string after split tuning when both pedals are simultaneously depressed.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald T. Lashley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:08
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D3/00; G10D3/14; G10D3/147
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument comprising: string means for producing an open condition tone, an open condition tone adjusting means, a first pedal means pivotally connected to said string means for varying the pitch of said string means producing a second tone, a second tone adjusting means, a second pedal means pivotally connected to said string means for varying the tonal pitch opposite to that imposed by said first pedal means and producing a third tone, a third tone adjusting means, and a fourth tone adjusting means for split-tuning said string means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument comprising: string means for producing an open condition tone, an open condition tone adjusting means, a first pedal means pivotally connected to said string means for varying the pitch of said string means producing a second tone, a second tone adjusting means, a second pedal means pivotally connected to said string means for varying the tonal pitch opposite to that imposed by said first pedal means and producing a third tone, a third tone adjusting means, and a fourth tone adjusting means for split-tuning said string means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pedal means is a pitch raising pedal means and said second pedal means is a pitch lowering pedal means whereby simultaneous pitch variation by said first and second pedal means produces a tone intermediate said second and third tones.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pedal means is a pitch raising pedal means and said second pedal means is a pitch lowering pedal means whereby simultaneous pitch variation by said first and second pedal means produces a tone intermediate said first and second tones.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pedal means is a pitch raising pedal means and said second pedal means is a pitch lowering pedal means whereby simultaneous pitch variation by said first and second pedal means produces a tone intermediate said first and third tones.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first pedal means is a pitch raising pedal means and said second pedal means is a pitch lowering pedal means whereby simultaneous pitch variation by said first and second pedal means produces a tone identical to said first tone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said string means includes a tone changer lever affixed to said string means, pivoting linkage means rotatably mounted on said tone changer lever, a first rod means joined to said pivoting linkage and to a first changer means, a second rod means joined to said pivoting linkage and to a second changer means, said first changer means being attached to a raising rod, said raising rod having a tone adjusting means at one end and being joined at its opposite end to a first aligning lever, said first aligning lever being connected to said first pedal assembly, said second changer means being attached to a lowering rod, said lowering rod having a tone adjusting means at one end and being joined at its opposite end to a second aligning lever, and wherein said second aligning lever is pivotably connected to a second pedal assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a stringed musical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first pedal assembly comprises a first pedal lever, said first pedal lever being pivotably joined to the upper end of a first pedal rod, and said first pedal rod is rotatably attached at its lower end to a first pedal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a musical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tone adjusting means limits the movement of said tone changer as said first pedal is depressed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a musical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tone adjusting means limits the movement of said tone changer as said second pedal is depressed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a musical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tone adjusting means limits the movement of said tone changer as both first and second pedals are depressed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a musical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tone adjusting means comprises a stop means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus for split-tuning a musical instrument as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tone adjusting means comprises a stop-screw.
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) | 1982-06-04 | 1982-12-04 | 1983-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-06-04 | 1986-12-04 | 1987-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-06-04 | 1990-12-04 | 1991-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |