Abstract An improved acoustic transport member for use in a keyboard having key operated strikers individually actuatable for inducing acoustic energy in the form of sound waves which propagate through the member from selected inducing positions therealong. A first portion of the member is fabricated in the form of a series of tabs to provide discrete impact positions for generating sound waves in response to impact actuation of related strikers. A second portion integrally connected with the first portion links all of the tabs and functions as a sound corridor for receiving and transporting all sound waves generated as a result of the selected striker impacting its related tab. An aperture is provided through the tabs. A peripheral rim of the aperture provides sound reflecting boundaries that define sound passages on the tabs for directing the sound waves in different directions in communicating the sound waves from the tabs into the corridor. As a result of the sound waves passing through the passages, distinct wave separation is accomplished. A top portion of the peripheral rim is located along the base of the corridor for reflecting the traveling waves in a manner substantially preventing the waves from entering into areas of passing tabs, thus confining the propagating sound waves within the corridor portion of the member. By controlling the sound waves through the passages and substantially trapping the propagating sound waves within the corridor, dispersion of the sound waves is effectively minimized.
An improved acoustic transport member for use in a keyboard, the member serving to transport acoustic energy in the form of propagating sound waves, the keyboard having a plurality of keys means and a plurality of key-actuated strikers, each one of the key means operable to actuate selectably a related one of the strikers, the member receiving a sound-inducing impact in response to actuation of the selected striker, and the induced sound waves which propagate through the member being subject to dispersion of the waves an amount determined by contactable surfaces of the member and their orientation relationship relative to an intended plane of movement for the propagating sound waves provided by the member, the improved acoustic transport member comprising: a one-piece construction member; a first portion of the member providing a plurality of non-vibrating impact positions aligned with a related striker for receipt of the sound-inducing impact; a second portion of the member continuously joined to each one of said plurality of impact positions to permit free passage of sound waves from said first portion to said second portion, said second portion having sound wave reflecting boundaries defining a continuous corridor for establishing an uninterrupted path of movement for the received sound waves to propagate therethrough; and structure means on said impact positions of said first portion, said structure means defining a plurality of sound passages in each first portion for directing the sound waves in different directions within said impact positions towards said path of movement in communicating the sound waves from said first portion into said second portion, and said structure means defining a sound reflecting surface exposed to said second portion and located along said path of movement of the propagating sound waves for reflecting sound waves traveling through said second portion in substantial isolation to prevent the sound waves from entering areas of said impact positions of said first portion other than the impact position aligned with the selected striker thereby minimizing dispersion of the propagating sound waves in said second portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
337 words
An improved acoustic transport member for use in a keyboard, the member serving to transport acoustic energy in the form of propagating sound waves, the keyboard having a plurality of keys means and a plurality of key-actuated strikers, each one of the key means operable to actuate selectably a related one of the strikers, the member receiving a sound-inducing impact in response to actuation of the selected striker, and the induced sound waves which propagate through the member being subject to dispersion of the waves an amount determined by contactable surfaces of the member and their orientation relationship relative to an intended plane of movement for the propagating sound waves provided by the member, the improved acoustic transport member comprising: a one-piece construction member; a first portion of the member providing a plurality of non-vibrating impact positions aligned with a related striker for receipt of the sound-inducing impact; a second portion of the member continuously joined to each one of said plurality of impact positions to permit free passage of sound waves from said first portion to said second portion, said second portion having sound wave reflecting boundaries defining a continuous corridor for establishing an uninterrupted path of movement for the received sound waves to propagate therethrough; and structure means on said impact positions of said first portion, said structure means defining a plurality of sound passages in each first portion for directing the sound waves in different directions within said impact positions towards said path of movement in communicating the sound waves from said first portion into said second portion, and said structure means defining a sound reflecting surface exposed to said second portion and located along said path of movement of the propagating sound waves for reflecting sound waves traveling through said second portion in substantial isolation to prevent the sound waves from entering areas of said impact positions of said first portion other than the impact position aligned with the selected striker thereby minimizing dispersion of the propagating sound waves in said second portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
An acoustic transport member according to claim 1, wherein said impact positions of said first portion are projections extending from said second portion and said structure means defining said plurality of sound passages and said sound reflecting surface comprise a peripheral rim formed by an aperture extending through said projection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An acoustic transport member according to claim 2, wherein said projections are triangular tabs and said aperture is centrally located on said tabs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
An acoustic transport member according to claim 3, wherein said aperture is a circular opening.