US4620470A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fingerboard for stringed instruments
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-04-24
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Granted: 1986-11-04
•
Expires: 2005-04-24
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a fingerboard for stringed instruments, especially guitars, comprising transversely extending frets for varying the pitch of taut strings extending lengthwise over the fingerboard. In order to improve tuning of the instrument, the frets are divided into fret elements in the region of the individual strings extending thereover. The fret elements are individually adjustable on the fingerboard in the longitudinal direction of the strings.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter J. Vogt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 20:20
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D1/00; G10D1/04; G10D1/05; G10D1/08; G10D3/00; G10D3/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A fingerboard for stringed instruments, especially guitars, comprising transversely extending fret elements for varying the pitch of taut strings extending lengthwise over a fingerboard, whereby each fret element is arranged on a slider and is individually displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the strings in grooves of the fingerboard, characterized in that, each slider has an elongated hole extending parallel to the strings, and that the shaft of a locking screw with a head is fixed rotatably in the fingerboard, whereby the screw shaft penetrates the elongated hole and the screw head extends laterally above the elongated hole, so that the slider with its fret element is fixed onto the fingerboard when the locking screw is screwed in and that it is displaceable on the fingerboard when the locking screw is unscrewed in order to thus be able to precisely adjust the desired pitch of a string extension over the fret element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A fingerboard for stringed instruments, especially guitars, comprising transversely extending fret elements for varying the pitch of taut strings extending lengthwise over a fingerboard, whereby each fret element is arranged on a slider and is individually displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the strings in grooves of the fingerboard, characterized in that, each slider has an elongated hole extending parallel to the strings, and that the shaft of a locking screw with a head is fixed rotatably in the fingerboard, whereby the screw shaft penetrates the elongated hole and the screw head extends laterally above the elongated hole, so that the slider with its fret element is fixed onto the fingerboard when the locking screw is screwed in and that it is displaceable on the fingerboard when the locking screw is unscrewed in order to thus be able to precisely adjust the desired pitch of a string extension over the fret element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
Fingerboard as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the fret elements are designed as curved crosspieces.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
Fingerboard according to claim 2, characterized in that the crosspiece projects laterally above the slider and rests with its underside against the fingerboard.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
Fingerboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated hole is surrounded on all sides by a shoulder against which the screw head of the locking screw rests.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
Fingerboard as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the locking screw engages in a threaded bushing secured in the fingerboard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Fingerboard according to claim 1, characterized in that the fret element and the slider are fabricated in one piece out of metal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1989-11-03 | 1990-05-05 | 1990-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-11-03 | 1994-05-05 | 1994-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-11-03 | 1998-05-05 | 1998-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |