US4768415A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tremolo bridge for guitars
Assignee: Fender Musical Instruments Corp
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Filing: 1987-04-13
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Granted: 1988-09-06
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Expires: 2007-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A tremolo bridge for an electric guitar has a fine tuning mechanism installed thereon. Fine tuning screw heads 43 have coplanar top surfaces 44 which do not rise or fall as tuning is effected. When actuated, heads 43 move screws 47 vertically to act on strings 29 through string securing levers 35. With this structure, the tuning heads form an essentially flat surface providing a seat or rest for the hand or forearm of the guitarist.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles A. Gressett, Jr.
- 👤 John F. Page
- 👤 Daniel J. Smith
- 👤 John Carruthers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:35
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D3/00; G10D3/14; G10D3/147; G10D3/153
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
In combination with an electric guitar having a body, neck, and string extending over said body and neck, fine tuning bridge means for effecting separate fine tuning of each individual one of said strings, said fine tuning bridge means comprising: (a) a plate mounted on said body, (b) a plurality of saddles mounted on said plate, there being one saddle for each individual guitar string, (c) an internally-threaded screw head for each of said guitar strings, (d) means to capture each screw head to permit it to rotate while preventing it from moving longitudinally in response to such rotation, (e) a screw threadedly associated with each screw head and extending downwardly therefrom, (f) means to prevent each screw from rotating while permitting it to move axially in response to rotation of the associated screw head, and (g) means responsive to such axial movement of each screw to effect fine tuning of guitar strings extended over said saddles, there being one means (g) for each string and each screw, so that each string may be individually fine tuned.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
In combination with an electric guitar having a body, neck, and string extending over said body and neck, fine tuning bridge means for effecting separate fine tuning of each individual one of said strings, said fine tuning bridge means comprising: (a) a plate mounted on said body, (b) a plurality of saddles mounted on said plate, there being one saddle for each individual guitar string, (c) an internally-threaded screw head for each of said guitar strings, (d) means to capture each screw head to permit it to rotate while preventing it from moving longitudinally in response to such rotation, (e) a screw threadedly associated with each screw head and extending downwardly therefrom, (f) means to prevent each screw from rotating while permitting it to move axially in response to rotation of the associated screw head, and (g) means responsive to such axial movement of each screw to effect fine tuning of guitar strings extended over said saddles, there being one means (g) for each string and each screw, so that each string may be individually fine tuned.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which the upper surfaces of said screw heads are large and flat and lie in substantially the same plane, whereby the guitarist may rest his hand or forearm thereon during playing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which said means (g) comprises a lever having a tail portion disposed beneath each screw (e), said lever being connected to a guitar string at a point spaced farther from the guitar neck than is the associated saddle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as claimed in claim 3, in which spring means are provided in engagement with the underside of each lever at said tail end thereof, and in which a support plate is connected to said plate and extends beneath said spring and provides a seat therefor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which means are provided to effect pivotal connection between said plate and said body, in which a tremolo arm is connected to said plate, and in which spring means are connected to said plate to counteract the tension of said strings.
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) | 1991-09-06 | 1992-03-07 | 1992-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-06 | 1996-03-07 | 1996-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-06 | 2000-03-07 | 2000-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |