Key Holders Patents (Class 84/441)
  • Patent number: 8258389
    Abstract: In a keyboard device, a frame function part is provided integrally in a frame to engage with a component of the keyboard device excluding the frame. Integrated continuous parts are formed at the frame and extend continuously over a key zone including a plurality of keys. The integrated continuous part receives external force directly or via the frame function part or allows a component constructed separately from the frame to mount on the integrated continuous part. A connection rib is formed in the frame such that the connection rib extends in a direction intersecting a direction along which the keys are arranged side-by-side. The integrated continuous parts are formed at positions deviated with respect to each other, when viewed from a side of the frame. The integrated continuous parts are connected to each other only by the connection rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7541532
    Abstract: A key structure which is capable of giving a woody appearance to the key, and increasing the freedom of mounting at least one functional part formed as a separate part from the key structure, while maintaining excellent machinability. An upper plate has an increased width part corresponding to an end of a white key toward a player. In the key structure, a wood part is secured to the lower surface of at least the increased width part of the upper plate, and has an increased width part having substantially the same width as the increased width part of the upper plate. The key structure is mountable in a keyboard apparatus, for functioning as a white key pivotally moved by key-depressing operation. A recess is formed in a part of the wood part including the increased width part, which opens downward and has a width (W0) not less than 50% and not more than 80% of the width (B0) of the increased width part of the wood part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Osuga, Kenichi Nishida, Yoichirou Shimomuku
  • Patent number: 5696340
    Abstract: Improvements to keyboards for electronic pianos and the like, wherein a support, preferably made of sheet metal, with a U-shaped section and a flat section and provided with a number of hammers equal to the number of keys, which hammers are made integral with the support by means of specific pivoting elements. These hammers are preferably made of metal and suitably shaped and balanced for actuation by the keys. An elastic escapement member is carried by the portion of the hammer making contact with the key typically by coated with a rubber element provided little step which, when the key is depressed and the thrust element inside the key comes into contact with the step, produces a slight release, similar to the feeling of escapement one perceives when playing a conventional piano.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Lino Ragni
  • Patent number: 4770380
    Abstract: A collapsible keyboard stand is described which also serves as its own carrying case. The keyboard stand includes (a) an upright support column which includes a cavity at each end, (b) a handle member attached to the column between its upper and lower ends, (c) an openable cover at the upper end of the column, (d) at least two arm members detachably mounted on the support column to define a horizontal support for a keyboard, (e) at least three leg members pivotably attached to the lower end of the support column. The leg members are pivotable to a position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column and can be slidably received within the lower end of the support column for storage. The arm members can be detached and placed into a cavity at the upper end of the column for storage and transport. The leg members support the column in a manner such that it leans forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Ultimate Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald H. Eason, Thurman F. Hodge, Jon L. Lindskog, Thomas E. Rosendahl
  • Patent number: 4128036
    Abstract: In a keyboard electronic musical instrument such as an electronic organ, an electro-mechanical memory device for holding in the down or actuated position one or more simultaneously depressed accompaniment chord and bass playing keys after the finger pressure from the instrument player is removed. The signal representing the note or chord associated with the depressed key or keys is sustained as long as the keys remain latched down. A plurality of keys of the lower or accompaniment manual are adapted to be retained in the depressed position and operate as part of the electro-mechanical memory device. When a key or group of keys are latched down, the depression by the instrument player of another key releases the previously retained keys but the newly depressed key is latched down. The electro-mechanical memory also operates in conjunction with the touch mode of the automatic rhythm unit to provide a rhythm signal when the accompaniment keys are retained in the depressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Hammond Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Sauvey, Robert E. Magnuson