Abstract: A lid opening and closing apparatus including a lid, a shaft guide member which has a guide groove, a front side guide shaft which is provided on a front side of the lid and moved along the guide groove, a first braking member whose at least one portion is arranged on a movement trajectory of the front side guide shaft, and which brakes a closing movement of the lid, and a second braking member which brakes movement of the one portion of the first braking member which occurs by the front side guide shaft pressing the one portion of the first braking member on the movement trajectory when the closing movement is made.

Abstract: In order to specify a transport apparatus in the form of a long stator linear motor, by which the negative effects of a non-uniform magnetic flux in the joint region between two adjacent transport segments can be at least alleviated, according to embodiments, the spacing between the coil center of an end coil of a transport segment and the relevant end of the transport segment is smaller than half the tooth pitch of the two adjacent end coils of the transport segments, the tooth pitch of the two adjacent end coils corresponding to the tooth pitch of the drive coils of at least one of the transport segments.

Abstract: First and second pivot sections pivotally support left and right end portions of a fallboard on left and right side boards of a keyboard musical instrument, respectively. At least one of the first and second pivot sections includes: a damper mechanism provided on one of the side board and an end portion of the fallboard and having a driven member to receive pivotal movement; and a driving member engageable with the driven member and operable in interlocked relation to the other thereof. The damper mechanism generates a load against pivotal force from the driven member. At least one of the first and second pivot sections includes: a pivoting member pivotally supported on one of the side board and the end portion of the fallboard; and a retainer fixed to the other thereof to position and retain the pivoting member at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A fallboard arrangement for a keyboard instrument, including a slide-type fallboard and enabling enhancing the degree of freedom of design while ensuring good appearance and smooth opening and closing operation of the fallboard, to improve marketability. A fallboard opens and closes a performance section. Arms have respective guide grooves for guiding sliding of the fallboard in a front-rear direction. Left and right side plates are provided for left and right ends of a front portion of the fallboard, and have shield walls for shielding areas around left and right end faces of the fallboard, respectively. Left and right guide bushes protrude outward from the side plates, for engagement with the guide grooves of the respective arms. The guide bushes are guided by the guide grooves of the respective arms during sliding of the fallboard in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: An electronic device having a main body, an expanded element, a support element, and a latch device is disclosed. The main body has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface has a first accommodating slot and a second accommodating slot. The expanded element detachably connects to the first accommodating slot and the expanded element has at least one expanded function. The support element is accommodated in the second accommodating slot and has a folded state and a support state. The latch device having a first latch element for engaging with the expanded element and a second latch element for engaging with the support element is movably connecting to the main body. When the latch device moves to a first position, the engagement with the expanded element is released. When the latch device moves to a second position, the engagement with the support element is released.

Abstract: A flap door mechanism with closable function includes a door member, a resilient member and a spring arm member. The door member is pivoted to a casing. The resilient member is installed on the door member and for driving the door member to rotate in a first direction. The resilient member includes a first end and a second end. The spring arm member is selectively disposed on the door member or on the casing. The spring arm member abuts against the first end. When the door member rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the spring arm member is pushed to bend by the first end or is pressed to flatten by the casing, so as to reduce deformation between the first end and the second end of the resilient member.

Abstract: A fallboard arrangement for a keyboard instrument, which makes it possible to make flat the entire upper surface of a keyboard instrument in a closed state. A fallboard back section is immovably provided in a rear part of the body, in a horizontal state. A fallboard is movable between a closed position where it is forward of the fallboard back section and has an upper surface thereof made flush with that of the fallboard back section in a state closing the performance section and an open position where it is upward of the fallboard back section so as to open the performance section. A hinge connects the fallboard to the fallboard back section in a manner pivotally movable between the closed position and the open position and is disposed downward of the fallboard in the closed position and the upper surface of the fallboard back section.

Abstract: Provided is a keyboard musical instrument such as an acoustic piano or an electronic piano having an appearance and design similar to an acoustic piano, in which a fall board is made of a resin plate-shaped body, and hollow portions are provided inside the plate-shaped body. In addition, the plate-shaped body includes a plate-shaped resin foamed plate portion, and the hollow portions are made of plural air bubbles contained inside the resin foamed plate portion.

Abstract: A lid opening/closing mechanism for a keyboard musical instrument, including: a main body including a casing and a keyboard; a lid attached to the casing so as to be movable between a closed position for covering the keyboard and an open position for uncovering the keyboard; and a connecting mechanism for connecting a side wall portion in the casing and an end portion of the lid and opposed to the side wall portion, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured such that, during a movement of the lid from the closed position to the open position, a rear end portion of the lid slidingly moves only in a direction from a rear end portion of the main body toward a front end portion thereof or moves in the direction from the rear end portion of the main body toward the front end portion thereof and in an upward direction.

Abstract: A keyboard device of the present invention includes a front guide shaft that is provided on the front portion of a front lid and projects toward sides of the front lid, a rear guide shaft that is provided on the front portion of a rear lid and projects toward sides of the rear lid, and a guide groove that guides the front guide shaft and the rear guide shaft in the front and back directions of a musical instrument case. The guide groove is provided with a guide recess where the rear guide shaft comes in so that the front lid and the rear lid are placed on the same plane when a keyboard lid is closed and covers a keyboard section.

Abstract: A fallboard arrangement for a keyboard instrument, including a slide-type fallboard and enabling enhancing the degree of freedom of design while ensuring good appearance and smooth opening and closing operation of the fallboard, to improve marketability. A fallboard opens and closes a performance section. Arms have respective guide grooves for guiding sliding of the fallboard in a front-rear direction. Left and right side plates are provided for left and right ends of a front portion of the fallboard, and have shield walls for shielding areas around left and right end faces of the fallboard, respectively. Left and right guide bushes protrude outward from the side plates, for engagement with the guide grooves of the respective arms. The guide bushes are guided by the guide grooves of the respective arms during sliding of the fallboard in the front-rear direction.

Abstract: A system and method to secure a piano fallboard is provided. In one embodiment, a method of retaining the piano fallboard in the upright position includes securing the fallboard to the back panel with a fallboard retaining device. In another embodiment, a method of retaining the piano fallboard in the closed position includes securing the fallboard to the keyslip with the fallboard retaining device. The fallboard retaining device can be a clamping structure or a magnetic device.

Abstract: A system and method to secure a piano fallboard is provided. In one embodiment, a method of retaining the piano fallboard in the upright position includes securing the fallboard to the back panel with a fallboard retaining device. In another embodiment, a method of retaining the piano fallboard in the closed position includes securing the fallboard to the keyslip with the fallboard retaining device. The fallboard retaining device can be a clamping structure or a magnetic device.

Abstract: A lid opening/closing mechanism for a keyboard musical instrument, including: a main body including a casing and a keyboard; a lid attached to the casing so as to be movable between a closed position for covering the keyboard and an open position for uncovering the keyboard; and a connecting mechanism for connecting a side wall portion in the casing and an end portion of the lid and opposed to the side wall portion, wherein the connecting mechanism is configured such that, during a movement of the lid from the closed position to the open position, a rear end portion of the lid slidingly moves only in a direction from a rear end portion of the main body toward a front end portion thereof or moves in the direction from the rear end portion of the main body toward the front end portion thereof and in an upward direction.

Abstract: A lid structure of a keyboard instrument is provided, which improves a design degree of freedom of an instrument body. When a covered keyboard is changed from a close state to an open state, a front lid rotates relative to a back lid through a rotation shaft. A front guide slot and a rack built in the instrument body are used to guide backward movements of an engagement pin and a pinion. Since the rack is located posterior to the front guide slot, the back lid approximately maintains a pose to move backwards. A height of an accommodating space of the instrument body set to the open state is only required to be equal to a thickness of the back lid. Therefore, the accommodating space is reduced, an overall height of the instrument body is suppressed and a design degree of freedom of the instrument body is improved.

Abstract: A lid structure of a keyboard instrument is provided, which improves a design degree of freedom of an instrument body. When a covered keyboard is changed from a close state to an open state, a front lid rotates relative to a back lid through a rotation shaft. A front guide slot and a rack built in the instrument body are used to guide backward movements of an engagement pin and a pinion. Since the rack is located posterior to the front guide slot, the back lid approximately maintains a pose to move backwards. A height of an accommodating space of the instrument body set to the open state is only required to be equal to a thickness of the back lid. Therefore, the accommodating space is reduced, an overall height of the instrument body is suppressed and a design degree of freedom of the instrument body is improved.

Abstract: An opening and closing device 10 for a fallboard 8 includes a first damper member 13 that dampens the rotational movement of the fallboard 8 by constantly applying a fixed load to the fallboard 8, and a second damper member 14 that dampens the rotational movement of the fallboard 8 by applying a load to the fallboard 8 depending on a closing movement or an opening movement of the fallboard 8. Accordingly, when the fallboard 8 is being closed, the closing movement of the fallboard 8 can be slowed by being dampened by the first damper member 13 and the second damper member 14, and when the fallboard 8 is being opened, the opening movement of the fallboard 8 can be slowed by being dampened by the first damper member 13 and the second damper member 14.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting the weight of a piano lid is disclosed. One or more pneumatic cylinders and arms are used to assist a user in opening and closing the piano lid. In one embodiment, a guiding cup can be removably attached to the frame of the piano below each pneumatic cylinder. When the piano lid is open, the piston arm of the pneumatic cylinder engages the guiding cup. Because the pneumatic cylinder is not attached to the piano frame, the piano lid can be completely removed without the use of tools. Another embodiment provides a mounting bracket that fits over the rear frame of a piano, allowing the mechanism to be retrofit to any existing piano without any damage thereto.

Abstract: An opening and closing device 10 for a fallboard 8 includes a first damper member 13 that dampens the rotational movement of the fallboard 8 by constantly applying a fixed load to the fallboard 8, and a second damper member 14 that dampens the rotational movement of the fallboard 8 by applying a load to the fallboard 8 depending on a closing movement or an opening movement of the fallboard 8. Accordingly, when the fallboard 8 is being closed, the closing movement of the fallboard 8 can be slowed by being dampened by the first damper member 13 and the second damper member 14, and when the fallboard 8 is being opened, the opening movement of the fallboard 8 can be slowed by being dampened by the first damper member 13 and the second damper member 14.

Abstract: A fallboard structure of a keyboard instrument capable of selectively shielding or opening the inside of the instrument from or toward a player. A fallboard covers a keyboard section when it is closed, and permits the keyboard section to be operated for performance when it is open. A front plate pivotally supports the fallboard and shields a space upward and rearward of the keyboard section against a player when it is in a first state. When the fallboard is made open and engaging portions of the front plate are moved along displacement guides provided at supporting portions disposed at side portions of a keybed, the front plate is moved in unison with the fallboard and changed to a second state where the space upward and rearward of the keyboard section is open toward the player.

Abstract: A musical instrument having a displacement member that is operable to vary sounds, thereby offering a wide variety of musical performances. A box-shaped sound generation unit accommodated in the inside of a musical instrument body generates a sound in response to any one of performance operators being operated. At least part of a displacement member provided for displacement relative to the musical instrument body is always disposed within the inside of the musical instrument body. When an operating section is operated to cause the displacement member to be displaced as a sound is generated from the sound generation unit, the sound varies according to the displacement of the displacement member.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting the weight of a piano lid is disclosed. One or more pneumatic cylinders and arms are used to assist a user in opening and closing the piano lid. In one embodiment, a guiding cup can be removably attached to the frame of the piano below each pneumatic cylinder. When the piano lid is open, the piston arm of the pneumatic cylinder engages the guiding cup. Because the pneumatic cylinder is not attached to the piano frame, the piano lid can be completely removed without the use of tools. Another embodiment provides a mounting bracket that fits over the rear frame of a piano, allowing the mechanism to be retrofit to any existing piano without any damage thereto.

Abstract: An upright piano includes a piano case having an upper front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a top lid. The upper front panel is pivotally mounted below and generally abutting the top lid. A keyboard is supported by the piano case and has a plurality of keys. A keyboard lid has a width substantially equal to a width of the upper front panel. The piano includes left and right upper front panel strips disposed on the corresponding left and right side panels. The upper front panel is pivotally attached to the left and right upper front panel strips to rotate between a closed position and an open position. The upper front panel is substantially parallel to and substantially in between the left and right upper front panel strips while in the closed position.

Abstract: A front fallboard, a rear fallboard and a hinge connected between them form in combination a fallboard assembly connected between side arms of a piano cabinet by means of a pair of rotary connectors, and each of the rotary connectors includes a front metal plate connected to the side surface of the front fallboard, a rear metal plate connected to the bottom surface of the side art defining a recess and a rotary damper; since the recess is wider than the rear metal plate already combined with the rotary damper, the rear metal plate is movable on a virtual plane defined by a fore-and-aft direction and an up-and-down direction; while a worker is seeking the optimum positions of the rotary connectors, self-tapping screws keep the rear metal plates in the recesses so that the worker drives woodscrews into the side arms through main holes or auxiliary holes.

Abstract: A musical instrument body is provided with an array of keys at a front portion of the musical instrument body, and side plates at both side portions of the musical instrument body. A keyboard lid is mounted in the musical instrument body slidably between a closed position for covering the array of the keys and an open position for exposing the array of the keys. In case that the keyboard lid is shifted to the open position from the closed position, a front lid section moves rearward along a first guide recess together with a rear lid section, and when the rear lid section reaches a rearmost position, a rear lid supporting part is positioned in a second guide recess, while a front lid supporting part moves from the first guide recess to a third guide recess at a branch point according to release of connection between the front lid section and the rear lid section, and subsequently the front lid section is guided along the third guide portion.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument comprises a keyboard having a plurality of playing keys, a fallboard pivotably supported at its rear end for covering the keyboard when the instrument is not in use and exposing the keyboard when the instrument is in use, and a rear top board. An accommodation space is provided between the keyboard and the rear top board and is adapted for receiving the fallboard which turns through 180 degrees to wide open the space from above the keyboard through above the rear top board. Thus, while the instrument is in use, the fallboard will obstruct neither the player's view nor the sound propagation from the loudspeakers, and further the fallboard will help in supporting the music sheets.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a keyboard cover that includes a front cover half and a rear cover half coupled foldably by a hinge. The mechanism comprises a first guide that guides the front cover half backward at a front end thereof along the keyboard when the cover is opened and a second guide that backward guides the rear cover half at a front edge thereof along the keyboard and guides the rear cover half obliquely downward at a rear end thereof after the keyboard, thereby rendering the rear cover half upstanding when the cover is opened. Thus, the second guide prevents the rear and front cover halves from lowering at their front and rear ends, respectively, thereby allowing the keyboard cover to be opened and closed smoothly.

Abstract: A fallboard structure of a keyboard instrument capable of selectively shielding or opening the inside of the instrument from or toward a player. A fallboard covers a keyboard section when it is closed, and permits the keyboard section to be operated for performance when it is open. A front plate pivotally supports the fallboard and shields a space upward and rearward of the keyboard section against a player when it is in a first state. When the fallboard is made open and engaging portions of the front plate are moved along displacement guides provided at supporting portions disposed at side portions of a keybed, the front plate is moved in unison with the fallboard and changed to a second state where the space upward and rearward of the keyboard section is open toward the player.

Abstract: A fall board stopper is provided for a keyboard instrument such as a grand piano, which is equipped with a fall board that is opened or closed on keys arranged on a keybed. It is basically constituted by a first stopper member and a second stopper member, which are normally separated from each other and which are respectively attached to a prescribed part (e.g., an interior wall of a side board) of the keyboard instrument and a backend portion of the fall board at a prescribed position. The first stopper member has an engagement portion that is engaged with the second stopper member when the fall board is opened, so that the fall board can be reliably stopped in position when opened upon a mechanical engagement established between the first and second stopper members.

Abstract: A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ½ of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse.

Abstract: A fall board stopper is provided for a keyboard instrument such as a grand piano, which is equipped with a fall board that is opened or closed on keys arranged on a keybed. It is basically constituted by a first stopper member and a second stopper member, which are normally separated from each other and which are respectively attached to a prescribed part (e.g., an interior wall of a side board) of the keyboard instrument and a backend portion of the fall board at a prescribed position. The first stopper member has an engagement portion that is engaged with the second stopper member when the fall board is opened, so that the fall board can be reliably stopped in position when opened upon a mechanical engagement established between the first and second stopper members.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument such as an upright piano is basically constructed by a keyboard, an action, a case assembly, a fall assembly, a back hollow assembly and a top door assembly. Herein, the fall assembly provides a fall cover for covering the keyboard, and the top door assembly having an opening top door is linked to the fall assembly by way of the back hollow assembly. The top door pivotally moves in response to movement of the fall cover of the fall assembly being closed or opened, wherein when the fall cover is opened, the top door opens to produce a small gap in proximity to a lower end of the top door. The small gap allows piano sound to be partially released from a casing to increase loudness of the piano sound and to enhance clarity in tone color of the piano sound. The keyboard instrument further provides a damping mechanism for imparting resistance load to the fall cover being closed or opened.

Abstract: A keyboard lid opening and closing mechanism for a keyboard musical instrument having a simple structure and not requiring a large space for installation thereof. To house a keyboard lid in the folded state inside the keyboard musical instrument, the mechanism is provided with a reverse V-shape forming portion disposed at the place where the undersurface of the keyboard lid passes while moving, a rotation support portion including first connecting groove walls, and a keyboard lid stop portion including second connecting groove walls. Therefore, the structure of the mechanism for opening and closing the keyboard lid is simplified, and a large space for installation of the mechanism is not necessary since these portions include no movable parts.

Abstract: A grand piano has a keyboard placed on a key bed, and the keyboard is covered with a fall board after completion of practice on the keyboard, wherein a recess is formed in the fall board in such a manner as to offer a clearance to fingers on the black keys so that, even if the pianist straightens his or her fingers on the land portion before moving them to other keys, the nails are never hit against the inner surface of the fall board.

Abstract: A keyboard lid opening and closing mechanism for a keyboard musical instrument having a simple structure and not requiring a large space for installation thereof. To house a keyboard lid in the folded state inside the keyboard musical instrument, the mechanism is provided with a reverse V-shape forming portion disposed at the place where the undersurface of the keyboard lid passes while moving, a rotation support portion including first connecting groove walls, and a keyboard lid stop portion including second connecting groove walls. Therefore, the structure of the mechanism for opening and closing the keyboard lid is simplified, and a large space for installation of the mechanism is not necessary since these portions include no movable parts.

Abstract: A front lid opening and closing assist which enables an easy and safe operation of opening and closing a front lid of a keyboard instrument. A buffer in the front lid opening and closing assist has a first damping mechanism for damping the front lid when pivoted from a neutral position to an open position, and a second damping mechanism for damping the front lid when pivoted from the neutral position to a closed position. When the front lid is pivoted beyond the neutral position, it spontaneously pivots toward the open or closed position by its own weight. However, this motion is damped by the first and second damping mechanisms, which results in a slowed pivot motion of the front lid. As a result, a user can safely open or close the front lid relative to a back lid, with only minimal force for supporting the front lid.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument such as an upright piano is basically constructed by a keyboard, an action, a case assembly, a fall assembly, a back hollow assembly and a top door assembly. Herein, the fall assembly provides a fall cover for covering the keyboard, and the top door assembly having an opening top door is linked to the fall assembly by way of the back hollow assembly. The top door pivotally moves in response to movement of the fall cover of the fall assembly being closed or opened, wherein when the fall cover is opened, the top door opens to produce a small gap in proximity to a lower end of the top door. The small gap allows piano sound to be partially released from a casing to increase loudness of the piano sound and to enhance clarity in tone color of the piano sound. The keyboard instrument further provides a damping mechanism for imparting resistance load to the fall cover being closed or opened.

Abstract: An effect support board including an effect mounting surface adapted to mount a guitar effect and including a cable connection opening adapted to allow the cable to pass from beneath the effect mounting surface for connection to the guitar effect on top of the effect mounting surface. The effect mounting surface supported by a frame.

Abstract: A grand piano has a keyboard placed on a key bed, and the keyboard is covered with a fall board after completion of practice on the keyboard, wherein a recess is formed in the fall board in such a manner as to offer a clearance to fingers on the black keys so that, even if the pianist straightens his or her fingers on the land portion before moving them to other keys, the nails are never hit against the inner surface of the fall board.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fallboard arrangement for a keyboard instrument, which has a construction facilitating operations of mounting and dismounting a fallboard as well as an operation of adjusting the length of a rotary shaft of the fallboard, and makes it possible to enhance the degree of freedom in designing the fallboard. A fallboard mounted to a body of an electronic piano opens and closes a performance section of the electronic piano. A rotary shaft extending in a left-right direction is rotatably mounted to the fallboard such that the rotary shaft can be axially lengthened and shortened. A pair of left and right pinions are arranged at left and right ends of the rotary shaft, respectively, such that the pair of left and right pinions and the rotary shaft form a one-piece assembly. The pair of left and right pinions are engaged with a pair of racks formed on arms of the piano body and extending in the front-rear direction at locations outward of respective left and right ends of the fallboard.

Abstract: A front lid opening and closing assist which enables an easy and safe operation of opening and closing a front lid of a keyboard instrument. A buffer in the front lid opening and closing assist has a first damping mechanism for damping the front lid when pivoted from a neutral position to an open position, and a second damping mechanism for damping the front lid when pivoted from the neutral position to a closed position. When the front lid is pivoted beyond the neutral position, it spontaneously pivots toward the open or closed position by its own weight. However, this motion is damped by the first and second damping mechanisms, which results in a slowed pivot motion of the front lid. As a result, a user can safely open or close the front lid relative to a back lid, with only minimal force for supporting the front lid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fallboard arrangement for a keyboard instrument, which has a construction facilitating operations of mounting and dismounting a fallboard as well as an operation of adjusting the length of a rotary shaft of the fallboard, and makes it possible to enhance the degree of freedom in designing the fallboard. A fallboard mounted to a body of an electronic piano opens and closes a performance section of the electronic piano. A rotary shaft extending in a left-right direction is rotatably mounted to the fallboard such that the rotary shaft can be axially lengthened and shortened. A pair of left and right pinions are arranged at left and right ends of the rotary shaft, respectively, such that the pair of left and right pinions and the rotary shaft form a one-piece assembly. The pair of left and right pinions are engaged with a pair of racks formed on arms of the piano body and extending in the front-rear direction at locations outward of respective left and right ends of the fallboard.

Abstract: A fall board structure is provided for a keyboard instrument having a keyboard, in which a plurality of keys are arranged between side arms, to actualize light, comfortable and safe operations of a fall board. The fall board structure is basically constructed by arms, torque shaft units and rotation members. Herein, the arm is fixed to a side end of the fall board, so that it rotates in response to rotary movement of the fall board, while the torque shaft unit is fixed to the side arm of the keyboard, wherein it has a shaft portion which rotates in accordance with the rotary movement of the fall board. The rotation member is constructed by a clutch portion and a in lever portion, which is brought into contact with a lower edge portion of the arm at a contact point.

Abstract: A rotary damper has a shaft and a torque control mechanism which are accommodated in a chamber filled with a viscous fluid. The chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment. The torque control mechanism comprises an auxiliary chamber defined by a partition wall disposed adjacent to the chamber in communication therewith, first and second communication holes defined in the partition wall and providing fluid communication between the first and second compartments and the auxiliary chamber, and a check valve for preventing the viscous fluid from flowing in the first communication hole from the auxiliary chamber toward the first compartment.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument has a sliding manual cover comprised of a main cover and a sub cover. The main cover is slidable on manual cover guides in forward and rearward directions with respect to the main body between an open position and a closed position. An engaging member is provided on a predetermined portion of the main cover at or closer to an end thereof toward the open position. The sub cover is flexibly coupled to the main cover. A guide device, formed preferably by pinions and guide channels, is provided in the main body in engagement with the sub cover and downwardly guides the sub cover as the main cover is slided on the cover guides toward the open position. At least one support member is mounted in the main body for pivotal movement in the forward and rearward directions, on one end of which is provided an arm which is disposed to engage the engaging member when the main cover is slided on the cover guides toward the open position.

Abstract: An upright piano includes a fall-board hinged to a upper sill and connected through a pair of flexible coupling to side arms, and each of the flexible couplings has a rotary damper embedded in the side arm and an Oldham's coupling connected between the fall-board and the rotary damper so that the Oldham's couplings take up misalignment between the rotational axis of the fall-board and the rotational axes of the rotary dampers.

Abstract: An upright piano has a fall board for covering a keyboard, and a damper assembly is provided between a side arm and the fall board; the damper assembly includes a rotary damper generating large damping force during a turning motion in the counter clock wise direction and small damping force during the opposite turning motion and a link mechanism connected between the fall board and a shaft member of the rotary damper for changing the turning motion on the way between the closed position and the open position of the fall board; and a player is not expected to strongly support the fall board so as to prevent the fall board and the piano case from violent collision therebetween.

Abstract: There is provided a closing control device for a fallboard of a piano. A fallboard support is detachably mounted on a body of the piano, and the fallboard is rotatably attached to the fallboard support. A linkage has one end thereof connected to the fallboard. A slow closing device is fixed to the fallboard support, and has the other end of the linkage connected thereto, for braking the fallboard by way of the linkage when the fallboard rotates in a closing direction.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided between a side arm of an upright piano and a fall board for preventing the fall board from violent collision with a key slip, the damper assembly includes a rotary damper embedded into the fall board and producing small damping force during a rotation of the fall board from the closed position and a vertical position and large damping force during a rotation of the fall board from the vertical position to the closed position, a turnable plate member turnably connected to the side arm and not allowing the shaft member to turn with respect thereto, a stopper held in contact with the turnable plate member between the vertical position and the closed position and a spring generating resilient force larger than the small damping force and smaller than the large damping force so as to allow the turnable plate member to turn together with the rotary damper between the vertical position and an open position, and the damper assembly allows a player to move the fall board without large for

Abstract: An apparatus, with an oil damper for damping the closing of a fall board on a main body of a musical keyboard and permits opening of such keyboard without damping when the fall board is opened. The oil damper has a body with a cylindrical chamber, having a stop projecting radially inward, such body being fixed to said fall board. A pivotal member in the chamber having a shaft and a projecting portion on said shaft in said chamber, such shaft extending outwardly from such chamber and through a liquid tight seal at one end of the chamber, the outwardly extending shaft being fixed to the main body. A movable arcuate valve in the cylindrical chamber and slidable on an inner wall of the chamber, such valve having radial portions extending inward toward such shaft and at opposite sides of the projecting portion of the pivotal member.