Grand Patents (Class 84/239)
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Patent number: 11410635Abstract: An adjustable action for an electric piano is provided with a keystick having an adjustable bottom capstan at an end thereof opposite the key, which is adjustable so that the rest position of the hammer of each such key may be independently adjusted, and an adjustable top capstan and hammer jack on the top of the keystick, which may be adjusted so that the stop-lock (depressed key) position of the hammer of each such key may be independently adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Vintage Vibe LLCInventor: Alfred J. Dileone, Jr.
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Patent number: 11183162Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes: a frame; keys each disposed pivotably with respect to the frame; pivot members each including: a support member disposed pivotably about a pivot shaft; and a structure connected to the support member at a position spaced apart from the pivot shaft, the structure having a specific gravity that is greater than that of the support member. A hole portion is formed in each of a first structure and a second structure, each of which is the structure of a corresponding one of a first pivot member and a second pivot member of at least two of the pivot members, such that a mass of the first structure and a mass of the second structure are different from each other. The hole portion of the first structure and the hole portion of the second structure are different from each other in shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Ken Takahashi, Shunsuke Ichiki
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Patent number: 10607577Abstract: A support assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the support assembly including a jack rotatably supported by a support; a repetition lever rotatably supported with respect to the support; a protrusion disposed at an intersecting portion of the jack and the repetition lever; and a protrusion receiving portion for receiving the protrusion; wherein the protrusion receiving portion defines a movable range of the protrusion and limits a rotation range of the jack.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: YAMAHA CORPORATIONInventors: Akito Ohba, Shunsuke Ichiki
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Patent number: 10446121Abstract: An action of a grand piano, which makes it possible to reduce not only the weight of a jack, but also that of a wippen, to thereby improve string striking repeatability. The action includes a wippen of a synthetic resin configured to pivotally move upward by being pushed up by the depressed key, a jack pivotally mounted to the wippen, for pushing up the hammer in accordance with pivotal motion of the wippen to cause the hammer to pivotally move upward, and a jack angular position-adjusting mechanism provided on the wippen to adjust an angular position of the jack. The mechanism has a support portion integrally formed with the wippen, an adjustment screw screwed into the support portion movably in a front-rear direction, and a jack button provided on an end of the adjustment screw for defining the angular position of the jack by abutment therewith.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KAWAI GAKKI SEISA KUSHOInventor: Takaaki Taguchi
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Patent number: 10403243Abstract: A support assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a support rotatably disposed with respect to a frame, a repetition lever rotatably connected to the support, an spring element supported by a support portion fixed to the support, the spring element which provides a rotational force to the repetition lever, and a contact portion between the repetition lever and the spring element, wherein a rotating portion of the repetition lever is provided with respect to the support portion on a side opposite to the contact portion between the repetition lever and the spring element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Akito Ohba
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Patent number: 10170086Abstract: A support device for a pivotal member of a keyboard instrument, in which opposite ends of a pivotal pin fixed to a pivotal member can be each properly positioned in the center of a pin hole, to thereby enable the pivotal member to perform efficient and stable pivotal motion. The support device that pivotally supports the pivotal member pivotally moved by key depression includes a flange body including two support walls opposed to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween, and two pin holes which are formed in the respective support walls and in which opposite ends of the pivotal pin are inserted, respectively, and two bearings fixed in the pin holes in an inserted state and having opposite ends of the pivotal pin inserted therein, for pivotally supporting the pivotal. Each bearing is formed by a braid formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawai Gakki SeisakushoInventor: Takaaki Taguchi
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Patent number: 8541673Abstract: A piano hammer stopper system includes a stopper rail set comprising at least first and second stopper rail members, each movable between respective first positions allowing unobstructed movement of associated piano hammers and respective second positions stopping at least one associated piano hammer from striking any corresponding string. At least one drive shaft is rotatably coupled to one or both of the stopper rail members. A drive arm is attached to the drive shaft and engages a drive fulcrum. A travel guide directs movement of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive arm to engage the drive fulcrum for moving one or both of the first and second stopper rail members between respective first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Scott Jones, James M. Lombino, Susan Yake Kenagy, Sue Guan Lim
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Patent number: 8487172Abstract: A piano action flange with an open-slotted rail attachment feature that is a slot-shaped void completely through the piano action flange, running in the longitudinal direction of the piano action flange, with width slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thread end the flange screw but smaller that the head diameter of the flange screw, where the slot-shaped void is open on one end, breaking through the end of said piano action flange, to leave the slot-shaped void open and accessible from the end of the piano action flange.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Wessell, Nickel & GrossInventors: Kirk Burgett, Jamie Marks, Dana Mazzaglia
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Patent number: 8227674Abstract: A practical means to position and adjust the parts of a grand piano's action outside of the piano to fit and play properly, precisely, and as expected in the piano. A custom keybed supports the action as supported in the piano and secures its position. A regulating rack holds one or more reference edges above the action to delineate strike position (the location of hammer-to-string contact in the piano) and those distances from strike required for regulating. It also records hammer spacing at strike. A hammer squaring platform allows a shank traveler and hammer square to set up the hammers to address their strings vertically. And a string height gage assembly, including gage, sliding base, and rail, measures and records strike position in the piano to accurately set up the regulating rack's reference edges.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Christopher Brown
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Publication number: 20110094364Abstract: A regulation station creates a practical environment for assembling and regulating a grand piano action. A series of tools may be used to provide clear and precise references for measuring, aligning, and squaring the parts of the action outside of the grand piano. A custom keybed supports and positions the action. A regulating rack carries a whole action template or a segmented template, which represents the strings of the grand piano along the strike line, otherwise known as “strike”. The spacing scale of a grand piano's hammers may be recorded on the profile edge of a template, which matches the height profile of the hammers along the strike line. A hammer squaring platform allows a shank traveler and hammer square to set up the hammers to address their strings vertically. A string height gage assembly, including a string height gage, sliding base and string height gage rail, measures for the template and sets it up for use in the regulation station.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventor: CHRISTOPHER BROWN
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Patent number: 7807907Abstract: A grand piano has action units for driving hammers to rotate toward strings, and each action unit is equipped with a repetition mechanism; the repetition mechanism has an elastic guide plate instead of a repetition lever and a repetition spring; and the elastic guide plate per se is deformed after contact with a drop screw, and returns to the initial position for permitting a pianist to play a music tune through repetition of key when the pianist releases the depressed key, whereby the action unit becomes simpler in structure than the conventional action unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Satoshi Inoue
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Patent number: 7781652Abstract: A universal grand piano piano action that has adjustable connections between the repetition base, heel, and rest cushion bracket of the piano action to provide a piano action that can be adjusted to fit any grand piano. Other components of the grand piano piano action, such as the jack and flanges, may require specific design and manufacture for each brand of grand piano. Universal grand piano piano action also allows true simultaneous half stroke keyboard design for both the white and sharp keys of a piano and includes the methods for installing simultaneous half stroke keyboard design into a grand piano.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Wessell, Nickel & GrossInventors: Bruce E. Clark, Kevin Burke, Kirk Burgett
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Patent number: 7687693Abstract: Composite or plastic molded articles used in a grand piano action. A piano action actuates in response to depression on a piano key to swing a hammer into a piano string. The articles are assembled to form a piano action with significantly less dynamic mass which is much more responsive to the touch. In addition, the new action provides the valuable collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance. The invention also provides the capability to achieve true half stroke design in both the sharp and white keys. Additionally, the application discloses a universal composite grand piano action that is capable of being installed into any brand of grand piano.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventors: Bruce Clark, Kevin Burke, Kurk Burgett
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Patent number: 7687694Abstract: Composite or plastic molded articles used in a grand piano piano action. The articles make up a piano action with less dynamic mass which is, thus, more responsive to the piano player. In addition, the new action provides the extremely valuable collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance. Low inertia grand piano piano action comprises a repetition base with one or more of the following: an angled main beam, an angled balancier support beam, an integrated jack button stop, and a means to optionally connect a rest cushion assembly. Low inertia grand piano piano action may also comprise a heel with extremely low mass.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Wessell, Nickel & GrossInventors: Bruce E. Clark, Kevin Burke, Kirk Burgett
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Patent number: 7638696Abstract: An improved key pin and action pin that is resistant to corrosion, is very durable and has surfaces with a very low coefficient of friction. The pins are preferably made of aluminum or aluminum alloy with a hardened anodized oxide surface. The anodized pins may be polished to provide a surface with a very low coefficient of friction that is also very durable. As a consequence of the low friction and corrosion resistance, piano actions using the pins have less resistance providing an action with a lighter “feel” and consistency. Longevity of the components of the action and the pins is also greatly improved especially for pianos located in humid climates where traditional pins experience corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Burgett, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Clark
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Publication number: 20090007750Abstract: Composite or plastic molded articles used in a grand piano piano action. The articles make up a piano action with less dynamic mass which is, thus, more responsive to the piano player. In addition, the new action provides the extremely valuable collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Bruce E. Clark, Kevin Burke, Kirk Burgett
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Publication number: 20080307942Abstract: Composite or plastic molded articles used in a grand piano piano action. The articles make up a piano action with less dynamic mass which is, thus, more responsive. In addition, the new action provides the extremely valuable collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance. The invention also provides the capability to achieve true half stroke design in both the sharp and white keys at the same time. Additionally, the application discloses a universal composite grand piano piano action that is capable of being installed into any brand of grand piano.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Bruce Clark, Kevin Burke, Kurk Burgett
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Publication number: 20080307943Abstract: A universal grand piano piano action that has adjustable connections between the repetition base, heel, and rest cushion bracket of the piano action to provide a one-size-fits-all after-market replacement piano action for any grand piano. Other components of the grand piano piano action, such as the jack and flanges, may require specific design and manufacture for each brand of grand piano. This invention is the first piano action to allow for true simultaneous half stroke keyboard design for both the white and sharp keys of a piano and includes the method for installing such.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Bruce E. Clark, Kevin Burke, Kirk Burgett
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Patent number: 7129403Abstract: A grand piano action the jack having a projection acting against the knuckle dependent from the hammer shank carrying the piano hammer by a counter weight carried by the jack eliminating the spoon and the regulating button and the jack spring pressing against the jack causing the traditional excessive friction at the jack and knuckle interface. Friction is totally eliminated from the conventional grand piano action by the capstan screw on the piano key lifting the wippen lever near the pivot of the jack. Patents relating to the problem of excessive friction. Finholm U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,868. Steinway U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,454-U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,167. Baldwin U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,537.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Inventor: Richard Wroblewski
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Patent number: 6720489Abstract: A muter configured to be placed beneath the soundboard of a piano (in the case of a grand piano) in order to attenuate the downward transmission of sound. The muter employs blocks of acoustic foam, shaped to frictionally engage the structural elements of the piano in order to retain the muter within the piano. The muter is easily installed and removed. A version configured for use with an upright piano is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Daniell Revenaugh
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Patent number: 6639133Abstract: A universal piano action having a minimum number of identical parts interchangeable in upright and grand pianos, under and above the tensioned strings and effecting rapid repetition in upright and grand pianos, this universal piano action responds to every strenght of touch evoking sounds from a whisper to thunder. In this universal piano action the hammers can be positioned to any at rest position, to any proximity in respect to the tensioned strings for a sensitive control of sound, permitting practice playing with a normal strenght of piano key touch without disturbing.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Richard Wroblewski
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Patent number: 6232537Abstract: A piano keyboard apparatus has an action assembly that includes a four bar linkage having four pivotably connected bars including a whippen pivotably connected to a repetition lever. An articulated jack has a lower link pivotably connected to an upper link and the lower link is pivotably connected to the whippen.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Baldwin Piano & Organ CompanyInventor: Thomas E. Kimble
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Patent number: 5602351Abstract: A piano-like keyboard instrument allowing a player to perform in either an acoustic sound mode and or an electronic sound producing mode. In the electronic sound producing mode, a stopper blocks sets of piano strings from hammers and an electronic sound producing unit generates electronic sounds. A key touch is maintained in the electronic sound producing mode. A gap regulating unit changes gaps between the toes of jacks and regulating buttons, depending upon which mode of operation is selected. Hammer shanks rebound on the stopper after the escapes of the jacks.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1993Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Kiyoshi Kawamura, Yasutoshi Kaneko
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Patent number: 5239907Abstract: A muting device for a piano includes a capstan screw, a support rail, a support, a jack, a shank rail, a hammer shank, a hammer and at least one string with respect to each key. Each key is divided into a back portion and a front portion with respect to the rotation axis. This front portion of the key is depressed by a performer, while the back portion of the key is inserted into a key driving mechanism of the grand piano. In addition, a transmitting member (e.g., another capstan screw) transmits force from the key to the hammer. The transmitting member is inserted between an upper surface of the key and a lower surface of the support. The transmitting member contacts the upper surface of the key between the capstan screw and a rotation center of the key, and it also contacts with the lower surface of the support between a position at which the capstan screw comes contacts the support and a position at which the jack is connected to the support.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventors: Nobuo Sugiyama, Katuo Ito, Yasutoshi Kaneko
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Patent number: 5125309Abstract: An adjustable friction grand piano hammer shank having bifurcated ends disposed on either side of a flange with a slot defined in each bifurcated end, a pivot pin receipt hole defined in each bifurcated end aligned with the slots, a strap having one end affixed to the bottom of one of the bifurcated portions extending therearound to form a loop around an adjustment screw with the strap's other end extending around the other bifurcated end to be affixed to the bottom of the other bifurcated end such that tightening the screw pulls on the strap and tightens together the portions of the bifurcated hammer shank ends above and below the slots to increase friction against the pivot pin and conversely, loosening the adjustment screw releases tension on the strap allowing the ends above and below the slot to be under less tension and reducing friction on the pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Inventor: David C. Stanwood
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Patent number: 4953433Abstract: The subject grand piano action, in common with all piano actions, comprises driving apparatus comprising the key and wippen levers, drive apparatus comprising the hammer assembly and apparatus interconnecting the two and providing for disengagement and reengagement of the driven with the driving apparatus. In the subject action the interconnecting apparatus comprises the jack, pivoted to the free end of the wippen lever and a repetition spring pivoted at both ends, one end at the free end of the jack, the other on the hammer shank. When the key is played and the free end of the wippen lever rises, a cam on the side of the jack facing away from the wippen lever engages a button mounted on the hammer rail and this engagement forces the end of the jack along a hard felt cam on the hammer knuckle.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1989Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Inventors: Darrell G. Fandrich, Chris A. Trevelas
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Patent number: 4860626Abstract: An improved wippen heel arrangement for an upright piano includes: a pillar screwed into one end portion of a piano key so that the projecting length of the pillar which projects from the piano key is adjustable; a wippen heel attached to a wippen constituting one element of an action mechanism; and a wippen joint interposed between the pillar and the wippen heel for pivotal movement about a stationary shaft, in which the thrust applied to the pillar is transmitted through the wippen joint to the wippen. Accordingly, a key touch quality which may be experienced with a grand piano can be enjoyed using an upright piano.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1987Date of Patent: August 29, 1989Inventors: Hajime Tanaka, Shiro Saito
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Patent number: 4856402Abstract: An improvement for grand piano actions reduces unwanted friction between the repetition lever and the hammer shank. The conventional grand piano knuckle is replaced by a lever disposed generally parallel to the repetition lever and pivotally secured thereto at one end. An adjustable spring provides a force biasing the lever away from the repetition lever. A travel limit adjusts the maximum pivotal excursion of the lever relative to the repetition lever. At the opposite end of the lever, a centrally pivoted platform structure is pivotally secured. The structure includes a surface which engages the hammer shank and at least one brake surface which engages the repetition lever.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1989Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Inventor: James R. Alexander
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Patent number: 4774868Abstract: In a piano normally of a grand piano type, a key action mechanism includes a combination of a fly lever distal end acting on a hammer lever through an intermediate thrust balancing lever, the thrust balancing lever being pivoted at an intermediate portion between proximal and distal ends thereof, and the thrust balancing lever distal end having a change-of-direction roller over which a non-resilient cord is drawn, one end of the cord being connected to an intermediate portion of a wippen lever pivoted at one end thereof, and an opposite end of the cord being connected to a proximate end of a helical spring, and a distal end of the helical spring being connected to an intermediate portion of the fly lever of which the fly lever's lower portion is pivotably mounted on a distal end of the wippen lever, such that when an upward portion of a laterally-extending proximal end of the fly lever is raised to contact an abutment, further raising of the wippen's distal end moves the thrust balancing distal end upwardly aType: GrantFiled: October 30, 1987Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Inventor: William S. Finholm
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Patent number: 4685371Abstract: Within each action of a grand piano there are certain wood surfaces which rub against other surfaces. These interfaces create friction, which adversely affects the playability of the piano. In order to reduce and overcome this friction, strips of fluorocarbon resin, having an extremely low coefficient of friction, are adhered to those wooden surfaces within the action which come into contact with other surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1985Date of Patent: August 11, 1987Inventor: Gary M. Levinson
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Patent number: 4226158Abstract: In the construction of a damper assembly for musical instruments, the conventionally used swingable damper lever for operationally relating a key to an associated damper wire is omitted and the swing movement of the key is either directly and indirectly converted into a corresponding fairly vertical movement of an elongated damper holder via a balance weight disposed to the bottom end of the damper holder in order to avoid undesired influences caused by swinging movement of any mechanical parts. Use of a plate type damper holder further advantageously prevents undesirable twist and dancing of the damper holder. Simultaneous, even and well-controlled pressure contact of the damper head with the vibrating string assures ideal damping and acoustic effects and use of detachable balance weight enables free adjustment of touch on the key.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1978Date of Patent: October 7, 1980Assignee: Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Kobayashi, Hiroyoshi Takahashi
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Patent number: 4203341Abstract: In the construction of a damper assembly of pianos, the conventionally used long-sized damper wire is replaced by a pair of separate short-sized lever components operationally related to each other via an additional intermediate damper lever for stabilized action of the assembly even without provision of the conventionally used guide rail. A shorter length damper wire joins the upper lever component to the damper head.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1978Date of Patent: May 20, 1980Assignee: Nippon Gakki Seizo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyoshi Takahashi
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Patent number: 4096779Abstract: Rectangularly-shaped wooden anchors are adhered by glue onto face surfaces of a wippen and a jack in a piano action. Each has a central annular opening through which a looped portion of a string extends for connection to a spring used to impose a spring force upon a repetition lever and upon a jack. Each anchor, made of wood, has a thickness of 0.12 inch or less and includes a slot extending to an edge to adjustably receive one terminal end of the string to provide the desired length to the loop in the string.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1977Date of Patent: June 27, 1978Inventor: Ernest Vagias