Worm Gear Patents (Class 84/306)
  • Patent number: 11568838
    Abstract: A stringed instrument bridge comprising: a bridge body; a receiving surface that is generally flat and horizontal; a first angled member abutting a first side of the receiving surface, the first angled member having a first angled surface with a first threaded hole; a second angled member abutting a second side of the receiving surface, the second side on an opposite side from the first side, the second angled member having a second angled surface with a second threaded hole; a step block attachable to the receiving surface; the step block comprising a plurality of steps; a plurality of saddles, each saddle configured to sit on one of the steps; a first wedge lock, the first wedge lock having a first slotted screw hole, the first wedge lock configured to attach to the bridge body at the first angled member via a first screw configured to engage the first slotted screw hole and the first threaded hole; a second wedge lock, the second wedge lock having a second slotted screw hole, the second wedge lock configur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventor: Evan Haynes
  • Patent number: 11074893
    Abstract: Tuning assemblies for stringed musical instruments are provided. One implementation of a tuning assembly includes a housing that includes a plurality of worm wheel chambers, a plurality of worm shaft chambers, and a plurality of string slots. The tuning assembly may also include a plurality of worm wheels configured to reside within the worm wheel chambers of the housing. Each worm wheel may be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof. Also, each worm wheel may include a first worm gear and a string anchor through-hole. The tuning assembly may also include a plurality of worm shafts configured to reside within the worm shaft chambers of the housing. Each worm shaft may be configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof and may include a second worm gear, which may be configured for engagement with the first worm gear to enable tuning of the strings of an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Peachtree Bridge Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Zorich
  • Patent number: 10395629
    Abstract: A guitar restringing device includes one or more mandrils that rotate about one or more mandril guide axles. The one or more mandril guide axles are configured to constrain motion of the one or more mandrils keeping constant tension on a replacement guitar string during a string winding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Bruce Lambert
  • Patent number: 10176788
    Abstract: On a worm drive the second bushing of the worm is replaced with an oblique thrust surface or made to follow a path constraining the worm to move closer to the gear as it is pushed forward by the gear itself as a result of the torque applied by the load. The oblique forces thus generated push the worm towards the gear and constitute a meshing force that makes the system self-adjusting with zero play between the parts, eliminating backlash and dependency from manufacturing tolerances and from the effects of wear. It also results in freedom of movement between worm and gear allowing them to be easily disengaged. The meshing force is predictable and independent from the deformability of the parts, and makes possible the use of stronger triangular teeth, allowing much higher gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Eduardo Edison Gonzalez Middleton
  • Patent number: 9620091
    Abstract: A universal tuning knob for stringed instruments is presented. The invention consists of a knob with an elongated and threaded cylindrical shaft. The shaft includes a lumen sized to receive the machine head post of any stringed instrument. The outside perimeter of the knob is configured for grip. The threaded cylindrical shaft includes a slot on its side wall to receive and retain a bushing. The bushing includes a second slot that can be notched (i.e. sized) to fit and lock the machine head post of any stringed instrument. A sleeve lock with internal threads is threaded onto the threaded cylindrical shaft of the knob thereby retaining the bushing. An optional second lumen on the head of the knob is configured to receive a mounting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory Manuel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9275613
    Abstract: Systems, kits and methods are provided for mounting multiple tuning machines to a stringed musical instrument without requiring permanent alteration of the instrument. An exemplary mounting element includes a multiplicity of post apertures. Each post aperture is configured to receive a string post of a respective tuning machine, which is then axially secured within respective head stock holes of the instrument. The mounting element includes one or more alignment detents associated with the post apertures. The axial securement generally does not require penetration of the instrument independent of the head stock holes. When the string posts are received by their post apertures and are axially secured to the head stock of the instrument, the alignment detents restrict rotation of the tuner gear housing with respect to the instrument. The axial securement is preferably via threaded engagement between a threaded hub of the tuning machine and a respective barrel nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hipshot Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joshua Borisoff
  • Patent number: 9240166
    Abstract: Devices and methods for mounting a tuning machine with locator pins to a stringed instrument having a mounting configuration with receiving holes that are misaligned with the tuning machines locator pins. A mounting element is provided having top and bottom surfaces and a post aperture to receive the tuning machine's post. Tuning machine alignment apertures in the top surface are in alignment with and adapted to receive the locator pins when the post is located within the post aperture, and instrument alignment elements in the bottom surface are in alignment with the receiving holes on the instrument when the post is located within the post aperture on the mounting element and the first post aperture on the instrument. The top surface complementarily receives the base of the tuning machine, and the bottom surface complementarily fits with the mounting configuration of the instrument such that the tuning machine can be secured to the mismatched instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: David Dunwoodie
  • Patent number: 9177536
    Abstract: A string adjustment apparatus includes an outer shell, an adjustment stem member, a winding shaft member and a base. The outer shell includes a housing recess and a recess opening. The adjustment stem member includes a stem and a turning peg. The winding shaft member includes a shaft, a worm gear portion and a string hole portion. The base includes a plate corresponding to the recess opening and a first tube extended from the plate towards a direction remote from the outer shell. The worm gear portion and the stem are located in the housing recess and coupled with each other. The shaft runs through the first tube to make the string hole portion to pass through the first tube and also make the plate to cover the recess opening. Thus, a simpler structure is formed to make assembly easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: PING WELL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsung-Min Chang
  • Patent number: 7973225
    Abstract: The mounting position of a winding shaft on a main body is changed, and a peg may be mounted in various stringed instruments by miniaturizing the main body or reducing the thickness thereof. The peg for the stringed instrument includes a main body mounted in the stringed instrument; a worm rotatably supported by the main body, the worm having a knob at an end thereof; a worm wheel engaging with the worm, the worm wheel rotatably supported by the main body; a winding shaft connecting to one side of the worm wheel in an axial direction, the winding shaft for winding a string of the stringed instrument; and bearing holes formed in at least two surfaces of the main body, the bearing holes supporting the winding shaft rotatably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Goto
  • Patent number: 7935876
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for string load reduction and real-time pitch alteration on stringed instruments. A string load is substantially reduced with a camming surface actuator so that the pitch can be rapidly manipulated by an input force which is generated by human power or an electronically controlled motor. Various types of camming surfaces are provided as well as a load optimization calculation which determines the shape of a variable ratio camming surface. Multiple embodiments are described including a constant force pitch alteration device, a motorized control system with pitch compensation and real-time tracking of string pitch to multiple relative input signals, a control signal generator based on real-time position measurement of a control object relative to an electromagnetic radiation sensor, and methods for generating mechanical looping, vibrato, and polyphonic chorus effects which can be automated or dynamically controlled by a user. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: John Raymond West
  • Publication number: 20100242704
    Abstract: The mounting position of a winding shaft on a main body is changed, and a peg may be mounted in various stringed instruments by miniaturizing the main body or reducing the thickness thereof. The peg for the stringed instrument includes a main body mounted in the stringed instrument; a worm rotatably supported by the main body, the worm having a knob at an end thereof; a worm wheel engaging with the worm, the worm wheel rotatably supported by the main body; a winding shaft connecting to one side of the worm wheel in an axial direction, the winding shaft for winding a string of the stringed instrument; and bearing holes formed in at least two surfaces of the main body, the bearing holes supporting the winding shaft rotatably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GOTOH GUT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masaki Goto
  • Patent number: 7659467
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the tension of the strings of a guitar having at least two strings, particularly an electric guitar or a bass, particularly an electric bass, in which each string of the guitar or bass is, with one end, wound on a turning peg of an adjusting mechanism mounted on the neck of the guitar or of the bass. The adjusting mechanism contains a combination consisting of a worm shaft and of a worm wheel and, due to these, is provided with a self-locking ability. The aim of the invention is to improve the design of a device of the aforementioned type so that, without considerably altering the basic shape of the guitar or of the bass, this device can automatically adjust the tension of individual strings of the instrument reliably and precisely whereby ultimately enabling them to be tuned. To this end, a drive unit for each adjusting mechanism is mounted on the neck of the guitar or of the bass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Tectus Anstalt
    Inventor: Christopher Adams
  • Patent number: 7632997
    Abstract: A tuning machine for a musical instrument includes a base configured to engage a headstock of the musical instrument, an actuator rotatably connected to the base, a shaft rotatably connected to the base, the shaft providing a first aperture sized to receive a string of the musical instrument, the shaft being connected to the actuator such that actuation of the actuator causes rotation of the shaft about an axis of the shaft, a clamp member movably connected to the shaft and configured to engage the string, and a bias member connected to the clamp member and the shaft to bias the clamp member toward a closed position to engage the string when received by the shaft, where the clamp member and the shaft cooperate to inhibit removal of the string received by the shaft with the clamp member engaging the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: First Act Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Small, Mark S. Izen
  • Patent number: 7550661
    Abstract: A D-Tuner for mounting on the peghead of a banjo. The D-Tuner has keyed cam pegs, adjustable stops for limiting the extent of rotation of the cam pegs, and linear flexible members attached to the cam pegs. The flexible members are suitable for attachment to the second B string and third G string of a banjo for tuning the banjo when the keyed cam pegs are turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: W. Coy Willis
  • Publication number: 20090064841
    Abstract: A tuning machine for a musical instrument includes a base configured to engage a headstock of the musical instrument, an actuator rotatably connected to the base, a shaft rotatably connected to the base, the shaft providing a first aperture sized to receive a string of the musical instrument, the shaft being connected to the actuator such that actuation of the actuator causes rotation of the shaft about an axis of the shaft, a clamp member movably connected to the shaft and configured to engage the string, and a bias member connected to the clamp member and the shaft to bias the clamp member toward a closed position to engage the string when received by the shaft, where the clamp member and the shaft cooperate to inhibit removal of the string received by the shaft with the clamp member engaging the string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: First Act, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Small, Mark S. Izen
  • Patent number: 7488879
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument having a head and a hole formed in the head includes: a main body which is mounted to the head; a worm gear rotatably provided to the main body and having a knob on an end portion thereof; a worm wheel rotatably supported by the main body and engaging with the worm gear; a winding shaft having an axis, the winding shaft connected to the worm wheel and inserted into the hole of the head in the condition that the main body is mounted to the head; and a ring-shaped guide member penetrated by the winding shaft and fitted into the hole of the head. The guide member is inserted to the main body along the axis of the winding shaft so as to be secured to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Gotoh
  • Patent number: 7138572
    Abstract: The present invention provides a peg for stringed instruments, which can reduce rotational errors of a worm gear due to a backlash caused during tuning of a string as low as possible. The peg is also possible to reduce the friction at each rotational portion, to prevent it from seizing up, to greatly reduce a work time required for wiping off a fluid lubricant, and to retain a stable performance for a long time. In the present invention, the peg for stringed instruments comprises a worm rotatable in accordance with rotation of a knob; and a worm wheel mated with the worm and communicated with a string attachment. A solid lubricating material layer is formed on a surface of at least one of the worm and the worm wheel as well as on a worm rod of the worm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6989482
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument is provided, The peg has a main body 10; a pair of bearings 12 erected at two sides of the main body so as to oppose each other, a worm gear 21 which is rotatably supported in a large diameter hole 15 and a small diameter hole 16 which has a knob 29 on one end portion, and a winding shaft 30 which is connected to the worm gear 21 via a worm wheel 40. The bearing 12 is formed of a material having spring-like properties and thus has increased elastic limit and avoids deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 6815596
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument having rotatably supported, at the main body 20 for mounting at the head portion H of the stringed instrument, a worm wheel 30 having a winding shaft 40 at one end portion and a worm gear 33 which meshes with the worm wheel 30 and has a knob at one end portion, and at the worm wheel 30, a hole 31 having a portion with a non-circular cross-section is formed, and the winding shaft 40 is provided with a winding shaft main body 42 onto which string is wound and a closely fitting portion 43 which passes through the plate portion 24 of the main body 20 and has a smaller diameter than the winding shaft main body 42. The closely fitting portion 43 is screwed in by being closely fitted in the portion of the hole 31 having a non-circular cross-section and then inserting the tightening device 50 into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 6706956
    Abstract: A peg mechanism and peg for stringed instruments is provided. It requires no skilled techniques and dedicated tools for manufacturing and maintaining instruments easily. It is applicable to the existing instruments, easy to perform tuning and fine-tuning, and usable for a long time period in stable A certain number of cylindrical throughholes, each having an inner surface with an axially uniform diameter, are provided along the extending direction of strings and sequentially on a support wall formed in a head stock of a stringed instrument. A bushing composed of a abrasion quality material is sandwiched between a string post for winding a string and a knob for rotating the string post, and secured in the throughhole. An adjusting means is provided between the string post and the knob for relatively displacing the string post close to and apart from the knob by external operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., LTD
    Inventor: Masaki Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6703547
    Abstract: An improved tuning peg construction 10 for applying selective tension on a string 101 of a musical instrument 100 wherein the construction includes a tuning peg member 20 having a threaded shaft 21 adapted to engage the toothed gear 103 on a tuning peg 102 attached to one of the string 101 of a musical instrument; wherein, the outboard end of the tuning peg member 20 is provided with a contoured post 20 that is received in a reciprocating fashion in a contoured recess 34 formed in a tuning knob member 30 which is normally spring biased into a free-wheeling spaced relationship with the tuning peg member 20 until such time as the musician desires to change the tension on the string 101 of the instrument 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Fred G. Hovermann, Jr., Peter J. Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20040040432
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus provides for an optimum musical stringed instrument dynamic force chain comprised of simultaneous axial witness point adjustment mechanism, adjustable truss rod, high energy resilient and low friction tremolo bearing and mechanically optimized inline sensor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Gary D. Erickson, Steven B. Wolff
  • Patent number: 6608248
    Abstract: A device for tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a pinion which is connected with a string post and a worm which is disposed in meshing engagement with the pinion. An annular groove may extend around the string post. A slot may extend inward from an end of the string post. A string passage includes a central passage which extends only part way through the string post and has an end surface area disposed in the string post at a location adjacent to a bottom surface of the slot. A transverse passage extends only part way through the string post and intersects the central passage. The transverse passage has an opening in the annular groove. The bottom of the slot in the string post may be skewed at an acute angle relative to a central axis of the string post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Sperzel
  • Patent number: 6580022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a machine head for a guitar. The machine head comprises a clamping section which has a tuning peg and a clamping cap. The tuning peg is defined with a first insertion hole, which extends in a transverse direction and through which a guitar string is inserted, and a second insertion hole, which extends in a longitudinal direction and is communicated with the first insertion hole. The tuning peg is formed on a circumferential outer surface thereof with an externally threaded portion. The clamping cap is formed on a circumferential inner surface thereof with an internally threaded portion and has integrated therewith a clamping member. The clamping member is inserted through the second insertion hole and has a lower end of a semi-spherical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Soo Kang
  • Patent number: 6365809
    Abstract: A tuning post for a stringed musical instrument which includes an integral string severing mechanism which automatically severs the excess length of a string while the string is being tensioned. A sharp edged aperture in the string post through which the excess string protrudes cooperates with a stationary sharp cutting edge to sever the string while the post is being turned during the initial tuning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Ned Steinberger
  • Patent number: 6023014
    Abstract: A musical instrument has a plurality of strings connected with string posts having central axes disposed in a single plane which extends perpendicular to opposite sides of a head portion of the musical instrument. A string tuning device is connected with each of the strings. The string tuning device is operable to tension the string of a musical instrument to obtain a predetermined initial tension or pitch. A plurality of detuning actuators are provided in association with the tuning devices. The detuning actuators are manually operable to change the tension in a string of the musical instrument from the initial tension by a predetermined amount. Each of the tuning devices includes a worm which is disposed in meshing engagement with a pinion connected with a string post. The detuning actuator is connected with one end of the worm by a coupling which allows the worm to be rotated relative to the detuning actuator during the obtaining of the predetermined tension in the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Sperzel
  • Patent number: 5847295
    Abstract: An improved attachment means for attaching a tuning device to a stringed instrument is disclosed. With a tuning device having a housing forming an integral cylindrical portion, a gusset is affixed to the housing extending in an angular line into a mating groove provided in the lower side of the instrument head of equal angularity to said gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Klepacki
  • Patent number: 5767427
    Abstract: A device for tuning a stringed instrument includes a housing attachable to the instrument, an elongate output shaft extending from within a gear chamber of the housing and having a string spindle on a distal end zone thereof, and an in-line drive gear assembly within the gear chamber for turning the spindle in order to wind a string of the instrument thereabout, thereby adjusting the string tension. The drive gear assembly includes a first reduction gear assembly, operable by turning a first knob, for rotating the spindle in accordance with a first rate of rotation to make coarse adjustments, and a second reduction gear assembly, in-line with the first reduction gear assembly, and operable in conjunction therewith by turning a second knob, thereby rotating the spindle in accordance with a second rate of rotation for fine tuning the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Steve Corso
  • Patent number: 5760320
    Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, has a finger-board, a headstock located at one end of the finger-board, and a plurality of machine-heads mounted on the finger-board for adjusting the tension of the strings. Each machine-head has a rotatable winding peg for winding a respective string to be adjusted, and a rotatable adjusting handle coupled to the winding peg for rotating the peg. The axis of rotation of the adjusting handle is inclined rearwardly relative to the plane of the finger-board and is non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding peg. In addition, the axis of rotation of the adjusting handle is inclined at an acute angle relative to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument and generally toward the opposite end of the instrument, in order to facilitate the ability of a person playing the instrument to locate and adjust each machine-head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Kaman Music Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Gooday
  • Patent number: 5747712
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument has a winding shaft made up a base shaft portion having a free end and adjustable shaft portion. The adjustable shaft portion is in threaded engagement with the free end of the base shaft portion. The base shaft portion is connected with a worm gear, with the worm gear being connected to a knob for adjustment of the rotational position of the winding shaft. A fixing screw member is located in the base shaft portion, and is axially engageable with the bottom surface of the adjustable shaft portion. Accordingly, the position of the outer string winding surface of the adjustable shaft portion is axially adjustable, and is axially fixable by the fixing screw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 5728955
    Abstract: An improved tuning device includes a housing which a least partially encloses a worm, pinion gear and shaft or string post. The housing includes a main member which encloses the worm and an extension member which is formed separately from the main housing member and encloses the shaft. The extension housing member has a head end portion which is disposed in the main housing member and a shank portion which extends outward from the head end portion. The shank portion of the extension housing member is indented to engage a groove in the shaft. When the tuning device is to be assembled, the extension housing member is deformed into engagement with the groove in the shaft and is then connected with the main housing member. When the extension housing member is to be connected with the main housing member, the extension housing member, shaft and pinion are inserted through an opening in an outer side of the main housing member and then through an opening in an inner side of the main housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Robert J. Sperzel
  • Patent number: 5285709
    Abstract: A machine head, especially for precision tuning of a guitar string or strings, avoids the slackness between the cog and worm gear drive of the existing design which can give rise to tuning slip and imprecise tuning. The proposed machine head has a spindle to which a string is secured at one end and carries an arm (2a). Adjusting screw (3) cooperates threadingly with an abutment (7) and the end of the adjusting screw bears on the arm whereby rotation of the adjusting screw determines the position of the arm and hence tension in the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: John D. Grant
  • Patent number: 5171927
    Abstract: A standard guitar or bass guitar, and method, in which a combination worm wheel and ratchet wheel is combined with a combination worm element and pawl element. The result is highly efficient coarse tuning and fine tuning of a guitar string. In accordance with another invention, an adjustable saddle mechanism is provided for a guitar string. It comprises upper and lower saddle elements. A compound lever system is provided to lock the saddle elements in any one of an infinite number of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Collins Kubicki, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kubicki, Ronald O. Browne
  • Patent number: 5018424
    Abstract: A tuning peg for a stringed musical instrument comprises a cylindrical housing adapted to be mounted on a stringed musical instrument. The housing has a central chamber, an axially extending slot and a shearing surface. A slider is positioned within the central chamber and has a key projecting into the slot for allowing the slider to move axially relative to the housing and for preventing rotation of the slider relative to the housing. One end of the slider has a transverse aperture for receiving a string, a screw for clamping the string in the aperture and a shearing surface proximate to the aperture and the shearing surface on the housing. A knob is threaded on the other end of the slider. The knob is rotatable relative to the housing but is prevented from axial movement relative to the housing such that rotation of the knob moves the slider in the axial direction to tune the string and shear the string between the shearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Steinberger Sound Corporation
    Inventor: Ned Steinberger
  • Patent number: 4974481
    Abstract: A tuning machine is provided with an adjustable bearing surface for eliminating mesh backlash and end play which gradually develope between the worm and worm gear over years of service. The worm is held against the worm gear by a pair of saddle bearings formed on a sliding retainer. When the bearing wear develops an unacceptable backlash or end play develops, the retainer is loosened and repositioned closer to the worm. In the new position the worm is returned to its original intimate engagement with the worm gear. Simultaneously, the worm, is axially centered due to opposed bevel surfaces on the worm and saddle bearings. The new worm to worm gear mesh is free of backlash and endplay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: John M. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 4970930
    Abstract: A string cutting and clamping apparatus for a stringed instrument which includes an axial bore in the string winding shaft and a screw threaded cutting and clamping stem mounted therein. The wall of the shaft is provided with aligned openings adjacent the bottom of the bore for reception of a string to be cut and clamped. The stem is advanced by turning in the bore and the bottom edge surface of the stem severs the string by shearing action against the inner edge of one of the openings. Continued advancing of the stem clamps the severed end of the string against the flat bottom surface of the bore. The bottom surface of the bore is spaced a distance below the cutting edge of the opening so that the string is completely severed as the stem passes the cutting edge of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Shane W. Secord
  • Patent number: 4945800
    Abstract: In a stringed musical instrument machine head, a string post is supported by a housing for rotation about its longitudinal axis and has an upper portion extending from the housing for attachment to a string and a lower portion carrying a worm wheel. A relatively long intermediate bearing portion of the post passes through an equally long bearing opening in the housing to reduce the ability of the post to wobble or shift relative to the housing, and further restraint against such unwanted movement of the post relative to the housing is provided by having the housing include a sleeve portion defining the lower part of the bearing opening and received in a recess in the worm wheel, with the worm wheel and sleeve portion of the housing also having co-engaging bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Helmut F. K. Schaller
  • Patent number: 4860627
    Abstract: A machine for tuning a guitar comprises a pair of facing posts extending at right angles to a wall of a base to be mounted on the guitar; the posts and wall being an integral casting of silicon bronze. A worm gear assembly is mounted in bores with a common axis in the posts. The worm gear assembly includes a worm gear shaft extending between the bores and a handle carrying shaft protruding beyond one of said posts. A gear wheel assembly secured to an extending through a bore in the wall has a gear wheel portion with a longitudinal axis at right angles to the worm gear shaft axis. The gear wheel portion engages the worm gear shaft axis so that turning of the handle and the worm gear results in turning of the gear sheet portion. The gear wheel assembly includes a guitar string tuning peg coaxial with the gear wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Irving Sloane
  • Patent number: 4827825
    Abstract: A tuning peg for stringed instruments having a core shaft which is rotated as a string spool shaft by a manually-operated knob and an outer sleeve which is externally mounted on the core shaft. The top surface of the core shaft is formed as a string receiving surface and at least the lower part of the core shaft is formed as a threaded pulling part. At least the lower part of the outer sleeve is made as an internal thread part which engages with the threaded pulling of the core shaft and the trunk part of the outer sleeve is provided with a string passing hole which is open in the orthogonal direction to the axis of the outer sleeve and the ceiling surface of the string passing hole inside the outer sleeve is formed as a string pushing surface. When a string is passed through the string passing hole and the knob is rotated, the outer sleeve lowers and the string pushing surface pushes the string onto the string receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Yugen Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Goto, Jun Sekino
  • Patent number: 4693160
    Abstract: Means for tensioning the strings of a guitar includes a rotary adjusting member, a manually operable control member, and a worm gear type drive means connecting the control member to drive the adjusting member. The adjusting member includes a portion for holding the tail end of a string that is supported on a string tensioning portion of the adjusting member. The string tensioning portion includes a convex surface that is eccentric with respect to the axis about which the adjusting member rotates and is constructed so that there is a non-linear relationship between incremental movements of the adjusting member and tensioning of the string, with this relationship being such that the rate of string tensioning decreases as the magnitude of string tension increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Hoshino
  • Patent number: 4648303
    Abstract: A device on a string tightener for string instruments, comprising a fixing peg for the string which may be attached to the neck of the instrument. The fixing peg is rotatably mounted by means of a self-locking worm. The free end of the peg is provided with a threaded section, which works in conjunction with a screw or a nut. A plane section running radially has been provided for clamping down the string, said plane section working in conjunction with a corresponding section on the screw or nut, or with a part working in conjunction with these. This part may be a distance bush, mounted on top of the plane section of the peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventors: Jan Braathen, Kristian Bryn
  • Patent number: 4643069
    Abstract: A tuner device for a string instrument such as a guitar including a conventional tuning machine such as one incorporating a worm gear drive for initially tuning a string by controllably rotating the output shaft which has mounted thereon a peg on which a string is wound. The tuning machine is mounted on a support plate assembly which is selectively arcuately rockable through a small angle from its rest position to its operative or detuned position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventors: David J. Borisoff, Boris Borisoff
  • Patent number: 4625614
    Abstract: An improved tuning device for a string of a musical instrument includes a string post having an opening at one end to receive the string. In order to tune the string, a worm and pinion are manually actuated to rotate the string post. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a passage extends axially through the pinion and at least part way through the string post. In one embodiment of the invention, a clamp is provided in the passage to grip the string. In another embodiment of the invention, the string itself is pulled through the passage. In both embodiments of the invention, the string is manually pulled taut before actuating the worm and pinion to rotate the string post and tune the string. This enables the string to be quickly and easily tuned by turning the string post through less than one revolution. Since the string post is turned through less than one revolution, less than one complete turn or coil of the string is wrapped around the string post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventor: Robert J. Spercel
  • Patent number: 4528887
    Abstract: An improved tuning device for mounting upon stringed musical instruments such as the guitar, banjo, mandolin and the like. The improvement relates to providing a construction wherein the winding spindle or drum upon which the string is attached may be selectively and independently rotated on a one to one basis or on a high multiple to one basis. The one to one turning ratio is designed to be used to initially wind the string from a relaxed condition to a pre-tuned degree of tension associated with replacing worn or broken strings. The multiple tuning basis is, in typical fashion, employed to fine tune the string tension to produce the appropriate musical note.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventor: J. Robert Frederick
  • Patent number: 4515059
    Abstract: A new type of tuning machine for a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, is disclosed. In order to permit the original instrument manufacturer, individual musicians or the local repair service to replace tuning machines without necessitating factory work and machining, a universal tuning machine configuration is utilized which will permit both left-hand and right-hand orientations. In addition, in order to accommodate the existing installation apertures and to avoid cosmetic alterations, a variety of mounting adaptor plates is provided to adapt the new unit to the old apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Inventor: Roger H. Siminoff
  • Patent number: 4498366
    Abstract: A tuning machine for a stringed musical instrument employing posts for adjusting the tension of the strings. The posts are split so that each string is clamped passing through the post rather than relying on the friction of the string wrapped around the post. This construction results in the string remaining properly tuned for a longer period of time than in the wrapped arrangement presently in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Inventor: Stephen P. Carr
  • Patent number: D386778
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: D389857
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: D411856
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: In-Jae Park
  • Patent number: D415190
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino