Abstract: A keyboard instrument including a plurality of keys and a keyboard chassis, in which each key has a shaft or a shaft hole provided on one end side thereof. The keyboard chassis is provided with shafts when the plurality of keys has shaft holes, and is provided with shaft holes when the plurality of keys has shafts. This keyboard chassis supports the plurality of keys by the shafts being arranged in the shaft holes. Also, first spaces and second spaces are formed between an inner surface of the shaft hole and the shaft. The first spaces are positioned in a vertical direction of the key, and the second spaces are positioned in a longitudinal direction of the key. In addition, the second spaces are larger than the first spaces.

Abstract: A key guide structure for a keyboard instrument, which is capable of stably and appropriately guiding a key pivotally moved by key depression without generating noise. The key guide structure has guide holders each erected below a guide recess of each key, and guide members mounted to tops of the guide holders, respectively, each for sliding contact with lateral inner side surfaces of the recess. Each guide member includes a body disposed between the lateral inner side surfaces of the recess with a predetermined clearance, two lateral flexible portions laterally flexible and extending from lateral ends of a front or rear surface of the body in a manner protruding in a front-rear direction, and two lateral contact portions which are provided at front ends of the flexible portions in a manner protruding sideward and are in contact with the lateral inner side surfaces of the recess.

Abstract: A white key for a keyboard instrument, which makes it possible to improve yield and marketability and reduce manufacturing costs. The white key for a keyboard instrument includes a wooden key body, a synthetic resin-made upper cover bonded to the key body, and a synthetic resin-made front cover bonded to a front end face of the key body. The upper cover has a protrusion protruding downward from a front end thereof, and the protrusion and an upper end of the front cover are in contact with each other via respective inclined surfaces formed on the protrusion and the upper end of the front cover.

Abstract: A keyboard chassis capable of preventing deformation of the keyboard chassis even when the keyboard instrument is stored in an upright position, and a key guide structure capable of stably guiding a key without generating noise. The keyboard chassis is provided with a plurality of connection parts connecting between a rear support part and a front support part. Each connection part includes a plate-shaped vertical rib continuous with the rear support part and the front support part, and a plate-shaped reinforcement rib disposed on an upper end of the vertical rib, with a width increased in the left-right direction. The key guide structure includes key guide holders each having a mounting portion, and key guide bodies each mounted in the mounting portions in a state inserted from above, for being brought into sliding contact with inner side surfaces of a guide recess of each key.

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 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.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus configured that heavy loads to support keys and hammers are perpendicularly applied to front-side and rear-side contact portions and the area of a front part of a frame as seen from side can be reduced, thereby suppressing an amount of use of resin. The keyboard apparatus includes a frame integrally formed by resin and mounted with a stopper mounting portion to which an initial stopper is mounted. The frame is supported on a keybed only by front-side and rear-side supporting portions respectively contacting the keybed at locations beneath hammer pivot shafts and beneath key supports. In a longitudinal region between the stopper mounting portion and the front-side supporting portion, the height position of a lowermost part of the frame become higher at a position closer to the stopper mounting portion.

Abstract: An instructional device and associated method for illustrating the positions of keys and their associated notes on a keyboard are provided. The instructional device includes key markers that are adjustably mounted on a support structure in a configuration corresponding to the keys of a keyboard. The key markers correspond in size to the keys of the keyboard and are adjustable between the ends of the group of markers. Indicators are provided on the markers to indicate a chordal relationship between a respective one of the markers and the other markers. Thus, the device can be used, e.g., to indicate the position of the keys on a piano keyboard and, further, to indicate the relationship of the keys and associated notes to one another, such as by identifying various chordal relationships. In addition, the device can be adjusted to thereby illustrate such key positions and note relationships in connection with an inversion of one or more of the key markers relative to the others.

Abstract: A key structure which is capable of giving a woody appearance to the key, and increasing the freedom of mounting at least one functional part formed as a separate part from the key structure, while maintaining excellent machinability. An upper plate has an increased width part corresponding to an end of a white key toward a player. In the key structure, a wood part is secured to the lower surface of at least the increased width part of the upper plate, and has an increased width part having substantially the same width as the increased width part of the upper plate. The key structure is mountable in a keyboard apparatus, for functioning as a white key pivotally moved by key-depressing operation. A recess is formed in a part of the wood part including the increased width part, which opens downward and has a width (W0) not less than 50% and not more than 80% of the width (B0) of the increased width part of the wood part.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument is provided and methods of playing and assembling the same. The instrument comprises a controller for enabling activation of electronic signals having audible, visible, amplifiable, recordable and/or like characteristics, and a power source for operating the controller. A first keyboard is provided having a first selected length and being oriented in a first direction such that (i) audible notes of music from at least one internal sound module and/or at least one external sound module, (ii) recordable data to be enhanced or modified by an external sequencer or program controlled apparatus, (iii) photoelectric signals, and (iv) processes or mechanisms, triggered or controlled by external signals or data, for controlling machines, video playback or lighting, and/or the like may be generated and/or activated using a first hand of one or more users.

Abstract: A keyboard device is designed for use in an electronic musical keyboard instrument, and composed of a key frame and at least one key array unit mounted in the key frame. The key array unit has a plurality of keys and a common base part which integrates the plurality of the keys and which is fixed to the key frame. The key is composed of a key body having a front end portion, a rear end portion and a top face portion extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion, and a key supporting part which supports the key body in a vicinity of the rear end portion thereof for allowing the key body to pivot around the key supporting part when the top face portion of the key body is pressed downward and which couples the key body integrally to the common base part. The key supporting part is formed below a back of the top face portion of the key body at a position spaced from the rear end portion of the key body toward the front end portion of the key body.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus which is capable of imparting a natural key depression feeling with a definite and positive load change, with a simplified construction. A key touch feeling-imparting mechanism imparts a predetermined key touch feeling to a key when it is depressed. The key touch feeling-imparting mechanism is comprised of a receiving part provided on a support member, and an elastic engaging unit that has one end thereof held by a key operating part of an associated key and another end thereof slidably engaged with the receiving part.

Abstract: A stopper for a keyboard-based musical instrument is provided for accomplishing a good stopping feeling of a pivotable member, thereby making it possible to improve a touch feeling and restrain collision noise and other noise. A stopper 7 for a keyboard-based musical instrument with which a pivotable member 6 comes into contact while said pivotal member pivotally moves in association with a key touch, thereby restraining the pivotal movement of said pivotable member 6, comprises a mass 26, a first cushion 25 laminated on a front side of said mass 26, and a second cushion 27 laminated on a back side of said mass 26. Preferably, the mass 26 is made of a metal, and the first cushion 25 is harder than the second cushion 27.

Abstract: A keyboard device is designed for use in an electronic musical keyboard instrument, and composed of a key frame and at least one key array unit mounted in the key frame. The key array unit has a plurality of keys and a common base part which integrates the plurality of the keys and which is fixed to the key frame. The key is composed of a key body having a front end portion, a rear end portion and a top face portion extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion, and a key supporting part which supports the key body in a vicinity of the rear end portion thereof for allowing the key body to pivot around the key supporting part when the top face portion of the key body is pressed downward and which couples the key body integrally to the common base part. The key supporting part is formed below a back of the top face portion of the key body at a position spaced from the rear end portion of the key body toward the front end portion of the key body.

Abstract: Keyboard apparatus has a frame and a key pivotably mounted on the frame. Key guide structure includes a key-side guide member provided inside the key, and a frame-side guide member provided on the frame. The key-side guide member has at least one convexly-formed portion projecting from the inner surface of a distal end portion of the key, remote from a pivot point of the key, toward the pivot point. The frame-side guide member permits movement of the key-side guide member along a pivoting direction of the key, but limits lateral movement of the key-side guide member.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided with a key unit that has a plurality of keys supported for pivotal motion. Also provided is a detection section for detecting a key speed when any of the keys are pivoted. The key unit and detection section are supported by a housing having a bottom member formed of a resin. A reinforcing member having a sufficient rigidity is provided to reinforce the bottom member of the housing such as to reduce warping of the bottom member so as to reduce movement of the detection section as a result of warping of the bottom member.

Abstract: A multiple bit screwdriver comprising a plurality of tool bits, an elongate member defining an axial passage adapted to receive said bits therein positioned tip to end so that the foremost bit operably extends from the passage and is rotatable with the elongate member, first and second retainers connected to the elongate member near each end of the passage and extending radially inward into the passage to engage frictionally the foremost and last bits to prevent said bits from falling out of either end, and a motion restricting member within the passage having an expandable engagement portion that cooperates with at least one tool bit to permit the movement of bits within the passage in one direction only. The engagement portion is expandable in response a tool bit being pushed therethrough in one direction, but resists expanding when a tool bit is being pushed in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus for musical instruments such as pianos, organs, clavichords, and harpsichords, and methods for making and using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a plurality of keys, a plurality of lever assemblies each operably connected with its corresponding key, and a main fulcrum that together replicate the touch of an acoustic piano keyboard. It can be used in electronic and acoustic instruments, can be adjusted to simulate the feel of a selected type of keyboard instrument, and is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Abstract: A jig is used in an assemblage between key sensors and an acoustic piano, and the jig has a shutter guide assembled with a casing of optical sensor array for aligning slits with target trajectories of shutter plates and pieces of adhesive double coated tape adhered to the shutter plates for aligning the shutter plates with associated white/black keys, wherein the shutter plates are inserted into the slits so that the shutter plates are placed on the target trajectories, and the white/black keys are moved along the target trajectories until they are brought into contact with the pieces of adhesive double coated tape for temporality tacking the shutter plates to the associated white/black keys.

Abstract: A key support member of a keyboard assembly pivotally supports a plurality of keys each including a body, a hinge portion, and a rear end portion. A movably-mounting device is used to mount the keys onto the key support member via the rear end portion of the each of the keys in a manner such that the keys can be moved by moving the rear end portion of the each of the keys. When the keys have been mounted on the key support member, the movably-mounting device engages the keys with the key support member in a manner such that the keys are movable relative to the key support member.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide relatively inexpensive methods and apparatus for modifying existing pianos to provide interchangeable keyboards of different sizes without sacrificing or impairing the quality of the original piano. The keys of a standard piano are removed and the pins in the front rail of the key frame are replaced with pins which are more closely positioned. The original keys are then replaced with new keys of narrower dimensions which are more closely positioned in the area of the front rail.

Abstract: An keyboard assembly for an electronic musical instrument is mainly constructed by a key frame, a key, a key switch and an assembly guide member. A fixing portion of the key is supported by the key frame such that a front portion of the key can be freely rotated up and down. An actuator is attached to and projected downward from a lower side of the key. The key switch (or a key-depression sensor) has an elastic projecting portion at its upper end. This key switch is provided on the key frame and is driven by the actuator, which depresses down the elastic projecting portion of the key switch when the key is depressed down. The assembly guide member guides the key when the key is moved in an assembling direction (i.e., a longitudinal direction of the key) in order to carry out an assembling operation to assemble the key and the key frame together.

Abstract: An keyboard assembly for an electronic musical instrument is mainly constructed by a key frame, a key, a key switch and an assembly guide member. A fixing portion of the key is supported by the key frame such that a front portion of the key can be freely rotated up and down. An actuator is attached to and projected downward from a lower side of the key. The key switch (or a key-depression sensor) has an elastic projecting portion at its upper end. This key switch is provided on the key frame and is driven by the actuator, which depresses down the elastic projecting portion of the key switch when the key is depressed down. The assembly guide member guides the key when the key is moved in an assembling direction (i.e., a longitudinal direction of the key) in order to carry out an assembling operation to assemble the key and the key frame together.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is constructed on a frame having a plurality of support members. A plurality of keys are movably supported by the corresponding support members such that each key can be operated by a finger action to undergo a primary stroke movement. A plurality of mass members are disposed in the frame. Each mass member is linked to a corresponding key for undergoing a secondary stroke movement in response to the primary stroke movement of the corresponding key so as to impart a dynamic reaction to the finger action. A stopper member is disposed in the frame not only for directly fixing a limit of the secondary stroke movement of each mass member, but also for indirectly fixing a limit of the primary stroke movement of the corresponding key. Further, a plurality of guiding members are arranged in the frame remotely from the support members and correspondingly to the respective keys.

Abstract: A keyboard for use in a musical instrument or other application includes a key incorporating two guide pins extending downward from directly underneath the key. The front guide pin passes through two bushings, the rear guide pin passes through one bushing. Various preferred embodiments are disclosed including: Application to a Janko musical keyboard with independent keys and MIDI functions; A combination return spring and motion sensor; a swing arm return spring and contact spring mechanism; and a method of bundling together multiple frame members to hold multiple key rows with enhanced rigidity.

Abstract: A key guide for use in a musical or other keyboard comprises a chassis (17), a bumper (16), a bushing (13) and a track (10). The bushing slides against the track during operation. Bushing support means (12) connect the bushing with the chassis and allow limited side motion of the bushing in response to side force produced during operation. The bumper is formed of a softer material than the bushing and is disposed to cushion impact of the bushing with the chassis. Means are provided to disengage the bumper from the bushing and/or the chassis when compressive side force is reversed. Various embodiments are disclosed which accommodate side force over 360 degrees and in two opposite directions. An embodiment utilizing the invention to guide an independent Janko musical keyboard key is disclosed.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument includes a plurality of keys mounted on a casing in juxtaposed relation. Each of the keys has a retaining portion engageable with a key stop portion on the casing to limit the upward movement of the key. A resilient leaf is formed integral with each key and extends rearwardly therefrom. The resilient leaf nomally urges each key into its raised position. The resilient leaf has an engaging section at its rear portion. The engaging section is detachably retained in a retaining groove formed on the casing. A guide surface is formed on the casing immediately adjacent to and forwardly of the retaining groove for facilitating the insertion of the engaging section into the retaining groove.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly incorporates a plurality of key members molded of thermoplastic material, each of the keys having an integrally formed pivot wall supported on a pair of pivot points disposed on a pair of pivot members integral with a pivot bracket. A key guide strip for the key member has a pair of vertically aligned projections, for supporting bumpers which guide the forward end of the key member and which provide a cushioning action for noiselessly stopping of upward movement of the key member.