The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 1999
Filed:
Dec. 27, 1996
David Burgess, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A device for altering the effective mass of a stringed instrument employs a movable mass such as an adjustable calibrated weight affixed to an accessory or member on the body of the instrument. The adjustable weight is a known weight and in the form of a movable mass clamp that can be externally mounted on the endpin of a cello or bass. The adjustable weight can be a 'C' shaped body or a split collar style body with either one employing a threaded fastener to hold the body on the endpin. A variation encompasses a mounted adjustable weight in the form of a clamp affixed to some portion of an instrument. The clamp has a flexible interface or pad between the clamp and the instrument. A series of varying weights can be selected to be applied to the clamp. Another variation employs the endbutton on a violin. The endbutton has an opening disposed therethrough with threads provided therein. From a series of pins having threads disposed thereon, a pin is selected and is threadably engaged with the endbutton to place a selected mass inside the body of the violin. A friction fit may be used in lieu of threads. The pins can be tapered with the head of each pin having either a recessed socket or a raised cross bar to facilitate turning the pin into engagement with the endbutton. Consequently, due to the placement of a selectable mass in a selected position on a member on the body of a stringed instrument, the tone and feel can be more effectively and repeatably controlled.