GB2241369A - A key for a musical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

A key (10) for a musical instrument has a finger pad (20) and a finger pad support (18), wherein the finger pad (20) is moveable in relation to the finger pad support (18). This arrangement allows the position of the finger pad (20) to be adjustable so as to accommodate the needs of players having an unusually large or small finger span. The finger pad may be retained in a number of positions by a tongue engaging grooves in the support (fig 2b). The key may be snap-fitted to a respective musical instrument. <IMAGE>

Description

A key for a musical instrument The invention relates to a key relates to a key for a musical instrument, particularly but not exclusively for a woodwind or brass instrument.

Woodwind and brass instruments are usually made to a standard size. In particular, the keys are of a standard size and configuration. This can present problems for players having an unusually large or small finger span and for younger players, particularly in relation to the keys operated by the little fingers of each hand. Those players with an unusually small finger span often have difficulty reaching these keys and those having a very large finger span may find the keys awkward to operate.

It is an object of the invention to provide a key for a musical instrument which is easy to operate by all players.

The invention provides a key for a musical instrument, having a finger pad and a finger pad support, wherein the finger pad is moveable in relation to the finger pad support.

Such an arrangement allows the finger pad of the key to be adjusted to suit the needs of any particular individual player. It is particularly useful for players who begin to learn an instrument at an early age and whose finger span alters over a period of time.

Preferably, means for retaining the finger pad in at least one selected position in relation to the support are provided. This arrangement avoids the possibility of the finger pad moving whilst the instrument is in use.

Preferably the retaining means comprise a tongue and a plurality of grooves extending transversely to the direction of movement of the finger pad in relation to the finger pad support. Such an arrangement is simple to operate and easy to manufacture.

Preferably, the finger pad is mounted on an elongate member extending in use substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. More preferably, stop means are provided for preventing complete separation of the finger pad and the elongate member.

Preferably, the key is provided with means whereby it can be snap-fitted to a respective musical instrument.

The invention also provides a musical instrument having a key as described above.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a key according to the invention; Figures 2a and 2b are end and plan views respectively of part of the key shown in Figure 1 with the finger pad removed; and Figures 3a and 3b are end and side views respectively of the finger pad of the key shown in Figure 1.

The key 10 shown in Figure 1 is moulded from a plastics material and is particularly suitable for use with a clarinet also moulded from a plastics material. The key 10 has moulded features 12, 14, 16 which allow it to be snap-fitted to a suitable instrument. These features do not, however, form part of the present invention and reference in this respect is hereby made to our co-pending International patent application No. W088/07252. The key 10 also comprises an elongate member 18 which, when the key 10 is attached to a suitable musical instrument, extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. The elongate member 18 carries a finger pad 20 which is slidably moveable along the elongate member 18.

Figures 2a and 2b show the elongate member 18 in end and plan views. The elongate member 18 has a triangular cross section and is provided at a distance from the free end 18a with a series of integral grooves 22 which are moulded into one face of the elongate member 18.

Also provided at the free end 18a of the elongate member 18 is a projection 24 extending from the lower face of the elongate member as shown.

Figures 3a and 3b show the finger pad which comprises a pad portion 26 and a triangular portion 28. The triangular portion 28 is dimensioned so as to fit around the elongate member 18 in the region of the grooves 22.

The fit of the triangular portion 28 onto the elongate member 18 is sufficiently tight to avoid any play but also allows relative movement between the elongate member 18 and the finger pad 20 when a suitable force is applied. Projecting inwardly from the triangular portion 28 is a tongue 30 which is located so as to engage one of the gooves 22 located on the elongate member 18.

The finger pad 20, when engaged with'the elongate member 18, is slidable therealong. When the tongue 30 is engaged in one of the grooves 22, sliding movement of the finger pad 20 in relation to the elongate member 18 is hindered. However, the configuration of the triangular section 28 of the finger pad provides the triangular section 28 with sufficient resilience to enable the finger pad 20 to be forced to move along the elongate member 18 when an appropriate force is applied.

The tongue 30 then relocates in an adjacent groove 22 and the position of the finger pad 20 is thereby effectively adjusted along the length of the elongate member 18. When the finger pad 20 is moved so as to overlap the free end 18a of the elongate member 18 the lower portion 28a of the triangular portion 28 will come into abutting contact with the projection 24 and this will prevent further movement of the finger pad 20 relative to the elongate member 18. Thus the finger pad 20 cannot be removed from the elongate member 18 by excessive sliding movement. The moulded feature 16 which is used for mounting the key 10 on an instrument also serves to limit the movement of the finger pad 20 in the direction away from the free end 18a of the elongate member 18.

The scope of the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. In particular, any suitable means can be used to attach the key to an instrument.

Snap-fitting, although preferable, is not an essential feature of the invention. Additionally, whilst the tongue 30 is illustrated as being located on the finger pad and the grooves 22 are located on the elongate member 18, it will be appreciated that it would be equally effective to relocate the tongue on the elongate member and the grooves on the inner surface of the finger pad. The elongate member can, of course, be of any convenient cross section and can be of any desirable length. Extending the length of the elongate member would, of course, increase the versatility of the key.

Claims (8)

1. A key for a musical instrument, having a finger pad and a finger pad support, wherein the finger pad is moveable in relation to the finger pad support.

2. A key as claimed in Claim 1, wherein means for retaining the finger pad in at least one selected position in relation to the finger pad support are provided.

3. A key as provided in Claim 2, wherein the retaining means comprise a tongue and a plurality of grooves extending transversely to the direction of movement of the finger pad in relation to the finger pad support.

4. A key as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the finger pad is mounted on an elongate member extending in use substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

5. A key claimed in Claim 4, wherein stop means are provided for preventing complete separation of the finger pad and the elongate member.

6. A key as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the key is provided with means whereby it can be snap-fitted to a respective musical instrument.

7. A key for a musical instrument substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8. A musical instrument having a key as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims.