US1228016A - Key-action for saxophones and the like. - Google Patents

Description

S. C. GILBERT.

KEY ACTION FOR SAXOPHONES AND THE LIKE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.I3.1916.

Patented May 29, 1917.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SIDNEY C. GILBERT, OF JACKSON, OHIO.

KEY-ACTION FOR SAXOPHONES AND THE LIKE.

Application filed April 13, 1916.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SIDNEY C. GILBERT, a citizen of the United States, residing at Jackson, in the county of Jackson and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Key-Actions for Saxophones and the like; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates broadly to improvements in musical instruments and more particularly to the note controlling means of saxophones and analogous instruments, the aim of the invention being to provide means whereby opening of the valve to sound E flat will automatically open D, and means for automatically opening E flat when E is opened, the last named means serving to open both E and E flat when F is opened. By thisar-rangement, the great amount of fingering which has heretofore been necessary will be eliminated.

With the foregoing general object in view, the invention resides in certain novel features of construction and in unique combinations of parts to be hereinafter fully described and claimed, the descriptive matter being supplemented by the accompanying drawing which constitutes a part of this application and in which:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a portion of a saxophone or similar instrument showing the improved features of construction; and

Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken on the plane indicated by the line 22 of Fig. 1.

In specifically describing the construction shown in the drawings above briefly described, similar characters will be placed on corresponding parts throughout the several views and reference will be herein made to the numerous elements by their respective indices. To this end, a portion S of a saxophone is shown equipped with the usual valves or pads P for controlling the notes E, F, E flat and D, said valves or pads being identified in the drawing by placing thereon characters designating the notes which said valves or pads represent. These valves or pads are provided with operating arms A for opening them when said arms are properly actuated by the musician.

A rigid finger 1 is secured to the pad of E, the end of said finger being positioned Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 29, 1917.

Serial No. 90,919.

on the outward path of the operating arm of F, which arm is preferably provided with an anti-friction roller 2 for contact with said finger l. A. second rigid finger 3 is secured to the pad of D and extends therefrom to a point on the outward path of E flat, and a third finger 1 is secured to the pad of E fiat and extends into the outward path of the finger 1 of E, the portion of said finger 4c in the path of the finger 1 being preferably in the form of a roller 5.

By the arrangement of the parts shown and described, D may be opened independently of the others, while opening of E flat will simultaneously open D. Also opening of E will open E fiat and D; and when F is opened E, E fiat and D are simultaneously opened. By providing the construction shown for sounding the notes discussed in the manner set forth, a considerable amount of fingering which has heretofore been necessary is overcome, thus allowing the instrument to be played with less effort.

From the foregoing, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, the an rangement, manner of operation and advantages of the improved features of construction will be readily understood, and it will be obvious that no changes need be made in the construction of instruments to which the numerous fingers are applied.

In conclusion, I will state that although I have shown and described certain specific details for the attainment of probably the best results, numerous changes may be made within the scope of the invention as claimed without sacrificing the main advantages thereof.

I claim:

1. The combination with three valves of a saxophone or similar instrument; of means for automatically opening one valve when another is opened, and additional means operated by the first named means for automatically opening the third valve when either of the first named valves is opened.

2. The combination with three sound controlling valves of a saxophone or similar instrument, of a rigid finger secured to one of said valves and positioned in the outward path of another valve, and a second rigid finger secured to the third valve and positioned in the outward path of the first named finger.

3. The combination with three sound controlling valves-of a saXophone or similar instrument and the operating arms for said valves; of a rigid finger projecting laterally from one valve and having its free end off- 5 set outwardly from the instrument and disposed over the arm of another valve, an anti-friction roller on this arm underlying said finger, a second rigid finger projecting laterally from the third valve and having 10 its free end offset outwardly from the instrument, and a second anti-friction roller on said second finger overlying the first named finger.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing 15 Witnesses.

SIDNEY C. GILBERT. Vitnesses:

JOHN ROBBINS, JAMES M. ROBBINS.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). C.

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