US1738351A - Key mechanism for wind musical instruments - Google Patents

Description

Del!- 1929- F. A. BUESCHER 1,738,351

' KEY mncrmmsm FOR WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Filed Mafch 5, 1927' 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VEN TOR. erdz'rmnd Bass c7: er

ATTORNEY. 1

Dec. 3, 1929. F. A. BUESCHER KEY MECHANISM FOR WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Filed Mrch 3. 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

Ill-Plll- Patented Dec. 3, 1929 FERDINAND A, BUESCHER, OF ELKHART, INDIANA KEY MECHANISM FOR WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Application filed March 3,

This invention relates to improvements in key mechanism for wind musical instruments.

As is well known in the art of saxophone construction it has heretofore been the practice, which has become conventional, for manufacturers of saxophones to have a rela tively narrow connecting arm extending from a key in such manner as to contact with a relatively narrow lever, the actuation of which lever makes Bb when the instrument is played. Said connecting arm is invariably provided on its contact edge with a narrow strip of cork. In use the small contact surface between this narrow strip of cork and the relatively narrow lever causes the cork to wear rapidly or become compressed so that the key fails to close fully, causing a leak, and the instrument cannot be played. This necessitates frequent replacement of the'cork bearing strip as well as considerable annoyance. My invention is therefore designed primarily to overcome these defects without detracting'from the playing qualities of the instrument, but rather to facilitate and improve them. f

\Vith the foregoing general object in View my invention contemplates the provision of a means primarily for securely closing the key pad seat to make Bb on a saxophone, thus preventing leakage which results in a false note or absolute failure.

Another object of'the invention is to provide a substantial contact surface between the lever or levers which must be actuated to make Bb on a saxophone and the actuating member, whereby the wear of said contact surface will be very slight and such wear as occurs will be compensated by reason of the 40 particular construction of the member provided with such contact surface, so that the key pad will always vclose tightly on its seat when operated.

Another essential object of the invention resides in providing a self-aligning bearing having an extended active surface disposed lengthwise of the lever to be depressed, and with such means constructed and arranged to provide for the key of Bb to be tightly closed, at all times, when making such note,

1927. Serial No. 172,378.

thus preventing leakage and insuring satis factory playing of the instrument by the muslclan.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, 5 a key mechanism for the purpose referred to, which is comparatively simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable,

compact, thoroughly efficient in its use, readily assembled, and comparatively ineX- o pensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects in 'VlGW the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more specifically de- (:5 scribed and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can be resorted to whichfall within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote v corresponding parts throughout the severalviews:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in plan of 5 a musical instrument of the wind type illustrating a key mechanism therefor in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of a wind instrument, in side elevation illustrating a key mechanism therefor accordance with this invention. 1

Figure 3 is a section on line 3-3 Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View, in cross section, of a modification. v

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view, in side elevation of another modification.

' Referring to the drawings in detail, 1 indicates a tubular body, which is a fragment of a saxophone, and is provided with lateral openings 2, surrounded by rims 3, which constitute seats for the valves of the keys of. the instrument. As illustrated each valve comprises a pad 4, carried by a pad cup 5, and So to the latter is fixedly secured a lever or 7 and its lever at8, and the latter is carried r either of the grooves and wl'iich proje is of greater length then the length by and extends inwardly from a rock shaft 9. Fixed to a shaft 9 is the outer end of a lever arm 10 which is positioned an appropriate distance from the lever 8. The shafts 9, 9 are arranged in spaced relation and revolubly mounted on a stationary support ing bar 11, which is supported from and offset with respect to the body of the instrument. The shafts 9, 9 are connected together by a coupling means 9 whereby they will shift in unison. Key valves are indicated at 12, 13 and each of which has a lever 6 attached to a tubular shaft loosely mounted on a rod 14:. That shaft which is connected to the lever 6 of key valve 12 is indicated at 1 1 and that shaft attached to the lever 6 of key valve 13 at 1.4". The valve '12 can be operated independently of valve 13. A means indicated at 12, of known construction employed for operating the valves 12, 13 synchronously, when the sleeve 11- is shifted on the rod 141. The means 12 is carried by the opposed ends of shafts 1 1, 1 1". The valve 12 carries a key or finger piece 15 for operating it independently of valve 13.

The valve 13 has fixed thereon, diametrically thereof, a laterally projecting arm 16 of appropriate length and which is provided on its inner edge with a pair of spaced transversely extending grooves 17 18, positioned a substantial distance from the edge of the valve 13. Eccentrical-ly pivoted in the grooves 17 and 18, ate self aligning bearing elements 19, 20 each of a length greater than an ap n'opriate distance from each siile face of the arm 16. Each bearing element is of s a;- mental contour and has secured to inner edge a strip 21 of substantial time and formed of one, ioning material, procrably cork.

The bearing elements are eccentrieall; connected to he arm 16b means of a coin pivot pin 22 therefor, and the sa'gl bearing elements project from the inner ee e of said arm 16.

The element 19 is positioned o 10, and is ada ted to ride th purpose of depressing it whereby the l arm will shift ti e shaft-s9, 9 in unison, thus closing the valve 7. The lever arm 10 has its upper or outer edge provided with a lengtlr wise extending, flat bearing surface 241, in clining downwardly towaros the free or inner end of the arm. The said bearing surface 2% 4 (if the pivoted bearing element 19 which is disposed lengthwise with respect to said surface 24.

The pivoted bearing element 20 coacts with a lever arm 23 for the purpose of depressing it. The lever arm 23 is constructed in the same manner as the lever arm 10. The lever arms 10 and 23 are oppositely disposed with respect to eacl'r-other. The cushioning strips for "the bearingelements, when these latter are active, ride for their entire length upon the bearing surfaces on said lever arms, whereby any compression applied to the strips will be uniform throughout, under such con ditions the strips will wear in a uniform manner.

The lever arm 23 has its outer end fixed to a tubular rock shaft 24, revolubly mountd on the stationary supporting bar 14. Operated from the shaft 2 1, is a spring controlled depressible key valve 26, carried on the inner end of a lever arm 27. The arm 27 is fixedly secured at its outer end to the rock shaft 2d, and is shifted by the latter when the shaft 2 1 is rocked. The arm 27 is provided with an extension 27. The pivoted bearing element 20 and lever arm 23 associate with the valve 26.

Key devices for shifting the shaft 2 1, independent of the shifting thereof by the lever arm 23, are indicated at 28 and 30. The key d'vice 28 includes an arm 28 which engages the extension 27. The key device 30 is connected to shaft 24.

The valve 26 can be depressed simultaneously with valve 7, by depressing valve 12 through the means of the key 15. Onthe depressing of valve 12, valve 13 will simultaneously move to closed position, and the pivoted bearing elements 19, 20, riding against the bearing surfaces 2 1, will depress the lever arms 10 and 23 thereby closing valves 26 and 7. The valve 7 is provided with a key 31, so it can he closed independently ofvalve 13.

In the modified form illustrated in Figure 5, the laterally extending arm or bracket 32, is provided with but a single self-aligning pivoted bearing element 33, pivoted at 3 1 and which coacts with the lever arm 10 for the purpose of depressing the valve 7 to make Bb. The single pivoted bearlng element 33 is mounted in the same manner as the double bearing elements illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

In the modified form shown in Figure 6, the valve 26 is operated from the free end of the arm 35, which has mounted therein and depending therefrom a self-a-ligning pivoted bearing 36, constructed in the same manner as the bearing elements 19, 20 and 33. The bearing 36 associates with the lever arm 10 to depress it. The arm is carried by and extends laterally from the valve 13 and is of a length to overlie the valve 26. That part of the arm 35 which overlies the valve 26. is provided with a cork strip or other suitable cushioning material as indicated at 37. The construction provides for the depressing or rather elosingof the valve 26 when valve 13 is depressed to closed pov sition and provides for the actuationofvalve 7 to make Bb.

In my invention the arms 16, 32 or 35 do not engage with the lever arms directly, but insteadeach lever arm is engaged by a selfaligning pivoted bearing element disposed lengthwise of such lever arm and which provides means to always insure a tight seating of the valve of Bb or other valve or valves to prevent leakage. The lever arms 10 and 23 are relatively movable with respect to the valve 13. I I

As to the operation of the mechanism for the l iaking of the key of Bb, in certain passages, it is more convenientto make the key with the first finger of the though it can be accomplished by using the side key. This is done by using the inside knuckle of the right hand and the first two fingers of the left hand. B flat can also be made with the first finger of the left hand and at the same time press the button between the first finger button and the second finger button of the left hand.

It should be understood that the spirit of terial difference, so far as the spirit of my.

invention is concerned whether said pivoted bearing element is pivoted to the valve arm in the path of the lever arm, or pivoted'to the lever arm in the path of the valve arm.

It is thought that the many advantages of a key mechanism for the purpose set forth, constructed in the manner aforesaidflzan be readily understood, and although the preferred embodiments of the invention are as illustrated and described, yet it is to be un derstood that changes in the details of con struction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

lVhat I claim is: i

1. A key mechanism for wind musical instruments comprising a valve, an arm radially projecting from one side of said valve, a member eccentrically pivoted to and disposed transversely of said arm, said member provided with a flat face to provide a substantial bearing surface to traverse a cooperating lever arm.

2. In a device of the character described, relatively movable members, self-adjusting means on one member and in the path of movement of the other member for simultaneous movement of both members, when one member is actuated.

3. In a key mechanism for musical instrumerits, a bodily depressible suspension means provided on its inner side with a pivoted bearing element adapted, when said means is depressed, to traverse and actuate a key valve depressing device for tightly closing the key valve associated with said device.

4:. In a key mechanism for musical instruright hand, al-

ments, a'depressible key valve provided with laterally extending suspension means bodily carried therewith, a pivoted bearing element supported by and extending from the inner side of said means and adapted when said means is depressed by said key valve: to traverse and actuate a key valve depressing device for tightly closing the key associated with said device.

' 5. In a valve mechanism for musical instruments, a depressible key valve provided with means. bodily carried therewith for tightly closing a pair of valves when said depressible valve is moved to closed position, said means including a projecting suspended, pivoted, self-aligning bearing element.

I 6. In a key mechanism for musical instruments, a key valve depressing device having a part thereof a lever arm, a bodily depressible suspension means provided with a projectingpivoted bearing element traversing said arm when said means is depressed to actuate said device for tightly closin the key valve associated therewith.

I 7. In a key mechanism for musical instruments, a key valve depressing device having as a parttherecf a lever arm, a bodily depressible suspension means provided with a projecting pivoted bearing element traversing said arm when said means is depressed to actuate said device for tightly closing the key valve associated therewith, said lever arm having an inclined surface traversed by said element. v

8. In keyme'chanism'for musical instru ments, a key valve depressing device having as a part thereof a lever arm, a bodily depressible suspension means provided with a projecting pivoted bearing element traversing said arm when said means is depressed to actuate said device for tightly closing the key valve associated therewith, said lever having an inclined surface traversed by said element, said element disposed lengthwise with respect to said arm.

i ,9. In a key mechanism for musical instruments, a key valve depressing device having as a part thereof a lever arm, a bodily depressible suspension means provided with a projecting, pivoted, adjustable bearing element traversingsaid arm when said means is depressed to actuate said device for tightly closing the key valve associated therewith, said lever arm having an inclined surface traversed by said element, and said element disposed lengthwise with respect to said surface.

10. In a key mechanism for wind musical instruments, a key valve depressing device having as a part thereof a lever arm, and a bodilydepressible means arranged over said arm and including an automatically adjustable bearing element projecting therefrom for lengthwise traversing said arm when said means is depressed to actuate said device for tiglztly closing the key valve depressed thereby.

11. Ina key mechanism for wind musical instruments, a key valve depressing device having as a part thereof a lever arm, a depressible key valve having a laterally extending arm, and an automatically adjustable bearing element carried by and extending transversely of said lateral arm and further interposed between said arms whereby the de- DIQF-Siilg of said key valve will depress the lever arm to actuate said device for tightly closing the key valve depressed thereby.

12. A key mechanism for wind musical instruments, comprising a key valve, an arm carried by said key valve. a lever underlying said arm, a pivoted self-adjusting member interposed between said arm and said lever for shifting the latter, said member being carried by and disposed transversely of said arm and extending lengthwise of said lever.

13. A key mechanism for wind musical instruments comprising an arm carried by a depressible valve, a lever underlying said arm and having a flat bearin surface, and a pivoted self-adjusting bearing member having a flat face for raversing said surface when the valve is depressed to depress said lever, said member disposed transversely with respect to and carried by said arm.

14. A key mechanism for wind musical instruments comprising an arm carried by a depressible valve, a lever underlying said arm and having a flat bearing surface, and a pivoted self-adjusting bearing member having a fiat face for traversing said surface when the valve is depressed to depress said lever, said member disposed transversely with respect to and carried by said arm, said member extending laterally in both directions with respect to said arm and lengthwise with respect to said lever.

15. A key mechanism for wind musical instruments comprising an arm carried by a depressible valve. a lever underlying said arm and having a flat bearing surface, a pivoted self-adjusting bearing member having a fiat face for traversing said surface when the valve is depressed to depress said lever, said member disposed transversely with respect to and carried by said arm, said member extending laterally in both directions with respect to said arm and lengthwise with respect to said lever, and said member being eccentrically pivoted.

16. A key mechanism for wind musical instruments comprising an arm carried by a depressible valve, a lever underlying said arm and having a flat bearing surfacc,'a pivoted selfadjusting bearing member having a flat face for traversing said surface when the valve is depressed to depress said lever, saidmember disposed transversely with respect to and carried by said arm, said member extending laterally in both directions hereto.

FERDINAND A. BUESCHER.

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