US3146657A

US3146657A - Musical device

Info

Publication number: US3146657A
Application number: US294109A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joslyn John
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-07-10
Filing date: 1963-07-10
Publication date: 1964-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 1981-09-01

Description

Sept. l, 1964 J. JosLYN 3,146,657

MUSICAL DEVICE Filed July l0, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l BATTERY INVENTOR JOHN JosLvN AT TORNEY.

Sept. 1, 1964 J. JosLYN 3,146,657

MUSICAL DEVICE Filed July 10, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 82 FIG. 6.

77A 77A 77A 8 78 77 /S /ZA Hl r ` FIG. ll. 100A l) @www M y lo:

00B ATTORNEY.

United States Patent O 3,146,657 MUSICAL DEVICE John Ioslyn, 203 W. 23rd St., New York, NKY. Filed lluly l0, 1%3, Ser. No. 294,109 22 Claims. (Cl. 84E-9) This invention relates in general to a musical device and more specifically to a novel toy stringed instrument.

An object of this invention is to provide a stringed instrument capable of producing a novel rhythmic or periodic sound or beat.

Another object is to provide an improved stringed instrument arranged and constructed so that the setting of the musical tone interval of the string and the plucking of the string may be performed substantially simultane- -ously.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrically operated musical stringed instrument operated by a plurality of switching key means, which when actuated, simultaneously effect setting of the interval of a musical string and the plucking thereof to create a musical sound in accordance with the set tone interval.

It is another object of this invention to provide a musical stringed instrument which has formed as an integral part thereof a rotating device simulating a carousel or .the like which is constructed and arranged to rotate as the instrument is being played.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrically operated string instrument in which the sounding string may be included in the electric circuit for activating the playing of the instrument.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel single string instrument which is electrically actuated and which is provided With a plurality of switching keys longitudinally spaced along the string so as to effect making and breaking of the circuit and the setting of the strings tone interval.

Another object is to provide an arrangement in which the tone interval of the string is positively maintained during the plucking of the string.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrically operated single string musical instrument having a self-contained electrical power supply.

It is another object of this invention to provide a single string musical instrument with means for effecting the plucking of the string to create a novel rhythmic or periodic sound.

It is another object of this invention to provide a stringed instrument which is electrically operated to produce a novel sound and which in combination therewith includes a visual rotating device simulating a carousel which is constructed and arranged to automatically rotate when the instrument is being played.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are readily attained by a musical stringed instrument that is arranged and constructed to simulate a banjo or other suitable string instrument. It comprises essentially a body portion or sounding box having a connected neck portion. At least one sounding or musical string is stretched across the frame of the instrument. In accordance with this invention the sound is produced by a plectrum means rotatably mounted within the instrument to strike the string upon rotation thereof. The plectrum means is electrically driven by a motor connected in a circuit, preferably powered by a battery carried within the instrument. To effect Operation of the plectrum means, a plurality of switching or key means are longitudinally spaced along the neck portion of the instrument. Each of the respective keys or switching means is operatively connected in the circuit for making and breaking the circuit to the motor driving the plec- Mice trum means and for simultaneously effecting the setting of the tone interval of the string. When the motor is energized, the rotation of the plectrum means adjacent the sounding string creates a musical sound in accordance with the tone interval set by the actuated key means. Mean-s are provided for normally urging the respective key toward their inoperative open circuit position.

In one form of the invention, the string is electrically connected in the circuit. In another form of the invention, the string does not constitute part of the circuit for energizing the motor means. Also, in another form of the invention, means are connected on the sounding box of the instrument for simulating a carousel which is arranged to rotate as the instrument is being played for added amusement and appeal.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a stringed instrument having at least one string which is sounded by an electrically operated rotating plectrum means to create a novel rhythmic beat or sound when actuated.

Another feature of this invention resides in an Aelectrically operated stringed instrument having a series of switching or key means each of which will function when actuated to close the motor circuit to effect rotation of the plectrum and to automatically set the tone interval of string.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a novel stringed instrument that is relatively simple in structure, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to play, and positive in operation.

Another feature resides in the inclusion of a Visual rotating means which is automatically actuated upon the playing of this instrument.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which,

FIGURE 1 illustrates a top plan view of the musical instrument constructed and arranged in accordance with this invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side elevation view of the instrument of FIG. 1.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary schematic illustration of the circuit means for operating the musical instrument of FIGS. l and 2 in which the sounding string is included in the circuit.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic showing of modified circuit in which the sounding string is not included in the circuit.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modified plectrum means.

FIGURE 6 is a side elevation view of a modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 7 is an end view of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIGURE 8 is a detail sectional view taken along line 8 8 of FIG. 6, illustrating a key in its inoperative, open circuit position.

FIGURE 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 8 but showing the key in its operative circuit closing position and in tone setting position.

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a modified form of the invention, and

FIGURE l1 is a plan View of modified key means construction as used in the form of the invention of FIG. l0.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a musical instrument Z0 of the instant invention. Essentially the musical instrument 20 comprises a hollow body portion or sounding boX 21 and a connected elongated hollow neck portion 22. In its general overall appearance, the musical instrument Ztl, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is constructed and arranged to simulate a banjo. However, it will be understood that the shape ofthe device 20 may assume that of any desired stringed instrument. Completing the musical instrument simulation are a plurality of dummy strings 23 which stretch across the top thereof. y

In'accordance with this invention, there is disposed within the hollow neck portion 22 of the instrument, a base member-,24 which extends longitudinally thereof. For reasons to be hereinafterA described, it is preferred ythat the base member 24 be formed of a suitable electrical conducting material.

A sounding or musical string 25 is stretched across the interior 'of the instrument. As shown in FIG. 2, one end 25A of the musical string 25 is connected to an upturned end portion 24A of the base 24 and the other end 25B of the string is'connected to a suitable bracket 26 disposed opposite the end portion 24A of the base.

Within the body of the instrument there is mounted a plectrum means 27 arranged to engage the string 25 for yplucking the same when the plectrum means is actuated. In accordance with this invention, the plectrum means is connected to the rotating spindle 28 of an electrically operated motor means 29. In a form of the invention illustrated in FIG. l, the plectrum means 27 comprises a disc or lug 27A which is resiliently connected to the spindle 28 by means of a resilient connector as for example, a rubber band 27B or the like. Thus, as it is viewed in FIG. 3, the motor when energized causes the 'spindle Ztl and the plectrum lug 27A connected thereto to rotate, and in doing so to strike the string 25 at a periodic interval on each revolution thereof.

Preferably, a self-contained power source is connected in an electrical circuit to the motor means. The power source comprises an ordinary dry cell or flashlight battery or the like 30 which is connected in series to the motor means Z9.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. l to 3, the musical string 25, e.g. an E string, or the like, is formed vof an electrical conducting material and it is connected in the circuit with the motor means 29 and the battery or source of power 36 for energizing the same. As it is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery 30 has one terminal 30A thereof connected to the one end 25B of the musicalstring 25 by means of an electrical conductor 31. The other terminal 36B of thebattery Silis connected to one of the leads 29A to the motor 29 by a conductor 32. The motor in turn has its other lead 29B connected to lthe base 24 by means of aconductor 33. It is to be noted that end 25A of the sounding or musical string 2S is electrically insulated by a non-conducting bushing 34- from base 24. Thus, it will be noted, and as seen in FIG. 3, that the string 2S, base 24, motor 29 and battery 30 are connected in a normally open circuit.

In accordance with this invention, a plurality of switching means or key means 35 are longitudinally spaced along Athe neck portion 22 of the instrument 20. As shown, each of the respective switching or key means `35 comprises a push button 35A which is reciprocally mounted on the neck 22 of the instrument. As shown, each button 35A comprises a stem portion 35B and an enlarged head portion. Means in the form of a coil spring 36 is disposed about the stern 35B of each button 35 between the neck portion of the instrument and the enlarged head portion of the button. Accordingly, the spring 36 normally urges the buttonV outwardly toward its inoperative position.

Operatively Yassociated with each of the respective buttons is a fret 37. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the frets 37 is formed of an electrically conducting material and is substantially L-shaped having a horizontally extending portion 37A and a vertical portion 37B depending therefrom. The arrangement is such that each fret 37 is Ioperatively connected to the lower end of the stem 30B of its respective button 35A. Thus in its normal inoperative position as noted by key 35 of FIG. 3, the horizontal portion 37A of the fret is spaced above the string 25, and

the lower edge 37C of the depending vertical portion 37B I thereof is spaced above the base 24. When one of the keys 35 is depressed, as for example key 35V of FIG. 3, the fret associated therewith will simultaneously engage the musical string 25 to set the tone interval thereof, and close the circuit to the motor means 29. Since each of the frets 37 is'formed of an electrically conducting material, it will be apparent that the circuit to the motor 29 is complete when the fret 37 engages the string and base which form the normally open circuit. Thus when the motor is energized the spindle 23 and the plectrum means 27 connected thereto rotate. Accordingly, the plectrum will engage the musical string on each revolution thereof to create a sound in accordance with the tone interval set by the actuated fret. Upon release of the actuated switching means or button, the spring 36 associated therewith will automatically move the fret` 37 upwardly, and thereby open the circuit to the motor means, at which time the operation of the motor and the plucking of the musical string ceases. By operating the respective keys of switching means, varying tones can be produced to play a given tune or song.

FIGURE 4 schematically illustrates a modified form of the invention in which the musical or sounding string does not form part of the motor circuit. Essentially the external construction of the instrument is similar to that of FIG. l, as above described, and therefore is not shown.

However, the circuit has been modified as seen in FIG. 4.

In this form of the invention, it will be noted that sounding string 45 is not part of the circuit. Accordingly the circuit includes a bare conducting wire d6 which is electrically connected at one end 46A to the motor 47 by a conductor 43. The other end r46B of the bare wire 46 is connected to an insulated bushing 49 to an end portion of the base 50. The terminals of the battery 51 in turn are connected in series to the base St) and the motor 47 by

leads

52 and 53 respectively. Thus a normally open circuit is established. The musical string 45 which may be formed of any suitable material is secured between a pair of opposed supports (not shown) alongside the bare conducting wire 46.

A series of L-shaped frets 54 are disposed longitudinally along the bare wire on the neck portion of the instrument and are actuated in a manner described with lreference to FIGS. 1 to 3. However, in this form of the invention, it is to be noted that the frets 54 are constructed and arranged so as to simultaneously engage both the bare conducting wire of the normally open circuit and the string 45 so as to effect both the closing of the circuit to the motor and the setting of the tone interval of the sounding string 45. Thus, when a given switching means or button 55 is depressed, its associated fret 5d will close the circuit to the motor means 47 by forming the contact between the bare conductor i6 and the base 5ft. It is to be noted in this form of the invention, that because the string 46 is not included in the circuit to the motor means, it may be formed of any suitable non-conducting material such as of gut or plastic, and the like.

FIGURE 5 illustrates a modied construction of a resilient plectrum means 58. In this form of the invention, it will be noted that the plectrum consists of a resilient spring like linger 53A which is connected at one end to the spindle 59 of the motor 6i). Connected to the free end of the spring linger 58A is the plectrum head 58B. In the illustrated form, the spring finger 58A and connected head 58B may be formed of molded plastic. The head portion of the plectrum means is arranged to engage the string as the spindle 59 is rotated.

FIGURES 6 to 9 illustrate another modified version of the invention. means constructed land Iarranged so as to simulate a carousel 65 or other like rotatin g visual novelty is operatively connected to the musical 'instrument 66 so as to rotate toy impart an :action thereto as it is being played. In this form of the invention, the instrument 66 com- In this form `of the invention, a rotatingV prises essentially a circular sounding box or body 67 and a hollow connected neck portion 68 substantially similar to that hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. A base member 69 is disposed within the instrument. As shown in FIG. 6, the .base member 69 extends longitudinally of the instrument substantially the entire length thereof. Essentially, the base member 69 comprises a bottom member 69A having upturned

end portions

69B, 69C. wSpaced from end 69C of the base member 69 is an L-shaped bracket 70 which forms with the adjacent end 69C of the base 69 a compartment for receiving a dry cell battery 71 which forms the sou-rce of electrical power for the circuit to be described. The musical string, e.g., an E string, 72 is stretched between the

ends

69B, 69C of the base member 69.

One end 72A of the E string 72 is connected to end 69C of the base member 69 and the other end '72B of the E vstring is connected to and electrically insulated from the other end 69B of the base member 69. A motor means 73 for operating the plectrum 74 in the manner hereinbefore described, is mounted on the portion of the base member which extends into the body of the instrument. It will be ynoted that in :accordance with this form of the invention, when the battery I71 is positioned between the end of the base member 69 and the bracket 79 connected thereto. Supported on a. ledge portion 68B of the neck 68 is :a strip 69E of electrical conducting material. Acoordingly, the strip 69E is disposed below the switch means 77 and frets 79 associated therewith. One terminal of the battery is then electrically connected to strip 69E by conductor 691-7, and the other terminal of the battery is connected by means of yan insulated conductor 75 to the motor 73. The motor 73 in turn has its other terminal electrically connected end 72A of E string 72 by means of a conductor 76. Thus, it will be apparent that the string 72, the battery 71, :and the motor 73 for operating the plectrum 74 for plucking the string are connected in series -in a normally open electrical circuit.

To complete the circuit to the motor means 73, a plurality of switching means or key means 77 are longitudinally spaced along the top of the connected neck portion. As hereinbefore described, each of the key means 77 comprises `a push button 77A mounted on the top -of the connected neck portion. Each push button 77A is reciprooally mounted and is normally urged toward its inoperative open circuit position by means of `a coiled spring 78 interposed between the head of the button and the top 68A of the neck 68. Operatively associated with each of the buttons 77A is an L shaped fret 79 which is adapted to be vertically displaced upon the displacement of the button associated therewith. The arrangement is such that when the button 77A is depressed, the horizontal portion 79A of its respective fret engages the string 72 to set the musical interval thereof 4as the bottom edge 79B of the fret makes contact with the strip E. See FIG. 9. When this occurs, the circuit to the motor and to the string connected in ser-ies therewith is closed. Thus upon energization of the motor, the plectrum 74 connected to the spindle thereof rotates to strike the string 72 on each revolution thereof to set up the vibrations thereof for producing the sound in accordance with the tone interval set on the string by the fret.

In this form of the invention, a 4rotating means 65 is situated in the sounding box 67 of the instrument 66 so as to provide an amusing action device when the instrument is energized. In the illustrated arrangement, the rotating means comprises a turn table 65A or cross arm which is rotatably mounted -on a spindle 65B which projects ,through the top of the sounding box. The base of the spindle 65B is rotatably journalled 'in a suitable bea-ring 65C located on the base 69. Connected intermediate the ends of the spindle 65B is a drive disk 65D which is disposed in frictional driving relationship to the motor spindle 80. "Thus, it will be noted that as the motor 73 is energized, the rotation of its spindle is imparted to ,the drive 65D connected to the turn table spindle 65B. Accordingly, a rotary movement is imparted to the turn table 65A.

Circumferentially spaced upon the turn table are a plurality of animated statuettes 81. In the instant invention, the statuettes 81 are arranged to simulate a pair of lions.

To provide a more attractive simulation of the carousel, a canopy or top 82 is .spaced above the turn table 65A. A plurality of suitable spacers or posts 83 support the canopy 82 or" the carousel in spaced relationship to the top of the sounding box.

Thus, it will be noted that as the music is created by the closing of the circuit by the actuation of the respective key or switching means to produce a musical sound, the carousel 65 mounted on the instrument will `also rotate. Thus, Ia child is doubly Iamused by both the sound produced, and the visual action imparted to the statuettes mounted on the instrument.

FIGURE l0 illustrates a modied form of the invention. In the form of the invention shown in FIG. l0, the outside shape of the musical instrument may be the same as disclosed and described with reference to FIGS. l, 2 or 6, and for this -reason is not shown. However, the base member 99 has been modified to further simplify the structure.

As shown, the base member r comprises a member which has upturned end portions 90A, 90B and a raised intermediate portion 99C disposed between the respective end portions 99A, 90B. One end 90A of the base member forms with one end 91 of the raised portion 90C, a cradle 92 in which the battery 93, which forms a source of electric-al power, maybe carried. The other end 90B of the base and the other end 91A of the raised portion 90C provides the area in which the motor means 94 may be mounted. The top 91C of the raised portion is provided with .a plurality of transversely extending raised frets 95.

Stretched between the ends of the base member 90 is the musical sounding string 96. Accordingly, the string is spaced slightly -above the frets. In this form of the invention, one end 96A of 4the musical sounding string 96 is electrically connected to one end 90A of the base member 90. The other end 96B of the musical str-ing is connected by an insulated bushing 97 on the other end 90B of the base member so as to be electrically insulated therefrom. With the battery 93 disposed in the cradle defined, one terminal of the battery is electrically connected to the end 96A of the string 96. The other terminal of battery is connected by means of a coated conductor 98 to one terminal of the motor 94. The other terminal of the motor in turn is electrical-ly connected by a conductor 99 to the base member. Thus it will be noted that the battery 93, motor 94, base member 90 and string 96 are connected to define a normally open circuit.

In this form of the invention, a switching means 100 integrally formed, yet individually actuated is provided to actuate the circuit. As best seen in FIGS. l0 and 11, the integrally formed switching means 100 comprises a mounting strip A by which it is connected to the side of the base member 90. A plurality of resilient spring leafs, integrally formed therewith extends laterally thereof. Connected to the free end of the respective resilient spring leaf means 100B is a push button 101. As shown the push buttons 101 are spaced slightly above the string 96 and in vertical alignment with the frets 95. Therefore, it will be noted that the displacement of any of the buttons 191 will close the circuit to the motor means 94 by the displaced button forcing the string 96 to contact the base frets 95. When this occurs, circuit to the motor 94 is complete. Also, that the tone interval of the string 96 has been set. Thus, with the motor energized, the rotation of the spindle 94A will cause the plectrum 102 connected thereto to engage or strike the string 96 on each revolution thereof to result in the musical sound corresponding to the tone interval set by the operation of given key. As hereinbefore described, each button 191 will effect a distinct tone interval. Therefore, by proper sequential operation of the yrespective push buttons 101, a tune may be played accordingly.

From the foregoing description, it is to be appreciated that the striking of the plectrum 102 upon each revolution of the motor spindle 94A will produce a sound that has a rhythmic or periodic beat. Also, the arrangement is such that the actuation of any given key or switching means simultaneously elects both setting of the tone interval of the string and actuation of the motor means to eliect a plucking of the string to produce a sound in accordance with the set tone interval; The invention is relatively simple in structure, and yet positive in operation. For added attraction, a carousel means may be provided to rotate as the instrument is being played.

While the instant invention has been described in detail with reference to several variations and embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations and modiiications thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A toy musical instrument comprising,

(a) a frame,

(b) a musical string stretched across said frame,

(c) a plurality of key means mounted on said frame,

(d) said keys being operatively associated with said string to vary the musical tone interval of said string,

(e) a plectrum rotatably mounted on said frame for plucking said string to produce a sound,

(f) an electric circuit including a motor means for effecting rotation of said plectrum when said circuit is energized, and

(g) said keys being operatively connected in said circuit for making and breaking said circuit to said motor means upon the actuation thereof.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including,

(a) visual means journalled on said frame for rotation thereon, drive means connecting said visual means in driving relationship with said motor means to effect rotation of said visual means when said circuit is energized.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein` said Vvisual means simulates a carousel.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including,

(a) a'turntable means rotatably journalled on said frame,

(b) said turntable means being drivingly connected to said motor means whereby said turntable means is rotated upon the actuation of said plectrumA means.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said turntable means including statuettes mounted thereon for simulating a carousel. Y

6. The invention as deined in claim 1 wherein,

(a) said motor means includes a rotating armature having an extending spindle,

(b) and said plectrum being connected to said spindle to rotate therewith when the motor is energized.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 and including,

(a) a turntable means simulating a carousel rotatably mounted on said frame,

(b) and means connecting said tuning means in driv-l ing relationship with said motor spindle.

8. A toy musical instrument comprising,

(a) a frame,

(b) a single sounding string stretched across said frame,

(c) a circuit including a power source for electrically energizing said string,

(d) a motor means electrically connected in said circuit, said motor means including a rotating spindle, (e) a plectrum for plucking said string connected to said spindle to rotate therewith when said motor is energized,

(f) a plurality of key means operatively associated with said string, each of said key means when actuated functioning to simultaneously set the tone interval of said string and to energize the motor circuit to effect rotation of said plectrum to create a musical sound in accordance with said tone interval set by the actuated key.

9. A toy musical instrument comprising,

(a) a frame including a body portion and a connected neck portion,

(b) a single sounding string stretched across said frame,

(c) a circuit including a power source,

(d) a motor electrically connected in said circuit, said motor means including a rotating spindle,

(e) a plectrum for plucking said string connected to said spindle to rotate therewith when said motor is energized,

(f) a plurality of key means connected in said circuit formaking and breaking the circuit to saidV motor means, and each of said key means being spaced along said string and operatively associated therewith to simultaneously set the tone interval of said string' and to energize the motor circuit to eiect rotation of said plectrum to create a musical sound in accordance with said tone interval set by the actuated key means.

10. The invention as defined in claim 9 and including,

(a) means to normally bias each of said key means toward inoperative open circuit position.

11. The invention as delined in claim 10 wherein said biasing means includes,

(a) a coil spring acting on each of said key means for biasing the same toward inoperative position. l2. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said key means,

(a) includes a mounting strip adapted to be connected to said neck portion above said string, (b) a plurality of resilient spring leaves extending laterally of said mounting strip in spaced relationship along said mounting strip,

(c) each of said leaves being fixed at one end to said strip and having its other end free to iiex, Y

(d) a push button connected to the free end of each leaf whereby the deiiection of said push button and said connected leaf functions to engage said string to set the tone interval thereof and to energize said circuit.

13. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein (cz) said plectrum means includes a resilient pick.

14. A toy musical instrument comprising,

(a) a frame including a base formed of an electrically conducting material,

(b) a sounding string of electrically conducting material stretched across the ends of said base, one end of'said string being electrically connected to said base, and the other end of said string being electrically'insulated from said base,

(c) a motor means electrically connected in circuit with said string,

(d) a rotating plectrum means for plucking said string, said plectrum being actuated by said motor means when energized,

(e) a source of electrical power for energizing said motor means to eifect rotation of said plectrum to pluck said string to produce a periodic musical tone,

(f) a plurality of key'means including a resiliently mounted push button and fret operatively associated therewith, said fret being formed of an electrically conducting material and said fret being normally spaced from said string and said base to maintain the circuit to said motor open so that'an actuation of a respective key means effects displacement of the fret operatively associated ltherewith to make con-V tact with both said string and base so as to simultaneously set the tone interval of said string and to energize the motor means to effect rotation of said 9 plectrum to create a musical sound in accordance to said set tone interval.

15. A toy musical instrument comprising,

(a) a frame including a base formed of an electrically conducting material,

(b) an uncoated wire connected between the ends of said base,

(c) one end of said wire being electrically connected to said base and the other end of said wire being electrically insulated from said base,

(d) a musical string of non-conducting material connected across said frame,

(e) a motor means electrically connected in circuit with said wire and connected base,

(f) a rotating plectrum for plucking said string, said plectrum being actuated by said motor means when energized,

(g) a power source for energizing said motor means to effect rotation of said plectrum to pluck said string to produce a periodic musical tone,

(h) a plurality of key means including a resiliently mounted push button and fret normally spaced from said string, wire and its connected base to maintain the circuit to said motor open whereupon the actuation of a key means effects displacement of the same to simultaneously set the tone interval of said string and to energize the motor means to effect rotation of said plectrum to create a musical sound in accordance to said set tone interval.

16. A musical instrument comprising,

(a) a frame including means defining an electric circuit,

(b) a sounding string stretched across said frame,

(c) a motor means electrically connected in said circuit,

(d) a plectrum for plucking said string, said plectrum being actuated by said motor means when energized,

(e) a self contained power source connected in said circuit for energizing said motor means to effect rotation of said plectrum to pluck saidstring to produce a periodic musical tone,

(f) a plurality of switching key means spaced along Y said string and normally disposed to maintain the circuit to said motor open whereupon the actuation of any of the respective key means simultaneously sets the tone interval of said string and closes said circuit to the motor means to effect rotation of said plectrum to create a musical sound in accordance to said set tone interval.

17. The invention as dened in claim 16 and including,

(a) turning means drivingly connected to said motor means.

18. A musical toy comprising,

(a) a frame, said frame including an elongated strip of electrically conducting material having a base portion having upturned end portions, said base portion including a raised portion intermediate the upturned ends of said base portions, said raised portion having a series of integrally formed frets extending transversely thereof,

(b) a sounding string of conducting material stretched between the upturned ends of said frame so that said string is normally spaced above said frets,

(c) said string being electrically connected to said frame at one end thereof, and said string having its other end electrically insulated from the other end of said frame,

(d) a motor means connected in circuit to said base and string connected thereto,

(e) said motor means including a rotating plectrum to pluck said string when actuated to produce a periodic musical tone,

(f) a self contained source of electrical power connected in circuit with said motor means,

(g) and a plurality of switching key means, said key means being resiliently mounted above said string so that a displacement thereof eiects simultaneous setting of the musical tone interval of said string and the closing of said circuit to said motor means to rotate said plectrum and thereby create a periodic musical sound in accordance to said set tone interval.

19. A toy musical instrument for creating varying sounds having a periodic or rhythmic beat comprising,

(a) a string 'instrument having a body portion and a connected neck portion,

(b) a base of electrically conducting material mounted in said instrument,

(c) a sounding string formed of electrically conducting material stretched between the ends of said base,

(d) said string having one end electrically connected to said base and having its other connected end electrically insulated from said base,

(e) a motor means connected in circuit with said electrically conducting base and string connected thereto,

(f) said motor means including a rotating plectrum positioned to rhythmically pluck said string when the motor means is energized,

(g) a self contained source of electrical power,

(h) a plurality of button means for simultaneously setting the tone interval of said string and for energizing said motor,

(i) each of said button means including a push button,

(j) means for normally biasing said push buttons toward inoperative position,

(k) a fret of electrically conducting material operatively associated with each of said buttons,

(l) said fret being arranged to open and close the circuit to said motor means upon the actuation of its ,respective button.

20. The invention as defined in claim 19 wherein said fret includes an L-shaped member constructed to engage both the string and said base to close said circuit when the force of said biasing means is overcome.

21. The invention as defined in claim 19 and including,

(a) a rotating means, and

(b) means operatively connecting said rotating means in driving relationship with said motor means.

22. The invention as defined in claim 19 and including,

(a) a turn table rotatably journalled on said body portion,

(b) a plurality of statuettes circumferentially spaced about said turn table,

(c) and a frictional drive means for connecting said turn table in driving relationship with said motor means whereby the latter drives the former when said motor means is energized.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 565,739 Gilman Aug. 11, 1896 680,485 Hochspeier Aug. A13, 1901 693,417 Mitchell Feb. 18, 1902 1,871,021 Zachrison Aug. 9, 1932 FOREIGN PATENTS 12,839 Great Britain Apr. 7, 1900

Claims

1. A TOY MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING, (A) A FRAME, (B) A MUSICAL STRING STRETCHED ACROSS SAID FRAME, (C) A PLURALITY OF KEY MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME, (D) SAID KEYS BEING OPERATIVELY ASSOCAITED WITH SAID STRING TO VARY THE MUSICAL TONE INTERVAL OF SAID STRING, (E) A PLECTRUM ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME FOR PLUCKING SAID STRING TO PRODUCE A SOUND, (F) AN ELECTRIC CIRCUIT INCLUDING A MOTOR MEANS FOR EFFECTING ROTATION OF SAID PLECTRUM WHEN SAID CIRCUIT IS ENERGIZED, AND (G) SAID KEYS BEING OPERATIVELY CONNECTED IN SAID CIRCUIT FOR MAKING AND BREAKING SAID CIRCUIT TO SAID MOTOR MEANS UPON THE ACTUATION THEREOF.