US721029A - Developer. - Google Patents

Description

PATENTED EEB. 17, 1903.

J. G. DUBLER.

DEVELOPER.

APP'LIOATION FILED DB0. 26. 1901,

I0 MODEL.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OEEICE.

JOHN GEORGE DUBLER, OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

DEVELOPER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 721,029, dated February 17, 1903.

Application filed December 26, 1901. Serial No. 87,197. (No model.)

To a/ZZ whom, t may concern,.-

Beit known that I, JOHN GEORGE DUBLER, a citizen of the United States, residing at St.. Louis, in the State of Missouri, have invented new and useful Improvements in Developers, of which the following is a specication.

This invention relates to a developer, and may be properly termed a technique-developer, for use by students in piano-exercises, as Well as pupils in learning type-writing and other analogous operations; and the purpose of the same is to produce a systematic development of strength, independence of action, and suppleness of all the muscles and joints in the forearm and hand and also, byits particular shape and weight, to physically improve the symmetry of the forearm by acting on the muscles and producing a graceful fullness to the form of the forearm.

The improved device has been devised after a very careful study and consideration of the peculiarities and demands of the muscular organization of the forearm and the correlativo dependence and functions of the muscles or tendons of the hand and its digits.

The improved device has therefore been physiologically shaped, being patterned to lit a perfectly-formed well-developed arm in every detail while in the proper position for the easiest and best results while playing a piano.

The improved device causes an equal pressure on the muscles as they expand, exercising them individually when a finger is raised, with the result that the developer causes a particular consciousness of the distinct action with more of a certainty than ordinary movements create. As a result the relative sensory nerve becomes more sensitive to the action of the muscles, and consequently eects an additional force and iiexibility to the articulation. Theweightof thedevelopercauses a slight contraction of the great or ilexor muscle in the forearm, and when an attempt is made to raise a nger additional contraction of the relative muscle causes a thicken-v ing or expansion of the distinct muscle-cord, which is the result desired to be obtained by the application of the developer.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of a forearm and hand shown elevated in relation to piano-keys, the improved developer being applied in operative position on the forearm. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of the improved developer. Fig. 3 is a front end elevation thereof. Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical section of the same.

Similar numerals of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts in the several views.

The numeral 1 designates the body of the developer, which is constructed of suitable metal and will be made in different sizes and Widths to suit individual requirements. The body l is of arcuate shape and open at the bottom and is also of such form -longitudinally as to accurately conform to the contour of the forearm, and with this end in view the rear portion or end 2 is of greater width than the front extremity 3, and on one side of the forward extremity an elongated concavity 4 is produced to fit snugly against that portion of the arm in rear of the wrist-joint.

It will be understood that the sides 5 of the developer are-smoothly and gradually curved or otherwise shaped to adapt the device for comfortable application to the forearm, and by having the bottom of the developer open an application and removal thereof can 'be readily pursued.

, For ease and comfort in the use of the improved device it is provided with a covering 6, of leather or other suitable material, the said covering being secured at the edges of the device. f Y

The improved device may be castor otherwise produced, and when applied it virtually serves as a mold in connection with the arm to develop the muscles in both the arm and hand, the muscles of the latter being strengthened and improved by the reflex inliuence of the muscles in the forearm.

The improved device has been devised with the fact in view that the physical and psychical processes require equal attention and separate cultivation, which is more apparent in piano playing than in any otherart, as the full power of both are constantly required in executing difficult passages or overcoming Well-known preliminary obstructions to the beginner, and it is also obvious that neither one should be overtaxed to support the other.

Thought and action or sensory and motor nerves are required to act With perfect composure, and it is self-evident that neither should suffer the loss of advantage by overexertion. By straining and exerting the sensory nerves and the attention to which in forcing the motor nerves to develop technique of the fingers a habit is acquired Which will eventually become an imaginary necessity, and all other success Will under such conditions be secondary in their relation.

The improved device will tend to increase the strength, flexibility, and independence of movement, as Well as more complete control, in the arms, wrists, and ngers, and Will develcp each linger in strength and tractability exclusive and independent of the other fingers, so that scales and arpeggios may be played more rapidly and smoothly and a graceful position and movement result. Moreover, a positiveness and exactness of execution will be apparent from use of the improved device Which Will be indicative of pre-V 2. As an improved article of manufacture,

a developer ot' the class set forth of arcuate form and of a longitudinal contour to conform to the shape of the forearm, the developer being fully and continuously open at the bottom and having a covering thereover.

In testimony whereof I aflx my signature in presence of tWo Witnesses.

JOHN GEORGE DUBLER.

l/Vitnesses:

CHAs. KUHN, LARRY GERREN.

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