Rockin’ Patent – Kimball International Inc’s “Stringed Musical Instrument”

US Patent No. 3,237,502 – Kimball International Inc – Stringed Musical Instrument - Patents Rock - Russell IP
  • Rockin’ Patent®: US Patent No. 3,237,502 
  • Filed: 11 May 1964
  • In the name of: Kimball International Inc
  • Title: Stringed Musical Instrument 
  • What’s claimed”In a stringed musical instrument having a head, a body and an inter-connecting neck, and having a plurality of strings extending from said head along said neck to said body, the combination of: a manually adjustable anchor for said strings mounted on said body for simultaneously varying the tension in all said strings to produce a vibrato effect; and a bridge mounted on said body adjacent said anchor and over which said strings are stretched; said anchor including support means having a plurality of misaligned apertures therein for receiving said strings, means for anchoring said strings in respective ones of said misaligned apertures, means pivotally mounting said support means for rotation about an axis displaced to one side of said apertures and generally parallel to the plane of said body and displaced therefrom, resilient means for biasing said support means about said axis in a first angular direction, and manual control means for turning said support means about said axis in the opposite angular direction.”
  • Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to Semie Moseley’s vibrato unit to be used on Mosrite guitars in the mid-60s. The patent illustration appears to show a Mosrite guitar, used famously by Johnny Ramone. For a more detailed description of how it works, see here and scroll down for the ‘Mosrite vibrato’ or see here for more information on the Mosrite guitar.

If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here!

The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

Banner for Russell IP article about Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution

Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution

Accelerating UK Patent Prosecution at the UK IPO: A Practical Guide Introduction Securing a UK patent is usually a long game. On a normal timetable, a UK patent application remains pending for several years before it is granted or finally refused. In many situations, that slow and steady pace is absolutely fine; it gives time to refine the technology, explore markets and spread costs. In other situations, there’s a need for the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) to move faster. Perhaps a competitor is gearing up to launch a similar product, an investor is asking to see patent grants

Read More
Banner for Russell IP article about guidance on generative AI in patent work

Guidance On Generative AI In Patent Work

New Guidance On Generative AI In Patent Work: Essential Reading For Inventors And SMEs The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and the Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg) have issued new guidance on using generative AI for patent work. In this article, we answer some key questions about the new guidance, and who and what it is for. Why The New CIPA Guidance On Generative AI Matters Generative AI tools are now everywhere. Many inventors and small, innovative businesses are already using them to:  Brainstorm product ideas; Tidy up technical descriptions; Help draft patent-related documents; or Summarise prior art and

Read More

Gain the Competitive Edge

Let's see how we can help protect your IP

Get in touch using the contact form or the phone number below to see how we can protect your IP.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything.