Patent Grant
9792886
The present disclosure relates to the field of stringed musical instruments, and more particularly to string tensioners for stringed musical instruments.
Various products and applications benefit from holding a wire or string at a near-constant, predictable tension over time and in a variety of environmental conditions. Notably, stringed musical instruments create music by vibrating strings held at tension. If the string is at the correct tension for the given instrument, it will vibrate at a desired frequency corresponding to the desired note. However, musical strings tend to stretch or contract over time and/or due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity or the like. Such stretching or contracting typically results in the tension in the string changing, and the string thus vibrating at a different frequency than the desired frequency. This can result in the string going out of tune—emitting a note that is aurally different than the desired note. Typical stringed musical instruments tend to go out of tune fairly quickly, and musicians often find themselves spending substantial time tuning their instruments, even in the midst of performances.
The appearance of a musician's instrument is often seen as an expression of the artist, and thus musicians tend to desire that their instrument's componentry be non-obtrusive so as not to dominate the appearance. Also, certain instruments, particularly acoustic instruments, can be sensitive to componentry, particularly metal componentry, placed in certain portions of the instrument. Further, componentry should avoid possibly interfering with a musician during play.
There is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for mounting a string of a stringed musical instrument in a manner so that the string remains at a near-constant tension even if the string stretches or contracts over time and/or due to environmental factors. There is also a need in the art for such a method and apparatus that has a relatively small footprint and can be installed in certain stringed instruments without substantially altering the sound of the instrument, altering its appearance, or interfering with playability. There is a further need for such a structure having simple and adjustable structure.
In accordance with one embodiment, the present specification provides a string holder for stringed musical instrument, comprising a plurality of primary springs, each primary string attached to a longitudinally movable string connector so as to apply a primary spring force directed along an axis to the string connector. The primary spring force applied to the string connector changes in accordance with a primary spring rate function as the string connector moves relative to the primary spring along the axis. A musical string is attached to each string connector and extends along the corresponding axis so that a net axial force applied to the string connector is applied to the musical string. A secondary spring is structure attached to the string connector of each of the plurality of primary springs so as to apply a plurality of secondary spring forces, one of the plurality of secondary spring forces being applied to each of the string connectors. Each of the secondary spring forces is directed across the axis of the corresponding string connector and has an axial component that is applied to the corresponding string connector in a direction along the corresponding axis. The secondary spring force is configured so that the axial component of the secondary spring force varies in accordance with a secondary spring rate function as the string connector moves relative to the primary spring along the axis.
In additional embodiments, the secondary spring structure comprises an undulating sheet of spring metal.
In further embodiments, the secondary spring force is configured so that the axial component of the secondary spring force varies in accordance with a secondary spring rate function as the string connector moves relative to the primary spring along the axis.
In some embodiments, each primary spring is attached to a spring holder that is configured to selectively change the spring rate of the primary spring. In some such embodiments, the primary spring rate function is substantially the same as the secondary spring rate function.
In some embodiments, the net axial force applied to the each string connector comprises the sum of the corresponding primary spring force and the axial component of the corresponding secondary spring force.
In accordance with another embodiment, the present specification provides a constant tension device, comprising a carrier configured to be movable along an axis; a wire or string attached to the carrier and extending along the axis so that an axial force applied to the carrier is communicated to the wire or string; a target tension defined as a desired tension for the wire or string; and a spring having a first end attached to the carrier and a second end attached to a spring holder so that the spring applies a spring force to the carrier along an axis of the wire or string. The spring holder engages a spring along a portion of its length at and adjacent the second end of the spring, and the portion of the spring engaged by the spring holder is constrained from expanding by the spring holder. The spring holder is configured to selectively engage a greater or lesser portion of the length of the spring so as to vary the spring rate of the spring.
The following description presents embodiments illustrating inventive aspects that are employed in a plurality of embodiments. It is to be understood that embodiments may exist that are not explicitly discussed herein, but which may employ one or more of the principles described herein. Also, these principles are primarily discussed in the context of stringed musical instruments. However, it is to be understood that the principles described herein can have other applications such as sporting goods, industrial and/or architectural applications in which it may be desired to apply a near-constant force to an item that may move over an operational range and/or employ spring arrangements that can exhibit positive spring rates.
This disclosure describes embodiments of a device that can apply a near-constant tension to a string, wire or the like even as that string, wire or the like changes in length over a range of distance. Notably, Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,440, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, teaches similar but distinct principles for achieving a near-constant tension in a wire or string as the wire or string expands and/or contracts.
With initial reference to
Over time, the wire 30 may stretch or contract.
With reference next to
At relatively low angles of α, such as from about 0-20°, more preferably 0-15°, still more preferably 0-10° and most preferably 0-5°, sin α is a substantially linear function. As noted above, −kx is a totally linear function, in which the primary spring rate k is a constant, and the function is negative. Thus, over such relatively low angles of α, a secondary spring force Fs can be chosen so that over an operating range of deflection (x), the value of a function k(s)x is approximated by Fs(sin α), and a secondary axial spring rate k(s) changes with α and the spring rate function is positive. As such, over the operating range shown in
Table 1 below presents a spreadsheet that demonstrates a real-life scenario of performance of one embodiment having structure as depicted in
In the scenario depicted in Table 1, the tension. Fp initially in primary spring (Spring 1)—and thus the preferred tension Tp in the wire—is 10 lb., and the initial length L1 of the primary spring 40 is 1.4 in. The spreadsheet simulates an application such as a guitar in which the springs apply the tension to a guitar string, and over time the guitar string stretches (here over a range of travel of 0.0625 in.). The spreadsheet shows the state of the springs and tension in the wire/guitar string at various points along the 0.0625 range of travel.
As shown in
In the scenario depicted in Table 1, over a string stretch of 0.0625 in., secondary spring 60 (Spring 2) rotates almost 12 degrees, and the total tension in the wire (Tw) varies from the preferred (initial) tension Tp by at most about 0.4%. Such a variance would result in minimal, if any, audible changes in guitar string tune.
It is to be understood that various lengths, spring rates, etc. can be selected for the primary and secondary springs in order to vary specific results, but the principle remains that the secondary spring is chosen to approximate the linear change in tension applied by the primary spring as the primary spring moves linearly and the secondary spring (or at least the line of action of the secondary spring) changes such that the rate of change of the axially-directed component force approximately negates the rate of change of the primary spring force.
With reference next to
In the embodiment illustrated in
In Table 2 below, an example is presented in which the springs 60 are initially arranged so that α=60°, and the at-rest length of the springs is 2.0 in. The example spring has a spring rate k of 90 lb./in. and the width w between the fixed spring mounts 68 is 2.0 in., so that each fixed spring mount is 1.0 in. from the axis. Table 2 shows how various aspects of this arrangement change as the carrier 50 moves linearly along the axis as demonstrated in
With specific reference next to
With reference next to
With continued reference to
More specifically, in the embodiment depicted in
In view of Table 3, over a range of α=−4° to 4°, the net axial spring rate ka averages about −1.15 lb./in. Over a range of a range of α=−5° to 4°, the net axial spring rate averages about −1.37 lb./in. Over a range of α=−5° to 5°, the net axial spring rate averages about −1.69 lb./in.
With reference next to
With reference next to
With reference next to
With reference next to
In the embodiment illustrated in
Tension devices 80 as described herein may be particularly useful for applying tension to musical strings of musical instruments such as guitars. Thus, in some embodiments, a plurality of the tension devices 80 can be mounted side-by-side on a guitar.
With reference next to
A body string connection zone 114 is defined proximal of the bridge module 104 and a head string connection zone 116 is defined distal of the nut 108. A playing zone 118 is defined between the bridge module 104 and nut 108. String vibrations in the playing zone 118 are isolated from string vibrations in the body connection zone 114 and head connection zone 116 by the bridge module 104 and head nut 108, respectively.
The frame width of 0.66 in. and the selected spring rate discussed above in accordance with the embodiment of
In the embodiments discussed above in connection with
Embodiments can function as, and be placed as, the bridge of a guitar or other stringed instrument. In other embodiments, constant-tension devices such as discussed herein can be placed on the headstock of a guitar (electric or acoustic), violin, cello or other stringed instrument, including acoustic versions of such instruments, thus keeping the components spaced from the body of the instrument. Notably, suitable stringed instruments for incorporating tension devices as discussed herein also include pianos, mandolins, steel guitars, and others.
The “cent” is a logarithmic unit of measure used for musical intervals. More specifically, one cent is 1/100 of the difference in frequency from one note to the next in the 12-note chromatic scale. In this scale there are twelve notes in each octave, and each octave doubles the frequency so that 1200 cents doubles a frequency. As such, one cent is precisely equal to 2^( 1/1200) times a given frequency. Since frequency is proportional to the square root of tension, one cent is also equal to a tension change by 2^(( 1/1200)*2)=2^( 1/600) from one tension value to a tension value one cent away. 2^( 1/600)−1= 1/865(0.001156). Thus, every change in tension by 1/865(0.001156) equates to one cent different in frequency. Similarly, every change in tension by 1/86(0.01156) equates to a ten cent difference in frequency, and every change in tension by 1/173(0.00578) equates to a five cent difference in frequency.
In one embodiment, the operation range of the tension device configured to be used with a stringed musical instrument is selected to correspond to a change in frequency of ten cents or less per 1 mm of travel. In another embodiment, the operation range of tension device is selected to correspond to a change in frequency of five cents or less per 1 mm of travel. The actual length of the operation range can vary, but in some embodiments is up to about 1 mm of travel. In other embodiments, the operation range is up to about 1-1.5 mm of travel. In still further embodiments, the operation range is up to about 2 mm of travel.
With reference again to
To determine a maximum desired change in tension to define a desired operational range of, for example, 10 cents, a string tension is multiplied by the value of 10 cents change infrequency. For example, for a guitar string designed for a tension of about 10 pounds, a change in tension corresponding to ten cents of frequency is calculated as 10 lb.*(01156)=0.12 lb.
With reference next to
In the illustrated embodiment, each string tensioner 120 comprises a connector 126 at its distal end to which a string ball 128 is attached. The string ball 128 is at the proximal end of each musical string 30, and functions to connect the string 30 to the tensioner 120. The string tensioner includes a primary spring 130 that is connected at its distal end to the connector 126 and at its proximal end to the frame 122. Preferably, the primary spring 130 is held in tension and longitudinally aligned with the string 30. As such, the primary spring 130 applies a longitudinal tension force to the attached musical string 30. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of secondary springs 132 which, in the illustrated embodiment, comprise thin metal sheets, are attached to the connector 126 and to a secondary frame 134. The secondary frame includes a plurality of stationary spring mounts 136 configured to hold the secondary springs 132.
As discussed above, the primary spring 130 is held in tension and correspondingly applies tension to the attached string 30. However, as the string 30 stretches and contracts over time, the primary spring 130 will correspondingly stretch or contract, thus changing the tension applied by the primary spring 130 to the string 30. The secondary springs 132 are configured to apply a force to the connector. However, only a portion of this force is directed as a force vector in a longitudinal direction. Preferably, the longitudinally-directed vector force changes as the primary spring 130 elongates and contracts. Also, the secondary springs 132 are chosen so that the variation in the longitudinal force vector generated by the secondary springs generally corresponds to the change in longitudinal force applied by the primary spring 130 so that the secondary and primary springs, taken together, apply a constant or near-constant longitudinally-directed tension force to the corresponding string 30 over a range of operation.
In such embodiments, as the string 30 stretches and contracts, the string tensioner 120 will maintain a constant or near-constant tension in the string, however, the string 30 will move. For example the position of the string ball 128 may move proximally or distally, and correspondingly the string 30 will move over the bridge 104. Excessive friction in the bridge could dilute the effectiveness of the string tensioner 120 in keeping tension in the string 30 at a constant or near-constant level.
In the illustrated embodiment, the string tensioner 120 has structure as illustrated. However, it is to be understood that other string tensioner configurations can be employed, including other embodiments of tensioners that apply a constant or near-constant force over an operational range. For example, Applicant's issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,330 discloses embodiments of constant tension devices that can maintain musical strings at a constant or near-constant tension in order to maintain string tune. Embodiments as disclosed in the '330 patent, closure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, can also be employed as a string tensioners. Still further, some string holder module embodiments may not adjust with the strings, but may more traditionally hold the string balls at a constant, fixed position. Such traditional embodiments may still benefit from the principles and aspects discussed herein.
With continued reference to
With reference next to
With additional reference to
With particular reference again to
Preferably, a width of the elongated channel 150 between the first and second channel side walls 156, 158 approximates a width of the roller saddle 160, but enables the roller saddle 160 role within the channel 150 unobstructed by the channel side walls 156, 158. Preferably, the roller saddle 160 rolls on the base plate 170. However, in other embodiments, the roller saddle may ride over and be supported upon the surface of the guitar body 92.
As discussed above, the string 30 is seated in the groove/saddle 168. Since the roller saddle 160 readily rolls on the base plate 170, when the string 30 expands and contracts, the roller saddle 160 will roll to accommodate such movement and the string 30 will not slide relative to the surface of the saddle 168. As such sliding friction of the string 30 over the saddle 168 is minimized or totally avoided in favor of rolling friction of the roller saddle 160 over the base plate 170, which is much less than sliding friction.
Most preferably, the roller saddle 160 is formed of a solid block of a choice vibrational material such as bronze, brass or titanium. Preferably, the base plate 170 is also formed of a choice vibrational material. As such, resonance from the vibrating string 30 is easily transferred through the roller saddle 160 and base plate 170 to the guitar body 92, and back to the string 30.
As discussed above, accomplished guitarists wish to adjust the length of each guitar string 30 in order to attain proper tuning. Such length adjustment, known as intonation, typically involves independent positioning of each bridge member to set the desired length for the corresponding guitar string. In operation, a user may first select the desired intonation location of the roller saddle 160 by placing the roller saddle within the elongated channel 150 and rolling and/or pushing it to a desired position for intonation. Once intonation is completed, and the string has been put in place and is under tension, the roller saddle can operate normally, rolling with very low friction as the string stretches or contracts. Indeed, preferably, the roller saddle experiences no sliding-based friction, and only experiences the relatively-low rolling friction.
As discussed above, in the illustrated configuration, as the string 30 stretches or contracts a given length, the roller saddle will rotate. In fact, the rotating roller saddle will translate longitudinally to a lesser extent that the string translates longitudinally. As such, the roller saddle configuration dampens the effect string translation may have on intonation positions, and the saddle 168 translates less than does the string.
A user may also wish to adjust the height of the strings 30 relative to the guitar body 92. To this end, preferably a base plate 170 is selected having a thickness that will place the strings 30 at or near a desired height above the guitar body 92. With additional reference to
It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, height adjustment can be accomplished by other structures. For example, the bridge module may include screws that adjust the height of the entire module relative to the guitar body.
With particular reference again to
As shown, each race 140 additionally includes a pair of support surfaces 180 atop each channel side wall 156, 158. Spaced apart adjustment holes 182 preferably are formed through each support surface 180.
With additional reference to
With continued reference again to
In the illustrated embodiment, a biasing member 210, such as a small coil spring, extends into each receiver 200 and engages a race side wall 212 so as to urge the elongated bar 192 to rotate about a pivot point 214, and thus bias a contact surface 216 of the contact member 188 against the corresponding side face of the roller saddle 160.
In the embodiment illustrated in
With additional reference to
The user can change the position of the contact members 188 by pulling upward on the elongated bar 192 so that the pin 194 is removed from its associated hole 182. The user can then insert the pin 194 into another one of the holes 182 as desired. Preferably, the contact members 188 on opposite sides of the channel 150 are inserted into symmetrically aligned holes 182 so as to exert a symmetrical biasing force on the associated roller saddle 160. In additional embodiments, a detent structure can be provided on the pin 194 or holes 182 so that the pins 194 do not slide out of holes 182 unintentionally.
In some embodiments, a cover can be attached atop the support surface 180 to prevent the contact members 188 from falling out of the holes. With reference again to
In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated bars 192 rest upon support surface 180. In additional embodiments, one or more of the contact members can include a pin that is longer than the corresponding holes 182 so that when the pin is inserted into the hole the elongated bar 192 will be spaced from the support surface 180.
In the illustrated embodiment, the contact members 188 are positioned relative to the associated roller saddle 160 so that the pivot point 214 is near a center of the roller saddle and most preferably proximal of a center of the roller saddle 160, while the distal end 198 of the elongated bar 192 is positioned distal of the roller saddle 160. As such, the elongated bar 192 pivots inwardly a small amount to take up play that may exist between the side faces 164, 166 of the roller saddle 160 and the channel side walls 156, 158 in order to minimize or prevent buzzing.
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the elongated bar 192 on opposite sides of the channel pivot inwardly. In additional embodiments, the elongated bar 192 on only one of the sides may pivot, while the opposing elongated bar remains stationary. In still further embodiments, only a single contact member is employed, biasing the roller saddle from only one side of the channel. Preferably, the opposing channel wall can be lined with a low-friction material, such as Teflon-infused Delrin. The contact member thus biases the roller saddle into contact with the low-friction material lining the channel wall, thus minimizing or eliminating buzzing during operation.
With particular reference to
A break angle α is defined as the angle between the string 30 proximal of the saddle 168 and the string 30 distal of the saddle 168. Notwithstanding the benefits of the force exerted by the string 30 onto the roller saddle 160 by virtue of the break angle α, because of the break angle α, a longitudinally-directed vector force exerted by the string 30 tends to urge the roller saddle 160 longitudinally in a distal direction. Of course, a friction force between the roller saddle 160 and the base plate 170 provides some resistance against the longitudinally-directed break angle vector force. However, there is a risk that, when the string 30 and roller saddle 160 are vibrating, the longitudinally-directed break angle vector force may cause the roller saddle 160 to slide distally over the base plate 170, possibly moving the roller saddle 160 out of the selected intonation position. However, the biasing force exerted by the opposing contact members 188 also exerts a longitudinally-directed vector force component directed proximally in opposition to the break angle vector force, and thus resists the break angle vector force.
Additionally, if the string 30 is de-tensioned, such as by a string breaking, the biasing force exerted by the opposing contact members 188 will tend to hold the roller saddle 160 in its position. Thus, the user will not have to start from scratch in finding and setting the proper intonation upon restringing the guitar 90. Also, the roller saddle 160 will tend not to fall out of the channel 150 upon de-tensioning of the corresponding string 30 because it is held in place by the contact members 188.
With reference next to
With reference again to
In a preferred embodiment, the contact members 188 are constructed of a low friction material so that even though the contact members are exerting a biasing force on the side faces 164, 166 of the roller saddle 160, the roller saddle can still roll with minimal friction being exerted by the contact members 188. In one preferred embodiment, the elongated bars 192 are formed of a Teflon-infused Delrin material having a very low coefficient of friction, such as within a range of less than about 0.2, and more preferably between about 0.07-0.14 so that, when combined with the biasing force, there will be less than 10 cents of change in aural tone when the string is loaded at about 30 pounds of tension. In another embodiment, the elongated bars 192 are formed of a choice vibrational material such as is used for the roller saddle.
In the embodiments illustrated herein and discussed above, the contact members 188 are configured to pivot while exerting a biasing force on the side faces of the roller saddle. Additional embodiments may employ different structure to exert a biasing force on one or more side faces of the roller saddle. For example, in another embodiment the contact member can comprise an elongate bar that traverses all or much of the length of the channel, and is biased inwardly so as to be biased inwardly against a side face of the roller saddle in any position of the roller saddle along the length of the channel. Such biasing can be provided by springs such as coil springs, torsion springs, flat springs, leaf springs or the like, or by other materials such as elastomers in compression or tension.
With reference next to
The illustrated roller saddle 230 also comprises side faces 244 and side ridges 174 adjacent the side faces 244. The illustrated side ridges 246 have a diameter greater than the adjacent cylindrical body 240 and preferably are placed so as to hang over the side edges 236 of the race 232, also to help align the roller saddle 230 as the cylindrical body 240 rolls over the race 232.
It is to be understood that, in additional embodiments, the roller saddle 230 may not include the side ridges 246, so that the cylindrical body 240 is guided only by the saddle 242 being engaged with the elongated ridge 238 or, alternatively, the race 232 may not include the ridge 238 so that the cylindrical body 240 is guided only by the side ridges 246 being aligned with the side edges 236 when rolling over the race 232.
With reference next to
The string holder module 250 preferably comprises a plurality of string tensioners 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the module comprises four string tensioners 260a-d. Each string tensioner 260 comprises a primary spring 262 that is a coil spring having a distal end 264 that is attached to a string connector 266. A proximal end 268 of each primary spring 262 is connected to a spring holder 270. Each string connector 266 comprises a hook portion 267 that is configured to engage the string ball 128 of the corresponding musical string 30. Preferably, the distal end 264 of the primary spring 262 is rigidly connected to the connector 266 such as by welding or brazing. In other embodiments, the primary spring 262 could be connected to the connector 266 by other structures, such as a hook and pin.
Each of the string tensioners 260a-d preferably fits within a corresponding channel 272a-d defined between channel walls 274. A tuning knob 280 is aligned with the corresponding channel 272 but is arranged on the proximal side of the back wall 254. An elongated threaded tuning rod 282 is attached to each tuning knob 280 and extends from its tuning knob 280 through an aperture formed in the back wall 254 and into the channel 272. The tuning rod 282 also extends through a threaded aperture formed in a corresponding one of the spring holders 270. As such, rotation of the tuning knob 280 will cause longitudinal translation of the spring holder 270 over the rod 282, and thus will correspondingly increase or decrease the tension in the primary spring 262. As such, the tuning knob 280 enables a user to increase or decrease the tension applied to a corresponding musical string 30.
In the illustrated embodiment, each string tensioner 260 includes a plurality of secondary springs 290 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are leaves or sheets of spring steel. Stationary spring mounts 292 for each of the secondary springs 290 are formed on the channel walls 274, and connector spring mounts 294 are formed in each of the connectors 266. As such, the string connectors 266 function as carriers in a manner similar to as discussed above in the embodiments depicted in, for example,
In the illustrated embodiment, each secondary spring 290 spans multiple string tensioners 260, and preferably spans entirely across, and is functionally part of, all of the string tensioners 260a-d of the string holder module 250. As such, the overall footprint of the string holder module, and the spacing between individual string tensioners, can be minimized. Also, manufacture of the structure can be simplified. It is to be understood, however, that in other embodiments each string tensioner 260 may have its own set of secondary springs or, in still further embodiments, sets of secondary springs can be shared by groups of one or more but less than all of the string tensioners in a string holder module. Additionally, although the illustrated embodiment employs three sheets or leave in the secondary spring 290, it is to be understood that additional embodiments may employ one, two, four, or more secondary spring leaves.
With continued reference to
In the illustrated embodiment, as the relatively thick body portion 296 transitions to the relatively thin hook portion 267, the connector 266 forms an offset defining a stop surface 302. The front plate 256 of the frame 252 is positioned longitudinally aligned with the stop surface 302. Thus, as the string connector 266 is moved distally, the stop surface 302 will engage the front plate 256 to prevent distal translation of the string connector 266 beyond a desired operational range.
In some guitar-based embodiments a user may tension the string sufficient so that the stop surface 302 of the string connector 266 is immediately adjacent the front plate 256. As such, if the user desires to “bend” notes during play, and thus pulls or pushes a string 30, and correspondingly pulling the associated string connector 266 distally, the stop surface 302 will engage the front plate 256, preventing the string connector 266 from moving further distally to compensate for the user pulling on the string 30. This allows the user to increase the tension in the string, resulting in a “bent” note.
In some embodiments a slot can be formed in the front plate so that the string connector 266 fits therethrough. Preferably, the slot is sized so as to prevent transverse movement of the string connector 266. In still other embodiments, in addition to or instead of a slot, rollers or other low friction structure can be employed to restrict transverse motion of the string connector.
With reference next to
A pair of receiver holes 310 are formed in the proximal end 304 of the spring holder 270. With additional reference to
Each spring holder 270 is configured both to hold the proximal end 268 of the primary spring 262 and to adjust the spring rate of that spring. With reference next to
The portion of the spring 262 that is held within the threads 308 of the spring holder 270 is constrained by the threads 308 from expanding and contracting. As such this portion is considered an inactive portion 317 of the spring, while the coils that are not so constrained are considered an active portion 318 of the spring 262. Adjustment, or calibration, of the spring holder 270 changes the active length, or active number of coils, of the spring 262, and thus adjusts the spring rate.
In some embodiments, it is desired for the primary springs 262 of all of the tensioner as 260a-d of a string holder module 250 to have substantially the same spring rate as the collective spring rate of the secondary spring 290. Due to several factors, including manufacturing variations, the primary springs 262 of the string holder module 250 may have differing spring rates, which spring rates differ from that of the secondary spring 290. As such, in accordance with some embodiments, the spring holders 270 are calibrated in order to adjust the spring rates of each primary spring 262 to the desired value. In some embodiments that desired spring rate value will be the same as the spring rate of the secondary springs 290. In other embodiments, the desired spring rate value may be the same as others of the primary springs 262. In still other embodiments, the spring rate of a particular primary spring 262 may be adjusted to match the desired spring rate for a particular size or configuration of musical string or, for example in other applications, an industrial wire. Adjustment of the spring holder 270 adjusts the number of active coils, or the active length, of the spring.
With reference next to
With reference next to
With particular reference to
The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions.
Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subject matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/106,697, which was filed Jan. 22, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application relates to some of the subject matter concerning methods and apparatus for holding wires or strings as disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,440, which issued Dec. 21, 2010, and Applicant's copending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/476,619, which was filed Sep. 3, 2014, and Ser. No. 14/882,407, which was filed Oct. 13, 2015. The entirety of each of these related applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
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