PIANO STRING FRAME

Abstract

A piano string frame comprising a frame plate having a perimeter portion enclosing an aperture, and a strut bisecting the aperture. The perimeter portion has a bass pin portion to support a first end of a plurality of bass strings; a bass hitch portion to support a second end of a plurality of bass strings; a treble pin portion to support a first end of a plurality of treble strings; and a treble hitch portion. To support a second end of a plurality of treble strings. The strut extends from a first point to a second point. The second point is disposed at an end of the treble hitch portion to support a second end of a lowest pitched treble string, such that the strut is underneath any bass strings supported by the piano string frame, and such that no part of the frame plate is disposed over any strings.

Claims

1. A piano string frame comprising: a frame plate comprising a perimeter portion enclosing an aperture, and a strut bisecting the aperture; the perimeter portion comprising: a bass pin portion configured to support a first end of a plurality of bass strings; a bass hitch portion configured to support a second end of a plurality of bass strings; a treble pin portion configured to support a first end of a plurality of treble strings; and a treble hitch portion configured to support a second end of a plurality of treble strings; and the strut being configured to extend from a first point disposed between the bass pin portion and the treble pin portion, to a second point; wherein the second point is disposed at an end of the treble hitch portion configured to support a second end of a lowest pitched treble string, such that the strut is disposed underneath any bass strings supported by the piano string frame, and such that no part of the frame plate is disposed over any strings; and a first beam disposed on the perimeter portion adjacent to the bass pin portion and the treble pin portion; and a second beam disposed to extend from the first beam along at least a part of the strut; wherein the first beam and the second beam are each connected to the frame plate via a welded joint.

2. A piano string frame according to claim 1, wherein the treble hitch portion is disposed substantially between the bass hitch portion and the bass pin portion to provide an over-strung piano string frame.

3. A piano string frame according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a base plate disposed on the frame plate at the bass hitch portion and connected to the frame plate via a welded joint.

4. A piano string frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the second beam is arranged perpendicular to and coplanar with the first beam.

5. A piano string frame according to any preceding claim, comprising a pair of side beams arranged coplanar with, perpendicular to and at opposite ends of the first beam; wherein each of the pair of side beams is connected to the frame plate via a welded joint.

6. A piano string frame according to any preceding claim, further comprising a string guiding element configured to be coupled to the frame plate by a fastener; wherein the string guiding element is configured to be coupled to the frame plate between the treble pin portion and the treble hitch portion and arranged at an end of the treble pin portion configured to support a first end of a highest pitched treble string so as to provide a capo d'astro.

7. A piano string frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the strut comprises a first straight section and a second straight section connected by a corner section such that the first straight section is arranged at an obtuse angle with the second straight section.

8. A piano string frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the piano string frame is formed of steel.

9. A method of forming a piano string frame, the method comprising steps of: forming, from a sheet metal material, a frame plate comprising a perimeter portion enclosing an aperture, and a strut bisecting the aperture, the perimeter portion comprising a bass pin portion, a bass hitch portion, a treble pin portion and a treble hitch portion; forming, from a bar stock metal material, a first beam and a second beam; welding the first beam to the perimeter portion of the frame plate adjacent to the bass pin portion and the treble pin portion; and welding the second beam to the frame plate to extend from the first beam along at least a part of the strut.

10. A method of forming a piano string frame according to claim 9, wherein the step of forming a frame plate comprises one selected from the range: laser cutting; water-jet cutting; plasma cutting; milling.

11. A method of forming a piano string frame according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a step of welding the second beam to the first beam.

12. A method of forming a piano string frame according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a step of welding a base plate to the perimeter portion of the frame plate at a bass hitch portion.

13. A method of forming a piano string frame according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a step of welding a pair of side beams to the perimeter portion of the frame plate; wherein the pair of side beams is arranged coplanar with, perpendicular to and at opposite ends of the first beam.

14. A method of forming a piano string frame according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a step of fastening a string guiding element to the frame plate; wherein the string guiding element is configured to be disposed between the treble pin portion and the treble hitch portion and arranged at an end of the treble pin portion configured to support a first end of a highest pitched treble string so as to form a capo d'astro.

15. A method of forming a piano string frame according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising a step of spray painting the piano string frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic plan view of a piano string frame according to a first embodiment of a first aspect of the invention, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic plan view of a frame plate of the piano string frame of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0065] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method of forming the piano string frame of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of a second aspect of the invention, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0066] With reference to FIG. 1, a piano string frame 100 is shown. The piano string frame 100 comprises: a frame plate 102 comprising a perimeter portion 104 enclosing an aperture 106, and a strut 108 bisecting the aperture 106; the perimeter portion 104 comprising: a bass pin portion 110 configured to support a first end of a plurality of bass strings; a bass hitch portion 112 configured to support a second end of a plurality of bass strings; a treble pin portion 114 configured to support a first end of a plurality of treble strings; and a treble hitch portion 116 configured to support a second end of a plurality of treble strings; and the strut 108 being configured to extend from a first point 118 disposed between the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114, to a second point 120; wherein the second point 120 is disposed at an end of the treble hitch portion 116 configured to support a second end of a lowest pitched treble string, such that the strut 108 is disposed underneath any bass strings supported by the piano string frame 100, and such that no part of the frame plate 102 is disposed over any strings; and a first beam 122 disposed on the perimeter portion 104 adjacent to the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114; and a second beam 124 disposed to extend from the first beam 122 along at least a part of the strut 108; wherein the first beam 122 and the second beam 124 are each connected to the frame plate 102 via a welded joint 126.

[0067] The piano string frame 100 of FIG. 1 comprises a substantially semi-circular shape. The first beam 122 is located along the straight edge of the semi-circle. The bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114 are located along the straight edge of the semi-circle just inside the first beam 110. Between the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114 is the second beam 124. The second beam 124 is arranged perpendicular to the first bean 122. A pair of side beams 128 are located along the sides of the piano string frame 100, extending from the straight edge of the semi-circle in a perpendicular direction. The pair of side beams 128 flank the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114 so that the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114 are each surrounded on three sides by beams 122, 124, 128.

[0068] The first beam 122, the second beam 124 and the pair of side beams 128 are connected to the frame plate 102 by a welded joint 126. The welded joint 126 runs around an outer surface of the E-shaped beam assembly formed by the first beam 122, the second beam 124 and the pair of side beams 128.

[0069] From underneath the second beam 124 extends the strut 108. The strut 108 bisects the aperture 106 and splits the aperture 106 into two apertures 107a, 107b. The aperture 106 may be split into a bass aperture 106a located underneath any bass strings, and a treble aperture 107b located underneath any treble strings. A first end of the strut 108 is located on an edge of the aperture 106 located between the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114. A second end of the strut 108 is located on an edge of the aperture 106 located at a bass end of the treble hitch portion 116. In other words, the second end of the strut 108 is located at an end treble hitch portion 116 configured to support a lowest pitched treble string. The strut 108 comprises two straight sections linked by a corner section. The first straight section is located underneath the second beam 124 and is orientated perpendicular to the first beam 122. The second section is located substantially between the bass aperture 107a and the treble aperture 107b. The corner section defines a bend in the strut 108 of approximately 14 between the first and second straight sections.

[0070] The treble hitch portion 116 has an elongated and curved shape. The edge of the treble hitch portion 116 defines an edge of the aperture 106. The bass hitch portion 112 is located behind the treble hitch portion 116. In other words, the treble hitch portion 116 is located between the bass pin portion 110 and the bass hitch portion 112 such that the piano string frame 100 is over-strung. Any bass strings may pass over at least a portion of any lowest pitched treble strings.

[0071] The bass hitch portion 112 is located on a base plate 130. The base plate 130 is located on the frame plate 102. The bass plate is located at a curved edge of the semi-circle of the piano string frame 100, opposite the straight edge of the semi-circle. The bass plate 130 has a curved shape to conform to the curved edge of the semi-circle of the piano string frame 100. The base plate 130 is a raised platform such that the bass hitch portion 112 is located higher than a treble hitch portion 116. In this way, any bass strings may be arranged higher than any treble strings and may pass over the treble strings to enable an over-strung arrangement of the piano string frame 100.

[0072] Between the bass hitch portion 112 and the treble hitch portion 116 is located a bass bridge aperture 132. In use, a bass bridge of the piano may be disposed through the bass bridge aperture 132 to define a speaking length at the hitch end of any bass strings. In use, a treble bridge may be disposed through the treble aperture 107b to define a speaking length at the hitch end of any treble strings.

[0073] The frame plate 102 may comprise areas of webbing 134. The webbing 134 may comprise apertures to increase an exposure of any strings supported by the piano string frame 100 to any soundboard located underneath the piano string frame 100.

[0074] The piano string frame 100 does not comprise any bars, braces or struts that, in use, are located above any strings supported by the piano string frame 100. In fact, in use, no part of the frame plate 102 has a height that extends above, i.e. is greater than, a height of a lowest portion of the strings. A height of the base plate 130 extend above at least a portion of the strings in use. That is to say, a height of the base plate 130 is greater than a height of a lowest portion of the strings.

[0075] Heights of the first beam 122 and the second beam 124 extend above the strings in use. That is to say, heights of the first beam 122 and the second beam 124 are greater than a height of any portion of the strings. In this way, any lid of the piano may be closed onto the first beam 122 and the second beam 124 without interfering with any strings.

[0076] With reference to FIG. 2, a frame plate 102 of the piano string frame 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. The frame plate 102 is formed from a hitch plate portion 202, a first pin plate portion 204 and a second pin plate portion 206.

[0077] The hitch plate portion 202 is configured to support hitch pins for any plurality of strings supported by the piano string frame 100. The hitch plate portion 202 is the largest portion of the frame plate 102 and comprises a curved edge 208. Into the hitch plate portion 202 are cut the apertures 107a, 107b, the bass bridge aperture 132 and various further apertures in the areas of webbing 134. A plurality of holes 210 being configured to receive hitch pins are cut into the hitch plate portion 202. The hitch plate portion 202 comprises a space 212 configured to receive the base plate 130. The hitch plate portion 202 comprises the strut 108. The strut 108 may be formed integrally with the hitch plate portion 202, or may be connected to the hitch plate portion 202 via a welded joint (not shown).

[0078] The first pin plate portion 204 is configured to support a plurality of agraffes and a capo d'astro. The first pin plate portion 204 has a substantially elongated shape. A plurality of holes 214 being configured to receive agraffes are cut into the first pin plate portion 204. Further holes 216 configured to receive fasteners configured to fasten the capo d'astro to the first pin plate portion 204 are provided.

[0079] The second pin plate portion 206 is configured to support tuning pins for any plurality of strings supported by the piano string frame 100. The second pin plate portion 206 has a substantially elongated shape. A plurality of holes 218 being configured to align with some of the holes 214 of the first pin plate portion 204 and configured receive agraffes are cut into the second pin plate portion 206. A plurality of holes 220 being configured to receive tuning pins are cut into the second pin plate portion 206.

[0080] The first and second pin plate portions 204, 206 are connected together by a welded joint (not shown). When connected together by a welded joint, the first and second pin plate portions 204, 206 are configured to be at least partially overlapping. The first and second pin plate portions 204, 206 are connected to the hitch plate portion 202 by a same or a further welded joint (not shown). The first and second pin plate portions 204, 206 are connected to the hitch plate portion 202 at an edge of the hitch plate portion 202 comprising open edges of the apertures 107a, 107b to close the apertures 107a, 107b. Accordingly, the first and second pin plate portions 204, 206 are connected to the hitch plate portion 202 at opposing sides of the edge of the hitch plate portion 202 and at the distal end of the strut 108. In this way, the strut 108 is connected to the first and second pin plate portions 202, 204 by a welded joint to provide a load distribution path disposed between the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114 and substantially centrally to the first and second pin plate portions 202, 204.

[0081] With reference to FIG. 3, a flowchart 300 of a method of forming a piano string frame 100 is shown. The flowchart comprises simultaneous forming steps 302, 304 of forming, from a sheet metal material, a frame plate 102 comprising a perimeter portion 104 enclosing an aperture 106, and a strut 108 bisecting the aperture 106, the perimeter portion 104 comprising a bass pin portion 110, a bass hitch portion 112, a treble pin portion 114 and a treble hitch portion 116, and forming, from a bar stock metal material, a first beam 122 and a second beam 124. Following forming steps 302, 304, welding step 306 of welding the first beam 122 to the perimeter portion 104 of the frame plate 102 adjacent to the bass pin portion 110 and the treble pin portion 114 is performed. Then welding step 308 of welding the second beam 124 to the frame plate 102 to extend from the first beam 122 along at least a part of the strut 108 is performed. Welding step 310 of welding a base plate 130 to the perimeter portion 104 of the frame plate 102 at a bass hitch portion 112 follows. Final welding step 312 of welding a pair of side beams 128 to the perimeter portion 104 of the frame plate 102, wherein the pair of side beams 128 is arranged coplanar with, perpendicular to and at opposite ends of the first beam 122, completes the piano string frame 100 structure. Coating step 314 of spray painting the piano string frame 100 finishes the piano string frame 100.

[0082] Forming step 302 may comprise one selected from the range: laser cutting; water-jet cutting; plasma cutting; milling. Welding steps 306 or 308 may further comprise a step of welding the second beam 124 to the first beam 122. Welding steps 306, 308, 310 and 312 may take place in any order or simultaneously.

[0083] Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, the piano string frame may be used in any suitable piano, any suitable keyboard instrument, or any suitable struck or plucked stringed instrument. Further, the piano string frame may be configured to support any number of strings. The piano string frame may support piano strings in any suitable manner. The piano string frame may comprise any number of struts comprising any number of portions, as long as they are arranged lower than or underneath any strings. The piano string frame may comprise any number of beams connected to the frame plate by welded joints, as long as they are not arranged to overlap any strings. The welded joints may be formed in any suitable way. The piano string frame may be formed of any suitable steel, or further any suitable material. The piano string frame may be finished in any suitable way, for example the piano string frame may be powder coated.

[0084] To provide a strong, stiff and stable piano string frame while providing a great volume of open space to any strings supported by the piano string frame, an innovative piano string frame design is required. The present invention provides improved exposure of any strings, improved strength, stiffness and stability of the piano string frame, and improved cost, time and availability of manufacture in the UK. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the figures could be used, for example.