Multi-function musical instrument pedal controller
OwnerLeigh Howard Stevens, Roger Clercinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-function pedal controller may be used with a musical instrument, such as a keyboard percussion instrument, to allow control of both vibrato and damper functions. The multi-function pedal controller may control damper functions with a first range of motion and vibrato functions with a second range of motion, thereby facilitating intuitive control of both functions by the instrumentalist.
Claims24
A multi-function pedal controller for a musical instrument, comprising:
- a damper pedal portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the damper pedal portion is configured to have a first range of motion such that movement of the damper pedal portion in the first range of motion actuates a damper mechanism;
- and
- a vibrato pedal portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the vibrato pedal portion is pivotably coupled to the damper pedal portion at a pivot point proximate the proximal end of the damper pedal portion such that the proximal end of the vibrato pedal portion extends beyond the pivot point, and wherein the vibrato pedal portion is configured to have a second range of motion pivoting relative to the damper pedal portion such that movement of the vibrato pedal portion in the second range of motion actuates a vibrato mechanism.
A musical instrument comprising:
- a plurality of tone bars configured to produce musical notes;
- at least one damper mechanism configured to contact and dampen at least a some of the tone bars;
- at least one vibrato mechanism configured to produce vibrato effects;
- and
- a multi-function pedal controller configured to move in at least first and second ranges of motion, the first range of motion controlling the vibrato mechanism and the second range of motion controlling the damper mechanism.
A method of controlling sound parameters of a musical instrument comprising:
- engaging a pedal controller to move in a first range of motion and cause a damping mechanism to disengage from tone bars in the musical instrument;
- and
- engaging the pedal controller to move in a second range of motion and cause a vibrato mechanism to create a vibrato effect in the musical instrument.
A multi-function pedal controller for a musical instrument, comprising;
- a first pedal portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first pedal portion is configured to have a first range of motion such that movement of the first pedal portion in the first range of motion actuates a first instrument parameter;
- and
- at least a second pedal portion having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the second pedal portion is pivotably coupled to the first pedal portion proximate the proximal end of the first pedal portion such that the proximal end of the second pedal portion extends beyond the pivot point, and wherein the second pedal portion is configured to have a second range of motion pivoting relative to the first pedal portion such that movement of the second pedal portion in the second range of motion actuates a second instrument parameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.