Torsional based tremolo system with a moving bridge

Disclosed is a torsion based tremolo apparatus that includes a moving plate rotatably coupled to a mounting plate. A torsion device imparts torsional force to the moving plate relative to the mounting plate around an axis of rotation. The mounting plate is used to attach the tremolo apparatus to a guitar or other string musical instrument. Adjustable bridge clamps and tuning plates coupled to the moving plate may be used to set the tension on the instrument strings as desired. Rotation of the moving plate relative to the mounting plate alters the tension on the instrument strings.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates in general to musical instruments and in particular to an improved tremolo system for string musical instruments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific examples of components and component arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the claims. Well-known elements may be presented without detailed description in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. For the most part, details unnecessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention have been omitted inasmuch as such details are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

When directions, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, clockwise, counterclockwise, are discussed in this disclosure, such directions are meant to only supply reference directions for the illustrated figures and for orientation of components in the figures unless specifically stated otherwise. The directions should not be read to imply actual directions used in any resulting invention or actual use. Under no circumstances should such directions be read to limit or impart any meaning into the claims.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1F, one embodiment of a tremolo apparatus100is illustrated from different viewing angles. The tremolo apparatus100is configured to be attachable to a string musical instrument without requiring modification of the instrument. For example, the tremolo apparatus100may be surface mounted using existing mounting holes intended for a guitar's bridge. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments modifications may be made to the musical instrument prior to mounting the tremolo assembly100.

For purposes of example, the tremolo apparatus100is described with respect to its use with a guitar and the figures generally illustrate the tremolo apparatus as configured to interact with six separate strings of the instrument. However, for other numbers of strings, additional components may be added or removed, or some illustrated components may remain unused if not needed.

The tremolo apparatus100operates as a torsion device, rather than a tension or compression device, in order to simultaneously decrease or increase the tension on all of the strings of a musical instrument. In operation, this is accomplished by moving a portion of the tremolo apparatus100from a first position to a second position in either an upward or downward motion. This, in turn, increases or decreases the tension of the musical instrument's strings. Generally, the tremolo apparatus100uses torsion about an axis as a means of regulating and modulating the tension of the strings, rather than using tension or compression springs to generate a moment about the axis to counteract the tension and modulate the tension of the strings.

Many tremolos require significant modification of the musical instrument, generally being mounted into a cavity on the bottom side of the tremolo and often requiring cavities on both the front and back of the instrument. These modifications are generally undesirable for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, significant alterations affect the tonal qualities of the instrument and increase manufacturing costs of the instrument in that creating these cavities cost time and money, and may require significant adjustment.

The design of the tremolo apparatus100generally enables a surface mount and does not require significant modification of the instrument, permanent modification of the instrument, or removal of material from the instrument in the form of a cavity. Accordingly, the tonal qualities of the instrument are generally not altered when using the tremolo apparatus100.

With specific reference toFIG. 1A, the tremolo apparatus100includes a mounting plate102that is rotatably coupled to a moving plate104. The moving plate104may rotate relative to the mounting plate102around an axis105when force is applied, such as through a tremolo arm106(e.g., a lever arm) or by other means. It is understood that the tremolo arm106is not limited to that shown and may, for example, be of many different shapes and have differing numbers and angles of curves. The moving plate104forms the base for a tremolo mechanism that includes bridge clamps108and tuning plates110that are used to secure and tune strings of the musical instrument. The moving plate104, when forced via the arm106, rotates around the axis105, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension on the strings depending on the direction of rotation.FIG. 1Aillustrates the moving plate104in a first position relative to the mounting plate102.

With additional reference toFIGS. 1B and 1C, the moving plate104is illustrated in a second position relative to the mounting plate102following rotation of the moving plate104around the axis105. An angle of rotation a may vary based on settings applied to the tremolo apparatus100and/or based on the particular design of the mounting plate102, the moving plate104, and/or other components. For example, a stop may be integrated into or provided for the tremolo apparatus100to limit the available rotational range. It is understood that the use of first and second positions is for purposes of example and there may be multiple rotational positions.

With additional reference toFIG. 1D, the tremolo apparatus100is shown in an exploded view with one or more pins112that couple the moving plate104to the mounting plate102. One or more torsion devices (e.g., springs)114may be used to apply torsional force around the axis of rotation105. The springs114may be used to bias the mounting plate102and the moving plate104towards or away from each other. It is understood that springs are used for purposes of example and that many different torsion devices may be used in addition to, or instead of, the illustrated springs.

Bridge clamp screws116and bridge clamp nuts118may be used to secure the bridge clamps108to the moving plate104. The tuning plates110, which may be rotatably coupled to their respective bridge clamps108via pins124, are configured to receive string clamps120that are secured via string clamp screws122. In some embodiments, the string clamp screws122may be used to fasten the string directly, in which case the string clamps120may be omitted. Fine tuning screws126, which may be omitted in some embodiments, may be used to make finer adjustments to the pitch of the associated string as will be described below in greater detail.

It is understood that the screws described herein may be replaced by any other suitable fastener, and may be in various forms (e.g., thumbscrews intended for manipulation via fingers and/or various screwhead configurations intended for manipulation via tools). Furthermore, it is understood that some openings may be replaced by a threaded screw or a similar mechanism that is to be engaged by a nut or another fastener.

Referring toFIG. 2, one embodiment of the tremolo apparatus ofFIGS. 1A-1Fis illustrated from the underside.

Referring toFIG. 3, the tremolo apparatus100ofFIG. 2is illustrated with the mounting plate104omitted.

Referring toFIG. 4, one embodiment of the mounting plate102is illustrated in greater detail with a substantially planar upper surface402and a front edge404. The mounting plate102includes mounting holes406aand406bthat may be used to attach the mounting plate102to a musical instrument.

It is understood that the location and number of mounting holes may vary depending on the particular instrument onto which the tremolo apparatus100is to be mounted. Accordingly, by varying the number and location of the holes406, the tremolo apparatus100may be configured for various instruments. In other embodiments, the mounting plate102may be provided as multiple plates that are individually mounted to the musical instrument. In addition, it is understood that various spacers or other features may be integrated into or otherwise used with the mounting plate102.

Pin mounts408a-408dare provided to receive mounting pins112(FIG. 1D). It is understood that alternate pin arrangements (e.g., fewer or more pins) may require modifications to the pin mounts. Accordingly, while the current embodiment illustrates one way in which to couple the mounting plate102to the moving plate104in a manner that allows relative rotation around the axis105, many other coupling configurations may exist and are contemplated in the scope of the present disclosure.

Spring mounts410aand410bmay be provided to engage springs114. Although shown as openings (e.g., holes) in the front edge404, it is understood that the spring mounts410aand410bmay be implemented in many different ways.

Referring toFIGS. 5A-5C, one embodiment of the moving plate104is illustrated in greater detail with an upper surface502and a front edge504. In the present example, the moving plate104includes the substantially planar upper surface502and a riser section506that rises above the planar portion. Openings (e.g., slots)508a-508fextend perpendicularly to the axis105along the upper surface502.

The bridge clamp screws116pass through the slots508a-508fto engage the bridge clamp nuts118in order to secure the bridge clamps108to the moving plate104. The use of slots508a-508fenables the bridge clamps108to be moved closer to or farther from the front edge504as needed. It is understood that while shown as slots, holes or other shaped openings may be used in some embodiments. In still other embodiments, the bridge clamps108may be immovably attached to the moving plate104.

The riser section506includes an opening510for the arm106. Openings (e.g., slots)512a-512fallow the string clamp screws122to pass through the riser section506to secure string clamps120. If present, additional openings514a-514fmay be provided to allow the fine tuning screws126to pass through the riser section506to engage the string clamp screws122. The openings may be threaded to engage threads of the fine tuning screws126.

Pin mounts516a-516dare provided to receive mounting pins112(FIG. 1D). It is understood that alternate pin arrangements (e.g., fewer or more pins) may require modifications to the pin mounts. Accordingly, while the current embodiment illustrates one way in which to couple the mounting plate102to the moving plate104in a manner that allows relative rotation around the axis105, many other coupling configurations may exist and are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

Spring mounts518aand518bmay be provided to engage springs114. Although shown as openings in the front edge504, it is understood that the spring mounts518aand518bmay be implemented in many different ways.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, one embodiment of the mounting plate102and moving plate104is illustrated in greater detail as separate components (FIG. 6) and in assembled form (FIG. 7). The torsion spring114ahas a first end602that engages (e.g., is inserted into) the spring mount410aof the mounting plate102, and a second end604that engages the spring mount518aof the moving plate104. Similarly, the torsion spring114bhas a first end606that engages (e.g., is inserted into) the spring mount410bof the mounting plate102, and a second end608that engages the spring mount518bof the moving plate104. Pins112aand112bslide through the springs114aand114band into the pin mounts to couple the mounting plate102to the moving plate104.

Referring toFIG. 8, one embodiment of the assembled form ofFIG. 7is illustrated with a bridge clamp108coupled to the moving plate104by a bridge clamp screw116and a bridge clamp nut118. In the present example, the bridge clamp108is positioned at the slot508f(FIG. 5A) and is associated with a guitar sting802. The bridge clamp108is secured to the moving plate104and is not movable unless the bridge clamp screw is loosened to allow the bridge clamp108to slide along the slot508f. When in the desired position, the bridge clamp108is locked into place using the bridge clamp screw116and bridge clamp nut118, as the bridge clamp108is not intended to move relative to the moving plate104after the guitar string802is secured.

A tuning plate110is rotatably coupled to the bridge clamp108by a pin124. As will be described below in greater detail, the tuning plate110includes a curved slope that receives the end of the guitar string802. A string clamp120is used to lock the guitar string802into place. Also illustrated are an opening512ffor a string clamp screw122(not shown) and an opening514ffor a fine tuning screw126(not shown).

With additional reference toFIG. 9, the bridge clamp108and the tuning plate110ofFIG. 8are illustrated. The bridge clamp screw116, bridge clamp nut118, and string clamp120are omitted from the present figure. As shown, the bridge clamp108and/or the tuning plate110may include one or more arms or flanges that enable one or more pins124to rotatably couple the two components together.

Referring toFIGS. 10A-10D, the components ofFIG. 8are illustrated. Also present in some figures are a string clamp screw122(inserted into the opening512fofFIG. 8) and a fine tuning screw126(inserted into the opening514fofFIG. 8).

As shown, the body of the tuning plate110may not be in contact with the upper surface502of the moving plate104. This enables the tuning plate110to rotate around an axis of rotation provided by the pin124(as indicated by arrows1002aand1002b) while the bridge clamp108remains stationary. The guitar string802is under tension (as indicated by arrow1008) and, since it is locked into the tuning plate110, it exerts pressure to rotate the tuning plate110in the direction of the arrow1002a.

The string clamp screw122moves perpendicularly with respect to the back of the tuning plate110(as indicated by arrow1004). The string clamp screw122may also move along the angle of rotation1002a,1002bdue to movement of the tuning plate110to which it is coupled.

The fine tuning screw126moves vertically (as indicated by arrow1006) with respect to the upper surface502of the moving plate104and engages the string clamp screw122. By regulating the vertical movement of the string clamp screw122, the fine tuning screw126operates to counteract the rotational bias imparted by the guitar spring802. This enables the fine tuning screw126to be used to make minor adjustments to the angle of the tuning plate110, and therefore to the tension of the guitar string802.

For purposes of illustration, the string clamp120inFIG. 10Dis not shown in its fully forward position in order to show one end of the guitar string802. Actuation of the string clamp screw122may move the string clamp120forward (e.g., towards the bridge clamp108), thereby securing the guitar string802in the tuning plate110.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12, one embodiment of the bridge clamp108ofFIGS. 8 and 9is illustrated with the bridge clamp nut118, both without the bridge clamp screw116(FIG. 11) and with the bridge clamp screw116(FIG. 12).

With additional reference toFIGS. 13A and 13B, one embodiment of the bridge clamp108is illustrated. The bridge clamp108includes an opening1302(e.g., a slot) through which the bridge clamp screw116may pass to engage the bridge clamp nut118. An indentation1304may be provided to enable the head of the bridge clamp screw118to sit relatively flush with the surrounding surface of the bridge clamp108.

The bridge clamp108further includes one or more arms1306a,1306b. In the present example, a gap1308exists between the arms1306a,1306bto receive the arm(s) of the tuning plate110. Each arm1306a,1306bincludes an opening1310a,1310b, respectively, to receive the pin124that couples the bridge clamp108to the tuning plate110.

As shown, the surfaces of the arms1306a,1306bfacing towards the tuning plate110may be curved or otherwise shaped to enable the tuning plate110to rotate relative to the bridge clamp108. In other embodiments, the tuning plate110may be shaped to allow such rotation in addition to or instead of the bridge clamp108.

Referring toFIG. 14, one embodiment of a bridge clamp nut118is illustrated. In this example, the bridge clamp nut118includes an upper surface1402that faces the bridge clamp screw116and includes an opening to receive the bridge clamp screw116. One or more edges may be shaped (e.g., beveled) to engage the corresponding opening in the moving plate104. As shown, the portion1406near the upper surface1402is vertical, while the lower portion1408of the edge is sloped outward.

With additional reference toFIG. 15, the bridge clamp nut118ofFIG. 14is illustrated positioned within the slot508fof the moving plate104. The slot508fincludes an edge with portions1502,1504that are shaped to engage the portions1406,1408of the bridge clamp nut118. For example, the portion1502is vertical and the portion1504is sloped to engage the slope1408and prevent further vertical movement of the bridge clamp nut118. This shaping enables the bridge clamp nut118to move along the slot508fif the bridge clamp108is moved, while not protruding from the bottom side of the moving plate104and not able to exit the top side of the slot508fwhen engaged by the bridge clamp screw116.

Referring toFIGS. 16 and 17, one embodiment of the tuning plate110ofFIGS. 8 and 9is illustrated with the string clamp120(FIG. 16) and without the string clamp20(FIG. 17).

With additional reference toFIGS. 18A-18C, one embodiment of the tuning plate110is illustrated. In the present example, the tuning plate110is T-shaped when viewed from the top, with an upper surface1802. The leg of the T, which is inserted between the arms of the bridge clamp108, includes a sloped or curved surface1804that receives the guitar string802. The sloped surface1804extends from the upper surface1802and intersects an opening1806that receives the string clamp120. The sloped surface1804may form a groove or opening in an inner wall1808of the upper portion of the T.

The opening1806may extend all the way to a lower surface1810. An opening1812is provided to receive the pin124that couples the tuning plate110to the bridge clamp108. A threaded opening1814engages threads of the string clamp screw122as the string clamp screw122passes through the wall of the tuning plate110to press against the string clamp120. The string clamp screw122may be tightened to move the string clamp120towards the inner wall1808, thereby securing the guitar string802.

Referring toFIG. 19A, one embodiment of a string clamp120is illustrated. In this example, the string clamp120has an upside down L-shape when viewed from the side, with the vertical leg of the L extending into the opening1806of the tuning plate110. In this orientation, an inner surface1902of the vertical leg will face the sloped surface1804of the tuning plate108. In some embodiments, the inner surface1902may be sloped similarly to the sloped surface1804.

With additional reference toFIGS. 19B and 19C, another embodiment of a string clamp120is illustrated, in this example, the upper portion is similar to that ofFIG. 19A, but the lower portion includes an extension1908. The extension1908may include a curved surface1910suitable for receiving a ball end (e.g., a bead)1912of a musical instrument string802. It is understood that the string clamp120may be used to secure the string802with or without a bead.

Referring toFIG. 20, one embodiment of the tremolo apparatus100is illustrated as mounted on a guitar2002.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many combinations, modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For instance, in certain embodiments, each of the above described components and features may be individually or sequentially combined with other components or features and still be within the scope of the present invention. Undescribed embodiments which have interchanged components are still within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims.