Abstract:
A bridge mechanism for keeping at least one string on a musical instrument at a desired tension, having:
       a first body having a string contact point located at an intonation harmonic;   at least one other string contact point located at one of said intonation harmonic and between intonation harmonics wherein the string anchor point is located independently of the soundboard; and   a string arranged between said string contact points, wherein the string changes longitudinal direction at least once.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to musical instruments.-More specifically, the invention relates to a bridge mechanism for keeping a stringed instrument in tune through a string contact point located at an appropriate intonation harmonic. An additional function of the bridge is to couple vibration of the strings to the vibration of the soundboard, amplifying string movement. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Stringed instruments have been around for thousands of years. Conventionally, a string is placed under longitudinal tension until it vibrates at a pre-determined pitch when plucked, bowed, picked, or otherwise induced to vibrate. String vibration is then amplified through coupling to a resonant structure known as a soundboard, or electronically through a transducer. The coupling mechanism is known as a bridge. 
         [0003]    Maintaining accurate pitch has always been a challenge, as the force exerted by multiple strings under tension is quite significant, causing instruments to deform. Instruments must withstand string tension yet be light weight in order to be easily held, played, or transported by musicians. Conventional, instruments are resonant in order to efficiently amplify string vibrations and respond with sensitivity to a player&#39;s touch. 
         [0004]    Conventional technologies use a front mounted placement. Strings contact a bridge mechanism, and contact is maintained through string direction change (tangential, lateral), relative to the length of the string (longitudinal). Two conventional bridge formats exist, differentiated by string termination points: downward force bridges, and attachment point bridges:
   a. Conventional downward force bridges use downward force (tangential, lateral)—against the front of the instrument—to couple the string to the soundboard, with string termination points located independently of the bridge. Longitudinal string tension is redirected tangentially, or laterally. Examples include: violin, cello, archtop guitar, etc.   b. Conventional attachment point bridges, terminate strings on the soundboard, either as part of the bridge mechanism, or independently located. Longitudinal string tension is applied directly to the soundboard, either longitudinally, tangentially, or laterally. Examples include: acoustic guitar, electric guitar &amp; bass, etc.   
 
         [0007]    There are significant problems with conventional technologies that include:
   a. Both downward force and attachment point bridges restrict soundboard and string vibration due to string tension applied directly to the soundboard: the higher the pitch, for a given string, the greater the tension applied to the soundboard. The greater the tension, the greater the vibrational restriction, for both soundboard and string. Restricted string and soundboard vibration results in reduced musical sensitivity, sustain, and harmonic detail.   b. In order to counteract string tension applied to the soundboard, various bracing schemes have been devised. Every form of soundboard bracing adds mass to the soundboard, slowing directional change, and restricting vibrational movement. Additional bracing requires additional material, maintenance and expense, as well as opportunities for joint fatigue or failure.   c. Conventional technologies are particularly vulnerable to changes in string tension or environmental temperature and humidity. Because string pitch (tuning and intonation) is directly dependent upon string coupling to the soundboard, any alteration to the geometry or relationship between the string and soundboard interactively affects tuning, intonation, and the structural integrity of the instrument.   
 
         [0011]    There is a need for a bridge mechanism to facilitate vibrational coupling between string and soundboard, yet dissociate—or greatly reduce, in comparison to conventional technologies—longitudinal, tangential, and lateral string tension from the coupling process. 
         [0012]    There is a further need for a bridge mechanism that allows the soundboard to be designed in such a manner as to remain independent of the necessity to withstand longitudinal (including tangential and lateral) string tension. Building upon paragraph [0006] above, the soundboard can disassociate from structural necessity, i.e., function independently of form, shape, size, configuration, integrity, and design issues related to the remainder of the instrument. 
         [0013]    There is also a need for a bridge mechanism to simply adjust the relationship between string and fingerboard, thus affecting playability (force required to fret a note at a given pitch) and intonation, without requiring interactive adjustments to the soundboard, soundboard bracing, or neck (fingerboard) angle in relation to the soundboard or bridge. 
         [0014]    There is a need for a bridge mechanism to facilitate soundboard designs that require less structural bracing, thus simplifying construction, maintenance, and reducing mechanical failure opportunities. 
         [0015]    There is a need for a bridge mechanism to facilitate soundboard designs that require less mass, thus increasing the directional vibrational responsiveness of the soundboard and enhancing transient detail, overtone, and note articulation amplification. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a bridge mechanism to facilitate vibrational coupling between string and soundboard, yet dissociate—or greatly reduce, in comparison to conventional technologies—longitudinal, tangential, and lateral string tension from the coupling process, e.g., neutral tension bridge. Benefits will include:
   a. Dissociative—or greatly reduced, in comparison to conventional technologies—interactive variability in relationships or geometry between string pitch (tuning and intonation) and soundboard movement due to string tension changes or changes in environmental temperature and humidity.   b. Greater vibrational freedom for both string and soundboard.   
 
         [0019]    It is also an objective of the invention to provide a bridge mechanism that allows the soundboard to be designed in such a manner as to remain independent of the necessity to withstand longitudinal (including tangential and lateral) string tension, e.g., neutral tension bridge. Building upon paragraph [0011] above, the soundboard can dissociate from structural necessity, i.e., function independently of form, shape, size, configuration, integrity, and design issues related to the remainder of the instrument. This will facilitate enhanced soundboard design as well as enhanced instrument design. 
         [0020]    It is a further objective of the invention to provide a bridge mechanism to simply alter the relationship between string and fingerboard, thus affecting playability (force required to fret a note at a given pitch) pitch, and intonation, without requiring interactive adjustments to the soundboard, soundboard bracing, or neck (fingerboard) angle in relation to the soundboard or bridge, e.g., neutral tension bridge. This will facilitate and simplify tuning, maintenance, repair, and playability adjustments. 
         [0021]    It is a further objective of the invention to provide a bridge mechanism to facilitate soundboard designs that require less structural bracing—in comparison to conventional technologies—thus simplifying construction, maintenance, and reducing mechanical failure opportunities, e.g., neutral tension bridge. 
         [0022]    It is a further objective of the invention to provide a bridge mechanism to facilitate soundboard designs that require less mass—in comparison to conventional technologies—thus increasing the directional vibrational responsiveness of the soundboard and enhancing transient detail, overtone, and note articulation amplification, e.g., neutral tension bridge. 
         [0023]    The objectives of the invention are achieved as illustrated and described. In an embodiment of the invention, longitudinal string tension is distributed between the string nut (fingerboard) and an anchor point located independently of the bridge and soundboard. The bridge intonates the stringed instrument and couples vibration of the strings to the vibration of the soundboard, amplifying string movement. These objectives are accomplished without transferring longitudinal, tangential, or lateral string tension to the soundboard, e.g., neutral tension bridge. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a cross section top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 23  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 24  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 25  is a front view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 26  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 27  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 20 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 28  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0052]      FIG. 29  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 30  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 31  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 32  is a front view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 33  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 28 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 34  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0058]      FIG. 35  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 36  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 37  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 38  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 39  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 40  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 41  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 42  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 43  is a front view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 44  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 45  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 46  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0070]      FIG. 47  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 36 . 
           [0071]      FIG. 48  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0072]      FIG. 49  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 50  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 51  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0075]      FIG. 52  is a front view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 53  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 48 . 
           [0077]      FIG. 54  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0078]      FIG. 55  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 54 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 56  is a top view of the neutral tension bridge in conformance with an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0080]      FIG. 57  is a side view of the neutral tension bridge of  FIG. 56 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0081]    In one installed embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 , neutral tension bridge comprises a tube assembly mechanically coupled to the soundboard  1 , between the string nut  2 , and string anchor point  3  located independently of the soundboard. The string anchor point can be mechanically coupled with the neck and/or body of the instrument  4 . The tube assembly can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while minimizing soundboard movement restriction. 
         [0082]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the tube assembly can be advantageously formed as an integral part of the soundboard by injection molding or casting suitable materials, or coupled directly to the soundboard, or utilizing a mounting device comprising one or more supports  5 . In an optimal arrangement, the tube assembly can simply alter the relationship between string  6  and fingerboard  7 , thus affecting string pitch, playability (force required to fret a note at a given pitch) and intonation, without requiring interactive adjustments to the soundboard, soundboard bracing, or neck (fingerboard) angle in relation to the soundboard or bridge, e.g., neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 2  is an exploded top view of an alternate embodiment wherein the string contact point  8  is arranged horizontally rather than vertically (in relation to the soundboard). 
         [0083]    Within the tube assembly, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , at least one adjustable string contact point  8  alters the longitudinal direction of the string, in conjunction with at least one other string contact point located on or independent of the outer tube assembly  9 . String contact point  8  can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while enabling longitudinal string tension adjustments. Non-limiting examples include cams, torsional mechanisms, screws, springs, hooks, and levers.  FIG. 4  is an exploded side view of an alternate embodiment wherein the string contact point  8  is arranged horizontally rather than vertically. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8  include exploded front views of alternate embodiments.  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict vertically arranged string contact points  8 .  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate horizontally arranged string contact points. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  include top views of alternate embodiments of a tube assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 9  is a cross section view with two supports  5 , depicting a horizontally arranged string contact point  8 . String contact point  8  can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while enabling longitudinal string tension adjustments. Non-limiting examples include cams, torsional mechanisms, screws, springs, hooks, and levers.  FIG. 10  has two supports  5 .  FIG. 11  has one support, in a cantilevered arrangement. The tube assembly illustrated in  FIG. 12  is directly coupled to the soundboard. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16  include side views of alternate embodiments of a tube assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIGS. 15 and 16  depict an asymmetrical rotating cam, as one non-limiting example of a string contact point  8  string tensioning device. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 17 ,  18 , and  19  include front views of alternate embodiments of a tube assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 17  has two supports.  FIG. 18  has one support, in a cantilevered arrangement. The tube assembly illustrated in  FIG. 19  is directly coupled to the soundboard. 
         [0088]    In one installed embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 20 , neutral tension bridge comprises a string contact point cross member assembly  10  mechanically coupled to the soundboard  1 , between the string nut  2 , and string anchor point  3  located independently of the soundboard. The string anchor point can be mechanically coupled with the neck and/or body of the instrument  4 . The string contact point assembly can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while minimizing soundboard movement restriction. 
         [0089]    As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the string contact point assembly can be advantageously formed as an integral part of the soundboard by injection molding or casting suitable materials, or coupled directly to the soundboard, or utilizing a mounting device comprising one or more side member supports  5 . In an optimal arrangement, the string contact point assembly can simply alter the relationship between string  6  and fingerboard  7 , thus affecting string pitch, playability (force required to fret a note at a given pitch) and intonation, without requiring interactive adjustments to the soundboard, soundboard bracing, or neck (fingerboard) angle in relation to the soundboard or bridge, e.g., neutral tension bridge.  FIGS. 21  includes an exploded top view of an alternate cantilevered embodiment. 
         [0090]    Within the string contact point assembly, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , at least one adjustable string contact point  8  alters the longitudinal direction of the string, in conjunction with at least one other string contact point located on or independent of the string contact point assembly  10 . String contact point cross member  8  can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while enabling longitudinal string tension adjustments, for example similar to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Non-limiting examples include cams, torsional mechanisms, screws, springs, hooks, and levers.  FIGS. 23 and 24  include exploded side views of alternate embodiments.  FIG. 23  has three cross members, including two frusto conical end connected to a bar assemblies.  FIG. 24  is an alternate cross member triangular pattern. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 25 ,  26 , and  27  include front views of alternate embodiments of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 25  has two side member supports.  FIG. 26  has one side member support, in a cantilevered arrangement.  FIG. 27  has two supports and a frusto conical end connected to a bar cross member assembly. 
         [0092]    As illustrated in  FIG. 28 , the triangular pattern string contact point assembly can be advantageously formed as an integral part of the soundboard by injection molding or casting suitable materials, or coupled directly to the soundboard. In an optimal arrangement, the string contact point assembly can simply alter the relationship between string  6  and fingerboard  7 , thus affecting string pitch, playability (force required to fret a note at a given pitch) and intonation, without requiring interactive adjustments to the soundboard, soundboard bracing, or neck (fingerboard) angle in relation to the soundboard or bridge, e.g., neutral tension bridge.  FIGS. 29  includes an exploded top view of an alternate triangular pattern embodiment. 
         [0093]    Within the triangular pattern string contact point assembly, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , at least one adjustable string contact point  8  alters the longitudinal direction of the string, in conjunction with at least one other string contact point located on or independent of the string contact point assembly  10 . String contact point  8  can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while enabling longitudinal string tension adjustments, for example similar to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8 . Non-limiting examples include cams, torsional mechanisms, screws, springs, hooks, and levers.  FIG. 31  is an exploded side view of an alternate triangular pattern embodiment with longitudinal string direction changes reversed. 
         [0094]      FIGS. 32 and 33  include front views of alternate triangular pattern embodiments of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge. Logitudinal string direction changes are reversed. 
         [0095]      FIG. 34  is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge. Configuration similar to  FIG. 20 , but with one less string contact point cross member. 
         [0096]      FIG. 35  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge. Configuration similar to  FIG. 22 , but with one less string contact point cross member. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0097]    In one installed embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 36 , neutral tension bridge comprises a string clamp assembly mechanically coupled to the soundboard  1 , between the string nut  2 , and string anchor point  3  located independently of the soundboard. The string anchor point can be mechanically coupled with the neck and/or body of the instrument  4 . The string clamp assembly can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while minimizing soundboard movement restriction. 
         [0098]    As illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the string clamp assembly can be advantageously formed as an integral part of the soundboard by injection molding or casting suitable materials, or coupled directly to the soundboard, or utilizing a mounting device comprising one or more side member supports  5 . In an optimal arrangement, the string clamp assembly can simply alter the relationship between string  6  and fingerboard  7 , thus affecting playability (force required to fret a note at a given pitch) and intonation, without requiring interactive adjustments to the soundboard, soundboard bracing, or neck (fingerboard) angle in relation to the soundboard or bridge, e.g., neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 37  is an exploded top view of an alternate cantilevered embodiment with side member support.  FIG. 38  is an alternate vertical embodiment wherein the support is integrated. 
         [0099]    Within the string clamp assembly, as illustrated in  FIG. 39 , at least two adjustable string contact points  11 , clamp the string. String contact points  11  can be of suitable size, shape, or material to facilitate string vibration coupling while enabling longitudinal string tension adjustments. Non-limiting examples include cams, torsional mechanisms, screws, springs, hooks, and levers.  FIGS. 40 ,  41 , and  42  include exploded side views of alternate embodiments.  FIG. 40  includes a frusto conical end connected to a bar connection member.  FIG. 41  includes an integrated vertical support, as does  FIG. 42 . 
         [0100]      FIGS. 43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46 , and  47  include exploded front views of alternate embodiments.  FIG. 43  includes two side member supports and two connection members.  FIG. 44  includes two side member supports and two connection members, one of which is a frusto conical end connected to a bar.  FIG. 45  includes one side member support in a cantilevered embodiment.  FIG. 46  includes an integrated vertical support, as does  FIG. 47 . 
         [0101]      FIGS. 48 and 49  include top views of alternate embodiments of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 48  includes self-supporting vertically mounted string contact points.  FIG. 49  includes an integrated vertical support with a horizontal clamping mechanism. 
         [0102]      FIGS. 50 and 51  include side views of alternate embodiments of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 50  is side view of  FIG. 48 .  FIG. 51  is cross section side view of  FIG. 49 . 
         [0103]      FIGS. 52 and 53  include front views of alternate embodiments of a string contact point assembly neutral tension bridge.  FIG. 52  is side view of  FIG. 50 .  FIG. 53  is cross section side view of  FIG. 51 . 
         [0104]    In one installed embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 54 , neutral tension bridge can be coupled directly to the soundboard and/or mounted so as to be used in conjunction with at least one additional soundboard. Any embodiment of the neutral tension bridge, as described in points proceeding, can function in a multiple soundboard configuration. 
         [0105]      FIG. 55  is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 54 . In this cross section embodiment, a tube assembly neutral tension bridge is mounted to a soundboard inside the body of the instrument. 
         [0106]      FIG. 56  is a top view of an alternate tube assembly embodiment of the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 54 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 57  is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 56 . In this cross section embodiment, a tube assembly neutral tension bridge is mounted to a soundboard on the body of the instrument, as a second soundboard  1 , freely vibrates in sympathetic response.