Abstract:
An instructional device for use by music students is constructed as an outer sleeve having a slide member fitted within it. The outer sleeve has first and second sets of openings and is imprinted with a representation of a piano keyboard. The slide member has alphabetic representations of musical notes showing through the first set of openings as the slide member is moved. One alphabetic representation shows the musical key selected and seven others display the notes of the chromatic scale and major and minor chords associated with that key. A first series of markings sized and located to show through the second set of openings will indicate the piano keys related to the chromatic scale selected. Additional sets of openings and markings on the slide member indicate the piano keys associated with the major and minor chords selected. These piano keys shown by colored markings or specially shaped openings.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The invention pertains to teaching and learning aids for musical instruments. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for helping piano students to determine which notes and piano keyboard locations are associated with the chromatic scale for each key and which major and minor chords are associated with that key. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Various hand-held devices have been developed for assisting music teachers and students to determine the notes and chord combinations associated with each key. These inventions involve different types of wheels, rotating cylinders, vertical and horizontal slides and similar devices. Some of these inventions illustrate fingering combinations for use with a guitar. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,029 issued to Nelson is directed to a musical scale-determining device. The device has a thin sheet material body constructed of either paper or plastic or some other rigid material. Printed on the front surface are a number of longitudinally oriented rows of musical notes. Two of the rows are located within an upper section and two of the rows are located in a lower section. Located on the front surface are a series of indicators comprising a pointer that point either to the upper section or the lower section, or both. Located on the back surface of the body are vertical rows of musical notes, again located in an upper section and a lower section. Formed within the back surface of a cursor are a series of transparent windows for observing a single column of three notes within either an upper section or a lower section. This cursor is slidable and is used to determine the major and minor chords for different keys. Within the front surface of the cursor are also located a plurality of windows with identifying indicia as Roman Numerals I–VIII to denote major sharp and flat scales. The cursor is also formed of thin sheet material and forms an internal chamber into which the necked down section of the body is disposed. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,967 issued to Malis, is directed to a chord indicator in the form of a slide rule device. The device is comprised of a first elongated slide, a second elongated slide carried within the first slide, and an outer elongated indicator which is adapted to slidably receive and contain the first and second slides. The first slide is an elongated sleeve, which surrounds the second slide, and indicator is also an elongated sleeve, which surrounds the second slide. The first slide has a series of indexing windows extending completely through the front face at a location near the right end thereof to show corresponding chord type identification. 
   The front face of the first slide also includes a plurality of apertures along its length, which are substantially equal in size to and are adapted to uncover spots on the second slide. The first slide also has imprinted along the lower edge of its front surface a series of characters, which represent the various notes in the scale. Manipulation of the slides permit identification of the chord name, title or selection of a particular chord, identification of the notes in that chord, the chord type, and other useful musical information. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,031,172, issued to Papadopoulos is directed to music teaching aid. The teaching aid comprises a cylindrical body, the periphery of which is substantially covered by a plurality of reference rings that have independent rotary movement. As seen, each ring is divided into twelve segments, each of which has an identification that represents the successive notes of the chromatic scale. It is seen that appropriate manipulation of these rings with accompanying teaching aids permits one to identify all possible types of scales, major, minor and chord constructions. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 675,345 issued to Bauer is directed to a music chart circa 1901. It is seen that there is a music chart with a face-plate and a back plate which is ruled longitudinally to form a series of subdivisions or rows to indicate the principal major chords and corresponding minor chords which are identifying through the use of a slider which can be appropriately slidingly displaced to identify major keys, minor key, dominant chords and tonic triads. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,757 issued to Derrick is directed to a universal musical scale, scale pattern, and chord indicator. Device housing is of a slide-rule nature and is generally a hollow envelope-shaped enclosure open at either end and designed to function interdependently with any pre-selected sliding member. A number of sliding members are provided with indicia indicative of the degrees of a musical scale respectively printed adjacent to each display window formed in housing. As seen, the combination of the primary housing with a particular sliding member provides information to identify certain characteristics within musical scales and assist in the identification of chords, tone indicators and other musical qualities. 
   While other variations exist, the above-described designs for note and chord identifying devices are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a simple, portable device for use by piano students and teachers to determine the notes of the chromatic scale for each key. It is a further objective to provide a device that indicates the piano keyboard locations for each such note. It is a still further objective of the invention to identify the major and minor chords associated with each key. It is yet a further objective to indicate the keyboard locations of each of the major and minor chords. Finally, it is an objective of the invention to provide the above-described capabilities in an inexpensive and durable device that may be easily and inexpensively manufactured. 
   While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior piano key finder and chord indicator inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
   (1) A piano key finder and chord indicator providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. Means are provided for displaying alphabetic representations of a chromatic scale associated with a selected musical key. Means are provided for displaying alphabetic representations of major and minor chords associated with the selected musical key. Means are provided for indicating piano keys associated with the chromatic scale associated with the selected musical key. 
   (2) In a variant of the invention, an outer sleeve is provided. The outer sleeve is formed of semi-rigid material and has a front surface, a back surface, top and bottom edges, first and second ends and an interior cavity. The interior cavity is open at the first and second ends of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a representation of a portion of a piano keyboard and first and second series of openings penetrating at least one of the front and rear surfaces. A slide member is provided. The slide member has first and second ends and is sized and shaped to fit slidably within the interior cavity. The slide member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion carries alphabetic representations. The representations are sized and shaped to be visible through the first set of openings in the outer sleeve as the slide member is moved through the outer sleeve. 
   The alphabetic representations illustrate a selected musical key, a chromatic scale a major chord and a minor chord associated with the musical key. The second portion has a first series of markings. The first markings are sized and shaped to be visible through the second set of openings in the outer sleeve as the slide member is moved through the outer sleeve. The first markings indicate piano keys associated with the chromatic scale associated with the selected musical key. When a user moves the slide member within the inner cavity of the outer sleeve, aligning one of the first series of openings in the outer sleeve with one of the alphabetic representations illustrating a selected musical key, the alphabetic representations for each note of the chromatic scale as well as major and minor chords associated with that selected musical key will be visible through the first set of openings and the first markings indicating the piano keys associated with the chromatic scale will be visible through the second set of openings. 
   (3) In another variant, the piano key finder and chord indicator further includes means for preventing the slide member from being removed from the outer sleeve. 
   (4) In yet another variant, the means for preventing the slide member from is removed from the outer sleeve further includes first and second enlarged end sections. The enlarged end sections are attached at the first and second ends of the slide member. The enlarged end sections are sized and shaped to prevent their passage through the interior cavity. When the slide member is moved through the interior cavity to permit alignment of the alphabetic representations with the first the series of openings, the slide member will remain permanently and slidably attached to the outer sleeve. 
   (5) In still another variant, at least one finger notch is provided. The finger notch is located at either of the first and second ends of the outer sleeve. When the first end of the slide member is aligned with the first end of the inner sleeve, the finger notch will permit the slide member to be either of pulled from and pushed into the outer sleeve. 
   (6) In a further variant of the invention, the second set of openings in the outer sleeve are of a first predetermined shape. 
   (7) In still a further variant, a third set of openings in the outer sleeve is provided. The third set of is of a second predetermined shape and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. A second series of markings is provided. The second series of markings is located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord for a selected key when the sleeve member is aligned with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. 
   (8) In another variant, a fourth set of openings in the outer sleeve is provided. The fourth set of openings is of a third predetermined shape and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. A third series of markings is provided. The third series of markings is located upon the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord for a selected key when the slide member is aligned with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. 
   (9) In yet another variant, a third and a fourth set of openings in the outer sleeve are provided. The third set of openings is of a second predetermined shape, the fourth set of openings is of a third predetermined shape. The third and fourth set of openings are located upon the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Second and third series of marking are provided. The second and third series of markings are located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord and a minor chord for a selected key when the slide member is aligned with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. 
   (10) In still another variant, the first series of markings are of a first predetermined color. 
   (11) In still a further variant, a fifth set of openings in the outer sleeve is provided. The fifth set of openings is located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. A fourth series of markings is provided. The fourth series of markings is of a second predetermined color and is located upon the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord for a selected key when the slide member is aligned with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. 
   (12) In yet a further variant of the invention, a sixth set of openings in the outer sleeve is provided. The sixth set of openings is located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. A fifth series of markings is provided. The fifth series of markings is of a third predetermined color and located upon the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord for a selected key when the slide member is aligned with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. 
   (13) In still a further variant, a fifth and a sixth set of openings in the outer sleeve are provided. The fifth and sixth sets of openings are located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. A fourth and a fifth series of markings are provided. The fourth and fifth series of markings are of second and third predetermined colors, and located on the second portion of the slide member. The fourth and fifth sets of markings are positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord and a minor chord for a selected key when the slide member is aligned with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. 
   (14) In a further variant of the invention, a method of displaying an alphabetic representation of a chromatic scale, major and minor chords and identifying piano keys associated with a selected musical key is providing, which includes steps of: Providing an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is formed of semi-rigid material and has a front surface, a back surface, top and bottom edges, first and second ends and an interior cavity. The interior cavity is open at the first and second ends of the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a representation of a portion of a piano keyboard and first and second series of openings penetrating at least one of the front and rear surfaces. 
   Providing a slide member. The slide member has first and second ends and is sized and shaped to fit slidably within the interior cavity. The slide member has a first portion and a second portion. Marking the first portion with alphabetic representations. The representations are sized and shaped to be visible through the first set of openings in the outer sleeve as the slide member is moved through the outer sleeve. The alphabetic representations illustrate a selected musical key, a chromatic scale, a major chord and a minor chord associated with the musical key. Providing the second portion with a first series of markings. The first markings is sized and shaped to be visible through the second set of openings in the outer sleeve as the slide member is moved through the outer sleeve. The first markings indicate piano keys associated with the chromatic scale associated with the selected musical key. 
   Moving the slide member within the inner cavity of the outer sleeve to align one of the first series of openings in the outer sleeve with one of the alphabetic representations illustrating a selected musical key. Displaying the alphabetic representations for each note of the chromatic scale as well as major and minor chords associated with that selected musical key through the first series of openings. Displaying the first markings indicating the piano keys associated with the chromatic scale will be visible through the second set of openings. 
   (15) In still a further variant, the method of displaying an alphabetic representation of a chromatic scale, major and minor chords and identifying piano keys associated with a selected musical key further includes the step of providing the second set of openings in the outer sleeve in a first predetermined shape. 
   (16) In yet a further variant, the method includes the additional steps of: Providing a third set of openings in the outer sleeve. The third set of openings is of a second predetermined shape and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Poviding a second set of markings. The second set of markings is located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the pianos keys associated with a major chord for a selected key. Aligning the sleeve member with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. Displaying the piano keys associated with the major chord associated with the selected musical key. 
   (17) In another variant the method includes the additional steps of: Providing a fourth set of openings in the outer sleeve. The fourth set of openings is of a third predetermined shape and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Providing a third set of markings. The third set of markings is located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord for a selected key. Aligning the sleeve member with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. Displaying the piano keys associated with the minor chord associated with the selected musical key. 
   (18) In still another variant, the method includes the additional steps of: Providing a third set and a fourth set of openings in the outer sleeve. The third and fourth sets of openings are of second and third predetermined shapes and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Providing a second set and a third set of markings. The second and third sets of markings are located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord for a selected key. Aligning the sleeve member with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. Displaying the piano keys associated with the minor chord associated with the selected musical key. 
   (19) In yet another variant, the method includes the additional step of providing the first set of markings in a first predetermined color. 
   (20) In a further variant, the method includes the additional steps of: Providing a third set of openings in the outer sleeve. The third set of openings is located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Providing a second set of markings. The second set of markings is of a second predetermined color and is located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord for a selected key. Aligning the sleeve member with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. Displaying the piano keys associated with the major chord associated with the selected musical key. 
   (21) In still a further variant, the method includes the additional steps of: Providing a fourth set of openings in the outer sleeve. The fourth set of openings is located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Providing a third set of markings, The third set of markings is of a third predetermined color and located on the second portion of the slide member and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord for a selected key. Aligning the sleeve member with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. Displaying the piano keys associated with the minor chord associated with the selected musical key. 
   (22) In a final variant, the method includes the additional steps of: Providing a third and a fourth set of openings in the outer sleeve. The third and fourth sets of openings are located upon the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard. Providing a second and a third set of markings. The second and third sets of markings are of second and third predetermined colors and located on the second portion of the slide member. The second and third sets of markings are positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord and a minor chord for a selected key. Aligning the sleeve member with the outer sleeve so that the alphabetic representation associated with the selected key is visible through one of the first set of openings. Displaying the piano keys associated with the major and minor chord associated with the selected musical key. 
   An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating how the two main components interact; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the operation of the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a plain view of an embodiment that includes a means for preventing the slide member from being removed from the outer sleeve; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view of another embodiment that includes a means for preventing the slide member from being removed from the outer sleeve; 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of an embodiment that includes a means for allowing a user to pull or push the slide member when it is aligned with the edge of the outer sleeve; 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of an embodiment where the second set of openings are of a predetermined shape; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes a third set of opening and a second series of markings; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes a fourth set of openings and a third series of markings; 
       FIG. 9  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes both a third and fourth sets of openings and a second and third series of markings; 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes a fifth set of openings and several series of markings that are of predetermined colors; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes a sixth set of openings and several series of markings that are of predetermined colors; and 
       FIG. 12  is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention that includes both a fifth and sixth sets of openings and several series of markings that are of predetermined colors; 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   (1)  FIGS. 1–5  illustrate a piano key finder and chord indicator  10  providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , means  15  are provided for displaying alphabetic representations  17  of a chromatic scale  20  associated with a selected musical key  25 . Means  30  are provided for displaying alphabetic representations  17  of major  35  and minor  40  chords associated with the selected musical key  25 . Means  45  are provided for indicating piano keys associated with the chromatic scale  20  associated with the selected musical key  25 . 
   (2) In a variant of the invention, an outer sleeve  55  is provided. The outer sleeve  55  is formed of semi-rigid material and has a front surface  60 , a back surface  65 , top  70  and bottom  75  edges, first  80  and second  85  ends and an interior cavity  90 . The interior cavity  90  is open at the first  80  and second  85  ends of the outer sleeve  55 . The outer sleeve  55  has a representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95  and first  100  and second  105  sets of openings penetrating at least one of the front  60  and rear  65  surfaces. A slide member  110  is provided. The slide member  110  has first  115  and second  120  ends and is sized and shaped to fit slidably within the interior cavity  90 . The slide member  110  has a first portion  125  and a second portion  130 . The first portion  125  carries alphabetic representations  17 . The representations  17  are sized and shaped to be visible through the first set of openings  100  in the outer sleeve  55  as the slide member  110  is moved through the outer sleeve  55 . 
   The alphabetic representations  17  illustrate a selected musical key  25 , a chromatic scale  20 , a major chord  35  and a minor chord  40  associated with the musical key  25 . The second portion  130  has a first series of markings  140 . The first markings  140  are sized and shaped to be visible through the second set of openings  105  in the outer sleeve  55  as the slide member  110  is moved through the outer sleeve  55 . The first markings  140  indicate piano keys associated with the chromatic scale  20  associated with the selected musical key  25 . When a user moves the slide member  110  within the interior cavity  90  of the outer sleeve  55 , aligning one of the first set of openings  100  in the outer sleeve  55  with one of the alphabetic representations  17  illustrating a selected musical key  25 , the alphabetic representations  17  for each note of the chromatic scale  20  as well as major  35  and minor  40  chords associated with that selected musical key  25  will be visible through the first set of openings  100  and the first markings  140  indicating the piano keys associated with the chromatic scale  20  will be visible through the second set of openings  105 . 
   (3) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the piano key finder and chord indicator  10  further includes means  145  for preventing the slide member  10  from being removed from the outer sleeve  55 . 
   (4) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the means  145  for preventing the slide member  110  from being removed from the outer sleeve  55  further includes first  150  and second  155  enlarged end sections. The enlarged end sections  150 ,  155  are attached at the first  115  and second  120  ends of the slide member  110 . The enlarged end sections  150 ,  155  are sized and shaped to prevent their passage through the interior cavity  90 . When the slide member  110  is moved through the interior cavity  90  to permit alignment of the alphabetic representations  17  with the first the series of openings  100 , the slide member  110  will remain permanently and slidably attached to the outer sleeve  55 . 
   (5) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , at least one finger notch  160  is provided. The finger notch  160  is located at either of the first  80  and second  85  ends of the outer sleeve  55 . When the first end  115  of the slide member  110  is aligned with the first end of the outer sleeve  55 , the finger notch  160  will permit the slider member  110  to be either pulled from or pushed into the outer sleeve  55 . 
   (6) In a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the second set of openings  105  in the outer sleeve  55  are of a first predetermined shape  170 . 
   (7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a third set of openings  175  in the outer sleeve  55  is provided. The third set of openings  175  is of a second predetermined shape  180  and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95 . A second series of markings  185  is provided. The second series of markings  185  is located on the second portion  130  of the slide member  110  and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord  35  for a selected key  25  when the slide member  110  is aligned with the outer sleeve  55  so that the alphabetic representation  17  associated with the selected key  25  is visible through one of the first set of openings  100 . 
   (8) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a fourth set of openings  190  in the outer sleeve  55  is provided. The fourth set of openings  190  is of a third predetermined shape  195  and located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95 . A third series of markings  200  is provided. The third set series of markings  200  is located upon the second portion  130  of the slide member  110  and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord  40  for a selected key  25  when the slide member  110  is aligned with the outer sleeve  55  so that the alphabetic representation  17  associated with the selected key  25  is visible through one of the first set of openings  100 . 
   (9) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a third  175  and a fourth  190  set of openings in the outer sleeve  55  are provided. The third set of openings  175  is of a second predetermined shape  180 , the fourth set of openings  190  is of a third predetermined shape  195 . The third  175  and fourth  190  set of openings are located upon the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95 . Second  185  and third  200  series of markings are provided. The second  185  and third  200  sets of markings are located on the second portion  130  of the slide member  110  and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord  35  and a minor chord  40  for a selected key  25  when the slide member  110  is aligned with the outer sleeve  55  so that the alphabetic representation  17  associated with the selected key  25  is visible through one of the first set of openings  100 . 
   (10) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the first series of markings  140  are of a first predetermined color  220 . 
   (11) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a fifth set of openings  235  in the outer sleeve  55  is provided. The fifth set of openings  235  is located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95 . A fourth series of markings  240  is provided. The fourth series of markings  240  are of a second predetermined color  225  and is located upon the second portion  130  of the slide member  110  and positioned so as to indicate piano keys associated with a major chord  35  for a selected key  25  when the slide member  110  is aligned with the outer sleeve  55  so that the alphabetic representation  17  associated with the selected key  25  is visible through one of the first set of openings  100 . 
   (12) In yet a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a sixth set of openings  245  in the outer sleeve is provided. The sixth set of openings  245  is located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95 . A fifth series of markings  215  are provided. The fifth series of markings  215  are of a third predetermined color  230 . The markings are located upon the second portion  130  of the slide member  110  and positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a minor chord  40  for a selected key  25  when the slide member  110  is aligned with the outer sleeve  55  so that the alphabetic representation  17  associated with the selected key  25  is visible through one of the first set of openings  100 . 
   (13) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , fifth  235  and a sixth  245  set of openings in the outer, sleeve  55  are provided. The fifth  235  and a sixth  245  sets of openings are located on the representation of a portion of a piano keyboard  95 . A fourth  240  and a fifth  215  series of markings  200  are provided. The fourth  240  and a fifth  215  series of markings are of second  225  and third  230  predetermined colors and located on the second portion  130  of the slide member  110 . The fourth  240  and a fifth  215  series of markings are positioned so as to indicate the piano keys associated with a major chord  35  and a minor chord  40  for a selected key  25  when the slide member  110  is aligned with the outer sleeve  55  so that the alphabetic representation  17  associated with the selected key  25  is visible through one of the first set of openings  100 .