Abstract:
A musical keyboard that is collapsible between a deployed configuration and a deployed configuration. The musical keyboard including two or more modules, each module containing a different subset of a set of musical keys; and means for collapsing the modules from the deployed configuration in which the modules are arranged in a row to form the musical keyboard, the keyboard being substantially planar, to the collapsed configuration in which the modules are substantially positioned on top of each other.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of musical keyboards; more specifically, it relates to a compact and portable collapsible musical keyboard and a musical synthesis system utilizing the keyboard.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Keyboard music synthesizers are well known and universally available. In one example, a keyboard music synthesizer includes a set of mechanical keys linked to an electronic circuit that synthesizes and then plays a note corresponding to the key depressed. Keyboard music synthesizers are generally less expensive and more compact than the standard instruments they are intended to replace.  
           [0003]    There are two forms of keyboard music synthesizers, those having full size keyboards and those having smaller than full size keyboards. As the keyboard size decreases, it becomes increasingly less like the real instrument and in some cases the keys are so small as to allow depression of a single key difficult.  
           [0004]    Generally, the full size keyboards are not very portable. Full size keyboards (or even ¾ and ½ scale versions) while often light enough to be transported, are bulky and awkward to carry and maneuver. Keyboards that are small enough to easily carry and maneuver generally have keys too small to play “real” music on. Alternatives, such as personal computer keyboards suffer from the distinct disadvantage of not having the layout of a musical keyboard. When a musical keyboard is displayed on a portable computer screen, the “keys” are very not in a natural position relative the users hands and thus awkward to play.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    A first aspect of the present invention is a musical keyboard comprising: two or more modules, each module containing a different subset of a set of musical keys; and means for collapsing the modules from a deployed configuration wherein the modules are arranged in a row to form the musical keyboard, the keyboard being substantially planar, to a collapsed configuration wherein the modules are substantially positioned on top of each other.  
           [0006]    A second aspect of the present invention is a collapsible musical keyboard comprising: one or more adjacent modules arrayed in a row, each pair of adjacent modules being pivotably connected together along a folding axis, the folding axes being mutually parallel; a different subset of a set of musical keys included in each the module; and the musical keyboard being foldable about the folding axes between a deployed configuration in which the musical keyboard is substantially planar and a collapsed configuration wherein the modules are substantially positioned on top of each other.  
           [0007]    A third aspect of the present invention is a collapsible musical keyboard comprising: one or more adjacent modules arrayed in a row, each pair of adjacent modules including a plug mounted on a side of the first module of the pair and a recessed socket mounted on a facing side of the second module of the pair, the socket adapted to slidably engage and temporally join each the pair of adjacent modules, the sides of the modules being mutually parallel; and a different subset of a set of musical keys included in each the module. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    The features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description, of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1A is a top view of a collapsible musical keyboard in its deployed configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 1A in a partially collapsed configuration;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 1A in its fully collapsed configuration;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2A is a top view of a collapsible musical keyboard in its deployed configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIGS. 2B and 2C are front views of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 2A in its collapsed configuration;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2D is side view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 2A in its collapsed configuration;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3A is a top view of a collapsible musical keyboard in its deployed configuration according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3B is front view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 3A in its collapsed configuration;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3C is side view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 3A in its collapsed configuration;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4A is a top exploded view of a collapsible musical keyboard prior to assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4B is a side view of a typical plug side of a module of the collapsible keyboard of FIG. 4A;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4C is a side view of a typical socket side of a module of the collapsible keyboard of FIG. 4A;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4D is a side view of an end module of the collapsible keyboard of FIG. 4A;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4E is a top view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 4A in its deployed configuration according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4F is an isometric view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 4A in its carrying case; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for playing music utilizing the collapsible musical keyboard of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    The term musical keyboard is defined as a keyboard having the functions of and replicating the physical layout of a keyboard typically found on musical instruments such as pianos, accordions, organs or other “keyboard” instruments. However, the term keyboard as used in the present invention is not limited to any one particular set or number of keys. For example, the keyboard, in the context of a piano-like keyboard, may contain the standard numbers of keys (i.e. 88, 61, or 49 keys) or other numbers of keys. While “main deck” (i.e. black and white keys) are illustrated in describing the present invention, other types of keys may be added, such as the “button” keys of an accordion or the stop keys of an organ. The term key is defined as a key normally found on a musical keyboard as previously defined. Individual keys may be standard (full) size or smaller than full size.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1A is a top view of a collapsible musical keyboard in its deployed configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, musical keyboard  100  includes a first module  105  and a second module  110  joined by a hinge  115  between an inner side  120  of first module  105  and an inner side  125  of second module  110 . Hinge  115  allows a top surface  130  of first module  105  and a top surface  135  of second module  110  to fold toward each other along folding axis  140  and thus reduce the “footprint” of keyboard  100  by a factor of two.  
         [0027]    Located on top surface  130  of first module  105  near an outer side  145  is a protruding latch  150 . Located on top surface  135  of second module  110  near an outer side  155  is a recessed catch  160 . Latch  150  and catch  160  are located on respective top surfaces  130  and  135  and adapted to engage and thus temporarily fasten the first and second modules together as illustrated in FIG. 1C and described infra.  
         [0028]    Located on top surface  130  near the juncture of inner side  120  and a top side  165  of first module  105  is a first slide  170 . Located on top surface  130  near the juncture of inner side  120  and a bottom side  175  of first module  105  is a second slide  180 . Located in top surface  135  near the juncture of inner side  125  and a top side  185  of second module  110  is a first slot  190 . Located in top surface  135  near the juncture of inner side  125  and a bottom surface  195  of second module  105  is a second slot  200 . First slide  170  is located on top surface  130  to slidably engage first slot  190  and second slide  180  is located on top surface  130  to slidably engage second slot  200  when first and second modules are fully deployed (the modules are arranged in a row with top surface  130  co-planer with top surface  135 ) and stop the modules from folding. Alternatively, first slide  170 , second slide  180 , first slot  190  and second slot  200  may be located respectively on top side  165 , bottom side  175 , top side  185  and bottom side  195 . This alternative arrangement allows one-half key sets  205  and  210  be positioned closer to respective bottom sides  175  and  195 . Other locking mechanism may be used in place of slides  170  and  180  and/or slots  190  and  200 . For example, pivoting levers may replace the slide  170  and  180  or hinge  115  may be fitted with detents and bumps that engage the detents so that modules  105  and  110  snap into the deployed position and that may be unsnapped with a minimal amount of bending force applied to outer sides  145  and  150 .  
         [0029]    First module  105  includes a first one-half set of musical keys  205  and second module  110  includes a second one-half set of musical keys  210 . Together, first and second one-half sets of musical keys  205  and  210  form a complete set of musical keys. Each one-half key set may comprise spring loaded levers activating momentary switches (instead of hammers as in a piano), rubber dome mechanical keys, metal contact mechanical keys, membrane mechanical keys, foam element mechanical keys, capacitive non-mechanical keys or facsimile key outlines displayed on liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) touch sensitive displays.  
         [0030]    First module  105  further includes an optional first speaker  215  and second module  110  includes an optional second speaker  220 . If speakers  215  and  220  are not used, the overall “foot print” of keyboard  100  in both deployed and collapsed configurations will be reduced. Also, first module  105  may include an on/off switch  225 .  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 1A in a partially collapsed configuration. In FIG. 1B, first and second slides  170  and  180  have been slid back toward first module  105 , thereby disengaging the sides from slots  190  and  200  respectively and allowing folding of first and second modules  105  and  110  along folding axis  140 .  
         [0032]    Located in outer side  155  of second module  110  are an output jack  230  and an optional power jack  235 . Output jack  230  may be used to send key depression signals to an external music simulation device or music to a set of earphones when keyboard  100  includes a complete music simulation system. Speakers  215  and  220 , if present, are disabled when earphones or another device are plugged into output jack  230 . Power jack  235  allows charging of an internal battery or supplies power from an external source as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 1A in its fully collapsed configuration. In FIG. 1C, one last feature is visible. Outer side of  145  of first module  105  includes a release button  240  for disengaging latch  150  from catch  160  (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) in order to open keyboard  100 . Note that a bottom surface  245  of first module  105  and a bottom surface  250  of second module  110  serve as an outer protective shell for the fully collapsed keyboard  100  and the modules are stacked or positioned on top of one another.  
         [0034]    Finally, it should be understood that each module  105  and  110  includes internal wiring (not shown) required by each module as well as connective wiring (not shown) that connects the two one-half sets of keys  205  and  210  together so they respond as a single keyboard. Further, music simulation electronics, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra, will be contained within one or more of the modules.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2A is a top view of a collapsible musical keyboard in its deployed configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The principle difference between the second and first embodiments of the present invention is that the second embodiment utilizes three hinged modules instead of two hinged modules. In FIG. 2A, musical keyboard  300  includes a first module  305  having a top surface  310  and an opposite bottom surface  315  (see FIG. 2B), a second module  320  having a top surface  325  and an opposite bottom surface  330  (see FIG. 2B) and a third module  335  having a top surface  340  and an opposite bottom surface  345  (see FIG. 2B). First module  305  is joined to second module  320  by a first hinge  350  and second module  320  is joined to third module  335  by a second hinge  355 . First and second hinges  350  and  355  are attached to second module  320  on opposite sides of the module and the first and second hinges are parallel to one another. First hinge  350  is attached to first and second modules  305  and  315  to allow top surface  310  of the first module to pivot along a folding axis  360  toward top surface  325  of the second module. Second hinge  355  is attached to second and third modules  320  and  335  to allow bottom surface  340  (see FIG. 2B) of the third module to pivot along a folding axis  360  toward top surface  330  of the second module. First, and second hinges  350  and  355  are parallel to one another.  
         [0036]    First module  305  includes a first one-third set of musical keys  375 . Second module  320  includes a second one-third set of musical keys  380 . Third module  335  includes a third one-third set of musical keys  385 . Together, first, second and third one-third sets of musical keys  375 ,  380  and  385  form a complete set of musical keys. First, second and third one-third sets of musical keys  375 ,  380  and  385  are similar to first and second one-half sets of musical keys  205  and  210  described supra.  
         [0037]    Located on top surface  310  of first module  305  near first hinge  350  are a pair of slides  390 , each slide adapted to slidably engage one of a pair of slots  395  located in top surface  325  of second module  320  near first hinge  350 . Located in top surface  325  of second module  320  near second hinge  355  are a pair of slides  400 , each slide adapted to slidably engage one of a pair of slots  405  located on top surface  340  of third module  335  near second hinge  355 . Slides  390  and  400  operate similarly to slides  170  and  180  as described supra in reference to FIG. 1A.  
         [0038]    First module  305  further includes an optional first speaker  410  and third module  335  includes an optional second speaker  415 . If speakers  410  and  415  are not used, the overall “foot print” of keyboard  300  in both deployed and collapsed configurations will be reduced. Also, second module  320  may include an on/off switch  420 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 2B and 2C are front views of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 2A in its collapsed configuration. The dashed lines indicate the relative positions of first, second and third one-third musical key sets  375 ,  380  and  385  in the collapsed configuration of keyboard  300 . In the collapsed configuration, keyboard  300  has a “footprint” of one third of the size of the keyboard in the deployed configuration. Alternative hinge  350 A may replace hinge  350  (see FIG. 2A) wherein third module  335  may be positioned between first and second modules  305  and  320  so that one-third key set  385  is not exposed in the collapsed position (as illustrated in FIG. 2C) and bottom surfaces  310  and  330  serve as an outer protective shell for the collapsed keyboard  300 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2D is side view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 2A in its collapsed configuration. Located in an outer side  425  of third module  335  are an output jack  425  and an optional power jack  430 . Output jack  425  may be used to send key depression signals to an external music simulation device or music to a set of earphones when keyboard  300  includes a complete music simulation system. Speakers  410  and  415 , if present, are disabled when earphones or another device are plugged into output jack  425 . Power jack  430  allows charging of an internal battery or supplies power from an external source as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra. Again, the dashed lines indicate the relative positions of first, second and third one-third musical key sets  375 ,  380  and  385  in the collapsed configuration of FIG. 2B.  
         [0041]    Finally, it should be understood that each module  305 ,  320  and  335  includes internal wiring (not shown) required by each module as well as connective wiring (not shown) that connects the three one-third sets of keys  375 ,  380  and  385  together so they respond as a single keyboard. Further, music simulation electronics, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra, will be contained within one or more of the modules.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3A is a top view of a collapsible musical keyboard in its deployed configuration according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The principle difference between the third and first and second embodiments of the present invention is that the third embodiment utilizes four hinged modules instead of two or three hinged modules. In FIG. 3A, musical keyboard  500  includes a first module  505  having a top surface  510  and an opposite bottom surface  515  (see FIG. 3B), a second module  520  having a top surface  525  and an opposite bottom surface  530  (see FIG. 3B), a third module  535  having a top surface  540  and an opposite bottom surface  545  (see FIG. 3B) and a fourth module  550  having a top surface  555  and an opposite bottom surface  560  (See FIG. 3B). First module  505  is joined to second module  520  by a first hinge  565 , second module  520  is joined to third module  535  by a second hinge  570  and third module  535  is joined to fourth module  550  by third hinge  575 . First and second hinges  565  and  570  are attached to second module  525  on opposite sides of the module. Second and third hinges  570  and  575  are attached to third module  535  on opposite sides of the module. First hinge  565  is attached to first and second modules  505  and  520  to allow top surface  510  of the first module to pivot along a folding axis  580  toward top surface  525  of the second module. Third hinge  575  is attached to third and fourth modules  535  and  550  to allow top surface  555  of the fourth module to pivot along a folding axis  585  toward top surface  540  of the third module. Second hinge  570  is attached to second and third modules  520  and  535  to allow bottom surface  530  (see FIG. 3B) of the third module to pivot along a folding axis  590  toward bottom surface  545  (see FIG. 3B) of the third module. First, second and third hinges  565 ,  570  and  575  are parallel to one another.  
         [0043]    First module  505  includes a first one-quarter set of musical keys  595 . Second module  520  includes a second one-quarter set of musical keys  600 . Third module  535  includes a third one-quarter set of musical keys  605 . Fourth module  550  includes a fourth one-quarter set of musical keys  610 . Together, first, second, third and fourth one-quarter sets of musical keys  595 ,  600 ,  605  and  610  form a complete set of musical keys. First, second, third and fourth one-quarter sets of musical keys  595 ,  600 ,  605  and  610  are similar to first and second one-half sets of musical keys  205  and  210  described supra.  
         [0044]    Located on top surface  510  of first module  505  near first hinge  565  are a pair of slides  615 , each slide adapted to slidably engage one of a pair of slots  620  located in top surface  525  of second module  520  near first hinge  565 . Located on top surface  525  of second module  520  near second hinge  570  are a pair of slides  625 , each slide adapted to slidably engage one of a pair of slots  630  located in top surface  540  of third module  535  near second hinge  570 . Located on top surface  540  of third module  535  near third hinge  575  are a pair of slides  635 , each slide adapted to slidably engage one of a pair of slots  640  located in top surface  555  of fourth module  550  near third hinge  575 . Slides  615 ,  620  and  625  operate similarly to slides  170  and  180  as described supra in reference to FIG. 1A.  
         [0045]    First module  505  further includes an optional first speaker  645  and fourth module  550  includes an optional second speaker  650 . If speakers  645  and  650  are not used, the overall “foot print” of keyboard  500  in both deployed and collapsed configurations will be reduced. Also, third module  535  may include an on/off switch  655 .  
         [0046]    First module  505  has a raised lip  655  located opposite from the side of the first module that is attached to first hinge  565 . Fourth module  550  has a raised lip  655  located opposite from the side of the fourth module that is attached to third hinge  575 . Located on raised lip  655  is a protruding latch  665 . Located in raised lip  660  is a recessed catch  670 . Latch  665  and catch  670  are located and adapted to engage and thus temporarily fasten first and fourth modules  505  and  550  together with second and third modules  520  and  535  in-between the first and third modules as illustrated in FIG. 3B and described infra.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 3B is front view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 3A in its collapsed configuration. The dashed lines indicate the relative positions of first, second, third and fourth one-quarter musical key sets  595 ,  600 ,  605  and  610  in the collapsed configuration of keyboard  500 . In the collapsed configuration, keyboard  500  has a “footprint” of one quarter of the size of the keyboard in the deployed configuration. Bottom surface  515  of first module  505  and bottom surface  560  of fourth module  550  serve as an outer protective shell for the collapsed keyboard  500 . Raised lip  655  includes a button  675  for disengaging latch  655  from catch  670  (see FIG. 3A).  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 3C is side view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 3A in its collapsed configuration. Located in an outer side  675  of fourth module  550  are an output jack  680  and an optional power jack  685 . Output jack  680  may be used to send key depression signals to an external music simulation device or music to a set of earphones when keyboard  500  includes a complete music simulation system. Speakers  645  and  650 , if present, are disabled when earphones or another device are plugged into output jack  680 . Power jack  685  allows charging of an internal battery or supplies power from an external source as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra. The dashed lines indicate the relative positions of front surfaces  510 ,  525 ,  540  and  555  of first, second, third and fourth modules  505 ,  520 ,  535  and  550  respectively of keyboard  500  in the collapsed configuration.  
         [0049]    Finally, it should be understood that each module  505 ,  520 ,  535  and  550  includes internal wiring (not shown) required by each module as well as connective wiring (not shown) that connects the four one-quarter sets of keys  595 ,  600 ,  605  and  650  together so they respond as a single keyboard. Further, music simulation electronics, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra, will be contained within one or more of the modules.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 4A is a top exploded view of a collapsible musical keyboard prior to assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4A, musical keyboard  700  includes a first module  705  having a top surface  710  and a first side  715  and an opposite second side  720 , a second module  725  having a top surface  730  and a first side  735  and an opposite second side  740 , a third module  745  having a top surface  750  and a first side  755  and an opposite second side  760  and a fourth module  765  having a top surface  770  and a first side  775  and an opposite second side  780 . While four modules are illustrated as an example, the fourth embodiment of the present invention may utilize more or less than four modules.  
         [0051]    First module  705  includes a first one-quarter set of musical keys  785 . Second module  725  includes a second one-quarter set of musical keys  790 . Third module  745  includes a third one-quarter set of musical keys  795 . Fourth module  765  includes a fourth one-quarter set of musical keys  800 . Together, first, second, third and fourth one-quarter sets of musical keys  785 ,  790 ,  795  and  800  form a complete set of musical keys. First, second, third and fourth one-quarter sets of musical keys  785 ,  790 ,  795  and  800  are similar to first and second one-half sets of musical keys  205  and  210  described supra.  
         [0052]    First module  705  includes an optional first speaker  805  and fourth module  765  includes an optional second speaker  810 . If speakers  805  and  810  are not used, the overall “foot print” of keyboard  700  in both deployed and collapsed configurations will be reduced. Also, third module  745  may include an on/off switch  815 .  
         [0053]    First module  705  includes a plug  815  on second side  720  adapted to electrically and mechanically engage a socket  820  in first side  735  of second module  725 . Second module  725  includes a plug  825  on second side  740  adapted to electrically and mechanically engage a socket  830  in first side  755  of third module  745 . Third module  745  includes a plug  835  on second side  760  adapted to electrically and mechanically engage a socket  840  in first side  775  of fourth module  765 . Each module  805 ,  725 ,  745  and  765  includes internal wiring (not shown) required by each module. Plug/socket combinations  815 / 820 ,  825 / 830  and  835 / 840  wire the four one-quarter sets of keys  785 ,  790 ,  795  and  800  together so they respond as a single keyboard. The four modules  805 ,  725 ,  745  and  765  are assembled into the deployed configuration of keyboard  700  (see FIG. 4E) by pushing adjacent pairs of modules in the directions indicated by the arrows. Disassembly into the collapsed configuration of the keyboard (see FIG. 4F) is accomplished by pulling apart adjacent pairs of modules in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrows.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 4B is a side view of a typical plug side of a module of the collapsible keyboard of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4B, module  710  is illustrated and plug  815  is shown on second side  720  of the module.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 4C is a side view of a typical socket side of a module of the collapsible keyboard of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4B, module  725  is illustrated and socket  820  is shown on first side  735  of the module.  
         [0056]    In FIGS. 4B and 4C, a two row, multi-pin plug and socket combination is illustrated, but other mechanical/electrical connection means may be substituted. For example, a printed circuit board/edge connector combination may be used. Also, the electrical and mechanical connection functions may be separated and separate mechanical connection means used. Music simulation electronics, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra, that are contained within one or more of the modules are connected via the plugs and sockets.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 4D is a side view of an end module of the collapsible keyboard of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4D, located in second side  780  of fourth module  765  are an output jack  840  and an optional power jack  845 . Output jack  840  may be used to send key depression signals to an external music simulation device or music to a set of earphones when keyboard  700  includes a complete music simulation system. Speakers  805  and  810 , if present, are disabled when earphones or another device are plugged into output jack  840 . Power jack  845  allows charging of an internal battery or supplies power from an external source as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 4E is a top view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 4A in its deployed configuration according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0059]    In FIG. 4E, first, second, third and fourth modules  705 ,  725 ,  745  and  755  are assembled into keyboard  700  in its deployed configuration. Several advantages of the fourth embodiment are apparent. First, the distance “A” between the edge of each one-quarter key set  785 ,  790 ,  795  and  800  and an edge  850  of the deployed keyboard  700  can be minimized to reduce the “footprint” of the keyboard and second, the distance “B” between adjacent one-quarter key sets can be minimized because there are no hinges.  
         [0060]    A third advantage is the musical keyboard of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is scalable. Modules may be added to increase the total number of keys and modules may be removed to reduce the total number of keys in the keyboard. This may be accomplished by adding a module counting function to the electronics supporting the keyboard and is illustrated in FIG. 5 and described infra.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 4F is an isometric view of the collapsible musical keyboard of FIG. 4A in its carrying case. In FIG. 4F, case  855  includes a hollow body  860  and a lid  865 . Modules  705 ,  725 ,  745  and  765  are illustrated in the stored position in body  860 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for playing music utilizing the collapsible musical keyboard of the present invention. In FIG. 5, music simulation system  900  includes a key set  905  coupled to a controller  910 , controller  910  being coupled to a sound synthesizer  915 . Key set  905  comprises any set of key sets described in reference to keyboards  100 ,  300 ,  500  or  700  described supra. Controller  910  converts individual key depression signals received from key set  905  into a form usable by sound synthesizer  915 . Controller  910  may contain a module sensor  920 , which determines how may modules and the total number of keys contained in key set  905 , modifies the signals sent to sound synthesizer  915  by the controller to correspond to the number of modules and or keys and changes the key to note assignments. Sound synthesizer  915  is coupled to an optional amplifier  925  that drives optional speakers  930 . As mentioned supra, speakers  930  need not be present in order to reduce the “footprint” of the keyboard. If no speakers are present, amplifier  925  may be eliminated. Sound synthesizer is also coupled to an output jack  930  that a set of earphones  940  may be plugged into. All components including key set  905 , controller  910  and sound synthesizer  915  may conform to or be compatible with the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) standard.  
         [0063]    Music simulation system  900  may also include a charger  945  (external or internal) for charging a battery  950 . Music simulation system  900  may be turned on or turned off by a switch  955 . Charger  945  is coupled power jack  960  for connection to an external power source. Battery  950  powers controller  910 , sound synthesizer  915  and amplifier  925 . Key set  900  may be powered through controller  910 .  
         [0064]    Controller  910  (and module sensor  920  if present), sound synthesizer  915 , amplifier  925  and battery  950  are all housed within one or more of modules of the keyboard. Charger  945  may be internal or external to the modules.  
         [0065]    The description of the embodiments of the present invention is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions as will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore it is intended that the following claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.