Improvements in Mouse-proof_Attachments for Upright Pianoforte Pedals.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Feb., 1890-Accepted, 29th Mar., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Mouse-proof_Attachments for Upright Pianoforte
Pedals.
I, LORENZ KÜSSNER, of Terre Haute, in the county of Vigo, and State of Indiana,
United States of America, Music Dealer, do hereby declare the nature of my inven-
tion for "IMPROVEMENTS IN MOUSE-PROOF ATTACHMENTS FOR UPRIGHT PIANO-
FORTE PEDALS," and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be,
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
It is well known that mice and other vermin often gain access to the interiors of
pianos and work great injury, the same, and that such access to the interiors of upright
pianos is generally gained through the openings beneath the pedals when they are in
their normal or raised positions.
The object of my invention is to permanently close such openings without
interfering with the free operation of the pedals, and thus render the piano vermin-
proof.
To this end my invention consists in certain devices, hereinafter described, and
particularly pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.
In the drawings :-
Figure 1 is a rear elevation of the plate casting forming the pedal-support, with my
attachment applied thereto, the pedals being removed.
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the same.
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the same, showing the pedals in position.
Figures 4 and 5 are detail perspective views of two modifications of my invention.
C is the pedal support adapted to be secured to the front of the piano. This
supporting plate is cut away, as shown at G G, to accommodate the pedals E E, the
latter being pivoted in the upper portion of said openings, in order that they may have
a considerable range of pivotal movement.
A A are vertically sliding plates arranged to move freely in grooves a a in the pedal
support C at the sides of the openings G G.
BB are springs fastened to the support O at 6 b. The outer end of each of said
springs bears against a portion of the pedal support, while the inner end bears against
the lower edge of the corresponding plate A, and thus keeps the said plate at all
times pressed against the underside of the pedal. It will be readily understood that
when the pedal is in its normal position no opening will be left below the same for
the entrance of vermin.
In Figure 4 the plate A is shown as attached to the pedal by means of a screw H,
the relative positions of the several parts being substantially the same as those of the
corresponding parts just described when the pedals are in their normal or raised
positions. This modified form of my invention is designed to be applied to pianos of
the ordinary construction now in use, the plate A being the new feature.
In Figure 5 the pedal and the downwardly projecting plate are shown as cast in one
piece, this being a simplified and desirable construction when a piano of the ordinary
construction is to be supplied with new pedals.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
1. The combination, with the pedals and the support therefor, of plates below the
pedals adapted to slide in grooves in the pedal support, and springs bearing against
aid plates to hold them against the underside of the pedals to close the spaces below
he same, substantially as described.

page_text: 2. The combination, with the pedal and the support therefor, of the sliding plate
below the pedal, and means for holding the said plate against the underside of the
pedal, substantially as described.
3. The combination, with the pedal and the plate secured at the front of the piano
and provided with a vertical slot for the free front end of said pedal to project through,
of a plate supported under the said pedal and moving therewith, whereby the open
portion of the said slot under the pedal is always kept covered, substantially as
set forth.
Dated this 13th dow of Tahu 1000
ELT & Co.,
33, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, London, Agents for Applicant.