Improvements in or relating to the Sound Boards of Pianofortes and other like Musical Instruments.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 11th Nov., 1892
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Nov., 1892-Accepted, 18th Feb., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Sound Boards of Pianofortes
and other like Musical Instruments.
I, THEODOR VETTERLING, Director of the Romhild Pianoforte Fabrik-
Aktiengesellschaft of 10 Brennerstrasse, Weimar, Germany, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the sound boards of stringed instruments, such as
pianofortes pianettes, and the like, and has for object to enable the tension thereof
to be regulated as desired, and to be permanently maintained, this being effected
by providing the sound board at different places with devices by means of which
the alterations in tension can be conveniently produced as desired.
The annexed drawings illustrate a pianette with my improvements applied
thereto.
Fig. 1 is a view shewing the back of the sound board.
Fig. 2 is a cross section, and
Fig. 3 illustrates the straining device to a larger scale.
a is the sound board, which is provided with ribs b as usual. cc are cross pieces
that are let into the bracings g and serve for the reception of the straining devices.
d indicates one of the strings which are stretched over bridges n. Behind the
sound board a there are arranged at intervals springs e each of which is pressed by
a set screw of more or less strongly against the back of the sound board. Each
spring has one of its ends located in a sleeve h which is lined with cloth ; and is
arranged to move in a recess that is lined with cloth k and is formed in the cross piece c.
The other end of the spring takes in a recess that is formed in a fillet and is also
lined with cloth (m). By means of the spring e any desired tension can be given
to the sound board. At the same time a resistance is provided that serves to
prevent inward yielding of the sound board and thus tends to permanently maintain
the tension thereof. The elasticity of the springs also serves to increase the
capacity for vibration of the sound board the arrangement resulting in the
production of a permanently full and rich tone.
Dated this 11th day of November 1892.
T. VETTERLING,
By L. W., per F. B.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to the Sound Boards of Pianofortes
and other like Musical Instruments.
I, THEODOR VETTERLING, Director of the Romhild Pianoforte Fabrik-
Aktiengesellschaft of 10 Brennerstrasse, Weimar, Germany, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention has reference to improvements in or relating to the sound boards
of stringed instruments, such as pianofortes, pianettes, and the like, and has for
object to enable the strain or tension under which it is to be regulated as desired,
and to be permanently maintained. For this purpose the sound board is provided
at different places with devices by means of which the desired alterations in the
strain or tension can be conveniently produced as desired.
The drawings filed with my Provisional Specification illustrate a pianette with
my improvements applied thereto,

page_text: Fig. 1 being a view shewing the back of the sound board,
Fig. 2 a cross section, and
Fig. 3 illustrating the straining device to a larger scale.
a is the sound board provided with ribs as usual. cc are cross pieces that are
let into the bracings of framework g and serve for the reception of the straining
devices. d indicates one of the strings which are stretched over bridges n.
Behind
the sound board a there are arranged at intervals springs e each of which is pressed
by a set screw f more or less strongly against the back of the sound board. Each
spring has one of its ends located in a sleeve h which is lined with cloth i and
arranged to move in a recess that is lined with cloth k and is formed in one of the
cross pieces c. The other end of the spring takes into a recess that is formed in a
fillet and is also lined with cloth m. By means of the springs e any desired
tension or strain within the limits of the springs, can be given to the sound board.
At the same time a resistance is provided that serves to prevent inward yielding of
the sound board and thus to permanently maintain the tension or strain thereon.
The elasticity of the springs also serves to increase the capacity for vibration of
the sound board, the arrangement enabling a permanently full and rich tone to be
produced.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
The combination with the sound board of a pianoforte or other stringed musical
instrument, of straining or tension devices adapted to produce and maintain a strain
or tension on the sound board, and each comprising a spring e interposed between
the sound board and a cross piece such as c, and a set screw f carried by the said
cross piece and by means of which the said spring can be caused to exert the desired
pressure on the sound board substantially as described and shewn.
Dated this 23rd day of November 1892.
T. VETTERLING,
By L. W., per F. B.