US4145948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Graphite composite neck for stringed musical instruments
Assignee: MODULUS GRAPHITE PRODUCTS
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Filing: 1978-01-12
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Granted: 1979-03-27
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Expires: 1998-01-12
Abstract
Abstract A stringed musical instrument having a high stiffness dimensionally stable neck attached to a conventional instrument body made of hard wood. The neck is made of graphite fiber reinforced plastic material which produces a lighter, stiffer and more rigid structure than a conventional wooden neck. This high stiffness and the dimensional stability of the graphite composite, even under adverse temperature and humidity conditions, prevents warping and distortion of the instrument neck. The dimensional stability along with the high stiffness to density ratio and minimal sound damping characteristics of the graphite composite neck produce improved and stable acoustic tonal qualities from the instrument.
Inventors
- 👤 Warwick A. Turner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:42
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D3/00; G10D3/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
15 words
A neck for string musical instruments consisting of a molded graphite fiber reinforced plastic composite.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
A neck for string musical instruments consisting of a molded graphite fiber reinforced plastic composite.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, wherein said fibers are oriented to achieve a maximum longitudinal stiffness.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, wherein said neck includes a pegbox section, a neck section and a soundbox section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, wherein said neck includes a finger board of graphite fiber reinforced plastic composite.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, wherein said graphite fiber reinforced plastic composite is of closed hollow tubular construction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, wherein said neck includes a channel-shaped bottom portion and a plate secured to and closing the open top of said bottom portion to provide a hollow neck beam structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, wherein said neck constitutes a continuous structural member extending substantially from end to end of the instrument.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A musical instrument neck as in claim 1, said neck constituting a part of an electric musical instrument.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-03-26 | 1982-09-25 | 1983-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-26 | 1986-09-25 | 1987-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-26 | 1990-09-25 | 1991-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |