Split-keyboard midi controller

• US 5,463,925 A
• Filed: 11/02/1993
• Issued: 11/07/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Baran Galocy
• Original Assignee: Baran Galocy
• Inventors: Galocy, Baran
• Primary Examiner(s): Gray, David M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): STANZIONE, PATRICK
• Application Number:
  US08/147,327
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 84/423 R, 84/432, 84/429, 84/DIG. 3, 400/82, 400/489, 400/682
• US Class Current: 84/423.00R
• CPC Class Codes: G10C 3/12 Keyboards; Keys
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/32 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/256 foldable or rollable, e.g. for transport
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 84/03 Foldable; detachable; collapsible

Abstract

An electronic music keyboard that folds in the middle bottom-to-bottom, and pivots in the middle, back-to-back. When fully open along both planes, the keyboard looks and performs in a conventional manner. When partially pivoted, the keyboard may be supported by an ergonomic belt, or standard means and played hanging from the body of the operator forming an adjustable, inverted "V" shape on a vertical axis. When fully pivoted, the keyboard may be worn over the chest of the operator and played much like a double-keyboard accordian. The ends form a carrying handle and the keyboard folds neatly into a carry bag. This device may also be fabricated from appropriate materials to act as a support for prior art small MIDI keyboards.

Claims

1. In a keyboard controller of the type comprising a set of keys which corresponds with a common piano and a means for translating pressure on said keys into meaningful control data, the improvement wherein said keyboard controller has means to pivot acutely in the center such that the playing surfaces that comprise the left and right halves of said keyboard controller may adjust from continuously linear to acutely parallel, away from an operator, forming a variable split-keyboard controller.

2. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein said pivot adjusts to individual preference, comfort, and ease of use.

3. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein the left and right halves of said keyboard controller fold bottom-to-bottom along a central hinged articulation means, for compact portability.

4. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein the body of said keyboard controller may be manufactured in a multiplicity of primary and secondary colors such that said keyboard controller may be immediately recognized and differentiated from other prior art keyboard controllers.

5. The sets of keys of the keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein said keys may be manufactured in a multiplicity of primary or secondary colors, lending originality and instantly recognizable individuality to any specific said split keyboard controller.

6. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein said left and right halves of said keyboard controller have a program and display means beneath the keys such that said program/display means may be seen and accessed from any playing position.

7. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein the body of said keyboard controller may be supported upon, or suspended from an ergonomic belt, suspender-type support harness, prior art guitar straps, or other appropriate support means.

8. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein said keyboard controller may be pivoted such that said keys of said keyboard controller are in a continuous parallel line perpendicular and centered to an operator of said keyboard controller, forming a conventional keyboard device.

9. The keyboard controller of claim 1 where said keyboard controller may be self-supporting in a conventional manner, upon any surface appropriate to support said keyboard controller.

10. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein each end of said keyboard controller is shaped such that a carrying means is formed when said keyboard controller is folded acutely such that said ends of said keyboard controller meet.

11. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein said keyboard controller may be self-sufficient, comprising a sound source and speakers, rechargeable batteries and charging means, and sequencing and recording means, with appropriate software storage means.

12. The keyboard controller of claim 11 wherein said keyboard controller may be designed to a smaller size for children.

13. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein said keyboard controller may be remotely used, comprising a wireless data transmission means to a remote sound source.

14. The keyboard controller of claim 1 wherein the opposing ends of said keyboard controller may be pivoted accutely such that said left and right playing surfaces are back-to-back and perpendicular to the ground, covering the chest of an operator.