Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica patent search

[Philharpn@xxxxxxx]

Which reminds me: What ever happened with Magic Dick's harps? Will they 
ever go into production?



In a message dated 6/10/10 1:49:12 AM, jevern@xxxxxxx writes:


> Even if no patent has been granted, the idea may not be patentable for 
> other reasons.  If it has been published or offered for sale, it is in the 
> public domain and thus not patentable.  Another resource about harmonica 
> history is John Whiteman.  He has a huge collection of harps and has  a huge 
> illustrated anthology 
> http://www.scribd.com/doc/17142243/John-Whiteman-Harp-Anthology on line that includes not only his collection but many others as 
> well. 
> 
> I found that the Hands-Free-Chromatic  is not patentable.  A chromatic 
> harp in John's collection has a vertically movable wooden mouthpiece instead 
> of a slide just like the HFC.  The spring is so stiff that you must move it 
> with your fingers so it could not be played hands-free.  This makes me 
> believe that its purpose is to avoid the cost of a metal slide.  However coming 
> up with a new use for an old mechanism doesn't make it  patentable. An 
> interesting detail about that harp is that it has rusty steel reeds.
> 
> I am listed as inventor on five patents in other fields. Of those, only 
> one made money for my employer.   In most instances, a patent and $2 will get 
> you a cup of coffee.
> 
> Vern
> 
> On Jun 9, 2010, at 5:34 PM, Michael Easton wrote:
> 
> >
> > I know a few of you like to research patents on harp designs.  I have a 
> design I'm considering getting patented for chromatics but
> > I need to do a specific search on the US Patent office website.   Is 
> there a way to look up harmonicas then hone in on a specific part of the 
> chromatic to see if the patent has been granted.
> >
> > I don't want to give any details until I do the search myself then 
> perhaps contact a patent attorney.
> >
> > thanks
> > Michael Easton
> > www.harmonicarepair.com
> >
> >
> >
> 
> 
>