CA2235553A1 - Acoustical ring and bell sound system - Google Patents
Acoustical ring and bell sound system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2235553A1 CA2235553A1 CA002235553A CA2235553A CA2235553A1 CA 2235553 A1 CA2235553 A1 CA 2235553A1 CA 002235553 A CA002235553 A CA 002235553A CA 2235553 A CA2235553 A CA 2235553A CA 2235553 A1 CA2235553 A1 CA 2235553A1
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- acoustical
- hollow housing
- musical
- distal end
- ring
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- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 244000228957 Ferula foetida Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000273256 Phragmites communis Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10D7/00—General design of wind musical instruments
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10D9/00—Details of, or accessories for, wind musical instruments
- G10D9/10—Resonating bodies, e.g. tubes
- G10D9/11—Bells
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For Music (AREA)
- Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
An acoustical ring and bell sound system 10 for use with a variety 101, 102, 103of musical wind instruments 100; wherein, the sound system comprises an acoustical ring element 21 and an acoustical bell element 31 dimensional to releasably engage the proximal 104 and distal 105 ends of the musical instrument 100 for producing airturbulence control in the interior of the instrument 100.
Description
CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 "ACOUSTICAL RING AND BELL SOUND SYSTEM"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of accessories for musical instruments 5 in general, and in particular to a system for controlling the internal air turbulence in a musical wind instrument.
Description of Related Art The prior art is includes conventional reed ligature construction for m~inl~ining a reed at a desired location on a wind instrument.
While the prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with regard to controlling the air turbulence on the inside of a musical wind instrutnent.
In the past, the turbulence generated within the musical instrument as a natural15 by-product of the forced passage of air necessary to generate the musical notes, also made it extremely difficult for the musician to connect the diverse notes evenly in all registers. In addition, the turbulence caused the playing of the various instruments to be F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 more physically stressful and reduced the percentage of reeds that could be effective employed by other than the most skillful musicians.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new type of sound system which produces resonance on the exterior of a 5 musical instrument to reduce the turbulence within woodwind and brass instruments bores, and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.
BRIEF SIJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of 10 the present invention comprises in general a pair of hollow housing members wherein one of the housing members comprise an acoustical ring element which is normallydeployed at the barrel or neck of a musical instrument. The other housing membercomprises an acoustic bell element which is normally deployed at the distal end or bell of a musical instrument.
The present invention is directed to an acoustical ring and bell sound system for engagement with distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the sound system comprises: a pair of hollow housing members dimensionedto surround the distal and proximal ends of a musical wind instrument wherein each hollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., as an20 opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most preferably three in number, which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical ring for selective engagement with the distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments 25 wherein the acoustical ring comprises: a generally cylindrical hollow housing member dimensioned to surround one of the ends of a musical wind instrument wherein thehollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., an opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most preferably three in number, which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the F:\DC data\DC-OFFlC~MGM P#S\P00879F.app 2 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 . , periphery of the one end of the musical instrument, wherein each of the shoe elements include an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument and/or wherein each of the shoe elements include pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are dimensioned to be slidably received in suitablydimensioned discrete apertures in the housing members.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical bell for engagement withthe distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell comprises: a hollow housing member dimensioned to surround the distal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member is provided with an opposed pair of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end of the musical instrument, wherein the hollow housing member comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element.
As will be explained m greater detail further on in the specification, for purposes of the apparatus of the present invention as disclosed herein, at least one of the hollow housing members comprises an acoustical bell element selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped acoustical bell element and a generally conical shaped acoustical bell element, wherein in one embodiment, two of the hollow housing members comprise a generally cylindrical acoustical ring element.
In accordance with the present invention, the shoe elements comprise at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument, wherein in one embodiment, the shoe element comprises an outer handle member, and in another embodiment, the shoe elements comprise a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are dimensioned to be slidably received in suitably dimensioned discrete apertures in the hollow housing members.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a plurality of apertures, preferably wherein the at least one housing member comprises means to selectively cover the plurality of apertures.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 3 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a rigid continuous member, and in another embodiment the at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a flexible split member.
For purposes of the present invention, shoe elements are biased inwardly by a 5 single spring element, in one embodiment, and are biased inwardly by independent spring elements in another embodiment.
In another embodiment, the shoe elements are fixed to the at least one hollow housing member.
The apparatus of the present invention, as disclosed herein, also includes a 10 lifting mechanism for at least one of the shoe elements, wherein the lifting mech~ni~m comprises: a pin fixed to a plurality of posts attached to the acoustical ring; a rod pivotally mounted on the pin, the rod having a slot at one rod end for inserting into an outside portion of one of the shoe elements; a key element attached to an opposite end of the rod; a tension spring housed under the key element for exerting pressure on the 15 key element.
In accordance with the present invention, a distal end and a proximal end of at least one of the hollow housing members are provided with reinforced lips, and the ring element has a generally uniform interior configuration.
For purposes of the present invention, the at least one hollow housing member 20 comprises an interior configuration comprising a notch dimensioned to receive an outwardly projecting portion of a musical instrument, preferably wherein the interior configuration comprises a plurality of inward extensions, each of the inward extensions comprising a notch for receiving an elevated part of a metal ring of the outwardly , .. ... . . . ... . . . . .
projecting portion of a musical instrument.
In accordance with the present invention, each of the hollow housing members comprise an opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end, wherein an opening of the distal end and an opening of the proximal end are aligned generally parallel to one another in one embodiment, or wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end F:\Dc_data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 opening of the at least one housing member are disposed at an angle relative to one another.
In accordance with the present invention, the acoustical ring is perm~n~ntly attached to the musical instrument.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one hollow housing member comprises a one-piece construction having a shape selectedfrom the group consisting of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape, wherein the construction is suff1ciently flexible to change the shape to an elliptical shape when the at least one hollow housing member is squeezed to allow release of grip of the hollow housing member on the ~pa~ s.
Also, as disclosed herein, each of the housing members are secured on the opposite ends of the musical instrument by a pair of spring biased shoe elements which releasably engage portions of the musical instruments.
The sound system of this invention is a totally new way to create resonance on the outside of the instrument producing a faster control of the air turbulence on the inside of the instrument. This system produces resonance in the air space between the surface of the instrument and the acoustical ring and the acoustical bell. The increased resonance quickly settles the turbulence within the woodwind and brass instrurnent bore.
This results in notes being connected evenly in all registers. The additional source of resonance permits better projection of the sound with less physical stress. A
better focused and more even tone is produced with considerably less effort. Thedisruption of tone in critical places such as over the breaks will now be smooth as turbulence in the bore of the instrument is quickly adjusted to connect each note of the scale in a legato and centered way.
The results are so profound that the conductor, adjudicator, teacher and even family members will immediately hear the improvement in someone's playing. The acoustical system of this invention can also be used with both woodwind and brass instruments.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 5 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEW OF THE DRAWING
These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of the present invention installed on a variety of musical wind instruments;
FIG. 2 is an end view of an acoustical ring grasping an instrument having a narrow neck:
FIG. 3 is an end view of an acoustical ring grasping an instrument having an enlarged neck;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior of one acoustical ring configuration;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the exterior of another acoustical ring configuration;
FIG. 6 is an end view of an enlarged apertured acoustical bell;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apertured acoustical bell of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a modified version of the acoustical bell depicted in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an end view of the split ring version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 10 is an end view of the split and notched version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the split ring version of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the split and notched version of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is an end view of the smaller one-piece version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the one-piece version;
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-piece shoe of this invention;
FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the one-piece shoe;
FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the multi-piece shoe;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an alternate version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the alternate version of the acoustical bell;
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 6 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a front plan view of yet another alternate version of the acoustical bell; and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the acoustical ring and bell sound system 5 provided with a cylindrical bell;
FIG. 23 is a view of a proximal ring;
FIG. 24. is a view of the lifting mechAni~m of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is another view of a proximal ring; and FIG. 26 is a view of a perm~nent Att~rhment of a~palalus of the present 1 0 invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As can be seen by reference to the drawings, and in particularly to FIG. 1, the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of the present invention is de~ign~tecl generally by the reference number 10. The sound system comprises in 15 general a pair of housing members 20 and 30 which are adapted to releasably engage the opposite ends of a variety of musical instruments such as flute 101, alto clarinet 102, b-flat clarinet 103, or other woodwind or brass musical instrument, including but not limited to, piccolos, saxophones, etc.
The present invention is directed to an acoustical ring and bell sound system for 20 engagement with distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the sound system comprises: a pair of hollow housing members dimensionedto surround the distal and proximal ends of a musical wind instrument wherein each hollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., as anopposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most 25 preferably three in number which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical ring for selective engagement with the distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical ring comprises: a generally cylindrical hollow housing member F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 7 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 dimensioned to surround one of the ends of a musical wind instrument wherein thehollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe element~, e.g., an opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most preferably three in number which are adapted to engage a selected portion of theperiphery of the one end of the musical instrument, wherein each of the shoe elements include an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member tlimen~ioned to engage a portion of the musical windinstrument and/or wherein each of the shoe elements include pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are ~imen~ioned to be slidably received in suitablydimensioned discrete apertures in the housing members.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical bell for engagement withthe distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell comprises: a hollow housing member ~limen~ioned to surround the distal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member is provided with an opposed pair of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end of the musical instrument, wherein the hollow housing member comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the hollow housing members comprises an acoustical ring element, at least one of the hollow housingmembers comprises an acoustical bell element comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and a generally conical shaped element, or both of the hollow housing members comprise an acoustical ring element comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and a generally conical shaped element.
For purposes of the present invention, each of the shoe elements includes an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member, and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument, in addition to a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 8 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 dimensioned to be slidably received in suitably (1imen~ioned discrete a~e~ es in the housing members.
In accordance with the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the hollow members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The plurality of shoe elements are shown in the drawings as an opposed pair of shoe elements, although at least two, or more, shoe elements, for example three shoe elements, are plerelled.
In the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the housing members is provided with a plurality of apertures, is provided with means to selectively cover the plurality of apertures.
In the sound system of the present invention, the distal and proximal ends of atleast one of the housing members are provided with reinforced lips.
For purposes of the present invention, the at least one of the housing members is a rigid continuous member, or is a flexible split member.
In the sound system of the present invention, each of the shoe elements are biased inwardly by a single spring element, or are biased inwardly by independent spring elements.
In accordance with the present invention, the ring element has a generally uniform interior configuration, for example, in the case of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and/or the conical acoustical bell element has an interior configuration provided with a notch dimensioned to receive an outwardly projecting portion of a musical wind instrument.
For purposes of the present invention, the hollow housing members has an opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end, wherein, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening are aligned generally parallel to one another, and/or at least one of the housing members has a distal end opening that is larger than the proximal end opening, wherein, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of F:\Dc_data\DC-OFFlCUMGM P#S\P00879F.app CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 the at least one housing member are aligned generally parallel to one another, and/or wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of the at least one housing member are disposed at an angle relative to one another.
In accordance with the present invention, the proximal end of the housing member is provided with opposed pairs of guide tubes dimensioned to receive portions of the shoe elements, wherein each of the shoe elements are provided with a pair of spring biasing elements, spring biasing elements are disposed on the interior of the housing member.
For purposes of the present invention, housing member is fabricated form a semi-rigid, resilient material, each of the shoe elements include an inwardly extending leg member and a contoured shoe member, and are formed integrally with the interior of the housing, or are pern ~nently affixed to the interior of the housing.
Referring more specifically to the drawings, the housing members 20 and 30 will now be described in seriatim fashion.
As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the first housing member 20 comprises a generally cylindrical acoustical ring element 22 wherein the distal and proximal ends of the ring element 22 are provided with reinforced lips 23 and the intermediate periphery of the ring element 22 may optionally be provided with a plurality of apertures 24 whose purpose and function will be described in greater detail further on in the specification.
In addition, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior of the acoustical ring element 22 is dimensioned to receive the barrel 104 or neck 105 portions of a musical instrument 100.
Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 14, it can be seen that the second housing member 30 comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element 31 having an enlarged diameter distal end 32 and a reduced diameter proximal end 33. As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 13, the acoustical bell element 31 is m~nuf~tured in different sizes so that the reduced diameter proximal end can slip over the distal end of a variety of musical , instruments 100. Furthermore, the acoustical bell element 31 may be fabricated as a generally rigid smooth continuous member as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 13. Element 31 F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 10 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 may be split as at 34 in FIGS.9 through 11 to impart some flexibility to the bell element 31, and can slip over the distal end of a variety of musical instruments in open positions.
As can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 9 through 11, in the split ring version of the acoustical bell element 31 the opposed ends of the bell element 31 are provided 5 with a post 35 and catch 36 assembly which joins the opposed ends of the split ring version of the bell element 31 in a well recognized fashion.
The acoustic bell element may be formed into a variety of different shapes, but preferably has a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally conical shape and a generally cylindrical shape, as shown in Fig.1 and Fig.22, respectively, as 31 and 231.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, and 12, the second housing member 30 may likewise be provided with a plurality of apertures 37. As shown in particular in FIG. 8, an aperture control member 38 may be installed on the outer periphery of the acoustical bell element 31 to selectively cover the apertures 37 to achieve different tones 15 to the musical notes. In thé embodiment of FIG. 8, the aperture control member 38 comprises a belt 39 and groove 40 arrangement. However, other aperture control arrangements may be substituted therefor.
At this junction, it should be a~ that both the acoustical ring element 21 and the acoustical bell element 31 share a number of structural similarities Those 20 similarities also extend to the releasable securing means 50 that are employed for operatively eng~ging the two housing members 20 and 30 to the opposite ends of the musical instruments 100.
In accordance with the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the hollow members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to 25 engage a selected portion of the perlphery of the distal end and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The plurality of shoe elements are shown in the drawings as an opposed pair of shoe elements, although at least two, or more, shoe elements, for example three shoe elements, are preferred, the latter being shown in Fig.23A.
F:~Dc_data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 11 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16, the releasable securing means 50 comprises a plurality of opposed spring biased shoe elements 51, which are preferably two, or more, in number and, as shown in Fig. 23A are three in number. Each of the shoe elements 51 include an outwardly projecting handle member 52, a pair of inwardly 5 ext~n(ling leg members 53 which pass through suitably dimensioned discrete apertures (not shown) in the respective housing members 20 and 30, and an inner contoured shoe member 54 dimensioned to receive a portion of the periphery of the musical instruments 100.
In an alternate version of the invention depicted in FIGS. 15 and 17, each of the shoe elements 51 have upper 53' and lower 53" leg segments which are connected to one another by a tubular coupler 55 which extends the effective length of the shoe element 51.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, depending on the size of the respective housing members 20 and 30, the shoe elements 51 may be operatively connected to the housing members 20, 30 by a single elongated spring member 60 or by a corresponding number, such as a pair, of independently acting spring members 61, 62 which are operatively connected to the outer periphery of the housing members 20, 30 by a corresponding number, such as two pairs, of post elements 63, 63 and 64, 64.
Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 12, it can be seen that while inmost instances the 20 interior of the acoustical ring elements 31 will have a uniform configuration, there will be certain instances wherein a contoured notch 42 will have to be provided in the proximal end 33 of the acoustical bell element 31 to accommodate a given protrusion, such as the bar that connects the bell to the body of the saxophone (not shown).
... . ... . ..
Returning once more to FIG. 1, it can be seen that while in most instances the 25 housing members 20 and 30 are disposed on opposite ends of the musical instrument 100, in the case of the flute 101, the first housing member 20 comprising the acoustical ring element 21 is disposed on the opposite ends of the flute 101.
In another alternate version of the ~lcfclled embodiment illustrated in Figs. 18through 20, it can be seen that there are certain instances wherein the shape of the F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 12 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 acoustical bell 30 must be contoured in order to accommodate the curvature of the bell of a particular instrument 100 such as a saxophone or the like (not shown). In the embodiment depicted in Figs. l 8 and l 9, it can be seen that the reduced diameter proximal end 33 is angularly disposed relative to the enlarged diameter distal end 33 of 5 the acoustical bell 30 to accomplish that objective. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the acoustic bell element is a generally conical shaped element.
From the standpoint of performance, however, a generally cylindrical shaped element is preferred. This is particularly prefelled from the standpoint of acoustical performance. Referring to Fig. 22 with respect to the acoustic bell element of the lO present invention, the acoustic bell element is shown as a generally cylindrical shaped element 231 and 236 which structurally corresponds substantially to the generally .. . . .. . ...
conical shaped element 3 l and 36 in Fig. l on the flute and saxophone, respectively. As previously indicated, however, from the acoustical performance standpoint, the generally cylindrically shaped element is pl~relled.
Still referring to Figs. l 8 through 20, it can be seen that in this particular version of the pl~r~lled embodiment, the reduced diameter proximal end 32 is provided with opposed pairs of guide tubes 63 which are dimensioned to receive the inwardly extentling leg members 53 of the spring biased shoe elements 51; wherein each of the leg members 53 is provided with individual spring biasing elements 64. In addition, the 20 spring biasing elements 64 are disposed intermediate the contoured shoe member 54 and the interior of the proximal end 32 of the acoustical bell element 31.
In yet another alternate version of the invention depicted in Fig. 2 l, an essentially one-piece construction is illustrated. In this embodiment, the ring may be substantially cylindrical in shape or substantially conical in shape. Referring to Fig. 21, 25 it can be seen that the acoustical bell element 31 is fabricated from a semi-rigid yet resilient thin walled material 38, such as plastic or the like, wherein, the opposite sidewalls of the bell element 31 may be deformed to change the configuration of the proximal end 32 of the bell element 31 from generally circular to generally elliptical F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 13 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 configuration. For example, when the ring is squeezed at line D1, the shape becomes elliptical. This releases the grip on the bell.
In addition, in this version of the invention, the releasable securing means 50 comprises a pair of shoe elements 51 formed integrally with, or permanently aff1xed to, 5 the interior walls of the bell element 31 in a diametrically opposed fashion.
Furthermore, each of the shoe elements 51 comprise a single elongated leg member 53 which projects inwardly from the interior of the bell element 31 and an arcuate contoured shoe member 54 which extends outwardly from both sides of the leg member 53.
As can also be seen by reference to Fig. 21, the forcible deformation of the sidewalls of the bell element 31 will raise and lower the shoe elements 51 into and out of engagement with the periphery of a musical instrument.
It should further be appreciated at this juncture that this invention also contemplates that both the acoustical nng and bell constructions described herein may 15 be perm~nently attached to the various instruments at the time that the instruments are manufactured. Such permanent ~tt~rhment may be effected using conventional procedures, such as soldering, welding, and/or application of adhesive, as are used in the industry of m~nl~f~cturing musical instruments. The musical instruments to which the acoustic ring and/or acoustic bell of the present invention are permanently attached, 20 however, do not necessarily appear dirrelclltly from the conventional musicalinstruments to which the acoustic ring and/or acoustic bell of the present invention have been attached as an after market ~tt~chment~ as otherwise shown in the drawings. An example of such permanent ~tt~rhment is shown in Fig.26.
In this example, referring to Fig. 21A, one end of a rod 271 is permanently 25 attached, for example by welding, to a metal ring 272 of a musical instrument and an opposite of the rod 273 is attached by means for ~tt~rhment 276, such as screws 276, to the bell ring. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive means for ~ rhment 276. Referring to Fig.21 B, the rods 277 are welded to the neck of the instrument 274 and to the metal ring 275.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\POOa79F.app 14 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 Fig. 23 illustrates means for ~tt~hing a proximal acoustic ring 1 to a musical instrument, the musical instrument to which the proximal acoustical ring 1 is preferably a clarinet (not shown). To attach this proximal acoustical ring, the e~i~ting proximal metal ring 241 of the clarinet barrel 250 must be removed. In its place the proximal acoustical ring 249 is inserted in such a way that the shoe elements 242 fit in the place of removed metal ring. The proximal acoustical ring 1 is shown in place in Fig. 23C.
Fig. 24 illustrates a novel lifting mech~ni~m for the shoe for at least some of the acoustical rings. The outside portion of the shoe element 267 is inserted in the slot 266 of the rod 260. A key like element 261 is attached to the opposite end of the rod 263.
The rod 263 is rotating around the pin 264 going through the posts 265. The posts are attached permanently to the acoustical ring 268. A tension spring 262 is housed under the key 261 exerting upwards pressure on the key 261. This results in moving theopposite end of the rod 263 downward toward the cavity of the acoustical ring pushing the outside portion of the shoe toward the instrument to which the ring has to be attached. There is a similar mech~ni~m on the opposite side of the acoustical ring (not shown) and they work as a pair holding the instrument.
Fig. 25 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention for ~tt~ching a proximal ring of the present invention over an existing proximal metal ring of a barrel of a musical instrument, such as a clarinet. Referring to Fig. 25, the proximal ring has a plurality of inward extensions 281, which are preferably three in number. Each of the extensions 281 have a groove 282 to receive an elevated part 282 of the metal ring of the musical instrument. This allows the proximal ring to be force-fitted into position and to snap in and snap out of position according to the application of force or pressure.
Also, this embodiment does not require removing the existing metal ring, for example as does the embodiment depicted and described with respect to Fig. 23.
Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel te~-~hing~ and advantages of this F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 15 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intçn~1ecl to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.
In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are int~nrlecl to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents 5 but also equivalent structures.
Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should be ~pal~lll that many substitutions, modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as taught and described herein is only to be limited to the extent of the breadth 10 and scope of the appended claims.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\~AGM P#S\P00879F.app 16
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of accessories for musical instruments 5 in general, and in particular to a system for controlling the internal air turbulence in a musical wind instrument.
Description of Related Art The prior art is includes conventional reed ligature construction for m~inl~ining a reed at a desired location on a wind instrument.
While the prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with regard to controlling the air turbulence on the inside of a musical wind instrutnent.
In the past, the turbulence generated within the musical instrument as a natural15 by-product of the forced passage of air necessary to generate the musical notes, also made it extremely difficult for the musician to connect the diverse notes evenly in all registers. In addition, the turbulence caused the playing of the various instruments to be F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 more physically stressful and reduced the percentage of reeds that could be effective employed by other than the most skillful musicians.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new type of sound system which produces resonance on the exterior of a 5 musical instrument to reduce the turbulence within woodwind and brass instruments bores, and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.
BRIEF SIJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of 10 the present invention comprises in general a pair of hollow housing members wherein one of the housing members comprise an acoustical ring element which is normallydeployed at the barrel or neck of a musical instrument. The other housing membercomprises an acoustic bell element which is normally deployed at the distal end or bell of a musical instrument.
The present invention is directed to an acoustical ring and bell sound system for engagement with distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the sound system comprises: a pair of hollow housing members dimensionedto surround the distal and proximal ends of a musical wind instrument wherein each hollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., as an20 opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most preferably three in number, which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical ring for selective engagement with the distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments 25 wherein the acoustical ring comprises: a generally cylindrical hollow housing member dimensioned to surround one of the ends of a musical wind instrument wherein thehollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., an opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most preferably three in number, which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the F:\DC data\DC-OFFlC~MGM P#S\P00879F.app 2 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 . , periphery of the one end of the musical instrument, wherein each of the shoe elements include an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument and/or wherein each of the shoe elements include pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are dimensioned to be slidably received in suitablydimensioned discrete apertures in the housing members.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical bell for engagement withthe distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell comprises: a hollow housing member dimensioned to surround the distal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member is provided with an opposed pair of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end of the musical instrument, wherein the hollow housing member comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element.
As will be explained m greater detail further on in the specification, for purposes of the apparatus of the present invention as disclosed herein, at least one of the hollow housing members comprises an acoustical bell element selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped acoustical bell element and a generally conical shaped acoustical bell element, wherein in one embodiment, two of the hollow housing members comprise a generally cylindrical acoustical ring element.
In accordance with the present invention, the shoe elements comprise at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument, wherein in one embodiment, the shoe element comprises an outer handle member, and in another embodiment, the shoe elements comprise a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are dimensioned to be slidably received in suitably dimensioned discrete apertures in the hollow housing members.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a plurality of apertures, preferably wherein the at least one housing member comprises means to selectively cover the plurality of apertures.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 3 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a rigid continuous member, and in another embodiment the at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a flexible split member.
For purposes of the present invention, shoe elements are biased inwardly by a 5 single spring element, in one embodiment, and are biased inwardly by independent spring elements in another embodiment.
In another embodiment, the shoe elements are fixed to the at least one hollow housing member.
The apparatus of the present invention, as disclosed herein, also includes a 10 lifting mechanism for at least one of the shoe elements, wherein the lifting mech~ni~m comprises: a pin fixed to a plurality of posts attached to the acoustical ring; a rod pivotally mounted on the pin, the rod having a slot at one rod end for inserting into an outside portion of one of the shoe elements; a key element attached to an opposite end of the rod; a tension spring housed under the key element for exerting pressure on the 15 key element.
In accordance with the present invention, a distal end and a proximal end of at least one of the hollow housing members are provided with reinforced lips, and the ring element has a generally uniform interior configuration.
For purposes of the present invention, the at least one hollow housing member 20 comprises an interior configuration comprising a notch dimensioned to receive an outwardly projecting portion of a musical instrument, preferably wherein the interior configuration comprises a plurality of inward extensions, each of the inward extensions comprising a notch for receiving an elevated part of a metal ring of the outwardly , .. ... . . . ... . . . . .
projecting portion of a musical instrument.
In accordance with the present invention, each of the hollow housing members comprise an opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end, wherein an opening of the distal end and an opening of the proximal end are aligned generally parallel to one another in one embodiment, or wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end F:\Dc_data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 opening of the at least one housing member are disposed at an angle relative to one another.
In accordance with the present invention, the acoustical ring is perm~n~ntly attached to the musical instrument.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one hollow housing member comprises a one-piece construction having a shape selectedfrom the group consisting of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape, wherein the construction is suff1ciently flexible to change the shape to an elliptical shape when the at least one hollow housing member is squeezed to allow release of grip of the hollow housing member on the ~pa~ s.
Also, as disclosed herein, each of the housing members are secured on the opposite ends of the musical instrument by a pair of spring biased shoe elements which releasably engage portions of the musical instruments.
The sound system of this invention is a totally new way to create resonance on the outside of the instrument producing a faster control of the air turbulence on the inside of the instrument. This system produces resonance in the air space between the surface of the instrument and the acoustical ring and the acoustical bell. The increased resonance quickly settles the turbulence within the woodwind and brass instrurnent bore.
This results in notes being connected evenly in all registers. The additional source of resonance permits better projection of the sound with less physical stress. A
better focused and more even tone is produced with considerably less effort. Thedisruption of tone in critical places such as over the breaks will now be smooth as turbulence in the bore of the instrument is quickly adjusted to connect each note of the scale in a legato and centered way.
The results are so profound that the conductor, adjudicator, teacher and even family members will immediately hear the improvement in someone's playing. The acoustical system of this invention can also be used with both woodwind and brass instruments.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 5 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEW OF THE DRAWING
These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of the present invention installed on a variety of musical wind instruments;
FIG. 2 is an end view of an acoustical ring grasping an instrument having a narrow neck:
FIG. 3 is an end view of an acoustical ring grasping an instrument having an enlarged neck;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior of one acoustical ring configuration;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the exterior of another acoustical ring configuration;
FIG. 6 is an end view of an enlarged apertured acoustical bell;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apertured acoustical bell of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a modified version of the acoustical bell depicted in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an end view of the split ring version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 10 is an end view of the split and notched version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the split ring version of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the split and notched version of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is an end view of the smaller one-piece version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the one-piece version;
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-piece shoe of this invention;
FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the one-piece shoe;
FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the multi-piece shoe;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an alternate version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the alternate version of the acoustical bell;
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 6 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a front plan view of yet another alternate version of the acoustical bell; and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the acoustical ring and bell sound system 5 provided with a cylindrical bell;
FIG. 23 is a view of a proximal ring;
FIG. 24. is a view of the lifting mechAni~m of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is another view of a proximal ring; and FIG. 26 is a view of a perm~nent Att~rhment of a~palalus of the present 1 0 invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As can be seen by reference to the drawings, and in particularly to FIG. 1, the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of the present invention is de~ign~tecl generally by the reference number 10. The sound system comprises in 15 general a pair of housing members 20 and 30 which are adapted to releasably engage the opposite ends of a variety of musical instruments such as flute 101, alto clarinet 102, b-flat clarinet 103, or other woodwind or brass musical instrument, including but not limited to, piccolos, saxophones, etc.
The present invention is directed to an acoustical ring and bell sound system for 20 engagement with distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the sound system comprises: a pair of hollow housing members dimensionedto surround the distal and proximal ends of a musical wind instrument wherein each hollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., as anopposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most 25 preferably three in number which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical ring for selective engagement with the distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical ring comprises: a generally cylindrical hollow housing member F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 7 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 dimensioned to surround one of the ends of a musical wind instrument wherein thehollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe element~, e.g., an opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most preferably three in number which are adapted to engage a selected portion of theperiphery of the one end of the musical instrument, wherein each of the shoe elements include an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member tlimen~ioned to engage a portion of the musical windinstrument and/or wherein each of the shoe elements include pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are ~imen~ioned to be slidably received in suitablydimensioned discrete apertures in the housing members.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical bell for engagement withthe distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell comprises: a hollow housing member ~limen~ioned to surround the distal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member is provided with an opposed pair of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end of the musical instrument, wherein the hollow housing member comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the hollow housing members comprises an acoustical ring element, at least one of the hollow housingmembers comprises an acoustical bell element comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and a generally conical shaped element, or both of the hollow housing members comprise an acoustical ring element comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and a generally conical shaped element.
For purposes of the present invention, each of the shoe elements includes an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member, and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument, in addition to a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 8 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 dimensioned to be slidably received in suitably (1imen~ioned discrete a~e~ es in the housing members.
In accordance with the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the hollow members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The plurality of shoe elements are shown in the drawings as an opposed pair of shoe elements, although at least two, or more, shoe elements, for example three shoe elements, are plerelled.
In the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the housing members is provided with a plurality of apertures, is provided with means to selectively cover the plurality of apertures.
In the sound system of the present invention, the distal and proximal ends of atleast one of the housing members are provided with reinforced lips.
For purposes of the present invention, the at least one of the housing members is a rigid continuous member, or is a flexible split member.
In the sound system of the present invention, each of the shoe elements are biased inwardly by a single spring element, or are biased inwardly by independent spring elements.
In accordance with the present invention, the ring element has a generally uniform interior configuration, for example, in the case of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and/or the conical acoustical bell element has an interior configuration provided with a notch dimensioned to receive an outwardly projecting portion of a musical wind instrument.
For purposes of the present invention, the hollow housing members has an opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end, wherein, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening are aligned generally parallel to one another, and/or at least one of the housing members has a distal end opening that is larger than the proximal end opening, wherein, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of F:\Dc_data\DC-OFFlCUMGM P#S\P00879F.app CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 the at least one housing member are aligned generally parallel to one another, and/or wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of the at least one housing member are disposed at an angle relative to one another.
In accordance with the present invention, the proximal end of the housing member is provided with opposed pairs of guide tubes dimensioned to receive portions of the shoe elements, wherein each of the shoe elements are provided with a pair of spring biasing elements, spring biasing elements are disposed on the interior of the housing member.
For purposes of the present invention, housing member is fabricated form a semi-rigid, resilient material, each of the shoe elements include an inwardly extending leg member and a contoured shoe member, and are formed integrally with the interior of the housing, or are pern ~nently affixed to the interior of the housing.
Referring more specifically to the drawings, the housing members 20 and 30 will now be described in seriatim fashion.
As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the first housing member 20 comprises a generally cylindrical acoustical ring element 22 wherein the distal and proximal ends of the ring element 22 are provided with reinforced lips 23 and the intermediate periphery of the ring element 22 may optionally be provided with a plurality of apertures 24 whose purpose and function will be described in greater detail further on in the specification.
In addition, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior of the acoustical ring element 22 is dimensioned to receive the barrel 104 or neck 105 portions of a musical instrument 100.
Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 14, it can be seen that the second housing member 30 comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element 31 having an enlarged diameter distal end 32 and a reduced diameter proximal end 33. As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 13, the acoustical bell element 31 is m~nuf~tured in different sizes so that the reduced diameter proximal end can slip over the distal end of a variety of musical , instruments 100. Furthermore, the acoustical bell element 31 may be fabricated as a generally rigid smooth continuous member as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 13. Element 31 F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 10 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 may be split as at 34 in FIGS.9 through 11 to impart some flexibility to the bell element 31, and can slip over the distal end of a variety of musical instruments in open positions.
As can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 9 through 11, in the split ring version of the acoustical bell element 31 the opposed ends of the bell element 31 are provided 5 with a post 35 and catch 36 assembly which joins the opposed ends of the split ring version of the bell element 31 in a well recognized fashion.
The acoustic bell element may be formed into a variety of different shapes, but preferably has a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally conical shape and a generally cylindrical shape, as shown in Fig.1 and Fig.22, respectively, as 31 and 231.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, and 12, the second housing member 30 may likewise be provided with a plurality of apertures 37. As shown in particular in FIG. 8, an aperture control member 38 may be installed on the outer periphery of the acoustical bell element 31 to selectively cover the apertures 37 to achieve different tones 15 to the musical notes. In thé embodiment of FIG. 8, the aperture control member 38 comprises a belt 39 and groove 40 arrangement. However, other aperture control arrangements may be substituted therefor.
At this junction, it should be a~ that both the acoustical ring element 21 and the acoustical bell element 31 share a number of structural similarities Those 20 similarities also extend to the releasable securing means 50 that are employed for operatively eng~ging the two housing members 20 and 30 to the opposite ends of the musical instruments 100.
In accordance with the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the hollow members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to 25 engage a selected portion of the perlphery of the distal end and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The plurality of shoe elements are shown in the drawings as an opposed pair of shoe elements, although at least two, or more, shoe elements, for example three shoe elements, are preferred, the latter being shown in Fig.23A.
F:~Dc_data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 11 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16, the releasable securing means 50 comprises a plurality of opposed spring biased shoe elements 51, which are preferably two, or more, in number and, as shown in Fig. 23A are three in number. Each of the shoe elements 51 include an outwardly projecting handle member 52, a pair of inwardly 5 ext~n(ling leg members 53 which pass through suitably dimensioned discrete apertures (not shown) in the respective housing members 20 and 30, and an inner contoured shoe member 54 dimensioned to receive a portion of the periphery of the musical instruments 100.
In an alternate version of the invention depicted in FIGS. 15 and 17, each of the shoe elements 51 have upper 53' and lower 53" leg segments which are connected to one another by a tubular coupler 55 which extends the effective length of the shoe element 51.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, depending on the size of the respective housing members 20 and 30, the shoe elements 51 may be operatively connected to the housing members 20, 30 by a single elongated spring member 60 or by a corresponding number, such as a pair, of independently acting spring members 61, 62 which are operatively connected to the outer periphery of the housing members 20, 30 by a corresponding number, such as two pairs, of post elements 63, 63 and 64, 64.
Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 12, it can be seen that while inmost instances the 20 interior of the acoustical ring elements 31 will have a uniform configuration, there will be certain instances wherein a contoured notch 42 will have to be provided in the proximal end 33 of the acoustical bell element 31 to accommodate a given protrusion, such as the bar that connects the bell to the body of the saxophone (not shown).
... . ... . ..
Returning once more to FIG. 1, it can be seen that while in most instances the 25 housing members 20 and 30 are disposed on opposite ends of the musical instrument 100, in the case of the flute 101, the first housing member 20 comprising the acoustical ring element 21 is disposed on the opposite ends of the flute 101.
In another alternate version of the ~lcfclled embodiment illustrated in Figs. 18through 20, it can be seen that there are certain instances wherein the shape of the F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\P00879F.app 12 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 acoustical bell 30 must be contoured in order to accommodate the curvature of the bell of a particular instrument 100 such as a saxophone or the like (not shown). In the embodiment depicted in Figs. l 8 and l 9, it can be seen that the reduced diameter proximal end 33 is angularly disposed relative to the enlarged diameter distal end 33 of 5 the acoustical bell 30 to accomplish that objective. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the acoustic bell element is a generally conical shaped element.
From the standpoint of performance, however, a generally cylindrical shaped element is preferred. This is particularly prefelled from the standpoint of acoustical performance. Referring to Fig. 22 with respect to the acoustic bell element of the lO present invention, the acoustic bell element is shown as a generally cylindrical shaped element 231 and 236 which structurally corresponds substantially to the generally .. . . .. . ...
conical shaped element 3 l and 36 in Fig. l on the flute and saxophone, respectively. As previously indicated, however, from the acoustical performance standpoint, the generally cylindrically shaped element is pl~relled.
Still referring to Figs. l 8 through 20, it can be seen that in this particular version of the pl~r~lled embodiment, the reduced diameter proximal end 32 is provided with opposed pairs of guide tubes 63 which are dimensioned to receive the inwardly extentling leg members 53 of the spring biased shoe elements 51; wherein each of the leg members 53 is provided with individual spring biasing elements 64. In addition, the 20 spring biasing elements 64 are disposed intermediate the contoured shoe member 54 and the interior of the proximal end 32 of the acoustical bell element 31.
In yet another alternate version of the invention depicted in Fig. 2 l, an essentially one-piece construction is illustrated. In this embodiment, the ring may be substantially cylindrical in shape or substantially conical in shape. Referring to Fig. 21, 25 it can be seen that the acoustical bell element 31 is fabricated from a semi-rigid yet resilient thin walled material 38, such as plastic or the like, wherein, the opposite sidewalls of the bell element 31 may be deformed to change the configuration of the proximal end 32 of the bell element 31 from generally circular to generally elliptical F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 13 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 configuration. For example, when the ring is squeezed at line D1, the shape becomes elliptical. This releases the grip on the bell.
In addition, in this version of the invention, the releasable securing means 50 comprises a pair of shoe elements 51 formed integrally with, or permanently aff1xed to, 5 the interior walls of the bell element 31 in a diametrically opposed fashion.
Furthermore, each of the shoe elements 51 comprise a single elongated leg member 53 which projects inwardly from the interior of the bell element 31 and an arcuate contoured shoe member 54 which extends outwardly from both sides of the leg member 53.
As can also be seen by reference to Fig. 21, the forcible deformation of the sidewalls of the bell element 31 will raise and lower the shoe elements 51 into and out of engagement with the periphery of a musical instrument.
It should further be appreciated at this juncture that this invention also contemplates that both the acoustical nng and bell constructions described herein may 15 be perm~nently attached to the various instruments at the time that the instruments are manufactured. Such permanent ~tt~rhment may be effected using conventional procedures, such as soldering, welding, and/or application of adhesive, as are used in the industry of m~nl~f~cturing musical instruments. The musical instruments to which the acoustic ring and/or acoustic bell of the present invention are permanently attached, 20 however, do not necessarily appear dirrelclltly from the conventional musicalinstruments to which the acoustic ring and/or acoustic bell of the present invention have been attached as an after market ~tt~chment~ as otherwise shown in the drawings. An example of such permanent ~tt~rhment is shown in Fig.26.
In this example, referring to Fig. 21A, one end of a rod 271 is permanently 25 attached, for example by welding, to a metal ring 272 of a musical instrument and an opposite of the rod 273 is attached by means for ~tt~rhment 276, such as screws 276, to the bell ring. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive means for ~ rhment 276. Referring to Fig.21 B, the rods 277 are welded to the neck of the instrument 274 and to the metal ring 275.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM_P#S\POOa79F.app 14 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 Fig. 23 illustrates means for ~tt~hing a proximal acoustic ring 1 to a musical instrument, the musical instrument to which the proximal acoustical ring 1 is preferably a clarinet (not shown). To attach this proximal acoustical ring, the e~i~ting proximal metal ring 241 of the clarinet barrel 250 must be removed. In its place the proximal acoustical ring 249 is inserted in such a way that the shoe elements 242 fit in the place of removed metal ring. The proximal acoustical ring 1 is shown in place in Fig. 23C.
Fig. 24 illustrates a novel lifting mech~ni~m for the shoe for at least some of the acoustical rings. The outside portion of the shoe element 267 is inserted in the slot 266 of the rod 260. A key like element 261 is attached to the opposite end of the rod 263.
The rod 263 is rotating around the pin 264 going through the posts 265. The posts are attached permanently to the acoustical ring 268. A tension spring 262 is housed under the key 261 exerting upwards pressure on the key 261. This results in moving theopposite end of the rod 263 downward toward the cavity of the acoustical ring pushing the outside portion of the shoe toward the instrument to which the ring has to be attached. There is a similar mech~ni~m on the opposite side of the acoustical ring (not shown) and they work as a pair holding the instrument.
Fig. 25 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention for ~tt~ching a proximal ring of the present invention over an existing proximal metal ring of a barrel of a musical instrument, such as a clarinet. Referring to Fig. 25, the proximal ring has a plurality of inward extensions 281, which are preferably three in number. Each of the extensions 281 have a groove 282 to receive an elevated part 282 of the metal ring of the musical instrument. This allows the proximal ring to be force-fitted into position and to snap in and snap out of position according to the application of force or pressure.
Also, this embodiment does not require removing the existing metal ring, for example as does the embodiment depicted and described with respect to Fig. 23.
Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel te~-~hing~ and advantages of this F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\MGM P#S\P00879F.app 15 CA 0223~3 1998-04-21 invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intçn~1ecl to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.
In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are int~nrlecl to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents 5 but also equivalent structures.
Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should be ~pal~lll that many substitutions, modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as taught and described herein is only to be limited to the extent of the breadth 10 and scope of the appended claims.
F:\Dc data\DC-OFFlC\~AGM P#S\P00879F.app 16
Claims (25)
1. An acoustical apparatus for engagement with at least one member selected fromthe group consisting of a distal end and a proximal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the acoustical apparatus comprises:
at least one hollow housing member dimensioned to surround a distal end and a proximal end of a musical wind instrument wherein each of the hollow housing members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of a periphery of the distal end and a proximal end of the musical wind instrument.
at least one hollow housing member dimensioned to surround a distal end and a proximal end of a musical wind instrument wherein each of the hollow housing members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of a periphery of the distal end and a proximal end of the musical wind instrument.
2. An acoustical apparatus for selective engagement with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a distal end and a proximal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the acoustical apparatus comprises:
at least one hollow housing member dimensioned to surround one end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member comprises a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of said one end of the musical instrument.
at least one hollow housing member dimensioned to surround one end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member comprises a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of said one end of the musical instrument.
3. An acoustical apparatus for engagement with the distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell comprises:
at least one hollow housing member dimensioned to surround a distal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member comprises a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end of said musical instrument.
at least one hollow housing member dimensioned to surround a distal end of a musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member comprises a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end of said musical instrument.
4. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the hollow housing members comprises an acoustical bell element selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped acoustical bell element and a generally conical shaped acoustical bell element.
5. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 4, wherein two of the hollow housing members comprise a generally cylindrical acoustical ring element.
6. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said shoe elements comprise at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of said musical wind instrument.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said shoe element comprises an outer handlemember.
18 The apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said shoe elements comprise a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are dimensioned to be slidably received insuitably (dimensioned) discrete apertures in said hollow housing members.
9. The apparatus as in claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one of said hollow housing members comprises a plurality of apertures.
10. The apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said at least one housing member comprises means to selectively cover said plurality of apertures.
11. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein at least one of said hollow housing members comprises a rigid continuous member.
12. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein at least one of said hollow housing members comprises a flexible split member.
13. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said shoe elements are biased inwardly by a single spring element.
14. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said shoe elements are biased inwardly by independent spring elements.
15. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, comprising a lifting mechanism for at least one of said shoe elements, wherein said lifting mechanism comprises:
a pin fixed to a plurality of posts attached to said acoustical ring;
a rod pivotally mounted on said pin, said rod having a slot at one rod end for inserting into an outside portion of one of said shoe elements;
a key element attached to an opposite end of said rod;
a tension spring housed under said key element for exerting pressure on said keyelement.
a pin fixed to a plurality of posts attached to said acoustical ring;
a rod pivotally mounted on said pin, said rod having a slot at one rod end for inserting into an outside portion of one of said shoe elements;
a key element attached to an opposite end of said rod;
a tension spring housed under said key element for exerting pressure on said keyelement.
16. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein a distal end and a proximal end of at least one of said hollow housing members are provided with reinforced lips.
17. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said ring element has a generally uniform interior configuration.
18. The apparatus as in claims 1 or 3, wherein said at least one hollow housing member comprises an interior configuration comprising a notch dimensioned to receive an outwardly projecting portion of a musical instrument.
19. The apparatus as in claim 18, wherein said interior configuration comprises a plurality of inward extensions, each of said inward extensions comprising a said notch for receiving an elevated part of a metal ring of said outwardly projecting portion of a musical instrument.
20. The apparatus as in claims 1 or 3, wherein each of the hollow housing members comprise an opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end.
21. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein an opening of the distal end and an opening of the proximal end are aligned generally parallel to one another.
22. The apparatus as in claim 20, wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of said at least one housing member are disposed at an angle relative to one another.
23. The apparatus as in claim 1 or 2, wherein said acoustical ring is permanently attached to said musical instrument.
24. The apparatus as in claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein said shoe elements are fixed to said at least one hollow housing member.
25. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein at least one hollow housing member comprises a one-piece construction having a shape selected from the group consisting of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape, said construction being sufficiently flexible to change said shape to an elliptical shape when said at least one hollow housing member is squeezed to allow release of grip of said hollow housing member on said apparatus.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/837,757 US5780757A (en) | 1997-04-22 | 1997-04-22 | Acoustical ring and bell sound system |
| US09/060,325 US6060654A (en) | 1997-04-22 | 1998-04-15 | Acoustical apparatus sound system |
| US09/060,325 | 1998-04-15 | ||
| US08/837,757 | 1998-04-15 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2235553A1 true CA2235553A1 (en) | 1998-10-22 |
Family
ID=26739807
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002235553A Abandoned CA2235553A1 (en) | 1997-04-22 | 1998-04-21 | Acoustical ring and bell sound system |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0874350B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH1145086A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2235553A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69830538T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2244037T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5780757A (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 1998-07-14 | Valgon Sound | Acoustical ring and bell sound system |
| JP6434887B2 (en) * | 2015-10-27 | 2018-12-05 | 株式会社ｙｏｊ企画 | Woodwind instrument |
| WO2024156363A1 (en) * | 2023-01-27 | 2024-08-02 | Patrick Studer | Idiophone |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1342846A (en) * | 1919-04-29 | 1920-06-08 | Emma Pasquale Santa | Cornet-mute |
| US2530155A (en) * | 1949-11-25 | 1950-11-14 | Luca Albert De | Tone amplifier for musical instruments |
| US3643538A (en) * | 1970-03-19 | 1972-02-22 | Nobuo Toyama | Mouthpiece of wind instruments |
| JPS6013199B2 (en) * | 1978-03-01 | 1985-04-05 | 信男 外山 | wind instruments |
| DE3175428D1 (en) * | 1980-12-01 | 1986-11-06 | Thomas W Winslow | Method and means for attaching reed to wind instruments |
| US5644095A (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 1997-07-01 | Davidson; John R. | Brass instrument improvement |
-
1998
- 1998-04-21 EP EP98400971A patent/EP0874350B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-04-21 DE DE69830538T patent/DE69830538T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-04-21 CA CA002235553A patent/CA2235553A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-04-21 ES ES98400971T patent/ES2244037T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-04-22 JP JP10148220A patent/JPH1145086A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69830538D1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
| EP0874350A2 (en) | 1998-10-28 |
| JPH1145086A (en) | 1999-02-16 |
| EP0874350A3 (en) | 2000-08-16 |
| DE69830538T2 (en) | 2006-05-11 |
| ES2244037T3 (en) | 2005-12-01 |
| EP0874350B1 (en) | 2005-06-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |