GB2231703A - Interchangeable head joint and combined lipplate and chimney unit for the transverse flute - Google Patents

Abstract

The flute head joint comprises a tube 10 having a receiving mechanism 14 attached to it so that individually designed lipplate and chimney units 11, 16 can be fitted at different times according to the performer's playing needs and choice of material eg metal or wood. The lipplate and chimney unit is releasably secured to the headjoint and can slide on or off the receiving mechanism 14, being retained by ball bearings 15. The lipplate may be integral with the chimney. <IMAGE>

Description

INTERCHANGEABLE HEAD AND COMBINED LIPPLATE AND BRIDE UNIT FOR THE TRANSVERSE FLUTE AND PICCOLO This invention relates to a headjoint combining with it an inter- changeable lipplate mechanism (the word "lipplate" being synonymous with embouchure or "mouthpiece") for use on the transverse flute or piccolo. The word "flute" includes the concert flute in C, alto flute, bass flute and flutes of any other pitch using the Boehm fingering system or any other system. The new headjoint and lipplate mechanism can be made of any material including platinum, gold, silver, plated alloys, wood, plastic, rubber, ebonite, and the like. Reference to the word "flute" herein shall also include "piccolo".

The modern flute, as redesigned by Theobald Boehm in the mid 19th century, is a well known musical instrument, popular among players of all age groups. The most common design of headjoint in every day use today is a tube approximately 9 inches in length stopped at one end by a cork.

This tube connects with the main body of the instrument by sliding into a socket that forms part of the main body. The head joint is of a tapered design so that the diameter of the tube gradually increases between the narrower corked end and the wider end that connects with the instrument's body. Near the narrow, corked, end of the headjoint is located the blow hole and, over it the lipplate mechanism. This mechanism comprises a rounded supporting piece of metal called the "chimney" which is soft-soldered onto the headjoint itself over the blow-hole. On top of the chimney is then soldered the lipplate of a curved design to fit comfortably into the cleft of the player's chin. Present day lipplates are invariably made separately from their chimneys and then soldered together rather than being made in one single unit.

Headjoints are exceedingly expensive items costing, if silver upwards of 250 and, if gold, upwards of 1000. They are available to an infinite variety of designs and specifications both as regards their shape and taper, and as regards the shape, angles and cutting edge of the chimney and lipplate. These aspects are of prime importance to the flute player, since they closely affect the playing qualities and tonal characteristics of the instrument as a whole, particularly as concerns tuning and ease of sound production and articulation in the different registers. For these and other reasons, it is not uncommon for a flute player to seek a change of headjoint many times during his playing career.It is also not unheard of for a player to develop dental problems or other mouth/lip malformations, in which case, the cost of purchasing a new headjoint to accommodate such problems may prove prohibitive. There may also be occasions when a performer desires a quick change of head joint to alternate between the Baroque and modern concert repertoire eg by fitting a wooden head to a metal flute or vice versa, but the present day costs of this exercise may be similarly prohibitive.

The courses at present open to the player are limited to either purchasing an entire new headjoint as mentioned above, or sending his head joint away to a flutemaker to have his existing lipplate removed and a new one resoldered in its place. This second course of action is not ideal since several amendments or "recuts" may be needed before the new lipplate is considered satisfactory to the player. Moreover, the cost of lipplate replacement may be in the order of 150 to 350. The player will also be deprived of his own instrument or favoured headjoint for several weeks.

According to the present invention there is provided a detachable mechanism comprising a headjoint with no lipplate affixed, but having instead a "lipplate receiving mechanism". The liplate is in turn adapted so as to slide on to the receiving mechanism and clip into place, being at the same time removable at will by means of a simple release procedure. The invention thereby avoids the need for a lipplate permanently soldered into place.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows the headjoint with the lipplate in its normal playing position.

Figure 2 illustrates the headjoint with the lipplate receiving mechanism attached (as viewed looking down the tube).

Figure 3 shows chimney and lipplate unit with slider section shown hatched (as viewed looking down the tube).

Figure 4 shows lipplate attached to headjoint in playing position.

Referring to the drawing, the headjoint comprises a tube 10 with lipplate 11 in playing position. The corked end is shown 12 and the open end 13 respectively. Onto the headjoint tube is permanently fixed the receiving mechanism's retaining arms 14. Beneath each of the retaining arms is located a spring-loaded ball-bearing at either side 15. The lipplate comes as a single unit with the chimney 16 permanently attached to it.

At the base of the chimney is located the slider 17 into each lounger side of which is recessed a hole in such position that, when the lipplate is slid onto the receiving mechanism and reaches its correct position, then each ball-bearing springs up into its individual hole, so pinning the lipplate precisely into place. In addition, at the far end of the receiving mechanism is a "stopper" (not shown) to locate the lipplate at its final point and arrest further travel.

In order to remove the lipplate and bridge unit either to clean or replace it, all that is necessary is to move the lipplate firmly but gently back in the opposite direction. This will cause the ball-bearing springs to depress and will allow the lipplate to slide back along the retaining arms until it is free.

Claims (10)

1. An interchangeable flute headjoint comprising a tapered tube containing means for releasably securing an interchangeable chimney and lipplate unit onto the headjoint, the chimney and lipplate being adapted to slide on and off the headjoint whenever necessary.

2. An interchangeable flute headjoint as claimed in claim 1 wherein a receiving mechanism is affixed on the tubing to accommodate the interchangeable chimney and lipplate.

3. An interchangeable flute head joint as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a receiving mechanism is provided comprising a pair of retaining arms to guide and secure the interchangeable chimney and lipplate.

4. An interchangeable flute head joint as claimed in claims 2 or 3 wherein spring loaded ball-bearings are provided to position and hold the interchangeable chimney and lipplate.

5. An interchangeable flute headjoint as claimed in claim 4 wherein the chimney has recessed holes positioned to receive spring loaded ball bearings.

6. An interchangeable flute head joint as claimed in claim 5 wherein a stopper is provided to arrest the travel of the interchangeable chimney and lipplate.

7. An interchangeable flute head joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the chimney and lipplate thereof are constructed in a single unit.

8. An interchangeable flute head joint as claimed in claim 7 wherein a sliding mechanism is used on the spring ball-bearing system.

9. An interchangeable flute head joint as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sliding mechanism travels in any direction.

10. An interchangeable flute head joint substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawing.