MXPA01004304A - Handchime instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand held musical instrument is capable of emitting sound through the combination of three elements:a hollow tube (1), a striking member, and a hinge (3) to secure the striking member to the tube. The hollow tube is constructed of an ergonomic shape that allows easy and fatigue-free grasping. For low notes, the slots on the resonating end of the hollow tube are multiple-sized to eliminate buzzing. The clapper is attached to the hollow tube through a combination of a stainless steel axle (10), polymer bearings (11a, 11b) and adjustable tensioning screws (12a, 12b). This combination improves the durability of the instrument yet still allows the musician to adjust the strike fell. The invention also provides improvements in the clapper heads for both low note and middle and high note handchimes. For low notes, the clapper head is constructed of multiple layers that optimize sound quality. For middle or high notes, the rubber clapper head provides multiple settings which allows the musician to easily and precisely adjust the timbre setting.

Description

I N S T R U M E NT O D E C A R I L L O N MANUA L Field of the invention The present invention relates to a portable percussion musical instrument that emits sound by the percussion of a claw at the grooved end of a hollow aluminum tube. More particularly, the present invention relates to a carillon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The prior art discloses many inventions where sound is emitted by the percussion of a percussion element, knocker, clapper or the like against a tube, triangle or other object. These devices can be differentiated but not limited to the sounds they emit, the percussion element itself, the object that is hit, the method with which the device is played by the percussion element or the method with which the instrument is played.

The chimes vibrate in an infinite number of ways when played with a clapper. Only a few of these modes cause the surrounding air to vibrate at a frequency strong enough for the human ear to hear. The lowest frequency vibration, or lowest tone, is fundamental. The clapper of a manual chime drives the generated frequencies.

Like manual bells, manual chimes are typically sold in octave or multi-octave games. A manual chime, such as a manual bell, is individually tuned to emit a particular note. The manual bells are tuned to remove the metal from its inner diameter. The manual bells are tuned by adjusting the length and / or width of their grooves.

Manual chimes within an octave set vary in the area of the cross section depending on the note that the chime will emit. The larger cross-sectional areas are used for manual chimes of lower octave or minor note. For example, a set of three octaves or 37 notes of manual chimes can use three different cross-sectional areas. Therefore, a set of three typical octaves, 13 notes, which include C4, C # 4 / D b4, D4, D # 4 / Eb4, E4, F4, F # 4Gb4, G4, G # 4 / Ab4, A4 , A # 4 / Bb4, B4, and C5 are considered manual chimes of minor note or larger cross section. The rest of the set of three octaves typical or the remaining 24 notes, C # 5 / Db5, D5, D # 5 / Eb5, E5, F5, F # 5 / Gb5, G5, G # 5 / Ab5, A5, A # 5 / Bb5, B5, C6, C # 6Db6, D6, D # 6 / Eb6, E6, F6, F # 6 / Gb6, G6, G # 6 / Ab6, A6, A # 6 / Bb6, B6 and C7 they consider manual chimes of smaller cross section and emit medium or high grade notes. The cross-sectional areas of the manual chimes will change with respect to each other, since the set of three octaves is extended to 4, 5 or 6 octaves. Some of the devices described in the prior art allow to control the musical tones that are produced. The ease of playing or the inexpensive manufacture of the device is achieved to the detriment of the overall musical quality of the instrument. Finally, in the devices described that contain moving parts for the percussion means, the moving parts are rarely durable during the life of the product. An objective of the present invention is to produce a manual chime of an ergonomic configuration that allows ease of attachment and use without long-term fatigue.

A further object of the invention is to manufacture the support shaft for the percussion element of a sufficient weight, in such a way that it does not require any additional weight to obtain the adequate impact force. A further object of the invention is to fix the percussion element to the main body of the instrument in a way that allows the musician to adjust the percussion "feel" to his preference, but still allow a long life, durability, and ease of operation. For medium and high grade grades or manual chimes of smaller cross section, another objective of the invention is to design the cross section of the support shaft to correspond to the various adjustments of the timbre of the clapper head for flexible sounding, but still allow for quick and easy adjustments without the need for elaborate tools. For manual note chimes of smaller or larger diameter, an object of the invention is to allow the generation of suitable sound without discordant overtones, such as "clapping" or "clinking". Lastly, for manual note chimes of smaller note or larger cross section, a further object of the invention is to eliminate the discordant overtone known as "buzz" by controlling the width and length of the slot.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The aforementioned objectives are fulfilled by the present invention. Manual chimes according to presently preferred embodiments of the invention are divided into three main elements: the main body or tube, the percussion element or clapper, and the method of joining the clapper to the main body. The present invention provides new features for all three elements. The main tube configuration offers many advantages. Preferably, the tube is designed to be constructed from aluminum tubing of octagonal cross section. This configuration is ideal for use by children or by the elderly. The octagonal cross section is, therefore, ergonomically optimal. Finally, to further assist in the comfort of fastening and handling, the octagonal tube has a layer of textured powder paint for safe grip and durability. The main tube is divided into two compartments by an internal plug. The plug is preferably constructed of a solid surface and a "honeycomb" surface on the opposite side. The plug has a honeycomb or recessed side to allow deformation or folding of the plug during installation. A preferred embodiment of this invention has the re-fabricated "NYLON" 6/6 composite cap that holds the cap firmly in place despite use, storage, handling and temperature variations. The position of the plug inside the tube is chosen according to the particular note that the carillon emits. One end of the tube is used to hold the instrument. For minor notes, single-size slot configurations can encourage the production of a "buzz" sound due to the strange resonant frequencies that are generated by the combination of the width and length of the slot. The present invention, on the other hand, eliminates or deters "buzzing" by adopting a multi-sized slot configuration. The multi-sized slot "de-tunes" the extraneous frequencies and eliminates the "buzz". The present invention utilizes a joint assembly incorporating a combination of a stainless steel shaft assembly in a pair of polymer bearings (eg, "NYLINER") and adjustable through hidden tension screws. The shaft and the polymer bearings rarely need lubrication. This combination provides accurate and safe alignment of the tree assembly and eliminates any loosening or "play" on the instrument. The threaded holes for the tension screws allow for tight-fitting thread engagement, so that the use of a thread-bonding adhesive, such as "LOCTITE" adhesive, is avoided to prevent thread movement during normal use. Additionally, the tension screws allow the musician to adjust the tension on the shaft and the bearings to adjust the percussion "feel" to his preference. The musician can simply adjust the tension screws to decrease or increase the tension. Less wear is imposed on the bearings without any loss of durability or instrument life. Therefore, the combination of these features minimizes instrument maintenance and wear. A further advantage of the present invention is seen in the shaft supporting the clapper head. The clapper support tree is molded in its yoke instead of being pinned in place. The tree has a sufficient weight to eliminate the need for additional weight at the end of the claw head to obtain the proper impact force. The length of the tree for each note is then individually sized to impact the tube at the optimum percussion point. For chimes of medium or high notes or of smaller cross section, the hexagonal cross-sectional segment of the clapper support shaft also allows for flexible voicing. For these notes, the clapper head has six different ring settings. The simple mounting of the clapper head to the support shaft allows the musician to replace the clapper head to a different pitch setting. Since the ringer settings correspond to each side of the hexagonal cross-section of the support shaft, the musician can easily and accurately adjust the clapper head to a particular ringer setting. Additionally, the female form of the internal dimension of the claw head, which is hexagonal in configuration to align with the support shaft, allows for accurate indexing of the timbre adjustment by eliminating twisting or twisting deformation of the clapper head around of the support tree. The present invention, in its preferred embodiment, incorporates a positioning notch on the clamp support shaft for holding the eccentric rubber damper fixed relatively in place along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The eccentric rubber damper is circular in configuration with an inner hole that is offset from the center. The notch is positioned on the support shaft at the opposite end of the claw head. The positioning notch holds the rubber damper in a fixed position longitudinally. The convenient location of the eccentric rubber cushion, at the base of the clapper shaft, allows the musician to reach the cushion by simply rotating the eccentric rubber cushion within the locating groove instead of sliding the damper down the clap shaft. The rotation of the eccentric damper prevents the oscillating arc of the clapper.

Finally, for minor notes, the present invention utilizes a multilayer construction for the clapper head which, in its preferred embodiment, consists of an insert, encapsulated by a synthetic thermoplastic rubber such as "SANTOPRENE" or "DYNAFLEX" and then covered by an outer layer of "NYLON" with flock. The multi-layer construction of the clapper head improves sound generation. Other materials were considered and tested as effective for the construction of multiple layers, such as thermosetting rubber instead of thermoplastic rubber, but the present embodiment was preferred from the standpoint of cost and performance. The clapper head is ring-shaped and contains a core that is a molded "NYLON" insert that does not extend through the clapper head. The internal diameter of the "NYLON" insert facing the articulation assembly has a circular internal diameter and is in the form of a female. On the opposite end of the clapper head, the synthetic thermoplastic rubber is molded around and over the top of the "NYLON" insert. A hole is made through the thermoplastic rubber to allow the claw head to sit on the end of the clamp support shaft with the threaded end of the exposed claw shaft. The clapper head is designed in such a way that the thermoplastic rubber lines up with the hole in the NYLON insert. Therefore, the clapper head support tree is not in direct contact with the "NYLON" insert over its entire length. The optimal generation of sound is promoted, therefore, eliminating any "clapping" sound that results from the support tree when striking the "NYLON" insert, when the clapper hits the chime tube. Additionally, the outer layer of "NYLON" with flock is advantageous over the felt clapper heads, since it eliminates the annoying "clinking" sounds due to its softer contact surface. Other features and advantages of the present invention are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more apparent and will be more readily appreciated from the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, embodiments which are currently preferred are shown in the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments. In. the drawings: Figure 1 represents an isometric view of the larger diameter or minor note manual chime according to the present invention. Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the larger diameter chime taken on a line perpendicular to line 2-2 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the polymer shaft and bearing assembly taken on line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the hinge assembly taken on line 5-5 of the Fig. 4. Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the claw head for a larger diameter manual chime taken at line in section 6-6 of Figure 2. Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional base view of the clapper head for a larger manual chime taken on the line in section 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plug taken on line 8-8 of Figure 2. Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the eccentric rubber damper taken on line 9-9 of Figure 2. Figure 10 represents an isometric view of manual chime of smaller diameter or medium or greater note according to the present invention. Fig. 11 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the smaller diameter claw head taken on line 11-11 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the claw head of the larger diameter manual chime. small illustrating the various bell settings taken on line 12-12 of Figure 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS. Figure 1 is an isometric view of the larger diameter manual chime. The manual chime is constructed of an octagonal aluminum tube. Figure 1 also shows the support shaft of the claw head 8 and the joint 3. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the larger diameter manual chime. The tube 1 is divided by the plug 2 (a cross section of the "honeycomb" side of the plug 2 is illustrated in Figure 8) into two compartments: a hollow open end and an end of multiple slots lb. The position of the plug 2 inside the tube 1 will vary depending on the particular note and the octave that the carillon intends to emit. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hinge assembly shown in Figure 2. The hinge assembly is similar in both large and small diameter hand chimes. The joint 3, which is made of a polymer such as "ACETAL", is fixed to the tube 1 through two fasteners 4a and 4b. The preferred embodiment describes the articulation raised from the tube 1, however, the joint can also be mounted level. The hinge 3 has a recessed area on its upper surface for affixing a label 5 and a back stop of felt pad 6. The hinge 3 is also configured to allow a thumb rest. The back stop 6 is fixed to the link 3 to prevent contact of the yoke 7 with the link 3 and also to limit its oscillating range. The clamp support shaft 8 is molded in the yoke 7. It can be seen that the clamp support tree 8 is composed of three different segments: 8a, 8b and 8c. The segment 8a has a circular cross section and is of variable cross section which serves as a positioning groove for the eccentric rubber shock absorber 9. The eccentric rubber shock absorber 9, having a circular internal diameter offset from the center as illustrated in FIG. 9 is placed in the segment 8a of the support shaft 8. The damper 9 acts as a mute and allows rapid control in volume and response. The segment 8b has a hexagonal cross-section and constitutes the majority of the length of the clamping support tree 8. The segment 8c has a circular cross-section and a threaded end at the tip of the support shaft of the claw 8, where the clapper head. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the yoke relationship 7 with respect to the joint 3 taken on the line in section 4-4 of Fig. 3. The yoke 7 can oscillate freely due to the axis 10. The shaft 10 joins joint 3 and yoke 7 through a pair of polymer bearings (such as "NYLINER") lia and llb. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional top view taken on the line in section 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 5 shows tension screws 12a and 12b that are perpendicular to axis 10 and can be used by the musician to adjust the feel of percussion to your preference. Figure 6 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the claw head assembly for larger manual chimes, taken on the line in section 6-6 of Figure 2. The claw head 13 is composed of an insert core of " NYLON "14, an encapsulating layer of synthetic thermoplastic rubber (such as" SANTOPRENE "or" DYNAFLEX ") 15, and an exterior nylon cover with flock 16. The thermoplastic layer is also molded into the inner diameter of the insert core 14, in such a way that the segment 8c of the claw shaft 8 has direct contact with the thermoplastic rubber layer 15 instead of the "NYLON" insert 14. The contact with the layer 15 dampens any "slap" that may occur. The insert 14 does not extend through the claw head 13 and has a larger internal diameter 14a in its base than in its upper part 14b, as illustrated in Figure 7. The side of the claw head 13, directed towards the joint assembly, appears in the female form. This allows the claw head 13 to slide over the end of the segment 8b of the claw support shaft 8. The end of the segment 8b matches the depth of the inner diameter 14a of the "NYLON" insert 14. The inner diameter 14b of the Clapper head 13 is slid over segment 8c or threaded end of clamp support shaft 8. Segment 8c extends outwardly on the end of claw head 13. After the claw head 13 is placed on the end of the support shaft 8 of the claw head, the positioning washer 17 is then slid over this threaded end. An acorn nut 18 secures the washer 17 and the claw head 13 in place. An alternative embodiment of the described manual chime is described in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an isometric view of the manual chime of smaller cross section or of medium or greater note. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the smallest cross-sectional manual chime is composed of a hollow tube 18 of octagonal cross section, which is divided by the plug 2 into two compartments: a hollow open end 18a and an individual slotted end 18b. The joint assembly and the claw support shaft assemblies are essentially the same for larger and smaller diameter embodiments. Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the clamp head 19 of thermal plastic rubber attached to the segment 8c of the claw support shaft 8, taken on the line in section 11-11 of Figure 10. Typical measurements of the durometer, or rubber hardness, for the clapper head 10 in a set of 3 octaves are the following: 40 shore D, 68 shore A or 80 shore A. The measurements of the durometer vary depending on the desired note and the octave a which corresponds to the manual chime. The side of the claw head 19, which faces the articulation assembly, is in the form of a female. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the claw head 10 taken on the line in section 12-12 of Figure 11. The claw head 19 is ring-shaped with a hole and has two internal dimensions: 19a and 19b . The internal dimension 19a, made in the form of a female, is of hexagonal configuration, and extends to a depth that is approximately half the thickness of the claw head 19. Since it is in the form of a strand, it allows the head of the clapper 19 slides over the segment 8b of the clamp support shaft 8. The internal diameter 19b has a circular cross section and an internal dimension smaller than 19a, which allows the claw head 19 to slide over; the segment 8c of the claw support shaft 8. The threaded end of the segment 8c extends over the width of the claw head 19. After the claw head 19 is placed on the end of the claw support shaft 8, the positioning washer 17 fits in place. The acorn nut 18 secures the washer 17 and the claw head 19 on the site. Figure 12 also illustrates the multiple positions of the percussion point 20a to 20f of the claw head 19. The positions 20a, 20b and 20f are openings of circular configuration with variable radii. Position 20c is white. Finally, the positions 20d and 20e are slotted openings with radial edges, but vary in length. The musician can change the percussion position of the clapper head 10 by removing the acorn nut 18 and the washer 17 and replacing the claw head 19 on the claw support shaft 8. The instrument is touched by holding tube 1 or 18 straight at the hollow open end the or 18a (depending on the diameter of the tube or the note being touched). The musician rotates tube 1 or tube 18 downward using a "snap" of the wrist, which causes the clapper assembly to rotate downwards in a limited arc until the clapper head 13 or 19 strikes the grooved end (or lb or 18b) that emits the particular note. Conclusion In view of the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides new features that distinguish the invention from the prior art. These new features are summarized below. First, in the preferred embodiments, the configuration of the main tube offers advantages over the prior art. Preferably, the tube is designed to be constructed from aluminum casing of octagonal cross section. Other manual chimes described in the prior art are constructed of tubing of standard square cross section, similar to that used for the legs of tables and chairs. The present invention is preferable for manual chimes of square cross section, since the octagonal cross section is more comfortable to hold and touch. Even other prior art manual chimes are square cross section, but have rounded edges or have rounded or "vaulted" sides. The octagonal cross section is ergonomically optimal. Additionally, as described above, the hollow aluminum tube is preferably divided by an internal plug. The position of the plug inside the tube is selected according to the particular note that the carillon should emit. A compartment or end of the tube is used to hold the instrument. The plug is in the form of a honeycomb on the side facing the clamping end. The opposite end, or resonant end, is grooved. The prior art discloses examples of manual chimes (such as U.S. Patent No. 4,599,932) or musical chimes (such as U.S. Patent No. 991,704) that also include a grooved resonant end. The slots in these two patents are of a single size. For lower notes, slot configurations of a single size of minor notes may encourage the production of a "buzz" sound due to the cording of strange resonant frequencies that are generated by the combination of the width and the length of the slot. . The present invention, on the contrary, eliminates or deters "buzzing" by adopting a multi-sized slot configuration. The multi-sized slot "de-tunes" the extraneous frequencies and eliminates the "buzz". The prior art also describes numerous means for fixing the clapper to the main body of the instrument. Some patents describe the use of an elastomeric joint, while others describe the use of a rivet. Although the prior art describes some examples that use metal plates and pins to fix the percussion element to the main body of the instrumentFew of these provide the advantages offered by the present invention. The present invention incorporates an articulation assembly that is characterized by a combination of a stainless steel shaft assembly in a pair of polymer bearings (ie, "NYLINER") and is made adjustable through the hidden drive screws. The shaft and the polymer bearings rarely need lubrication. This combination provides accurate, secure alignment of the tree assembly and eliminates any loosening or "play" on the instrument. The threaded holes for the tension screws allow the coupling of the thread of the hermetic adapter, in such a way that the use of a thread union adhesive is avoided, such as "LOCTITE" adhesive to prevent the movement of the threads during the use normal. Additionally, the tension screws allow the musician to adjust the tension on the shaft and the bearings to adjust the "feel" of percussion to his preference. The musician can simply adjust the tension screws to decrease or increase the tension. Less wear is imposed on the bearings without loss of durability or instrument life. Therefore, the combination of these features minimizes instrument maintenance and wear. A further advantage of the present invention is seen in the shaft supporting the clapper head. The clapper support tree is molded into its yoke instead of being pinned on the site. The tree is of sufficient weight to eliminate the need for additional weight at the end of the claw head to obtain adequate impact force. The length of the tree for each note is then dimensioned individually to influence the tube at the point of optimal incidence. For chimes of medium or high notes or of smaller diameter, the segment in hexagonal cross section of the clapper support tree also allows for flexible voicing. For these notes, the clapper head has six different ring settings. The simple mounting of the clapper head on the support shaft allows the musician to reset the clapper head to a different timbre setting. The preferred embodiment of the invention describes five openings of different shapes of variable radii plus a blank area to allow the musician to adjust the timbre. Since the ringer settings correspond to each side of the hexagonal cross section of the support shaft, the musician can easily and accurately adjust the clapper head to a particular ringer setting. The prior art discloses many instruments that provide a flexible or sliding rubber cushion as a means of attenuation. The present invention, in its preferred embodiments, differs from the prior art in that it incorporates a positioning groove on the clamp support shaft for retaining the attached eccentric rubber damper positioned relatively along the shaft length of the shaft. The notch is placed on the support shaft at the opposite end of the claw head. The positioning notch holds the rubber damper firmly in longitudinal position. Proper placement of the eccentric rubber damper at the base of the clapper shaft allows the musician to achieve attenuation by simply rotating the eccentric rubber damper within the locating groove instead of sliding the damper down the clap shaft. The rotation of the eccentric damper prevents the oscillating arc of the clapper. Another advantageous aspect of the preferred embodiments is based on the use of a multilayer construction for the clapper head which includes an insert encapsulated by a thermoplastic rubber and then covered by an outer layer of "NYLON" with flock. This multilayer construction of the head of Clapper improves the proper generation of sound. The clapper head is ring-shaped with a hole and contains a core that is a molded "NYLON" insert that does not extend through the claw head. The internal diameter of the "NYLON" insert is larger at the base than at the top. The thermoplastic rubber is molded around and over the top of the "NYLON" insert over the end facing an acorn clip. The thermoplastic rubber carries a through hole to allow the claw head to be seated on the end of the clamp support shaft with the threaded end of the exposed claw shaft. The claw head is designed to allow the thermoplastic rubber to align with the through hole that has the "NYLON" insert. Thus, the clamp head support tree is not in direct contact with the "NYLON" insert over its entire length. Therefore, optimum sound generation is promoted by eliminating any "slap" sound that results from the incidence of the support shaft in the "NYLON" insert when the clapper hits the chime tube. Additionally, the "NYLON" float outer layer is advantageous over the felt clapper heads described in the prior art, since it eliminates the hassle of "clinking" sounds due to its softer contact surface. The presently preferred embodiment for a typical large cross section manual chime, such as note D4, consists of an aluminum tube of octagonal cross section, having a cross section that is 1-1 / 2 inches wide by 1 -1/2 inches tall and a length of 18 inches. The plug is inserted 5/8 inches from the clamping end of the tube. The resonant end has a groove of multiple sizes which, as can be seen, has two segments. The first segment, which opens to the resonant end, has a length of 4-5 / 6 inches and a width of 3/8 inches. The other segment, which is closest to the joint assembly, is 1-7 / 16 inches long and 11/16 inches wide. The second slot segment also has radially shaped edges. The length of the clapper support shaft, which extends from the eccentric shock absorber to the claw head, is 5-1 / 8 inches. The multilayer clapper head has a diameter of 1-3 / 8 inches and a height of 7/8 inches. The eccentric rubber damper, which is positioned at the base of the support shaft, has a diameter of 11/16 inches and a height of 1/4 inches. The presently preferred embodiment of the small diameter manual chime for the note F # 5 / Gb5 consists of an octagonal aluminum tube, which has a cross section that is 1-1 / 4 inches wide by 1-1 / 4 inches high and a length of 10-3 / 4 inches. The plug is inserted 3 inches from the clamping end of the tube. The resonance end has a single-size slot, which is 3-9 / 16 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. The segment of the groove has radially shaped edges. The length of the clapper support tree, which extends from the eccentric shock absorber to the clapper, is 6 inches. The multi-ring adjustment claw head has a diameter of 1 inch and a height of 5/16 inches. The eccentric rubber damper, which is positioned at the base of the support shaft, has a diameter of 11/16 inches and a height of 1/4 inches. It is important to note that the dimensions for the previous manual chimes are nominal and will vary from chime to chime as the chime is tuned. Finally, although the present invention has been described with reference to two exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that many other variations of the specific embodiments described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (32)

Claims

1. A manual chime, comprising: a main tube having a slotted end and a retaining end, said ends being internally separated by a plug; a joint fixed to the main tube which houses a yoke, which is joined to the joint via an axle, an adjustable traction element and bearings that allow the yoke to oscillate in a limited arc, said yoke containing a clamping support shaft; and a clapper head fixed to the end of the clapper support shaft. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the slotted end comprises a slot having two or more slot segments of different sizes. 3. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the slotted end comprises a slot of uniform size. 4. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the shaft is made of stainless steel. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the bearings are composed of a polymer material. 6. The manual chime of claim 1, further comprising screws for adjusting the tension on the shaft and the bearings. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the clamping support shaft is of a hexagonal cross section. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the weight of the claw support shaft is sufficient to provide adequate impact force. The manual chime of claim 1, further comprising dampening means of an eccentric configuration mounted on said claw support shaft. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the claw support shaft contains a notch for receiving the damping means. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the clapper head for medium or higher notes provides a plurality of chime settings. 1

2. The manual chime of claim 1 for lower notes, where the clapper head is constructed of multiple layers of material. 1

3. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the main tube is composed of aluminum. 1

4. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the main tube is of an octagonal cross section. 1

5. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein the hinge is composed of polymer. 1

6. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein said hinge is configured to receive a support for the finger pulgeir. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein said plug has at least one "honeycomb" surface. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein said main tube has an octagonal cross section and is composed of aluminum, said plug having at least one "honeycomb" surface, said slotted end of said main tube having at least two Slot segments of different sizes, said hinge is composed of polymer and is configured to provide a thumb rest, said claw support shaft has a hexagonal cross section, a weight that provides adequate impact force, and is slotted to housing a dampening means that is configured eccentrically, said articulation assembly is composed of a stainless steel shaft, polymer bearings, and adjustable tension screws, and said claw head is composed of multiple layers of material. The manual chime of claim 1, wherein said main tube has an octagonal cross section and is composed of aluminum, said plug having at least one "honeycomb" surface, said slotted end of said main tube having a uniform size said articulation is composed of polymer and is configured to provide support for the thumb, said clamping support shaft having a hexagonal cross section, a weight that provides adequate impact force, and is slotted to house a cushioning means which is configured eccentricsaid articulation assembly is composed of: a stainless steel shaft, polymer bearings, and adjustable tension screws, and said claw head provides a plurality of bell settings. 20. A manual chime for lower notes, comprising: a main tube having two ends, including an open end for grasping like a crank and a slotted end, of multiple sizes for resonant musical tones; a hinge fixed to the main tube containing a yoke and a clamp support shaft mounted within said yoke and is attached to the hinge through a combination of shaft, bearings, and drive screws; and a clapper head comprising multiple layers of material mounted on the end of a support shaft. 21. The manual chime of claim 20, wherein the main tube is of octagonal cross section. The manual chime of claim 20, wherein the diameter of said main tube is greater than or equal to 1 and > é inches. 23. The manual chime of claim 20, wherein said main tube is composed of aluminum. 24. The manual chime of claim 20, wherein said hinge is composed of polymer. The manual chime of claim 20, wherein said main tube is comprised of aluminum, has an octagonal cross section, and has a diameter greater than or equal to 1 and J "inches, and said hinge is composed of polymer. 26. A manual chime for middle or higher notes, comprising; : a main tube that has two ends: an open end to grip like a crank and a grooved end of uniform size for resonant musical tones; a hinge fixed to the main tube containing a yoke and a clamp support shaft mounted within said yoke and is attached to the hinge through a combination of shaft, bearings, and drive screws; and a clapper comprising an adjustable rubber clapper head, mounted on the end of a support shaft. 2

7. The manual chime of claim 26, wherein the principeil tube is of octagonal cross section. The manual chime of claim 26, wherein the diameter of said main pipe is less than 1 and Jé inches. 29. The manual chime of claim 26, wherein the claw head contains a plurality of sets for adjusting the chime. 30. The manual chime of claim 26, wherein said main tube is composed of aluminum. 31. The manual chime of claim 26, wherein said hinge is composed of polymer. 32. The manual chime of claim 26, wherein said main tube is composed of aluminum, has an octagonal cross section, and has a diameter of less than 1"and" J "of inches, said hinge is composed of polymer and said lowered head contains a plurality of settings to adjust the timbre.