US2151337A - Musical instrument - Google Patents

Musical instrument Download PDF

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US2151337A
US2151337A US152944A US15294437A US2151337A US 2151337 A US2151337 A US 2151337A US 152944 A US152944 A US 152944A US 15294437 A US15294437 A US 15294437A US 2151337 A US2151337 A US 2151337A
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Prior art keywords
stack
tampion
rod
bow
arm
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US152944A
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Selmer Henri
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10DSTRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D7/00General design of wind musical instruments
    • G10D7/06Beating-reed wind instruments, e.g. single or double reed wind instruments
    • G10D7/08Saxophones

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  • the present invention relates to musical instruments of the wood wind type and more particularly to saxophones or similar musical instruments. This is a division of my application, Serial No. 13,228, filed March 27, 1935.
  • Saxophones of the prior art constructions are also open to the objection that the tampion operating mechanisms are so mounted that they offer unequal frictional resistances to their actuation by the operating keys, and by the springs which oppose the actuation of the keys, by reason of the fact that said mechanisms include interfitting rods and sleeves of unequal length.
  • the neck or mouthpiece of the instrument carries the octave vent and the tampion operating mechanism therefor.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a saxophone or like instrument with improved mechanisms for operating the first and second octave tampions in such a way as to obtain an evenly balanced operation of said mechanisms.
  • a yet further object of the invention is generally to improve the construction of wood wind instruments, such as saxophones or like instruments, especially for the purpose of obtaining evenly balanced operating mechanisms.
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a portion of a saxophone embodying the present invention, parts being omitted for the sake of clearness in illustrating the novel construction;
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 22 of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 33 of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is a rear View in elevation of the keys and parts of the tampion operating rods actuated thereby;
  • Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. '1 is a sectional view on the line 1 -1 of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 8 is a sectional View on the line 88 of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 9 is a side view in elevation of a guard for the bell tampions
  • Fig. 10 is a sectional View on the line Ill-40 of Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section showing one end of a tampion operating rod and a bearing therefor;
  • Fig. 12 is a sect-ion on the line l2l2 of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 13 is a side View of the upper portion of 55 the saxophone with parts omitted for the sake of clearness in illustrating the novel construction;
  • Fig. 14 is a fragmentary rear view of the upper portion of the saxophone
  • Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional view on the line l5-l5 of Fig. 13;
  • Fig. 16 is a sectional view on the line I6-I6 of Fig. 14;
  • Fig. 17 is a detail view partly in elevation and partly in section of part of the tampion octave mechanism
  • Fig. 18 is a detail view partly in elevation and partly in section of a portion of the first bow of the saxophone and a portion of the neck or mouthpiece mounted therein.
  • the saxophone embodying the present invention, comprises the usual stack III, the bell l2 provided with the usual bell vents l4, l6 and [8 for producing the Ct, B natural and Bb notes respectively, and controlled by the tampions 20, 22 and 24, respectively.
  • Said tampions are carried by arms 26, 28 and 30, respectively, secured to rods which are actuated by the keys for operating the tampions.
  • the mechanisms for operating the bell tampions include a group of rods 42, 44 and 46 mounted at the front of the stack in between the latter and the bell I2. Said rods extend longitudinally of the stack and are disposed laterally thereof in spaced relation with respect to each other.
  • the pivotal bearing for each end of the rod comprises a screw 56, having a conical bearing surface 58 engaged by the conical walls 60 of a recess in the end of the rod, here shown as the rod 42.
  • a bracket 62 is secured to the front of the stack l0 and is provided with arcuate bearing surfaces 64 which are engaged by the rods intermediate the ends thereof whereby said rods are held in proper relative position and are prevented from being bent as the result of forces which may be applied thereto during the actuation. thereof.
  • the rod 42 operates the Bb tampion and for this purpose the arm 30 is fixed to said rod and is oscillated. by the latter to open and close the said tampion.
  • the rod 42 is actuated by the Bt key 66 carried by an arm 68 secured to said rod near its upper end.
  • the operation of said rod by the key 66 is resisted by a needle spring 10 secured at one end to the post 50 and at its other end to a. lug H provided on the rod 42, said spring serving to return the tampion to open position. when the key 66 is released.
  • the B natural tampion 22 is operated by the rod 44 to which the arm 28 is secured and said rod 44 is actuated by the 13 natural key 12 carried by an arm 14 secured to said rod near its upper end.
  • the B natural key is provided with a projection 13 extending into the path of movement of the Bt key 66 and is engaged by the latter whereby its actuation also results in the actuation of the B natural key 12.
  • the 13 natural key is normally held in open posi tion by a needle spring 53 secured at one end to the post 52 and at its other end to a lug 55 projecting from the rod 44.
  • the rod 46 operates the Ct tampion 20 under the control of the Ct key 15 carried by an arm 16 secured to said rod near its upper end.
  • the tampion arm 26 is not actuated directly by the rod 46 because said tampion is operated under the control of the Ct key 15 in a direction opposite tothat in which the 13 natural and Bb tampions are operated so that the Ct tampion is closed when said other two tampions. are opened and vice versa.
  • a counter rod or shaft 18 pivotallycarried by posts and 82 mounted on the bell I2.
  • the arm 26 of said Ct tampion is secured to the rod 18 and is actuated by the latter through the medium.
  • the Oil tampion 20 is normally held in closed position by a needle spring 87 secured at one end to the post 82 and at its other end to a. lug 83 projecting from the rod 18, and said spring Bl also serves to return the Ct key to its normal position.
  • the rod 46 is: provided with a stop arm 41 secured thereto and adapted to engage the bell [2 to limit the return movement of said rod, saidarm 41 having a sound muifiing pad 49 of any suitable material, such as hard rubber, secured thereto.
  • the Ct key 15 is provided with a stop ll, which, upon the actuation of said key, engages the stack ID to limit the degree of rotation of the rod 46 thereby eliminating unnecessary stresses on the needle spring 81 and equalizing the movement of the key with respect to the other keys for operating the bell tampions.
  • the Bb key 66 is also provided with a stop 6! which is adapted to engage the stack 10 when said key is actuated.
  • the bell vent tampions 20, 22 and 24 are disposed for movement between the mouths of the vents and resilient stop members 88 carried by guards 90 which are secured to the bell over the vents therein by screws 92.
  • the guards 90 are of the same construction and differ from each other only in size, only one of said guards will be described in detail. Referring to Figs. 1, 3, 9 and 10, it will be observed that the guard 80 comprises a segmental plate 9
  • Said resilient stop 88 is preferably constituted by a soft felt pad.
  • Another important feature of the present invention resides in an improved arrangement for operating the Gt tampion I00 which is operated by mechanisms, which will be described presently, under the control of the Gt key I02.
  • Said key I02 is carried by an arm I04 secured at the upper end of the rod I06 which is pivotally mounted in bearings of the construction illustrated in Fig. 11 carried by posts I08 and H0 on the stack I0 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the rod I06 is provided with a rocker arm I I2 adapted to engage a rocker arm H4 at the upper end of a counter rod or shaft II6 pivotally mounted at its ends in bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11 carried by posts H8 and I20 fixed to the stack I0.
  • the tampion I00 is carried by an arm IOI which is fixed to said rod II6.
  • Said Gt tampion I00 is normally held in closed position by a. needle spring I22 fixed at one end to said post H0 and at its other end to a lug I24 projecting from the rod I06.
  • the movement of the key I02 against the force of the spring I22 is limited by a stop member I03 which is carried by the arm I04 in position toengage the stack IIO.
  • the shaft H6 is urged to tampion opening position by a needle spring I23 secured at one end to the post H8 and bearing at its other end against a lug I25 projecting from. said shaft.
  • the neck I30 is provided with a sleeve I32 which is received within a socket portion I34 at one end of the first bow I36.
  • the opposite free end of the neck is provided with the usual mouth piece I29.
  • the neck I30 is provided with a short collar I3I at the upper end of the sleeve I32 providing a shoulder I33 which engages the upper or free end of the socket I34.
  • the socket I34 is provided with a slot I38 to permit contraction of said socket by means of a clamping screw I40 in threaded engagement with lugs I42 and I44 secured to the socket I34 at opposite sides of said slot I38.
  • the socket I34 can be clamped to the sleeve I32. It will be observed that said first bow I36 is connected to the stack I0 by the upper bow I31.
  • the first octave vent I50 is provided in the first bow I36 and, more particularly, in said socket portion I34, and is controlled by a tampion I52 carried by an arm I54 secured to an operating rod I56.
  • Said rod I56 is pivotally mounted at its end in bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11, carried by posts I58 and I60 projecting from the upper end of the stack I0.
  • the second octave vent I62 is provided in the upperbow I31 adjacent the top of stack I0, and the second octave tampion I64 is carried by a vertically extending arm I66 having a lower curved portion I68 secured to an operating rod I10. Said rod I10 is pivotally mounted at its ends in bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11 carried by the post I58 and a post I12 projecting from the stack I0.
  • the rod I56 for actuating the first octave tampion I52 is operated by a yoke mechanism constituted by a bar I14 having reduced ends I16 and I18 mounted somewhat loosely in apertures I and I82 provided in the free ends of lever arms I84 and I86 fixed to the rods I10 and I56, respectively.
  • the bar I14 is actuated by a lever I88 extending longitudinally of the stack I0 and pivotally mounted by means of a transverse shaft I90 carried at its ends by pivotal bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11 mounted in posts I92 fixed to the stack I0.
  • the upper end of the lever I88 is connected to the bar I14 intermediate the ends thereof by a member I94, having a shank I96 passing somewhat loosely through an aperture in the bar I14 and having a pivotal bearing in the sleeve I98 fixed to said bar whereby the bar I14 can pivot about the shank I96.
  • the shank of said pivotal bearing may include a screw-threaded portion at its free end beyond the bar I14 in engagement with a screw-threaded recess in the member I94.
  • a spring I89 is fixed at one end by a screw I9I tothe lever I88 at a point above the pivot shaft I90 and at its other end between the guide lugs I93 for the free end of said lever.
  • the second octave tampion I64 is operated by the second octave key I91 which, as shown in Fig. 2, is positioned adjacent the G11 key I02.
  • Said second octave key I91 is carried by an arm 200 fixed to an operating rod 202 pivotally mounted at its ends in the same manner as the other operating rods hereinbefore described on the posts H8 and I99.
  • a rocker arm 204 is secured to said operating rod 202 near the upper end thereof and is adapted to engage a rocker arm 206 secured at the lower end of the operating rod I56 when the latter is moved to the dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 15 as will be more clearly described.
  • rocker arm 204 Normally said rocker arm 204 is in engagement with the stack I0, being held in said position under the control of the needle spring 226 secured at one end to the post IIS and at its other end to a lug 205 projecting from the operating rod 202, as best shown in Fig. 2.
  • the rocker arm 204 is provided with a sound mufiling pad 205, shown in Fig. 15.
  • the first octave tampion I52 is normally held in closed position under the control of a needle spring 228 secured at its upper end to the post I59 and its lower end to the arm I86 fixed to the operating rod I56. It will be understood also that this spring is eifective to normally hold the rocker arm 206 in spaced relation to the end of the rocker arm 204 and that the space is such that the rocker arm 204 is inefiective to actuate the rocker arm 206 since, in the normal position of the latter, movement thereof is prevented by the engagement of the tampion I52 with the mount of the vent I50.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, a bow connected to the stack, and a mouthpipe
  • a vent in said bow independently of said mouthpipe, said vent having a fixed position in said bow in relation to said stack and an adjustable connection between said mouthpipe and bow whereby said mouthpipe can be adjusted in relation to said bow and stack.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, a bow connected to the stack, and a mouthpipe
  • a vent in said how independently of said mouthpipe, said vent having a fixed position in said bow in relation to said stack, an adjustable connection between said mouthpipe and bow whereby said mouthpipe can be adjusted in relation to said bow and stack, said adjustable connection comprising a socket portion at one end of said bow and an end portion at one end of said mouthpipe received in said socket portion and rotatably adjustable therein.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, a bow connected to the stack, and a mouthpipe
  • a vent in said bow independently of said mouthpipe
  • said vent having a fixed position in said bow in relation to said stack and an adjustable connection between said mouthpipe and bow whereby said mouthpipe can be adjusted in relation to said how and stack
  • said adjustable connection comprising a socket portion at one end of r bow, and an end portion at one end of said mouthpipe received in said socket portion and rotatably adjustable therein, means for clamping said end portion of the bow in adjusted position, a tampion for said vent, and means carried by said stack for operating said tampion.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type having a stack, a bow connected at one end to said stack and having a portion disposed in laterally spaced relation thereto, a mouthpipe connected to the end of said laterally spaced portion of said bow, said bow having a vent provided therein in fixed relation to said stack, a tampion for controlling said vent and a rod pivotally mounted on said stack for actuating said tam-- pion.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type having a stack, a bow connected at one end to said stack and having a portion disposed in laterally spaced relation thereto, a mouthpipe connected to the end of said laterally spaced portion of said bow, said bow having a vent provided therein in fixed relation to said stack, a tampion for controlling said vent and a rod pivotally mounted on said stack for actuating said tarnpion, the vent in the bow and the means actuating said tampion being independent of mouthpipe whereby the latter can be adjusted in relation to the stack of the instrument.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, bows connected to said stack, a mouthpipe connected to one of said bows, a vent in each of said bows, said vents being in relatively fixed relation, tampions for controlling said vents, means for actuating said tampions carried by the stack, the vents in said bows, the tampions therefor, and the means for actuating said tampions being independent of said mouthpipe whereby the latter can be adjusted in relation to the stack of the instrument.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm cured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow, a second vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotall mounted on said stack and provided with an arm carrying a tampion for said second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke and arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, and a lever pivotally connected to said bar intermediate the ends thereof, whereby said first mentioned rod is actuated to operate said first mentioned tampion.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of I said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow, a second vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and provided with an arm carrying a tampion for said second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, and a lever pivotally connected to said bar intermediate the ends thereof, whereby said first mentioned rod is actuated to operate said first mentioned tampion.
  • a mouthpipe connected to said first bow, the vents in said bows, the tampions therefor, and the mechanism for actuating said tampions being independent of said
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow connected to the stack, a second vent in the upper how, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack provided with an arm carrying a tampion for said second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, a lever pivotally connected to said bar in-- termediate the ends thereof, whereby said first mentioned rod is actuated to operate said first mentioned tampion, a key operated rod mounted on said stack and provided with an arm terminating in a free end adjacent to first mentioned rod, an operating arm on said first mentioned rod normally
  • a musical instrument of the Wood win-d type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow connected to the stack, a second vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and provided with an arm carrying a tampion for second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, a lever extending longitudinally of said stack and pivotally mounted thereon, said lever having one of its ends pivotally connected to said bar intermediate the ends of the latter and a spring for moving said lever in a direction to efiect closing movement of said first tampion.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, an upper bow connected to the stack, an octave vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed ther to, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, a bow connected to said upper bow and hay-in: a portion disposed laterally of and in spaced relation to said stack, an octave vent provided in said last mentioned bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed thereto, said arm carrying a tampion for said second mentioned vent, and means mounted on said stack and connected to said rods for operating said tampions.
  • a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, an upper bow connected to said stack, an octave vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed thereto, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, a bow connected to said upper bow and having a portion disposed laterally of and in spaced relation to said stack, an octave vent provided in said last mentioned how, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed thereto, said arm carrying a tampion for said second mentioned vent, and means on said stack and connected to said rods, effective to first open said second tampion while the first tampion remains closed, and then to open said first tampion and to simultaneously close said second tampion.

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Description

March 21, 1939. SELMER I 2,151,337
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed March 27,1955 4 sh t -sh et l INVENTOR. HE/VR JELMER.
M Lima A TTORNEYS.
H. SELMER March 21, 1939.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed March 27, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.
INVENTOR.
HENRI \SELMER.
March 21, 1939. SELMER MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Original Filed March 27, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 9 2 .O 5. mm m m llll IITII WI H I U r. MR. W L 4 m n@ a 15 l :1 wl 5 mm m a Om r M 5 1% w% mmi Wwmw H l 12 3 00 l w m y O B B #L m ws m ATTORNEYS.
H. SELMER MUSICAL INSTRUMENT March 21, 1939.
Original Filed March 27, 1955 4 sheets*sheet 4 INVENTOR. \SELMER A TTORNEYS.
Patented Mar. 21, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Original application March 27, 1935, Serial No. 13,228, now Patent No. 2,090,011, dated August Divided and this application July 10, 1937, Serial N0. 152,944
12 Claims.
The present invention relates to musical instruments of the wood wind type and more particularly to saxophones or similar musical instruments. This is a division of my application, Serial No. 13,228, filed March 27, 1935.
In Saxophones of the prior art constructions, the mechanisms for operating the tampions, which control the vents in the bell of the instrument, are so positioned that they project beyond the side of the instrument opposite to the side of the bell in which the vents are provided. This projection of the tampion operating mechanisms is very undesirable because it is frequently necessary for the player, when playing the instrument, to hold the latter against his body, with the result that portions of the mechanisms are caught in the clothing of the player and with the further harmful result that certain portions of the mechanisms, such as the actuating rods or shafts, are bent. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to position the mechanisms for actuating the bell-vent tampions so that said mechanisms do not project beyond the side of the instrument.
Saxophones of the prior art constructions are also open to the objection that the tampion operating mechanisms are so mounted that they offer unequal frictional resistances to their actuation by the operating keys, and by the springs which oppose the actuation of the keys, by reason of the fact that said mechanisms include interfitting rods and sleeves of unequal length. For
this reason it is necessary to provide springs capable of exerting different forces on, the actuating mechanisms in accordance with the different frictional resistances of said mechanisms, and by reason of the provision of such springs of unequal strength, the forces required to actuate the keys by the fingers of the player vary considerably with respect to the several keys. This is a serious objection because it interferes with the ability of the player to exert the: prop-er uniform touch on the keys to obtain the desired musical efiects. It is, therefore, another object of this invention to mount the tampion-actuating mechanisms so that the frictional resistances are substantially equal, thereby permitting the use of springs of equal strength and as a result substantially equalizing the forceswhich are necessary to actuate the several keys, so that the player can actuate the keys by an even or uniform touch.
In the prior art constructions, the neck or mouthpiece of the instrument carries the octave vent and the tampion operating mechanism therefor. By reason of this construction, it is impossible to adjust the position of the neck of the instrument, although it is very desirable to provide for adjustment of the neck so that the player can position the same in a manner best suited to his convenience. It is, therefore, a further object of the invention to mount the neck in position independently of the octave vent and the tampion operating mechanism therefor so that said neck can be readily adjusted by the player to suit his convenience.
A further object of the invention is to provide a saxophone or like instrument with improved mechanisms for operating the first and second octave tampions in such a way as to obtain an evenly balanced operation of said mechanisms.
A yet further object of the invention is generally to improve the construction of wood wind instruments, such as saxophones or like instruments, especially for the purpose of obtaining evenly balanced operating mechanisms.
The above objects of the invention and other objects ancillary thereto will best be understood from the following descriptions considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a portion of a saxophone embodying the present invention, parts being omitted for the sake of clearness in illustrating the novel construction;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 22 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 33 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a rear View in elevation of the keys and parts of the tampion operating rods actuated thereby;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 2;
Fig. '1 is a sectional view on the line 1 -1 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 8 is a sectional View on the line 88 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 9 is a side view in elevation of a guard for the bell tampions;
Fig. 10 is a sectional View on the line Ill-40 of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a fragmentary view partly in elevation and partly in section showing one end of a tampion operating rod and a bearing therefor;
Fig. 12 is a sect-ion on the line l2l2 of Fig. 2; Fig. 13 is a side View of the upper portion of 55 the saxophone with parts omitted for the sake of clearness in illustrating the novel construction;
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary rear view of the upper portion of the saxophone;
Fig. 15 is a transverse sectional view on the line l5-l5 of Fig. 13;
Fig. 16 is a sectional view on the line I6-I6 of Fig. 14;
Fig. 17 is a detail view partly in elevation and partly in section of part of the tampion octave mechanism;
Fig. 18 is a detail view partly in elevation and partly in section of a portion of the first bow of the saxophone and a portion of the neck or mouthpiece mounted therein.
In the drawings many of the well known parts of the saxophone have been omitted in order not to obscure the illustration of the novel features of the present invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the present illustration is to be considered as relating to a saxophone having all the necessary parts including such parts and mechanisms as are well known to those skilled in the art and the novel parts and mechanisms disclosed herein, whereby a practically operative instrument of the improved construction herein contemplated is provided.
Referring to the drawings in detail the saxophone, embodying the present invention, comprises the usual stack III, the bell l2 provided with the usual bell vents l4, l6 and [8 for producing the Ct, B natural and Bb notes respectively, and controlled by the tampions 20, 22 and 24, respectively. Said tampions are carried by arms 26, 28 and 30, respectively, secured to rods which are actuated by the keys for operating the tampions.
An important feature of the present invention resides in the location of the rods at the front of the stack between the latter and the bell whereby said rods are disposed inwardly of the side 40 of the instrument opposite to the side of the bell in which the vents are provided, so that said side 40 is free from any projecting parts at the portion thereof which frequently comes in contact with the clothing of the player when the latter holds the instrument in certain positions. Thus, as best shown in Fig. 2, the mechanisms for operating the bell tampions include a group of rods 42, 44 and 46 mounted at the front of the stack in between the latter and the bell I2. Said rods extend longitudinally of the stack and are disposed laterally thereof in spaced relation with respect to each other. The upper ends of said rods are individually mounted in bearings carried by a bracket 48, secured to the stack [0 and projecting forwardly therefrom. The lower ends of said rods are pivotally mounted in bearings carried by individual posts 50, 52 and 54 also secured to the stack II) and projecting forwardly therefrom. In each case, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the pivotal bearing for each end of the rod comprises a screw 56, having a conical bearing surface 58 engaged by the conical walls 60 of a recess in the end of the rod, here shown as the rod 42. A bracket 62 is secured to the front of the stack l0 and is provided with arcuate bearing surfaces 64 which are engaged by the rods intermediate the ends thereof whereby said rods are held in proper relative position and are prevented from being bent as the result of forces which may be applied thereto during the actuation. thereof.
The rod 42 operates the Bb tampion and for this purpose the arm 30 is fixed to said rod and is oscillated. by the latter to open and close the said tampion. The rod 42 is actuated by the Bt key 66 carried by an arm 68 secured to said rod near its upper end. The operation of said rod by the key 66 is resisted by a needle spring 10 secured at one end to the post 50 and at its other end to a. lug H provided on the rod 42, said spring serving to return the tampion to open position. when the key 66 is released. The B natural tampion 22 is operated by the rod 44 to which the arm 28 is secured and said rod 44 is actuated by the 13 natural key 12 carried by an arm 14 secured to said rod near its upper end. The B natural key is provided with a projection 13 extending into the path of movement of the Bt key 66 and is engaged by the latter whereby its actuation also results in the actuation of the B natural key 12. The 13 natural key is normally held in open posi tion by a needle spring 53 secured at one end to the post 52 and at its other end to a lug 55 projecting from the rod 44.
The rod 46 operates the Ct tampion 20 under the control of the Ct key 15 carried by an arm 16 secured to said rod near its upper end. However, the tampion arm 26 is not actuated directly by the rod 46 because said tampion is operated under the control of the Ct key 15 in a direction opposite tothat in which the 13 natural and Bb tampions are operated so that the Ct tampion is closed when said other two tampions. are opened and vice versa. For this purpose there is provided a counter rod or shaft 18 pivotallycarried by posts and 82 mounted on the bell I2. The arm 26 of said Ct tampion is secured to the rod 18 and is actuated by the latter through the medium. of a rocker arm 84 secured at the upper end of the; rod 18 and adapted to engage a rocker arm 86 secured at the lower end of the rod 46. The Oil tampion 20 is normally held in closed position by a needle spring 87 secured at one end to the post 82 and at its other end to a. lug 83 projecting from the rod 18, and said spring Bl also serves to return the Ct key to its normal position. To prevent excess rotation of the rod 46 by the spring 81 and the interengaging rocker arms 84 and 86 when the key 15 is released, the rod 46 is: provided with a stop arm 41 secured thereto and adapted to engage the bell [2 to limit the return movement of said rod, saidarm 41 having a sound muifiing pad 49 of any suitable material, such as hard rubber, secured thereto. The Ct key 15 is provided with a stop ll, which, upon the actuation of said key, engages the stack ID to limit the degree of rotation of the rod 46 thereby eliminating unnecessary stresses on the needle spring 81 and equalizing the movement of the key with respect to the other keys for operating the bell tampions. The Bb key 66 is also provided with a stop 6! which is adapted to engage the stack 10 when said key is actuated.
The bell vent tampions 20, 22 and 24 are disposed for movement between the mouths of the vents and resilient stop members 88 carried by guards 90 which are secured to the bell over the vents therein by screws 92. As the guards 90 are of the same construction and differ from each other only in size, only one of said guards will be described in detail. Referring to Figs. 1, 3, 9 and 10, it will be observed that the guard 80 comprises a segmental plate 9| carried by three syntmetrically arranged arms 93 disposed in right angular relation thereto and provided with aper tures 95 through which the screws 92 are passed for securing the guard to posts Bl projecting from the bell l2. The plate 9! is provided with an aperture 89 within which said resilient stop member 88 is mounted in frictional engagement with the edge of the plate adjacent said opening and with the top surface of said resilient stop engaged by upwardly and inwardly reflexed fingers 99 provided in plate 9|. Said resilient stop 88 is preferably constituted by a soft felt pad.
Another important feature of the present invention resides in an improved arrangement for operating the Gt tampion I00 which is operated by mechanisms, which will be described presently, under the control of the Gt key I02. Said key I02 is carried by an arm I04 secured at the upper end of the rod I06 which is pivotally mounted in bearings of the construction illustrated in Fig. 11 carried by posts I08 and H0 on the stack I0 as shown in Fig. 1. The rod I06 is provided with a rocker arm I I2 adapted to engage a rocker arm H4 at the upper end of a counter rod or shaft II6 pivotally mounted at its ends in bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11 carried by posts H8 and I20 fixed to the stack I0. The tampion I00 is carried by an arm IOI which is fixed to said rod II6. Said Gt tampion I00 is normally held in closed position by a. needle spring I22 fixed at one end to said post H0 and at its other end to a lug I24 projecting from the rod I06. The movement of the key I02 against the force of the spring I22 is limited by a stop member I03 which is carried by the arm I04 in position toengage the stack IIO. As best shown in Figs. 1 and '1, the shaft H6 is urged to tampion opening position by a needle spring I23 secured at one end to the post H8 and bearing at its other end against a lug I25 projecting from. said shaft. Accordingly, when the shaft I06 is actuated against the spring I22, the pressure of the rocker arm II2 on the rocker arm H4 is reduced or released thereby permitting the spring I23 to actuate the shaft I I6 to open said tampion I00.
Another feature of the present invention resides in the provision for mounting the neck or mouthpipe of the saxophone independently of any tampion or tampion operating mechanism and in the provision of means topermit the adjustment of the neck to suit the convenience of the player. Thus, as best shown in Figs. 13 and 18, the neck I30 is provided with a sleeve I32 which is received within a socket portion I34 at one end of the first bow I36. The opposite free end of the neck is provided with the usual mouth piece I29. The neck I30 is provided with a short collar I3I at the upper end of the sleeve I32 providing a shoulder I33 which engages the upper or free end of the socket I34. For the purpose of securing the neck in adjusted position, the socket I34 is provided with a slot I38 to permit contraction of said socket by means of a clamping screw I40 in threaded engagement with lugs I42 and I44 secured to the socket I34 at opposite sides of said slot I38. By virtue of this construction, the socket I34 can be clamped to the sleeve I32. It will be observed that said first bow I36 is connected to the stack I0 by the upper bow I31.
The first octave vent I50 is provided in the first bow I36 and, more particularly, in said socket portion I34, and is controlled by a tampion I52 carried by an arm I54 secured to an operating rod I56. Said rod I56 is pivotally mounted at its end in bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11, carried by posts I58 and I60 projecting from the upper end of the stack I0.
The second octave vent I62 is provided in the upperbow I31 adjacent the top of stack I0, and the second octave tampion I64 is carried by a vertically extending arm I66 having a lower curved portion I68 secured to an operating rod I10. Said rod I10 is pivotally mounted at its ends in bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11 carried by the post I58 and a post I12 projecting from the stack I0.
The rod I56 for actuating the first octave tampion I52 is operated by a yoke mechanism constituted by a bar I14 having reduced ends I16 and I18 mounted somewhat loosely in apertures I and I82 provided in the free ends of lever arms I84 and I86 fixed to the rods I10 and I56, respectively. The bar I14 is actuated by a lever I88 extending longitudinally of the stack I0 and pivotally mounted by means of a transverse shaft I90 carried at its ends by pivotal bearings of the type illustrated in Fig. 11 mounted in posts I92 fixed to the stack I0.
The upper end of the lever I88 is connected to the bar I14 intermediate the ends thereof by a member I94, having a shank I96 passing somewhat loosely through an aperture in the bar I14 and having a pivotal bearing in the sleeve I98 fixed to said bar whereby the bar I14 can pivot about the shank I96. In its specific construction, the shank of said pivotal bearing may include a screw-threaded portion at its free end beyond the bar I14 in engagement with a screw-threaded recess in the member I94. A spring I89 is fixed at one end by a screw I9I tothe lever I88 at a point above the pivot shaft I90 and at its other end between the guide lugs I93 for the free end of said lever.
The second octave tampion I64 is operated by the second octave key I91 which, as shown in Fig. 2, is positioned adjacent the G11 key I02. Said second octave key I91 is carried by an arm 200 fixed to an operating rod 202 pivotally mounted at its ends in the same manner as the other operating rods hereinbefore described on the posts H8 and I99. A rocker arm 204 is secured to said operating rod 202 near the upper end thereof and is adapted to engage a rocker arm 206 secured at the lower end of the operating rod I56 when the latter is moved to the dotted line position illustrated in Fig. 15 as will be more clearly described. Normally said rocker arm 204 is in engagement with the stack I0, being held in said position under the control of the needle spring 226 secured at one end to the post IIS and at its other end to a lug 205 projecting from the operating rod 202, as best shown in Fig. 2. The rocker arm 204 is provided with a sound mufiling pad 205, shown in Fig. 15.
The first octave tampion I52 is normally held in closed position under the control of a needle spring 228 secured at its upper end to the post I59 and its lower end to the arm I86 fixed to the operating rod I56. It will be understood also that this spring is eifective to normally hold the rocker arm 206 in spaced relation to the end of the rocker arm 204 and that the space is such that the rocker arm 204 is inefiective to actuate the rocker arm 206 since, in the normal position of the latter, movement thereof is prevented by the engagement of the tampion I52 with the mount of the vent I50. Accordingly, in order to operate the second octave tampion I64 it is necessary to d press the lever I88 whereby to move the first octave tampion I52 to the open position shown in dotted lines, whereupon the rocker arm 206 is moved close to the rocker arm 204 for engagement by the latter when the second octave key I91 is actuated. Upon actuation of the second octave key I91, the rod 202 is turned bringing the rocker arm 204 in engagement with the rocker arm 206 thereby actuating the lever arm I86 and causing the bar I14 to pivot about the shank I96. This pivotal movement of the bar I'M actuates the lever arm I84 causing movement of the rod I70 and the consequent movement of the tampion arm I66 thereby moving the second octave tampion I64 to open position. When the second octave tampion I64 is thus moved to open position, the first octave tampion is moved simultaneously to closed position. It will be observed that the operation of the rocker arm 205 and the second octave tampion actuating mechanism operated thereby is resiliently opposed by the needle spring 228. The action of the mechanism for thus operating the octave tampions is exceedingly well balanced and a uniform touch in operating the mechanism is accordingly assured.
Thus, it will be seen that the present construction is well adapted to accomplish the several objects of the invention. It will be understood, however, that certain changes in the construction and arrangement of the parts may be made and will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. It will be understood also that certain features of the present invention may be embodied in the saxophone without others, although a saxophone embodying all of the features disclosed herein is preferred. Therefore, I do not wish to be limited to the precise structures illustrated herein except as may be required by the appended claims and the prior art.
Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:
1. In a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, a bow connected to the stack, and a mouthpipe, the provision of a vent in said bow independently of said mouthpipe, said vent having a fixed position in said bow in relation to said stack and an adjustable connection between said mouthpipe and bow whereby said mouthpipe can be adjusted in relation to said bow and stack.
2. In a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, a bow connected to the stack, and a mouthpipe, the provision of a vent in said how independently of said mouthpipe, said vent having a fixed position in said bow in relation to said stack, an adjustable connection between said mouthpipe and bow whereby said mouthpipe can be adjusted in relation to said bow and stack, said adjustable connection comprising a socket portion at one end of said bow and an end portion at one end of said mouthpipe received in said socket portion and rotatably adjustable therein.
3. In a musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, a bow connected to the stack, and a mouthpipe, the provision of a vent in said bow independently of said mouthpipe, said vent having a fixed position in said bow in relation to said stack and an adjustable connection between said mouthpipe and bow whereby said mouthpipe can be adjusted in relation to said how and stack, said adjustable connection comprising a socket portion at one end of r bow, and an end portion at one end of said mouthpipe received in said socket portion and rotatably adjustable therein, means for clamping said end portion of the bow in adjusted position, a tampion for said vent, and means carried by said stack for operating said tampion.
4. In a musical instrument of the wood wind type having a stack, a bow connected at one end to said stack and having a portion disposed in laterally spaced relation thereto, a mouthpipe connected to the end of said laterally spaced portion of said bow, said bow having a vent provided therein in fixed relation to said stack, a tampion for controlling said vent and a rod pivotally mounted on said stack for actuating said tam-- pion.
5. In a musical instrument of the wood wind type having a stack, a bow connected at one end to said stack and having a portion disposed in laterally spaced relation thereto, a mouthpipe connected to the end of said laterally spaced portion of said bow, said bow having a vent provided therein in fixed relation to said stack, a tampion for controlling said vent and a rod pivotally mounted on said stack for actuating said tarnpion, the vent in the bow and the means actuating said tampion being independent of mouthpipe whereby the latter can be adjusted in relation to the stack of the instrument.
6. A musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, bows connected to said stack, a mouthpipe connected to one of said bows, a vent in each of said bows, said vents being in relatively fixed relation, tampions for controlling said vents, means for actuating said tampions carried by the stack, the vents in said bows, the tampions therefor, and the means for actuating said tampions being independent of said mouthpipe whereby the latter can be adjusted in relation to the stack of the instrument.
7. A musical instrument of the wood wind type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm cured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow, a second vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotall mounted on said stack and provided with an arm carrying a tampion for said second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke and arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, and a lever pivotally connected to said bar intermediate the ends thereof, whereby said first mentioned rod is actuated to operate said first mentioned tampion.
8. A musical instrument of the wood wind type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of I said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow, a second vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and provided with an arm carrying a tampion for said second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, and a lever pivotally connected to said bar intermediate the ends thereof, whereby said first mentioned rod is actuated to operate said first mentioned tampion. a mouthpipe connected to said first bow, the vents in said bows, the tampions therefor, and the mechanism for actuating said tampions being independent of said mouthpipe whereby the latter can be adjusted in relation to the stack of the instru ment.
9. A musical instrument of the wood wind type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow connected to the stack, a second vent in the upper how, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack provided with an arm carrying a tampion for said second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, a lever pivotally connected to said bar in-- termediate the ends thereof, whereby said first mentioned rod is actuated to operate said first mentioned tampion, a key operated rod mounted on said stack and provided with an arm terminating in a free end adjacent to first mentioned rod, an operating arm on said first mentioned rod normally positioned in spaced relation to the free end of said arm on the key actuated rod and movable by said lever into position for engagement by said last mention-ed arm whereby the turning of said first mentioned rod is effective to operate said bar and the arm connected thereto and to said second mentioned rod for operating said second tampion.
10. A musical instrument of the Wood win-d type provided with a stack, a bow connected to said stack and having a portion spaced laterally of said stack, a vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm secured thereto and projecting laterally therefrom, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, an upper bow connected to the stack, a second vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and provided with an arm carrying a tampion for second vent, a yoke mechanism for operating said tampions comprising an arm fixed to each of said rods, a bar extending between said yoke arms and having reduced end portions loosely mounted in the ends of said yoke arms, a lever extending longitudinally of said stack and pivotally mounted thereon, said lever having one of its ends pivotally connected to said bar intermediate the ends of the latter and a spring for moving said lever in a direction to efiect closing movement of said first tampion.
11. A musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, an upper bow connected to the stack, an octave vent in the upper bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed ther to, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, a bow connected to said upper bow and hay-in: a portion disposed laterally of and in spaced relation to said stack, an octave vent provided in said last mentioned bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed thereto, said arm carrying a tampion for said second mentioned vent, and means mounted on said stack and connected to said rods for operating said tampions.
12. A musical instrument of the wood wind type comprising a stack, an upper bow connected to said stack, an octave vent in said bow, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed thereto, said arm carrying a tampion for said vent, a bow connected to said upper bow and having a portion disposed laterally of and in spaced relation to said stack, an octave vent provided in said last mentioned how, a rod pivotally mounted on said stack and having an arm fixed thereto, said arm carrying a tampion for said second mentioned vent, and means on said stack and connected to said rods, effective to first open said second tampion while the first tampion remains closed, and then to open said first tampion and to simultaneously close said second tampion.
HENRI SELMIER.
US152944A 1935-03-27 1937-07-10 Musical instrument Expired - Lifetime US2151337A (en)

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2685220A (en) * 1950-11-24 1954-08-03 H N White Company Saxophone
US2775915A (en) * 1953-07-02 1957-01-01 H & A Selmer Inc Key mechanism for musical instruments
US2833175A (en) * 1955-10-12 1958-05-06 Leblanc Corp G Alto clarinet
US4453445A (en) * 1982-09-24 1984-06-12 Todd John H Saxophone valve key
US20060196342A1 (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-09-07 Cannonball Musical Instruments Brass instrument
US20070163421A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-07-19 Cannonball Musical Instruments Wind instrument having a modified tone-rich surface
US7563970B2 (en) 2004-12-16 2009-07-21 Cannonball Musical Instruments Woodwind instrument

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2685220A (en) * 1950-11-24 1954-08-03 H N White Company Saxophone
US2775915A (en) * 1953-07-02 1957-01-01 H & A Selmer Inc Key mechanism for musical instruments
US2833175A (en) * 1955-10-12 1958-05-06 Leblanc Corp G Alto clarinet
US4453445A (en) * 1982-09-24 1984-06-12 Todd John H Saxophone valve key
US20060196342A1 (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-09-07 Cannonball Musical Instruments Brass instrument
US7335831B2 (en) 2004-12-16 2008-02-26 Cannonball Musical Instruments Brass instrument
US7563970B2 (en) 2004-12-16 2009-07-21 Cannonball Musical Instruments Woodwind instrument
US20070163421A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-07-19 Cannonball Musical Instruments Wind instrument having a modified tone-rich surface
US7439429B2 (en) 2006-01-17 2008-10-21 James Wood Wind instrument having a modified tone-rich surface

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