US3208183A - Reciprocating sound-producing device - Google Patents

Reciprocating sound-producing device Download PDF

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US3208183A
US3208183A US277188A US27718863A US3208183A US 3208183 A US3208183 A US 3208183A US 277188 A US277188 A US 277188A US 27718863 A US27718863 A US 27718863A US 3208183 A US3208183 A US 3208183A
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tubular member
air
open
air column
tubular members
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US277188A
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Arthur E Neumann
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Glass Marvin and Associates
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Glass Marvin and Associates
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63HTOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H3/00Dolls
    • A63H3/28Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds

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  • the principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved sound-producing device which is particularly adapted to be utilized in a toy.
  • An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved device which is selectively adapted to successively produce sounds of diffe-ring harmonics.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device defining a vibrating air column, which device is adapted to selectively vary the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to produce such sounds by controlling the boundary conditions at one end of a vibrating air coluumn.
  • a still further object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to produce ⁇ such sounds by controlling the boundary conditions at one end of a vibrating air column while varying the length of the air column.
  • An additional object ⁇ of the invention is to provide a device which will produce wailing sounds simulating those of a small child.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a toy figure incorporating an improved sound-producing device.
  • FIGURE l is a partially broken-away elevational view of a sound-producing device showing various of the features of the invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is a partially broken-away sectional end view taken along line 2 2 of FIGURE l;
  • FIGURE 3 is a sectional end view taken along line 3 3 of FIGURE l;
  • FIGURES 4 and 5 are partially broken-away elevational views of the sound-producing device of FIGURE l, with certain of the components thereof arranged in alternate positions;
  • FIGURE 6 is a partially exploded view of the device of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 7 is a partially broken-away elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the device of FIG-V URE l;
  • FIGURE 8 is a sectional elevational view of another alternate embodiment of the device of FIGURE l;
  • FIGURE 9 is an end View of the device of FIGURE 8.
  • FIGURE l is a partially exploded view of another alternate embodiment of the device of FIGURE l;
  • FIGURE 11 is a partially broken-away sectional elevational view of another embodiment of the device of FIG- URE l;
  • FIGURE l2 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIGURE 1l.
  • FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a toy figure within which the device shown in FIGURE 1 is carried.
  • a device 11 constituting a principal embodiment thereof is provided and comprises a pair of telescopically arranged tubular members 13 and 15 defining an air column and movable axially relative to one another to permit selective variation of the length of the air column.
  • the device also includes means 17 at one end of the air column for causing it to vibrate, and means 19 for selectively varying the boundary conditions at the opposite end of the air column.
  • the first tubular member 13 of the device 11 includes a cylindrical side wall defining a hollow tube open at one end and partially closed at its opposite end by an end wall provided with a centrally located first orifice or aperture 23 through which a stream of air may pass.
  • the side wall of the tubular member 13 is provided with a second tone 25 through which the .aforementioned stream of air also passes, as hereinafter described.
  • a cylindrical adapter 27 integral with the end wall 21 projects outwardly therefrom in generally coaxial relation to the first orifice 23 and includes a radially projecting flange 29 at its outer end which, together with the end wall 21, defines a groove into which a wall 31 of a doll body 33, as seen in FIGURE 13, or a Wall of any other toy or housing may be placed in securing the device 11 within a toy.
  • the operation of the device effects a change in the boundary conditions at one end of the air column defined by the tubular members 13 and 15.
  • This is made possible, in a manner described in greater detail shortly, by two rings 35 and 37 of elongated openings 39 provided in spaced relation to the open end of the tubular member 13 and which cooperate with a single ring 41 of ysimilar openings provided in the tubular member 15, hereinafter described, adjacent its open end (FIG. 6).
  • the elongated openings or slots 39 of each ring 35 and 37 of the member 13 are arranged circumferentially in end to end disposition around the side wall thereof, and are separated by narrow ribs 43.
  • the rings are spaced from each other by a narrow band 45, and the pair of rings is in turn spaced from the open end of the tubular member 13 by an end wall portion 47.
  • the means 17 which causes the air column within the device 11 to vibrate is carried within the first tubular member 13 and comprises a cylindrical pipe 49 including an arm 51 projecting downwardly from the inner surface of the Wall thereof to engage a Vibratory member 53, hereinafter described.
  • the pipe 49 is disposed so as to be supported at one end within the first orifice 23 of the end Wall 21, and intermediate its ends by a cruciform web 55 which projects from the inner surface of the side wall of the tubular member 13.
  • a hollow elongated hull-shaped shell 57 Carried within the pipe 49 and longitudinally disposed in underlying relation to the arm 51 is a hollow elongated hull-shaped shell 57, so designated ⁇ because of its Are-d semblance to the hull of an open boat.
  • the longitudinal side edges of the shell are raised centrally, as at 59 (FIG. l), and slope downwardly slightly toward either end.
  • the vibratory member 53 in the form of a resilient blade, is disposed between, and engaged on opposite faces by, the raised edge portion 59 of the shell and the arm 51 of the pipe.
  • the vibratory member or blade 53 is supported with its opposite ends disposed in overlying relation to the opposing halves of the shell 57.
  • a mass of air enters the pipe 49, a portion thereof passes beneath the leading edge of the blade, through the shell 57, and out the opposite end of the pipe beneath the trailing edge of the blade.
  • This movement of air creates a sucking effect Within the shell which draws the leading edge of the blade downwardly, thereby sealing the open end of the forward or leading section of the' shell adjacent the inlet end of the pipe.
  • This sealing action releases the sticking pressure on the leading edge of the blade, permitting it to return to its original position, whereupon the process repeats itself, ⁇ which repetition occurs at a relatively high frequency.
  • the above-described action causes vibration of the blade 53 and occurs regardless of which Idirection the air is moving through the pipe since either end of the blade and shell is capable of serving as the leading edge. More specifically, the effect is provided when air enters the tubular member 13 through the orifice 23 in the end wall 21, passes from left to right (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5) through the pipe 49 and exits through the orifice 25 in the side wall; or when the air enters thr-ough the orifice 25 in the side wall, passes through the pipe 49 from right to left, and exits through the orifice 23 in the end wall.
  • the device when the source of air flow is a collapsible member such as a bulb, a bellows, or a hollow doll body, the device will produce sounds both when the member is collapsed so as to exhaust air through the device, and when it expands so .as to draw air through the device.
  • a collapsible member such as a bulb, a bellows, or a hollow doll body
  • the second tubular member 15 is also of a hollow cylindrical construction and includes a cylindrical side wall defining a hollow tube open at one end and closed at its opposite end by an end wall 61.
  • a bracket 63 comprising a wall projecting normally outwardly from the end wall 61 includes ahole 65 and facilitates attachment to the tubular member 115 of various actuating means for effecting axial movement of the member 15 relative to the member 13.
  • actuating means is shown in FIGURE 13 and is described in detail later.
  • the side wall of the second tubular member 15 is provided with a ring 41 of circumerentially arranged slots 39.
  • the slots of the ring 41 are separated by ribs 66 (FIG. 6), and the ring is spaced from the open end of the tubular member by a wall portion 67.
  • the tubular members are arranged telescopically so as to be axially movable relative to one another.
  • the interior cavity of the members therefore defines an air column of selectively variable length.
  • the length of the air column, as well as the boundary conditions at one end thereof (i.e., whether an open or closed pipe condition exists), are determined at least in part by the relative positions of the rings 35, 37 and 41 of each member.
  • the tubular members are capable of being positioned relative to one another so as to define air columns capable of resonating at at least six different fundamental frequencies. More specifically, when the tubular members are fully telescoped, as seen in FIGURE l, the shortest possible air column is defined thereby. In addition, however, this position places the ring 41 of openings 39 of the second tubular member 15 to the leftrof the rings 35 and 37 of the first tubular member 13 (FIG. l), in which position the openings of the ring 41 are obstructed by the side wall of the first tubular member and the openings of the rings 35 and 37 are obstructed by the side wall of the second tubular member. Hence, the right end of the air column (FIG. l), which is the end opposite the vibration-inducing means 17, is closed to the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, a closed pipe boundary condition is created.
  • the air column becomes slightly longer, thus lowering slightly its fundamental frequency of vibration. If the members are moved axially a sufficient distance to place the ring 41 of the second tubular member 15 into alignment with that ring 35 of the first tubular member which is farthest from the open end thereof (FIG. 4), the shortest possible open pipe condition is created. Because of the increase in length of the air column as well as the conversion from a closed pipe to an open pipe condition, therefore, the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates drops slightly more than one octave and sounds produced by the device undergo a sudden audible change.
  • FIGURES 7 through 10 Certain alternate embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGURES 7 through 10, in which embodiments the boundary condition of a defined air column is selectively changed but the air column is of a constant length.
  • FIGURE 7 comprises a device 68 including a tubular member 69 somewhat similar to the first tubular member 13 of the principal embodiment and defining an air column of fixed length.
  • the tubular member 69 includes a generally cylindrical side wall open at one end, and closed at its 0pposite end by an end wall 71 which includes a central first orifice 73 through which a stream of air may pass.
  • the side wall is provided with a second orifice 75 through which the aforementioned stream of air also passes.
  • a cylindrical adapter 77 integral with the end wall 71 projects outwardly therefrom in generally coaxial relation to the orifice 73.
  • Means 79 are carried within the tubular member 69 for inducing vibrations in the air column defined thereby and are identical to the means 13 of the principal embodiment in all respects. More particularly, the means 79 comprises a cylindrical pipe S1 which carries a hullshaped shell 83 and a resilient blade or reed 85. One end of the cylindrical pipe is supported within the first orifice 73 of the end wall 71 and the mid-portion of the pipe is supported by webs 87.
  • the boundary conditions at the end of the air column opposite the vibration-inducing means 79 are selectively varied by means of a plug 89 which is carried adjacent the open end of the tubular member 69 for selective movement between an obstructing and a non-obstructing position relative to the open end thereof.
  • the plug 89 comprises a circular plate 91, one edge of which is chamfered so as to enable the plug to seat firmly against the chamfered edges of the open end of the tubular member.
  • a bracket in the form of a Wall 93 projects outwardly from one face of the plug, and guide members 95, the outer edges of which are spaced a distance approximately equal to the inner diameter of the tubular member 69, extend from the opposite face of the plug.
  • the guide members slide within the tubular member 69 and serve to guide the plate 91 in its movement toward and away from the open end thereof.
  • a coil spring 96 is disposed within the tubular member in encircling relation to the pipe and in abutting relaton to the web 87 and the ends of the guide members 95 so as to bias the plug away from a closed position.
  • the device 9S shown in FIGURE 8 comprises a tubular member 97 which includes a generally cylindrical side wall defining an air column.
  • the cylindrical side wall is closed at one end by an end wall 99 and at the other end by another end wall 101.
  • the end wall 99 includes a centrally located first orifice 103 through which a stream of air may pass, and the side wall adjacent the end wall 99 is provided with a second tone 105 through which the aforementioned stream of air also passes.
  • a cylindrical adapter 107 integral with the end wall 99 projects outwardly therefrom in generally coaxial relation to the orifice 103 and includes a ange 109.
  • Means 111 are carried within the tubular member 97 for inducing vibrations in the air column defined thereby and are identical to the means 13 of the principal embodiment and the means 79 of the alternate embodiment shown in FIGURE 7. More particularly, the means 111 comprise a pipe 113 carrying a hull-shaped shell 115 and a resilient blade 117. One end of the pipe is supported within the first-mentioned orifice 103 of the end wall 99, and the mid-portion of the pipe is supported by a web 119.
  • the boundary conditions at the end of the air column opposite the vibration-inducing means 111 are selectively varied by the opening and closing of the end of the tubular member 97 to the surrounding atmosphere. More specifically, the end wall 101 of the tubular member is provided with a pair of elongated spaced-apart openings 121 which are adapted to be selectively obstructed or unobstructed yby a sliding plate 123 also provided with a pair of openings 125 of similar configuration and maintained in adjacent relation to the end wall 101 by guides 127. When the openings of each the end wall 101 and the sliding plate 123 are in alignment, as seen in FIGURES 8 and 9, an open pipe boundary condition is created.
  • a hole 129 is provided adjacent the lower edge of the plate to facilitate the attachment thereto of means for causing movement thereof.
  • a device 131 is shown in FIGURE 10 and comprises a first elongated tubular member 133 h-aving a cylindrical side wall open at one end and partially closed at its opposite end by an end wall (not shown).
  • the end wall includes a centrally located first orifice (not shown) from which extends a cylindrical adapter 135 including a flange 137.
  • the side wall is provided with a second orifice 139, and with a plurality of elongated longitudinally extending slots 141 arranged circumferentially therearound.
  • the tubular member carries means for inducing vibrations in an air column, which means is not shown but which is identical to the means 17 of the principal embodiment and the means 79 and 111 of each of the devices 68 and 96 referred to above.
  • the first tubular member is telescopically arranged with an elongated second tubular member 143 which includes a cylindrical side wall and is open at one end and closed at its opposite end by an end wall 145.
  • the side walls of the first and second tubular member overlap one another, and the side wall ofthe second tubular mem-ber is provided with a plurality of elongated longitudinally arranged slots 147 which are adapted to move into and out of registry with the slots 141 of the side wall of the first tubular member as the members are rotated relative to one another.
  • Rotation of the second tubular member 143 relative to the first tubular member 133 is effected by an arm 149 secured to the end wall 145 of the second tubular member and extending radially outwardly therefrom.
  • the end of the arm 149 may be secured to a reciprocally movable rod 151 to effect rotation of the member.
  • the boundary condition of the air column defined thereby is that of an open pipe.
  • the boundary condition is converted to that of a closed pipe. Varying the boundary condition of the air column causes a change of one 'octave in the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates.
  • a gener-ally cylindrical housing 153 which defines a resonating chamber 155.
  • the housing includes a generally cylindrical side wall 157 and generally circularl end Walls 159 and 161, eac-h of which 167 and side Wall opening 165.
  • a plurality of scoops 185 Rotatably carried within the resonating chamber on Projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the hub and spaced from one another a distance greater than the diameter of the openings 165 and 167 are a plurality of scoops 185 having side walls 187 extending generally radially of the -disk and a back wall 189, the scoops being open at their radially outer ends and along the side opposite the back wall 189.
  • Each scoop is Iadapted to be simultaneously aligned with the end Wall opening 167 of the housing 153 and with the side wall opening 165 thereof so that air can flow inwardly of either opening and be directed outwardly through the opposite opening.
  • the scoops therefore cooperate with the pipe 169 to deline an open pipe of relatively short length.
  • valve member 175 When the valve member 175 is rotated so as to bring the area intermediate the scoops into alignment with 4the aforementioned openings, and since the scoops are spaced from one another a distance greater than the diameter of the opening 167, the air within the resonating chamber is brought into communication with the vibrating air within the pipe 169. Accordingly, t-he volume of the vibrating air is substantially increased, thus producing a sound having a much lower frequency.
  • the valve is, of course, rotated continually so as to provide for continually varying sounds.
  • FIGURE 13 A toy ligure is shown in FIGURE 13 having mounted therein the device 11 previously referred to and described.
  • the toy ligure comprises a hollow trunk portion 191, to the upper end of which Vis secured a hollow head portion 193.
  • the wall 31 delining the rearward portion of the lhollow head is provided with an opening to receive the adapter 27 of the device 11, as previously described.
  • an actuating means 195 which includes a lirst and a second lever 197 and 199 respectively formed of wire or the like and hinged at their center portions into a somewhat scissor shape. More specifically, the first lever 197 is bent into a loop intermediate its ends to receive a dowel 201 about which the levers pivot. One end of the lever 197 is secured to the lirst tubular member 13 adjacent the adapter 27 while its other en-d rests against the rear Wall Vof the trunk of the ligure. The secondlever 199 is bent into a similar loop intermediate its ends to receive the dowel 201. One end of the second lever is secured to the bracket 63 of the second tubular member 15 while the opposite end abuts the abdominal portion ofthe trunk 191 of the ligure. I
  • Sound-producing means have thus been shown and described which are adapted to produce beautiful sound effects through the use of a vibrating air column.V
  • the device as shown can be produced economically and can be easily accommodated Within toy ligures or other toys or devices in which a beautiful sound effect is desired;
  • a sound-producing device comprising a lirst tubular member open at one end, an elongated means disposed within said lirst tubular member and operative for vibration incident to the passage of air thereacross in either direction longitudinally thereof, a lirst opening and a second opening in said first tubular member disposed to provide a free flow of air past said elongated means, a second tubular member open at one end and closed at the other, said tubular members being arranged telescopically so as to define an air column therein and having portions adjacent their open ends disposed in overlapping relation, said tubular members being selectively movable axially relative to one another so as to permit selective variation of the length of the air column, a wall of one of said tubular members delining a laterally directed aperture extending therethrough adjacent its open end, the other of said tubular members being provided with a wall adapted to be moved between an obstructing and a non-obstructing position relative to said aperture when said tubular members
  • a sound-producing device comprising a lirst tubular member open at one end, means disposed within said lirst tubular member for inducing vibrations therein incidentto the passage of air thereacross, a lirst opening and a second opening in said lirst tubular member disposed to provide for the passage of air past the vibration inducing means therein, a second tubular member open at one end and closed at its opposite end, said tubular members being arranged telescopicaly so as to deline an air column and having portions adjacent their open ends disposed in overlapping relation without obstructing the passage of air between said lir-st and second openings, said tubular members being selectively movable axially relative to one another so as to permit selective variation of the length of the air column, a wall of one of said tubular members delining a pair of apertures spaced axially from one another and located adjacent the open end of said one tubular member, the other of said tubular members being

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Description

Sept. 28, 1965 A. E. NEUMANN RECIPROCATING SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May l, 1963 Sept 28, 1965 A. E. NEUMANN 3,208,183
RECIPROCATING SOUND-PRODUC ING DEVICE Sept. 28, 1965 A. E, NEUMANN 3,203,183
RECIPRQGATING SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICE Filed May l, 1965 5 Sheaelzs--SheecI 3 United States Patent O 3,208,183 RECIPRGCATING SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICE Arthur E. Neumann, Winnetka, Ill., assigner to Marvin Glass & Associates, Chicago, Ill., a partnership Filed May 1, 1963, Ser. No. 277,188 2 Claims. (Cl. 46-187) This invention relates to sound-producing devices and, in particular, to sound-producing devices which are adapted to be utilized with toys.
The principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved sound-producing device which is particularly adapted to be utilized in a toy.
An additional object of the invention is to provide an improved device which is selectively adapted to successively produce sounds of diffe-ring harmonics.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device defining a vibrating air column, which device is adapted to selectively vary the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to produce such sounds by controlling the boundary conditions at one end of a vibrating air coluumn.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to produce `such sounds by controlling the boundary conditions at one end of a vibrating air column while varying the length of the air column.
An additional object `of the invention is to provide a device which will produce wailing sounds simulating those of a small child.
Another object of the invention is to provide a toy figure incorporating an improved sound-producing device.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:
FIGURE l is a partially broken-away elevational view of a sound-producing device showing various of the features of the invention;
FIGURE 2 is a partially broken-away sectional end view taken along line 2 2 of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional end view taken along line 3 3 of FIGURE l;
FIGURES 4 and 5 are partially broken-away elevational views of the sound-producing device of FIGURE l, with certain of the components thereof arranged in alternate positions;
FIGURE 6 is a partially exploded view of the device of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 7 is a partially broken-away elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the device of FIG-V URE l;
FIGURE 8 is a sectional elevational view of another alternate embodiment of the device of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 9 is an end View of the device of FIGURE 8;
FIGURE l is a partially exploded view of another alternate embodiment of the device of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 11 is a partially broken-away sectional elevational view of another embodiment of the device of FIG- URE l;
FIGURE l2 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIGURE 1l; and
FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a toy figure within which the device shown in FIGURE 1 is carried.
In accordance with the present invention, a device 11 constituting a principal embodiment thereof is provided and comprises a pair of telescopically arranged tubular members 13 and 15 defining an air column and movable axially relative to one another to permit selective variation of the length of the air column. The device also includes means 17 at one end of the air column for causing it to vibrate, and means 19 for selectively varying the boundary conditions at the opposite end of the air column.
More specifically, and in reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 6, the first tubular member 13 of the device 11 includes a cylindrical side wall defining a hollow tube open at one end and partially closed at its opposite end by an end wall provided with a centrally located first orifice or aperture 23 through which a stream of air may pass. The side wall of the tubular member 13 is provided with a second orice 25 through which the .aforementioned stream of air also passes, as hereinafter described.
A cylindrical adapter 27 integral with the end wall 21 projects outwardly therefrom in generally coaxial relation to the first orifice 23 and includes a radially projecting flange 29 at its outer end which, together with the end wall 21, defines a groove into which a wall 31 of a doll body 33, as seen in FIGURE 13, or a Wall of any other toy or housing may be placed in securing the device 11 within a toy.
As previously mentioned, the operation of the device effects a change in the boundary conditions at one end of the air column defined by the tubular members 13 and 15. This is made possible, in a manner described in greater detail shortly, by two rings 35 and 37 of elongated openings 39 provided in spaced relation to the open end of the tubular member 13 and which cooperate with a single ring 41 of ysimilar openings provided in the tubular member 15, hereinafter described, adjacent its open end (FIG. 6). The elongated openings or slots 39 of each ring 35 and 37 of the member 13 are arranged circumferentially in end to end disposition around the side wall thereof, and are separated by narrow ribs 43. The rings are spaced from each other by a narrow band 45, and the pair of rings is in turn spaced from the open end of the tubular member 13 by an end wall portion 47.
The means 17 which causes the air column within the device 11 to vibrate is carried within the first tubular member 13 and comprises a cylindrical pipe 49 including an arm 51 projecting downwardly from the inner surface of the Wall thereof to engage a Vibratory member 53, hereinafter described. The pipe 49 is disposed so as to be supported at one end within the first orifice 23 of the end Wall 21, and intermediate its ends by a cruciform web 55 which projects from the inner surface of the side wall of the tubular member 13.
Carried within the pipe 49 and longitudinally disposed in underlying relation to the arm 51 is a hollow elongated hull-shaped shell 57, so designated `because of its Are-d semblance to the hull of an open boat. The longitudinal side edges of the shell are raised centrally, as at 59 (FIG. l), and slope downwardly slightly toward either end. The vibratory member 53, in the form of a resilient blade, is disposed between, and engaged on opposite faces by, the raised edge portion 59 of the shell and the arm 51 of the pipe.
It will be noted that the vibratory member or blade 53 is supported with its opposite ends disposed in overlying relation to the opposing halves of the shell 57. When a mass of air enters the pipe 49, a portion thereof passes beneath the leading edge of the blade, through the shell 57, and out the opposite end of the pipe beneath the trailing edge of the blade. This movement of air creates a sucking effect Within the shell which draws the leading edge of the blade downwardly, thereby sealing the open end of the forward or leading section of the' shell adjacent the inlet end of the pipe. This sealing action, of course, releases the sticking pressure on the leading edge of the blade, permitting it to return to its original position, whereupon the process repeats itself,` which repetition occurs at a relatively high frequency.
The above-described action causes vibration of the blade 53 and occurs regardless of which Idirection the air is moving through the pipe since either end of the blade and shell is capable of serving as the leading edge. More specifically, the effect is provided when air enters the tubular member 13 through the orifice 23 in the end wall 21, passes from left to right (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5) through the pipe 49 and exits through the orifice 25 in the side wall; or when the air enters thr-ough the orifice 25 in the side wall, passes through the pipe 49 from right to left, and exits through the orifice 23 in the end wall. Accordingly, when the source of air flow is a collapsible member such as a bulb, a bellows, or a hollow doll body, the device will produce sounds both when the member is collapsed so as to exhaust air through the device, and when it expands so .as to draw air through the device.
The second tubular member 15 is also of a hollow cylindrical construction and includes a cylindrical side wall defining a hollow tube open at one end and closed at its opposite end by an end wall 61. A bracket 63 comprising a wall projecting normally outwardly from the end wall 61 includes ahole 65 and facilitates attachment to the tubular member 115 of various actuating means for effecting axial movement of the member 15 relative to the member 13. One example of such actuating means is shown in FIGURE 13 and is described in detail later.
As previously mentioned, the side wall of the second tubular member 15 is provided with a ring 41 of circumerentially arranged slots 39. The slots of the ring 41 are separated by ribs 66 (FIG. 6), and the ring is spaced from the open end of the tubular member by a wall portion 67.
In the operation of the device 11, the tubular members are arranged telescopically so as to be axially movable relative to one another. The interior cavity of the members therefore defines an air column of selectively variable length. The length of the air column, as well as the boundary conditions at one end thereof (i.e., whether an open or closed pipe condition exists), are determined at least in part by the relative positions of the rings 35, 37 and 41 of each member.
The tubular members are capable of being positioned relative to one another so as to define air columns capable of resonating at at least six different fundamental frequencies. More specifically, when the tubular members are fully telescoped, as seen in FIGURE l, the shortest possible air column is defined thereby. In addition, however, this position places the ring 41 of openings 39 of the second tubular member 15 to the leftrof the rings 35 and 37 of the first tubular member 13 (FIG. l), in which position the openings of the ring 41 are obstructed by the side wall of the first tubular member and the openings of the rings 35 and 37 are obstructed by the side wall of the second tubular member. Hence, the right end of the air column (FIG. l), which is the end opposite the vibration-inducing means 17, is closed to the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, a closed pipe boundary condition is created.
When the tubular members are moved apart axially, the air column becomes slightly longer, thus lowering slightly its fundamental frequency of vibration. If the members are moved axially a sufficient distance to place the ring 41 of the second tubular member 15 into alignment with that ring 35 of the first tubular member which is farthest from the open end thereof (FIG. 4), the shortest possible open pipe condition is created. Because of the increase in length of the air column as well as the conversion from a closed pipe to an open pipe condition, therefore, the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates drops slightly more than one octave and sounds produced by the device undergo a sudden audible change.
As the tubular members are moved still further apart to a position (not shown) in which the ring 41 of the second tubular member 15 overlies and is obstructed by the narrow band 45 which separates the rings 35 and 37 of the first tubular member 13, and the side wall of the tubular member 15 overlies and obstructs the rings 35 and 37, a closed pipe condition of an air column of intermediate length is provided. The fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates thus rises slightly less than an octave.
As the tubular members are moved still further apart, a position (not shown) is realized in which the ring 41 of the second tubular member 15 becomes aligned with the ring 37 of the first tubular member 13 and the ring 35 is obstructed by the side wall of the member 15. The boundary condition of the air column is thus changed from a closed to an open pipe condition, and the fundamental frequency of vibration of the air column drops slightly less than an octave.
Further axial movement of the tubular members 13 and 15 brings the wall portion 47 of the first tubular member into obstructing relation to the ring 41 of the second tubular member 15 and, with the wall of the second tubular member in obstructing relation to the rings 35 and 37, the boundary condition is again changed and the longest air column in a closed pipe condition is created. The fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates is thus raised slightly less than an octave.
Finally, as the tubular members are moved apart to a position in which the yring 41 of the second tubular member has passed the edge of the open end of the first tubular member, with the side wall of the second tubular member continuing to obstruct the rings 35 and 37, the boundary condition is again changed and the longest open pipe condition is created. The fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates is thus lowered slightly more than one octave.
It will be seen, therefore, that as the tubular members are moved axially apart (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5), the air column defined thereby progresses successfully through the following conditions, namely, those of a short closed pipe, a short open pipe, a medium-length closed pipe, a medium-length open pipe, a long closed pipe, and a long open pipe. As a result, the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates assumes an initial level, then drops slightly more than an octave, rises slightly less than an octave, drops slightly more than an octave, rises slightly less than an octave, and finally drops slightly more than an octave.
- It is to be understood, of course, that as the tubular members are moved axially toward one another, the above conditions will occur in reverse order. In either case, the sounds realistically simulate the wailing, whining sounds of a small child or baby and a fascinating effect is achieved. V
It should also be appreciated that if the second tubular member 15 were open at both of its ends, open pipes of various lengths would be produced and the air columns defined thereby would vibrate at different fundamental frequencies. However, the successive fundamental frequencies at which the air column resonated would not vary by as much as an octave.
Certain alternate embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGURES 7 through 10, in which embodiments the boundary condition of a defined air column is selectively changed but the air column is of a constant length.
More specifically, the embodiment shown in FIGURE 7 comprises a device 68 including a tubular member 69 somewhat similar to the first tubular member 13 of the principal embodiment and defining an air column of fixed length. The tubular member 69 includes a generally cylindrical side wall open at one end, and closed at its 0pposite end by an end wall 71 which includes a central first orifice 73 through which a stream of air may pass. The side wall is provided with a second orifice 75 through which the aforementioned stream of air also passes. A cylindrical adapter 77 integral with the end wall 71 projects outwardly therefrom in generally coaxial relation to the orifice 73.
Means 79 are carried within the tubular member 69 for inducing vibrations in the air column defined thereby and are identical to the means 13 of the principal embodiment in all respects. More particularly, the means 79 comprises a cylindrical pipe S1 which carries a hullshaped shell 83 and a resilient blade or reed 85. One end of the cylindrical pipe is supported within the first orifice 73 of the end wall 71 and the mid-portion of the pipe is supported by webs 87.
The boundary conditions at the end of the air column opposite the vibration-inducing means 79 are selectively varied by means of a plug 89 which is carried adjacent the open end of the tubular member 69 for selective movement between an obstructing and a non-obstructing position relative to the open end thereof.
More specifically, the plug 89 comprises a circular plate 91, one edge of which is chamfered so as to enable the plug to seat firmly against the chamfered edges of the open end of the tubular member. A bracket in the form of a Wall 93 projects outwardly from one face of the plug, and guide members 95, the outer edges of which are spaced a distance approximately equal to the inner diameter of the tubular member 69, extend from the opposite face of the plug. The guide members slide within the tubular member 69 and serve to guide the plate 91 in its movement toward and away from the open end thereof. A coil spring 96 is disposed within the tubular member in encircling relation to the pipe and in abutting relaton to the web 87 and the ends of the guide members 95 so as to bias the plug away from a closed position.
In the operation of the device 68, air passing through the pipe 81 will cause the blade 85 and, hence, the air column to vibrate. When the plug is in a withdrawn position, as seen in FIGURE 7, an open pipe boundary condition is created. When the plug is moved inwardly against the force of the biasing spring until is seats against the open edge of the tubular member, a closed pipe condition is created. As the plug moves from the first-mentioned position to the second, the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates rises an octave. Accordingly, the sounds produced by the device 68 can be audibly varied by a reciprocal movement of the plug 89.
The device 9S shown in FIGURE 8 comprises a tubular member 97 which includes a generally cylindrical side wall defining an air column. The cylindrical side wall is closed at one end by an end wall 99 and at the other end by another end wall 101. The end wall 99 includes a centrally located first orifice 103 through which a stream of air may pass, and the side wall adjacent the end wall 99 is provided with a second orice 105 through which the aforementioned stream of air also passes. A cylindrical adapter 107 integral with the end wall 99 projects outwardly therefrom in generally coaxial relation to the orifice 103 and includes a ange 109.
Means 111 are carried within the tubular member 97 for inducing vibrations in the air column defined thereby and are identical to the means 13 of the principal embodiment and the means 79 of the alternate embodiment shown in FIGURE 7. More particularly, the means 111 comprise a pipe 113 carrying a hull-shaped shell 115 and a resilient blade 117. One end of the pipe is supported within the first-mentioned orifice 103 of the end wall 99, and the mid-portion of the pipe is supported by a web 119.
The boundary conditions at the end of the air column opposite the vibration-inducing means 111 are selectively varied by the opening and closing of the end of the tubular member 97 to the surrounding atmosphere. More specifically, the end wall 101 of the tubular member is provided with a pair of elongated spaced-apart openings 121 which are adapted to be selectively obstructed or unobstructed yby a sliding plate 123 also provided with a pair of openings 125 of similar configuration and maintained in adjacent relation to the end wall 101 by guides 127. When the openings of each the end wall 101 and the sliding plate 123 are in alignment, as seen in FIGURES 8 and 9, an open pipe boundary condition is created. When the holes of the end wall are obstructed by a nonperforated portion of the plate 123, however, a closed pipe condition is created and the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates rises Ian octave. A hole 129 is provided adjacent the lower edge of the plate to facilitate the attachment thereto of means for causing movement thereof.
A device 131 is shown in FIGURE 10 and comprises a first elongated tubular member 133 h-aving a cylindrical side wall open at one end and partially closed at its opposite end by an end wall (not shown). The end wall includes a centrally located first orifice (not shown) from which extends a cylindrical adapter 135 including a flange 137. The side wall is provided with a second orifice 139, and with a plurality of elongated longitudinally extending slots 141 arranged circumferentially therearound. The tubular member carries means for inducing vibrations in an air column, which means is not shown but which is identical to the means 17 of the principal embodiment and the means 79 and 111 of each of the devices 68 and 96 referred to above.
The first tubular member is telescopically arranged with an elongated second tubular member 143 which includes a cylindrical side wall and is open at one end and closed at its opposite end by an end wall 145. The side walls of the first and second tubular member overlap one another, and the side wall ofthe second tubular mem-ber is provided with a plurality of elongated longitudinally arranged slots 147 which are adapted to move into and out of registry with the slots 141 of the side wall of the first tubular member as the members are rotated relative to one another. Rotation of the second tubular member 143 relative to the first tubular member 133 is effected by an arm 149 secured to the end wall 145 of the second tubular member and extending radially outwardly therefrom. The end of the arm 149 may be secured to a reciprocally movable rod 151 to effect rotation of the member.
When the first and second tubular members are disposed with their slots in alignment, the boundary condition of the air column defined thereby is that of an open pipe. When the member 143 is rotated to a position in which the slots 141 and 147 of the members are obstructed, the boundary condition is converted to that of a closed pipe. Varying the boundary condition of the air column causes a change of one 'octave in the fundamental frequency at which the air column resonates.
In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG- URES 11 and 12, a gener-ally cylindrical housing 153 is provided which defines a resonating chamber 155. The housing includes a generally cylindrical side wall 157 and generally circularl end Walls 159 and 161, eac-h of which 167 and side Wall opening 165.
Rotatably carried within the resonating chamber on Projecting radially outwardly from the periphery of the hub and spaced from one another a distance greater than the diameter of the openings 165 and 167 are a plurality of scoops 185 having side walls 187 extending generally radially of the -disk and a back wall 189, the scoops being open at their radially outer ends and along the side opposite the back wall 189. Each scoop is Iadapted to be simultaneously aligned with the end Wall opening 167 of the housing 153 and with the side wall opening 165 thereof so that air can flow inwardly of either opening and be directed outwardly through the opposite opening. The scoops therefore cooperate with the pipe 169 to deline an open pipe of relatively short length.
When the valve member 175 is rotated so as to bring the area intermediate the scoops into alignment with 4the aforementioned openings, and since the scoops are spaced from one another a distance greater than the diameter of the opening 167, the air within the resonating chamber is brought into communication with the vibrating air within the pipe 169. Accordingly, t-he volume of the vibrating air is substantially increased, thus producing a sound having a much lower frequency. The valve is, of course, rotated continually so as to provide for continually varying sounds.
A toy ligure is shown in FIGURE 13 having mounted therein the device 11 previously referred to and described. Very generally the toy ligure comprises a hollow trunk portion 191, to the upper end of which Vis secured a hollow head portion 193. The wall 31 delining the rearward portion of the lhollow head is provided with an opening to receive the adapter 27 of the device 11, as previously described.
Axial movement of the tubular members 13 and 15 of the device 11 is accomplished by an actuating means 195 which includes a lirst and a second lever 197 and 199 respectively formed of wire or the like and hinged at their center portions into a somewhat scissor shape. More specifically, the first lever 197 is bent into a loop intermediate its ends to receive a dowel 201 about which the levers pivot. One end of the lever 197 is secured to the lirst tubular member 13 adjacent the adapter 27 while its other en-d rests against the rear Wall Vof the trunk of the ligure. The secondlever 199 is bent into a similar loop intermediate its ends to receive the dowel 201. One end of the second lever is secured to the bracket 63 of the second tubular member 15 while the opposite end abuts the abdominal portion ofthe trunk 191 of the ligure. I
In the operation of the toy, pressure applied to the abdomen of the ligure .will cause the hollow body to collapse so as to force air contained therein through the second orilice 2.5 of the lirst, tubular member 13, through the pipe 49, and outwardly through the lirst orilice 23, thereby causing the blade 53 to vibrate and induce vibrations in the air column defined by the tubular members 13 and 15. Inward movement of the abdominal portion of the ligure also is elfective to pivot the levers 195 and 197 so as to cause the tubular members to be moved apart axially, thereby lengthening the air column and causing the boundary conditions at one end thereof to be varied, as has been already described. As a result, sounds of Varying harmonics or frequencies are produced and simulate the wailing or whining sounds of a small child.
Sound-producing means have thus been shown and described which are adapted to produce fascinating sound effects through the use of a vibrating air column.V The device as shown can be produced economically and can be easily accommodated Within toy ligures or other toys or devices in which a fascinating sound effect is desired;
While various of the structural features of the invention have been shown and described, it should be apparent that various modilications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:
1. A sound-producing device comprising a lirst tubular member open at one end, an elongated means disposed within said lirst tubular member and operative for vibration incident to the passage of air thereacross in either direction longitudinally thereof, a lirst opening and a second opening in said first tubular member disposed to provide a free flow of air past said elongated means, a second tubular member open at one end and closed at the other, said tubular members being arranged telescopically so as to define an air column therein and having portions adjacent their open ends disposed in overlapping relation, said tubular members being selectively movable axially relative to one another so as to permit selective variation of the length of the air column, a wall of one of said tubular members delining a laterally directed aperture extending therethrough adjacent its open end, the other of said tubular members being provided with a wall adapted to be moved between an obstructing and a non-obstructing position relative to said aperture when said tubular members are moved axially relative to one another, and being provided with an aperture extending therethrough adapted to be selectively moved to a position in alignment with said aperture of said one tubular member, whereby the flow of air through said device produces a constant sound by virtue of the presence of said lirst and second openings and overtones are produced by relative movement of said tubular members. j 2. A sound-producing device comprising a lirst tubular member open at one end, means disposed within said lirst tubular member for inducing vibrations therein incidentto the passage of air thereacross, a lirst opening and a second opening in said lirst tubular member disposed to provide for the passage of air past the vibration inducing means therein, a second tubular member open at one end and closed at its opposite end, said tubular members being arranged telescopicaly so as to deline an air column and having portions adjacent their open ends disposed in overlapping relation without obstructing the passage of air between said lir-st and second openings, said tubular members being selectively movable axially relative to one another so as to permit selective variation of the length of the air column, a wall of one of said tubular members delining a pair of apertures spaced axially from one another and located adjacent the open end of said one tubular member, the other of said tubular members being provided with an aperture extending therethrough adapted to be selectively moved to positions wherein it is in alignment with one of said apertures of said one tubular member and being provided with a wall adapted to occupy a position in which it obstructs the said apertures of said one tubular member, said tubular members being movable between positions in which the Iapertures of said ltubular members are alternately aligned or obstructed, said movement also causing a change in the elfective length of the air column.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 992,487 5/11 Ellison 46-179X 1,711,117 4/29 Konoft 46-187 3,119,198 1/64 ogata 46-117 X RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICE COMPRISING A FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER OPEN AT ONE END, AN ELONGATED MEANS DISPOSED WITHIN SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER AND OPERATIVE FOR VIBRATION INCIDENT OT THE PASSAGE OF AIR THEREACROSS IN EITHER DIRECTION LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF, A FIRST OPENING AND A SECOND OPENING IN SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER DISPOSED TO PROVIDE A FREE FLOW OF AIR PAST SAID ELONGATED MEANS, A SECOND TUBULAR MEMBER OPEN AT ONE END AND CLOSED AT THE OTHER, SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS BEING ARRANGED TELESCOPICALLY SO ASS TO DEFINE AN AIR COLUMN THEREIN AND HAVING PORTIONS ADJACENT THEIR OPEN ENDS DISPOSED IN OVERLAPPING RELATION, SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS BEING SELECTIVELY MOVABLE AXIALLY RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER SO AS TO PERMIT SELECTIVE VARIATION OF THE LENGTH OF THE AIR COLUMN, A WALL OF ONE OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS DEFINING A LATERALLY DIRECTED APERTURE EXTENDING THERETHROUGH ADJACENT ITS OPEN END, THE OTHER OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS BEING PROVIDED WITH A WALL ADAPTED TO BE MOVED BETWEEN AN OBSTRUCTING AND A NON-OBSTRUCTING POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID APERTURE WHEN SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS ARE MOVED AXIALLY RELATIVE TO ONE ANOTHER, AND BEING PROVIDED WITH AN APERTURE EXTENDING THERETHROUGH ADAPTED TO BE SELECTIVELY MOVED TO A POSITION IN ALIGNMENT WITH SAID APERTURE OF SAID ONE TUBULAR MEMBER, WHEREBY THE FLOW OF AIR THROUGH SAID DEVICE PRODUCES A CONSTANT SOUND BY VIRTUE OF THE PRESSURE OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND OPENINGS AND OVERTONES ARE PRODUCES BY RELATIVE MOVEMENT OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS.
US277188A 1963-05-01 1963-05-01 Reciprocating sound-producing device Expired - Lifetime US3208183A (en)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3416488A (en) * 1966-04-28 1968-12-17 Marx & Co Louis Sound producing device
US3494323A (en) * 1967-02-09 1970-02-10 Marvin Glass & Associates Doll sound mechanism
US4294033A (en) * 1979-02-09 1981-10-13 Marvin Glass & Associates Animated talking doll
US7299714B1 (en) * 2003-03-03 2007-11-27 United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Telescoping and locking lever arm

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US992487A (en) * 1909-10-25 1911-05-16 Horace Ellison Whistle.
US1711117A (en) * 1923-05-10 1929-04-30 Voices Inc Voice device
US3119198A (en) * 1960-12-29 1964-01-28 Ogata Hiroshi Stepwise whistling toys

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US992487A (en) * 1909-10-25 1911-05-16 Horace Ellison Whistle.
US1711117A (en) * 1923-05-10 1929-04-30 Voices Inc Voice device
US3119198A (en) * 1960-12-29 1964-01-28 Ogata Hiroshi Stepwise whistling toys

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3416488A (en) * 1966-04-28 1968-12-17 Marx & Co Louis Sound producing device
US3494323A (en) * 1967-02-09 1970-02-10 Marvin Glass & Associates Doll sound mechanism
US4294033A (en) * 1979-02-09 1981-10-13 Marvin Glass & Associates Animated talking doll
US7299714B1 (en) * 2003-03-03 2007-11-27 United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Telescoping and locking lever arm

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