Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 0223~3 1998-04-21
"ACOUSTICAL RING AND BELL SOUND SYSTEM"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of accessories for musical instruments
5 in general, and in particular to a system for controlling the internal air turbulence in a
musical wind instrument.
Description of Related Art
The prior art is includes conventional reed ligature construction for m~inl~ining
a reed at a desired location on a wind instrument.
While the prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose
and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly
deficient with regard to controlling the air turbulence on the inside of a musical wind
instrutnent.
In the past, the turbulence generated within the musical instrument as a natural15 by-product of the forced passage of air necessary to generate the musical notes, also
made it extremely difficult for the musician to connect the diverse notes evenly in all
registers. In addition, the turbulence caused the playing of the various instruments to be
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more physically stressful and reduced the percentage of reeds that could be effective
employed by other than the most skillful musicians.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding
need for a new type of sound system which produces resonance on the exterior of a
5 musical instrument to reduce the turbulence within woodwind and brass instruments
bores, and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present
invention.
BRIEF SIJMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of
10 the present invention comprises in general a pair of hollow housing members wherein
one of the housing members comprise an acoustical ring element which is normallydeployed at the barrel or neck of a musical instrument. The other housing membercomprises an acoustic bell element which is normally deployed at the distal end or bell
of a musical instrument.
The present invention is directed to an acoustical ring and bell sound system for
engagement with distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments
wherein the sound system comprises: a pair of hollow housing members dimensionedto surround the distal and proximal ends of a musical wind instrument wherein each
hollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., as an20 opposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most
preferably three in number, which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the
periphery of the distal and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical ring for selective
engagement with the distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments
25 wherein the acoustical ring comprises: a generally cylindrical hollow housing member
dimensioned to surround one of the ends of a musical wind instrument wherein thehollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., an opposed
pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most
preferably three in number, which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the
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. ,
periphery of the one end of the musical instrument, wherein each of the shoe elements
include an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an
inner contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind
instrument and/or wherein each of the shoe elements include pair of inwardly
projecting leg members which are dimensioned to be slidably received in suitablydimensioned discrete apertures in the housing members.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical bell for engagement withthe distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell
comprises: a hollow housing member dimensioned to surround the distal end of a
musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member is provided with an
opposed pair of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the
periphery of the distal end of the musical instrument, wherein the hollow housing
member comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element.
As will be explained m greater detail further on in the specification, for purposes
of the apparatus of the present invention as disclosed herein, at least one of the hollow
housing members comprises an acoustical bell element selected from the group
consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped acoustical bell element and a generally
conical shaped acoustical bell element, wherein in one embodiment, two of the hollow
housing members comprise a generally cylindrical acoustical ring element.
In accordance with the present invention, the shoe elements comprise at least
one inwardly projecting leg member and an inner contoured shoe member dimensioned
to engage a portion of the musical wind instrument, wherein in one embodiment, the
shoe element comprises an outer handle member, and in another embodiment, the shoe
elements comprise a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are dimensioned to
be slidably received in suitably dimensioned discrete apertures in the hollow housing
members.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the hollow housing
members comprises a plurality of apertures, preferably wherein the at least one housing
member comprises means to selectively cover the plurality of apertures.
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In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one of the hollow
housing members comprises a rigid continuous member, and in another embodiment the
at least one of the hollow housing members comprises a flexible split member.
For purposes of the present invention, shoe elements are biased inwardly by a
5 single spring element, in one embodiment, and are biased inwardly by independent
spring elements in another embodiment.
In another embodiment, the shoe elements are fixed to the at least one hollow
housing member.
The apparatus of the present invention, as disclosed herein, also includes a
10 lifting mechanism for at least one of the shoe elements, wherein the lifting mech~ni~m
comprises: a pin fixed to a plurality of posts attached to the acoustical ring; a rod
pivotally mounted on the pin, the rod having a slot at one rod end for inserting into an
outside portion of one of the shoe elements; a key element attached to an opposite end
of the rod; a tension spring housed under the key element for exerting pressure on the
15 key element.
In accordance with the present invention, a distal end and a proximal end of at
least one of the hollow housing members are provided with reinforced lips, and the ring
element has a generally uniform interior configuration.
For purposes of the present invention, the at least one hollow housing member
20 comprises an interior configuration comprising a notch dimensioned to receive an
outwardly projecting portion of a musical instrument, preferably wherein the interior
configuration comprises a plurality of inward extensions, each of the inward extensions
comprising a notch for receiving an elevated part of a metal ring of the outwardly
, .. ... . . . ... . . . . .
projecting portion of a musical instrument.
In accordance with the present invention, each of the hollow housing members
comprise an opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end, wherein an opening
of the distal end and an opening of the proximal end are aligned generally parallel to one
another in one embodiment, or wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end
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opening of the at least one housing member are disposed at an angle relative to one
another.
In accordance with the present invention, the acoustical ring is perm~n~ntly
attached to the musical instrument.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one
hollow housing member comprises a one-piece construction having a shape selectedfrom the group consisting of a cylindrical shape and a conical shape, wherein the
construction is suff1ciently flexible to change the shape to an elliptical shape when the at
least one hollow housing member is squeezed to allow release of grip of the hollow
housing member on the ~pa~ s.
Also, as disclosed herein, each of the housing members are secured on the
opposite ends of the musical instrument by a pair of spring biased shoe elements which
releasably engage portions of the musical instruments.
The sound system of this invention is a totally new way to create resonance on
the outside of the instrument producing a faster control of the air turbulence on the
inside of the instrument. This system produces resonance in the air space between the
surface of the instrument and the acoustical ring and the acoustical bell. The increased
resonance quickly settles the turbulence within the woodwind and brass instrurnent
bore.
This results in notes being connected evenly in all registers. The additional
source of resonance permits better projection of the sound with less physical stress. A
better focused and more even tone is produced with considerably less effort. Thedisruption of tone in critical places such as over the breaks will now be smooth as
turbulence in the bore of the instrument is quickly adjusted to connect each note of the
scale in a legato and centered way.
The results are so profound that the conductor, adjudicator, teacher and even
family members will immediately hear the improvement in someone's playing. The
acoustical system of this invention can also be used with both woodwind and brass
instruments.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEW OF THE DRAWING
These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a
thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the
invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the acoustical ring and bell sound system that
forms the basis of the present invention installed on a variety of musical wind
instruments;
FIG. 2 is an end view of an acoustical ring grasping an instrument having a
narrow neck:
FIG. 3 is an end view of an acoustical ring grasping an instrument having an
enlarged neck;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior of one acoustical ring configuration;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the exterior of another acoustical ring configuration;
FIG. 6 is an end view of an enlarged apertured acoustical bell;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apertured acoustical bell of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a modified version of the acoustical bell depicted in
FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an end view of the split ring version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 10 is an end view of the split and notched version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the split ring version of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the split and notched version of FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is an end view of the smaller one-piece version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the one-piece version;
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-piece shoe of this
invention;
FIG. 16 is a front plan view of the one-piece shoe;
FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the multi-piece shoe;
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of an alternate version of the acoustical bell;
FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the alternate version of the acoustical bell;
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FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view taken through line 20-20 of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a front plan view of yet another alternate version of the acoustical
bell; and
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the acoustical ring and bell sound system
5 provided with a cylindrical bell;
FIG. 23 is a view of a proximal ring;
FIG. 24. is a view of the lifting mechAni~m of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is another view of a proximal ring; and
FIG. 26 is a view of a perm~nent Att~rhment of a~palalus of the present
1 0 invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As can be seen by reference to the drawings, and in particularly to FIG. 1, the
acoustical ring and bell sound system that forms the basis of the present invention is
de~ign~tecl generally by the reference number 10. The sound system comprises in
15 general a pair of housing members 20 and 30 which are adapted to releasably engage the
opposite ends of a variety of musical instruments such as flute 101, alto clarinet 102, b-
flat clarinet 103, or other woodwind or brass musical instrument, including but not
limited to, piccolos, saxophones, etc.
The present invention is directed to an acoustical ring and bell sound system for
20 engagement with distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments
wherein the sound system comprises: a pair of hollow housing members dimensionedto surround the distal and proximal ends of a musical wind instrument wherein each
hollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe elements, e.g., as anopposed pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most
25 preferably three in number which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the
periphery of the distal and proximal ends of the musical instrument.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical ring for selective
engagement with the distal and proximal ends of a variety of musical wind instruments
wherein the acoustical ring comprises: a generally cylindrical hollow housing member
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dimensioned to surround one of the ends of a musical wind instrument wherein thehollow housing member is provided with a plurality of shoe element~, e.g., an opposed
pair of shoe elements, and preferably at least two shoe elements which are most
preferably three in number which are adapted to engage a selected portion of theperiphery of the one end of the musical instrument, wherein each of the shoe elements
include an outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member and an
inner contoured shoe member tlimen~ioned to engage a portion of the musical windinstrument and/or wherein each of the shoe elements include pair of inwardly
projecting leg members which are ~imen~ioned to be slidably received in suitablydimensioned discrete apertures in the housing members.
The present invention is also directed to an acoustical bell for engagement withthe distal end of a variety of musical wind instruments wherein the acoustical bell
comprises: a hollow housing member ~limen~ioned to surround the distal end of a
musical wind instrument wherein the hollow housing member is provided with an
opposed pair of shoe elements which are adapted to engage a selected portion of the
periphery of the distal end of the musical instrument, wherein the hollow housing
member comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the hollow housing
members comprises an acoustical ring element, at least one of the hollow housingmembers comprises an acoustical bell element comprising a shape selected from the
group consisting of a generally cylindrical shaped element, and a generally conical
shaped element, or both of the hollow housing members comprise an acoustical ring
element comprising a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally cylindrical
shaped element, and a generally conical shaped element.
For purposes of the present invention, each of the shoe elements includes an
outer handle member, at least one inwardly projecting leg member, and an inner
contoured shoe member dimensioned to engage a portion of the musical wind
instrument, in addition to a pair of inwardly projecting leg members which are
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CA 0223~3 1998-04-21
dimensioned to be slidably received in suitably (1imen~ioned discrete a~e~ es in the
housing members.
In accordance with the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the
hollow members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to
engage a selected portion of the periphery of the distal end and proximal ends of the
musical instrument.
The plurality of shoe elements are shown in the drawings as an opposed pair of
shoe elements, although at least two, or more, shoe elements, for example three shoe
elements, are plerelled.
In the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the housing
members is provided with a plurality of apertures, is provided with means to selectively
cover the plurality of apertures.
In the sound system of the present invention, the distal and proximal ends of atleast one of the housing members are provided with reinforced lips.
For purposes of the present invention, the at least one of the housing members is
a rigid continuous member, or is a flexible split member.
In the sound system of the present invention, each of the shoe elements are
biased inwardly by a single spring element, or are biased inwardly by independent
spring elements.
In accordance with the present invention, the ring element has a generally
uniform interior configuration, for example, in the case of a generally cylindrical shaped
element, and/or the conical acoustical bell element has an interior configuration
provided with a notch dimensioned to receive an outwardly projecting portion of a
musical wind instrument.
For purposes of the present invention, the hollow housing members has an
opening formed in the distal end and the proximal end, wherein, the distal end opening
and the proximal end opening are aligned generally parallel to one another, and/or at
least one of the housing members has a distal end opening that is larger than the
proximal end opening, wherein, the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of
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the at least one housing member are aligned generally parallel to one another, and/or
wherein the distal end opening and the proximal end opening of the at least one housing
member are disposed at an angle relative to one another.
In accordance with the present invention, the proximal end of the housing
member is provided with opposed pairs of guide tubes dimensioned to receive portions
of the shoe elements, wherein each of the shoe elements are provided with a pair of
spring biasing elements, spring biasing elements are disposed on the interior of the
housing member.
For purposes of the present invention, housing member is fabricated form a
semi-rigid, resilient material, each of the shoe elements include an inwardly extending
leg member and a contoured shoe member, and are formed integrally with the interior of
the housing, or are pern ~nently affixed to the interior of the housing.
Referring more specifically to the drawings, the housing members 20 and 30 will
now be described in seriatim fashion.
As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5, the first housing member 20 comprises a
generally cylindrical acoustical ring element 22 wherein the distal and proximal ends of
the ring element 22 are provided with reinforced lips 23 and the intermediate periphery
of the ring element 22 may optionally be provided with a plurality of apertures 24 whose
purpose and function will be described in greater detail further on in the specification.
In addition, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior of the acoustical ring
element 22 is dimensioned to receive the barrel 104 or neck 105 portions of a musical
instrument 100.
Turning now to FIGS. 6 through 14, it can be seen that the second housing
member 30 comprises a generally conical acoustical bell element 31 having an enlarged
diameter distal end 32 and a reduced diameter proximal end 33. As shown in FIGS. 6,
9, 10, and 13, the acoustical bell element 31 is m~nuf~tured in different sizes so that
the reduced diameter proximal end can slip over the distal end of a variety of musical
,
instruments 100. Furthermore, the acoustical bell element 31 may be fabricated as a
generally rigid smooth continuous member as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 13. Element 31
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CA 0223~3 1998-04-21
may be split as at 34 in FIGS.9 through 11 to impart some flexibility to the bell element
31, and can slip over the distal end of a variety of musical instruments in open positions.
As can best be seen by reference to FIGS. 9 through 11, in the split ring version
of the acoustical bell element 31 the opposed ends of the bell element 31 are provided
5 with a post 35 and catch 36 assembly which joins the opposed ends of the split ring
version of the bell element 31 in a well recognized fashion.
The acoustic bell element may be formed into a variety of different shapes, but
preferably has a shape selected from the group consisting of a generally conical shape
and a generally cylindrical shape, as shown in Fig.1 and Fig.22, respectively, as 31 and
231.
In addition, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, and 12, the second housing member
30 may likewise be provided with a plurality of apertures 37. As shown in particular in
FIG. 8, an aperture control member 38 may be installed on the outer periphery of the
acoustical bell element 31 to selectively cover the apertures 37 to achieve different tones
15 to the musical notes. In thé embodiment of FIG. 8, the aperture control member 38
comprises a belt 39 and groove 40 arrangement. However, other aperture control
arrangements may be substituted therefor.
At this junction, it should be a~ that both the acoustical ring element 21
and the acoustical bell element 31 share a number of structural similarities Those
20 similarities also extend to the releasable securing means 50 that are employed for
operatively eng~ging the two housing members 20 and 30 to the opposite ends of the
musical instruments 100.
In accordance with the sound system of the present invention, at least one of the
hollow members is provided with a plurality of shoe elements which are adapted to
25 engage a selected portion of the perlphery of the distal end and proximal ends of the
musical instrument.
The plurality of shoe elements are shown in the drawings as an opposed pair of
shoe elements, although at least two, or more, shoe elements, for example three shoe
elements, are preferred, the latter being shown in Fig.23A.
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CA 0223~3 1998-04-21
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16, the releasable securing means 50
comprises a plurality of opposed spring biased shoe elements 51, which are preferably
two, or more, in number and, as shown in Fig. 23A are three in number. Each of the
shoe elements 51 include an outwardly projecting handle member 52, a pair of inwardly
5 ext~n(ling leg members 53 which pass through suitably dimensioned discrete apertures
(not shown) in the respective housing members 20 and 30, and an inner contoured shoe
member 54 dimensioned to receive a portion of the periphery of the musical instruments
100.
In an alternate version of the invention depicted in FIGS. 15 and 17, each of the
shoe elements 51 have upper 53' and lower 53" leg segments which are connected to
one another by a tubular coupler 55 which extends the effective length of the shoe
element 51.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, depending on the size of the respective
housing members 20 and 30, the shoe elements 51 may be operatively connected to the
housing members 20, 30 by a single elongated spring member 60 or by a corresponding
number, such as a pair, of independently acting spring members 61, 62 which are
operatively connected to the outer periphery of the housing members 20, 30 by a
corresponding number, such as two pairs, of post elements 63, 63 and 64, 64.
Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 12, it can be seen that while inmost instances the
20 interior of the acoustical ring elements 31 will have a uniform configuration, there will
be certain instances wherein a contoured notch 42 will have to be provided in the
proximal end 33 of the acoustical bell element 31 to accommodate a given protrusion,
such as the bar that connects the bell to the body of the saxophone (not shown).
... . ... . ..
Returning once more to FIG. 1, it can be seen that while in most instances the
25 housing members 20 and 30 are disposed on opposite ends of the musical instrument
100, in the case of the flute 101, the first housing member 20 comprising the acoustical
ring element 21 is disposed on the opposite ends of the flute 101.
In another alternate version of the ~lcfclled embodiment illustrated in Figs. 18through 20, it can be seen that there are certain instances wherein the shape of the
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CA 0223~3 1998-04-21
acoustical bell 30 must be contoured in order to accommodate the curvature of the bell
of a particular instrument 100 such as a saxophone or the like (not shown). In the
embodiment depicted in Figs. l 8 and l 9, it can be seen that the reduced diameter
proximal end 33 is angularly disposed relative to the enlarged diameter distal end 33 of
5 the acoustical bell 30 to accomplish that objective. Accordingly, in such an
embodiment, the acoustic bell element is a generally conical shaped element.
From the standpoint of performance, however, a generally cylindrical shaped
element is preferred. This is particularly prefelled from the standpoint of acoustical
performance. Referring to Fig. 22 with respect to the acoustic bell element of the
lO present invention, the acoustic bell element is shown as a generally cylindrical shaped
element 231 and 236 which structurally corresponds substantially to the generally
.. . . .. . ...
conical shaped element 3 l and 36 in Fig. l on the flute and saxophone, respectively. As
previously indicated, however, from the acoustical performance standpoint, the
generally cylindrically shaped element is pl~relled.
Still referring to Figs. l 8 through 20, it can be seen that in this particular version
of the pl~r~lled embodiment, the reduced diameter proximal end 32 is provided with
opposed pairs of guide tubes 63 which are dimensioned to receive the inwardly
extentling leg members 53 of the spring biased shoe elements 51; wherein each of the
leg members 53 is provided with individual spring biasing elements 64. In addition, the
20 spring biasing elements 64 are disposed intermediate the contoured shoe member 54 and
the interior of the proximal end 32 of the acoustical bell element 31.
In yet another alternate version of the invention depicted in Fig. 2 l, an
essentially one-piece construction is illustrated. In this embodiment, the ring may be
substantially cylindrical in shape or substantially conical in shape. Referring to Fig. 21,
25 it can be seen that the acoustical bell element 31 is fabricated from a semi-rigid yet
resilient thin walled material 38, such as plastic or the like, wherein, the opposite
sidewalls of the bell element 31 may be deformed to change the configuration of the
proximal end 32 of the bell element 31 from generally circular to generally elliptical
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CA 0223~3 1998-04-21
configuration. For example, when the ring is squeezed at line D1, the shape becomes
elliptical. This releases the grip on the bell.
In addition, in this version of the invention, the releasable securing means 50
comprises a pair of shoe elements 51 formed integrally with, or permanently aff1xed to,
5 the interior walls of the bell element 31 in a diametrically opposed fashion.
Furthermore, each of the shoe elements 51 comprise a single elongated leg
member 53 which projects inwardly from the interior of the bell element 31 and an
arcuate contoured shoe member 54 which extends outwardly from both sides of the leg
member 53.
As can also be seen by reference to Fig. 21, the forcible deformation of the
sidewalls of the bell element 31 will raise and lower the shoe elements 51 into and out
of engagement with the periphery of a musical instrument.
It should further be appreciated at this juncture that this invention also
contemplates that both the acoustical nng and bell constructions described herein may
15 be perm~nently attached to the various instruments at the time that the instruments are
manufactured. Such permanent ~tt~rhment may be effected using conventional
procedures, such as soldering, welding, and/or application of adhesive, as are used in the
industry of m~nl~f~cturing musical instruments. The musical instruments to which the
acoustic ring and/or acoustic bell of the present invention are permanently attached,
20 however, do not necessarily appear dirrelclltly from the conventional musicalinstruments to which the acoustic ring and/or acoustic bell of the present invention have
been attached as an after market ~tt~chment~ as otherwise shown in the drawings. An
example of such permanent ~tt~rhment is shown in Fig.26.
In this example, referring to Fig. 21A, one end of a rod 271 is permanently
25 attached, for example by welding, to a metal ring 272 of a musical instrument and an
opposite of the rod 273 is attached by means for ~tt~rhment 276, such as screws 276, to
the bell ring. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive means for ~ rhment 276. Referring
to Fig.21 B, the rods 277 are welded to the neck of the instrument 274 and to the metal
ring 275.
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Fig. 23 illustrates means for ~tt~hing a proximal acoustic ring 1 to a musical
instrument, the musical instrument to which the proximal acoustical ring 1 is preferably
a clarinet (not shown). To attach this proximal acoustical ring, the e~i~ting proximal
metal ring 241 of the clarinet barrel 250 must be removed. In its place the proximal
acoustical ring 249 is inserted in such a way that the shoe elements 242 fit in the place
of removed metal ring. The proximal acoustical ring 1 is shown in place in Fig. 23C.
Fig. 24 illustrates a novel lifting mech~ni~m for the shoe for at least some of the
acoustical rings. The outside portion of the shoe element 267 is inserted in the slot 266
of the rod 260. A key like element 261 is attached to the opposite end of the rod 263.
The rod 263 is rotating around the pin 264 going through the posts 265. The posts are
attached permanently to the acoustical ring 268. A tension spring 262 is housed under
the key 261 exerting upwards pressure on the key 261. This results in moving theopposite end of the rod 263 downward toward the cavity of the acoustical ring pushing
the outside portion of the shoe toward the instrument to which the ring has to be
attached. There is a similar mech~ni~m on the opposite side of the acoustical ring (not
shown) and they work as a pair holding the instrument.
Fig. 25 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention for ~tt~ching a
proximal ring of the present invention over an existing proximal metal ring of a barrel
of a musical instrument, such as a clarinet. Referring to Fig. 25, the proximal ring has a
plurality of inward extensions 281, which are preferably three in number. Each of the
extensions 281 have a groove 282 to receive an elevated part 282 of the metal ring of
the musical instrument. This allows the proximal ring to be force-fitted into position
and to snap in and snap out of position according to the application of force or pressure.
Also, this embodiment does not require removing the existing metal ring, for
example as does the embodiment depicted and described with respect to Fig. 23.
Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in
detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible without materially departing from the novel te~-~hing~ and advantages of this
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invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intçn~1ecl to be included within the
scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.
In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are int~nrlecl to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents
5 but also equivalent structures.
Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should
be ~pal~lll that many substitutions, modifications and variations of the invention are
possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the
invention as taught and described herein is only to be limited to the extent of the breadth
10 and scope of the appended claims.
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