JPH0123795B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides independent and adjustable loading for holding a reed in contact with a wind instrument mouthpiece and providing enhanced vibrational and response characteristics to the mouthpiece device. The present invention relates to a coupling device for a single-reed wind instrument with a resiliently biased stem.

This application is patent application No. 06/ filed on December 1, 1980.
This is a continuation-in-part application of No. 212,073.

Mouthpiece devices for single-reed wind instruments, such as clarinets and saxophones, have one end formed into a tubular cylindrical shape to be received in the body of the wind instrument, and are fastened onto the body in a plane inclined to the axis of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece body has a thin plate-like structure with ventilation holes that tilt toward the other end, and the mouthpiece body is arranged in contact with the flat surface of the mouthpiece body and vibrates under wind pressure to prevent air from flowing into the ventilation holes. It embodies a striking reed extending over the ventilation hole to variably restrict the flow path of the mouthpiece, and a connecting band, known as a connecting device, for tightening the reed on the mouthpiece body.

A clamping device is conventionally provided on the coupling device with one or two thumbscrews that tighten the band portion around the mouthpiece body for the purpose of forcing the reed into contact with the flat surface of the mouthpiece body. be. Various designs of pusher legs have been provided for the coupling device to contact the reed, including protruding lands bearing the outermost edges of the surface of the reed to allow the central portion of the reed to vibrate. The land is equipped with two stems, and each contact post can be threaded or unthreaded for adjustment of seating pressure. The coupling device that contacts the reed is also provided with an omnidirectionally adjustable pivoting method to ensure proper alignment between the seating surface of the reed and the flat on the mouthpiece body. Additional push legs are provided and are adjustable and movable on the coupling device to accommodate leads having a variety of configurations. All prior art devices provide individual, adjustable loading of the force exerted by the band portion on each pressing leg that contacts the reed, with adjustment limited to the amount required to position the reed onto the mouthpiece body. The lead has been gripped by non-flexibly and non-resiliently tightening either the soft border pad or the rigid pusher leg without elastically cushioning the lead.

A good coupling system for all single-reed wind instruments, including all saxophones and clarinets, will hold the reed firmly while improving sound quality and improving sound quality.
For ease of playing and responsiveness of the instrument, the reed is provided in such a way that it can vibrate completely. This result is
Even if the stock area of the reed surface is not smooth, for the purpose of ensuring proper alignment of the sloped surfaces, it is better to connect the reed with independently adjustable multi-point seating on the mouthpiece body, which is firmly fixed. This is achieved by providing an elastic damping member that allows the reed to freely vibrate with a large amplitude.

The cushioning member that retains the lead can be provided by any type of mechanical spring or any suitable elastomeric or plastomeric material. The spring device may be of the compression type, extension type, Belleville type, cantilever type, bridge type, or other suitable type, the spring rate of the device being varied to suit the needs of the individual performer. I can do it. If a rubbery elastomeric or plastomeric material is used, the durometer reading and physical properties of the material can be selected as desired.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, single or multiple stems float freely and individually through holes in the connecting band. Any single stem consists of a lead contact, whether a headed stem or a nut, a spring or annular washer made of resilient material, a gripping nut or flange external to the connecting band. The stems are independently biasable, individually adjustable, free-floating, and made of resilient material, allowing the reed to sit properly on the mouthpiece even when the reed stock surface is not smooth. Ru. The resilient damping member can be spirally or annularly configured or have any other suitable configuration;
The connecting band is tightened around the mouthpiece and is elastically biased against the inner surface of the connecting band to provide a variable compressive force dampening force applied to the reed at each point of contact. It is arranged as follows. As used herein, the phrase "contact point" refers to about the center of the area of each stem that makes contact with the reed or mouthpiece.
The contact points can be of varying area rather than sharp points, and can be round, flat, rectangular, straight, convex, concave, planar or grid-shaped. The relative compression of each bolt, which acts as a retainer for the stem, can be made equal by individual adjustment to suit the particular needs of the performer. However, shoulder bolts are preferred. This is a stem with a flange instead of a gripping nut on the outside of the connecting band.

Referring to the drawings in which like numbers represent like parts, a coupling device 11 for a single reed wind instrument, such as a saxophone or clarinet, includes a mouthpiece body 12, a reed 13, an arcuate plate 10,
A connecting band 14 is shown in various complete or partial views as including the connecting band 14. As used herein, "coupling device" means an assembly of components including a coupling band that is tightened around the mouthpiece body of a wind instrument to secure the reed in place. . In embodiments of the present invention, the mouthpiece body 12 and reed 13 are conventional, with the mouthpiece body being a cylindrical tube at one end and forming the instrument body in the manner of a saxophone as shown. The end portion of the instrument body is shown received within the mouthpiece body, or alternatively in a manner conventional for clarinet construction. A ventilation passage 15 extends longitudinally through the mouthpiece body 12 to open through a structurally generally trapezoidal hole located adjacent to the reed 13 and hidden from view in the drawing. Extending. The flat portion 16 occupies a portion of the surface of the mouthpiece body 12, and the flat surface of the reed 13 is disposed against the flat portion, and the reed is tapered in thickness, typically made of a portion of a bamboo shaft. is held in such a manner that it can vibrate under the force of air blown into the instrument by the player.
The reed opens or restricts a hole to the air passage and contains a fundamental frequency that is transmitted to a cylindrical air column created inside the instrument that the reed can generate when subjected to vibration. It is set up to generate a pulsating flow of air. Since the lead 13 has elasticity, it can oscillate and bend toward and away from the hole in response to the difference in ventilation pressure applied to both sides of the lead. Through the amplitude of the motion, which is determined by the shape of the lead and the robustness with which the lead is installed, the energy of momentum can be exchanged for the energy of the resistance force of the mechanical bending action.

In each embodiment of the invention, the lead cushioning is defined and implemented by a connecting band provided with an array of holes from which the stems protrude in a desired arrangement, and each stem is machined. The individual introduction of a target spring or elastomeric or plastomeric material into each stem provides an independent cushioning gripping action of the lead.

1 and 2, the arcuate plate 10 is provided with three holes 21 arranged in three regular rows having three holes each. The middle row of holes is aligned in axial position with similar holes in the connecting band 14. As shown in the figure, the connecting band 14 is connected to the arc-shaped plate 1.
0, and the upper surfaces of both the band and the arcuate plate are flush. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion of the stem 22 protrudes through the hole, and the most distal end of the columnar portion of the stem is threaded to form a lead contact head 24, which in this example is an enlarged diameter portion. is attached, and a grip nut 23 is attached to the upper end of the stem. When the connecting band 14 is tightened around the mouthpiece body 12 by operation of the thumbscrew 27, which in this example is a clamping device, the reed contact head 24 and the arcuate plate 10 are elastically compressed as shown in FIG. A flexible and elastic damping member 25 of annular construction, shown as an elastomer or plastomer in FIGS. The damping member 25 is flexible in a manner that allows the vibrational energy imparted by the reed 13 to be returned to the reed, allowing the reed to be biased more freely at higher amplitudes than would be possible with a more robust installation. can be absorbed into. Vibration damping is minimized in the assembly, whether the composition utilizing the damping member 25 includes a rubber damper or a mechanical spring, energy storage and release are achieved with low losses, so that the instrument The responsiveness of the lead is enhanced compared to that provided by a firmly seated lead.

6, 7 and 8 illustrate alternative embodiments of the invention, in which the connecting band 14' includes a resilient elastomeric material with graduated diameters. A damping member 25' is provided, the smaller diameter portion of which fits loosely within the hole 21' and is gripped within the hole with a friction fit, and the larger diameter portion of the member is used for connection. Band 14'
and the lead 13', and the connecting band 1
4' on the thumbscrew 2, which is the clamping device in this example.
7' can be variably tightened to the reed. The damping member 25' can be easily snapped off from a particular hole 21' and repositioned to another hole to suit the needs of the performer.
If desired, the elastomer and metal can be molded into a single piece to provide metal contact points that interface with the leads. It is possible, but not preferred, to provide a resilient, flexible device that interfaces the coupling device and the mouthpiece body rather than between the coupling device and the reed. The effect provided here is the same as that described above, but with reduced vibrational freedom for the reed.

FIG. 10 shows further variants of the embodiment of the invention in which the connecting band 14'' is secured to a relatively rigid cross section 26 by means of rivets or other comparable fastening devices. includes a relatively flexible band portion 28 attached to the ``.''. Spacer 30 configured as a land located between the coupling band and the mouthpiece body for the purpose of minimizing vibration damping by the coupling device and providing the full frequency and amplitude response of the damping member used.
is provided. As used herein, a "buffer device" refers to a compressed and stretched device that acts as a damper that allows the reed to fully vibrate and, depending on the degree of contact, be held rigidly in place on the mouthpiece of the instrument. or any type of spring, set of springs, spring device, or type of spring that deflects or expands;
or any support material that provides a flexible and resilient material.

FIG. 11 shows another modified embodiment of the coupling device, which comprises two arcuate rigid sections 26'', a rigid section 35, which is used for the coupling. It is connected by a band 14 and, like the cross section 26'', is fastened to the connecting band by a tightening device 29'. The clamping device in this example, a threaded lead screw 34, is used for the purpose of seating the head portion 33 against the mouthpiece of the instrument and thereby tightening the coupling device about the mouthpiece of the instrument. The example design of FIG. 11 provides a high degree of vibrational freedom for the mouthpiece device.

FIG. 12 shows a slightly modified embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. The embodiment of FIG. 12 is spatially smaller than the embodiment of FIG. It is more compact, while providing the same degree of freedom for vibrations of the reed and the mouthpiece of the instrument.

13 and 14 show a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which a single fixed head 23' is attached to the stem 2 in place of the gripping nut 23.
2' and is shown in the figure. Such a construction may be desirable in some cases to match that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to avoid loss of the gripping nut from the stem due to vibration or other disadvantageous causes.

Figures 15 and 16 show clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces constructed with the headed stems shown in Figures 13 and 14, respectively.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the post portion of the stem 22' is fully threaded and threaded into a threaded hole in the threaded arcuate plate 10. There is. A groove is cut in the top of the stem 22'' to receive a screwdriver for adjustably positioning the stem within the arcuate plate.
The bottom surface of the stem 22'' is provided with an adhesively secured resilient damping member 25' and a single enlarged diameter section, the lead contact head 24", the resilient member being shown in FIG. As shown, the metal contact legs 24'' are operatively compressed by tightening of the connecting band for the purpose of positioning them relative to the leads 13.

Another modified embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
24, in this embodiment, 6
A regular array of book stems 26 is shown including two parallel lines, which stems are grooved and fitted with snap-on gripping rings 36, thus connecting band 14''' provides a compact retaining surface for the portion of stem 22 that protrudes beyond the ``'' plane. Especially when used on a clarinet, the 22nd
The embodiments of Figures 23 and 24 minimize the possibility of contact between the coupling device and the player's chin.

The particular arrangement of the stem in embodiments of the invention is selected to suit the tonal needs of the performer, but typically provides a triangular arrangement of three contact points, which provides a robust and stable structure for the reed. It is desirable to sit down. For example, if the stock surface of the reed requires solid and stable seating, in addition to tightening a connecting band that pulls all the stems into contact with the reed, an elastic shock absorbing member 2 is attached to each stem.
Individual stems can be adjusted to compress 5,25' to a higher or lower degree.

For example, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 22, Fig. 23, Fig. 24, Fig. 25.
In some embodiments of the invention, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 26, 27, 28, and 29, individual adjustment is not possible;
Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 9, Figure 1
Figure 0, Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 17, Figure 18
Other embodiments shown in Figures 19, 20 and 21 provide a higher retention surface above the surface of the lead necessary to provide individual adjustability of the stem. . As shown in FIG. 25, the axes of the stems 22 disposed laterally adjacent within the connecting band 14''''''' are separated by a radial angle θ, the radius of curvature of which is equal to the lead stock. The radius of curvature is approximately equal to that of the surface and the connecting band. However, all embodiments are individually adjustable by selecting from various durometer values or spring constants for the resilient damping member, allowing the player to adopt a single model and adjust all embodiments. Various embodiments can be selected to be provided or combined using a single coupling device.

26 to 29, a connecting device comprising a narrow connecting band 14'''''''' and a single tightening screw 27, which in this case is a clamping device, is provided with a compact holder on the side. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown utilizing a snap-on gripping ring 36'' whose connecting band snaps into the arc 10'' to create a compact assembly. A complete supplementary arrangement of nine stems is shown to assist the player in determining the number and arrangement of stems 22'''' that best meets the player's articulatory needs. , portions of the stem can be selectively removed by the performer until the optimum intonation is achieved. Similarly, the desired articulatory quality may be achieved by the use of any of the various coupling devices shown, by various positioning and selection of resilient devices, springs or damping members, and devices with different spring constants. Durometer readings can be adapted to suit each individual's preferences to achieve. It is possible to use a combination of resilient devices, and the coupling device can be installed in the instrument body in direct contact or separated by the use of spacers as required. In all embodiments, the performer selects one or more stems for reed contact. A spacer 30 as shown in FIG. 10 can be used in all embodiments of the invention. If spacers are used, they can be made of metal or plastic or impact materials, and the construction of the spacers can vary.

In all embodiments of the invention, the radial separation of the stems as shown in FIG. 25 at an angle θ may be greater or less than the exact angle shown.

In the figures of FIGS. 1 and 9, where no stem is used in the connecting band 14, the connecting band can be fastened to the arcuate plate by bolts or rivets, if desired. In all embodiments, the damping spring device is operatively positioned to actuate or function on either the mouthpiece reed or the coupling device, or is spaced apart with a spacing that surrounds the mouthpiece reed or coupling device; A mechanical spring device or a dampening material or both can be included.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged detailed view of the portion taken along line 3--3 in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an elevational sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 showing the stem in a free, untightened position; FIG. 5 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4 showing the stem in a compressed position applying pressure to the reed; FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention, shown together in conjunction with the coupling device; FIG. 7 is an end view of the coupling device of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 6. 9th
FIG. 1 is a side view of the coupling device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in a ready-to-use position; FIG. 10 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the coupling device showing the rivet structure. FIG. 11 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an elevational view of yet another embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, except that the shoulder bolt is shown rather than the head nut. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, except that the shoulder bolt is shown rather than the head nut. FIG. 15 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention for use with a saxophone shown in a ready position; FIG. 16 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention for use with a clarinet shown in the ready position; FIG. 17 is a plan view of an embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention, in which the stem is screwed into the screw hole of the arcuate plate portion. FIG. 18 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a plan view showing an enlarged detailed view of the upper part of the stem of FIG. 17; FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 20--20 of FIG. 19, showing the stem installed in a coupling device that is not attached to a lead; FIG. 21 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the stem of FIG. 20 disposed in operatively compressive contact with the reed; FIG. 22 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a gripping ring snap-fitted onto a threaded stem for gripping the threaded stem of the coupling device of the present invention; FIG. 23 is a plan view showing a part of FIG. 22 in detail. FIG. 24 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 22; FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 22; FIG. 26 is a side view of a mouthpiece device illustrating another embodiment of the coupling device of the present invention that utilizes a gripping ring to secure the individual stems. Figure 27 shows the maximum number of stems that can be installed in the coupling device.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the illustrated embodiment; Figure 28 is section 28-2 of Figure 27 showing the stem in a free-floating position.
9, 28-29. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken through sections 28-29 and 28-29 of FIG. 27 showing the stem in a compressed biased position in contact with the lead. Explanation of symbols of main parts, 10...Arc-shaped plate, 1
0'... Arc-shaped plate, 10''... Arc-shaped plate, 11... Connection device, 12... Mouthpiece body, 13... Reed, 13'... Reed, 14... Connection band,
14'... Connecting band, 14''... Connecting band, 14... Connecting band, 14'''''... Connecting band, 14''''''''... Connecting band, 14
′′′′′′′... Connection band, 15... Ventilation duct, 1
6...
...Flat part, 21...hole, 21'...hole, 22...
Stem, 22'... Single head, 22''... Stem, 22... Stem, 22'''''... Stem, 2
3...Gripping nut, 24...Lead contact head,
24'...Lead contact head, 24''...Lead contact head, 25...Buffer member, 25'...Buffer member, 26...Cross section, 26''...Cross section, 2
6...Cross section, 27...Thumb screw, 27'...
Wing screw, 27...Tightening screw, 28...Band part, 29'...Tightening device, 29''...Tightening device, 30...Spacer, 33...Head part,
34...Lead screw, 35...Robust part, 35'...
Robust part, 36...Gripping ring, 36''...Gripping ring.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A connecting band that surrounds a mouthpiece body of a wind instrument, the connecting band being provided with a clamp device for tightening and loosening the tightening pressure applied by the connecting band. a band; a plurality of holes positioned substantially perpendicular to the surface in the axial direction with respect to the surface in contact with the connecting band, the holes being distributed and arranged within the area in contact with the reed; a mouthpiece body of the wind instrument; a suitable number of stems distributed through appropriate holes in said hole for contacting and fixing the lead above said stems, said stems being joined to said stems by said connecting bands; consisting of a structure that transmits the clamping force that elastically fixes the reed on the mouthpiece body, and a buffer member that is resilient, flexible, and has selectable characteristics that is arranged to transmit the clamping force. , a coupling device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument. 2. A relatively rigid arcuate plate is provided for transmitting force from the connecting band to the stem, and a hole extends through the arcuate plate such that the stem extends through the hole. Claim 1
A coupling device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument described in paragraph 1. 3. A coupling device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping member having selected resiliently flexible properties includes a mechanical spring device. 4. A coupling device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein said damping member of selected resilient and flexible properties comprises an elastomer. 5. A connection device for attaching a reed to a wind instrument as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping member comprises a plastomer having selected resilient and flexible properties. 6. The stem has a pillar portion extending through the hole, an enlarged diameter portion adjacent to the connecting band, and the enlarged diameter portion extending through the hole. A connecting device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device includes the buffer member having flexible characteristics. 7. A coupling device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument as claimed in claim 5, wherein said enlarged diameter portion further includes an extended shoulder of said stem. 8. The connecting device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument according to claim 5, wherein the pillar portion is threaded and engages with a screw hole and biases in the axial direction by rotational movement. 9. A connecting device for attaching a single reed to a wind instrument according to claim 1, wherein the holes are arranged so that the stems can be arranged in a triangular arrangement. 10. A method for fixing a reed to the mouthpiece body of a wind instrument, comprising: selecting the type of buffer member including an elastic member and a metal spring to be provided on the stem; and selecting a hole on the connecting device to attach the stem. , positioning the flat surface of the reed against a flat portion formed on the mouthpiece body; attaching the coupling device to the reed and the mouthpiece body with the buffer member abutting the reed; tightening the reed, thus securing the reed at the position on the mouthpiece body so as to increase the vibrational freedom of the reed and the mouthpiece body beyond the vibrations imparted by the installation of the face-to-face coupling device; How to attach a reed to a wind instrument. 11. The method of attaching a reed to a wind instrument according to claim 10, wherein the force is applied through three buffer members.