Not Applicable
Musical instruments in the brass family are not typically in-tune instruments as compared to woodwind family instruments. Brass instruments can be played grossly out of tune. This invention was to solve this issue by limiting the amount of “out of tune” a player is capable of achieving either intentionally or otherwise.
This invention is a 1 to 2 inch tall conical acoustical device that is to be inserted into the bell of a brass instrument in order to give players of that instrument a smaller target for which to aim. This makes playing the instrument to a high degree of proficiency, much easier.
1/4—Anterior View
FIG. 1—Plastic inner liner
FIG. 2—Cork
FIG. 3—Rubberized sealant
2/4—Exploded View
FIG. 4—Plastic inner liner
FIG. 5—Inner cork piece
FIG. 6—Outer cork piece
FIG. 7—Rubberized sealant
3/4—Posterior View
FIG. 8—Cork
FIG. 9—Rubberized sealant
FIG. 10—Plastic inner liner
4/4—Parts
FIG. 11—Outer cork piece
FIG. 12—Inner cork piece
FIG. 13—Plastic inner liner
Depending on the size of the bell of the brass instrument, the circumference of the smaller end ranges between 4-6 inches, and the circumference of the larger end ranges between 5-7 inches. It is comprised of three main components; an inner layer of cork, an outer layer of cork, and an inner plastic liner that protects the sound coming from the instrument being absorbed by the cork.
Each of the three main components are to be cut from a sheet of that particular material using either a scalpel, x-acto knife, or scissors.
The three components are glued together, forming a conical shape with two open ends through witch the sound passes in and out.
The ends of the inner cork must first be glued together and allowed to dry. Next the outer cork is glued around the inner cork and allowed to dry. Then the inner plastic liner is glued to the inside of the inner cork and allowed to dry. Then the top opening and bottom opening should be dipped in a rubberized protective coating and allowed to dry. Finally a cork sealant should be applied to the outside of the outer cork layer.
Cork was chosen because it is durable, withstands heat, and can conform to the shape of the bell into which it is inserted.