Patent Application
20220406276
The present invention relates generally to the field of accessories for use with musical instruments to help in preventing the spread of germs and pathogens. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic shield that is configured to removably attach to a musical instrument, such as a wind instrument. The shield has a hole for fitting the shield over the mouthpiece and extends a few inches up the length of the instrument neck for blocking the forceful pre-breaths, the musician inhaling and exhaling, between playing notes and blocking saliva droplets and aerosols released by a performer using the instrument. The shield device comes in different shapes and sizes to fit over various mouthpieces and neck sizes to accommodate different wind instruments. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, a wind instrument is a musical instrument made of one or more tubes, usually made of metal, such as brass, and some instruments such as a trombone, trumpet, tuba, French horn and others may be curved in various ways, and others, such as a flute may be straight. Wind instruments normally have one narrow end into which a musician blows, and a second end from which sound emerges, which is usually wider than the first end. Generally, performers and musicians use their breath to produce sound using horn family or wind instruments and specifically, by pressing their lips against a metal cup-shaped mouthpiece. The mouthpiece helps to control the air flow and amplify the sound.
A performer playing a wind or horn instrument can spread germs and pathogens to others near to the performer when playing of the wind or horn instruments. The wind or horn instruments have been identified as potentially being a high-risk activity for the transmission of communicable pathogens like of SARS CoV-2 and others. Further, as distance between performers and audience members is less at an event, the performers and those around them are exposed to germs and illness.
When playing a horn instrument, a performer produces an aerosol and droplets from the moisture contained in his or her mouth and lungs that act as a carrier for transmission of pathogens and other germs. The aerosols and droplets are deposited on various surfaces and contact other performers and those within a relatively close proximity to the performer. While social distancing is the most effective mitigation technique for preventing the transmission of such germs, maintaining social distance is not always possible in a performance or orchestra setting.
Many performers use surgical masks with slits to avoid the transmission of pathogens during their performance. Wearing of surgical masks is not only uncomfortable for performers but can also interfere with playing the instrument. The mask can obstruct or make the blowing of air and the playing of the instrument difficult. Performers, as such, desire an improved device that is comfortable to use, can prevent and/or slow down the spread of germs while not interfering with the playing of the instruments.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a germ shield device that can be easily and removably attached to a horn or wind instrument for preventing and/or slowing the spread of germs to others while playing a musical instrument. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a horn or wind instrument germ guard device that allows a performer to easily use the instrument while blocking breath and germs at a few inches from the performer's mouth. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shield device that maximizes protection against the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria without impeding the use of the instrument. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a germ shield device that eliminates the requirement of using a slit surgical masks or face shield for preventing transmission of germs and pathogens during a performance. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel protective device that can be attached to a mouthpiece of horn instruments for protecting performers, conductors and others in the nearby audience from being exposed to germs and illnesses during musical, theatrical or band performances. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a horn or wind instrument germ guard device that does not interfere with the use of horn or wind instrument and maximizes protection from the spread of germs and pathogens in a simple and convenient manner.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a one-piece molded plastic shield device designed to be attached to a horn or wind instrument to increase the protection against the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria without interfering with the use of the horn or wind instrument. The shield device further includes a shaped configuration, such as a generally circular or square one-piece plastic device. The shield includes a base with a hole therein. The hole may be centrally disposed or may be offset from the center depending on the instrument configuration. A wall extends outwardly from a periphery of the base. The wall extends in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the base. The hole is used for accommodating a mouthpiece of the instrument and for mounting the shield to the instrument. The shield receives and blocks droplets and aerosols released by a performer of the instrument preventing the spread of germs and pathogens which are found in the droplets and aerosols.
In this manner, the wind instrument germ protection guard device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides performers with a plastic shield that is removably attached to the mouthpiece and/or neck of the instrument. The shield blocks the breath and germs emitted in droplets and aerosols from a performer and prevents and/or slows the spread of germs to others. The shield does not interfere with the use of the instrument and eliminates the need for wearing a surgical mask while using a horn or wind instruments.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a removable shield device designed to be attached to a wind instrument. The shield further includes a generally circular one-piece guard. The device includes a base having a hole therein. A wall extending from the periphery of the base, and the wall extends perpendicularly to the plane of the base. The hole is used for accommodating a mouthpiece of the horn or wind instrument for mounting the shield to the horn instrument, such that the shield collects, receives, and blocks droplets and aerosols released by a performer of the instrument and helps in preventing the spread of germs and pathogens that are contained in the droplets and aerosols.
In yet another embodiment, the shield device is made of a clear, durable, and rigid plastic.
In yet another embodiment, the plastic is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), paper, postconsumer waste or other recycled content.
In yet another embodiment, the shield device is positioned between three and six inches from the mouth of a performer using the horn or wind instrument.
In yet another embodiment, a wind instrument germ guard is disclosed. The guard includes, in one embodiment, an injection molded plastic shield. The device features a shaped base, such a geometric shape of round, square, rectangular, triangular, or other more fanciful shapes, such as a star, heart, or shape which may compliment the performer or performance and the shield may be configured to accommodate a marketing or other theme. A continuous wall extending from edges of the base, and the continuous wall is ridged at some of the portions. The wall covers the front surface of the base, and a hole is disposed in the base. The hole is used for attaching the shield to the mouthpiece of the instrument, and the front surface and the wall together form a blocking area for blocking droplets and aerosols released by a performer to prevent further spread of germs and pathogens. The hole may also have a flexible gasket surrounding the hole, such as a latex material, to form a seal between the instrument and the shield. The flexible gasket has a slit in it to allow for insertion of the instrument.
In yet another embodiment, the guard device is positioned in front of the mouth and nose of a performer using the instrument.
In yet another embodiment, the guard device does not cover the opening and throat of the mouthpiece.
In yet another embodiment, the guard device can be of any geometrical, fanciful or theme shaped so as to compliment the preferences of the performer or the performance in which the individual is performing.
In yet another embodiment, a method of blocking droplets and aerosols released by a performer during the use of a horn or wind instrument is described. The method includes the steps of providing a shield device having a hole for mounting the guard to the horn instrument. Next, attaching the device to the mouthpiece and/or neck of the horn or wind instrument by sliding the mouthpiece through the hole. Allowing the gasket or bladder to create a seal around the instrument and then using the instrument for playing a sound, music, melody. Then receiving, collecting, and blocking droplets and aerosols by the shield device without interfering with use of the instrument.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a protective germ shield device that can be easily and removably attached to a horn or wind instrument for preventing and/or slowing the spread of germs to others while playing a wind instrument. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a horn or wind instrument guard that allows a performer to easily use the horn or wind instrument while blocking the breath and germs at a few inches from the performer's mouth. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a shield device that maximizes protection against germs, viruses, and bacteria without interfering with the use of a horn or wind instrument. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for germ shield device that eliminates the requirement of using slit surgical masks or face shields for preventing transmission of germs and pathogens. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel protective device that can be attached to a mouthpiece of a horn or wind instrument for protecting performers, conductors and other members of the audience from being exposed to germs and illnesses during musical, theatrical or band performances. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a horn or wind instrument germ guard that does not interfere with the use of a horn instrument and maximizes protection from germs and pathogens in a simple and convenient manner.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, a horn instrument germ shield is disclosed. The shield device, in one embodiment, includes an injection molded plastic shield device. The device features a rectangular base, a continuous wall extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of the base. The continuous wall is ridged at some of the portions of the base or periphery. The wall covers the front surface of the base, and a hole is disposed in the base. The hole is used for attaching the guard to the mouthpiece of the instrument. The front surface and the wall together form a blocking area for blocking droplets and aerosols released by a performer of the horn or wind instrument and thereby preventing the spread of germs and pathogens.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The hole 106 has a diameter that is adapted for a mouthpiece or instrument to be able to slide the end of the instrument in the opening. The diameter of the hole 106 may, for example, be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the mouthpiece or neck of a horn instrument and then the gasket or bladder 105 creates a form fitting arrangement. The gasket or bladder is made of a flexible material such as latex, silicone or other suitable material. The base 102 is comprised of a front surface 1020 and a rear surface 1022, such that, upon proper mounting of the shield device 100, the front surface 1020 faces the performer using the horn instrument. The continuous annular wall 104 extends to cover the front surface 1020 and is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the base 102.
The top edge 108 of the shield in the present invention has a wall 104 that is rounded and smooth and the wall 104, together with the base 102, blocks the germs, viruses, and bacteria from spreading and stops at few inches from a performer's mouth without interfering with the use of the horn or wind instrument.
According to the preferred embodiment, the shield device 100 is made of a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, postconsumer waste, paper, paperboard, cellulosic material, carboard or various combinations thereof. The shield 100 may be coated with an anti-fungal, anti-microbial agent, anti-bacterial or other coating to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria. The material preferable has elasticity, rigidity, durability, and deformation resistance and selection of a suitable plastic or other material may easily be made by the one skilled in the art. The shield device 100 may be made of a molded material and may be molded using any molding technique known in the art, such as injection molding.
The shield 100 is preferably transparent, however, the shield 100 can be available in any color or any design and can be made in any suitable geometric shapes including fanciful shapes. Further, the shield 100 has good chemical resistance and very low moisture absorption. If a cellulosic based material is used, it may also be coated with a wax material in order to prevent the cellulosic material from become limp due to the accumulation of moisture from the spray of the performer.
The base 102 is substantially flat but can be slightly concave or convex as per requirement of the performers and design of the mouthpiece and neck of a horn or wind instrument to which the shield 100 is attached.
More specifically, the wall has two ridged portions 206, 208 and two plain portions 210, 212. The wall 204 along with the base 202 blocks or prevents the breath, droplets and aerosols released by a performer while using and playing a horn or wind instrument. The device 200 acts as a physical barrier for pathogens, bacteria and germs to prevent such undesirable airborne elements from reaching other users and those in the surrounding area near the performer using the horn or wind instrument to which the device 200 is attached via the hole 214. A mouthpiece/neck of the horn instrument easily slides in through the hole and the device 200 is securely attached to the instrument.
As illustrated, the device 100 does not cover or interfere with the opening 308 of the mouthpiece 304 and therefore, a performer can use the wind instrument, such as a trumpet 300, without removing the shield device 100 and without requiring the performer to wear a surgical mask with a mouth slit or face shield.
The device 200 is positioned a few inches away from the opening of the mouthpiece 502, thereby it does not obstruct any air passage towards mouth of the performer while blocking all the released droplets, breathing air and aerosols.
More specifically, the device 200 is dimensioned to cover the mouth 608 and the nose 610. The device 200 can be wiped and cleaned and can be reused while in another embodiment, the device 200 is disposable and recyclable. The functionality of shield devices of other embodiments is achieved in the same manner by blocking breath, droplets and aerosols released by the performer 602.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “shield device”, “horn instrument germs shield device”, “rectangular shield device”, “device” and “horn instrument germ guard device” are interchangeable and refer to the horn instrument germ guard device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the horn instrument germ guard device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the horn instrument germ guard device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the horn instrument germ guard device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the horn instrument germ guard device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the horn instrument germ guard device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/211,485, which was filed on Jun. 16, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63211485 | Jun 2021 | US |
