The invention relates to a percussion instrument, in the simplest case similar to the shape of a djembe, with one or more interconnected resonators in the form of elliptical paraboloids {1}, which meet at their focal points {F}.
In the prior art (see, for example DE 10 2009 008 755 A1) a drum in the form of a djembe usually comes with a skin membrane as drum face. The resonator has more or less the form of a bowl. The sound exit opening usually has a funnel-like or hyperboloid shape. Other drums have cylindrical shapes. With this new drum, the respective shape of the resonance body and the sound exit opening is defined by the form of an elliptical paraboloid. The playing surfaces can also be located on both ends, as is customary in many other drums.
The object of the invention is to create a percussion instrument with enhanced audio qualities.
This object is achieved by an instrument with the features listed in claim 1.
An advantageous embodiment of the invention is indicated in claim 2. Several such paraboloids of different (or the same) size can be used. Common to them all is a single shared focal point {F}. The propagation of sound waves is precisely reflected by the paraboloidal design of the resonance body in such a way that they first get bundled to a single location in the focal point {F}. This sound source located in a single point is now the common sound source of the other paraboloids, since it is also their focal point. From there, the sound will be reflected into the other paraboloids. The striking surfaces {2} can be on only one opening of the resulting total body {1} or on several openings. The relative proportions of the individual resonator bodies are arbitrary. Preferably, however, harmonic acoustic ratio variations are preferred, since the resulting sound chambers mutually influence each other, as is also intended. Through this particular form, a completely new sound is possible.
The resonators can be made for example of metal, ceramic, wood, stone, glass, composites, fiberglass, acrylic or other suitable materials, which both reflect and inhibit sound. It is also possible to shape the resonance chambers out of a single block of contiguous material.
If open exits for the sound {3} are desired, their resonance bodies can also be located at an arbitrary angle to each other. Examples of this embodiment are to be seen in
The striking surfaces {2} may be natural or artificial skins (animal skins, films, membranes etc.) or thin plates of any suitable material (metal, plastic, wood, etc.). The striking surfaces can be vibrated by hitting with the hand, by mechanical tools, or any other way and thus brought to the generation of sound.
Another embodiment of the invention is defined in claim 3. In the respective focal points, additional sound output devices in the form of small speakers {4} can be placed, which play sounds or music. Due to the special shape of this drum, these sounds can be modulated, by muting them or by striking the surface(s), which creates a very special sound effect. An example of this is given in
As a further embodiment of the invention, small rattles, bells or vibrating parts are attached at or near the focal point {F}, because there they can be brought to resonate strongly, this being the point of the maximum concentration of sound. Thus they act as a sound source like a speaker {4}.
Another embodiment of the invention is the insertion of a microphone {5}, or any other sound receiving device, to lead out the sound waves produced there, either mechanically (tube, hose pipe) or electronically and, if applicable, perhaps pass them on to an amplifier or an effects unit. An example of this variant is shown as a sectional illustration with a microphone in
A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is given in the patent claim 4. In a modification of the skin design this striking surface {2} can also be any other three-dimensional shape that can be formed for example by deep-drawn plastic or sheet metal. Among them might be, for example, but not exclusively, wave patterns or concave/convex surfaces. Some examples are shown in
A use without any additional equipment is the main but not exclusive primary use.
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a and 11b: Shows examples of various curved surfaces, which can also be used as a face {2}.
a: Shows an example of the individual rings of a possible method of production of a parabolidal sound chamber according to claim 5, these will then be joined together to build the final form as shown in
b: Shows an example of how one may take apart a dismantable version and
A possible method of manufacturing a percussion instrument according to one of claims 1 to 3 at suitable forms is provided by generating rings out of sheet material, with diameters adapted to the form of the intended paraboloid. After generating the rings, they are connected by joining them to the final shape. An illustration of this process is shown in
With suitable forms it is advantageous for the purposes of transportation or storage, if the individual sound bodies {1} are made separable. By the similarity in shape of the paraboloids they can be inserted into each other, so that less space is required. An illustration is shown in
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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DE10 2012 104 332 | May 2012 | DE | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2012/075191 | 12/12/2012 | WO | 00 |