Aerophones that use inflatable objects

Abstract

An apparatus for assembling and playing an aerophone includes a gas conduit forming gas channels and a mechanism for positioning a closed, inflatable article in an operatively associated manner with the gas conduit. One or more inlets and outlets are arranged along the gas conduit to deliver air through one or more gas channels. A first volume of pressurized gas is delivered along the air channels from the inlets to the outlets to generate vibrations on the outer surface of the walls of the inflatable article. The vibrations of the walls of the inflatable article cause a second volume of pressurized gas to vibrate as the second volume exits the outlet. The vibrations generated by the second volume of pressurized gas as it exits the gas conduit can be manifested as audible sound and can be modulated to form music.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of generating vibrations through aerophones that use enclosed, inflatable objects. Background Technology

[0002] The background of this invention provides prior art information in the related fields of enclosed inflatable objects and mechanisms for generating vibrations and producing sound in aerophones.

[0003] In the case of aerophones, elastic materials (such as, but not limited to, lips, wood, plastic, or metal) vibrate when in contact with the force of pressurized gas, thus producing musical sounds. Despite the use of similar materials and air-based applications, to our knowledge, there is currently no way to use a closed, inflatable object as a musical vibration generator in an aerophone. However, inflatable objects such as toy balls and balloons have similar material properties to the vibrating sound-producing objects (such as reeds) used in aerophones. Both toy balls and reeds utilize air and elastic materials to deform, whether bouncing or vibrating. In the case of balls and balloons, the elastic material surrounds the air, keeping the ball or balloon in a stationary three-dimensional shape.

[0004] With current technology, traditional aerophones are difficult to assemble, often requiring the laborious and careful placement of precision-manufactured reeds onto the mouthpiece. Reeds can be expensive, fragile, and prone to breakage or other damage, hindering learning for young children and adults alike. Reed assembly uses fasteners to attach the reeds to the mouthpiece or retainer, and a sliding fit between the mouthpiece and the horn. Adding to the subtle complexity of the assembly process, the reed tongue must be carefully aligned with the aerophone's orientation, which is difficult for young users. When playing complex wind instruments, the difficult assembly and setup create a learning curve, especially for children or others unfamiliar with fasteners, fittings, and wind instruments.

[0005] Furthermore, players must learn special techniques to position their mouths inside or around the mouthpiece. In various mouthpiece configurations, the mouthpiece provides an air passage that acts as a tool for positioning wooden or solid reeds. The mouthpiece allows the player's lips to be positioned relative to the reeds so that air (like the player's breath) is successfully delivered to the reeds and into the instrument, producing vibrations. Once the vibrations produced by the reeds reach frequencies of 20 Hz or higher, an audible sound can be effectively transmitted through a trumpet, woodwind, flute, or other aerophone. In instruments with lip-reeds, such as the French horn and trumpet, users may require considerable practice to learn how to produce vibrations using the lips and breath through lip positioning. The assembly, the fragility of the reeds, and the lip positioning technique create a steeply steep learning curve that can deter people from playing aerophones.

[0006] Enclosed inflatable objects, such as balls and balloons, are among the most popular toys and the focus of games and activities. Users can see, touch, and hear the object when it is bounced, thrown, caught, or vibrated. Enclosed inflatable objects like balls and balloons, along with the various devices, musical instruments, and apparatuses that allow for functional interaction with them, occupy a unique place in socio-cultural structures around the world.

[0007] Referring to the following overview of the prior art, although it relates to enclosed inflatable objects or sound-producing aerophones, it does not integrate these two aspects in a way that addresses the desire for more accessible, user-friendly aerophones.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 4,704,934A discloses an external musical balloon containing an electronic music production device within a nearly opaque internal balloon. Music is activated when sufficient light penetrates between the two balloons.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 5,219,162A discloses a toy ball having a solid body made of foam plastic material and a noise generator fully embedded within the foam plastic body. The noise generator includes a hollow rigid shell that can be formed from rigid plastic, and a freely rolling marble located within the shell to produce a clicking sound when the ball moves.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 6,126,634A discloses an expansion catheter for intraluminal use, the catheter having an elongated shaft and a closed, inflatable construct or segment located at the distal end of the catheter shaft having multiple working sections. A first working section elastically expands to a first pressure within a first pressure range upon inflation, and a second working section elastically expands to a second pressure range upon inflation.

[0011] Canadian Patent Document No. 2764839A1 discloses an underwater musical instrument including a hydraulic resonant bulb. The spherical bulb is made of or filled with a non-gaseous material and produces an acoustic response when struck by a user by causing water or other liquid to flow through a rigid tube connected to an open, flexible reservoir.

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 20060009319A1 discloses a novel ball assembly that generates noise when compressed by discharging and releasing air. The noise generator is placed within a self-expanding elastic shell defining an inner cavity, near a first vent, so that air displaced through the first vent passes through the noise generator. As air passes through the noise generator, it produces an audible sound.

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 9,814,999B2 discloses a toy aerophone block that can produce a variety of sounds from multiple block configurations. These blocks are all quadrilateral polyhedra that interlock to create a blown instrument with multiple air passages within its internal space, whereby, when an air source supplies airflow to each aerophone, larger blocks produce lower-pitched sounds, while smaller blocks produce higher-pitched sounds.

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 20140233780A1 discloses a diaphragm used in a horn or similar noise-generating device. The diaphragm may have a concave or convex nonlinear shape, wherein protrusions are included within the body of a rigid or semi-rigid diaphragm. The diaphragms may be made of any relevant material and retain their unclosed, non-flat shape when pressurized gas is applied and when no pressurized gas is applied.

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 6,483,017 B1 discloses a method and apparatus for tensioning or relaxing a diaphragm of a musical instrument (such as a conventional frame drum) using pressurized fluid, which is directed into one or more variable pressure chambers formed by an expandable hollow body. Pressure is applied uniformly over the entire circumference of the diaphragm, which is secured by only a single strap, allowing for very rapid tension or relaxation. The strap is arranged to vibrate freely relative to the body while the diaphragm is subjected to pressure from the variable pressure chambers.

[0016] As can be understood from the techniques outlined above, the application of enclosed inflatable objects does not result in the generation of a series of sounds through vibration in a manner that allows them to be tuned or played as musical instruments. Furthermore, among the techniques outlined above related to sound generation using pressurized gas, none of the solutions utilize enclosed inflatable objects as their vibration generation mechanism.

[0017] There is still a need to reimagine traditional aerophones by replacing standard reeds with durable, affordable, and viable alternatives that help players navigate the abruptly increased learning curve associated with the assembly, mouthpiece, and skill acquisition of such instruments. Summary of the Invention

[0018] This invention generally relates to generating vibrations via a gas-operated musical instrument using an inflatable object that remains closed during use without loss of air. The inflatable object begins to vibrate through its association with a device comprising a gas conduit and a tool for positioning the object, the tool being supplied with air through a gas channel in the gas conduit for positioning the object along an air passage (defined by the gas conduit having the gas channel) between one or more inlets and one or more outlets of the gas conduit (e.g., a pipe). A first volume of pressurized gas is supplied through one or more inlets of the gas conduit, which generates vibrations on the outer surface of the wall of the inflatable object, and a second volume of pressurized gas flows out from one or more outlets of the gas conduit. The inflatable object can be located anywhere along the air passage of the device disclosed herein, as long as it causes resistance or partially obstructs the flow of pressurized gas within or through the gas conduit. Depending on the construction of the device and the position of the inflatable object along the air passage of the air duct, and / or the pressure within the inflatable object, and / or the wall thickness or stiffness of the inflatable object, the required degree of air compression may vary (e.g., by the player blowing air, a foot pump, an air compressor, or a piston) to cause the walls of the inflatable object to vibrate at a frequency sufficient to produce a sound audible to the human ear. The tools used to position the inflatable object along the air passage of the air duct result in the formation of interfaces that facilitate sound-producing vibrations. The tools used and the characteristics of the interfaces can also vary (e.g., by the user holding the enclosed inflatable object in their hand at the outlet of the gas duct, or by applying various structures for fixing, holding, and moving the inflatable object relative to the outlet) to provide options for producing a range of sounds and tones. For example, by varying the surface tension area of ​​the inflatable object's walls, the inflatable object vibrates under the pressure of a first volume of pressurized gas before exiting as a second volume of pressurized gas from one or more outlets of the duct. In this way, the device of the present invention provides users with an experience of playing aerophones by using an inflatable object to produce sound in a multi-sensory, accessible (user-friendly) and dynamic manner.

[0019] In one aspect, an apparatus for assembling a gas percussion instrument is provided, comprising:

[0020] A gas conduit having a first end and a second end to provide a gas passage;

[0021] One or more air inlets are disposed at a first location on the gas conduit and configured to deliver a first volume of pressurized gas to the gas passage.

[0022] One or more outlets are disposed at a second location on the gas conduit and configured to release a second volume of pressurized gas from the gas passage; and

[0023] A mechanism for positioning an inflatable object to operatively associate the inflatable object with a gas conduit.

[0024] When the inflatable object is positioned using a mechanism to operatively associate with the gas conduit and a first volume of pressurized gas is delivered into the gas conduit through one or more inlets, the walls of the inflatable object vibrate and cause a second volume of pressurized gas to vibrate within the gas channel before some or all of the second volume of pressurized gas leaves the gas conduit from one or more outlets.

[0025] In another aspect, an aerophone is provided, comprising:

[0026] Equipment, including:

[0027] A gas conduit having a first end and a second end to provide a gas passage;

[0028] One or more air inlets are disposed at a first location on the gas conduit and configured to deliver a first volume of pressurized gas to the gas passage.

[0029] One or more outlets are disposed at a second location on the gas conduit and configured to release a second volume of pressurized gas from the gas passage; and

[0030] An inflatable object, which uses a mechanism for positioning the inflatable object to be operatively associated with a gas conduit.

[0031] When the first volume of pressurized gas is delivered into the gas conduit through one or more inlets, the walls of the inflatable object vibrate and cause the second volume of pressurized gas to vibrate within the gas channel before some or all of the second volume of pressurized gas leaves the gas conduit from one or more outlets.

[0032] On the other hand, a method for assembling an aerophone is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0033] Provide equipment, the equipment including:

[0034] A gas conduit having a first end and a second end to provide a gas passage;

[0035] One or more air inlets are disposed at a first location on the gas conduit and configured as a gas passage for delivering a first volume of pressurized gas to the gas conduit;

[0036] One or more outlets are disposed at a second location on the gas conduit and configured to release a second volume of pressurized gas from the gas passage; and

[0037] A mechanism for positioning an inflatable object to operatively associate the inflatable object with a gas conduit; and

[0038] A mechanism for positioning inflatable objects is used to position the inflatable objects in a position operatively associated with gas conduits.

[0039] On the other hand, a method for generating vibration is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0040] Assemble aerophones; and

[0041] A first volume of pressurized gas is delivered into a gas duct through one of the first or more inlets to cause wall vibration of the inflatable object.

[0042] In one embodiment, when the inflatable object is positioned using a mechanism for operatively associated with a gas conduit, a vibration gap is formed, through which vibrations in a region of the inflatable object's wall cause vibrations in a second volume of air.

[0043] In another embodiment, the mechanism for positioning the inflatable object includes one or more vibrating anchor points for holding the inflatable object in a desired position.

[0044] In another embodiment, one or more sections of the gas conduit define sections of the gas passage.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, one of one or more sections of the gas conduit may be interchanged with another section of the gas conduit.

[0046] In yet another embodiment, the device further includes one or more sound modulation mechanisms.

[0047] In yet another embodiment, one of one or more sound modulation mechanisms includes a tool for altering one or more gas passages, a tool for altering the position of an inflatable object and maintaining it operatively associated with a gas conduit, or a tool for altering the tension of the walls of an inflatable object when operatively associated with a gas conduit.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, one of the one or more sound modulation mechanisms includes one or more sections of a gas conduit; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, slides, horn attachments, and tuning connectors; tools for positioning an inflatable object to be operatively associated with the gas conduit; tools for deflating or inflating the inflatable object and resealing it; fasteners operatively associated with an actuation mechanism for stretching the walls of the inflatable object; sand, foam balls, and other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed within the inflatable object.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, two or more devices are connected to engage their corresponding gas conduits and increase the available air passage.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, one of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operatively associated with a pressurized gas source.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, one of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a mouthpiece for receiving pressurized gas from the user's lungs.

[0052] In yet another embodiment, one of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a connection for receiving pressurized gas from the pump. Attached Figure Description

[0053] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1A-1F A is an embodiment of the device according to the invention, showing a configuration including a gas conduit providing a gas passage and an inflatable object holder; B is the same embodiment of the device shown in A, configured with a reverse air passage; C is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in A, including three-segment gas conduits providing three-segment gas passages; D is an assembled view of the device shown in C, having air passages; E is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in D, including a triangular prism-shaped gas conduit with an inner wall for positioning an inflatable object; F is a view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in A, including a gas conduit that uses holes on its sides as air inlets to provide a gas passage.

[0055] Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the device of the present invention, a configuration including a gas conduit having a chamber section and a threaded object retainer is shown.

[0056] Figure 3 The present invention provides a non-exhaustive classification of gas conduit segments having various shapes and / or features, wherein A is a hollow torus; B is cylindrical; C includes segments of different diameters; D includes tapered segments that taper outward from the center of a circle; E includes polygonal segments that taper outward from the center of a hexagon; F represents a curved form; and G shows a rectangular form of a chamber segment of a gas conduit.

[0057] Figures 4A-4EA is an embodiment of the device according to the invention, having multiple air inlets and outlets, and an object retainer extending into a gas channel of a gas conduit; B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in A, wherein an additional gas conduit section providing an additional gas channel section allows the air inlets and outlets to be connected at both ends; C is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in B, wherein the gas channel is also branched, but not a completely closed chamber, and the inflatable object retainer is the inner outer surface of the hollow toroidal gas conduit section; D is an assembly diagram of the device shown in C; E is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in A, having multiple outlets that function in a straight line.

[0058] Figures 5A-5B A is an embodiment of the device according to the invention, showing a toroidal gas conduit including a gas reservoir, a valve for regulating air pressure, a nozzle, and orifices serving as multiple gas outlets; B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in A, having three valves connected to three corresponding gas outlets.

[0059] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the device according to the invention illustrates how to use a hand as a tool to position an inflatable object along an air passage between an air inlet and an air outlet in a gas conduit.

[0060] Figures 7A-7D A is an alternative embodiment of Figure 1, having an object retainer anchored to a gas conduit by two discrete vibration anchor points; B is an isometric right-side view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in A, characterized in that an inflatable object retainer within the gas conduit provides a plurality of continuous vibration anchor points along its inner diameter surface; C is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in B, having an inflatable object retainer protruding through a gas passage in the gas conduit by two discrete vibration anchor points; D is an isometric view of the device shown in 4B, having a series of continuous vibration anchor points arranged around the inner diameter of its toroidal shape.

[0061] Figure 8The following is a non-exhaustive classification of embodiments of object holding tools or holders according to the present invention, wherein A is a circular (ring-shaped) object holder; B is a solid toroidal object holder; C is a polygonal object holder; D is a star-shaped object holder; E is a partially circular object holder with straight and curved features; F is a hollow toroidal object holder; G is a crescent-shaped object holder; H is an object holder with three adjustable fasteners that can be connected to points on the walls of an inflatable object; I is an object holder with two asymmetrically distributed fasteners along the ring; J is a front view of an object holder that uses fasteners that push two or more surfaces together as a tool for positioning an inflatable object relative to a gas conduit of the device according to the present invention; K is an object holder with two non-flat surfaces. A surface object retainer clamps an inflatable object as a tool for positioning it; L is an object retainer with two threaded pipe segments clamping the inflatable object against one or more pipe surfaces; M illustrates five eye bolts attached to the wall of the inflatable object to use compression to hold the inflatable object while pulling the object in one or more directions to increase or decrease the surface tension of the inflatable object's wall; N is a conical polygonal object retainer divided into two halves; O is an isometric top view of a single conical polygonal object retainer that holds an inflatable object; P is an isometric side view of an object retainer made of pipe segments of different sizes and shapes that holds an inflatable object between surface areas and / or vertices of its composite shape; Q is a front view of a spiral object retainer.

[0062] Figures 9A-9B A is Figure 1A An alternative embodiment of the device shown is provided, which adds a closed inflatable object; B is the same embodiment as the device shown in A, but with a reverse air passage.

[0063] Figure 10 An exploded view of an embodiment of the aerophone according to the present invention shows a configuration including a threaded gas conduit, a rectangular object holder with an open end, and an inflatable object.

[0064] Figure 11 : Figure 10 An assembly embodiment of the aerophone is shown in the figure.

[0065] Figure 12 A non-exhaustive classification of embodiments of inflatable objects according to the present invention, which can be connected to various embodiments of the device of the present invention to assemble musical instruments according to the present invention, wherein A is a spherical inflatable object; B is an inflatable object made of various materials; C is an elongated cylindrical inflatable object; D is a side view of a polygonal inflatable object; E is an oval inflatable object having multiple different curvatures along its outer surface; F is an inflatable object having features for connecting the inflatable object to... Figure 8H represents a ring mechanism for retaining fasteners of an object; G is an inflatable object whose pressure may be below atmospheric pressure and which retains its 3D shape due to rigid or semi-rigid structures located inside the inflatable object and / or connected to its outer wall; H is a polyhedral inflatable object; I is an inflatable object that may contain solid or liquid particles; J is an inflatable object with a hollow toroidal shape.

[0066] Figure 13 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it has a mechanism for positioning an inflatable object, the tool extending into the gas channel chamber through the outer wall of the gas conduit, the extent of which can be adjusted from outside the chamber section of the gas conduit.

[0067] Figures 14A-14B A is an embodiment of the aerophone according to the present invention, wherein an inflatable object is placed in a polygonal chamber section of a gas conduit, and different sections of large and small diameters (e.g., polygonal, star-shaped, elliptical, or other non-circular gas conduit sections) are used as tools for positioning the inflatable object; B is a top view of an embodiment similar to A, which uses friction to fix the inflatable object in the chamber section of the gas conduit.

[0068] Figure 15 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, there are multiple air passages within the gas channel section.

[0069] Figure 16 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, the outer wall of the inflatable object is positioned on the opening of a gas conduit having a vibration fixation point, and the air passage moves from the outer tube gas conduit section to the inner tube gas conduit section.

[0070] Figure 17 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, the outer wall of the inflatable object is positioned on the opening of a gas conduit having a vibration fixation point, and the air passage moves from the inner tube gas conduit section to the outer tube gas conduit section.

[0071] Figure 18 An isometric view of an embodiment of the aerophone according to the present invention shows a hollow toroidal gas conduit segment that positions an inflatable object at the opening of the gas conduit having a vibration fixation point.

[0072] Figure 19 : Figure 18 Another view of the aerophone shown illustrates the air passageway.

[0073] Figures 20A-20B A is Figure 18 and 19The exploded isometric view of the aerophone shown has a threaded tube positioning system; B is an alternative embodiment of A, which has a male sliding fit insert containing female threads.

[0074] Figure 21 An isometric view of an embodiment of a gas-operated musical instrument according to the present invention, wherein the inflatable object is positioned on the opening of the gas channel using the surface area and apex of the composite shape of the gas conduit as an object holder.

[0075] Figures 22A-22D A is an isometric view of an embodiment of an aerophone according to the invention, configured to generate vibration when pressurized gas is supplied to a vibrating gap formed when a bend in the gas conduit contacts an inflatable object; including a detailed view emphasizing the bend in the gas conduit relative to a front view located on the right. B is a top view of the device shown in A; C is a side view of the instrument shown in A; D is a top view of a similar instrument shown in A, characterized in that the distance between the vibrating gaps between two opposing surfaces (one of which is the outer wall of the inflatable object) exceeds 10 mm, and is therefore not configured to generate vibration.

[0076] Figures 23A-23HVarious embodiments of the tool that generates vibrations in aerophones according to the invention are provided, by forming or not forming indentations on the inner wall of a dual-functional structure serving as a gas conduit segment and an object holder. When an inflatable object is inserted into the object holder, vibration gaps and vibration gap distances of different shapes are formed between the inflatable object and the instrument, wherein A is a curved indentation forming a corresponding curved vibration gap, including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap distance with respect to the vibration gap in the left-side front view; B is a corner indentation forming a corresponding angular vibration gap, including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap distance with respect to the vibration gap in the left-side front view; C is the same vibration gap as B, showing another vibration gap distance between the inflatable object and the inner wall of the gas conduit, including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap distance with respect to the vibration gap in the left-side front view. D shows multiple curved indentations forming multiple curved vibration gaps, including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap distances relative to the vibration gaps in the left-hand front view; E shows a biconvex vibration gap created by the shape of an inflatable object, including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap distances relative to the vibration gaps in the left-hand front view; F shows a biconvex vibration gap formed between two or more opposing surfaces of an inflatable object, and the vibration gap distance between the inflatable object and the inner surface of the gas conduit; G shows a biconvex vibration gap formed within a hole located at the center of an inflatable object of a toroidal shape, including a detailed view emphasizing multiple vibration gap distances relative to the vibration gaps in the left-hand front view; H shows a plano-convex vibration gap formed between opposing surfaces of one or more inflatable objects.

[0077] Figures 24A-24F Various isometric views of embodiments of aerophones according to the invention, configured with vibration gaps of different shapes, wherein A is a circular vibration gap; B is a side view of the instrument shown in A, having an air passage; including detailed views emphasizing the vibration gaps and vibration gap distances relative to a front view located on the right. C is an alternative embodiment of the instrument shown in A and B; D is an alternative embodiment of the instrument shown in C, having a biconvex vibration gap; E is another embodiment of the instrument shown in C, having an angular vibration gap; F is an alternative embodiment of the instrument shown in C, having a bell-shaped vibration gap.

[0078] Figures 25A-25DA is another embodiment of the aerophone according to the invention, configured to generate vibration when pressurized gas is delivered, wherein an inflatable object can be positioned to one side of the instrument; B is an alternative embodiment of the aerophone shown in A, having a threaded object locator that provides placement options for the inflatable object at the opening of the gas conduit to adjust vibration; C is an alternative embodiment of the aerophone shown in B, having an adjustable threaded tube positioning system not configured to generate vibration; D is the embodiment shown in C, configured to generate vibration when pressurized gas of sufficient quantity and pressure is delivered.

[0079] Figure 26 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured to generate vibration when a sufficient quantity and pressure of pressurized gas is delivered. The inflatable object is positioned using the inner surface of the chamber section of the gas conduit closest to the inflatable object, while allowing air to flow around the inflatable object around the walls of the inflatable object and the gas passage space between the remaining inner surfaces that are not in contact with the walls and are farther away from the inflatable object.

[0080] Figure 27 : Figure 18-2 The image shows a side view of a toroidal aerophone, illustrating how the instrument is constructed to vibrate when supplied with sufficient pressurized gas.

[0081] Figure 28 A is Figure 27 Another front view of the aerophone instrument shown illustrates how this exemplary prototype embodiment of the instrument is configured to produce vibrations when a sufficient quantity and pressure of pressurized gas is delivered; including a detailed view emphasizing the vibratory gap of the instrument in the front view located on the right.

[0082] Figure 29 : Figure 16 Another view of the instrument shown, which is constructed to produce vibrations.

[0083] Figure 30 : Figure 17 Another view of the instrument shown, which is constructed to produce vibrations.

[0084] Figure 31 A view of an embodiment of an inflatable object according to the present invention, which is configured to be inflated using a method of sealed air.

[0085] Figure 32 An isometric view of an embodiment of an inflatable object according to the present invention, which is configured to deflate using a method of sealing air.

[0086] Figure 33A view of an embodiment of an inflatable object according to the present invention, which is configured to expand using anchor points that can be connected to an object retainer.

[0087] Figure 34 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, an object holder configured with a compression interface as a tension changing mechanism is shown; including a detailed view emphasizing the thread tension changing mechanism and the vibration gap relative to the front view located on the right.

[0088] Figures 35A-35B A is an exploded front view of an embodiment of an aerophone according to the present invention, which is configured with a sound modulation mechanism using a tone hole; including a detailed view emphasizing the male sliding fit insert for tuning the instrument relative to the front view located on the right; B is a view of an assembly embodiment of the instrument shown in A.

[0089] Figure 36 An isometric view of an embodiment of an aerophone according to the present invention, which is configured with a tool for modulating sound using a sliding joint; including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap of the instrument with respect to the upper front view.

[0090] Figure 37 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a sound modulation mechanism using a tone hole and a valve located downstream of an inflatable object with respect to airflow from an air source; including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gap of the instrument in a front view located on the right.

[0091] Figure 38 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a sound modulation mechanism using a valve located upstream of the inflatable object with respect to airflow from an air source; including a detailed view emphasizing the vibrating gap of the instrument near the inflatable object and the threaded connection interface relative to the front view located on the right.

[0092] Figure 39 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a sound modulation mechanism that uses a connected valve to open or close a gas passage segment leading to three vibration gaps on three inflatable objects; including a detailed view of one of the three vibration gaps highlighted in the front view located on the right.

[0093] Figure 40 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a sound modulation mechanism that repositions an inflatable object relative to the opening of a gas duct.

[0094] Figure 41According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a sound modulation mechanism using a slide tube and a tone hole; including a detailed view of the first and second vibration gaps, which are highlighted relative to the front view located on the left, and the first and second vibration gaps can generate vibrations that modulate a third vibration in a third vibration gap.

[0095] Figure 42 According to various embodiments of the sound modulation mechanism using various gas conduit segment shapes and / or playable interfaces, A is a conduit with a resonant spherical shape; B is a conical segment form with a tone hole; C is a non-linear conduit; D is a curved form with a tone hole; and E is a pyramidal segment form with a tone hole.

[0096] Figures 43A-43B A is Figure 22A The isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the aerophone shown shows multiple indentations on the inner wall of the gas conduit section to provide multiple vibration gaps formed between the inflatable object and the inner wall of the gas conduit; B is a top view of A, viewed from the angle of the gas channel arranged through the inflatable object.

[0097] Figure 44 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a plurality of inflatable objects that highlight in detail how the vibration gaps operate in series; including a detailed view highlighting a first vibration gap relative to a front view located on the right, which is configured to generate vibration using a first inflatable object that modulates a second vibration gap; including another detailed view of a second vibration gap relative to a front view located on the right, which is configured to generate further vibration using a second inflatable object.

[0098] Figure 45 :exist Figures 43A-43B An isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the musical instrument shown, which has multiple vibration gaps configured to generate vibrations using two inflatable objects.

[0099] Figure 46 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it is configured with a plurality of vibration gaps, which can generate a plurality of vibrations using an inflatable object; including a detailed view of the instrument surrounding three vibration gaps of an inflatable object, which is emphasized relative to the front view located on the right.

[0100] Figure 47 : Figure 46 The view shows an alternative embodiment of the aerophone, configured to have multiple vibration gaps that can generate multiple vibrations using two inflatable objects; including a detailed view emphasizing the vibration gaps that can generate vibrations using a second inflatable object relative to the front view located on the right.

[0101] Figures 48A-48BA is another embodiment of the aerophone according to the invention, which is configured with two vibrating gaps using two inflatable objects; B is an alternative embodiment of A, which has two playable interfaces connected to the aerophone.

[0102] Figure 49 An isometric view of another embodiment of the aerophone according to the present invention, which is configured with a plurality of vibration gaps, the vibration gaps being able to generate vibration using an inflatable object.

[0103] Figure 50 An isometric view of an embodiment of an inflatable object according to the present invention, wherein a plurality of vibration gaps are distributed around the inflatable object.

[0104] Figure 51 According to an embodiment of the aerophone of the present invention, it has an air inlet, an air outlet and a plurality of vibration gaps, the vibration gaps being configured to generate vibration using an inflatable object.

[0105] Figure 52 A-52B: A is a method of supplying pressurized gas to a gas-operated instrument according to the invention using a hose connected to an air source; B is another method of supplying pressurized gas to a gas-operated instrument using an air pump shoe.

[0106] Figure 53 Three similar prototype embodiments of the aerophone according to the present invention are shown, illustrating relative proportions and size selections. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for assembling and playing aerophones configured to generate vibrations, including audible sound vibrations, using an inflatable object.

[0108] definition

[0109] Unless otherwise stated, all scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0110] When the word “a” is used herein with the term “comprising”, it can mean “one”, but it also corresponds to the meanings of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more.” As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing,” and their grammatical variations, are inclusive or open-ended but do not exclude additional, unlisted elements and / or method steps. The term “substantially composed of” when used herein in conjunction with an apparatus indicates that additional elements and / or method steps may be present, but these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the listed apparatus operates. The term “consisting of” when used herein in conjunction with an apparatus excludes the presence of additional elements and / or method steps. An apparatus described herein as including certain elements and / or steps may also consist substantially of those elements and / or steps in some embodiments, and consist of those elements and / or steps in other embodiments, whether or not those embodiments are specifically mentioned.

[0111] As used herein, the term “about” refers to a change of approximately + / - 10% from a given value. It should be understood that such change is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically mentioned.

[0112] Unless otherwise stated herein, the description of ranges herein is intended to express a range and a single value falling within that range, the same as the bit value used to represent a range of numbers.

[0113] The use of any instance or exemplary language, such as “for example,” “exemplary embodiment,” “illustrative embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” “prototype embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” and “for example,” is intended to illustrate or represent aspects, embodiments, variations, elements, or features relating to the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0114] As used herein, the terms “connecting,” “linked,” and “connected” refer to any direct or indirect physical association between the elements or features of the instrument of the present invention. Thus, these terms can be understood to mean elements or features that are partially or wholly contained within each other, attached, joined, placed, connected together, protruding, vertically connected, or accessed, even if other elements or features are involved between the elements or features described as connected.

[0115] As used herein, the terms “vibration,” “vibrating,” and “oscillation” refer to the periodic motion of material particles from their equilibrium positions toward alternating opposite directions when their equilibrium state is disturbed. Therefore, vibration is generated when a force impacts any material, and can be measured as a mechanical phenomenon with frequencies exceeding 0 Hz. For example, in the case of an inflatable object, vibration manifests as the periodic motion of the inflatable object in response to pressure applied to its outer surface using pressurized gas as a means of inducing vibration, thus producing measurable frequencies above 0 Hz.

[0116] As used in this article, the term "sound" refers to vibrations that propagate as sound waves through a transmission medium, such as a gas, liquid, or solid. This term also refers to the human body and brain's reception and perception of sound waves. The measurable frequency range of sound waves between approximately 20 Hz and 20 kHz, and any range above 0 dB, can be labeled as audible to people with minimal hearing impairment. The frequency range below approximately 4000 Hz may be more labeled as a vibrational sensation than an audible sound for people with severe hearing impairment (e.g., hearing loss exceeding approximately 61 dB). The dB range exceeding approximately 194 dB is generally unmeasurable, and the dB range exceeding approximately 140 dB can cause physiological harm to the listener even after short-term exposure, and therefore is not considered an ideal target range for listeners. It should be noted that sound volume, measured in decibels, decreases with increasing distance between the listener and the sound source. Listeners can move away or position themselves in a more ideal decibel range relative to the sound source; for listeners with minimal hearing impairment, 40-95 decibels may be comfortable. In this invention, the frequency and decibel ranges of different instrument embodiments can vary considerably depending on the component configuration of that embodiment, and these ranges can further vary depending on how vibrations change. For example, in one embodiment of the instrument, the distance between its longest points is measured to be approximately 19 inches, and it has tone holes that might be found on a flute, producing a frequency range likely between 200 Hz and 1000 Hz. If most or all of the holes in this embodiment are covered by the user's fingers, then the sub-range of frequencies becomes closer to 800-1000 Hz. Most aerophones played by the user produce sound at pressures approximately 0.001 psi to 2.5 psi above atmospheric pressure. If a user's breath is used to deliver approximately 0.75 psi of pressurized gas into a musical instrument to vibrate an inflatable object, the pressure inside the inflatable object would be approximately 0.7 psi, and the wall thickness of the inflatable object would be approximately 0.04 mm. The decibel level of the instrument could be measured between approximately 60 dB and 85 dB. If a user uses another source of pressurized gas (such as a manual hand pump or foot pump) to blow air at approximately 7.5 psi into an instrument of another embodiment, the internal pressure of the inflatable object in that instrument, measured at approximately 7.0 psi, would produce a sound decibel level with an amplitude of approximately 70 dB to 95 dB. As used herein, the terms "elastic," "flexible," and "resiliently" refer to the physical deformation properties of a material and its ability to return to its initial shape and size after deformation (e.g., compression or expansion). For example, air can be compressed infinitely at the very end of deformation and returns to its initial state after the compression is removed; therefore, air is a highly elastic material. In this invention, it should be understood that although any part of the invention may be discussed with reference to these terms, the main focus will be on the vibration and sound-producing capabilities of enclosed inflatable objects.It should also be understood that elasticity can refer to, but is not limited to, any number of fully or partially malleable materials, covering a range from easily deformable or semi-rigid materials (such as silicone, latex, and rubber) to more rigid materials (such as plastics, metals, and carbon fibers).

[0117] As used herein, the term "tension" refers to how the physical properties of an elastic material change when it is subjected to compression, expansion, push, pull, repositioning, stretching, and / or squeezing (when these forces are transmitted by any three-dimensional object). It should be understood in this invention that, in any variation of the term tension, a primary focus will be the relationship between the tension value of the inflatable object when it is positioned in any embodiment of the musical instrument and the altered vibrations and sound quality of the instrument resulting from the elasticity of these inflatable objects being stretched.

[0118] As used herein, the term "pressure" refers to any force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object or to a tangent plane perpendicular to the surface of a curved object, and to a pressure gauge reading relative to atmospheric pressure. For example, when referring to a measurement of 2 psi, it means 2 psi higher than atmospheric pressure. The pressure of pressurized gas can exert force on the outer and inner walls of a closed inflatable object, thereby altering its vibration, elasticity, and / or tension, and the measurable quantity of this pressurized gas can be measured in pounds per square inch (psi). In this invention, it should be understood that pressure can refer both to the force of pressurized gas within the gas conduit of an instrument against the outer surface of a closed inflatable object to produce vibration, and to the force of pressurized gas required within the same closed inflatable object to maintain its inflated state. The term pressure can also refer to the magnitude of the impact force exerted by any part of an instrument on another part of the instrument to change the magnitude of compression. For example, some embodiments of the invention include mechanisms for positioning an inflatable object in which the magnitude of the pressure applied to its outer surface region can be adjusted using a threaded device, resulting in an increase in compression.

[0119] As used herein, the terms “modulation” and “modulation” refer to any adjustment to the frequency, pitch, amplitude, timbre, envelope, velocity, wavelength, and / or phase of a vibration and / or sound. For example, in this invention, a sound modulation mechanism may refer to any portion of any embodiment in which a user can manipulate the airflow path through an instrument (e.g., via a diaphragm) to increase the audible frequency of vibrations produced by the instrument.

[0120] As used herein, the term "modular" refers to any physical unit of an object constructed with standardized dimensions to allow for flexibility and versatility in use. In this invention, some embodiments include modular sections that are removable, adjustable, and / or interchangeable with similar or different components having the same or interchangeable connecting tools to alter the function, sound, and / or ornamentation of the instrument. For example, one modular embodiment of the invention has a linear 7-inch cylindrical tube section connecting the inlet to the outlet, which can be interchanged with a non-linear 20-inch tapered tube section using the same connecting joint. This, in turn, modulates the sound-producing vibrations, resulting in a decrease in the frequency of the sound due to the increased tube length as pressurized gas is delivered through the instrument, while simultaneously altering its timbre due to the different tube shapes. As used herein, the term "segment" refers to each part of something conceptually divided or potentially divided to describe the various features and aspects of the devices, systems, and instruments of the invention. In other words, segments and sections are understood to refer to the functional division and / or configuration of components or portions of a device, system, or instrument according to the invention. A segment may or may not be marked by a clearly identifiable physical feature along the structure or on a component or part of the structure. It should be understood that a segment can be considered as further subdivided into multiple parts with different functions. Alternatively, a segment may refer to a portion that spans or crosses two visually distinguishable components of the device, system, or musical instrument of the present invention. For example, in the present invention, an end segment of a gas conduit may include an air inlet, a mouthpiece, and an extended hose, all of which extend the path of air delivery through the gas passage. Furthermore, it should be understood that when any of these segments extends the gas conduit, they correspondingly extend the gas passages within the gas conduit, through which there may be one or more gas pathways. For example, in the present invention, interchangeable segments can be used to construct modular musical instrument systems, wherein the total length of the gas conduit is generally substantially equal to the total length of its corresponding gas passage and can be configured to deliver air through multiple air passages, which may or may not correspond to the total length of the gas passages.

[0121] As used herein, the term "interface" refers to any area, region, or space where the structure or composition of one substantially distinguishable material changes to another, and these materials are operatively associated or connected and interact with each other in a system (e.g., a device) via the interface. This change can be a clear, sharp division of the interface area or a phased, gradient division. In this invention, the term should be understood to refer, among other things, to the area (playable interface) that allows a user to generate and / or manipulate sound-producing vibrations with body parts. It also includes interfaces between devices, systems, and musical instruments, or portions belonging to such devices, systems, and musical instruments. Interfaces may or may not be configured or altered by interchangeable parts or by using interface components, such as new sections, connectors, hoses, valves, etc. Interface components can also be used to alter the amount of vibration of a musical instrument in its vibrational gaps (vibration points) or sources (e.g., where an inflatable object connects to air supplied via a conduit) and in sections of the instrument that can be directly modulated by the user, thereby altering the instrument's airflow, vibration, and sound characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, the gas conduit segment may have tone holes with or without additional structures, which can be operated by the user's fingers to change the sound characteristics and may be referred to as a playable interface.

[0122] It is conceivable that those skilled in the art can implement any of the compositions, apparatuses, articles, methods, and uses disclosed herein as is or by making such changes or equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0123] While certain embodiments are described in detail in the following description and accompanying drawings to illustrate and demonstrate the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the structural details and specific descriptions of these embodiments.

[0124] Equipment for assembling aerophones

[0125] The present invention provides an apparatus for assembling a gas instrument that uses a closed, inflatable object to generate vibration. The apparatus includes a gas conduit through which gas is delivered from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, and further includes a mechanism for positioning the inflatable object in an operatively associated manner with the gas conduit for assembling the gas instrument.

[0126] Gas conduit

[0127] Devices for assembling aerophones include a gas conduit comprising a first end and a second end for conveying pressurized gas through the gas conduit. The first end is configured to have one or more inlets for conveying at least a first volume of pressurized gas via a gas passage to the outer surface of a wall of an inflatable object, and the second end is configured to have one or more outlets for releasing a second volume of pressurized gas from the gas passage. One or more gas conduit segments are associated with one or more gas passage segments as corresponding internal components therein, the gas passage segments connecting the inlets(s) to the outlets(s) and defining an air passage for conveying pressurized gas from an external source. Tools for modulating vibrations and sound using a closed inflatable object can be integrated into one or more portions of the gas conduit, or otherwise operatively associated with or connected to one or more segments of the gas conduit.

[0128] The gas conduit segment can be cylindrical, conical, polygonal, oval, spiral, or any other shape, such as... Figure 3 Various embodiments of the A-3G are illustrated. The gas conduit section may also include any one or a combination of a gas reservoir, mouthpiece, valve gas passage, playable interface area, and / or chamber section (e.g., Figure 13-15 (As shown), and can be configured to allow assembly of modular devices, musical instruments, and systems according to the invention. Furthermore, any segment can be made of any material, such as, but not limited to: glass, plastic, metal, wood, resin, composite materials, stone, and rubber. The general size range of the devices or device components according to the invention can vary from handheld embodiments measuring about 1-20 inches at their longest position to embodiments up to hundreds of meters in all directions for large-scale installation systems. It should be understood that these embodiments are exemplary, as the devices and musical instruments can technically be of any conceivable size, provided there is the corresponding technical capability to deliver sufficient air pressure through the system of the device and musical instrument to produce the desired vibrational effect.

[0129] There is a one-to-one correspondence between the total length of the gas passage and the gas duct, representing the measurable internal distance air can travel from one end of the duct to the other. Adding or removing any sections that lengthen, shorten, or otherwise reshape the gas duct will also alter the gas passage. The delivery and direction of air through the gas passage is called the air path, and it may or may not correspond to the full length of the gas passage depending on the arrangement of the inlet and outlet along the gas duct. That is to say, the air path can be similarly lengthened or shortened by interchanging gas duct sections. In one embodiment, the air path may be less than or greater than the full length of the gas passage, and / or its directionality may change as the air path moves through one or more sections of the gas passage. The air path may be less than the full length of the gas passage when pressurized gas is delivered through an inlet not located at the end of the gas duct, or when the gas passage is divided into two or more sections (forked, tri-forked, etc.) to detour the gas passage. Conversely, the air path may exceed the length of the gas passage when pressurized gas is delivered from a distance into a musical instrument, or released back into the atmosphere outside the gas passage through an outlet.

[0130] Multiple air inlets are located where the first volume of pressurized gas (e.g., breathing) begins to travel through a gas passage located within a gas conduit, and may be configured with a mouthpiece to facilitate the delivery of pressurized gas supplied from a gas source. All sections of the air inlets may be rigid (e.g., plastic tubing), flexible (e.g., corrugated plastic hose attachments), or any combination of both. A pressurized gas source other than human breathing (e.g., a simulated or electric air pump) may also be connected to the air inlets. Multiple air outlets are located where the second volume of pressurized gas is released from the gas passage, and may be made of the same or different materials as the multiple air inlets. The air outlets may take the form of a pipe opening or other orifices in the gas conduit, and may be configured or not configured with other structures (e.g., valves), or manipulated (e.g., by using a user's finger) to block, impede, or divert the flow of air along a given air passage.

[0131] In some embodiments, the gas conduit includes more than one inlet, more than one outlet, and / or other sections to further extend or shorten the available air delivery path. When the gas conduit is constructed using pipes, tubes, and / or chambers, the air passage that can enter or pass through the gas conduit may include an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate section located between the inlet and outlet. These different sections may extend into or nest within each other. Connecting gas conduit sections can be achieved using a variety of other connection methods, such as threaded connections, slip fits, snap-fits, joints, magnetic connection mechanisms, and other section interface components. Modular gas conduits can also be disassembled or folded to facilitate easy transport, especially when used in conjunction with flexible manufacturing materials.

[0132] Mechanism for positioning inflatable objects to assemble aerophones

[0133] The equipment used for assembling aerophones includes a mechanism for positioning an inflatable object in an operable manner to (connect to) a gas conduit, such that it can firmly hold the inflatable object stationary while the outer surface (wall) of the inflatable object vibrates when in contact with a volume of pressurized gas.

[0134] The mechanism for positioning the inflatable object serves to hold the outer wall of the inflatable object at a position approximately 0-10 mm from the opening of the gas conduit, causing vibration as air is supplied through the gas channel pressed against the outer wall of the inflatable object. Therefore, the mechanism for positioning the inflatable object can alternatively be simply referred to as an object holder, as its primary function is to securely position, reposition, and / or hold the inflatable object in a desired position for operative association with the device of the present invention (e.g., more specifically, the gas conduit).

[0135] The mechanism for positioning an inflatable object counteracts the force exerted by pressurized gas against the outer wall of the inflatable object during vibration, thus keeping the inflatable object stationary. It can be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material, such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, resin, rubber, or glass, and can also be designed to include decorative features. In some embodiments, the user's hand and / or fingers can act as the mechanism for positioning the inflatable object, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0136] Figure 8 A-8Q illustrates variations of the object retainer, describing a non-exhaustive list of shapes for a tool used to hold an inflatable object operatively associated with the device of the present invention. As can be seen from these figures, the object retainer can be planar or non-planar in form and can be spherical, oval, polygonal, spiral, bisecting (e.g.) Figure 8 N, where one of the 3D shapes is divided into two halves (which can be made of various materials and can be placed on the top / bottom or side of the inflatable object), or formed into any number of other shapes. Some embodiments of the object retainer may include visual markings to guide the user to properly align and / or assemble the object retainer and insert the inflatable object into the device. The object retainer may also use friction, hooks, compression, expansion, magnetism, adhesives, human hands, or any method that can keep the inflatable object stationary to resist the forces of pressurized gas when it pushes against the outer wall of the inflatable object and causes said wall to vibrate.

[0137] Some embodiments feature a system in which the mechanism for positioning an inflatable object involves placing the object within a chamber of a gas conduit, wherein a region of the outer wall of the inflatable object is positioned along or within an opening of the gas conduit, or positioned about the opening of the gas conduit to be aligned with or otherwise in fluid communication with it. In embodiments where the object holder includes an inner wall region of the gas conduit, air must be able to bypass the inflatable object so that the inflatable object does not completely obstruct airflow through the gas passage. Therefore, the gas conduit segment holding the inflatable object can have small and large diameters, or an inflatable object with a small or large diameter can be used to provide an air passage around the inflatable object.

[0138] For example, in Figure 13-15 In example embodiments, the inflatable object may be arranged in a conduit, fitting, or chamber, and held above, against, or within the conduit, fitting, or chamber by interfacial friction in contact with the structure serving as the object holder 201. In these embodiments, a large diameter (the inner apex) surrounding a small diameter (the surface area plane serving as the object holder) allows air to bypass the inflatable object and does not completely obstruct the passage of air through the gas duct, allowing the walls of the inflatable object to vibrate and produce sound.

[0139] Alternative embodiments of the mechanism for positioning inflatable objects may also have features such as Figure 34 The threaded fastener shown has a compression interface, or uses an expansion interface, which can be used as... Figure 33 The examples show hooks, suction cups, or clips that grip one or more discrete locations on the surface area of ​​an inflatable object. Figure 25D Another embodiment illustrated in the example may use one or more rigid or semi-rigid fasteners 201, which may be connected to the enclosed inflatable object in a vertical orientation relative to its outer wall.

[0140] Vibration gap

[0141] The mechanism used to position an inflatable object facilitates the creation of a vibration gap, a space formed when the inflatable object is positioned relative to a opposing surface (either the opposing surface of the inflatable object or the opposing surface of a gas duct in fluid communication with an opening leading to a gas passage, thus influencing airflow and causing a volume of pressurized air to vibrate). When pressurized gas travels along the air passage through the gas passage to the vibration gap, it causes vibration of at least a portion of the outer wall of the inflatable object when it is within a range of approximately 0-10 mm from the opposing surface. Even if the vibration gap is initially 0 mm, the pressure of a volume of pressurized air can sufficiently displace the wall to create a gap greater than 0 mm but still less than or equal to approximately 10 mm. If the vibration gap distance exceeds approximately 10 mm, then the outer wall of the inflatable object is unlikely to vibrate to a degree sufficient to produce an audible sound for a user or listener.

[0142] Vibration gaps can be constructed or defined using an object retainer (e.g., a mechanism for positioning an inflatable object according to the invention) at one or more locations or regions along the outer surface of the inflatable object. When a vibration gap is formed between two or more opposing surfaces (one of which is a surface of the inflatable object), the space formed between these opposing surfaces can be of any different shape through which pressurized gas can generate vibrations, including but not limited to curved, angular, biconvex, or bell-shaped shapes (as shown in Figures 23-24).

[0143] The object retainer will typically include two or more vibration anchor points (connection points) used to demarcate and position areas of the wall of the inflatable object, which will be operatively associated with the gas conduit, so as to vibrate as pressurized gas is delivered along a given air passage through the gas conduit. The vibration anchor points allow the inflatable object to be operatively associated with the gas conduit when the distance between the outer walls of the inflatable object is within 0-10 mm and it is in fluid communication with the nearest gas passage section within the gas conduit.

[0144] Some embodiments have a continuous surface at the vibration anchor point (the vibration perimeter delineates a segment of the wall surrounding the vibrating inflatable object) instead of a discrete contact area between the inflatable object and the object holder. For example, in one embodiment, the object holder may be the outer wall of one or more gas conduit segments that provides a continuous surface at the vibration anchor point along the vibration perimeter. A variation of this embodiment... Figure 18-2 For example, 0 has a hollow toroidal ring that can act as a gas conduit to form a gas channel to deliver pressurized gas to the vibrating gap, while the holes in the toroidal surface (innermost diameter) defined by the gas conduit wall provide tools for positioning and holding the inflatable object.

[0145] In some embodiments, a combination of discrete and continuous vibration fixation points can be used to construct the vibration gap. For example, as... Figure 25D As described, the adjustable tube segment positioning mechanism 204 can be used as an additional segment of the object retainer 201 to provide additional vibration fixation points for the vertical threaded object retainer segments that have already secured the two opposite sides of the inflatable object.

[0146] Inflatable objects

[0147] An inflatable object can refer to an object filled with any gaseous substance, such as air from the atmosphere, an inert gas, or any other gas that can be safely managed if it escapes from the inflatable object. Such an object remains closed when integrated with the device of the present invention for use in assembling an aerophone according to the invention. Once the inflatable object is securely positioned and operatively associated with a gas conduit, a vibratory gap is defined by the vibration anchor points of the object holder, and a pressurized gas source can be delivered along an available air passage through a gas channel, such as the gas conduit, to vibrate a region of the outer wall of the inflatable object, generating vibration and allowing the device to function as an aerophone. It should be noted that when the outer membrane of the inflatable object is typically subjected to impact, it is used as a membranophone in the instrument classification system; however, when it is constructed to generate vibration using pressurized gas within the instrument of the present invention, it functions as a component of an aerophone.

[0148] An enclosed inflatable object can be described as any object whose internal space is separated from the external space or environment by elastic wall surfaces (e.g., a balloon, a ball). To remain enclosed during use, an inflatable object can contain pressures higher or lower than atmospheric pressure, and a seal can be formed using valves, straps, knotted ends, or O-rings. Multiple pieces of different materials can also be sewn, fastened, and / or fused together to form an inflatable object. When depressurized below atmospheric pressure, the object can use a rigid structure to maintain its three-dimensional shape. Furthermore, inflatable objects can be formed by combining elastic surfaces with rigid structures and can be connected to various object retainers using external anchor points.

[0149] Inflatable objects can be spherical, oval, polygonal (e.g., with four or more sides), spiral, or any combination of these shapes. Inflatable objects may also have outward or inward protruding sections integrated along the entirety of a single enclosed object. A non-exhaustive list of inflatable object shapes is available in [link to list]. Figure 12Examples are given in A-12J. Common materials that can be used to manufacture inflatable objects are rubber, polyester film, plastic, metal, or composite materials. The wall thickness of the inflatable object closest to the vibration gap can range from approximately 0.005 to 10 mm. The wall thickness of the entire inflatable object can be continuous, or the object can have multiple different wall thicknesses at different locations. The diameter of inflatable objects ranges from 5 mm (when used in conjunction with a retainer for smaller diameter objects) to 30 mm (for larger musical instruments).

[0150] In this invention, it should be understood that the diameter and material hardness of the inflatable object determine how much air pressure must be applied to produce the desired vibration from the wall material of the inflatable object. The input pressure of the pressurized gas must be sufficient to cause vibration of the object's walls, and thus to generate vibration in the volume of pressurized gas flowing along the air passage as the volume of pressurized gas leaves the outlet. Compared to inflatable objects of the same size and wall thickness with lower hardness, materials such as steel and nitinol require higher input pressures to produce vibration. Higher hardness materials may require air compressors with pressures up to 5000 psi. Similar to higher hardness materials, objects with thicker walls require greater pressure to vibrate, and may require pressures up to 5000 psi to vibrate. Materials such as rubber, plastic, and polyester film (typically used to manufacture balloon walls with dimensions of approximately 0.005-1.0 mm, which can be inflated by the user's lungs) can also be readily made to vibrate by means of the user's lungs delivering air at pressures 0.001-3 psi higher than atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the hardness of the materials used for inflatable objects can range from Shore hardness 00:00 to any hardness. Depending on the material properties of the inflatable object, the pressure applied, and the wall thickness, different vibration characteristics may result. It should also be understood that gases other than air (such as helium or sulfur hexafluoride) can be used inside enclosed inflatable objects, which may also produce different vibration characteristics during performance.

[0151] A closed, inflatable object can be realized as a three-dimensional object, producing sounds of varying pitches and volumes when it vibrates, depending on properties such as, but not limited to, the object's material, size, wall thickness, internal air pressure, and shape. To produce audible sound (20 Hz–20 kHz) through vibration, the inflatable object must not completely obstruct the passage of air through or through gas ducts. There is a relationship between pressure and sound volume: additional air pressure inside the inflatable object requires a higher air pressure to be applied to the outside of the object to generate vibration, thus producing a louder sound.

[0152] In some embodiments, the enclosed inflatable object may be interchangeable with other enclosed inflatable objects of different shapes, sizes, designs, wall thicknesses and materials, provided that: a) the inflatable object can still be securely mounted within the object holder to remain stationary when operatively associated with and used with the gas conduit, and b) it can be positioned to define a vibration gap of approximately 0-10 mm using vibration anchor points.

[0153] In embodiments of the instrument according to the invention, the user's lips do not directly contact the vibrating inflatable object. Therefore, lip-positioning is not required when playing the instrument. Any learning curve associated with lip-positioning is eliminated, making the instrument user-friendly and allowing users to play it immediately without special training. The use of a closed inflatable object to adjust tone without lip-positioning broadens the range of performance possibilities.

[0154] For example, in Figure 18-2 In the embodiment described in 0, placing a closed, inflatable object within a ring of any orientation hollow toroidal shape is the only assembly required to construct an instrument that vibrates and produces sound, eliminating assembly barriers compared to the complex fasteners, fittings, and reed orientations present in other aerophones.

[0155] Sound modulation mechanism

[0156] In some embodiments, the aerophone may include a mechanism for modulating sound vibrations, which can be operated by a user as an operable interface. The sound modulation mechanism, which may be integrated into or otherwise connected to a gas conduit, may take the form of generating an initial tone at a vibration gap and modulating it using methods that increase or decrease the resistance to the flow of pressurized gas out of the gas conduit. Methods for adjusting said resistance may include connecting one or more operable interfaces to a gas conduit segment, adjusting an object holder and thereby adjusting the position of the inflatable object and the resulting vibration gap, and any other mechanism that adjusts the resistance of the gas passage through which the volume of pressurized gas exits the gas conduit of the instrument according to the invention.

[0157] Sound modulation mechanisms can include any mechanism that alters sound characteristics such as frequency, pitch, timbre, amplitude, or phase. For example, frequency refers to the number of vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). For instance, changes in note value, octave shifts, pitch bends, and fine-tuning all alter the frequency of a sound. For example, instruments similar to the flute (such as...) Figure 35B As shown, each tone hole can produce a different frequency. Pitch refers to the perceptible high and low frequencies of a sound, determined by the relative high and low frequencies. Timbre refers to various characteristics of a sound, such as resonance (e.g., vowels), or the timbre resulting from differences in vibration caused by using different instrument shapes or materials (e.g., myrme and rubber). Instruments similar to the oboe (equipped with...) Figure 42 The conical segment shown in B Figure 24D The vibration gap shown can produce the same frequency as a clarinet, but its timbre differs due to the shape of the biconvex section closest to its vibration gap compared to the reed and mouthpiece sections of a clarinet. Amplitude corresponds to volume in decibels; for example, variations in air pressure within an instrument can produce a relatively quiet sound of about 60 decibels or a relatively loud sound of about 90 decibels. Phase refers to the timing of vibrations; for example, two identical frequencies with opposite phases may cancel each other out or interfere with each other. Figure 50 The instrument shown can produce sounds with the same frequency and amplitude but different phases. It can produce phase-cancelled sounds similar to the baritone of the Scottish bagpipes, sounds with the same frequency but not necessarily the same phase, creating the unique phase curves characteristic of bagpipe music.

[0158] In some embodiments, the operable interface may include sound holes, keys, sliding joints, and / or valves to adjust the total resistance, thereby modulating vibrations within the gas passage, and allowing the user to modulate audible sound characteristics once the vibration frequency measured on the surface of the inflatable object exceeds 20 Hz. For example, in embodiments with sound holes, if the user covers or uncovers any of the sound holes with their fingers, a specific air passage through the gas conduit will lengthen or shorten. With the harmonic frequency of the vibration remaining constant, the pitch of the sound vibration will become lower as more holes closer to the air inlet are covered.

[0159] In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the operable interface is variable as a method of increasing or decreasing air resistance through the gas channel. In one embodiment, as the diameter of the operable interface increases, the pitch may become higher. In another embodiment, as the diameter of the instrument opening in fluid communication with the inflatable object decreases, the frequency may decrease. The pressurized gas delivered through the gas channel of the aerophone generates friction, thereby counteracting the oscillating motion produced by the vibration of the inflatable object. In another embodiment, as the length of the gas conduit increases, the pitch formed due to the vibration of the walls of the inflatable object decreases.

[0160] In some embodiments, increasing or decreasing the air pressure supplied through the aerophone according to the invention will produce different sonic characteristics. For example, if the gas conduit section is made of a flexible material, such as, but not limited to, rubber or plastic, the section itself can be squeezed or bent to modulate the resulting pitch. Using any mechanism that alters the shape and / or other physical properties of the gas passage formed by the gas conduit will affect the sonic characteristics of the instrument, or the playing of notes using a given instrument according to the invention.

[0161] In another embodiment, the user can change the diameter or shape of the openings on the operable interface, including the diameter of the instrument itself, which serves as a sound modulation mechanism. For example, the openings in the gas conduit can include mechanical irises, baffle valves, spring-loaded keys, inflatable rubber rings, chucks, or any mechanism that can change the shape of the openings during playing. These features are analogous to how the mute and plunger in a trumpet are used to modulate the sound from the trumpet.

[0162] In other embodiments, the shape of any segment of the gas conduit (including the operable interface) can modulate acoustic characteristics. For example, Figure 36 An embodiment of a trombone-shaped structure constructed from a series of gas conduit segments and a slide tube 604 is shown, which will mimic the sliding legato tone of a trombone, while Figures 35A-35B This includes flutes with tone holes 601; as more holes are covered, they will produce a deeper tone. For example... Figures 35A-35B As shown, the horn-shaped component 603 can be connected to certain embodiments to amplify the loudness, while allowing the embodiments to stand upright on their own when not in use.

[0163] In some embodiments, another vibratory and / or sound modulation element or feature contained within the gas conduit segment is associated with indentations or corrugated textures found within the inner wall of the gas conduit. This sound modulation mechanism can be related to the mouthpieces in whistles and organ-type musical instruments, where sound is produced by pressurized gas passing through or over protruding or sharp edges. The elasticity of air passing through sharp edges contributes to the generation of high and low oscillating pressures, which in turn produce audible vibrations and pitch variations within the instrument. Vibrations generated from sharp corrugated edges or the mouthpiece within the gas conduit can modulate the vibration of an inflatable object downstream of the vibration gap (referring to airflow from an air source), or vice versa.

[0164] Modular design options for the aerophone according to the invention allow for embodiments of different shapes and sizes with broadened sound applications and tonal qualities. For example, an instrument with multiple air inlets allows multiple users to play the instrument simultaneously, multiple air outlets allow for the production of multiple sounds from a single instrument, and a modular operable interface allows users to easily switch the tuning key and / or the style of the operable interface from one to another (e.g., from an interface tuned to C using a hole as a sound modulation mechanism to an interface tuned to E using a valve).

[0165] Tension changing mechanism

[0166] Optional tension-changing mechanisms can be added to embodiments in which sound characteristics can be modulated by compressing or expanding an inflatable object and / or by repositioning the entire inflatable object to alter the vibratory gap. Tension-changing mechanisms can range from stand-alone structures used by the player's hand and the player to features integrated into the device itself, as well as mechanisms for positioning the inflatable object. For example, adjusting the space or angle of the inflatable object's surface area at the vibratory gap, or fluid communication with the air outlet on an aerophone, can further modulate the instrument's sound characteristics. Tension-changing mechanisms inherent in the device itself can be made of, but are not limited to, rigid or semi-rigid materials such as wood, rubber, plastic, metal, and carbon fiber.

[0167] In one embodiment, inflating or deflating a closed inflatable object can be achieved by stretching the wall material of the inflatable object as a tension-changing tool. Inflating or deflating an inflatable object can also be achieved by adjusting the distance between the outer wall of the inflatable object and the opposing surfaces forming the vibration gap, serving as a sound modulation mechanism.

[0168] In another embodiment, compression can be used to adjust the elasticity and tension on the outer surface of the walls of the inflatable object. This results in the modulation of the sonic characteristics of the instrument. The ability to change the frequency by altering the tension or position of the enclosed inflatable object simulates the practice of trumpet and horn players using their lips to change frequencies when selecting an octave through lip tension. For example, in Figure 34 In the illustrated embodiment of the instrument, a rigid tension-changing mechanism threaded through a closed chamber of a gas conduit that can be used to apply pressure to an inflatable object, which can increase the pitch of the sound vibrations.

[0169] In another embodiment, the expansion force applied from outside the inflatable object can also be used to stretch the outer surface of the inflatable object's walls to modulate sound. For example, in Figure 33 In the illustrated embodiment, three anchor points on the enclosed inflatable object can be pulled using fasteners that are also attached to the object retainer and / or the gas conduit. When pulled, a higher pitch is emitted as the walls of the inflatable object vibrate.

[0170] Visual effects inside inflatable objects

[0171] Optional liquids and / or solids can be added to an enclosed inflatable object before it is sealed to modulate sound characteristics and simultaneously create visual effects. These embodiments relate to non-electroacoustic sound waves that can produce visual patterns and effects within a vibrating inflatable object that has already been filled to a certain volume with various liquids (e.g., water, non-corrosive oils) or solids (e.g., sand, micro-foam balls).

[0172] When substances other than gases are also sealed inside a closed, inflatable object, such as... Figure 12As shown in Figure I, the acoustic properties of a vibrating inflatable object can be modulated. The modulated sound waves within the object then produce simulated visual effects through materials already placed inside the inflatable object, which respond to the vibrations by creating geometric patterns or particle motion. These vibrations occur when the air inside the inflatable object is pushed back with a force approximately equal to the amount of air being compressed inward. If the weight of the particles or liquid inside the object exceeds the force applied to the object's outer surface through the gas channels, the vibrations may drastically change from a discernible musical tone to a squeak, and eventually become inaudible as the magnitude of the force increases.

[0173] Some embodiments may incorporate solid and / or lighting effects within or around the inflatable object, which can serve a greater decorative purpose. For example, the extremely lightweight nature of glitter allows for additional visual elements to appear inside the inflatable object without significantly affecting the sound of the instrument, whereas non-similar elements (such as battery- or gas turbine-powered LED lights) can be attached to any adjacent part of the inflatable object and / or instrument to illuminate it. Furthermore, any light or laser mounted on the vibrating surface of certain inflatable objects (such as transparent or translucent balloons) can also create visual patterns inside or outside the object.

[0174] Assembly and use of aerophones

[0175] A user can assemble an instrument according to the invention by placing a sealed, inflatable object into the object holder of the device. The inflatable object, held stationary by vibration anchors connected to the object holder, defines a vibration gap that provides the instrument with the function of producing vibrations, more specifically, sound vibrations. In one embodiment, the user can play the instrument by first holding it in one or more sections of its gas conduit, and then supplying pressurized gas of 0.001-3 psi from the user's lungs to the air inlet of the gas conduit to vibrate the outer wall of the inflatable object at the vibration gap interface. Other optional features of the assembled aerophone can be provided by alternative sources of pressurized gas and advanced modular instrument systems.

[0176] pressurized gas source

[0177] All aerophones require an air source to produce sound vibrations. It should be understood in this invention that a pressurized gas source can refer to any gas that can be safely used to power an instrument. For example, a pressurized gas source can consist of atmospheric air, an inert gas, or any other gas that can be safely delivered through embodiments of the instrument according to the invention. Typically, breathing is the most readily available pressurized gas source used in many embodiments, but other embodiments have different pressurized gas sources (air delivery modes) for powering the instrument and vibrating the walls of a closed, inflatable object.

[0178] For example, air pump shoes (in) Figure 52 (As explained in section B) This allows users to use their leg muscles (the strongest muscles in the body) to drive airflow and energy input to the instrument. This air delivery mode reduces the learning curve associated with playing aerophones and can also help individuals with lower lung capacity and / or those who wish to play an instrument in their later years. Utilizing walking motion to generate airflow eliminates the learning curve required to blow air onto aerophones (such as bagpipes or trumpets), while providing users with the added element of mobility and physical exercise. Mounting the air pump on footwear allows users to perform while walking and playing one or more instruments simultaneously.

[0179] Embodiments configured to produce sound at a volume sufficient for spectators to hear within a stadium-sized space, or otherwise configured to project sound over a range of approximately one kilometer (approximately 85 decibels at the listening point), may be connected to a powered air compressor or pump to provide sufficient continuous air pressure to vibrate the outer walls of the inflatable object, thereby producing a louder sound. In some embodiments, an air compressor or pump may be used to eliminate the user's breathing, legwork, and / or energy requirements, allowing the user to concentrate fully on playing one or more aerophones, or even while moving freely.

[0180] Modular musical instrument system

[0181] In some embodiments, the device and musical instrument of the present invention can be configured with interchangeable components, thereby providing a modular musical instrument system. Each of the components of the gas conduit, object holder, and inflatable object, as well as additional features, can be made in interchangeable forms to reconfigure embodiments of individual musical instruments at any time, forming interconnected musical instrument systems with a variety of sound characteristics and capabilities and operable interface configurations.

[0182] In some embodiments, multiple gas conduit segments and vibrating gaps are connected to a single enclosed inflatable object. For example, when an inflatable object can act as a "reed" for multiple gas conduit segments, each gas conduit segment uses a different portion of the outer surface area of ​​the inflatable object as a vibrating gap to produce sound, such as... Figure 39 and 50 As shown. Traditional reed-based instruments such as bagpipes and reed organs are difficult to tune because each reed demodulates at a different speed and requires individual assembly and tensioning. Using a single inflatable object to produce sound from multiple tubes may be a simpler mechanism for tuning, assembling, and playing aerophones.

[0183] Other embodiments involve using multiple enclosed inflatable objects arranged in an operable interface to produce sound, such as... Figures 44-45As shown in Figures 47. In these embodiments, the vibration gap(s) operably associated with one inflatable object can serve as a tool for modulating the acoustic vibration frequency of another adjacent inflatable object, creating subtle frequency interactions and complex harmonic possibilities.

[0184] Other embodiments involve using multiple enclosed inflatable objects connected to multiple operable interfaces to produce sound, such as... Figure 48B The diagram illustrates two operable interfaces configured to generate multiple sounds in parallel. Figure 51 As shown in the example, multiple sound-producing vibrations can also be generated continuously, and when the sound generated from one vibration gap is extended into and / or ported into another vibration gap on the same or different inflatable objects to produce a complex combination of frequencies, the audible sound can be found through one or more gas duct outlets and / or operable interfaces.

[0185] In another embodiment of the modular aspect of the invention, locking the note cover allows a user to operate multiple instruments simultaneously. Locking is defined as a mechanism that allows two objects to be easily connected or separated. Using a lock allows an instrumentalist to select a first note and perform other actions and / or select a second note while the lock holds the first note on the instrument. For example, using a latch in a piano interface allows for playing nearly impossible note sequences by pressing one piano key and freeing up fingers to press other keys. Using a latch on the user interface of all aerophones allows the player to sequence three or more instruments using only two hands. Using a latch hole cover system within an aerophone containing multiple parallel operable interfaces, similar to Irish elbow pipes (or other types of bagpipes), allows the user to restore and maintain an ergonomic body posture after a note selection change.

[0186] To further understand the present invention and the embodiments detailed herein, the following examples are provided. It should be understood that these examples are intended to describe illustrative embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0187] Kits and instrument accessories

[0188] Modular musical instrument systems, components, and accessories can be configured into kits for assembling the devices and musical instruments of the present invention. Kits may contain interchangeable musical instrument or device parts, allowing users to choose from different combinations of object holders, gas conduit segments, inflatable objects, sound modulation mechanisms, or other accessories. Kit components may have different sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and / or be made of different materials, thus allowing for a wide variety of musical instrument components and decorative design elements. For example, inflatable objects and gas conduit segments used in a kit may visually represent or resemble animals, people, characters, the earth, or colors. Interchangeable inflatable objects made of different materials or wall thicknesses can produce different sonic characteristics related to any visual image they represent or their shape, as can air conduit segments made of different materials and of different shapes and sizes. For example, a red inflatable object may produce a different sound when connected to a given device of the present invention compared to an alternative blue inflatable object. In another example, a chicken-shaped instrument configured to vibrate using an egg-like inflatable object may produce a different sound compared to a dolphin-shaped instrument configured to vibrate using the same inflatable object.

[0189] Some kits may include additional accessories for core instrument components such as gas conduits (segments), object holders, and inflatable bodies. For example, a bellows pump may be purchased separately or included in such a basic or simple instrument kit, along with instructions on how to assemble the instrument, which is then used by hand, foot, or a tool (such as a toy hammer) to supply (deliver) air to the instrument. Other kits may be constructed to provide assembly for more complex instruments by including instructions, and may also include numerous modular gas conduit segments, which can become part of a user's larger collection, allowing the user to build and play a variety of instrument configurations with different forms using multiple interchangeable inflatable bodies, gas conduit segments, object holders, sound modulation mechanisms, and other accessories.

[0190] The kit can be used during events such as birthday parties, sporting events, festivals, or other celebrations, where a group of people can exchange or share the inflatable object or other parts of its modular instrument system to produce different sounds and / or instrument sets. For example, a backyard-sized instrument can provide an operational interface for an entire group at a party, effectively connecting family members and friends to the same musical activity, and enabling spontaneous modular instrument systems, performances, and impromptu orchestras. In sporting events, portable embodiments of the modular instrument with multiple mouthpieces and hoses can be assembled, allowing a group of people to motivate their favorite sports teams by blowing into individual components of the instrument (each component including a gas conduit, an object holder, and an inflatable object) and / or by connecting the hoses of their respective instruments to a single, longer gas conduit configured with a larger inflatable object to produce a consistent, larger sound. Similar to how sports fans use a vuvuzela (a monotonous lip reed trumpet) to produce a monotonous sound, the instrument according to the invention allows users to utilize their lung power and produce polyphonic sounds (the simultaneous combination of two or more tones) without the need for embolism. Kits may also include piping fittings, tube fittings, and / or instructions for providing everyday household items that can be used as part of a modular musical instrument system. For example, piping fittings and / or pen casings and / or bottles and / or straws and / or hollow vegetables or other items can be used to create the instrument's gas conduit and are interchangeable. Kits of other sizes and dimensions may contain this device, which is assembled into an instrument by adding commonly available or easily constructed inflatable objects such as beach balls, polyurethane balls, balloons, or using latex (such as gloves), bubble wrap, and plastic bags for preparing inflatable objects.

[0191] The kits offer opportunities within the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education domain, where the physics of vibration can be explored using musical instruments. For example, sand placed inside an inflatable object can produce simulated visual sound waves or patterns when the object vibrates, potentially providing an educational opportunity about the physics of sound. The tactile sensation of squeezing an inflatable object, as a subjective measurement of pressure, can serve as a soothing mechanism, while teaching about air pressure before the user places the inflatable object into a musical instrument can produce a range of other desirable spiritual, emotional, and educational effects, even without prior musical knowledge. The bouncing force and sound characteristics of an inflatable object, related to the amount of air pressure inside, can serve as an educational game connecting the physics of air pressure with sound. Modular musical instrument systems with multiple cascaded vibration gaps can be used to study how one frequency interacts with or influences another, while modular systems with parallel vibration gaps can be used to learn about phase cancellation. Instructional instructions can also be packaged with the kit, teaching users about the origins and properties of the materials. For example, the instructions could teach about rubber as a material and its biodegradability in an ecosystem (e.g., the gum from trees that produce rubber in the Amazon also produces rubber turpentine, which makes natural rubber biodegradable). Kits could include inflatable objects made of natural rubber (e.g., standard rubber balloons) and natural terpenes (e.g., lemon or pine oil) so that the inflatable object can be biodegraded when it is ready to be disposed of.

[0192] Within kits used by professionals, interchangeable parts can be used by jugglers, musicians, installation artists, circus artists, street performers, and fitness and sports groups. For example, a juggler can manipulate inflatable objects during a performance while simultaneously producing sound using the same interchangeable objects from aerophones. Kits may include enough parts to form an instrument for an entire musician's orchestra, providing a unique audiovisual experience for the audience. However, while ordinary aerophones do not show a line of sight between the listener and the vibrating material (such as reeds), instruments that produce vibrations using inflatable objects according to the invention can show a line of sight between the inflatable object (such as a translucent balloon with flashes and lights) and the listener. Furthermore, modular instruments built by providing kits for professional musicians can have decorative (such as carved, engraved, or embossed parts), be made of high-quality materials, and may include exhalation valves, fine-tuning mechanisms, and carrying cases. In the field of installation art, kits can provide parts for assembling large-scale structures and may include gas conduit segments with translational symmetry, rotational symmetry, and / or other modular connectors for assembling gas conduit segments with widely arranged geometries. In the context of circus arts, acrobats may attach aerophones to their arms and wear air-pump shoes, or use spring-loaded air-pump stilts to perform backflips as a means of supplying air to the aerophones mounted on their arms. In the realm of sports or fitness, the kit may include an exercise ball that, when placed within the device of this invention, serves a dual function as an inflatable object. For example, an air pump can be attached to the pedals or crankshafts of multiple exercise bikes in a spin class to supply air to an instrument, while the person leading the spin class can utilize the air generated by the group to play the instrument.

[0193] The following examples illustrate various aspects and embodiments of the device and musical instrument of the present invention.

[0194] Example 1: Gas conduit with object holder (device for assembling aerophones)

[0195] Equipment used for assembling aerophones includes gas conduits and object holders; see [link / reference] Figure 1A It includes a gas conduit 101 with a gas passage 105, an inlet 102, an outlet 103, and an air passage 104, as well as an object holder 201. The inlet 102 is configured to deliver a first volume of pressurized gas through the gas passage 105 along the direction of the air passage 104. The outlet 103 is configured to allow a second volume of pressurized gas to flow out of the gas passage 105. The object holder 201 can be used to keep an inflatable object stationary relative to the gas conduit 101. The device can be configured to reverse the direction of the gas passage 104 through the gas passage 105, such as... Figure 1BAs shown. The device will function as long as a certain volume of pressurized gas can enter and exit the gas conduit, while the object holder 201 serves as a mechanism for positioning the inflatable object relative to the gas conduit 101. For example, in Figure 1A In the middle, the air passage 104 and the air flow can be reversed using a vacuum to pull air through the device, forming Figure 1B The air passage is the opposite of the way the performer blows air and the pressure generated pushes the air through the device.

[0196] See Figure 1C The device, which includes three gas conduit segments (101A-101C) providing three corresponding gas passage segments (105A-105C), illustrates how the gas conduit segments extend into the other segments and how they are assembled to form a complete system. Figure 1D The equipment. See also Figure 1D The gas conduit 101 and gas passage 105 may surround the object retainer 210, which facilitates the reversal of the air passage 104 by providing a gas passage that allows gas to bypass around the inflatable object and allows the gas passage to flow in either direction only under pressure or only under negative pressure. See also Figure 1E The object retainer 201 may be one or more surfaces located inside the gas conduit structure and used to position an inflatable object, wherein the object retainer provides sufficient friction to counteract the forces exerted by the movement of air through the gas conduit 101. Figure 1E Inside, the object holder 201 is the surface closest to the central longitudinal axis of the multi-surface gas conduit. See now. Figure 1F The air inlet 102 can be located at any position on the gas conduit 101, as long as the first volume of pressurized gas can enter the air inlet 102, pass through the gas channel 105, and allow the second volume of pressurized gas to leave from the air outlet 103.

[0197] refer to Figure 2 The gas conduit has a chamber 106 that may partially surround an object holder 201. The object holder 201 may include a threaded mechanism for positioning an inflatable object that extends through the gas conduit into the chamber 106.

[0198] The gas duct segment, comprising an inlet, an outlet, and any other sections whose length is successively extended or shortened, can be cylindrical, conical, polygonal, oval, spiral, or any other shape, some of which are... Figure 3 As shown in A-3G.

[0199] In some embodiments, the gas conduit includes multiple (e.g., two or more) inlets, outlets, and / or other sections to form one or more gas passages through the gas channel, which can be as follows: Figures 4A-4BThe areas shown may overlap or not overlap. In some embodiments, see [reference needed]. Figures 4C-4D The outer surface of the gas conduit can be used as an object holder 201. Figure 4C The equipment may include a pipe segment positioning system consisting of a female pipe segment positioning mechanism 203 and a male pipe segment positioning mechanism 204. In this embodiment, the female pipe segment positioning mechanism 203 and the male pipe segment positioning mechanism 204 are threadedly connected and can be assembled to form a... Figure 4D The device shown. Figure 4E It shows Figure 1E An alternative embodiment has two air outlets (103A-103B) that can be covered or uncovered by the user to change the length of the air passage and / or the pressure of the pressurized gas released from the outlets (e.g., similar to a flute). For example, if the user completely covers outlet 103A with their finger, pressurized gas will exit from outlet 103B. If the user covers both outlets 103A-103B, pressurized gas will not be able to leave the device, but if the user partially covers outlet 103A, a certain amount of pressurized gas will exit from both outlets, and if both outlets are uncovered, a larger amount of pressurized gas will exit outlet 103A and a smaller amount of pressurized gas will flow out of outlet 103B.

[0200] exist Figure 5A In this gas conduit, an air inlet 102 is located at a first end, which includes any number of sections or hose attachments that can be connected to the remainder of the gas conduit to initiate the delivery of pressurized gas through a gas passage. For example, the air inlet may include a mouthpiece 107 (e.g., a blowpipe) through which a user can blow air, or a hose attachment through which air can be supplied using a pump. A valve 108 may be used to adjust air resistance or as a check valve, or as a toggle valve to initiate the delivery of air to a downstream portion of the gas conduit, referencing gas flow from an air source. A gas reservoir 109, typically constructed of an elastic material such as leather or rubber, may be used to store air and reduce pressure variations. The air inlet 102 may be arranged at any location along the gas conduit and may be of any shape that allows air to enter the gas passage provided by the gas conduit. The air inlet mouthpiece 107 may include a rubber sleeve to provide a flexible portion for the user to bite and hold with their mouth and to prevent teeth from breaking. Air outlets 103A-103C show multiple exit locations for air leaving the gas conduit 101, which in this embodiment are determined by a first orifice reached by the pressurized gas along its delivery path. The air outlets can be configured to change the location of the pressurized gas exiting the device by altering which orifices are covered by the user's fingers to release air.

[0201] See Figure 5BIn another embodiment, valves 108A-108C can be in a closed state, which allows the user to adjust the airflow between the air inlet 102 and one or more air outlets 103A-103C. Figure 5B In the device embodiment, the object holder 201 may be one or more outer surfaces of the device.

[0202] exist Figure 6 In another embodiment shown, the object holder 201 may be a structure or tool that is not connected to the gas conduit when the device is not in use. For example, a user's hand or other body part, a wall, a book, a cup or other household item may be used to position the inflatable object relative to the gas channel formed by the gas conduit 101.

[0203] exist Figure 7A In another embodiment shown, the object retainer 201 is permanently or semi-permanently attached to the gas conduit 101. The object retainer 201 can be essentially any object that functions to hold an inflatable object in a sufficiently fixed position to partially block pressurized gas from passing through the gas channel formed by the gas conduit.

[0204] Figures 7A-7D Two or more discrete (7A and 7C) or continuous (7B and 7D) connection points between the outer wall of the inflatable object and the object holder are shown, referred to as vibration anchor points 202. The vibration anchor points restrict the movement of the outer wall of the inflatable object within a limited area and can be configured to generate vibration if pressurized gas impacts the outer wall of the inflatable object. Reference Figure 7C The vibration anchor point is the tip of each conical structure, which can also be used as an object holder 201 for inflatable objects. When using inflatable objects with a wall thickness of 0.01-0.5 mm, if an embodiment with continuous vibration anchor points is used (such as...) Figure 7B and 7D (As shown in the circular shape), it may extend the lifespan of inflatable objects.

[0205] exist Figure 8 In A-8Q, the shapes of various object retainers are shown in a non-exhaustive manner in various views. Figure 8 A-8G illustrates various embodiments of holding an inflatable object in place by utilizing the friction generated when the surface of the object holder is connected to the wall of the inflatable object. Figure 8 The mechanisms shown in H and 8I for positioning inflatable objects illustrate how fasteners (tension changing mechanisms) can be used to adjust the degree of friction and / or compression, and also as object holders to position the inflatable object relative to the gas channel provided by the gas conduit. Figure 8 The J-8L can use fasteners to compress inflatable objects while holding them in the desired position when connected to equipment. Figure 8M can hook the inflatable object with a chain link or other mechanism, and further position the inflatable object with a bolt or other similar type of fastener. Figure 8 N and 8O can hold the object in a tapered polygonal interface configuration so that air can circulate around the inflatable object when connected to a device. Figure 8 P can hold an inflatable object between the surface area and / or apex of a device having a composite shape made of different tube segments extending into each other. Figure 8 Q can hold an inflatable object between multiple surface areas of a spiral object holder.

[0206] Example 2: Assembly of a gas percussion instrument using an inflatable object

[0207] Figure 9A This illustrates how a friction interface is used to secure an inflatable object 301 to an object holder 201. Pressurized gas can enter the inlet 102 along the direction of the air passage 104, pass through the gas channel 105 provided by the gas conduit 101, impact the outer wall of the inflatable object 301 positioned by the object holder 201, and flow out through the outlet 103. (As related...) Figure 1A and 1B The situation is the same as before. Figure 9A The airflow can flow in the opposite direction, which is in Figure 9B As shown in the image.

[0208] Figure 10 An exploded side view of an aerophone (e.g., a wind instrument) is shown, and it includes a vaginal segment positioning mechanism 203, which in... Figure 10 The center is the threaded interface for accommodating the pipe section integrated into the object retainer 201. When the male pipe section positioning mechanism 204 is threaded into the female pipe section positioning mechanism to form a pipe section positioning system, the female pipe section positioning mechanism 203 can precisely assemble an aerophone. Figure 11 Explanation Figure 10 The assembled version correctly aligns the gas conduit 101 with the object holder 201 to assemble the aerophone and position the inflatable object 301.

[0209] Figure 12 A-12J illustrates various, non-exhaustive embodiments of inflatable objects that can be connected to various device, musical instrument, and whistling device embodiments of the present invention. The walls of the enclosed inflatable object completely divide the internal and external spaces, allowing the air within the object to function as an air spring. The wall thickness of the inflatable object can be 0.001-10 mm, particularly in surface areas(s) that may be constructed to vibrate. The inflatable object can take any geometry. For example, Figure 12 A shows a spherical inflatable object. Figure 12 C is a long, thin, inflatable object. Figure 12 D is a polygonal inflatable object, and Figure 12 E is an oval-shaped inflatable object having one or more curvature profiles, which in one embodiment may be a balloon. Wall thicknesses of any range can be used for parts of a multimaterial inflatable object, which may also include multiple thickness and stiffness profiles along its surface. For example, Figure 12 B illustrates an embodiment of an inflatable object that includes a seam or joint between two or more materials.

[0210] Inflatable objects can be inflated to pressures exceeding atmospheric pressure, while other objects can be stretched or expanded by using fixed points as tension-changing mechanisms, such as... Figure 12 The situation described in F. It is also possible to deflate an inflatable object to below atmospheric pressure, such as... Figure 12 In the case of G, it can use a rigid structure to maintain its 3D shape even at pressures below atmospheric pressure. (See reference...) Figure 12 H. Some embodiments of the inflatable object have a multi-surface profile, which can be used to deliver air around an object within a cylindrical gas duct. Any embodiment characterized by multiple wall thicknesses in different areas of the inflatable object's surface can be distinguished by different colors, faces, protrusions, and / or indentations. The interior of the inflatable object may contain solid and / or liquid particles, such as... Figure 12 The situation described in section I. For example, some particles that can be used inside an inflatable object in a manner visible from the outside include sand, foam balls, liquids, and / or magnetic fluids. Inflatable objects can be hollow toroidal shapes or other shapes that allow air to pass through them, such as... Figure 12 The situation in J.

[0211] In another embodiment, reference Figure 13 The inflatable object 301 can be held by an object holder 201 within the chamber 106, which holds the inflatable object 301 relative to the air passage 104 and allows variable friction to be generated between the outer wall of the inflatable object 301 and the object holder 201. Methods for generating variable friction between the outer wall of the inflatable object 301 and the object holder 201 include, but are not limited to, fasteners, cams, linear couplings, fixing screws, clamps, and other methods that utilize fastening to achieve relative movement. Fasteners can pass through or protrude through the gas conduit wall to allow the user to tighten or loosen the frictional connection between the object holder and the inflatable object.

[0212] exist Figure 14A In one embodiment shown, the object holder 201 is the frictional interface between the inflatable object 301 and the inner wall of the air chamber 106. In embodiments where the object holder 201 is the surface closest to the center point or central axis of the gas conduit 101 (specifically, in…) Figure 14A In this embodiment, even if the air passage is obstructed by the friction interface (the plane of the polygonal chamber 106), air should still be able to bypass the inflatable object so that the inflatable object does not completely block the air passage formed by the gas conduit. Therefore, the gas conduit segment (such as chamber 106) holding the inflatable object can have a large inner diameter and a small inner diameter that is formed when the inflatable object is in place. This can be achieved using any shape characterized by some surfaces closer to the center point in the gas conduit, while other surfaces are further away from the center point in the gas conduit to allow air to move around the inflatable object.

[0213] For example, Figure 14B It shows Figure 14A A top view of an alternative embodiment that utilizes friction between the nearest surface of the object holder 201 (which also serves as a section of the gas conduit 101) and the inflatable object 301. Figure 14A and 14B Inside, the inflatable object 301 divides the air passing through the air chamber 106 into multiple air passages. However, in Figure 15 In another embodiment shown, the inflatable object can completely block a section of the gas passage 105, provided that one or more alternative air passages exist through the gas passage to allow air to flow from the inlet 102 to the outlet 103.

[0214] In other embodiments, the object holder can position the inflatable object so as to rest it on the opening of the gas duct. Figure 16 An object holder 201 is shown, in which a user can place an inflatable object over the opening of a gas conduit 101, positioning the inflatable object across two or more vibration anchor points 202. The vibration anchor points act as holders for the inflatable object, where vibrations may occur on the outer wall of the inflatable object. Figure 16 In the process, air enters the air inlet 102, travels through the gas duct 101, and flows out from the air outlet 103. Figure 16 The air passage 104 can be described as moving through the gas passage segment, through the gas passage segment from the outer pipe segment 110 to the inner pipe segment 111, by moving through the gap space between the two parts. Figure 17 The air passage 104 is shown to be described as moving from the inner pipe section 111 to the outer pipe section 110.

[0215] exist Figure 18 In another embodiment shown, the object holder 201 may be the outer wall of the gas conduit 101. Figure 19 It shows Figure 18The instrument shown is a front view, in which air is supplied to the air inlet 102, passes through the toroidal gas conduit 101 to the vibration fixation point 202 and the inflatable object 301, and then flows out from the air outlet 103 as shown in the air passage 104.

[0216] To assemble an aerophone, the user attaches an inflatable object to an object holder, which acts as a mechanism for positioning the inflatable object relative to the gas conduit and gas channel. For example... Figure 20A As shown, with Figure 11 Similarly, some embodiments of aerophones can utilize a system that precisely positions a segment of the gas conduit 101 using segment positioning mechanisms 203 and 204 (in this case, a threaded connection). The toroidal gas conduit can be manufactured using rotational molding or blow molding. To overcome manufacturing limitations, Figure 20B The illustrated embodiment can utilize an insert containing a threaded female tube segment positioning mechanism 203, and can be engaged with a toroidal gas conduit using male / female connectors 205 and 206 respectively.

[0217] Other embodiments of the device and musical instrument of the present invention may be combinations of gas conduit segments of different sizes and shapes, which may form symmetrical or asymmetrical composite forms. Figure 21 This modularity is illustrated by an example of a musical instrument with an asymmetrical shape, characterized by a gas conduit 101 divided into segments of different sizes, which also serve as object holders, thus providing a vibration anchor point 202 to hold the inflatable object 301.

[0218] Example 3: Exemplary vibration gap

[0219] The vibration gap is formed by the narrowing of the gas channel, which occurs when two opposing surfaces of an aerophone (see Example 2) are within approximately 0-10 mm of each other, and one or more of these surfaces are walls of an inflatable object. See also Figure 22A Air passes through a gas conduit 101, which has a groove along its inner wall and a vibration point 401 near the inflatable object 301. Figure 22B It shows Figure 22A The top view of the vibration gap 401 shown, while in Figure 22C The image shows a side view with gas passage 104. The vibration gap, which can be of any shape, can be formed between the outer surfaces of the inflatable object when the inflatable object is positioned to be operatively associated with one or more sections of the gas conduit. Figures 22A-22C In the musical instrument shown, vibrations are generated if the surface of the inflatable object is positioned within a range of approximately 0-10 mm from the indentation along the inner wall of the gas conduit. Figure 22DIn this context, the vibration gap distance 402 defines a 0-10 mm distance threshold between the surface of the inflatable object and the opposing surface of the gas conduit in order to generate vibration. In this way, the aerophone will vibrate as long as the gas pressure moving through or by the vibration gap 401 is sufficiently high.

[0220] Reference Figures 23A-23H The vibration gap can be of any shape, as long as the surface of the inflatable object 301 is positioned to be operatively associated with the opposing surface of the gas conduit within approximately 0-10 mm. Figures 23A-23E The diagram illustrates how the surface of an inflatable object and the inner surface of a gas conduit form a narrowed gas channel, wherein a vibration gap is formed between two or more opposing surfaces if the vibration gap distance 402 is between approximately 0 and 10 millimeters.

[0221] See Figures 23A-23E A vibration gap can be formed between the surface of the gas conduit 101 and the inflatable object 301. Figures 23A-23D The diagram illustrates a vibrational void formed by the combination of the surface of a spherical or oval inflatable object and a gas conduit with indentations. Figure 23E The diagram shows a cylindrical gas channel and a non-spherical inflatable object, which can form a vibration gap as long as the vibration gap distance 402 is between approximately 0 and 10 millimeters.

[0222] Within the vibratory gap, once the vibration of the wall of an inflatable object is initiated by supplying pressurized gas, the distance between the vibrating portion of the inflatable object's wall and the opposing surface of the gas conduit can exceed 10 millimeters. Changing the shape of the vibratory gap can alter the vibration frequency, pitch, and / or other sound characteristics. (See reference...) Figure 23F-23G The vibration gap can be formed by one or more opposing surfaces of the inflatable object or by the surface between the inflatable object and the inner wall of the gas duct. For example, Figure 23F The diagram shows three vibration gap distances 402A-402C between three surfaces, where the vibration gap can be configured to generate vibration if any one of the vibration gap distances is between approximately 0-10 mm. Figure 23G In the illustration, it has Figure 12 For an inflatable toroidal object J, as long as any vibrational gap distance 402A-402C between two or more opposing surfaces is approximately 0-10 mm, the vibrational gap can be formed by narrowing the gas channel passing through the inflatable object. (See reference...) Figure 23H Two or more inflatable objects can create a vibration gap between two or more opposing surfaces.

[0223] Figures 24A-24FExamples of gas channels of different shapes are shown in an assembled aerophone embodiment, illustrating how vibration gaps can exist on any surface of the inflatable object 301 and on any opposing surface of the gas conduit 101 along the air passage 104 (see reference). Figure 24B As long as the vibration gap distance 402 is between approximately 0 and 10 millimeters. Figure 24C-24F This illustrates how different shaped gas channels can be configured within an instrument. Different shaped gas conduits and channels create different timbre from the sound produced at the vibrational gaps.

[0224] Reference Figure 25A The vibration gap 401 is slightly close to one side of the inflatable object and the gas conduit 101, which does not hinder the function of the aerophone, as long as the air is confined to a gap of about 0-10 mm between the surface of the inflatable object and the opposing surface of the gas conduit containing the opening to the gas passage. Figure 25B The threaded object holder 201 is shown to facilitate the placement of the inflatable object 301 on one side of the gas channel, or to form a distance of about 0-10 mm between the inflatable object and the opposing surface of the gas conduit containing the opening to the gas channel.

[0225] Reference Figure 25C One embodiment of the aerophone may include a threaded male tube positioning mechanism 204, which can facilitate the creation of a vibration gap by adjusting the vibration gap distance 402. For example, Figure 25D yes Figure 25C The instrument in which the end of the tube positioning mechanism 204 is positioned approximately 0-10 mm away from the surface of the inflatable object 301.

[0226] Reference Figure 26 The vibration gap may be located within a protruding section of the gas conduit's chamber section 106. Embodiments of the musical instrument may include methods for reducing or increasing the size of the vibration gap, such as a sliding friction connection between the section and the inflatable object, and / or the user may reposition the inflatable object to increase or decrease the vibration gap distance. Figure 27 As shown in the pipe segment positioning mechanism 204, a threaded pipe segment can be used to create a vibration gap 401. Figure 28 It shows Figure 19 A variant of a toroidal musical instrument, illustrating a detailed view of a spiral method for lengthening or shortening the gap between the surface of the gas conduit and the opposing surfaces of the inflatable object. Figure 27 and Figure 28 In the process, the vibration fixation point 202 provides stability to the vibration surface of the inflatable object 301.

[0227] Reference Figure 29Vibration gap 401 can exist between any opposing surfaces of the gas duct and the inflatable object, whether the air passage 104 travels from the outer pipe section 110 to the inner pipe section 111, or from the inner pipe section 111 to the outer pipe section 110 (see reference). Figure 30 ).

[0228] Example 4: Exemplary tension adjustment tool

[0229] Inflatable objects can be inflated or tensioned differentially as a tool to change the tension of their surface areas.

[0230] See Figure 31 The inflatable object 301 can be sealed with gas within the inflatable object 501, in one embodiment, this method is a valve. In other embodiments, the method tools for sealing the inflatable object are knots, clips, O-rings, plugs, glue, adhesives, stickers, or any other method for sealing the inflatable object.

[0231] Inflating an inflatable object increases the surface tension of its walls. Alternatively, deflation of the object can be achieved by utilizing its internal rigid structures to increase its volume (e.g., by...). Figure 12 Surface tension of the inflatable object in H. (Reference) Figure 32 This is a... Figure 12 Similar embodiments to the H-type inflatable object, the rigid structure 302 can be placed inside or connected to the material to create a structural component that resists structural collapse while remaining at less than atmospheric pressure within the sealed inflatable object. The inflatable object can be surrounded by argon or other inert gases to create a plasma effect within the inflatable object at sub-atmospheric pressure. Although Figure 32 Inflatable objects have a rigid structure inside, but multi-material inflatable objects can be stitched, glued, fastened, or connected together to create a container that maintains a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

[0232] Inflatable objects may include fixed points 303, such as Figure 33 As shown, it can be used as part of a tension adjustment tool by expanding an inflatable object, or by using fasteners 502 to stretch the walls of the inflatable object and apply expansion forces 503, which can be driven by mechanisms such as, but not limited to, cams, lead screws and rope clutches.

[0233] See Figure 34 Compressible inflatable objects can be used as tension adjustment tools using positioners, such as, but not limited to, threads, sliding fit connections, and cams. Figure 34 A threaded object holder is shown, which can be adjusted to compress an inflatable object 301.

[0234] Example 5: Exemplary sound modulation mechanism

[0235] Sound can be modulated within aerophones by adjusting air resistance, and this method can, in turn, adjust the sound characteristics of inflatable objects. Figures 35A-35B A gas percussion instrument is shown, equipped with four independent sound modulation mechanisms: tone holes 601, a pipe section sound modulation mechanism 602 (which also functions as a pipe section positioning mechanism 204), a horn accessory 603, and male / female tuning connectors 605 and 606, which can shorten or lengthen the gas conduit to fine-tune the frequencies produced by the gas percussion instrument. The tone holes 601 (also used as vents) can lengthen or shorten the air passage within the gas channel formed by the gas conduit to modulate the vibration frequency produced by the instrument and simultaneously change the position where pressurized gas exits the instrument. For example, if all tone holes are covered, the horn accessory 603 can amplify the lowest note on the gas percussion instrument when pressurized gas exits the instrument from the opening of the horn accessory. Figures 35A-35B In this instrument, by covering the tone hole 601 as a sound modulation mechanism, the aerophone can also produce sounds of different frequencies. Figure 35A Aerophones used in Figure 8 The gas conduit shown in Figure F has an annular shape and can be connected to the male connector 205. The internal thread of the part serves as a female section positioning mechanism 203 to overcome the limitations of rotational molding and blow molding manufacturing processes. The frequency of the siren can be fine-tuned by adjusting the length of the gas conduit using the female tuning connector 605 and the male tuning connector 606. Figure 35A The detailed view on the left side of the main figure shows that the male tube segment positioning mechanism 204 can also be configured to change the vibration gap distance 402 by adjusting the distance between two or more surfaces of the vibration gap, thereby performing the dual function of the sound modulation device 602. Figure 35B The instrument assembly configuration describes how, by increasing the vibration gap distance 402 and using the tube segment positioning sound modulation mechanism 602 to modulate the sound generated in the vibration gap 401, the instrument can produce different timbres, tones, and / or harmonics.

[0236] Reference Figure 36 Another tool for sound modulation is the slide joint 604, which can lengthen or shorten the gas passage and change the sound characteristics of aerophones, specifically instruments similar to, but not limited to, the trombone and slide didgeridoo.

[0237] exist Figure 37 Within an aerophone, one or more valves 108 can be used to extend or shorten the gas passage, which can modulate the sound characteristics produced by the aerophone, specifically referring to instruments similar to, but not limited to, the trumpet and tuba.

[0238] Sound can be modulated by adjusting the air pressure in the gas duct upstream of the vibrating gap 401, with reference to the airflow from the air source. For example, in Figure 38 In this design, valve 108 can be used to restrict or increase the air supply, serving as a tuning tool for fine-tuning musical instruments, or in other embodiments for turning instruments on or off. It should be noted that valve 108 can be any type of method for increasing or decreasing pressure within an air duct; for example, the valve can include a curved hose, ball valve, piston valve, and rotary valve. Figure 38 Inside the aerophone, the sound hole 601 can be used to further modulate the sound. Figure 39 In another embodiment shown, the inflatable object may use valves 108A-108C to supply air from air source 701 to gas conduit and ultimately deliver the air to one or more vibration gaps 401A-401C. Figure 39 The aerophone shown can use multiple valves and vibration gaps in an organ-like assembly.

[0239] The specific shape of the gas channels (multiple) closest to the vibration gap can modulate the sound characteristics of an aerophone. For example, Figures 24A-24F Various pipe segment shapes related to vibration gaps are shown, which may affect vibration characteristics. (Refer to...) Figure 40 A sound modulation mechanism, such as a vibration gap positioner 607, can be used to adjust the vibration gap. This positioner can push or pull flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid pipe segments, thereby adjusting the shape of the vibration gap to modulate sound characteristics. For example, a circular or oval vibration gap shape may sound similar to the linguistic vowels "O" or "U," while a crescent-shaped vibration gap may sound similar to the vowels "I" or "E." The vibration gap positioner 607 can produce specific tones by adjusting the shape of the vibration gap between one or more inflatable objects and one or more pipe segments, and can be driven using positioning systems such as threads, cams, slide joints, latches, racks and pinions, or other systems. Figures 25A-25D As shown, changes in the position of an inflatable object can also lead to changes in pitch, timbre, volume, and harmonics.

[0240] The instrument configuration that results in sound produced by the first vibration leads to modulation by the second vibration (through manipulation of the volume of pressurized gas), and can mimic the sound of the didgeridoo or the wavy "R" in speech (e.g., a trilled velar). For example, in Figure 41 In the illustrated embodiment, the first vibration generated in vibration gap 401B and the second vibration generated in vibration gap 401C can be modulated to the third vibration generated in vibration gap 401A. Figure 41In one embodiment, the frequencies generated in the vibration gaps 401B and 401C can be modulated using the slide joint 604 to dynamically modulate the vibration generated in the vibration gap 401A before traveling through the gas channel to the vibration gap 401A, which can be further modulated using the sound hole 601.

[0241] Another method of modulating sound is to interchange tube (gas conduit) segments by adding or removing tube segments on the instrument. Figure 42 A-42E shows an example of pipe segments that can be interchanged to modulate sound. See also Figure 42 The sound modulation pipe segment shown in A-42E, located upstream or downstream of an inflatable object with reference to airflow from an air source, can alter vibration characteristics, be interchanged, or added to the gas duct. Generally, a more bulbous pipe segment will change the vowel to "O" or "U," while a narrower pipe segment will change the vowel to something like "E" or "I." For example... Figure 42 As shown in B, the tapered tube segment can produce sounds similar to, but not limited to, bagpipes, saxophones, or oboes.

[0242] Example 6: Modular musical instrument system

[0243] Reference Figure 43A A single inflatable object 301 positioned within a gas conduit 101 can create one or more vibrational cavities 401A-401C. Figure 43B The image shows a top view of the same musical instrument, where vibration gaps 401A-401C can produce vibrations of different frequencies and / or pitch and / or timbre.

[0244] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 44 The aerophone may include one or more inflatable objects (301A-301B) and one or more vibrating gaps (401A-401B). In another embodiment, refer to... Figure 45 An aerophone may comprise one or more inflatable objects and one or more vibrating cavities located on each object (see 401A-401D).

[0245] In another embodiment, refer to Figure 46 A single inflatable object can carry one or more vibration gaps 401A-401C within a gas duct having one or more air outlets, while... Figure 47 In this, the gas conduit can carry one or more inflatable objects (301A-301B) and one or more vibrating gaps (401A-401C) with one or more air outlets 103A-103C.

[0246] Reference Figure 48AOne embodiment may use one or more inflatable objects to define one or more vibration gaps 401A-401B and have one or more air outlets 103A-103B. Figure 48B Is with Figure 48A Similar embodiments to musical instruments are shown, and the illustrated embodiment may include more than one sound modulation mechanism, as shown, having two interfaces with tone holes 601A and 601B. Figure 49 As shown, the aerophone can introduce multiple vibration gaps 401A-401C, which can produce a tone through each corresponding air outlet 103A-103C, and can use threaded tube sections 602A-602C as tools for molding the sound from the vibration gaps 401A-401C.

[0247] Reference Figure 50 The aerophone may include an inflatable object 301 defining one or more vibration gaps and one or more air outlets distributed in a three-dimensional form, wherein the inflatable object can be inflated while held within an object holder. Alternatively, refer to Figure 51 An aerophone can generate multiple vibrations by using a single inflatable object 301 with one or more vibration gaps 401A-401H and by using a gas conduit with a single air outlet 103.

[0248] Reference Figure 52 A-52B requires a gas source 701 to supply gas to the aerophone to produce vibration and sound. Air can be supplied to the gas conduit using the player's lungs, an air compressor, a piston, a bellows, or any air pressure source supplied through the air inlet to any embodiment of the instrument according to the invention. See also... Figure 52 B. The user can use the air pump shoe 704 to generate pressurized gas by pumping airbox 702 with their legs and feet. This can serve as an alternative source of pressurized gas for any aerophone connected to an air exhaust hose 703, which in turn is connected to the aerophone's air inlet. This alternative source of pressurized gas (such as the air pump shoe 704) allows the user to sing or produce sound while generating vibrations through the aerophone.

[0249] Some embodiments may utilize non-linear pipe segments, and / or may have lengths of hundreds of feet, while in other embodiments the pipe segments may be relatively short. See reference. Figure 53 A-53C illustrates certain embodiments of an aerophone that can produce sound levels of 40-95 dB. Figure 53 A illustrates a low-pitched aerophone with a gas conduit ranging from 18 inches to 50 feet in length, producing vibrations of approximately 20-500 Hz in the range of approximately 40-95 dB. (See reference) Figure 53B. Aerophones in the tenor range have gas conduits between 12 and 48 inches in length, producing frequencies between approximately 120 and 700 Hz, ranging from about 40 to 95 dB. (See reference) Figure 53 C. The gas conduit length of aerophones in the middle range can be 3 to 18 inches, and they produce frequencies between about 200 Hz and 2000 kHz at about 40-95 dB.

[0250] All inventions mentioned in this specification, including all patents, patent applications, publications, and database entries, are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety, to the same extent that each such individual patent, patent application, publication, and database entry is specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

[0251] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0252] List of reference numerals

[0253] 101 Gas Conduit

[0254] 102 air intake

[0255] 103 air outlet

[0256] 104 Gas Pathway

[0257] 105 gas channel

[0258] 106-chamber section

[0259] 107 mouthpiece

[0260] 108 valve

[0261] 109 gas storage tank

[0262] 110 outer pipe section

[0263] 111 Inner Pipe Section

[0264] 201 Object Retainer

[0265] 202 Vibration Fixing Point

[0266] 203 female tube segment positioning mechanism

[0267] 204 Yang pipe section positioning mechanism

[0268] 205 male connector

[0269] 206 female connector

[0270] 301 Inflatable Object

[0271] Rigid structure of 302 inflatable objects

[0272] Fixing points on 303 inflatable objects

[0273] 401 Vibration Gap

[0274] 402 Vibration gap distance

[0275] 501 Method for sealing gas within an inflatable object

[0276] 502 Fasteners

[0277] 503 indicates the expansion force applied to fastener 502.

[0278] 504 compression thread interface

[0279] 601 tone hole

[0280] 602 pipe section sound modulation mechanism

[0281] 603 Speaker Accessories

[0282] 604 sliding joint

[0283] 605 Yin Tuning Connector

[0284] 606 male tone connector

[0285] 607 Vibration Gap Positioner

[0286] 701 Air Source

[0287] 702 bellows

[0288] 703 Air Emission Hose

[0289] 704 air pump shoes.

Claims

1. An apparatus for assembling aerophones, comprising: a) A gas conduit having a first end and a second end, and one or more sections for forming a gas passage; b) One or more air inlets, each air inlet being arranged in the gas conduit to form a gas inflow location and configured as a gas passage for delivering a first volume of pressurized gas to the gas conduit; c) One or more outlets, each outlet arranged in the gas conduit to form a gas outflow location and configured to release a second volume of pressurized gas along one or more gas paths in the gas passage, each gas path being defined along the gas conduit by the location of one of the one or more inlets and the location of one of the one or more outlets; and d) A mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object to operatively associate the closed inflatable object with the gas conduit. When the enclosed inflatable object is operatively associated with the gas conduit using the mechanism for positioning the enclosed inflatable object, the aerophone is assembled, forming a vibrating gap between the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object and the opposing surface, which is in fluid communication with the opening leading to the gas channel. A first volume of pressurized gas can be delivered into the gas conduit via one or more inlets to cause a portion of the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object to vibrate at the vibrating gap, and to cause a second volume of pressurized gas to vibrate within the gas channel as some or all of the second volume of pressurized gas flows out of the gas conduit from one or more outlets, thereby producing sound.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, At the vibration gap, the distance between the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object and the opposite surface is 0-10 mm.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object includes one or more vibration anchor points to keep the closed inflatable object fixed in the desired position.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One or more sections of the gas conduit each define a section of the gas passage.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the gas conduit segments can be interchanged with another segment of the gas conduit.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device further includes one or more sound modulation mechanisms.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, One of the one or more sound modulation mechanisms includes a tool for altering one or more gas passages, a mechanism for altering the position of a closed inflatable object and maintaining it operatively associated with the gas conduit, or a tool for altering the tension of the outer wall of the closed inflatable object when operatively associated with the gas conduit.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein, One of the aforementioned sound modulation mechanisms includes sections of one or more gas conduits; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, slides, horn accessories, and tuning connectors; a mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object to be operatively associated with the gas conduits; a mechanism for deflating or inflating the closed inflatable object and resealing it; fasteners operatively associated with an actuation mechanism for stretching the outer wall of the closed inflatable object; sand, foam balls; or other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed within the closed inflatable object.

9. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device also includes a connecting tool for connecting the gas conduit to another device and increasing the available air passage.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operatively associated with a pressurized gas source.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a mouthpiece for receiving pressurized gas from the user's lungs.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a connection for receiving pressurized gas from the pump.

13. An aerophone, comprising: a) A device comprising: i) A gas conduit having a first end and a second end, and one or more sections for forming a gas passage; ii) One or more air inlets, each air inlet being arranged in the gas conduit to form a gas inflow location and configured to deliver a first volume of pressurized gas to the gas conduit as a gas passage; iii) One or more air outlets, each air outlet arranged in the gas conduit to form a gas outflow location and configured to release a second volume of pressurized gas along one or more gas passages in the gas conduit, each air passage being defined along the gas conduit by the location of one of the one or more air inlets and the location of one of the one or more air outlets; and iv) A mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object to operatively associate the closed inflatable object with a gas conduit. b) Using the mechanism for positioning the enclosed inflatable object, position the enclosed inflatable object in a manner operatively associated with the gas conduit. When the enclosed inflatable object is positioned using the mechanism for operatively associating with the gas conduit, the aerophone is assembled, forming a vibrating gap between the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object and the opposing surface, which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to the gas channel. A first volume of pressurized gas can be delivered into the gas conduit via one of one or more inlets to cause a portion of the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object to vibrate at the vibrating gap, and to cause a second volume of pressurized gas to vibrate within the gas channel as some or all of the second volume of pressurized gas flows out of the gas conduit from one of the one or more outlets, thereby producing sound.

14. The aerophone according to claim 13, wherein the distance between the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object and the opposite surface at the vibration gap is 0-10 mm.

15. The aerophone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object includes one or more vibration anchor points to keep the closed inflatable object fixed in the desired position.

16. The aerophone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, One or more sections of the gas conduit each define a section of the gas passage.

17. The aerophone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, One of the gas conduit segments can be interchanged with another segment of the gas conduit.

18. The aerophone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The device further includes one or more sound modulation mechanisms.

19. The aerophone according to claim 18, wherein, One of the one or more sound modulation mechanisms includes a tool for altering one or more gas passages, a mechanism for altering the position of a closed inflatable object and maintaining operative association with the gas conduit, or a mechanism for altering the tension of the outer wall of the closed inflatable object when operatively associated with the gas conduit.

20. The aerophone according to claim 18, wherein, One of the aforementioned sound modulation mechanisms includes sections of one or more gas conduits; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, slides, horn accessories, and tuning connectors; a mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object to be operatively associated with the gas conduits; a tool for deflating or inflating the closed inflatable object and resealing it; fasteners operatively associated with an actuation mechanism for stretching the walls of the closed inflatable object; and sand, foam balls, or other rigid or semi-rigid structures placed inside the closed inflatable object.

21. The aerophone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The device also includes a connecting tool for connecting the gas conduit to another device and increasing the available air passage.

22. The aerophone according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operatively associated with a pressurized gas source.

23. The aerophone according to claim 22, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a mouthpiece for receiving pressurized gas from the user's lungs.

24. The aerophone according to claim 22, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a connection for receiving pressurized gas from the pump.

25. A method for assembling an aerophone, comprising the following steps: a) Provide an apparatus comprising: i) A gas conduit having a first end and a second end to form a gas passage; ii) One or more air inlets, each air inlet being arranged on the gas conduit to form a gas inflow location and configured to deliver a first volume of pressurized gas to the gas conduit as a gas passage; iii) One or more air outlets, each air outlet being arranged on the gas conduit to form a gas outflow location and configured to release a second volume of pressurized gas along one or more gas passages in the gas conduit, each air passage being defined along the gas conduit by the location of one of the one or more air inlets and the location of one of the one or more air outlets; and iv) A mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object to operatively associate the closed inflatable object with a gas conduit, and b) Using the mechanism for positioning the enclosed inflatable object, position the enclosed inflatable object in a manner operatively associated with the gas conduit. When the enclosed inflatable object is positioned using the mechanism for operatively associating with the gas conduit, the aerophone is assembled, forming a vibrating gap between the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object and the opposing surface, which is in fluid communication with an opening leading to the gas channel. A first volume of pressurized gas can be delivered into the gas conduit via one or more inlets to cause a portion of the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object to vibrate at the vibrating gap, and to cause a second volume of pressurized gas to vibrate within the gas channel as some or all of the second volume of pressurized gas flows out of the gas conduit from one or more outlets, thereby producing sound.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein at the vibration gap, the vibration gap distance between the outer wall region of the enclosed inflatable object and the opposite surface is 0-10 mm.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object includes one or more vibration anchor points to keep the closed inflatable object fixed in the desired position.

28. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, One or more sections of the gas conduit each define a section of the gas passage.

29. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, One of the gas conduit segments can be interchanged with another segment of the gas conduit.

30. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, The device further includes one or more sound modulation mechanisms.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, One of the one or more sound modulation mechanisms includes a mechanism for altering one or more gas passages, a mechanism for altering the position of a closed inflatable object and maintaining operative association with the gas conduit, or a mechanism for altering the tension of the outer wall of the closed inflatable object when operatively associated with the gas conduit.

32. The method according to claim 30, wherein, One of the aforementioned sound modulation mechanisms includes sections of one or more gas conduits; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, slides, horn accessories, and tuning connectors; a mechanism for positioning a closed inflatable object to be operatively associated with the gas conduits; a mechanism for deflating or inflating the closed inflatable object and resealing it; fasteners operatively associated with an actuation mechanism for stretching the outer wall of the closed inflatable object; sand, foam balls; or other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed within the closed inflatable object.

33. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein the device further comprises a connector tool for connecting the gas conduit to a gas conduit of another device and increasing the available air passage.

34. The method according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operatively associated with a pressurized gas source.

35. The method according to claim 25, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a mouthpiece for receiving pressurized gas from the user's lungs.

36. The method according to claim 25, wherein, One of the one or more air inlets is configured to have a connection for receiving pressurized gas from the pump.

37. A method for generating vibration, comprising the following steps: a) Assembling an aerophone according to any one of claims 25-34; and b) A first volume of pressurized gas is delivered into a gas conduit via one of one or more inlets, thereby causing vibration of the outer wall of the enclosed inflatable object.

Images