Bow for playing a stringed musical instrument

Abstract

A bow (1) for playing a stringed musical instrument, comprising a bow stick (2) having a first end and a second end, a tip (4) arranged at the first end of the bow stick (2), a frog (5) arranged at the second end of the bow stick (2), and a bundle of hairs (6) having a plurality of hairs, which is tensioned between the tip (4) and the frog (5), wherein the bow stick (2) is embodied in two parts, comprising a first bow stick part (10) and a second bow stick part (11), wherein the first bow stick part (10) has a reduced diameter at its end (12), and the second bow stick part (11) has a complementary recess (13) at its end facing the first bow stick part (10), so that the first bow stick part (10) and the second bow stick part (11) can be inserted into each other or screwed onto each other and detachably connected to each other to form a continuous bow stick (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bow for playing stringed instruments, comprising: a bow stick having a first end and a second end, a bow tip disposed at the first end of the bow stick, a bow root (bow nut) disposed at the second end of the bow stick, and a bundle of bow hair having multiple bow hairs tensioned between the bow tip and the bow root. Background Technology

[0002] To play stringed instruments, especially the violin, viola, cello, or double bass, a bow is required. Bows used for stringed instruments typically consist of a long, slightly curved bow stick, traditionally made of Brazilian rosewood or other suitable woods, while modern bows can also be made of composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0003] A key characteristic of bows used on stringed instruments is their length, which allows the player to press the bow across the instrument's strings, producing a full, resonant tone. For example, the standard length of a violin bow is approximately 72 to 75 centimeters, while the violin itself is typically between 59 and 62 centimeters in length.

[0004] However, the significant length of the bow relative to the instrument causes problems in storage and transportation. Typically, stringed instruments are transported together with their bows in a common case. The case is adapted to the length of the bow to ensure safe and protected placement. However, this results in the case size being significantly larger than the instrument itself.

[0005] The necessity of using boxes that are compatible with bow lengths leads to increased storage space requirements and greater bulkiness during transport. This can be particularly inconvenient when traveling by air or in situations with limited storage space, as the boxes are more difficult to handle and place due to their size, and are sometimes even prohibited from being carried. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a bow for stringed instruments with a more compact construction, thereby allowing the use of a smaller, more maneuverable case without compromising the playing characteristics of a conventional bow. In particular, the bow according to the invention should be able to be reduced in length so that it can be placed in a case whose dimensions are closer to those of the instrument. At the same time, this solution should eliminate the need for additional, easily lost, loose parts.

[0007] To solve this problem, the present invention essentially specifies for bows of the type described at the beginning that the bow rod is implemented as a two-piece part, comprising a first bow rod portion and a second bow rod portion, wherein the first bow rod portion has a reduced diameter at its end, and the second bow rod portion has a complementary notch at its end facing the first bow rod portion, such that the first bow rod portion and the second bow rod portion can be inserted into or screwed together and releasably connected to each other to form a continuous bow rod.

[0008] When plugged in or screwed in, the bow according to the invention has the same dimensions and playing characteristics as a conventional one-piece bow. The reduced diameter of the first bow section and the complementary notch of the second bow section are dimensionally designed to form a form-fitting, gapless connection, preventing accidental loosening of the connection during playing. In a screw-in configuration, the section of the first bow section with the reduced diameter is provided with external threads, and the complementary notch of the second bow section is provided with internal threads.

[0009] In a pluggable construction, the ends with reduced diameters and the notches preferably form a press fit, wherein the two parts are closely abutted, and thus remain together by friction after the parts are pushed together.

[0010] For storage and transport, the bow according to the invention can be disassembled into two parts, i.e., after the bow foot is released from the first bow stick section, the first bow stick section is pulled out from a notch in the second bow stick section. In this disassembled state, the length of the bow is significantly reduced, typically by about 20% to 30%. This allows the bow to be placed together with the musical instrument in a more compact case, the size of which is closer to the size of the musical instrument.

[0011] The detachability of the bow according to the invention is achieved without the need for additional loose parts. The connection between the first and second bow sections is achieved solely through a form-fitting and force-fitting interlocking connection formed by a reduced diameter and complementary notches. This eliminates the risk of small parts (such as screws or pins) being lost and affecting the bow's functionality.

[0012] In summary, this invention provides a bow for stringed instruments that, through its two-piece, interlocking structure, achieves space-saving storage and comfortable transport without compromising performance characteristics or requiring additional individual parts. Thus, the operation and carrying of the device are significantly simplified, especially during travel or in confined spaces.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separating plane where the first and second bow sections meet extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bow. This means that the end faces of the two bow sections meeting are oriented at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the bow.

[0014] On the one hand, the vertical orientation of the end faces facilitates a stable and form-fitting connection between the first and second bow sections. During playing, the force acting on the bow is evenly distributed across the entire end face, making the connection less prone to accidental loosening or damage. On the other hand, the vertical dividing plane simplifies bow assembly and disassembly, as the two bow sections can be pulled straight closer or further apart without twisting or jamming. This allows for quick and easy operation during bow disassembly and assembly.

[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention specifies that the dividers of the bow are arranged substantially at the bow's center of gravity. The bow's center of gravity is typically located approximately 19 to 20 centimeters from the heel end of the bow, about one-quarter of the total bow length. By positioning the dividing plane in this area, a bow division of approximately 1:3 ratio can be obtained, wherein the shorter bow section has the heel and the longer bow section has the toe.

[0016] Positioning the dividing plane in the center of gravity area helps to distribute the load evenly, which in turn helps to improve the bow's durability and lifespan.

[0017] Within the framework of this invention, the separation principle can be within a wider range, preferably 1:5 to 1:2, and particularly 1:5 to 1:3, wherein the distance from the bow root side end to the separation plane and the distance from the bow tip side end to the separation plane are respectively used to calculate the ratio.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the end of the first bow section with a reduced diameter is designed to fit into a complementary recess in the second bow section. This means that the profile of the tapered end precisely corresponds to the shape of the recess, allowing the two sections to precisely match each other and form a stable, gapless connection.

[0019] The precise fit between the two bow sections ensures that the assembled bow will not slip off even under the high stress of playing, and that force is evenly transferred from one bow section to the other through the separating plane. Furthermore, the form-fit connection allows the two bow sections to align precisely, forming a straight, continuous bow. This is crucial for the bow's playing characteristics and control. Finally, the precise fit also facilitates simple and quick installation and removal of the bow, as the two parts can easily insert into each other and release again without jamming or twisting.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ends with reduced diameters and complementary notches have non-circular cross-sections to prevent relative twisting of the bow sections. This can be achieved, for example, by a polygonal (especially rectangular or square) or elliptical cross-sectional shape that allows the two sections to fit together in a defined angular position.

[0021] Using a non-circular cross-section for the interlocking joint offers the advantage of preventing accidental torsion of the two bow sections after they are joined. This is crucial for ensuring the bow maintains its structural integrity during playing and that the bow hair remains in the correct plane. Preventing relative torsion also ensures constant flexural stiffness and flexibility of the bow stick, essential for a precise and controlled playing feel. Furthermore, the defined angular position of the two bow sections relative to each other facilitates bow installation, as this position allows for intuitive and accurate alignment of the parts when they are joined.

[0022] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bow is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFK). CFK has exceptionally high specific strength and specific stiffness, meaning it provides high load-bearing capacity and stability while being lightweight. This allows the bow to be designed to be very slender and lightweight without sacrificing strength and durability.

[0023] Using CFK allows for precise adjustment of the bow's bending stiffness and flexibility, adapting it to the player's specific requirements. Through the targeted orientation and arrangement of the carbon fibers, different bending characteristics can be achieved in different areas of the bow, contributing to optimized playing feel and superior tone. Furthermore, CFK exhibits high resistance to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, and ultraviolet radiation, thereby enhancing the bow's durability and ease of maintenance. Finally, the dimensional stability of CFK ensures a durable and precise fit and alignment of the interlocking connection, even in the two-piece bow structure according to the present invention.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bow is hollow, and the first bow portion has an insert in its end region facing the second bow portion, the insert having an extension extending from the hollow cavity, the extension forming an end with a reduced diameter. Here, the insert can be bonded to the inner wall of the hollow cavity of the first bow portion.

[0025] Using a separate insert with a protruding extension allows for simple and precise manufacturing of the tapered end, as the insert can be manufactured as a separate component and subsequently inserted into the hollow cavity of the first bow section. Therefore, it eliminates the need to reduce the wall thickness of the entire bow section, which is technically more complex and costly to manufacture. Furthermore, the insert can be made of a different material than the rest of the bow to achieve specific properties, such as increased wear resistance or slip properties. Finally, the protruding extension also contributes to a secure and stable connection between the two bow sections, as the extension fits deeply into the recess of the second component, ensuring a large contact area and firm retention.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bow is provided to be hollow, and the second bow portion has a filler or insert in its end region facing the first bow portion, wherein complementary recesses are formed in the filler or insert.

[0027] This allows for the precise formation of recesses that can precisely fit the tapered end of the first bow section. By forming the recesses in a separate filler or insert, it is not necessary to machine the hollow cavity of the second bow section itself, which is more complex and costly to manufacture. Furthermore, the filler or insert can be made of a different material than the rest of the bow section to achieve specific properties, such as increased abrasion resistance, sliding characteristics, or damping behavior. For example, inserts made of softer plastics can be used, providing a degree of flexibility and tolerance compensation when the two bow sections are joined together. The filler can be obtained, for example, by casting material into the hollow cavity of the second bow section, and then forming the recesses within the filler. In the case of prefabricated inserts, they can be bonded to the inner wall of the hollow cavity of the second bow section by adhesive.

[0028] Advantageously, the extension can have a bending stiffness substantially equivalent to that of the bow stick. This ensures that the joint between the two bow stick sections does not constitute a local weakness or discontinuity in the bow's bending characteristics. If the extension is significantly softer or stiffer than the bow stick itself, it will result in an uneven bending curve, impairing the playing feel and tone. Conversely, by matching the bending stiffness, a uniform and harmonious bending behavior can be achieved along the entire length of the bow, as is the case with a traditional one-piece bow. Furthermore, the matched bending stiffness of the extension also contributes to improved load-bearing capacity and durability of the joint, as the forces are evenly distributed and borne by all components in a similar manner.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a sleeve extending out of the bow rod partition plane is arranged at the end of the first bow rod portion or the end of the second bow rod portion. When the two bow rod portions are inserted together, the sleeve closely abuts against the partition plane on the bow rod surface, thereby forming a seamless and continuous connection between the two bow rod portions.

[0030] The sleeve, with its bridging plane, acts as an extra safety feature in the interlocking connection, preventing accidental slippage between the two bow sections. The sleeve's tight fit against the bow surface also effectively prevents dirt, dust, or moisture from entering the connection area, thus improving the bow's durability and ease of maintenance. Furthermore, the sleeve ensures precise alignment and a flush transition between the two bow sections.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, a box is provided in which a bow according to the invention can be stored and transported. The box has a generally rectangular base plate and side walls extending from the base plate, these side walls defining an elongated storage space in which a first bow section and a second bow section are arranged side-by-side in a separated state within the storage space, such that the bow tip and bow root, viewed longitudinally, are located in opposite end regions of the storage space, and the bow root is fastened to the first bow section in a direction opposite to its use state, such that the bow hair bundle, starting from the second bow section, is guided towards the bow root by a turn of approximately 180° around a guide.

[0032] Preferably, the length of the storage space corresponds substantially to the length of the second bow section.

[0033] To close the storage space, an insertable cover can be installed.

[0034] The box can be made of a dimensionally stable material, or it can be made of a flexible material (such as fabric) to form a protective sleeve. In the latter case, the sidewalls should be understood as flexible extensions of the base plate. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 It displays a traditional violin bow. Figure 2 A detailed drawing of the bow according to the invention is shown. Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 The cross section along line III-III of the bow, Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 2 The cross section along line IV-IV of the bow, Figure 5 A top view of a box for storing a bow according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 The image shows a bow 1, particularly a violin bow, comprising a bow stick 2 with a bow head 3 and a bow tip 4 constructed at a first end of the bow stick 2, and a bow shank 5 arranged at a second end of the bow stick 2. A bundle of bow hair 6 with multiple bow hairs is tensioned between the bow tip 4 and the bow shank 5, wherein the bow shank 5 can be moved longitudinally along the bow by means of a knob 7 (so-called "foot") connected to a screw, so as to selectively tension or relax the bow hairs. In the area of ​​the bow shank 5, a thumb rest 8 and a winding wire 9 are mounted on the bow stick 2.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the bow shank 2 according to the invention is implemented as a two-piece unit, comprising a first bow shank portion 10 and a second bow shank portion 11. In Figure 2In the diagram, the bow sections 10 and 11 are shown in a state where they are pulled apart from each other, with only the section of the second bow section 11 facing the first bow section 10 shown.

[0038] The first bow section 10 has an end 12 with a reduced diameter, which can be inserted into a complementary notch 13 constructed in the second bow section 11 to form a continuous bow 2. As per... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, both end 12 and recess 13 have square cross-sections, such that end 12 can be fitted into complementary recess 13 in a form fit. The first bow section 10 may be implemented with end 12 having a reduced diameter, which can be constructed on a separate insert that is inseparably fastened to or within the first bow section 10.

[0039] Finally, a sleeve 14 extending out of the dividing plane of the bow 2 is arranged at the end of the first bow section 10. When they are inserted together, the sleeve closely abuts the dividing plane on the surface of the bow. The dividing plane is defined as a plane in which the end faces 15 and 16 of the first bow section 10 and the second bow section 11 abut each other.

[0040] Figure 5 The box is shown in a top view and in an open state. The bow according to the invention is stored in the box. The box has a generally rectangular base plate 19 and side walls 17 extending from the base plate 19, which define a narrow storage space. A first bow section 10 and a second bow section 11 are arranged side-by-side in the storage space in a separated state, such that the bow tip 4 and the bow root 5 are located in opposite end regions of the storage space when viewed longitudinally. To achieve space-saving storage, the bow root 4 is fastened to the first bow section 10 in the opposite direction to its use state, such that the bow hair bundle 6 is guided from the second bow section 11 or the head 3 of the bow 1, turning approximately 180° around the guide 18 towards the bow root 5. For this purpose, before the bow 1 is divided into its two parts, the bow root 5 must first be removed from the first bow section 10, then the bow section is disassembled, and finally the bow root 4 is fastened to the first bow section 10 in the opposite direction.

Claims

1. A bow for playing a stringed instrument, the bow comprising a bow stick (2) having a first end and a second end, a bow tip (4) disposed at the first end of the bow stick (2), a bow root (5) disposed at the second end of the bow stick (2), and a bundle of bow hairs (6) having multiple bow hairs, the bundle of bow hairs being tensioned between the bow tip (4) and the bow root (5), characterized in that, The bow (2) is implemented as a two-piece bow, comprising a first bow portion (10) and a second bow portion (11), wherein the first bow portion (10) has a reduced diameter at its end (12), and the second bow portion (11) has a complementary notch (13) at its end facing the first bow portion (10), such that the first bow portion (10) and the second bow portion (11) can be inserted into or screwed together and releasably connected to each other to form a continuous bow (2).

2. The bow according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end (12) with a reduced diameter is shaped to fit into the complementary recess (13).

3. The bow according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end (12) with a reduced diameter and the complementary notch (13) have non-circular cross-sections to prevent relative torsion of the bow section.

4. The bow according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that, The bow rod (2) is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

5. The bow according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bow (2) is hollow, and the first bow portion (10) has an insert in its end region facing the second bow portion (11), the insert having an extension extending from the hollow cavity, the extension forming the end (12) with a reduced diameter.

6. The bow according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The bow (2) is implemented as hollow, and the second bow portion (11) has a filler or insert in its end region facing the first bow portion (10) to inject into the hollow cavity, in which the complementary notch (13) is formed.

7. The bow according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The extension has a bending stiffness substantially equivalent to that of the bow rod (2).

8. The bow according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, A sleeve (14) extending out of the partition plane of the bow (2) is arranged at the end (12) of the first bow section (10) or at the end of the second bow section (11). When the bow (2) is inserted together, the sleeve closely fits across the partition plane on the surface of the bow (2).

9. The bow according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The divider is basically arranged at the center of gravity of the bow (1).

10. A box having a bow (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the box having a substantially rectangular base plate (19) and sidewalls (17) extending from the base plate, the sidewalls defining an elongated storage space, wherein, The first bow section (10) and the second bow section (11) are arranged side by side in the storage space in a separated state, such that the bow tip (4) and the bow root (5) are located in opposite end regions of the storage space when viewed in the longitudinal direction, and the bow root (5) is fastened to the first bow section (10) in the opposite direction to the use state, such that the bow hair bundle (6) is guided from the second bow section (11) around the guide at approximately 180° toward the bow root (5).

11. The box according to claim 10, characterized in that, The length of the storage space corresponds substantially to the length of the second bow section (11).

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