Adjustment slot for adaptive rubber or cork inserts for universal adjustment of a mute to different sized funnel openings of brass instruments

Abstract

Adjustment slot for adaptive plastic or cork inserts for universal adaptation of a mute to different funnel sizes of brass instruments.

Description

State of the art:

[0001] Today, mutes for various brass instruments, such as trumpets, trombones, flugelhorns, etc., are usually attached to the funnels of the instruments using glued-on cork or plastic pads.

[0002] A well-known problem with current technology is the variety of bell sizes on different types of instruments. Trumpeters often own several instruments, such as German trumpets, jazz trumpets, flugelhorns, baroque trumpets, or piccolo trumpets, all of which have different bell diameters. However, the permanently attached cork or plastic pads on the mutes do not fit universally in all these instruments. In some cases, the mutes are too loose and fall out; in other cases, they don't fit into the bell at all.

[0003] To adjust the fit, the glued-on cork or plastic pads are often manually sanded or filed. However, this solution is not optimal, as the mute loses its flexibility for use in other instruments once the inserts have been adjusted in this way. The problem underlying the invention:

[0004] The main challenge is to develop a mechanism that allows musicians to quickly and easily adapt a mute to all their brass instruments of a given type. At the same time, this mechanism should provide the musician with a secure and worry-free playing experience, so they don't have to concentrate on holding the mute while playing. Problem solving (invention itself):

[0005] The invention provides a remedy through an innovative adjustment slot on the mute, which is equipped with interchangeable plastic or cork inserts. These inserts, available in various thicknesses, allow the mute to be flexibly adjusted to the different sized bell openings of brass instruments.

[0006] The inserts are inserted into the slot with light pressure. Thanks to the precise dimensions of the slot, the pads stay securely in place without the need for additional fastening material.

[0007] The inserts can only be removed by actively prying them out, preventing accidental removal. This increases the safety and stability of the system in practical use.

[0008] The slot is designed so that the upper part of the insert protrudes above the surface of the mute. This protects the interior of the musical instrument during insertion and allows for gentle handling. Fig. 1: Overall view Fig. 2: Section through the rail Fig. 3: Rubber / cork strips separately Fig. 4: Inserted state (cross section)

Claims

[1] Adjustment slot for the inclusion of adaptive plastic or cork inserts for universal adaptation of a mute to different funnel sizes of brass instruments. [2] Position and location of the receiving slot: The adjustment slots are vertically recessed into the outer wall of the mute. They run parallel to each other and are evenly spaced in the narrower part of the mute. This ensures a maximum secure and optimal fit in the bell of a brass instrument. [3] Design of the receiving slot: The adjustment slot either has a U-shaped profile structure or consists of two parallel edges whose spacing gradually narrows along its length. This ensures that the inserts remain firmly in place after insertion and cannot accidentally slip out.

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