Sound instrument

Abstract

A sound instrument (1) with a housing (2) having support surfaces at its opposite longitudinal ends, designed for resting on a base (5), wherein the interior of the housing (2) is divided into several chambers, comprising two outer chambers (7) and an inner chamber (8) between which a free-flowing filling material consisting of particles (10) is located, wherein free-flowing filling material consisting of particles (10) can be stored in each outer chamber (7) and in which pressure equalization means are present, wherein a partition (6) with a passage opening (9) is located between each outer chamber (7) and the inner chamber (8), wherein the diameter of the passage opening (9) is adapted to the outer diameters of the particles (10), and wherein comb structures (12) are fixed to the inner sides of the side walls of the housing (2), oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing (2).and wherein, in the case of a housing (2) standing on a base (5) with one of its support surfaces, filling material from the upper outer chamber (7) trickles through the passage opening (9) and over the comb structures (12) towards the lower outer chamber (7), characterized in that outer surfaces of the housing (2) are covered with a covering (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a musical instrument.

[0002] The musical instruments to which the invention relates have a housing that encloses an interior space.

[0003] In principle, such sound instruments can be designed as cajóns or drums. Generally, such instruments can also incorporate sound bodies like rattles, snares, or similar items within the instrument, which can be used to produce sound.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that the interior of a sound instrument's casing contains elements that can produce rain-like sounds.

[0005] From DE 20 2023 106 232 U1, a sound instrument is known that has a housing containing three chambers. These chambers are two outer chambers and one middle chamber. Particles can be stored in each outer chamber. When the housing is placed on a surface, particles trickle from the upper outer chamber through openings into the middle chamber and from there into the lower outer chamber. The particles are guided over comb-like structures during this process.

[0006] The casing of this musical instrument is typically made of wood. The outer surface of the casing requires several steps of finishing. First, a core material for the casing must be veneered and glued. The glued edges must then be rounded and sanded smooth along with the rest of the surface. Finally, the surface of the casing is oiled several times and then polished.

[0007] This surface treatment is extremely time-consuming and significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the musical instrument.

[0008] Furthermore, the surfaces of the housing are sensitive to shock, meaning they can be easily damaged by mechanical stress.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of further improving the functionality of a sound instrument of the type mentioned above.

[0010] The features of claim 1 are provided to solve this problem. Advantageous embodiments and expedient further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention relates to a sound instrument with a housing at opposite longitudinal ends of which contact surfaces are designed for resting on a base. The interior of the housing is divided into several chambers. There are two outer chambers with an inner chamber between them. Each outer chamber contains a free-flowing filling material consisting of particles. Pressure equalization media are also present in these chambers. A partition with a through-opening is located between each outer chamber and the inner chamber. The diameter of the through-opening is adapted to the outer diameter of the particles. Comb-like structures are fixed to the inner surfaces of the housing's side walls, oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing.When the housing is placed on a surface with one of its contact points resting on a base, filling material trickles from the upper outer chamber through the opening and over the comb-like structures towards the lower outer chamber. The outer surfaces of the housing are covered with a fabric.

[0012] The sound instrument according to the invention has a housing whose interior is divided into three chambers arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the vertical direction of the housing. Two outer chambers each advantageously adjoin an end wall element that forms a support surface with which the housing can be placed on a base. An inner chamber is arranged between the outer chambers and separated from each outer chamber by a partition wall that extends over the entire width of the interior of the housing. Each partition wall has a through-opening.

[0013] Each outer chamber forms a storage area containing free-flowing fill material in the form of particles.

[0014] The operating principle of the sound instrument is essentially the same as that of an hourglass. The sound instrument is placed on a surface so that the outer chamber, filled with material, is on top, while the outer chamber below is at least approximately empty.

[0015] Due to gravity, the particles fall downwards through the opening in the partition that borders the upper outer chamber. As they fall, the particles are guided by the comb-like structures on the inside of the housing's side wall. The particles trickling through these structures create a rain-like sound.

[0016] The particles eventually pass through the opening in the further partition wall into the outer chamber below and are collected there.

[0017] The pressure equalization devices in the respective outer chamber filled with filling material prevent a vacuum from forming when the filling material is expelled through the through-hole.

[0018] The opening is adapted to the size of the particles, thus regulating their exit through the opening. This allows the sound of the generated rain-like noise to be precisely controlled.

[0019] Advantageously, the diameter of the passage opening is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the particles.

[0020] Since the particles are thus metered out through the opening and guided over a large number of comb-like structures, a slow trickling motion of the particles is achieved. This creates the rain-like sound over a relatively long period, particularly several minutes.

[0021] Once the particles have collected in the outer chamber at the bottom, the sound instrument is placed on its base with the lower contact surface facing down, i.e., the sound instrument is turned upside down. Then the sound production can begin again.

[0022] The comb structures are advantageously available as prefabricated modular units. These can be manufactured efficiently and then easily fixed as modules within the housing. Alternatively, the comb structures can be individual units mounted within the housing.

[0023] The comb structures are ideally identical, but this is not mandatory.

[0024] This results in a particularly high degree of rationalization, as only one type of comb structure needs to be manufactured. Advantageously, the comb structures are made of wood. In principle, they can also be made of plastic or metallic materials.

[0025] The comb structures are advantageously fixed in recesses on the inside of the housing's side walls by means of plug, clamp or snap connections.

[0026] If a good fit is achieved, sufficiently good sound transmission from the comb structures to the housing is ensured, so that no fixing agents are necessary. The comb structures can therefore be mounted without tools.

[0027] The comb structures are particularly advantageous when fixed to the housing by gluing, in addition to the aforementioned fixing methods. This results in exceptionally good sound transmission from the comb structures to the housing.

[0028] The comb structures generally form planar elements with comb surfaces preferably running in one plane.

[0029] To achieve an effective flow motion of the particles, the comb structures are positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and in particular perpendicular to it.

[0030] This ensures that the particles exiting the outer chamber above through the opening hit the entire comb surface.

[0031] Advantageously, each comb structure has a base part from which several parallel, spaced-apart tines extend.

[0032] The identically shaped tines each run along a straight line. The distances between the tines are greater than the diameters of the particles.

[0033] The distances between adjacent tines and their widths are coordinated in such a way that although several particles can pass through a gap at the same time, most of the falling particles first hit the tines and are reflected from there through the gaps, thus creating the rain-like sound.

[0034] The presence of comb-like structures in all chambers of the housing is advantageous.

[0035] This allows the particles to be guided through comb structures almost across the entire height of the housing, enabling a particularly long generation of rain-like sounds.

[0036] The comb-like structures form a particularly advantageous spiral arrangement.

[0037] The spiral arrangement is advantageously obtained by arranging comb structures at predetermined, preferably equal, intervals over the height of the housing, i.e. at different height levels, wherein adjacent comb structures are mounted at different angular positions, so that the tines of adjacent comb structures form crossed arrangements.

[0038] This spiral arrangement ensures a slow, trickling movement of the particles within the casing, as they bounce off the crossed tines of the comb structure multiple times and are thus deflected perpendicular to the direction of fall.

[0039] A spiral arrangement of comb structures can be implemented particularly well when the housing has a polygonal, for example hexagonal, cross-section. In this case, the housing has several side wall elements arranged at angles to each other. The entirety of the side wall elements forms a polygonal housing shape. Adjacent comb structures are then fixed to different side wall elements.

[0040] Since adjacent side wall elements of the polygonal housing are arranged at angles to each other, this also applies to the comb structures attached to this side wall element.

[0041] According to a geometrically advantageous design, the cross-section of the housing is constant over its height.

[0042] Furthermore, the chambers are advantageously designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner with respect to an equatorial plane of the housing, with the outer chambers being expediently larger than the inner chamber. Finally, the wall elements forming the bearing surfaces and the partitions run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side walls of the housing.

[0043] The pressure equalization devices in the outer chambers generally serve to prevent a negative pressure from forming when filling material is removed from an outer chamber.

[0044] A particularly simple and cost-effective design provides for a hose as a pressure equalization device in an outer chamber, which protrudes through an opening in the partition wall into the inner chamber.

[0045] The casing of the musical instrument can, in principle, be made of plastic. However, a wooden casing is particularly advantageous.

[0046] According to the invention, the outer surfaces of the housing are covered with a covering.

[0047] The cover forms a protective layer that shields the housing against mechanical impacts. In particular, the cover prevents damage to the housing surface from shock or impact loads.

[0048] Another significant advantage of the invention is that the housing surfaces covered with the covering do not themselves require surface treatment. Instead, the covering can be fixed to untreated surfaces of the housing. This fixing is advantageously achieved using adhesives.

[0049] Because no surface treatment of the casing is necessary, the manufacturing costs of the musical instrument can be significantly reduced. This is achieved primarily because the covering itself can be made from inexpensive materials. Furthermore, the covering can be attached to the casing surface simply, quickly, and in a single step using adhesive.

[0050] In general, it is essential that the covering forms a closed surface layer that completely covers and protects the underlying housing surface.

[0051] The cover is advantageously made of a flexible yet stable shock-resistant material.

[0052] The cover is advantageously made of natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers.

[0053] In particular, the cover is made of jute.

[0054] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the cover consists of a textile surface and / or a fabric.

[0055] The fabric can be made of a textile or of another material, such as plastic.

[0056] According to an alternative design, the covering is a wallpaper.

[0057] In particular, the covering is a textured wallpaper or a cork wallpaper.

[0058] According to an advantageous embodiment, only the outer surfaces of the side wall of the housing are covered with a covering.

[0059] The outer sides of the side wall are completely covered with a covering.

[0060] In this case, cork layers are attached to the end faces that form the contact surfaces, primarily by gluing. The cork layers create stable, flat contact surfaces. Furthermore, they protect the housing against mechanical stress.

[0061] Particularly advantageous is the fact that the edges of the cover adjacent to the contact surfaces are each bordered with an edge trim.

[0062] This increases the adhesion of the cover to the housing surface and prevents fraying or other damage to the edges of the cover.

[0063] It is also advantageous if one or every butt edge of the cover is covered with a facing.

[0064] If the cover is a single piece, there is only one butt joint where the cover surrounds the side wall of the housing. If the cover is made of multiple pieces, there are several butt joints.

[0065] In general, the facings protect and conceal the edges of the upholstery.

[0066] The edge borders and facings are advantageously formed from ribbon-like materials.

[0067] Advantageously, these are made of the same materials as the cover itself.

[0068] The edge trims and facings are advantageously glued onto the cover.

[0069] The invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1: Perspective exterior view of a housing of an embodiment of the sound instrument according to the invention. Fig. 2: Schematic representation of the interior of the sound instrument according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3: Individual representation of a comb structure for the sound instrument according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 4: Cutaway case of the musical instrument according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with comb structures arranged in the interior. Fig. 5: Front view of the sound instrument according to the invention. Fig. 6: Rear exterior view of the sound instrument according to the invention.

[0070] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the sound instrument 1, comprising a housing 2, preferably made of wood. The housing 2 has a polygonal cross-section, hexagonal in this case, that is constant over its entire height. Accordingly, the housing 2 has a side wall consisting of six identical side wall elements 3, with adjacent side wall elements 3 being inclined at 120° to each other.

[0071] The end faces 4 of the housing 2 are closed off with flat wall elements that form support surfaces on which the sound instrument 1 can be placed on a base 5. The housing 2 is mirror-symmetrical about its equatorial plane.

[0072] As can be seen from the highly schematic representation of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the interior is divided into two outer chambers 7 and one inner chamber 8 by two partition walls 6 running parallel to the support surfaces. The identically designed outer chambers 7 are slightly larger than the inner chamber 8. The partition walls 6, which are preferably made of wood, extend over the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the interior and are firmly connected to the side wall elements 3 by gluing. Each outer chamber 7 extends from a support surface to the nearest partition wall 6. The inner chamber 8 is located between the partition walls 6.

[0073] In the center of each partition wall 6 there is a passage opening 9. The two passage openings 9 are identical in design.

[0074] Free-flowing material can be stored in the outer chambers 7. The material consists of small, especially spherical particles 10. Fig. Figure 2 shows the situation in which the upper outer chamber 7 is filled with material. The particles 10 are expelled from the upper outer chamber 7 through the opening 9 and then fall downwards. The diameters of the preferably circular opening 9 are adapted to the sizes of the particles 10. Advantageously, the diameters of the opening 9 are slightly larger than the outer diameters of the particles 10.

[0075] A hose 11, forming a pressure equalization element, is guided through an opening in each partition wall 6. Each hose 11 extends from the inner chamber 8 to an outer chamber 7. The open ends of the hoses 11 are closed with grid structures (not shown) through which air can penetrate, but not particles 10.

[0076] Comb structures 12 are attached to the inner sides of the side wall elements 3 of the housing 2. In this case, all comb structures 12 of the sound instrument 1 are identical, but this is not mandatory.

[0077] Fig. Figure 3 shows a comb structure 12 in a single view. The comb structure 12, which in this case consists of wood, forms a planar component extending in one plane, which can be fixed as a prefabricated unit in the interior of the housing 2 of the sound instrument 1.

[0078] The comb structure 12 has a base part 13 extending along a straight line. Several identically shaped tines 14 extend from one side of the base part 13, each extending along a straight line. The tines 14 run parallel to each other at a distance from one another, with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base part 13.

[0079] The tines 14, in particular their widths, and the spaces between the tines 14 are adapted to the particle sizes. The spaces are chosen so that several particles 10 can pass through them simultaneously. At the same time, the comb structure 12 is dimensioned such that a stream of falling particles 10 predominantly bounces off the tines 14 and only then falls through the spaces.

[0080] Fig. Figure 4 shows the longitudinally cut housing 2 of the sound instrument 1 with the comb structures 12 stored inside it.

[0081] The comb structures 12 are inserted into notched recesses 15 on the inside of the side wall of the housing 2 and then glued in place. This gluing not only ensures a secure hold of the comb structures 12 in the housing 2, but also good sound transmission from the comb structures 12 to the housing 2.

[0082] The partition walls 6 are fixed in position in the housing 2 in the same way.

[0083] As from Fig. 4 and the schematic representation according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the comb structures 12 extend over all chambers 7, 8 and are mounted at different heights of the housing 2 in such a way that a spiral arrangement of the comb structures 12 results.

[0084] The arrangement and number of in Fig. The arrangement of the comb structures 12 shown in the 4 diagrams is of course not mandatory. In particular, the comb structures 12 can be arranged equidistantly in the vertical direction.

[0085] For this purpose, adjacent comb structures 12 are always mounted on adjacent side wall elements 3, such that the comb structures 12 have an angular offset of 20° to each other. This results in an overlapping arrangement of the tines 14 of the individual comb structures 12, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 4 is visible.

[0086] The functionality of sound instrument 1 will be explained below using the following examples: Fig. 2 explained.

[0087] The sound instrument 1 is placed on a base 5 such that the outer chamber 7, filled with filling material, is on top, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. Due to gravity, particles 10 successively fall through the opening 9 and are then guided over the closely spaced, crossed comb structures 12 in the inner chamber 8. They fall through the opening 9 of the outer chamber 7 below and are also guided over crossed comb structures 12 there. The pressure equalization elements prevent a negative pressure from forming in the outer chamber 7 above when the particles 10 are discharged there.

[0088] The falling particles 10 bounce off the tines 14 of the comb structures 12 and then fall further downwards through the gaps. This produces a rain-like sound with the sound instrument 1.

[0089] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows external views of the sound instrument 1 according to the invention. As the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows the outer sides of the side walls of housing 2 (as shown in Fig. 1 shown) with a cover 16.

[0090] The cover 16 extends seamlessly and completely over all side walls of the housing 2, being adhered to the outer surfaces of the housing 2's side walls. The cover 16 forms a protective layer against mechanical stress and is flexible, allowing it to be wrapped around the entire side walls of the housing 2 and fixed in place.

[0091] Advantageously, the cover 16 can consist of natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers.

[0092] The cover 16 can consist of a textile surface and / or a woven fabric.

[0093] Alternatively, reference 16 could be wallpaper.

[0094] In particular, reference 16 is a textured wallpaper or a cork wallpaper.

[0095] In the present case, cover 16 consists of jute.

[0096] Cork layers 17 are attached to the end faces 4 of the housing 2 of the sound instrument 1, in particular by gluing. The cork layers 17 form flat contact surfaces with which the sound instrument 1 can be placed on a base 5.

[0097] Adjacent to the cork layers 17 are edge trims 18 that cover and thus protect the edges of the cover 16. In particular, this prevents fraying of the cover 16.

[0098] How Fig. Figure 6 shows that the butt joint of the cover 16 is covered by a trim piece 19. The trim piece 19 protects the butt joint against the edges of the cover 16 opening up and against fraying.

[0099] Advantageously, the edge borders 18 and veneers 19 are formed from band-shaped materials.

[0100] The edge trims 18 can consist of the facing 19 made of similar materials as the covering 16.

[0101] Advantageously, the edge trims 18 and the facing 19 are fixed to the cover 16 by means of adhesive. Reference symbol list 1 sound instrument 2 cases 3 side wall element 4 Front 5. Document 6 Partition wall 7 outer chamber 8 inner chamber 9 Passage opening 10 particles 11 hose 12 comb structure 13 Basic part 14 prongs 15 recording 16 Reference 17 cork layers 18 Edge trim 19. Facing QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2023 106 232 U1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Sound instrument (1) with a housing (2) at the opposite longitudinal ends of which support surfaces are provided for resting on a base (5), wherein the interior of the housing (2) is divided into several chambers, wherein two outer chambers (7) are provided, between which an inner chamber (8) is provided, wherein free-flowing filling material consisting of particles (10) can be stored in each outer chamber (7) and in which pressure equalization means are provided, wherein a partition (6) with a passage opening (9) is provided between each outer chamber (7) and the inner chamber (8), wherein the diameter of the passage opening (9) is adapted to the outer diameters of the particles (10), wherein comb structures (12) are fixed to the inner sides of side walls of the housing (2), which are oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the housing (2),and wherein, with the housing (2) standing on a base (5) with one of its support surfaces, filling material from the upper outer chamber (7) trickles through the passage opening (9) and over the comb structures (12) towards the lower outer chamber (7), characterized by , that the outer surfaces of the housing (2) are covered with a covering (16). [2] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the reference (16) forms a mechanical protective element. [3] Sound instrument (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the cover (16) consists of natural fibers and / or plastic fibers. [4] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the cover (16) is made of jute. [5] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the cover (16) consists of a textile surface and / or a fabric. [6] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the reference (16) is a wallpaper. [7] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the covering (16) is a textured wallpaper or a cork wallpaper. [8] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the cover (16) is glued to the outside of the housing (2). [9] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the cover (16) is one-piece or multi-piece. [10] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that only the outer surfaces of the side wall of the housing (2) are covered with a covering (16). [11] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the outer surfaces of the side wall are completely covered with a covering (16). [12] Sound instrument (1) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized by, that the edges of the cover (16) adjacent to the bearing surfaces are each enclosed by an edge border (18). [13] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that one or each butt edge of the cover (16) is covered with a facing (19). [14] Sound instrument (1) according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterized by , that the edge borders (18) and facings (19) are formed of ribbon-shaped materials. [15] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 14, characterized by , that the edge trims (18) and facings (19) are glued onto the cover (16). [16] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the contact surfaces are made of cork. [17] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by , that the housing (2) is made of wood or plastic. [18] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by, that the wall elements forming the bearing surfaces and the partition walls (6) run parallel to each other and perpendicular to the side wall of the housing (2). [19] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by , that the housing (2) has a polygonal cross-section. [20] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by , that the chambers (7, 8) are mirror-symmetrical to an equatorial plane of the housing (2). [21] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by that the outer chambers (7) are each bounded by a support surface and a partition (6). [22] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized by , that the particles (10) are at least approximately spherical. [23] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized by, that the diameters of the passage openings (9) are slightly larger than the outer diameters of the particles (10). [24] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by , that each comb structure (12) has a base part (13) from which several parallel tines (14) extend at a distance from each other. [25] Sound instrument (1) according to claim 24, characterized by , that the distances between the tines (14) are larger than the diameters of the particles (10). [26] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized by , that the comb structure (12) are prefabricated modules. [27] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized by , that its comb structures (12) are identically formed. [28] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized by , that the comb structures (12) are made of wood. [29] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized by , that the comb structures (12) are fixed by plug, clamp or snap connections in receptacles (15) on the inner sides of side walls of the housing (2). [30] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized by , that the comb structures (12) are fixed by gluing to the inner sides of the side wall of the housing (2). [31] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized by , that comb structures (12) are present in all chambers (7, 8) of the housing (2). [32] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized by , that the comb structures (12) form a spiral arrangement. [33] Sound instrument (1) according to one of claims 19 and 32, characterized by, that the housing (2) has several side wall elements (3) arranged at angles to each other, wherein the entirety of the side wall elements (3) forms a polygonal housing shape, and that adjacent comb structures (12) are fixed to different side wall elements (3). [34] Sound instrument (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized by , that a hose (11) is provided as a pressure equalization means in an outer chamber (7), which extends through an opening in the partition wall (6) into the inner chamber (8).

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