Selective combination type slide recorder

The slide recorder addresses the challenges of playability in conventional recorders by offering interchangeable components and a slide mechanism, enhancing accessibility and playability for users with disabilities and improving pitch control and expression.

JP3251420UActive Publication Date: 2025-05-26大坪 武广
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025000707U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-13
Publication Date
2025-05-26
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional recorders and slide whistles face challenges in playability for individuals with limited finger movement and require precise finger technique, making them difficult for beginners and those with disabilities to use effectively.

Method used

A slide recorder with interchangeable components such as tube bodies, mouthpieces, sliders, and stoppers, designed to accommodate various physical characteristics and disabilities, featuring a slide mechanism that allows for pitch adjustment and customizable configurations for enhanced usability.

Benefits of technology

The slide recorder provides improved accessibility and playability for a wide range of users, including those with disabilities, by allowing customizable components and a slide mechanism that facilitates clear pitch control and glissando techniques.

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Abstract

In particular, a slide recorder suitable for players with restricted finger freedom and usable by a variety of players is provided. 【Solution means】The slide recorder includes a tube body 1 having sound holes, a mouthpiece 2 for generating sound, a slider 3 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the tube body 1 and capable of sliding, and a foot stopper 4 for controlling the movement range of the slider 3. The tube body 1, the mouthpiece 2, the slider 3, and the foot stopper 4 each include selectable components and can be appropriately combined according to the player's usage and physical characteristics. Thereby, while improving the freedom of performance, a slide recorder is realized in which an optimal configuration can be selectively combined for various players such as those for school education and players with disabilities.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to wind instruments such as recorders, and more particularly to a slide recorder that can freely select and combine each component (tube body, mouthpiece, slider, stopper) according to the physical characteristics of the player and the purpose of performance. Different from general recorders and slide whistles, the present invention has a slide mechanism and further improves the usability for players who mainly have various finger impairments. The "slide recorder" described in the name is a name trademarked by the inventor of the present invention (Trademark Registration No. 6775543).

Background Art

[0002] Conventional recorders adjust the pitch by covering the sound holes with fingers. However, since it depends on the movement of the player's fingers, there is a problem that it is difficult to play for those with limited finger movement. Also, a certain technique is required to accurately cover the sound holes with fingers, which may be difficult to handle for beginners and players with disabilities.

[0003] Also, slide wind instruments such as slide whistles can continuously change the pitch, but it is difficult to produce a clear pitch. Therefore, it has been difficult for conventional slide instruments to handle situations that require accurate pitch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Based on the above two prior literatures, the inventor of the present invention conducted a large number of trial productions and, through dealing with various disabled children and others, newly invented and improved the present invention. In the past slide-type recorders of the inventor, only the slide operation was emphasized, but the present invention improves the adaptability to various physical characteristics through combination selection, and provides a new slide recorder that can respond to performers including various disabled persons, bringing great effects. The object of the present invention is to solve the drawbacks of conventional recorders and slide whistles, and provide a slide recorder that various performers can use appropriately and comfortably. Introduction of selectable combination components. Different tube bodies, mouthpieces, sliders, and stoppers can be selected to meet the various needs of performers with various disabilities in their fingers. Furthermore, in each component, especially the gripping parts of the mouthpiece and slider, they are often specialized, deformed, and designed into shapes suitable for various disabled persons. Improvement of playing convenience. By adopting a slide mechanism that enables even those with restricted finger movements to play, it can accommodate a wide range of people. Clear pronunciation of pitches. Provide a slide recorder that can clearly control the pitches, rather than having continuous pitch changes like a slide whistle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention is a slide recorder comprising a tube body (1) having sound holes, a mouthpiece (2) for generating sound, a slider (3) disposed on the outer peripheral side of the tube body (1) and slidable, and a foot stopper (4) for controlling the movement range of the slider (3). The tube body (1) is provided with a component without an edge or a selectable component. The mouthpiece (2) is provided with a tunable or selectable component. The slider (3) is provided with a component with a gripping portion or a selectable component and is slidable along the tube body (1). The foot stopper (4) is provided with a component of a mounting type or a selectable component and can limit the movement range of the slider (3). The tube body (1), the mouthpiece (2), the slider (3), and the foot stopper (4) are each provided with a selectable component, and can be appropriately selected and combined according to the physical characteristics, performance purposes, and uses of the performer. The slide recorder of the present invention is configured by selecting from the following main components and selecting and combining them according to the physical characteristics, uses, and purposes of the performer. Tube body (1). The tube body is the main structural part having a necessary number of sound holes, and can be selected from various shapes of the following A to G according to the physical characteristics, uses, and purposes of the performer. ○ A: Type with an edge for generating sound and generating a clear timbre ○ B: Without an edge, using a tuning type mouthpiece ○ C: Type with pitch marks for the purpose of performance assistance ○ D: Type with pitch characters for the purpose of performance assistance, symbols, etc. are also possible ○ E: Since fingers are not used, the number of sound holes such as semitones can be increased ○ F: Can be plated or aged to improve performance ○ G: The materials of the tube body and the slider can be selected, and hybridization can also be performed separately ○ Others: Types with special structures and unique acoustic characteristics, etc. Mouthpiece (2). The mouthpiece is the blowing part of the recorder, and the following different types from A to H can be selected. ○ A: Fixed type, non-tunable structure, using bolts, pins, adhesives, etc. ○ B: Tunable type, structure capable of fine-tuning the pitch ○ C: Flute type, structure suitable for the side-blowing style ○ D: Double type, structure with a double tube body to produce harmony and special acoustic effects ○ E: Keyboard instrument style hose connection type, structure that can be used by people with immobile hands ○ F: Devised and deformable in the ▲X▼▲Y▼▲Z▼ directions for people with Möbius syndrome, etc. ○ G: Using materials such as polypropylene that are suitable for safety and hygiene because they are held in the mouth ○ H: Such as being easy to smooth to make it less dirty Slider (3). The slider is a movable part for adjusting the pitch, and the following different types from A to E can be selected. ○ A: Cylindrical type, standard slider structure ○ B: With a gripping part, improving the ease of slide operation ○ C: With sound holes, enabling sound hole operation in addition to sliding ○ D: Double slider for accompaniment, structure suitable for special performances ○ E: Improving performance through plating or aging treatment, etc. Foot stopper (4). The foot stopper plays a role in adjusting the movement range of the slider and has the following different shapes from A to C. ○ A: Integrated type, can be manufactured integrally with the tube body or integrated by fixation ○ B: Mounted type, detachable from the tube body, does not move during use (using bolts, pins, tube end expansion, adhesives, etc.) ○ C: Pin type, fine adjustment possible, serves as a guide

[0006] Each component in the present invention can also be compatible, and the optimal combination can be selected and customized according to the preferences of the performer and the performance purpose. Also, by appropriately adjusting the sliding range of the slider, it is possible to clearly control the pitch, and at the same time, it is possible to easily realize the glissando technique.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The present invention can provide an opportunity to play for those who have not been able to cope so far, especially those who cannot use both hands. It brings great gospel to the corresponding people! The following effects can also be obtained by the slide recorder of the present invention. (1) Capable of meeting various needs of performers · A configuration that allows various performers to use, with selectable combinations regardless of the presence or absence of disabilities. · It is possible to customize the slide recorder and adjust the pitch according to the preferences of the performer. (2) Improved freedom of pitch adjustment ● With the slide mechanism, glissando performance that is usually impossible with a recorder is possible. ● With a tunable mouthpiece, fine pitch adjustment is easy. (3) Improved customizability ● The combination of the tube body, mouthpiece, slider, and stopper can be freely changed. ● Model development according to the application, such as for education, rehabilitation, and professionals, is possible.

Brief Explanation of the Drawings

[0008] ●

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0009] As a mode for specifically implementing the present invention, the following methods can be considered. (1) Basic structure As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the slide recorder is composed of the following main components. · Tube body (1): The main structural part having a necessary number of sound holes, and different shapes from A to D with pitch marks and selectable with or without an edge can be selected. · Mouthpiece (2): Different types from A to E such as fixed type, tunable type, transverse flute type, double type, keyboard instrument style hose connection type, etc. can be selected. · Slider (3): Different types from A to C such as cylindrical, with a gripping part, with sound holes, etc. can be selected. FIG. 6 shows a double slider for accompaniment at D. · Foot stopper (4): It has different shapes (A to C) that can adjust the movement range of the slider. Each component is compatible, and an optimal combination can be selected and customized according to the preferences of various performers. Furthermore, in each component, especially the gripping parts of the mouthpiece and the slider, they are often specialized, deformed, and devised into shapes suitable for various disabled persons. (2) Model configuration according to performance purposes The slide recorder of the present invention can develop models according to the purposes and physical characteristics of performers. ▲1▼ Standard slide recorder (for general use) ● While maintaining the shape of a basic recorder, a slide mechanism is added. ● It can be used in combination with the conventional finger hole method and can be used according to the proficiency of the performer. ● An option with pitch markings can be selected, making it easy for beginners to visually confirm the pitch. ▲2▼ Body-assisted slide recorder (for disabled and elderly people) ● For performers with restricted finger freedom, a dedicated grip structure for assisting in gripping the slider is added. ● With the friction adjustment mechanism of the slider, the slide operation is easy even with a light force. ● It is possible to attach an auxiliary tool that can perform the slide operation with the foot or other parts, enabling performance according to the physical ability. ▲3▼ Expression-expansion slide recorder (for professionals and special purposes) ● Adopt a keyboard instrument-style hose connection type mouthpiece, enabling performance without using both hands. ● Custom specifications combining multiple tubes are possible, realizing harmonic performance expressions. ● Equipped with a MIDI sensor, enabling cooperation with electronic sound sources.

[0010] Referring to the attached drawings (Figs. 1 to 6), the details of the slide recorder of the present invention will be described. [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows the main components of the slide recorder (tube body, mouthpiece, slider, stopper). By preparing various types of each component such as the tube body, etc., from A to Z, etc., it becomes possible for various players including children with disabilities to use it. There are also types other than A to Z. In order to accommodate the lips of various players, the head side of the mouthpiece may be deformed in the ▲X▼▲Y▼▲Z▼ directions. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows various tube bodies (with pitch markings, selectable with or without edges, etc.). By preparing multiple types of tube bodies, it is possible to accommodate various players. Also, a tube body with a harmonica reed placed in the sound hole can be configured in an applied manner. Furthermore, it is possible to upgrade to an electronic control type by placing a sensor in the sound hole. ○ A: Tube body with an edge. Integrated (fixed) with the mouthpiece, providing a clear tone. ○ B: Tube body for the tunable mouthpiece. It is possible to adjust the pitch by insertion and removal. ○ C·D: Tube body with pitch markings and characters. It is easy for beginners to grasp the position of the pitch and helps in acquiring playing techniques. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows various mouthpieces (tunable type, double mouthpiece, flute type, etc.). By diversifying the types of mouthpieces, it is possible to accommodate different playing methods and applications. As shown in the figure, the mouthpiece is formed with a convex shape on the tube head side and can also be held by the mouth. Holding it by the mouth can also serve as a substitute for one hand. It is also possible to form a holding part or the like on the shape of the mouthpiece. By attaching an adapter to the selected mouthpiece, it is possible to connect to external devices or electronic devices, etc. It is also possible to place a sensor for those with weak blowing breath to amplify the breath. Also, a trumpet mouthpiece and a mouthpiece with a reed can be used. ○ A: Mouthpiece for the tube body with an edge. It is possible to fix it to the tube body or position it for fixing. Or it can be integrated with the tube body. ○ B: Tunable mouthpiece. Fine adjustment of the pitch can be done by insertion and removal. ○C: Transverse flute - type mouthpiece. It is possible to play by blowing horizontally. In the illustrated example C, the tube body and the blowing port are at a right angle, but it can also be set at an angle other than a right angle to accommodate various players. ○ D: Double mouthpiece. Two tube bodies are arranged, and one can be used for accompaniment etc. ○ E: Keyboard - instrument - like mouthpiece. A configuration where a hose is connected and played only with the feet (see Fig. 6E). [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows various sliders (cylindrical, with a grip part, etc.). By devising the shape of the slider and the grip part, various players can use it. ○ A: Since it is cylindrical, it can be gripped at any part. ○ B: By devising the grip part, it can accommodate different gripping methods. ○ C: Slider with sound holes. By aligning the position with the sound holes on the tube body, the operability during performance is improved. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows various foot stoppers (pin type, integrated type, attachment type, etc.). By adjusting the movement range of the slider, the freedom of performance is improved. Various stoppers such as the pin type are not limited to the illustrated tube body and can also be appropriately and freely used for various tube bodies. A configuration where a slide recorder is held by the foot stopper is also possible. Also, a cushion rubber etc. may be added to the stopper that the slider hits and the mouthpiece. ○ C: Pin type. A type where sound holes can be installed on both the tube body and the slider. The adjustment range of the pitch can be expanded. The pin can also be used as a guide when the slider moves. It can also be used for types where the slider has no sound holes. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows various slide recorders (soprano type, alto type, transverse flute type, double type with accompaniment, keyboard - instrument - like type, etc.). ○ A: Example for soprano. ○ B: Example using a long tube body for alto. ○C: Transverse flute type, perpendicular to the tube body. A specification with an angle to the tube body is also possible. It can accommodate a variety of players. ○ D: An example of combining two tube bodies. It is also possible to use more than two. Multiple mouthpieces can be arranged to play different pitches. ○ E: A configuration where the tube body is placed on a stand and a hose is connected. Since it can be played only with the feet, it is suitable for players who cannot use both hands. In the stand to be used, a configuration suitable for the player is often applied in the XYZ directions. Sometimes it is configured like a slide with an inclination to improve the operability of the feet.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the slide recorder of the present invention can be customized to an optimal specification for each player by combining a variety of components. In addition, by adjusting the following elements, it is possible to customize the ease of playing and the tone color. 1. Change in the arrangement of sound holes: It is possible to arrange them according to the movable range of the player's fingers. 2. Change in the shape of the mouthpiece: An optimal mouthpiece can be selected according to the blowing method and playing method. 3. Design change of the slider: By using a slider with sound holes, it can also handle complex pitch operations. 4. Improvement of the foot stopper: It is possible to limit the slide range according to the player. 5. Selection of materials and colors: Appropriate materials and colors can be selected to improve the performance of the slide recorder, the player's preference, the use environment, and visibility. Thereby, it is possible to provide a recorder that can be comfortably used by a wide range of players regardless of the presence or absence of disabilities. Furthermore, in each component, especially the gripping parts of the mouthpiece and the slider, they are often specialized, deformed, and devised into shapes suitable for various disabled persons.

[0012] The present invention is a slide recorder comprising a tube body (1) having sound holes, a mouthpiece (2) for generating sound, a slider (3) arranged on the outer peripheral side of the tube body (1) and slidable in the front-rear direction, and a foot stopper (4) for controlling the movement range of the slider (3). The tube body (1) has multiple different shapes (A to D), can arrange necessary sound holes, is provided with a guide structure for adjusting the positions and opening / closing states of the sound holes, allows selection of appropriate specifications according to the uses of the performer, marks for performance assistance or marks for improving visibility can be added to the surface of the tube body (1), and the material of the tube body (1) is selected from resin, wood, metal, or composite materials thereof, which can improve sound quality and durability. The mouthpiece (2) has at least one of the structures of a fixed type, a tunable type, a transverse flute type, a double type, and a keyboard instrument-like hose connection type, is detachable or integrally formed with the tube body (1), and further, by providing a seal structure or an adjustment mechanism for improving airtightness at the connection part of the mouthpiece (2), the convenience of performance is improved, and the mouthpiece (2) is applied with a replaceable design according to the proficiency of the performer and the performance purpose. The slider (3) has at least one of the shapes of a cylindrical type, a type with a gripping part, a type with sound holes, and an accompanying double slider, is slidable along the tube body (1), has graduations that are easy to visually align with the sound holes, and is provided with a friction adjustment mechanism or an operation assistance mechanism on the outer peripheral part of the slider (3) to enable adjustment of the resistance and operability of the sliding operation, thereby realizing an optimal operating feeling according to the performance style of the performer. The slider (3) has a structure that allows arbitrary setting of a stopper for limiting the sliding range according to the performance use. The foot stopper (4) has at least one of the shapes of a pin type, a cylindrical type, and a slidable variable type, is provided with an adjustment mechanism or a position fixing mechanism for adjusting the moving range of the slider (3), and by allowing arbitrary setting of the maximum moving range of the slider (3), adjustment according to the proficiency and use of the performer is possible. Furthermore, the slide recorder can be applied with specifications according to the performance purpose. For the beginner-oriented model, a tube body with pitch marks or an operation assistance mechanism to prevent unintended movement of the slider is applied. For the performer-oriented model with restricted finger freedom, an auxiliary tool that allows the slider to be operated with the feet or another part is applied. Additionally, it can be equipped with a singing mouth that can change the pitch only with the force of the mouth. In the model for professional performance, a custom friction adjustment mechanism that can finely adjust the frictional resistance of the slider can be installed, and a variable sound hole system that can precisely control the opening and closing of the sound holes can be applied. Also, as a configuration that enables cooperation with electronic musical instruments, an optical sensor, a hall sensor, or a pressure sensor for detecting the position of the slider (3) and the opening and closing state of the sound holes is installed, and an interface capable of transmitting MIDI signals is provided to enable cooperation with an external sound source. In addition, to enable recording and editing of performance data, the movement of the slider (3) and the opening and closing of the sound holes are made digitally controllable, and it is possible for the performer to adjust the pitch using an app or a controller. The tube body (1), the singing mouth (2), the slider (3), and the foot stopper (4) are compatible and can be freely combined according to the performer's preference and performance style. Furthermore, by applying a standardized compatible design to the connection parts of each component, it is possible to maintain appropriate airtightness and stability even when different types of components are combined, providing a slide recorder characterized by achieving a degree of freedom in pitch adjustment and an expansion of performance expression not found in conventional recorders.

[0013] The "selective combination type slide recorder" of the present invention can meet more diverse performance needs through the following specific combinations of shapes and specifications. (1) Combination of the tube body and the singing mouth · By combining a tube body with an edge (clear tone) and a tunable singing mouth, a professional-oriented recorder that allows fine adjustment can be configured. · By combining a tube body with interval markings and a fixed-type mouthpiece, a performance support model for beginners can be constructed. · By combining a keyboard instrument-style hose-connected mouthpiece and a tube body without edges, a special-purpose slide recorder that can be played without using hands can be provided. (2) Combinations of Sliders and Tube Bodies ● By combining a slider with sound holes and a tube body with interval characters, a model with an auxiliary function that allows playing while visually recognizing the intervals can be realized. ● By using a slider with a gripping part to make slider operation easier, a slide recorder for disabled or elderly people can be provided. ● By using a double slider for accompaniment, a model that can achieve a special musical expression capable of playing different intervals simultaneously can be constructed. (3) Combinations of Foot Stoppers and Sliders ● By applying a slide variable stopper, the movement range of the slider can be adjusted, enabling customization according to the level of the player. ● By using a pin-type foot stopper, fine position adjustment of the slider becomes possible, allowing accurate pitch control. (4) Additional Embodiments Furthermore, the slide recorder of the present invention can also combine the following customization elements to improve the freedom of performance. ● Linkage with Electronic Sound Sources: By installing a MIDI sensor, the movement of the slider and the opening and closing of sound holes can be digitally controlled, enabling performance in cooperation with external sound sources. ● Pitch Adjustment Assistance Mechanism: By applying a guide rail or a friction adjustment mechanism to assist the movement of the slider, a smooth slide operation can be realized. ● Rehabilitation Assistance Device: By adding an assistance device that allows the slider to be operated with the foot or other parts for players with difficulty in finger movement, a wider range of users can use it.

Industrial Applicability

[0014] The slide recorder of the present invention can be widely used in the following fields. 1. Music education field · It can be used as a musical instrument for recorder education. · Applicable to guidance in kindergartens, nurseries, special needs education, education for children with disabilities, etc. · As part of rehabilitation, it can also be used as a tool for music therapy. 2. Welfare and rehabilitation field ● Since it has a design that is easy for people with limited finger movement to play, it can be used as a rehabilitation musical instrument. ● It can also be used as a tool to assist music performance by combining with an automatic performance device. 3. Performance use ● It can meet the needs of performers seeking new musical expressions and be used as a new means of expression in wind music and contemporary music. ● In the music activities of the elderly, it can also be recommended as an instrument that allows them to enjoy playing while reducing the physical burden.

Explanation of Signs

[0015] ● 1. Tube body ● 2. Mouthpiece ● 3. Slide ● 4. Foot stopper

Claims

[Claim 1] A slide recorder comprising a tube (1) having a sound hole, a mouthpiece (2) for producing sound, a slidable slider (3) arranged on the outer periphery of the tube (1), and a foot stopper (4) for controlling the range of movement of the slider (3), wherein the tube (1) is edgeless or has selectable components and can be selected according to the player's purpose, the mouthpiece (2) is tunable or has selectable components and is detachable from or integrally formed with the tube (1), and the slider (3) has a grip or has selectable components. The selectable combination slide recorder can be selected according to the player's application and can slide along the tube body (1), the foot stopper (4) is wearable or has selectable components and can be selected according to the player's application to limit the range of movement of the slider (3), and the tube body (1), the mouthpiece (2), the slider (3), and the foot stopper (4) each have selectable components and can be appropriately selected and combined according to the player's physical characteristics, purpose of performance, and application, making it possible to select and combine configurations suitable for a variety of players.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JP003217419U

  • JP003225343U