Shape-selective lip protector for harmonica

Abstract

Provided is a lip protector that can accommodate multiple types of harmonicas, adapt to various lip shapes and playing techniques of different players, can be comfortably worn during long-term performances without slipping from the lips, and is selectable according to the needs of individual players, and can be smoothly slid on and off and exchanged, and is detachable. 【Solution means】The lip protector 3 does not provide a single lip protector that fits all types of harmonicas 1, but is adapted to the respective shapes and specifications of various harmonicas 1, and the lip protector 3 can be selected according to the needs of individual players, and is configured to be properly slidable and detachable and exchangeable with the harmonica body. Furthermore, in order to accommodate the differences in lip shapes and playing techniques of various players, the shape of the lip contact surface 5 is made diverse and selectable, and in addition, the configuration of the opening 6 is optimized to accommodate various harmonica playing techniques.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lip protector for harmonica playing that smoothly slides on the key arrangement of the mouthpiece that generates each sound of the harmonica to change the pitch and protects the lips. In particular, it relates to a slidable lip protector for harmonica playing that is suitable for various types of harmonicas, various lip shapes of players, and various harmonica playing methods, and can be used comfortably even during long-term performances.

[0002] More specifically, in the lip protector, by making the shape of the lip contact surface of the lip protector adjustable in the XYZ directions, it can adapt to various types of harmonicas, various lip shapes of players, and playing styles. By devising the configuration of the opening, it can be adapted to various harmonica playing methods, facilitating the generation and control of sound. Also, by making it detachable and replaceable with respect to the harmonica body, players can select a lip protector shape suitable for their playing style.

Background Art

[0003] Conventional harmonicas are configured such that the player directly places their lips on the blowing inlet of the harmonica body and blows air. However, in this method, during long-term performances, the lips are easily burdened by friction and pressure, which may cause lip pain and fatigue.

[0004] Also, during performance, the blowing position may shift due to the slipping of the lips, making stable performance difficult. In particular, in performances that require advanced techniques such as the bend technique and overblow technique, even a slight deviation affects the accuracy of the performance.

[0005] Furthermore, the shapes of the mouthpieces of various types of harmonicas are configured in shapes peculiar to those harmonicas and cannot adapt to the lip shapes of individual players. For this reason, not all players can obtain the same fitting feeling, and there may be problems of different comfort and operability for each player.

[0006] In order to solve the problems in these background arts, there is a demand for a lip protector that can be adapted to the mouthpieces of various harmonicas and provide a comfortable wearing feeling suitable for long-term performances.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] So far, there is no lip protector that can accommodate various types of harmonicas and is individually adapted to the lip shapes and playing techniques of diverse players. There is a need for a lip protector that can be worn without slipping from the lips during playing on the selected harmonica, can accommodate various harmonica playing techniques, and can be comfortably worn even during long hours of playing. Furthermore, there is a need to develop a detachable, replaceable, and slidable lip protector that can provide an optimal fit for individual players. The problems to be solved by the present invention are 1. To provide an optimal lip protector that can be detachably and replaceably attached to the selected harmonica body and can slide smoothly over the arranged pitch keys in a selectable shape. 2. To provide a lip protector that can be comfortably worn even during long hours of playing without slipping from the lips during playing. 3. To adapt to the lip shapes of players and provide an optimal wearing feeling for various individual players. 4. To facilitate and ensure sound generation and control and make it adaptable to various harmonica playing techniques.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Rather than a single lip protector that is compatible with all types of harmonicas (1), a harmonica lip protector (3) configured to individually fit each shape and specification. The lip protector (3) has a configuration that allows for easy attachment, detachment, and replacement to the various harmonicas (1). It is also configured such that the inner surface (4) of the lip protector can slide along the outer surface (2) of the harmonica and the blowing hole (7) of the harmonica in the Y direction of the harmonica (1). The lip contact surface (5) of the lip protector (3) is formed to be selectable as a flat surface, concave surface, convex surface, curved surface, or different shapes not limited thereto, or a combination thereof in the XYZ directions. The opening (6) of the lip protector (3) is configured to be selectable as an open type, partition type, or different shapes not limited thereto, or a combination thereof. The relationship between the overall length L of the harmonica (1) and the width W of the lip protector (3) is L > W, and the relationship between the width W of the lip protector (3) and the length A of the opening (6) is W > A. The lip protector (3) is configured to individually fit each shape and specification of the various harmonicas (1) and to be individually adaptable to the different lip shapes and playing techniques of various players. It is characterized by suppressing air leakage during playing and being comfortably wearable even during long-term playing, providing a shape-selective lip protector for a harmonica. Also, in the lip protector of the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, the shape of the lip contact surface can be adjusted in the XYZ directions, the type of the opening can be selected corresponding to various harmonica playing techniques, and by adopting a detachable configuration to the harmonica body, the comfort of the player and the stability of the performance are improved. The lip protector is made to be slippery with the harmonica body and difficult to come off from the lips. Therefore, an appropriate material may be selected and used, or the materials or surface properties of the outer and inner surfaces of the lip protector may be changed. When there are characters, symbols, irregular shapes, etc. on the harmonica body where the lip protector slides, the lip protector may be formed so as not to interfere. Since the lip protector is held in the mouth, a hygienically appropriate material that is harmless to the player is used. And it may be color-matched according to the player's preference. In the specification and drawings of the present invention, "concave (surface)" generally refers to a state (surface) such as being sunken, lowered, descending, reduced, or indented, and "convex (surface)" generally refers to a state (surface) such as being protruding, raised, ascending, increased, or protruding.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the shape-selective lip protector of the present invention, a lip protector can be obtained that can be adapted to various types of harmonicas and can be individually adapted to the lip shapes and playing methods of various performers. For the selected harmonica, a lip protector can be provided that does not shift from the lips during playing, can respond to various harmonica playing methods, and can be comfortably worn even during long-term playing. Furthermore, a detachable, replaceable, and slidable lip protector that can provide an optimal fit for individual performers can be obtained. As an effect of the present invention, 1. A shape-selective lip protector that can be detachably and replaceably attached to the selected harmonica body and smoothly slides on the arranged pitch keys can be obtained. 2. During playing, the lip protector does not shift from the lips and can be comfortably worn even during long-term playing. 3. It can adapt to the lip shape of the performer and provide an optimal fit. 4. It facilitates and ensures the generation and control of sound and can be adapted to various harmonica playing methods.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the harmonica lip protector of the present invention includes a lip protector (3), an inner surface of the lip protector (4), a lip contact surface (5), and an opening (6).

[0012] The lip contact surface (5) has a shape that can be adjusted in the XYZ directions and adapts to the shape of the user's lips.

[0013] The opening (6) of the lip protector (3) is either of an open type, a partition type, a cylindrical type, or an air flow control type, and is configured to fit the harmonica and the performer, adjust the flow of air, and optimize the generation and control of sound.

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (Basic configuration)

[0015] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the harmonica lip protector (3) of the present invention is detachably and slidably mounted on the harmonica body (1). (Differences in shape in the XYZ directions)

[0016] In the examples of FIGS. 2 to 14, the lip protector can be configured in different shapes in the XYZ directions. · Planar shape (zero deformation) (FIG. 2) · Concavo-convex shape in the X direction (FIGS. 3 and 4) · Concavo-convex shape in the Z direction (FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14) · Concavo-convex shape in the Y direction (FIG. 10) Thereby, the contact feeling of the lips according to the preference of the performer can be selected.

Example

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the harmonica lip protector (3) of the present invention is detachably and slidably attached to the harmonica body (1) and has a planar lip contact surface (5). The lip contact surface (5) is formed in a planar shape that basically has zero or more deformations in the XYZ directions of FIGS. 1 and 2 and does not reach concave or convex shapes. However, it is a lip protector that is slippery with the harmonica body and difficult to come off from the lips. Therefore, an appropriate material such as a rubber-based, elastomer, resin-based, or metal-based material is selected and used in consideration of hygiene. The material or surface properties such as the surface and inner surface of the lip protector may be changed, such as by laminating. Also, as one means for making it difficult to come off from the lips, trademarks, logos, various patterns, etc. may be applied on the surface of the lip protector as long as there is no problem. The width W in the Y direction and the width V in the lower Z direction of the lip protector (3) shown in FIG. 1 are appropriately configured to a length that enables smooth sliding according to the length (L) of the harmonica body, the type and number of key arrangements, and the shape of the opening of the lip protector. The width W in the Y direction depends on the length of the opening regardless of the presence or absence of a partition. The width V in the lower Z direction is set based on the stable sliding of the lip protector and the fitting condition of the lips, and can also be configured to the lowermost part as in the example of FIG. 14. Set the widths so that smooth sliding can be achieved without rattling even if there is a gap between the outer surface (2) of the harmonica and the inner surface (4) of the lip protector. Set it considering the length and width that are easy for the performer to operate.

Example

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 11 to 14, the lip protector having a concave shape in the X and Z directions has a shape in which the lips naturally fit, and the stability during performance is improved. In particular, it is effective in long-term performances.

Example

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the lip protector having a convex shape in the X and Z directions is particularly suitable for performances that require expressiveness such as jazz and blues. By reducing the area of contact of the lips, smooth movement is possible.

Example

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the Z direction, a lip protector with a special shape is also provided. The shape in FIG. 8 is similar to the mouthpiece of a brass instrument, and it may be configured to blow air while holding a cylindrical part and slide a harmonica. It can be selected according to the preference of the performer and can accommodate a wide range of music genres. FIG. 9 shows an example with a convex shape in the Z direction and a partition formed at the blowing opening. The partition may form a corner, a round shape, an oval shape, etc. As shown in FIG. 9, a configuration of arranging a plurality of harmonica blowing openings (7) in parallel in the X direction is also possible. FIG. 10 shows an example that is concave or convex in the Y direction and concave-deformed in the Z direction.

Example

[0021] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, an opening (6) for a lip protector suitable for playing methods such as a chromatic harmonica can be configured. In this illustrated example, it is configured to be concave-deformed in the Z direction, and a blowing opening that fits the lips can be provided. It becomes a blowing opening that can fit the lips similar to the situation without using a lip protector, and can be widely used as a lip protector with comfortable operability. The dimensions of A and B can be set for the opening as needed. A partition such as a corner, a round shape, or an oval shape can be appropriately added to the opening. The relationship between the length A dimension of the opening (6) in Fig. 11 and W in Fig. 1 is set as W > A, and it is within the width W. When A ≥ W, the mouthpiece (7) of the harmonica is in a state where it is partitioned. And, the relationship between the total length L in the longitudinal Y direction of the harmonica shown in Fig. 2 and the width W of the opening (6) of the lip protector (3) is set as L > W. When W is long, the sliding operation is difficult. Fig. 12 shows a configuration example in which a of the opening (6) of the lip protector is similar to the lip b.

Example

[0022] As shown in Fig. 13, the lip protector (3) of the present invention is configured to be detachable and slidable with respect to the harmonica body, and can be attached by a slide method or a clip method. Thereby, the performer can easily replace the lip protector (3) with a shape suitable for himself / herself. The lip protector example in Fig. 14 is an example in which a clearance is added to the portion of the inner surface (4) of the lip protector in contact with the partition of the harmonica mouthpiece (7). It becomes a clearance (a clearance of 0 mm or more) that prevents the rattling sound generated by contact with the harmonica partition. Also, as an example, a support portion is formed on the lower side in the Z direction of the lip protector as needed to prevent detachment in the Z direction from the harmonica body. Note that Fig. 14 is also an example of a concave shape in the Z direction of the lip protector (3).

Industrial Applicability

[0023] It can be adapted to various types of harmonicas and can accommodate the lip shapes of diverse players and various harmonica playing techniques, making it highly useful for the popularization and expansion of various harmonicas. The harmonica lip protector of the present invention can be widely used by beginners, children in kindergartens and nurseries, the elderly, and professional musicians, and is particularly useful for players who perform long-term. It is also very popular among women for lip protection. Moreover, it is welcomed from the aspects of preventing dirt caused by saliva coming out of the mouth and hygiene. It will greatly contribute to the popularization of harmonicas. It can be highly popularized under names such as "HarmoFit". A lip protector is realized that can correspond to various harmonica playing techniques without slipping from the lips during playing, can be comfortably worn even during long-term playing, and allows for shape selection, enabling a wide variety of harmonica players to make great use of it.

Explanation of Signs

[0024] 1 Harmonica body 2 Harmonica outer surface 3 Lip protector 4 Inner surface of the lip protector 5 Lip contact surface and its XYZ directions (for the lip protector (3)) 6 Opening (for the lip protector (3)) 7 Harmonica mouthpiece

Claims

Claim 1 A harmonica lip protector (3) configured to individually fit each shape of various harmonicas (1), wherein the lip protector (3) has a detachable and replaceable configuration for the various harmonicas (1), and has a configuration in which the inner surface (4) of the lip protector can slide along the outer surface (2) of the harmonica and the blowing hole (7) of the harmonica in the Y direction of the harmonica (1), and the lip contact surface (5) of the lip protector (3) is formed so as to be able to select different shapes or combinations thereof, such as a flat surface, a concave surface, a convex surface, a curved surface, or those not limited thereto, in the XYZ directions, and the opening (6) of the lip protector (3) is configured to be able to select different shapes or combinations thereof, such as an open type, a partition type, or those not limited thereto, and the lip protector (3) is characterized in that it has a configuration in which the shape can be selected so as to individually fit each shape of various harmonicas (1) and to accommodate differences in the lips and blowing of various players. A shape-selective lip protector for a harmonica.

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