Aerophone instruments that use air-filled objects

Abstract

An apparatus for assembling and playing an aerophone musical instrument includes an air conduit providing an air passageway and means for positioning a sealed air-filled object in operative association with the air conduit. One or more air inlets and air outlets are disposed along the air conduit for delivering gas along one or more air paths through the air passageway. A first volume of compressed air is delivered along the air path from the air inlet to the air outlet, generating vibrations in the outer surface of the wall of the air-filled object. The vibrations of the wall of the air-filled object cause a second volume of compressed air to vibrate as it exits the air outlet. The vibrations of the volume of compressed air as it exits the air conduit can be experienced as an audible sound and modulated to create music.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vibration generation by aerophone instruments using enclosed air-filled objects. [Background technology]

[0002] The background to the present invention provides state-of-the-art information in the field of enclosed air-filled objects and means for producing vibrations and sound in aerophone musical instruments.

[0003] In an aerophone, an elastic material (such as, but not limited to, lips, wood, plastic, or metal) vibrates when contacted with the force of compressed air, producing a musical tone. Despite using similar materials and air-based applications, to our knowledge, there are currently no available means of using a sealed air-filled object as a musical vibration generator within an aerophone instrument. However, air-filled objects such as toy balls and balloons share similar material properties with vibration-producing objects such as musical reeds used in aerophone instruments. Both toy balls and musical reeds use air and elastic material, respectively, for deformation, whether to bounce or to produce vibration. In the case of balls and balloons, the elastic material seals in the air, allowing the ball or balloon to maintain a stationary three-dimensional profile.

[0004] With current state-of-the-art technology, traditional aerophone instruments are difficult to assemble, often requiring painstaking and careful placement of precision-manufactured reeds into the mouthpiece. Reeds are expensive, fragile, and can easily chip or otherwise be damaged, hindering learning for young children and adults. Musical reed assembly uses fasteners to connect the reed to the mouthpiece or holder, and a slip-fit ​​connection between the mouthpiece and the horn. Adding subtle intricacies to the assembly requires careful orientation of the reed tongue to fit the aerophone instrument, which can be challenging for young users to perform. The difficult assembly and placement creates a learning curve when playing complex pipe instruments, especially for children or others unfamiliar with fasteners, pipe connections, and pipe instruments.

[0005] Additionally, players must master special techniques to position their mouths in or around the mouthpiece. In various mouthpiece configurations, the mouthpiece provides an air conduit that acts as a means for positioning a wooden or solid musical reed. The mouthpiece allows the player's lips to be positioned against the musical reed in a manner that effectively directs air (e.g., the player's exhaled breath) over the reed and into the instrument to generate vibrations. When vibrations generated by the reed reach 20 Hz or higher, they are effectively transmitted as audible sound through horns, woodwinds, flutes, or other aerophone instruments. In instruments that include a lip reed, such as horns and trumpets, it can take considerable practice for the user to learn how to use their lips and breath to generate vibrations with the lip embouchure. Assembly, reed fragility, and lip embouchure technique create a steep learning curve that can prevent people from playing aerophone instruments.

[0006] Enclosed air-filled objects such as balls and balloons are some of the most popular toys and focal points of games and activities. Users can see, touch, and hear the balls and balloons as they bounce, throw, catch, or vibrate. Enclosed air-filled objects such as balls and balloons, and the various devices, instruments, and apparatuses that can functionally interact with them, occupy a unique place in the cultural fabric of societies around the world.

[0007] Referring to the summary of prior art below, while relating to either sealed air-filled objects or sound-producing aerophone devices, none combines these two aspects in a way that addresses the desire for a more accessible and user-friendly aerophone instrument.

[0008] US Patent No. 4,704,934A discloses an external musical balloon having an electronic music generating device contained within a substantially opaque inner balloon. When sufficient light penetrates both balloons, music is activated.

[0009] U.S. Patent No. 5,219,162A discloses a toy ball having a solid body of foamed plastic material and a noisemaker completely embedded within the foamed plastic body. The noisemaker includes a hollow, rigid housing, which may be made of hard plastic, and a marble within the housing that is free to move around so as to create a rattling sound when the ball is moved around.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 6,126,634A discloses a dilatation catheter for intraluminal use having an elongate shaft and a sealed expandable member or section on the distal end of the catheter shaft, the sealed expandable member or section having a plurality of working sections, a first working section that resiliently expands upon expansion to a first pressure within a first pressure range, and a second working section that resiliently expands upon expansion to a second pressure range.

[0011] Canadian Patent Publication No. 2764839A1 discloses an underwater musical instrument comprising hydraulically resonating spheres made of or filled with a non-gaseous material that respond acoustically when struck by a user by causing water or other liquid to flow through a rigid pipe connected to a non-sealing elastic reservoir.

[0012] U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060009319A1 discloses a novelty ball assembly that generates noise by discharging and releasing air when squeezed. The noisemaker is disposed within a self-expanding resilient shell that defines an interior chamber and is adjacent to a first vent so that air moving from the first vent passes through the noisemaker. As air passes through the noisemaker, the noisemaker generates an audible sound.

[0013] US Patent No. 9814999B2 discloses toy aerophone building blocks that generate multiple sounds from multiple building block configurations. The building blocks are all four-sided polyhedrons that connect to create an aerophone instrument with multiple airway channels inside an interior space, whereby when an air source provides airflow to each aerophone instrument, larger blocks produce lower-pitched sounds, while smaller blocks produce higher-pitched sounds.

[0014] U.S. Patent Publication No. 20140233780A1 discloses a diaphragm for use in an air horn or similar noise-generating device. The diaphragm may have a concave or convex non-linear shape, where the protrusion is included in the body of a rigid or semi-rigid diaphragm. The diaphragm may be made of any relevant material and can retain its non-flat, unsealed shape during and after application of compressed gas.

[0015] U.S. Patent No. 6,483,017 B1 discloses a method and apparatus for tensioning or releasing the membrane of a musical instrument, such as a traditional frame drum, using pressurized fluid introduced into one or more variable pressure chambers formed by an expandable hollow body. Because pressure is applied evenly around the entire periphery of the membrane, which is secured only by bands, it can be tensioned or released very quickly. The bands are arranged to vibrate freely relative to the body, and the membrane is exposed to pressure from the variably pressurized chambers.

[0016] As can be seen from the art outlined above relating to sealed air-filled objects, the application of these objects does not result in a series of sounds being produced by vibration that can be tuned or played as a musical instrument. Furthermore, in the art outlined above relating to sound generation using compressed air, none of the solutions employ a sealed air-filled object as its vibration-producing mechanism.

[0017] There remains a need to rethink the traditional aerophone by replacing the standard reed with a durable, affordable, and practical alternative that helps players avoid the steep learning curve associated with assembly, embouchure, and skill acquisition for this genre of instrument. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The present invention generally relates to vibration generation by an aerophone musical instrument using an air-filled object that remains sealed without losing air during use. The air-filled object is set to vibrate by association with a device comprising an air conduit and means for positioning the object along an air path (defined by the air conduit having an air passage) between one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets of the air conduit (e.g., a pipe) as air is delivered through the air passage of the air conduit. A first volume of compressed air is delivered through the one or more air inlets of the air conduit, which generates vibrations on the outer surface of the wall of the air-filled object and exits the one or more air outlets of the air conduit as a second volume of compressed air. The air-filled object can be placed at any point along the air path of the device disclosed herein, provided that it creates resistance to or partially blocks the flow of compressed air in or through the air conduit. Depending on the configuration of the device and the placement of the air-filled object along the air conduit's air path, and / or the pressure within the air-filled object, and / or the wall thickness or stiffness of the air-filled object, the degree of air compression required to vibrate the air-filled object's wall at a frequency sufficient to produce sound audible to the human ear can be varied (e.g., by the player's breath, a foot pump, an air compressor, or a piston). The means used to position the air-filled object along the air conduit's air path results in the creation of an interface conducive to sound-producing vibrations. Varying the nature of the means and interface used (e.g., by a user hand-holding a sealed air-filled object at the air conduit's air outlet, or by applying various structures to fixate, hold, and shift the position of the air-filled object relative to the air outlet) can also provide options for producing a range of sounds and tones, for example, by varying the surface tension area of ​​the air-filled object's wall, which vibrates when hit by the pressure of a first volume of compressed air before exiting one or more air outlets of the conduit as a second volume of compressed air. In this manner, the device of the present disclosure provides the user with the experience of playing an aerophone instrument using an air-filled object that produces sound in a multi-sensory, accessible, and dynamic manner.

[0019] In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument, the apparatus comprising: an air conduit including a first end and a second end for providing an air passageway; one or more air inlets disposed on the air conduit at a first point and configured to deliver a first volume of compressed air to the air passage; one or more air outlets disposed on the air conduit at a second point and configured to discharge a second volume of compressed air from the air passage; and means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with said air conduit; wherein an air-filled object is operatively associated with the air conduit using the means for positioning the air-filled object, and when a first volume of compressed air is delivered to enter the air conduit through one or more air inlets, a wall of the air-filled object vibrates, causing a second volume of compressed air to vibrate within the air passage before some or all of the second volume of compressed air exits the air conduit through one or more air outlets.

[0020] In another aspect, an aerophone musical instrument is provided, the musical instrument comprising: 1. An apparatus comprising: an air conduit including a first end and a second end for providing an air passageway; one or more air inlets disposed on the air conduit at a first point and configured to deliver a first volume of compressed air to the air passage; one or more air outlets disposed on the air conduit at a second point and configured to discharge a second volume of compressed air from the air passage; and an air-filled object operatively associated with said air conduit using said means for positioning said air-filled object; wherein when a first volume of compressed air is delivered to enter the air conduit through one or more air inlets, the walls of the air-filled object vibrate, causing a second volume of compressed air to vibrate within the air passage before some or all of the second volume of compressed air exits the air conduit through one or more air outlets.

[0021] In yet another aspect, a method of assembling an aerophone musical instrument is provided, the method comprising: Providing an apparatus, said apparatus comprising: an air conduit including a first end and a second end for providing an air passageway; one or more air inlets disposed on the air conduit at a first point and configured to deliver a first volume of compressed air to the air passage of the air conduit; one or more air outlets disposed on the air conduit at a second point and configured to discharge a second volume of compressed air from the air passage; and means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with said air conduit; and Positioning an air-filled object into operable association with the air conduit using the means for positioning the air-filled object.

[0022] In yet another aspect, a method for generating vibrations is provided, the method comprising: Assembling the Aerophone instrument; and Delivering a first volume of compressed air through one of the one or more air inlets into the air conduit to vibrate a wall of the air-filled object.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the air-filled object is operably associated with the air conduit using the means for positioning the air-filled object, a vibration gap is formed, whereby the vibration of the region of the wall of the air-filled object causes the vibration of the second volume of air.

[0024] In another embodiment, the means for positioning the air-filled object comprises one or more vibrating anchor points for holding the air-filled object stationary in a desired position.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, each of the one or more segments of the air conduit defines a segment of the air passageway.

[0026] In still further embodiments, one of the one or more segments of the air conduit may be replaced with another segment of air conduit.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the device further comprises one or more sound modulation means.

[0028] In a further embodiment, one of the one or more sound modulating means comprises means for altering the one or more air paths, means for changing the position of the air-filled object so that it remains operatively associated with the air conduit, or means for altering the tension in the wall of the air-filled object when operatively associated with the air conduit.

[0029] In still further embodiments, one of the one or more sound modulating means comprises one or more segments of an air conduit; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, sliders, horn attachments, and tuning connectors; means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with the air conduit; means for deflating or expanding the air-filled object to reseal it; fasteners operatively associated with a drive mechanism for expanding the wall of the air-filled object; sand, styrofoam balls, and other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed inside the air-filled object.

[0030] In another embodiment, two or more devices are connected and coupled to respective air conduits to increase the available air paths.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the one of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operably connected to a source of compressed air.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the one of the one or more air inlets comprises a mouthpiece that receives compressed air from the lungs of a user.

[0033] In yet a further embodiment, the one of the one or more air inlets is configured with a connector that receives compressed air from a pump. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [Figure 1A] 1 is an embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure showing a configuration including an air conduit providing an air passageway and an air-filled object holder. [Figure 1B] 1B is the same embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1A configured with a reverse air path. [Figure 1C] 1B is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1A, including three segments of air conduit providing three segments of air passageway. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is an assembly diagram of the device shown in FIG. 1C, featuring an air path. [Figure 1E] 1D, which features a triangular prism-shaped air conduit having an inner wall for positioning an air-filled object. [Figure 1F] 1B is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1A, featuring an air conduit that uses holes in its side as air inlets to provide an air passageway.

[0036] [Figure 2] 1 is an embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure showing a configuration including an air conduit featuring a chamber segment and a threaded object holder.

[0037] [Figure 3]A non-exhaustive collection of embodiments of air conduit segments according to the present disclosure, featuring various shapes and / or features, where A is a hollow torus; B is a cylindrical configuration; C includes pipe segments having different diameters; D includes conical segments tapering from a circular central section; E includes polygonal segments tapering from a hexagonal central section; F illustrates a curved configuration; and G illustrates a rectangular parallelepiped configuration of an air conduit chamber segment.

[0038] [Figure 4A] 1 is an embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure featuring multiple air inlets and outlets and an object holder that protrudes into the air passage of the air conduit. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 4A, in which an additional air conduit segment provides an additional air passage segment, allowing the air inlet and outlet to be joined at both ends. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 4B, in which the air passage is again divided into two, but the air-filled object holder is the interior outer surface of a hollow torus-shaped air conduit segment rather than a completely enclosed chamber. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is an assembly diagram of the device shown in FIG. 4C. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4B is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 4A, featuring multiple air outlets working in a line.

[0039] [Figure 5A] 1 is an embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure showing a torus-shaped air conduit, the air conduit including an air reservoir, a valve for modulating air pressure, a mouthpiece, and holes that serve as multiple air outlets. [Figure 5B] 5B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 5A, featuring three valves connected respectively to three air outlets.

[0040] [Figure 6]10 is another embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure, illustrating how a hand can be used as a means to position an air-filled object along the air path between an air inlet and an air outlet along the air conduit.

[0041] [Figure 7A] 1B is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1A, featuring an object holder anchored to an air conduit with two discrete vibration anchor points. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an isometric right side view of an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 7A, featuring an air-filled object holder inside the air conduit that provides multiple continuous vibration anchor points along its inner diameter surface. [Figure 7C] 7C is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 7B, featuring an air-filled object holder that protrudes into the air passage of the air conduit with two discrete vibration anchor points. [Figure 7D] FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the device shown in FIG. 4B, featuring a continuous series of vibrational anchor points arranged around the inner diameter of its torus shape.

[0042] [Figure 8]1 is a non-exhaustive collection of embodiments of object holding means or holders according to the present disclosure, where A is a circular (ring) object holder; B is a solid torus-shaped object holder; C is a polygonal object holder; D is a star-shaped object holder; E is a partially circular object holder with linear and curved features; F is a hollow torus-shaped object holder; G is a crescent-shaped object holder; H is an object holder with three adjustable fasteners that can connect to points on the wall of the air-filled object; I is an object holder with two fasteners distributed asymmetrically along a ring; J is a front view of an object holder that uses fasteners that press two or more surfaces together as a means of positioning the air-filled object relative to the air conduit of a device according to the present disclosure; K is an object holder with two non-planar surfaces that clamp the air-filled object as a means of positioning it; and L is an object holder featuring two threaded pipe segments that clamp the air-filled object against one or more pipe surfaces. M shows five eyebolts that connect to the walls of the air-filled object to hold the air-filled object using compression and pull the object in one or more directions to increase or decrease the surface tension of the air-filled object's walls. N is a tapered polygonal object holder split into two halves. O is an isometric top view of a single tapered polygonal object holder that can hold an air-filled object. P is an isometric side view of an object holder made from pipe segments of various sizes and shapes that can hold an air-filled object between the surface areas and / or vertices of its composite shape. Q is a front view of a spiral-shaped object holder.

[0043] [Figure 9A] 1B is an alternative embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1A, featuring the addition of a sealed air-filled object. [Figure 9B] 9B is the same embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 9A configured with a reverse air path.

[0044] [Figure 10]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure, showing a configuration including a threaded air conduit, an open-ended rectangular object holder, and an air-filled object.

[0045] [Figure 11] 11 is an assembled embodiment of the Aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 10.

[0046] [Figure 12] 8 is a non-exhaustive collection of embodiments of air-filled objects according to the present disclosure that can be connected to various embodiments of devices according to the present disclosure to assemble musical instruments according to the present disclosure, where A is a spheroidal air-filled object; B is an air-filled object made of multiple materials; C is an elongated cylindrical air-filled object; D is a side view of a polygonal air-filled object; E is an oval-shaped air-filled object featuring multiple distinct curvatures along its outer surface; F is an air-filled object featuring a loop mechanism for coupling the air-filled object to the object-retaining fastener shown in FIG. 8, H; G is an air-filled object capable of containing pressures below atmospheric pressure and maintaining its three-dimensional form by a rigid or semi-rigid structure characterized by being inside the air-filled object and / or connected to its outer wall; H is a polyhedral air-filled object; I is an air-filled object that may have solid or liquid particles inside it; and J is a hollow torus-shaped air-filled object.

[0047] [Figure 13] An embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure, characterized by means for positioning an air-filled object to protrude into the air passage chamber through the outer wall of the air conduit, the extent of protrusion being adjustable from outside the chamber segment of the air conduit.

[0048] [Figure 14A]An embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure in which an air-filled object is placed inside a polygonal chamber segment of an air conduit and uses the major and minor diameters of the various segments (e.g., polygonal, star-shaped, oval, or other non-circular air conduit segments) as a means of positioning the air-filled object. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a top view of an embodiment similar to FIG. 14A that uses friction to hold the air-filled object within the chamber segment of the air conduit.

[0049] [Figure 15] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure featuring multiple air paths within an air passage segment.

[0050] [Figure 16] An embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure, wherein the outer wall of the air-filled object is positioned at an opening of an air conduit characterized by a vibration anchor point, and the air path moves from an outer pipe air conduit segment to an inner pipe air conduit segment.

[0051] [Figure 17] An embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure, wherein the outer wall of the air-filled object is positioned at an opening of an air conduit characterized by a vibration anchor point, and the air path moves from an inner pipe air conduit segment to an outer pipe air conduit segment.

[0052] [Figure 18] 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure having a hollow torus-shaped air conduit segment with an air-filled object positioned at an opening of the air conduit featuring a vibrational anchor point. FIG.

[0053] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is another view of the aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 18 showing the air path.

[0054] [Figure 20A]FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of the Aerophone instrument shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, featuring a threaded pipe segment positioning system. [Figure 20B] 20B is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 20A, featuring a male slip-fit ​​insert with female threads.

[0055] [Figure 21] 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure in which an air-filled object is positioned at the opening of an air passage using the surface area and vertices of the air conduit's compound shape as object holders.

[0056] [Figure 22A] 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured to generate vibrations when compressed air is delivered to a vibration gap formed when a curved depression in an air conduit contacts an air-filled object; including a detailed view highlighting the curved depression in the air conduit relative to the main view located on the right. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is a top view of the instrument shown in FIG. 22A. [Figure 22C] FIG. 22B is a side view of the instrument shown in FIG. 22A. [Figure 22D] 22B is a top view of a similar instrument shown in FIG. 22A, characterized in that the vibration gap distance between two opposing surfaces (one of which is the outer wall of the air-filled object) is greater than 10 mm and therefore is not configured to generate vibrations.

[0057] [Figure 23A]23A-23D are various embodiments of differently shaped means for generating vibrations in an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure by forming or not forming recesses in the interior walls of a dual-function structure used as an air conduit segment and object holder. When an air-filled object is inserted into the object holder, differently shaped vibration gaps and vibration gap distances are formed between the air-filled object and the instrument, where FIG. 23A includes a detail view highlighting the vibration gap distance with respect to the vibration gap characterized in the main view located on the left, which is a curved recess forming a corresponding curved vibration gap. [Figure 23B] Angular recesses forming corresponding angular vibration gaps, including a detailed view highlighting the vibration gap distance with respect to the vibration gap characterized in the main view located on the left. [Figure 23C] 23B, but showing a different vibration gap distance between the air-filled object and the inner wall of the air conduit, including a detail view highlighting the vibration gap distance relative to the vibration gap characterized in the main view located on the left. [Figure 23D] 10 shows a plurality of curved recesses forming a plurality of curved vibration gaps, including a detail view highlighting the vibration gap distance for the vibration gap characterized in the main view located on the left. [Figure 23E] 1 illustrates the biconvex vibration gap resulting from the geometry of the air-filled object, and includes a detailed view highlighting the vibration gap distance with respect to the vibration gap characterized in the main view located on the left. [Figure 23F] Also shown are biconvex vibration gaps formed between two or more opposing surfaces of an air-filled object, and vibration gap distances between the air-filled object and the inner surface of the air conduit. [Figure 23G] 1 illustrates a biconvex vibration gap formed within a hole in the center of a torus-shaped air-filled object, including detailed views highlighting multiple vibration gap distances for the vibration gap characterized in the main view located on the left. [Figure 23H] 1 shows a plano-convex vibrating gap formed between opposing surfaces of one or more air-filled objects.

[0058] [Figure 24A] 24A-24D are various isometric views of embodiments of aerophone musical instruments configured with differently shaped vibration gaps according to the present disclosure, where FIG. 24A is a circular vibration gap. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B is a side view of the instrument shown in FIG. 24A, featuring the air path; with a detail view highlighting the vibration gap and vibration gap distance relative to the main view located on the right. [Figure 24C] 24A and 24B are alternative embodiments of the musical instrument shown in FIG. [Figure 24D] FIG. 24D is an alternative embodiment of the instrument shown in FIG. 24C, featuring a biconvex vibrating gap. [Figure 24E] FIG. 24D is an alternative embodiment of the instrument shown in FIG. 24C, featuring an angular vibration gap. [Figure 24F] FIG. 24D is an alternative embodiment of the instrument shown in FIG. 24C, featuring a bell-shaped vibrating gap.

[0059] [Figure 25A] 1 is another embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure configured to generate vibrations when compressed air is delivered thereto, wherein an air-filled object can be positioned on one side of the instrument. [Figure 25B] 25B is an alternative embodiment of the aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 25A, featuring a threaded object positioning device that provides the option of placing an air-filled object over the opening of the air conduit to modulate the vibrations. [Figure 25C] FIG. 25C is an alternative embodiment of the Aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 25B, featuring an adjustable threaded pipe segment positioning system that is not configured to generate vibrations. [Figure 25D] An embodiment shown in FIG. 25C is configured to generate vibrations when compressed air of sufficient volume and pressure is delivered.

[0060] [Figure 26]1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured to generate vibrations when compressed air of sufficient volume and pressure is delivered, the air-filled object being positioned using an interior surface of the chamber segment of the air conduit closest to the air-filled object and allowing air to flow around the air-filled object through an air passage space between the wall of the air-filled object and the remaining interior surfaces, which do not contact the wall and are further away from the air-filled object.

[0061] [Figure 27] FIG. 21 is a side view of the torus-shaped aerophone instrument shown in FIGS. 18-20, illustrating how the instrument is configured to produce vibrations when sufficient compressed air is delivered to it.

[0062] [Figure 28] 28 is an alternative front view of the Aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 27 showing how this exemplary prototype embodiment of the instrument is configured to generate vibrations when compressed air is delivered in sufficient volume and at sufficient pressure; including a detailed view highlighting the vibration gap of the instrument relative to the main view located on the right.

[0063] [Figure 29] FIG. 17 is another view of the instrument shown in FIG. 16 configured to generate vibrations.

[0064] [Figure 30] FIG. 18 is another view of the instrument shown in FIG. 17 configured to generate vibrations.

[0065] [Figure 31] 1A-1C are diagrams of embodiments of air-filled objects according to the present disclosure configured to be inflated using an air-sealing method.

[0066] [Figure 32] 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an air-filled object according to the present disclosure configured to deflate using an air-sealing method. FIG.

[0067] [Figure 33] 1A-1C are diagrams of embodiments of air-filled objects according to the present disclosure configured to expand using anchor points that can connect with object holders.

[0068] [Figure 34] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure showing an object holder configured with a compression interface as a tension modifier; including a detailed view highlighting the threaded tension modifier and vibration gap with respect to the main view located on the right.

[0069] [Figure 35A] FIG. 1 is an exploded front view of an embodiment of an Aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with sound modulation means using tone holes; with respect to the main view located on the right, including a detail view highlighting the male slip-fit ​​connector used to tune the instrument. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B is a diagram of an assembled embodiment of the instrument shown in FIG. 35A.

[0070] [Figure 36] 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with a means for modulating sound using a sliding joint; including a detailed view highlighting the vibration gap of the instrument relative to the main view located at the top.

[0071] [Figure 37] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure configured with a sound modulation means using tone holes and valves downstream of an air-filled body relative to the air flow from the air source; including a detailed view highlighting the vibration gap of the instrument relative to the main view located on the right.

[0072] [Figure 38]1 is an embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure configured with a sound modulation means using a valve upstream of the air-filled object relative to the air flow from the air source; including a detailed view, relative to the main view located on the right, highlighting the vibration gap of the instrument near the air-filled object and the threaded connection interface.

[0073] [Figure 39] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with sound modulation means using connected valves to open or close air passage segments leading to three vibrating gaps on a single air-filled object; with respect to the main view located on the right, including a detailed view highlighting one of the three vibrating gaps.

[0074] [Figure 40] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with a means for sound modulation by repositioning an air-filled object relative to an opening in an air conduit.

[0075] [Figure 41] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with a sound modulation means using sliders and tone holes; including a detailed view highlighting first and second vibration gaps, which can generate vibrations that modulate a third vibration in a third vibration gap, with respect to the main view located on the left.

[0076] [Figure 42] Various embodiments of sound modulation means according to the present disclosure using various air conduit segment shapes and / or playable interfaces, where A is a pipe with a resonating bulbous shape; B is a conical segment shape with tone holes; C is a non-straight pipe; D is a curved shape with tone holes; and E is a pyramidal segment shape with tone holes.

[0077] [Figure 43A]22B is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the aerophone musical instrument shown in FIG. 22A configured with multiple recesses in the inner wall of the air conduit segment to provide multiple vibration gaps formed between the air-filled object and the inner wall of the air conduit. [Figure 43B] FIG. 1 is a top view of A from a perspective looking into the air passageway where the air-filled object is located.

[0078] [Figure 44] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure, configured with multiple air-filled objects and highlighting in detail how vibrating gaps in series function; including, with respect to the main view located on the right, a detailed view highlighting a first vibrating gap configured to generate vibrations using a first air-filled object modulating a second vibrating gap; and, with respect to the main view located on the right, another detailed view of a second vibrating gap configured to generate further vibrations using a second air-filled object.

[0079] [Figure 45] 43A-43B is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the musical instrument shown in FIGS. 43A-43B in which multiple vibrating gaps are configured to generate vibrations using two air-filled objects.

[0080] [Figure 46] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with multiple vibration gaps capable of generating multiple vibrations using a single air-filled object; with respect to the main view located on the right, including a detailed view highlighting the instrument's three vibration gaps around the single air-filled object.

[0081] [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 46 configured with multiple vibrating gaps capable of generating multiple vibrations using two air-filled objects; including a detailed view, relative to the main view located on the right, highlighting the vibrating gap in which vibrations can be generated using a second air-filled object.

[0082] [Figure 48A] 10 is another embodiment of an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure configured with two vibrating gaps using two air-filled bodies. [Figure 48B] FIG. 48B is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 48A with two playable interfaces attached to the aerophone.

[0083] [Figure 49] 1 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure configured with multiple vibrating gaps that can generate vibrations using a single air-filled object.

[0084] [Figure 50] 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an air-filled object according to the present disclosure having multiple vibration gaps distributed around the circumference of a single air-filled object. FIG.

[0085] [Figure 51] 1 is an embodiment of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure having one air inlet, one air outlet, and multiple vibrating gaps configured to generate vibrations using a single air-filled object.

[0086] [Figure 52A] A means for supplying compressed air to an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure using a hose connected to an air source. [Figure 52B] An alternative means of supplying compressed air to an aerophone instrument is to use an air pump shoe.

[0087] [Figure 53] 1A-1C are three similar prototypical embodiments of an aerophone musical instrument according to the present disclosure, showing relative scale and size options. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0088] The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for assembling and playing aerophone musical instruments configured to generate vibrations, including audible vibrations, using air-filled objects. [Definition]

[0089] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0090] As used herein, the words "a" or "an," when used in conjunction with the term "comprising," may mean "one," but are also consistent with the meanings of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one."

[0091] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing," and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements and / or method steps. When the term "consisting essentially of" is used herein in connection with a device, it indicates that additional elements and / or method steps may be present, but these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the described device functions. When the term "consisting of" is used herein in connection with a device, it excludes the presence of additional elements and / or method steps. A device described herein as including certain elements and / or steps may, in some embodiments, consist essentially of those elements and / or steps, and in other embodiments, consist of those elements and / or steps, regardless of whether that embodiment is specifically recited.

[0092] As used herein, the term "about" refers to about a + / - 10% variation from a given value. It should be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0093] Descriptions of ranges herein are intended to represent both the range and the individual values ​​falling within the range (up to the same order of magnitude as the numbers used to denote the range), unless otherwise stated herein.

[0094] The use of any example or exemplary language, for example, "such as," "exemplary embodiment," "illustrative embodiment," "an embodiment," "another embodiment," "prototypic embodiment," "in one embodiment," and "for example," is intended to illustrate or illustrate aspects, embodiments, variations, elements, or features related to the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0095] As used herein, the terms "connect," "connected," and "connection" refer to any direct or indirect physical association between elements or features of the musical instrument of the present disclosure. Thus, these terms can be understood to refer to elements or features that are partially or fully contained within, attached to, combined with, disposed upon, joined together, protruding from, piped into, or leading into, etc., even if there are other intervening elements or features between the elements or features described as connected.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "vibration," "vibrating," and "vibrational" refer to the periodic movement of particles of a material in alternating opposite directions from their equilibrium position when the equilibrium is disturbed. Thus, when a force impinges on any material, vibration occurs, resulting in a measurable mechanical phenomenon with frequencies above 0 Hz. For example, when using an air-filled object, vibration is expressed as the periodic movement of the air-filled object in response to pressure applied to the outer surface of the air-filled object using compressed air as a means to induce vibration, resulting in a measurable frequency above 0 Hz.

[0097] As used herein, the term "sound" refers to vibrations that propagate as acoustic waves through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid, or solid. The term also refers to the reception and perception of sound waves by the human body and brain. The measurable frequency range of sound waves between approximately 20 Hz and 20 kHz, and any decibel range above 0 dB, may be perceived as audible sound by individuals with minimal or no hearing impairment. Frequency ranges below approximately 4000 Hz may be perceived as vibration sensations rather than audible sound by individuals with severe hearing impairment (e.g., hearing loss greater than approximately 61 dB). Decibel ranges above approximately 194 dB are typically not measurable, and decibel ranges above approximately 140 dB may be physiologically dangerous to listeners, even after short-term exposure, and therefore would not be considered desirable target ranges for listeners. It should be noted that sound volume, measured in decibels, decreases as the distance between the listener and the sound source increases; the listener may move away from or spatially position themselves within a more desirable range of sound decibels relative to the sound source, which may be comfortable for listeners with little or no hearing impairment, between 40 dB and 95 dB. In this disclosure, the frequency and decibel ranges of various instrument embodiments can vary significantly depending on the configuration of components within the embodiment, and these ranges may further vary depending on how the vibrations are modified. For example, in one embodiment of an instrument measuring approximately 19 inches (48 centimeters) between its longest points and featuring tone holes similar to those found on a flute, the frequency range produced may be between 200 Hz and 1000 Hz. If most or all of the holes in this embodiment were covered by the user's fingers, the frequency subrange would be closer to approximately 800 Hz and 1000 Hz. Most user-blown aerophone instruments produce sound at pressures between about 0.001 psi (7 Pa) and 2.5 psi (17 kPa) above atmospheric pressure. Using the user's breath as a means to deliver compressed air at about 0.75 psi (5.2 kPa) to the instrument and vibrate an air-filled object, the decibel level of the instrument may measure between about 60 dB and 85 dB if the pressure within the air-filled object is about 0.7 psi (4.8 kPa) and the wall thickness of the air-filled object is about 0.04 mm.If a user blows approximately 7.5 psi (52 kPa) into another embodiment of the instrument with an alternative compressed air source (e.g., a manual hand or foot pump), the internal pressure of the air-filled object within that instrument, which is approximately 7.0 psi (48 kPa), will produce a sound decibel level with an amplitude of approximately 70 dB to 95 dB.

[0098] As used herein, the terms "elastic," "resilient," and "elastically" refer to the physical deformation properties of a material and the ability of an object or material to return to its original shape and size after deformation, such as compression or expansion. For example, at the most extreme end of deformation, air is an extremely elastic material because it can be compressed indefinitely and returns to its original state when the compression is released. In this disclosure, any component of the invention may be discussed with reference to these terms, although it should be understood that the emphasis is primarily focused on the vibratory and sound-producing capabilities of enclosed air-filled objects. It should also be understood that elasticity may refer to any number of fully or partially malleable materials, ranging from easily deformable or semi-rigid materials (e.g., silicone, latex, rubber) to more rigid materials (e.g., plastic, metal, carbon fiber).

[0099] As used herein, the term "tension" refers to how the physical properties of elastic materials change when subjected to compression, expansion, pushing, pulling, repositioning, stretching, and / or squeezing (when any three-dimensional object is transmitting those forces). It should be understood that the primary focus of this disclosure, when using any variation of the term tension, is on the correlation between the tension values ​​of air-filled objects when they are positioned in any embodiment of a musical instrument, and the altered quality of vibration and sound that the musical instrument produces as a result of tensioning the elasticity of those air-filled objects.

[0100] As used herein, the term "pressure" refers to any force applied normal to the surface of an object or normal to the tangent plane of the surface of a curved object, and also refers to measurements from a pressure gauge relative to atmospheric pressure. For example, a reference to a measurement of 2 psi (14 kPa) means 2 psi (14 kPa) above atmospheric pressure. The pressure of compressed air exerts a force on the exterior and interior walls of a sealed, air-filled object, thereby altering its vibration, elasticity, and / or tension, and is a measurable quantity of compressed air that can be measured in pounds per square inch (psi). In this disclosure, pressure should be understood to refer to the force of compressed air within an instrument's air conduit that creates vibrations against the exterior surface of the sealed, air-filled object, as well as the force of compressed air required inside that same sealed, air-filled object to maintain its expanded configuration. The term pressure can also refer to the amount of force impulse applied by any part of the instrument to alter the compression of another part of the instrument. For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure include means for positioning an air-filled object where the amount of pressure applied to its outer surface area can be adjusted using a threaded device, resulting in increased compression.

[0101] As used herein, the terms "modulate" and "modulation" refer to any adjustment of the frequency, pitch, amplitude, timbre, envelope, velocity, wavelength, and / or phase of vibrations and / or sound. For example, in this disclosure, sound modulation means can refer to any segment of any embodiment where a user can manipulate the air delivery path through the instrument in such a way (e.g., by covering holes) to increase the audible vibration frequency produced by the instrument.

[0102] As used herein, the term "modular" refers to any physical unit of matter constructed with standardized dimensions to allow flexibility and versatility in use. In this disclosure, some embodiments of the invention include modular segments that can be removed, adjusted, and / or replaced with other similar or different components, featuring the same or interchangeable connector means, to change the instrument's functional, acoustic, and / or decorative qualities. For example, one modular embodiment of the invention featuring a straight 7-inch (18 centimeter) cylindrical pipe segment connecting the air inlet to the air outlet can be replaced with a non-straight 20-inch (51 centimeter) conical pipe segment using the same connector joint, which also modulates the sound-producing vibrations that occur when compressed air is pumped through the instrument by lowering the resulting frequency as the pipe length increases, while varying the timbre due to the different pipe shapes.

[0103] As used herein, the term "segment" refers to components into which the presently disclosed devices, systems, and instruments can be conceptually divided or segmented to describe various features and aspects of the presently disclosed devices, systems, and instruments. In other words, segments and segmentation are understood to refer to the functional description and / or configuration of parts or portions of a device, system, or instrument according to the present disclosure. A segment may or may not be defined by a visually identifiable physical feature along or adjacent to a structural part or component. It should be understood that a segment may be further subdivided into multiple parts having different functions. Alternatively, a segment may refer to a part that spans or spans two visually identifiable parts of the presently disclosed devices, systems, and instruments. For example, in the present disclosure, one end segment of an air conduit may include an air inlet, a mouthpiece, and an extension hose, all of which extend the air delivery path through the air passage. Furthermore, it should be understood that when any of these segments extend the air conduit, they extend the air passageway inside the air conduit in a corresponding manner, and there may be one or more air paths therethrough. For example, in the present disclosure, interchangeable segments may be used to construct a modular instrument system, where the overall length of the air conduit is generally substantially equal to the overall length of the respective air passageway, and the interchangeable segments may be configured to deliver air through multiple air paths that may or may not correspond to the overall lengths of the air passageways.

[0104] As used herein, the term "interface" refers to any region, area, or space where there is a change in structure or composition from one substantially distinguishable material to another, and these materials are operatively associated or connected to interact with each other in a system (e.g., a device) by the interface. The change can be a clear, sharp transition or a gradual, graded transition through the interface area. In this disclosure, it should be understood that the term refers, among other things, to an area that allows a user to generate and / or manipulate sound-producing vibrations with a body part (a playable interface). It also includes interfaces between or segments of devices, systems, and musical instruments. Interfaces may or may not be configured or changed by replacing parts or by using interface components such as new segments, connectors, hoses, valves, and the like. Interface components can also be used to alter the vibrational qualities of the instrument at the vibration gap (vibration point) or source (e.g., where an air-filled object connects with the delivery of air through a conduit), and at segments of the instrument that can be directly modulated by the user in ways that change the airflow, vibration, and sound characteristics of the instrument. For example, in certain embodiments, an air conduit segment may feature tone holes, with or without additional structure that can be manipulated by the user's fingers to change the sound characteristics, and can be referred to as a playable interface.

[0105] It is contemplated that any embodiment of the compositions, devices, articles, methods, and uses disclosed herein may be implemented by one skilled in the art as such or by making such variations or equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0106] While the following description and drawings set forth certain embodiments in detail to illustrate and exemplify the invention, it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the details of construction and specific illustrations of such embodiments below. [Device for assembling aerophone instruments]

[0107] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for assembling an aerophone instrument for generating vibrations using a sealed air-filled object, the apparatus comprising an air conduit through which air is delivered from one or more air inlets to one or more air outlets, and means for positioning the air-filled object in operative association with the air conduit to assemble the aerophone instrument. [Air duct]

[0108] An apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument includes an air conduit having a first end and a second end for delivering compressed air through the air conduit. The first end is configured with one or more air inlets for delivering at least a first volume of compressed air through an air passage to an outer surface of a wall of the air-filled object, and the second end is configured with one or more air outlets for releasing a second volume of compressed air from the air passage. One or more air conduit segments correlate as their inner counterparts with one or more air passage segments, which connect the air inlets to the air outlets and define an air path for compressed air delivered from an external source. Means for modulating vibration and sound using the enclosed air-filled object may be integrated into or otherwise operatively associated with or connected to one or more segments of the air conduit.

[0109] Air conduit segments may be cylindrical, conical, polygonal, oval, spiral, or any number of other shapes, as illustrated by the various embodiments in Figures 3A-3G. Air conduit segments may also include any one or combination of air reservoirs, mouthpieces, valve air passages, playable interface areas, and / or chamber segments (as seen in Figures 13-15) and may be configured to allow for the assembly of modular devices and instrument systems according to the present disclosure. Additionally, any segment may be made of any material, examples of which include, but are not limited to, glass, plastic, metal, wood, resin, composites, stone, and rubber. The approximate size of devices or device assemblies according to the present disclosure may range from handheld embodiments measuring approximately 1-20 inches (approximately 3-51 centimeters) at their longest point to hundreds of meters in all directions in large-scale installed systems. It should be understood that these embodiments are intended to be exemplary, as the devices and instruments can be of any size technically feasible, so long as there is corresponding technical capability to deliver sufficient air pressure through the device and instrument system to produce the desired vibration effect.

[0110] The air passage exists in one-to-one correlation with the overall length of the air conduit and refers to the measurable internal distance that air can travel from one end of the conduit to the other. Lengthening, shortening, or otherwise reshaping the air conduit, adding or removing any segments, also changes the air passage.

[0111] The delivery and direction of air through the air passage is referred to as the air path, which may or may not correspond to the full length of the air passage, depending on where the air inlets and outlets are positioned along the air conduit. This means that the air path can be similarly extended or shortened by replacing air conduit segments. In one embodiment, the air path may be shorter than or exceed the full length of the air passage and / or the direction may change as the air path passes through one or more segments of the air passage. If compressed air is delivered from an air inlet that is not located at the end of the air conduit, or if the air passage is divided into two or more segments (such as bifurcated or trifurcated), changing the course of the air path, the air path may be shorter than the full length of the air passage. Conversely, if compressed air is delivered to the instrument from a remote location or if it traverses the air passage and is released through an air outlet back into the atmosphere, the air path may exceed the length of the air passage.

[0112] The air inlet is where a first volume of compressed air (e.g., exhaled air) begins to travel through the air passageway inside the air conduit and may be configured with a mouthpiece to facilitate delivery of compressed air from an air source. All segments of the air inlet may be rigid (e.g., plastic pipe), flexible (e.g., corrugated plastic hose attachment), or any combination of the two. Additionally, a source of compressed air other than human breath (e.g., an analog or electric air pump) may be connected to the air inlet.

[0113] The air outlet is where the second volume of compressed air is released from the air passage and may be made of the same or a different material as the air inlet. The air outlet may take the form of a pipe opening or other aperture in the air conduit, and may or may not be configured with additional structure (e.g., a valve), or may be operated (e.g., by a user's finger) to block, impede, or redirect the flow of air along a given air path.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the air conduit comprises more than one air inlet, more than one air outlet, and / or additional segments to further extend or reduce the available air delivery path. When constructing an air conduit using piping, tubing, and / or chambers, the air path accessible from or through the air conduit may include an air inlet, an air outlet, and intervening segments between the inlets and outlets. These various segments may project into one another or may be nested within one another. Connection of air conduit segments may be achieved using a variety of other connection means, examples of which include threads, slip fits, snap fits, unions, magnetic connections, and other segment interface components. Modular air conduits may also be disassembled or collapsed to facilitate transportation, especially when combined with flexible manufacturing materials. [Means for positioning air-filled objects to assemble an aerophone instrument]

[0115] An apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument includes means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association (connection) with an air conduit in such a way that the air-filled object is reliably held stationary and that the outer surface (wall) of the air-filled object vibrates when contacted with a volume of compressed air.

[0116] The function of the means for positioning the air-filled object is to hold the outer wall of the air-filled object approximately 0-10 mm away from the opening of the air conduit so that vibrations may occur as air is forced through the air passage and presses against the outer wall of the air-filled object. Thus, the means for positioning the air-filled object may alternatively be referred to simply as an object holder, since its primary function is to securely position, reposition, and / or hold the air-filled object in a desired position so as to be operatively associated with the apparatus of the present disclosure (e.g., more specifically, the air conduit).

[0117] The means for positioning the air-filled object can resist the force of the compressed air pushing against the outer wall of the air-filled object during vibration, keeping the air-filled object stationary, and can be made from any rigid or semi-rigid material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, cement, resin, rubber, or glass, and can also be designed to include decorative features. In certain embodiments, the user's hand and / or fingers can serve as the means for positioning the air-filled object, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0118] Figures 8A-8Q provide illustrative variations of object holders, depicting a non-exhaustive list of shapes and means for holding an air-filled object in operative association with the device of the present disclosure. As seen in these figures, the object holders can adopt planar or non-planar forms and can be spherical, ovoid, polygonal, spiral, bisectable (e.g., Figure 8N shows a single three-dimensional shape divided into two hemispheres, which may be made from multiple materials and located on the top / bottom or sides of the air-filled object), or formed in any number of other shapes. Certain embodiments of the object holders may include visual markings that guide a user to properly align and / or assemble the object holder and insert the air-filled object into the device. Additionally, the object holder can be connected to the air-filled object using friction, hooks, compression, expansion, magnetism, adhesive, a human hand, or any method capable of holding the air-filled object stationary to resist the force of compressed air as it presses against the outer wall of the air-filled object, causing it to vibrate.

[0119] Certain embodiments feature systems in which the means for positioning the air-filled object involves placing the object inside the chamber of the air conduit, where a section of the outer wall of the air-filled object is positioned along, within, aligned with, or otherwise in fluid communication with, the opening of the air conduit. In embodiments in which the object holder comprises a section of the inner wall of the air conduit, air must be able to pass around the air-filled object so that the air-filled object does not completely obstruct airflow through the air passage. Thus, air conduit segments that hold the air-filled object may have small and large diameters, or air-filled objects with small or large diameters may be used to provide an air path around the air-filled object.

[0120] 13-15, for example, an air-filled object may be placed within a pipe, tube, or chamber and held against, against, or within the interior wall of the pipe, tube, or chamber using interface friction when in contact with structure that functions as object holder 201. In these embodiments, the larger diameter (the apex of the interior side) around the smaller diameter (the flat portion of the surface area that acts as the object holder) allows air to pass around the air-filled object and does not completely obstruct the passage of air through the air conduit, allowing the walls of the air-filled object to vibrate and generate sound.

[0121] Alternative embodiments of the means for positioning the air-filled object may also feature a compression interface with threaded fasteners, as seen in Figure 34, or an expansion interface that uses fasteners that can grip two or more discrete points on a surface area of ​​the air-filled object using hooks, suction cups, or clips, as illustrated in Figure 33. Another embodiment, illustrated in Figure 25D, may utilize one or more rigid or semi-rigid fastener holders 201 that can connect with the enclosed air-filled object in a direction perpendicular to its outer wall. [Vibration Gap]

[0122] The means for positioning the air-filled object facilitates the formation of a vibration gap, which is a space (of the air-filled object or of an air conduit in fluid communication with the opening to the air passage) formed when the air-filled object is positioned against an opposing surface to impact the air flow and allow vibration of the compressed volume of air. As compressed air travels along the air path through the air passage and into the vibration gap, it vibrates at least a portion of the outer wall of the air-filled object when it is within approximately 0 to 10 mm of the opposing surface. Even if the vibration gap is initially 0 mm, the air pressure of the compressed volume of air can displace the wall sufficiently to create a gap greater than 0 mm but still equal to or less than approximately 10 mm. When the vibration gap distance exceeds approximately 10 mm, it is unlikely that the outer wall of the air-filled object will vibrate sufficiently to cause a user or audience to experience audible sound.

[0123] An object holder (e.g., a means for positioning an air-filled object according to the present disclosure) can be used to define or delineate a vibration gap along one or more points or areas of the outer surface region of the air-filled object. When a vibration gap is formed between two or more opposing surfaces (one of which is a surface of the air-filled object), the space formed between those opposing surfaces can be any number of different shapes through which compressed air can generate vibrations, including, but not limited to, curved, angular, biconvex, or bell-shaped (as shown in FIGS. 23A-24F).

[0124] The object holder generally includes two or more vibration anchor points (connection points) that serve to delineate and position wall sections of an air-filled object operatively associated with the air conduit so that the air-filled object vibrates when compressed air is delivered through an air passage of the air conduit along a given air path. The vibration anchor points can operatively associate the air-filled object with the air conduit when the distance between the outer walls of the air-filled object is within a range of approximately 0 to 10 mm, which is when the air-filled object is in fluid communication with the nearest air passage segment within the air conduit.

[0125] Certain embodiments feature a continuous surface of vibration anchor points (vibration interfaces that delineate peripheral segments of the walls of the vibrating air-filled object) instead of discrete areas of contact between the air-filled object and the object holder. For example, in one embodiment, the object holder may be the outer wall of one or more air conduit segments, which provides a continuous surface of vibration anchor points along the vibration interfaces. One variation of this embodiment is illustrated by Figures 18-20B and features a hollow torus-shaped ring that can also function as an air conduit to provide an air passage for delivering compressed air to the vibration gap, with holes in the torus (innermost diameter) defined by the air conduit wall providing a means for positioning and holding the air-filled object.

[0126] In certain embodiments, a combination of discrete and continuous vibration anchor points can be used to configure the vibration gap. For example, as depicted in Figure 25D, adjustable pipe segment positioning means 204 can provide additional vibration anchor points to a vertical threaded object holder segment already holding two opposing sides of an air-filled object, acting as an additional segment of object holder 201. [Air-filled object]

[0127] An air-filled object can refer to an object filled with any gaseous substance, examples of which include atmospheric air, noble gases, or any other gas that can be safely managed even if it leaks from the air-filled object. Such an object remains sealed when integrated with the apparatus of the present disclosure for use in assembling an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure. Once the air-filled object is securely positioned in operative association with the air conduit and a vibration anchor point on the object holder is used to define a vibration gap, a compressed air source can be delivered through an air passage along the available air path, as provided by the air conduit, to vibrate a section of the outer wall of the air-filled object, generating vibrations and enabling the device to function as an aerophone instrument. Note that if the outer membrane of the air-filled object is generally impacted, it functions as a membrane phone in the instrument classification system; however, if configured to generate vibrations using compressed air within the instrument of the present disclosure, it functions as part of an aerophone.

[0128] A sealed air-filled object can be described as any object (e.g., a balloon, ball) in which an elastic wall surface separates an interior space from an exterior space or environment. To remain sealed during use, the air-filled object can contain pressures either above or below atmospheric pressure and can be sealed using valves, ties, knotted ends, or O-rings. Multiple pieces of various materials can also be sewn, fastened, and / or fused together to form the air-filled object. When reduced to below atmospheric pressure, the object can retain its three-dimensional form using a rigid structure. Additionally, air-filled objects can be formed by combining elastic surfaces with a rigid structure and can be attached to various object holders using external anchor points.

[0129] Air-filled objects may be spherical, ovoid, polygonal (e.g., having four or more sides), spiral, or any hybrid combination of these shapes. Air-filled objects may also incorporate protruding or intruding segments along the entire body of a single enclosed object. A non-exhaustive list of air-filled object shapes is illustrated in Figures 12A-J. Typical materials that may be used to construct air-filled objects are rubber, mylar, plastic, metal, or composite materials. The wall thickness of the air-filled object closest to the vibration gap may range from approximately 0.005 to 10 mm. The wall thickness may be continuous throughout the air-filled object, or the object may feature multiple different wall thicknesses at different points. Air-filled object sizes may range from 5 mm in diameter when used in combination with smaller diameter object holders to 30 mm in diameter for larger installations.

[0130] It should be understood that, for purposes of this disclosure, the diameter and material durometer of an air-filled object dictate how much air pressure must be applied to generate the desired vibrations from the wall material of the air-filled object. The input pressure of the compressed air must be sufficient to vibrate the object's wall, thereby generating vibrations in the compressed air volume flowing along the air path as it exits the air outlet. Higher durometer object materials, such as steel and nitinol, require higher input pressures to generate vibrations compared to lower durometer air-filled objects of the same size and wall thickness. Higher durometer materials may require an air compressor with a pressure of up to 5000 psi (34 MPa). Similar to higher durometer materials, thicker walled objects require more pressure to vibrate, and may require pressures of up to 5000 psi (34 MPa) to enable vibration. Materials such as rubber, plastic, and Mylar are commonly used to create balloon walls measuring approximately 0.005 to 1.0 mm, which can be inflated by the user's lung power. They can also be easily vibrated by pumping air from the user's lungs at pressures between 0.001 and 3 psi (7 to 20,000 Pa) above atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the durometer of materials used in air-filled objects can range from Shore 00:00 to any hardness. Depending on the material properties of the air-filled object, using various pressure values ​​and varying wall thicknesses can result in different vibration characteristics. It should also be understood that gases other than air (e.g., helium, sulfur hexafluoride) can be used inside sealed air-filled objects, which can also result in different vibration characteristics when played.

[0131] A sealed air-filled object can be experienced as a three-dimensional object that produces sounds of various tones and volumes when vibrated, depending on its properties, including but not limited to its material, size, wall thickness, internal air pressure, and shape. To produce audible sound (20 Hz-20 kHz) upon vibration, the air-filled object must not completely obstruct the passage or flow of air through the air conduit. A relationship exists between pressure and volume, such that adding air pressure inside the air-filled object necessitates adding more air pressure outside the air-filled object to generate vibration, which in turn produces a louder sound.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the sealed air-filled object is interchangeable with other sealed air-filled objects of different shapes, sizes, designs, wall thicknesses, and materials, provided that the following conditions are met: a) the air-filled object fits securely enough within the object holder to remain stationary when in use in operative association with the air conduit, and b) the air-filled object can be positioned using a vibration anchor point to define a vibration gap of approximately 0-10 mm.

[0133] In embodiments of musical instruments according to the present disclosure, the user's lips do not come into direct contact with the vibrating air-filled object. Therefore, an embouchure is not required to play the instrument. Any learning curve associated with an embouchure is eliminated, making the instrument user-friendly, allowing users to immediately begin playing the instrument without specialized training. The use of a sealed air-filled object to modulate timbre independently of the use of an embouchure increases the range of performance.

[0134] For example, in one embodiment depicted in Figures 18-20B, placing a sealed air-filled object inside a hollow torus-shaped ring in any orientation is the only assembly required to configure the instrument for sound-producing vibration, thereby eliminating assembly obstacles compared to the complex fasteners, pipe connections, and reed orientations found in other aerophones. [Sound modulation means]

[0135] In certain embodiments, an aerophone instrument may include a means for modulating sound vibrations that can be manipulated by a user as a playable interface. The sound modulating means, which may be integrated into or otherwise connected to the air conduit, may take the initial pitch generated in the vibration gap and modulate it using a method for increasing or decreasing resistance to the flow of compressed air from the air conduit. The method for modulating resistance may include connecting one or more playable interfaces to air conduit segments, adjusting the positioning of an object holder and thereby an air-filled object and the resulting vibration gap, and any other means for modulating the resistance to a volume of compressed air exiting the air passage of an air conduit of an instrument according to the present disclosure.

[0136] Sound modulation means may include any means for producing changes in sound characteristics, such as frequency, pitch, timbre, amplitude, or phase. For example, frequency refers to the number of vibrations per second and is measured in hertz. For example, tone shifts, octave shifts, pitch bends, and fine tuning change the frequency of a sound. For example, an instrument similar to a flute (shown in FIG. 35B) may produce various frequencies at each tone hole. Pitch refers to the perceived high or low quality of a sound, determined by the high or low frequency, respectively. Timbre refers to the coloration of sound resulting from various qualities of sound, such as resonance (e.g., vowels), or differences in vibration due to different instrument shapes or materials (e.g., Mylar vs. rubber). An oboe-like instrument (configured with a conical segment, shown in FIG. 42B, and a vibrating gap, shown in FIG. 24D) may produce the same frequencies as a clarinet, but has a distinct timbre due to the biconvex pipe segment nearest its vibrating gap, which differs from the clarinet's single reed and mouthpiece pipe segment shape. Amplitude corresponds to the volume measured in decibels; for example, fluctuations in the supply air pressure within an instrument may produce a relatively quiet sound of about 60 dB or a relatively loud sound of about 90 dB. Phase refers to the timing of vibrations; for example, if two identical frequencies have opposite phases, they may cancel each other out or interfere with each other. For example, the instrument shown in FIG. 50 may produce sounds with identical frequency and amplitude but with variations in phase. The instrument may produce phase cancellation similar to the sound of a Scottish bagpipe tenor pipe drone, which has identical frequencies that may be out of phase, creating the characteristic phase profile of phase cancellation in bagpipe music.

[0137] In certain embodiments, the playable interface may include tone holes, keys, sliding joints, and / or valves for adjusting the total resistance to vibration within the air passage, allowing the user to modulate the characteristics of the audible sound when vibration frequencies exceed 20 Hz at the surface of the air-filled object. For example, in embodiments featuring tone holes, a given air path through the air passage of the air conduit becomes longer or shorter when the user covers and uncovers any of the holes with their fingers. The more holes closer to the air inlet are covered, the lower the pitch of the sound-producing vibration, as long as the harmonic frequency of the vibration remains constant.

[0138] In other embodiments, the inner diameter of the playable interface may be varied as a way to increase or decrease air resistance through the air passage. In one embodiment, as the diameter of the playable interface increases, the pitch may increase. In another embodiment, as the diameter of the opening in the instrument that is in fluid communication with the air-filled object decreases, the frequency may decrease. The compressed air pumped through the air passage of an aerophone instrument creates friction, which resists the vibratory motion generated from the vibration of the air-filled object. In a further embodiment, as the length of the air conduit increases, the pitch of the sound generated as a result of vibrating the walls of the air-filled object decreases.

[0139] In certain embodiments, increasing or decreasing the air pressure delivered through an aerophone instrument according to the present disclosure produces different sound characteristics. For example, if the air conduit segments are made from a flexible material such as, but not limited to, rubber or plastic, the segments themselves can be squeezed or bent to modulate the pitch of the sound produced. Any mechanism that changes the shape and / or other physical qualities of the air passage provided by the air conduit can be used to affect the sound characteristics of the instrument or the sounds that can be played using a given instrument according to the present disclosure.

[0140] In yet another embodiment, the user can change the diameter or shape of the holes on the playable interface, including the diameter of the instrument itself, as a means of sound modulation. For example, the opening of the air conduit may include a mechanical iris, a flapper valve, a spring-loaded key, an expandable rubber donut, a zipper, or any mechanism that allows the shape of the opening to be changed during performance. These features are similar to how a trumpet uses a mute and plunger to modulate the sound from a horn.

[0141] In other embodiments, the shape of any segment of the air conduit, including the playable interface, can modulate the characteristics of the sound. For example, Figure 36 shows a trombone-shaped embodiment constructed from a series of air conduit segments and sliders, referenced 604, that function similarly to a trombone's sliding legato tone, while Figures 35A-35B include a flute with tone holes at 601 that produces a deeper pitch as more holes are covered. As shown in Figures 35A-35B, a horn-shaped component at 603 can be attached to certain embodiments to amplify the volume of the sound and allow the embodiment to stand on its own when not in use.

[0142] In certain embodiments, another vibration and / or sound modulating element or feature included within the air conduit segment relates to dimples or wavy textures found inside the interior wall of the air conduit. This sound modulating means may be related to fipples on flute and pipe organ family instruments, where sound is produced by compressing air over or through a protruding or sharp edge. The elasticity of air passing over the sharp edge promotes high and low oscillating pressures, which in turn produce audible vibrations and pitch changes in the instrument. The generation of vibrations from the sharp wavy edges or fipples within the air conduit may then modulate the vibration of an air-filled object downstream of the vibrating gap (relative to the air flow from the air source), or vice versa.

[0143] The modular design options of aerophone instruments according to the present disclosure allow for embodiments of different shapes and sizes with expanded acoustic uses and qualities. For example, an instrument with multiple air inlets allows multiple users to play the instrument simultaneously, multiple air outlets allow multiple sounds to be produced from a single instrument, and a modular playable interface allows a user to easily swap from one tempered musical key and / or playable interface style for another (e.g., switching from an interface tuned to the key of C using holes as a means of sound modulation to an interface tuned to E flat using valves). [Tension change means]

[0144] Optional tension-altering means that may be added to embodiments may be used to modulate sound characteristics by compressing or expanding the enclosed air-filled object and / or by repositioning the entire air-filled object to modify the vibration gap. Tension-altering means may range from a separate structure in the player's hand and used by the player to features incorporated into the device itself and combined with the means for positioning the air-filled object. For example, adjusting the spacing or angle of the surface area of ​​the air-filled object at the vibration gap, which is in fluid communication with the air outlet of an aerophone instrument, can further modulate the sound characteristics of the instrument. Tension-altering means featured on the device itself may be made from rigid or semi-rigid materials such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber, plastic, metal, and carbon fiber.

[0145] In one embodiment, the expansion or contraction of a sealed air-filled object may be used as a tension altering means by stretching the wall material of the air-filled object. The expansion or contraction of the air-filled object may also be used as a sound modulating means by adjusting the distance between the outer wall of the air-filled object and the opposing surface that forms the vibration gap.

[0146] In another embodiment, compression can be used to adjust the elasticity and tension of the outer surface of the air-filled object's walls, thereby modulating the instrument's sound characteristics. The ability to change frequency by changing the tension or position of a sealed air-filled object mimics what trumpet and lip reed players do with their lips to change frequency when selecting octaves through lip tension. For example, in one instrument embodiment shown in FIG. 34, a rigid tension-varying means is threaded through the enclosed chamber of the air conduit that can be used to apply compression to the air-filled object, which may increase the pitch of the sound vibrations.

[0147] In yet another embodiment, an expansion force applied from outside the air-filled object may also be used to stretch the outer surface of the air-filled object's walls to modulate the sound. For example, in one embodiment shown in Figure 33, three anchor points on the enclosed air-filled object may be tensioned using fasteners that are also attached to the object holder and / or air conduit. When tensioned, the walls of the air-filled object vibrate, producing a higher-pitched sound. [Visual effect of the inside of an air-filled object]

[0148] Optional liquids and / or solids can be added inside the sealed air-filled object before it is sealed to modulate sound characteristics as well as create visual effects. These embodiments relate to non-electrical acoustic sound waves that can create visual patterns and effects within a vibrating air-filled object that is filled to some volume with various liquids (e.g., water, non-corrosive oils) or solids (e.g., sand, small Styrofoam balls).

[0149] As shown in Figure 12I, the sound characteristics of a vibrating air-filled object can be modulated when a substance other than a gas is also sealed inside the air-filled object. The modulated sound waves inside the object can then produce analogous visual effects from materials placed inside the air-filled object, which respond to the vibrations by producing geometric patterns or particle movement. These vibrational phenomena occur when the air inside the air-filled object pushes back with a force roughly equal to the amount of inward compression of the air. If the gravitational force from particles or liquid inside the object exceeds the force exerted on the object's exterior surface through the air passages, the vibrations can change dramatically from a discernible musical tone to a squealing sound and eventually become inaudible as the amount of force increases.

[0150] Certain embodiments may feature solid and / or light effects within or around the air-filled object that may function more decoratively. For example, the very lightweight nature of glitter decorations allows for additional visual components to be present inside the air-filled object without dramatically affecting the instrument's sound, and non-analog components such as battery- or air-turbine-powered LED lights can be attached to the air-filled object and / or any adjacent segments of the instrument to illuminate it. Furthermore, any light or laser attached to the vibrating surface of certain air-filled objects (e.g., transparent or translucent balloons) can also generate visual patterns on the inside or outside of the object. [Assembly and use of the Aerophone instrument]

[0151] A user can assemble a musical instrument according to the present disclosure by positioning a sealed air-filled object within an object holder of a device according to the present disclosure. The air-filled object, held stationary by a vibration anchor point connected to the object holder, defines a vibration gap, which provides the instrument with the ability to generate vibrations and, more specifically, sound vibrations. In one embodiment, a user can play the instrument by first holding the instrument by one or more segments of its air conduit, and then supplying compressed air from the user's lungs at 0.001 to 3 psi (7 to 20 kPa) to the air inlet of the air conduit to vibrate the outer wall of the air-filled object at the vibration gap interface. Additional optional features of the assembled aerophone may consist of alternative compressed air sources and an advanced modular instrument system. [Compressed air source]

[0152] All aerophone instruments require an air source to produce sound-producing vibrations. It is understood that, in this disclosure, a compressed air source may refer to any gas that can be safely used to drive an instrument. For example, the compressed air source may consist of atmospheric air, a noble gas, or any other gas that can be safely delivered by an embodiment of an instrument according to the present disclosure. Breath is typically the most readily available compressed air source used in many embodiments, however, other embodiments feature various compressed air sources (modes of air delivery) used to drive the instrument and vibrate the walls of a sealed air-filled object.

[0153] For example, air pump shoes (shown in FIG. 52B) allow the user to use leg muscles (the strongest muscles in the body) to drive airflow and energy input into the instrument. This mode of air delivery reduces the learning curve associated with playing an aerophone and can also assist individuals with lower lung capacity and / or individuals who wish to play an instrument at an older age. Using the motion of walking to generate airflow eliminates the learning curve required to blow into an aerophone (e.g., bagpipes or trumpet) while providing the user with an added element of mobility and exercise. By attaching an air pump to footwear, a user can sing, walk, and play one or more instruments simultaneously.

[0154] Embodiments configured to produce sound loud enough to be heard by spectators throughout a stadium-sized space, or otherwise configured to transmit sound over approximately one kilometer (approximately 85 dB at the listening point), can be connected to a powered air compressor or pump to provide sufficient sustained air pressure to vibrate the outer walls of the air-filled object to produce a louder sound. In certain embodiments, the air compressor or air pump may be used to free up the user's breath, legs, and / or energy to allow the user to play the aerophone(s) with complete concentration, or even to play the aerophone while moving around undisturbed. [Modular instrument system]

[0155] In certain embodiments, the devices and instruments of the present disclosure may be configured with interchangeable components to provide a modular instrument system: air conduits, object holders, and air-filled object components, as well as additional features, may be made interchangeable to easily reconfigure individual instrument embodiments and create interconnected instrument systems capable of a wide variety of sound characteristics and a wide variety of playable interface configurations.

[0156] In certain embodiments, multiple air conduit segments and vibrating gaps are combined together in a single sealed air-filled object. For example, a single air-filled object can serve as the "reed" for multiple air passage segments, with each air passage segment using a different section of the air-filled object's outer surface area as a vibrating gap to generate sound, as shown in Figures 39 and 50. Traditional reed-based instruments, such as bagpipes and reedpipe organs, are difficult to tune because each reed goes out of tune at a different rate and must be assembled and tensioned separately. Using a single air-filled object to generate sound from multiple pipes can provide an easier means of tuning, assembling, and playing an aerophone.

[0157] Additional embodiments relate to generating sound using multiple enclosed air-filled objects arranged in a single playable interface, as shown in Figures 44-45 and 47. In these embodiments, a vibrating gap operatively associated with one air-filled object can provide a means for modulating the frequency of the sound-generating vibrations of another adjacent air-filled object, resulting in subtle frequency interactions and complex harmonic possibilities.

[0158] Additional embodiments relate to generating sound using multiple enclosed air-filled objects connected to multiple playable interfaces, as illustrated by Figure 48B, which shows two playable interfaces configured to generate multiple sounds in parallel. Multiple sound-generating vibrations can also be generated in series, as illustrated by Figure 51, where sound generated from one vibrating gap is piped and / or drawn into another vibrating gap of the same or a different air-filled object, creating a complex combination of frequencies that are perceived as audible sounds by one or more air conduit outlets and / or playable interfaces.

[0159] In yet another embodiment of the modular aspect of the present disclosure, latching note covering allows a user to simultaneously drive multiple instruments. A latch is defined as a mechanism that allows two objects to be easily connected or disconnected. Using a latch, a player can select a first note and then perform other actions and / or select a second note while the latch holds the first note on the instrument. For example, using latches in a piano interface allows a player to hold down one piano key and release their finger to press another key, creating a nearly impossible sequence of notes. Using latches within all Aerophone user interfaces allows a player to play three or more instruments in sequence using only their hands. Similar to uilleann pipes (or other types of bagpipes), a latch hole covering system within an Aerophone containing multiple playable interfaces in parallel allows the user to resume and maintain an ergonomic body position after selecting a note change.

[0160] In order to gain a further understanding of the present invention and the embodiments detailed herein, the following examples are set forth below. It will be understood that these examples are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. [Kits and Instrument Accessories]

[0161] Modular instrument systems, component parts, and accessories may be configured as kits for assembly of the devices and instruments of the present disclosure. The kits may include interchangeable instrument or device parts, allowing users to select from various combinations of different object holders, air conduit segments, air-filled objects, sound modulation means, or other accessories. The kit components may have different sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and / or be made of different materials, allowing for a wide variety of instrument assemblies and decorative design elements. For example, the air-filled objects and air conduit segments used in the kits may visually represent or be shaped like animals, people, characters, spheres, or colors. Interchangeable air-filled objects constructed with different materials or wall thicknesses may result in the production of different sound characteristics that correlate with any visual imagery represented by them or their shapes, as may air conduit segments of different shapes and sizes made from different materials. For example, a red air-filled object may produce a different sound when connected to a given device of the present disclosure compared to an interchangeable blue air-filled object. In another example, a chicken-shaped instrument configured to vibrate using an air-filled object resembling an egg may produce a different sound compared to a dolphin-shaped instrument configured to vibrate using the same air-filled object.

[0162] Certain kits may include additional accessories in addition to the core instrument components of air conduits (segments), object holders, and air-filled objects. For example, a bellows pump may be purchased separately, but such a basic or simplified instrument kit may include instructions on how to assemble the instrument and use the pump with a hand, foot, or a tool such as a toy hammer to supply air to the instrument. Other kits may be configured with instructions to provide for the assembly of more complex instruments and may include multiple modular air conduit segments that may become part of a larger user collection, allowing the user to build and play numerous instrument configurations having a variety of configurations using multiple interchangeable air-filled objects, air conduit segments, object holders, sound modulation means, and other accessories.

[0163] Kits may be provided for use during activities such as birthday parties, sporting events, festivals, and other celebrations, where groups of people can exchange or share air-filled objects or other components of the modular instrument system to create various sounds and / or instrument collections. For example, backyard-sized instruments could feature playable interfaces for an entire group of people at a party, literally uniting family and friends in the same musical activity and enabling spontaneous modular instrument systems, performances, and makeshift orchestras. At sporting events, portable embodiments of modular instruments featuring multiple mouthpieces and hoses could be assembled, allowing a group of people to motivate their favorite sports team by blowing into individual assemblies of instruments (each with an air conduit, object holder, and air-filled object) and / or by combining the hoses from each instrument into a single, longer air conduit configured with a larger air-filled object to create loud sounds in unison. Similar to when sports fans used a vuvuzela (a monotone lip reed horn) to produce monotone sounds, instruments according to the present disclosure allow users to use their lungs to produce polyphonic sounds (simultaneous combinations of two or more tones) without the need for an embouchure. Kits can also include plumbing fittings, pipe fittings, and / or provide instructions for everyday household items that can be used as part of a modular instrument system. For example, plumbing fittings and / or pencil shells, and / or bottles, and / or straws, and / or hollow vegetables or other items can be used to create and make interchangeable air channels for the instrument. Other kits of different scales and sizes can include devices that can be assembled into instruments by adding commonly available or easily constructed air-filled objects, such as beach balls, urethane balls, and balloons, or by fabricating air-filled objects using latex (e.g., gloves), bubble wrap, and plastic bags.

[0164] The kit can present opportunities within both STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) educational fields, where the physics of vibration can be explored using musical instruments. For example, sand placed inside an air-filled object may generate analog visualizations of sound waves or patterns when the object vibrates, which can be educational about the physics of sound production. The tactile sensation of squeezing an air-filled object as a subjective measure of pressure may serve as a soothing influence in teaching about air pressure before the user places the air-filled object on an instrument and plays it, which may generate a series of other desirable mental, emotional, and educational effects without prior musical knowledge. The elasticity and sonic properties of an air-filled object in relation to the amount of air pressure inside the object may serve as an educational game connecting the physics of air pressure to sound. A modular musical instrument system featuring multiple vibrating gaps in series can be used to study how one frequency interacts with or influences another, while a modular musical instrument system featuring parallel vibrating gaps may be used to learn about phase cancellation. Educational instructions may also be packaged with the kit to teach users about the origins of materials and their properties. For example, the instructions could teach about rubber as a material and its biodegradability within ecosystems (e.g., how Amazonian rubber trees that produce rubber also produce rubber turpentine, which biodegrades natural rubber). The kit may also include an air-filled object made from natural rubber (e.g., a standard rubber balloon) and natural terpenes (e.g., lemon or pine oil) so that the air-filled object can biodegrade when ready to be discarded.

[0165] In professional kits, interchangeable parts may be useful for jugglers, musicians, installation artists, circus artists, street performers, and fitness and exercise groups. For example, a juggler may perform acrobatics with air-filled objects during a performance and use the same interchangeable objects to generate sound within an aerophone instrument. A kit can include enough parts to form instruments for an entire orchestra of musicians, providing a unique audiovisual experience for audiences. While a typical aerophone does not have a clear line of sight between the listener and the vibrating material (e.g., a reed), instruments that generate vibrations using air-filled objects according to the present disclosure may feature a line of sight between the air-filled object (e.g., a translucent balloon decorated with glittering ornaments and lights) and the listener. Additionally, modular instruments constructed by providing kits to professional musicians may have decorative parts (e.g., sculpted, engraved, or coined parts) manufactured from high-quality materials and may feature spit valves, fine tuning mechanisms, and carrying cases. In the field of installation art, kits can provide components for the assembly of large geometric structures and may include air conduit segments with translational symmetry, rotational symmetry, and / or other modular connectors for the assembly of large, geometrically shaped air conduit arrangements. In the context of circus arts, acrobats may wear air pump shoes with aerophone instruments attached to their arms, or perform backflips using spring-loaded air pump pedestals as a means of delivering air to the aerophone instruments attached to their arms. In the context of exercise or fitness, kits can include exercise balls, which, when placed in the disclosed device, can double as air-filled objects. For example, air pumps can be connected to the pedals or crankshafts of multiple stationary bikes in a spin class to supply air to the instruments, while the person leading the spin class can use the air generated by the group to play the instruments. [example]

[0166] The following examples illustrate various aspects and embodiments of the devices and instruments of the present disclosure. [Example 1: Air conduit with object holder (apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument)]

[0167] An apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument includes an air conduit and an object holder, which, referring to FIG. 1A , includes air conduit 101 providing air passageway 105, air inlet 102, air outlet 103, air path 104, and object holder 201. Air inlet 102 is configured to deliver a first volume of compressed air through air passageway 105 toward air path 104, and air outlet 103 is configured to allow a second volume of compressed air to exit air passageway 105, while object holder 201 may be utilized to hold an air-filled object stationary relative to air conduit 101. The apparatus may also be configured to reverse air path 104 through air path 105, as shown in FIG. 1B . The apparatus will function as long as a volume of compressed air can enter and exit the air conduit, while object holder 201 serves as a means for positioning the air-filled object relative to air conduit 101. For example, in FIG. 1A, the air path 104 and air flow can be reversed by using a vacuum to pull air through the device, resulting in the air path of FIG. 1B, as opposed to the player blowing in, thereby creating pressure that pushes air through the device.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 1C, a device comprising three air conduit segments (101A-101C), each providing three air passage segments (105A-105C), illustrates how the air conduit segments can project into one another and be assembled to form the device of FIG. 1D. Referring to FIG. 1D, air conduit 101 and air passage 105 may surround object holder 201, thereby allowing air to pass around the air-filled object and facilitating the reversal of air path 104, providing an air passage for air flow in either direction by pressure alone or vacuum alone. Referring to FIG. 1E, object holder 201 may be one or more surfaces on the interior of an air conduit structure that can be used to position an air-filled object, where the object holder provides sufficient friction to resist forces exerted from the movement of air through air conduit 101. In FIG. 1E, object holder 201 is the surface closest to the central longitudinal axis of the multi-surface air conduit. Referring now to FIG. 1F, air inlet 102 may be located at any point on air conduit 101 so long as a first volume of compressed air can enter air inlet 102, travel through air passage 105, and allow a second volume of compressed air to exit through air outlet 103.

[0169] 2, the air conduit features a chamber 106 that may partially surround an object holder 201. The object holder 201 may include a threaded means for positioning an air-filled object that protrudes through the air conduit and into the chamber 106.

[0170] The air conduit segments, including the air inlets, air outlets, and any other segments that in turn extend or reduce the length of the air passage, may be cylindrical, conical, polygonal, oval, spiral, or any number of other shapes, some of which are shown in Figures 3A-3G.

[0171] In certain embodiments, the air conduit includes multiple (e.g., two or more) air inlets, air outlets, and / or other segments to form one or more air paths through the air passageway, which may or may not coincide with one another, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. In certain embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4C-4D, the outer surface of the air conduit may act as object holder 201. The device of FIG. 4C may include a pipe segment positioning system consisting of female pipe segment positioning means 203 and male pipe segment positioning means 204, which in this embodiment are threaded and may be assembled to form the device shown in FIG. 4D. FIG. 4E illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIG. 1E, featuring two air outlets (103A-103B), which may or may not be covered by the user to modify the length of the air path and / or the pressure of the compressed air released from the air outlets (e.g., similar to a flute). For example, if a user completely covers air outlet 103A with their finger, compressed air will exit air outlet 103B. If a user covers both air outlets 103A-103B, compressed air will not be able to exit the device; however, if a user only partially covers air outlet 103A, some amount of compressed air will exit both outlets; if both holes are uncovered, a greater amount of compressed air will exit air outlet 103A and a lesser amount of compressed air will exit air outlet 103B.

[0172] In FIG. 5A , the air conduit includes an air inlet 102 at a first end, which may have any number of segments or hose attachments that can be connected to the remainder of the air conduit to initiate the delivery of compressed air through the air passage. For example, the air inlet may include a mouthpiece 107 (e.g., a blowpipe) through which the user can blow, or a hose attachment through which air can be supplied using a pump. A valve 108 may be used to adjust air resistance or act as a one-way valve, or may be used as a toggle valve to initiate the delivery of air to a downstream portion of the air conduit based on the air flow from the air source. An air reservoir 109, generally constructed from a resilient material such as leather or rubber, may be used to store air and reduce pressure fluctuations. The air inlet 102 may be positioned along any point along the air conduit and may be of any shape that allows air to enter the air passage provided by the air conduit. The air inlet mouthpiece 107 may include a rubber sleeve to allow the user to bite down on a flexible portion and avoid chipping teeth. Air outlets 103A-103C represent multiple points at which air exits air conduit 101, which in this embodiment are determined by the first aperture that the compressed air reaches along its delivery path. The air outlets may be configured to release air by varying which aperture is covered by the user's finger, and therefore varying the location at which the compressed air exits the device.

[0173] In another embodiment, referring to Figure 5B, valves 108A-108C may be in a closed state, allowing a user to regulate airflow between air inlet 102 and one or more of air outlets 103A-103C. In the device embodiment of Figure 5B, object holder 201 may be one or more exterior surfaces of the device.

[0174] 6, the object holder 201 may be a structure or means that is not connected to the air conduit when the device is not in use. For example, the user's hand or other body part, a wall, a book, a cup, or other household item may be used to position the air-filled object relative to the air passage formed by the air conduit 101.

[0175] 7A, object holder 201 is permanently or semi-permanently fixed to air conduit 101. Object holder 201 can be essentially anything capable of holding an air-filled object in a sufficiently stationary position to partially obstruct the passage of compressed air through the air passage provided by the air conduit.

[0176] 7A-7D illustrate that two or more discrete (7A and 7C) or continuous (7B and 7D) connection points between the outer wall of the air-filled object and the object holder are referred to as vibration anchor points 202. The vibration anchor points may be configured to restrict the movement of the outer wall of the air-filled object within a finite area and generate vibrations when compressed air impinges on the outer wall of the air-filled object. Referring to FIG. 7C, the vibration anchor points are the tips of each conical structure, which may also function as the object holder 201 of the air-filled object. When using air-filled objects with wall thicknesses of 0.01 to 0.5 mm, the lifespan of the air-filled object can be extended when using embodiments with continuous vibration anchor points, as characterized by the circular shape of FIGS. 7B and 7D.

[0177] In Figures 8A-8Q, various non-exhaustive object holder shapes are shown in various views. Figures 8A-8G show various embodiments that can hold an air-filled object using friction created when the surface of the object holder and the wall of the air-filled object interface. The means for positioning the air-filled object shown in Figures 8H and 8I illustrate how fasteners (tension-varying means) can be used to adjust the degree of friction and / or compression and also function as object holders to position the air-filled object relative to the air passage provided by the air conduit. Figures 8J-8L can use fasteners to compress the air-filled object while holding it in a desired position when connected to the device. Figure 8M can fasten the air-filled object using chain links or other mechanisms, and can also use eyebolts or other types of similar fasteners to position the air-filled object. Figures 8N and 8O can hold the object in a tapered polygon interface configuration, allowing air to pass around the air-filled object when connected to the device. P in Figure 8 can hold an air-filled object between surface areas and / or vertices of a device having a compound shape made from various pipe segments projecting from one another. Q in Figure 8 can hold an air-filled object between multiple surface areas of a spiral-shaped object holder. [Example 2: Assembling an aerophone instrument using an air-filled object]

[0178] Figure 9A shows how an air-filled object 301 is secured to an object holder 201 using a friction interface. Compressed air can enter air inlet 102 in the direction of air path 104, pass through air passage 105 provided by air conduit 101, impact the outer wall of air-filled object 301 positioned using object holder 201, and exit air outlet 103. Similar to the case between the correlating Figures 1A and 1B, the air flow in Figure 9A may be reversed, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0179] Figure 10 shows an exploded side view of an aerophone instrument (e.g., a pipe instrument) including a female pipe segment positioning means 203, which in Figure 10 is a threaded interface for receiving a pipe segment integrated into object holder 201. The female pipe segment positioning means 203 allows for precision assembly of the aerophone instrument when a male pipe segment positioning means 204 is threaded onto it to form a pipe segment positioning system. Figure 11 shows the assembled version of Figure 10, properly aligning air conduit 101 with object holder 201 for assembly of the aerophone instrument and positioning of air-filled object 301.

[0180] FIGS. 12A-12J show a non-exhaustive collection of air-filled object embodiments that may be connected to various apparatus, musical instrument, and aerophone embodiments of the present disclosure. The walls of the enclosed air-filled object completely separate the interior space from the exterior space, allowing the air within the object to act as an air spring. The wall thickness of the air-filled object may be between 0.001 and 10 mm, particularly within the surface area that may be configured to vibrate. The air-filled object may take any geometric form. For example, FIG. 12A shows a spherical air-filled object, FIG. 12C is an elongated air-filled object, FIG. 12D is a polygonal air-filled object, and FIG. 12E is an oval air-filled object with one or more curvature profiles, which in one embodiment may be a balloon. Any range of wall thicknesses may be utilized as part of a multi-material air-filled object, which may also include multiple thickness and stiffness profiles along its surface. For example, FIG. 12B shows an embodiment of an air-filled object that includes a seam or joint between two or more materials.

[0181] As in the case of FIG. 12F, an air-filled object may be inflated to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, or may be stretched or expanded by using anchor points as a tensioning means. As in the case of FIG. 12G, an air-filled object may also be deflated below atmospheric pressure, maintaining its three-dimensional form using a rigid structure and containing pressures less than atmospheric pressure. Referring to FIG. 12H, certain embodiments of air-filled objects feature a multi-surface profile that can be used to draw air around the object within a cylindrical air conduit. Any embodiments featuring multiple wall thicknesses for various regions of the air-filled object's surface may be distinguished by different colors, faces, protrusions, and / or depressions. As in the case of FIG. 12I, an air-filled object may have solid and / or liquid particles inside. For example, some particles that can be used inside the air-filled object in a manner that is visible from the outside include sand, styrofoam balls, liquid, and / or ferrofluid. An air-filled object may also be a hollow torus shape or other shape that allows air to pass through, as in the case of FIG. 12J.

[0182] 13, the air-filled object 301 may be held by an object holder 201 inside the chamber 106, which holds the air-filled object 301 against the air passage 104, which may allow for variable friction between the outer wall of the air-filled object 301 and the object holder 201. Methods for creating variable friction between the outer wall of the air-filled object 301 and the object holder 201 include, but are not limited to, fasteners, cams, linear connections, set screws, clamps, and other methods of achieving relative motion using fasteners. Fasteners may retract or protrude through the air conduit wall to allow a user to fasten or unclamp the frictional connection between the object holder and the air-filled object.

[0183] In one embodiment shown by FIG. 14A , object holder 201 is a friction interface between air-filled object 301 and the inner wall of air chamber 106. In embodiments where object holder 201 is the surface closest to the center point or central axis of air conduit 101 (specifically, the flat portion of polygonal chamber 106 in the present embodiment of FIG. 14A ), even though the air path is obstructed by the friction interface, air should still be able to pass around the air-filled object, so that the air-filled object does not completely block the air passage provided by the air conduit. Thus, an air conduit segment that holds an air-filled object, such as chamber 106, can have large and small inner diameters that occur when the air-filled object is in place. This can be achieved using any shape featuring some surfaces closer to the center point of the air conduit and other surfaces further away that allow air to move around the air-filled object.

[0184] For example, Figure 14B shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of Figure 14A, which utilizes friction between the nearest surface of object holder 201 (which also serves as a segment of air conduit 101) and air-filled object 301. In Figures 14A and 14B, air-filled object 301 divides the air passing through air chamber 106 into multiple air paths. However, in another embodiment shown in Figure 15, the air-filled object can completely block one segment of air passage 105, so long as one or more alternative air paths through the air passage exist to allow air to pass from air inlet 102 to air outlet 103.

[0185] In other embodiments, an object holder may be positioned to place an air-filled object at the opening of the air conduit. FIG. 16 shows an object holder 201 in which a user may place an air-filled object over the opening of the air conduit 101 to position the air-filled object across two or more vibration anchor points 202. The vibration anchor points act as a holder for the air-filled object and any vibrations that may occur in the air-filled object's outer wall. In FIG. 16, air enters the air inlet 102, travels through the air conduit 101, and exits the air outlet 103. The air path 104 in FIG. 16 can be described as traveling through an air passage segment, such that the air path is delivered from the outer pipe segment 110 to the air passage segment of the inner pipe segment 111, and therefore travels through the gap between those two components. FIG. 17 shows that the air path 104 can be described as traveling from the inner pipe segment 111 to the outer pipe segment 110, respectively.

[0186] In another embodiment shown in Figure 18, the object holder 201 may be the outer wall of the air conduit 101. Figure 19 shows a front view of the instrument shown in Figure 18, where air is supplied to the air inlet 102, passes through the torus-shaped air conduit 101, as indicated by air path 104, to the vibrating anchor point 202 and air-filled object 301, and then exits through the air outlet 103.

[0187] To assemble an aerophone instrument, a user connects the air-filled object to an object holder, which acts as a means for positioning the air-filled object relative to the air conduit and air passage. As shown in FIG. 20A, as in FIG. 11, certain embodiments of the aerophone instrument may utilize a system for precisely positioning segments of the air conduit 101 (threaded in this case) using pipe segment positioning means 203 and 204. The torus-shaped air conduit may be manufactured using rotational molding or blow molding. To overcome manufacturing limitations, the embodiment shown in FIG. 20B may utilize an insert including a threaded female pipe segment positioning means 203, which may be coupled to the torus-shaped air conduit using male / female connections 205 and 206, respectively.

[0188] Other embodiments of the devices and instruments of the present disclosure can feature combinations of air conduit segments of various sizes and shapes, which can create symmetrical or asymmetrical composite forms. Figure 21 illustrates this modular nature, showing an asymmetrical shaped instrument featuring an air conduit 101 divided into various sized pipe segments that also function as an object holder 201, which in turn provides a vibrational anchor point 202 for holding an air-filled object 301. [Example 3: Exemplary Vibration Gap]

[0189] The vibration gap is formed by the narrowing of the air passageway that occurs when two opposing surfaces of an aerophone instrument (see Example 2) are positioned within approximately 0-10 mm of each other, where one or more of the surfaces is a wall of an air-filled object. Referring to FIG. 22A, air passes through air conduit 101 (having a depression along its inner wall) and vibration point 401 (where the depression is proximate to air-filled object 301). FIG. 22B shows a top view of vibration gap 401 shown in FIG. 22A, while FIG. 22C shows a side view featuring air path 104. The vibration gap may be any shape formed between the outer surfaces of the air-filled object when the air-filled object is positioned so as to be operatively associated with one or more segments of the air conduit. Vibrations may be generated in the instrument shown in FIGS. 22A-22C when the surface of the air-filled object is positioned within approximately 0-10 mm of a depression along the inner wall of the air conduit. In Figure 22D, vibration gap distance 402 depicts the distance threshold of 0-10 mm required between the surface of the air-filled object and the opposing surface of the air conduit to generate vibrations. Thus, as long as there is sufficient air pressure moving across, through, or near vibration gap 401, the aerophone instrument will generate vibrations.

[0190] 23A-23H, the vibration gap may be of any shape, so long as the surface of the air-filled object 301 is positioned so as to be operatively associated with an opposing surface of the air conduit that is within a range of approximately 0-10 mm. Figures 23A-23E show how the surface of the air-filled object and the inner surface of the air conduit form a narrow air passage, where an vibration gap occurs between two or more opposing surfaces when the vibration gap distance 402 is between approximately 0-10 mm.

[0191] 23A-23E, an oscillation gap may be formed between the surface of the air conduit 101 and the air-filled object 301. Figures 23A-23D show an oscillation gap formed from the surface of a spherical or ovoid air-filled object in combination with an air conduit containing a depression, while Figure 23E shows a non-spherical air-filled object and a cylindrical air passage that can form an oscillation gap as long as the oscillation gap distance 402 is between about 0-10 mm.

[0192] When the delivery of compressed air through the vibration gap initiates vibration of the air-filled object's wall, the distance between the vibrating portion of the air-filled object's wall and the opposing surface of the air conduit may be greater than 10 mm. Varying the shape of the vibration gap can change the frequency, tone, and / or other sound characteristics of the vibration. Referring to FIGS. 23F-23G, a vibration gap can be formed by one or more opposing surfaces of the air-filled object, or by a surface between the air-filled object and the interior wall of the air conduit. For example, FIG. 23F illustrates three vibration gap distances 402A-402C between three surfaces, where a vibration gap may be configured to generate vibration if any of the vibration gap distances is between approximately 0 and 10 mm. In the illustration of FIG. 23G featuring the air-filled torus object of FIG. 12J, a vibration gap may be formed by narrowing the air passage through the air-filled object, provided that any of the vibration gap distances 402A-402C between two or more opposing surfaces must be between approximately 0 and 10 mm. Referring to FIG. 23H, two or more air-filled objects can create a vibration gap between two or more opposing surfaces.

[0193] Figures 24A-24F show examples of differently shaped air passages within an assembled aerophone instrument embodiment, illustrating how a vibrating gap can exist between any surface of air-filled object 301 and any opposing surface of air conduit 101 along air path 104 (see Figure 24B), as long as the vibrating gap distance 402 is approximately 0-10 mm. Figures 24C-24F show how differently shaped air passages can be configured within the instrument. Differently shaped air conduits and passages result in different tonal qualities from the sound generated in the vibrating gap.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 25A, the vibration gap 401 is slightly to one side of the air-filled object and air conduit 101, but this does not interfere with the function of the aerophone instrument as long as the air is confined to a gap of approximately 0-10 mm between the surface of the air-filled object and the opposing surface of the air conduit containing the opening to the air passage. FIG. 25B shows that the threaded object holder 201 can facilitate positioning the air-filled object 301 to one side of the air passage or creating a distance of approximately 0-10 mm between the air-filled object and the opposing surface of the air conduit containing the opening to the air passage. Referring to FIG. 25C, an embodiment of the aerophone instrument can include a threaded male pipe segment positioning means 204, which can facilitate the creation of a vibration gap by adjusting the vibration gap distance 402. For example, FIG. 25D shows the instrument of FIG. 25C, where the end of the pipe segment positioning means 204 is positioned approximately 0-10 mm away from the surface of the air-filled object 301.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 26, the vibration gap may be in a pipe segment that protrudes into the chamber segment 106 of the air conduit. Instrument embodiments may include a method for reducing or expanding the vibration gap size (such as a slip-fit ​​frictional connection between the pipe segment and the air-filled object), and / or the user may reposition the air-filled object to increase or decrease the vibration gap distance. A threaded pipe segment may be used to create the vibration gap 401, as shown by the pipe segment positioning means 204 in FIG. 27. FIG. 28 shows a variation of the torus-shaped instrument featured in FIG. 19, detailing a threaded method for increasing or decreasing the gap between the surface of the air conduit and the opposing surface of the air-filled object. In both FIGS. 27 and 28, a vibration anchor point 202 provides stability to the vibrating surface of the air-filled object 301.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 29, whether the air path 104 moves from the outer pipe segment 110 to the inner pipe segment 111 or from the inner pipe segment 111 to the outer pipe segment 110 (see FIG. 30), an oscillation gap 401 may exist between any opposing surfaces of the air conduit and the air-filled object. [Example 4: Exemplary tension changing means]

[0197] Air-filled objects may be differentially inflated or tensioned as a means of altering their surface area tension.

[0198] 31, air-filled object 301 may use a method for sealing air within air-filled object 501, which in one embodiment is a valve. In other embodiments, the method for sealing the air-filled object is a knot, clip, O-ring, plug, glue, adhesive, sticker, or any other method for sealing an air-filled object.

[0199] Expanding the air-filled object increases the surface tension of the object's walls. It is also possible to contract the air-filled object using a rigid structure within the object, thereby increasing the object's surface tension (e.g., the air-filled object of FIG. 12H). Referring to FIG. 32, an embodiment similar to the air-filled object of FIG. 12H, a rigid structure 302 may be placed inside or bonded to a material to create a structural component that seals the air-filled object at subatmospheric pressure while resisting structural collapse. The air-filled object may also seal in argon or other noble gas to create a plasma effect within the air-filled object at pressures below atmospheric pressure. While the air-filled object of FIG. 32 has a rigid structure inside the air-filled object, multi-material air-filled objects may be sewn, glued, fastened, or bonded together to create a container that holds subatmospheric pressure.

[0200] As shown in FIG. 33, the air-filled object may include anchor points 303, which may act as part of a tension varying means by applying an expansion force 503 that causes the air-filled object to expand or otherwise stretch the walls of the air-filled object using fasteners 502, which may be driven by mechanisms such as, but not limited to, cams, lead screws, and rope clutches.

[0201] Referring to Figure 34, compression of the air-filled object can serve as a means of varying tension using positioning devices such as, but not limited to, screws, slip-fit ​​connections, and cams. Figure 34 shows a threaded object holder that can be adjusted to compress the air-filled object 301. Example 5: Exemplary Sound Modulation Means

[0202] Using methods to adjust air resistance, sound can be modulated within an aerophone instrument, which in turn can adjust the sound characteristics of the air-filled object. Figures 35A-35B show an aerophone instrument configured with four separate sound-modulating means: tone hole 601; pipe segment sound-modulating means 602 (which serves the dual function of pipe segment positioning means 204); horn attachment 603; and female / male tuning connectors 605 and 606, which can shorten or lengthen the air conduit for the purpose of fine-tuning the frequency produced by the aerophone instrument. Tone hole 601 (which also functions as an air outlet) may lengthen or shorten the air path within the air passage formed by the air conduit to modulate the frequency of vibrations that can be produced using the instrument, and may also change the point at which compressed air exits the instrument. For example, if all tone holes are covered, horn attachment 603 may amplify the lowest notes of the aerophone instrument as compressed air exits the instrument through the opening in the horn attachment. By covering the tone holes 601 as a sound modulation means in Figures 35A-35B, the Aerophone instrument may also produce different frequencies of sound. The Aerophone instrument of Figure 35A uses a torus-shaped air conduit, shown in Figure 8F, which can be coupled to a male connector 205, where the female threads inside the part can function as a female pipe segment positioning means 203, to overcome the limitations of the rotational molding and blow molding manufacturing processes. The frequency of the Aerophone may be fine-tuned by adjusting the length of the air conduit using the female tuning connector 605 and the male tuning connector 606. The detailed view to the left of the main view of Figure 35A shows that the male pipe segment positioning means 204 may also be configured to serve a dual function as a sound modulation means 602 by adjusting the distance between two or more surfaces of the vibration gap, which changes the vibration gap distance 402.The assembled instrument version of FIG. 35B shows that by increasing the vibrating gap distance 402 and modulating the sound produced in the vibrating gap 401 using pipe segment positioning sound modulating means 602, the instrument may produce a variety of timbres, tones, and / or harmonics.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 36, another sound modulation means is a sliding joint 604, which can lengthen or shorten the air passage, which may change the sound characteristics of aerophone instruments, such as, but not limited to, instruments similar to the trombone and sliding didgeridoo.

[0204] Within the aerophone instrument of FIG. 37, one or more valves 108 may be used to lengthen or shorten the air passage, which may modulate the characteristics of the sound produced by the aerophone instrument, particularly instruments similar to, but not limited to, the trumpet and the tuba.

[0205] The sound may be modulated by adjusting the air pressure in the air conduit upstream of the vibrating gap 401 relative to the air flow from the air source. For example, in FIG. 38 , valve 108 may be used to restrict the amount of air or increase the amount of air supply, which can act as a modulating means for fine tuning the instrument or, in other embodiments, for turning the instrument on or off. It should be noted that valve 108 may be any type of method for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the air conduit; for example, the valve may include a bend in flexible tubing, a ball valve, a piston valve, and a rotary valve. In the aerophone of FIG. 38 , tone hole 601 may be used to further modulate the sound. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 39 , an air-filled object may provide air from an air source 701 to the air conduit using valves 108A-108C, ultimately delivering the air to one or more vibrating gaps 401A-401C. The aerophone instrument shown in FIG. 39 may use multiple valves and vibrating gaps in an assembly similar to a pipe organ.

[0206] The particular shape of the air passage closest to the vibrating gap can modulate the sound characteristics of an aerophone instrument. For example, Figures 24A-24F show various pipe segment shapes for the vibrating gap that can affect the vibration characteristics. Referring to Figure 40, the vibrating gap may be adjusted using a sound modulation means, such as a vibrating gap positioning device 607, which pushes or pulls on a flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid pipe segment, thereby adjusting the shape of the vibrating gap to achieve modulation of the sound characteristics. For example, a circular or oval vibrating gap shape may sound similar to the vowels "O" or "U," while a crescent-shaped vibrating gap may sound similar to the vowels "I" or "E." The vibrating gap positioning device 607 enables the production of specific tones by adjusting the shape of the vibrating gap between one or more air-filled objects and one or more pipe segments and can be driven using a positioning system such as a screw, cam, slip-fit ​​joint, latch, rack and pinion, or other system. As depicted in Figures 25A-25D, variations in the position of the air-filled object can also result in changes in tone, timbre, volume, and harmonics.

[0207] Instrument configurations that lead to the generation of a sound generated from a first vibration may result in the modulation of a second vibration (by manipulating the volume of compressed air), similar to the sound of a didgeridoo or the "R" of a speech trill (e.g., a gum trill). For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 41, a first vibration generated in vibration gap 401B and a second vibration generated in vibration gap 401C may modulate a third vibration generated in vibration gap 401A. In the embodiment of FIG. 41, the frequency generated in vibration gaps 401B and 401C can be modulated using sliding joint 604 and then travel through the air passage to vibration gap 401A, dynamically modulating the vibration generated in vibration gap 401A, which can be further modulated using tone hole 601.

[0208] Another means of modulating sound may be the replacement of pipe (air conduit) segments by adding or subtracting pipe segments from the instrument. Examples of pipe segments that may be replaced to modulate sound are shown in FIGS. 42A-E. Referring to the sound-modulating pipe segments shown in FIGS. 42A-E, the shape of the pipe segment upstream or downstream of the air-filled object, relative to the air flow from the air source, may change the vibration characteristics and may be replaced or added to the air conduit. Generally, a more bulbous-shaped pipe segment may change the vowel to an "O" or "U," while a thinner-shaped segment may change the vowel to resemble an "E" or "I." As shown in FIG. 42B, a conical-bore pipe segment may produce a sound similar to, but not limited to, a bagpipe chanter, saxophone, or oboe. [Example 6: Modular instrument system]

[0209] Referring to Figure 43A, a single air-filled object 301 positioned within air conduit 101 may create one or more vibrating gaps 401A-401C. A top view of the same instrument is shown in Figure 43B, where the vibrating gaps 401A-401C may produce vibrations of various frequencies and / or tones and / or timbres.

[0210] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 44, an aerophone instrument may include one or more air-filled objects (301A-301B) and one or more vibrating gaps (401A-401B). In another embodiment, referring to Figure 45, referring to 401A-401D, an aerophone instrument may include one or more air-filled objects and one or more vibrating gaps on each object.

[0211] In yet another embodiment, referring to Figure 46, a single air-filled object may have one or more oscillating gaps 401A-401C within the air conduit characterized by one or more air outlets, while in Figure 47, an air conduit may have one or more air-filled objects (301A-301B) together with one or more oscillating gaps (401A-401C) characterized by one or more air outlets 103A-103C.

[0212] Referring to FIG. 48A, an embodiment may use one or more air-filled objects to define one or more vibrating gaps 401A-401B and feature one or more air outlets 103A-103B. FIG. 48B is an embodiment similar to the instrument of FIG. 48A, illustrating that the embodiment may include more than one means for sound modulation, as indicated by two interfaces featuring tone holes 601A and 601B. As shown in FIG. 49, an aerophone instrument may incorporate multiple vibrating gaps 401A-401C, which may generate tones through each of the respective air outlets 103A-103C and may utilize threaded pipe segments 602A-602C as a means to modulate the sound from the vibrating gaps 401A-401C.

[0213] 50, an aerophone instrument can include a single air-filled object 301 defining one or more vibration gaps and one or more air outlets distributed within a three-dimensional form, where the air-filled object may be inflated while remaining within the object holder. Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 51, an aerophone instrument can utilize a single air-filled object 301 with one or more vibration gaps 401A-401H to generate multiple vibrations through an air conduit utilizing a single air outlet 103.

[0214] Referring to FIGS. 52A-52B, an air source 701 is required to supply air to an aerophone instrument to generate vibrations and sound. Air may be supplied to the air conduit using the player's lungs, an air compressor, a piston, a bellows, or any source of air pressure delivered through an air inlet to any embodiment of an instrument according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 52B, a user can generate compressed air by pumping bellows 702 with their leg and foot using air pump shoes 704, which can serve as an alternative compressed air source for any aerophone instrument connected to an air exhaust hose 703, which is in turn connected to the air inlet of the aerophone instrument. An alternative compressed air source, such as air pump shoes 704, allows a user to sing or vocalize while generating vibrations through the aerophone instrument.

[0215] Certain embodiments may utilize non-linear pipe segments and / or may be hundreds of feet (tens to hundreds of meters) long, while other embodiments feature pipe segments that are relatively short. Referring to Figures 53A-C, certain embodiments of aerophone instruments are shown that can produce sound decibel volumes between 40 and 95 dB. Figure 53A shows a bass-range aerophone instrument whose air conduit length is between 18 inches (46 centimeters) and 50 feet (15 meters) and that produces vibrations between about 20 and 500 Hz at about 40 to 95 dB. Referring to Figure 53B, a tenor-range aerophone instrument can have an air conduit length between 12 and 48 inches (30 to 120 centimeters) and can produce frequencies between about 120 and 700 Hz at about 40 to 95 dB. Referring to Figure 53C, an alto range aerophone can have an air conduit length between 3 and 18 inches (8 and 46 centimeters) and can produce frequencies between approximately 200 Hz and 2000 kHz at approximately 40 to 95 dB.

[0216] The descriptions of all patents, patent applications, publications, and database entries referred to in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application, publication, and database entry was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0217] While the present invention has been described with reference to several particular embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. [List of diagram features] 101: Air duct 102: Air inlet 103: Air outlet 104: Air path 105: Air passage 106: Chamber segment 107: Mouthpiece 108: Valve 109: Air reservoir 110: Outer pipe segment 111: Inner pipe segment 201:Object holder 202: Vibration anchor point 203: Female pipe segment positioning means 204: Male pipe segment positioning means 205: Male connection 206: Female connection 301: Air-filled object 302: Rigid structure of air-filled object 303: Anchor point on air-filled object 401: Vibration gap 402: Vibration gap distance 501: Method for sealing air in an air-filled object 502: Fasteners 503: Indication of the expansion force applied to the fastener 502 504: Compression screw interface 601: Tone hole 602: Pipe segment sound modulation means 603: Horn attachment 604: Sliding joint 605: Female tuning connector 606: Male tuning connector 607: Vibration gap positioning device 701: Air source 702: Bellows 703: Air exhaust hose 704: Air pump shoes

Claims

1. a) an air conduit having a first end and a second end and one or more segments for providing an air passageway; b) one or more air inlets, each configured to be positioned on the air conduit to create an air entry point and deliver a first volume of compressed air to the air passage of the air conduit; c) one or more air outlets, each disposed on the air conduit to create an air outlet point and configured to discharge a second volume of compressed air along one or more air paths within the air passage, each defined by a location of one of the one or more air inlets and a location of one of the one or more air outlets along the air conduit; and d) means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with said air conduit; wherein when the air-filled object is operatively associated with the air conduit using the means for positioning the air-filled object, an aerophone instrument may be assembled such that a first volume of compressed air is directed into the air conduit through one of the one or more air inlets to vibrate a region of a wall of the air-filled object, and a second volume of compressed air is directed into the air passage as some or all of the second volume of compressed air exits the air conduit through one of the one or more air outlets.

1. An apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument, comprising:

2. When the aerophone instrument is assembled, a vibration gap is formed whereby said vibration of said region of said wall of said air-filled object causes said vibration of said second volume of air.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the means for positioning the air-filled object includes one or more vibrating anchor points for holding the air-filled object stationary in a desired position; 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. each of the one or more segments of the air conduit defining a segment of the air passage; 4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. One of the one or more segments of the air conduit may be replaced with another segment of the air conduit; 5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the device further comprising one or more sound modulation means; 6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. one of the one or more sound modulating means comprises means for altering the one or more air paths, means for changing the position of the air-filled object so that it remains operatively associated with the air conduit, or means for altering the wall tension of the air-filled object when operatively associated with the air conduit; 7. The apparatus of claim 6.

8. one of the one or more sound modulating means comprises one or more segments of an air conduit; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, sliders, horn attachments, and tuning connections; means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with the air conduit; means for deflating or expanding the air-filled object to reseal it; fasteners operatively associated with a drive mechanism for expanding the wall of the air-filled object; sand, styrofoam balls, and other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed inside the air-filled object; 7. The apparatus of claim 6.

9. The device further comprises a connector for coupling the air conduit to an air conduit of another device, thereby increasing the number of available air paths.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the one of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operably connected to a source of compressed air; 10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the one of the one or more air inlets comprises a mouthpiece that receives compressed air from a user's lungs; 11. The apparatus of claim 10.

12. the one of the one or more air inlets configured with a connector for receiving compressed air from a pump; 11. The apparatus of claim 10.

13. a) an apparatus for assembling an aerophone musical instrument, comprising: i) an air conduit including a first end and a second end and one or more segments for providing an air passageway; ii) one or more air inlets, each disposed on the air conduit to create an air entry point and configured to deliver a first volume of compressed air to the air passage of the air conduit; iii) one or more air outlets, each disposed on the air conduit to create an air outlet point and configured to discharge a second volume of compressed air along one or more air paths within the air passage, each defined by a location of one of the one or more air inlets and a location of one of the one or more air outlets along the air conduit; and iv) means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with said air conduit; an apparatus having b) an air-filled object operatively associated with said air conduit using said means for positioning said air-filled object; wherein when the air-filled object is operatively associated with the air conduit using the means for positioning the air-filled object, the aerophone instrument may be assembled such that a first volume of compressed air is directed into the air conduit through one of the one or more air inlets to vibrate a region of a wall of the air-filled object, and a second volume of compressed air is directed into the air passage as some or all of the second volume of compressed air exits the air conduit through one of the one or more air outlets. An aerophone instrument comprising:

14. When the aerophone instrument is assembled, a vibration gap is formed whereby said vibration of said region of said wall of said air-filled object causes said vibration of said second volume of air.

14. The aerophone musical instrument of claim 13.

15. the means for positioning the air-filled object includes one or more vibrating anchor points for holding the air-filled object stationary in a desired position; 15. An aerophone musical instrument according to claim 13 or 14.

16. each of the one or more segments of the air conduit defining a segment of the air passage; 16. An aerophone musical instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. One of the one or more segments of the air conduit may be replaced with another segment of the air conduit; 17. An aerophone musical instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. the device further comprising one or more sound modulation means; 18. An aerophone musical instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

19. one of the one or more sound modulating means comprises means for altering the one or more air paths, means for changing the position of the air-filled object while it remains operatively associated with the air conduit, or means for altering the tension in the wall of the air-filled object when operatively associated with the air conduit; 20. The aerophone musical instrument of claim 18.

20. one of the one or more sound modulating means includes one or more segments of an air conduit; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, sliders, horn attachments, and tuning connections; means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with the air conduit; means for deflating or expanding the air-filled object to reseal it; fasteners operatively associated with a drive mechanism for expanding the wall of the air-filled object; sand, styrofoam balls, and other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed inside the air-filled object; 20. The aerophone musical instrument of claim 18.

21. The device further comprising a connector for coupling the air conduit to an air conduit of another device, thereby increasing the number of available air paths.

21. An aerophone musical instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

22. the one of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operably connected to a source of compressed air; 22. An aerophone musical instrument according to any one of claims 13 to 21.

23. the one of the one or more air inlets comprises a mouthpiece that receives compressed air from a user's lungs; 23. The aerophone musical instrument of claim 22.

24. the one of the one or more air inlets configured with a connector for receiving compressed air from a pump; 23. The aerophone musical instrument of claim 22.

25. a) providing an apparatus, said apparatus comprising: i) an air conduit including a first end and a second end for providing an air passageway; ii) one or more air inlets, each disposed on the air conduit to create an air entry point and configured to deliver a first volume of compressed air to the air passage of the air conduit; iii) one or more air outlets, each disposed on the air conduit to create an air outlet point and configured to discharge a second volume of compressed air along one or more air paths within the air passage, each defined by a location of one of the one or more air inlets and a location of one of the one or more air outlets along the air conduit; and iv) means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with said air conduit; and b) positioning an air-filled object into operative association with said air conduit using said means for positioning said air-filled object. wherein when the air-filled object is operatively associated with the air conduit using the means for positioning the air-filled object, an aerophone instrument may be assembled such that a first volume of compressed air is directed into the air conduit through one of the one or more air inlets to vibrate a region of a wall of the air-filled object, and a second volume of compressed air is directed into the air passage as some or all of the second volume of compressed air exits the air conduit through one of the one or more air outlets.

1. A method of assembling an aerophone musical instrument, comprising:

26. When the aerophone instrument is assembled, a vibration gap is formed whereby said vibration of said region of said wall of said air-filled object causes said vibration of said second volume of air.

26. The method of claim 25.

27. the means for positioning the air-filled object includes one or more vibrating anchor points for holding the air-filled object stationary in a desired position; 27. The method of claim 25 or 26.

28. each of the one or more segments of the air conduit defining a segment of the air passage; 28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27.

29. One of the one or more segments of the air conduit may be replaced with another segment of the air conduit; 29. The method of any one of claims 25 to 28.

30. the device further comprising one or more sound modulation means; 30. The method of any one of claims 25 to 29.

31. one of the one or more sound modulating means comprises means for altering the one or more air paths, means for changing the position of the air-filled object while it remains operatively associated with the air conduit, or means for altering the tension in the wall of the air-filled object when operatively associated with the air conduit; 31. The method of claim 30.

32. one of the one or more sound modulating means includes one or more segments of an air conduit; one or more mouthpieces, tone holes, keys, valves, sliders, horn attachments, and tuning connections; means for positioning an air-filled object in operative association with the air conduit; means for deflating or expanding the air-filled object to reseal it; fasteners operatively associated with a drive mechanism for expanding the wall of the air-filled object; sand, styrofoam balls, and other rigid or semi-rigid structures disposed inside the air-filled object; 31. The method of claim 30.

33. The device further comprising a connector for coupling the air conduit to an air conduit of another device, thereby increasing the number of available air paths.

33. The method of any one of claims 25 to 32.

34. the one of the one or more air inlets is configured to be operably connected to a source of compressed air; 34. The method of any one of claims 25 to 33.

35. the one of the one or more air inlets comprises a mouthpiece that receives compressed air from a user's lungs; 26. The method of claim 25.

36. the one of the one or more air inlets configured with a connector for receiving compressed air from a pump; 26. The method of claim 25.

37. a) assembling an aerophone musical instrument according to the method of any one of claims 25 to 34; and b) delivering a first volume of compressed air through one of the one or more air inlets into the air conduit to vibrate the wall of the air-filled object; A method for generating vibrations comprising:

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