Ligature

Abstract

This ligature comprises a ring-shaped body member into which a mouthpiece and a lead can be inserted and a pressing member that can advance and withdraw. As portions thereof that are arranged in the circumferential direction, the ring-shaped body member comprises a pressing member support part at which the pressing member is installed and a lead support part that is opposite the pressing member support part with the center axis of the ring-shaped body member therebetween. The pressing member support part comprises a reaction force transmission part that receives reaction force from the pressing member, and at least a portion of the lead support part comprises a lead support surface that is a surface that is oriented toward the center axis side of the ring-shaped body member in a cross-section. When the lead support surface is oriented toward the center axis side of the ring-shaped body member and each part of the ring-shaped body member is orthographically projected from the outside onto the center axis of the ring-shaped body member to obtain radial projection sections on the center axis of the ring-shaped body member, a point that corresponds to at least one of the vertex of the lead support surface that is closest to the center axis of the ring-shaped body member and either end of the lead support surface in the axial direction of the ring-shaped body member in the radial projection section for the lead support surface is inside the radial projection section for the reaction force transmission part.

Description

Ligature

[0001] The present invention relates to a ligature attached to a musical instrument.

[0002] Taking the saxophone, a wind instrument, as an example. A ligature is used to fasten the mouthpiece and the reed, and this is inserted into the blowing tube and connected to the saxophone body. The air blown by the performer into the mouthpiece passes through the second tube and the U-shaped tube downstream from the blowing tube and diffuses into the air from the bell. The pitch is adjusted by tone holes and tone hole covers provided on the saxophone body, and this is the mechanism for producing sound. The reed vibrates due to the air blown by the performer into the mouthpiece, and the vibration is transmitted into the air, and the structure of the human ear converts the vibration into sound. The vibration generated by the reed attached to a saxophone, clarinet, or electronic musical instrument with a wind instrument specification diffuses into the air and at the same time is transmitted to the instrument body.

[0003] Also, almost all mouthpieces in the market have a conical body, and the shape of the most commonly distributed ligature in the market is also conical. A conventional ligature that wraps the conical outer peripheral parts of the mouthpiece and the reed with a metal plate is manufactured according to the outer diameter of the mouthpiece and the conical shape of the body. If it does not match the outer diameter and conical shape of the mouthpiece, it cannot be fastened. Therefore, the performer needs to purchase a matching ligature for each mouthpiece. Taking the saxophone as an example, the outer diameter of the body to be fastened is approximately 26 mm for an alto mouthpiece and approximately 28 mm for a tenor mouthpiece.

[0004] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a conventional ligature is in a form where a metal plate processed into a cylindrical shape is used as a cylindrical member and wound around the outer peripheral parts of the mouthpiece and the reed. Further, the ligature according to Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the distance between both ends of the metal plate processed into a cylindrical shape is adjusted by a screw mechanism, thereby tightening and releasing the mouthpiece and the reed inside the cylindrical member.

[0005] The conventional ligature disclosed in Patent Document 2 has two male screw members with knobs and is the most common type of ligature found on the market. It fastens by wrapping a circularly processed metal plate around the outer circumference of the overlapping reeds and mouthpiece. By having two male screw members with knobs, the tightening force of the metal plate is increased, allowing the reed to be stably fixed to the mouthpiece.

[0006] The ligature disclosed in Patent Document 3 has a structure that fastens the mouthpiece and reed with a band-shaped member, similar to Patent Documents 1 and 2. It has a structure in which a piece of leather cut to match the outer diameter and conical shape of the mouthpiece body is processed into a band shape, and a rod-shaped member with a female screw hole and a rod-shaped member with a through hole are wrapped around both ends of the leather band using a jig or the like and sewn or riveted in place. This ligature fastens and secures the mouthpiece and reed by adjusting the distance between the ends of the leather band with a male screw screwed into the rod-shaped member.

[0007] The ligature disclosed in Patent Document 4 is composed of a cylindrical clamp. The cylindrical portion has a predetermined rigidity and an inner diameter larger than the combined outer diameter of the instrument's mouthpiece and reed. The cylindrical portion is provided with a movable pressing member configured to move back and forth radially, which presses the mouthpiece and reed between the movable pressing member and the inner surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0008] Furthermore, we will consider the propagation of sound and vibration with reference to Non-Patent Document 1. Small pressure changes in air that repeatedly expand and contract are transmitted one after another to the surrounding air and diffuse in a spherical shape like fireworks. Musical instruments and automobiles, when viewed from a short distance, are like small points, and in that sense they are called point sources, and the sound and vibrations they emit spread in a spherical shape. On the other hand, the sound and vibrations from trains with multiple carriages coupled together or from a straight road with many cars lined up diffuse in a cylindrical shape, as if the diameter of a pipe were to widen. The sound and vibrations generated by the uniform vibration of the wall surface of a large building diffuse in a planar shape up to a certain distance from the wall surface, moving parallel to the wall surface. As sources of sound and vibration, the former are called line sources, and the latter are called surface sources. As mentioned above, the spread of sound differs depending on the sound source, being spherical, cylindrical, or planar.

[0009] This section examines how the intensity of sound and vibration attenuates. A point source causes a change in air pressure, and some of the energy expended by the expansion and contraction of a small sphere of air is converted into sound and vibration. While sound and vibration spread spherically, the energy of the sound or vibration generated at a given time remains fundamentally unchanged at all points of diffusion. The fact that the energy of the sound or vibration remains unchanged as the sphere of air expands and diffuses means that, just as a rubber balloon thins as it inflates, the intensity of the sound or vibration on the surface of the sphere decreases. Just as the thickness of the rubber is inversely proportional to the surface area of ​​an expanding balloon, the intensity of the sound or vibration is inversely proportional to the surface area of ​​the expanding sphere. The relationship between distance and the intensity of sound or vibration can be calculated using a formula. For a point source, doubling the distance results in a 6 dB attenuation. For a line source, doubling the distance results in a 3 dB attenuation. For a surface source, sound and vibration do not attenuate as long as the shape of the sound traveling in a planar direction does not collapse. As mentioned above, the amount of sound attenuation varies greatly depending on the sound source.

[0010] Let us consider sound here. For those of us who have been involved in the musical instrument industry for many years, sound is our livelihood, and we wander the sea of ​​sound every day in search of good resonance. This is because there is no single correct answer to what constitutes good or bad sound, and the audience's intuition plays a significant role in the judgment. Generally, a sound that contains a rich amount of harmonics is considered good sound, and is understood to be a sound that resonates with the audience. On the other hand, sound as defined physically is the phenomenon of vibrations propagating through matter. The generated vibrations compress the air around the object, and further push out the surrounding air, creating successive areas of high and low pressure, which propagate like a wave. The wave of pressure change at this time is a sound wave. A sound wave is the phenomenon in which vibrations emitted from a sound source diffuse like a wave through the air, and the strength of a sound wave can be expressed numerically as frequency. For example, a vibration that creates 440 sound waves per second is 440 Hz, which is the note "A". The mechanism by which humans perceive sound involves vibrations in the air being collected by the auricle (outer ear) and transmitted to the eardrum, which then vibrates. These vibrations are amplified by the ossicles (small bones in the ossicles), and finally, the cochlea in the inner ear converts these vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain. The human body performs a remarkably delicate and intricate conversion process for sound perception, and this is thought to be the reason why there are differences in the level of sound perception among individual listeners.

[0011] Next, let's consider the harmonics of sound. Referring to Non-Patent Document 2, harmonics add various characteristics to a sound, changing its timbre and eliciting various psychological responses from the audience. It is believed that a sound in which the second to sixth harmonics, in addition to the fundamental tone, are produced with high output and in an appropriate balance, has excellent resonance, a rich timbre, and is a sound that resonates deeply with the audience.

[0012] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-005430, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-048164, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-026264, International Publication No. 2022 / 234329

[0013] The Second Fundamentals of Acoustics: Sound Generation and Propagation, Kobayashi Institute of Physical Science, authored by Jiro Kakai, Shizuoka University Faculty of Education Research Report (Curriculum Education Section) No. 48, Examination of Acoustic Analysis Methods for Timbre Evaluation, co-authored by Koji Oishi and Kazunari Shimin.

[0014] The ligatures disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 fix the mouthpiece and reed by wrapping them with a cylindrical metal member or a leather band, which has the problem that vibrations and sound are suppressed and not easily propagated. In addition, the ligatures disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 have the problem that they create resistance when sound resonates, resulting in a reduced volume and a muffled sound.

[0015] The ligature disclosed in Patent Document 4 fixes the reed to the mouthpiece by pressing it against the mouthpiece with a cylindrical tubular member having a predetermined rigidity and a pressing member provided on the cylindrical member. However, the contact area between the cylindrical member and the reed is not clearly defined, and the cylindrical member receives the reaction force from the pressing member and the reaction force from the contact area with the reed at a position shifted in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical member. In such a case, there was a problem that the vibration of the reed during playing may cause the pressing member to loosen and the reed to shift. Furthermore, in order to stably press the reed with the ligature disclosed in Patent Document 4, it was necessary to tighten the pressing member strongly so that the contact area between the cylindrical member and the reed widened in the direction of the central axis of the cylindrical member. As a result, there was a problem that vibration and sound were suppressed. In addition, the ligatures disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 cannot reliably fix the mouthpiece and reed if they do not match the outer diameter or conical shape of the mouthpiece. Furthermore, users had to tighten the fastening screws with such force that the cylindrical metal component would deform, which could easily injure their fingertips and made it difficult to securely fasten the mouthpiece and reed together.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a ligature that can reduce vibration and sound suppression while ensuring the secure fixation of the mouthpiece and reed.

[0017] The present invention is a ligature for attaching a reed to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument, comprising: an annular body member configured to allow a mouthpiece and a reed to be inserted into its hollow interior; and a pressing member configured to move back and forth toward the central axis of the annular body member from the outside, wherein the annular body member comprises, as a portion of the annular body member arranged in the circumferential direction, a pressing member support portion on which the pressing member is installed, and a reed support portion provided opposite the pressing member support portion with respect to the central axis of the annular body member, wherein the pressing member support portion comprises a reaction force transmission portion that receives a reaction force from the pressing member, and at least one of the reed support portions The part is provided with a lead support surface for contacting the lead, the lead support surface faces the central axis side of the annular member, and when each part of the annular member is orthogonally projected from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the annular member, the section obtained on the central axis of the annular member is defined as the radial projection section of each part, and in the radial projection section of the lead support surface, at least one of the vertex of the lead support surface closest to the central axis of the annular member and the two ends of the lead support surface in the direction of the central axis of the annular member are located inside the radial projection section of the reaction force transmission part.

[0018] As described above, the ligature according to the present invention is equipped with an annular member having a predetermined rigidity, and can press and fix the mouthpiece and reed between the pressing member and the reed support surface provided on the reed support portion, which is part of the annular member. Furthermore, the reed support surface is positioned on the annular member at a location where there is substantially no displacement in the central axis direction from the reaction force transmission portion (for example, the female screw portion to which the pressing member is supported). Therefore, the pressing load on the mouthpiece by the pressing member and the pressing load on the reed by the reed support surface are on approximately the same circumference. This allows the pressure from the ligature to be efficiently applied to the mouthpiece and reed, and the fixation of the reed to the mouthpiece is stable. Thus, the ligature according to the present invention can suppress excessive load on the mouthpiece and reed, and minimizes vibration and sound suppression of the mouthpiece and reed.

[0019] This is a perspective view of the ligature according to this embodiment attached to a mouthpiece and reed. This is a perspective view of a saxophone (wind instrument) with a conventional ligature connected to it. This is a perspective view of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view showing all the components of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a front view of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a top view of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a bottom view of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a side view of the ligature according to this embodiment attached to a mouthpiece and reed. This is a diagram showing the point where the annular member contacts the reed. This is a diagram showing the point where the stopper member contacts the mouthpiece. This is a perspective view from below of the configuration in which a rotatable stopper member is attached to a male screw member with a knob. This is a front view of the configuration in which the ligature according to this embodiment is attached to a mouthpiece and reed. This is a perspective view from below of the configuration in which the ligature according to this embodiment is attached to a mouthpiece and reed. This is a photograph showing the shape and weight of prototypes A, B, C, and D of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a photograph showing the shape and total mass of conventional metal ligatures E1 and E2. This is a photograph showing the shape and total mass of conventional leather ligature F. This is a diagram illustrating the frequency spectrum of prototype B of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the frequency spectrum of prototype D of the ligature according to this embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the frequency spectrum of conventional metal ligature E1. This is a diagram illustrating the frequency spectrum of conventional leather ligature F. This is a diagram illustrating the 5-stage acoustic characteristics evaluation of the four ligatures: prototypes B and D of the ligature according to this embodiment, conventional metal ligature E1, and conventional leather ligature F. This is a front view of an annular member of another embodiment. (a) is an example of a C-shaped annular member, and (b) is an example of a form in which the thickness of a part of the annular member is thinned. (c) is a further modification of (a), and (d) is a further modification of (b). This is a view of an annular member with a different configuration, seen from the front and above.(a) is an example of an annular body member having a plurality of recesses configured in a hemispherical shape, and (b) is an example of an annular body member having a plurality of protrusions formed by cutting out a plurality of arc shapes from the reed contact portion, which is made extremely thin by continuous arc-shaped recesses formed on the front and back surfaces of the lower part of the annular body member. This is a schematic explanatory diagram of the contact state between the annular body member 4 constituting the ligature 3 according to this embodiment and the reed 2. This is a schematic explanatory diagram of a comparative example of the contact state between the annular body member 4 constituting the ligature 3 according to this embodiment and the reed 2. This is a perspective view of another modified example of the ligature 3. This is a six-view drawing of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27. This is an explanatory diagram of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 attached to the mouthpiece 1, as seen from the player's side. This is an explanatory diagram of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 attached to the mouthpiece 1, as seen from the instrument side. This is a perspective view of the annular body member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27, as seen from above. This is an explanatory diagram of the contact state between the ligature 3 and the reed 2 shown in Figure 27. This is an explanatory diagram of a modified cross-sectional shape of the end portion 43 of the reed support portion 49 of the ligature 3. This is a front view of another modified ligature 3. This is a front view of another modified ligature 3. This is a schematic explanatory diagram of the contact state between the annular member 4 constituting the ligature 3 of Figure 35 and the reed 2. This is a schematic explanatory diagram of the contact state between the annular member 4 constituting the ligature 3 of Figure 35 and the reed 2. This is a schematic explanatory diagram of the contact state between the annular member 4 constituting the ligature 3 of Figure 35 and the reed 2. This is a plan view and a bottom view showing an example of the structure of the annular member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 35. This is a six-view drawing of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 38. This is an explanatory diagram of the contact state between the ligature 3 and the reed 2. This is a perspective view showing a modified pressing member 60 of the ligature 3. This is an enlarged view of the area around the tip of the pressing member 60 when the stopper member 5C of Figure 42(c) is applied. This is a front view of the ligature 3 corresponding to prototype C attached to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. This is a side view of the mounting state of another modified example of ligature 3.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 45 as an embodiment for carrying out the present invention. However, the components described in this embodiment are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them alone.

[0021] (Configuration) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the ligature 3 according to this embodiment attached to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. The ligatures 3 shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) have different configurations of the pressing member 60. The mouthpiece 1 is made of ebonite, which is common in the market, and the reed 2 is a common reed, the most widely distributed in the market, made by cutting cane into a plate shape and thinning the tip. The heel 2a is the outer layer of the reed 2 and has curvature (see Figure 10, etc.). In other words, the ligature 3 is designed to fasten and secure the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 together when they are superimposed on each other. The ligature 3 according to this embodiment will be described later with reference to Figures 3 to 16, and comprises an annular member 4 and a pressing member 60. The pressing member 60 is a member that presses the mouthpiece 1 when tightened, and comprises a stopper member 5 (or a rotatable stopper member 7) and a male screw member 6 with a knob. The pressing member 60 may also consist only of the male screw member 6 with a knob.

[0022] Then, the reed 2 is placed on top of the mouthpiece 1 and inserted into the hollow of the annular member 4, and pressure is applied from above and below by the pressing member 60 and the reed support surface 46 to fix the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 in place. Specifically, by screwing the knobbed male screw member 6 into the female screw hole provided in the pressing member support portion 40 of the annular member 4, the knobbed male screw member 6 (or stopper members 5, 7) applies pressure to the mouthpiece 1, causing the heel 2a of the reed 2 placed on top of the mouthpiece 1 to come into contact with the inner edges 4c, 4c (or reed support surface 46) of the annular member 4, thereby fixing the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 in place.

[0023] (Conventional Example) Figure 2, using a perspective view of a saxophone 9 as a conventional example, illustrates the positional relationship between the instrument body, mouthpiece 1, reed 2, and a conventional metal ligature 17 (a representative model of the conventional example, 2 fastening configurations) equipped with two fastening screws, as well as the process by which vibrations and sound are diffused into the atmosphere.

[0024] The saxophone 9, a wind instrument, is equipped with a leadpipe 10, a second valve slide 11, a U-shaped tube 12, a bell 13, an octave key 14, tone holes 15, and tone hole covers 16. In this conventional example, the reed 2 is placed on top of the mouthpiece 1, and the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 are tightened and secured with a conventional metal ligature 17 equipped with two tightening screws, and then connected to the leadpipe 10.

[0025] When a performer produces a sound, the air blown into the mouthpiece 1 passes through the blowing tube 10, then through the downstream second tube 11 and U-shaped tube 12, and is released into the atmosphere from the bell 13. The pitch is adjusted by the tone holes 15 and tone hole covers 16 provided in the saxophone 9, and a sound is produced. Due to the structure of the saxophone 9, when the tone holes 15 are not completely closed with the tone hole covers 16, air is also released into the atmosphere from the open tone holes 15.

[0026] The leadpipe 10, second valve slide 11, U-tube 12, bell 13, octave key 14, and tone hole cover 16 of the saxophone 9 are made of metal, mainly brass. When a sound is produced, the metal body of the saxophone 9, which is connected to the mouthpiece 1, resonates simultaneously with the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. If the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 are tightly bound by a conventional metal ligature 17 equipped with two tightening screws, and the vibration and sound are suppressed, the large metal body of the saxophone 9 will not vibrate sufficiently, and the large mass of the instrument body will create resistance, further reducing the amount of vibration and sound that is diffused into the atmosphere.

[0027] (Configuration of Ligature 3 in this Embodiment) The configuration of Ligature 3 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of Ligature 3 according to this embodiment in a completed assembly state. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing all the components in an example of Ligature 3 according to this embodiment. Ligature 3 according to this embodiment is composed of two members: an annular member 4 and a pressing member 60. The pressing member 60 is composed of a stopper member 5 (or a rotatable stopper member 7) and a male screw member with a knob 6 (6a = male screw portion, 6b = knob portion). However, the structure of the pressing member 60 can be changed as appropriate, and for example, as shown in Figure 1(b), it is possible to have a configuration in which the tip of the male screw member with a knob is not equipped with a stopper member 5 or 7.

[0028] The annular member 4 is formed as a deformed annular shape from a fiber-reinforced composite material, synthetic resin, non-ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal alloy, stainless steel, or a composite material thereof, so as to have the required predetermined rigidity. More specifically, the substantially annular annular member 4 has a substantially Mount Fuji-shaped protrusion 4a in its upper half, and an arc-shaped surface 4b on the inner side of the lower half having a curvature greater than that of the heel 2a of the lead 2. A female screw hole is formed at the upper bottom of the protrusion 4a in the upper half of the pressing member support part 40. On the other hand, the left and right starting points of the arc-shaped surface 4b, which has a curvature greater than that of the heel 2a in the lower half, become edges 4c, 4c (lead support surface 46). That is, the edges 4c, 4c protrude slightly into the inner side (see Figures 3, 4, and 5). In prototype A (see Figure 15), the edges 4c, 4c have a shape that protrudes inward, but in prototypes B (see Figure 15) and C (see Figure 15), the protrusion of the edges 4c, 4c inward is reduced. Also, the upper half of the annular member 4 may be formed in a roughly circular shape instead of the roughly Mount Fuji-shaped convex portion 4a.

[0029] Furthermore, the out-of-plane surfaces of the annular member 4 (front 4d, back 4e, and side 4f; which are the directions in which sound waves propagate when worn) are formed with a series of continuous arc shapes—a series of recesses formed by arc shapes—and the parts connecting the series of arc shapes are V-shaped, and the annular member 4 is composed of a roughly Mount Fuji-shaped convex portion 4a (left and right), and a series of planar shapes (a total of three locations: the part at the top where the company logo is placed, its back, and the bottom). The aforementioned series of arc shapes may have different curvatures on the front 4d and back 4e, or they may have roughly the same curvature. In addition, the surface shape of the annular member 4 may be a series of concave and convex shapes composed of hemispherical shapes, or it may be a shape composed of a combination of a series of arc shapes, a series of V-shapes (acute and obtuse angles), a series of concave and convex shapes, or a series of planar shapes, and a series of concave and convex shapes composed of hemispherical shapes. Furthermore, the front 4d and back 4e of the annular member 4 may have different shapes. Furthermore, if manufacturing cost is the top priority, the ligature may be a single planar shape, or a shape composed of a single planar shape combined with the aforementioned shapes. Note that the ligature 3 can also be used by attaching it to the mouthpiece and reed with the front 4d and back 4e reversed.

[0030] The stopper member 5 is attached to the tip of the male threaded portion 6a opposite the knob portion 6b of the knob-equipped male threaded member 6. Preferably, the stopper member 5 is rotatably mounted around the axis of the knob-equipped male threaded member 6, as will be described later. The rotatable stopper member 7 is formed in a short cylindrical shape with a hole for a rivet 8 (for mounting screws) formed in the center, as will be described later (Figure 12). Furthermore, elastic materials such as synthetic resin and synthetic rubber can be used as the material for the stopper member 5 and the rotatable stopper member 7. Alternatively, if acoustic characteristics are prioritized, the materials for the stopper member 5 and the rotatable stopper member 7 may be metal composite materials and metal.

[0031] The knob-attached male screw member 6 comprises a male screw portion 6a with a male screw threaded on its outer surface, and a knob portion 6b formed by enlarging the diameter of the end opposite the male screw portion 6a. The outer surface of the knob portion 6b is provided with groove-like indentations (anti-slip) to facilitate gripping and rotating by hand. A stopper member 5 is attached to the tip of the knob-attached male screw member 6 opposite the knob portion 6b. In use, the male screw portion 6a of the knob-attached male screw member 6 is screwed into the female screw hole of the annular body member 4, and the stopper member 5 is attached to the tip of the through-hole of the male screw portion 6a.

[0032] Furthermore, by screwing the knobbed male screw member 6 into the female screw hole provided on the upper part of the pressing member support portion 40 of the annular member 4, and attaching the rotatable stopper member 7 to the tip of the male screw portion 6a of the knobbed male screw member 6 via a rivet 8, a rotatable stopper is created.

[0033] As an example of the rotatable stopper member 7, if a small clearance is provided between the knobbed male screw member 6 and the rotatable stopper member 7 and the two members are connected via a rivet 8, a rotatable stopper is created. In the mounting method using the rivet 8, when the knobbed male screw member 6 is screwed in, the connected rotatable stopper member 7 does not rotate together with the knobbed male screw member 6, but can be in close contact with the object to be fixed. With this configuration, when pressure is applied to the mouthpiece 1, the rotatable stopper member 7 that comes into contact with it will not cause any damage such as scratches to the mouthpiece 1.

[0034] Figure 5 is a front view of an example of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment. For the purpose of weight reduction, the annular member 4 has a predetermined rigidity, is a one-piece structure, and is characterized by being formed from a composite material which is a combination of fiber-reinforced composite material, synthetic resin, non-ferrous metal, non-ferrous metal alloy, stainless steel, or a combination of multiple materials. In prototypes A (see Figure 15), B (see Figure 15), C (see Figure 15), and D (see Figure 15), lightweight aluminum material was used for the annular member 4, and synthetic resin was used for the stopper member 5.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the basic shape of the annular member 4 is such that the mouthpiece 1 to which the ligature 3 is attached is inserted into the cavity of the annular member 4, creating a space between the annular member 4 and the mouthpiece 1. The central axis C of the annular member 4 passes through the point where the central axis V of the pressing member 60 (male screw member 6 with a knob) and the axis H passing through the point where the width of the inner circumferential surface of the annular member 4 (the dimension perpendicular to the central axis V in Figure 5) is largest intersect, and is perpendicular to the central axis V and axis H. Note that the direction of the central axis V (y direction in Figure 5) is sometimes called the first direction, and the direction of axis H (x direction in Figure 5) is sometimes called the second direction. The central axis V and axis H are also perpendicular to each other. The annular member 4 includes, as a circumferential portion, a pressing member support portion 40, connecting portions 44 connected to both ends of the pressing member support portion 40, and a reed support portion 49 connected to the other end of the connecting portion 44.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the basic shape of the annular member 4 is symmetrical with respect to the central axis V of the pressing member 60 when viewed from the front (from a viewpoint in the direction of the central axis C). This helps to suppress uneven pressure on the lead 2. Accordingly, the lead support portion 49 is also symmetrical with respect to the central axis V. As a result, the ligature 3 can stably fix the lead 2.

[0037] The annular member 4 is formed such that the width and arc shape of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 44 are determined based on the central axis C, and it matches the outer shape of the cross-sectional shape of the mouthpiece 1 to which it is attached. Furthermore, the annular member 4 has a space between it and the mouthpiece 1 and the reed 2, and is configured not to come into contact anywhere except for the contact points (parts indicated by 46 in Figure 5). The axis H of the annular member 4 is generally designed to match the wider part of the cross-sectional shape of the mouthpiece 1.

[0038] The portion of the annular member 4 below the axis H is formed such that its width in the direction of axis H (width in the x direction) narrows as it moves toward the central axis V direction (y2 direction). The inner circumferential surface 44a of this portion (sometimes called the lateral inner circumferential surface) is generally formed in an arc shape, but is not limited to this and may be partially linear. In the ligature 3 shown in Figure 5, the lower half of the annular member 4 (the portion below the axis H) may take any shape as long as it does not come into contact with the mouthpiece 1, but rather with the x-direction end of the reed 2, and does not come into contact with the central portion of the reed 2 in the x direction. Also, the upper half of the annular member 4 (the portion above the axis H) does not come into contact with the mouthpiece 1. Of the components of the ligature 3, only the tip of the pressing member 60 comes into contact with the mouthpiece 1.

[0039] In the ligature 3 shown in Figure 5, the inner circumferential surface 49a of the reed support portion 49 (sometimes called the reed support inner circumferential surface) is an arc-shaped surface with a greater curvature than the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44. When the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 are combined, the curvature of each part of the cross-sectional shape is generally greatest at the arc portion of the cross-sectional shape of the mouthpiece 1 (the part indicated by r in Figure 5), and the curvature of the heel 2a of the reed 2 is smaller. Therefore, if the curvature of the inner circumferential surface 49a of the reed support portion 49 is set to be greater than the curvature of the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44, the reed 2 will come into contact with the annular member 4 at both ends in the x direction. In Figure 5, the part of the inner circumferential surface 49a of the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4 that comes into contact with the reed is called the reed support surface 46. The reed support surface 46 does not necessarily come into contact with the reed 2 as a whole. The lead support surface 46 is designed such that the shape of the cross-section containing the central axis C of the annular member 4 satisfies a predetermined relationship when projected radially, as will be described later. In practice, at least a portion of the lead support surface 46 abuts against the lead 2. This will be described later.

[0040] Figure 44 is a front view of the ligature 3, which corresponds to prototype C, attached to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. The annular member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 44 has an inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44 composed of an arc and a tangent line tangent to it. The inner circumferential surface 49a of the reed support portion 49 is formed to form a single arc. In the front view, the inner circumferential surface 49a is formed to form an arc with a curvature greater than that of the surface of the heel 2a of the reed 2, with the end portion 43 in contact with the reed 2 and the central portion 42 not in contact with the heel 2a. The inner circumferential surface 49a of the reed support portion 49, which the reed 2 contacts, is located inside (towards the central axis C) relative to the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44. Furthermore, in the ligature 3 shown in Figure 44, the portion of the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44 that connects to the lead support portion 49 is straight, so the inner circumferential surface 49a of the lead support portion 49 has a greater curvature than the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44. Although a corner radius is provided in the "connection" portion between the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44 and the inner circumferential surface 49a of the lead support portion 49 due to manufacturing, this portion is excluded from the inner circumferential surface 44a of the connecting portion 44 and the inner circumferential surface 49a of the lead support portion 49.

[0041] Figure 6 is a top view of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a bottom view of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a side view of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment. For acoustic effect, the surface shape of the annular member 4 is characterized by being composed of multiple arc shapes with different curvatures, multiple V shapes, multiple uneven shapes, and multiple planar shapes.

[0042] Prototype A, Prototype B, and Prototype C (see Fig. 15) are composed of a complex surface shape with continuous arc shapes, while Prototype D (see Fig. 15) has a surface shape composed of a planar shape and a simple arc. Both Prototype B and Prototype D have an inner cavity with an inner diameter of 24 mm and were fabricated to compare acoustic characteristics. The vibrations and sounds generated by the mouthpiece 1 and the lead 2 are transmitted to the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, and the vibrations and sounds are diffused into the atmosphere from the surface of the ligature 3. From the surfaces of a plurality of arc shapes, a plurality of V-shaped shapes, a plurality of concave and convex shapes, and a plurality of planar shapes with different curvatures, the vibrations and sounds are diffused into the atmosphere in a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a planar shape, and from the planar-shaped surface, the vibrations and sounds are diffused into the atmosphere in a planar shape. In order to propagate the vibrations and sounds in multiple directions in a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, or a planar shape, with rich overtones and good resonance to obtain a rich timbre, the ligature 3 according to this embodiment is composed of a plurality of arc shapes, a plurality of V-shaped shapes, a plurality of concave and convex shapes, and a plurality of planar shapes with different curvatures.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 6, the ligature 3 may have a concave and convex shape in which a plurality of arc surfaces 4g are arranged on the front surface 4d and the back surface 4e, which are end surfaces in the direction of the central axis C. The shape of each arc surface 4g is formed like the remaining shape obtained by cutting the end surface of the annular member 4 with the cylindrical surface p. Since the cylindrical surface p has a central axis parallel to the central axis V of the ligature 3, the arc surfaces 4g formed on the upper and lower parts of the annular member 4 are formed to be separated but on the same surface. The intersection 4h of adjacent arc surfaces 4g has a V shape and appears as a line parallel to the central axis V of the ligature 3 on the end surface of the annular member 4. In addition, the concave portion formed by the cylindrical surface p may be, for example, a concave portion composed of a straight line from the perspective of Fig. 6 (that is, a V-shaped recess or a U-shaped recess).

[0044] Figure 9 shows a side view of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, attached to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. In the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, the only part that contacts the mouthpiece 1 is a limited, very narrow area 5a on the bottom surface of the stopper member 5 (see Figure 11), and the contact area is approximately 1 square mm. Also, the part of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 3 that contacts the reed 2 is a limited, very narrow area of ​​the inner edges 4c, 4c of the annular member 4, and the inner edges 4c, 4c of the annular member 4 bite into the heel 2a of the skin portion of the reed 2, which is made from natural reed, to securely fix the reed 2. The contact area is approximately 0.8 square mm. Furthermore, the stopper member 5 contacts the mouthpiece 1 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and applies pressure perpendicularly. As a result, the central axis C of the annular member 4 is attached in accordance with the taper of the body portion 1a of the mouthpiece 1, and is therefore inclined with respect to the reed 2. In other words, the annular member 4 contacts the reed 2 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, for example, and applies pressure. The angle at which the annular member 4 and the reed 2 contact is determined by the angle of the cone of the mouthpiece 1.

[0045] Figure 10 shows a front view of the portion of the annular member 4 constituting the ligature 3 according to this embodiment that contacts the reed 2. The annular member 4 contacts the reed 2 only at a limited, very narrow area, specifically at its edges 4c, 4c, and does not contact the mouthpiece 1. As described above, the annular member 4 contacts the reed 2 at an angle of approximately 90 to 60 degrees, applying pressure, and the angle at which the annular member 4 and the reed 2 contact is determined by the conical angle of the mouthpiece 1. Furthermore, the arc-shaped surface 4b on the inner side of the annular member 4 has a greater curvature than the heel 2a. Therefore, the arc-shaped surface 4b of the annular member 4 does not contact the heel 2a, but contacts it at both ends 4c. As shown in Figure 9, since the annular member 4 is mounted at an angle, it actually contacts the heel 2a at the ridge formed by the inner circumferential surface of 4c and the end face in the direction of the central axis C. In addition, the upper half of the annular member 4 has a roughly Mount Fuji-shaped protrusion 4a. Figure 11 shows a magnified front view of the portion 5a of the stopper member 5 that contacts the mouthpiece 1, which constitutes the ligature 3 according to this embodiment. The stopper member 5 contacts the mouthpiece 1 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees and applies pressure perpendicularly. The stopper member 5 does not contact the reed 2.

[0046] FIG. 25 is a schematic explanatory view of the contact state between the annular member 4 and the lead 2 constituting the ligature 3 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 25 schematically shows a cross section of the ligature 3, the mouthpiece 1, and the lead 2 corresponding to the A-A portion of FIG. 5, and there is a lead support surface 46 in this cross section. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, the annular member 4 includes a pressing member support portion 40 where a pressing member 60 (a knobbed male screw member 6) is installed as a portion of the annular member 4 arranged in the circumferential direction, and a lead support portion 49 provided opposite to the pressing member support portion 40 across the central axis C of the annular member 4. The pressing member support portion 40, which is a part of the annular member 4, is provided with a female screw portion 41 into which the male screw portion 6a of the pressing member 60 is screwed. The lead support portion 49 is located at a position opposite to the pressing member support portion 40 across the central axis C. The end portion 43 in the x direction of the lead support portion 49 is in contact with both end portions in the width direction (the x direction in FIG. 5) of the lead 2, where the surface of the heel 2a is formed in a substantially arc shape. That is, a lead support surface 46 is formed at the end portion 43, and a part of the lead support surface 46 is in contact with the lead 2. In other words, at least a part of the lead support portion 49 is provided with a lead support surface 46 for contacting the lead, and the lead support surface 46 faces the central axis side of the annular member 4. And the lead support surface 46 is formed such that an image obtained on the central axis C of the annular member 4 when orthogonally projected perpendicularly to the central axis C of the annular member 4 from the outside of the annular member 4 satisfies a predetermined condition. This will be described later.

[0047] The central portion 42 of the lead support portion 49 does not contact the surface of the heel 2a. The lead support portion 49 is a part of the annular body member 4 that forms the lower side of the annular body member 4, and is located at least below the central axis C shown in Figure 25 (axis H shown in Figure 5). Also, the lead support portion 49 is at least a part of the lower half of the annular body member 4 (the portion below axis H). The central portion 42 of the lead support portion 49 is a part of the lead support portion 49 that intersects with the extension line of the central axis V of the female screw portion 41 in the view direction of the central axis C of the annular body member 4. The end portion 43 of the lead support portion 49 is a part provided adjacent to both ends of the central portion 42, and is configured to contact the lead 2. As shown in Figure 25, of the cross-sectional shape of the end portion 43 (shape of the cross section cut by a plane including the central axis C), at least a part of the surface 46 facing the central axis C contacts the lead 2. The cross-sectional shape of the end portion 43, which has a lead support surface 46, may be the same as or different from the cross-sectional shape of the central portion 42.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the lead support portion 49 is formed in a substantially arc shape when viewed from the direction of the central axis C. The two ends 43 are located closer to the pressing member 60 than the central portion 42 in the first direction, when the direction of the central axis V of the female screw portion 41 is taken as the first direction. Furthermore, it is desirable that the lead support portion 49 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the central axis V of the female screw portion 41. In other words, it is desirable that the ends 43 be in positions symmetrical with respect to the central axis V. To put it another way, it is desirable that the lead support surface 46 is formed in positions symmetrical with respect to the central axis V.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9 and 25, the ligature 3 is attached by bringing the tip of the pressing member 60 (the bottom surface of the stopper member 5) into contact with the conical surface of the body portion 1a of the mouthpiece 1, and is therefore attached at an angle with respect to the extension direction of the reed 2. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 25, the end portion 43 contacts the surface of the reed 2, but the end portion 47 in the direction of the central axis C of the reed support surface 46, which is parallel to the central axis C (extending along the central axis C in the cross-sectional shape), also contacts it. The contact point 48 between the reed 2 and the annular member 4 is the boundary (corner) where the front surface 4d, which is the end face in the direction of the central axis C of the annular member 4, and the reed support surface 46 connect, as shown in Figure 25(b). The annular member 4 contacts the reed 2 by digging this corner into it. Furthermore, since the lead 2 is generally made of cane processed into a plate shape, it is softer than the metal or other materials that make up the ring-shaped member 4, and when the pressing member 60 is tightened, the contact point 48 bites into the lead 2. Therefore, the contact point 48 does not actually come into contact with the lead 2 only at the end 47 in the direction of the central axis C of the lead support surface 46, but the surrounding area of ​​the end 47 also comes into contact with the lead 2.

[0050] The end 47 of the lead support surface 46 in the direction of the central axis C is the contact point 48 that abuts against the lead 2, and it is desirable that it be positioned so as to face the female threaded portion 41 of the annular body member 4 into which the male threaded portion 6a of the pressing member 60 is screwed on the annular body member 4. In other words, it is desirable that the female threaded portion 41 and the contact point 48 where the annular body member 4 abuts against the lead 2 are on the same plane perpendicular to the central axis C. That is, as shown in Figure 25(b), if we define the image obtained on the central axis C of the annular body member when each part of the annular body member 4 is orthogonally projected from the outside perpendicular to the central axis C of the annular body member (projected in the direction of arrow B in Figure 25) as the radial projection section, then it is desirable that the image P projected onto the central axis C of the lead support surface 46 that abuts against the lead 2 is inside the radial projection section d of the female threaded portion 41. In other words, if you look at the annular member 4 from the side and draw a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis C along the width of the female screw portion 41, the contact point 48 is located between these virtual lines. The lead support surface 46 is preferably configured to be inside these virtual lines. Alternatively, the lead support surface 46 may be configured so that at least one end is inside the virtual lines. Furthermore, if the lead support surface 46 has a vertex (the point closest to the central axis C) in its cross-sectional shape, that vertex may be configured to be inside these virtual lines. The female screw portion 41 is the part that transmits the reaction force when the pressing member 60 is pressed against the mouthpiece 1 from the male screw portion 6a to the annular member 4, and is sometimes called the "reaction force transmission part".

[0051] In the ligature 3, the contact point 48 between the annular member 4 and the lead 2 is located inside the radial projection section d of the female thread portion 41 (= male thread portion 6a). For example, the outer diameter (length in the direction of the central axis C) of the bottom surface of the male thread portion 6a of the pressing member 60 is 2.6 mm, and the thickness (length in the direction of the central axis C) of the lead support portion 49 of the annular member 4 is 2 mm. The cross-section of the lead support portion 49 of the annular member 4 is contained within the image obtained by projecting the male thread portion 6a of the pressing member 60 in direction B.

[0052] Figure 26 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a comparative example of the contact state between the annular member 4 constituting the ligature 3 according to this embodiment and the reed 2. If the reed support surface 46 that contacts the reed 2 is formed to be wide in the direction of the central axis C, the end 47 of the reed support surface 46 in the direction of the central axis C will contact the reed 2 at a position offset from the female screw portion 41 in the direction of the central axis C. In this case, the annular member 4 will be subjected to the moment m shown in Figure 26. In this state, the reed 2 will be subjected to a force that moves it in the horizontal direction as shown in Figure 26, and there is a risk that the reed 2 will be displaced due to vibration during playing. In addition, when attaching the ligature 3, the load generated by tightening the pressing member 60 cannot be efficiently received by the annular member 4, and as a result there is a risk that the fixed state of the reed 2 will become loose.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 25, if the contact point 48 is arranged in a cross-section such that it faces the female screw portion 41 with the central axis C in between, the load generated by tightening the pressing member 60 can be efficiently received at the contact point 48, so that the lead 2 can be fixed with the appropriate amount of tightening.

[0054] The end portion 43 of the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4 can have its cross-sectional shape freely determined. However, as shown in Figure 25, if the cross-sectional shape is rectangular and the reed support surface 46 is parallel to the central axis C, it is desirable that the image obtained by orthogonally projecting at least one of the axial ends 47 of the reed support surface 46 onto the central axis C falls within the range of the image obtained by orthogonally projecting the female screw portion 41 onto the central axis C. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 25, the contact portion 48 with the reed 2 and the female screw portion 41 are positioned opposite each other across the central axis C, which is advantageous for fixing the reed 2 to the mouthpiece 1.

[0055] Furthermore, it is desirable that the entire image (radial projection section) obtained by orthogonally projecting the reed support surface 46 shown in Figure 25 perpendicular to the central axis C is the same as or inside the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41. With this configuration, the ligature 3 can be attached to the mouthpiece 1 with its front and back reversed, while maintaining the same fixed state of the reed 2.

[0056] Furthermore, although the ligature 3 shown in Figure 25 is attached to a mouthpiece 1 having a conical surface on its body 1a, it can also be attached to a mouthpiece 1 having a cylindrical surface on its body 1a. In this case, the entire reed support surface 46 may come into contact with the reed 2, but if the radial projection section of the reed support surface 46 is inside the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41, the female screw portion 41 and the contact point 48 will always face each other across the central axis C, thus creating a reed fixing state equivalent to that shown in Figure 25.

[0057] The lead support surface 46 shown in Figure 25 is a surface that may come into contact with the lead 2. The lead support surface 46 can take on various shapes in cross-section, but it is at least the inner circumferential surface of the lower part of the annular member 4 and faces the central axis C. When the end portion 43 of the lead support part 49 is cross-sectioned on the lead support surface 46, which includes the central axis C as shown in Figure 25, the normal line drawn from any point on the lead support surface 46 intersects the central axis C.

[0058] Furthermore, the lead support surface 46 is basically provided in a portion of the lead support portion 49 other than the central portion 42. Specifically, the lead support surface 46 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the end portions 43 adjacent to both ends of the central portion 42. For example, the central portion 42 of the lead support portion 49 may be formed with a wide width in the direction of the central axis C, as shown in Figure 9, and the purpose of the ligature 3 is achieved as long as the radial projection section of the lead support surface 46 provided on the end portion 43 falls within the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41 as described above. Alternatively, a surface with the same structure as the lead support surface 46 may be provided on the central portion 42. In other words, the entire inner circumferential surface 49a of the lead support portion 49 may have the same shape as the lead support surface 46. However, the inner circumferential surface of the central portion 42 of the lead support portion 49 may not be included in the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41, but the inner circumferential surface of the end portion 43 may be included in the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41 (that is, only the inner circumferential surface of the end portion 43, excluding the central portion 42 of the lead support portion 49, may have a structure corresponding to the lead support surface 46 described above).

[0059] Furthermore, it is desirable that the annular member 4 is basically a ring shape with a narrow width in the direction of the central axis C. The annular member 4 has the widest width in the direction of the central axis C at the pressing member support portion 40 where the pressing member 60 (male screw member 6 with a knob) is installed, and it is desirable that at least the lead support portion 49 is formed to be narrower than the pressing member support portion 40. In other words, it is desirable that the radial projection section of the lead support portion 49 is within the range of the radial projection section of the pressing member support portion 40. With this configuration, the annular member 4 can be made lightweight and the moment load m shown in Figure 26 can be suppressed, which is advantageous for fixing the lead 2. Similarly, it is desirable that the radial projection section of the connecting portion 44 is also within the range of the radial projection section of the pressing member support portion 40. As a result, the annular member 4 can be made as thin as possible in the direction of the central axis C, thus achieving weight reduction.

[0060] Furthermore, it is desirable that the reed support surface 46 be located outside the pressing member 60 in the x-direction in the front view shown in Figure 5. Moreover, it is desirable that the reed support surface 46 be located outside the stopper member 5 in the x-direction. It is desirable that the points on the reed 2 that are pressed by the annular member 4 of the ligature 3 are separated in the x-direction as shown in Figure 5. With this configuration, rotation of the ligature 3 attached to the instrument around the central axis V is suppressed, and the fixing of the reed 2 is stabilized.

[0061] Furthermore, the stopper member 5 at the tip of the pressing member 60 can be configured with a smaller outer diameter. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1(b), the stopper member 5 may be omitted and the tip of the male screw portion 6a may be brought into contact with the mouthpiece 1. In addition, the pressing member support portion 40 (also called the upper high-rigidity plate portion) may be configured to be thicker in the direction of the central axis C compared to other parts of the annular body member 4. Also, as shown in Figure 9, the portion of the lead support portion 49 that does not come into contact with the lead 2 (the central portion 42) may be configured to be thicker in the direction of the central axis C (this thicker portion of the lead support portion 49 in the direction of the central axis C may be called the lower high-rigidity plate portion).

[0062] For example, when fixing the reed 2 to the mouthpiece 1, if the contact area is small, the pressure per unit area increases. Therefore, in the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, by creating a contact state as shown in Figure 25, the pressure on the contact point 48 increases. Consequently, compared to the case where the reed 2 is fixed by contacting it over a wide surface area as in conventional ligatures, the force required to turn the knob-type male screw member 6 can be reduced with the contact state shown in Figure 25. However, when turning the knob portion 6b of the knob-type male screw member 6 with a fingertip, the ease of turning and the amount of torque applied will differ depending on the diameter of the knob. However, even if the knob of the knob-type male screw member 6 is small and only a small torque can be applied, the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 can still be fixed. Therefore, the performer can securely fix the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 without hurting their fingertips.

[0063] Figure 12 is a perspective view from below of a configuration in which a rotatable stopper member 7 is attached to a knobbed male threaded member 6 via a rivet 8. The knobbed male threaded member 6 comprises a male threaded portion 6a and a knob portion 6b.

[0064] To prevent scratches or other damage to the mouthpiece 1, the rotatable stopper member 7 can be made of a cushioning synthetic resin or synthetic rubber. Furthermore, when the knobbed male screw member 6 rotates, the rotatable stopper member 7 does not rotate in conjunction with it, but remains in close contact with the mouthpiece 1. This configuration prevents scratches or other damage to the mouthpiece 1 because the rotatable stopper member 7 that contacts the mouthpiece 1 does not rotate when the knobbed male screw member 6 is turned in.

[0065] Figure 13 is a perspective view from the front of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, attached to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. The annular member 4 has a space between it and the mouthpiece 1 and does not come into contact with it. In addition, the arc-shaped surface 4b on the inner side of the annular member 4 has a greater curvature than the heel 2a. Figure 14 is a perspective view from below of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, attached to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. As shown in Figure 14, the ligature 3 according to this embodiment has a small contact area with the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. Taking prototype A of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment (see Figure 15) as an example, the inner diameter of prototype A is 31 mm, and the outer diameter of the part that comes into contact with the edge 4c, 4c and stopper member 5 (or rotatable stopper member 7) is 20 mm, so it can be attached to a soprano mouthpiece with an outer diameter of 26 mm, an alto mouthpiece with an outer diameter of 26 mm, or a tenor mouthpiece with an outer diameter of 28 mm, and it could be used without any problems. In other words, the ligature 3 is configured to be attached to and fixed to mouthpieces 1 with different outer diameters and tapered shapes of body sections 1a, and to reeds 2 of different sizes categorized by type. With this configuration, the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 are inserted into the hollow of the annular member 4, and pressure is applied from above the mouthpiece body section 1a via a pressing member 60 or a stopper member 5 (or a rotatable stopper member 7) to fix the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2. Assuming that the pressing member 60 is extended, all commercially available mouthpieces 1 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annular member 4 can be fixed. However, if the inner diameter of the annular member 4 is too large, it will look bad, so prototypes were made to match the outer diameter size of each category of mouthpiece. Also, an annular member 4 that is too large for the outer diameter of the mouthpiece 1 will have excess mass and will not improve the acoustic characteristics, so the appropriate inner diameter that matches the mouthpiece size was determined, and prototypes of each type were made. However, theoretically, when this ligature is constructed to the specified dimensions, it can be attached to and fixed to all mouthpieces 1 and reeds 2 available on the market. Prototypes B (see Figure 15) and C (see Figure 15), which have smaller inner diameters than prototype A (see Figure 15), were manufactured.Prototype A has an inner diameter of 31 mm and can secure mouthpiece 1 with an outer diameter of less than 31 mm. Prototype B has an inner diameter of 24 mm and can secure mouthpiece 1 with an outer diameter of less than 24 mm. Prototype C has an inner diameter of 20 mm and can secure mouthpiece 1 with an outer diameter of less than 20 mm. Furthermore, the ligature 3 according to this embodiment could be attached to multiple mouthpieces 1 with different conical shapes and used without any problems. As described above, it has been demonstrated that the ligature 3 can be attached to and secured to multiple mouthpieces 1 with different outer diameters and different conical shapes, and to reeds 2 of different sizes categorized by type.

[0066] Figure 15 is a photograph showing the shape and weight of prototypes A, B, C, and D in the ligature according to this embodiment. Prototypes A, B, and C each have different inner diameters: prototype A = inner diameter 31 mm, prototype B = inner diameter 24 mm, and prototype C = inner diameter 20 mm. Prototype D, which mainly has a planar shape, has an inner diameter of 24 mm.

[0067] Prototype B (with an inner diameter of 24 mm) and Prototype D (with an inner diameter of 24 mm) have the same inner diameter. Prototype D is a ligature 3 according to this embodiment in which the surface shape of the annular member 4 is mainly planar, and was manufactured to compare its acoustic characteristics with those of Prototype B, whose surface shape is composed of multiple arc shapes with different curvatures, multiple V-shapes, multiple uneven shapes, and multiple planar shapes.

[0068] Figure 16 is a photograph showing the total mass of conventional metal ligatures E1 and E2 equipped with one or two fastening screws. Figure 17 is a photograph showing the total mass of conventional leather ligatures F equipped with one fastening screw.

[0069] In the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, aluminum was used for the annular member 4 of each prototype, and synthetic resin was used for the stopper member 5. Brass was used for the male screw member 6 with a knob. The total mass of each prototype was measured and the following results were obtained. As shown in Figure 15, prototype A = 3.837 g, prototype B = 3.514 g, prototype C = 3.264 g, and prototype D = 3.393 g. The total mass of conventional metal and leather ligatures equipped with one fastening screw was also measured. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the conventional metal ligature E1 = 23.297 g, E2 = 15.424 g, and conventional leather ligature F = 20.621 g. Compared to the conventional metal ligature E1, the total mass of prototype A, which had the largest total mass among the prototypes, was less than one-sixth, and a weight reduction of more than 19 g was achieved. Furthermore, compared to the conventional leather ligature F, the total mass of prototype A, which had the largest total mass among the prototypes, was less than one-quarter, representing a weight reduction of more than 16 g. From the results described above, the ligature 3 according to this embodiment can reduce the total mass by 75 to 80% compared to the conventional ligature. In prototypes A, B, C, and D, the thickness in the direction of the central axis C of the portion of the annular body member 4 other than the pressing member support portion 40 is 2.0 mm. Also, in prototypes A, B, C, and D, the radial thickness of the annular body member 4 is within the range of 3.0 mm to 3.7 mm. In addition, in prototypes A, B, C, and D, the annular body member 4 is made of aluminum alloy. The specific gravity of the aluminum alloy is 2.6 to 2.8 g / cm³. ３ Stainless steel (7.7-8.0 g / cm³) ３ ) and copper alloys (8.4-9.0 g / cm³) ３ It is lighter compared to the previous model. The lighter weight of Ligature 3 resulted in increased vibration of the reed and mouthpiece, increased output (volume), a shorter reaction time for the reed to start vibrating, and improved sound attack.

[0070] In this embodiment, prototypes A, B, and C (see Figure 15), whose surface shape is composed of multiple arc shapes with different curvatures, multiple V-shapes, multiple uneven shapes, and multiple planar shapes, and prototype D (see Figure 15), whose main surface shape is a planar shape, were manufactured and examined in detail whether the objective was achieved. Parts identical or equivalent to those described in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Below, the following four aspects were examined: total mass, time required for assembly, practical function, and acoustic evaluation.

[0071] (Regarding the total mass of ligature 3) In the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, aluminum was used for the annular member 4 of each prototype, and synthetic resin was used for the stopper member 5. In addition, brass was used for the male screw member 6 with a knob. As described above, when the total mass of each prototype and the conventional ligature was weighed, the following results were obtained: Prototype A = 3.837 g, Prototype B = 3.514 g, Prototype C = 3.264 g, Prototype D = 3.393 g, Conventional metal ligature E1 = 23.297 g, E2 = 15.424 g, Conventional leather ligature F = 20.621 g. Compared with the conventional metal ligature E1, the total mass of prototype A, which had the largest total mass among the prototypes, was reduced to less than one-sixth, a weight reduction of more than 19 g. Furthermore, compared to the conventional leather ligature F, the total mass of prototype A, which had the largest total mass among the prototypes, was reduced to less than one-quarter, achieving a weight reduction of 16g ​​or more. Based on the above results, we can provide a ligature 3 according to this embodiment, which reduces the total mass by 75-80% compared to conventional ligatures E1 and F.

[0072] (Regarding the time required to assemble the ligature 3) In the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, the time required for the entire assembly process was measured when assembling a prototype. When the stopper member 5 or 7 is not used, the knobbed male threaded member 6 is screwed into the annular member 4, and the assembly work was completed within 30 seconds. The entire assembly process when using the rotatable stopper member 7 is as follows: The knobbed male threaded member 6 is screwed into the female threaded hole provided in the annular member 4 of the ligature 3, and the rotatable stopper member 7 is attached to the tip of the knobbed male threaded member 6 via a rivet 8. This completes the entire assembly work. The average time taken for the entire assembly work over 10 attempts was approximately 60 seconds, and even when the work was carried out carefully and cautiously, it was possible to complete the work within 80 seconds. A low-profile pin or a very small screw can also be used instead of the rivet 8. Furthermore, the entire assembly process when using the adhesive-type stopper member 5 is as follows. The knobbed male threaded member 6 is screwed into the female threaded hole provided in the annular member 4 of the ligature 3, a small amount of adhesive is applied to the male threaded portion 6a at the tip of the knobbed male threaded member 6, and the stopper member 5 is screwed in to a depth of 2.5 mm to join them. This completes the entire assembly process. The average time taken for the entire assembly process over 10 attempts was approximately 60 seconds or less. As described above, compared to conventional ligatures 17, E1, E2, and F, the assembly process is simpler, and the ligature 3 according to this embodiment can be provided, which can reduce the total cost.

[0073] (Regarding the practical function of ligature 3) In the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, the total number of constituent members is reduced in order to reduce vibration and sound resistance and achieve a resonant sound, and the total number of constituent members is limited to two: the annular member 4 and the pressing member 60. Prototypes A, B, C, and D shown in Figure 15 were manufactured and tested by attaching them to the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2, and as a result there was no impediment to the practical function and the objective was achieved. From the above results, we can provide the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, in which the total number of constituent members consists of two members: the annular member 4 and the pressing member 60.

[0074] The ligature 3 according to this embodiment reduces the contact points and area with the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 in order to reduce vibration and sound resistance and achieve a resonant sound. As described above, the area in contact between the ligature 3 and the reed 2 can be limited to a very narrow area of ​​the annular member 4. This area is where the inner edges 4c, 4c of the annular member 4 and the heel 2a come into contact (see Figure 10). In addition, the area in contact between the ligature 3 and the mouthpiece 1 can be limited to a very narrow area 5a of the pressing member 60 (see Figure 11). As a result, the ligature 3 can reduce vibration and sound resistance and achieve a resonant sound.

[0075] In the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, in order to prevent damage such as scratches to the mouthpiece 1, the prototype used synthetic resin, which is an elastic material, for the stopper member 5. Synthetic resin is a material that has cushioning properties, low mass, and durability. As an example, the rotatable stopper member 7 is attached using a rivet 8 (see Figure 12) so that it can rotate independently of the knobbed male screw member 6. When the knobbed male screw member 6 is turned in, the stopper member 7 that comes into contact with the mouthpiece 1 is configured to rotate relative to the male screw portion 6a, and therefore does not rotate relative to the mouthpiece 1. As a result, the mouthpiece 1 is not damaged such as scratches. Therefore, the ligature 3 can be configured so as not to damage the mouthpiece 1. However, if acoustic characteristics are prioritized, it is preferable to omit the stopper member 5 or 7, and to form the pressing member 60 from brass, which has excellent acoustic characteristics.

[0076] The ligature 3 according to this embodiment is also intended to be usable in common with multiple mouthpieces 1 having different conical shapes and different outer diameters. For example, using prototype A (see Figure 15) with an inner diameter of 31 mm of the annular member 4, it can be used with a soprano mouthpiece with an outer diameter of 20 mm, an alto mouthpiece with an outer diameter of 26 mm, and a tenor mouthpiece with an outer diameter of 28 mm, all of which have different conical shapes. In other words, the ligature 3 can be used in common with multiple mouthpieces 1 having different conical shapes and different outer diameters.

[0077] The ligature 3 according to this embodiment does not suppress the vibration or sound of the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2, but produces a rich tone with abundant harmonics and good resonance. At the same time, it ensures the control of volume, pitch, and tone, as well as the accuracy and freedom of performance, which are most important to the performer, thereby improving the quality of the performer's playing. To this end, the surface shape of the annular member 4 of the ligature 3 is composed of shapes that improve acoustic characteristics, namely multiple arc shapes, multiple V-shapes, multiple planar shapes, and uneven surfaces with different curvatures.

[0078] (Acoustic evaluation of ligature 3) Acoustic evaluation was conducted on ligature 3 according to this embodiment. As a condition for the evaluation, each ligature was attached to a soprano saxophone mouthpiece and the frequency spectrum was measured while playing the note "G". The fundamental tone "G" (in Bb) is the actual note "F", which corresponds to the fourth F on a piano keyboard (349.228 Hz). The ligatures used for comparative evaluation were prototypes B and D (see Figure 15), the conventional metal ligature E1 (see Figure 16), and the conventional leather ligature F (see Figure 17). In the frequency spectrum, the horizontal axis is frequency = Hertz (Hz), and the vertical axis is volume = Decibels (dB).

[0079] As shown in Figure 18, the frequency spectrum of prototype B (see Figure 15) of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, in which the outer surface of the annular member 4 is formed in an arc shape, a V shape, and a planar shape, shows a neat linear alignment from the fundamental frequency (around 349.228 Hz) to the sixth harmonic (around 2100 Hz). The maximum output of the fundamental frequency, the second harmonic (around 710 Hz), the fourth harmonic (around 1400 Hz), and the fifth harmonic (around 1750 Hz) exceeds 100 dB, indicating a generally high output and excellent results. Furthermore, it can be seen that a gentle bell-shaped curve is formed from the seventh harmonic (around 2300 Hz) to the fourteenth harmonic (around 5000 Hz), with a peak of around 95 dB at the ninth harmonic (around 3200 Hz). Between the fundamental frequency and the 14th harmonic, there is no abrupt dip in the frequency band, and it can be seen that the harmonics are neatly aligned from around 349.228 Hz to around 5000 Hz. As a result, it is an ideal frequency spectrum. Compared to the frequency spectrum of prototype B, which has an annular body member 4 mainly composed of continuous arc-shaped surfaces, the frequency spectrum of prototype D, which has an annular body member 4 mainly composed of planar surfaces (see Figure 19), has a generally higher output, shows a high output and a flat frequency spectrum from the fundamental frequency to the 6th harmonic, and in the high-frequency range from the 7th harmonic to the 14th harmonic, the output is generally high and forms a gentle peak. The harmonics are neatly aligned and continuously output from the fundamental frequency to the 14th harmonic, resulting in an ideal frequency spectrum that suggests a rich and beautiful harmony. The maximum volume was 103.8 dB.

[0080] As shown in Figure 19, the frequency spectrum of prototype D (see Figure 15) of the ligature 3 according to this embodiment, in which the outer surface of the annular member 4 is formed in a planar shape, shows that compared to prototype B (see Figure 15), there are fewer flat areas, and the peak is at the second harmonic (around 704 Hz) with a maximum output of 103.1 dB, forming a gentle curve up to the thirteenth harmonic (around 4500 Hz). Also, the fourteenth harmonic (around 5000 Hz) drops to below 60 dB. Compared to prototype B, the output in the high-frequency range from the third harmonic (around 1050 Hz) onwards is smaller, and the output gradually decreases towards the high-frequency range, but there is no noticeable drop in output. The maximum output exceeds 103 dB, similar to prototype B, and the overall output is high. The frequency spectrum forms a gentle curve overall, which can be said to be a good result. The maximum volume was 103.1 dB.

[0081] As shown in Figure 20, the frequency spectrum of the conventional metal ligature E1 (see Figure 16), which has received some positive feedback in the market, forms a steep peak with the second harmonic (around 706 Hz) at the top, indicating low overall output. The fourth harmonic (around 1400 Hz) and the sixth harmonic (around 2100 Hz) drop to below 60 dB. Furthermore, a zigzag waveform is prominent in the higher frequency range from the fourth harmonic upwards. The output of the seventh harmonic (around 2500 Hz) and the eleventh harmonic (around 3900 Hz) stands out, exceeding 60 dB. Overall, the output is low, there is no flat waveform, and the frequency spectrum forms a steep peak, with particularly low output at the fourth and sixth harmonics. The maximum volume is 93.6 dB, which is more than 10 dB lower than the maximum output of prototype B.

[0082] As shown in Figure 21, the frequency spectrum of the conventional leather ligature F (see Figure 17) forms a steep peak with the second harmonic (around 701 Hz) at the top, indicating low overall output. The fourth harmonic (around 1300 Hz) and the ninth harmonic (around 3100 Hz) drop sharply to around 54 dB, and the tenth harmonic (around 3500 Hz) is output at only about 37 dB. Compared to the conventional metal ligature E2, the output is even lower, there is no flat waveform, the frequency spectrum forms a steep peak, and a zigzag waveform is particularly noticeable in the higher frequency range from the fourth harmonic. The maximum volume is 90.6 dB, which is more than 13 dB lower than the maximum output of prototype B. The conventional leather ligature F is the most widely used leather ligature worldwide, but because the leather absorbs vibrations, the overall output is significantly lower and there are fewer harmonics.

[0083] As shown in Figure 22, the acoustic characteristics of four ligatures were evaluated: prototypes B and D of ligature 3 according to this embodiment (see Figure 15), a conventional metal ligature E1 (see Figure 16), and a conventional leather ligature F (see Figure 17). For the evaluation of acoustic characteristics, 17 items on a 5-point scale for acoustic characteristics, which are normally used to evaluate the performance of mouthpieces, were used. The evaluation criteria consisted of 17 items: speed (how quickly vibrations are converted into sound), response (the attack of the sound), dynamics (the range of adjustment), core (the core of the sound), focus (the contour and focus of the sound), edge (the clear boundary of the sound), harmonics (the abundance of overtones), brightness (the brightness of the sound), darkness (a dark and muted sound), fortissimo (a strong and loud sound), pianissimo (a weak and soft sound), reverb (the length of the resonance), flagiolets (sounds in the very high register), subtone (a muted sound in the low register), fuzz (a distorted sound that emphasizes overtones), bend (a distorted sound), and tonguing (the ease of separating notes). Each item was worth 5 points, for a total of 85 points. The total scores were 72 points for prototype B, 68 points for prototype D, 52 points for the conventional metal ligature E1, and 41 points for the conventional leather ligature F. Prototype B, equipped with an annular member 4 mainly consisting of multiple arc-shaped surfaces, scored 5 out of 5 points in each of the following categories: speed, response, dynamics, core, focus, edge, harmonics, brightness, fortissimo, flageolet, fuzz, and bend. Compared to prototype D, equipped with an annular member 4 mainly consisting of planar surfaces, it was superior in dynamics, focus, harmonics, and fuzz. Furthermore, it achieved a total evaluation score 20 points higher than the conventional metal ligature E1 and a total evaluation score 31 points higher than the conventional leather ligature F, demonstrating the superiority of the ligature 3 in this embodiment.

[0084] Prototype B (see Figure 15) exhibited significantly better dynamics and focus compared to Prototype D (see Figure 15) because the output from the fundamental frequency to the sixth harmonic was neatly aligned. Furthermore, Prototype B had a richer harmonics than expected, and the good fuzz is thought to be due to the linearly aligned output from the second to the sixth harmonic, as well as the overall high output. Prototype B showed excellent frequency spectrum results, and produced a loud maximum output of 103.8 dB. In terms of maximum output, Prototype B had an output more than 10 dB higher than the conventional metal ligature E1 and the conventional leather ligature F. From the above and the results described, the ligature 3 according to this embodiment ensures accuracy in the performer's manipulation of volume, pitch, and timbre during performance, as well as freedom of performance, improving the quality of the performer's performance and producing a rich tone with abundant harmonics.

[0085] As described above, the ligature 3 according to this embodiment can produce a rich tone with good resonance and abundant overtones, improve the quality of the performer's playing, can be used in common with multiple mouthpieces 1 that have different conical shapes and outer diameters, can reduce tightening torque, and can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0086] (Modifications 1-6) For example, in this embodiment, the annular member 4 was described as a complete, unbroken, continuous annular body, but it is not limited to this, and the annular member 4 may have a missing portion and may not be a complete O shape, but may be C-shaped (see Figure 23(a)). In this case, the entire missing area becomes the central portion 42, and the lead 2 will abut against the end portions 43 provided adjacent to both ends of the central portion. Also, as shown in Figure 23(c), the central portion 42 may be configured such that a part of it is missing.

[0087] Furthermore, although not explained in detail in this embodiment, the curvature of the arc-shaped surface 4b sandwiched between the two left and right edges 4c, 4c protruding inward on the annular member 4 may be greater than the curvature of the heel 2a of the lead 2. In addition, although this embodiment describes the annular member 4 as having substantially the same radial thickness throughout, it is not limited to this, and for example, only the vicinity of the arc-shaped surface 4b may be made thinner (see Figure 23(b)). In other words, the central part 42 of the lead support part 49 may have an arc-shaped inner circumferential surface with a larger curvature than the end part 43, and the radial thickness may be thinner. Also, as shown in Figure 23(d), the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface provided in the central part 42 may be provided in a part of the center of the central part 42.

[0088] The surface shape of the annular member 4 may be a combination of multiple recesses 26a, ... (see Figure 24(a)) which are composed of hemispherical shapes. In the annular member 4 shown in Figure 24(a), there are 13 recesses 26a on each side, symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis V of the pressing member 60. The recesses 26a may also be holes that penetrate the annular member 4 in the direction of the central axis C. Furthermore, the surface shape of the annular member 4 may include a contact portion with the lead 2 that is extremely thinned by continuous arc-shaped recesses 27a (see Figure 24(b)) formed on the front and back surfaces of the lower part of the annular member 4. In other words, the annular member 4 shown in Figure 24(b) has recesses 27a provided throughout the lead support portion 49, and is configured so that the lead support surface 46 narrows in the direction of the central axis C. Furthermore, the lead support portion 49 shown in Figure 24(b) may include multiple protrusions 27b (see Figure 24(b)) formed by cutting out multiple arc shapes on the inner circumferential surface.

[0089] In the annular member 4 shown in Figure 24(b), the inward-facing surfaces of the multiple protrusions 27b (surfaces facing the central axis C) are located inside the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41. Furthermore, in the annular member 4 shown in Figure 24(b), the inner circumferential surface 27c is also located inside the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41. In the annular member 4 shown in Figure 24(b), the entire area of ​​the inward-facing surfaces (surfaces facing the central axis C) of the protrusions 27b and the inner circumferential surface 27c is located inside the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41. Therefore, the reed 2 can be stably fixed whether the ligature 3 is mounted at an angle to the mouthpiece 1 or mounted perpendicular to the mouthpiece 1.

[0090] (Modification 7) Figure 27 is a perspective view of the ligature 3 of Figure 1. Figure 28 is a six-view drawing of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27. When viewed from the front, the pressing member support portion 40 is provided with two hemispherical protrusions, and when viewed from the back, the pressing member support portion 40 is provided with three hemispherical protrusions. This surface shape is for improving acoustic characteristics.

[0091] Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram showing the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 attached to the mouthpiece 1, as viewed from the performer's side. Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 attached to the mouthpiece 1, as viewed from the instrument's side. Figure 31 is a perspective view of the annular member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27, viewed from above. Figures 1, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31 are drawings of the same model of ligature 3. The annular member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 is an example in which the range of the recess 27a shown in Figure 24(b) is limited. In the example shown in Figure 24(b), the recess 27a is provided so as to cut off the inner corner of the annular member 4, which has a roughly rectangular cross-sectional shape. The recess 27a is provided so as to cut off a part of the inner surface 49a of the reed support over substantially the entire reed support portion 49.

[0092] On the other hand, in the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 (the same applies to Figures 1, 28, 29, 30, and 31), the recesses 27a are provided only at the ends 43 on both sides of the reed support portion 49 that the reeds 2 contact. Furthermore, the recesses 27a are provided only on the back surface 4e, which is one end face in the direction of the central axis C of the annular member 4. In addition, the front and back surfaces of the central portion 42 of the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4 have a surface shape with V-shaped grooves arranged in a row, which is a shape designed to improve acoustic characteristics.

[0093] Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the contact state of the ligature 3 with the lead 2 shown in Figure 27. The ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 has a recess 27a, so that the end 47 (47a) of the lead support surface 46 on the recess 27a side contacts the lead 2. Since the contact point 48 is within the range of the radial projection section d of the female screw portion 41, it can receive the load at a position opposite the pressing member 60, and the load can be efficiently transmitted to the lead 2.

[0094] Furthermore, the other end 47 (47b) of the reed support surface 46 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 (Figures 1, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32) is also located within the radial projection section d of the female thread portion 41. Therefore, the ligature 3 shown in Figure 27 can similarly secure the reed 2 even if it is attached to the mouthpiece 1 with its front and back reversed.

[0095] Figure 33 is an explanatory diagram of a modified cross-sectional shape of the end portion 43 of the lead support portion 49 of the ligature 3. The example shown in Figure 33(a) is an example in which the lead support surface 46 is composed of two slopes. In this example, the radial projection section of the vertex 45 closest to the central axis C of the lead support surface 46 is configured to be within the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41.

[0096] The example shown in Figure 33(b) is one in which the reed support surface 46 is configured to narrow in the direction of the central axis C, and the reed support surface 46 is formed parallel to the central axis C of the annular member 4. The reed support surface 46 is designed so that its radial projection section lies inside the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41. Therefore, when the ligature 3 is attached to the mouthpiece 1, one of the ends 47 of the reed support surface 46 comes into contact with the reed 2, so that the same fixed state of the reed 2 is achieved regardless of the mounting direction.

[0097] The example shown in Figure 33(c) is one in which the cross-sectional shape of the lead support surface 46 is arc-shaped, and the radial projection section of the vertex 45 of the lead support surface 46 is designed to be inside the radial projection section of the female thread portion 41. In this example, the contact point 48 with the lead 2 shifts in the direction of the central axis C depending on the mounting angle of the ligature 3. However, with a normally conceivable mounting, the radial projection section of the contact point 48 is inside the radial projection section of the female thread portion 41, so the lead 2 is fixed in a good position. In this case, it is desirable that the radial projection section of the vertex 45 be positioned in the center of the radial projection section of the female thread portion 41.

[0098] In the example shown in Figure 33(d), the cross-sectional shape of the end 43 of the lead support portion 49 is substantially the same as in the example shown in Figure 25. However, the radial projection section of one end 47a of the lead support surface 46 is configured to fall within the range of the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41, while the other end 47b is outside this range. The cross-sectional shape of the lead support portion 49 of the ligature 3 can also be configured in this way.

[0099] (Modification 8) Figure 34 is a front view of another modification of the ligature 3. The lead support portion 49 of the ligature 3 may have a projection 401 at its end 43 that extends inward (towards the side with the central axis C) of the annular member 4 when viewed from the front. The projection 401 protrudes inward from the imaginary extension line of the inner circumferential surface 44a (sometimes called the lateral inner circumferential surface) of the connecting portion 44. The projection 401 is also located inward from or on the imaginary extension line of the inner circumferential surface 42c of the central portion 42 of the lead support portion 49. This configuration has the advantage that the contact points 48 are clearly defined by the projection 401 contacting both ends of the lead 2 in the width direction (x direction), or slightly towards the center from both ends, where the heel surface is curved. It is desirable that even if the annular member 4 has a projection 401, the radial projection section of its top (vertex) is in the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41.

[0100] (Modification 9) Figure 35 is a front view of another modification of the ligature 3. As shown in Figure 34, the annular member 4 may have a projection 401 at the end 43 of the lead support portion 49, but the projection 401 may be formed by attaching another member 403 to the annular member 4 (see Figure 36(b)). In other words, the projection 401 may be formed by the tip of a movable member 403 and may be configured to move back and forth toward the inside of the annular member 4. Alternatively, the projection 401 may be formed by a combination of a movable member 403 configured to move back and forth and a structure fixed (integrally) provided to the annular member 4. For example, in the case of a ligature 3 with four projections 401, two of the projections 401 may be formed by a movable member 403 configured to move back and forth, and the remaining two projections 401 may be formed by a structure integrally provided to the annular member 4. By configuring the protruding portion 401 to be able to move back and forth, a defective lead 2 with a misaligned shape, where the vertex of the arc on the surface is shifted to the left or right (in the x-direction), can be fixed in a normal position.

[0101] Figure 36 is a schematic explanatory diagram of the contact state between the annular member 4 and the reed 2 that constitute the ligature 3 of Figure 35. Member 403 has a tip portion that becomes a projection 401, and is configured to be able to move forward and backward by screwing it into the female thread portion 402 provided on the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4 and rotating it. The tip portion that becomes the projection 401 is conical in shape, and the apex 45 contacts the reed 2. The radial projection section of the apex 45 is within the range of the radial projection section of the female thread portion 41 into which the pressing member 60 is screwed. In other words, the ligature 3 shown in Figure 36 also reproduces the same contact state with the reed 2 as in Figures 25, 32, and 33. Note that in Figure 36, an example is shown where the tip portion of member 403 is conical, but other shapes are also possible. However, it is desirable that the radial projection section of the tip portion of member 403 is within the range of the radial projection section of the female thread portion 41 into which the pressing member 60 is screwed. In the structure shown in Figure 36(b), the surface of the protruding portion 401 and the inner circumferential surface of the lead support portion 49 are surfaces that may come into contact with the lead 2, and correspond to the lead support surface 46.

[0102] The ligature 3 shown in Figure 35 presses the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 between the pressing member 60 and member 403 (see Figure 36(b)) to fix them together as one unit. However, the reed 2 may partially contact a part of the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4. In Figure 35, in addition to the protrusion 401, it also contacts one end 43 of the reed support portion 49. This state can be achieved by moving member 403 forward and backward to adjust the amount of protrusion.

[0103] Figures 37 to 39 are plan and bottom views showing an example of the structure of the annular member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 35. Figure 40 is a six-view drawing of the ligature 3 using the annular member 4 shown in Figure 38. As shown in Figure 37, the member 403 may be configured to be attached to the lead support portion 49 at two locations. Also, as shown in Figures 38 and 39, three or more members 403 may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular member 4. It is desirable that the members 403 are provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis V of the pressing member 60. Furthermore, when the member 403 is installed on the ligature 3, the lead support portion 49 may be formed to be wider in the direction of the central axis C.

[0104] As shown in Figure 37, the portion where member 403 is installed may have a larger thickness in the direction of the central axis C of the annular member 4. Sufficient rigidity and strength can be ensured if the wall thickness around the female threaded portion 402 where member 403 is installed is about 0.8 mm.

[0105] Furthermore, the shape of the tip of member 403 (i.e., the part that becomes the protruding portion 401) can be other shapes besides a cone. For example, the tip shape of member 403 may be a polygonal pyramid such as a triangular pyramid or a square pyramid. Also, the tip of the cone or polygonal pyramid may have a radius. The tip may also be composed of a ridge line formed by the connection of two planes. The ridge line may also have a radius. Furthermore, the angle of the tip of member 403 may be 90° or more or less than 90°. These tip shapes may be applied not only to the tip shape of a movable member 403, but also to the tip shape of a protruding portion 401 provided as a structure on the inner circumferential surface of an annular member 4.

[0106] Figure 41 is an explanatory diagram of the contact state of the ligature 3 with the reed 2. The retractable member 403 described using Figures 35 to 40 can be applied even if the cross-section of the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4 has the shape shown in Figures 32 and 33. Figure 41 shows an example in which the member 403 is applied to the reed support portion 49 having the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 32. In this case, the radial projection section of the reed support surface 46 of the reed support portion 49 (end portion 43) and the radial projection section of the vertex 45 of the member 403 exist within the radial projection section of the female thread portion 41 into which the pressing member 60 is screwed. In this case, first the end 47a of the reed support surface 46 is brought into contact with the reed 2, and then the member 403 is moved inward of the annular member 4 to bring the vertex 45 into contact with the reed 2. In this way, the ligature 3 can contact the reed 2 at multiple points. In the structure shown in Figure 41, the lead support surface 46 of the annular member 4 will have both the radial projection sections of the vertex 45 and the end 47 closest to the central axis C located within the radial projection section of the female screw portion 41.

[0107] (Modification 10) Figure 45 is a side view of the mounting state of another modification of the ligature 3. Unlike the other modifications, the annular member 4 of the ligature 3 shown in Figure 45 has the lead support portion 49 offset in the axial direction C relative to the pressing member support portion 40. Even in this configuration, the lead 2 can be fixed if the width d2 of the radially projected section of the lead support portion 49 is properly adjusted. It is desirable that the width d2 of the lead support portion 49 (lead support surface 46) is less than or equal to the width d of the radially projected section of the female screw portion 41. Furthermore, by making the thickness (width of the radially projected section) of the lead support portion 49 in the direction of the central axis C smaller than the thickness of the female screw portion 41 in the direction of the central axis C, even if the contact portion 48 of the lead support portion 49 (lead support surface 46) is slightly offset in the direction of the central axis C, the load from the pressing member 60 can be efficiently transmitted to the lead 2 while suppressing the moment m.

[0108] (Modified form of the pressing member 60) Figure 42 is a perspective view showing a modified form of the pressing member 60 of the ligature 3. Figure 43 is an enlarged view of the area around the tip of the pressing member 60 (male screw member 6 with knob) when the stopper member 7C of Figure 42(c) is applied. In the above description, the stopper member 7 at the tip of the pressing member 60 was described as having a flat bottom surface, but it can also have other shapes. For example, the tip of the pressing member 60 may be a stopper member 7A having a plurality of triangular protrusions 5b1 on its bottom surface, as shown in Figure 42(a), or a stopper member 7B having a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 7b2.

[0109] Furthermore, the tip of the pressing member 60 may be a stopper member 7C having multiple hemispherical protrusions 7b3 on its bottom surface, as shown in Figure 42(c). For example, when the stopper member 7C is applied to the tip of the pressing member 60, multiple protrusions can be brought into contact with the curved surface of the body 1a of the mouthpiece 1, as shown in Figure 43. When the bottom surface is flat, as in the stopper member 7 shown in Figure 11, the stopper member 7 comes into contact with the body 1a of the mouthpiece in a state close to line contact, but in the example shown in Figure 43, multiple protrusions come into contact with the body 1a. Therefore, the pressing member 60 can press against the mouthpiece 1 with a predetermined width w straddling the central axis V while suppressing the contact area. Note that the protrusions 7b1, 7b2, and 7b3 of the stopper members 7A to 7C can also be changed to other shapes. It is desirable that multiple protrusions 7b1, 7b2, and 7b3 are arranged circumferentially around the rotation axis (central axis V) of the pressing member 60. Furthermore, it is advantageous for the protrusions 7b1, 7b2, and 7b3 to be as far away from the central axis V as possible, as this increases the width w of the contact area. Also, the stopper members 7A to 7C may be configured in a way that prevents them from rotating relative to the male screw portion 6a, similar to the stopper member 5.

[0110] (Modification of the female thread portion 41) The ligature 3 described above employs a screw structure as the connection between the pressing member 60 and the annular member 4, but other structures may also be used. For example, a structure in which the pressing member 60 is pressed against the mouthpiece 1 by a spring may also be used. In any of these structures, the pressing member 60 is supported by the pressing member support portion 40 of the annular member 4. The reaction force received by the pressing member 60 from the mouthpiece 1 is transmitted to the annular member 4, and the mouthpiece 1 and reed 2 are sandwiched between the pressing member 60 and the reed support portion 49 of the annular member 4. The part of the pressing member support portion 40 of the annular member 4 to which the reaction force from the pressing member 60 is transmitted is called the "reaction force transmission portion". When a screw structure is used for the ligature 3, the female thread portion 41 becomes the reaction force transmission portion, and when a structure in which the pressing member 60 is pressed by a spring is used, the part of the annular member 4 that contacts or joins with the spring becomes the reaction force transmission portion.

[0111] The problems solved and effects of Ligature 3 described above are summarized below. By implementing the above, the ligature of the present invention achieves weight reduction, minimizes the contact area, and is confirmed to be effective in increasing the vibration of the reed and mouthpiece, increasing output (volume), shortening the reaction time for the reed to start vibrating, improving the sound attack, and improving acoustics. It had the effect of reducing the time lag (delay in reaction time) from when the performer blows air into the mouthpiece until the reed vibrates and sound is produced. A delay of a few tenths of a second in the time it takes for the sound to start is a major factor in reducing the quality and freedom of performance, and eliminating the time lag has the effect of improving the quality and freedom of performance for the performer. Eight performers played the prototype and gave the evaluation that "there is no time lag after blowing air into the mouthpiece, and the sound starts immediately. It is easy to control the performance." Furthermore, the ligature, whose outer surface is composed of multiple cylindrical, arc, V-shaped, and flat surfaces, was found to have an acoustic improvement effect, with the fundamental tone and the second to sixth harmonics aligned in a line with high output, and the output of the seventh harmonic and above also improved. Eight musicians who played the prototype gave the following evaluations: "The harmonics have increased, and the sound resonance has become more beautiful. It has become easier to convey the musician's intentions through the sound. The sound has become clearer and easier to play." In addition, the ligature of the present invention can theoretically accommodate all reed instrument mouthpieces on the market by expanding the inner diameter so that the largest size mouthpiece available on the market can be inserted into the hollow of the annular member, and by extending the threaded portion of the pressing member, it can fasten reeds. Furthermore, the ligature is designed so that the tightening torque of the male screw with a knob can be reduced so that musicians do not hurt their fingertips when turning the knob to fasten the mouthpiece and reed with the ligature. Furthermore, in this invention, by limiting the components constituting the ligature to two components, an annular member and a pressing member, it is possible to reduce working time and costs.

[0112] 1: Mouthpiece 2: Reed 2a: Heel (outer surface of reed 2) 2b: Heel of reed 2 with an irregular shape 3: Ligature (Ligature according to the present invention) 4: Annular member 4a: Convex part 4b: Arc-shaped surface sandwiched between edges 4c, 4c 4c: Edge 5: Stopper member (cushioning member) 5a: Contact point on the bottom surface of the stopper member 6: Male screw member with knob 6a: Male screw part 6b: Knob part 7: Rotatable stopper member 8: Rivet 9: Saxophone (wind instrument) 10: Leadpipe 11: Second tube 12: U-tube 13: Bell 14: Octave key 15: Tone hole 16: Tone hole cover 17: Conventional metal ligature (2 fastenings, representative model) 24 : Another form of annular member 25: Another form of annular member 26: Annular member with a different configuration 26a: Multiple recesses formed in a hemispherical shape 27: Annular member with a different configuration 27a: Recess 27b: Protrusion 40: Pressing member support part 41: Female screw part 42: Central part 42c: Virtual extension line 43: End part 44: Connection part 44a: Inner circumferential surface 45: Apex 46: Lead support surface 47: End 47a: End 47b: End 48: Contact point 49: Lead support part 49a: Inner circumferential surface 60: Pressing member 401: Protrusion 402: Female screw part 403: Member A: Prototype A (outer surface is arc-shaped, V-shaped, or planar) B : Prototype B (outer surface arc-shaped, V-shaped, flat) C: Prototype C (outer surface arc-shaped, V-shaped, flat) D: Prototype D (outer surface flat) E1: Conventional metal ligature (single fastening, high-quality, with lead plate) E2: Conventional metal ligature (double fastening, low-cost) F: Conventional leather ligature

Claims

1. A ligature for attaching a reed to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument, comprising: an annular body member configured to allow insertion of a mouthpiece and a reed into its hollow space; and a pressing member configured to move back and forth toward the central axis of the annular body member from the outside, wherein the annular body member comprises, as a portion of the annular body member arranged in the circumferential direction, a pressing member support portion on which the pressing member is installed, and a reed support portion provided opposite the pressing member support portion with the central axis of the annular body member in between, wherein the pressing member support portion comprises a reaction force transmission portion that receives a reaction force from the pressing member, and at least a part of the reed support portion comprises a reed support surface for contacting the reed, the reed support surface faces toward the central axis of the annular body member, and when each part of the annular body member is orthogonally projected from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the annular body member and the section obtained on the central axis of the annular body member is defined as the radial projection section of each part, A ligature in which, in the radial projection section of the lead support surface, the point corresponding to the vertex of the lead support surface closest to the central axis of the annular member and at least one of the ends of the lead support surface in the direction of the central axis of the annular member are located inside the radial projection section of the reaction force transmission section.

2. A ligature according to claim 1, wherein, in view of the annular member in the direction of the central axis, when the direction of the central axis of the pressing member is defined as the first direction and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the lead support surface is formed in a position symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the pressing member in view of the annular member in the direction of the central axis, and is located outside the pressing member in the second direction.

3. A ligature according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular body member comprises two connecting portions provided adjacent to both ends of the pressing member support portion as a portion of the annular body member arranged in the circumferential direction, the connecting portions are connected to one end of the lead support portion, and the annular body member comprises a transverse inner circumferential surface arranged in the second direction with respect to the central axis of the annular body member, when the central axis of the pressing member is defined as the first direction and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the lead support portion comprises a lead support inner circumferential surface formed in an arc shape with a curvature greater than the arc formed by the transverse inner circumferential surface, when viewed from the central axis of the annular body member, and the lead support surface is located on the lead support inner circumferential surface.

4. A ligature according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular body member comprises two connecting portions provided adjacent to both ends of the pressing member support portion as a portion of the annular body member arranged in the circumferential direction, the connecting portions are connected to one end of the lead support portion, and the annular body member comprises a transverse inner circumferential surface arranged in the second direction with respect to the central axis of the annular body member, when the central axis of the pressing member is defined as the first direction and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the transverse inner circumferential surface is formed in at least an arc shape with respect to the central axis, and the lead support surface is located on the central axis side with respect to a virtual extension line of the portion of the transverse inner circumferential surface connected to the lead support portion.

5. A ligature according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lead support portion comprises a lead support inner surface parallel to the central axis of the annular member, and the lead support surface is a part including the end of the lead support inner surface in the direction of the central axis of the annular member.

6. A ligature according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lead support portion has a projection on a part of the inner surface of the lead support facing inward of the annular member, in view in the direction of the central axis of the annular member, and the lead support surface is the tip of the projection.

7. A ligature according to claim 6, wherein the projection is provided so as to be able to move back and forth in a direction from the outside to the inside of the annular member.

8. A ligature according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lead support portion comprises, as a part of the lead support portion arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular member, a central portion which is a part of the lead support portion including a portion that intersects with the central axis of the pressing member in a view in the direction of the central axis of the annular member, and ends provided adjacent to both ends of the central portion, wherein, in a view in the direction of the central axis of the annular member, when the direction of the central axis of the pressing member is taken as the first direction, the ends are located closer to the tip of the pressing member than the central portion in the first direction, and the lead support surface is provided at the ends.

9. A ligature according to claim 8, wherein the central portion has a portion of the annular member removed.

10. A ligature according to claim 8, wherein the end portion is such that, in any cross-section of the end portion obtained by a plane including the central axis of the annular member, the portion of the annular member on the central axis side is narrower than the outer portion.

11. A ligature for attaching a reed to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument, comprising: an annular body member configured to allow insertion of a mouthpiece and a reed into its hollow space; and a pressing member configured to move back and forth toward the central axis of the annular body member from the outside, wherein the annular body member comprises, as a portion of the annular body member arranged in the circumferential direction, a pressing member support portion on which the pressing member is installed; and a reed support portion provided opposite the pressing member support portion with respect to the central axis of the annular body member, wherein the pressing member support portion comprises a reaction force transmission portion that receives a reaction force from the pressing member; and the reed support portion comprises, when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the annular body member, two or more protrusions arranged in the circumferential direction on a part of the inner surface of the reed support facing inward of the annular body member, wherein, when each part of the annular body member is orthogonally projected from the outside toward the central axis of the annular body member and the section obtained on the central axis of the annular body member is defined as the radial projection section of the part, the radial projection section of the tip of the protrusion is, A ligature located inside the radial projection section of the reaction force transmission section, configured such that only the protruding portion contacts the lead.

12. A ligature according to claim 11, wherein the projection is provided so as to be able to move back and forth in a direction from the outside to the inside of the annular member.

13. A ligature according to any one of claims 1, 2, 11, or 12, wherein the pressing member has a tip that contacts the mouthpiece and is formed of a plane parallel to the central axis of the annular member.

14. A ligature according to claim 13, wherein the pressing member has a cushioning member attached to the tip that contacts the mouthpiece, and the cushioning member is attached in a rotatable or fixed manner.

15. A ligature according to any one of claims 1, 2, 11, or 12, wherein the pressing member has a cushioning member attached to the tip that contacts the mouthpiece, and the cushioning member has a plurality of protrusions formed on the tip that contacts the mouthpiece.

16. A ligature according to claim 15, wherein the cushioning member is rotatably mounted.

17. A ligature according to any one of claims 1, 2, 11, or 12, wherein the annular member is provided with at least one of a recess and a protrusion on at least one of both end faces of the annular member in the direction of the central axis for improving acoustic properties and reducing weight.

18. A ligature according to any one of claims 1, 2, 11, or 12, wherein the radial projection section of the lead support portion is located inside the radial projection section of the pressing member support portion.

19. A ligature for attaching a reed to the mouthpiece of a musical instrument, comprising: an annular body member configured to allow a mouthpiece and a reed to be inserted into its hollow interior; and a pressing member configured to move back and forth toward the central axis of the annular body member from the outside, wherein the annular body member comprises, as a portion of the annular body member arranged in the circumferential direction, a pressing member support portion on which the pressing member is installed, and a reed support portion provided opposite the pressing member support portion with respect to the central axis of the annular body member, wherein the pressing member support portion comprises a reaction force transmission portion that receives a reaction force from the pressing member, and at least a part of the reed support portion comprises a reed support surface for contacting the reed, the reed support surface faces toward the central axis of the annular body member, and when each part of the annular body member is orthogonally projected from the outside toward the central axis of the annular body member and the section obtained on the central axis of the annular body member is defined as the radial projection section, the radial projection section of the reed support surface is less than or equal to the width of the radial projection section of the reaction force transmission portion.

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