Mute for brass instrument

A mute detachably attached to a brass instrument includes a fixed part and a plurality of branch pipes, each including a main pipe and an auxiliary pipe. The branch pipes are unified together and inserted into a bell pipe of a brass instrument. The fixed part is attached to the tapered portion of a bell pipe and interposed between the interior of the bell pipe and the exterior of the main pipe. The branch pipe is designed such that the auxiliary pipe is connected to the main pipe at an interconnect part, at which an air flow propagating through the main pipe is partly branched into the auxiliary pipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mute for a wind instrument such as a brass instrument, in particular to a mute adapted to a horn-shaped sounder of a brass instrument such as a bell of a trumpet.

The present application claims priority on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-175059, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, various technologies for synthesizing musical tones simulating tone-generation mechanisms of acoustic musical instruments have been developed and disclosed in various documents. PLT 1 discloses a musical tone synthesizing apparatus simulating a tone-generation mechanism of a wind instrument including a mouthpiece and a resonating pipe with an excitation part a junction, and waveguides. PLT 2 discloses a wind type tone synthesizer including the same technology as PLT 1 relating to a taper theorem simulating resonating property of a wind instrument with a branch pipe using straight pipes. Specifically; PLT 1 and PLT 2 disclose the technology for approximately reproducing resonating property of a tapered pipe having a conical surface with two types of straight pipes.

FIG. 19shows the structure of a wind instrument1000A with a tapered pipe450.FIG. 20shows the structure of a wind instrument1000B with straight pipes410,420simulating resonating property of the tapered pipe450shown inFIG. 19. Specifically, the wind instrument1000A includes a mouthpiece500A and a pipe structure400A with the tapered pipe400A. The wind instrument1000B includes a mouthpiece500B and a pipe structure400B branching into the straight pipes410,420. Herein, the pipe structure400B is able to approximately reproduce resonating property of the tapered pipe450when the straight pipes410,420are designed with optimum lengths and diameters as disclosed in PLT 1.

Additionally, various mating technologies applied to wind instruments or brass instruments have been developed and disclosed in various documents. PLT 3 discloses a ring mute which, is made of sound absorbent material and attached onto the rim of the bell of a brass instrument instead of inside the bell of the brass instrument. PLT 4 discloses a mute, having a resonating dish with an opening and a slit, which is attached to the outside of the bell of a horn-type instrument by use of adjustable fitting means. PLT 5 discloses an acoustic practice mute for a brass instrument. PLT 6 discloses a sound reflector device which reflects sound rearwardly from the belt of a brass instrument towards the ears of a player. PLT 7 discloses a conical-shaped mute including a plurality of ribs and a plurality of plugs. PLT 8 and PLT 9 disclose a mute adapted to a brass instrument with an inner surface which is shaped in consideration of nodes of standing waves of harmonic tones. PLT 10 discloses a ventilated mute with an electrically-driven ventilation system which is attached to the bell of a wind instrument. PLT 11 discloses a ring mute, comprised of a sound absorbent foam urethane ring, which is attached to the rim of the bell of a brass instrument PLT 12 discloses a mate for a brass instrument which includes a breath induction pipe and a breath exhaust pipe so as to improve blowing property of a brass instrument with muted sound.

To reduce sound volume, a player needs to play a wind instrument or a brass instrument equipped with a mute which is inserted into a bell pipe. When a player plays a brass instrument equipped with a conventionally-known mute, it is possible to reduce sound volume owing to the mute, however, which may significantly change the resonating property of a brass instrument so as to unexpectedly change pitches and sound quality.

Generally speaking, pitches and sound quality of brass instruments highly depend on resonating property of brass instruments. Compared to resonating property of a brass instrument not equipped with a mute, resonating property of a brass instrument equipped with a mute may inevitably include additional resonating peaks in the low register, which in turn pushes original resonating peaks in the low register towards the high register, thus increasing resonating frequencies. That is, a mute attached to a brass instrument may increase pitches in the low register. Although, conventionally-known mutes are able to reduce sound volume, they may unexpectedly change pitches and sound quality compared with original pitches and sound quality produced with wind instruments not equipped with mutes. PLT 3 to PLT 11 disclose solutions to prevent unwanted changes of pitches and sound quality due to mutes attached to wind instruments or brass instruments, but they do not satisfy musicians' needs of precisely reproducing sound quality regardless of the presence or absence of mutes.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

PLT 2: U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,156, which was filed by claiming priority on the same priority application as PLT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mute detachably attached to a brass instrument, which is able to mute sound but to reproduce resonating property with a high precision without degrading pitches, tone colors, and sound quality.

The present invention relates to a mate detachably attached to a brass instrument which includes a fixed part and at least one branch pipe including a main pipe and art auxiliary pipe. The mute is attached to the tapered portion of a bell pipe of a brass instrument in such a way that the fixed part is interposed between the interior of the bell pipe and the exterior of the main pipe.

The claimed invention is directed to a mute for a brass instrument with a bell pipe, including a main pipe, and at least one auxiliary pipe, wherein the internal space of the main pipe is connected to the internal space of the auxiliary pipe at an interconnect part. Herein, an air flow blown into the bell pipe is introduced into the main pipe, and then the air flow introduced into the main pipe is branched to the auxiliary pipe and emitted from the opening end of the main pipe and the opening end of the auxiliary pipe.

Additionally, it is possible to modify the mute of the present invention with alternative features as follows.(i) It is possible to arrange the fixed part externally of the main pipe, wherein the fixed part is attached to the tapered portion of the bell pipe of a brass instrument.(ii) It is possible to separate the auxiliary pipe from the main pipe such that the auxiliary pipe will partly cover the external circumference of the main pipe.(iii) It is possible to redesign the fixed part to include at least one cavity which may partly transmit, an air flow blown into the bell pipe of a brass instrument.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described in further detail by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a brass instrument (or a wind instrument)1equipped with a mute100according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bass instrument1resembles a generally-known brass instrument such as a trumpet and a trombone, which is equipped with a pitch adjuster41, a mouthpiece51, and a bell pipe71. The pitch adjuster41includes a piston valve and a bypass pipe. Upon operating the pitch adjuster41, it is possible to switch over the presence and the absence of routing using the bypass pipe so as to change an effective length of the brass instrument1. The pitch adjuster41is able to adjust the length of an air column resonating inside the bell pipe71such that the brass instrument1can produce sound having pitches belonging to the predetermined musical scale.

The bell pipe71includes a tapered pipe72and a bell73. The tapered pipe72is a taper-shaped pipe portion which is elongated and gradually changed in its diameter with a predetermined taper ratio. The bell73is a bell-shaped sounder portion whose taper ratio (or whose curvature) is gradually enlarged in an axial direction. A wide-open edge75L is formed at the distal end of the bell73of the bell pipe71. A player's breath is blown into the internal space of the brass instrument1via the mouthpiece51and then emitted into the external air via the wide-open edge75L. An air flow introduced into the brass instrument1is not necessarily limited to a player's breath; hence, it is possible to mechanically produce an air flow and introduce it into the brass instrument1.

Next, the mute100detachably attached to the brass instrument1will be described in detail.FIG. 2is a perspective view of the mute100.FIG. 3is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 2. The mute100includes a fixed part31and a branch pipe110which further includes a main pipe10and an auxiliary pipe21. The main pipe10is an elongated pipe with a circular section having a relatively large diameter, whilst the auxiliary pipe21is formed using a pipe with a circular section having a relatively small diameter. Herein, these pipes maintain the same cross section entirely in the axial direction; hence, it is possible to employ a straight pipe (which is straightly elongated in its axial direction) or a curved pipe whose cross section is not changed in the axial direction. In either case, these pipes are not changed in their cross-sectional areas so that the same cross section having the same opening area can be secured at any one of normal planes, perpendicular to the axial direction, along the entire length thereof.

The main pipe10has an upstream edge15U which is positioned close to the mouthpiece51and a downstream edge15L which is positioned close to the wide-open edge75L of the bell73when the mute100is installed in the brass instrument1. Herein, a player's breath is blown into the upstream edge15U and then emitted from the downstream edge15L. Openings are formed at the distal end of the upstream edge15U and the distal end of the downstream edge15L. These openings are sectioned along the planes normal to the axial direction of the mute100.

The internal space of the main pipe10is connected to the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21at an interconnect part P1. The auxiliary pipe21is elongated in its axial direction which is parallel to the axial direction of the main pipe10, but the base portion of the auxiliary pipe21is bent and connected to the main pipe10at the interconnect part P1. In other words, the upstream edge (or the right-side edge) of the auxiliary pipe21is connected to the main pipe10, while the downstream edge (or the left-side edge) of the auxiliary pipe21is opened inFIG. 3.

A player's breath blown into the upstream edge15U of the main pipe10is branched away at the interconnect part P1, at which the internal path of the main pipe10is partly branched into the auxiliary pipe21. InFIGS. 2 and 3, the reference sign “F” denotes a flow (or a branched flow) of a player's breath. That is, a player's breath blown into the upstream edge15U of the main pipe10is divided into two flows and then emitted from the downstream edge15L of the main pipe10and the downstream edge of the auxiliary pipe21.

The fixed part31is attached to the main pipe10in proximity to the upstream edge15U of the main pipe10. The fixed part31is formed using a soft material (e.g. a cork or a rubber) which is softer than the material of the main pipe10. Viewing in the axial direction of the main pipe10, the fixed part31is bonded to the main pipe10to cover its external circumference. The thickness of the fixed part31is gradually reduced in a direction toward the upstream edge15U of the main pipe10; hence, the external shape of the fixed part31is a conical shape without its top portion which is truncated. The taper ratio of the external shape of the fixed part31approximately matches the taper ratio of the tapered pipe72of the bell pipe71of the brass instrument1.

Next, the brass instrument1equipped with the mute100will be described in detail in terms of the mechanical structure and the operation.FIG. 4is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with the mute100. The mute100is installed inside the bell pipe71. Specifically, a player holds the mute100, with the fixed part31(or the upstream edge15L) directing to the internal space of the bell pipe71, and then inserts it into the wide-open edge75L of the bell pipe71. When the mute100is completely inserted into the bell pipe71, the fixed part31of the mute100is tightly held between the main pipe10and the tapered pipe72of the bell pipe71. When being sandwiched between the main pipe10and the tapered pipe72of the bell pipe71, the fixed part31of the mute100fixes the position of the main pipe10relative to the brass instrument, so that the mute100is fixed in position in connection with the brass instrument1. The mute100is detachably fixed to the brass instrument1by means of the fixed part31pressed by the main pipe10and the tapered pipe72. For this reason, a player is able to easily pull out the mute100from the brass instrument1with his/her hand.

The mute100is designed with the predetermined shape and dimensions such that the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21(constituting the branch pipe110) will not come in contact with the interior face of the bell pipe71when the mute100is attached to the brass instrument1.FIG. 4shows that the mute100is substantially installed inside the internal space of the bell pipe71while the downstream edge15L of the main pipe10of the mute100is positioned slightly externally of the wide-open edge75L of the bell pipe71; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to determine the shape and the dimensions of the mute100such that the mute100will be entirely installed inside the internal space of the bell pipe71. In this case, it is possible to shorten the length of the main pipe10, or it is possible to form the main pipe10by use of a curved pipe or a spirally-curved pipe.

In the brass instrument1equipped with the mute100, the pitch adjuster41is able to adjust the length of an air column, resonating inside the bell pipe71, at the predetermined length in connection with the opening of the downstream edge15L of the main pipe10and the opening of the downstream edge of the auxiliary pipe21. The brass instrument1is able to produce sound with a desired pitch (belonging to a specific musical scale) owing to a resonating air column whose length is adjusted at the predetermined length. In short, the pitch adjuster41adjusts the length of a resonating air column so as to produce any one of pitches (belonging to a specific musical scale) in connection with the opening of the downstream edge15L of the main pipe10and the opening of the downstream edge of the auxiliary pipe21.

The internal space of the branch pipe110of the mute100is determined in terms of the shape and the dimensions such that the pitch adjuster41is able to adjust the length of a resonating air column so as to produce any one of pitches belonging to a specific musical scale regardless of the installation or disconnection of the mute100in the brass instrument1. The present embodiment is designed to determine the length and the sectional area for each of the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21(constituting the branch pipe110) and the connected position between the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe23.

In the brass instrument1resembling a trombone, for example, the pitch adjuster41is designed to continuously change the length of a resonating air column. The brass instrument1resembling a trombone may demonstrate a higher degree of freedom in determining the length and the sectional area for each of the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21as well as the connected position between the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21rather than the brass instrument1resembling a trumpet. In this case, it is possible to determine the position of a slide pipe (not shown) for generating a specific pitch differently with respect to the brass instrument1equipped with the mute100and the brass instrument1not equipped with the mute100.

The branch pipe110of the mute100exhibits various resonating characteristics depending on parameters regarding the shape of the branch pipe110, such as the connected position (i.e. the interconnect part P1), at which the auxiliary pipe21joins to the main pipe10in the axial direction, and the shape of the auxiliary pipe21(e.g. the length and the sectional area of the internal space). By appropriately setting these parameters, it is possible to reproduce resonating characteristics of the bell pipe71having a generally-known bell shape of a trumpet. The mute100is able to suppress sound volume produced by the brass instrument1due to the straight shape of the downstream edge15L of the main pipe100(which is not enlarged in size and dimensions like a bell shape). That is, the mute100allows the brass instrument1to reproduce resonating characteristics of the bell pipe71while suppressing sound volume. The mute100shown inFIG. 4differs from conventionally mutes such that the branch pipe110thereof does not additionally cause unwanted peaks of resonance in the low register; hence, it is possible to improve pitches and tone colors in correspondence with low-degree peaks of resonance.

Conventional mutes are basically designed to highly suppress players' breathes blown into wind instruments; this may significantly change players' blowing sensations in blowing their breaths into wind instruments. In contrast, the mute100of the present embodiment does not include a suppressing part for rapidly suppressing a player's breath blown into the brass instrument. This may not differentiate a player's blowing sensation between a mute mode of the brass instrument1equipped with the mute100and a normal mode of the brass instrument1not equipped with the mute100.

The present embodiment is able to prevent the brass instrument1from being changed in sound quality in the mute mode of the brass instrument1equipped with the route100, compared to the normal mode of the brass instrument1not equipped with the mute100. In the mute mode, the present embodiment allows a player to play music with the suppressed sound volume but without changing the sound quality of the brass instrument1. Additionally, it is possible to reduce variation of a player's blowing sensation between the mute mode and the normal mode. Moreover, it is possible to prevent the mute100from being unexpectedly fallen off from the brass instrument100because the fixed part31of the mute100comes in contact with the rear portion of the tapered pipe72(which is positioned in the back of the bell pipe71) so as to support the branch pipe110.

It is possible to reproduce other resonating characteristics, simulating the other shape of the pipe structure, rather than the bell pipe71. In this case, it is necessary to redesign the mute100with the branch pipe110simulating the shape of the internal space of the pipe structure. With the brass instrument1equipped with the redesigned mute100, it is possible to reproduce a variety of sounds of wind instruments. With the brass instrument1equipped with the mute100exhibiting desired sounding property, a player is able to play music using various sounds according to various playing techniques of wind instruments such as a specific technique of playing a trumpet.

The present invention is not necessarily limited to the foregoing embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 to 4, which can be further modified in various ways.

(a) First Variation

It is possible to modify the foregoing embodiment such that the main pipe10is entirely or partly covered the auxiliary pipe21.

FIG. 5Ais a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100aaccording to a first variation. The mute100aincludes a main pipe10a, an auxiliary pipe21a, and a fixed part31a. The internal space of the auxiliary pipe21ais connected to the internal space of the main pipe10aat the interconnect part P1. The auxiliary pipe21ais laid to partly cover the exterior of the main pipe10ain its length. Additionally, the auxiliary pipe21ais laid to entirely cover the external circumference of the main pipe10aabout the axial direction; hence, the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21ais shaped to match with the exterior shape of the main pipe10a.

The main pipe10aincludes a first main pipe10a1and a second main pipe10a2; which are separated from each other in the initial state. The interconnect part P1is interposed between the first main pipe10a1. and the second main pipe10a2, which are thus connected together. A player's breath is blown into the main pipe10aand then partly branched into the auxiliary pipe21abecause the auxiliary pipe21ais connected to the first main pipe10a1. The auxiliary pipe21ais connected to the second main pipe10a2via a support10a3.

FIG. 5Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 5A. In FIG. SB, the support10a3is interposed between the second main pipe10a2and the auxiliary pipe21apartly covering the exterior of the second main pipe10a2. That is, the first main pipe10a1and the second main pipe10a2are connected together via the support10a3and the auxiliary pipe21a; hence, these pipes10a1,10a2,21aand the support10a3mutually support each other. In this connection, it is possible to replace the support10a3with another support (not shown) for connecting the first main pipe10a1and the second main pipe10a2.

FIG. 5Cis a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B inFIG. 5A, whereinFIG. 5Cshows another connecting structure different from the structure ofFIG. 5B. InFIG. 5C, the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21ajoins to the internal space of the second main pipe10a2. Viewing in the axial direction, the auxiliary pipe21apartly covers the exterior circumference of the second main pipe10a2in a certain angle, and therefore the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21ais shaped to match with a certain angle of the exterior circumference of the second main pipe10a2. The connecting structure ofFIG. 5Cdoes not need a support interposed between the main pipe10aand the auxiliary pipe21abecause the auxiliary pipe21ais directly connected to both of the first main pipe10a1and the second main pipe10a2. Compared to the auxiliary pipe21shown inFIG. 4, the auxiliary pipe21ashown inFIG. 5has a degree of freedom in changing its position close to the front side of the brass instrument1. This expands a movable range of the auxiliary pipe21a, thus further increasing the performance ability to produce desired pitches and desired tone colors.

(b) Second Variation

In the foregoing embodiment ofFIG. 4, the interconnect part P1coupled with the auxiliary pipe21is fixed to the side face of the main pipe10; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to arrange the interconnect part P1inside the internal space of the main pipe10.

FIG. 6is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100baccording to a second variation. The mute100bincludes a fixed part a main pipe10band an auxiliary pipe21b, both of which are elongated in the axial direction, as well as a fixed part31b. The auxiliary pipe21bhaving a relatively small diameter and a longer length is partly inserted into the internal space of the main pipe10bhaving a large diameter; therefore, the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21bis interconnected to the internal space of the main pipe10bat the interconnect part P1. That is, the interconnect part P1, at which the internal space of the main pipe10bis interconnected to the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21b, is not set to the side face of the main pipe10bbut set to the inside of the main pipe10b. In this structure, a player's breath blown into the main pipe10bis branched into the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21bat the interconnect part P1. Additionally, a player's breath is partly flown into the space formed between the interior of the main pipe10band the exterior of the auxiliary pipe21b. The second variation is similar to the first variation ofFIG. 5Bin that the main pipe10band the auxiliary pipe21bare connected together via a support (not shown).

(c) Third Variation

In the foregoing embodiment ofFIG. 4, the main pipe10maintains the same sectional area between the upstream side and the downstream side divided at the interconnect part P1; but it is possible to change the sectional area of the main pipe10. For example, it is possible to design a mute, including a main pipe and an auxiliary pipe, such that the shape of the upstream side of a main pipe approximately matches with the combined shape consisting of the downstream side of a main pipe and an auxiliary pipe. In this structure, the sectional area of the upstream side of a main pipe differs from the sectional area of the downstream side of a main pipe at an interconnect part.

FIG. 7Ais a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100caccording to a third variation. InFIG. 7A, the mute100cincludes a main pipe10c, an auxiliary pipe21c, and a fixed part31c. The auxiliary pipe21cis interconnected to the main pipe10cat the interconnect part P1. The main pipe10cincludes a first main pipe10c1(which is laid in the upstream side of the main pipe10c, i.e. the right side from the interconnect part P1) and a second main pipe10c2(which is laid in the downstream side of the main pipe10c, i.e. the left side from the interconnect part P1). The first main pipe10c1has a circular sectional shape.

FIG. 78is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C inFIG. 7A. InFIG. 7B, both the second main pipe10c2and the auxiliary pipe21chave a semicircular sectional shape. The second main pipe10c2and the auxiliary pipe21care coupled together to form a circular sectional shape which approximately matches with the circular sectional shape of the first main pipe10c1in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 7B.

In the foregoing embodiment, the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21are configured of straight pipes whose sectional areas are unchanged in the axial direction; but it is possible to employ a tapered pipe, a bell-shaped pipe having a certain curvature, or other types of pipes. It is possible to combine a straight pipe with a tapered pipe, or it is possible to combine other types of pipes.

Next, three examples according to a fourth variation will be described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10, whereinFIGS. 8 and 9show examples utilizing a partially tapered main pipe, andFIG. 10shows an example utilizing a partially tapered auxiliary pipe.

FIG. 8is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100daccording to the fourth variation. The mute100dincludes a main pipe10d, an auxiliary pipe21d, and a fixed part31d. The internal space of the auxiliary pipe21dis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10dat the interconnect part P1. The main pipe10dincludes a first main pipe10d1(which is laid in the upstream side of the main pipe10d, i.e. the right side from the interconnect part P1) and a second main pipe10d2(which is laid in the downstream side of the main pipe10d, i.e. the left side from the interconnect part P1). The second main pipe10d2is configured of a reverse tapered pipe whose sectional area is gradually decreased towards the distal end. This structure is able to further suppress sound volume of the brass instrument1in comparison with the foregoing embodiment.FIG. 8shows that the boundary between the first main pipe10d1and the second main pipe10d2is set to the intermediate position along the main pipe10d; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to set the boundary between the first main pipe10d1and the second main pipe10d2to the upstream side or the downstream side of the main pipe10d.

FIG. 9is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100eaccording to the fourth variation. The mute100eincludes a main pipe10e, an auxiliary pipe21e, and a fixed part31e. The internal space of the main pipe10eis connected to the internal space of the auxiliary pipe21eat the interconnect part P1. The main pipe10eincludes a first main pipe10e1(which is laid in the upstream side of the main pipe10e, i.e. the right side from the interconnect part P1) and a second main pipe10e2(which is laid in the downstream side of the main pipe10e, i.e. the left side from the interconnect part P1). The second main pipe10e2is configured of a forward tapered pipe whose sectional area is gradually increased towards the distal end. This structure is able to slightly increase sound volume of the brass instrument1in comparison with the foregoing embodiment. In other words, it is possible to reduce suppression of sound volume by use of the mute100ecompared to the mute100of the foregoing embodiment.

FIG. 10is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100faccording to the fourth variation. The mute100fincludes a main pipe10f, an auxiliary pipe21f, and a fixed part31f. The internal space of the auxiliary pipe21fis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10fat the interconnect part P1. The mute100fofFIG. 10is a modification of the mute100aofFIG. 5A, wherein the main pipe10fcorresponds to the main pipe10awhile the auxiliary pipe21fcorresponds to the auxiliary pipe21a. InFIG. 10, the auxiliary pipe21fis configured of a reverse tapered pipe whose sectional area is gradually decreased toward the distal end.

These examples illustrate various shapes applicable to branch pipes of mutes; hence, they are not restrictive. It is possible to combine a straight pipe with a forward tapered pipe and a reverse tapered pipe. Additionally, it is possible to arrange the interconnect part P1not only in a straight portion of a main pipe but also in a forward tapered portion or a reverse tapered portion of a main pipe.

(e) Fifth Variation In the foregoing embodiment, the branch pipe110of the mute100includes two pipes (i.e. the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21) and a single interconnect part P1; but it is possible to combine three or more pipes interconnected at two or more interconnect parts. Three examples according to a fifth variation will be described with reference toFIGS. 11 to 13, each of which illustrates a branch pipe including two auxiliary pipes interconnected to a main pipe at two interconnect parts. Herein, each branch pipe is configured of three pipes, i.e. two auxiliary pipes and one main pipe; but it is possible to redesign each branch pipe arranging four or more pipes.

FIG. 11is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument equipped with a mute100gaccording to a fifth variation. The mute100gofFIG. 11is a modification of the mute100aofFIG. 5A. The mute100gincludes a main pipe10g, a first auxiliary pipe21g, a second auxiliary pipe22g, and a fixed part31g. The internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21gis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10gat an interconnect part P1, while the internal space of the second auxiliary pipe22gis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10gat an interconnect part P2. A player's breath blown into the main pipe10gis branched into the first auxiliary pipe21gat the interconnect part P1, at which the first auxiliary pipe21gis connected to the upstream side of the main pipe10g; subsequently, a player's breath propagating inside the main pipe10gafter the interconnect part P1is branched into the second auxiliary pipe22gat the interconnect part P2, at which the second auxiliary pipe22gis connected to the downstream side of the main pipe10g. That is, the mute100gis characterized by arranging the two interconnect parts P1, P2for branching a player's breath propagating through the main pipe10g.

The main pipe10gincludes a first main pipe10g1, a second main pipe10g2, and a third main pipe10g3, which can be separated from each other. A player's breath blown into the main pipe10gis partly branched into the first auxiliary pipe21gat the interconnect part P1formed between the first main pipe10g1and the second main pipe10g2. A player's breath propagating through the main pipe10gis partly branched into the second auxiliary pipe22gat the interconnect part P2formed between the second main pipe10g2and the third main pipe10g3. Similar to the connecting structure of the first variation shown inFIG. 5A, the first auxiliary pipe21gis connected between the first main pipe10g1and the second main pipe10g2, while the second auxiliary pipe22gis connected between the second main pipe10g2and the third main pipe10g3. Compared to the mute100ausing a single branch pipe with a single interconnect part, the mute100ghaving a plurality of branch pipes with a plurality of interconnect parts is able to reproduce resonating characteristics caused with various shapes of pipes.

FIG. 12is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100haccording to the fifth variation. The mute100his a modification of the mute100bof the second variation shown inFIG. 6. The mute100hincludes a main pipe100h, a first auxiliary pipe21h, a second auxiliary pipe22h, and a fixed part31h. The internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21his connected to the internal space of the main pipe10hat the interconnect part P1, while the internal space of the second auxiliary pipe22his connected to the internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21hat the interconnect part P2. A player's breath blown into the main pipe10his partly branched into the first auxiliary pipe21hat the interconnect part P1at which the first auxiliary pipe21his connected to the main pipe10h. A player's breath propagating through the main pipe10his partly branched into the second auxiliary pipe22hat the interconnect part P2at which the second auxiliary pipe22his connected to the first auxiliary pipe21h. Similar to the connecting structure of the second variation shown inFIG. 6, the first auxiliary pipe21his connected to the main pipe10hwhile the second auxiliary pipe22his connected to the first auxiliary pipe21h.

FIG. 13is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100kaccording to the fifth variation. The mute100kis a modification of the mute100cof the third variation shown inFIG. 7. The mute100kincludes a main pipe10k, a first auxiliary pipe21k, a second auxiliary pipe22k, and a fixed part31k. The main pipe10kincludes a first main pipe10k1having a large sectional area and a second main pipe10k2having a small sectional area. The internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21kis connected to the internal space of the first main pipe10k1at the interconnect part P1, while the internal space of the second auxiliary pipe22kis connected to the internal space of the second main pipe10k2at the interconnect part P2. A player's breath blown in to the first main pipe10k1is partly branched into the first auxiliary pipe21kat the interconnect part P1at which the first auxiliary pipe21kis connected to the first main pipe10k1, wherein a part of a player's breath propagating through the first main pipe10k1is introduced into the second main pipe10k2. A player's breath propagating through the second main pipe10k2is partly branched into the second auxiliary pipe22kat the interconnect part P2at which the second auxiliary pipe22kis connected to the second main pipe10k2. The connecting structure formed between the first main pipe10k1, the second main pipe10k2, and the first auxiliary pipe21kshown inFIG. 13is similar to the connecting structure formed between the first main pipe10c1, the second main pipe10c2, and the auxiliary pipe21cshown inFIG. 7. The second auxiliary pipe22kis connected to the lower side face of the second main pipe10k2, wherein the second auxiliary pipe22kis deviated in position from the axial direction of the bell pipe71. It is possible to effectively utilize the internal apace of the bell pipe71when the second auxiliary pipe22kis extended in the axial direction of the bell pipe71in connection with the second main pipe10k2. In this connection, it is possible to combine two pipes having different sectional areas serving as an upstream side and a downstream side of the second main pipe10k2divided at the interconnect part P2.

In the foregoing embodiment, the fixed part31of the mute100is filled in the gap between the exterior of the main pipe10and the interior of the bell pipe71so that a player's breath is entirely flown into the main pipe10; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to redesign the mute100such that a part of a player's breath may be flown into the gap between the exterior of the main pipe10and the interior of the bell pipe71.

FIG. 14Ais a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100maccording to a sixth variation. The mute100mis a modification of the mute100g, precluding the first auxiliary pipe21gand modifying the fixed part31g. The mute100mincludes a main pipe10m, an auxiliary pipe22m, and fixed parts31mhaving internal spaces32m(i.e. three fixed parts31m1,32m1,31m3having internal spaces32m1,32m2,32m3). The internal space of the auxiliary pipe22mis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10mat the interconnect part P2, wherein the main pipe10mincludes a first main pipe10m1and a second main pipe10m2.

FIG. 14Bis a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D inFIG. 14A. InFIG. 14B, the mute100mincludes the three fixed parts31m1,31m2,31m3. The fixed parts31m1,31m2,31m3are interposed between the tapered pipe72of the bell pipe71and the first main pipe10m1such that they are placed in contact with the interior of the tapered pipe72and the exterior of the first main pipe10m1, whilst the internal spaces32m1,32m2,32m3are defined between the interior of the tapered pipe72and the exterior of the first main pipe10m1in proximity to the fixed parts31m1,31m2,31m3. The upstream edges of the internal space32m1,32m2,32m3are placed in connection with the upstream edge of the first main pipe10m1. Thus, a player's breath is flown into the first main pipe10m1while partly branched into the internal spaces32m1,32m2,32m3. The sum of the sectional areas of the upstream edges of the internal spaces32m1,32m2,32m3is smaller than the sectional area of the first main pipe10m1.

Next, other modifications of the trinary fixed parts with internal spaces formed between the exterior of the first main pipe10m1and the interior of the tapered pipe72will be described with reference toFIGS. 15A to 15C.FIGS. 15A to 15Care cross-sectional views sowing modified examples of the fixed parts31maccording to the sixth variation.

FIG. 15Ashows a fixed part31mawith internal spaces32ma1,32ma2,32ma3which are formed not using the interior of the tapered pipe72and the exterior of the first main pipe10m1. The internal spaces32ma1,32ma2,32ma3are formed inside the fixed part31ma, and therefore they are not placed in contact with the interior of the tapered pipe72and the exterior of the first main pipe10m1.

FIG. 15Bshows a fixed part31mbwith internal spaces32mb1,32mb2,32mb3winch are formed using the exterior of the first main pipe10m1but not using the interior of the tapered pipe72, The internal spaces32mb1,32mb2,32mb3are formed inside the fixed part.32mbin connection with the exterior of the first main pipe10m1, but they are not placed in contact with the exterior of the tapered pipe72.

FIG. 15Cshows a fixed part31mcwith internal spaces32mc1,32mc2,32mc3which are formed using the interior of the tapered pipe72but not using the exterior of the first main pipe10m1. The internal spaces32mc1,32mc2,32mc3are formed inside the fixed part31mcin contact with the interior of the tapered pipe72, but they are not placed in contact with the exterior of the first main pipe10m1.

As described above, it is possible to propose various examples regarding formation of internal spaces of fixed parts allowing a player's breath to partly transmit therethrough. It is possible to combine these examples regarding formation of internal spaces of fixed parts. For example, it is possible to arrange three fixed parts having internal spaces shown inFIGS. 15A,15B,15C in the gap between the interior of the tapered pipe72and the exterior of the main pipe10m.

Due to the internal spaces (or cavities) formed inside the fixed parts, the sixth variation is able to reduce resistance to an air flow owing to the fixed parts rather than the foregoing fixed parts precluding internal spaces, thus improving a user's blowing sensation with playing a brass instrument.

If Is possible to modify the nude100gof the fifth embodiment such that the first auxiliary pipe21gand the second auxiliary pipe22gare combined together via their internal spaces communicating with each other.

FIG. 16is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100paccording to a seventh variation. The mute100pincludes a main, pipe top, a first auxiliary pipe21p, a second auxiliary pipe22p, and a fixed part31p. The main pipe10pincludes a first main pipe10p1and a second main pipe10p2, which can be separated from each other. The internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21pis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10pat the interconnect part P1, while the internal space of the second auxiliary pipe22pis connected to the internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21pat the interconnect part P2. Herein, the first auxiliary pipe21ppartially covers the second main pipe10p2, while the second auxiliary pipe22ppartially covers the first main pipe10p1.

A player's breath blown into the main pipe10pis partially branched into the first auxiliary pipe21pat the interconnect part P1at which the first main pipe10p1is connected to the second main pipe10p2. Additionally, a player's breath branched into the first auxiliary pipe21pis partially branched into the second auxiliary pipe22pat the interconnect part P2at which the first auxiliary pipe21pis connected to the second auxiliary pipe22p. Similar to the connecting structure of the first variation shown inFIG. 5B, the first auxiliary pipe21pand the second auxiliary pipe22pare fixed to the main pipe10pby use of supports (not shown).

InFIG. 16, the interconnect parts P1, P2are placed in proximity to each other in connection with the integrally unified branch pipe; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to determine the interconnect pans P1, P2at different positions in connection with different pipes.

FIG. 17is a longitudinal sectional view of the brass instrument1equipped with a mute100qaccording to the seventh variation. The mute100qincludes a main pipe10q, a first auxiliary pipe21q, a second auxiliary pipe22q, and a fixed part31q. The internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21qis connected to the internal space of the main pipe10qat the interconnect part P1, while the internal space of the second auxiliary pipe22qis connected to the internal space of the first auxiliary pipe21qat the interconnect part P2. A player's breath blown into the main pipe10qis partly branched into the first auxiliary pipe21qat the interconnect part P1. A player's breath branched into the first auxiliary pipe21qis partly branched into the second auxiliary pipe22qat the interconnect part P2.

In the foregoing embodiment, the mute100includes a plurality of pipes which are integrally unified together; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to design a mute with a main pipe constituted of a plurality of detachably connectible components.

FIG. 18is a longitudinal sectional view of a mute100raccording to an eighth variation. The mute100rincludes a first main pipe10r1, a second main pipe10r2, a third main pipe10r3, an auxiliary pipe21r, a fixed part31r, a first connector33r1, and a second connector33r2. The internal space of the auxiliary pipe21ris connected to the internal space of the second main pipe10r2. The fixed part31ris attached to an upstream edge15r1U of the first main pipe10r1. The first connector33r1is attached to a downstream edge15r1L of the first main pipe10r1. The downstream edge15r1L of the first main pipe10r1is connected to an upstream edge15r2U of the second main pipe10r2via the first connector33r1. The second connector33r2is attached to a downstream edge15r2L of the second main pipe10r2. The downstream edge15r2L of the second main pipe10r2is connected to an upstream edge15r3U of the third main pipe10r3via the second connector33r2.

It is possible to realize the same constitution as the route100when the first main pipe10r1, the second main pipe10r2, and the third main pipe10r3are connected together by means of the first connector33r1and the second connector33r2. The mute100rof the eighth variation is advantageous in terms of portability because the mute100rcan be easily disassembled into three components (i.e. the three main pipes10r1,10r2,10r3) which are small enough to be collectively kept in a case or the like. In this connection, it is possible to modify the mute100rsuch that the auxiliary pipe21rcan be detachably attached to the second main pipe10r2.

In the foregoing embodiment, the fixed part31is interposed between the main pipe10and the tapered pipe72; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to modify the fixed part31to be interposed between the bell72and the main pipe10according to a ninth variation. In this modification, a player's breath is temporarily broadened inside the internal space of the bell73having a large sectional area and then flown into the internal space of the main pipe10having a small sectional area. The ninth variation may alter a player's blowing sensation in comparison with the foregoing embodiment.

In the foregoing embodiment, the branch pipe110of the mute100includes a plurality of pipes each of which having an opening at one edge; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to form an opening on the side face of each pipe according to a tenth variation. The tenth variation does not need an opening at one edge of each pipe, which is replaced with an opening on the side face.

In the foregoing embodiment, the mute100includes the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21whose lengths cannot be changed; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to modify the main pipe10and the auxiliary pipe21with changeable lengths. For example, it is possible to use a slide pipe which can be partially operated to change its length. In this case, it is necessary to arrange a stopper for fixing the changed part of a slide pipe which is partially operated to change its length. That is, a player may partially operate a slide pipe to change its lengths, and then a player may fix the changed part of a slide pipe in position with a stopper. This makes it possible to change resonating property of a mute. A player is able to play music with various sounds by use of a mute which can be changed in resonating property and attached to a brass instrument.

In the foregoing embodiment, the mute100includes a plurality of pipes each of which has a circular sectional shape; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to employ pipes with elliptical sectional shapes, polygonal sectional shapes, or the like. Alternatively, it is possible to employ pipes whose sectional shapes may be differentiated in the axial direction. For example, it is possible to employ pipes with internal spaces whose sectional shapes may be continuously changed or discontinuously changed.

The mutes according to the foregoing embodiment and variations are each configured of a plurality of pipes whose axial directions are perpendicular to each or parallel to each other; but this is not a restriction. It is possible to design mutes each including a plurality of pipes whose axial directions cross each other with an arbitrary angle except for 0 degrees (i.e. parallel) and 90 degrees (i.e. perpendicular). Alternatively, it is possible to modify the mute100such that the axial direction of the auxiliary pipe21is slanted to the axial direction of the main pipe10.

Next, the resonating property of a brass instrument with/without a mute according to the foregoing embodiment and its variations will be discussed below.

FIG. 21is a graph showing resonating property of a brass instrument with/without a conventional mute, wherein P0denotes a characteristic curve representing resonating peaks of a brass instrument without a mute, while Cm denotes a characteristic curve representing resonating peaks of a brass instrument with a conventional mute. This graph clearly shows that the conventional mute inevitably undergoes unwanted resonating peaks in the low register.

FIG. 22is a graph showing resonating property of a brass instrument with/without a mute having two branch pipes (e.g. the mute100gshown inFIG. 11), wherein P0denotes a characteristic curve representing resonating peaks of a brass instrument without a mute, while Pm denotes a characteristic curve representing resonating peaks of a brass instrument with the mute100g. Compared toFIG. 21showing that the conventional mute inevitably undergoes resonating peaks in the low register,FIG. 22clearly shows that at the mute100gdoes not cause unwanted resonating peaks in the low register. Thus, it is possible to improve pitches and tone colors at low-degree peaks.

In this connection, a mute with a single branch pipe does not cause unwanted resonating peaks in the low register, whilst the mute100ghaving two branch pipes is able to further improve pitches and tone colors. Additionally,FIG. 22shows that two characteristic curves Pm, P0(relating to a brass instrument with/without the mute100g) exhibit their resonating properties with small deviations of pitches therebetween. This indicates that the mute100gis able to reproduce pitches in a more accurate manner than the conventional mute.

Lastly, the present invention is described in conjunction with the foregoing embodiment and variations, which can be further modified in various ways within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.