Bell and hammer rotational device

A bell and hammer rotational device is shown and described. The bell and hammer rotational device includes a frame which is made up of at least two side walls. The frame has a spindle rotatably secured thereto. A rotational device is coupled to the spindle such that the spindle will rotate the rotational device, when the spindle is rotated. At least one bell is secured about a perimeter of the rotational device. A bell hammer is secured to the frame. The bell hammer is positioned such that it will strike the at least one bell, at least once, with each revolution of the rotational device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bell and hammer rotational device. More particularly, the present invention provides a rotational device having bells located thereon with an external hammer for ringing the bells.

Bells have been used throughout history to produce sounds for a vast quantity of reasons. Bells have been used as warnings, music making devices, or for other notifications purposes. The usefulness of the bell is unmistakable. As such the technology behind bells and striking a bell is ever evolving.

Throughout history two primary striking methods for bells has emerged. The first is having an internal clapper. This clapper is usually in the form of a free-swinging device which is secured to the interior of the bell. The second method is via a hammer. A hammer is a device which is not secured to the bell and is used to strike the bell, then be removed from contact. Hammers traditionally produce a crisper and overall better sound.

Bells have been used for notification purposes throughout history. Many are familiar with the bell placed on a desk to gain the attention of the desk attendant or the bell hung above a shop door to alert one to an entrance of a customer. Even doorbells used to be made from actual bells. One of these doorbell designs allowed the movement of various bells on wheels as the device was moved. This would cause an interior clapper to ring the bell. There are many downfalls with the prior art design. The largest of which is the use of an internal clapper. This design leads to several drawbacks as discussed above and more which will be detailed throughout this specification.

Consequently, there is a need for an improvement in the art of bells and wheels having bells thereon. The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art while at the same time solves a problem many people face when attempting to ring multiple bells with one continuous motion. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a bell and hammer rotational device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when wishing to ring a plurality of bells having a crisp sweet sound. The bell and hammer rotational device is comprised of a frame which includes at least two side walls. The frame has a spindle rotatably secured thereto. A rotational device is coupled to the spindle and the spindle will rotate the rotational device. A bell is secured about the rotational device. A bell hammer is secured to the frame. The bell hammer is positioned such that it will strike the bell, at least once, with each revolution of the rotational device.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have a plurality of bells secured about a perimeter of the rotational device.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have each of the plurality of bells secured at equal distances apart about the perimeter of the rotational device.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have the bell hammer rotatably secured to the frame.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have a handle secured to the spindle.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have a counterweight secured to the bell hammer at an upper end of a hammer shaft.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have the plurality of bells comprise of bells having differing sizes.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have the rotational device be circular.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have the rotational device have at least one spoke therein.

Another object of the bell and hammer rotational device is to have the bell secured via a nut and bolt connection.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.101Bells102Wheel103Ringing Device201rotational Device202Spokes203At Least One Bell301Frame301aSidewall301bTop Cross Bar301cBottom Cross Bar302Aperture303Spindle304Decorative Items305Brackets305aApertures401Handle402Hammer403Hammer Rod404Second Spindle405Counterweight501Nut502Bolt503Washer601Stabilizing Device701Frame701aSidewalls701bTop Cross Bar701cBottom Cross Bar702Spindle703Handle704aFirst Rotational Device704bSecond Rotational Device704cThird Rotational Device705aAt Least One Bell705bAt Least One Bell705cAt Least One Bell706aAt Least One Spoke706bAt Least One Spoke706cAt Least One Spoke707aFirst Hammer707bSecond Hammer707cThird Hammer708aFirst Hammer Shaft708bSecond Hammer Shaft708cThird Hammer Shaft709aCounterweight709bCounterweight709cCounterweight

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the bell wheel and hammer device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the bell wheel and hammer device. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown a side view of a prior art bell device. The prior art device has a wheel101containing a plurality of bells102. These bells102have internal ringing devices103. The internal ringing devices103will ring each of the bells102as the wheel101rotates. In the prior art there is no way to determine when the bell102will be rung. It can be rung at any instant. This means that more than one bell may be run at once. Further, the bell102may not be struck at the most opportune time meaning the bell102will produce a less than optimal sound. The internal ringing devices103will have all the drawbacks as discussed above and none of the benefits of any of the new embodiments described throughout.

Referring now toFIG. 2, there is shown a top-down view of an embodiment of the bell and hammer rotational device. The device is comprised of a rotational device201. In the shown embodiment the rotational device201is a circular shape. In another embodiment the rotational device201is of another geometric shape. SeeFIGS. 6A-6Cfor a further description of the different shapes and benefits for each.

In one embodiment the rotational device201includes a spoke202. In one embodiment a spoke will travel through the center of the rotational device201. This will allow the rotational device201to be attached to a spindle (303ofFIG. 3). In another embodiment the spokes201are connected to a connection piece which will connect to the spindle (303ofFIG. 3). In a further embodiment there are multiple spokes202. This will add additional support for the rotational device201. In some embodiments, as seen throughout this disclosure, the spokes202are used as decorative pieces in addition to structural elements. The spoke patterns are in no way limiting upon the disclosure and as such, many different patterns may be used.

The rotational device201will allow for at least one bell203to be secured thereto. In the shown embodiment the at least one bell203is secured about the perimeter of the rotational device201. As the rotational device201is spun the at least one bell203will rotate. In the shown embodiment there is more than one bell203secured to the rotational device201. In one embodiment the bells203are placed at equal distances around the rotational device201. In a further embodiment the bells203are placed around a perimeter of the rotational device201. This will produce a repeating sound.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the bell and hammer rotational device. The bell and hammer rotational device is comprised of a frame301. In different embodiments the frame may have different structural features. Each frame configuration will allow for a rotational device201to support bells203and have the bells203rung by a hammer. In the shown embodiment the frame includes a pair of sidewalls301a. The pair of sidewalls are connected to a top cross bar301band a bottom cross bar301c. In this embodiment the frame301forms a rectangular shape. The rectangular shape will provide adequate support for a variety of different rotational devices201.

In the shown embodiment the pair of sidewalls301aeach have an aperture302located therethrough. A spindle303is rotatably secured to the frame301via the apertures302. This will allow the spindle303to be rotatably coupled to the frame301. In another embodiment the spindle303is rotatably secured to the frame via only one aperture and a tubing secured about the aperture302. The spindle303is further coupled to the rotational device201via the at least one spoke202. When the spindle303is rotated the rotational device201will also rotate. The spindle303will position the rotational device201such that the bells203will be rotated within the frame301.

In the shown embodiment the frame301has at least one decorative item304secured thereto. The decorative item(s)304, unless otherwise stated, are for aesthetics only. However, some decorative items304will have special purposes. In the shown embodiment the decorative items304are secured to the external parts of the frame301. In the shown embodiment the spokes202are also decorative. The spokes202are still connected from the center of the rotational device201to the interior perimeter of the rotational device201, thus securing the rotational device201to the spindle303.

In various embodiments the frame301will include at least one mounting bracket305. In the shown embodiment the mounting brackets305are bars which extend from the frame301. The bars have apertures305alocated therethrough. The apertures305awill allow for securement devices to be placed therein. The securement devices may include, but are not limited to, screws, nails, or bolts. This will allow for the device to be secured to various structures.

Referring now toFIG. 4A, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the bell and hammer rotational device. In one embodiment the spindle302has a handle401secured thereto. The handle401will allow for the rotation device201to be manually rotated. In another embodiment the spindle302has a pulley attached thereto. The pulley will allow for rotation via a belt drive and motor. In yet a further embodiment, the spindle302is directly attached to a rotational motor. This will allow for a rotation via only a motor.

In one embodiment a plurality of bells203are used. In a further embodiment the plurality of bells is comprised of different sized bells203. A first set of bells203is made up of large sized bells203a. A second set of bells203is made up of medium sized bells203b. A third set of bells is made up of small sized bells203c. These different sized bells203will allow for a single device to produce multiple different sounds. In one embodiment the bells are spaced equal distances apart around the rotation device201. In another embodiment the bells203are placed at varying intervals along the rotational device201. This will allow the device to encompass, for example, different musical tempos or better spacing of different sized bells.

Each bell203is rung at least once per rotation via a hammer402. The hammer402may be of many different shapes and sizes. In one embodiment the hammer402is shaped like a cylinder. This shape is more of a traditional hammer shape. In another embodiment the hammer402is a sphere. This shape will ensure solid contact with the bell203at only one point. In various embodiments the hammer402is made from different materials. One benefit from different materials is the hardness of the materials. Different hardness will produce different sounds when the bell203is struck. Further benefits of different hardness pertain to forces required to produce the desired sound. In an embodiment with a harder hammer the force required to produce a sound is much less than that of a softer hardness. Hardness will not only allow for different forces to be used but as a result can also effect the volume of the bells.

In some embodiments the hammer402is secured to a hammer rod403. The hammer rod403will be secure to the frame301. The hammer rod403may have a variety of different lengths. Different lengths will allow for different swing lengths and different forces to be applied to the bell. In one embodiment the hammer rod403has an adjustable length. This will allow the hammer rod to be of a single length while allowing for different forces and swing lengths of the hammer402.

Referring now toFIG. 4B, there is shown a close-up view of an embodiment of the bell and hammer rotational device. In this embodiment a different version of the hammer402is shown. In this embodiment the hammer402is rotatably secured to the frame301. This will allow the hammer402to function similar to a pendulum. In yet another embodiment the hammer402is secured to the frame or rotational device using a spring. In the embodiment where the hammer402is secured to the rotational device, the hammer will be able to tilt back and forth striking bells positioned on either side as the rotational device201turns.

In the shown embodiment the hammer402is connected to a second spindle404. The second spindle404is rotatably coupled to the frame301. This will allow the hammer402to rotate each time it strikes a bell203. In different embodiments the hammer rod403is of differing lengths. This will allow the hammer402to be positioned to properly hit different sized bells203.

In one embodiment there is a counterweight405secured to the hammer rod403at the end opposite the hammer402. The counterweight405will prevent the hammer402from swinging back to the starting position too quickly striking the bell203for an unintended second time. In different embodiments the hammer rod403will extend to different lengths past the second spindle404. This will allow for a single counterweight405to have differing effects on the hammer swing speed.

Referring now toFIG. 5, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of the bell and hammer rotational device. In different embodiments the bells203are secured to the rotational device201in different ways. In one embodiment the bells203are secured to rotational device201via welds. This will secure the bells203directly to the rotational device201in a permanent manner. This of course, has the drawback of preventing the bells203from being easily removed.

In another embodiment the bells203are secured to the rotational device201via a nut501and bolt502. In one embodiment the bolt502is placed through an aperture in the rotational device201and an aperture in the bell203. The nut501is then secured to the bolt502thus securing the bell203to the rotational device201. In one embodiment the nut501and bolt502are made from nylon. The nylon will allow the bell to produce the best possible sound due to the insulative properties the material possesses. In yet another embodiment a washer503is placed between the rotational device201and the bell203. In one embodiment the washer503is made from a rubber material. In another embodiment the washer503is made from nylon.

Referring now toFIG. 6A-FIG. 6Cthere is shown perspective views of embodiments of the bell and hammer rotational device. In these figures there are shown different shapes possible for the rotational device and different frame configurations. These configurations in no way alter the overall concept of the disclosure and therefore should not be considered separated fromFIG. 2-FIG. 5.

In one embodiment the frame301of the device includes only a pair of sidewalls301a. In one embodiment the pair of sidewalls301aare parallel to each other as previously shown. In one embodiment the pair of sidewalls301aform a triangular shape. This shape will allow for the rotational device201to be secured therein and for the hammer402to still be positioned in a location adequate to contact the bells203. This frame configuration will also eliminate the need for cross bars and thus will reduce weight.

In another embodiment the frame301is comprised of a single sidewall301aand a top cross bar301b. In this embodiment the spindle303is still rotatably coupled to the sidewall301a. In one embodiment a stabilizing device601is added to the connection. The stabilizing device601will better allow the spindle303to support the rotational device201. The hammer402will be secured to the top cross bar301ballowing it to properly strike the bells203. In one embodiment the top cross bar301bis cylindrically shaped to easily allow the hammer402to be rotatably secured thereto. In another embodiment the top cross bar301bhas a connection point secured thereto which will allow the hammer402to be rotatably coupled thereto. In one embodiment the connection point is a rounded section of the top cross bar301b. In another embodiment the connection point is comprised of an aperture having a connection point therein which will allow for the hammer402to be rotatably coupled thereto.

In one embodiment, as described above, the rotational device201is circular. In another embodiment the rotational device201is square. In this embodiment bells203may be secured to the corners of the square. In another embodiment smaller bells203are secured to the corners and larger bells203are secured along the sidewalls301a. This will allow the hammer402to strike each bell203in the same location despite the size.

In one embodiment the rotational device201is a triangular shape. The triangular shape will allow for larger bells203to be placed on the sidewalls301aof the triangle while ensuring the rotational device201will still fit within the frame301. In yet a further embodiment the rotational device is hexagonal. In the shown embodiment smaller bells203are added to the corners of the rotational device201while larger bells203are located on the walls of the rotational device201.

In yet other embodiments the rotational device201is of another geometric shape. Different geometric shapes will present different aesthetic features as well as different functional features for bell placement.

Referring now toFIG. 7,FIG. 8, andFIG. 9, there is shown perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the bell and hammer rotational device having two rotational devices. For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that any of the above-mentioned options for shape, size and component options may also be incorporated into the features described below as it relates to an additional rotational device. In one embodiment the bell rotational and hammer device is comprised of a frame701. In the shown embodiment the frame includes a pair of sidewalls701a. The frame further includes a top cross bar701band a bottom cross bar701c. In this embodiment the frame701is rectangular. However, other shapes may be used as described above.

The device includes a spindle702. In the shown embodiment the spindle702is rotatably secured to each of the sidewalls701a. This will provide a stable connection which will support the spindle702. In the shown embodiment the spindle702has a handle703attached thereto. The handle703will allow a user to rotate the spindle702with ease. In another embodiment the spindle702is rotated using a motor configuration as described above.

The spindle702has a first rotational device704asecured thereto. The first rotational device704ahas at least one spoke706asecured therein. In one embodiment the at least one spoke706ais a decorative spoke. The at least one spoke706awill allow the spindle702to spin the first rotational device704a. The first rotational device704ahas at least one bell705asecured thereto. In one embodiment the at least one bell705ais secured about a perimeter of the first rotational device704a. The at least one bell705amay be secured in any of the ways discussed herein.

The first rotational device704ahas a first hammer707a. In the shown embodiment the first hammer707ais a sphere but other shapes may be used. Further, the hammer707amay be made out of different materials to alter the hardness of the hammer. In one embodiment the first hammer707ais secured to a first hammer shaft708a. In one embodiment the length of the first hammer shaft708ais adjustable. This will allow for the first hammer707ato have an adjustable swing radius.

In some embodiments the first hammer707aand first hammer shaft708ais secured in a fixed manner to the frame701. In another embodiment the first hammer707ais rotatably secured to the frame701. In one embodiment a counterweight709ais secured to the first hammer shaft708aat an end opposite the first hammer707a. The first counterweight709awill allow for the first hammer707ato have an adjustable return speed. This will allow for the at least one bell705ato clear the second hammer707bbefore it returns to its original position.

In this embodiment the bell and hammer rotational device is comprised of a second rotational device704b. The second rotational device704bis secured to the spindle702. The second rotational device704bhas at least one spoke706bsecured therein. In one embodiment the at least one spoke706bis a decorative spoke. The at least one spoke706bwill allow the spindle702to spin the second rotational device704band the first rotational device704asimultaneously. The second rotational device704bhas at least one bell705bsecured thereto. The at least one bell705bmay be secured in any of the ways discussed herein.

The second rotational device704bhas a second hammer707b. In the shown embodiment the second hammer707bis a sphere but other shapes may be used. Further, the second hammer707bmay be made out of different materials to alter the hardness of the hammer. The second hammer707bis secured to a second hammer shaft708b. In one embodiment the length of the second hammer shaft708bis adjustable. This will allow for the second hammer707bto have an adjustable swing radius.

In some embodiments the second hammer707band second hammer shaft708bis secured in a fixed manner to the frame701. In another embodiment the second hammer707bis rotatably secured to the frame701. In one embodiment a counterweight709bis secured to the second hammer shaft708bat an end opposite the second hammer707b. The counterweight709bwill allow for the second hammer707bto have an adjustable return speed. This will allow for the at least one bell705bto clear the second hammer707bbefore it returns to its original position.

In one embodiment the first rotational device704aand the second rotational device704bare of different sizes. In the shown embodiment this means that diameter A is of a different length from diameter B. In other embodiments this means that the length and/or widths of the rotation devices are different. In one embodiment this means that same sized bells can be rotated at different speeds. In another embodiment this will allow for bells of different sizes to be secured to the rotational devices while still being of a size to fit within the frame701.

In another embodiment the rotational devices are the same size. However, the bells705a,705bare of different sizes. In one embodiment the bells705a,705bare of a different size per respective rotational device. In another embodiment the bells705a,705bare of varying sizes regardless of which rotational device they are secured to.

Referring now toFIG. 10, there is shown a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bell rotational device and hammer device having multiple rotation devices. In different embodiments there are differing numbers of rotational devices. This disclosure is not meant to be limiting on the number of rotational devices used. For example, in the shown embodiment the bell and hammer rotational device is comprised of a third rotational device704c. The third rotational device704cis secured to the spindle702. The third rotational device704chas at least one spoke706csecured therein. In one embodiment the at least one spoke706cis a decorative spoke. The at least one spoke706cwill allow the spindle702to spin the third rotational device704csimultaneously with the first and second rotational devices704a,704b. The third rotational device704chas at least one bell705csecured thereto. The at least one bell705cmay be secured in any of the ways discussed herein.

The third rotational device704chas a third hammer707c. In the shown embodiment the third hammer707cis a sphere but other shapes maybe used. Further, the third hammer707cmay be made out of different materials to alter the hardness of the hammer. The third hammer707cis secured to a third hammer shaft708c. In one embodiment the length of the third hammer shaft708cis adjustable. This will allow for the third hammer707cto have an adjustable swing radius.

In some embodiments the third hammer707cand third hammer shaft708care secured in a fixed manner to the frame701. In another embodiment the third hammer707cis rotatably secured to the frame701. In one embodiment a counterweight709cis secured to the third hammer shaft708cat an end opposite the hammer. The counterweight709cwill allow for the hammer to have an adjustable return speed. This will allow for the at least one bell705cto clear the third hammer707cbefore it returns to its original position.

In various embodiments similar to the descriptions above the rotational devices are of varying sizes. For example, each of the rotational devices may be a different size. In another embodiment only one of the rotational devices is of a different size. Similarly, the bells secured to each rotational device may be of different sizes. In one embodiment the bells on each rotational device are of the same size respectively. In another embodiment the bells on each rotational device are of different sizes.

The below descriptions allow for modifications to be made to any of the above-described embodiments. These modifications do not change the crux of the invention and seek to only make additions thereto. The below embodiments are in no way limiting on the previous disclosure.

In one embodiment the bell and hammer rotational device is designed to be carried or handheld. In one embodiment a second handle is secured to the frame201. In one embodiment the second handle is similar to that of a beer stein. The second handle is attached to a sidewall of the frame and creates a rectangular shape for grasping. This will allow a user to grasp the second handle with one hand and spin the handle secured to the spindle with the other.

In another embodiment the device includes a mounting location. This mounting location is different than the mounting brackets previously discussed. In this embodiment the mounting location will allow the device to be secured to various objects. In one example the mounting location will allow the device to be secured to a music stand or tripod. In another example the device is secured to a harness. The harness, similar to that of a marching bass drum, will allow for the device to be carried and played with relative ease. In these embodiments lighter materials may be used to create the device such as plastic or aluminum.

In another embodiment the device is used as a wind chime. In this embodiment the device is similar to the other devices described herein. There are several slight modifications made to operate the device via wind power. First, the device is placed in a horizontal position. This will remove the force of gravity from spinning the rotational device. This will require the hammer position to also change in some embodiments. The hammer may be moved such that it is secured to an upper sidewall such that it will still function like a pendulum. In another embodiment the hammer is secured in a fixed manner or with a biased back towards the bells. This will ensure that the hammer always strikes the at least one bell. Another addition to the device is wind catching fins. These fins will catch the wind and cause the rotational device to spin thus striking the at least one bell.

In yet another embodiment the device is modified to function similar to a music box. In this embodiment the rotational device is spun via a spring. The spring will be fixed to the frame at one end and fixed to the spindle at another end. When the spindle is rotated in a set direction the spring will be put under pressure. When the spindle is released the spring will force the rotational device to rotate in order to release the pressure on the spring. In one embodiment there is a brake secured to the frame in frictional contact with the rotational device. This will allow a user to select the rotational speed of the rotational device as the spring unwinds.

In a further embodiment the at least one bell is not fixed to the rotational device but is rotatably secured to the rotational device. In this embodiment the rotational device is proportioned such that it has a width that is wider than that of the widest used bell. The rotational device then has a channel placed therein. In one embodiment each bell has a channel. In another embodiment one channel may hold multiple bells. Within the channel each bell is rotatably secured to the rotational device. This will allow the bells to always point in a single direction even as the rotational device is spun.