Soundproofing bag for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing bag (1) for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone made up of a material providing a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the instrument, and provided with a rear opening (9) allowing the hooking of the instrument, of a rear slot (13) for the hooking of the collar (5) to the saxophone, and with two entrances (10, 11), respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone.

Description: The present invention relates to a soundproofing bag for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone. More particularly, the invention relates to a bag of the above kind, allowing to partially or totally soundproofing the same instrument, in case it is wished to play the instrument without troubling too much other people and that can further allow the transportation of the instrument in optimum conditions. The solution has been suitably studied for single and double reed instruments, particularly for alto, tenor, soprano and baritone, and clarinet. As it is well known, saxophone is a wind instrument, generating the sound by the vibration of a "reed" provided in the mouthpiece. The sound, in function of the amount of the dimension of the bell, and particularly of the low range, has a remarkable intensity (even up to 120 dB). Furthermore, it is also known that in case it is wished to reduce the noise of the instrument, the positioning of the keys all along the surveying, prevents the use of usual mute systems, like those used for trumpets. Up today, suitable solutions have not been realised able to reduce the sound emissions of the saxophone. It is also known the needing of having at disposal a bag to transport the saxophone, ensuring the integrity of the instrument. In this situation, the Applicant has realised a solution for a bag that, besides allowing the soundproofing, is able to satisfy the safety and practicality needing during the transportation of the instrument. These and other results are obtained according to the present invention suggesting a bag which is at the same time safe and light for the transportation of the instrument, which protects the same where it is necessary, and that can also be an attenuator, for all the range of the emitted sound intensity. Furthermore, the solution suggested according to the present invention is useful for the beginners during the study, to strengthen the emission and to train the diaphragm, and for those playing the instrument at home, in a not allow time, to avoid to trouble other people, also reducing the condensation phenomenon. DE 4304904 describes a soundproofing container which is the closest solution with respect to the inventive solution. It is therefore specific object of the present invention a soundproofing bag for a saxophone made up of flexible material and provided with two entrances, respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone, characterised in that said flexible material provides a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the saxophone, and in that it is provided with a rear opening allowing the hooking of a collar to the saxophone. Preferably, according to the invention, said bag is provided with means for transportation, particularly with handles and shoulder strap. Still according to the invention, shock absorbing pads can be provided on the bag, in correspondence of the most delicate parts of the instrument. Particularly, said pads can be inflatable by air, preferably by a bellow housed within a housing. Always according to the invention, soundproofing bag according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided a simple pocket, having a squirt for deflating/inflating pneumatic pads. Still according to the invention, said outer layer of the bag is made up of water proof fabric, while said soundproofing material layer can be made up of sponge rubber, having a density variable in function of the absorption needed. The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a lateral view of an embodiment of a bag according to the invention; figure 2 is a lateral view of the bag of figure 1 ready to allow to play the saxophone; and figure 3 shows a particular of the bag of figure 1. Observing now the figures, and at the beginning figure 1, the bag 1 according to the invention is a case soft and conforming to the profile of the instrument. Three different kinds of catches are provided on said bag 1, namely the handles 2, the shoulder strap 3 and the hook 4 with the collar 5 for short moving. Furthermore, pneumatic pads 6 are provided on said bag 1, placed in correspondence of the points much more important for the integral protection of the instrument, which, co-operating with the composition of the cover, makes the bag particularly reliable against casual shocks. Said pneumatic pads 6, that could be provided in different positions, can be inflated and deflated by the squirt 7, which in the rest position is housed within the pocket 8 provided with zipper 9. The lateral pocket 8 provides also the opportunity of placing the fitting elements necessary for the instrument. A long zipper 9 is provided along the bag 1 to allow the introduction and the removal of the instrument. The bag 1 according to the invention is made up of a material comprising a preferably waterproof, fabric outer layer, a soundproofing intermediate layer, preferably made up of sponge-rubber, and an inner layer, made up of an air and steam permeable fabric. As it can be seen from figures 2 and 3, once the instrument safely reached the destination, or in case it is wished to play the instrument at home or in other situations that could trouble other people, it will be sufficient to use the bag 1 suitably prepared. Two entrances, respectively 10 and 11, are further provided on the bag 1, respectively for the introduction of the right and the left hand to play the instrument still within the bag 1. Therefore, to play the saxophone it will be sufficient to partially open the rear zipper 9, placing the neck 12, with the opening in the right position. Then the collar 5 is hooked to the hook 4 of the saxophone through the slot 13 and the pad 6 volume is reduced letting some air exiting. Now the entrances 10 and 11 are opened to put the hands on the keyboard, and thus it is possible to play the instrument. If necessary, by the rear zipper 9 it is possible, adjusting its opening, increase or reduce the perceivable sound intensity; In case of complete closure, it will allow to obtain a noise reduction of 50 - 60 %, without any instrument timbre and tuning variation. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims: Soundproofing bag (1) for a saxophone made up of flexible material and provided with two entrances (10, 11), respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone, characterised in that said flexible material provides a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the saxophone, and in that it is provided with a rear opening (13) allowing the hooking of a collar to the saxophone. Soundproofing bag (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it is provided with means (2, 3, 4) for transportation. Soundproofing bag (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it is provided with handles (2) and shoulder strap (3). Soundproofing bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that shock absorbing pads (6) are provided on the bag (1), in correspondence of the most delicate parts of the instrument. Soundproofing bag (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that said pads (6) are inflatable by air. Soundproofing bag (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that said pad (6) are inflatable by a bellow housed within a housing. Soundproofing bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided a simple pocket (8), having a squirt (7) for deflating/inflating pneumatic pads (6). Soundproofing bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said outer layer of the bag (1) is made up of water proof fabric, while said soundproofing material layer can be made up of sponge rubber, having a density variable in function of the absorption needed.

Inventors: DI BERNARDINI STEFANO, DI BERNARDINI, STEFANO
Applicants: SAX & CO, SAX & CO.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G10D9
IPC codes: G10D7, G10G7, A45C11, G10D9