Abstract:
The invention provides a modular wind chime system having a plurality of modules which can be readily connected and disconnected, based on user preference. A supporting platform includes a plurality of receptacles which enable the coupling of various modules through the use of releasable fasteners.

Description:
[0001]    The invention pertains generally to wind chimes. Wind chimes are chimes constructed from suspended tubes or other objects, and are often hung outdoors as visual and aural ornaments. Wind chimes often comprise a set of chimes and a supporting platform from which the chimes are suspended by means of string, cord, or wire. A striker is used to strike the chimes, to produce a musical tone. A sail is often attached to the striker, to produce movement when driven by the wind. 
         [0002]    Commercial wind chimes are generally produced and assembled by manufacturers with a preselected set of chimes, producing a given set of musical tones. While this can provide convenience for the manufacturer, it also limits the user to the set of musical tones that the manufacturer has preselected. Furthermore, if the set of chimes is damaged in some way, replacing the chimes often requires restringing the entire set, necessitating specialized tools and equipment. 
         [0003]    It is an objective of the present invention to address and solve the disadvantages and limitations of prior wind chimes. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a modular wind chime system which has a plurality of interchangeable chime modules which can be readily connected and disconnected, according to user preference. 
         [0004]    It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a modular wind chime system which allows the interchangeable use of several, all, or none of its available chime modules, by providing for quick and effective connections between the chime modules and the supporting platform. 
         [0005]    These and other objectives are accomplished by the present invention, a modular wind chime system. 
     
    
     
         [0006]    The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its design, construction, and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of the modular wind chime system 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the supporting platform 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the striker module 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Supporting platform  1  provides a platform from which various modules can be suspended. It includes a plurality of receptacles  2 , configured to removably retain the releasable fasteners  7  of the chime modules. In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, these receptacles  2  comprise sockets which are configured to removably retain a ball lock type fastener. However, it is to be understood that any type of receptacle can be used that will receive the releasable fasteners  7  of the chime modules. Supporting platform  1  also includes a receptacle  15  configured to removably retain the releasable fastener  10  of the striker module  8 . In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, this receptacle  15  comprises a socket which is configured to removably retain a ball lock type fastener. However, it is to be understood that any type of receptacle can be used that will receive the releasable fastener  10  of the striker module  8 . Supporting platform  1  further includes one or more suspension lines  3 , attached to a ring or fastener  4 , to provide for the modular wind chime system to be hung for use. In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, the supporting platform  1  comprises a disc-shaped structure. However, it is to be understood that the supporting platform  1  can be of any suitable shape or design, such as a ring-shaped structure. It is further contemplated that the supporting platform  1  will be fabricated from wood. However, it is to be understood that any type of suitable material can be used, such as plastic or metal. 
         [0011]    Each chime module comprises a chime  5 , one or more suspension lines  6 , and one or more releasable fasteners  7  which enable the coupling of the chime module to receptacles  2  of the supporting platform  1 . In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, the releasable fasteners  7  comprise ball lock type fasteners. However, this fastener is not to be considered restricted to that which is disclosed. Any suitable releasable fastener can be used. It is contemplated that each chime  5  will be supported by one or more suspension lines  6  being strung through apertures  16  created in the chime. However, it is to be understood that the chimes can also be supported by other means, such as an internal pin which is then attached to a suspension line. Furthermore, the apertures  16  of the chimes can include grommets for protecting the suspension lines  6  from damage. In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, the chimes  5  are formed from metal tubing, such as aluminum. However, it is to be understood that the chimes can be formed from various materials of various shapes and designs. 
         [0012]    Striker module  8  is used to strike the chimes  5  to produce a musical tone, and can be of most any design and shape. Striker module  8  is suspended from the supporting platform  1  by means of a suspension line  9  having a releasable fastener  10  attached for releasable connection to a receptacle  15  of the supporting platform  1 . In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, the releasable fastener  10  comprises a ball lock type fastener. However, this fastener is not to be considered restricted to that which is disclosed. Any suitable releasable fastener can be used. Striker module  8  includes a receptacle  14  configured to removably retain the releasable fastener  13  of the sail module  11 . In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, this receptacle  14  comprises a socket which is configured to removably retain a ball lock type fastener. However, it is to be understood that any type of receptacle can be used that will receive the releasable fastener  13  of the sail module  11 . It is contemplated that the striker module  8  will be fabricated from wood. However, it is to be understood that any type of suitable material can be used, such as plastic or metal. 
         [0013]    Sail module  11  is used to produce movement of the striker module  8 , and can be of most any design and shape. It is suspended from the striker module  8  by means of a suspension line  12  having a releasable fastener  13  attached for releasable connection to a receptacle  14  of the striker module  8 . 
         [0014]    In the current preferred embodiment of the invention, the releasable fastener  13  comprises a ball lock type fastener. However, this fastener is not to be considered restricted to that which is disclosed. Any suitable releasable fastener can be used. It is further contemplated that the sail module  11  will be fabricated from wood. However, it is to be understood that any type of suitable material can be used, such as plastic or metal.