Patent Publication Number: US-10325576-B2

Title: Electronic idiophone with lights

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of percussion instruments, and more particularly to an electronic tambourine with lights. 
     A tambourine is a typical example of an idiophone. A tambourine in general includes an annular shell having several radially through windows circumferentially spaced from each other at an equal interval and several pairs of metallic jingles arranged in the windows. One or more resonator chambers may be optionally formed in the frame at sections between adjacent windows. More specifically, each window is spanned by a fixed carrier rod which extends substantially normal to the plane of circularity of the annular shell and a pair of metallic jingles are idly inserted over the carrier rod at their centers. 
     When the tambourine is bashed or the tambourine is shaken by a player&#39;s hand, musical tones are generated by mutual collision of the metallic jingles and/or collision of the metallic jingles with the walls of each window fixing the carrier rod. 
     The tambourine has remained unchanged for many years, with the majority of its applications including a circular or crescent moon design, and even more do not allow for the ability to hook the instrument to an amplifier. 
     Thus, it is desired to have an idiophone that is has a comfortable shape and also allows the user to hook the idiophone to an amplifier. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic musical instrument comprising; a lower frame member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a handle, and at least one aperture distal to the second end, a plurality of pins mounted within the at least one aperture in predetermined locations, at least one jingle loosely mounted to each of the plurality of pins, so that when the instrument is shaken a tambourine sound is emitted, an upper frame member having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the upper frame member is attached to the lower frame member, at least one light attached to the lower frame member, and an activation switch having a first portion attached to the upper frame member and a second portion attached to the lower frame member so that when the two portions are in contact the light is activated. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic musical instrument comprising; a lower frame member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a handle, and a plurality of apertures extending substantially through the lower frame member are positioned above the handle and distal to the second end of the upper frame member, an upper frame member having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the upper frame member is attached to the lower frame member, a plurality of pins mounted within the plurality of apertures in predetermined locations, a pair of jingles loosely mounted to the plurality of pins, so that when the instrument is shaken a tambourine sound is emitted, at least one light strip attached to the lower frame member, and an activation switch attached to the upper frame member and the lower frame member, so that when the second end of the upper frame member and the second end of the lower frame member come in contact the light strip is activated. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic musical instrument comprising, a lower frame member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a handle, and a plurality of apertures extending substantially through the lower frame member are positioned above the handle and distal to the second end of the upper frame member, an upper frame member having a first end and a second end wherein the first end of the upper frame member is attached to the lower frame member, a plurality of pick-ups mounted within the plurality of apertures in predetermined locations, wherein when the pick-ups sense a predetermined vibration or movement, an electrical signal is generated, at least one light strip attached to the lower frame member, and an activation switch attached to the upper frame member and the lower frame member, so that when the second end of the upper frame member and the second end of the lower frame member come in contact the LED strip is activated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an idiophone, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the idiophone, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the idiophone in a deactivated, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a front view of the idiophone in the activated position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a detailed view of the idiophone in the activated position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram showing the circuit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to an idiophone specifically a tambourine which allows the user to connect the tambourine to an amplifier and also allows the user to activate lights on the tambourine when playing to provide visual stimulation as well as audio. This is helpful because it allows the player to amplify the tambourine&#39;s sound as well as provide a visual show for the listeners as well. 
     As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
     It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
       FIGS. 1-2  depict views of the idiophone  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The idiophone  100  is comprised of a lower frame member  200  attached to an upper frame member  300 . 
     The lower frame member  200  is an elongated handle having a first end  202  and a second end  204 . The first end  202  has an ergonomic shape to comfortably fit in a player&#39;s hand and sized to adequately house the electronic components. A predeterrmined distance from the second end  204  towards the second end  204 , a plurality of apertures  206  are present. The apertures  206  are a predetermined length, width, and height. In the depicted embodiment, the apertures  206  extend entirely through the lower frame member  200  and there are two substantially rectangular apertures  206 . In additional embodiments, various lengths and quantities of apertures  206  are present. The lower frame member  200  and the upper frame member  300  may be made from, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, iron, copper, brass, bronze, zinc, stainless steel, polyolefins, styrenics, polypropylene, copolymer polypropylene, polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, copolymer polypropylene, or the like. 
     In each aperture  206 , there are a plurality of pins  102  mounted a predetermined distance from one another. Attached to the pins  102  are at least a set of jungles  104 . The sets of jingles  104  are what creates the noise of the idiophone  100 . In some embodiments, there are more than one set of jingles  104  on each pin  102 . In additional embodiments, the jingles  102  and the pins  102  are removed and replaced with an electrical component that is able to transform the movement of the idiophone into various electrical noises with the assistance of synthesizers and other computer programing. Each set of jingles  102  has a substantially center mounted opening, which the pin  102  passes through. In the depicted embodiment, the jingles of each set are substantially the same. In various embodiments, the jingles have predetermined shapes and sizes based on the desired sound. In the depicted embodiment, there are four pins  102  and four sets of jingles  104 . In additional embodiments, more pins  102  and jingles  104  of varying shapes and sizes may be employed to provide varying sounds. 
     Attached to the lower frame  200  is a plurality of light strips  402 . The light strips are mounted on the lower frame  200  and do not interfere with the sets of jingles  104  or the handle on the first end  202  of the lower frame member  200 . In the depicted embodiment, the light strips  402  are attached to the lower frame  200  along the edge below the apertures  206 . In various embodiments, the light strip  402  may be mounted to various parts of the idiophone  100 . In the depicted embodiment, light strips  402  are light emitting diodes (LED). In additional embodiments, various types of lighting strips of varying colors may be used. 
     Pivotally attached to the lower frame member  200  is the upper frame member  300 , having a first end  302  and a second end  304 . The first end  302  of the upper frame member  300  is securely attached to the first end  202  of the lower frame member  200 . This is accomplished by a pin, screw, or other locking mechanism. In additional embodiments, the upper frame member  300  and the lower frame member  200  are a unitary element. The second end  304  of the upper frame member  300  and the second end  204  of the lower frame member  200  are secure using a latch  108 . The latch  108  is used to keep the upper frame member  300  from traveling beyond a predetermined distance from the lower frame member  200 . This assists in shortening the distance traveled to activate the light strip  402 . In the depicted embodiment, a strap of cloth is attached from the upper frame member  300  to the lower frame member  200 . In additional embodiments, various materials or latches may be used to keep the upper frame member  300  and the lower frame member  200  together. In some embodiments, there is no latch  108 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, an electric connection  110  is shown extending from the based on the lower frame member  200  at the first end  202 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, a first switch pad  208  is shown attached to the lower frame member  200  and a second switch pad  306  is shown attached to the upper frame member  300 . In use, when the upper frame member  300  is pressed downwards towards the lower frame member  200 , the two switch pads  208  and  306  touch, completing the electrical circuit (in combination with other elements listed below in  FIG. 5 ), to activate the light strips  402 . This allows the operator the freedom to activate the light strips  402  at their discretion. 
     In some embodiments, the first end  204  of the lower frame member  200  has a soft material covered the a portion of the first end  202  of the lower frame member  200  to provide a more comfortable experience for the player. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the idiophone  100  in the deactivated, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the upper frame member  300  and the lower frame member  200  are separated from one another, and an two switch pads  208  and  306  are not in contact with one another. The switch pads  208  and  306  may be various types of button switches, electrical plates, or other forms known to one skilled in the art and may be positioned in various locations along the upper frame member  300  and the lower frame member  200  provided that when the two frame members come in contact the switch pads  208  and  306  complete the circuit and activate the light strip  402 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depicts a front view of the idiophone in the activated position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the upper frame member  300  and the lower frame member  200  are pressed together, activating the switch pads  208  and  306  thereby activating the light strip(s)  402 . In the shown embodiment, the upper frame member  300  and the lower frame member  200  are designed to separate so that the switch pads  208  and  306  are not in contact, thereby giving the player the control over the activation of the lights. This activation process can be performed by the player pressing the two frame members  200  and  300  together. In the preferred embodiment, this can be accomplished with minimal pressure and performed with one hand by the player. In additional embodiments, the upper frame member  300  may have a lock or securing means so that the light strip  402  may remain activated. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a block diagram of an electronic system  400  of the idiophone  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system of the idiophone  100  is comprised of at least one light strip  402 , an activation switch  404 , a controller  406 , a battery  408 , an output connector  410 , and at least one electrical pick-up  412 . In additional embodiments, a cable, or volume knobs may be incorporated into the design. 
     The pick-ups  412  aye transducers that capture or sense mechanical vibrations produced by the sets of jingles  104  and translates this vibration into an electronic signal. Various types of pick-ups may be used, such as vibration or magnetic pick-ups, or those known to one skilled in the art. The pick-ups  412  are positioned in and on the idiophone  100  to best sense the movement and vibrations of the various sets of jingles  104 . In some embodiments, the pick-ups  412  are connected to the switch  404  to activate the light strips  402  when the idiophone  100  makes a noise or sound. 
     In some embodiments, the pick-ups  412  may be used to replace the jingles  104  in the apertures  206  so that the user can connect the idiophone  100  to a computer an create the desired noise or sound with the idiophone  100 . 
     The output connector/audio jack  410  is used to connect the idiophone  100  to a speaker or amplifier. In the preferred embodiment, the audio jack  410  is exposed out of the first end  202  of the lower frame member  200 . This provides an easily accessible and not intrusive position for the cable to be attached. The cable is of a predetermined length, or may be attached to a wireless transmitter to allow the player a more wireless experience. 
     The battery  408  is used to power the idiophone  100 . Various types of batteries may be used, such as alkaline, lithium, zinc-carbon, and the like. The battery  406  may also be rechargeable and have the necessary ports to connect to a power source. In the depicted embodiment, the battery  408  is positioned in the aperture  206 . In various other embodiments, the battery  408  may be substantially contained within the lower frame member  200 . 
     The controller  406  is used to control the light strips  402 . The controller  406  may be used to adjust the color of the light strip  402 , a pulse or oscillating settings of the light strips  402 , or various other features of the light strips  402 . In the shown embodiment, the controller  406  is inserted into the handle of the lower frame member  200 . In additional embodiments, the controller  406  may be positioned in various locations based on the size, shape, and design of the idiophone  100 . 
     The switch  404 , is shown as switch pads  208  and  306  in the previous  FIGS. 1-4 ). The switch  404  is used to activate the light strips  402  at the players discretion. 
     The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments or embodiments described herein. References to “a particular embodiment” or “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment” or “particular embodiments” or “embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The present invention shall be easily carried out by an ordinary skilled person in the art, and any modifications and changes are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 
     All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.