Patent ID: 12211473

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an outdoor instrument10having one or more chimes11configured to play a musical note when struck with a mallet, and preferably a plurality of chimes configured to play a plurality of musical notes when struck with a mallet. The plurality of chimes can be arranged and oriented in any of a variety of different manners without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, an embodiment of an outdoor instrument10according to the present disclosure is illustrated inFIGS.1-15.

In contrast with conventional chimes, which are hollow metal tubes, each chime11of the present disclosure comprises a fork portion12and a resonator portion13. Each chime11also has a longitudinal axis L that spans between the fork end of the chime14and the resonator end of the chime15. Examples of chimes11of the present disclosure are shown inFIGS.16through19.

The fork portion12comprises at least first and second prongs, also known as tines12a,12b. At least one, and desirably each, of the tines12a,12bis configured to have a sufficient surface area, i.e. width and length, to be struck by a mallet. The fork portion12is configured so that when a user strikes one of the tines12a,12bwith a mallet, the tines vibrate to produce a note of a predetermined pitch and frequency.

The pitch and frequency of each chime11may be defined by the dimensions, and in particular the length, and thickness of the tines12a,12b. By controlling the dimensions and thickness of the tines12a,12b, a chime11may be configured to produce any of a variety of notes, for instance selected from A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, as well as the flats and sharps of each.

In some embodiments, the notes produced by the plurality of chimes11may all be within the same musical scale. In some embodiments, for example, the notes produced by the plurality of chimes11may fall within a pentatonic scale. A pentatonic scale is a musical scale with five notes per octave. Because of its relative simplicity, this scale may be used to introduce beginners to music. It is also common in many types of traditional music. In some embodiments, the notes produced by the plurality of chimes11may fall within a heptatonic scale, which is the most common 7-note scale used in Western music. In other embodiments, the notes produced by the plurality of chimes11may be of a diatonic scale, a tritonic scale, a tetratonic scale, a hexatonic scale, octatonic scale, nonatonic scale, or a decatonic scale.

In some embodiments, the instrument may comprise chimes11that produce at least two, alternatively at least three, alternatively at least four, alternatively at least five different notes, alternatively at least six, alternatively at least seven. In some embodiments, the instrument may comprise chimes11that produce at least two, alternatively at least three, alternatively at least four, alternatively at least five, alternatively at least six, alternatively at least seven of the following notes: A, B C, D, E, F, G. In some embodiments, the instrument may comprise chimes11that produce at least two, alternatively at least three, alternatively at least four, alternatively at least five of the following notes: A, C, D, E, G (i.e. notes within a C-Major pentatonic scale).

The resonator portion13causes the note that is produced when one of the tines12a,12bis struck by a mallet to have a full and rich sound for a sustained period of time. In some embodiments, the resonator portion13may comprise a quarter-wave resonator or a half-wave resonator.

For instance, the resonator portion13of one or more of the chimes11may be a quarter-wave resonator, in which the resonator end15is closed off, such as with a resonator end-cap, or plug16. In a chime11having a quarter-wave resonator, the sound waves that are produced by vibration of the tines12a,12btravel to the resonator end15of the resonator13, bounce off the end-cap16, and exit the chime through the fork end14. The resonator end-cap16may be made of any of a variety of materials and preferably comprises a weather-resistant polymer such as HDPE. The resonator portion13of one or more of the chimes11may comprise a half-wave resonator, in which the resonator end15is open and uncapped. In a chime11having a half-wave resonator, the sound waves that are produced by vibration of the tines12a,12btravel to the resonator end15and exit the chime through the resonator end.

In general, it has presently been found that half-wave resonators13produce a more desirable result for chimes11having smaller cross-sections and quarter-wave resonators produce a more desirable result for chimes having larger cross-sections. However, unless otherwise specified, any chime11may comprise a quarter-wave resonator, a half-wave resonator, or a different type of resonator.

As shown in the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.16-19, each chime11may comprise four walls arranged to provide a rectangular or square cross-section. However, in other embodiments, the chime11may comprise a different number of walls arranged to provide a different polygonal, oval-shaped, circular, or customized/irregular cross cross-section. Relatedly, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the first and second tines12a,12bare simply portions of opposing walls of the resonator portion13that extend beyond the other walls. This may also be true for a chime11having a different polygonal cross-section. Similarly, for a chime11having an oval-shaped or circular cross-section, the tines12a,12bmay be portions of opposing arcs of the resonator portion13that extend beyond other arcs. The specific geometry of the fork portion12will define the pitch and frequency of the sound that is produced by vibration of the tines12a,12bwhen struck by a mallet. The specific geometry and length of the resonator portion13may be designed to produce a desired fullness and richness of the sound, and/or to increase its sustain.

In some embodiments, including those illustrated inFIGS.16-19, the fork portion12of a chime may have a much smaller length than the resonator portion13of the chime. For instance, in some embodiments, for at least one of the chimes11and potentially each of the chimes, the ratio between the length of the fork portion12and the length of the resonator portion13may be between 1:1.5 and 1:7, alternatively between 1:2 and 1:6.

Each chime11may be made of any of a variety of metals. In some embodiments, the chimes11may desirable by made of aluminum, which has been found to function well as the material of the tines12a,12band to have a desired degree of weather resistance and durability. The chimes11may also be treated to provide enhanced protection against environmental damage and corrosion. For instance, aluminum chimes11may be anodized.

In some embodiments, each chime11may be configured so that, when one of the tines12a,12bis struck by the mallet51, the note sustains for a period of time between about 2 and about 30 seconds, alternatively between about 2 and about 25 seconds, alternatively between about 2 and about 22 seconds, alternatively between about 3 and about 30 seconds, alternatively between about 3 and about 25 seconds, alternatively between about 3 and about 22 seconds, alternatively between about 4 and about 30 seconds, alternatively between about 4 and about 25 seconds, alternatively between about 4 and about 22 seconds. In some embodiments, different chimes11may be configured to have different sustain times, so that there is a variety of different effects produced by striking the various chimes. For instance, one or more of the chimes11may have a relatively long sustain time, e.g. between about 15 and 30 seconds, while one or more of the chimes may have a relatively shorter sustain time, e.g. between about 2 and 14 seconds. In some embodiments, at least one of the chimes11may have a sustain time of at least 10 seconds, alternatively at least 12 seconds, alternatively at least 15 seconds, alternatively at least 20 seconds.

Each chime11may comprise one or more apertures17that are used to mount the chime to a supporting framework of the instrument10. In the illustrated embodiments, for example, the chime11comprises a first aperture17aand a second aperture17baligned with one another and positioned on opposing walls of the chime. In particular, the first and second apertures17a,17bmay be positioned on the opposite walls as the first and second tines12a,12b. In some embodiments, the first and second apertures17a,17bmay be located on the resonator portion13of the chime and within three inches of the fork portion12, alternatively within two inches of the fork portion, alternatively between about 0.25 and 2 inches above the fork portion, alternatively between about 0.25 inches and 1.5 inches above the fork portion, alternatively between about 0.5 and about 2 inches above the fork portion, alternatively between about 0.5 and 1.5 inches above the fork portion, alternatively about one inch above the fork portion. The securement of the chime11to the framework in this location may be desirable in order that the tines12a,12bmay vibrate freely without the resonator portion13of the chime rattling within the framework.

The outdoor musical instrument10may also comprise at least one support post21. The support post21positions and supports the chimes11at a desired elevation above a ground surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the instrument10has a first support post21aand a second support post21b, and the plurality of chimes11are positioned between the two support posts. In alternative embodiments, however, a single support post21may be used to position and support the plurality of chimes11above the ground surface. Additional framework elements may also be used in combination with the one of more support posts21to produce instruments having a variety of designs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, each support post21may have an upper end22and a lower end23. The lower end23may be configured for mounting to an outdoor surface. In some embodiments, for example that illustrated inFIG.1, the support post21may include a base plate24at its lower end23. The base plate24may be configured to be attached to an outdoor surface. As illustrated, the base plate24may have a larger radial dimension than the support post21itself and may be configured to mounting to an outdoor ground surface in any of a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the base plate24may comprise one or more, and preferably a plurality, of apertures25, each of which is configured to receive one or more fasteners26. The one or more fasteners26may comprise any conventional fasteners, including for example, screws, bolts, nuts, expansion anchors, and the like.

In some embodiments, the base plate24may be mounted directly to an outdoor surface, as shown for example inFIG.11. For instance, the one or more fasteners26may pass through the one or more apertures25in base plate24and directly into a ground surface, such as a concrete or other artificial surface material. Accordingly, the one or more fasteners26may comprise one or more concrete (e.g. expansion) anchors, concrete screws, or the like. In (non-illustrated) other embodiments, the base plate24may be affixed to an in-ground post, e.g. by again passing one or more fasteners through the apertures25in the base plate. In yet other (non-illustrated) embodiments, the base plate24may similarly be affixed to a portable stand, e.g. a flat-bottomed and large-footprint component upon which the instrument would be stabilized in an upright position on a flat ground surface.

In other embodiments, the one or more support posts21may comprise an in-ground post27, as shown for example inFIG.12as being an extended downward portion of the support post (having an undefined length). The in-ground post27is configured to be inserted below the ground surface, such as into a hole. Once inserted into the hole, concrete may be poured around the post27to secure the instrument10in an upright position. An example of such an installation is shown inFIG.13.

The support post(s)21may be made from any of a variety of materials, so long as the support post has the necessary strength and weather resistance to stand up to prolonged outdoor environmental exposure and use. In some embodiments, the support post21may comprise stainless steel or powder-coated steel pipe. The powder coating serves to protect the steel against corrosion and other environmental degradation. As an alternative to powder coating, the steel pipe may be galvanized.

In addition to the support post(s)21and any additional framework elements that may be present, the instrument10may also include one or more mounting plates31, which secure the plurality of chimes11in place. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each chime11may be secured in place by at least a first mounting plate31aand a second mounting plate31b. In other embodiments, however, a single mounting plate31may be used to secure each chime11in place. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plates31a,31bare used to secure a plurality of chimes11within a set in place. In other embodiments, however, each chime11in a set may be secured in place by one or more independent mounting elements or mounting elements that are shared only with a subset of the plurality of chimes, e.g. with an adjacent chime.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, see for exampleFIG.8, the mounting plates31may each comprise an upper element32and a lower element33. The mounting plates31also comprise a plurality of openings34, or cavities, through which the chimes11are positioned. In other (non-illustrated) embodiments, the upper and lower elements32,33of a mounting plate31may be configured and arranged so that the upper element32spans across the front faces of the plurality of chimes and the lower element33spans across the rear faces of the plurality of chimes, as in the chime products sold by FreeNotes Harmony Park™ under the trade names HARP or SERENADE.

The upper and lower elements32,33may be held together by a plurality of fasteners36, as shown for example inFIGS.9and10. In some embodiments, at least one of the fasteners36may also secure the mounting plate31to the support post21or to an additional framework element. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, at least one fastener36also secures the mounting plate31to the first support post21aand at least another one of the fasteners also secures the mounting plate to the second support post21b, see for exampleFIG.9. In particular, the mounting plates31are shown as being secured to ribs28, which are positioned at defined locations along the support posts21.

Each chime11may be mounted to one or more of the mounting plates31by any of a variety of mounting assemblies. For instance, one or more fasteners41may pass through the one or more apertures17and be received by the mounting plate31, and more particularly by a channel or slot of the mounting plate37. The chime11may also be spaced apart from the walls of the mounting plate that form the opening34into which the chime is placed by one or more bushings42. By mounting the chime11in this manner, the chime may be kept relatively free from interference by the mounting plate31, providing an improved sustain when one of the tines12a,12bis struck by a mallet.

In some embodiments, including that shown inFIGS.3and8A, for example, the chime11may comprise first and second apertures17a,17b. A first fastener41amay pass through the first aperture17aand be received by a first slot37ain the mounting plate31and a second fastener41bmay pass through the second aperture17band be received by a second slot37bin the mounting plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second fasteners each comprise a button head screw, though any of a variety of conventional fasteners may be utilized as would be understood by those of skill in the art. A first bushing42amay be positioned around at least a portion of the first fastener41aand a second bushing42bmay be positioned around at least a portion of the second fastener41a.

In other embodiments, including that shown inFIGS.6and8B, for example, the chime11may comprise first and second apertures17a,17band a single fastener41may pass through both apertures. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the fastener41comprises a dowel pin, though any of a variety of conventional fasteners may be utilized as would be understood by those of skill in the art. A first end of the fastener41may be received by a first slot37ain the mounting plate31and a second end of the fastener may be received by a second slot37bin the mounting plate. In that embodiment, a first bushing42amay be positioned around at least a first portion of the fastener41and a second rubber bushing42bmay be positioned around at least a second portion of the fastener. In such an embodiment, a polymeric tubing43may also be inserted around the portion of the fastener41contained within the interior of the chime11. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the portion of the dowel pin positioned within the interior of the chime11is sheathed with a PVC/polyurethane tubing, though any of a variety of materials may be utilized as would be understood by those of skill in the art.

The bushings42may be made of a variety of materials, but are preferably made of rubber (natural or synthetic). The bushings42can also take on any of a variety of forms. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, for example, the bushings42comprise portions of silicone tubing. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.6, on the other hand, the bushings42comprise EPDM washers.

In some embodiments, a grommet44, such as a rubber grommet, may be placed in the aperture17to further prevent the chime11from direct contact with the fastener41. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.6, for example, EPDM grommets are placed in each of apertures17a,17bto prevent contact between the chime and the dowel pin. Though not shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.3, grommets44could similarly be used in that embodiment as well.

The slots or channels37that receive the fasteners41may be positioned in the lower element33of the mounting plate31, in the upper element32of the mounting plate, or may be formed by a combination of the lower and upper elements.

If a chime11is secured in place by more than one mounting plate31, it is not necessary that a mounting assembly of the sort described above be used the secure the chime within a cavity34of any additional mounting plate. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, each chime11is secured to the first mounting plate31aby one or more fasteners41that pass through apertures17on opposing walls of the chime and are received by slots37in the mounting plate. However, each chime11is secured within a cavity34of the second mounting plate31bby a simple rubber gasket45. This can best be seen, for example, inFIGS.4,7,8C, and8D.

The musical instrument10may also comprise one or more mallets51that a user may use to strike the one or more chimes11. The one or more mallets51may be connected to the musical instrument by one or more cables52. In some embodiments, for example, a pair of mallets51is connected to one of the mounting plates31by cables52. In other embodiments, however, the mallets41may be connected to a support post21or to any additional framework elements that may be present. The cables52may be attached to the mounting plate31(or other element) using any conventional attachment member, an example of which is shown inFIG.8E.

In some embodiments, including that illustrated, the instrument10may comprise multiple pairs of mallets51. As shown, for instance, a first pair of mallets51may be positioned on one side of the instrument, also referred to herein as the front, and a second pair of mallets may be positioned on the opposite side of the instrument, also referred to herein as the rear. In this way, a first user can strike the tines12afacing the front of the instrument10and a second user can strike the tines12bfacing the rear of the instrument. In other embodiments, the instrument10may only includes a single pair of mallets51, e.g. on the front of the instrument. In yet other embodiments, multiple pairs of mallets51may be positioned next to each other along a single side, e.g. the front or rear, of the instrument10. For instance, two or more pairs of mallets51could be positioned next to each other and attached along the length of the mounting plate31. Though the mallets51in a pair are shown as being spaced apart from one another in the illustrated embodiment, they could for example be placed in closer proximity to one another, allowing more space for a second pair along the same side. Or, of course, the number of chimes11in each set may be increased to produce a larger instrument10that more easily accommodate multiple users per side.

Although not illustrated, the musical instrument10may also comprise one or more docking stations for the mallets51, such that the mallets do not hang downward as shown in the illustrated embodiment but may instead be placed in the docking station. In alternative (non-illustrated) embodiments, an additional mallet-support structure may be provided in the vicinity of the musical instrument10and the mallets51may be secured to the mallet-support structure. The mallet-support structure may itself comprise one or more docking stations.

The chimes11may be arranged and oriented in any of a variety of configurations to provide a desired play experience. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, each chime11may be positioned such that the longitudinal axis L is perpendicular with a ground surface to which the instrument10is mounted. The chimes11may be positioned such that the fork end14of each chime is vertically below the resonator end15or such that the fork end of each chime is vertically above the resonator end. In the illustrated embodiment, the fork end14of each chime within a first set of chimes111(the upper set) is positioned vertically below the resonator end15. On the other hand, the fork end14of each chime within a second set of chimes211(the lower set) is positioned vertically above the resonator end15.

In other embodiments, each chime11may be positioned such that the longitudinal axis L is parallel with the ground surface to which the instrument is mounted. This may provide an instrument10in which the tines12a,12bto be struck by a user are upward-facing, creating a play experience somewhat similar to that of playing a metallophone, e.g. a vibraphone.

In yet other embodiments, each chime11may be positioned such that the longitudinal axis L is angled between 1 degree and 89 degrees, alternatively between 5 degrees and 85 degrees, alternatively between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, alternatively between 20 degrees and 70 degrees, alternatively between 30 and 60 degrees with the ground surface. By providing the chimes11at a different angle, the instrument10may provide a different user playing experience.

In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, the outdoor musical instrument10may comprise a set of chimes (e.g.111or211) made up of a plurality of chimes11positioned next to one another and oriented in the same direction, e.g. such that the fork portion12of each chime is adjacent the fork portion of each neighboring chime. In some embodiments, the plurality of chimes11that make up a set may be arranged in a straight line or a curved line, although it is also contemplated that a plurality of chimes may be arranged to form any of a variety of geometrical shapes, e.g. circle, polygon, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of chimes11in a set may be arranged in order of ascending or descending frequency. In some embodiments, the plurality of chimes11in a set may be from the same musical scale.

In some embodiments, the outdoor musical instrument may include a first set of chimes111and a second set of chimes211. The plurality of chimes11that make up the first set111may be positioned next to one another and oriented in the same direction, e.g. such that the fork portion12of each chime is adjacent the fork portion of each neighboring chime. Similarly, the plurality of chimes11that make up the second set211may be positioned next to one another and oriented in the same direction, e.g. such that the fork portion12of each chime is adjacent the fork portion of each neighboring chime.

The first set of chimes111may be positioned above the second set of chimes211and may be inverted relative to the second set of chimes so that the fork portions12of the first set of chimes and the fork portions of the second set of chimes face one another. In this way, the fork portions12of the first set of chimes111that are struck by a user may be positioned adjacent the fork portions12of the second set of chimes211that are struck by a user to create a striking area300(as opposed to the alternative embodiment in which the first and second set of chimes are oriented in the same direction). By the first set of chimes111being positioned above the second set of chimes211, it is meant that the first set of chimes111may be above the second set of chimes either (i) in a vertical dimension, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, (ii) in relation to the front of the instrument where a user would be located, such as if the chimes are oriented parallel to the ground surface, or (iii) both (i) and (ii), such as if the chimes are oriented at a non-parallel and non-perpendicular angle with the ground surface.

To help a user easily identify a striking area300, the instrument10may comprise indicia that define the upper and/or lower boundaries of the striking area. In some embodiments, one or more mounting plates31may be used as the indicia. In the illustrated embodiment for instance, a mounting plate31afor the first set of chimes111is positioned adjacent the fork portions12of each of the first set of chimes and a mounting plate31afor the second set of chimes211is positioned adjacent the fork portions12of each of the second set of chimes. The area between those two mounting plates is thus easily identified as the chime striking area300.

The second set of chimes211may differ from the first set of chimes111or the second set of chimes may be identical to the first set of chimes. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the chimes in the first set111each have a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of each of the chimes in the second set211. Similarly, the chimes in the first set111each comprise a resonator end-cap16and the chimes in the second set211each have an open resonator end15. This embodiment provides the additional benefit that the interiors of the chimes are largely protected from environmental precipitation and from the insertion of items by children.

Alternatively, however, the chimes in the second set211may each have a cross-sectional area that is larger than a cross-sectional area of each of the chimes in the first set111and/or the chimes in the second set211may each comprise a resonator end-cap16while the chimes in the first set11may have an open resonator end15. The exact arrangement and variation of the chimes11both within a set and between different sets may be selected to provide a desired play experience.

It can be seen that the described embodiments provide unique and novel outdoor instruments10that have a number of advantages over those in the art. While there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.