Humidity controlled musical instrument reed cap

Abstract

A woodwind reed storage and maintenance device conveniently fits directly onto the reed bearing end of a musical instrument. The storage and maintenance device includes a reed storage space, humidity control device space, and a humidity gauge. The storage and maintenance device is used to maintain a reed while still located on the musical instrument at a specifically-chosen constant humidity level for optimal performing condition and maximum reed life. The storage and maintenance device protects the reed from physical damage and from damage due to changing humidity levels in the ambient surroundings. The storage and maintenance device accurately measures and displays temperature and humidity information corresponding to the reed storage space inside the device.

Claims

1. An instrument reed cap for protecting a reed on a first end of the instrument, the instrument reed cap comprising: a body comprising an opening and a reed storage cavity for receiving and enclosing the first end of the instrument carrying the reed; wherein the body further comprises an outer wall and an inner wall defining an annular shaped humidity control space within the body; and wherein the inner wall is formed by the exterior of a cylindrical tube member, and the reed storage cavity is defined by the inside of the cylindrical tube member; a water absorbing humidity control material located within the humidity control space; an empty or open pathway between the humidity control space and the reed storage cavity; and a humidity gauge coupled to the body for monitoring humidity within the cavity.

2. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the gauge comprises a display.

3. The instrument reed cap of claim 2, wherein the display is a liquid crystal display.

4. The instrument reed cap of claim 2, wherein the gauge is analog.

5. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the gauge shows a humidity level.

6. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the gauge indicates whether the humidity level is within a predetermined range.

7. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the humidity control material is selected from the group consisting of sponge, desiccant, and silica gel.

8. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the humidity control material is contained within a self-contained device or pouch.

9. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the humidity control material controls the humidity within the cavity to one pre-selected level from 30-80%.

10. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, wherein the opening is adapted to engage on the outside surface of the first end of the instrument.

11. The instrument reed cap of claim 10, wherein the opening is adapted to engage on the outside surface of the end of a chanter of a bag pipe.

12. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, further comprising a fastener to secure the body to the first end of the instrument.

13. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor.

14. The instrument reed cap of claim 13, further comprising a display to show at least one of humidity and temperature information.

15. The instrument reed cap of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication module to send information to a remote device.

16. A storage and maintenance device for protecting a reed on a first end of an instrument comprising: a body for receiving and enclosing the first end of the instrument carrying the reed; the body further comprising a humidity control holder for securing or containing a humidity control material therein; a housing member that is removable from the body, allowing access to the humidity control holder, humidity control material, and the reed while the first end of the instrument is still enclosed by the body; a hygrometer for monitoring humidity within the body.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising the humidity control material to control humidity.

18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a humidity control device, and wherein the humidity control material is contained within the humidity control device.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the humidity control device is a self-contained pouch.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the self-contained pouch controls the humidity within the body to one pre-selected level from 30-80%.

21. The device of claim 16, wherein the hygrometer is contained within the housing member, and wherein the housing member removably seals an end of the body.

22. The device of claim 16, further comprising a display to show at least one of humidity and temperature information.

23. The device of claim 22, further comprising a wireless communication module to send information to a remote device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation showing a cross sectional view of the reed storage and maintenance device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(2) FIGS. 2A, 2B, are illustrative representations showing placement of a reed storage and maintenance device onto a chanter of a bagpipe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation showing a top-end view of the reed storage and maintenance device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 4 is an illustrative representation showing a bottom perspective view of the reed storage and maintenance device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

(5) FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation showing a top-end view of the reed storage and maintenance device with internal electronic components in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) Before the present invention is described in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth herein as various changes or modifications may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 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. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims made herein.

(7) Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood that every intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.

(8) All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g., publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention (in which case what is present herein shall prevail).

(9) Reference to a singular item, includes the possibility that there are plural of the same items present. More specifically, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, said 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.

(10) Overview

(11) The subject invention is a device adapted to store and maintain the reed of a woodwind instrument while the reed is still on the playing end of the woodwind instrument. Examples of woodwind instruments bearing reeds include the bagpipes, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, English horn and any other woodwind type or reed bearing instrument. The invention is applicable to protecting single reed or multi-reed instruments.

(12) Now with reference to FIG. 1, a cross sectional view of a reed storage and maintenance device 10 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The depiction shown in FIG. 1 is intended to provide an easy to understand view of various exemplary components but the presence of each of the components is not meant to be limiting except where such components are specifically recited in the appended claims.

(13) The reed storage and maintenance device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a body 30 with upper and lower ends 20, 50 respectively, a reed storage area 40, and a humidity control space 70 defined between a humidity control device holder 60 and the wall 80 of the body 30.

(14) Humidity Control Device Holder

(15) The humidity control device holder 60 is shown having a cylindrical or tube-like shape. The holder 60 is shown in a coaxial arrangement within the body 30, defining a humidity control space 70 between the humidity control device holder 60 and the outer wall 80 of the device's body. The annular shaped space 70 keeps the humidity control device (not shown) in place to prevent physical contact with the reed.

(16) The humidity control device holder 60 is shown attaching to the lower end 50 of outer housing/body 30. The holder may be attached to the body using a number of techniques such as, for example, press fit, adhesives, fuse heat bond, or fasteners. The cylinder can have a threaded hole to attach to the turning lock screw 90 so that manipulation of the screw urges the body against the instrument, discussed further herein.

(17) The humidity control device holder 60 may be made of Delrin acetal homopolymer resin or could be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, wood or carbon fiber. An exemplary wall thickness of the cylindrical humidity control device holder 60 is approximately 3 mm.

(18) Reed Storage Area

(19) Inside of the cylinder 60 is a reed storage area 40. The inside diameter of the cylindrical humidity control device holder 60 is approximately 22 mm, to accommodate standard bagpipe chanter sizes up to a maximum of 22 mm. Bagpipe chanters of smaller size can be accommodated by adjustment of the turning lock screw 90.

(20) Additionally, although the holder 60 is shown as a cylinder or tube, and the humidity control space 70 is shown as annular, the holder and space may vary widely. In other embodiments, the humidity control space is above or below the reed storage chamber 40. Alternatively, the holder may be in the form of a clamp, clip, arm, or another resilient member to secure a humidity control agent or device in place.

(21) FIG. 1 also shows that humidity control space 70 is in fluid communication with the reed storage area 40 so that when the humidity control agent (not shown) is present within the chamber 70, the humidity level of the reed storage chamber is controlled. Although an empty pathway is shown, water vapor permeable dividers may separate or define the different spaces and chambers. Dividers may be rigid or soft, having holes or perforations serving to make the dividers vapor, gas or fluid permeable.

(22) Humidity Control Device

(23) As described above, a humidity control device is placed within the chamber 70 to control humidity. The type and construction of the humidity control device may vary widely. The humidity control device may be a self-contained or integrated assembly, or it may be a material or substance whether raw or processed. Examples of humidity control agents include a water-absorbing material such as a sponge, a desiccant or drying-agent such as silica gel, or a two-way humidity control pouch or pieces or portions thereof. An example of a humidity controlled pouch is the Boveda 75% 8 GRAM, made by Boveda Inc. of Minnetonka, Minn., United States. In embodiments, the humidity levels are controlled to a specific level such as, for example: 32%, 49%, 58%, 62%, 65%, 68%, 72%, 75%, and 84%. See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,178, describing types of humidity control agents for controlling humidity.

(24) Another example of a humidity control agent could be cedar wood or a portion thereof that could hold water or another solution. Examples of types of solutions include water, water in combination with alcohol or another humidifying and/or sterilizing solution.

(25) FIG. 1 also shows an adjustable fastener 90 (such as a turning lock screw) extending through the side wall of the lower portion or neck 50. When the device 10 is placed on the end of an instrument (not shown), and the reed is enclosed within the reed storage area 40, the fastener 90 is manipulated, allowing the user to clamp the device 10 to the end of instrument to provide a snug fit.

(26) Gauge

(27) The reed maintenance and storage device 10 shown in FIG. 1 also has a gauge 100 located in the upper or second end 20. The gauge 100 monitors and indicates current characteristics within the reed storage area 40. Examples of characteristics monitored include temperature and humidity. Examples of information that may be indicated by the gauge include humidity levels, temperature levels, and system pass or failure modes. Information may be indicated via use of symbols, numbers, indicia, colors, audio, and alarms. Providing a measure of both temperature and humidity, either simultaneously or selectably or in combined form is advantageous.

(28) Additionally, the gauge may be digital or analog based. In a particular embodiment, the gauge 100 is a round digital hygrometer and thermometer. An example of a digital hygrometer/thermometer is the YOUKONG TPM-50 Digital Round Thermometer Hygrometer, manufactured by Shenzen U-Control Electric Co, Ltd. (Shenzen City, China). The digital hygrometer/thermometer can be powered by a single AG13 button-type alkaline battery. However, other digital hygrometer/thermometers may be used. Additionally, the gauge may have additional functions, features, shapes, and dimensions.

(29) Construction Manufacture of the Device

(30) The shape and material of the components of the novel cap 10 may vary. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the outer housing/body 30 is made of silicone with a 4 mm wall thickness. Preferably, the housing 30 is a handheld size (e.g., about 85 mm in height) allowing enough space for the top of the instrument (e.g., a bagpipe chanter) holding the reed to be inserted in the reed storage area 40. The somewhat elastic silicone material allows for an airtight fit to both the digital hygrometer/thermometer 100 and the lower end 20 of the rigid plastic cylindrical humidity control device holder 60. The outer housing/body 30 could alternatively be made of plastic, rubber, metal or other materials. In embodiments, the inner diameter of the wider, upper end 20 of the housing is 40 mm, which gives a tight fit to the digital hygrometer/thermometer 100 and also allows the user's specifically chosen humidity control device to be inserted and held in place in the space 70 between the humidity control device holder 60 and the outer housing/body 30. In embodiments, the gauge is round and has an outer diameter of 40 mm and a height of 15 mm.

(31) Use of the Novel Device

(32) The device may be conveniently used after playing the musical instrument to maintain and store the reed in a desired condition.

(33) Initially, in order to play the bagpipes, a reed is inserted into the top end of the bagpipe chanter. The end of the bagpipe chanter is inserted into the bag via the bagpipe chanter stock, thus enclosing the reed within the instrument. The player inflates the bag by blowing into a blowpipe attached to the bag (or, in the case of a bellows operated bagpipe, by squeezing the bellows) and squeezes the bag with the arm to expel air through the reed. The reed naturally absorbs some moisture during playing, and exposure to the environment. After playing, the end of the bagpipe chanter holding the reed is removed from the bag.

(34) With reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, to store and maintain the reed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the end of the bagpipe chanter 160 holding the reed 162 is inserted into the reed storage area of the device 150. The device is securely attached to the top of the bagpipe chanter by the means of a turning lock screw 170 which when tightened presses the chanter 160 against the opposite inside wall side of the device 150 for a secure fit. Attachment methods other than the tunable lock screw could be used such as but not limited to a twisting compression lock nut or locking lever found on adjustable length walking canes or camera tripod legs. Additionally, the dimensions of the open end of the device could be customized to fit snugly to end of the bagpipe chanter thus eliminating the need of a tightening device or fastener.

(35) Once installed, the humidity control material 172 maintains the humidity to a desired level. In this manner, the device 150 stores and maintains the reed on the instrument.

(36) FIG. 3 is an illustrative representation showing a top-end view of the reed storage and maintenance device 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This depiction provides a view of the gauge screen and different readings or information shown on the top of the device. The user can verify the device is working properly. This is an important improvement over conventional solutions in which a user had to trust that the moisture content was correct. Even opening the device up to visually check on the moisture control agent would only show whether the agent was completely dried up. Consequently, the user would not be able to determine the humidity level with any precision and consistency. Moreover the gauge as described herein enables a user to control a humidity level to a desired target level, for example based on intended next playing time or location. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the gauge is a battery-powered digital hygrometer and thermometer which measures and displays on a liquid-crystal display 210 the relative humidity level 220 and temperature 230 in Celsius or Fahrenheit inside of the reed storage and maintenance device. The digital hygrometer/thermometer includes a housing 240 which seals the top of the device 200, keeps the moisture control device in place, and protects the reed from outside physical damage. The digital hygrometer/thermometer allows the player to visually determine the relative humidity level and temperature inside the device. The digital hygrometer/thermometer can be removed to access the humidity control device, to visually inspect the reed, to replace the battery, or to optionally allow ambient air to get to the reed while still offering substantial protection.

(37) FIG. 4 is an illustrative representation showing a bottom perspective view of the reed storage and maintenance device 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This depiction shows the humidity control device holder 310, turning lock screw 320, housing/body of the device 330, and the reed storage area 340 indicated by broken lines.

(38) FIG. 5 is an illustrative representation showing a top view of the reed storage and maintenance device with electronic components shown in broken lines in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This depiction provides a diagram of the electronic components stored inside of the gauge 400. Particularly, a circuit including a processor or motherboard 410 communicates with the different components inside of the gauge 400. The motherboard 410 is powered by a removable battery 420. The motherboard receives information from the digital hygrometer 430 and thermometer 440, processes it and sends the signal to be displayed on the Liquid Crystal Display 450. Additionally, electronic components could be added for additional measurements, including, e.g., time and date, minimum and maximum temperature, minimum and maximum humidity, and to wirelessly transmit data to a connected computer or device.

(39) Alternative Embodiments

(40) Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by this application.

(41) For example, although preferred materials for elements of the device have been described above, the device is not intended to be limited to those specific materials. Wood, plastics, rubber, foam, metal alloys, aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass, 3D printed composites, and other materials may comprise some or all of the elements of the components in various embodiments of the present invention.

(42) Additionally, the configuration of the humidity control holder may vary widely. Instead of a chamber or space, the holder may be in the form of an arm, clip, hole, shelf, chamber, pin, etc.

(43) Additionally, the configuration of the gauge may vary widely. Indeed, other types of gauges whether analog or digital may be incorporated into the present invention. The gauge may indicate a wide range of types of information including, e.g., the humidity, the presence of water, a specific level or degree, as well as dummy-type gauges or lights which indicate whether there is a malfunction, needs batteries (e.g., BATTS), or Needs Attention.

(44) Additionally, the humidity control device may vary widely and comprise a self-enclosed water vapor permeable pouch or raw desiccant materials which absorb water or moisture from the air. In an alternative embodiment, the humidity control material and liquid water are contained in the humidity control sections to control humidity to a desired or target level.

(45) Additionally, the claimed invention may operate with a variety of types of musical instruments. The lower neck (alone or in combination with fasteners) can be designed to engage a wide range of musical instruments including without limitation the bagpipe, saxophone, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, oboe, etc.