Materials and fabrication method for percussive musical instruments
US11482201B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 2021 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2911/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of making tonebars and other components for musical instruments comprises using a pultrusion apparatus to embed or coat glass, plant-based, and/or other fibers in or with a thermosetting, thermoplastic, or catalyzed polymer matrix. The coated fibers are pulled into a continuous bar in a curing and forming die. The bar is then cut into predetermined lengths. Each length is then carefully tuned by cutting and shaping so that when it is struck, it will emit musical notes on a chromatic musical scale. In one aspect, the fibers and resin are selected to produce tonebars for marimbas and xylophones that emulate the sound obtained from highly desirable Honduran rosewood at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact associated with this wood.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.