The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 11, 2012
Filed:
Jul. 18, 2010
Stephen J. Cole, Arcata, CA (US);
Ronald Samuels, Arcata, CA (US);
Joshua D. Stumpf, Eureka, CA (US);
Stephen J. Cole, Arcata, CA (US);
Ronald Samuels, Arcata, CA (US);
Joshua D. Stumpf, Eureka, CA (US);
Marimba One, Inc., Arcata, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved percussive instrument such as a marimba employs a resonator comprising an external tube (), an inner or virtual extender tube (), and a bottom stop () and a plug () within the outer tube. The region between the external tube and the virtual extender tube defines a volume of air (). The size, shape, and length of the virtual extender tube enhances performance of the resonator and thereby also the instrument. A key () of the instrument is suspended by pivots () above the plug and the opening () of the resonator. When struck by a mallet (), the key vibrates and air driven by the key enters the resonator through the opening. When the resonator and key are tuned to the same frequency, or a harmonic thereof, air will enter and leave the resonator in a resonant fashion, creating louder and richer sounds than just the key alone. Numerous variations on shape and location of the various components are possible.