Brace type angle-detecting device for musical tone control

• US 5,027,688 A
• Filed: 05/15/1989
• Issued: 07/02/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
• Original Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
• Inventors: Suzuki, Hideo, Sakama, Masao, Obata, Masahiko, Matsushima, Shunichi
• Primary Examiner(s): Perkey, W. B.
• Application Number:
  US07/352,104
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 84/600, 84/615, 84/653, 84/678, 84/742, 84/453, 84/723, 128/782, 33/1 PT, 33/DIG. 13, 73/865.4
• US Class Current: 84/600
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/00 Details of electrophonic musical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0558 using variable resistors
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2220/321 Garment sensors, i.e. musical control means with trigger surfaces or joint angle sensors, worn as a garment by the player, e.g. bracelet, intelligent clothing

Abstract

A brace type angle-detecting device for musical tone control includes a brace to be fit around a joint portion of a player and an angle-detecting mechanism mounted on the brace for detecting the bending angle of the player'"'"'s joint and producing a musical tone control signal in response to the angle of the player'"'"'s joint. The angle-detecting mechanism includes first and second elongated members detachably mounted on the brace which are connected to one another so as to be pivotable in a bending direction of the player'"'"'s joint. The device includes a fastener for tightly fastening the brace to a body member of the player.

Claims

1. A brace type angle-detecting device for musical tone control, comprising:

a brace to be fit around a joint portion of a player;

tightening means, attached to at least one end of the brace, for tightening the brace to a body member of the player; and

angle-detecting means for detecting the bending angle of the player'"'"'s joint and producing a musical tone control signal in accordance with the angle of the player'"'"'s joint, thereby controlling a musical tone, the angle-detecting means comprising first and second elongated plates detachably mounted to the brace, one end of the first elongated plate being joined to one end of the second elongated plate such that the first and second elongated plates are pivotable in a bending direction of the player'"'"'s joint.

2. A brace type angle-detecting device for musical tone control according to claim 1, wherein said tightening means comprises an elastic band.

3. A brace type angle-detecting device for musical tone control according to claim 1, wherein said tightening means comprises an elastic strap which has a loop tape end and a hook tape end each being fastenable to the other.

4. A brace type angle-detecting device for musical tone control, according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible waterproof cover mounted on the brace, said angle-detecting means being inserted in and attached to the cover.