US2391698A - Musical signal device - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 25, 1945. I A. c. GRoHsGAL 2,391,698

MUS ICAL S IGNAL DEVI CE fz# INVENTOR. 4J lzzfff @ra/2.11510! Dec. 25, 12945. A. c. GRoHsGAL 2,391,698

MUSICAL SIGNAL DEVICE Filed April 24, 1940 3 Shees--Shee'l'I 2 4&1701

1NVENTOR. l

Dec. 25, 1945. A. c. GRoHsGAL MUSICAL SIGNAL DEVICE Filed April 24, 1940 3 SheebS--Sheel 3 /vio ATTORNEYS Patented Dec. 25, i945 MUSICAL SIGNAL vDEVICE yAlexis C. Grohsgal, New York, N. Y.,

assignor to Marks Products Co. Inc., Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 24, 1940, zSerial No. :331,332

g 4 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric musical signal devices and more particularly to improvements in devices of the foregoing character utilizing vibratable elements for pro-- ducing musical notes.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new, simple, efficient musical signal device which is inexpensive to manufacture and which can be assembled with a minimum of llabor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the foregoing character in which the vibratile element is of substantially lU-shape in cross section.

Another object of the invention is to provide a signa-l device wherein the vibratile element is of such character that it can be fastened to a sup porting member at any point or points within a relatively wide area without interfering with the vibrating properties thereof.

`Another object of the invention is to provide a casing wherein all of the operating vparts of a signal device can be mounted, which casing is adapted to Abe enclosed by a plain back plate.

A further object of the invention is to provide a casing, preferably of molded material, such casing being so constructed as to lrequire a minimum of assembly parts for securing the operating portions of the `device Within the casing.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a signal device wherein two vibra-tile elements can be set in vibration simultaneously by a single actuating member.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a signal device in which the vibratile element is of such character that it can be mounted within the enclosing casing in any of several different positions without affecting 'its vibra-ting characteristics.

In carrying out the foregoing and other objects `of the invention, use is vmade in all forms thereof of a vibrating element or elements which are of substantially U-shape in cross section whereby such element acquires 'to some degree the characteristics of a tuning fork. Due to this shape of the element, it is possible to attach the same to a supporting casing or mou-nt by means of a plate member which can be secured to the vibrating element at any of a number of points within a very Wide range, which range is present along the loop portion of the element.

In 4one form of the invention, use is made of a housing, preferablymade of some suitable molded material such as a Aphenol condensation product or any of the well-known plastic materials, which housing is shaped vto have side wal1s,'top

and lbottom walls anda front Wall, all formed as integral parts of the casing. A back plate of suitable material which may be similar to rthat of the housing or any material serves to close the back of the housing to better the acoustics of the device and to shield 'operating parts from -a Wall or other supporting structure to which thchousing may be secured. The housing has a plurality of openings therein which are positioned adjacent the vi-bratile element mounted therein. This element as before mentioned, is of substantially U-shape in cross section and is fastened within the housing by means of a plate or strip attached to the element in the loop portion thereof in any suitable fashion. Also mounted within the housing is an electric solenoid or other suitable actuating device which has associated therewith a striker capable of being actuated to strike the vibratile element thereby to cause it to produce a musical note. The solenoid or other actuating mechanism is mounted on integral parts of the housing and retained therein by resilient formations formed on a part of the yactuating mechanism support. A device so made is suitable for producing a single musical note when the vibrating element is struck by the actuating striker.

If desired, a similar housing can be utilized for mechanism which can produce a double muslcal note. 'In this event, two vibrating elements are mounted end to end Within the housing with their adjacent ends slightly separated. They can be secured to the housing by a single support member or if desired *by duplicate members. Due to the close proximity of the ends oi these vibrating elements, a single striker of suitable size can be utilized for striking the end portions of the two elements simultaneously thereby causing vibration thereof; and if the elements are differently tuned, producing a double musical note.

In another form .of the invention, two vibrating elements of the type described caribe mounted at opposite ends .of a housing and again a single actuating member or Vmechanism utilized for :starting vibration of these :elements in sequence. For this purpose, the core vof a solenoid is provided with strikers ,at each end thereof so that Aupon .energization of the solenoid, movement of the plunger `causes the striker at one Vend. thereof lto vibrate yone of the elements While return movement of the plunger causes the striker at the 'other end 'thereof 4to vibrate the second element. Means are provided in this arrangement for Vmaintaining Ithe strikers normally vout of contact with each element and also Vfor returning the strikers, after a cycle of operation, to theirV normal positions.

In a still further form of the invention, vibrating elements can be mounted as disclosed with reference to the last mentioned embodiment but instead of using a single actuating device, use may be made of two actuating devices. In this form of the invention, one actuating device will have two strikers arranged as before described and in addition, the second actuating device will have a single striker thereon so that when this second striker isactuated, a single musical note will be produced as distinguished from two musical notes in sequence with the doublestriker actuator.

The vibrating element or elements may be mounted within a casing in any of a number of positions such as with the loop thereof directed toward the open rear of the housing; with the loop directed toward the front wall of the housing; with the loop directed toward the Vtop of the housing; or toward the bottom of the housing. In any of these arrangements, a suitable striking mechanism can be employed and such mechanism may be mounted at any convenient point within the housing, since the vibrating element or elements possess the characteristic that they will vibrate to produce the desired musical note regardless of the point at which the striker contacts either leg of the element.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the accompanying' drawings wherein Fig. 1 is a View of the open back of the housing showing parts of the signal deviceA in position therein;

Fig. 2 is a section taken substantially along the line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section taken substantiallyn the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a vertical section through a plain plate-like back member used to enclose the housing;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View similar to Fig. 1 or a modified form of the device utilizing two vibratile elements;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view showing a second method of securing two vibratile elements within a housing;

Fig. '7 is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a further embodiment of the invention wherein two vibratile elements are located at opposite ends of the housing;

Fig. 8 is a section taken substantially on line 8--8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a section taken substantially on the line .9 9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and 7 of a still further modification of the invention wherein twoactuating devices are used;

Fig. l1 isasection taken substantially on the line H-H of Fig. 10, and

Figs. l2 to 15, inclusive, are diagrammatic showings of various positions in which vibrating elements can be mounted in a housing.

Referring to the drawings and particularly Figs. l to 4, inclusive, il! indicates generally a casing made up of some material which can be readily 'molded This material may be a phenol condensation product, or any of the well-known plastic materials which lend themselves to ready molding, or any other desired material. The casing ingeneral is made up of a front wall Il, bottom wall I2, top Wall l and side walls l5. The bottom wall l2 is of shorter expanse than the top wall so that the front wall is on an incline and the side walls are also inclined. integrally formed with the bottom wall l2 is a flange portion I6 having an opening I1 therethrough while the top wall has a similar flange portion i3 with an opening i9 therethrough. The front wall Il is provided with a plurality of openings E, the purpose of which will be explained later. Within the casing and formed integrally therewith is a partition member 2l and two hollow bosses 22.

Mounted within the top of the casing is a vibratile element 2t formed in any fashion from suitable metal having the proper characteristics to produce a musical note when subjected to vibration. This element, as shown in Fig. 2, is of substantially U-shape in cross section so that when one leg thereof is subjected to vibration, the other vibrates in harmony therewith, thereby acquiring some of the characteristics of a tuning fork.

The element 2:3 is heldin place by a metallic strip 25 shaped as shown to provide the proper clearance. This strip 25 is secured to the casing by an eyelet 26 passing through an opening in the strip and through the opening i9 in theV flange i8. The strip 25 can be secured to the loop part of element 212i in any desired fashion such as by spot welding, riveting or any mechanical equivalent thereof. The exact point of attachment between the element 2t and the strip 25 can be within a wide area located in said loop part, since due to the character of the element, it is immaterial whether the attachment be made exactly midway between the ends of the element or at another point therealong. Also the attachment does not necessarily have to be along a geometrically median line in the loop part but can be offset relative to such'median line to impart the desired angularity to the element. In this respect, the vibratile element is far superior to flat vibratile elements and the like heretofore used in the electric musical signal devices, which flat elements must necessarily be mounted at narrowlydefined nodal points. l

Mounted in a yoke member 2l of some suitable metal is a solenoid 2S. The yoke 21 has two flange portions 29 with through apertures therein and with separated slightly upturned tongues 30. The minimum diameter of the aperture, as determined by the inner edges of the tongues B, is slightly less than the maximum diameter of the associable `boss 22 so that these flanges 2S can be pressed on to the bo-sses; the anges yielding sufficiently for this purpose, but when the anges are seated against the inner surface of the front wall Il, the tongues 3B effectively prevent inadvertent removal thereof. In this manner, elimination of separate attaching parts is accomplished, The yoke 21 has aligned openings 3l therein for the passage of the'solenoid plunger 32, which plunger has secured to its upper end, a striker 35. Secured to the bottom wall YI2 is a pad 35 of felt or any other suitable cushioning material. This pad 35 serves as a rest for the lower end of plunger 32 in its normal position.

Screw terminal members 3B and 31 are located in the flange part I8 and from these terminal members, wires 38 and 39 lead to the solenoid 28.

The top, bottom, and side walls of the casing are so made as to provide a continuous wall 46 with a shoulder 4l inwardly located relative to the inner edge of the wall 40. At spaced intervals along the inner surface of this wall 40 are slight bumps G2 which terminate short ofthe shoulder 4l, A back plate 64 of Vany suitable material such-as fiber, phenol condensation product, pressed board, a plastic or the like is adapted to ilt closely within the wall v40 and be retained therein by engagement under the bumps 42. This wall 44 has openings 45 therein lwhich can be properly aligned with the respective openings Il and I9 in the housing, and has other openings registering' With the terminals 36 and 31.

The operation and use of 'the device just described lis substantially as follows. `Conductors connected with a suitable source of energy can be connected to the terminals 36 and '31. The entire -device `then can be mounted on a suitable supporting surface 'such as a wall or the like by screws passing through the opening Il land through the Aeyelet 26. When so assembled, the solenoid '28 can be energized by `closing of fa proper switch, upon which energization the plunger 3'2 is moved upwardly rapidly causing the striker v34 to strike the lower leg of the vibratil-e element lill. Vibration is immediately set up vof both legs of the element producing -a musical note `within the casing, which in itself acts as a sound chamber. The openings 20 permit the sound vibrations to pass efficiently from the casing without any appreciable clamping effect. The impact between the end of the striker 34 and the element 24 is momentary, after which the plunger 32 drops downwardly, due to the force of gravity and eventually returns to its normal position as shown in Fig. '2 `with end thereof resting on the pad 35. Repeated closing of the energizing circuit will cause repeated vibration of the element 2'4 thereby causing the device to act as a musical signal.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a slight variation from that shown in Figs. 1 to 4 has been accomplished. In the latter modification, the housing is constructed in a similar manner and the actuating mechanism, namely the solenoid, is secured in the same fashion as before described. Accordingly, similar parts have been given similar reference characters. However, the striker 34 of Fig. 5 is of larger diameter than the striker 34. Likewise, vthe metallic strip 25', instead of having parallel side edges, is more or less a forked member having spaced end portions 50. To these end portions are secured two vibratile elements Zia and 24h, the ends of which are spaced apa-rb an amount suiiicient to prevent contact between the elements even under the most severe vibration. The end parts 50 of the strip 25' can be secured `to the elements .by spot welding, riveting `or any equivalent arrangement. Due to the positioning of the elements 24a and 24h, with their ends in close lproximity and also due to the increased diameter of the striker 34', it is possible, wh'en the solenoid of Fig. 5 operates to elevate plunger 32, for the striker 34' to strike the two vibratile elements simultaneously. If these elements are constructed to have different musical tones, it follows that actuation of the solenoid will set the two elements vibrating at their respective tones thereby producing a double note which can be blended. Again vwe find that the element of the 'present invention makes possible this simple production of a blended double note due to the .fact 'that vthe elements can be contacted by a striker at almost any point in a leg part thereof. The elements 'also can be secured to the `casing by a single attaching strip which can be fastened to the elements at any point in the loop parts thereof within reasonable ranges. This construction obviously possesses considerable merit and advantages over prior constructions approaching similar results.

Fig. 6 illustrates in fragmentary fashion a slightly different arrangement for Vsecuring two elements '24a and 241i in position within the casing, such arrangement consisting of a strip 25a similar to strip 25 .of Fig. 2 with. the exception that this strip is split as at 5| to produce two separated end parts 52. These end parts can be spot welded or otherwise secured to adjacent end portions of the vibratile elements 24a and 24h. This `construction is shown simply to demonstrate the versatility of the elements of this invention in that they can be fastened in vthe casing by attaching means which is not necessarily secured tothe elements at any midpoint thereof.

'Referring now to the form shown in Figs. 7 to 9 inclusive, a casing indicated generally at 'l0 is constructed substantially in the same fashion as the casing of Figs. 1 and 2 with the exception that the top and bottom walls are of the same length. VIn this form, the casing 'I0 is made up of a front wall 1|, top wall 12, bottom 14, and side walls '15. Within the casing, partitions 1.6 are provided spaced from the top and bottom walls. Likewise, a plurality of openings 'l1 and I8 are formed in the front wall adjacent the top and bottom walls and between these walls and the partition 16. Hollow bosses 'I9 are formed integrally with the front wall as well as a platform 8l] having two gaps 8| and 82 therein. An upper vibratile element 84 is fastened to the housing by a strip 85 and eyelet 8B in the same manner as the element 24 of Figs. 1 and 2. In

" addition, a second vibratile element 81 is secured within the casing near the bottom thereof by a member `88 and eyelet 89 in the same fashion as the upper element. A solenoid 90 is held in assembly by yoke 9| having anges 92 secured to the bosses 19 in the manner before described.

The solenoid Sil has a plunger 94, to the upper end of which is secured a striker and to the lower end of which plunger is secured a striker 96. This latter striker passes through the gap 8| in the platform 80 and has a spring 91 encircling the same above the platform and resting on a washer 98 extending across the gap 8|. The spring is of such size and strength as to maintain the plunger normally in the position shown in Figs. '7 and 8 `wherein the bottom of the striker Q6 is held elevated a slight distance above the top leg of the element 3l. A back plate not shown, similar to the plate 44, is held in assembly with the casing in the same manner as before described, namely by bumps 99 formed in the inner wall of the casing boundary edge.

Screw terminals Iil and |0| are provided for the attachment of conductors leading to a suitable source of energization anda conductor |02 fastened to terminal |00 is connected to the solenoid 9u while a similar conductor |04 connects the solenoid with the terminal l0 I The operation of this embodiment of the invention is substantially as follows. When the solenoid is deenergized, its plunger is in the normal position shown in Figs. 7 and 8. yWhen a circuit is closed lto energize the solenoid, the plunger is moved upwardly with 4sufficient force to cause the striker 95 to strike the upper element 84 causing it to vibrate and produce a, musical note. When the plunger rebounds, it will fall due to gravity, and on account'of its weight it will descend until the lower striker 96 strikes the lower element 87 causing it to vibrate and produce a musical note. In each instance the contact between the `respective strikers and elements is momentary so that the vibration of the elements is not impaired. In the instance of the lower element, the spring 91 serves to restore the plunger to its normal position after the lower striker has contacted the lower element, the spring 91 being weak enough to permit gravity to accomplish such contact bediffer fromthat previously described in that instead of a single solenoid 98, use is made of two solenoids IZB and |2| in side-by-side relation and sup-ported -by a yoke indicated generally at |22, which yoke has horizontal portions |24 of increased longitudinal length to support the two solenoids. The yoke has the same flanges 92 utilized to secure it to the bosses 79. The solenoid |29 has a plunger |25 provided with a striker |26. The lower end of plunger |25 normally rests on a pad |27 of felt or other sound deadening material, which pad is located on the top of the platform 83. The other solenoid |2| is identical in construction ,in all of its essential parts with the solenoid 9|) of Figs. 'l and 8 but the lower striker 9S, instead of passing through the gap 8| in platform 8|), passes through the gap 82.

A conductor |30 connects the screw terminal |00 with one terminal of the solenoid |20. The second conductor 13| connects this same terminal ld with the solenoid |2|. A third conductor |34 connects the terminal ||l| with the solenoid |2 while a fourth conductor |35 connects the terminal ||l with the solenoid |2|. Suitable channels are provided in the molded housing for keeping the conductors |34 and |35 separated. It will be apparent therefore, that the terminallll serves as a common terminal for both solenoids while the terminals lill and l@ serve the individual solenoids.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention is substantially as follows. Assume that the terminal I is connected to one side of a source of energization, then the terminals |8| and IIE! will Ibe connected through diierent switches to the other side of the source. Thus, when the switch associated with terminal ||l| is closed, the solenoid `|2|] is energized, causing striker l' to contact upper element 84, thereby producing a musical note as the result of its vibration. If the switch associated with the terminal lo is closed, then solenoid |2| is energized, causing a sequential striking of the upper and lower elements 84 and 81, thereby producing two musical notes in sequence and ordinarily, as in the case of the embodiment of Figs. 7 to 9, these two elements will be tuned to different tones so that the sequential notes are different. This embodiment of the invention is particularly useful for household purposes wherein switches are provided at two doors so that actuation of one switch causes the production of one musical 'note while actuation of the other switch causes the production of two notes in sequence, thereby enabling facile recognition of the particular location from which a given signal has originated. 1 In Figs..12 to 15, inclusivayarious positions in which a vibratile element can be mounted in va casing have been illustrated diagrammatically. Fig. 12 shows diagrammatically the position ofV an element in accordance with the first embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive, and also the upper elements of the other embodiments.

Fig. 13 shows diagrammatically how the position of such an element can be reversed.

Fig. 14 shows diagrammatically how an element can have its loop part near the top ofthe housing while Fig. 15 shows how the element vcan have the ends oi its leg portions close to the top of a housing. In any of the forms shown, suitable supporting devices and suitable striking arrangements can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Other angular positions of the elements are possible.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as being so constructed that the vibratile elements and other operating parts are attached directly to the multi-walled housing, it will be obvious that any or all of such parts can be attached directly to the back plate. `This plate may be flat or, if desired, may have integral formations for the attachment of the various` parts in the same manner as illustrated in connection with the 'main part of the housing.

From Ithe foregoing, it will be seen that this invention provides a new signal device utilizing a new type oi vibratile element for producing musical notes especially adapted for signal purposes. The elements o-f the invention possess advantages not `found in elements heretofore used. For example, the vibrantile elements which are of substantially U-shape in cross section, are Vof the utmost compactness and can be made in a wide range oi size, all of which are capable of being enclosed within a, comparatively small housing. Due to such compactness, it is not necessary for any part of any operating elemenlts to extend outside of the housing. The vibratile elements also possess the advantage that they can be sup.- ported or mounted with simplicity, since a single attaching member is sufficient to mount an element to a supporting structure. Ordinarily, the U -shaped element is attached to some supporting member at a single point preferably along the median line of the loop part; of the element, This point, however, may be at any location along the loop part of the element, consequently eliminating the necessity for determining accurately spaced nodal points. Furthermore, a vibratile element of the character disclosed herein can be secured to a supporting structure either with a rigid connection or with a resilient connection. Consequently, it follows that the element can be connected directly to a supporting structure such a housing with the loop part thereof in physical contact with the housing, or it may be connested by means of a strip member as shown herein, which strip member can be resilient or non-resilient as desired. It is not essential that the elements be contacted by Ya striker at any partisular vpoint since .the impact of a striker on either leg of an element at substantially any point on such leg, will cause instantaneous vibration of both legs, thereby setting up a musical note determined 'by the tuning of the element.

The U-shaped elements, as shown in the draw-V ings, each have legs the widths of which are many times the thickness thereof, for the purpose of causing the elements to have amplitude or volume of vibration suiilcient for signal purposes. Inpractice the ratio of width to thickness can be varied to any desired degree above about 20 to l; the illustrated elements being constructed with a ratio of substantially 55 to 1, but this ratio is not to be considered a limitation on the invention.

The invention also lends itself to the use of additional resonators as is customary since it is possible, if desired, to include separate resonators usually in the form of cylinders for the purpose of accentuating the note produced by a vibratile element. These additional resonators can be mounted directly within the housing along With the vibratile elements so that again all parts are completely enclosed.

The construction of the device as a whole is novel in that a unitary casing is adapted to contain all operating parts of the device and such parts are assembled with the casing with a, minimum of assembling accessories such as screws and the like. Consequently, the device lends itself readily to economical manufacture with a minimum of expense both as to construction of operating parts and assembly thereof.

In view of the foregoing, it is to be understood that the invention can be modified beyond the illustrated embodiments and therefore is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A sustained-signal device of the momentarily-energized resonant annunciator .type described, comprising: a vibratile element consisting of a wide thin strap of metal bent into U- shape dening a pair of substantially parallel leg portions disposed with their inboard faces in spaced opposition and joined by an intermediate bend portion, said legs each having a widthto-thickness ratio of at least 20 to 1, a combined housing and resonance box for said vibratile element, a supporting member for said vibratile element secured to a wall of said combined housing and resonance box, attached to said intermediate bend portion of said vibratile element and maintaining the legs thereof well out of vibratory contact with said combined housing and resonance box, and a quick-acting striker member supported by said housing and relatively movable with respect thereto for initiating sustained vibration of said housing-attached vibratile element by momentary contact therewith.

2. A sustained-signal device of the momentarily-energized resonant annunciator type described, comprising: a vibratile element consisting of a wide thin strap of metal bent into U- shape dening a pair of substantially parallel leg portions disposed with their inboard faces in spaced opposition and joined by an intermediate bend portion, said legs each having a width-t0- thickness ratio of at least 20 to 1, a combined housing and resonance box for said vibratile element having a sound opening therein, a supporting member for said vibratile element secured to a wall of said combined housing and resonance box, attached to said intermediate bend portion of said vibratile element and maintaining the legs thereof extending toward the sound opening of said combined housing and resonance box in close proximity thereto but non-contact therewith, and a quick-acting striker member supported by said housing and relatively movable with respect thereto for initiating sustained vibration of said housing-attached vibratile element by momentary contact therewith.

3. In a sustained-signal device of the momentarily-energized resonance box annunciator type described, a vibratile element consisting of a wide thin strap of metal bent into U-shape defining a pair of substantially parallel leg portions disposed with their broad inboard faces in spaced opposition and joined by an integral intermediate bend portion, said legs each having a width of at least 20 times the thickness of the metal strap of which .they are formed, and means attached to said intermediate bend portion of said strap for supporting s aid vibratile element and mounting same upon the resonance box of the signal device.

4. A sustained-signal device of the momentarily-energized resonant annunciator type described, comprising: a rst vibratile element consisting of a wide thin strap of metal bent into U-shape defining a pair of substantially parallel leg portions disposed with their inboard faces in spaced opposition and joined by an intermediate bend portion, said legs each having a width-tothickness ratio of at least 20 to 1, a second vibratile element of the same, above-defined, structure but having a musical pitch different from that of the first vibratile element, a combined housing and resonance box for both of said vibratile elements, means attached to the intermediate .bend portions of each of said two vibratile elements and mounting same in closely spaced substantial parallelism in said combined housing and resonance box, and a quick-acting striker member supported by said housing substantially symmetrically of said mounted vibratile elements and effective, when actuated, to initiate simultaneous vibration of both.

ALEXIS C. GROHSGAL.

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