- Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 2,195,992
- Filed: 6 May 1939
- In the name of: Waterbury Button Co
- Title: Ocarina
- What’s claimed: “In an ocarina, a pair of interfitted complementary hollow halves, each half having a complementary mouthpiece portion, one of said mouthpiece portions having longitudinal groove formed therein, and the other mouthpiece portion having a longitudinal rib adapted to fit tightly within the sides of said groove and in slightly spaced relation from the opposing wall of said groove to provide an air blowing passage.”
- Why this patent rocks: This appears to be one of the many early patents that relate to the ‘Ocarina’, an old family of instruments dating back thousands of years. Although originally invented by Alberto Mezzetti in 1853, the patent in question relates to ‘improvements in ocarinas’’ filed 86 years later. The patent in question claims to concern ‘improved’ construction of an ocarina, sealing two halves and a mouthpiece moulded from a plastic compound that purports to be ‘durable’ and ‘compact’. The ocarina works by the user blowing air through the mouthpiece and then the wind way of the ocarina; the air strikes the labium and produces sound. Air vibrates throughout the interior of the ocarina while the user can cover or uncover the holes to lower or raise the pitch. If you’re interested in learning more about the Ocarina and its ancient history, see here.
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The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.
