The main motivation behind this product is to provide a safe and easy way to capture the spit produced from playing the trombone. While many researchers are currently studying ways to reduce the natural aerosol produced from the bell of brass instruments, the potentially infectious water vapor condensed within them and emptied through the instrument's "spit valve" is an entirely different challenge that requires immediate attention.
Product Requirements
1.
Containable
The spit should be able to be fully captured and contained while playing
2.
Inexpensive
The product should be able to be made for less than a few dollars to be mass-manufactured
3.
Resuable
The device should be reusable such that it can be washed or is partly disposable
4.
User-Friendly
The device should be simple enough such that anyone can use and attach it with ease
5.
Disinfectable
The product should be able to be disinfected and sterilized between sessions
6.
Aesthetic
The device should be visually pleasing enough for a musician to be proud to display it on their horn
7.
Durable
The device should be durable enough to be able to stay attached as it moves with the slide and last for several hundred hours of playing
8.
Lightweight
The device should be light enough to have a negligible weight effect on the musician