Cord Tighteners Patents (Class 84/413)
  • Publication number: 20120079934
    Abstract: A drum tune adjustment system is provided for adjusting the pitch of a drum having a shell, a batter head, a resonant head, and a cavity formed therewithin. The drum tune adjustment system includes an air pump or air source, and a conduit fluidly connected with the air pump or air source. The system further includes a connector that is configured to attach the conduit to the shell of the drum such that the cavity of the drum is fluidly connected with the air pump or air source via the conduit. The system further includes a pedal that is configured to actuate the air pump or open a valve that is fluidly connected with the air source and thereby move a mass of air between the air pump or air source and the cavity of the drum when the conduit is attached to the drum with the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Sarah Vaden
  • Patent number: 8143507
    Abstract: In combination with a snare drum having snare wires, a drum head and a side wall, slidable bands endwise connected with the wires, first adjustable mechanism connected with the a band end, and supported by the wall, second adjustable mechanism connected with another band end, and supported by said wall, whereby adjustment of either or both of the mechanism tensions at least one band, and said snare wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Good, Richard A. Sikra
  • Patent number: 8106277
    Abstract: A sound generating instrument having at least three resonant struts, each resonant strut having a length, terminal ends, longitudinal axis along said length and cross section. At least nine tension elements are provided causing the resonant struts to be compressively connected to other resonant struts by attachment of the tension elements at at least two points along the longitudinal axis of each resonant strut. A striker element is provided for selectively contacting the resonant struts for generating sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Ronald J Barnett, Gregory W Cherry, Michio Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20120017746
    Abstract: Herein described is a tone control device for percussion instruments comprising a first strap, a second strap, a weighted member and an engagement loop for the convenient engagement of a drum stick or other striking implement. The device attaches to a percussion instrument in such a manner as to allow a user to apply the tone control device to the percussion instrument's strike surface efficiently and conveniently with minimal disruption in play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Chad David Patrick
  • Publication number: 20120017745
    Abstract: A portable tuning apparatus comprising keys and a rotatable tuning plate is provided. Each key comprises two opposing connector arms separated by a cranked section and extending perpendicularly from opposing ends of the cranked section. A first opposing connector arm of each key is configured to engageably rotate a lug of multiple lugs that support a drumhead of a percussion instrument. A second opposing connector arm of each key slidably engages with one of the openings arranged at predetermined locations on the rotatable tuning plate. Rotating the rotatable tuning plate causes the second opposing connector arm along with the cranked section of each key to orbitally revolve about the first opposing connector arm of each key. This orbital revolution causes an axial rotation of the first opposing connector arm of each key engaged on the lug and imparts a uniform tension to the lugs for tensioning and tuning the drumhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jason Michael Truda
  • Publication number: 20110314993
    Abstract: A keyless drum tuning device includes a lug bracket attached to a shell of the musical drum. The keyless tuning device has a tensioning fastener that is removably connected to a tensioning counter-hoop or rim of the musical drum and passes through an opening in the lug bracket. The keyless drum tuning device includes an adjustment mechanism that is affixed to the tensioning fastener. The adjustment mechanism is contacts the lug bracket and is varied to modify the tension in the tension fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Charles I. Burdick
  • Publication number: 20110252943
    Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically tuning a drum are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: (a) exciting a drum head to cause it to resonate; (b) sensing a vibration frequency at one or more points relative to each tension rod; (c) determining a global average vibration frequency of the vibration frequencies for the points relative to each tension rod; (d) comparing the vibration frequencies of each of the points relative to each tension rod to the global average vibration frequency to determine a correction value for each point relative to the global average vibration frequency; (e) automatically turning each tension rod based on the correction value for the relative points; (f) automatically repeating steps (a)-(e) until each of the vibration frequencies of each of the points relative to each tension rod is substantially similar; and (g) automatically turning each tension rod in a uniform direction substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Zuffante, Vishal Kumar, Reid Ellison, Edward Joseph Baronowski, Emmanuel S. Milienos
  • Publication number: 20110167983
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning system for tuning a hand percussion instrument having a head and a shell. The tuning system comprises a rim, the rim secured to the head of the instrument, the rim comprising at least one receptacle, the receptacle positioned at outer periphery of the rim such that the receptacle body is below the plane of the rim, a side plate assembly, the side plate assembly secured to the shell of the instrument, a tuning rod, the tuning rod having a first end secured to the receptacle for varying the tension on the head, and the tuning rod having a second end secured to the side plate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Simons, Ray Enhoffer, Chatchai Chandontrikit, Andrzej Krol
  • Patent number: 7977558
    Abstract: Intended is to provide a strainer having a switch mechanism, which is hardly rattled by a wear, which can be stably operated by a weak force, which does not load a snare assembly and which can maintain an excellent operation feel, and a snare assembly holding structure which has a reliable clamping force so that it can prevent the looseness of the snare assembly end portion. An operation lever is hinged on its base end side to a base body. A link is turnably connected on its one end side to the lower side portion of a snare assembly holding member, and is likewise turnably connected on its other end side to a midway position of the operation lever. When the operation lever turns upward, the snare assembly holding member is pulled upward through the link. When the operation lever turns downward, the snare assembly holding member is pushed downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sakae Rhythm Musical Instrument Ltd.
    Inventors: Eizo Nakata, Manabu Morioka, Takashi Wariishi, Shunsaku Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20110154973
    Abstract: A drum tuning device (10) comprises a drive head (14) adapted to engage a head of a drum skin tension control device, a motor (24, see FIG. 6) for rotating the drive head and control means for controlling rotation of the drive head. The control means includes three push buttons (16,18,20), which each control rotation of the drive head (14) to different pre-selectable angles of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Christmas
  • Patent number: 7960633
    Abstract: An anti-rotation counterhoop-fixing structure is provided for a drum, which realizes secured and reliable fastening of the counterhoop, wherein a fastening end face of a drum-fastening screw and a fastening face of the counterhoop are respectively provided with roughened anti-skidding patterned surfaces so that when the screw is tightened for fastening, the anti-patterns provided on the mated fastening faces effectively prevent the threaded engagement from getting loosened when the drum is beaten or batted. Thus, secured and reliable adjustment and fastening of the drum skin can be realized, which maintains perfect and intact sound of drum beating and facilitates convenience and practicability of operation and use of music instrument percussion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Chang-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7956266
    Abstract: An internal mechanism for a musical instrument snare drum that supports the snares and allows adjustment of the snare strands in tension as well as relative position to the vibrating member or head of the drum is provided. The mechanism has a support beam that gives a stiffer and more stable base for increased accuracy of all adjustment. The support beam also provides increased guiding for the snare holders during the tension adjustment of the snares. The adjustment of the position of the snares in relation to the vibrating member or drum head is accomplished by deflecting the strands with a bridge like arrangement providing precise placement of the strands for optimum performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Cleland Instruments Ltd.
    Inventor: Terry Paul Cleland
  • Publication number: 20110067553
    Abstract: A drum comprises a drum body made of at least one fiber layer. The drum body is provided with a drumhead at each of two opposite ends thereof. The drumheads are positioned on two reinforced frames disposed at both ends of the drum body by two drum hoops, so that the contact area between the drumheads and the drum body can be reduced through the reinforced frames. In addition, the reinforced frames reinforce the structure and maintain the shape of the drum body. Plural positioning screws are inserted through the periphery of the respective drum hoops, and the drum body is provided with plural fixing members to be screwed with the positioning screws. By such arrangements, the drum not only has the advantages of reinforced structure, light weight and easy production but exert a better resonance effect, making the sound produced by the drum more robust and powerful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Fang HUANG
  • Patent number: 7888575
    Abstract: An improved drum construction in which sound hindering hardware is removed from the drum shell utilizing a unique tuning system that allows the drum skin to be tuned by rotating a counterhoop to bear pressure on an annular hoop securing the drum skin against a bearing rim. Rotation of the counterhoop drives the annular hoop deeper into an annular channel thereby increasing the tautness of the drum skin across the bearing rim. The bearing rim may be modified with adjustable bearing edges. The drum strainer is also removed from the drum shell and attached to the rim or counterhoop. Tone bridges and tone coats may be added to the drum shell to enhance sound production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Elisandro Toscano
  • Publication number: 20110023685
    Abstract: A portable drum that includes a drum head and a detachable dram shell, where the drum head may include an upper drum head and a detachable lower dram head and the dram shell may include one or more detachable sections. Once assembled, the upper drum head, the detachable lower dram head, and the sections of the dram shell may be held in place by a tensioning system that may include vertical straps and a waist belt strap. The portable dram may be disassembled and placed in a travel mode by nesting the sections of the dram shell in the lower dram head, and then placing the lower dram head into the upper dram head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Darren Saravis
  • Publication number: 20110017045
    Abstract: A portable drum that includes a drum head and a detachable drum shell, where the drum head may include an upper drum head and a detachable lower drum head and the drum shell may include one or more detachable sections. Once assembled, the upper drum head, the detachable lower drum head, and the sections of the drum shell may be held in place by a tensioning system that may include vertical straps and a waist belt strap. The portable drum may be disassembled and placed in a travel mode by nesting the sections of the drum shell in the lower drum head, and then placing the lower drum head into the upper drum head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Nectar, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Saravis
  • Publication number: 20110011239
    Abstract: Unlike other drum tensioning systems, this drum tensioning system has no component directly involved with the tension and tuning of the drum head coming into contact with the shell of the drum. This drum tensioning (tuning) system tunes the drum in an industry standard fashion while greatly reducing the quantity of material in direct contact with the drum, and greatly reducing the area of holes drilled into a drum's shell. In addition, this system eliminates the need for springs, which are the cause of hum and vibration when drum sounds are amplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Ellis Stevens
  • Publication number: 20100313732
    Abstract: A percussion instrument may have a hoop member configured to hold down a head stretched across a first end of the shell by a plurality of adjustment devices that may be for operatively connecting the hoop member with a plurality of fixtures that may be arrangeable along at least two surfaces of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yoshino, Hidekazu Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20100307323
    Abstract: A percussion instrument may include a plurality of coupling device for operatively connecting a first hoop member, which may be configured to hold down a head arranged across a first end of a shell, with a second hoop member, which may be arranged on a second end of the shell. A sensor adjacent the head configured to detect vibration of the head may be operatively connected to the second hoop member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Publication number: 20100300261
    Abstract: A system for stretching and tuning a drumhead includes a plurality of bolts each provided with a threaded shank and at least one associated nut threaded thereon. Each bolt is secured circumferentially and substantially equi-angularly about the periphery of the drum shell. The system includes a flexible, elongate member that is woven alternatively between the drumhead and each of the bolts until the elongate member is taut. Thereafter, the bolt shanks may be rotated relative to the bolt nuts so as to pull the elongate member into a more taut tension, whereby the condition of the drumhead increases. A drum including the system, a kit for implementing the system, and a method of implementing the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Rohan Krishnamurthy
  • Publication number: 20100269669
    Abstract: A drumhead with an outer ring member anchored to the outer periphery of a drum and having a threaded interior surface. An inner ring member having a threaded exterior surface matingly threaded to the interior surface of the outer ring. Rotating the inner ring in a first direction relative to the outer ring, increases the tension exerted on the drum skin. Similarly, rotating the inner ring in a second direction relative to the outer ring, decreases the tension exerted on the drum skin. Vertical pressure is exerted on the drum skin and drum ring when the inner ring is rotated in a first direction relative to the outer ring. Conversely, the pressure is released on the drum skin and the drum ring when the inner ring is rotated in a second direction relative to the outer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20100212474
    Abstract: A musical system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems including: a frame with an interior cavity, a tuning system coupled within the interior cavity of the frame, the tuning system configured to be accessed by way of an aperture through of the frame, and a drum head retained at a first end of the frame, wherein the tuning system configured to apply uniform pressure that circumscribes an axis of interior surface of the drum head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: SWAN PERCUSSION, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Wiese, Eric D. Holland, Edwin R. Barbee
  • Patent number: 7781661
    Abstract: A drumhead assembly comprising a drumhead membrane fixed within an annular ring and a tensioning ring for tensioning the membrane, located within the annular ring and against the drumhead membrane, comprising a cylindrical rod formed in a circular, flat configuration and a tensioning member for maintaining the tensioning ring in a pre-tensioned configuration. The tensioning member can be adjustable, as in the form of a turnbuckle, so as to vary the diameter of the tensioning ring, or fixed, as in the form of a spacer, so as to maintain the tensioning ring at a predetermined diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: RTOM Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Rogers, Raymond F. Gastgeb
  • Patent number: 7781659
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an adjustable modular drum including a first shell and plural second shells. The first shell has several lugs placed around the outer circumference, and each lug has a screw hole. Moreover, the second shells can be superimposed on the first shell. Furthermore, the drumhead on the first shell can be unloaded and then re-assembled on one of the second shells by a hoop. Then, plural tension rods are passed through the through holes around the outer circumference of the hoop and locked in the screw holes of the lugs for fixing. Accordingly, the height of the drum can be adjusted for conforming to different needs of the user without possessing multiple drums of different standards at the same time, thereby achieving the purposes of carrying convenience and reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Tsun-Chi Liao
  • Patent number: 7700864
    Abstract: An adjusting throw-off device for use on a drum having a side wall and a head, comprising a support body attachable to side wall of the drum, a hand manipulable lever having pivotal attachment to the body, a tensioning member operatively connectible to a strap that tensions release strands extending adjacent the drum head, the member having operative guided relation with the body in tilting and in endwise extension and retraction modes, and operative connection with the lever to tension the strap and strands to captivate the lever when the lever is swung toward the support body, and to de-tension the strap and strands when the lever is swung away from the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sikra
  • Publication number: 20100005947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a musical percussion instrument including a barrel and a membrane, being stretched over at least one of the openings and being in the form of a disc of appropriate material. The membrane has a device to collaborate with a complementary device of the barrel or a support to allow the membrane to be attached to the barrel with the application of tension. This musical instrument is characterized in that the membrane is equipped with devices defined by a series of holes, uniformly distributed at the periphery of the disc and through which a series of ties are intended to be anchored, at least part of the ties being capable of being secured to an element that forms an integral part of the barrel or of a support thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: RYTHMES & SONS
    Inventor: Claude Walter
  • Patent number: 7642441
    Abstract: A percussion instrument and its method of construction. The percussion instrument has an annular body with an open top and an open bottom. The annular body has multiple sections that include a first section and an opposite second section. The first and second sections join together at bending regions that are located at opposite sides of the annular body. A striking membrane is stretched taut over the open top of the annular body. An adjustment mechanism is provided that is used to selectively bend the annular body within the bending regions. Depending upon what direction the annular body is bent, the tautness of the striking membrane is either increased or decreased. This selectively alters the tone of the sound produced by the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Publication number: 20090293703
    Abstract: A protector device for the tension lock of a conga or the like provides a cost-effective production and easy attachment and the possibility of operation of the tension nut in the attached condition. The protector device comprises a main body, which is U-shaped in its horizontal cross section and radially open on the inside toward the conga, accepting the tension lug of the conga. A slot in the top portion snaps onto the tension hook in the attached position and the tension nut is exposed so that a tightening of the tension lock via the tension nut is possible even when the protector device is attached, without having to remove the protector device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Jan Roelof van der Meulen
  • Publication number: 20090282964
    Abstract: Drumhead tightening devices include lugs secured to a shell of a drum, lug bolts screwed to the lugs, hooks, which are engaged with a hoop fitted to an open end of the shell, and retaining members for retaining the position of the hooks with respect to the lug bolts. Each retaining member is mounted on one of the lug bolts in a state where the associated hook is arranged between a head portion of the lug bolt and the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Fusamitsu ITO
  • Publication number: 20090249939
    Abstract: A drumhead assembly comprising a drumhead membrane fixed within an annular ring and a tensioning ring for tensioning the membrane, located within the annular ring and against the drumhead membrane, comprising a cylindrical rod formed in a circular, flat configuration and a tensioning member for maintaining the tensioning ring in a pre-tensioned configuration. The tensioning member can be adjustable, as in the form of a turnbuckle, so as to vary the diameter of the tensioning ring, or fixed, as in the form of a spacer, so as to maintain the tensioning ring at a predetermined diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas P. Rogers, Raymond F. Gastgeb
  • Publication number: 20090173210
    Abstract: The lug structure of a drum for installing a drum head on a drum shell according to the present invention, includes: a lug base which is installed on the drum shell; a lug which is held by the lug base, and which supports one end of a tightening bolt; and a lug movement restraining portion which is provided between the lug base and the lug, and includes a shaft-shape portion provided on the lug, two planar portions are provided on the lug base, and the two planar portions extends substantially parallel to a shaft line of the shaft-shape portion and is contactable with the shaft-shape portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Taketoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7511210
    Abstract: A drum gauge is disclosed that provides a measurement of the length of the tension rods. In operation the gauge is compressed, placed around each tension rod and released. A display on the gauge provides a numerical value for the relative exposed length of the tension rod(s). The gauge is then moved to each tension rod to determine the length of each rod or the gap or space between the hoops or between the hoop and the lug casings. A nut on the end of each tension rod is adjusted until all the tension rods are adjusted to the same length. The gauge allows the head to be evenly adjusted so the same pitch exists in all locations on the drum head. The gauge has a lip to ensure it is placed consistently on each tension rod and further includes posts to allow the gauge to be used with drums made with different tension rods, counter hoops, claws and lug casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: 7511211
    Abstract: Methods of attaching a drum head to a drum body. Lug assemblies may include a lug body having a recess and a seating surface; an elongate link having a proximate end disposed near the drum head and a distal end disposed away from the drum head. A stop assembly is adjustably coupled to the link. The stop assembly constrains the link distal end from movement toward the drum head when the stop assembly engages the link and bears against the seating surface. Engagement surfaces constrain rotation of the stop assembly and thereby allow the stop assembly to be loosened, i.e., moved toward the link distal end, when the stop assembly is too shallowly disposed on the link. The stop assembly may be inserted into the recess from a direction that is generally tangential to a periphery of the drum body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Think Peak, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7488882
    Abstract: An improved drum includes a substantially cylindrical drum shell having a drum head and containing a mechanical voice system including strings, and a mechanical tuning system for adjusting tension of the drum head and the strings, and a spring housing serving as a base of the drum and containing shock absorbers, base extensions for stability, and pedals for mechanical note changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: D. Loran Curet Troche
    Inventor: Daniel Loran Curet Troche
  • Publication number: 20090025532
    Abstract: A drum includes a shell, a counterhoop and a head. The shell is cylindrical and provided with a combining member to engage with an engaging member of the counterhoop, and the head is sandwiched tightly between the shell and the counterhoop, with no need of any other parts to keep the head stretched tight so as to save time and cost for its manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Shih-Ying Lu
  • Patent number: 7439431
    Abstract: A banjo tensioner is provided in which wave springs inserted between the flange and the nuts operate to maintain a constant tension on the banjo hooks. The invention also contemplates using a wave spring as placed between the washer that applies pressure to the rim and the top coordinator rod nut to maintain the pressure on the inside of the rim. The tensioner may also be used on a drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Jakonczuk
  • Publication number: 20080173156
    Abstract: A drum gauge is disclosed that provides a measurement of the length of the tension rods. In operation the gauge is compressed, placed around each tension rod and released. A display on the gauge provides a numerical value for the relative exposed length of the tension rod(s). The gauge is then moved to each tension rod to determine the length of each rod or the gap or space between the hoops or between the hoop and the lug casings. A nut on the end of each tension rod is adjusted until all the tension rods are adjusted to the same length. The gauge allows the head to be evenly adjusted so the same pitch exists in all locations on the drum head. The gauge has a lip to ensure it is placed consistently on each tension rod and further includes posts to allow the gauge to be used with drums made with different tension rods, counter hoops, claws and lug casings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: 7402740
    Abstract: A tuning mechanism for tuning a drum having a head and a shell. The tuning mechanism includes a tuning bracket or receptacle mounted to the shell with a stabilizing portion formed thereon. A tuning rod has a first end attached to the head of the drum for varying the tension on the head and a second end passing through the tuning bracket and fitted with a nut for varying the applied tension to the head of the drum. Further a stabilizing washer positioned between the nut and the tuning bracket to improve a tuning procedure for said drum, whereby the stabilizer washer has a stabilizing tang that engages the stabilizing portion on the tuning bracket to prevent unwanted contact between the threads of the tuning rod and other structure of the percussion instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instruments Co.
    Inventor: Jan Roelof van der Meulen
  • Publication number: 20080168888
    Abstract: An acoustic drum has various implementations for tuning, bracing, attachment, and snare strainer. These implementations are combined in differing configurations of the drum system. Certain aspects of some of the implementations are related to aspects of other of the implementations. For instance, a tuning implementation may use a particular attachment implementation, which in turn may use a certain bracing implementation. Because certain bracing implementations are used, a strainer implementation could be also used if the drum was a snare version. The implementations variously combine to affect performance and/or other esthetic qualities of the acoustic drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: MachtTone Corp.
    Inventors: Alfred Paul Neumayer, John Steven Russell
  • Publication number: 20080141845
    Abstract: Methods of attaching a drum head to a drum body. Lug assemblies may include a lug body having a recess and a seating surface; an elongate link having a proximate end disposed near the drum head and a distal end disposed away from the drum head. A stop assembly is adjustably coupled to the link. The stop assembly constrains the link distal end from movement toward the drum head when the stop assembly engages the link and bears against the seating surface. Engagement surfaces constrain rotation of the stop assembly and thereby allow the stop assembly to be loosened, i.e., moved toward the link distal end, when the stop assembly is too shallowly disposed on the link. The stop assembly may be inserted into the recess from a direction that is generally tangential to a periphery of the drum body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Think Peak, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20080121088
    Abstract: I, D. Loran Curet Troche, invented a new musical instrument named ACOUSTICONGA. This instrument includes a membranophone, a chordophone, an aerophone, and an idiophone, four of the original Sachs-Hornbostel musical instrument classifications. The ELECTROCONGA is the electric version of the ACOUSTICONGA. I propose to introduce a new MECHANICAL VOICE SYSTEM (MVS) into hollow drum shells such as the conga drum which incorporates strings within a hollow drum shell. This MECHANICAL VOICE SYSTEM allows the percussion instrument to produce specific musical notes as typically produced by other string instruments such as the acoustic stand-up bass. Another embodiment of this invention is what I call the SPRING HOUSE, a shock absorption system, which serves to minimize repetitive impact, among other functions. The ACOUSTICONGA also has a MECHANICAL TUNING SYSTEM (MTS) around the drumhead which allows for more accurate and easy tuning of the drumhead as well as the strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: D. Loran Curet Troche
  • Patent number: 7371955
    Abstract: A drum tuning key comprises a handle portion, a barrel portion defining an axis connected to the handle portion, the barrel portion having internal walls defining a cavity extending inwardly along the axis from an end of the barrel portion, the cavity being square in cross section and adapted to turn a drum tension rod. The tuning key further comprises an indicator member removably disposed on at least one of the handle portion and the barrel portion. The indicator member may comprises a single plug member removably disposed on said handle portion, or a pair of plug members disposed on opposite lateral ends of said handle portion. The plug members may be different colors, different materials, and/or different hardness to enhance the assembly and tuning operation as well as pitch adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
    Inventor: Akito Takegawa
  • Patent number: 7351899
    Abstract: Lug assemblies and associated methods of attaching a drum head to a drum body. The lug assembly may comprise a lug body having a seating surface; an elongate link having a proximate end disposed proximate the drum head and a distal end disposed distal from the drum head; a stop assembly adjustably coupled to the link. The stop assembly constrains the link distal end from movement toward the drum head when the stop assembly engages the link and bears against the seating surface. Engagement surfaces constrain rotation of the stop assembly and thereby allow the stop assembly to be moved toward the link distal end when the link proximate end is closer to the stop assembly than the seating surface. The stop assembly may be inserted into the recess from a direction that is generally tangential to a periphery of the drum body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Think Peak, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7351900
    Abstract: A drum key for adjusting the bolts that secure and tune the drum heads or skin that close one or more ends of a drum. The key is constructed in an elongated body with one end having a socket configured for engaging onto the head of a tightening bolt used to tighten and tune the drum head or skin. When the body of the key is articulated arms or wings embodied within the body of the key extend, deploy or spread to provide a leaver arm for tightening the tuning bold on a drum. After the tightening and or tuning operation is complete, the arms or wings are securable back within the body of the drum key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Randall L May
  • Publication number: 20080022840
    Abstract: A drum key for adjusting the bolts that secure and tune the drum heads or skin that close one or more ends of a drum. The key is constructed in an elongated body with one end having a socket configured for engaging onto the head of a tightening bolt used to tighten and tune the drum head or skin. When the body of the key is articulated arms or wings embodied within the body of the key extend, deploy or spread to provide a leaver arm for tightening the tuning bold on a drum. After the tightening and or tuning operation is complete, the arms or wings are securable back within the body of the drum key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Randall L. May
  • Patent number: 7244883
    Abstract: A drum including a cylindrical shell having an upper edge defining an open top end, and a lower edge defining an open bottom end; a drum skin disposed over the top end; a plurality of lugs mounted on an outer surface of the shell in positions annularly spaced adjacent to the bottom end; and a cover movable between a closed position closing the bottom end and an open position providing access into the shell through the bottom end. Also included is a latch mechanism retained by one or more of the lugs and operable to either retain the cover in the closed position or allow movement of the cover into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: First Act Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Helfrich, Steve Lepke
  • Patent number: 7163431
    Abstract: A toy percussion instrument that is characterized by a novel method of attaching a tether to a striker and/or main instrument body. The new location of attachment enables compliance with stringent safety standards without detracting from the playability of the toy instrument. In particular, two tethered strikers can be provided while still satisfying cord maximum perimeter standards and at the same time allowing an appropriate length of cord to play the instrument without difficulty. The provision of two tethered strikers enables a more realistic instrument while satisfying a parent's preference to have the tethers. In particular, The striker attachment location is spaced inwardly from the ends of the striker, thereby to allow a shorter tether to be used while still allowing the instrument to be played without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Walraven
  • Patent number: 7084338
    Abstract: A hollow cylinder of a drum is equipped with a lug fixing structure for detachably attaching a lug thereto by using a lug fixing member, which projects externally from the hollow cylinder and engages with an engagement hole of the lug. Herein, the lug fixing member has a spacer by which the lug is spaced apart from the exterior circumferential surface of the hollow cylinder and would not come in direct contact with the hollow cylinder. Thus, it is possible not to prevent the hollow cylinder from vibrating during playing of a drum. In addition, the lug is turned over after released from the lug fixing member, which is thus prevented from being engaged with the engagement hole of the lug again. This guarantees rapid replacement of a drumhead because a human operator can easily release engagement between the lug and lug fixing member without performing troublesome operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7074996
    Abstract: There is provided a drum head assembly. The drum head assembly has an outer member and an inner member. The outer member has an L-shaped step on its inside surface with posts extending outward from the base of the step. The depth of the inside edge of the outer member determines the amount of tension on the head. A die cut head or skin with holes punched to match the posts is inserted into the outer member. The inner member with holes that match the posts in the outer member is pressed onto the underside of the outer member. The pressure forces the inner member into the inside edge of the L-shaped inside surface of the outer member. There is also provided a method in which the die cut head or skin gets pulled at the same time, thus creating tension. While the assembly is still under pressure, a heated mandrel melts the post ends onto the inner member, thus holding the three components of the assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Latin Percussion Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Simons, Andrzej Krol, Raymond Enhoffer
  • Patent number: 7045696
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for enabling simultaneous balancing and tuning of an acoustic drum with a single adjustment. A band, such as a cable, extends about adjustment ties which holds the drum skin or head to the housing or hoop of the drum so that, when tightened, the head will be placed under tension. With the present invention, that tension applied to the skin or head is evenly distributed. In this way, one touch tuning is achieved with simultaneous balancing since there will be a constant tension applied to each of the ties holding the drum skin on the body of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas R. Henry