Drum And Cymbal Beaters Patents (Class 84/422.1)
  • Patent number: 7626106
    Abstract: Cymbals and generally flat sheet instruments, as well as compound instruments, are formed using welding process and metal melting processes to form holes and edges with thickened edges from the melting processes, to join sections of metal, to add metal by creating beads at desired locations, to join sections with differing hardness and/or thickness, to create compound cymbals and compound flat sheet instruments by joint welding cymbals or sheet instruments together. The invention also includes cymbals and bells and various combinations and shapes thereof and the unique overtones attained thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: John Stannard
  • Patent number: 7626108
    Abstract: A drum beater comprises an elongated rod adapted to be mounted to a foot-operated beater drive mechanism and a beater head main body mounted to an end of the elongated rod. The beater head main body includes a recessed area disposed at an entry area where the elongated rod passes into the beater head main body and a shock absorber member is disposed in the recessed area such that the elongated rod directly engages both the beater head main body and the shock absorber to attenuate the transfer of vibration between the beater head main body and the elongated rod. In the preferred embodiment, the recessed area is formed as an annular opening facing away from said main body and the shock absorber member is removable disposed in the recessed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
    Inventor: Akito Takegawa
  • Patent number: 7626107
    Abstract: A foot pedal apparatus for operating a musical instrument, comprising an elongated footboard including a hinge plate fixed to the rear portion of the footboard and a stationary heel plate with a front portion. A hinge assembly couples the hinge plate at the footboard rear portion to the heel plate front portion and enables the footboard to pivot relative to the heel plate, wherein the hinge plate may be fixed at different positions on the footboard to adjust a length of the footboard relative to the axle. A portion of the heel plate may be repositioned between the hinge shaft and the footboard to define the extended footboard. As a result, the torque provided by the footboard can be adjusted to adjust the feel of the pedal and to accommodate feet of different sizes. Additionally, spherical bearings on the hinge shaft improve the function of the pedal assembly by compensating for a slightly misaligned axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
    Inventor: Akito Takegawa
  • Patent number: 7608770
    Abstract: A variable ratio spring return for a bass drum pedal includes a bass drum pedal of the type having a driveshaft mounted on a frame for rotation in a positive direction from a rest position to an impact position on a longitudinal axis of the driveshaft. A spring return assembly connected between the frame and the driveshaft biases the driveshaft in a negative direction from the impact position towards the rest position. The spring return assembly includes a spring with ears at opposing ends, one ear connected to the frame and the other ear connected to a cam-shaped hub mounted on the driveshaft. The hub has a peripheral edge that varies in radius from a small radius at an upper end to a large radius at a lower end. A belt has a first end connected to the upper end of the hub and extends downwardly around a forward peripheral edge of the hub to a clip that receives the upper ear of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Lucas A. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7608771
    Abstract: A system for the controlled hitting of a percussion instrument such as a drum including an implement such as a bass drum pedal is described herein. The system comprises a controller for receiving a signal indicative of a beat and for sending triggering command, and an actuator for coupling to the implement and to the controller for receiving the triggering command from the controller and for causing the implement to move at the beat in response to a triggering command from the controller. According to an illustrative embodiment, the actuator includes a motor coupled to the controller so as to be controlled therefrom and a drive mechanism connected to the motor and to the implement for causing the motor to trigger the implement at the beat in response to the triggering command. The system is connected and controlled by a click through a MIDI connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Claude Fournier, Paul Seney
  • Patent number: 7601902
    Abstract: Multi-pivoted pedal drum beating apparatus, comprising a base, a swingable drum beater, a longitudinally extending pedal for swingably activating the beater, a first support for supporting the pedal to pivot at a first location, a second support for supporting the pedal to pivot at a second location, and the pedal being suspended by supports to pivot downwardly and optimally laterally during activation of the beater. Multiple axes of pivoting are defined by said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7598445
    Abstract: A cantilever spring carrying a mallet with a low friction tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Darrell N. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20090235806
    Abstract: A structure of a drum pedal is provided for automatically returning of the pedal. The pedal drives a mallet that is mounted to a shaft and is rotated by the depression of the pedal to hit a drum. A rotary member is mounted to the shaft and carries a first magnet. An erect support is arranged to oppose the rotary member and carries a second magnet opposing the first magnet. When the pedal is depressed to drive the mallet to hit the drum, a magnetic interaction induced between the first and second magnets to automatically return the pedal to the original location before depression in a soundless manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: MING-HWAI CHEN
  • Publication number: 20090229444
    Abstract: A snare stand having a unit slidaby mounted in the center post for protraction and retraction therefrom by a push pedal actuated protract-retract mechanism. The end of the unit arm connect to any make snare drum by a universally adjustable throw-off plate that replaces the factory plate used to hold the snare ribbon in place, allowing the user to quickly raise and lower the snare ribbon with a push of a pedal. The mechanism operates in such a way that when the pedal is pressed down the snare ribbon with either raise or lower, and remain in that position until the pedal is pressed again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Measelle
  • Patent number: 7589275
    Abstract: An electronic hi-hat cymbal comprises a hi-hat having a strike detector, a pedal unit having a stepped degree detector, a waveform data memory for storing a plurality of electronic hi-hat sound waveform data, corresponding to respective stepped degrees, in a plurality of stages, a CPU, a musical tone generating controller, and so forth. The CPU causes the musical tone generating controller to read out electronic hi-hat sound waveform data corresponding to a stepped degree in the pedal unit from the waveform data memory when a strike to the hi-hat is detected to thereby generate a musical tone signal before outputting, and when a change occurs to the stepped degree during a musical tone being produced thereafter, to read out electronic hi-hat sound waveform data corresponding to a new stepped degree halfway through to thereby generate a musical tone signal to be outputted, which is continued while the musical tone is being produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Keita Arimoto
  • Patent number: 7579539
    Abstract: An adjustable drum pedal assembly has a rotated shaft, a drive device and a chain. The rotated shaft has a fixed bracket formed on the rotated shaft and has a screwed hole. The drive device is mounted on the rotated shaft and has a base, a mounting panel and a bolt. The base is combined with the fixed bracket and has an adjusting groove, a mounting recess, a securing hole and an elongated through hole. The mounting panel is mounted to the rear end of the base. The bolt is screwed into the screwed hole. The chain is mounted between the drive device and the drum pedal and has a fastener screwed into the securing hole in the base to connect the chain to the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 7579538
    Abstract: In a musical instrument (1), comprising a so-called cabasa (2) with a cylindrical main body (3), about the periphery of which beaded sounding bodies (4) extend that interact with the surface of the main body (3) to produce a tone when a shaking movement is performed, and a joined-on handle (5) that extends away from the main body (3), provision is made that the joined-on handle (5) is mounted in a manner so as to be able to pivot, that a foot pedal (12) is provided, and that a pivot movement of the foot pedal (12) is converted by means of a transmission device, particularly a transmission linkage or toothed belt, into a pivot movement of the joined-on handle (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Roland Meinl Musik-Instrumente GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Torsten Franz
  • Patent number: 7579540
    Abstract: A beater holder apparatus for a bass drum pedal enables adjustment of the amplitude of swing of a drum beater with respect to a drum head, comprises a beater holder that is configured to for radial adjustment with respect to the beater shaft. The assembly comprises a support; a shaft supported by the support and rotatable around the axis of the shaft. A pedal is pivotable between an operating position to which the pedal is operated by the operator and a return position. A connecting system connects the pedal to the shaft such that movement of the pedal between the operating and return positions rotates the shaft and rotates the beater head toward and away from the drum head for beating the drum head. The beater holder can be angled infinitely and can be mounted to the pedal's axle to provide a “LIGHT” or “HEAVY” feel to provide a dual adjustment structure. Further, the invention has a clam-shell design for easy change-over to the “LIGHT” and “HEAVY” positions without dismantling the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
    Inventor: Akito Takegawa
  • Patent number: 7566826
    Abstract: A device for playing a percussion instrument using a pedal, a pivoting L-rod secured to a base plate for supporting a retraining assembly with a first stop disposed on one end of the percussion instrument and a second stop disposed on the other end of the percussion instrument, and wherein the first and second stops restrain the pivoting action of the percussion instrument, and wherein a base plate is removably fixedly secured to the pedal clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jamison Lee Stokdyk
  • Publication number: 20090178539
    Abstract: A beater holder apparatus for a bass drum pedal enables adjustment of the amplitude of swing of a drum beater with respect to a drum head, comprises a beater holder that is configured to for radial adjustment with respect to the beater shaft. The assembly comprises a support; a shaft supported by the support and rotatable around the axis of the shaft. A pedal is pivotable between an operating position to which the pedal is operated by the operator and a return position. A connecting system connects the pedal to the shaft such that movement of the pedal between the operating and return positions rotates the shaft and rotates the beater head toward and away from the drum head for beating the drum head. The beater holder can be angled infinitely and can be mounted to the pedal's axle to provide a “LIGHT” or “HEAVY” feel to provide a dual adjustment structure. Further, the invention has a clam-shell design for easy change-over to the “LIGHT” and “HEAVY” positions without dismantling the pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Akito TAKEGAWA
  • Patent number: 7557285
    Abstract: A capo device has a clamping assembly and individually selectable pressure pad assemblies for compressing selected strings of a stringed instrument to selectively tune the stringed instrument. The pressure pad assemblies are adapted to be selectively vertically lifted or lowered relative to the strings of the stringed instrument to vary the permutations for chord tunings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Ward
  • Patent number: 7550663
    Abstract: A pedal device with a shiftable stepping position for a percussion instrument is disclosed. In view of the problems in the prior art that the player feels discomfort when the angle of the footboard is not correct and that the instrument may have a worse pose, the invention provides a back bottom board under the pedal device that can rotate and adjust its side-shifting angles. By shifting the position of the back bottom board, the footboard is moved and fixed at a position preferred by the player. Therefore, the position of the footboard is adjusted according to the stepping position of the player. Therefore, the invention can avoid the player's discomfort and be disposed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: E-Bin Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi Tan Lin
  • Publication number: 20090151540
    Abstract: A system is provided for selectively activating at least one foot activation device. The system includes an enclosure configured to hold the at least one foot activation device. Additionally, the system includes at least one handle coupled to a top portion of the enclosure, where each handle is positioned above a respective foot activation device and are mutually coupled to one another. Each handle is displaced in a direction toward the respective foot activation device such that each handle selectively activates the respective foot activation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: W. John Heitman, II
  • Patent number: 7547837
    Abstract: A system is provided for selectively activating at least one foot activation device. The system includes an enclosure configured to hold the at least one foot activation device. Additionally, the system includes at least one handle coupled to a top portion of the enclosure, where each handle is positioned above a respective foot activation device and are mutually coupled to one another. Each handle is displaced in a direction toward the respective foot activation device such that each handle selectively activates the respective foot activation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: W. John Heitman, II
  • Patent number: 7541531
    Abstract: A spring return for a bass drum pedal includes a spring with ears at opposing ends, one ear connected to the pedal frame and the other ear connected to a pivot arm attached to the pedal driveshaft. The pivot arm includes a hub mounted on the driveshaft and a shaft extending radially therefrom. A collar is journaled on the shaft and includes a setscrew to permit selectively locking of the collar at desired locations along the shaft. A pin mounted on the collar has an aperture for receiving one ear of the spring, thereby permitting selective adjustment of the distance between the spring ear and the driveshaft, to thereby adjust the ratio of driveshaft rotation to spring pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Lucas A. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7531733
    Abstract: A foot pedal for electronic drums includes a lower tab or pedal or other extension for triggering by pressing down, and an upper tab or pedal or other extension for triggering by raising the foot. Also included is the joining of the upper and lower extensions (tab, pedal or other) into a pedal assembly that includes: a hinge or axle or other device which allows the pedal assembly to rotate in an arc; a striking device (stick, rod or other) that is attached to the pedal assembly and hits impact sensitive electronic drum triggering devices (pads, tubes or others); and an elastic device or spring which returns the pedal assembly to the neutral (at-rest) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Mark David Steele
  • Patent number: 7528312
    Abstract: Two drums are arranged so that a head of each faces each other in close proximity to enable a distal end of a drum stick, hand or mallet that is positioned between them to strike both when moving the drum stick, hand or mallet first toward and against one and then toward and against the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen DiGiovanni
  • Publication number: 20090100985
    Abstract: A musical instrument stand assembly with a foldable pedal includes a main stand body, and the main stand body includes a main rod, and the bottom of the main rod includes two support rods each with a recession, and the recession includes a first circular serration; two side frames, and a sidewall of each side frame includes a protrusion and a second circular serration at the protrusion, and each side frame is installed by engaging each protrusion with the recession of each support rod, such that the first and second circular serrations are engaged with each other. With the design of rotably engaging the two side frames and the two support rods, the main stand body of the musical instrument has the function of adjusting its inclination with respect to a vertical position, and the effect of conveniently folding the pedal of the musical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Ming Yi Chang
  • Patent number: 7514618
    Abstract: A drumstick having a tip of synthetic material, the tip having a plurality of substantially circumferential grooves. A drumstick having a handle portion with a cylindrical shaft and a striking tip extending from one end of the shaft, the striking tip having a substantially spherical conformal cap of synthetic material, the cap having a plurality of substantially circumferential grooves that are disposed in space substantially parallel to one another and substantially equidistantly spaced. The tip of synthetic material may be made from graphite, ceramics, or plastics, preferably nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: J.D. Calato Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Calato
  • Patent number: 7511212
    Abstract: A musical instrument stand assembly with a foldable pedal includes a main stand body, and the main stand body includes a main rod, and the bottom of the main rod includes two support rods each with a recession, and the recession includes a first circular serration; two side frames, and a sidewall of each side frame includes a protrusion and a second circular serration at the protrusion, and each side frame is installed by engaging each protrusion with the recession of each support rod, such that the first and second circular serrations are engaged with each other. With the design of rotably engaging the two side frames and the two support rods, the main stand body of the musical instrument has the function of adjusting its inclination with respect to a vertical position, and the effect of conveniently folding the pedal of the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Remarkable Company
    Inventor: Ming Yi Chang
  • Patent number: 7485792
    Abstract: A musical effects pedal retaining unit comprising a retaining body, a retaining means affixed to said retaining body by retaining means connectors and an attachment surface fixed to said retaining body. This pedal retaining unit is preferably used with a pedal board system to secure at least one musical effect pedal while simultaneously preserving the effects pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Max Collins, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090025533
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for connecting drum pedals for a musical drum set. In one embodiment, an apparatus for connecting two drum pedals of a drum set comprises an outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the outer tube being coupled with a first drum pedal; an inner rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the inner rod being slidably received through the proximal end of the outer tube, the distal end of the inner rod being coupled with a first drum beater; and a quick-release mechanism configured to releasably engage the outer tube with the inner rod. The quick-release mechanism includes a resilient engagement member that resiliently engages the outer tube with the inner rod and that is manually operable to disengage the outer tube from the inner rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Rusty Reens, Randy Reens
  • Patent number: 7470847
    Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument pedal device uses a spring structure in a space between a bottom structure and a foot pedal board structure to regulate the movement of the foot pedal board structure. Even when the foot pedal board structure is not being moved, it is regulated by the above mentioned spring structure into a proper near horizontal position. If the foot board is stepped on, the coil spring will stretch and a load (stability) will become strong. As a result, when the foot board is in a position near the position in which it is not stepped on, the load is initially relatively light and then becomes heavier as the user continues to further step on the foot board. This is approximated to the action of an acoustic bass drum, and a good actuation feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7456351
    Abstract: A drum pedal, having a drive assembly supported by a pedestal, may include a drive shaft, a rotatably adjustable drive ring, and a rotatably adjustable beater ring. In another aspect, a drum pedal may have a drive assembly supported by a pedestal comprising a journaled drive shaft, a rotatable bearing mounted off center of the drive shaft, a spring, and a biasing arm pivotally mounted on the pedestal, wherein the bearing and the spring cooperate to bias the arm toward a predetermined rest position. A linkage may operatively connect a foot board and the drive ring and may have means for selectively defining a connection to the foot board from one of plurality of positions. A beater may have a stem affixed to the beater ring. The beater may be actuated to a forward position when the foot board is depressed. The foot board may be biased toward a raised position and the beater may be biased toward a rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Trick Percussion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dorfman, George Szwaya, Robert E. Szwaya
  • Publication number: 20080282868
    Abstract: A pedal device with a shiftable stepping position for a percussion instrument is disclosed. In view of the problems in the prior art that the player feels discomfort when the angle of the footboard is not correct and that the instrument may have a worse pose, the invention provides a back bottom board under the pedal device that can rotate and adjust its side-shifting angles. By shifting the position of the back bottom board, the footboard is moved and fixed at a position preferred by the player. Therefore, the position of the footboard is adjusted according to the stepping position of the player. Therefore, the invention can avoid the player's discomfort and be disposed as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hsi Tan Lin
  • Patent number: 7449626
    Abstract: The invention relates to the modularity of a reversible symmetrical single-pillar vertical support assembly (the Tower) which is the major structural component for a drum beating pedal apparatus (drum pedal). Said drum pedal can also be used to beat, without limitation, other musical instruments and musical accessories. Upon this Tower can be constructed various single-beater, multiple-beater and remote drum pedals and drum beating mechanisms according to the operator's requirements. This modular single-Tower drum pedal system also comprises several ancillary inventions which also can be applied in concert with or independently of the said Modular Single-Tower Drum Pedal System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Taye Inc.
    Inventor: Erh Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7446254
    Abstract: Percussion instrument using touch switch. Electric current flows by touching conducting pad with conducting stick. The microcontroller in main portion detects the said electronic current and recognizes which pad is hit by which stick to generate the sound of drum of hit pad. The stick portion may further contain vibration sensor and in this case the microcontroller recognizes the hit impact strength of stick on pad by analyzing the output of vibration sensor to control the volume of sound of drum. The information about playing drum recognized by microcontroller can be transmitted to outer system like PC by communication portion in main portion or used to generate the sound of drum by sound generation portion in main portion and if the communication portion is contained in main portion then the sound generation portion may be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Moon Key Lee
  • Publication number: 20080264237
    Abstract: In a musical instrument (1), comprising a so-called cabasa (2) with a cylindrical main body (3), about the periphery of which beaded sounding bodies (4) extend that interact with the surface of the main body (3) to produce a tone when a shaking movement is performed, and a joined-on handle (5) that extends away from the main body (3), provision is made that the joined-on handle (5) is mounted in a manner so as to be able to pivot, that a foot pedal (12) is provided, and that a pivot movement of the foot pedal (12) is converted by means of a transmission device, particularly a transmission linkage or toothed belt, into a pivot movement of the joined-on handle (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Roland Meinl Musikinstrumente GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Torsten FRANZ
  • Patent number: 7435888
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for triggering electronic drums having a pedal assembly and a striking assembly spaced therefrom. The pedal assembly includes a base, a first hub body rotatably connected thereto, and an extension extending outwardly from and coupled to the first hub body. The striking assembly includes a base, a second hub body rotatably connected thereto, and a striking device connected to and extending outwardly from the second hub body. The distal end of the striking device is disposed between first and second triggering devices. The first and second hub bodies are coupled together via a connecting rod, which transfers a rotational force therebetween. The striking device contacts the first triggering device when the extension is depressed, and contacts the second triggering device when the extension is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Mark David Steele
  • Publication number: 20080196573
    Abstract: A fastening structure for a transmission rod of a drum hammer is disclosed and comprises: a transmission rod, which is connected to at least two pedals for transmitting power; two universal connectors, which are disposed two ends of the transmission rod respectively, each of the universal connectors has a female-connecting end, a female-connecting hole is disposed in the female-connecting end, an upper portion in the female-connecting hole has a plane, which corresponds to a through hole disposed in a lower portion of the female-connecting hole; two axes, an end of each axis has a plane; and two fixing structures, each fixing structure has a clamping member, which has an inner hole and a screw hole from the top of the clamping member through to the inner hole, a fixing column is disposed in the clamping member other than the screw hole; wherein the clamping member fastens the female-connecting end, a screw inserted in the screw hole is pressed on the periphery of the female-connecting end, the fixing column i
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Cheng Chang
  • Publication number: 20080196574
    Abstract: An adjustable drum pedal has a foot pedal and a base plate. A frame is coupled to the base plate. A support bar having a slot running a length of the support bar is coupled to the frame and raised above the base plate. A drum beater mechanism is movably coupled to the frame to allow one to adjust a position of the drum beater mechanism on the frame. A drive assembly is movably coupled to the drum beater mechanism and the foot pedal for moving the drum beater mechanism when pressure is applied to the foot pedal and for returning the drum beater mechanism to a starting position when pressure is removed from the foot pedal. A clamping device is movably coupled to the base plate for allowing one to couple the adjustable drum pedal in multiple positions relative to a drum. An adjustment device has a first end coupled to the foot pedal and a second end slidably coupled in the slot in the support bar. The adjustment device is used for adjusting a position of the foot pedal relative to the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Goran Kjellgren
  • Patent number: 7408104
    Abstract: A pedal device for a drum includes a base plate, a pedal, a chain, a pivot shaft, a beater, and an extension coil spring. When the pedal is freed from a depressed state, the urging force of the extension coil spring returns the beater from an operation position to a suspended position and returns the pedal to a standby position. A compression coil spring is arranged between the pedal and the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Sato
  • Patent number: 7405352
    Abstract: A drum pedal, having a drive assembly supported by a pedestal, may include a drive shaft, a rotatably adjustable drive ring having an arm, and a rotatably adjustable beater ring. A link may connect a foot board with the arm. A beater may have a stem affixed to the beater ring. The beater may be actuated to a forward position when the foot board is depressed. The foot board may be biased toward a raised position and the beater may be biased toward a rearward position. In another aspect, a drum pedal may have a drive assembly with a cam, having a slope, mounted on a drive shaft. The cam and a spring may cooperate to bias a cam follower toward a predetermined rest position. An adjuster may be provided to easily change the tension of the spring. In still another aspect, a drum pedal may have a drumward clamp including a shaft, a rotatable arm, and a torsion spring for biasing the arm toward locking with a drum rim. The arm may be unlocked by rotating a lever connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Trick Percussion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dorfman, George Szwaye, Robert Szwaye
  • Publication number: 20080173159
    Abstract: The invention relates to the modularity of a reversible symmetrical single-pillar vertical support assembly (the Tower) which is the major structural component for a drum beating pedal apparatus (drum pedal). Said drum pedal can also be used to beat, without limitation, other musical instruments and musical accessories. Upon this Tower can be constructed various single-beater, multiple-beater and remote drum pedals and drum beating mechanisms according to the operator's requirements. This modular single-Tower drum pedal system also comprises several ancillary inventions which also can be applied in concert with or independently of the said Modular Single-Tower Drum Pedal System.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Erh Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7399916
    Abstract: Percussion instrument support apparatus, comprising in combination, a base, an upright stand pivotally supported on the base to a first position, a brace releasably connected to the base at a second position apart from the first position, the brace pivotally connected to the stand, whereby when the stand is swung to down position relative to the base, the brace is released from the base and is swung to a down position relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7396986
    Abstract: A pedal for a percussion instrument, such as a bass drum, has a base plate and a foot plate pivotally mounted the base plate which is operably connected to an instrument striker. The pedal either has no heel plate or has a very short heel guide and is adapted so that when the tip of the player's foot is at an optimal position or “sweet spot” on the foot plate, the player's heel extends to the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Packer
  • Patent number: 7381877
    Abstract: The present invention provides a foot pedal for a drum that can clamp a hoop regardless of a board thickness of a hoop, improves an operability, handling and moreover, appearance, and increases a freedom of a setting the angle of a foot board. A pedal frame provides a hoop pushing apparatus that clamps a drum hoop. The hoop pushing apparatus includes: a hoop clamp with rotatability; a bolt that is provided at a front edge portion of the hoop clamp, piercing the hoop clamp, and can be adjusted in height; a hoop holding and binding lever that is provided at a bottom side of the hoop clamp with rotability; and a clamp holding mechanism that rotates and holds the hoop clamp at a certain height. The hoop pushing apparatus, upon clamping, holds and binds the hoop with a hoop receiving member and the hoop holding and binding lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiro Shigenaga
  • 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: 7375272
    Abstract: A pedal stand for a musical instrument includes a main frame, a support rack foldably mounted on the main frame, and a locking device mounted between the main frame and the support rack to detachably lock the support rack on the main frame. Thus, when the push button of the locking device is pushed downward, the support rack is unlocked from the locking device and is pivotable relative to the main frame to fold the pedal stand, so that the pedal stand is folded easily and quickly. In addition, the user only needs to push the push button to fold the pedal stand, so that the pedal stand is folded in an energy-saving manner, thereby facilitating the user folding the pedal stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Wei-Pin Wang
  • 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: 7371952
    Abstract: A percussion system for a percussion instrument, comprising: a cymbal or other percussion mechanism; an upright elongated support; a base frame from which the support extends upwardly; a drive linking system movable to actuate the sound generating mechanism; and a foot-operated pedal assembly. The pedal assembly actuates the sound generating mechanism through the drive linking system with the pedal assembly being selectively connected to the base frame in one of a play mode or a docking mode. In the play mode, the pedal assembly is connected in a horizontal orientation along a ground surface in which the pedal is adapted to actuate the sound generating mechanism, and in the docking mode the pedal assembly is connected to the base frame in a vertical orientation along the base frame whereby the pedal assembly is connected to a docking station for ease of storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Pearl Musical Instrument Co.
    Inventor: Yukio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7368650
    Abstract: A pedal assembly has a base and a pedal. The pedal is pivotally mounted on the base and has two mounting sleeve mounted between the base and the pedal. A resilient element is mounted between the mounting sleeves. A retaining element is secured to the base. Each mounting sleeve has a rubbing surface abutting against the pedal. Accordingly, gaps between the mounting sleeves and the pedal due to attrition will be automatically eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: K.H.S. Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080098872
    Abstract: A percussion system for a percussion instrument, comprising: a cymbal or other percussion mechanism; an upright elongated support; a base frame from which the support extends upwardly; a drive linking system movable to actuate the sound generating mechanism; and a foot-operated pedal assembly. The pedal assembly actuates the sound generating mechanism through the drive linking system with the pedal assembly being selectively connected to the base frame in one of a play mode or a docking mode. In the play mode, the pedal assembly is connected in a horizontal orientation along a ground surface in which the pedal is adapted to actuate the sound generating mechanism, and in the docking mode the pedal assembly is connected to the base frame in a vertical orientation along the base frame whereby the pedal assembly is connected to a docking station for ease of storage and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Yukio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7365258
    Abstract: A percussion assembly including a sound box having upright walls, a seat top, and an interior, the assembly comprising a beater located in the box interior, and means to activate the beater to repeatedly beat against a surface of a wall at said interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: DruM Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 7351902
    Abstract: For use in actuating a cymbal, there being an upright support stand and an upright rod associated with the stand and operatively attached to a cymbal to move it substantially vertically as the rod is moved substantially vertically, in response to operation of a foot activated pedal unit, the combination comprising an enclosure associated with the stand and being openable, the rod projecting downwardly to a rod end connection in the enclosure, the rod end connection movable longitudinally up and down relative to the enclosure, an endwise movable cable projecting upwardly to a cable end connection in the enclosure, the cable end connection having releasable coupling to the rod end connection to be longitudinally movable up and down therewith, thereby moving the rod up and down, and a cable guide carried by the enclosure to enable longitudinal release of said coupling and lateral removal of the cable end connection from the enclosure upon opening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Drum Workshop, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Sikra