Abstract: The material constituting a drumming surface is anchored at its perimeter with epoxy to a supporting hoop. Between the hoop and tightening means there is located an O-ring of tension increasing material. When the tightening means is urged downwardly to increase the tension on the drumming surface, the tension increasing material distorts, partly laterally, thereby creating a tension which substantially increases the relative tension of the drumming surface material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sound altering device for a drum comprising a shell, head fastening means and a head with a playing surface and a rim. The sound altering means comprising a circular base with at least one aperture, and a rim mounting means integral with circular base, the rim mounting means being adapted to fit over the edge of the shell so that the circular base is suspended underneath the playing surface, the rim mounting means being adapted to be held between the edge of the shell and the rim.

Abstract: A tunable quick release mechanism for securing at least one drum head to a drum shell in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The mechanism may be used with a drum having either one drum head or two drum heads. An anchor affixed to the drum shell is connected to grip by means of lever. A pivoting lug fitted within retaining grooves formed within the grip is connected to means to clamp the drum head to the drum shell. Spring means may be used to secure the pivoting lug within the retaining grooves.

Abstract: A drum head assembly for use in drums, tambourines, banjos, or the like. A polymeric film is stretched across an annular member having a U-shaped channel formed in cross-section along its edge. The film is stretched and forced into the channel by plug member and is adhesively bonded therein. The plug member extends above the channel and receives a second, similarly shaped annular member over its exposed edge to provide a finished surface as well as an easy means for attaching the assembly to a musical instrument shell.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-tunable head for a drum, banjo, tambourine, or similar musical instrument is described. A highly oriented crystalline polymeric film is immersed into a liquid solvent bath containing a halogenated methane compound until the film swells to become sufficiently soft so that it can be draped. The film is then removed from the solvent bath and preferably mechanically wiped to remove solvent remaining on its surface. The film is securely attached to an annular member before it dries, and is then dried by allowing the solvent to evaporate. As the film dries, it shrinks to substantially its original dimensions to provide a constant tension in the head. The heads formed by this method have sufficient tension to provide an effective musical tone without the utilization of clamping or stretching means which must be periodically readjusted to maintain a desired tension in the head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a head on a musical instrument, such as a drum, tambourine, banjo, or the like. A vibratile sheet is stretched across the opening in a first member, such as an annular hoop, having inner and outer rims defining a channel along the edge thereof which is at least partially filled with an adhesive. A plug member is preferably inserted into the channel such that the polymeric film is shaped and stretched flat over said inner rim as it is forced into the channel and contacts the adhesive. The channel of the first member is inserted into a cavity corresponding in shape thereto in a second member, such as an annular ring which forms the rim along the edge of the shell of the musical instrument such that the first member is firmly engaged therein.

Abstract: A laminated head for a drum or similar musical instrument comprising a synthetic plastic sheet material laminated to both sides of a synthetic fabric material woven from a fiber yarn, the fabric material being the primary tension load carrier. The synthetic woven fabric material is not impregnated by the adhesive resin composition employed in the lamination process in order to allow the individual fibers therein to move freely. The mobility of the individual fibers produces a damping effect which removes high overtones and allows the individual fibers to vibrate for a longer period of time. The laminated head thus achieves an improved sound while reducing incidents of bias fracture, thereby having a greater variety of uses in the music field.

Abstract: A method of forming a non-tunable head for a drum, banjo, tambourine, or similar musical instrument is described. A highly oriented crystalline polymeric film is immersed into a liquid solvent bath containing a halogenated methane compound until the film swells to become sufficiently soft so that it can be draped. The film is then removed from the solvent bath and preferably mechanically wiped to remove solvent remaining on its surface. The film is securely attached to an annular member before it dries, and is then dried by allowing the solvent to evaporate. As the film dries, it shrinks to substantially its original dimensions to provide a constant tension in the head. The heads formed by this method have sufficient tension to provide an effective musical tone without the utilization of clamping or stretching means which must be periodically readjusted to maintain a desired tension in the head.

Abstract: A drum is adjustable in pitch by a pedal assembly connected by a wire cable or similar means to an actuating lever. The lever causes pressure to be exerted against a tension-adjusting ring over which the drumhead is stretched. A drum which is adjustable in pitch by rotation of the drum shell can thus be made adjustable by use of a pedal as well, leaving both hands of the drummer free during retuning.

Abstract: A drum is adjustable in pitch by a pedal assembly connected by a wire cable to an actuating lever. The lever causes pressure to be exerted against a tension-adjusting ring over which the drumhead is stretched. The pedal may be locked in any selected position to maintain the desired pitch, and the height of the drum is adjustable without adjustment of the cable linkage. A drum which is adjustable in pitch by rotation of the drum shell can thus be made adjustable by use of a pedal as well. The assembly for exerting pressure against the tension-adjusting ring is designed to be retro-fitted to certain types of existing drums to permit use therewith without the need for extensive modifications.