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 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 head for a drum or similar musical instrument comprising a synthetic plastic sheet material and a synthetic fabric material having a random fiber orientation which is laminated thereto. The synthetic plastic sheet material remains the primary tension load carrier while the fabric material having nonorientated fibers is laminated thereto to distribute load without transferring stress into the plastic sheet material, thereby reducing the tendency of the plastic sheet material to dent as well as damping undesirable overtones, and to provide an improved brush surface. The synthetic fabric material is preferably impregnated with a water-based resin emulsion system to insure that the nonorientated individual fibers are elastomerically bonded together, thereby increasing the fabric materials' intralaminar integrity and to further enhance the tone quality of the laminated head.