Abstract: A percussion instrument stand includes an instrument support structure that supports the percussion instrument; a main body that supports the instrument support structure on a support base resting on a surface. The instrument support stand also includes a dampening system that absorbs impact energy transferred to the stand by a user playing the instrument via displacement off of an equilibrium orientation. The dampening system also provides a restoring force that returns the dampening system to the equilibrium orientation.

Abstract: An acoustic variable porting system includes an acoustic element and an acoustic variable porting element forming a port into the acoustic element. The acoustic variable porting element is adjustable between at least an open position, in which the port is generally open, and a closed position, in which the port is generally closed. The acoustic element may be at least one of: a sub-kick, a ported drum, and a speaker.

Abstract: A shoulder supported carrier structure has an articulable back brace with an auto-release feature. The auto-release feature allows for the back brace to translate towards/away from shoulder supports of the carrier structure so as to permit better positioning of the carrier structure on a user, as well as easier mounting and removal.

Abstract: An acoustic variable porting system includes an acoustic element and an acoustic variable porting element forming a port into the acoustic element. The acoustic variable porting element is adjustable between at least an open position, in which the port is generally open, and a closed position, in which the port is generally closed. The acoustic element may be at least one of: a sub-kick, a ported drum, and a speaker.

Abstract: A percussion instrument mount includes a base that supports a percussion instrument in a playing position. The percussion instrument mount also includes a swing arm that is coupled to the percussion instrument, and is also coupled to the base via a joint such that the swing arm rotates about the joint from an equilibrium position in response to a playing impact on the percussion instrument. The percussion instrument mount still further includes a playing impact energy absorber that provides a restoring force to the swing arm so as to return the swing arm to the equilibrium position.

Abstract: Improvements in a motorized microphone rail system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positional with a drive screw that is powered by a motor. The microphone can be moved along the supporting rail to alter the sound based upon the phasing of the sound wave between the drum heads or the sound producing elements. Electronic drive and control for operating a motor that positions the microphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoulder supported carrier structure supports percussion instruments on shoulder shoulders of a user is disclosed. A connecting member that spans between the shoulder supporting member behind the user or performer. The connecting member is joined to an arm that is connected to at a back member that allows the back member to pivot and translate relative to the two shoulder supporting members to allow the back member to align with a back of a user. The connecting member may be joined to the one arm with a frictional connection. The arm may be connected to the back member with a frictional connection. The back member at least partially contours to the shape of the back and may further include an inflatable cushioning bladder and is positioned between and under shoulder blades of the user to increase arm mobility.

Abstract: Improvements in a tilting, lifting stand are presented. The tilt, lift stand is for a musical instrument stand or to elevate/tilt a speaker and or amplifier and rigidly supports a sousaphone brass type instruments, speaker or amplifier in an in a stored and in a playable or elevated position. The stand supports all or the majority of the weight of the instrument or speaker or amplifier in a static position to relieve the weight of the musical instrument or speaker or amplifier. The stand has legs that are extendable to rest on multiple levels as might be found in a stadium. The stand further has a securing mechanism that gently grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A percussion instrument mount includes a base that supports a percussion instrument in a playing position. The percussion instrument mount also includes a swing arm that is coupled to the percussion instrument, and is also coupled to the base via a joint such that the swing arm rotates about the joint from an equilibrium position in response to a playing impact on the percussion instrument. The percussion instrument mount still further includes a playing impact energy absorber that provides a restoring force to the swing arm so as to return the swing arm to the equilibrium position.

Abstract: An acoustic variable porting system includes an acoustic element and an acoustic variable porting element forming a port into the acoustic element. The acoustic variable porting element is adjustable between at least an open position, in which the port is generally open, and a closed position, in which the port is generally closed. The acoustic element may be at least one of: a sub-kick, a ported drum, and a speaker.

Abstract: A shoulder supported carrier structure has an articulable back brace with an auto-release feature. The auto-release feature allows for the back brace to translate towards/away from shoulder supports of the carrier structure so as to permit better positioning of the carrier structure on a user, as well as easier mounting and removal.

Abstract: A snare drum attachment is disclosed. A mounted body is mounted to the snare drum and houses a first magnet. A moveable body is coupled to the mounted body. The moveable body is configured to retain tensioned snares a set distance from a snare head of the snare drum. The moveable body houses a second magnet magnetically coupled to the first magnet so as to generate a magnetic force. A manual actuator is coupled to the first magnet. Actuation of the manual actuator alters the magnetic force so as to displace the moveable body relative to the mounted body. The displacement changes the set distance of the tensioned snares from the snare head.

Abstract: A marching drum articulation dampener for percussion instrument holder that allows attachment to a user mounted carrier. The holder allows adjustment for positioning about the user, and pivoting of the holder to allow the holder to pivot or rotate up to allow the holder with instruments to fit a narrower space. The holder further allows the pivotal attachment of individual drums to link or pivot allowing the linked drums to articulate. The holder can also consist of members that allow a connected drum to move in horizontal position, angle, or height of the drum. A plurality of unique drum connecting members is disclosed that allow the connecting members to connect onto drum tension rods or on a drum lug. A lift assisting mechanism is used to assist in lifts drums from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A shoulder supported carrier structure has an articulable back brace with an auto-release feature. The auto-release feature allows for the back brace to translate towards/away from shoulder supports of the carrier structure so as to permit better positioning of the carrier structure on a user, as well as easier mounting and removal.

Abstract: A percussion instrument mount includes a base that supports a percussion instrument in a playing position. The percussion instrument mount also includes a swing arm that is coupled to the percussion instrument, and is also coupled to the base via a joint such that the swing arm rotates about the joint from an equilibrium position in response to a playing impact on the percussion instrument. The percussion instrument mount still further includes a playing impact energy absorber that provides a restoring force to the swing arm so as to return the swing arm to the equilibrium position.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand has an expandable telescoping stand with an adjustable travel stop included interior to an extension tube diameter. The telescopic extension of the musical instrument stand is adjustable by repositioning the travel stop longitudinally within the tube.

Abstract: Improvements in a motorized microphone rail system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positional with a drive screw that is powered by a motor. The microphone can be moved along the supporting rail to alter the sound based upon the phasing of the sound wave between the drum heads or the sound producing elements. Electronic drive and control for operating a motor that positions the microphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a grill configured for quick assembly, a method of partially pre-assembling the grill for shipping from the factory in a container, and a method of assembling the grill when removed from the shipping container. The grill comprises a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies and at least one linking member interconnecting them. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges or the like to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the first and second support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container.

Abstract: Improvements in a motorized microphone rail system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a percussion instrument such as a drum, marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A vertical or horizontal tracking system bridges across supports of a drum or marimba in a vertical or horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positional with a drive screw that is powered by a motor. The microphone can be moved along the supporting rail to alter the sound based upon the phasing of the sound wave between the drum heads or the sound producing elements. Electronic drive and control for operating a motor that positions the microphone is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in a tilting, lifting stand are presented. The tilt, lift stand is for a musical instrument stand or to elevate/tilt a speaker and or amplifier and rigidly supports a sousaphone brass type instruments, speaker or amplifier in an in a stored and in a playable or elevated position. The stand supports all or the majority of the weight of the instrument or speaker or amplifier in a static position to relieve the weight of the musical instrument or speaker or amplifier. The stand has legs that are extendable to rest on multiple levels as might be found in a stadium. The stand further has a securing mechanism that gently grasps a tubular section to hold the musical instrument. The speaker stand can be easily collapsed for transportation and storage.