Abstract: A drum hoop assembly wherein the annular drum hoop has an inwardly directed edge which partially or substantially covers the bearing edge of the drum shell. The inwardly directed edge protects the bearing edge of the drum shell such that contact with a drum stick or damage is prevented. The drum hoop provides sufficient coverage of the bearing edge to prevent accidental damage from occurring and also provides proper tensioning of the drum head on the drum shell.

Abstract: A drum set is formed from two drum shells, each having an extension member. One extension has a recess which receives the other extension to maintain the drum shells in spaced and fixed angular orientation. Ceramic, plastic and wood arrangements are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a drumming apparatus or percussion instrument used for drumming comprising a drum and drum sticks. The drum comprises a plastic bucket shaped shell covered with a soft felt material and each drum stick comprises a cylindrically shaped elongated member covered with a soft felt material. The combination of the drum and drum sticks provide a unique tone or sound which is suitable for home, school and other environments where certain drumming noises could be bothersome. Multiple sizes of the drum can be combined to produce many unique sounds and pitches. Further the drum can be fastened together in several configurations, with or without a stand to form a drumming apparatus or a drum set. The preferred method of attaching multiple drums is by use of a fastening system such as, for example, Velcro.TM.. Also, the drum apparatus, which is lightweight and portable, can be easily stacked and stored because of the bucket like shape of the drums.

Abstract: An electroacoustically-amplified drum assembly consists of a hollow drum shell with a drumhead closing one or both end thereof and an acoustical air vent in the wall thereof. An acoustical microphone is positioned in the drum shell spaced from and free from any connection to the drumhead and has leads for connection through the acoustical vent to an external amplifier and speaker. An adjustable mount is secured on the interior surface of the drum shell without any break in the wall of the drum shell for supporting the microphone. The adjustable mount may be adjusted and set to establish a position for the microphone for minimizing microphone interference and optimizing proximity effect and sound quality. The drum may have air vent hardware positioned in the acoustical air vent opening and including electrical connections for connection to the external speaker and amplifier.

Abstract: Two opposing, interactive, and flexible force fields, formed by a flexible, suspension belt, exist within a sphere on opposite sides of it's equatorial plane and are engaged with a cylindrical musical drum by stretching parts of said belt away from the inner wall of an annular frame, to which it is attached, attachment points occurring in the before mentioned equatorial plane, and further into their respective semi-spheres existing on both sides of said plane. A cylindrical musical drum is placed inside the annular frame in such a way that the curved cylindrical shell of the drum exists in both semi-spheres simultaneously and is in parallel relation with the curved wall of the annular frame. The attached belt is stretched and engages a drum circumferentially at a plurality of points on the outer body of the drum near lugs which are attached to it's cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A snare strainer for a drum. The snare strainer includes a tube having a noncylindrical transverse cross section with a first axis and a second axis with oppositely located curved bearing surfaces positioned on the first axis. A piston is positioned in the tube for slidable movement between a first position in which the snares are located against the drumhead and a second position in which the snares are located away from the drumhead. The piston has a transverse cross section similar in shape to the transverse cross section of the tube. A quick release mechanism is provided to move the piston between the first and second positions. A handle forming part of the quick release mechanism is mounted on the tube and has a linkage connecting the piston, the handle and axis of the two during movement of the piston between the first and second positions. An axial passage is formed in one of the fasteners connecting the tube to the drum to allow air flow into and out of the drum.

Abstract: A multiple musical instrument holder with a mounting plate attached to a stand. Each musical instrument is connected to a mounting member. The mounting member frictionally engages the mounting plate. Optionally, a support bracket can be attached to the stand. The support bracket contacts each instrument mounted to the stand, thus, providing stability to the mounted instruments and to the holder.

Abstract: In drum head retention apparatus, the combination comprises a ring to extend about the drum, in alignment with head tensioners; fingers projecting on the ring to form slots to rotatably receive and to release from the tensioners; and relieved zones on the ring to pass the tensioners endwise when the fingers are in rotatably displaced positions relative to the tensioners.

Abstract: A musical drum in which an inflatable bladder is employed to regulate the tension on the drum head.

Abstract: A practice drumming provides generally quieter, silent drumming practice for a drummer in combination with a realistic drumkit depiction for better visual cuing and development of muscle memory. The drum pad is constructed of shock absorbing material to dampen the impact of drumsticks and reduce the corresponding noise generated thereby. The drum pad has a non-skid bottom in order to hold it in place on any generally available surface. A realistic depiction of a drumkit or the like is provided on the top of the drum pad. This realistic depiction allows the student to concentrate on playing different drums thereby developing the thought processes necessary for dynamic drumming as well as the muscle memory involved for such dynamic drumming. A pair of drumsticks may accompany the drum pad of the present invention. Additionally, recording media such as an audio CD can provide melodic or rhythmic "grooves" that may be practiced by the student in order to achieve drumming facility.

Abstract: A device for increasing the variety of sounds available from a percussive musical instrument having a generally cylindrical drum shell. The device comprises at least one hollow cylindrical body dimensioned and configured to be axially received within the drum shell between opposed ends thereof. The hollow cylindrical body and the drum shell may be made of similar or different materials. The hollow cylindrical body can be directly mounted to an inner surface of the drum shell or, alternatively, to a number of spacers arranged at circumferentially spaced-apart locations on the inner surface of the drum shell.

Abstract: A double-headed musical percussion instrument comprises a quick removable substitute drum head mounted at one end of a drum shell and adapted to closely emulate the sound of a conventional drum while at the same time providing the structural rigidity required to transport other instruments inside of the drum shell. The invention further includes a quick removable support mechanism which is adapted to support a small bass drum in a raised position over the floor. The support mechanism also enables the adjustment of the axial position of a bass drum pedal assembly with respect to the bass drum thereby making the pedal action more comfortable to the user.

Abstract: An improved hi-hat percussion instrument has a treadle stand with a central support shaft with a lower rod therein, the rod and support shaft being connected to a foot pedal. A hi-hat cymbal assembly has a lower fixed cymbal and a movable upper cymbal located above the central shaft. A bias spring is between the cymbals urging the upper movable cymbal away from the lower fixed cymbal. A flexible member is connected to the lower rod and the movable top cymbal which will then bring the two cymbals together by action of the foot pedal. A pivoting knuckle also permits the hi-hat cymbal assembly to assume varied angles.

Abstract: A drum includes a drum shell, a drum head, a counter-hoop and a shell hoop. A drum skin extends over the open end of the drum shell and has a circumferential bead. The counter-hoop has a downwardly and outwardly extending flange which bears on the bead. The shell hoop has a rim which extends upwardly and outwardly. An adjustable clamp ring engages the flange of the counter-hoop and the rim of the shell hoop through correspondingly inclined portions. The clamp ring has a breach and a tightening mechanism so that when the clamp ring is tightened, the counter-hoop is forced downwards, thereby tightening the skin.

Abstract: A musical drum that includes a drumhead on each end that is secured to the shell by its own counterhoop. Formed as an integral part and around the perimeter section of each of the counterhoops is a series of slotted openings defined on each side by T-shaped arm members projecting radially from the hoop. A series of cord strands are threaded through each of these openings and drawn vertically across the shell in parallel relation to one another until the drum shell is encircled. By squeezing or depressing one or more of these strands together while striking the drumhead, the drummer is able to manipulate the tones and pitches of the drum sound to enable the drum to sound as if it is "speaking.

Abstract: The present invention is a drum rim protection device designed to protect the rim of bass drums from damage when being struck by a musician. The invention comprises of two members having an outer surface, openings in their inner surfaces, one opening being holes that receives threaded rod which joins the members, the other hole being an arcuate groove sized to receive and receiving a drum rim therein. The members are joined by a pair of threaded rods which are received in a turnbuckle. The groove in each member deepens from the inner surface towards the outer surface, terminating in a cut surface to which is glued a layer of cushioning material, preferably foam rubber.

Abstract: Drum hardware and drum secured thereon are preferably supported on a vest type carrier or a T-bar carrier having a plurality of separate parts removable from each other and formed of a rigid light metal such as magnesium, aluminum or titanium. Special padding is provided on the shoulder straps, belly plate portion and other parts where cushioning is needed. The hardware is preferably universally adjustable. Some of the vests or T-bar carriers have cymbal supporting hardware adjustable carried on a fluted, vertically oriented tube. Special hardware is shown for supporting cymbals and other components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drum cover which protects a drum from inclement weather while not significantly reducing the ability to play or the performance of the drum. The drum cover is made out of weather resistant materials which are shaped to cover the drum striking area and drum shell. The drum cover can be configured to fit a wide variety of drums, including snare drums, bass drums and multiple tenor drum sets such as quad drum sets and quint drum sets. The drum cover is easily placed on the drum and easily removed. In addition, a drum cover carrying case is provided, for storing the drum cover when it is not in use.

Abstract: A snare mounting and tension adjusting arrangement includes a tension adjustment unit and a snare holder unit fastened to the peripheral wall of a snare drum to hold a snare under the snare head of the snare drum, wherein the tension adjustment unit includes a locating frame fixed to the snare drum at one side, a slide coupled to a rail at the locating frame, an adjusting screw bolt mounted in a through hole at the locating frame and threaded into a screw hole at the slide and rotated to lift/lower the slide along the rail in adjusting the tension of the snare, and a locking lever pivoted to the slide and controlled to lock the slide.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting adjacently situated musical drums in a group or assemblage comprising an external tuning mechanism affixed to the side of the shell of at least one drum, including a tuning rod extending and attached to the head of the drum for varying the tension on the head, wherein the rod is received in a receptacle and a nut is secured to the end of the rod for varying the applied tension; a protector device including an engaging with the receptacle and positioned to extend beyond the limit of the tuning mechanism's radial protrusion beyond the shell periphery, thereby to prevent or preclude contact with another drum shell except by the protector.

Abstract: A type of adjustment for snare drum, comprising a main unit to be fitted to the shell of a snare drum, an adjusting lever inside the main unit and a moving piece inside the main unit, which will move linearly in the main unit with the rotation of the adjusting rod in the main unit, for the purpose to adjust the snare tension; the entire adjustment composition is simplified, to save time and reduce costs in its assembling process, furthermore, due to its smooth operation, there will be no noise in the adjusting process.

Abstract: A kettledrum is connected to a support leg stand by a connecting mechanism which includes a connecting member attached to the leg stand and a drum clamping mechanism attached to the counterhoop of the drum. The drum clamping mechanism includes an auxiliary clamping unit having a joining part which engages a joining hole formed in a main clamping unit. Three connecting mechanisms may be equiangularly spaced around the drum for providing a stable support of the drum and reduction of vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a percussion instrument assembly includes a base unit for positioning on a preselected surface. A first instrument pedal includes a first connecting linkage having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first connecting linkage is linked to the base unit so that the first instrument pedal may be utilized to operated a first percussion instrument. A second instrument pedal is positioned adjacent the first instrument pedal. The second instrument pedal includes a second connecting linkage having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second connecting linkage is linked to the base unit so that the second instrument pedal may be utilized to operate a second percussion instrument in a manner such that the first and second pedals are capable of being alternately actuated independently and simultaneously by the foot of an operator to respectively activate one or both the first and second percussion instruments.

Abstract: A musical resonator mounting arrangement includes a resonator unit, a support plate, a coupling plate having one end fastened to the support plate and an opposite end connected to an end plate of the resonator unit by a connecting plate, a clamping unit controlled to secure the support plate to a musical instrument, enabling corrugated metal wires of the resonator unit to be retained in contact with the musical instrument, and an adjustment screw fastened to the support plate and the coupling plate at one end and screwed up with an adjustment nut for adjusting the contact pressure between the musical instrument and the corrugated metal wires of the resonator unit.

Abstract: A bamboo drum has a hollow cylinder formed of a plurality of ring bodies stacked together. The ring bodies are made of bamboo sheets and provided respectively along the upper ring portion thereof with a protruded circular rib, a circular groove, and an inclined circular surface for enabling the ring bodies to be stacked together to form the hollow cylinder without voids. Each of the ring bodies has two end portions of various forms to provide the two end portions with the contact areas capable of fusing securely the two end portions of the ring body.

Abstract: An acoustic drum capable of triggering an electronic sound source is provided by a combination of a drum body shell, conventional drum heads held at adjustable tension across open ends of the shell, and a sound-to-electrical transducer mounted within an open space of the interior or exterior shell wall surface. The sound-to-electrical transducer is connected to an audio jack assembly which in turn allows the drum to be connected to conventional downstream electronics. The sound energy attenuating characteristics of the mounting material and the surrounding shell wall prevent the transducer from being falsely triggered by ambient sound exterior to the drum, by sympathetic vibrations of the drum, and resists false triggering due to lightly, inadvertently hitting the drum stand. A sound energy transfer arm with elastomeric pad having limited contact with the striking head couples vibration to the embedded transducer in the shell wall for enhanced trigger sensitivity and tracking.

Abstract: In a percussion instrument, for example in the form of a tambourine, of bongos, congas or the like, with a resonance body open in particular on top, a skin being stretched over the upper opening and comprising a plastic film which is fixed at a constant tension by means of a clamping hoop, the skin being stretched directly over the resonance body, and the resonance body having an annular groove in the vicinity of the upper opening, and the clamping hoop being elastically widened and forced over the upper side of the resonance body into the annular groove, thus stretching the skin, it is provided that at least one nonwoven fabric is disposed in parallel to the at least one plastic film, the nonwoven also being stretched by the clamping hoop and not being joined to the plastic film by gluing.

Abstract: A snap-fastening structure of a drum comprises a fixing socket disposed laterally on a surface of a drum shell, a drum clasp snap-fastened at a counterhoop, and a link bolt penetrating the drum clasp to join the fixing socket. The drum clasp is a clamp body having a clamp-fastening portion extended downward and folded inward to form a clamping which provides, a firm retention of the drum clasp at the counterhoop and a buffer space for reducing influences to vibration of the batter head for thickening and solidifying the timbre of drumbeats.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, measuring the intensity of, and determining the location of a deformation of a membrane. In one embodiment, the intensity and location of membrane deformations is used as control input to a sound generation system that simulates the sound of a drum. The disclosed system and method may be capable of responding to distinct simultaneous deformations of the membrane.

Abstract: A snare assembly for use with a snare drum that provides for the precise fine tuning of a portion of helical wire snares. This snare assembly includes a fine tuning clasp unit comprising an angled stationary snare clasp threadingly engaged to a mobile snare clasp by a fine adjustment tension screw. Also provided are helical wire snares which are soldered to the angled stationary clasp and to the mobile snare clasp and then spanned a distance defining a snare surface and soldered to an angled snare clasp. The snare surface slightly bows in the direction towards the snare head of a drum when the snare assembly is activated by a throw off lever as a result of the use of the two angled snare clasps. Also provided is a leveling bar secured to the angled stationary clasp to maintain a constant uniform downward pressure on the helical wire snares soldered to the mobile snare clasp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a percussion instrument comprising a first mounting ring, a second mounting ring, a shell between the first and second mounting rings, and means for connecting the first and second mounting rings and for preventing transmission of axial loads to the shell. One means for decoupling the shell from axial loads comprises means for connecting the first and second mounting rings and for defining a minimum axial distance between the mounting rings which is greater than the axial length of the shell.

Abstract: A drum rim design for providing an increased variety of sounds while reducing a drummer's physical exertion comprises a rim on which three or more portions (12), (13), and (14) of the uppermost periphery of the upright section of the rim have respectively different heights. A user of the drum can rotate the drum to place the rim portion having the desired height adjacent the user. When the user wishes to play the drum in a conventional manner, the user can rotate the drum so that the portion of the rim having a relatively larger height is adjacent the user. This will provide rather conventional rim shot performance. When the user wishes a predictably different rim shot sound, or wishes to play rim shots at a reduced angle of performance, with the ergonomic benefit of placing correspondingly less strain on the shoulder and elbow, the user may then rotate the drum so that a portion of the rim having an uppermost rim of reduced height is adjacent the user.

Abstract: The method of enabling optimum tuning of a drum having a shell, a head and adjustable tuning members, that includes suspending the drum shell to vibrate when struck; striking the suspended shell to vibrate at a characteristic acoustic frequency; sensing the acoustic frequency and converting the sensed acoustic frequency to a labeling value; and using the value to label the drum to indicate the frequency; whereby a drum user may tune the drum by adjusting the members to cause the drum to resonate at or near the frequency when the head is truck.

Abstract: An improved tuning system is provided for a musical percussion drum. The tuning system utilizes an inverted J-shaped counterhoop that is threadably engaged with an externally threaded, outwardly facing tuning rim surface on a tuning collar that is secured to the drum shell. An interior portion of the counterhoop projects downwardly into a channel defined between the externally threaded tuning rim of the tuning collar and a bearing ring on the tuning collar located inwardly and separated from the tuning rim by the channel. The pressure ring bears downwardly on a hoop that is secured to the periphery of the drum skin. Rotation of the counterhoop in one direction screws the counterhoop further onto the drum shell, thereby tightening the drum skin. Counterrotation of the counterhoop in the opposite direction loosens the drum skin. Rotation is achieved by engagement of a pair of driving gears supported by a gear mount attached to the outer surface of the tuning collar.

Abstract: A drum shell and method of making same. A first layer of carbon fiber material is rolled into a cylindrical shape. Next, a layer of foam is wrapped over the cylinder of carbon fiber material. Finally, a second layer of carbon fiber material is rolled over the foam layer. In a more specific implementation, several sheets of carbon fiber soaked in an epoxy resin are rolled on a cylindrical mold to provide the first and second rolls thereof. After the application of the second set of sheets, the shell is vacuum dried and cut to desired lengths to complete the construction.

Abstract: A drum of the type including a casing (1), with which along at least one end edge (1A) thereof there is associated a membrane (3). With the edge (1A) there is associated at least one annular element (2; 9) allowing the membrane (3) to rest correctly on the edge of the casing (1).

Abstract: A drum having improved acoustic characteristics includes a rigid annular bridge at one or both ends of a thin resonant annular shell attached to the bridges. A drum head is mounted on the bridge by a tension mechanism attached only to the bridge, and the drum is mounted on a drum stand by mounting hardware attached only to the bridge, leaving the shell free of load bearing and tensive and compressive forces and making the shell resonate more effectively. The bridge is machined from a solid block of wood formed of horizontal laminations. A microphone can be mounted on the inside of the bridge, with electrical leads exiting the drum through the mounting hardware. A snare drum having a thick body instead of a resonant shell is machined in the same way and has internal head tension members that make it possible to have a thicker body.

Abstract: A drum producing a wooden tom-tom sound free of any disharmony including reinforcement rings made of wood, plastic, etc. and fastened to both ends of the shell and batter heads stretched over these reinforcement rings with no parts for holding the batter heads projecting beyond the batter heads level, thus making a conventional rim shot impossible but a stick-playing method or edge shot in which the batter head and the reinforcement ring are simultaneously struck with a stick possible.

Abstract: A drum head (27) that is used for triggering electronic drums and that fits on a drum the same as an acoustic drum head fits and held on with a drum rim (33). A rubber pad (23) is adhered to a drum head (27) with a circular vibration board (12) adhered underneath leaving the drum head (27) in between. A transducer (14) adhered to the circular vibration board (12) senses the vibration when the pad is struck and transmits an electronic signal to a sound source by way of a cord (29). The cord (29) is plugged into a 1/4" jack (16) mounted on to an angled recessed 1/4" jack plate (25) which keeps the cord low and away from the playing surface.

Abstract: A drum includes a cylindrical body having two rims engaged on the upper and lower portion. A pair of frames are engaged on the rims and each has a number of ears extended radially outward. A number of posts are secured between two rings and are engaged between the ears of the frames. The ears of the frames are fixed to the posts so as to secure the frames together and so as to secure the cylindrical body and the rims between the frames. The drum may be assembled without forming fastening holes in the cylindrical body.

Abstract: The invention is a tunable drum including a moveable bearing member positioned under the drum head and above the drum body, at least one alignment peg located between the bearing member and the drum body, and a mechanism engaging the moveable bearing member for moving the bearing member relative to the drum body so as to adjust the tension in the head.

Abstract: A removable drumhead for use over atop the existing drumhead of a musical drum is disclosed. The removable drumhead includes a textured playing surface adapted to permit the user to stroke the removable drumhead with a drum brush and obtain a desired musical tone. The removable drumhead is constructed from a thin sheet of supple material such as plastic. The playing surface may be formed to be integral with the body of the sheet of material. The removable drumhead may include a tab-like extension adapted to permit the user to grasp and manipulate the drumhead, e.g. for positioning the removable drumhead atop the existing drumhead or for removing the removable drumhead from the drum.

Abstract: The actuation of a percussion instrument, such as a high-hat cymbal set, is automatically implemented without requiring the performer (drummer) to use his (her) foot. This allows the drummer to use both feet for other instruments, such as for double-footed bass drumming. An automatic mechanism operates in either a tracking or "metronome" or a "track" mode to strike the instrument in a variety of beats, rhythms and tempos. The automatic mechanism may attach to a footpedal for operating the instrument, or may be connected directly to the instrument.

Abstract: A drum hoop with integral lug bolt receivers defined around the hoop. Each lug bolt receiver including a through hole through which a lug bolt is passed to a respective lug on the periphery of the drum body. Because the lug bolt receivers are integrated with the hoop, the receivers are retained and do not separate from the drum hoop when the lug bolts are loosened for enabling replacement of a drum head held by the drum hoop. In addition, the interior surface of the drum hoop is tapered toward the outer surface in a direction from the outer edge toward the inner edge of the hoop to facilitate attachment of a clamp to the drum hoop.

Abstract: A container (10) includes a hoop (14) defining first and second open faces (16, 18). A flexible membrane (20) is secured tautly to the hoop to cover the first open face, whereby the flexible membrane serves as a percussion drum head and the hoop and flexible membrane cooperatively define a cavity (22) for receiving articles (24). A removable lid (26) selectively covers the second open face.

Abstract: A drum rim includes inner and outer rim portions. The outer rim portion is smoothly tapered to provide comfort to the hands of the player. An inner rim portion is arranged to engage the drum skin at a position that has a diameter which is less than the central diameter of the drum wire.

Abstract: In construction of a drum having at least one drum head, the drum head is set in tension, by assistance of a fastening counterhoop, to a suspension ring fixed to one open end of a tubular kettle and a double-type screw unit used for manual fastening of the drum head includes lug nuts mounted to the suspension ring preferably via idle, tiltable engagement and cooperative fastener bolts mounted to the counterhoop in screw engagement with the lug nuts on the suspension ring. Automatic centering is performed by the screw unit during fastening thanks to the idle, tiltable engagement and such automatic centering by the screw unit enables high tension fastening of the drum head without causing any breakages in the screw construction.

Abstract: A musical drum which has a drum shell constructed of wood, fiber composite structures using wood, paper, (Fiberglass) glass fibers and products made therefrom, and other fibers, plastics and the like, and other materials. At least one end of the shell which is to receive a drumhead has mounted and secured thereon a molded bearing edge fashioned from a resinous or some other suitable material, which preferable is substantially in the shape of an inverted "V," although several alternative shapes are disclosed. The molded bearing edge provides a considerable increase in the strength of the drum, provides desirable sound characteristics, and provides a flat, level and uniform plane with a consistent, structural integrity over which the drumhead is mounted and tensioned.

Abstract: A percussion instrument (10) having a plurality, preferably two (2), of playing heads h1, h2, spaced across from which corresponding apertures 40, 41 are formed in a panel member (20). Side (16, 18), top (12) and bottom (14) panels provide with the playing heads h1, h2 and panel member (20) a closed compartment (25) out of which chambers (32, 34) are formed in corresponding relationship to their heads h1, h2, respectively, by means of an interiorly mounted panel (30).

Abstract: A combination composition drum comprising a drum shell having cylindrical sections located in axially end-to-end positions; at least a first section consisting of wood and at least second and third sections consisting of metal; drumhead means on the drum; means for retaining the drumhead means on the drum, including flange means at axial end of the drum, retainer means on one the sections, and adjustable tensioning means interconnecting the flange means and retainer means.