AU2001100599A4 - An improved percussion instrument - Google Patents

Description

AN IMPROVED PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved percussion instrument and in particular to an apparatus for improved tuning and tonal control of drums through precise tensioning of the playing surface by inflation and deflation of a tubular bladder.

BACKGROUND ART Tuning and tensioning devices for percussion instruments are known. The main tuning/tensioning method involves adjustment of tensioning screws placed around the perimeter of the drum. The drum shell is fitted with a tensioning lug which is usually screwed to the drum shell. The playing surface of the drum is stretched over the upper extremity of the drum shell and held in place by a tensioning rim. There is generally some type of ring attached to the outer extremity of the playing surface and this engages with the tensioning rim. The tensioning rim and the tensioning lug are held together by a tensioning screw with a nut on the upper or lower extremity. Tightening or loosening this screw has the effect of tightening or loosening the playing surface, thus changing the pitch of the drum. Tightening the screw forces the tensioning rim downward which in turn forces the ring attached to the outer extremity of the playing surface downward as well. This further stretches the playing surface over the drum shell.

Also known is a pneumatic type tensioner in which air is used to expand a bladder, located near the playing surface of the drum. Tensioners of this kind usually possess many parts, both moving and stationary. Due to this complexity, they are often quite expensive and difficult to install into a drum. Many devices of this type also touch the playing surface. This creates wear and deterioration of the playing surface in those places due to the friction created by the vibration of the playing surface.

There are a number of problems with the standard tuning and tensioning devices.

They can be time consuming, inaccurate and require a level of skill to achieve even satisfactory results in tensioning, tuning and tonal control. Due to the fact that there are often a multiplicity of tensioning screws located around the perimeter of the drum, it is difficult to set all of them to the same level and this results in distortion of the tensioning rim and percussion head due to the segmental nature of the tensioning centres.

There is also the inaccuracy of drum tuning being the result of many individual tuning operations, each screw being tightened or loosened individually, to achieve the desired drum tone. As this cannot be done simultaneously, this often results in an uneven distribution of the load bearing surfaces.

Also encountered is the problem of static tuning. The drum cannot be tuned whilst it is being played as the tuning operation is a two-handed one.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a percussion instrument tuner-tensioner device, which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful and commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a percussion instrument, which has a rigid support structure, a playing surface, at least one edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface, a tensioning rim, and an inflatable tubular member being in direct contact with the tensioning rim but not directly in contact with the playing surface, the inflatable tubular member also being in direct contact with either the at least one edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface or a mounting rib which is attached to the rigid support structure.

The tensioning rim is preferably manufactured with a substantially horizontal shoulder portion. The edge member portion is also preferably manufactured with a substantially horizontal shoulder portion. The inflatable tubular member is preferably located between the shoulder portion of the tensioning rim and the shoulder portion of the edge member portion.

The inflatable tubular member is preferably manufactured from deformable plastic and will also preferably continue around the entire circumference of the tensioning rim.

The tensioning rim will preferably be manufactured from a rigid material suitable for its use and as such could be a light metal such as aluminium alloy. It will preferably be circular to match the shape of the drum to which it applied.

There will preferably be one edge member portion continuing around the entire circumference of the drum shell.

In a second form, the invention also preferably comprises a mounting rib. The mounting rib is preferably attached to the rigid support structure or drum shell.

The mounting rib preferably continues substantially around the circumference of the drum shell. The mounting rib also preferably has a ramped lower surface.

The tensioning rim of the second form preferably has an inclined lower portion.

According to the second form of the invention, the inflatable tubular member is located suitably between the inclined portion of the tensioning rim and the ramped portion of the mounting rib, whereby upon inflation of the tubular member results in an increased separation of the tensioning rim and the mounting rib.

This increased separation preferably has the effect of drawing the shoulder portion of the tensioning rim downward, simultaneously forcing the abutting shoulder portion of the at least one edge member portion downward. As the at least one edge member portion is attached to the periphery of the playing surface the playing surface is tightened. Deflation of the inflatable member preferably has the effect of loosening the playing surface.

There will preferably be one edge member portion continuing around the entire circumference of the drum shell.

In a third form, the invention resides in percussion instrument, which has a rigid support structure, a playing surface, an edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface, a tensioning rim, a mounting rim having an upper substantially horizontal shoulder portion, a first lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion and a second lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion, a movable member disposed between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim and the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim, a first inflatable tubular member located between the tensioning rim and the upper shoulder portion of the mounting rim, and a second inflatable tubular member located between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim, the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim and the movable member, whereby inflation of the second inflatable tubular member forces of the movable member to lock against the rigid support structure.

The rigid support structure, playing surface and edge member portion of the third embodiment shall preferably be the same as that described in the first preferred embodiment.

The tensioning rim of the third preferred embodiment shall preferably be circular.

It shall also preferably have a substantially horizontal shoulder portion extending away from the rigid support structure. It shall preferably abut against the horizontal shoulder portion of the edge member. It will suitably be manufactured of a light, but strong metal, preferably an aluminium alloy.

The mounting rim shall preferably be manufactured of a rigid material which is also preferably light but strong. An example of such a material is aluminium alloy.

The mounting rim's upper substantially horizontal shoulder portion shall preferably be located above the substantially horizontal shoulder portion of the tensioning rim. The mounting rim shall preferably extend below the tensioning rim. The second lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion shall preferably be located at the bottom of the mounting rim, with the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim spaced a distance above the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim.

The movable member shall preferably have a grip enhancing profile located on its periphery closest to the drum shell. The movable member shall also preferably be a rectangular in cross-section. The movable member shall suitably extend around the circumference of the rigid support structure.

The first inflatable tubular member, located between the tensioning rim and the upper shoulder portion of the mounting rim, will preferably act to separate the tensioning rim and the mounting rim and also to adjust the degree of separation between the two.

The second inflatable tubular member located between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim, the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim and the movable member shall preferably act in such a way upon inflation, to force the movable member to fix its position against the rigid support structure.

Once the movable member has fixed its position against the rigid support structure, adjusting the inflation of the first inflatable tubular member will allow the tensioning rim to tension the playing surface by forcing the horizontal shoulder portion of the tensioning rim downward.

The first inflatable tubular member and the second inflatable tubular member will preferably have independent actuation mechanisms. They shall also preferably be attached to the same means for inflation and deflation.

The entire tensioning mechanism of the third preferred embodiment (tensioning rim, mounting rim, the movable member and both inflatable tubular members) shall preferably be removable from the rigid support structure. This preferred feature will allow the user to remove the playing surface from the drum shell and therefore allow replacement.

In all embodiments, the inflatable tubular member or members will preferably be operatively associated with a means for increasing and decreasing the pressure within the inflatable members. In one means to accomplish this, the inflatable tubular member may preferably be in fluid connection with a pressurized reservoir and actuation means which allows hands-free inflation and deflation of the tubular member. The actuation means may preferably comprise a foot-pedal device or an electrical device for the operation of a valve located between the pressurized reservoir and the tubular member, whereby the actuation means allows opening and closing of the valve. Opening the valve will preferably increase the pressure in the tubular member and so inflate the tubular member.

The actuation means will also preferably be capable of releasing the pressure in the tubular member and thus deflating the tubular member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a prior art drum instrument.

Figure 2 shows a sectional elevation view of a prior art drum instrument and the tensioning means thereof.

Figure 3A shows the first preferred embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable tubular member in the deflated or inactive mode.

Figure 3B shows the first preferred embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable tubular member in the inflated or active mode.

Figure 4A shows the second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable tubular member in the deflated or inactive mode.

Figure 4B shows the second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable tubular member in the inflated or active mode.

Figure 5A shows the third preferred embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable tubular members in the deflated or inactive mode.

Figure 5B shows the third preferred embodiment of the present invention with the inflatable tubular members in the inflated or active mode.

Figure 6 shows the various actuation devices which can be used according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, to a percussion instrument tuner-tensioner device is provided.

According to the first embodiment of the current invention in Figure 3A and 3B, the percussion instrument or drum itself, possesses a rigid support structure or drum shell 10. The drum shell 10 is circular in shape when viewed in plan. The shell 10 is generally manufactured of a lightweight yet strong material an example of which is fiberglass or plastic.

The drum also has a playing surface 11, and an edge member portion 12 attached to the periphery of the playing surface 11. The playing surface 11 traditionally was manufactured from cured animal hide but is now manufactured from a wide variety of materials suitable for the construction of a tympanic membrane. Materials such as plastics are now commonly used as substitutes for animal hides. The playing surface 11 extends over the drum shell and has a skirt 13 which extends further than the circumference of the shell. Generally the playing surface skirt 13 may extend up to 10cm outside the drum shell.

The edge member portion 12, seen as the preferred embodiment of a single member, is securely attached to the periphery of the playing surface 11. The playing surface 11 is usually circular in shape and so then is the edge member portion 12. The edge member portion 12 can be manufactured of many materials, but it must be rigid enough to allow engagement with a tensioning rim 14. The edge member portion 12 has a horizontal portion 15 adapted to engage with an inflatable tubular member 16.

The tensioning rim 14 is also generally circular. It is manufactured of a lightweight aluminium alloy. It is of sufficient diameter to allow it to be placed over the playing surface 11 of the drum and not reduce the playing surface 11 size. It has a horizontal shoulder portion 17 and it is between this horizontal portion 17 and the horizontal portion of the edge member portion 15 that the inflatable tubular member 16 is located.

The inflatable tubular member 16 is manufactured of deformable plastic and is in direct contact with the tensioning rim 14 but not directly in contact with the playing surface 11. The inflatable tubular member 16 is also in direct contact with the edge member portion 12 attached to the periphery of the playing surface 11.

The inflatable tubular member 16 will also continue around the entire circumference of the tensioning rim 14. The inflatable tubular member 16 will also be in fluid connection with a pressurised reservoir which will contain fluid to be used to inflate the tubular member 16. Located between the pressurized reservoir and the inflatable tubular member is a valve connected to an actuation means 18. Operation of the actuation means 18 will open the valve and allow pressurisation of the tubular member 16. The valve will be closed by ceasing operation of the actuation means 18.

The actuation means 18 will be one of three types: a hand operated knob with grip enhancing profile, a foot operated pedal or an electrical/hydraulic actuator.

Also in fluid connection with the inflatable tubular member 16 and operatively associated with the actuation means 18 will be a means for releasing the pressure in the tubular member. This will generally be a release valve of any known type.

The tuner-tensioner apparatus will operate such that operation of the actuation means 18 will open the valve in the fluid connection between the tubular member 16 and the pressurised reservoir. This will increase the pressure in the tubular member 16, causing it to inflate and become enlarged. This will increase the separation between the tensioning rim 14 and the edge member portion 12. This forces the edge member portion 12 downward and so tightens the playing surface 11. Operation of the release valve will have the opposite effect and therefore loosen the playing surface 11. Due to the fact that the tubular member 16 extends substantially around the circumference of the drum shell 10, the tightening or loosening of the playing surface 11 will be equal in all directions and result in a better tune and one which is held for longer by the instrument.

According to the second embodiment shown in Figure 4A and 4 B, the percussion instrument or drum will possesses a rigid support structure or drum shell 10. The drum shell 10 is circular in shape when viewed in plan. The shell is generally manufactured of a lightweight yet strong material an example of which is fiberglass or plastic.

The drum also has a playing surface 11, and an edge member portion 12 attached to the periphery of the playing surface 11. The playing surface 11 traditionally was manufactured from cured animal hide but is now manufactured from a wide variety of materials suitable for the construction of a tympanic membrane. Materials such as plastics are now commonly used as substitutes for animal hides. The playing surface 11 extends over the drum shell 10 and has a skirt 13 which extends further than the circumference of the shell 10. Generally the playing surface skirt 13 may extend up to 10cm outside the drum shell The edge member portion 12, seen as the preferred embodiment of a single member, is securely attached to the periphery of the playing surface 11. The playing surface 11 is usually circular in shape and so then is the edge member portion 12. The edge member portion 12 can be manufactured of many materials, but it must be rigid enough to allow engagement with a tensioning rim 14. The edge member portion 12 has a horizontal portion 15 adapted to engage with the inflatable tubular member 16.

The tensioning rim 14 is also generally circular. It is manufactured of a lightweight aluminium alloy. It is of sufficient diameter to allow it to be placed over the playing surface 11 of the drum 10 and not reduce the playing surface 11 size. It also has a horizontal shoulder portion 17 and this shoulder portion 17 abuts against the horizontal shoulder portion of the edge member portion The lower portion of the tensioning rim 19 is inclined.

Attached to the side wall of the rigid support structure 20 is a mounting rib 21.

The mounting rib 21 will extend around the drum shell 10 and have a ramped lower surface 22.

The inflatable tubular member 16 is manufactured of deformable plastic and is in direct contact with the tensioning rim 14 but not directly in contact with the playing surface 11. The inflatable tubular member 16 is also in direct contact with mounting rib 21. It is located in between the ramped lower portion of the mounting rib 22 and the inclined lower portion of the tensioning rim 19. It will also continue around the entire circumference of the tensioning rim 14. The inflatable tubular member 16 will also be in fluid connection with a pressurised reservoir which will contain fluid to be used to inflate the tubular member 16. Located between the pressurized reservoir and the inflatable tubular member 16 is a valve connected to an actuation means 18. Operation of the actuation means 18 will open the valve and allow pressurisation of the tubular member 16. The valve will be closed by ceasing operation of the actuation means 18.

The actuation means 18 will be one of three types: a hand operated knob with grip enhancing profile 23, a foot operated pedal 24 or an electrical/hydraulic actuator Also in fluid connection with the inflatable tubular member 16 and operatively associated with the actuation means 18 will be a means for releasing the pressure in the tubular member. This will generally be a release valve of any known type.

According to the third embodiment shown in Figure 5A and 5B, also has a rigid support structure 10, a playing surface 11, and an edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface 12.

The tensioning rim 14 of this embodiment has a slightly adapted shape to allow for the different operation. The tensioning rim possesses a horizontal shoulder section 17, which abuts against the horizontal shoulder portion of the edge member 15. The tensioning rim 14 of the third preferred embodiment is circular.

The substantially horizontal shoulder portion 17 extends away from the rigid support structure 10. The tensioning rim 14 will suitably be manufactured of a light, but strong metal, preferably an aluminium alloy.

The mounting rim 34 has an upper substantially horizontal shoulder portion 28, a first lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion 29 and a second lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion 30. The mounting rim 34 is manufactured of a rigid material which is also preferably light but strong. An example of such a material is aluminium alloy.

The mounting rim's upper substantially horizontal shoulder portion 28 is located above the substantially horizontal shoulder portion of the tensioning rim 17. The mounting rim 34 extends below the tensioning rim 14. The second lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion 30 is located at the bottom of the mounting rim 34, with the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim 29 spaced a distance above the second lower shoulder portion 30 of the mounting rim 34.

A movable member 31 is disposed between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim 29 and the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim The movable member 31 has a grip enhancing profile located on its periphery, closest to the rid support structure 10. The movable member 31 is rectangular in cross-section. The movable member 31 extends around the circumference of the rigid support structure A first inflatable tubular member 32 is located between the tensioning rim 14 and the upper shoulder portion of the mounting rim 28, and a second inflatable tubular member 33 is located between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim 29, the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim 30 and the movable member 31, whereby inflation of the second inflatable tubular member 33 forces of the movable member 33 to lock against the rigid support structure The first inflatable tubular member 32 located between the tensioning rim 14 and the upper shoulder portion of the mounting rim 28 will separate the tensioning rim 14 and the mounting rim 34 and also act to adjust the degree of separation between the two.

The second inflatable tubular member 33 located between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim 29, the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim 30 and the movable member 31 acts in such a way upon inflation, to force the movable member 34 to fix its position against the rigid support structure 10. Once the movable member 34 has fixed its position against the rigid support structure 10, adjusting the inflation of the first inflatable tubular member 32 will allow the tensioning rim 14 to tension the playing surface 11 via forcing the shoulder portion of the tensioning rim 17, downward.

The first inflatable tubular member 32 and the second inflatable tubular member 33 have independent actuation mechanisms. They are also attached to the same means for inflation and deflation.

The rigid support structure 10, playing surface 11 and edge member portion 12 of the third embodiment are the same as that described in the first preferred embodiment.

The entire tensioning mechanism of the third preferred embodiment (tensioning rim 14, mounting rim 34, the movable member 31 and both inflatable tubular members 32,33) shall be removable from the rigid support structure 10. This preferred feature will allow the user to remove the playing surface and therefore allow replacement of the playing surface 11.

The tuner-tensioner apparatus will operate such that operation of the actuation means 18 will increase or decrease the pressure in the tubular member 16, causing it to inflate and become enlarged. This will force the tensioning rim 14 and the edge member portion 12 to which it abuts, downward. This tightens the playing surface 11. Operation of a release valve will have the opposite effect and therefore loosen the playing surface 11. Due to the fact that the tubular member 16 extends substantially around the circumference of the drum shell 10, the tightening or loosening of the playing surface 11 will be equal in all directions and result in a better tune and one which is held for longer by the instrument.

In prior art (Figures 1 and the tuning/tensioning method involved adjustment of tensioning screws 26 placed around the perimeter of the drum 10. The drum shell 10 is fitted with a tensioning lug 27 which is usually screwed to the drum shell 10. The playing surface 11 of the drum is stretched over the upper extremity of the drum shell 10 and held in place by a tensioning rim 14. There is generally some type of ring attached to the outer extremity of the playing surface 11 and this engages with the tensioning rim 14. The tensioning rim 14 and each tensioning lug 27 are held together by the tensioning screw 26 with a nut on the upper or lower extremity.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (4)

1. A percussion instrument, which has a rigid support structure, a playing surface, an edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface, a tensioning rim, an inflatable tubular member being in direct contact with the tensioning rim but not directly in contact with the playing surface, the inflatable tubular member also being in direct contact with either the edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface or a mounting rib which is attached to the rigid support structure and means for adjusting the pressure within the inflatable tubular member.

2. The percussion instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tensioning rim possesses a substantially horizontal shoulder portion, the edge member portion possesses a substantially horizontal shoulder portion and the inflatable tubular member is located between the shoulder portion of the tensioning rim and the shoulder portion of the edge member portion.

3. The percussion instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tensioning rim possesses a substantially horizontal shoulder portion, the edge member portion possesses a substantially horizontal shoulder portion, the two shoulder portions abutting with one another, the tensioning rim also having an inclined lower portion and further comprising a mounting rib fixed to the rigid support structure wherein the mounting rib has a ramped lower potion and the inflatable tubular member is located between the inclined lower portion of the tensioning rim and the ramped portion of the mounting rib.

4. A percussion instrument, which has a rigid support structure, a playing surface, an edge member portion attached to the periphery of the playing surface, a tensioning rim, a mounting rim having an upper substantially horizontal shoulder portion, a first lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion and a second lower substantially horizontal shoulder portion, a movable member disposed between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim and the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim, a first inflatable tubular member located between the tensioning rim and the upper shoulder portion of the mounting rim, and a second inflatable tubular member located between the first lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim, the second lower shoulder portion of the mounting rim and the movable member, whereby inflation of the 13 second inflatable tubular member forces of the movable member to lock against the rigid support structure and means for adjusting the pressure within the inflatable tubular members. A percussion instrument substantially as described with reference to Figure 3A, 3B or 4A, 4B or 5A, Dated this 29 th day of November 2001 Terrence Patrick McDonnell By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.