JP2002135875A - Oscillation attenuation base for microphone stand - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent oscillation of a floor from being transmitted to a microphone. SOLUTION: In order to reduce oscillation of a stand to resolve the feedback, this base for microphone stand is practically made of elastomer materials.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a microphone stand, and more particularly, to a feedback reduction microphone stand whose base is made of an elastomeric material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Microphone stands are well known to those skilled in the art and generally include a base, a first tube detachably attached to the base, and a second tube detachably attached to the first tube. And a microphone directly or indirectly attached to the second tube.

US Pat. Nos. 3,573,401 (microphone stand with base made of metal or heavy plastic), 3,862,373 (flow wave microphone stand), and 4,449,020 (microphone stand with pivot provided on base) Nos. 4,634,307 and 4,671,479
No. (microphone stand with a foldable base), No. 4,718,624, No. 5,046.693, No. 5,048,
No. 789 (microphone stand with steel base including radial slot), No. 5,490,599, No. 5,497,965
No. 5,863,015, No. 5,893,541 (microphone stand with a base having a cavity) are materials.

However, none of the above US patents disclose flexible means for reducing vibration.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,578 discloses a flexibly locked microphone for damping vibration. The metal support 4 contributes to the feedback.

[0005] US Patent No. 3,947,64 to Saito
In No. 6, a flexible mount for a microphone is shown.
However, the microphone receives feedback because it is mounted inside the housing.

US Patent No. 4,991,220 to Wolff
The symbol indicates a microphone support member for absorbing a shock, and the loop member I is made of an elastic material. The base that contributes to the vibration that causes the feedback is not shown.

US Patent No. 3,653,62 to Price
No. 5 shows a microphone (FIG. 1). The exploded view of FIG. 6 shows the mounting member 10 of FIG. 1, which includes an annular flexible rubber tube for damping. However, the base is a conventional desk mount that causes feedback.

The base No. 3,153,123 assigned to Huffman
In the figure, rubber O-ring 28 for damping (Fig. 2)
Is shown. The base in this case also causes feedback and vibration.

Finally, US Patent No.
No. 4,194,096 shows the use of elastomer bands 98, 100, 108 to provide attenuation in the microphone mount, but does not show the base.

[0010]

When performing a band on a stage, the sound waves generated cause vibrations in the air and on the stage. When a conventional microphone stand is used, vibration from the stage floor is often transmitted to the microphone through the microphone stand. This vibration is
Detected by microphone and signaled to return to amplifier. This feedback loop often produces a continuous, loud, non-musical sound and can damage speakers, amplifiers, and the human ear.

[0011] Over the past two decades, music has been played at increasingly loud volumes. The problem of this feedback is increasing as higher volume music is played. None of the above U.S. patents solves such feedback problems.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel microphone stand that minimizes microphone feedback.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided a microphone stand having a base formed from an elastomeric material.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Like numbers indicate like parts.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a player 10 in the prior art. The signal generated by the electric guitar 12 is passed to an amplifier / speaker 14 where the signal is converted into a sound wave 16 and a floor signal 18. The sound waves 20 emitted from the performer's mouth 22 are detected by a conventional microphone 42 attached to the microphone stand 24 and transmitted slightly to the microphone stand 26 '.

The noise level in a concert is quite high, and in such a performance, the volume level is also high, so feedback is a considerable problem.

It is believed that sound wave 16 or sound wave 20 induces vibrations in objects near them. A rock concert audience can feel such vibrations, such as striking the audience's ears, head and abdomen. It is believed that the closer the stage 26 is to the sound waves 16 and 20 than the audience (not shown), the greater the number and power of vibrations experienced by the stage will be experienced by the audience.

The vibration 18 detected on the stage 26 often moves the stage floor 28 up and down in the directions of arrows 30 and 32. Such movement and vibration of stage floor 28 is believed to cause feedback with conventional microphone 42 on microphone stands 24 and 26 '.

In either case, regardless of the cause of such feedback at the microphone 42 attached to the microphone stands 24 and 26 ', such feedback occurs clearly and generally increases as the volume of the music or its tempo increases. growing. Such feedback produces unpleasant sounds, which often detract from the art of the stage.

Conventionally, attempts have been made to solve such a problem of microphone feedback. As such an attempt, use of a negative feedback amplifier, a noise gate, or the like has been considered. However, these solutions are often expensive and rarely successful.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a microphone stand 40 adapted to support a microphone 42 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention to minimize feedback.

It will be understood from FIG. 2 that the microphone stand 40 includes a microphone base 44. In a preferred embodiment, for example, by press-fit or
And the outer tube 46 is removably connected to the orifice 48 located in the base 44 by screwing into the orifice 48 (see section 103).

The coupler (or clutch) 52
A first inner tube 50 is removably connected to the outer tube 46 so that one or more other inner tubes (not shown) can be attached to the first inner tube 50. Alternatively, a boom (not shown) may be attached to the first inner tube 50.

In either case, the microphone tube 54 having an open socket 102 into which the microphone 42 fits, or by other types of holders or extensions known to those skilled in the art, either directly or to the inner tube 50. A conventional microphone 42 is indirectly attached. Again, the end portion 100 of the tube 50 may be screwed into the socket 101 of the tube 54.

The base 44 is preferably made of an elastomeric material. This base should be at least about 60
70% by weight of such elastomeric materials, and in a preferred embodiment at least about 70% by weight of such elastomeric materials. Of course, the base may be constructed entirely of an elastomeric material, except for a socket 48, which may be a threaded metal insert, as described below.

As used herein, the term "elastomer" or "elastomer material" refers to a material that deforms significantly at room temperature due to weak stresses and quickly returns to near original dimensions and shapes after releasing the stresses. Means molecular material.

In one embodiment, the elastomer is a vulcanized natural rubber, which has the ability to stretch at least twice its original length and, upon release, rapidly shrink to its original length.

Other elastomers include styrene-butylene copolymer, polychloroprene (neoprene) nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber (thiochol), cis-1,4-polyisoprene, ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPDM rubber) , Silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber and the like.

As known to those skilled in the art, these elastomeric materials can be crosslinked with sulfur, peroxide or similar substances.

In one embodiment, the elastomeric material comprises:
Thermoplastic non-crosslinked polyolefins. This polyolefin is generally known as a TPO rubber.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 2, the base 44 is at least about 0.997 g / cm ³ (about 0.036 lbs per cubic inch), more preferably at least about 1.11 g / cm ³ (1 cubic inch It preferably has a density of about 0.040 pounds per pound.

The base surface 60 conforms to ASTM standard test D
It should have a hardness of at least about 50 durometer, more preferably at least about 60 durometer, as measured according to 2240 (09.01), "Rubber Properties-Durometer Hardness, Test Method Thereof". In one embodiment, the base 44 is about 2.7-4.5.
It has a weight of about 6 to 10 pounds.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the recess 48 can be threaded or otherwise structured such that the pawl 46 is fitted by a sliding or friction fit. Any means for removably attaching a pole 46 to the base 44 may be used.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the base 44. It will be appreciated that base 44 includes a substantially flat bottom surface 62 (FIG. 4). The base 44 includes a recess 64 at its bottom to accommodate the non-linear portion of the floor stage.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the base 44 also includes a lip 66 (see also FIG. 6) extending around the periphery of the bottom surface. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the lip 66
Without substantially increasing the weight of the base 44,
To make the periphery of the bottom part of the body larger and more stable. Generally, lip 66 will be about 1.27 to 2.54.
cm (approximately 0.5-1.0 inch) x (FIG. 6).

Referring again to FIG. 3, the base 44 has a top portion 70, the periphery of which is substantially straight, and a central portion 72 of the top portion having a recess 74. Recess 74 assists in locking outer pole 46 within recess 48, but may be optional along recess 64.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the base 44, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the base 44, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base 44 taken along a line.

As shown in FIG. 6, the orifice 48 may include a threaded insert 80 such that the threaded portion on the outer pole 46 is threaded (see FIG. 2). . In one embodiment, such a screw is
It may be a 22 mm x 711 mm (7/8 'x 28) screw. The threaded insert 80 can be any material that can be easily tapped to produce the desired threaded portion.

In one embodiment, the base 44 is made of black sulfided rubber and the threaded insert 80 may be made of a material other than black sulfided rubber.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the base 10 has a bottom surface 62 of about 8 "-12" cm.
More preferably, about 22.9-27.9 cm (about 9 "-1)
1 ").

The base 44 minimizes the transmission of vibrations and is also an electrical insulator, so from the stage floor,
Electric current can be prevented from being transmitted to the player's hand through the base 44.

Thus, it can be seen that a unique solution for isolating vibration at the top end of the microphone stand closest to the microphone is disclosed.

Both prior art patents disclose the use of an elastomeric material to insulate the bottom end, that is, the base portion of the microphone stand, that contacts ground.
No teaching or suggestion. The advantages of such a structure are as follows.

1. Upright tube 4 supporting microphone 42
6 and 50 are microphones 4 where noise and shock waves are above the floor.
When proceeding to 2, the noise and the shock wave are transmitted and act to increase. This is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows how the vibrations, shown in dashed lines, are generated at the base 44 and increase as the tube travels up (like a fishing rod swung in the air). In other words, the tip of the fishing rod moves greatly by slightly shaking the handle of the fishing rod. The microphone stand needs to be largely adjustable so that the microphone can be positioned in many positions. Therefore, the microphone stand must be able to extend, pivot, and pivot. Each control point is a potential source of rattling noise, which is easily detected and amplified by the microphone. Thus, shocks and vibrations cannot act to block such shocks and vibrations at the base before traveling up the tube and rattling the loose joints. Therefore, it is preferable to stop unwanted noise vibrations at the noise source at the bottom of the stand.

2. A microphone base assembly constructed from an elastomeric material reduces noise that is detected or generated by the player.

3. Elastomeric bases are less likely to damage other equipment when packed for transport.

4. A microphone base made of rubber or elastomer can be a more secure product, especially when playing outdoors on soft ground, lawn or concrete, as it is a good electrical insulator.

5. Microphone base composed of elastomeric material with good structure "tread pattern"
Furthermore, it has the characteristic of attenuating and stabilizing sound. Tread 1
If 11 (see FIG. 9) deforms the bottom surface of the stand, such as the stand 110 of FIG. 8 shaped into a corrugated crest and valley pattern (this material is intended to be worn on concrete floors). (Similar to the corrugated sole pattern of a running shoe).
This tread pattern also increases the coefficient of friction in the lateral direction, so that it can be prevented from slipping even if it is kicked or hit by an accident.

6. The materials used for base 44 can be obtained from recycled automotive tires.
Therefore, it is an environmentally favorable product.

7. The structure of the present invention can solve feedback very economically.

1. Unwanted feedback, or stray noise on the stage, is essentially part of the performance.
These noises can be caused by a dancer on the dance floor, a musician stepping on the stage, or an unexpected collision of the microphone stand with the base. Other common causes of unwanted reverberation include bass drums and bass guitars, which vibrate the entire stage. The vibration of this stage propagates through the base of the microphone stand, is amplified by the vocal and musical instrument microphones, and contaminates their signals. Some of these unwanted noises are
Electronic filtering can be performed by using expensive noise gate filters, equalizers (EQ devices), etc., but these devices are usually detrimental to the overall sound. If there is feedback of the bass sound passing through the microphone, it is possible to equalize these wavelengths, but by doing so, the desired low-end signal, such as a baritone singer, bass guitar, Hammond organ, Or it removes bass drum sounds.

According to the present invention, only unnecessary noise is efficiently and inexpensively removed without using an electronic estimation operation.

Current microphone bases are usually manufactured from cast iron or hard plastic. Generally, these microphone bases are provided with three small rubber feet in a triangular pattern. The rubber feet are considered to isolate the base from the floor. However, this foot raises a number of problems that need to be resolved for the following reasons.

1. In isolating vibration, the flexibility of the material is important. These small rubber feet do not have enough mass to adequately dampen vibration. The total weight of the microphone base, upright tubing, and microphone is such that they will not work properly (eg, shoes with a hard, thin leather sole, as compared to shoes with a thick, soft, cushioned sole). Compress these rubber feet to the point where their elastic properties are not exhibited.

2. Some stands, such as rubber feet on cast iron base, tend to sink into soft soil, causing the microphone stand assembly to tilt or rock. The player is in the area 3 not supported by the rubber feet
If you accidentally step on the two rubber footed bases, the microphone stand may fall over and strike the player's head.

3. The rubber feet of the cast iron unit, even under normal use, tend to tear and render the base unstable.

The stand 44 can be of any suitable shape, for example, a round bottom or an irregular shape.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a base composed of an elastomeric material having a density and mass sufficient to effectively dampen vibrations caused by floor vibrations. The base can also support a microphone stand or other musical instrument, such as a bass violin, which also has the problem of amplifying floor / stage noise, and a cello.

The elastomeric stand base 44 may have a tread pattern of a predetermined structure molded directly into the base to control the base / floor contact area to maximize sound attenuation. The smaller the contact area between the base and the floor, the greater the attenuation. However, the smaller the contact area, the greater the pressure on this contact surface, which results in greater compression of the elastomeric material, loss of flexibility, and less effectiveness as an insulator.

The present elastomeric stand base may have a tread pattern of a predetermined structure molded directly into the base to maximize the flexibility of the base and thus the sound attenuation. Thereby, the product can be improved without increasing the cost.

The elastomeric stand base provides a tread pattern of a predetermined structure that is directly molded to increase the coefficient of friction in the lateral direction to increase stability and to prevent sliding in the event of an accidental kick or collision. You may have. This can improve the product without increasing costs.

The elastomer stand base is adapted to fit an upright tube 46 as shown in FIG.
It can have a directly molded insert. The insert 120 may have internal threads on the inside and may be made of steel, metal, plastic, or upright tubing 46.
Can be manufactured from other rigid materials that can properly support the

Other optional means for fitting the tube (eg, quick release bayonet type mounting mechanism) can be provided. A flange 121 may be provided on the outside to provide roulette, a cross pin or any other type of protrusion, or to help secure the base 44 to the elastomeric material.

This insert may project from the top of the base 44, as shown, to attach the tube 46 to the base 44 and make a secure contact for a firm and secure attachment.

The insert can be suitably located within the elastomeric base 44 so that the ampoule elastomeric material surrounds the base and provides sufficient sound and shock attenuation.

The foregoing description is merely illustrative, and the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a prior art perspective view of a stage where microphone feedback problems have occurred.

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the microphone stand according to the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a base alone used in the stand of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the base of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 3 taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing vibration.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 4, showing another modified example of the bottom surface of the microphone stand.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a part of the stand of FIG. 8 in a cross-sectional view.

FIG. 10 is an exploded side view, partially in section, of a portion of the stand of FIG. 6, showing the mounting of a support post.

[Explanation of symbols]

 40 Microphone stand 44 Microphone base 46 Outer tube 48 Orifice 50 Inner tube 52 Coupler 54 Support 101 Socket

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A substantially solid construction made of an elastic material adapted to fit an upright tube of a microphone stand inside and rest it on a support surface having means for locking it in an upright position. A vibration damping base for a microphone stand with a base. 2. The base of claim 1 wherein said means is a socket adapted to fit a tube therein. 3. The socket is internally threaded,
3. The base of claim 2, wherein the tube has a threaded portion adapted to threadably engage a thread of the socket. 4. The base of claim 1, wherein said stand has upper and lower surfaces and is provided with a recess in a substantially planar lower surface. 5. The base of claim 1, wherein the stand has upper and lower surfaces, and a cavity in the upper surface includes the means for fitting an upright tube of a microphone stand. 6. The base of claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material comprises about 60-70% of the material comprising said base. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said elastomeric material comprises about 0.997.
having a density of g / cm ³ (about 0.036 lbs per cubic inch), the base of claim 1, wherein. 8. The base according to claim 5, wherein an outer surface of the base is about 50-60.
The base of claim 1 having a durometer hardness of: 9. The weight of the base is between about 2.72 and 4.4.
The base according to claim 1, wherein the base is about 6 to 10 pounds. 10. The base according to claim 1, wherein said base has an upper surface and said means is a threaded insert molded into said upper surface of said base. 11. The base of claim 10, wherein said insert extends slightly above an upper surface of said base. 12. The base according to claim 1, wherein said base has upper and lower surfaces, and has a tread at the bottom of said lower surface. 13. A microphone stand having a base, at least one upright tube extending from the base, and a microphone mount connected to an upper end of the tube for receiving a microphone therein, wherein the base is A microphone stand, which is substantially composed of an elastomeric material. 14. A base, wherein said base has a substantially planar lower surface, an outer peripheral surface extending from said lower surface to a top surface of said base, and a socket substantially centered on said top surface for receiving said top therein. 14. The microphone stand according to claim 13, wherein the base comprises a molded solid elastomeric material.