US4709613A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable tensioning mechanism for drum head
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-08-18
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Granted: 1987-12-01
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Expires: 2006-08-18
Abstract
Abstract A head tensioning mechanism (10) for varying the tension on a drum head (14) during play is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the head tensioning mechanism (10) incorporates a pair of paddles (52) extending along opposite sides of the drum body (28) such that the paddles (52) may be squeezed between the legs of the player for variably adjusting the head tension in response to the squeezing pressure applied by the player. A device for supporting the drum in an upright position and incorporating a treadle (82) for operating the variable head tensioning mechanism (10) in response to foot pressure is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven Powers
- 👤 Morton Breier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:11
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10D; G10D13/00; G10D13/01; G10D13/02; G10D13/10; G10D13/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A variable head tensioning mechanism adapted for retrofitting on a drum of the type comprising a drum body, a drum head overlying one end of the drum body, and a hoop disposed about the drum body near said one end and secured to the periphery of the drum head, said head tensioning mechanism comprising: an outer ring having an internal diameter greater than the outer diameter of said hoop and securable about said drum body near said one end; an inner ring seated on said hoop and disposed about said drum body inside said outer ring; means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto; stop means defining a limit on movement of said inner ring towards said one end of said drum body; and means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring towards the other end of said drum body for moving said hoop towards said other end for varying the tension on said drum head.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A variable head tensioning mechanism adapted for retrofitting on a drum of the type comprising a drum body, a drum head overlying one end of the drum body, and a hoop disposed about the drum body near said one end and secured to the periphery of the drum head, said head tensioning mechanism comprising: an outer ring having an internal diameter greater than the outer diameter of said hoop and securable about said drum body near said one end; an inner ring seated on said hoop and disposed about said drum body inside said outer ring; means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto; stop means defining a limit on movement of said inner ring towards said one end of said drum body; and means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring towards the other end of said drum body for moving said hoop towards said other end for varying the tension on said drum head.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said means for moving said inner ring comprises a pair of elongate paddles extending along said drum body on opposite sides thereof, and means for securing said paddles to said inner ring for moving said inner ring towards said other end of said drum body as said paddles are moved inwardly towards said drum body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
108 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said means for securing said paddles to said inner ring comprises: said outer ring having an opening therein on either side of said drum body; a pair of flanges secured at one end to said inner ring end having a free and extending radially outward beyond said outer ring through said openings therein; means for pivotally securing one end of said paddles to said outer ring; and a pair of tension rods secured at one end to said free end of said flanges and at the other end to said paddles at a point intermediate the ends thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 3, wherein said stop means comprises the portions of said outer ring above said openings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said inner ring comprises a pair of half rings disposed about said drum body with their free ends in confronting relation on opposite sides of said drum body; and wherein said means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto comprises means for pivotally securing said free ends of said half rings to said outer ring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 5, wherein said drum is of the type further comprising a means for applying a force on said hoop for tensioning said drum head and wherein said outer ring is securable about said drum body near said one end by said force applying means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 6, wherein said force applying means comprises a plurality of lugs distributed about said drum body, and wherein said outer ring includes a plurality of apertures for receiving said lugs for securing said outer ring about said drum body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising means secured to said paddles for effecting movement of said paddles towards said drum body in response to foot pressure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus accordingly to claim 8, wherein said paddle movement means comprises a foot treadle and means connected at one end to said foot treadle and at the other end to said paddles for moving said paddles towards said drum body upon the application of foot pressure to said treadle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 9, further comprising a frame for supporting said drum and means for movably securing said treadle to said frame.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 10, further comprising wheels secured to said frame for accomodating transport of said drum on said frame.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said drum is of the type further comprising a means for applying a force on said hoop for tensioning said drum head, and wherein said outer ring is securable about said drum body near said one end by said force applying means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
The variable head tensioning mechanism according to claim 12, wherein said force applying means comprises a plurality of lugs distributed about said drum body, and wherein said outer ring includes a plurality of apertures for receiving said lugs for securing said outer ring about said drum body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
A mechanism for varying the tension on a drum head comprising: an outer ring; an inner ring disposed inside said outer ring; means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto; stop means defining a limit on movement of said inner ring towards said outer ring in one axial direction; and means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring in the other axial direction.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
72 words
A mechanism for varying the tension on a drum head comprising: an outer ring; an inner ring disposed inside said outer ring; means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto; stop means defining a limit on movement of said inner ring towards said outer ring in one axial direction; and means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring in the other axial direction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
The mechanism in accordance with claim 14, wherein said means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring comprises a pair of elongate paddles depending from said inner ring and means for securing said paddles to said inner ring for moving said inner ring in said other axial direction as said paddles are moved together.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
102 words
The mechanism according to claim 15, wherein said means for securing said paddles to said inner ring comprises: said outer ring having an opening therein on either side thereof; a pair of flanges secured at one end to said inner ring and having a free end extending radially outward beyond said outer ring through said openings therein; means for pivotally securing one end of said paddles to said outer ring; and a pair of tension rods secured at one end to said free end of said flanges and at the other end to said paddles at a point intermediate the ends thereof.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mechanism according to claim 16, wherein said stop means comprises the portions of said outer ring above said openings.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
56 words
The mechanism according to claim 17, wherein said inner ring comprises a pair of half rings having their free ends in confronting relation; and wherein said means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto comprises means for pivotally securing said free ends of said half rings to said outer ring.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
165 words
A drum incorporating a variable head tensioning mechanism, said drum comprising: a drum body; a drum head overlying one end of said drum body; a hoop disposed about said drum body near said one end and secured to the periphery of the drum head; an outer ring having an internal diameter greater than the outer diameter of said hoop and disposed about said drum body near said one end; means for securing said outer ring to said drum body; an inner ring seated on said hoop and disposed about said drum body inside said outer ring; means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto; stop means defining a limit on movement of said inner ring towards said one end of said drum body; and means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring towards the other end of said drum body for moving said hoop towards said other end for varying the tension on said drum head.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
165 words
A drum incorporating a variable head tensioning mechanism, said drum comprising: a drum body; a drum head overlying one end of said drum body; a hoop disposed about said drum body near said one end and secured to the periphery of the drum head; an outer ring having an internal diameter greater than the outer diameter of said hoop and disposed about said drum body near said one end; means for securing said outer ring to said drum body; an inner ring seated on said hoop and disposed about said drum body inside said outer ring; means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto; stop means defining a limit on movement of said inner ring towards said one end of said drum body; and means for moving said inner ring relative to said outer ring towards the other end of said drum body for moving said hoop towards said other end for varying the tension on said drum head.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The drum according to claim 19, wherein said means for securing said outer ring to said drum body further comprises means for adjusting the position of the outer ring in the axial direction.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
58 words
The drum according to claim 19, wherein said means for moving said inner ring comprises a pair of elongate paddles extending along said drum body on opposite sides thereof, and means for securing said paddles to said inner ring for moving said inner ring toward said other end of said drum body as said paddles are moved together.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
105 words
The drum according to claim 21, wherein said means for securing said paddles to said inner ring comprises: said outer ring having an opening therein on either side of said drum body; a pair of flanges secured at one end to said inner ring and having a free end extending radially outward beyond said outer ring through said openings therein; means for pivotally securing one end of said paddles to said outer rings; and a pair of tension rods secured at one end to said free end of said flanges and at the other end to said paddles at a point intermediate the ends thereof.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The drum according to claim 22, wherein said stop means comprises the portions of said outer ring above said openings.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
68 words
The drum according to claim 23, wherein said inner ring comprises a pair of half rings disposed about said drum body with their free ends in confronting relation on opposite sides of said drum body; and wherein said means for securing said inner ring to said outer ring for movement relative thereto comprises means for pivotally securing said free ends of said half rings to said outer ring.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-11-30 | 1991-06-01 | 1991-12-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-30 | 1995-06-01 | 1995-12-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-30 | 1999-06-01 | 1999-12-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |