Adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a percussion instrument assembly comprising a top film defining a percussion surface; a lower member spaced apart from the top membrane; and an elastic pad sandwiched between the top film and the lower member, where the lower member is detachable to allow access to the elastic pad. The percussion instrument assembly is adjustable between the practice mat and the acoustic drum.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 590,995, filed on October 17, 2023, entitled "Adjustable Percussion Instrument Pad Assembly", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate to drums, and more particularly to a general-purpose hybrid drum that is primarily used as a practice pad and optionally as an acoustic drum. Background Technology

[0004] The disclosed embodiments can be used as an adjustable practice pad that has a realistic feel and reduced volume compared to a standard acoustic drum when struck, or as an acoustic drum when optionally fitted with a standard drumhead.

[0005] It is known in the art that drummers use drum practice pads to practice in environments where the full sound of an acoustic drum is unsuitable (such as at night or at close range). Many different pads exist today and share many common characteristics. Most (if not all) have a foam upper pad component permanently fixed to a rigid lower component. The drummer strikes the upper pad to practice.

[0006] The drawbacks of existing drum pads are that the percussive pad components are not tension-adjustable, providing only a single "feel" when struck. Furthermore, the foam material wears down or breaks down over time, providing an undesirable sound and / or feel. No component in known practice pads is adjustable, removable, or replaceable. Moreover, there is no percussion assembly that can be adjusted between the practice pad and the acoustic drum.

[0007] Therefore, it would be very useful to provide a percussion pad assembly that can solve one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks of existing practice pads. Utility Model Content

[0008] An adjustable percussion pad assembly includes: a top membrane defining a striking surface; a lower member spaced apart from the top membrane; and an elastic pad sandwiched between the top membrane and the lower member, wherein the lower member is detachable to allow access to the elastic pad.

[0009] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion pad assembly of this invention, the membrane and the lower component are held in place by an external frame surrounding the periphery.

[0010] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the outer frame includes a top hoop frame member and a bottom frame member, the top hoop frame member and the bottom frame member being interconnected to hold the membrane and the lower member in place when assembled.

[0011] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the lower member is substantially flat.

[0012] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the tension level of the membrane is adjustable.

[0013] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising one or more tension rods having exposed ends, wherein the tension level of the membrane is adjustable by twisting the one or more tension rods.

[0014] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the exposed ends of the one or more tension rods are accessible from a position below the membrane.

[0015] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the membrane and the lower member are held in place by an outer frame that surrounds the periphery of the assembly, and the one or more tension rods are engaged with the frame, wherein a portion of the one or more tension rods extends through a hole in the outer frame in a rotationally independent engagement.

[0016] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising a bearing member positioned below the membrane, wherein twisting the one or more tension rods causes the bearing member to move toward the membrane to increase tension or away from the membrane to decrease tension.

[0017] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising an outer frame that surrounds the periphery of the membrane and the lower member to hold the membrane and the lower member in place, a bearing ring axially positioned between the lower member and the membrane, and one or more tension rods in communication with the bearing ring and accessible from the outer frame, wherein twisting the one or more tension rods in a first direction causes the bearing ring to move toward the membrane to increase tension and twisting the one or more tension rods in a second direction causes the bearing ring to move away from the membrane to decrease tension.

[0018] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the membrane includes a porous mesh material.

[0019] An adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly comprising: a head membrane having a striking surface; an outer head frame member having an inner edge defining an open radial interior region through which the striking surface of the head membrane is exposed, the outer head frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion; a bearing member between the head membrane and the lower portion of the head frame member; one or more pull rods extending through the lower portion of the head frame member, the one or more pull rods being independent of rotation of the head frame member and in communication with the bearing member, wherein rotation of the one or more pull rods in a first direction causes the bearing ring to move toward the membrane to increase tension and rotation of the one or more pull rods in a second direction causes the bearing ring to move away from the membrane to decrease tension.

[0020] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the one or more pull rods extend axially; the membrane further comprises a bottom surface opposite the striking surface, the head membrane is secured about its outer edge by a structural frame element, the structural frame element is positioned axially between the upper portion and the interior, and the bearing member is positioned against the lower surface of the membrane radially inside the structural frame element.

[0021] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the upper portion and the lower portion of the outer head frame member are separable from one another to release the head membrane and the bearing element.

[0022] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising a resilient pad positioned against the membrane within the outer head frame member.

[0023] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising a lower plate element sandwiching the resilient pad with the membrane, wherein the lower plate element is detachable from the outer head frame member to allow access to the resilient pad.

[0024] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, comprising: a top hoop frame member defining an open interior region; a bottom frame member releasably attached to the top hoop; a head comprising a membrane stretched across a toroidal ring, wherein the toroidal ring is confined between an inner surface of the top hoop frame member and an inner surface of the bottom frame member, the membrane is exposed from the open interior region, and the top hoop frame member and bottom frame member are detachable from one another without the use of tools to release the head.

[0025] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, the bottom frame member is ring-shaped, the bottom frame member defining a second open interior region.

[0026] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising a bottom plate attachable to the bottom frame member to enclose at least a portion of the second open interior region.

[0027] In some embodiments of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of the present utility model, further comprising a resilient pad between the membrane and the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is detachable from the bottom frame member without the use of tools to allow access to and optionally removal of the resilient pad. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly disclosed;

[0029] Figure 2 shows the percussion instrument pad assembly in assembled form;

[0030] Figure 3A shows an embodiment of the top collar of the percussion instrument pad assembly alone;

[0031] Figure 3B shows Figure 3A the top collar with attached connectors;

[0032] Figures 4A-4C shows different views of an embodiment of the bottom collar of the percussion instrument pad assembly alone;

[0033] Figure 5 shows an embodiment view of the bearing ring of the percussion instrument pad assembly alone;

[0034] Figure 6 shows a view of an embodiment of the removable plate of the percussion instrument pad assembly alone;

[0035] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the resilient shock absorber attached to Figure 6 the removable plate;

[0036] Figure 8A shows an exemplary pull rod for use within the percussion instrument pad assembly;

[0037] Figure 8B shows an exemplary nut for use with the percussion instrument pad assembly;

[0038] Figure 8C shows an exemplary J-clip for use within the percussion instrument pad assembly; and

[0039] Figure 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing details of the assembled percussion instrument pad assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following, and thus, it is intended that the disclosed embodiments not be limited to the described embodiments, but that the disclosed embodiments include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Detailed embodiments of musical instrument strings having high tensile core strings are disclosed, the musical instrument strings preferably being overwound strings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the present application and that the present application can be embodied in various forms. Additionally, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the present application are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. From the above, it will be appreciated that numerous specific embodiments of the present application have been discussed herein, for purposes of example and illustration. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of various embodiments of the present application, and that numerous other embodiments can be implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the present application. It is intended that the present application encompass all such embodiments.

[0041] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in some embodiments" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiments, although it may. The phrase "in another embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, embodiments can be readily combined by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present application.

[0042] As used herein, "based on" does not mean "based only on," but allows for additional factors based on the explicit description, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] Also, as used herein, the term "or" is equivalent to the term "and / or", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for additional factors based on the explicit description, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a", "an", and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on".

[0044] Also, the terms "substantial", "substantially", "similar", "similarly", "analogous", "analogously", "approximate", "approximately", and any combination thereof mean that the difference between the compared features or characteristics is less than 25% of the respective value / amount that measures and / or defines the compared features or characteristics.

[0045] Reference Figures 1-9Exemplary embodiments of an adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly 10 are disclosed herein, and after the original pad wears out, the central foam pad 18 can be easily removed or replaced with a new pad, or replaced with a base having different properties (e.g., hardness or acoustic properties). The percussion instrument pad assembly 10 will be primarily described with reference to the preferred embodiment forming a practice pad having a mesh drumhead. However, it should be understood that the percussion instrument pad assembly 10 is ultimately just an adjustable percussion instrument pad, and that other embodiments exist forming an acoustic or "regular" drum having an acoustic drumhead formed of a polymeric film sheet (e.g., Mylar®).

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the percussion instrument pad assembly 10 generally includes a top collar 12 and a bottom collar 14, which are attachable and detachable from one another and are assembled to form an outer frame to hold the other elements together. In this embodiment, the drumhead 16 includes a mesh membrane 28 defining a top striking surface, and the mesh membrane 28 is stretched across a rigid ring 30. In the preferred embodiment shown, a substantially cylindrical resilient pad 18 is located beneath the membrane 28. In the preferred embodiment, the resilient pad 18 is made of a foam material. In this embodiment with the resilient pad 18, a removable plate 20 cooperates with the membrane 28 to sandwich the pad 18 in between and hold it within the percussion instrument pad assembly 10 when assembled. The pad 18 is optionally replaceable by a different pad or material, or even removed altogether, as desired by the user.

[0047] In addition, a bearing ring 22 is located radially inward of the rigid annular frame 30 of the drumhead 16 and is configured for adjustment to tighten or loosen the membrane 28 (i.e., to increase or decrease tension, respectively). Adjustment of the bearing ring 22 is initiated by rotating a plurality of threaded bearing pull rods 36 from below. Rotating the pull rods 36 causes the associated cooperating nuts 34 embedded within the ring 22 to move axially along the threaded portions of each rod. In the preferred embodiment shown, each nut 34 has a polygonal prismatic shape (typically, but not always, a cubic or rectangular prism) and is received within a recess 32 in and / or molded into the ring. Each nut 34 is received within the recess 32 or molded into the bearing ring 22 such that the nut cannot rotate with rotation of the corresponding pull rod 36, thereby causing the nut to move up or down along the threads 40 with rotation of the pull rod. Adjustment of tension in the drumhead 16 will be described in more detail below.

[0048] Reference will be made primarily to Figures 4A-4C In this embodiment, the bottom collar 14 is configured as an annular irregular ring having a peripheral ledge 46 and a series of circumferentially spaced apart notches 50 on a radially inner side thereof, the notches 50 opening radially inward. As shown, each notch 50 is located between an adjacent pair of spaced apart locking bevels 48 with vertical grooves (in the preferred embodiment shown, the bevels 48 are oriented at a 45 degree angle to the vertical, but other angles are possible). The notches 50 and bevels 48 are configured to receive the locking tabs 44 of the top collar 12 when the collars 12, 14 are assembled together. Figure 4AThe recesses are spaced around the inner circumference of the bottom hoop 14. The peripheral platform 46 includes a plurality of slots 53 spaced circumferentially from one another. The bottom hoop 14 also defines a series of channels 64, each configured to receive a portion of the tension rod 36. When the drum pad assembly 10 is assembled as intended, the bevel 48 is on the upper (or inner) side of the bottom hoop 14, and the notches 50 and holes 64 extend from the upper (inner) side to the lower (outer) side.

[0049] Referring now to the drawings Figure 6 The drum pad assembly 10 also includes a bottom plate 20. As shown, the bottom plate 20 has a generally circular shape with a plurality of radially outwardly extending fingers 52 spaced circumferentially around the outer periphery. Each of the fingers 52 can be sized, shaped and positioned to receive a shock absorber 62 (not shown) Figure 7 (not shown) and then axially fit through one of the notches 50 in the bottom hoop 14, with the inner circular portion of the plate radially within the bottom hoop 14. The plate 20 can additionally define one or more holes, such as the outer hole 54 and inner hole 56 shown, and can have a plurality of radially extending ribs 60 on its lower side.

[0050] Figures 8A-8C The preferred embodiments of the tension rod 36, the nut 34 and the connectors 24 are shown separately. As shown, the tension rod 36 includes an upper threaded portion 40 and a lower polygonal portion 44, with an annular ledge 66 and an inwardly facing slot 68 axially therebetween. The nut 34 has a polygonal shape and a central threaded hole 42. In the embodiment shown, the lower portion 44 of the tension rod and the nut 34 are rectangular, however, this particular profile is non-limiting. In this embodiment, the connectors 24 are each formed as a J-shaped clip and can be configured to be molded into the top hoop 12 or otherwise rigidly connected to the top hoop 12. In the preferred embodiment shown, the connectors 24 function as locking fingers between the top hoop and the bottom hoop. Notably, the exact form of the connectors 24 is non-limiting, as other shapes or even integrally molded locking fingers and / or nuts are within the scope of the disclosed utility. Most generally, the connectors 24 are configured to provide a secure and optionally releasable connection between the top hoop 12 and the bottom hoop 14.

[0051] Referring now to the drawings Figure 1 and Figure 9 The assembly of the drum pad assembly 10 can be best understood. The top hoop 12 and the bottom hoop 14 collectively function as a radial and axial housing for the drum pad assembly 10 to hold the device together. The drumhead 16 fits within the top hoop 12 with the rim 30 abutting a lower surface or ledge in the top hoop to axially hold the drumhead 16 within the pad 10. When assembled, the membrane 28 extends through the open interior area of the top hoop 12 and is secured down onto the upper edge of the bearing ring 22 and exposed to the user.

[0052] The bottom collar 14 and the bearing ring 22 are generally held connected to one another by threaded engagement between each pull rod 36 and the corresponding threaded hole 42 of each nut 34. As Figure 9 shown, in the preferred embodiment shown, the nuts 34 can be molded into the bearing ring 22, or rotationally fixed relative thereto. The pull rods 36 are axially fixed and rotationally independent of the bottom collar 14. In the embodiment shown, each pull rod 36 is held in place by a clip 62 received within a slot 68. The nuts 34 are rotationally fixed to the bearing ring 22 such that rotation of the pull rods 36 causes the nuts 34 to move axially along the threaded portion of the rods to raise or lower the bearing ring. The top collar 12 and the bottom collar 14 are connected to one another with each J-clip style connector 24 of the top collar inserted through the slot 53 in the bottom collar and rotated into engagement with the peripheral ledge 46 to axially lock the top collar to the bottom collar. Other embodiments of alternative releasable locking mechanisms are contemplated, including, for example, snap elements, clips, hooks, pivoting members, and releasable levers. When assembled in this manner, the bearing 22 fits against the bottom surface of the membrane 28 radially inward of the rim 30, as Figure 9 clearly seen in

[0053] With the top collar 14 and the bottom collar 12 engaged with one another, the resilient pad 18 can be axially inserted into the central opening of the bottom collar 14 and secured in place from below by the plate 20. The plate 20 is connected to the assembly by being axially inserted through the central opening of the bottom collar 14, with each finger 52 (if present, with the resilient damper 62) passing through a corresponding notch 50, followed by rotating the plate 20 such that each finger passes over the ramp 48 and into the vertical groove 49 defined within the corresponding ramp element 47, thereby being axially locked in a bayonet-style fit. The underside of the plate 20 can include ribs 60 extending radially from the interior to the exterior to improve the grip for the user to twist the plate into place and to increase rigidity, as in the embodiment shown. When the plate 20 is attached in this manner, it cooperates with the membrane 28 to sandwich the resilient pad 18 in the interior portion of the drum pad assembly 10. The plate 20 can also include an outer hole 54 and an inner hole 56 for optionally mounting additional elements, such as sensors for converting the drum pad assembly 10 into an electronic drum.

[0054] The above percussion pad assembly adjusts the tension of the strikeable membrane 28 via the pull rod 36, which is accessible from below the bottom hoop 14 with a standard drum key (or similar torque wrench). Rotation of the rod in a first tightening direction causes the bearing 22 to rise and increase the tension of the membrane, while rotation in the opposite loosening direction causes the bearing to lower and decrease the tension. When assembled, the elastomeric shock absorber 62 provides a tight engagement with the bottom hoop 14 and prevents the plate from impacting other hard components. Furthermore, when assembled, the elastomeric pad 18 is easily accessible without the need to disassemble the entire percussion pad assembly 10, simply by rotating the plate 20 to disengage each finger 52 from the corresponding ramp element 47, aligning with the corresponding notch 50, and then removing the plate through the central opening in the bottom hoop 14. In this manner, a user can replace a worn elastomeric pad with a new one, and / or replace an existing elastomeric pad with one having different hardness and / or acoustic properties. The preferred embodiment of the illustrated elastomeric pad 18 is formed of compressed foam material, but can alternatively employ other substrates having different properties, including non-foam materials. As a non-limiting example, an insert configured to mimic the sound of a resonant string can be used. Furthermore, embodiments exist within the assembly utilizing multiple elastomeric pads, foam and / or non-foam for different sounds and feel.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment, the hoops 12 and 14, the bearing ring 22 and the plate 20 are formed of molded plastic material; the head rim 30, the pull rod 36, the nut 34, the connector 24 and the retaining ring 62 are formed of metal (e.g., steel); the membrane is formed of a porous mesh material (e.g., KEVLAR® brand or related aramid synthetic fiber or PEEK); the elastomeric pad 18 is formed of a porous foam (e.g., polyurethane), and the shock absorber 62 is also formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone). These specific materials are exemplary and not limiting, as are the specific shapes and dimensions of the illustrated elements.

[0056] While not illustrated in the figures, in another embodiment, the bottom plate 20 is vertically adjustable when attached to provide an additional means of adjusting the pressure or tension. A series of stepped ramp portions in the bottom hoop enable the vertical adjustability.

[0057] Nor is a replacement embodiment described that includes a standard "acoustic" drum head made of a polymeric membrane (Mylar®, polyester, aramid or the like). A user can replace the illustrated drum head 16 having a mesh membrane 28 with an acoustic drum head to effectively convert the percussion pad assembly 10 from a practice pad to an acoustic drum. In this embodiment, the internal elastomeric pad 18 and optional bottom plate 20 would typically be removed to form the acoustic drum. The acoustic drum head is operable within the percussion pad assembly 10 by adjusting the height of the bearing ring 22 by twisting the pull rod 36 from below, as described above with respect to the mesh drum head 18.

[0058] The disclosed embodiments provide a significantly improved drum pad assembly that is tension adjustable, tool-less disassembled, allows for replacement or removal of the internal elastic pad, and provides an improved feel when used as a practice pad. In addition, as noted above, the drum pad assembly can be easily converted from a practice pad to an acoustic drum. Hardware such as a stand can be included to mount the drum head assembly 10 to a stand, which can also be part of a kit of multiple drum head assemblies. The hole in the bottom plate can optionally be used to connect hardware.

[0059] In addition, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the present inventive concept is not limited to a particular size. Drum pad assemblies exist in a variety of sizes, which is particularly useful in forming a drum set with multiple different drums (e.g., a snare drum and a military snare drum).

[0060] While the preferred embodiments have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the present inventive concept. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives can occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as described.

Claims

1. An adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly, comprising: including: a top membrane defining a striking surface; a lower member spaced apart from the top membrane; and a resilient pad sandwiched between the top membrane and the lower member, wherein the lower member is detachable to allow access to the resilient pad. the membrane and the lower member are held in place by an outer frame around a periphery.

2. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 1, wherein, the outer frame includes a top collar frame member and a bottom frame member that are interconnected to hold the membrane and the lower member in place when assembled.

3. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 2, wherein, the lower member is substantially a flat plate.

4. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 1, wherein, a tension level of the membrane is adjustable.

5. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 1, wherein, one or more tension rods having exposed ends are also included, wherein the tension level of the membrane is adjustable by twisting the one or more tension rods.

6. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 5, wherein, the exposed ends of the one or more tension rods are accessible from a location below the membrane.

7. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 6, wherein, the membrane and the lower member are held in place by an outer frame around a periphery of the assembly, and the one or more tension rods are engaged with the frame, wherein a portion of the one or more tension rods extends through a hole in the outer frame in a rotationally independent engagement.

8. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 7, wherein, a bearing member is also included below the membrane, wherein twisting the one or more tension rods causes the bearing member to move toward the membrane to increase tension or away from the membrane to decrease tension.

9. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 6, wherein, further including:

10. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 1, wherein, an outer frame around a periphery of the membrane and the lower member to hold the membrane and the lower member in place; a bearing ring axially positioned between the lower member and the membrane; and one or more tension rods in communication with the bearing ring and accessible from the outer frame, wherein twisting the one or more tension rods in a first direction causes the bearing ring to move toward the membrane to increase tension, and twisting the one or more tension rods in a second direction causes the bearing ring to move away from the membrane to decrease tension. the membrane includes a porous mesh material. including:

11. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 1, wherein, a head membrane having a striking surface; 12. An adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly, comprising: an outer head frame member having an inner edge defining an open radial interior region through which the striking surface of the head membrane is exposed, the outer head frame member having an upper portion and a lower portion; a bearing member between the head membrane and the lower portion of the head frame member; one or more tension rods extending through the lower portion of the head frame member, the one or more tension rods rotating independently of the head frame member and in communication with the bearing member, wherein rotating the one or more tension rods in a first direction causes the bearing ring to move toward the membrane to increase tension, and rotating the one or more tension rods in a second direction causes the bearing ring to move away from the membrane to decrease tension.

13. The adjustable drum pad assembly of claim 12, wherein the one or more tension rods extend axially; the membrane further includes a bottom surface opposite the striking surface, the head membrane is secured around its outer edge by a structural frame element, the structural frame element is axially positioned between an upper portion and an interior portion, and the structural frame element is axially positioned between an upper portion and an interior portion, and ​ The bearing member is positioned against a lower surface of the membrane radially inward of the structural frame element.

14. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 12, wherein, The upper and lower portions of the outer head frame member are separable from one another to release the head membrane and bearing element.

15. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 12, wherein, An elastomeric pad is also included within the outer head frame member against the membrane.

16. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 15, wherein, A lower plate element is also included sandwiching the elastomeric pad with the membrane, wherein the lower plate element is detachable from the outer head frame member to allow access to the elastomeric pad.

17. An adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly, comprising: Comprising: a top collar frame member defining an open interior region; a bottom frame member releasably attached to the top collar; a head including a membrane stretched across an annular ring, wherein the annular ring is confined between an inner surface of the top collar frame member and an inner surface of the bottom frame member, the membrane is exposed from the open interior region, and the top collar frame member and bottom frame member are separable from one another without the use of tools to release the head.

18. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 17, wherein the bottom frame member is annular, the bottom frame member defining a second open interior region.

19. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 18, wherein, A bottom plate is also included attachable to the bottom frame member to enclose at least a portion of the second open interior region.

20. The adjustable percussion instrument pad assembly of claim 19, wherein, An elastomeric pad is also included between the membrane and the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is detachable from the bottom frame member without the use of tools to allow access to and optionally removal of the elastomeric pad.

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