Tensioning systems for a bass drum, drum beat arrangement and bass drum arrangement

Abstract

A tensioning system (80) for a bass drum, comprising: a base plate (13) a swivel arrangement (110) which is attached to the base plate, wherein the swivel arrangement has a joint (112), a first cap (32) and a second cap (33) on the pivoting arrangement, which are configured to engage a first surface of a drum tire (30), and a clamping arm (47) on the base plate (13) which is configured to engage a second surface of the drum tire (30) opposite to the first surface, wherein the first and second caps are formed on opposite sides of the joint (112).

Description

Background of the invention; Field of the invention

[0001] This invention generally relates to drum-beating devices that can be connected to drums, such as bass drum hoops, and in particular to stabilized connections between beater base plates and bass drum hoops. In a more general sense, this invention relates to adjustable clamping systems. Description of the related technique

[0002] There is a need to stabilize such connections, particularly by preventing them from loosening during drumming. This is a problem due to the relatively large size and weight of bass drums, requiring them to be and remain securely connected over extended periods of use. Furthermore, there is a need for particularly efficient and reliable connection methods and devices, such as those enabled and provided by the present invention.

[0003] Systems for connecting a drum striking device to a drum rim are known in the art. However, many of these systems can be unstable and become dislodged due to drum striking motion. Some clamping systems have attempted to address the dislodgement problem; however, other problems may persist even if they are successful. For example, while the clamping system and the drum striking device may remain in position relative to the drum rim, the rim and striking device combination may still be unstable and wobble. Furthermore, many clamping systems cause deformation or deterioration of the drum rim, often due to the stiffness of the connection and the clamping system's inability to accommodate any movement of the drum rim that may occur. Another problem is the centering of the clamping system on the drum rim.If the system is not positioned precisely, part of the drum-beating device may lift off the ground when the clamping system is attached. Furthermore, if the ground is not perfectly flat, positioning the clamping system becomes even more difficult. These problems can cause difficulties both during setup and if the drum and / or the drum-beating device move during use. Relevant prior art is known from US 6,011,208 A, DE 101 09 945 A1, US 3,722,349 A, and US 4,747,588 A. Summary of the invention

[0004] In short, the invention relates to a clamping system that can be used with a drum-beating assembly and a drum. In some embodiments, the clamping system is attached to a drum-beating assembly and comprises caps that can be rotatably adjusted, caps on a pivoting assembly, and / or caps that can be rotatably adjusted and are arranged on a pivoting assembly. The caps can engage with both the inner and outer surfaces of a drum hoop to secure the connection between the drum-beating assembly and the drum. In some embodiments, the caps redistribute the forces between the cap and the surface, sometimes such that the forces are distributed evenly over the cap and sometimes such that deformation of the frame is prevented.In other embodiments, the caps adjust themselves in such a way as to prevent a rocking motion of the clamping system, the drum, or both.

[0005] An important objective of the invention is to provide an improved device that meets the above and other needs and objectives.

[0006] The present invention proposes a clamping system with the features of claim 1, a clamping system with the features of claim 10, a drum striking arrangement with the features of claim 18, and a bass drum arrangement with the features of claim 19. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] In particular, a combination has been revealed which includes: a) a frame comprising at least one base, b) an axis which is supported by the base in order to rotate relative to it, wherein the axis has an axis of rotation, c) a drumstick that is supported by the axle, d) a pedal which is connected to the axle in a way that allows it to rotate the axle and the beater in response to a pedal movement, e) wherein the frame has a base plate, wherein a clamping arm and means for supporting the arm on the plate are provided to rotate or pivot relative to it, and f) several drum rim support elements which are carried or provided to engage at several points on the drum rim in order to support the drum rim relative to the base plate.

[0008] As will be evident, at least one and typically at least two such elements are provided to pivotally adjust themselves while engaging with a drum ring. Furthermore, there are preferably three such support elements, at least one of which is pivotably self-adjustable and arranged to engage the convex side of a drum ring that has both a convex and a concave side.

[0009] Furthermore, the self-adjustability is enhanced and facilitated by a tilting support provided by one or more of the elements, enabling a universal directional swivel during the clamping process.

[0010] Another task involves providing a support, such as a plate, that can be connected to the base plate, wherein the support carries at least two of the aforementioned elements that can be brought into engagement with the convex side of a drum rim. A third of the elements can then be carried by the arm to engage the concave side of the drum rim in response to the arm rotating relative to the base plate.

[0011] As will be evident, and for the purpose of increased and balanced tension force distribution, the third element is typically arranged in a plane that is essentially normal to an axis passing through the two elements.

[0012] Furthermore, an arrangement has been revealed which shows: a) a frame comprising at least one base, b) an axis which is supported by the base in order to rotate relative to it, wherein the axis has an axis of rotation, c) a drumstick that is supported by the axle, d) a pedal which is supported by the frame to rotate the beater about the said axis in response to a pedal movement, e) Drum clamping devices which are supported by the frame and have separate clamping surfaces, at least two of which are supported to rotate or pivot in several directions, wherein the said surfaces can be engaged with curved drum structures.

[0013] An embodiment of a clamping system according to the present invention comprises a first cap that can be brought into engagement with a first surface of an object and a second cap that can be brought into engagement with a second surface of the object. At least one of these caps has more than one degree of freedom.

[0014] Another embodiment of a clamping system comprises an upper cap and a lower cap, the lower cap being arranged on a support plate. A clamping mechanism attached to one of these caps positions this cap such that the upper cap is on the support plate. At least one of these caps is a rotatable cap, which can mean that it is rotatable in several axes of a plane.

[0015] Another embodiment of a clamping system comprises an upper cap and a lower cap, the lower cap being arranged on a support plate. A clamping mechanism attached to one of these caps positions this cap such that the upper cap is on the support plate. At least one of the caps is arranged on a pivoting assembly.

[0016] Yet another embodiment of a clamping system combines features of the two embodiments above: at least one cap is pivotable on all axes of a plane which is parallel to a pivoting arrangement.

[0017] Also disclosed is a drum-beating assembly for use with a drum. This includes a frame with a base, an axle supported by the base, a drumstick on the axle, and a pedal connected to the axle to rotate the stick. The drum-beating assembly also includes one of the above-mentioned clamping systems, which is used to connect the assembly to a hoop of the drum.

[0018] Also disclosed is a bass drum assembly. This assembly comprises a bass drum with a bass drum hoop, a drum beater assembly, and a means for connecting the bass drum hoop and the drum beater assembly. In this embodiment, the means for connecting comprises a clamping system with a first cap and a second cap, one of which has more than one degree of freedom.

[0019] These and other tasks and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of an exemplary embodiment, will be better understood with reference to the following description and drawing. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a drum-beating device incorporating elements of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a top view along line 2-2 from Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a front view along line 3-3 from Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partial section view along line 4-4 from Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a section view along line 5-5 from Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a section view along line 5-5 from Fig. 2 of another embodiment comprising elements of the invention. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic front view and shows elements that can be engaged with a curved drum ring for adjustable tensioning; and Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded view and shows elements of an embodiment of a drum tire tensioning mechanism. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a carrier plate comprising rotatable caps mounted on a pivot arrangement. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic front view of a carrier plate comprising rotatable caps mounted on a swivel arrangement. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] The present invention provides a clamping system capable of connecting a drumstick assembly to a drum. For foot-operated drumstick assemblies, often used with bass drums, the repeated and sometimes forceful actuation motion can cause the drumstick assembly to shift. To address this problem, drumstick assemblies can be clamped to a bass drum hoop such that the assembly is appropriately positioned relative to the bass drumhead. Some clamping systems can cause the drumstick assemblies and / or the drum to shift, or can cause damage to or deformation of the drum hoop. Embodiments of the present invention can include clamping surfaces on a rotating head and can therefore accommodate spatial variations caused by the actuating foot movement.Furthermore, the clamping surfaces, sometimes themselves mounted on a rotating head, can also be placed on a joint, thereby further reducing movement of the drum or drum-beat assembly, or deformation or deterioration thereof.

[0021] It is understood that when an element is referred to as "on" another element, it can be directly on top of the other element, or that intermediate elements may also exist. Furthermore, relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "above," "lower," "below," "below," and similar terms are used within the scope of this application to describe a relationship between one element and another. Terms such as "higher," "lower," "wider," "narrower," and similar terms may be used within the scope of this application to describe angular dependencies. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the elements or the system, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures.

[0022] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe different elements, components, regions, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, and / or sections are not intended to be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Therefore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, a first element, first component, first region, or first section as discussed below could likewise be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, or second section without departing from the teaching of the present invention.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to figures, which are schematic representations. Therefore, the actual thickness of an element may vary, and variations in the shapes shown in the figures are to be expected as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Thus, the elements shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to represent precise shapes of a region, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] In the present application, types of motion are sometimes described with six degrees of freedom. Three degrees of freedom are translational: movement up and down or in the z-direction on an xyz coordinate plane (vertical), movement left and right or in the x-direction (lateral), and movement forward and backward or in the y-direction (straight ahead). Three other degrees of freedom are rotational: rotation left or right or in the xy-plane (yawing), rotation forward and backward or in the yz-plane (pitching), and rotation from one side to another or in the zx-plane (rolling).

[0025] In the drawing, the drum-beating assembly 10 has a frame with at least one, preferably two, upright bases 11 and 12, which are attached to the horizontal base plate 13. An axle 14 is supported by the bases and, via suitable bearings in the housings 15 and 16, the axle has a horizontal axis of rotation 17. A drumstick 18 has a shaft 18a, supported by the axle at reference numeral 19, in order to be rotated forward to strike a drumhead, designated by reference numeral 20.

[0026] A foot pedal 21 is actuated and connected to the axle, e.g. via a chain 22 which can be engaged with a gear 23, the end 22a of the chain being connected to the front end of the pedal 21 at reference numeral 24. The rear end of the pedal is rotatably connected to the base plate 13 at reference numeral 25.

[0027] In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, an arched bass drum hoop 30 is self-adjusting and clamped to the base plate, for example by means of connections such as those schematically shown in the Fig. Seven structures are shown. Such structures comprise several drum tire support elements that are designed to engage with the drum tire at multiple points, as indicated in Figures 32-34, to support the drum tire relative to the base plate. The corresponding elements are shown in Figures 35-37: elements 35 and 36 engage with the convex outer side of the tire, and element 37 engages with the concave inner side. The sides of such elements engaging with the tire may have slight curvatures to match the tire's curvature.

[0028] Fig. Figure 8 shows actual such elements in the form of two rotatable caps, corresponding to elements 32 and 33 from Fig. 9, with joint sockets 40a surrounding the balls 40, which are received in recesses 41 in the carrier plate 42, as part of the sub-arrangement shown. The plate 42 is attached or can be attached to the base plate by means of fastening means 42a. The balls 40 are likewise attached to the plate 42 by means of fastening means 43 (see Figure 9). Fig. 4) The joint sockets 40a are rotatable in the receptacles 42b. A third rotatable cap corresponds to element 37 and is supported by the clamping arm 47, which is rotatable on the pin 48 and is held in place by the spring 49. Fig. 8 is pressed counterclockwise so that the cap 37 is pressed downwards against the inner concave surface 51 of the drum. Cap 50 is supported by a rotatable joint socket 51, which receives a ball 52. The balls, the rotatable joint sockets, and caps define pivot connections that are self-adjusting to fit the special drum rim, which is thereby held in place. The sub-assembly, which is in Fig. As shown in 8, it is well suited to be attached to an existing pedal unit, such as the base plate 13, to enable its efficient use in securely supporting a bass drum, especially during percussive use.

[0029] Further adjustments regarding connections of the sub-assembly with a support plate are described at reference numeral 60 in Fig. 1 shown. See US 5,627,332 A, to which full reference is hereby made.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 shows a receptacle 40a in a recess or a receptacle 42b in the clamping plate 42, allowing it to rotate relative to the fixed position of the ball. An annular edge 64 of the recess or receptacle can be engaged with the outer wall of the receptacle 40a to limit the rotation of the cap 32, block extreme rotation, and thereby maintain the general orientation of the cap towards the drum frame, indicated by the curved line 66, minimizing the need for self-adjusting rotation of the assembly and for ease of use.

[0031] The invention is further characterized by: a) several drum rim support elements which are carried to engage with the drum rim at several points in order to support the drum rim relative to the base plate; b) wherein at least one of the aforementioned elements is self-adjusting and pivotable while the aforementioned elements are engaged with the drum hoop; c) wherein at least one of such elements is pivotably adjustable while said elements are engaged with the drum hoops; d) wherein at least three of the aforementioned elements are pivotably adjustable while engaged with the drum hoop, e) wherein two such elements are arranged in such a way that they can be engaged with the convex side of a drum ring which has both a convex and a concave side; f) wherein a third of the aforementioned elements is arranged in such a way that it can be brought into engagement with the concave side of the drum rim; g) wherein the elements are selectively pivotable; (h) a support or plate (part of a sub-arrangement) that can be connected to said base plate, wherein the support carries at least two of the elements mentioned which can be engaged with the convex side of the drum ring; i) wherein the third element is supported by the clamping arm so that it can engage with the concave side of the drum rim in response to the arm being pivoted relative to the base plate.

[0032] It will be regarding Fig. 2. It can be determined that the third element or cap 37 is arranged in an upright plane 70 which is essentially normal to an axis 71 which passes through the two elements 32 and 33.

[0033] An alternative explanation of Fig. 1 - 8 is as follows. Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a drum-beating arrangement 10 with two upright bases 11 and 12, although arrangements with fewer or more than two upright bases are also possible. The bases 11 and 12 are mounted on a horizontal base plate 13. An axle 14 is held between the tops of the bases 11 and 12. In a preferred embodiment, the axle 14 is itself rotatable, although in other embodiments it may be static. Although the embodiment according to Fig. While one embodiment has only one axis 14, other double-mallet embodiments may have two axes that are independently rotatable. In one such embodiment, the axes are separated from each other by a housing. In another such embodiment, the axes are separate, but both are mounted on a central static axis such that the rotatable axes rotate about the static axis. Double-mallet embodiments are described in US 5,421,235 A, the figures and descriptions of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The components of embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use with double-mallet embodiments or can be modified to be suitable for such use.

[0034] The drum striking assembly 10 can comprise a gear 23 and a beater shaft 18a attached to the axle 14. The axle 14 and the gear 23 can rotate together, or the gear 23 can rotate independently of the axle 14. The beater shaft 18a can rotate simultaneously with the axle 14, with the gear 23, or, in a preferred embodiment, with both. A chain 22 can be attached at one end to the gear 23 and at the other end to a foot pedal 21. In other embodiments, the chain can be replaced by a belt, made, for example, of leather or nylon.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment with components of the invention, a user presses down the foot pedal 21, which is itself connected to the base plate 13 by a connection 25, which can be a hinged connection. In response, the end 22a of the chain and the remainder of the chain 22 are also pressed down, causing the gear 23, the axle 14, and the striker shaft 18a, and thus the striker 18, to rotate (in Fig. 1 counterclockwise), until the beater 18 strikes the drumhead 20. In a preferred embodiment, the beater 18 strikes the drumhead 20 directly; that is, at the moment of impact, the beater shaft 18a is parallel or tangential to the striking surface, and the beater 18 moves perpendicular to the striking surface. After completion of this movement and release of the drum pedal 21, the spring system 26 (shown in Fig. 3) the system, to return to its initial state. In a preferred embodiment, the spring system 26 is attached to the axle 14, which itself is attached to the striker shaft 18a and the gear 23. The spring system therefore causes the shaft 18a and the gear 23, and in a preferred embodiment the rotatable axle 14, to rotate backwards to their original positions (in Fig. 1 clockwise).

[0036] If the above movement is repeated or performed vigorously, as is often the case in performances with bass drums, the drumstick assembly 10 could move in its position relative to the drumhead 20. Such movement is undesirable because the beater 18 no longer strikes the drumhead while moving perpendicular to the striking surface and can therefore produce an undesirable noise, unlike when the beater 18 strikes the drumhead perpendicularly. As such, it is desirable to design a system that ensures the position of the drumstick assembly 10 relative to the drumhead 20. In accordance with an embodiment incorporating elements of the present invention, the drumstick assembly 10 can be attached to a bass drum hoop 30 using a connection such as a clamping system (shown in Fig. 7) Compounds are described in detail in US 5 627 332 A and US 6 992 244 B2, to which reference is hereby made in full.

[0037] Even if a connection system is designed to prevent the above problems, deformation of the drum rim 30 can still occur. The drumhead 20, the drum rim 30, and / or the base plate 30 and the foot pedal 21 can also rock or tilt, which can lead to an undesirable striking motion or user discomfort. Addressing these problems is an objective of devices incorporating elements of the present invention.

[0038] The dashed lines in Fig. Figure 1 shows an area that has a clamping system 80. The clamping system 80 has a clamping head assembly 87 and clamping support assemblies 82 (not shown) and 83. The clamping head assembly 87 and the clamping support assembly 82 are shown in exploded view in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 8 shows the clamping support arrangements 82 and 83 having caps 32 and 33 respectively, which can be rotatable caps.

[0039] An alternative explanation of the tension support arrangements 82 and 83, one of which is shown in cross-sectional view in Fig. The following describes the recess or receptacle 42b shown in Figure 4. A recess or receptacle 42b, within a base such as the support plate 42, is defined by annular edges 64. Other embodiments have a receptacle 42b. The support plate 42 can be a separate element attached to the horizontal base plate 13, or it can be part of the horizontal support plate 13. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle 42b is cylindrical. A ball or ball head 40, which in a preferred embodiment is a fixedly positioned ball, can be attached to the underside of the recess or receptacle 42b. In embodiments without a receptacle 42b, the ball 40 can, for example, be attached to the support plate 42 or the horizontal base plate 13. In a preferred embodiment, a fastening means 43 is used to attach the ball 40.In other embodiments, the sphere 40 could be formed at the bottom of the depression 40b, could be attached using an adhesive such as epoxy, or could simply use gravity to remain at the bottom of the depression 42b.

[0040] A receptacle or recess 40a beneath the cap 32 is defined by an outer wall 40b attached to the underside of the cap 32, which is preferably a rotatable cap. The outer wall 40b may be shorter than the annular edges 64, so that the outer wall 40b does not rest on the underside of the recess 42b. The outer wall 40b may be a continuous wall or may be formed by several sections. In one embodiment, the receptacle 40a is substantially cylindrical and the outer wall 40b is substantially a hollow cylinder, although other shapes are possible for both. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the receptacle 40a is approximately equal to the diameter of the sphere 40. This arrangement allows the rotatable cap 32 to be positioned above the upper edge of the recess 42b, where it can engage with a drum frame 66.

[0041] The following description describes the clamping support arrangement 82, although it can also be applied to the clamping support arrangement 83. The rotatable cap 32 and the outer wall 40b can be attached in a variety of ways. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the receptacle 40a at the bottom of the wall is slightly smaller than at the top of the wall, such that the slightly smaller diameter is approximately equal to or very slightly smaller than the diameter of the sphere 40. The rotatable cap 32 and the outer wall 40b could then be secured in a variety of ways. The outer wall 40b can be formed from separate parts around the sphere 40, such that the bottom of the outer wall 40b, with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the sphere 40, is below the horizontal diameter of the sphere.This method is particularly applicable if the sphere 40 and the outer wall 40a are made of rigid materials, such as some types of metal. In another method, the outer wall 40a is pressed downwards over the sphere 40 with force. This method is particularly applicable if there is a raised section in the wall 40b that allows the receptacle 40a to expand slightly when pressed over the sphere 40, and then to contract slightly once the diameter of the receptacle 40a is slightly larger than that of the sphere 40 (below the horizontal diameter of the sphere). By making the diameter of the outer wall 40b slightly smaller than the horizontal diameter of the sphere 40, it is possible to prevent the underside of the outer wall 40b from being accidentally lifted off and detaching from the sphere 40.

[0042] The above arrangement allows the cap 32 to rotate (as defined for the purposes of the present application) or to pivot in several axes in a plane (in preferred embodiments, to pivot in all axes of a plane). It can be said that the cap has two degrees of freedom in which it can roll in a zx-plane and / or pitch in a yz-plane. The rotatable cap of this embodiment can do both at the same time. A rotatable cap 32 can therefore rotate to pivot at the angle of a drum ring line 66, as described in Fig. Figure 4 is shown to correspond. In addition to being pivotably self-adjusting in only one plane, similar to an object that pivots in one plane, the shape of the sphere 40 of the rotatable cap 32 actually allows it to adjust itself rotatably when engaged with the drum frame (for example, the rotatable cap 32 can be oriented parallel to line 4-4 in Fig. 2, perpendicular to line 4-4 or along any plane in between).

[0043] To ensure a more secure hold and to prevent the rotating cap 32 from damaging the drum rim, the upper surfaces of the rotating cap 32 can be slightly concave or convex so that they match the curvature of the drum rim line 66. This arrangement therefore allows for curvature of the drum rim, unlike the flat clamps of the prior art. This can prevent both deformation and destruction of the drum rim. The rotating cap 33 and the rotating cap 37 can also be concave or convex to match the curvature of the drum rim.

[0044] The rotatable caps 32 and 33, the outer wall 40b of the receptacle, and the ball 40 can be made of any number of materials. In some embodiments, these elements can be made of rigid metal, malleable material, plastic, rubber, woven material, or combinations thereof. For example, the rotatable caps 32 and 33 can be formed from metal and coated with a layer of rubber. While other elements can also be made of this material, thin aluminum or other metal can be a particularly useful material for the outer wall 40b, since a wall made of thin aluminum or other metal can expand and contract as described above.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the clamping head arrangement 87 can have features similar to those of the clamping support arrangements 82 and 83. A rotatable cap 37 can be attached to a joint 51, which is defined by an outer wall 51b that can surround a ball 52. In the embodiment according to Fig. In Figure 8, the ball 52 is attached to a clamping head 54. The clamping head 54 can have a larger diameter than the rotatable cap 37. The ball 52 can be attached to the clamping head 54 by means of a screw 53 or in a similar manner to ball 40. The clamping head 54 can be attached to a clamping mechanism, such as the clamping arm 47. If a clamping head 54 is present, it can have a textured surface, as shown in Figure 8. Fig. Figure 6 shows a better hold in the case where the clamping head 54a is engaged with the drum ring 30. In other embodiments, the ball 52 can be attached to the clamping arm 47 or other clamping mechanisms.

[0046] How best to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in one embodiment the clamping arm 47 can have a pivot point 48, which itself can also be attached to other elements of the drum striking assembly 10, such as the upright bases 11 and 12 and / or the horizontal base plate 13. A spring 49 can also be arranged under the clamping arm 47. The spring 49 can function such that the standard position of the clamping head assembly 87 is a raised position until another force pushes the clamping head assembly 87 downwards.

[0047] The clamping head assembly 87 can be positioned or lowered, or the lower clamping support assemblies 82 and 83 can be positioned or raised, such that the cap 37 is located on a support plate 42, often with intervening objects such as a drum ring. The clamping head assembly 87 can be lowered in a variety of ways. The clamping head assembly can be lowered in a rotatable manner (in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 counterclockwise) or straight down or positioned in some other way. In a preferred embodiment, shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a screw mechanism 60 moves the screw arm 61 down and up. The screw arm 61 engages the rear end of the clamping arm 47 and lifts it, thereby lowering the clamping head assembly 87. While in Fig. Where the rotatable cap 87 is shown tilted relative to the drum rim, in preferred embodiments the rotatable cap is actually flush with and parallel to the drum rim or parallel to a tangential line of the drum rim. The screw mechanism 60 holds the screw chamber 61 in an upward-facing position until it is unscrewed. Other embodiments of mechanisms for raising the rear end of the clamping arm 47 are also possible. Other embodiments with mechanisms for lowering the clamping head assembly without a pivoting mechanism are also possible; for example, the clamping head assembly 87 can be lowered using gravity and can be screwed in place so that the assembly 87 remains firmly in position.

[0048] The above description describes an embodiment with three caps (preferably rotatable caps) 32, 33 and 37, although the components of the drum-beater assembly 10 can also be suitably modified to accommodate two or more caps, some of which may be rotatable. In a preferred embodiment, the caps are located in the same plane as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plane is perpendicular to the horizontal base plate 13 and / or the support plate 42. The rotatable caps 32 and 33 can engage with the convex outer surface of the drum rim 30, and the rotatable cap 37 can engage with the concave inner surface of the drum rim 30. In preferred embodiments, the arrangement of the rotatable caps is symmetrical, although other arrangements are possible. A preferred arrangement of the caps 32, 33, and 37 is such that the rotatable cap 37 is arranged equidistantly between the rotatable caps 32 and 33 and can clamp onto the lower quadrant point 31 of the drum rim 30. In a second preferred arrangement, the rotatable cap 37 is arranged near the lower quadrant point 31 such that the drum beater 18 strikes the center of the drumhead 20.In a multi-beat drum arrangement, this can mean that the drumsticks strike points equidistant from the center of the drumhead 20. The rotatable caps 32 and 33 can engage with the drum hoop 30 at points that are far enough apart to ensure the stability of the connection, but close enough to the lower quadrant point 31 so that the size of the drum arrangement 10 is practical.

[0049] Fig. Figure 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the support plate 42 with components of the invention. As already mentioned, the horizontal base plate 13 or another element can replace the support plate 42 if no support plate is present. In this embodiment, the rotatable caps 32 and 33 can be adjusted to rotate or pivot. The support plate 42 can surround a recess 102. A pivot arrangement 110 can be mounted within the recess 102. The pivot arrangement 110 can have a joint 112, which in a preferred embodiment is connected to the support plate 42 at both ends, or in other embodiments is connected in a different manner. The joint 112 can extend through the pivot arrangement 110 or can be located on the upper or lower side of the pivot arrangement 110. In a preferred embodiment, the joint 112 is located in the center of the pivot arrangement 110.The support arrangements 82 and 83, which may include the rotatable caps 32 and 33 respectively, may be attached to the pivoting arrangement in any of the ways described above, including, but not limited to, the use of a fastener, a mold, or an adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the ball 40 is attached to the pivoting arrangement 110.

[0050] Fig. Figure 10 shows a front view of an embodiment of the carrier plate 42 with the same elements as in Fig. 9 and further showing the clamping head arrangement 87. As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the swivel assembly 110 (and therefore the elements that are on the swivel assembly) can rotate about the joint 112.

[0051] embodiments such as those of Fig. 9 and Fig. The 10 enables the rotatable caps 32 and 33 to adjust to the weight of the drum and / or the movements of the drum hoop in two different ways, or to adjust themselves: the rotatable caps 32 and 33 can adjust themselves to rotate (in a preferred embodiment about the balls 40, which are not shown here), pivot about the joint 112, or both, thus allowing a wide range of adjustments. Another way of describing this function is that a cap can pivot in all axes of a plane, and that the plane itself (and therefore the axes of this plane) can also pivot. The cap has two degrees of freedom such that it can roll in a zx-plane and / or pitch in a yz-plane at the same time. Furthermore, the cap can be on a pivoting assembly that has one degree of freedom such that it can roll in a zx-plane.If the cap is not located at the pivot point of the pivot assembly, the coordinate systems of the cap's degrees of freedom and those of the pivot assembly can have different origins, meaning that the cap has a total of three different degrees of freedom (roll and pitch in one coordinate system and roll and pitch in a second coordinate system). Other caps with more than three degrees of freedom in one, two, or more coordinate systems are also possible. The rotatable caps 32 and 33 can be arranged such that they are rotatable in a plane parallel to the pivot assembly. Other embodiments include caps that are not rotatable but only pivotable on the pivot assembly 110 and therefore have only one degree of freedom.

[0052] The pivot arrangement 110 can have many forms, one of which can be flat (other than the presence of the support arrangements 82 and 83 and / or the joint 112). Fig. Figure 10 shows the pivoting arrangement 110 having a raised section 114. This raised section can be centered on the pivoting arrangement 110. The embodiment according to Fig. 10 also includes an optional limit 116 of the swivel assembly. The limit 116 can be used to ensure that the swivel assembly 110 does not over-rotate. Other embodiments do not have a limit 116 of the swivel assembly.

[0053] Many embodiments are also possible, each incorporating some of these elements. While in the embodiment according to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Where the support bracket 110 is surrounded by a recess 102 and the support plate 42, other elements, such as a section of the horizontal base plate 13, could be used as the support plate 42 in other embodiments. Other embodiments without a recess are also possible; for example, the support bracket assembly could be mounted above the support plate 42 or above the horizontal base plate 13. In such embodiments, the support plate 42, the horizontal base plate 13, and / or the substrate could replace the limit 116 of the pivot assembly, if desired. Embodiments with multiple pivot assemblies are also possible. In such an embodiment, each support assembly could be mounted on its own pivot assembly, with each pivot assembly being able to pivot independently.

[0054] The in the Fig. 9 and Fig. The embodiments shown in Figure 10 and similar embodiments have several advantages over embodiments according to the prior art. Similar to the embodiments described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1-8, the presence of rotatable caps can prevent deformation of the drum and provide more stable support, since the caps adjust to the angle of the drum. The embodiments according to Fig. 9 and Fig.Figure 10 further allows for a pivoting adjustment. The caps can prevent deformation by adjusting themselves in such a way that the forces between the caps and the drum hoop are redistributed. In some embodiments, the caps can adjust themselves so that the force on each cap is distributed evenly across the contact area of ​​the hoop (where the hoop and cap are in contact). Furthermore, the caps themselves can have a concave or convex surface, which also helps to prevent deformation and provides stability. Prior art connections can also cause a pivoting movement of the drum-hitting assembly and the drum. This can be caused by the inability of known arrangements to adjust to small movements of the bass drum; instead, the arrangement, the bass drum, or both may rock or tilt, resulting in discomfort for the user.Embodiments of the present invention can adjust to slight movements of the drum to prevent rocking without compromising the safety of the clamping connections or the alignment of the drum beater.

[0055] The use of a swivel assembly offers further advantages over the prior art. As previously discussed, if a clamping system is not precisely positioned on the drum hoop, the drum striking device can lift off the ground after being secured. The swivel assembly can adjust itself if the clamping system is imprecisely positioned, ensuring that the drum striking device remains flat on the ground. This is also the case if the ground is uneven; the swivel assembly can adapt to the unevenness of the ground, thus providing a secure clamping connection and allowing the drum striking device to remain flat and stable. Furthermore, the swivel assembly allows the drum striking device to be positioned off-center if, for any reason, the drum operator has not desired it to be centered on the drum.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other variants are also possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention are not to be limited by the variants described above.

Claims

[1] A tensioning system (80) for a bass drum, comprising: a base plate (13) a swivel arrangement (110) which is attached to the base plate, wherein the swivel arrangement has a joint (112), a first cap (32) and a second cap (33) on the pivoting arrangement, which are configured to engage a first surface of a drum tire (30), and a clamping arm (47) on the base plate (13) which is configured to engage a second surface of the drum tire (30) opposite to the first surface, wherein the first and second caps are formed on opposite sides of the joint (112). [2] Clamping system according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second cap (32, 33) are pivotably adjustable in all axes of a plane; wherein the plane is pivotably adjustable. [3] Clamping system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and the second cap (32, 33) are pivotable caps. [4] Clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping arm (47) has an upper cap (37) which is configured to engage the second surface of the drum tire (30). [5] Clamping system according to claim 4, wherein the upper cap (37) is a pivotable cap. [6] Clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second caps (32, 33) are adjustable for redistributing forces on the said drum tire (30). [7] Clamping system according to claim 6, wherein the first and second caps (32, 33) are adjustable for the uniform redistribution of forces along a contact surface of said drum ring (30). [8] Clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first ball and a second ball (40) on the pivoting arrangement (110), wherein the first cap is provided on the first ball and the second cap is provided on the second ball. [9] Clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot arrangement (110) is attached to the base plate (13) by means of the joint (112), wherein the first and the second cap are arranged on opposite sides of the joint (112). [10] Tensioning system (80) for a bass drum, comprising: a base plate (13), a pivoting arrangement (110) which is attached to the base plate, wherein the pivoting arrangement has a joint (112), a first and a second ball (40) on the pivoting arrangement, wherein the first and the second ball are arranged on opposite sides of the pivoting arrangement, a first pivotable cap (32) on the first ball and a second pivotable cap (33) on the second ball, wherein the first and the second pivotable cap are configured to engage a first surface on a drum ring, a clamping arm (47) on the base plate, which is set up to engage a second surface on the drum tire (30) opposite to the first surface. [11] Clamping system according to claim 10, wherein the clamping arm (47) has an upper cap (37) which is configured to engage the second surface of the drum tire (30). [12] Clamping system according to claim 11, wherein the clamping arm (47) is configured to lower the upper cap (37) so that the upper cap is on the second surface of the drum tire (30). [13] Clamping system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first and the second pivotable cap are able to make a pivot adjustment when the upper cap (37) is on the second surface of the drum tire (30). [14] Clamping system according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the upper cap (37) is a pivotable cap. [15] Clamping system according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first pivotable cap, the second pivotable cap and the upper cap (37) are located together in one plane. [16] Clamping system according to claim 15, wherein the plane is perpendicular to the base plate (13). [17] Clamping system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the pivoting arrangement (110) is configured to pivot in the said plane. [18] Drum beat arrangement (10) for use with a bass drum, comprising: a frame with one axle (14); a drumstick (18) on the axle; a pedal (21) connected to the axle to rotate said mallet; and A clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, configured to attach the drum striking arrangement to the bass drum. [19] Having a bass drum arrangement: a bass drum with a bass drum hoop (30); a drumbeat arrangement (10); and Means to connect the drum beat arrangement to the aforementioned bass drum hoop; wherein the means for connecting comprise a clamping system according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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