Foot-operated mechanism for playing a bass drum of a percussion instrument, i.e. a musical instrument, with an asymmetrically shaped base plate and a similarly asymmetrically shaped footplate.

Abstract

Claim to protection: Asymmetrically shaped base plate of a foot-operated mechanism for playing a bass drum of a percussion instrument, i.e., a musical instrument.

Description

[0001] The present utility model application concerns an accessory for a musical instrument. It is a mechanical device that allows a musical instrument, a drum, to be played by foot. This drum can be played as a single instrument or in combination with other drums and percussion instruments, as a so-called drum kit or percussion ensemble. These drum kits, i.e., a combination of several percussion instruments, are used in many modern genres of pop, rock, and jazz music. Drum kits are also used in many current musical styles (e.g., hip-hop, reggae, dance, etc.). My invention serves to improve the seating position. This improved seating position allows the musician (i.e., the drummer) to achieve a more ergonomic and comfortable playing position. As a result, the drummer can play the drums with less effort and without fatigue.The individual instruments of the drum kit can also be arranged and positioned to allow for a more compact overall setup, which positively impacts the musician's playing options. Drum kits are typically played while seated. A relaxed and comfortable sitting position is essential for advanced drumming technique.

[0002] In the following, I will describe the current construction of the usual foot mechanisms available on the market, and then describe the difference of my invention. Description of a foot mechanism

[0003] A mechanism for playing a bass drum is constructed as follows: A pedal surface, on which the operator's (= drummer's) foot rests, is hinged at the heel to a base plate. This pedal surface, called the footplate, is usually rectangular. Some manufacturers also design the footplate to be slightly oval on both long sides, roughly resembling the shape of a shoe sole. In high-quality pedals, the entire mechanism is mounted on a base plate and secured to it with several screws. At the front, towards the toes and the drum, there is at least one metal support post, screwed to the base plate at a right angle. Foot pedals are available on the market with both single and double support posts.No advantages or disadvantages can be identified in either design variant; rather, the reasons lie in the manufacturers' technical preferences for one or the other. A horizontal, ball-bearing-mounted axle is located in the upper part of the column(s). A wheel- or roller-like structure (idler pulley) is attached to this axle, which holds a beater used to strike the drum. A connecting element, attached to the idler pulley and the footplate, converts the foot's striking motion into a rotary motion. This rotary motion moves the beater, attached to the idler pulley, against the drumhead, causing the drum (bass drum) to resonate upon impact. The connecting element between the footplate and the idler pulley is very often a roller chain, similar to a bicycle chain.However, connecting elements can also include woven tapes made of high-strength technical fabrics. Rigid metal strips can also be used, but these are movably mounted at their two attachment points (treadle and pulley). This design is called direct drive because small tolerances, which occur when using chains or woven tapes, are not present in direct drives. Some foot pedal manufacturers even allow the musician to change the connecting elements themselves, as the connecting elements (chain or woven tape) are included with the purchase of the foot pedal. The drummer can thus adapt the foot pedal to their needs and playing style and make changes themselves. Every foot mechanism also includes a return spring that pulls the drumstick back to its starting position after it has moved forward towards the drum.This mechanism is similar to that of a car pedal. When the footplate is released, it returns to its starting position. This is achieved by a coil spring, which is pre-tensioned by the foot's movement and then returns the beater to its starting position when the musician's foot moves back. This return spring is firmly anchored to a column at the bottom and eccentrically mounted at the top on the pivot point where the drum beater sits. The foot mechanism also includes a clamping device that connects it to the bass drum's hoop. A small claw is clamped to the hoop using a wing nut. This connection can be easily released, as the foot mechanism is detached from the bass drum for transport. This clamping device is attached to the front of the base plate, beneath the footplate.

[0004] These are the main components of a foot pedal for playing a bass drum. This mechanism is also known in technical circles as a foot pedal, drum pedal, or bass drum pedal. In all further descriptions, I will use the German term "Fußmaschine" (foot pedal). Description of one's own invention

[0005] The foot mechanism of my design differs essentially in two components: A base plate, on which the entire mechanism of a bass drum pedal is mounted, is characterized by its highly asymmetrical shape. The base plate corresponds to the geometric shape of a trapezoid, but the two long sides are at different angles to a base. Furthermore, two sides of the base plate cannot be mirrored along a central axis, as would be possible with a symmetrical, conventional base plate. The footplate of the bass drum pedal, with which the drummer operates the pedal, is also characterized by its asymmetrical shape. The footplate has a recess on one long side that serves to accommodate the connecting element between the footplate and the pulley of the mechanism (a roller chain, a fabric band, or a rigid connecting element) and to secure it firmly and forcefully by means of a screw connection. The connection between the footplate and, for example, the pulley, is...The chain is positioned laterally offset from the connection point of a conventional, symmetrically designed footplate. The degree of lateral offset can vary. A mechanically adjustable version is also conceivable. In this case, finer (smaller) gradations in the lateral offset are possible through multiple holes in the base plate and footplate. A right and a left version of the bass drum pedal are to be produced. The invention can also be applied to so-called double pedals. These are foot mechanisms that, by means of two separate pedals connected by a connecting shaft, allow the playing of two individual (right and left) bass drums on a single bass drum.

[0006] This novel design of the bass drum pedal makes it possible to better position other drum instruments by shifting the bass drum to the right or left (from the drummer's perspective), thus achieving a more comfortable playing position. In a conventional drum kit, the position of the bass drum always dictates how all other percussion instruments are arranged. The present invention aims to provide greater flexibility in this regard.

Claims

[1] Claim: Asymmetrically shaped base plate of a foot-operated mechanism for playing a bass drum of a percussion instrument, i.e. a musical instrument. [2] Claim: Asymmetrically shaped footplate of a foot-operated mechanism for playing a bass drum of a percussion instrument, i.e. a musical instrument.