Cymbal-strike altering device

Abstract

A cymbal-strike altering device 10 comprises: a deflectable support arm 18, a dampener 20 affixed to the deflectable support arm to form a noise dampening, a mallet head 22 for striking an associated

Description

The present invention relates to a cymbal-strike altering device suitable for altering the sound of a cymbal-strike, particularly but not exclusively when trying to reduce the sound of the cymbal-strike. The invention further relates to a cymbal-strike altering apparatus and a method of using the cymbal-strike altering device. Percussionists often use cymbals and other resonating apparatus which make sound when struck. A drum set is a common configuration of percussion instruments and allows for the multiple instruments to be arranged within the percussionist's reach. The cymbals are played in a similar manner to the drums in that they are repeatedly struck by a drumstick or similar instrument designed to produce sounds from vibrations propagating within the cymbal. In some musical conditions it is desirable for the amount of cymbal attack and volume to be softened. Usually, drumsticks give a louder sound when the drumstick is used to strike a cymbal directly. To provide a softer sound, drumsticks can be changed for beaters with a different mallet material, such as wool; however, having to change sticks during a musical performance is difficult as sticks are easily mishandled or dropped and can interrupt the flow of play. The object of the present invention is to provide a cymbal-strike altering device that solves the above stated problems by providing a method of achieving a soft contact with the cymbal and associated quieter swell of sound, with drumsticks that can also be used to strike the cymbal conventionally for louder sounds. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cymbal-strike altering device comprising: a deflectable support arm; a dampener affixed to the deflectable support arm to form a noise dampening striking surface of the cymbal-strike altering device; a mallet head for striking an associated cymbal; and a mounting portion for mounting the deflectable support arm relative to the associated cymbal; the mallet head being affixed on an opposite side of the deflectable support arm to the dampener, so that when the dampener is struck by a user, the mallet head contacts the associated cymbal and the contact with the associated cymbal creates a sound. Advantageously, the cymbal strike altering device provides the percussionist with the option of creating a different sound from the associated cymbal when it is struck compared with that produced by drumstick strike. This means that the cymbal-strike altering device does not affect the sound or mechanism for striking the associated cymbal, unless the dampening of the cymbal-strike altering device is desired. Therefore, any associated cymbal that the cymbal-strike altering device is attached to can also provide the option for the percussionist to strike the associated cymbal in a manner without striking the cymbal-strike altering device. Optionally, the mounting portion may comprise an aperture dimensioned to be receivably engageable with an associated cymbal stand. The aperture receives the tip portion of the stand to effectively secure the deflectable support arm, and therefore the cymbalstrike altering device, to the cymbal stand. This provides a simple means of mounting the device which is in keeping with how cymbals are mounted to cymbal stands within the art. Preferably, the mounting portion may comprise a pivot mount, the deflectable support arms being pivotally engaged with the pivot mount. Having a pivot mount in the centre of the cymbal-strike altering device allows the deflectable support arms to move up and down alternately relative to an appropriately shaped connector element. Optionally, the mounting portion may comprise a connector element for connecting to an associated cymbal stand. The associated cymbal can then be mounted to the associated stand and also the associated stand advantageously receives the cymbal-strike altering device via the connector element. The deflectable support arm may preferably further comprise a hinge point. The hinge point may include a torsion spring positioned between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the deflectable support arm. When the dampener is struck the hinge point allows the portion with the dampener and mallet head attached, known as the distal portion, to move towards the associated cymbal. Once the mallet head has contacted the associated cymbal, the hinge point allows the deflectable support arm to return to its original position. The connector element may preferably comprise a frictional clamp for securing the deflectable support arm to the associated cymbal stand. Preferably, the frictional clamp prevents the deflectable support arm from moving relative to the connector element when the dampener is struck. The connector element may preferably further comprise an elastic element. The elastic element provides an elastic effect when the dampener is struck and the deflectable support arm moves towards the associated cymbal. This is particularly important when the deflectable support arm is made from a material such as wood; the elastic element allows the resiliently deflectable support arm to bend towards the associated cymbal and return to its original position. The elastic element may preferably be a spring member. The spring member advantageously allows the deflectable support arm to bend towards the surface of the associated cymbal if the deflectable support arm is made of a resilient material. If the deflectable support arm is also flexible, the spring member assists further in the movement of the deflectable support arm when the dampener is struck. The connector element may preferably comprise a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism attaches the cymbal-strike altering device to the stand without the need of nuts or washers. A locking mechanism therefore reduces the number of elements used in the connection of the cymbal-strike altering device to the stand. The locking mechanism could comprise a screw-threaded fastener, or a quick release mechanism with sprung clips. The connector element may preferably further comprise a parabolic or arcuate base. The parabolic base rolls along its surface when the dampener is struck, therefore allowing the deflectable support arm to tilt towards the associated cymbal. Optionally, two said deflectable support arms may be provided. Having two said deflectable support arms is advantageous because this allows the percussionist to rapidly strike the two deflectable support arms quickly to create the sound desired by the percussionist. The deflectable support arm may preferably be dimensioned to span a radius of the associated cymbal. This is advantageous because it leaves more of the cymbal uncovered for normal play. The motion of contacting the associated cymbal at its edge -due to the deflectable support arm spanning the radius of the associated cymbal - allows for the associated cymbal to have the maximum resonation possible. Preferably, the deflectable support arm may be mountable above the associated cymbal via the mounting portion and / or wherein the deflectable support arm is mountable below the associated cymbal via the mounting portion. Having the deflectable support arm mounted above the associated cymbal is advantageous because this is the optimal position for the percussionist to strike the dampener. Having the deflectable support arm below the associated cymbal allows for the deflectable support arm to be hidden under the associated cymbal but still allows for the percussionist to strike the deflectable support arm. Having the deflectable support arm mounted above and / or below the associated cymbal provides the percussionist with options for where to position the deflectable support arm. Preferably, the deflectable support arm may be formed from a resilient or substantially resilient material and / or wherein the resilient material comprises any of: metal; wood; plastic; or a combination thereof. Having the deflectable support arm made of a resilient or substantially resilient material is advantageous because the deflectable support arm will remain in the same position unless it is struck. When the dampener is struck, the deflectable support arm moves towards the associated cymbal and then returns to the original resting position. Having a wooden, plastic or metal deflectable support arm is advantageous because the materials are easily accessible. Optionally, the deflectable support arm may preferably further comprise a return member. The return member compresses as the deflectable support arm moves towards the associated cymbal when the dampener is struck. The return member then allows the deflectable support arm to return to its original position as the return member extends. Optionally, the dampener may have a cross section in a first dimension that is any one of: trapezoidal; rectangular; semi-circular; triangular; substantially trapezoidal; substantially rectangular; substantially semi-circular or substantially triangular and / or wherein a cross section of the dampener in a second dimension tapers or substantially tapers to an apex point away from the deflectable support arm. Having a range of potential cross sections is advantageous depending on what type of sound the percussionist would prefer when striking the dampener. Having a tapered dampener minimises the overall point of impact and allows for the dampener to be struck with a higher degree of precision. When striking the tapered edge, the noise produced from striking the dampener is reduced. Preferably, the dampener may be made from a rubber or a synthetic rubber material. This is advantageous as this creates a muffled noise when the striker hits the dampener. The device may preferably further comprise a mallet head affixing means via which the mallet head is mountable to the deflectable support arm. This is advantageous because the mallet head affixing means allows for the mallet head to be securely attached to the deflectable support arm and also detached and replaced when required. Optionally, the mallet head affixing means maybe configured to permit a rotation of the mallet head relative the deflectable support arm. This is advantageous because the mallet head can subsequently spin after the mallet head contacts the associated cymbal. The resulting spinning motion converts potential energy into kinetic energy, which reduces the resultant vibration produced by the mallet head. The mallet head may preferably be movable, relative to the deflectable support arm. Being able to move the mallet head provides a variation for the position of the mallet head relative to the associated cymbal and gives the percussionist an option about where they would like the mallet head to contact the associated cymbal. Optionally, the mallet head may be interchanged depending on the desired altered sound. Being able to interchange between what material the mallet head is made out of allows for the option of different sound effects when the mallet head contacts the associated cymbal. Preferably, the mallet head may have a striking surface made of felt, wool, plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber or fiberglass. The variation of mallet head materials provides variation for the altered sound when the mallet head contacts the associated cymbal. For example, a woollen mallet head will induce the associated cymbal to produce a quieter sound when the associated cymbal is contacted, whereas the fibreglass mallet head will induce the associated cymbal to produce sound which is comparatively louder. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cymbal-strike altering apparatus comprising an associated cymbal stand and a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The cymbal-strike altering apparatus may further comprise an associated cymbal colocated on the cymbal stand. The cymbal-strike altering apparatus may further comprise a secondary stand, the said cymbal stand being spaced from the secondary stand such that the mallet head of the cymbal-strike altering device overlies the associated cymbal. Having a secondary stand is advantageous because the cymbal-strike altering device is not limited to being connected to the cymbal stand. There is also provided a method of using a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) mounting the cymbal-strike altering device relative to the cymbal; and b) striking the dampener to urge the deflectable support arm towards the cymbal causing the mallet head to contact the cymbal, creating a sound. Advantageously, the method provides a percussionist with a means to strike the dampener on the deflectable arm support, which in turn causes the mallet head to contact the associated cymbal. The contact between the mallet head and the associated cymbal causes the cymbal to produce a softened noise. Without the mallet head, the percussionist would strike the associated cymbal and the associated cymbal would produce its usual noise. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, and shown in an in-use condition mounted to an associated cymbal and cymbal stand; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cymbal-strike altering device and associated cymbal of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an end view from a free distal end of the cymbal-strike altering device of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, shown attached to a cymbal stand; Figure 5 is a third embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and shown in the process of being attached to an associated cymbal and cymbal stand; Figure 6 is a fourth embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 7 is a fifth embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 8 is a sixth embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 9 is a seventh embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 10 shows an eighth aspect of a cymbal-strike altering device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 11A shows an enlarged view of the right-hand support arm of the cymbalstrike altering device of Figure 10 in a first condition; Figure 11B shows an enlarged view of the right-hand support arm of the cymbalstrike altering device of Figure 11A in a second condition; and Figure 12 shows an exploded view of the hinge portion of the right-hand support arm of the cymbal-strike altering device of Figure 10. Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment of a cymbal-strike altering device referenced globally at 10, and which is suitable for producing an altered sound when used to strike an associated cymbal 12, which, in conjunction with the cymbal stand 14 supporting the cymbal-strike altering device 10, forms a complete cymbal strike altering apparatus 16. The cymbal-strike altering device 10 comprises two deflectable support arms 18, two dampeners 20, two mallet heads 22, and a connector element 24. Each deflectable support arm 18, in this embodiment, includes an elongate strip-like base of metal, plastic, wood or similar material, or a combination thereof. The strip-like base is resiliently flexible to provide a degree of elasticity. The strip-like base preferably has a uniform or substantially uniform lateral cross-section along at least a majority of its longitudinal extent. The strip-like base of the deflectable support arm 18 may have a head bracket 26. The head bracket 26 is made of metal, plastic, wood or similar material, or a combination thereof. The head bracket 26 extends away from the deflectable support arm 18, here being contiguously formed therewith. In this embodiment, the head bracket 26 is positioned towards an end of the deflectable support arm 18. In this case, a lateral extent of the strip-like base is preferably in a range of 20 mm to 50 mm. More preferably, the lateral extent is in a range of 25 mm to 40 mm, and most preferably the lateral extent is or is around 30 mm. Each said deflectable support arm 18 extends from the connector element 24 along the extent of the associated cymbal 12. The deflectable support arms 18 extend along two radii of the associated cymbal 12 at a 180° angle to one another, also known as the diameter of the associated cymbal 12. Other angular configurations are of course feasible. In this embodiment, there are two head bracket members 28a, 28b, seen in Figure 3, which together form the head bracket 26. Each head bracket member 28a, 28b is formed as a perpendicular projection extending from a side of the strip-like base, extending in a direction opposite the dampener 20. This provides a mount for the mallet head 22. A mallet head affixing pin 30 is then attached to the head bracket 26 to hold the mallet head 22 in place. The attachment of the mallet head affixing pin 30 to the head bracket 26 causes the mallet head affixing pin 30 to bridge the gap between the head bracket members 28a, 28b. The dampener 20, in this embodiment, is an elongate sound absorbing or substantially sound absorbing material, preferably rubber or synthetic rubber, affixed to the deflectable support arm 18. The dampener 20 is affixed to the deflectable support arm 18 to form a noise dampening striking surface. In this embodiment, the dampener 20 is positioned towards an end of the deflectable support arm 18. In this embodiment, there are provided two dampeners 20. Each dampener 20 has a substantially rectangular cross section in a first dimension, as illustrated in Figure 2, forming a smooth noise dampening striking surface. The first dimension is the lateral extent of the deflectable support arm 18 i.e., the longest extent of the deflectable support arm 18. The dampener 20 is attached to the deflectable support arm 18 at the distal end of the deflectable support arm 18. The other cross-sectional dimension, hereafter the second dimension, is shown in Figure 3 and discussed in more detail below. The mallet head 22 is affixed on an opposite side of the deflectable support arm 18 to the dampener 20. The cymbal-strike altering device 10 as illustrated has two mallet heads 22, given that there are two deflectable support arms 18. Each mallet head 22 is positioned towards an end of its respective deflectable support arm 18, distal to the cymbal stand 14. Each mallet head 22 may be affixed to the deflectable support arm 18 via the mallet head affixing pin 30. In this embodiment, each mallet head affixing pin 30 extends through the centre of the mallet head 22 to allow the mallet head 22 to be affixed to the head bracket 26 of the deflectable support arm 18. This may allow the mallet head 22 to rotate about the mallet head affixing pin 30 as an axle relative to the deflectable support arm. It will, however, be appreciated that alternative mallet head affixing means could be provided which omit this functionality. In this embodiment, the mallet head 22 is integrally formed with the mallet head affixing pin 30. However, it is appreciated that the mallet head affixing pin 30 may not be integrally formed with the mallet head 22 and therefore the mallet head affixing pin 30 can be attached to head bracket members 28a, 28b. The mallet head 22 would therefore be rotatable about the mallet head affixing pin 30. The mallet head 22 is substantially cylindrical, having a circular cross section in the first dimension, as illustrated in Figure 2. The cymbal-strike altering device 10 comprises a mounting portion 32 which allows the cymbal-strike altering device 10 to be mounted relative to an associated cymbal 12, preferably co-located on the same cymbal stand 14 which supports the associated cymbal 12. The mounting portion 32 is provided as an aperture which extends through the strip-like base. Only one aperture is necessary for the illustrated cymbal-strike altering device 10, even though there are two deflectable support arms 18; the deflectable support arms 18 extend in opposite directions from the aperture. The means of mounting the cymbal-strike altering device 10 will typically involve placement of a tip of the cymbal stand 14 through said aperture, and then providing a fastener or similar connector element 24. The connector element 24 allows the deflectable support arm 18 to be received by the cymbal stand 14. In this embodiment the connector element 24 is preferably locatable at the centre of the associated cymbal 12; the deflectable support arm 18 is held in place at the cymbal support due to the support aperture being received by the cymbal stand 14. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the connector element 24 attaches the cymbal-strike altering device 10 to the cymbal stand 14 at the junction between the two deflectable support arms 18, albeit formed from a continuous strip spanning the associated cymbal 12. The connector element 24 comprises a frictional clamp, formed as a locking mechanism 34 and washer 36, to secure the deflectable support arm 18 to the cymbal stand 14. The washer 36 may be a rubber washer 36 or formed from a similar noise-dampening material to prevent additional noise emanation therefrom. The locking mechanism 34 has a user-engagement head and an internal clamp to engage with a tip of the cymbal stand 14. It is common in the art for cymbals to be mounted to their stands via a locking mechanism 34 and a washer 36 in the form of a fabric pad. Screw threaded fasteners are known, as are quick release fasteners with sprung clips which can be more rapidly connected to the screw threaded portion of the cymbal stand 14. Figure 3 shows an end of view of the dampener 20 where the dampener 20 preferably has a triangular or substantially triangular cross section in the second dimension. The second dimension is here defined as being perpendicular to the first dimension and can be considered to be the lateral direction across the strip-like base of the cymbal-strike altering device 10. Figure 3 also indicates the presence of the mallet head affixing pin 30 in dashed lines. The mallet head affixing pin 30 preferably extends through the lateral extent of the mallet head 22 parallel to the surface of the deflectable support arm 18 and is thus affixed to the deflectable support arm 18. The mallet head 22 is affixed to the head bracket members 28a, 28b via the mallet head affixing pin 30. The mallet head affixing pin 30 is rotatable to provide a central axle via the mallet head affixing pin 30. The mallet head 22 is affixed to the deflectable support arm 18 and positioned on the opposite side of the deflectable support arm 18 to the dampener 20. The end on view of the dampener 20 in the said second dimension shows the dampener 20 tapering or substantially tapering to an apex point 31 away from the deflectable support arm 18. The apex point 31 of the dampener 20 forms the contact surface for the striking means, such as a drumstick. The apex point 31 of the dampener 20 also forms part of a noise dampening striking surface of the dampener 20. The cymbal-strike altering device 10 is positioned relative to the associated cymbal 12. Here, this is by co-Iocation of the cymbal-strike altering device 10 with the associated cymbal 12 on the same cymbal stand 14, so as to be above an upper cymbal surface. The dampener 20 is struck by a user, typically but not exclusively, with a drumstick. The deflectable support arm 18 moves towards the associated cymbal 12 via flexion. The mallet head 22 subsequently contacts the surface of the associated cymbal 12 and the resultant impact of the mallet head 22 on the associated cymbal 12 creates a sound. The deflectable support arm 18 moves back to its initial position after the mallet head 22 has struck the surface of the associated cymbal 12. The sound created is much softer or mellower than had the associated cymbal 12 been directly struck with a drumstick, and is more akin to that produced by a mallet having a woollen head. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 110. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the first embodiment will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. Rather than providing two diametrically opposed deflectable support arms, only one deflectable support arm 118 and therefore mallet head 122 is provided. Whilst this may require more accuracy from the percussionist when striking the dampener 120 with both sticks, the direct access to the upper surface of the associated cymbal 12 is impeded to a smaller extent. The mounting portion 132 in this embodiment is thus towards one end of the deflectable support arm 118 rather than being in the middle of the strip-like body. Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 210. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the first and second embodiments will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The deflectable support arm 218 is largely identical in shape to that of the second embodiment of the invention. However, there is a significant difference in the structure of the connector element 224. The connector element 224 in this embodiment has an elastic element 238 at or adjacent to the cymbal stand 14. The elastic element 238 in this embodiment is screw-threadingly engageable with the cymbal stand 14 and provides the elastic reaction for the deflectable support arm 218 after the dampener 220 is struck. Whilst the connector element 224 is shown being connected directly to the aperture of the cymbal-strike altering device 210, thereby forming a mounting portion 232, the connector element 224 could be fixedly engaged with the deflectable support arm 218 such that no aperture is required. Alternatively, the connector element 224 could be releasably engageable with the aperture. In this embodiment, the elastic element 238 is a spring member releasably engageable with the tip portion of the cymbal stand 14. The spring member acts as the means for allowing the deflectable support arm 218 to move towards the associated cymbal 12 when the dampener 220 is struck. This may allow the deflectable support arm 218 to be formed of a more rigid material, since the spring member imparts the deflectability to the cymbal-strike altering device 210. Alternatively, both the connector element 224, and deflectable support arm 218 can be formed so as to be deflectable. For example, the deflectable support arm 218 could be formed of a rubber or synthetic rubber material which provides the deflectable support arm 218 with the elastic means to move the mallet head 222 towards the associated cymbal 12 when the dampener 220 is struck. The alternative example is where the mounting portion has a rubber washer. Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 310. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the previous embodiments will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The deflectable support arm 318 in this embodiment is made of a resilient material, for example wood, metal or plastic. The movement of the deflectable support arm 318 towards the associated cymbal 12 when the dampener 320 is struck is reliant upon the movement of a parabolic base 340. The connector element 324 in this embodiment has a parabolic, or similarly arcuate, base 340 which is attached to the underside of the cymbal-strike altering device 310 and is at or adjacent to the cymbal stand 14. When the dampener 320 is struck, the parabolic base 340 rolls along a lower surface thereof and therefore allows the deflectable support arm 318 to tilt towards the associated cymbal 12. The parabolic base 340 in this embodiment has a recess 341 therein which allows the parabolic base 340 to move freely relative to the cymbal stand 14. The recess 341 may have a substantially V-shaped profile and / or may have an elongate slot within which a threaded portion of the cymbal stand 14 can move. In this embodiment there is also shown a resilient or substantially resilient retaining member 342 which comprises part of the connector element 324. The retaining member 342, here illustrated as a resilient parabolic washer, is located on the same face as the dampeners 320 relative to the associated cymbal 12. The retaining member 342 is preferably formed of a resilient or substantially resilient material, for example a foam, rubber, synthetic rubber or silicone material. The retaining member 342 is attached to a threaded portion of the cymbal stand 14. The retaining member 342 therefore abuts the deflectable support arm 318 to prevent dislocation from the associated cymbal 12. When the dampener 320 is struck, and the parabolic base 340 rolls along its surface, the retaining member 342 may provide an opposing force against the movement of the deflectable support arm 318. This opposing force promotes the deflectable support arm to return to its original position once the mallet head 322 has contacted the associated cymbal 12. The connector element 324 can also have a spongey material, for example foam, attached to the portion of the connector element 324 that is within the recess of the parabolic base 340. This would allow the movement of the connector element 324 within the recess of the parabolic base 340 to be cushioned. Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 410. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the previous embodiments will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The cymbal-strike altering device 410 in this embodiment is similar to the embodiment described by the second embodiment. The deflectable support arm 418 in this embodiment is made of a resilient material, for example wood, metal or plastic. The movement of the deflectable support arm 418 towards and away from the associated cymbal 12 once the dampener 420 is struck is reliant upon a return member 442 which is shown as a spring mounted to a lower face of the deflectable support arm 418. The return member 442 provides an elastic reaction when the dampener 420 is struck: the return member 442 compresses and extends, the extension of which pushes the deflectable support arm 418 away from the associated cymbal 12 and returns the cymbal-strike altering device 410 to its original position. The return member 442 has a contact element 444 made of a soft material such as felt or a foam material. The contact element 444 is contactable with the associated cymbal 12 when the return member 442 is compressed. The contact element 444 acts as a cushioning means to prevent the spring from directly striking the associated cymbal 12 and potentially causing the associated cymbal 12 to produce an unwanted noise. Figure 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 510. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the previous embodiments will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The deflectable support arm 518 in this embodiment is made of a resilient material, for example wood, metal or plastic. Therefore, the deflectable support arm 518 is reliant on a hinge point 542 to provide the deflectable support arm 518 with a means of movement towards the associated cymbal 12 when the dampener 520 is struck. The cymbal-strike altering device 510 of this embodiment is similar to the second embodiment. The hinge point 542 bisects the deflectable support arm 518 into two portions. These two portions include a proximal portion 546 and a distal portion 548 relative to mounting portion 532. The proximal portion 546 connects to the cymbal stand 14 and may have a larger thickness in comparison to the distal portion 548 to effectively support the deflectable support arm 518. The thicker proximal portion 546 may therefore be more rigid than the distal portion 548and potentially non-deflectable. The distal portion 548 has the dampener 520 and the mallet head 522 attached on opposite faces of the distal portion 548. When the dampener 520 is struck, the hinge point 542 provides a torque force for the distal portion 548 to move towards the associated cymbal 12 and therefore allow the mallet head 522 to contact the associated cymbal 12. The hinge point 542 illustrated is a traditional pivoting hinge in Figure 8. Hinge behaviour could alternatively be provided by, for example, creating a notch or similar weakness in the deflectable support arm 518 which would allow flexion at that specific point creating a living hinge. Figure 9 shows a seventh embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 610. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the previous embodiments will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The cymbal-strike altering device 610 in this embodiment may have a pivot mount 650. The pivot mount 650 includes an aperture which forms the mounting portion 632. The pivot mount 650 is preferably made of the same resilient or substantially resilient material as the deflectable support arms 618, for example: wood; metal; or plastic. The deflectable support arms 618 in this embodiment meet at rotational brackets 652 which are engageable with the pivot mount 650. This engagement may be provided by the use of hinge pins 654 or similar which extend longitudinally into the pivot mount 650. The rotational brackets 652 are here contiguously formed with the deflectable support arms 618 but could of course be a separate component rigidly or fixedly connected thereto. When the cymbal-strike altering device 610 is struck, the deflectable support arms 618 pivot about the pivot mount 650. The pivot mount 650 is prevented from rotating with the rotational brackets 652 due to the cymbal stand 14 extending through the diameter of the pivot mount 650, the cymbal stand 14 thus holding the pivot mount 650 in the vertical axis. The rotational brackets 652 and pivot mount 650 in this embodiment are shown as having a circular cross section in the first dimension. The rotational brackets 652 can also have a semi-circular cross section in the first dimension or any other arcuate cross section that corresponds to the shape of the pivot mount 650. Figures 10 to 12 shows an eighth embodiment of the cymbal-strike altering device 710. Identical and similar features to those described in reference to the previous embodiments will be referenced using identical and similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity. The deflectable support arm 718 in this embodiment has on a hinge point 742 to provide the deflectable support arm 718 with a means of movement towards the associated cymbal 12 when the dampener 720 is struck. The cymbal-strike altering device 710 of this embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment. The hinge point 742 divides the deflectable support arm 718 into two portions. These two portions include a proximal portion 746 and a distal portion 748 relative to mounting portion 732. The proximal portion 746 connects to the cymbal stand 14 and has an equal or substantially equal thickness to the distal portion 748. The distal portion 748 has the dampener 720 and the mallet head 722 attached on opposite faces of the distal portion 748. When the dampener 720 is struck, the hinge point 742 provides a torque force for the distal portion 748 to move towards the associated cymbal 12 and therefore allow the mallet head 722 to contact the associated cymbal 12. The hinge point 742 illustrated is here created by the provision of a torsion spring 756. The deflection behaviour of the torsion spring 756 is shown in detail in Figures 11A and 11B; only the distal portion 748 deflects upon impact whilst the proximal portion 746 remains fixed with respect to the cymbal stand 14, and therefore there is no interference with a counterbalancing support arm 718 of the cymbal-strike altering device 710. The dampener 720 and mallet head 722 are omitted in Figures 11A and 11B for ease of reference. An indicative assembly of the proximal portion 746 and a distal portion 748 of the support arm 714 is shown in Figure 12. The respective ends 758a, 758b of the torsion springs 756 are received into corresponding receivers 760a, 760b of the proximal portion 746 and a distal portion 748, pinning the proximal portion 746 and a distal portion 748 together. There may be an adhesive component to assist with retention of the torsion springs 756 in the proximal portion 746 and a distal portion 748. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, it is preferred that the proximal portion 746 and a distal portion 748 have complementary abuttable ends 762, here shown as concave surfaces, for receiving the cores of the torsion springs 756. It will be appreciated that the above eight embodiments of the invention are merely exemplary, and there are several alternative options for construction of the cymbal-strike altering device which are anticipated as being feasible within the present disclosure. The deflectable support arm may be made of metal, plastic or wood to make it resiliently flexible or resilient, depending on the effect needed by the percussionist. However, the deflectable support arm can also be fibreglass or made of any other resiliently flexible or resilient material. The dampener can be affixed to the entirety of one face of the deflectable support arm but can also be affixed to less than half, half or more than half of the extent of one side of the deflectable support arm. The greater the span of the dampener, the less likely it will be that the percussionist misses their target on the cymbal-strike altering device. The dampener may be made of a rubber or synthetic rubber material but can also be made from another sound absorbing material to form the noise dampening striking surface. The dampener is described in the above embodiments as having a substantially rectangular cross section in the first dimension. The dampener can also have a cross section in a first dimension that is any one of: trapezoidal; semi-circular; triangular, substantially trapezoidal; substantially semi-circular or substantially triangular. The dampener is shown to have a cross section in the second dimension as tapering or substantially tapering to an apex point away from the deflectable support arm. The cross section in the second dimension, or the end on view, of the dampener can also be any one of: trapezoidal; rectangular; square; semi-circular; triangular; substantially trapezoidal; substantially-rectangular; substantially square; substantially semi-circular or substantially triangular. The dampener can also have a polygonal cross section in the second dimension. The connector element may be provided as a support clamp received by the cymbal stand. The connector element can also be locatable adjacent to the associated cymbal without the need to anchor the deflectable support arm to the same cymbal stand, with the use of a secondary stand or another support. Indeed, it will be apparent that a freestanding cymbal-strike support device could be provided. This results in the deflectable support arm extending from the outside circumference of the associated cymbal to the edge portion of the associated cymbal. The deflectable support arm can be mounted above or below the associated cymbal via the connector element, but it is also possible for two deflectable support arms to be mounted above and below the associated cymbal in the same instance. The deflectable support arm spans a radius of the associated cymbal. The deflectable support arm can also extend along part of a radius of the associated cymbal, for example the deflectable support arm could have a length of half a radius of the associated cymbal. More than one deflectable support arm can be affixed to the mounting portion via the use of the connector element. Alternatively, a deflectable support arm can comprise a plurality of arms with the connector element being locatable at the junction between the deflectable support arms. The distance between the mallet head and the mounting portion may be adjustable, though this is not indicated in any of the illustrated embodiments. This may be achieved via an adjustment mechanism. The length of the deflectable support arm could be adjusted to create a varying distance between the mallet head and the mounting portion. The location of the mallet head could also be adjusted relative to the, and along the extent of, the deflectable support arm. This could take the form of a sliding bracket, for instance, which can be locked in place. Additionally, the location of the mallet head is adjustable on the deflectable support arm to adjust the distance between the mallet head and the mounting portion. This creates a variety of distances between the mallet head and the mounting portion, resulting in the mallet head striking the associated cymbal at different locations along the radius of the associated cymbal. The mallet head may have a striking surface made of felt, wool, plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber, or fiberglass. Depending on the type of sound that the user would like the impact to produce, the striking surface of the mallet head can be interchanged to a sponge or metal striking surface. The mallet head is presented as cylindrical in shape in this arrangement. However, the mallet head can also have a different shape other than a cylinder, for example: polygonal ora cuboidal with a square cross section. In this arrangement, it would be expected that the mallet head should be removably engageable with the deflectable support arm to allow for different mallet heads to be attached, and a system comprising a cymbal-strike altering device having a plurality of different interchangeable mallet heads is feasible. The mallet head can also be affixed to the deflectable support arm via other mallet head affixing means, for example: the mallet head can be glued to the deflectable support arm using an adhesive or the mallet head can be welded to, and thus form a part of, the deflectable support arm. The core of the mallet head could be formed from a resilient material but can also be the same material as the striking surface. The mechanism of securing the cymbal-strike altering device relative to the associated cymbal can be via the means of a locking mechanism or a clamping means. Such a clamping means may therefore be devoid of a screw thread mechanism and allows for the deflectable support arm to be attached to the cymbal stand by a clamp. The cymbal-strike altering device can have more than one deflectable support arm extending along a plurality of radii of the associated cymbal. The most preferable maximum number of deflectable support arms is two deflectable support arms. The first embodiment shows that the two deflectable support arms are at an angle of 180° to each other. The two deflectable support arms can have an internal angle of less than 180°. There is the possibility of potential noise interference by the second arm contacting the vibrating associated cymbal after the first dampener is struck when the internal angle between the two deflectable support arms is less than 180°. However, having an internal angle of less than 180° is advantageous if the percussionist strikes either dampener with two sticks alternately or at the same time. The use of the cymbal-strike altering device allows for the alteration of a noise created by the associated cymbal when it is struck, when compared with the equivalent noise created by impact by a wooden drumstick. The cymbal-strike altering device prevents the associated cymbal’s resonation being affected in normal play, as the cymbal-strike altering device is positioned above the associated cymbal. When the dampener is struck and the mallet head contacts the associated cymbal, a softened noise is produced by the associated cymbal due to the impact of the mallet head. This is advantageous for percussionists as they do not need to change sticks during a performance to change the desired noise made by the associated cymbal. The percussionist only needs to decide between either striking the associated cymbal directly or striking the cymbal-strike altering device. Additionally, the cymbal-strike altering device allows for the percussionist 5 to strike the dampener with both sticks alternately, i.e. right-left, right-left and so on, thus resulting in a fast paced, softened noise. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition 10 of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in 15 any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A cymbal-strike altering device comprising:a deflectable support arm;a dampener affixed to the deflectable support arm to form a noise dampening striking surface of the cymbal-strike altering device;a mallet head for striking an associated cymbal; anda mounting portion for mounting the deflectable support arm relative to the associated cymbal;the mallet head being affixed on an opposite side of the deflectable support arm to the dampener, so that when the dampener is struck by a user, the mallet head contacts the associated cymbal and the contact with the associated cymbal creates a sound.

2. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting portion comprises an aperture dimensioned to be receivably engageable with an associated cymbal stand.

3. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mounting portion comprises a pivot mount, the deflectable support arms being pivotably engaged with the pivot mount.

4. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflectable support arm further comprises a hinge point.

5. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the hinge point includes a torsion spring positioned between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the deflectable support arm.

6. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting portion comprises a connector element for connecting to an associated cymbal stand.

7. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connector element comprises a frictional clamp for securing the deflectable support arm to the associated cymbal stand.

8. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connector element comprises an elastic element.

9. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the connector element comprises a locking mechanism.

10. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connector element comprises a parabolic or arcuate base.

11. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein two said deflectable support arms are provided.

12. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflectable support arm is dimensioned to span a radius of the associated cymbal.

13. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflectable support arm is mountable above the associated cymbal via the mounting portion and / or wherein the deflectable support arm is mountable below the associated cymbal via the mounting portion.

14. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflectable support arm is formed from a resilient or substantially resilient material and / or wherein the resilient material comprises any of: metal; wood; plastic; or a combination thereof.

15. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflectable support arm further comprises a return member.

16. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dampener has a cross section in a first dimension that is any one of: trapezoidal; rectangular; semi-circular; triangular; substantially trapezoidal; substantially rectangular; substantially semi-circular or substantially triangular and / or wherein a cross section of the dampener in a second dimension tapers or substantially tapers to an apex point away from the deflectable support arm.

17. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dampener is made from a rubber or a synthetic rubber material.

18. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mallet head affixing means via which the mallet head is mountable to the deflectable support arm.

19. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the mallet head affixing means is configured to permit rotation of the mallet head relative to the deflectable support arm.

20. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mallet head is movable relative to the deflectable support arm.

21. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mallet head can be interchanged depending on a desired altered sound.

22. A cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mallet head has a striking surface made of felt, wool, plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber, or fiberglass.

23. A cymbal-strike altering apparatus comprising an associated cymbal stand and a cymbal-strike altering device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

24. A cymbal-strike altering apparatus as claimed in claim 23, further comprising an associated cymbal co-located on the cymbal stand.

25. A cymbal-strike altering apparatus as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a secondary stand, the said cymbal stand being spaced from the secondary stand such that the mallet head of the cymbal-strike altering device overlies the associated cymbal.

Images