Tuning device, drum, and method and kit for retrofitting a drum

Abstract

A tuning device for a drum comprises a hoop attachment ring 500, a shell attachment ring 400 and a tuning ring 300 rotatably disposed within the shell attachment ring. The shell attachment ring includ

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present specification relates to musical instruments and in particular, a device for tuning a drum. BACKGROUND

[0002] Modern drums, such as the drum 102 shown in Figure 1, comprise a cylindrical drum shell 104 with an open head covered by a drum head 108. The drum head comprises a membrane stretched over an annular frame, with tension applied to the drum head 108 via a counter hoop 112. Tension rods (not shown) distributed around the drum head 108 connect the counter hoop 112 to lugs 116 that are fixed to the drum shell 104 and are tightened to pull the counter hoop 112 towards the lugs 116. Tension in the drum head 108 can thus be adjusted by tightening each of the tension rods with a detachable drum key to change pitch. Tuning drums can be challenging, primarily due to the need for even tension across all tension rods. Each rod must be individually adjusted, often requiring multiple passes to achieve the right tone and uniform tension across all tension rods. Uneven tension can negatively impact the sound, making precise adjustments essential. Moreover, drum lugs are known to slip, causing tuning instability, and the drum cannot be tuned if the drum key is misplaced.

[0003] US Patent No. 10,269,334 provides a threaded cam ring for tuning a snare drum, however the tuner is bulky and the rotation of the cam ring is not compatible with drum accessories that attach to the rim. SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect of the specification provides a tuning device for a drum, including a hoop attachment ring that is concentrically attachable to a drum head. The tuning device also includes a shell attachment ring, which is concentrically positioned within the hoop attachment ring and attachable to the shell of the drum. The shell attachment ring is configured with a plurality of axial slots and a circumferential slot. A tuning ring is disposed within the shell attachment ring and is rotatable. The tuning ring includes a plurality of helical slots, which interact with fasteners extending from the hoop attachment ring. A tuning tab extends from the tuning ring, passing through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring, enabling the user to control the rotation of the tuning ring. When the tuning ring is rotated, the helical slots cause axial movement of the fasteners within the axial slots, which in turn causes the hoop attachment ring to move axially relative to the shell attachment ring, thereby adjusting the tension of the drum head.

[0005] In one example, the hoop attachment ring is integral with the counter hoop of the drum.

[0006] In another example, the shell attachment ring is attachable to the shell of the drum using lugs disposed on the shell.

[0007] In another example, a plurality of spacers is provided to attach the shell attachment ring to the lugs.

[0008] In one example, opposing edges of the shell attachment ring are crimped, flanged, or tabbed to retain the tuning ring and prevent its axial movement.

[0009] In another example, the slope and length of the helical slots on the tuning ring are selected according to the type of drum being tuned.

[0010] In one example, the tuning ring is threadably received by the shell attachment ring.

[0011] In another example, the tuning tab includes a crank arm for controlling the movement of the tuning tab within the circumferential slot.

[0012] In one example, the tuning tab includes a locking mechanism that prevents the tuning ring from rotating when in a locked position and allows rotation when in an unlocked position.

[0013] A further aspect of the specification provides a drum including a shell with an open head and a shell attachment ring concentrically disposed around the shell. The shell attachment ring includes a plurality of axial slots and a circumferential slot. A drum head covers the open head, and a counter hoop is concentrically attached to the drum head and positioned around the shell attachment ring. A tuning ring is disposed within the shell attachment ring and is rotatable. The tuning ring includes a plurality of helical slots, and a tuning tab extends from the tuning ring, passing through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring to control rotation of the tuning ring. Fasteners extend from the counter hoop through the axial and helical slots, such that rotation of the tuning ring causes axial movement of the fasteners, thereby causing axial movement of the counter hoop relative to the shell attachment ring, adjusting drum tension.

[0014] In one example, the shell attachment ring is integral with the drum shell.

[0015] In another example, opposing edges of the shell attachment ring are crimped, flanged, or tabbed to retain the tuning ring and prevent its axial movement.

[0016] In another example, the slope and length of the helical slots are selected according to the type of drum.

[0017] In one example, the tuning ring is threadably received by the shell attachment ring.

[0018] In another example, the tuning tab includes a crank arm for controlling the tuning tab’s movement within the circumferential slot.

[0019] In one example, the tuning tab includes a locking mechanism to prevent rotation of the tuning ring when in a locked configuration and allow rotation when in an unlocked configuration.

[0020] Another aspect of the specification also provides a method of retrofitting a drum with a tuning device. The method includes concentrically attaching a hoop attachment ring to the drum head and attaching a shell attachment ring to the drum shell. The shell attachment ring is disposed within the hoop attachment ring and includes axial and circumferential slots. A tuning ring is concentrically positioned within the shell attachment ring, and the tuning ring includes a plurality of helical slots. Atuning tab is inserted through the circumferential slot and attached to the tuning ring. A plurality of fasteners are inserted through the axial slots of the shell attachment ring and through the helical slots of the tuning ring, and the fasteners are attached to the hoop attachment ring.

[0021] In one example, attaching the shell attachment ring to the drum shell involves attaching the ring to lugs disposed on the shell.

[0022] In another example, attaching the shell attachment ring to the drum shell involves using a plurality of spacers to attach the shell attachment ring to the lugs.

[0023] In one example, the method further includes selecting the tuning ring based on the slope and length of the helical slots, and based on the type of drum.

[0024] A yet further aspect of the specification provides a kit for retrofitting a drum with a tuning device. The kit includes a hoop attachment ring, a shell attachment ring disposable within the hoop attachment ring, and a tuning ring rotatably disposed within the shell attachment ring. The shell attachment ring includes axial and circumferential slots, and the tuning ring includes helical slots. A tuning tab is configured to extend from the tuning ring through the circumferential slot to control rotation of the tuning ring. The kit further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to extend from the hoop attachment ring through the axial and helical slots to cause axial movement of the hoop attachment ring relative to the shell attachment ring during tuning.

[0025] In one example, the kit includes instructions for retrofitting the drum. The instructions provide steps for attaching the hoop attachment ring to the drum head, attaching the shell attachment ring to the shell, disposing the tuning ring within the shell attachment ring, inserting the tuning tab through the circumferential slot, and inserting the fasteners through the axial and helical slots.

[0026] These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments are described with reference to the following figures.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drum according to the prior art.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a drum with an example tuning device including a tuning ring, a shell attachment ring, and a hoop attachment ring.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tuning ring according to Figure 2.

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the shell attachment ring according to Figure 2.

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hoop attachment ring according to Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the example tuning device of Figure 2.

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an assembly including the tuning ring of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembly including the tuning ring and shell attachment ring of Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the example tuning device of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the tuning device of Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example method of retrofitting a drum with a tuning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present specification provides a tuning device that replaces individual tension rods with a tuning ring, allowing the tension to be more uniformly controlled across the drum head. The tuning device offers faster, more accurate tuning without the need for adjusting multiple tension rods, enhancing ease of use and performance reliability.

[0040] Figure 2 shows an example tuning device 200 for a drum 202, according to one aspect of the specification. The tuning device 200 is generally compatible with drums of the prior art which comprise a drum shell 204, drum head 208, counter hoop 212, and lugs 216, although other drums are contemplated, as described in greater detail herein.

[0041] The tuning device 200 improves the ease and accuracy of tuning drums by applying tension substantially uniformly around the counter hoop 212. The tension in the drum head can be adjusted by rotating a tuning tab 220 around the drum 202. Since the tuning device 200 is concentrically attachable to the drum head 208 and the drum shell 204, the tuning device 200 and the drum 202 share an axis A. The tuning device 200 generally comprises a tuning ring, a shell attachment ring, and a hoop attachment ring.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an example tuning ring 300 according to one embodiment of the specification. The tuning ring 300 generally comprising an annular ring 302 which will be described with respect to the axis A and a circumference C. The tuning ring 300 includes a plurality of helical slots 304-1,304-2, 304-3, 304-4 (The plurality of helical slots 304-1,304-2, 304-3, 304-4 will be herein referred to collectively as “helical slots 304” or generically as “helical slot 304”. This terminology is used elsewhere herein.) Each of the helical slots 304 extends from an inner surface of the annular ring 302 to an outer surface of the annular ring 302 and is sized and shaped to receive one of a plurality of fasteners. The helical slots 304 extend both axially (with respect to axis A) and circumferentially (with respect to circumference C) along the tuning ring 300. In the example shown in Figure 3, the helical slots 304 are right-handed helices, however in other examples, the helical slots 304 are left-handed helices. The accuracy of tuning may be enhanced if each helical slot 304 has substantially or precisely the same slope. The slope and length of the helical slot 304 may be selected according to the type of drum. A longer, more gradual slope may be selected for a larger drum such as a timpani or bass drum, whereas a shorter, steeper slope may be selected for a smaller drum such as a tom tom or snare drum. A tuning device with a more gradual slope may provide greater control over the tension in the drum head, while a tuning device with a steeper slope may achieve rapid changes in the tension. The dimensions of the tuning ring 300 may be adjusted to accommodate the desired slope of the helical slot 304.

[0043] Any suitable number of helical slots 304 may be distributed circumferentially around the tuning ring 300. In specific non-limiting examples, the tuning ring 300 includes between 2 and 20 helical slots. Due to the slope, the helical slots 304 may overlap axially. Generally, a greater number of helical slots will improve the accuracy of the tuning.

[0044] The tuning ring 300 may further include one or more attachment points for connecting the tuning ring 300 to the tuning tab 220. In the example shown in Figure 3, the attachment points comprise apertures 308-1,308-2 for receiving the tuning tabs 220, however the tuning ring 300 is not particularly limited. In other examples, the tuning tab 220 is integral to the tuning ring 300. In yet other examples, the tuning tab 220 is welded, adhered, or otherwise fixed to the tuning ring 300.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an example shell attachment ring 400 for receiving the tuning ring 300. Generally, the shell attachment ring 400 comprises an annular ring 402 which will be described with respect to the axis A and the circumference C. The shell attachment ring 400 includes at least one circumferential slot 404-1, 404-2 for receiving the tuning tab 220 and a plurality of axial slots 420-1,420-2, 420-3 for receiving fasteners. The shell attachment ring 400 is integral with or attachable to the shell of the drum. In the example shown in Figure 4, the shell attachment ring 400 includes a plurality of attachment means 408-1, 408-2, 408-3, 408-4 for attaching to the shell. In this non-limiting example, the attachment means 408 comprises an inwardly extending tab with an aperture for receiving a fastener that is further received by the lug of the drum, however the attachment means 408 is not particularly limited. In other examples, the attachment means 408 includes a spacer suitable for attaching the shell attachment ring 400 to a lug that is spaced from the drum head. In further examples, the shell attachment ring 400 is directly attachable to the shell of the drum, without a lug.

[0046] The shell attachment ring 400 is sized and shaped to concentrically receive the tuning ring 300. The shell attachment ring may further include opposing edges 412, 416 configured to maintain the tuning ring 300 therebetween and impede axial movement of the tuning ring 300 relative to the shell attachment ring 400. In the example shown in Figure 4, the opposing edges 412, 416 are crimped to form a track for maintaining the tuning ring 300 between the edges 412, 416. In other examples, the opposing edges 412, 416 include lugs or tabs for maintaining the tuning ring 300 therebetween. In further examples, the opposing edges 412, 416 include flanges for maintaining the tuning ring 300 therebetween.

[0047] Figure 5 shows an example hoop attachment ring 500 which is attachable to the drum head 208. The hoop attachment ring 500 generally comprises an annular ring 502 that is concentrically attachable to the drum head 208. In some examples, the hoop attachment ring 500 is attachable to the drum head 208 via the counter hoop 212, however in other examples, the hoop attachment ring 500 replaces the counter hoop 212 or is integrated with the counter hoop 212. In the example shown, the hoop attachment ring 500 includes a plurality of attachment means 508-1, 508-2, 508-3, 508-4, 508-5 for attaching to the counter hoop 212. In this example, the attachment means 508 comprises an extension with an aperture for receiving a fastener, however the attachment means 508 is not particularly limited. In other examples, the hoop attachment ring 500 is welded, adhered, or otherwise fixed to the counter hoop 212. In some examples, the attachment means 508 includes a claw or clip extending from the hoop attachment ring 500. The attachment means 508 may depend on the type and style of drum that the tuning device 200 is attachable to.

[0048] The hoop attachment ring 500 is integral or attachable to the fasteners (not shown). In the example shown in Figure 5, the hoop attachment ring 500 includes a plurality of apertures 512 for receiving the fasteners, however the hoop attachment ring 500 is not particularly limited. In other examples, the fasteners are adhered, welded, or otherwise fixed to the hoop attachment ring. The hoop attachment ring 500 may further include a plurality of recessed portions 516 spaced between the apertures 512.

[0049] While the tuning device 200 is described herein with respect to a hoop attachment ring 500, other means of attaching the tuning device 200 to the drum head are contemplated. In some examples, the hoop attachment ring 500 is replaced by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener including a first attachment means for attaching to the counter hoop 212, and a second attachment means for attaching to one of the fasteners.

[0050] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the tuning device 200 including the tuning ring 300, the shell attachment ring 400, and the hoop attachment ring 500. In this example, 8 the hoop attachment ring 500 is concentrically attached to the counter hoop 212 which is disposed around the drum head 208, the shell attachment ring 400 is concentrically disposed within the hoop attachment ring 500 and attached to the drum shell 204, and the tuning ring 300 is concentrically disposed within the shell attachment ring 400. In this configuration, the hoop attachment ring 500 is the outermost ring and the rotating part (the tuning ring 300) is the innermost ring, which may protect the tuning device 200 from external interference. Furthermore, accessories such as microphones or drum triggers, may be clipped to the outer components of the tuning device 200, and in particular examples, accessories are attached to the hoop attachment ring 500. In some examples, outermost ring may include slots or other attachment means for accommodating accessories. In examples where the hoop attachment ring 500 replaces the counter hoop, the hoop attachment ring 500 is the innermost ring of the assembly, and the shell attachment ring 400 is the outermost ring. Since the shell attachment ring 400 does not rotate during operation, this configuration is also suitable for attaching drum paraphernalia to the tuning device 200.

[0051] The tuning device 200 comprises a rigid material. In specific non-limiting examples, the tuning device 200 comprises metal, metal alloy, carbon fiber, polymers, the like, or combinations thereof. In particular examples, the tuning ring 300, the shell attachment ring 400, and the hoop attachment ring 500 comprise a metal or metal alloy including but not limited to stainless steel, zinc-aluminum alloys, other zinc alloys, and brass. The rings 300, 400, 500 may be manufactured by any suitable process such as casting, molding, bending, angle and profile rolling, laser cutting, and combinations thereof. Laser cutting may be suitable for producing rings with tight tolerances and high precision.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an assembly 700 comprising the tuning ring 300, two tuning tabs 220-1, 220-2, and the plurality of fasteners 708-1, 708-2, 708-3, 708-4, 708-5. The tuning tab 220 extends from the tuning ring 300. Any suitable number of tuning tabs 220 may be attached to the tuning ring 300. In specific non-limiting examples, the number of tuning tabs 220 is between 1 and 5. The plurality of fasteners 708 are received by respective helical slots 304. The fasteners 708 may comprise any suitable hard material such as brass.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an assembly 800 comprising the shell attachment ring 400 with the tuning ring 300. The tuning ring 300 is concentrically disposed within the shell attachment ring 400 and rotatable therewithin. The tuning tabs 220 extend through the respective circumferential slots 404 in the shell attachment ring 400. Similarly, the fasteners 708 extend through respective axial slots 420 in the shell attachment ring 400. When the tuning tab 220 is pushed in a circumferential direction C, the tuning ring 300 rotates within the shell attachment ring 400. As the tuning ring 300 rotates, the helical slot 304 urges the fastener 708 in an axial direction within the axial slot 420. In some examples, the tuning ring 300 is threadably received by the shell attachment ring 400, to control the rotation of the tuning ring 300 within the shell attachment ring 400. In some examples, the tuning device 200 includes an actuator to control rotation of the tuning ring 300 within the shell attachment ring 400. The actuator may include a detent, spring, ratchet, lever arm, friction plate, the like, or a combination thereof. The actuator may be detachable from the tuning device 200. In a specific, non-limiting example, the actuator comprises a gear with saw teeth for engaging with saw teeth in the circumferential slot 404 and further engaging saw teeth in the tuning tab 220. The tuning device 200 may further include markings on an outer surface to assist the user in tuning the drum 202. The markings may be used to locate the tuning tab 220 relative to the circumferential slot 404, allowing the user to remember the appropriate tuning configuration for a drum. The tuning device 200 may further include a locking mechanism configured to impede rotation of the tuning ring 300 within the shell attachment ring 400 when the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration and permit rotation of the tuning ring 300 when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration. Generally, the locking mechanism is used to lock the tuning device 200 when the drum has been tuned, in order to preserve the tuning.

[0054] Figure 9 shows the tuning device 200 including the tuning ring 300 concentrically received within the shell attachment ring 400 and further concentrically received within the hoop attachment ring 500. As shown in this view, the recessed portions 516 of the hoop attachment ring 500 are positioned to accommodate movement of the tuning tab 220 within the circumferential slot 404. The fasteners 708 extend from the hoop attachment ring 500 through the axial slot 420 of the shell attachment ring 400 and further through the helical slot 304 of the tuning ring 300. Thus, when the tuning ring 300 rotates and the helical slot urges the fastener 708 in an axial direction, the hoop attachment ring 500 is urged in an axial direction. Axial movement of the hoop attachment ring 500 controls the tension in the drum head 208. The fasteners 708 received within helical slots 304 are suitable for withstanding frictional forces applied by the tuning ring 300, and the high tensions typically required by some drums such as snare drums and timpani.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 9, the helical slots 304 are right-handed helices. When the tuning tab 220 is moved in direction D1, the fasteners 708 are urged upward, and the tension in the drum head 208 is reduced. When the tuning tab 220 is moved in an opposing direction D2, the fasteners 708 are urged downward, and the tension in the drum head 208 is increased. In other examples where the helical slots 304 are left-hand helices, moving the tuning tab in direction D1 or direction D2 has the opposite effect on the drum head tension.

[0056] For further clarity, Figure 10 shows a partial cross-sectional view 1000 of the tuning device 200 fitted on a drum 202. Figure 10 shows the hoop attachment ring 500 concentrically disposed around the shell attachment ring 400, and the tuning ring 300 concentrically disposed within the shell attachment ring 400. The fastener 708 extends through the axial slot of the shell attachment ring 400, and further extends through the helical slot of the tuning ring 300. When the tuning tab 220 is rotated in one direction, the fastener 708 is urged upward, and the hoop attachment ring 500 applies less pressure to the counter hoop 212, which in turn reduces the tension in the drum head 208. When the tuning tab 220 is rotated in the opposition direction, the fastener 708 is urged downward, and the hoop attachment ring 500 applies more pressure to the counter hoop 212, which in turn increases the tension in the drum head 208.

[0057] As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of Figure 10, the concentrically disposed rings of the tuning device 200 are more compact than drum tuners of the prior art. Due to its low profile, the tuning device 200 is better able to fit under drum support devices and is more portable.

[0058] Different configurations of the elements disclosed above may be provided as a drum including a tuning device. For example, the tuning device 200 may be attached to the drum head via the hoop attachment ring 500, and further attached to the shell via the shell attachment ring 400. In some examples, the shell attachment ring 400 is integral to the shell of the drum. In some examples, the hoop attachment ring 500 replaces or is integrated with the counter hoop. (A hoop attachment ring that is integral with the counter hoop may be referred to herein as “the hoop”.) In yet further examples, the tuning device 200 is integrated with a tom support.

[0059] Figure 11 shows a method of retrofitting a drum with a tuning device at 1100. Method 1100 will be explained by way of reference to the tuning device 200 and the drum 202, however method 1100 is not particularly limited.

[0060] At block 1104, the hoop attachment ring 500 is concentrically attached to the drum head 208. As part of block 1104, tension rods may be removed from the drum 202. As a further part of block 1104, the hoop attachment ring 500 may be attached to the counter hoop 212. In examples where the hoop attachment ring 500 replaces the counter hoop 212,, block 1104 includes removing the counter hoop 212 from the drum 204 and concentrically attaching hoop attachment ring 500 to the drum head 208.

[0061] At block 1108, the shell attachment ring 400 is concentrically attached to the drum shell 204. Concentrically attaching the shell attachment ring 400 to the drum shell 204 may include attaching the shell attachment ring 400 to lugs 216 disposed on the drum shell 204. If the lugs 216 are spaced from the drum head 208, block 1008 may further include attaching spacers to the lugs 216 and the shell attachment ring 400 in order to attach the shell attachment ring 400 to the drum shell 204.

[0062] At block 1112, the tuning ring 300 is concentrically disposed within the shell attachment ring 400. In examples where opposing edges of the shell attachment ring 400 are crimped, flanged, or tabbed to maintain the tuning ring 300 therewithin, block 1112 may be performed during manufacturing and the shell attachment ring 400 is provided with the tuning ring 300 disposed therewithin. In these examples, block 1112 is omitted from the retrofitting method 1100, Block 1112 may include selecting the tuning ring according to the slope and length of the plurality of helical slots and further according to the type of drum.

[0063] At block 1116, the plurality of fasteners 708 are attached to the hoop attachment ring 500.

[0064] At block 1120, the tuning tab 220 is inserted through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring 400 and attached to the tuning ring 300. In examples where the tuning tab 220 is permanently attached or integral to the tuning ring 300, block 1116 is performed during manufacturing, and the tuning ring 300 is provided with the tuning tab 220 attached.

[0065] At block 1124, the plurality of fasteners 708 are inserted through respective axial slots 420 of the shell attachment ring 400 and further inserted through respective helical slots of the tuning ring 300.

[0066] Blocks 1104 to 1124 may be performed in any order, and in some examples, one or more of the blocks may be omitted from method 1100.

[0067] As will now be apparent, the tuning device 200 can be removed from a drum quickly and easily, when replacing the drum head. Unlike traditional drum tuners, which require unthreading of each tension rod from the lugs, the tuning device 200 can be removed without detaching the shell attachment ring 400 from the lugs 216. Whenever the drum head 208 needs replacing, the fasteners 708 are pulled out of the hoop attachment ring 500, and the hoop attachment ring 500 is removed from the drum, allowing the drum head 208 to be exchanged.

[0068] Further configurations of the elements disclosed above may be provided as a kit for retrofitting a drum with a tuning device. For example, the kit may include the hoop attachment ring 500, the shell attachment ring 400, the tuning ring 300, the tuning tab 220, and the plurality of fasteners 708. Additionally, the kit may include instructions for retrofitting the drum with the tuning device 200. The instructions may include the steps of method 1100.

[0069] In view of the above, it will now be apparent that variant, combinations, and subsets of the foregoing embodiments are contemplated. For example, while the tuning device 200 is described above as being attached to the batter head of a drum, the tuning device 200 could be attached to either the batter head or the resonant head, and in some examples, respective tuning devices 200 could be attached to both the batter head and the resonant head.

[0070] It will now be apparent to a person of skill in the art that the present specification affords certain advantages over the prior art. In the tuning device described above, tension around the drum head is controlled by moving a tuning ring as opposed to individually adjusting a plurality of tension rods, as is done in conventional drums. This improvement allows for uniform control of the tension around the drum head, which ultimately enables faster and more accurate tuning. Additionally, the tuning device does not require a detachable drum key, which must be sequentially attached to each tension rod at the time of tuning and is liable to be misplaced. Furthermore, the outermost ring of the tuning device does not rotate during operation, and is therefore suitable for attaching microphones and drum triggers. Moreover, the tuning device can be quickly and easily detached when replacing the drum head. As well, the compact profile of the concentrically disposed rings is portable and user-friendly. Also, the tuning device reduces unwanted rattling during a drum performance.

[0071] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tuning device for a drum comprising:a hoop attachment ring, concentrically attachable to a drum head;a shell attachment ring, concentrically aligned with the hoop attachment ring and attachable to the shell of the drum, the shell attachment ring including a plurality of axial slots and a circumferential slot;a tuning ring, concentrically disposed within the shell attachment ring and rotatable therewithin, the tuning ring including a plurality of helical slots;a tuning tab extending from the tuning ring, through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring, for controlling rotation of the tuning ring; anda plurality of fasteners extending from the hoop attachment ring through the respective axial slots of the shell attachment ring and further through the respective helical slots of the tuning ring such that rotation of the tuning ring causes the respective helical slot to urge the respective fastener axially within the respective axial slot, further causing the hoop attachment ring to move axially relative to the shell attachment ring.

2. The tuning device of claim 1 wherein the hoop attachment ring is integral with a counter hoop of the drum.

3. The tuning device of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the shell attachment ring is attachable to the shell via lugs disposed on the shell.

4. The tuning device of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of spacers configured to attach the shell attachment ring to the lugs.

5. The tuning device of any preceding claim wherein opposing edges of the shell attachment ring are crimped, flanged, or tabbed to maintain the tuning ring therewithin and impede axial movement of the tuning ring.

6. The tuning device of any preceding claim wherein the slope and length of the plurality of helical slots is selected according to the drum.

157. The tuning device of any preceding claim wherein the tuning ring is threadably received by the shell attachment ring.

8. The tuning device of any preceding claim wherein the tuning tab includes an actuator for controlling movement of the tuning tab within the circumferential slot.

9. The tuning device of any preceding claim wherein the tuning tab includes a locking mechanism configured to impede rotation of the tuning ring when the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration and permit rotation of the tuning ring when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration.

10. A drum comprisinga shell including:an open head; anda shell attachment ring concentrically disposed around the shell and including a plurality of axial slots and a circumferential slot;a drum head covering the open head;a counter hoop concentrically attached to the drum head and concentrically aligned with the shell attachment ring;a tuning ring concentrically disposed within the shell attachment ring and rotatable therewithin, the tuning ring including a plurality of helical slots;a tuning tab extending from the tuning ring, through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring, for controlling rotation of the tuning ring; anda plurality of fasteners extending from the counter hoop through the respective axial slots of the shell attachment ring and further through the respective helical slots of the tuning ring such that rotation of the tuning ring causes the respective helical slot to urge the respective fasteners axially within the respective axial slot, further causing the counter hoop to move axially relative to the shell attachment ring.

11. The drum of claim 10 wherein the shell attachment ring is integral with the shell.

12. The drum of claim 10 or claim 11 wherein opposing edges of the shell attachment ring are crimped, flanged, or tabbed to maintain the tuning ring therewithin and impede axial movement of the tuning ring.

13. The drum of any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the slope and length of the plurality of helical slots is selected according to the drum.

14. The drum of any of claims 10 to 13 wherein the tuning ring is threadably received by the shell attachment ring.

15. The drum of any of claims 10 to 14 wherein the tuning tab includes an actuator for controlling movement of the tuning tab within the circumferential slot.

16. The drum of claim 15 wherein the tuning tab includes a locking mechanism configured to impede rotation of the tuning ring when the locking mechanism is in a locked configuration and permit rotation of the tuning ring when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked configuration.

17. A method of retrofitting a drum with a tuning device, the method comprising:concentrically attaching a hoop attachment ring to a drum head of the drum;concentrically attaching a shell attachment ring to a shell of the drum and concentrically aligning the shell attachment ring with the hoop attachment ring, the shell attachment ring including a plurality of axial slots and a circumferential slot;concentrically disposing a tuning ring within the shell attachment ring, the tuning ring including a plurality of helical slots extending along the tuning ring;inserting a tuning tab through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring and attaching the tuning tab to the tuning ring;inserting a plurality of fasteners through respective axial slots of the shell attachment ring and further through respective helical slots of the tuning ring; andattaching the plurality of fasteners to the hoop attachment ring.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein concentrically attaching the shell attachment ringto the shell of the drum comprises attaching the shell attachment ring to lugs disposed on the shell of the drum.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein concentrically attaching the shell attachment ring to the shell of the drum comprises attaching the shell attachment ring to the lugs with a plurality of spacers.

20. The method of any of claims 17 to 19 further including selecting the tuning ring according to the slope and length of the plurality of helical slots and further according to the type of drum.

21. A kit for retrofitting a drum, the kit comprising:a hoop attachment ring, concentrically attachable to a drum head;a shell attachment ring, concentrically alignable with the hoop attachment ring and attachable to the shell of the drum, the shell attachment ring including a plurality of axial slots and a circumferential slot;a tuning ring concentrically disposable within the shell attachment ring and rotatable therewithin, the tuning ring including a plurality of helical slots extending along the tuning ring;a tuning tab configured to extend from the tuning ring and through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring when the tuning ring is disposed within the shell attachment ring, for controlling rotation of the tuning ring; anda plurality of fasteners configured to extend from the hoop attachment ring and through the plurality of axial slots of the shell attachment ring when the shell attachment ring is disposed within the hoop attachment ring, the plurality of fasteners further configured to extend through the respective helical slots of the tuning ring, when the tuning ring is disposed within the shell attachment ring.

22. The kit of claim 21 further comprising instructions for retrofitting the drum, the instructions comprising:concentrically attaching the hoop attachment ring to the drum head;concentrically attaching the shell attachment ring to the shell of the drum and concentrically aligning the shell attachment ring with the hoop attachment ring;concentrically disposing the tuning ring within the shell attachment ring;inserting the tuning tab through the circumferential slot of the shell attachment ring and attaching the tuning tab to the tuning ring;inserting the plurality of fasteners through respective axial slots of the shell attachment ring and further through respective helical slots of the tuning ring; andattaching the plurality of fasteners to the hoop attachment ring.

Images