A device for ventilating the air flow inside a bass drum

Abstract

To provide an apparatus or a device that can be installed in and fixed to a resonant drumhead, having a main object to control air flowing through a bass drum shell as a result of a beater striking a batter head for adjustable ventilation, thereby achieving a more remarkable fundamental pitch or note and desired overall harmonics.SOLUTION: Provided is a device integrally joined with a ported opening of a musical bass drum resonant drumhead for regulating an amount of vibrating airflow passing through an inside of a bass drum shell and continuing through the ported opening for effectively controlling undesirable higher frequency drum sounds precipitated by an airflow produced when striking a batter head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of musical instruments, and more particularly to an improved apparatus for venting air moving within a bass drum shell through a port opening integrated into the resonant head of the drum. [Background technology]

[0002] The bass drum, tom-toms, snare drum, and cymbals are collectively known as a drum set or trap set. The bass drum (sometimes called a kick drum) in a drum set configuration includes a butterhead (also known as a butter drum head) and a resonant head (also known as a resonant drum head), which cover individual openings at each end of the drum shell. The butterhead covers the opening in the bass drum, where a foot pedal and beater are placed to strike the drum head. The resonant head, which covers the opposite end, reflects the air movement (also known as resonance) inside the drum shell when the beater strikes the butterhead. The resonant drum head is typically fitted with a thick polyester film, more commonly a polyester film, with one or more openings or a series of openings to allow the vibrations generated inside the drum shell to ventilate. The same openings may be used as a passageway for inserting a microphone inside the drum shell to record or amplify the drum sound, or simply for reaching inside the drum shell to adjust any type of internal sound-deadening item or material, such as a blanket or pillow.

[0003] The different tunings and tensions of butter drumheads and resonant drumheads create different harmonics, along with the feel and sensation of the drummer's feet as the beater bounces off the butter drumhead, which directly affects the amount and intensity of reverberant air generated inside the drum shell. When using two standard drumheads and completely blocking the openings at both ends of the drum shell, the air generated inside the shell typically vents through one or more small air vents (usually 1 / 2 inch or less in diameter) made in the shell itself. The vents allow the film covering both ends to flex, thus producing a clearer fundamental pitch (basic note). If the drum shell is not ventilated, the drumhead becomes stiff and difficult to bend. This occurs because the air inside the shell is compressed and cannot vent, preventing resonant or front drumheads from flexing.

[0004] To achieve the proper fundamental pitch or note and the correct level of sensation or feel of the drummer's foot operating the foot pedal, professional drummers and sound engineers often vary the number and size of vent or port openings formed in resonant drum heads. However, this method of venting a drum head to achieve the proper fundamental pitch or note and small variations in sound and feel can be a tedious process, as it typically requires removing the entire drum head and replacing it with one containing the desired number and size of vent holes. This requires considerable time and effort, as well as the need to maintain an adequate inventory of individually vented drum heads. U.S. Patent No. 9,190,037 (the "'037 Patent") incorporates a means for varying the airflow permeability of the airflow moving inside the drum shell, and ultimately, the permeability of the port openings. However, the device taught by the '037 Patent is too often structurally impractical, relatively flimsy, and unreliable in its construction. Additionally, the '037 patent teaches the use of a separate, relatively invasive airflow device attached to and extending over a large portion of the front surface of the resonant drumhead, which can obscure the manufacturer's or artist's name, logo, and / or branding that is normally readily visible on the drumhead's surface. Most, if not all, resonant drumheads typically display names, logos, or graphics associated with particular manufacturers, artists, or bands for identification and marketing purposes to generate valuable publicity. Therefore, it is extremely important that the logo, branding, and / or associated graphics are fully visible to the audience.

[0005] Accurate bass drum recording for eventual playback or direct amplification is typically achieved by placing a microphone inside the drum shell, or outside the shell, near or in front of the port opening formed in the resonant drumhead. In some instances, a combination of both configurations is used for the intended purpose. Previous methods for placing a microphone inside the bass drum shell include, but are not limited to, drilling a through-hole in the drum shell to attach some type of bracket to the interior sidewall to support the microphone, and providing an appropriate grommet for the microphone cord. However, for many drummers, this has always been an unacceptable and poor installation method. Alternatively, recording and amplification are achieved by utilizing a microphone attached to the end of a boom arm supported by a stand. Using this configuration, the microphone can be placed just outside or in front of the port opening, or it can be inserted into a position inside the drum shell through the port opening in the resonant drumhead.

[0006] With this in mind, there is a need in the art for a device that is most importantly capable of varying and controlling the air permeability through the interior of the drum shell through the port openings formed in the resonant drumhead, while providing an opening large enough to allow a microphone to enter the interior of the drum shell or for a person to reach in and adjust any internal sound deadening material placed therein, while preserving the ability of the resonant drumhead to display desired branding, logos, or graphics of a particular manufacturer, artist, or band.

[0007] Thus, to date, and for the reasons stated above, the prior art has failed to provide an apparatus or device that can be installed and secured to a resonant drumhead for the primary purpose of controlling and adjustably venting the air flowing through the bass drum shell as a result of the beater striking the drumhead, thereby achieving a more pronounced fundamental pitch or note and desired overall harmonics. The prior art has failed to teach an apparatus or device described as also allowing the drummer's foot to feel a more authentic sensation as a result of the beater striking the drumhead. Furthermore, the prior art has failed to provide a means for adjusting any objects or materials that pass through the resonant drumhead and into the interior space of the drum shell for the purpose of muffling undesired drum sounds, or any other improvements described as such. Finally, the prior art has failed to provide an apparatus or device that achieves the aforementioned objectives while also allowing an unobstructed view of highly important and valuable company branding, artist or band display, or any other type of associated desired graphic or logo, and most importantly, allowing it to be visible to an audience member in front of the resonant drumhead. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 9,190,037 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention includes a musical bass drum including a hollow drum shell having a first opening and a second opening, a butter drumhead covering the first opening, and a resonant drumhead having a back side, a front side, and an access opening and covering the second opening in the drum shell. Counterhoops and necessary hardware are provided for securing the butter drumhead and the resonant drumhead to the bearing edges of the openings at each end of the drum shell. Also included is a device integrally associated with the access opening for regulating the amount of airflow through the interior of the shell and subsequently through the access opening to control undesirable high-frequency drum sounds. The airflow is generated by the drummer's foot striking the butter drumhead as a result of the action of a beater attached to a foot pedal.

[0010] The integrally joined device includes various integrated components, including a back plate member having a front side and a back side, the back side having a plurality of spaced-apart, fixed boss members, each member having a corresponding opening; a clamp plate member having a back side and a front side, the front side having a plurality of spaced-apart, fixed boss members, each member having a corresponding opening; and a gasket member. The movable door member is positioned and secured in slidable engagement between the back plate member and the clamp plate member, which are then joined by threaded bolt fasteners secured to corresponding hex nuts, although other types of fasteners and nuts may also be suitable. The movable door is configured to be vertically positioned upward and downward to change the size of the doorway opening and adjust the amount of airflow therethrough. The device is coupled to the port opening by being placed against the back side of the resonant drumhead, where it is firmly secured by a clamp ring member that engages the device from the front side of the resonant drumhead in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a musical bass drum having means for varying the amount of airflow moving within the bass drum shell and through a port opening formed in the resonant drumhead.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a musical bass drum that utilizes a device secured against the interior surface of the resonant drumhead in cooperation with a clamp ring, the clamp ring engaging and securing the device from the front side of the resonant drumhead, to control the flow of air from the interior of the drum shell through the port openings in the resonant drumhead.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a musical bass drum that includes a movable door disposed between components of the device and secured therein in slidable engagement, thereby permitting upward or downward movement of the door to vary the size of the doorway opening and correspondingly adjust the ventilation of the air flow therethrough.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a musical bass drum having a microphone housed within the drum shell for recording or amplifying the drum sound generated within.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a musical bass drum having direct and unobstructed access to the area inside the drum shell to adjust any internal sound deadening devices or materials placed therein.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a musical bass drum having a resonant drumhead-mounted device for varying the amount of airflow through an access opening that does not visually interfere with the brand, name, logo, or graphic design associated with a particular manufacturer, band, or artist.

[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a musical bass drum having a device for varying the amount of airflow as it moves within the drum shell and through the port opening, for the general purpose of controlling undesirable high frequency drum sounds.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a musical bass drum having a device for varying the amount of airflow through the interior of the drum shell and through a port opening, which device is cost-effective to manufacture and easy to install and operate.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present invention in all its embodiments will become apparent from the following specification when considered in light of the accompanying drawings, which further illustrate preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a musical drum shell without drumheads, their respective counterhoops, and any corresponding instrumentation. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a musical bass drum with a typical foot pedal. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional musical bass drum depicting a resonant head with a central port opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a conventional musical bass drum with a central access opening and the back of the drumhead shown in phantom. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of integrated components of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the boss member shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an exploded rear perspective view of the integrated components of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the back side member shown in FIG. [Figure 6B]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the clamp plate member shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the cross section shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the components used to secure the device according to the present invention, seen from three-quarters in front of the resonant drumhead. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention, showing a resonant drumhead viewed from the rear at an angle. [Figure 11A] 12 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, shown partially in phantom, illustrating the intended placement of the clamp ring members; FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, shown partially in phantom, mounted on a resonant drumhead with the movable door component in a raised position; FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, shown partially in phantom, mounted on a resonant drumhead with the movable door component in a lowered position; FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, showing the half-ring clamp member and microphone support assembly exploded; FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, showing the half-ring clamp member, microphone support assembly, and microphone exploded; FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention showing a microphone support assembly passing through a port opening in a resonant drumhead. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, showing a microphone and cord supported by a microphone support assembly passing through an access opening in a resonant drumhead, with the movable door in a partially raised position. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, showing a microphone and cord supported by a microphone support assembly bent downward after passing through a port opening in a resonant drumhead. [Figure 20] 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, shown with the microphone support assembly supporting the microphone after passing through the doorway opening; FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention, with the microphone support assembly and microphone shown in phantom inside the drum shell. [Figure 22] 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a device according to the present invention shown attached to a resonant drumhead, with oscillating airflow depicted from the interior of the drum shell through a port opening. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional musical bass drum showing the effect of film flapping around the periphery of the port opening as vibrating air passes through. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a spectral analysis illustrating the effect of film flapping around the periphery of a doorway opening, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 10A-10C are waveform diagrams illustrating the effect of film flapping around the periphery of a doorway opening, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 10 is a spectral analysis illustrating the effect of no film flapping around the periphery of the doorway opening when an embodiment of the device according to the present invention is fixed to a resonant drumhead. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram illustrating the effect of no film flapping around the periphery of the port opening when one embodiment of a device according to the present invention is secured to a resonant drumhead. [Figure 28] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microphone support assembly that mounts inside a conventional drum shell and supports a microphone, as taught by the prior art. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resonant drumhead mounted on a drum shell, with a microphone supported by a support assembly attached to a conventional boom arm and a boom stand positioned in front of the drumhead, as taught by the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1, which shows a drum shell 4 alone, without the drumhead, counter hoop, or instrumentation. Also shown in Figure 1 is a drum shell interior 4a, a first opening 6 with a bearing edge 6a, and a second opening 8 with a bearing edge 8a.

[0022] 2 and 3 show a musical bass drum 2 having a front end 3 and a back end 5. Also included is a butter drumhead 10, comprised of a top side 7 and a bottom side 9, which covers the first opening 6. A resonant drumhead 12 covers the second opening 8 and includes a bottom side 14, a top side 16, and an access opening 18. Secured to the butter head 10 and resonant drumhead 12, respectively, are a counter hoop 10a and corresponding instrumentation 12a. Connected to the bass drum 2 and / or positioned in front of the front end 3 of the butter drumhead 10, is a bass pedal 11 with a beater 13 attached. A bass drum spur 15 is also provided to stabilize the drum 2.

[0023] Also provided is a device 20 assembled for attachment to the backside 14 of the resonant drumhead 12 to vary and control the amount of vibrating air 22 passing through the interior 4a of the drum shell 4 and through the doorway opening 18. The vibrating air 22 is generated when the pedal 11 is depressed, causing the beater 13 to strike the drumhead 10 and force it to deflect. The device 20 used to adjust the amount of vibrating air 22 passing through the doorway opening 18 is designed to be integrally coupled and joined to the doorway opening 18 for this purpose. The device 20 has a movable door member 26 configured to be positioned vertically upward and downward to vary the size of the doorway opening 18. The culmination of all these actions ultimately results in the control and elimination of most, if not all, of the undesirable high frequency drum sounds, as desired by the drummer.

[0024] More specifically, device 20 comprises an assembly of integrated components including a back plate member 28 having a front side 31 and a back side 29 with a plurality of spaced apart boss members 35. Also provided is a clamp plate member 30 having a back side 32 and a front side 34 with a plurality of spaced apart boss members 36, and a gasket member 40. Each boss member 35 includes a corresponding opening 37, and each boss member 36 includes a corresponding opening 38. Movable door member 26 is secured in slidable engagement between back plate member 28 and clamp plate member 30 along guide tracks 39, 41 formed in back side 32 of clamp plate member 30.

[0025] The back plate member 28 and clamp plate member 30 are secured by means for controlling the amount of sliding tension exerted on the movable door member 26 as it moves up or down along the guide tracks 39, 41 between the back plate member 28 and the clamp plate member 30, thereby allowing the door member 26 to move to control the amount and strength of the airflow 22 through the doorway opening 18. The means for controlling the amount of sliding tension may include, for example, a plurality of engaged threaded bolt fasteners 27 utilized to tighten the clamp plate member 30 to the back plate member 28, which, when mated with nuts 33, combine to tighten or loosen the connection between the back plate member 28 and the clamp plate member 30, thereby affecting the amount of sliding tension that affects the vertical movement of the movable door member 26. Each boss member 35 on the back plate member 28 has a corresponding opening 37. The clamp plate member 30 includes a plurality of apertures 38 within corresponding boss members 36, each configured to receive a threaded bolt fastener 45 that passes through an aperture 46 in the clamp ring member 44 and engages with the corresponding aperture 38. Thus, when mated with a corresponding nut 48, the clamp ring member 44 coupled with the clamp plate member 30 connected to the back plate member 28 with the movable door 26 therebetween forms a permanent connection with the doorway opening 18 positioned therebetween.

[0026] The device 20 is coupled to the doorway opening 18 and positioned against the backside 14 of the resonant drumhead 12 using boss members 36 positioned to engage edges 42 of the doorway opening 18 to center and align the device 20 in a substantially vertical relationship with the doorway opening 18. The device 20 is then secured to the resonant drumhead 12 by a clamp ring member 44 configured to engage the device 20 from the front side 16 of the resonant drumhead 12. The clamp ring member 44 includes a plurality of openings 46 for receiving threaded bolt fasteners 45 that engage corresponding nuts 48 to secure the device 20 to the resonant drumhead 12.

[0027] A projection member 50 is also provided integrally with the movable door member 26 for vertically moving the movable door member between the back plate member 28 and the clamp plate member 30. Incremental vertical movement of the movable door member 26 varies the amount of oscillating air 22 vented through the doorway opening 18, consistent with the primary objective of the present invention. When actuated to a fully open position 53, the movable door member 26 allows the venting of most, if not all, of the oscillating air 22 attempting to pass through the doorway opening 18. When actuated to a fully closed position 54, the movable door member 26 reduces, if not completely prevents, the venting of oscillating air 22 through the doorway opening 18.

[0028] Suitable microphones 64 for use consistent with the application and purpose of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Shure models SM57, Beta52, and AKG0-112. A device for mounting a microphone 64 that operates in conjunction with a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes, among other options, a half-ring member 66 having at least three openings 68a, 68b, and 68c, and a microphone support rod member 70 attached to a tilter assembly 83. A threaded fastener 57a is positioned through opening 68a in the half-ring member 66 for engagement with a threaded opening 72 formed in the rod member 70. Corresponding threaded fasteners 57b and 57c are positioned through openings 68b and 68c in the half-ring member 66 for engagement with corresponding openings 81 and 85 formed in the clamp ring member 44, respectively. The threaded fasteners 57b and 57c mate with corresponding nuts 58b and 58c to secure the half-ring member 66 to the clamp ring member 44. All means for fastening or securing the various components of the device of the present invention to the resonant drumhead 12 other than those already described herein may include any suitable fastening or securing means for this purpose, whether threaded or not.

[0029] The microphone support rod member 70 includes a threaded opening 72 at one end 74 and circumferentially formed threads 76 at end 78 for connecting with a matable threaded portion (not shown) incorporated into a tilter assembly 83. The support rod member 70 and tilter assembly 83 may also be connected using any other suitable means for this purpose.

[0030] The clamp ring member 44 also includes a first notch 82 and a second notch 84 for slidably receiving the support rod member 70. When the microphone support rod member 70, in combination with the half-ring member 66 to which it is attached, is positioned and secured in place, it is sufficiently secure to provide positive support for the microphone 64 and, more particularly, to prevent destructive shaking, rattling, or other types of movement of the microphone 64 resulting from the beater 13 striking the drumhead 10 or the influence of vibrating air 22 passing through the drum shell interior 4a and port opening 18 of the drum shell 4. The microphone 64 is further supported from a tilter assembly 83 coupled to a support sleeve 83a that allows the microphone 64 to be rotated up or down when positioned within the drum shell interior 4a to adjust the microphone's vibration pickup characteristics.

[0031] The back plate member 28, clamp plate member 30, and gasket member 40 each include an upper-side disposed notch 90a, 90b, 90c and a lower-side disposed notch 92a, 92b, 92c that are configured to align with a corresponding first notch 82 and a second notch 84 of the clamp ring member 44 to, among other things, allow the microphone support rod member 70 to pass unobstructed through the doorway opening 18 into the inner drum shell surface 4a of the drum shell 4. The second notch 84 also functions as a niche in which the projection member 50 can be positioned and retained when the movable door member 26 is raised to its highest position.

[0032] Also provided is a shim member 96 having a lower-side disposed first notch 99 and an upper-side disposed second notch 100 and an upper bearing edge 97, for insertion between the back plate member 28 and the clamp plate member 30, as appropriate. The lower-side disposed first notch 99 and the first notch 82 of the clamp ring member 44, which is positioned in alignment with the lower-side disposed first notch 99 and the lower-side disposed notches 92a, 92b, 92c, are configured to receive the rod member 70 to facilitate entry of the rod member 70 through the port opening 18, with or without the microphone 64. Similarly, the upper-side disposed second notch 100 and the first notch 82 of the clamp ring member 44, which is positioned in alignment with the lower-side disposed notches 92a, 92b, 92c, are configured to receive a microphone cord 102 used to connect the microphone 64 to a source (not shown) for recording or amplifying drum sounds. The shim members 96 are utilized to allow the movable door member 26 to close the access opening 18 as completely as possible to contain the airflow 22 within the drum shell interior 4a of the drum shell 4, and to ensure proper positioning and support of the rod members 70 and cord 102. To accomplish this, the movable door member 26 is lowered until the lower edge 95 of the movable door member 26 contacts and rests firmly against the upper bearing edge 97.

[0033] Thus, when the rod member 70 and microphone cord 102 are secured in their respective positions within the interior 4a of the drum shell 4, the shim member 96 allows for a maximum amount of air to be trapped within the interior 4a of the drum shell 4 when the access opening 18 is closed, or at least substantially closed. Another means for supporting the microphone 64 within the interior 4a of the drum shell 4 includes the use of a conventional boom arm 104 supported by a floor stand 105 positioned in front of the resonant drumhead 12, or any other type of floor stand suitable for this purpose. Alternatively, the prior art teaches a bracket assembly 107 firmly secured to the interior wall 108 of the drum shell 4 to hold the microphone 64 in place. The cord 102 is threaded through an opening 109 within the drum shell 4 that allows the cord 102 to pass therethrough, enabling connection to the microphone 64. A grommet 110 may be inserted into the opening 109 to secure the cord 102 and protect it from damage.

[0034] Historically, high-frequency film flutter has been a problem when doorway openings 18, particularly around the peripheral edge 106 of the doorway opening 18, are not uniformly tensioned. More specifically, a relatively loosely tensioned film 19 formed around the peripheral edge 106 of the doorway opening 18 is inherently unstable as airflow 22 passes through it, resulting in an unwanted drumming sound. The present invention helps minimize, if not completely eliminate, high-frequency film flutter and the predictable, annoying, and disruptive associated drumming sound. More specifically, the combined weight of device 20 and clamping ring member 44, in addition to their other functions, helps maintain sufficient tension on the film 19 surrounding the peripheral edge 106 of the doorway opening 18.

[0035] Also helping to reduce the adverse effects of film flutter is gasket member 40, which presses against backside 14 of resonant drumhead 12, and more particularly against the portion of doorway opening 18 most affected by flutter and closely surrounding peripheral edge 42, i.e., film 21. In the prior art, these unwanted high frequency flutter noises could sometimes be controlled by placing a pillow of filler material or the like (not shown) against backside 14 of resonant drumhead 12. However, this means of controlling flutter noise or unwanted high frequency sounds is a relatively crude alternative compared to the far more effective and sophisticated capabilities of the device of the present invention.

[0036] Without limitation, typical dimensions for the back plate member 28 and clamp plate member 30 are 5.75 to 6.25 inches wide and 7 to 7.5 inches high. A typical thickness for both plate members is 1 / 4 inch. The gasket member 40 has the same approximate dimensions. The movable door member 26 has approximate dimensions of 4.25 to 4.5 inches wide, 5 to 5.25 inches high, and 1 / 32 inch thick. Clamp ring member 44 has an inner diameter of approximately 4 inches, an outer diameter of approximately 5.75 inches, and a thickness of approximately 7 / 16 inches. Half ring member 66 is about half the size of clamp ring member 44 and has approximately the same thickness. None of the foregoing dimensions need to be strictly adhered to if environmental and other factors require otherwise.

[0037] Suitable materials for constructing the back plate member 28, clamp plate member 30, and movable door member 26 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, particularly ABS thermoplastic polymers, or alloys. Suitable materials for constructing the gasket member 40 include, but are not limited to, foam, rubber, or any other suitable natural or synthetic material.

[0038] Figure 24 shows a spectral analysis of the effect of high frequency film flutter on a 56 cm (22 inch) bass drum head due to a 13 cm (5 inch) doorway opening. Figure 25 shows a waveform of the effect of high frequency film flutter on a 56 cm (22 inch) bass drum head due to a 13 cm (5 inch) doorway opening. Figure 26 shows a spectral analysis showing the absence of high frequency film flutter on the same drumhead. Figure 27 shows a waveform diagram showing the effect of no high frequency film flutter on the same drumhead.

[0039] While the present invention has been described in connection with a specific preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to this specific embodiment, but rather to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 2 musical bass drums 3 Front end 4 drum shells 4a Inside the drum shell 5 Rear end 6 First opening 6a bearing edge 7 Front side 8 Second opening 8a bearing edge 9 Backside 10 Butter Drum Head 10a counter hoop 11 Bass Pedal 12 resonant drumheads 12a Appliances 13 Vita 14 Backside 15 Bass Drum Spur 16 Front side 18 Aperture 19 Film 20 devices 21 Film 22 Vibrating Air 26 Movable door member 27 Threaded bolt fasteners 28 Back plate member 29 Backside 30 Clamp plate member 31 Front side 32 Backside 33 Nut 34 Front side 35 Boss member 36 Boss member 37 Aperture 38 Aperture 39 Guide Track 40 Gasket material 41 Guide Track 42 Peripheral Edge 44 Clamp ring member 45 Threaded bolt fasteners 46 Aperture 48 Nut 50 Protruding member 53 Fully open position 54 Fully closed position 57a Threaded fasteners 57b Threaded fasteners 57c Threaded Fasteners 58b Nut 58c nut 64 microphones 66 Half ring member 68a aperture 68b opening 68c aperture 70 Microphone support rod member 72 Threaded Opening 74 one end 76 Threaded part 78 End 81 Aperture 82 First notch 83 Tilter assembly 83a Support sleeve 84 Second notch 85 Aperture 90a notch 90b notch 90c notch 92a Notch 92b Notch 92c notch 95 Lower edge 96 Shim material 97 Upper bearing edge 99 First notch 100 Second notch 102 Microphone Cord 104 Boom Arm 105 Floor Stand 107 Bracket assembly 108 Inner wall 109 Aperture 110 Grommet

Claims

1. A musical bass drum including a hollow drum shell, the drum shell having a first opening and a second opening, a butter drum head covering the first opening, and a resonant drum head covering the second opening, the resonant drum head having a back side, a front side, and an inlet / outlet opening through which vibrating air generated when the butter drum head is struck flows, the back side being the side that contacts the interior of the drum shell, and the front side being the opposite side of the back side. a means for controlling undesirable high frequency drum sounds by varying the amount of vibrating air passing through the opening of the inlet / outlet, the means being fixed to the back side of the resonant drumhead; the means secured to the backside of the resonant drumhead for varying the amount of vibrating air passing through the doorway opening comprises a device integrally coupled to the doorway opening, the device having a movable door member configured to be vertically positioned upward and downward to vary the size of the doorway opening; 1. A musical bass drum device comprising: an integrated component assembly including a back plate member, a clamping plate member, and a gasket member; the clamping plate member having both a back side and a front side; the front side having a plurality of spaced apart, fixed boss members each having a corresponding opening; the movable door member being fixedly positioned in slidable engagement between the back plate member and the clamping plate member; and the back plate member and the clamping plate member being joined in fixed relationship.

2. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the device coupled with the port opening is positioned against the backside of the resonant drumhead, and the boss member is positioned to engage an edge of the port opening to center the device within the port opening.

3. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the device is secured to the resonant drumhead by a clamp ring member configured to engage the device from the front side of the resonant drumhead, the clamp ring member having a plurality of apertures for receiving means for engaging the corresponding apertures in each of the boss members of the clamp plate member to securely attach and secure the device to the resonant drumhead.

4. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, further comprising means for vertically moving said movable door member.

5. 5. The musical bass drum of claim 4, wherein incremental vertical movement of the movable door member varies the amount of vibrating air vented through the doorway opening.

6. When the movable door member is in a fully closed position, vibrating air passes through the doorway opening.

10. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the bass drum is prevented from being struck by a force.

7. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the back plate member and the clamp plate member are secured by means for controlling the amount of sliding tension applied to the movable door member when the movable door member is moved vertically between the back plate member and the clamp plate member.

8. 8. The musical bass drum of claim 7, wherein the means for controlling the amount of sliding tension comprises a plurality of mated threaded fasteners and nuts configured to positionally adjust the spacing between the back plate member and the clamp plate member to increase or decrease the amount of sliding tension.

9. 4. The musical bass drum of claim 3, wherein the means for engaging the corresponding openings comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners, each of the threaded fasteners matingly engaging a threaded nut.

10. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the back plate member includes a plurality of boss members each having a corresponding aperture, and the clamp plate member includes a plurality of apertures each configured to receive a threaded fastener for engaging a threaded nut fitted into each of the apertures formed in the corresponding boss member to securely join the back plate member and the clamp plate member.

11. 4. The musical bass drum of claim 3, further comprising means for mounting a microphone within said interior of said drum shell.

12. 12. The musical bass drum of claim 11, wherein the means for mounting a microphone includes a half-ring member having at least three apertures and a microphone support member, the microphone support member having a threaded hole at one end and a circumferentially threaded portion at an opposite end, the clamp ring member including at least two apertures, a first notch aligned to receive the microphone support member, and a second notch, the one or more threaded fasteners for engaging one or more of the apertures in the half-ring members with aligned corresponding apertures in the clamp ring member configured to securely attach the half-ring members to the clamp ring member, and each of the apertures in the clamp ring member has a mating threaded nut for engaging a corresponding threaded fastener.

13. 13. The musical bass drum of claim 12, wherein the back plate member, the clamp plate member, and the gasket member each include upper and lower notches, respectively, configured to align in a corresponding relationship with the first and second notches in the clamp ring member to allow the microphone support member, with or without the microphone, to enter the interior of the drum shell.

14. 14. The musical bass drum of claim 13, wherein the microphone support member, with or without the microphone, is inserted through the first notch in the clamp ring member and aligns with the underlying notch into the interior of the drum shell.

15. The microphone is used to adjust the vibration pickup characteristics of the drum sound.

15. The musical bass drum of claim 14, wherein the microphone is supported within the interior of the drum shell by means for tilting the microphone.

16. 14. The musical bass drum of claim 13, wherein a shim member having a first lower-located notch, a second upper-located notch, and an upper bearing edge is insertably positioned between the back plate member and the clamping plate member, the first lower-located notch of the shim member in aligned relationship with each of the lower notches formed in the back plate member, the clamping plate member, and the gasket member, being configured to receive the microphone support member, and the second upper-located notch of the shim member in aligned relationship with each of the lower notches formed in the back plate member, the clamping plate member, and the gasket member, being configured to receive an electrical cord attached to the microphone.

17. 17. The musical bass drum of claim 16, wherein when the shim member is inserted between the back plate member and the clamp plate member, it allows the microphone support member and the cord to pass through the access opening and into the interior of the drum shell, thereby lowering the movable door into a substantially closed position in contact with the upper bearing edge.

18. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the gasket member is constructed from a foam material.

19. 10. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the gasket member is constructed from a synthetic material.

20. 2. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the gasket member is constructed from a rubber material.

21. 10. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the back plate member, the clamp plate member, the gasket member, and / or the movable door member are individually constructed from a synthetic material.

22. 10. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the back plate member, the clamp plate member, the gasket member, and / or the movable door member are individually constructed from a polyethylene material.

23. 10. The musical bass drum of claim 1, wherein the back plate member, the clamp plate member, the gasket member, and / or the movable door member are individually constructed from an alloy.

24. 12. The musical bass drum of claim 11, wherein the means for mounting a microphone to the interior of the drum shell includes a conventional boom arm, with the microphone mounted on one end, positioned through the doorway opening into the interior of the drum shell.

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