Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G10D13/00—Percussion musical instruments; Details or accessories therefor
  • G10D13/01—General design of percussion musical instruments
  • G10D13/06—Castanets, cymbals, triangles, tambourines without drumheads or other single-toned percussion musical instruments
  • G10D13/063—Cymbals
  • G10D13/065—Hi-hats
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G10D13/00—Percussion musical instruments; Details or accessories therefor
  • G10D13/01—General design of percussion musical instruments
  • G10D13/02—Drums; Tambourines with drumheads
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G10D13/00—Percussion musical instruments; Details or accessories therefor
  • G10D13/10—Details of, or accessories for, percussion musical instruments
  • G10D13/11—Pedals; Pedal mechanisms
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G10D13/00—Percussion musical instruments; Details or accessories therefor
  • G10D13/10—Details of, or accessories for, percussion musical instruments
  • G10D13/28—Mountings or supports for individual drums

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an improved drum kit, as well as to a method for the configuration of such a drum kit and to a method of playing such a drum kit .
• Drums and percussion instruments are the oldest musical instruments known to men. Since the first invention, drums have evolved to a broad spectrum of instruments, not only for rhythm but also for melodic use.
• the invention of the drum kit is relatively recent.
• the first creation of the drum kit must have taken place around the start of the 20th century.
• the set up of the current drum kits hasn ' t changed since.
• the basic drum kit is a perfect mix of three instruments used as single instruments before: a bass drum, a snare drum and an hi-hat ( or cymbals ) .
• drums are very loud.
• the consequence of this 'loudness' is usually that all the other instruments in a group or band need to be amplified. This also means that every band member needs to bring its own amplifier and that you need a microphone and amplifier for the lead singer, leading to more use of space and more effort of all band members. Because of the loudness of the drum kit most neighbors are not amused if a drum kit is installed in a home.
• drums The second disadvantage of drums is the amount of space (area) needed to install a drum kit. Not only does it require a big room for its setup, but it also results in a strong preference to keep the drum kit in the same place for as long as possible. This often results in playing on other peoples drum kits instead of playing on your own during rehearsals or even live gigs. Besides that a drummer prefers to play on his own drum kit that is perfectly set up for his needs, playing on other peoples drum kits during rehearsals or gigs might also lead to their irritation because of any adjustments required to their setup. The remark just
• drum kit Even in a packed state the drum kit still needs a significant amount of space in your home or in your car (during transport) . For transporting a drum kit towards or from a rehearsal or gig a spacious car is required.
• drum kits are preferably assembled and/or disassembled as little as possible, leading to an even further increased tendency to have the drum kit permanently installed at one specific location, and even if not in use.
• drum kits The fifth and final disadvantage of drum kits is the appearance of the drummer during a gig on stage. Usually the drummer is installed at the back of the stage not really visible for the public from behind the massive drum kit. Due to this and the immobility of both drum kit and drummer
• DE-U1-20 2010 009 005 discloses a drum kit wherein all percussion elements, including a hi-hat and bass drum, are arranged on a frame.
• a conventional hi-hat arrangement with stand and foot operated pedal is part of the frame of the drum kit .
• US-A-3 , 433 , 115 discloses a drum assembly, wherein a bass drum and foot operated pedal are arranged on the same frame as the percussion elements.
• US-A1-2004/0103775 describes a pedal free cymbal device, comprising a triggering mechanism lever that a user may actuate with any part of his or her hands or arms in order to bring the cymbals into and out of engagement.
• US-A1-2006/0049319 discloses an adjustable tripod stand for supporting an object, such as a drum, at its upper end .
• DE-A1-196 10 659 discloses a hi-hat with a pedal.
• US-B1-6 , 815, 598 is directed to an anchor structure for accessories of a musical instrument stand.
• US-A1-2004 / 0261604 discloses a marching drum that is provided with a portable hi-hat device.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a drum kit, that is improved relative to the prior art and wherein at least one of the above stated problems is obviated .
• the acoustic drum kit comprising: a central connecting member, one or more directly struck percussion elements such as a snare drum, a tom-tom or a cymbal, one or more percussion elements, such as a hi-hat and/or a bass drum, that are operated indirectly via an actuating member and a transmission; and wherein at least one actuating member and a percussion element operated therewith are arranged on or at the central connecting member, wherein the actuating member, that is arranged on the central connecting member and comprises a hand or stick operated member, and the percussion element, that comprises a hi-hat and that is operated with this hand or stick operated member via a transmission, are arranged staggered from each other on or at the central connecting member.
• a traditional foot pedal By arranging the actuating member and the percussion element operated therewith both on the central connecting member, a traditional foot pedal can be absent. While traditional foot pedals for a hi-hat comprise a rodlike transmission that extends from the floor in a straight line upwards through the stand, such a foot pedal is not required anymore. In fact, even such a stand can be absent if the central connecting member is directly attached to e.g. a table top. If a stand is used, this stand can be collapsible due to the absence of a rod-like transmission for
• the staggered arrangement allows the actuating member and percussion element to be placed independently.
• a drummer can therefore adjust the specific arrangement to his own needs.
• the height and orientation, i.e. angle, of the percussion element and actuating member can be adjusted independently.
• the arrangement can be easily adjusted for left-handed or right- handed use.
• the staggered arrangement provides the opportunity to place the percussion element, i.e. the hi-hat, substantially in the center of the drum kit.
• a central placement of the hi-hat is preferred, as it allows a drummer to simultaneously play the hi-hat and the other surrounding percussion elements (with both hands!) .
• cymbals are arranged directly above the hi-hat, i.e. on the center pole of the hi-hat, they also benefit from a central placement .
• the hand or stick operated actuating member can be placed in a staggered arrangement
• the at least one percussion element that is operated indirectly via the actuating member and the
• a hi-hat is formed by two opposite cymbals that can be moved from and towards each other.
• a hi-hat on the one hand produces a sound when the two cymbals hit each other.
• hi-hats are also struck by the drummer, who then immediately moves both cymbals of the hi-hat away from each other, producing a very distinct sound. Due to this way of playing and its construction, it is necessary that a hi-hat can be indirectly operated via an actuating member.
• the actuating member that is arranged on or at the central connecting member comprises a hand or stick operated member .
• a bass drum is arranged on, at or near the central connecting member that is positioned at such a close distance near one or more directly struck percussion elements that the drummer is capable of striking them with one single hand when the drummer operates two drumsticks in said one single hand.
• the bass drum is normally positioned farther away, and foot operated via a foot pedal.
• the bass drum is normally placed on the ground, and
• the bass drum has substantially the same orientation as the other directly struck percussion elements, such as snare drum, tom-tom or cymbal, i.e. with its striking surface substantially in a lying plane. This allows the bass drum to be played with regular sticks instead of a conventional pedal .
• the bass drum is arranged at substantially the same height as the other directly struck percussion elements, such as snare drum and tom-tom.
• the percussion elements are arranged at substantially the same playing level above ground level .
• the drum kit comprises a compact arrangement of the percussion elements on or at the central connecting body at
• the compact arrangement allows all percussion elements to be struck with two sticks. In fact, most percussion elements can be struck at once when two sticks are held in the same hand. Such a compact arrangement furthermore allows the drum kit to be easily moved, even by one single person, and also requires only limited space.
• a further major advantage of the compact arrangement is that it allows the drum kit sound to be recorded in stereo by two microphones, wherein both
• microphones are capable of recording the sound of all struck percussion elements.
• the delay in recording a sound of a percussion elements further away provides a spatial effect.
• the central connecting member is adapted for being attached to a stand. This allows the drum kit to be conveniently
• the stand comprises:
• a stand is collapsible in order to require a minimal space during storage or
• Such a stand can be collapsed into a very compact state.
• embodiment would be the size and possibly associated weight of a base plate that is big enough to provide the desired stability .
• the at least one additional support member comprises at least two arms that are arrangeable at an angle with respect to said second carrying member. This provides a secure and stable support for the drum kit.
• the second carrying member can be translated along the first carrying member, providing extra adjustability.
• the additional support member can be translated along the second carrying member. In this way, the stand is provided with even more adjustability.
• the central connecting member comprises means with which it can be attached to a table top. If a table is available, the drummer might even consider mounting the drum kit to a table. In that case, the stand is redundant.
• one or more percussion elements that are operated indirectly via an actuating member and a transmission are provided with a secondary transmission that extends downwardly from the percussion element that is arranged on or at the central connecting member, and that comprises a foot pedal as an actuating member.
• the foot pedal is used to actuate the transmission, while the bass drum preferably still is in a position where it can also be struck with a drumstick as described above.
• This embodiment also allows a foot pedal to be used for the situation where the drum kit is attached to a table.
• the stand may be collapsible.
• At least one microphone is arranged on or at the central connecting member, wherein the microphone is configured for recording sound produced by a percussion element, and wherein said microphone is connected to a sound effect unit that is configured for amplifying and/or adding a sound effect to the recorded sound.
• two microphones are arranged on or at the central connecting member. With two microphones a stereo sound of the drum kit can be recorded, since the compact arrangement of the drum kit according to the invention allows both microphones to record the sound of all struck percussion elements. The delay in recording a sound of a percussion elements further away provides a spatial effect, that can be utilised and enhanced by the sound effect unit.
• the sound effect unit comprises a foot pedal as operating member .
• the invention is further related to a method for the configuration of a drum kit as described above, said method comprising the steps of:
• one or more directly struck percussion elements such as a snare drum, a tom-tom or a cymbal, on or at the central connecting member;
• At least a hi-hat is arranged on or at the central connecting member, and said hi-hat is connected via the transmission to the actuating member that is also arranged on or at the central connecting member.
• the drum kit further comprises a bass drum that is arranged on or at the central connecting member, wherein said bass drum is arranged at such a close distance near one or more directly struck percussion elements, that the drummer is capable of striking them with one single hand when the drummer operates two drumsticks in said one single hand .
• the invention is further related to a method for the configuration of a drum kit as described above, said method comprising the step of operating a percussion element indirectly via the actuating member and the transmission.
• Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of a drum kit according to the invention
• Figure 3 is a detailed view of the connecting member that carries percussion elements and an actuating member and transmission for operating one of said percussion elements;
• Figure 4 is a detailed view showing the playing method related to the drum kit according to the invention.
• the basic set up of the drum kit 1 according to the invention is the same as for traditional drum kits. It comprises the three basic elements: a bass drum 10, a snare drum 4 and a hi-hat 12, as well as two tom-toms 6.
• the set up also comprises one or more cymbals arranged above the hi-hat and on the same support 13 (shown only in fig. 4) . If more than one cymbal is used, they preferably have different diameters, even more
• each cymbal having the largest diameter and each cymbal that is arranged at a higher level
• the mounting rack 14 shown in figure 3 comprises a bar with a number of through holes that form recesses 16. These recesses are adapted for receiving tubes 42 of
• the positioning means 40 typically comprises at least two of said tubes 42 that function as positioning carrying means 42, and that are interconnected via an adjustable pivot point 44.
• the pivot point 44 preferably comprises a wing nut 46, so that the positioning means 40 can be adjusted without additional tools.
• the tubes 42, as well as a first carrying member 26 of a stand 24 can be received in one of the recesses 16 of the rack 14.
• the clamping means 18 can be clamped by tightening button 20.
• the first carrying member 26 of the stand 24 is attached to the central connecting member 14 at a distance from the line wherein the recesses 16 are arranged. This distance provides a moment arm that allows the elements of the drum kit 1, such as the percussion elements 2 and the actuating member 50, to be arranged in such a way that the mass center of gravity is positioned substantially above the stand. By positioning the mass center of gravity in this way, the dimensions of the stand can be optimized, i.e. the
• additional support member 34 can be of a limited size. This allows the drum kit 1 to be collapsible into a small package that can be easily transported.
• the stand 24 (figures 1 and 2) comprises a first carrying member 26 and a second carrying member 28 that is pivotably connected at or near a first end 30 thereof to the first carrying member 26.
• the second end 32 of the second carrying member 28 is adapted to form a support point with the foundation.
• Two arms 36 that are arrangeable at an angle with respect to said second carrying member 28 together form an additional support member 34 that provides two additional support points in addition to said first support point.
• the second carrying member 28 can be translated along the first carrying member 26.
• the additional support member 34 can be translated along the second carrying member 28, and might be even slid off of the second carrying member 28 when collapsing the stand 24 for transport of the drum kit 1.
• the mounting rack 14 is adjustable in height it is easy for every player to find the right set-up no matter what the height of the person is. Once a drummer has found the perfect setup it is very easy to reproduce this setup over and over again. Even playing sitting down is possible because the rack 14 can be mounted down to a height of about 40 cm, making it possible to sit down on a chair or a stool and play the drums from there.
• the drums shown in figures 1, 2 and 4 are smaller than in traditional drum kits. This has a great advantage in the level of sound and the compactness of the drum kit 1.
• By keeping the bass drum 10 open on the down side of the drum it is also possible to place the snare drum 4 inside the bass drum 10 for packaging and transport.
• the level of sound can be reduced even further. Also the absence of a foot pedal can have a beneficial effect on reducing the sound level .
• the acoustic drum kit 1 allows brushes or chopsticks to be used for special sound effects, while similar playing techniques have little to no effect on an electronic drum kit.
• the big volume components of the drum kit 1 fit into each other (bass drum 10, snare drum 4 and hi-hat 12 cymbals) the drum kit 1 can be packed to a very compact total in very little time. Included in the concept is a case or bag in which the drum kit can be packed securely. In its most compact form the total drum kit 1 will need no more than about 50*40*40 cm (length * width *height) of space. Compared to a traditional drum kit this is only a very limited space. This makes it possible to transport the drum kit 1 everywhere at any time. This makes it unnecessary for a drummer to play on somebody else's drum kit ever again (unless the drummer wants to) .
• the drum kit 1 according to the invention can be disassembled (not shown), after which all parts fit securely into a box or bag of about 50*40*40 cm. In case of a box it might even be used as a stool for playing the drums while sitting down.
• a further difference between traditional drum kits and the drum kit 1 according to the invention is the way it is played.
• Traditional drum kits require the drummer to use both his feet for operating a bass drum pedal and a hi-hat pedal along with both hands.
• the pedals function as actuating members.
• the drum kit 1 according to the invention only requires the use of both hands 60, 66 (figure 4) . To do so the drummer will need to adjust his playing technique. He will play the hi-hat 12 and the bass drum 10 with the same (right) hand 66. The snare drum 4 (and if needed also the hi-hat 12) will be played with the other hand 60 (left hand) .
• the function of the traditional hi-hat pedal is replaced by an actuating member 50 that is carried by the central connecting member 14.
• a further advantage of replacing the traditional foot operated actuating members with one or more hand or stick operated actuating members 50 is that it allows the drummer to play his drum kit 1 even in a standing position. This provides the drummer with increased flexibility, and the option to further engage with the band and the public, as he is not required to sit behind this improved drum kit 1.
• the operation of the hi-hat 12 is different from hi-hats used in a traditional drum kit.
• traditional drum kits the hi-hat is closed when the left foot is pushed down on the pedal. It will (automatically) open up if the left foot is lifted. Hence the hi-hat is open in rest position.
• the hi-hat 12 will be closed in resting position and will be opened by operating, e.g. pushing, the actuating member 50 with the left hand 60 (snare drum hand) .
• pushing the actuating member 50 will result in a pulling force on cable 52 that functions as the transmission.
• cable 52 When cable 52 is pulled it forces a (not-shown) metal pin upward on which the hi-hat top cymbal is mounted. Underneath the metal pin a (not-shown) spring will stretch. If the
• drum kit 1 it is possible to apply one or more microphones 58 for amplifying the drum kit's 1 sound, which further allows (electric) sound effects to be added to the acoustic drum kit 1.
• the drum kit 1 according to the
• the drum kit 1 does not require conventional foot pedals as an actuating member, the drummer might use one or both of his feet to control a foot pedal used for additional (electric) sound effects.
• the drummer might even play other music instruments with his feet, such as a bass conform the use of foot pedals for a church organ.
• the drum kit 1 according to the invention is compact, well affordable, intuitively easy to play and easy and quick to assemble. Furthermore, the sound level of acoustic use is considerably reduced, making it possible to play with acoustic instruments like guitar, piano, and vocals.
• the disadvantages of conventional acoustic drum kits as mentioned in the introductory part, being related to the five aspects of acoustics, area, assembly, amplifying and appearance are solved by the drum kit 1 according to the invention .
• the drum kit has excellent possibilities to be used electrically, creating whole new possibilities in use and sounds, enabling a drummer to benefit from the

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Auxiliary Devices For Music (AREA)
• Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)

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• 2013
  • 2013-05-21 NL NL2010831A patent/NL2010831C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2014
  • 2014-05-20 EP EP14729983.8A patent/EP3000108A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2014-05-20 WO PCT/NL2014/050318 patent/WO2014189369A1/en not_active Ceased

Non-Patent Citations (2)

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