Abstract:
A device for beating drums selectively by either foot. A first foot mechanism controls the movement of a first mallet. A second foot mechanism controls the movement of a second mallet remotely. A third foot mechanism controls the movement of a third mallet. A fourth foot mechanism controls the movement of a fourth mallet remotely. A first support mechanism, adjacent the first and fourth foot mechanisms, elevates a heel portion of a foot. A second support mechanism, adjacent the second the third foot mechanisms, elevates a heel portion of a foot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to a device for improving the operability, efficiency, and comfortability of bass drum pedals, and particularly to a quad bass drum pedal in which either foot selectively controls a plurality of drum beaters, using pedal positions which are programmably adjustable in three dimensions. 
     2. Description of the Relevant Art 
     There are known bass drum pedals. For example, Livingston U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,499 discloses a drum beating apparatus having a linkage for beating a drum from a remote foot pedal. Livingston fails to disclose a quad bass drum pedal in which each of the user&#39;s foot controls a plurality of drum beating devices, or in which the foot pedals are selectively adjustable in three dimensions. 
     Herring U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,733 discloses a double drum beater in which a single foot pedal controls two drum beaters which oscillate out of phase relative to each other. Herring fails to disclose a quad bass drum pedal in which either foot controls a drum beater for each of a plurality of remotely-located drums, having means for adjustably positioning the foot pedals relative to each other. 
     Fearns U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,441 discloses a double acting drum pedal wherein rocking action by a single foot pedal controls the movement of a single drum beater, but fails to disclose a quad drum beater device having coupling means for remotely controlling the drum beater. 
     Norwood U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,803 discloses a double bass drum pedal apparatus wherein one mallet is controlled by depressing the toe portion of the foot pedal, and a second mallet is controlled by depressing the heel portion of the foot pedal. Norwood fails to provide a quad bass drum beater device having means for remotely controlling the operation of a plurality of drum mallets by a plurality of foot pedals, or having means for adjustably positioning a plurality of foot pedals. 
     Bills U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,853 discloses a double acting drum pedal wherein a single drum is beaten on both a downward and an upward motion of a single foot pedal. Bills fails to disclose a drum pedal device for beating a plurality of drums, having means for controlling the beating operation from a plurality of foot pedals operated by either foot, or means for adjustably positioning a plurality of foot pedals relative to each other and to the drum beaters. 
     Engineered Percussion manufactures a double pedal device wherein both a proximally-located and a remotely-located foot pedal controls the beating of a single drum, having means for adjustably positioning the remote foot pedal. The device fails to disclose a quad drum pedal device in which a plurality of drums are selectively beaten using a plurality of foot pedals operated by either foot, each of which controls a drum mallet and includes means for adjustably positioning the user&#39;s foot in a comfortable position for improved performance during extended play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the above-discussed limitations and shortcomings of known drum beating devices, and satisfies a significant need for a quad bass drum beating device having means for remotely coupling a plurality of foot pedals to a plurality of drum beaters, and having means for adjustable placement thereof. 
     There is provided a quad bass drum pedal in which a plurality of bass drums are capable of being beaten selectively by either foot. A plurality of foot pedals, mallets, and associated controlling mechanisms are provided for each foot, including linkages for remotely controlling a mallet with a foot pedal. In a preferred embodiment, the foot pedals are adjustable relative to the drums and include means for adjustably elevating each foot relative to the pedal for improved comfort during extended play. 
     Specifically, the present invention includes the combination of a first dual pedal device comprising a first drum mallet, first foot pedal, first controlling means connected therebetween, a second drum mallet, second foot pedal and second controlling means connected to the second foot pedal; a second dual pedal device comprising a third drum mallet, third foot pedal, third controlling means connected between the third mallet and the third foot pedal, a fourth drum mallet, fourth foot pedal, and fourth controlling means connected to the fourth foot pedal; a first remote coupling means connected between the second drum mallet and the fourth controlling means, for remotely controlling the second drum mallet with the fourth foot pedal; and a second remote coupling means connected between the second controlling means and the fourth drum mallet, for remotely controlling the fourth drum mallet utilizing at least one drive belt for facilitating the remote connection. 
     The present invention additionally includes means, connected to each dual pedal device, for independently adjustably supporting the heel portion of the user&#39;s foot at a substantially elevated position relative thereto. 
     In use, each drum to be played is placed in their desired positions, and each dual pedal device is positioned accordingly by arranging each dual pedal device adjacent to its corresponding drum, using the universal joints associated with both remote coupling means. Next, the heel supports for each dual pedal device is adjusted to position the user&#39;s foot in a comfortable position when performing. Thereafter, the device can be used to beat the drums, with each foot independently capable of beating each drum. 
     If, for example, the drum situated to the user&#39;s left is beaten by the user, either foot may control such action by depressing either the left foot pedal of the dual pedal device operated by the user&#39;s left foot, or by depressing the right foot pedal of the dual pedal device operated by the user&#39;s right foot. Similarly, the drum situated to the user&#39;s right is beaten either by depressing the left foot pedal of the dual pedal device operated by the user&#39;s right foot, or by depressing the right foot pedal of the dual pedal device operated by the user&#39;s left foot. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a quad drum pedal device for selectively controlling a plurality of drums with either foot. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a quad pedal device which provides means for selectively remotely controlling a plurality of drums from remotely-located foot pedals. 
     It is also an object of the invention to provide a quad pedal device having means for comfortably and adjustably supporting the heel portion of the user&#39;s foot in an elevated position relative to the foot pedals associated therewith. 
     Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the adjustable heel support of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the adjustable heel support of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the adjustable heel support of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the adjustable heel support of the present invention showing its connection to a foot pedal. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a quad drum pedal device according to the present invention. The invention is preferably but not necessarily made substantially of a sturdy yet relatively lightweight material, such as stainless steel or aircraft aluminum, but alternatively the device is made from other materials. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a quad drum pedal device preferably but not necessarily comprises two dual pedal devices 17a and 17b, and means for coupling them together. Because the device includes two dual drum pedal devices 17a and 17b which are preferably but not necessarily constructed substantially identically, the description of one dual pedal device set forth hereinbelow applies substantially equally to the other. 
     Each dual drum pedal device 17a, 17b, provides the user with the capability of moving a first local mallet 2a by a first foot pedal 1a, a remote mallet by a second foot pedal 1b, and a second local mallet 2b by remote means. Referring to FIG. 1, each dual drum pedal device 17a, 17b preferably but not necessarily comprises two pedals 1a and 1b; two mallets 2a and 2b; three mallet supports 3a, 3b and 3c; three mallet axles 4a, 4b, and 4c; two biasing means 6a and 6b; and a base plate 7. 
     According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, pedal 1a of each dual pedal device 17a, 17b preferably operatively moves mallet 2a, which is situated substantially adjacent thereto. Specifically, mallet 2a and pedal 1a are both pivotally connected to a means for moving mallet 2a rotationally about a horizontal axis. Such controlling means preferably but not necessarily comprises mallet support 3a, to which mallet 2a is attached; and mallet axle 4a, which is supported by support post 5a, adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and attached to mallet support 3a along a central region thereof, shown in FIG. 1. In this way, rotating pedal 1a relative to base plate 7 causes mallet 2a to rotate about an axis defined by mallet axle 4a so that mallet 2a moves into and out of contact with an adjacent drum. 
     Mallet axle 4a is preferably but not necessarily connected to a means for biasing mallet 2a and pedal 1a into a position, comprising spring 6a. One end of spring 6a is preferably but not necessarily attached to support post 5a, and a second end thereof is attached to mallet axle 4a, so that as mallet 2a rotates about axle 4a from a first position, spring 6a subsequently automatically returns mallet 2a thereto. Such position is preferably but not necessarily one in which mallet 2a is in position to strike a drum and drum when pedal 1a is depressed. 
     Pedal 1b of each dual drum pedal device 17a, 17b is preferably but not necessarily positioned adjacent to pedal 1a thereof, pivotally connected to base plate 7 at its heel portion, and connected to a second means for controllably moving a remotely-situated mallet about an axis, such means comprising a second mallet support 3b which is connected to and adapted to rotate about a second mallet axle 4b. 
     Each dual drum pedal device 17a, 17b includes a second mallet 2b, which is attached to a third mallet support 3c so as to rotate about a third axis defined by a third axle 4c, as shown in FIG. 1. Axle 4c preferably but not necessarily connects to a first means for coupling mallet 3c to a remotely-situated pedal so that mallet 3c is operatively controlled by remote means. A second biasing means 6b is preferably but not necessarily connected between axle 4c and a support post 5a so as to urge mallet 2b in a particular position. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the first coupling means preferably but not necessarily connects mole 4b of dual pedal device 17a with axle 4c of dual pedal device 17b, so that pedal 1b of dual pedal device 17a remotely controls the movement of mallet 2b of dual pedal device 17b. Such first coupling means preferably but not necessarily includes drive shaft 11 and universal joints 8a and 8b, which are situated at either end of drive shaft 11 so that each dual pedal devices 17a and 17b can adjustably angularly pivot about universal joints 8a and 8b, respectively. 
     Axle 4b additionally connects to a second means for coupling a remote mallet thereto. The second coupling means preferably but not necessarily connects axle 4c of dual pedal device 17a with axle 4b of dual pedal device 17b, wherein such coupling cannot be facilitated entirely by a single drive shaft and a pair of universal joints, due to axles 4b and 4c being positioned on the outer ends of their respective dual pedal devices 17a, 17b. Referring to FIG. 1, the second coupling means preferably but not necessarily comprises drive belts 10a and 10b; drive shafts 19a, 19b, and 19c; drive shaft supports 18a and 18b; and gearing 9a and 9b. Each drive shaft support 18a and 18b preferably but not necessarily extends outwardly from support posts 5a and 5b, respectively, and includes an aperture defined laterally therethrough so as to support drive shafts 19a and 19c. Each drive shaft support 18a, 18b preferably but not necessarily includes a ball-bearing insert 18c which is fitted within the aperture of drive shaft support 18a, 18b so as to provide drive shafts 19a and 19c with a substantially frictionless movement therein. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the second coupling means includes universal joints 8c and 8d, which are positioned adjacent to universal joints 8a and 8b, respectively, so that the dual pedal devices 17a and 17b, maintain their adjustability relative to each other as described hereinabove. 
     Coupling between drive shafts 19a and 19b and dual pedal devices 17a and 17b, is preferably but not necessarily accomplished by drive belts 10a and 10b, and gearing 9a and 9b. As shown in FIG. 1, gears 9a attach to outer ends of drive shafts 19a and 19c, gears 9b attach to mallet axle 4cof dual pedal device 17a and to mallet axle 4b of dual pedal device 17b, and drive belts 10a and 10b are positioned over gears 9a and 9b so as to engage therewith. As a result, movement by axle 4b of dual pedal device 17b, causes drive shafts 19a, 19b and 19c to rotate about their longitudinal axes, thereby pivoting mallet 2b of dual pedal device 17a about axle 4c. 
     The present invention preferably but not necessarily includes a plurality of ball bearing inserts which operatively engage with each axle 4a, 4b, and 4c so as to allow substantially frictionless movement thereof. 
     The present invention preferably but not necessarily includes means for adjustably supporting the heel portion of the user&#39;s feet in an elevated position relative to each base plate 7. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the heel supporting means preferably but not necessarily includes heel member 12; heel base tubing 14, one end of which attaches to base plate 7 and extends outwardly therefrom; and heel rod 13, which attaches to the lower surface of heel member 12 so as to extend outwardly therefrom, and is selectively adjustably telescopically disposed within base tubing 14. Alternatively, heel rod 13 is formed integrally with heel member 12, and base tubing 14 is formed integrally with base plate 7. 
     Heel member 12 preferably but not necessarily is wide enough to allow the user&#39;s foot to comfortably operate both foot pedals 1a and 1b of dual pedal devices 17a and 17b, and includes an upper surface 12a which is substantially flat (FIGS. 2-4). Alternatively, upper surface 12a is shaped to substantially follow the contour of the heel portion of a foot, and may extend beyond the heel portion thereof so as to provide support for an arch portion of the foot. For example, side 12b of heel support 12 may be substantially tapered near upper surface 12a in order to reduce resistance on the foot when a foot pedal 1a or 1b is depressed, as shown in the dotted line in FIG. 4. Further, upper surface 12a of heel member 12 preferably but not necessarily provides a substantially hardened surface, but alternatively upper surface 12a is padded for comfortable extended play. 
     The heel supporting means of the present invention additionally includes a means for quickly and easily locking heel rod 13 in a fixed position within base tubing 14, preferably but not necessarily comprising bolt 15 having head 15a for manual tightening thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, bolt 15 threadingly engages with an internally-threaded aperture located along base tubing 14. Locking rod 13 in a fixed position is accomplished by manually tightening bolt 15 until the second end of bolt 15 makes frictional contact with heel rod 13. 
     Alternatively, the heel locking means comprises elongated locking member 20, which pivotally attaches at one end to heel rod 13 and selectively engages at the second end with one of a plurality of apertures 7a located along base plate 7. In this way, the position of heel support member 12 is placed into an elevated position relative to base plate 7 by positioning the second end of locking member 20 over the desired aperture, which causes heel rod 13 to move within base tubing 14 accordingly, and inserting a bolt or rod through the aperture and the second end of locking member 20, as shown in FIG. 2. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the heel support locking means alternatively includes base tubing 14 having a plurality of apertures defined laterally therethrough at spaced relations therealong, and a rod 18 adapted for selective insertion through the base tubing apertures so that heel rod 13 rests thereon. 
     Although foot pedal 1 is preferably but not necessarily pivotably connected to base plate 7 as shown in FIG. 4, alternatively foot pedal 1 is pivotably connected to heel support member 12 as shown in FIG. 5, or to heel rod 13 (not shown). 
     In use, each dual pedal device 17a, 17b, is adjustably positioned relative to the user and/or the drums associated therewith, using universal joints 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d of the remote coupling means. Next, the heel supports for both dual pedal devices 17a and 17b, are adjusted by disengaging the heel support locking means, sliding heel rod 13 substantially within heel tubing 14 until heel support member 12 is positioned at the desired elevation relative to foot pedals 1 and/or base plates 7, and locking heel rod 13 in place. Thereafter, the device can be used to beat either of the two drums selectively using either foot. 
     For example, the drum situated adjacent to the user&#39;s left foot and associated dual pedal device 17a may be beaten either by depressing pedal 1a thereof, or by depressing pedal 1b of dual pedal device 17b, using the second remote coupling means. Similarly, the drum situated adjacent to the user&#39;s right foot and associated dual pedal device 17b, may be beaten either by depressing pedal 1a thereof, or by depressing pedal 1b of pedal 1b of dual pedal device 17a using the first remote coupling means. 
     Although there have been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. 
     By way of example, the adjustable heel support means may cooperate with either single or dual drum pedal devices, wherein the width of heel support member 12 is sized accordingly, depending on the number of drum pedals associated therewith. 
     The desired embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description.