Abstract:
A device for acoustic or electronic drum sets is described comprising at least a first throne section and two extending portions for accommodating drum sets or components thereof placed thereon. A particular embodiment comprises a throne section that defines a built in drum key pocket; two extensions rotatably and extendibly coupled to the throne section that can expand and collapse at least partially to accommodate drum sets or components thereof placed thereon and to facilitate transportation, at least one of the two extensions defining a handle for carrying the device; first and second arm extensions rotatably coupled to each of the two extensions; and plural levelers for leveling the device. The drum device can be configured to receive a single bass drum and single bass drum pedal; configured for use with a single bass drum and double bass drum pedal; or configured for use with a double bass drum and bass drum pedals.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/690,720, filed on Jun. 14, 2005. The entire disclosure of provisional application No. 60/690,720 is considered to be part of the disclosure of the accompanying application and is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD 
   This application concerns a device placed underneath and for use with acoustic and electronic drum sets. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Drum sets include a multitude of components. Some of these components are standard to most sets, and some are optional, depending on the desires of the drummer. Most drum sets include a throne or seat for the drummer. Arrayed around the drummer are the various components. Virtually all drum sets include at least one bass drum, and perhaps two, or double, bass set ups. The bass drum is played by actuating a foot pedal with the right or left foot of the drummer. The drummer may use each foot to play the bass drum, by using two bass drums, or by employing a double bass drum pedal. The double pedal provides a second beater to strike the bass drum, which is operated remotely by a slave pedal. 
   The bass drums have leg extensions, called spurs, that extend downwardly from the drum to the floor. These leg extensions are intended to stabilize and secure the drum in its proper position, and are useful to maintain the bass drum in place as the drummer plays. Drummers often experience drum slide as the forward force of the beater causes the drum to creep away during play, particularly during hard drumming. Moreover, the base of the foot pedal(s), the spurs and other drum set components are made from durable metal materials, and hence can substantially damage an underlying surface. 
   Drum sets also typically include a device referred to as a hi-hat. A hi-hat is a stand device designed for playing two opposing cymbals. A pair of cymbals is effectively coupled to an actuating rod that is actuated by a hi-hat foot pedal. The two cymbals are positioned in facing, but opposite, orientations. When the hi-hat foot pedal is pressed, the two cymbals meet and produce sound. As with bass drum slide, drummers often experience hi-hat slide as the hi-hat slowly creeps away during play, particularly during hard drumming or if the device is standing upon a smooth or slick surface. Moreover, the base of the stand and the foot pedal again are made from durable metal materials, and hence can substantially damage an underlying surface. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention concerns embodiments of a device for use with acoustic or electronic drum set devices. Certain disclosed embodiments comprise at least a first pad portion and two extending portions for accommodating drum sets or components thereof that are placed thereon. The two extending portions may further comprise rotatable first and second extensions. Portions of the device can expand and collapse at least partially for use and transportation, and certain embodiments also include a handle for carrying the device. The device may comprise a resilient material on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof. 
   Certain embodiments further comprise a built in drum key pocket and/or levelers for leveling the device for playing on uneven surfaces. The device may be configured for use with different drum sets, such as drum sets having a single bass drum and single bass drum pedal; a single bass drum and double bass drum pedal; and/or a double bass drum and bass drum pedals. 
   A particular embodiment of the present invention comprises a throne section that defines a built in drum key/Allen wrench storage pocket. Two extensions are rotatably and extendibly coupled to the throne section that can expand and collapse at least partially for use to accommodate drum sets or components thereof that are placed thereon and to facilitate transportation. At least one of the two extensions defines a handle for carrying the device. First and second arm extensions are rotatably coupled to each of the two extensions. Some or all components of the device can include levelers for leveling the device. And, typically, at least a portion of the device comprises a resilient material on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof. The device includes a built-in attachment designed to secure/fasten the components during transportation. 
   A method for setting up and using a drum kit also is disclosed. The method comprises providing a device for use with acoustic or electronic drum sets comprising at least a first pad portion and two extending portions for accommodating drum sets or components thereof placed thereon. The method further comprises setting up a drum kit in association with the device. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a drum set device in a collapsed configuration, such as might be suitable for transporting the device from location to location, the illustrated embodiment comprising leveling feet and a seat pad. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a partially expanded configuration. 
       FIG. 3  is an embodiment particularly useful for a single bass drum set. 
       FIG. 4  is an embodiment particularly useful for a single bass or a double bass drum set with double pedal configuration. 
       FIG. 5  is an embodiment particularly useful for a drum set having two bass drums. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a drum set device in an expanded configuration having drum set components placed thereon. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   I. General Discussion 
   Disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern a portable, adjustable, under-lying device designed to improve use and/or set up for musical drum sets and to address the disadvantages identified in the Background. The application can be used with acoustical or electronic drum sets. The device substantially eliminates problems associated with poor, uneven surfaces, such as uneven floors or grass, and/or problems associated with drum sets and accessories that, during use, wobble, slide, creep, and/or bounce. Disclosed embodiments also substantially prevent damage to underlying surfaces, such as floors, including marring and other damage, commonly experienced under drum sets. The device also provides the user a more consistent set up, spacing, and a solid feel with which to play in various locations. 
   The device folds up and all the parts are attached for easy transportation. It can be produced from any suitable material, including without limitation, metal, plastic, wood, and combinations thereof. Certain embodiments may include a resilient material, generally a softer, carpet or fabric material, which cushions the primary materials used, at least on certain components of the drum set device or portions thereof, and in some embodiments both on top and underneath surfaces. The bottom surface protects flooring and will not skid. The top provides a tough surface, or surface and fabric, ideal for solid playing. Built in stops are optionally provided to brace the bass drum(s), and other pedals. 
   The illustrated embodiments typically include three parts: a seat pad; and two extensions that fit under the bass drum and associated pedal(s) and stability hardware, which are part of the drum set itself. The device provides sufficient, and generally just enough, flooring to accommodate the major weight-bearing elements, e.g. the seat, bass drum and various pedals, such as the hi-hat and bass drum pedals, and other components that may be used. 
   The system provides a seat pad, which supports most thrones on the market today. The seat pad is adjustable so that the device settings can be expanded or contracted, or the extension angles can be increased or decreased. This allows the user to make the device conform to the desired spacing, size, reach, requirements, etc. 
   Also, custom designs can be produced for large and complicated drum setups, where there is a need to accommodate multiple pedal arrangements, etc. 
   At various locations levelers, such as leveling feet, may be installed. This allows adjustments needed to make the device compensate and provide evenness and stability over uneven flooring and rough surfaces. Levelers, in various numbers and configurations, may be provided at desired locations around the perimeter of the extensions. Certain embodiments include levelers that adjust from the top with a common drum key, and allow a user to establish a solid platform over wavy and uneven flooring conditions. 
   When the user is finished playing, components of the device retract and/or fold to provide a more compact unit for easy transportation. Certain embodiments include a built in handle and can be carried with one hand. Disclosed embodiments are substantially flat and not too large, and therefore conveniently can be transported and/or stored with other gear. 
   II. Description of Illustrated Embodiments 
     FIG. 1  depicts a first embodiment of a drum device  100 . Drum device  100  has a first throne section  102  for underlying a drum throne during use. The illustrated embodiment of throne section  102  is substantially circular and has a diameter suitable for its function to underlie the throne. The present embodiment is not limited to having a substantially circular throne section seat pad  102 , but instead encompasses all other geometric shapes and dimensions that perform the desired function. 
   Extending from throne section  102  are a first extension  104  and a second extension  106 . Sections  104  and  106  are rotatably coupled to the throne section  102 . Rotatable connections are typically achieved using any suitable fastener that effectively and securing couples the components  102 ,  104  and  106  together. 
   First extension  104  and second extension  106  are designed to underlie drum components, or at least portions of such components, such as foot pedals and leg extensions. First extension  104  can be extended from throne section  102 , and can be rotated so as to extend radially outwardly from throne section  102 . This allows a drummer to position extension  104  at a distance from, and at a desired radial position relative to, throne section  102 . These distances and radial positions are to be set according to various drum set configurations desired by each drummer. 
   First extension  104  includes two extenders  108  and  110 . Extenders  108  and  110  are rotatable relative to extension  104 . The illustrated embodiment of device  100  includes extenders  108  and  110  of set length. These extenders  108  and  110  also can be designed to be of variable length relative to extension  104 . 
   Second extension  106  also can be extended from throne section  102 , and can be rotated relative thereto, so as to extend radially outwardly from throne section  102 . Extension  106  can be positioned at a distance from, and at a desired radial position relative to, throne section  102 . These distances and radial positions are to be set according to various drum set configurations desired by each drummer. 
   Second extension  106  includes two extenders  112  and  114 . Extenders  112  and  114  are rotatable relative to extension  106 . The illustrated embodiment of device  100  includes extenders  112  and  114  of set length. These extenders  112  and  114  also can be designed to be of variable length relative to extension  106 . 
   Drum device  100  is designed for easy transport, as drum sets typically are moved from location-to-location.  FIG. 1  illustrates extensions  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  in retracted and/or rotated positions useful to provide a compact device. Device  100  is then moved and placed as desired, and the extensions  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  positioned for the drummer&#39;s desired configuration. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates that throne section  102  can be variably positioned with respect to extensions  104  and  106 . For example, by loosening the fasteners  114  and  116 , extensions  104  and  106  can be moved along slots  118  and  120  as formed in throne section to provide variable movement of each component relative to the other. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the  FIG. 1  embodiment in a partially expanded configuration. Thus, drum device  200  includes throne section  202 , and extensions  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  210 . Arrows adjacent each of the components illustrated in  FIG. 2  indicate directions in which each of the components can be moved to configure the illustrated embodiments of the drum device as desired. Device  200  also includes a carrying handle  216  to facilitate transportation of the device in a collapsed configuration, such as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   Drum device  202  also includes a recessed pocket  218 . Pocket  218  is formed in the structural material used to form throne section  202 . Recessed pocket  218  can be variably dimensioned to receive devices as desired by individual drummers. For example, pocket  218  can be sized to receive an Allen wrench and/or a drum key that are used to assemble drum kits, as well as embodiments of the drum device disclosed in the present application. 
     FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5  illustrate embodiments of the drum device that are useful for variable configurations of drum sets. The embodiment of  FIG. 3  is specifically designed to receive a single bass drum, single actuating bass pedal configuration.  FIG. 4  is designed for a single bass drum, but with a double actuating pedal for the bass drum. And  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment  500  that is configured to receive a double bass drum, and double pedal configuration. Each of the embodiments includes some or all of the features described above, and common reference numbers may be used to refer to common parts. The primary differences for use with various drum kit configurations concern the shape and dimensions associated with extensions  304 ,  306 ,  404 ,  406  and  504 ,  506 . For example, compare extensions  306  and  506 . This comparison illustrates one difference between the embodiment  300  for a single bass drum, single pedal configuration and embodiment  500  for a double bass, double pedal configuration. Extension  306  is substantially shorter than extension  304 , whereas extensions  504  and  506  are of substantially equal length. Furthermore, extensions  304  and  306  are of substantially the same shape, whereas extensions  404  and  406  have substantially different shapes, i.e. extension  406  is substantially wider than extension  404 . Similarly, extensions  504  and  506  have substantially different shapes, with extension  506  having a portion substantially wider than any portion of extension  504 . These different shapes and dimensions allow the embodiments  300 ,  400  and  500  to be used with different drum set configurations. It will be appreciated that other shapes and/or dimensions in various combinations can be used for drum set configurations other than those specifically disclosed herein. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment  600  of a drum device in an expanded configuration and having various drum components positioned thereon. Specifically, device  600  includes a throne section  602  and extensions  604  and  606 . As with other disclosed embodiments, extensions  604  and  606  also include arm extensions  608 ,  610 ,  612 , and  614 . 
   With respect to use, the embodiment  600  illustrates throne  616  positioned on a top surface of throne section  602 . Throne  602  may optionally include position recesses or apertures for  618  for receiving leg  620  of throne  616 . Bass drum  622  has levelers and extenders  624  and  626  that are positioned on extensions  608  and  610 , respectively. As with throne section  602 , extender  608  optionally can include recesses or apertures  626  and  628  for receiving  624  extension arm  624  of bass drum  622 . Hi-hat  630  is positioned on extension  604 ,  612  and  614  as indicated. 
   In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments exemplify the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. I therefore claim as my invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.