Abstract:
Ergonomic rings for drum stick, method of installation, and method of use. A pair of resilient rings is installed on a drum stick spaced apart substantially by a distance equal to the width of a drummer&#39;s middle finger. The ergonomic rings have the effect of increasing drum stick radius, thereby substantially reducing the amount of force the drummer must expend to play the drum stick, reducing drummer fatigue, and increasing drummer speed. In addition, the rings aid in ensuring that the drummer&#39;s hand is disposed in the correct location along the length of the drum stick, and in preventing the drum stick from slipping out of the drummer&#39;s hand during play. Methods of installation and use are also disclosed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to drum sticks, and in particular to ergonomic rings for drum sticks, method of installation, and method of use. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   Drums are one of the most important percussion instruments. These may be played by hand, or drum sticks may be used. 
     FIG. 1  depicts a typical prior art drum stick  2  comprising shaft  4  terminating in bead  6 . Drum stick  2  is employed to play a drum by holding its shaft  4 , usually either in the traditional or match-grip style. 
   A number of problems exist with prior art drum sticks. One problem especially pronounced in the case of beginners is holding shaft  4  in the correct location along its length. Another problem is the inherent slippery nature of the polished wood from which traditional drum sticks are manufactured. This problem becomes especially severe where the drummer is perspiring while playing. In this case, the drummer must expend precious energy to tightly grip the drum sticks to avoid having them fly out of his hands. 
   Still another problem associated with traditional drum sticks is the force required to be exerted by the drummer merely to play the drums: because of the small diameter inherent in the design of traditional drum sticks, the moment generated by the drummer is small in direct proportion to the small drum stick diameter. Thus, it would be desirable to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks which increase the moment arm available to the drummer, thus reducing the force required by the drummer to play the drums. 
   Existing Designs 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. Des. 295,872 and 3,137,194 were granted to Koumarianos and Simpson, Jr. respectively. Koumarianos &#39;872 taught a slip-on grip having two series of integral rings spaced apart by approximately the width of the drummer&#39;s hand. While this design helped prevent the drum stick from slipping out of the drummer&#39;s hand, the distance between the two ring series was fixed, and thus was not adjustable for the finger size of the individual drummer. In addition, the spacing between the two ring series was approximately equal to the width of the drummer&#39;s hand, which is too great a distance for use with the instant method, which relies on rings spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the width of a drummer&#39;s middle finger. 
   The Simpson &#39;194 design taught two rings which were also spaced apart approximately the width of the drummer&#39;s hand. As in the Koumarianos &#39;872 design, the Simpson design helped prevent the drum stick from slipping out of the drummer&#39;s hand. However, the distance between the two rings was approximately equal to the width of the drummer&#39;s hand, which is too great a distance for use with the instant method. In addition, the position of the rings on the drum shaft was limited by the location of existing grooves and pre-drilled holes into which the rings were intended to fit. Thus, the Simpson &#39;194 rings were not infinitely adjustable along the length of the drum stick shaft, thus negatively affecting their adjustability to individual drummer preference. Finally, the Simpson &#39;194 rings were taught to be spiral constructions, rather than rings made of resilient material, thus increasing their complexity and consequently their cost. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,310,278, 6,118,062 and 4,488,470 were granted to Butler, Thoman and Larrain respectively. While these patents taught frictional devices which helped prevent drum sticks from slipping out of the drummer&#39;s fingers, they did not provide locational guidance for the drummers grip. In addition, no rings were taught which substantially add to the drum stick radius, thus preventing these designs from increasing the moment available to the drummer to help reduce drummer fatigue. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,581,031, 5,370,030 and 3,365,108 granted Blankenship, Jr., Home and Giba taught rings through which the drummer could insert one or more fingers in order to prevent the drum stick from flying out of his hand. U.S. Pat. No. 2,905,043 granted to Soderberg taught a pair of hingedly attached bass drum sticks, one of which featured a ball attached to a drum stick by means of a post. 
   While the Home &#39;030 and Giba &#39;108 designs taught means for preventing the drum sticks from slipping out of the drummer&#39;s hand, no rings were taught which substantially add to the drum stick radius, thus preventing these designs from increasing the moment available to the drummer to help reduce drummer fatigue. 
   While the Blankenship &#39;031 pistol grip design appeared to increase the grip of the drummer on the drum stick, the design rendered the stick difficult to grip using the traditional grip. In addition, the grip was pre-sized, thus preventing adjustability for different hand sizes. 
   Similarly, although the Soderberg &#39;043 post ball increased the moment arm available to the drummer when the post ball was pushed with the thumb, this design appears inappropriate for use in the traditional or match-grip style. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,400,685 and 5,260,506 granted Cappella, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,671 granted Genna, taught drum stick bead rings. While these rings extended circumferentially around the bead, they did not aid in drummer grip nor drummer grip location on the drum stick. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks and methods which permit the drum sticks to be played by means of a simple push-pull motion by the drummer&#39;s thumb and fingers. Design features allowing this object to be accomplished include at least one ergonomic ring frictionally engaged with a drum stick shaft. Advantages associated with the accomplishment of this object include increased control and speed of play. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks and methods which maintain the drummer&#39;s hands in the correct position on the drum stick. Design features allowing this object to be accomplished include at least one ergonomic ring frictionally engaged with a drum stick shaft positioned so as to guide the drummer&#39;s hand into position. A benefit associated with the accomplishment of this object is more accurate drum stick holding by the drummer. 
   It is still another object of this invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks and methods which are adjustable for personal preference. Design features enabling the accomplishment of this object include at least one ergonomic ring frictionally engaged with a drum stick shaft. Advantages associated with the realization of this object include the ability to use the instant ergonomic rings with a wide variety of drummer hand sizes, and the cost savings associated with such standardization. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks and methods which help prevent a drum stick from slipping out of a drummer&#39;s hand. Design features allowing this object to be accomplished include at least one ergonomic ring frictionally engaged with a drum stick shaft. Benefits associated with the accomplishment of this object include decreased drum stick loss, associated enhanced performance quality, and reduced drummer fatigue. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks and methods which may be used with either the traditional or the match-grip style, and either left or right hand use. Design features allowing this object to be accomplished include at least one ergonomic ring frictionally engaged with a drum stick shaft. Benefits associated with the accomplishment of this object include increased installation versatility, and hence decreased cost. 
   It is still another object of this invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks which may be installed on a new drum stick when the drum stick upon which the ergonomic ring was originally installed wears out. Design features enabling the accomplishment of this object include at least one ergonomic ring manufactured of resilient material, sized to frictionally and removably engage with a drum stick shaft. Advantages associated with the realization of this object include increased flexibility of use, and reduced cost. 
   It is yet another object of this invention to provide ergonomic rings for drum sticks which are inexpensive to manufacture. Design features allowing this object to be achieved include the use of components made of readily available materials. Benefits associated with reaching this objective include reduced cost, and hence increased availability. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention, together with the other objects, features, aspects and advantages thereof will be more clearly understood from the following in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. 
     Eight sheets of drawings are provided. Sheet one contains  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Sheet two contains  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Sheet three contains  FIGS. 5–8 . Sheet four contains  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Sheet five contains  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Sheet six contains  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Sheet seven contains  FIGS. 15–17 . Sheet eight contains  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 1  is a side isometric view of a prior art drum stick. 
       FIG. 2  is a side isometric view of a drum stick with a pair of ergonomic rings installed. 
       FIG. 3  is a side quarter isometric view of an ergonomic ring. 
       FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of a pair of ergonomic rings installed on a drum stick. 
       FIG. 5  is a side quarter isometric view of a washer. 
       FIGS. 6–8  depict an ergonomic ring being installed on a drum stick using a washer installation tool. 
       FIG. 9  is a side quarter isometric view of a winged washer. 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevated isometric view of an installation fork. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick with ergonomic rings in his left hand using a match-grip. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick with ergonomic rings in his right hand using a match-grip. 
       FIG. 13  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick with ergonomic rings in his left hand using the traditional grip. 
       FIG. 14  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick with ergonomic rings in his left hand using the traditional grip, which is the same as the match-grip for the right hand. 
       FIGS. 15–17  illustrate the geometrical advantage of the instant invention over the prior art drum sticks due to the greater radius inherent in the instant ergonomic rings compared to the smaller radius of a prior art drum stick. 
       FIG. 18  is a side isometric view of an alternate embodiment ergonomic ring and installation. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , we observe a side isometric view of drum stick  2  with a pair of ergonomic rings  20  installed on its shaft  4 . As may be observed in  FIG. 3 , a side quarter isometric view of ergonomic ring  20 , ergonomic ring  20  comprises ergonomic ring bore  22 . Ergonomic ring bore  22  is sized to frictionally admit shaft  4 . 
   In addition, in the preferred embodiment, ergonomic ring  20  was manufactured of resilient material such as rubber. Thus, ergonomic ring  20  is capable of stretching to admit shaft  4 . Once ergonomic ring  20  has been installed on shaft  20 , its inherent resilience causes it to tightly grip shaft  4 , thus maintaining its position in a desired location on shaft  4 . 
     FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of a pair of ergonomic rings  20  installed on a drum stick shaft  4 . In the preferred embodiment, ergonomic ring  20  incorporated ergonomic ring groove  26  around its outer surface. Ergonomic ring groove  26  is sized to admit O-ring  24 . O-ring  24  serves to provide enhanced frictional area and contour with which a drummer may grip an ergonomic ring  20 , and also serves to increase the radius of ergonomic ring  20 . Ergonomic ring tapered end  28  is disposed at an extreme of ergonomic ring  20  opposite O-ring  24 . An outside diameter of ergonomic ring  20  diminishes from O-ring  24  to ergonomic ring tapered end  28 . 
   As may be observed in  FIG. 4 , ergonomic rings  20  are ideally spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the width of the drummer&#39;s middle finger. For most drummers, this distance is equal to approximately 0.75±0.25 inches. 
   The optimum shape of ergonomic rings was determined experimentally. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the ratio of O-ring diameter  62  to ergonomic ring bore diameter  60  was 1.64±0.25, the ratio of ergonomic ring outside diameter  64  at ergonomic ring tapered end  28  to ergonomic ring bore diameter  60  was 1.36±0.25, the ratio of ergonomic ring length  68  to ergonomic ring bore diameter  60  was 1.00±0.25, and the ratio of O-ring distance  66  to ergonomic ring bore diameter  60  was 0.68±0.25. O-ring distance  66  is the distance along the length of ergonomic ring  20  from the center of O-ring  24  to ergonomic ring tapered end  28 . It is within the scope of this disclosure that O-ring  24  and the remainder of ergonomic ring  20  be of integral construction. 
     FIGS. 5–10  depict apparatus and methods of installation of ergonomic rings  20  on a drum stick  2 .  FIG. 5  is a side quarter isometric view of washer  30 . Washer  30  comprises washer bore  32  sized to admit drum stick  2 . In addition, washer  30  comprises washer outside diameter  34 , sized sufficiently large to permit a drummer to push ergonomic ring  20  onto drum stick  2  as depicted in  FIGS. 6–8 . In the preferred embodiment, two or more washers  30  with different washer bore  32  sizes were provided with each package of ergonomic rings  20  to accommodate different sizes of drum sticks. 
   Ergonomic ring  20  is installed on drum stick  2  by first applying lubricant  36  to drum stick  2  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the preferred embodiment, lubricant  36  was a commercially available lubricant such as K-Y Jelly, which dries cleanly, with no residue. Next, an extreme of drum stick  2  is inserted into ergonomic ring bore  22 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Although either extreme of drum stick  2  may be inserted into ergonomic ring bore  22 , it is generally easiest to insert the end of drum stick  2  which terminates in bead  6 . 
   Next, the same end of drum stick  2  is inserted into washer bore  32  as depicted in  FIG. 7 . Washer  30  is then used to push ergonomic ring  20  into a desired position on drum stick  2  as indicated by arrow  80  in  FIG. 7 . In the preferred embodiment, the correct location of the first installed ergonomic ring  20  is such that its ergonomic ring tapered end  28  is substantially two-thirds the length of drum stick  2  from the bead end of drum stick  2 , and its O-ring  24  is further removed from bead  6  than its ergonomic ring tapered end  28 . This position is illustrated by first ergonomic ring installed length  82  in  FIG. 8 . 
   A second ergonomic ring  20  is then installed on drum stick  2  in the same fashion as the first ergonomic ring  20 , but with its O-ring  24  closer to bead  6  than its ergonomic ring tapered end  28 . In the preferred embodiment, ergonomic rings  20  were installed such that a distance between their respective tapered ends  28  was substantially equal to the width of the drummer&#39;s middle finger. Typically the width of a drummer&#39;s middle finger is 0.75±0.25 inches. 
   If a third ergonomic ring  20  or alternate embodiment ergonomic ring  21  is to be installed, as is illustrated in  FIG. 18 , it may be installed on drum stick  2  in the same fashion as the first ergonomic ring  20  as described above. Such third ergonomic ring  20  or  21  may be installed such that a distance between the first ergonomic ring  20  and the third ergonomic ring  20  or  21  is substantially equal to the width of the drummer&#39;s ring finger. Typically the width of a drummer&#39;s ring finger is 0.75±0.25 inches. 
     FIG. 18  depicts an alternate embodiment ergonomic ring  21  installed as a third ring, as described above. In this embodiment, the drummer would hold the drum stick  2  same as previously described for two ergonomic rings  20 , except the drummer&#39;s ring finger would be disposed between the first ergonomic ring  20  and the alternate embodiment ergonomic ring  21 . Use of the three-ring embodiment is same as use of the two-ring embodiment, except the drummer&#39;s ring finger would be disposed between the first ergonomic ring  20  and the alternate embodiment ergonomic ring  21 . The alternate embodiment ergonomic ring may be a simple O-ring as depicted in  FIG. 18 , or an ergonomic ring  20  as is depicted in  FIGS. 2–4 . 
     FIG. 9  is a side quarter isometric view of winged washer  40 , which is an alternate embodiment installation tool to aid in the installation of ergonomic rings  20  and/or  21  on drum stick  2 . Winged washer  40  comprises a pair of wings  46  rigidly attached to opposite sides of slotted washer  41 . Slotted washer  41  comprises winged washer bore  42  communicating with winged washer slot  48 . Winged washer bore  42  and winged washer slot  48  are sized to slidably admit drum stick shaft  4 . 
   In practice, drum stick shaft  4  is inserted into winged washer bore  42 , either directly or through winged washer slot  48 . Wings  46  are then used to push ergonomic ring  20  and/or  21  into a desired location along shaft  4 . 
     FIG. 10  is a side elevated isometric view of installation fork  50 , which is an alternate embodiment installation tool to aid in the installation of ergonomic rings  20  and/or  21  on drum stick  2 . Installation fork  50  comprises a pair of installation fork tangs  54  rigidly attached to installation fork handle  56 . Installation fork tangs  54  are mutually separated by installation fork slot  52 . Installation fork slot  52  is sized to slidably admit drum stick shaft  4 . 
   In practice, drum stick shaft  4  is inserted into installation fork slot  52 . Installation fork handle  56  is then used to push ergonomic ring  20  and/or  21  into a desired location along shaft  4 . 
     FIG. 11  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick  2  with ergonomic rings  20  in his left hand using a match-grip. The drummer&#39;s middle finger is disposed between ergonomic rings  20 . The drummer&#39;s index finger is disposed on the drum stick bead side of ergonomic rings  20 , and the drummer&#39;s third and fourth fingers are disposed on the side of ergonomic rings  20  opposite his index finger. 
   In this position, the drum stick is played by pushing with the thumb as indicated by arrow  84  and pulling with the fingers as indicated by arrows  88 , using the ergonomic ring  20  nearest bead  6  as a fulcrum against the index finger as indicated by arrow  86 . As may be observed in  FIGS. 15–17 , ergonomic ring  20  has the effect of increasing the length of drum stick radius  72 , thus increasing the moment arm available to the drummer and reducing the force required to play, thereby decreasing drummer effort and fatigue. 
     FIG. 12  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick  2  with ergonomic rings  20  in his right hand using a match-grip. The drummer&#39;s middle finger is disposed between ergonomic rings  20 . The drummer&#39;s index finger is disposed on the drum stick bead side of ergonomic rings  20 , and the drummer&#39;s third and fourth fingers are disposed on the side of ergonomic rings  20  opposite his index finger. 
   In this position, the drum stick is played by pushing with the thumb and pulling with the fingers, using the ergonomic ring  20  nearest bead  6  as a fulcrum against the index finger. As may be observed in  FIGS. 15–17 , ergonomic ring  20  has the effect of increasing the length of drum stick radius  72 , thus increasing the moment arm available to the drummer and reducing the force required to play, thereby decreasing drummer effort and fatigue. 
     FIG. 13  depicts a drum stick  2  with ergonomic rings  20  being held in a drummer&#39;s left hand using the traditional grip. The crook between the drummer&#39;s thumb and index finger is disposed between ergonomic rings  20 . Ergonomic rings  20  ensure the drummer&#39;s hand is correctly located along the length of drum stick  2 . In this position, drum stick  2  is played in conventional fashion, and ergonomic rings  20  aid in placing the drummer&#39;s hand correctly along the length of drum stick  2 . 
     FIG. 14  depicts a drummer holding a drum stick  2  with ergonomic rings  20  in his right hand using a match-grip. The drummer&#39;s middle finger is disposed between ergonomic rings  20 . The drummer&#39;s index finger is disposed on the drum stick bead side of ergonomic rings  20 , and the drummer&#39;s third and fourth fingers are disposed on the side of ergonomic rings  20  opposite his index finger. 
   In this position, the drum stick is played by pushing with the thumb and pulling with the fingers, using the ergonomic ring  20  nearest bead  6  as a fulcrum against the index finger. As may be observed in  FIGS. 15–17 , ergonomic ring  20  has the effect of increasing the length of drum stick radius  72 , thus increasing the moment arm available to the drummer and reducing the force required to play, thereby decreasing drummer effort and fatigue. 
   When a drummer is holding drum stick  2  in the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 11 ,  12  and  14 , with his middle finger between ergonomic rings  20 , he plays drum stick  2  by pushing with his thumb, and pulling with his fingers, as previously noted. More specifically, the drummer&#39;s index finger is disposed against the ergonomic ring  20  closest bead  6 . The drummer&#39;s thumb is disposed against the ergonomic ring  20  closest bead  6  diametrically opposed from the drummer&#39;s index finger. The drummer&#39;s middle finger is disposed between the ergonomic rings  20  diametrically opposite the drummer&#39;s thumb, and the drummer&#39;s third and fourth fingers are disposed on the side of the ergonomic rings  20  farther from bead  6 , their second and third joints being disposed diametrically opposite the drummer&#39;s thumb. 
   Thus, the drummer&#39;s index finger serves as a fulcrum against the ergonomic ring  20  closest bead  6 . The action of the drummer pushing with his thumb on that same ring at a location diametrically opposed his index finger, while simultaneously pulling with his index, middle, third and fourth fingers, has the effect of pivoting the drum stick  2  around the fulcrum which is the drummer&#39;s middle finger. 
     FIGS. 15–17  illustrate the geometrical advantage of the instant invention over the prior art drum sticks due to the greater radius inherent in the instant ergonomic rings compared to the radius of a prior art drum stick. 
   Played conventionally, a drummer exerts drum stick force  71  on drum stick  2  at a force angle  74  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . As a result, drum stick  2  rotates about pivot point  70 , and bead  6  strikes the drum head. Referring now to  FIG. 16 , for a given drum stick radius  72 , the moment required to obtain this result=(drum stick force  71 )×(drum stick radius  72 )×(cosine of force angle  74 ). 
   In order to obtain the same result using the instant ergonomic rings  20 , we may refer to  FIG. 17 . The moment required is the same, and equals (ergonomic ring force  75 )×(ergonomic ring radius  73 )×(cos force angle  74 ). Note, however, that ergonomic ring radius  73  is larger than drum stick radius  72 ; therefore the ergonomic ring force  75  required to obtain the same moment is proportionally less. 
   Expressed Trigonometrically:
 
(ergonomic ring force 75)×(ergonomic ring radius 73)×(cos force angle 74)=(drum stick force 71)×(drum stick radius 72)×(cosine of force angle 74)
 
   Simplified:
 
(ergonomic ring force 75)×(ergonomic ring radius 73)=(drum stick force 71)×(drum stick radius 72)
 
   And, solving for ergonomic ring force  75 :
 
(ergonomic ring force 75)=[(drum stick force 71)×(drum stick radius 72)]/(ergonomic ring radius 73)
 
   In the preferred embodiment the ratio of drum stick radius  72  to ergonomic ring radius  62  was 0.61. Thus, in the preferred embodiment:
 
ergonomic ring force 75=0.61×(drum stick force 71)
 
   Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, the force required of the drummer to play the instant drum stick  2  equipped with ergonomic rings  20  was only 61% the force required to play the same drum stick  2  without ergonomic rings  20 ! Given the dramatically reduced force required to play the instant drum stick  2  with ergonomic rings  20 , the reduction in drummer fatigue is substantial. In addition, the enhanced level of drummer comfort and ability to play faster and stronger are added benefits inherent in the use of the instant ergonomic rings  20 . 
   While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated herein, it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the appending claims. 
   DRAWING ITEM INDEX 
   
       
         2  drum stick 
         4  shaft 
         6  bead 
         20  ergonomic ring 
         21  alternate embodiment ergonomic ring 
         22  ergonomic ring bore 
         24  O-ring 
         26  ergonomic ring groove 
         28  ergonomic ring tapered end 
         30  washer 
         32  washer bore 
         34  washer outside diameter 
         36  lubricant 
         40  winged washer 
         41  slotted washer 
         42  winged washer bore 
         46  wing 
         48  winged washer slot 
         50  installation fork 
         52  installation fork slot 
         54  installation fork tang 
         56  installation fork handle 
         60  ergonomic ring bore diameter 
         62  O-ring diameter 
         64  ergonomic ring outside diameter 
         66  O-ring distance 
         68  ergonomic ring length 
         70  pivot point 
         71  drum stick force 
         72  drum stick radius 
         73  ergonomic ring radius 
         74  force angle 
         75  ergonomic ring force 
         80  arrow 
         82  first ergonomic ring installed length 
         84  arrow 
         86  arrow 
         88  arrow