Curved pedal

A curved pedal having a pedal reference plane and having a width direction and a length direction may comprise an actuatable region disposed at a top surface of the curved pedal; and at least one curvature profile in the length direction within at least one portion of the actuatable region. Slope at the top surface relative to the pedal reference plane may vary smoothly within the at least one portion of the actuatable region. Radius of curvature of the top surface within the at least one portion of the actuatable region may, for example, be not less than one-half of the length of the actuatable region. The actuatable region may comprise at least one first convexity, at least one first concavity, and/or at least one second convexity. Where present, the at least one first concavity may be disposed centrally in the length direction between the at least one first convexity and the at least one second convexity. The curved pedal may be mounted in a pedal assembly and used to operate a drum or other such percussion instrument, or any of a wide variety of foot-actuated devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a curved pedal and to a device employing a curved pedal; in particular, the present invention relates to a curved pedal for a drum or other foot-operated device where dexterity, responsiveness, and/or comfort when operating for an extended period of time are desired.

BACKGROUND

Many devices employ pedals for foot-actuated operation. Among the many devices capable of foot-actuated operation by way of pedal(s) are automobiles, helicopters, airplanes, backhoes and other such vehicles and heavy equipment, looms, sewing machines, treadles, knitting machines, mills, lathes, pumps, and other such industrial apparatuses, to name just a few examples.

Another category of device which may employ pedal(s) for foot-actuated operation is musical instruments such as organs, pianos, and other keyboard instruments, as well as drums, cymbals, and other such percussion instruments.

Drum pedals have been used for playing drums for more than a century. Many improvements on the drum pedal have been made, allowing better operability and facilitating various performance styles.

One factor still in need of improvement with pedals currently on the market is comfort. Repeated multiple beats, e.g., doublets, triplets, etc., provide an attractive performance but can be difficult and tiring for many players. Many players find that their foot becomes fatigued after performing for an extended period of time, especially when generating repeated multiple beats in rapid succession.

Another factor still in need of improvement with pedals currently on the market is ability to accommodate various techniques.

To generate a doublet, i.e., two repeated beats, a player might simply repeat the same foot movement twice in rapid succession, or for improved comfort and greater degrees of freedom during playing a player might, for example, employ a sliding technique or a heel-toe technique.

In a sliding technique for producing a doublet, a player might first depress one location of the drum pedal with his or her toe to generate a first stroke, slide the foot along the pedal toward the toe or the heel end of the pedal, and then depress a second location of the pedal to generate a second stroke. However, with a conventional flat pedal, many players find foot positioning difficult and find the sliding motion difficult to control or uncomfortable.

In a heel-toe technique for producing a doublet, a player might first depress the pedal with his or her heel to generate a first stroke, and then tilt the toe down to depress the pedal with his or her toe to generate a second stroke. This technique can cause fatigue of the ankle when playing for an extended period.

Similar techniques may also be employed for producing a triplet, i.e., three repeated beats, which is generally even more difficult than a doublet.

Conventional pedals are typically flat, or where such conventional deviate from planar, they may have spiky protrusions, and may employ joggled or stepped surfaces.

With a flat drum pedal, techniques such as the sliding technique and the heel-toe technique are tiring and are difficult to master. A flat pedal is generally devoid of features that might assist the player in locating the foot during playing. Unless a player can quickly and reliably locate his or her foot by the “feel” of the pedal, it will be difficult to develop the dexterity required for advanced sliding and heel-toe techniques.

Furthermore, a flat pedal is a poor match for the shape of the foot, and a flat pedal requires considerably more movement of the foot and/or ankle than would be necessary if the pedal were a better match for the shape of the foot.

Moreover, when using the heel-toe technique with a flat pedal, the heel and/or toe tend to strike the pedal surface at a glancing angle. A pedal shape that would permit the foot—and in particular the heel of the foot and/or the ball of the foot (note that the term “toe” as used herein may include the ball of the foot)—to strike the pedal at an angle more nearly perpendicular to the pedal surface would improve the leverage or efficiency with which force is transferred from the player's foot to the drum pedal, permitting stronger and/or less tiring performance.

Furthermore, a pedal surface that is interrupted by spiky protrusions or sharply stepped surfaces is not conducive to techniques that utilize sliding motion of the foot across the pedal surface. Moreover, a pedal having a smoothly varying contour would be especially desirable for a player who employs bare feet or who wears socks but no shoes or who wears thin shoes or other such foot coverings for improved comfort and sensitivity in locating the foot on a pedal.

In addition, whereas conventional pedals tend to be only slightly longer than the foot of the player, a pedal that is substantially longer than the foot of the player would not only increase leverage about the fulcrum of the heel hinge, permitting more powerful and/or less tiring playing, but would also facilitate more sustained sliding along the length direction of the pedal. A pedal substantially longer than the foot of the player may also accommodate multiple striking locations beyond the basic heel-toe striking positions employed conventionally.

There is therefore a need for an improved pedal that addresses at least one of the foregoing issues.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a curved pedal. Another aspect of the present invention is a pedal assembly or other device employing such a curved pedal. One embodiment of the present invention is a curved pedal for a drum or other foot-operated device where dexterity, responsiveness, and/or comfort when operating for an extended period of time are desired.

In accordance with one embodiment, a curved pedal may have a pedal reference plane, width direction, and length direction.

The curved pedal may comprise an actuatable region for actuation by a foot. The actuatable region may be disposed at a top surface of the curved pedal.

The curved pedal may comprise at least one curvature profile in the length direction within at least a portion of actuatable region and/or within the entire actuatable region.

Slope at the top surface of the curved pedal relative to the pedal reference plane may vary smoothly within at least a portion of actuatable region and/or within the entire actuatable region.

Change in slope as a function of position in the length direction, i.e., the second spatial derivative with respect to position in the length direction, within at least a portion of actuatable region and/or within the entire actuatable region might, for example, be not greater than 30° per inch and/or 11.25° per inch±75%.

Radius of curvature of the top surface of the curved pedal within at least a portion of actuatable region and/or within the entire actuatable region may, for example, be not less than one-half of the length of the actuatable region, might be not less than 3″, and/or might be 8″±75%.

The at least one curvature profile might be more or less sinusoidal with wavelength 10″±50% and amplitude 0.30″±75%.

The at least one curvature profile might be more or less elliptically arcuate with radius of curvature 8″±75% and have an extremum of height 0.30″±75% as measured from the pedal reference plane.

The at least one curvature profile might be more or less circularly arcuate with radius of curvature 8″±75% and have an extremum of height 0.30″±75% as measured from the pedal reference plane.

The at least one curvature profile might be approximated by a polynomial curve of order not less than three with radius of curvature 8″±75% and have an extremum of height 0.30″±75% as measured from the pedal reference plane.

The actuatable region may comprise at least one first convexity, at least one first concavity, at least one second convexity, and/or at least one flat portion.

Where at least one first convexity, at least one first concavity, and at least one second convexity are present, the at least one first concavity may be disposed centrally in the length direction between the at least one first convexity and the at least one second convexity.

The at least one first convexity and/or the at least one second convexity might be substantially a half-lobe that extends or extend not more than 25% peripherally past an extremum or extrema thereof.

Length of actuatable region in the length direction might be not less than 12″.

The curved pedal may comprise a heel end having at least one feature permitting mounting to a heel hinge.

The curved pedal may comprise a toe end having at least one feature permitting mounting to at least one pivoting linkage arm.

The curved pedal may be mounted in a pedal assembly and used to operate a drum or other such percussion instrument, or any of a wide variety of foot-actuated devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a curved pedal.

A curved pedal in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be employed in any of a wide variety of devices that employ pedals for foot-actuated operation, such as automobiles, helicopters, airplanes, backhoes and other such vehicles and heavy equipment, looms, sewing machines, treadles, knitting machines, mills, lathes, pumps, and other such industrial apparatuses.

Although embodiments of the present invention are described in terms of an example in which a curved pedal mounted in a pedal assembly operates a beater to strike a vertical bass drum, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the example of a pedal assembly for causing actuation of a beater that strikes a vertical bass drum, but may also be applied to a pedal assembly for causing actuation of a beater that strikes a horizontal bass drum, a pedal assembly for causing actuation of high-hat cymbals, and to a pedal assembly for causing actuation of any of a wide variety of devices in which motion from a foot-actuated pedal can be converted into motion for driving and/or controlling the device or any portion thereof through an appropriate linkage or transmission mechanism, of which the pedal assembly described below is merely one example.

Referring toFIG. 1, this shows drum set100. Drum set100is an example of a system employing foot-operated device(s) requiring rapid, dexterous, and/or repeated actuation over an extended period of time. More specifically, drum set100includes a number of percussion instruments102, two among which, i.e., bass drum103and high-hat cymbals104, are capable of being actuated by foot by way of respective pedal assemblies110. The description that follows is given in terms of an example in which pedal assembly110operates a beater that strikes bass drum103, but pedal assembly110may be applied to actuation of high-hat cymbals104or to any of a wide variety of devices that may employ pedals for foot-actuated operation.

Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, these respectively show perspective and side views of a pedal assembly110in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, pedal assembly110comprises curved pedal130, one end of which, hereinafter referred to as the heel end, has hole(s) and/or other features permitting it to be pivotably mounted on heel hinge114at a location toward what will be referred to as the heel end of baseboard112. The other end of curved pedal130, hereinafter referred to as the toe end, is free to pivot about the shaft of heel hinge114as curved pedal130goes from its raised or undepressed position at which pedal reference plane131is more or less inclined at pedal mount angle128to its lowered or fully depressed position at which pedal reference plane131is more or less parallel (except to the extent limited by a stopper or the like to prevent damage to the drum surface or other parts) with baseboard plane113, when curved pedal130is depressed by a foot against the restoring force provided by pedal return spring126.

Having identified one end of curved pedal130as the heel end thereof, and having identified the other end of curved pedal130as the toe end thereof, these directions, i.e., the heel end or side which is toward the left as seen inFIG. 3, and the toe end or side which is toward the right as seen inFIG. 3, may be employed herein for convenience of description.

Pivoting linkage arms122are oriented more or less vertically, the bottom ends of pivoting linkage arms122being connected to either side of the toe end of curved pedal130, toe end of curved pedal130having hole(s) and/or other features permitting connection to the bottom ends of pivoting linkage arms122, and the top ends of pivoting linkage arms122being connected to either side of the toe end of a rocker120on which beater stem118terminating in beater115is mounted. As the toe end of curved pedal130swings through its arc about the pivot of heel hinge114, transfer of this rotary motion to rocker120via pivoting linkage arms122causes rocker120to pivot about rocker axle116which is supported by bearings held by support posts124secured to baseboard112.

With continued reference toFIG. 3and additional reference toFIG. 4, curved pedal130will now be described.FIGS. 3 and 4respectively show side and perspective views of curved pedal130ofFIG. 2,FIG. 3showing curved pedal130as mounted in pedal assembly110andFIG. 4showing curved pedal130by itself. Additional reference may also be made toFIG. 10, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts.

As shown inFIG. 4, curved pedal130may have a length direction132and a width direction133.

In one embodiment, curved pedal130may have an actuatable region135at a top surface136of curved pedal130. Where this is the case, bottom surface137may be disposed opposite top surface136. Thickness of curved pedal130, i.e., the dimension shown inFIGS. 3 and 4between top surface136and bottom surface137, is preferably at least of magnitude sufficient to support and allow actuation by a foot but not so large as to impede movement of curved pedal130. For example, where curved pedal130is made of 6061 or similar aluminum, thickness of curved pedal130might be on the order of 0.375″. Note that there is no objection to employment of a curved pedal130of nonuniform thickness; for example, there is no objection to employment of a curved pedal130in which thickness varies with position in length direction132and/or in width direction133. For example, in one embodiment, thickness of curved pedal130may vary such that bottom surface137is flat, e.g., where convenient for manufacture of curved pedal130; so long as top surface136is curved or otherwise has curvature and/or other feature(s) as described herein, there is no particular objection to employment of any arbitrary configuration at bottom surface137, provided that this does not impede operation of pedal assembly110.

Although aluminum has been mentioned by way of example, curved pedal130may be made of any suitable material, including steel or other suitable metal, thermoplastic and/or thermosetting resin, wood, glass, ceramic, and/or the like, and may comprise any suitable laminated and/or composite material(s). Curved pedal130may be cast, machined, molded, formed in a vice or other such device, or manufactured and/or shaped by any other suitable technique.

Length of actuatable region135in length direction132is preferably at least long enough to permit comfortable actuation by the foot of a typical player, or by the feet of various players who may range in age from child to adult. For example, in one embodiment, length of actuatable region135in length direction132might be 5 inches to 20 inches. When length of actuatable region135is 5 inches to 20 inches, this may provide good but not excessive leverage for comfortable and responsive actuation of curved pedal130. In a preferred embodiment, length of actuatable region135in length direction132is substantially longer than the foot of a typical player so as to permit increased leverage and facilitate various sliding actuation techniques. For example, in one embodiment, length of actuatable region135in length direction132is preferably not less than 12″, more preferably not less than 14″, and still more preferably not less than 16″. Actuatable region135is described further below with reference toFIG. 10.

There is no particular limitation with respect to width of curved pedal130in width direction133, it being sufficient that width of curved pedal130in width direction133be such as to permit comfortable actuation by the foot of a typical player, or by the feet of various players who may range in age from child to adult. Note that there is no objection to employment of a curved pedal130of nonuniform width; for example, there is no objection to employment of a curved pedal130in which width varies with position in length direction132. For example, width of curved pedal130in width direction133may vary to accommodate the varying width of a typical foot. Furthermore, width of curved pedal130may narrow near the heel end and/or toe end of curved pedal130for convenience of mounting in pedal assembly110and to provide clearance with respect to support posts124and/or other parts.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 through 4, curved pedal130has actuatable region135comprising portion(s)140,150,160that is or are convex and/or concave relative to pedal reference plane131. More specifically, curved pedal130in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 through 4comprises actuatable region135having first convexity140, first concavity150, and second convexity160. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 through 4, first convexity140, first concavity150, and second convexity160are arranged in length direction132of actuatable region135.

Except where stated otherwise herein, what is referred to herein as curvature of curved pedal130is curvature of top surface136thereof in length direction132as most easily seen in side view such as is shown inFIG. 3andFIGS. 6 through 10. Except where stated otherwise herein, what is referred to herein as convexity or concavity of curved pedal130is convexity or concavity of top surface136thereof as viewed from a point above top surface136and as most easily seen in side view such as is shown inFIG. 3andFIGS. 6 through 10.

Where curved pedal130contains multiple inflection points145,165, pedal reference plane131is defined as the plane that contains the best-fit line through those multiple inflection points145,165as seen in a sectional view taken at a point located approximately centrally in width direction133of curved pedal130as shown in the side view ofFIG. 3. Where curved pedal130contains less than two inflection points, pedal reference plane131is defined as the plane that contains the best-fit line through top surface136as seen in a sectional view taken at a point located approximately centrally in width direction133of curved pedal130as shown in the side view ofFIG. 3.

Thus, in some embodiments, curved pedal130may be curved in at least a pedal length direction132. Where this is the case, curved pedal130is preferably curved within at least a portion of an actuatable region135in the pedal length direction132.

In one embodiment, the profile of top surface136of curved pedal130in length direction132has at least one inflection point145,165(seeFIG. 6 through 10) where curvature transitions between convex and concave, regardless of order, in length direction132. In a preferred embodiment, there are at least two such inflection point145,165.

In a preferred embodiment, there are no horizontal flat portions (seeFIG. 8) within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135. In one embodiment, slope of top surface136at inflection point(s)145,165where curvature transitions between convex and concave in length direction132is preferably not less than 5°, more preferably not less than 10°, and most preferably not less than 15°.

In a preferred embodiment, there are no vertical flat portions (seeFIG. 9) within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135. In one embodiment, slope of top surface136at inflection point(s)145,165where curvature transitions between convex and concave in length direction132is preferably not greater than 85°, more preferably not greater than 80°, and most preferably not greater than 75°.

Where horizontal, vertical, and/or inclined flat portion(s) exist within actuatable region135, these are preferably beveled or rounded so as to prevent occurrence of sharp corners139(seeFIGS. 8 and 9) at transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex and/or concave portion(s).

In one embodiment, local radius of curvature along top surface of curved pedal130within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135is preferably not less than one-quarter of, more preferably not less than one-third of, and most preferably not less than one-half of the length of actuatable region135. In a preferred embodiment, local radius of curvature along top surface of curved pedal130within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135is preferably not less than 3″, more preferably not less than 5″, and most preferably not less than 7″. In one embodiment, local radius of curvature along top surface of curved pedal130within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135is preferably 8″±75%, more preferably is 8″±50%, and most preferably is 8″±25%.

In one embodiment, curved pedal130has smoothly varying slope within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135.

In one embodiment, the change in slope as a function of position along length direction132, i.e., the second spatial derivative with respect to position in length direction132, within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135is preferably not greater than 30° per inch, more preferably not greater than 18° per inch, and most preferably not greater than 13° per inch. In one embodiment, the second spatial derivative with respect to position in length direction132within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135is preferably 11.25° per inch±75%, more preferably is 11.25° per inch±50%, and most preferably is 11.25° per inch±25%.

In some embodiments, the profile of curved pedal130may be or approximate a sinusoidal curve in length direction132over at least a portion of actuatable region135.

Where curved pedal130has such a sinusoidal profile, wavelength in length direction132is preferably on the order of or longer than the length of the foot of a typical player. For example, in one embodiment, wavelength of curved pedal130in length direction132is preferably 10″±50%, more preferably is 10″±25%, and most preferably is 10″±10%.

Where curved pedal130has such a sinusoidal profile, amplitude as measured from pedal reference plane131is preferably on the order of the height of the arch of the foot of a typical player. For example, in one embodiment, amplitude is preferably 0.30″±75%, more preferably is 0.30″±50%, and most preferably is 0.30″±25%.

In some embodiments, the profile of curved pedal130may be or may approximate a circular or elliptical arc in length direction132over at least a portion of actuatable region135. Where curved pedal130has such an arcuate profile, radius of curvature is preferably 8″±75%, more preferably is 8″±50%, and most preferably is 8″±25%

Where curved pedal130has such an arcuate profile, distance between extrema141,161(seeFIG. 6andFIGS. 8 through 10) of similar curvature, e.g., between successive convexities140,160, in length direction132is preferably on the order of or longer than the length of the foot of a typical player. For example, in one embodiment, interpeak distance, e.g., between first convexity extremum141and second convexity extremum161, in length direction132is preferably 10″±50%, more preferably is 10″±25%, and most preferably is 10″±10%.

Where curved pedal130has such an arcuate profile, height of extrema141,151,161(seeFIG. 6andFIGS. 8 through 10) as measured from pedal reference plane131is preferably on the order of the height of the arch of the foot of a typical player. For example, in one embodiment, height of first convexity extremum141, first concavity extremum151, and/or second convexity extremum161as measured from pedal reference plane131is preferably 0.30″±75%, more preferably is 0.30″±50%, and most preferably is 0.30″±25%.

In some embodiments, the profile of curved pedal130may be or may approximate a polynomial curve in length direction132over at least a portion of actuatable region135.

Where curved pedal130has such a polynomial profile, the order of the polynomial is preferably at least three, more preferably at least four, and most preferably at least five.

Where curved pedal130has such a polynomial profile, distance between extrema141,161(seeFIG. 6andFIGS. 8 through 10, which, though not of polynomial profile, show analogous extrema141,161of arcuately curved pedal130a) of similar curvature, e.g., between successive convexities140,160, in length direction132is preferably on the order of or longer than the length of the foot of a typical player. For example, in one embodiment, interpeak distance, e.g., between first convexity extremum141and second convexity extremum161, in length direction132is preferably 10″±50%, more preferably is 10″±25%, and most preferably is 10″±10%.

Where curved pedal130has such a polynomial profile, height of extrema141,151,161(seeFIG. 6andFIGS. 8 through 10, which, though not of polynomial profile, show analogous extrema141,151,161of arcuately curved pedal130a) as measured from pedal reference plane131is preferably on the order of the height of the arch of the foot of a typical player. For example, in one embodiment, height of first convexity extremum141, first concavity extremum151, and/or second convexity extremum161as measured from pedal reference plane131is preferably 0.30″±75%, more preferably is 0.30″±50%, and most preferably is 0.30″±25%.

In some embodiments, curved pedal130may additionally be curved in pedal width direction133. Where this is the case, curvature of top surface136in pedal width direction133may in some embodiments be convex, or curvature of top surface136in pedal width direction133may in other embodiments be concave. There is no particular objection to a saddle-shaped or similarly contoured curved pedal130in which curvature in length direction132may be locally opposite to curvature in width direction133.

Although curved pedal130has been described with reference toFIGS. 2 through 4in terms of an example in which actuatable region135is divided into three curved portions140,150,160without interposition of flat portion(s), e.g., horizontal or vertical flat portions (seeFIGS. 8 and 9), at inflection points145,146therebetween, actuatable region135may be divided into greater or fewer than three curved portion(s), and there is no particular objection to presence of flat portion(s); e.g., interposition of noncurved or flat portion(s) between respective curved portions140,150,160. AlthoughFIGS. 8 and 9respectively show embodiments in which horizontal and vertical flat portions intervene between curved portions140,150,160, in an embodiment in which flat portion(s) are present note that there is no objection to employment of flat portion(s) that are inclined with respect to pedal reference plane131; i.e., flat as used in this context means noncurved and not necessarily that such flat portion(s) need be parallel to (horizontal) or perpendicular to (vertical) pedal reference plane131. Where horizontal, vertical, and/or inclined flat portion(s) exist within actuatable region135, these are preferably beveled or rounded so as to prevent occurrence of sharp corners139(seeFIGS. 8 and 9) at transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex and/or concave portion(s).

Referring toFIG. 5AthroughFIG. 5J, these show various embodiments in which actuatable region135has been subdivided into three portions, each of which may respectively contain a convex portion140,160; a concave portion150; or a noncurved or flat portion.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5A, curved pedal230comprises first concavity250.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5B, curved pedal330comprises first convexity340and first concavity350.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5C, curved pedal430comprises first concavity450and first convexity440.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5D, curved pedal530comprises first convexity540, first concavity550, and second convexity560.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5E, curved pedal630comprises first convexity640.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5F, curved pedal730comprises first convexity740.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5G, curved pedal830comprises first convexity840and second convexity860.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5H, curved pedal930comprises first convexity940and first concavity950.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5I, curved pedal1030comprises first convexity1040, first concavity1050, and second concavity1070.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5J, curved pedal1130comprises first convexity1140, first concavity1150, and second convexity1160.

Similar variations, included within the scope of the claims appended hereto, are possible when actuatable region135of curved pedal130is subdivided into greater or fewer than three portions.

Note that there is no objection to an embodiment in which convex portion(s)140,160, concave portion(s)150, and/or noncurved or flat portion(s) occupy two or more of the portions into which actuatable region135is divided. For example, where actuatable region135is subdivided into three portions as shown inFIG. 5A through 5J, there is no objection to an embodiment in which first convexity140occupies two of the portions, and first concavity150occupies the remaining portion, or vice-versa. Such a variation is indicated by way of example atFIG. 5I, where second concavity1070occupies two of the portions into which actuatable region135is divided.

Note that there is no objection to combination of convex portion(s) and/or concave portion(s) with noncurved or flat portion(s), some examples of which are shown atFIGS. 5A through 5J.

Furthermore, there is no particular objection to use of angled flat portion(s) to form convex and/or concave portion(s), some examples of which are shown inFIGS. 5A through 5J. Where such angled flat portion(s) exist within actuatable region135, these are preferably beveled or rounded so as to prevent occurrence of sharp corners139(seeFIGS. 8 and 9) at transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex, concave portion(s) and/or other flat portion(s).

In a preferred embodiment, at least one concave portion150is disposed more or less centrally in length direction132and/or is disposed between two convex portions140,160in length direction132.

Referring toFIG. 6, this is a side view of arcuately curved pedal130ain an embodiment of the present invention in which first convexity140a, first concavity150a, and second convexity160ahave radii of curvature142a,152a,162athat are respectively uniform, being circular arcs, and in which arrangement and radii of curvature142a,152a,162aof first convexity140a, first concavity150a, and second convexity160aare such as to produce smooth inflection points145a,165a, without interposition of flat portions, therebetween.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, first arcuately curved convexity140ahas radius of curvature142a, first arcuately curved concavity150ahas radius of curvature152a, and second arcuately curved convexity160ahas radius of curvature162a.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, first convexity inflection point145ais present where curvature transitions between convex and concave between first arcuately curved convexity140aand first arcuately curved concavity150ain length direction132, and second convexity inflection point165ais present where curvature transitions between concave and convex between first arcuately curved concavity150aand second arcuately curved convexity160in length direction132.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, arrangement of first arcuately curved convexity140a, first arcuately curved concavity150a, and second arcuately curved convexity160a, i.e., respective distances between extrema141a,151a,161aand respective heights of extrema141a,151a,161aas measured from pedal reference plane131, and respective radii of curvature142a,152a,162a, are chosen such that adjacent arcs of opposite curvature more or less exactly meet at inflection points145a,165aas to produce smooth inflection points145a,165awithout interposition of flat portions therebetween.

Referring toFIG. 7, this is a side view showing in schematic fashion how curved pedal130, e.g., arcuately curved pedal130aof the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, might appear when mounted in pedal assembly110ofFIG. 3. In the schematic diagram ofFIG. 7, curved pedal130is in its raised or undepressed position, being inclined more or less at pedal mount angle128(seeFIG. 3). As indicated in the graph shown inFIG. 7, respective positions in the x and y axes of first convexity extremum141a, first convexity inflection point145a, first concavity extremum151a, second convexity inflection point165a, and second convexity extremum161a-respectively indicated by indices 1, 2, 3, and 4—are inclined at pedal mount angle128formed by pedal reference plane131and baseboard plane113.

Referring toFIG. 8, this is a side view of arcuately curved pedal130bin an embodiment of the present invention in which first convexity140b, first concavity150b, and second convexity160bhave radii of curvature142b,152b,162bthat are respectively uniform, being circular arcs, and in which arrangement and radii of curvature142b,152b,162bof first convexity140b, first concavity150b, and second convexity160bare such as to accommodate interposition of horizontal flat portions at inflection points145b,165btherebetween as a result of the smaller radii of curvature142b,152b,162bin the embodiment shown inFIG. 8as compared with the radii of curvature142a,152a,162aemployed in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6.

Note that where corner(s)139bare produced at transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex and/or concave portion(s), it is preferred that these be beveled or rounded so that local radius of curvature is not substantially smaller than radius of curvature at other locations along the curved profile at top surface136of curved pedal130. In a preferred embodiment, radii of curvature at corner(s)139bat transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex and/or concave portion(s) are preferably not less than 3″, more preferably not less than 5″, and most preferably not less than 7″.

Referring toFIG. 9, this is a side view of arcuately curved pedal130cin an embodiment of the present invention in which first convexity140c, first concavity150c, and second convexity160chave radii of curvature142c,152c,162cthat are respectively uniform, being circular arcs, and in which arrangement and radii of curvature142c,152c,162cof first convexity140c, first concavity150c, and second convexity160care such as to accommodate interposition of vertical flat portions at inflection points145c,165ctherebetween as a result of the larger radii of curvature142c,152c,162cin the embodiment shown inFIG. 9as compared with the radii of curvature142a,152a,162aemployed in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6.

Note that where corner(s)139care produced at transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex and/or concave portion(s), it is preferred that these be beveled or rounded so that local radius of curvature is not substantially smaller than radius of curvature at other locations along the curved profile at top surface136of curved pedal130. In a preferred embodiment, radii of curvature at corner(s)139cat transition(s) between flat portion(s) and convex and/or concave portion(s) are preferably not less than 3″, more preferably not less than 5″, and most preferably not less than 7″.

Referring toFIG. 10, this is a side view of arcuately curved pedal130d, which is identical to arcuately curved pedal130aofFIG. 6except that portions peripheral to actuatable region135dhave been removed, leaving substantially first convexity half-lobe144d, first concavity half-lobes154d, and second convexity half-lobe164dwithin actuatable region135d.

Whereas curved pedal130shown inFIGS. 2 through 4andFIGS. 6 through 9is divided into three curved portions140,150,160, actuatable region135, i.e., the region contacted by the foot during playing, may in some embodiments not extend all the way to the peripheral ends of first convexity140and second convexity160.

That is, in embodiments in which there is a central concavity150and/or a concavity150disposed between two convexities140,160, it may primarily be the central concavity150that serves to locate or orient the foot, while the convexities140,160to either side thereof might typically primarily serve to receive striking force from the heel and/or toe. This being the case, in such an embodiment, it may be that it is primarily only the central or interior first convexity half-lobe144dwhich is disposed between extremum141dand inflection point145dof first convexity140dthat is required for actuation, and it may be that it is primarily only the central or interior second convexity half-lobe164dwhich is disposed between extremum161dand inflection point165dof second convexity160dthat is required for actuation.

For this reason, actuatable region135dof curved pedal130dis shown inFIG. 10as extending only slightly peripherally past first convexity extremum141dat the heel side (left side inFIG. 10) of curved pedal130d, and as extending only slightly peripherally past second convexity extremum161dat the toe side (right side inFIG. 10) of curved pedal130d.

That is, actuatable region135dof curved pedal130din the embodiment shown inFIG. 10comprises the two half-lobes154dof central concavity150dbut only substantially the interior half-lobe144dof first convexity140dand only substantially the interior half-lobe164dof second convexity160d. Note that in a preferred embodiment, actuatable region135dextends peripherally slightly past first convexity extremum141dto comprise a small portion of what would be the exterior half-lobe of first convexity140d, and extends peripherally slightly past second convexity extremum161dto comprise a small portion of what would be the exterior half-lobe of second convexity160d.

In one embodiment, actuatable region135dpreferably extends peripherally not more than 25%, more preferably not more than 15%, and most preferably not more than 10%, past first convexity extremum141d. In one embodiment, actuatable region135dpreferably extends peripherally not more than 25%, more preferably not more than 15%, and most preferably not more than 10%, past second convexity extremum161d.

And in an embodiment in which it is desirable that that convex portion(s)140,160be at least minimally well-defined, actuatable region135din such an embodiment preferably extends peripherally not less than 15%, more preferably not less than 10%, and most preferably not less than 5%, past first convexity extremum141, and/or actuatable region135din such an embodiment preferably extends peripherally not less than 15%, more preferably not less than 10%, and most preferably not less than 5%, past second convexity extremum161d.

Here, the degree to which actuatable region135dextends peripherally past an extremum is measured as the distance from the projection of the extremum onto pedal reference plane131dto the projection of the most peripheral point of actuatable region135donto pedal reference plane131d.

Although the profiles of first convexity140a,140b,140c,140d; first concavity150a,150b,150c,150d; and second convexity160a,160b,160c,160din the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 10are circular arcs, there is no objection to employment of elliptical arc(s), conic section(s), and/or any suitable portion(s) of Bezier curve(s) at one or more of first convexity140a, first concavity150a, and second convexity160a, or at any suitable portion(s) thereof.

Furthermore, as described with reference toFIGS. 11 through 15, any of various sinusoidal and/or polynomial profiles may be employed at one or more of first convexity140a,140b,140c,140d; first concavity150a,150b,150c,150d; and second convexity160a,160b,160c,160d, or at any suitable portion(s) thereof.

Moreover, curvature profile need not be uniform throughout actuatable region135along length direction132of curved pedal130it being possible, for example, to employ respectively different curvature profiles at curved portions140,150,160. Furthermore, curvature profile need not be uniform within each of respective curved portions140,150,160, it being possible, for example, to employ different curvature profiles at respective half-lobe(s)144,154,164therewithin.

FIG. 11shows a working example in which top surface136of curved pedal130has a uniform sinusoidal profile of wavelength 11.6″ and amplitude 0.30″ throughout actuatable region135in length direction132. The sinusoidal profile shown inFIG. 11was derived by curvefitting a sinusoidal function to data measured from a prototype constructed by the inventor. More specifically, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 11is a graph of the equation y=a+b*cos(cx+d), where coefficients a through d are: a=5.507468819E-01; b=2.959381106E-01; c=5.435591030E-01; and d=−4.978423078E-01.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bshow a working example in which top surface136of curved pedal130has a varying sinusoidal profile within actuatable region135in length direction132, the combined portion comprising first convexity half-lobe144and first concavity heel-side half-lobe154having a sinusoidal profile of wavelength 11.6″ and amplitude 0.30″ as shown inFIG. 12A, and the combined portion comprising first concavity toe-side half-lobe154having a sinusoidal profile of wavelength 8.4″ and amplitude 0.21″ as shown inFIG. 12B. The sinusoidal profiles shown inFIGS. 12A and 12Bwere derived by curvefitting sinusoidal functions to data measured from a prototype constructed by the inventor. More specifically, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 12Ais a graph of the equation y=a+b*cos(cx+d), where coefficients a through d are: a=5.507468819E-01; b=2.959381106E-01; c=5.435591030E-01; and d=−4.978423078E-01. Likewise, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 12Bis a graph of the equation y=a+b*cos(cx+d), where coefficients a through d are: a=4.703228952E-01; b=2.122825994E-01; c=7.515261318E-01; and d=−1.719790992E+00.

FIG. 13shows a working example in which top surface136of curved pedal130has a 5th-order polynomial profile throughout actuatable region135in length direction132. The 5th-order polynomial profile shown inFIG. 13was derived by curvefitting a 5th-order polynomial function to data measured from a prototype constructed by the inventor. More specifically, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 13is a graph of the equation y=a+bx+cx^2+dx^3+ex^4+fx^5, where coefficients a through f are: a=2.788918668E-01; b=7.270160318E-01; c=−3.118881062E-01; d=4.594107675E-02; e=−2.652644591E-03; and f=4.877817180E-05.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bshow a working example in which top surface136of curved pedal130has a varying 3rd-order polynomial profile within actuatable region135in length direction132, the combined portion comprising first convexity half-lobe144and first concavity heel-side half-lobe154having a 3rd-order polynomial profile as shown inFIG. 14A, and the combined portion comprising first concavity toe-side half-lobe154having a 3rd-order polynomial profile as shown inFIG. 14B. The 3rd-order polynomial profiles shown inFIGS. 14A and 14Bwere derived by curvefitting 3rd-order polynomial functions to data measured from a prototype constructed by the inventor. More specifically, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 14Ais a graph of the equation y=a+bx+cx^2+dx^3, where coefficients a through d are: a=2.255092825E-01; b=6.706921138E-01; c=−2.258203518E-01; and d=1.920400372E-02. Likewise, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 14Bis a graph of the equation y=a+bx+cx^2+dx^3, where coefficients a through d are: a=5.392718044E+00; b=−2.018015119E+00; c=2.522924901E-01; and d=−9.781917019E-03.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bshow a working example in which top surface136of curved pedal130has a varying 4th-order polynomial profile within actuatable region135in length direction132, the combined portion comprising first convexity half-lobe144and first concavity heel-side half-lobe154having a 4th-order polynomial profile as shown inFIG. 15A, and the combined portion comprising first concavity toe-side half-lobe154having a 4th-order polynomial profile as shown inFIG. 15B. The 4th-order polynomial profiles shown inFIGS. 15A and 15Bwere derived by curvefitting 4th-order polynomial functions to data measured from a prototype constructed by the inventor. More specifically, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 15Ais a graph of the equation y=a+bx+cx^2+dx^3+ex^4, where coefficients a through e are: a=2.758305230E-01; b=7.484228120E-01; c=−3.307662679E-01; d=5.000334014E-02; and e=−2.605492952E-03. Likewise, the curvature profile shown inFIG. 15Bis a graph of the equation y=a+bx+cx^2+dx^3+ex^4, where coefficients a through e are: a=7.459645128E+00; b=−2.888161825E+00; c=3.872523953E-01; d=−1.892717400E-02; and e=2.286314246E-04.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the working examples described with reference toFIGS. 11 through 15, these merely being exemplary profiles within the ranges of the various parameters—e.g., wavelength, amplitude, interpeak distance and/or distance between extrema, extrema amplitude and/or height as measured from pedal reference plane131, and radii of curvature—as claimed and/or as described elsewhere in this specification.

Note further that although working examples shown inFIGS. 12 through 15employ different or asymmetric amplitudes or gains at first convexity140and second convexity160, while the working example shown inFIG. 11and in the embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 3 through 10generally employed symmetric amplitudes or gains at first convexity140and second convexity160, there is in general no objection to employment of symmetric or asymmetric amplitudes or gains and/or symmetric or asymmetric values for any of the various other parameters at first convexity140, first concavity150, and second convexity160within the ranges of the various parameters—e.g., wavelength, amplitude, interpeak distance and/or distance between extrema, extrema amplitude and/or height as measured from pedal reference plane131, and radii of curvature—as claimed and/or as described elsewhere in this specification.

As described above, curved pedal130of various embodiments of the present invention may be mounted in pedal assembly110for use in drum set100, for example.

Curved pedal130mounted in pedal assembly110for use in drum set100in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may facilitate pedal-actuated drumming and/or may make pedal-actuated drumming less tiring or more comfortable, especially when employing techniques such as the sliding technique and/or the heel-toe technique.

Furthermore, the curved shape of curved pedal130in accordance with some embodiments may allow a player to quickly and reliably locate his or her foot by the “feel” of curved pedal130.

Moreover, because curved pedal130in accordance with some embodiments may be a good match for the shape of the foot, employment of curved pedal130may make it possible to achieve more rapid and powerful striking of the drum with less movement of the foot and/or ankle than is the case conventionally.

In addition, the curved shape of curved pedal130in accordance with some embodiments may allow the foot—and in particular the heel of the foot and/or the ball of the foot—to strike curved pedal130at an angle more nearly perpendicular to top surface136thereof, making it possible to improve the leverage or efficiency with which force is transferred from the player's foot to curved pedal130, and/or permitting stronger and/or less tiring performance.

Furthermore, the smoothly varying contour of curved pedal130in some embodiments may be advantageous for players who employ bare feet or who wears socks but no shoes or who wears thin shoes or other such foot coverings for improved comfort and sensitivity in locating the foot on curved pedal130.

Moreover, because actuatable region135of curved pedal130in some embodiments is substantially longer than the foot of the player, this may not only permit increase in leverage about the fulcrum of heel hinge114, permitting more powerful and/or less tiring playing, but may also facilitate more sustained sliding along length direction132of curved pedal130. In addition, a pedal substantially longer than the foot of the player may also accommodate multiple striking locations beyond the basic heel-toe striking positions employed conventionally.

Referring now toFIGS. 16A through 16C, description will be given of how curved pedal130in pedal assembly110at drum set100might be used accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

At drum set100, pedal assembly110may be used to play a drum103or high-hat cymbals104, for example, in any suitable manner. For example, where pedal assembly110is used to operate bass drum103, pedal assembly110may be assembled in such fashion as to permit pedal assembly110to cause beater115to strike vertically standing drum103or a horizontally standing drum when curved pedal130is depressed.

In some embodiments, a player may use pedal assembly110to generate a single drum beat. At such time, when the player uses his or her foot to operate pedal assembly110, the foot may in general be positioned at any arbitrary location along top surface136of curved pedal130at the time that curved pedal130is depressed. For example, the foot may be positioned as shown inFIG. 16A. In another example, the foot may be positioned as shown inFIG. 16B. In yet another example, the foot may be positioned as shown inFIG. 16C. Possible foot positions are not limited to those shown inFIG. 16AthroughFIG. 16C.

In some embodiments, a player may use pedal assembly110to generate a doublet, or two consecutive drum beats. A doublet may be generated in various ways. For example, a player may simply repeat one of the foot movements mentioned above to generate a single drum beat twice in rapid succession. One advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that it facilitates production of two consecutive drum beats in one foot motion cycle. When two consecutive beats are produced by one foot motion cycle, rapid consecutive beats may be easily achieved.

For example, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a player may use any of various sliding techniques. In accordance with one such sliding technique, a player might first depress curved pedal130using his or her toe to generate a first stroke, slide his or her foot along length direction132of curved pedal130, and then depress curved pedal130again using his or her toe to generate a second stroke. For example, a foot may be positioned for a first toe stroke as shown inFIG. 16Band then for a second toe stroke as shown inFIG. 16C. Alternatively, a foot may be positioned for a first toe stroke as shown inFIG. 16Cand then for a second toe stroke as shown inFIG. 16B. Possible foot positions are not limited to those described inFIG. 16BandFIG. 16C.

One advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention is that the curved top surface136of curved pedal130may be better suited for foot sliding motion and therefore permit easier and less tiring generation of doublets, for example, as compared with a conventional flat pedal.

For example, when toe positions for two consecutive toe strokes are in a curved region of curved pedal130, e.g., within first concavity150, the curved shape of top surface136of curved pedal130may allow a player to more easily slide his or her toe forward or backward along length direction132as the toe depresses curved pedal130.

Furthermore, employment of a curved pedal130having smoothly varying slope within at least a portion of actuatable region135and/or within the entire actuatable region135may make it possible for a player to be able to feel on his or her foot a gradual local angle shift, i.e., slope change, of curved pedal130during foot sliding motion, and a player may use this shift as an indicator to understand where his or her toe is positioned during a foot motion cycle. The shift that may be felt on a player's foot may make reproducing a foot motion cycle easier for the player. In particular, where curved pedal130has second convexity160, the curvature of second convexity160may provide further toe positioning guidance. Thus, the smoothly varying slope of curved pedal130may allow a player to better rely on the feel of the foot and to eliminate or reduce the need to focus on how far the foot should slide, which may make generating a doublet, for example, more reproducible, less tiring, and more enjoyable.

Thus, one advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention is that curved pedal130may make foot tilting motion and hence doublet generation easy and less tiring as compared with a conventional flat pedal. For example, when curved pedal130has at least one convexity140,160, this may permit a player to be better able to feel on his or her toe a gradual local angle shift, slope change, within first convexity140, so as to allow easy positioning of a heel for a heel stroke, for example.

As another example of a technique that may be employed, a player may use a heel-toe technique and/or toe-heel technique.

In one such heel-toe technique, a player may first depress curved pedal130with his or her heel to generate a first stroke, tilt his or her toe down, and then depress curved pedal130with his or her toe to generate a second stroke. For example, a heel may be positioned for a first stroke as shown inFIG. 16Aand then for a second stroke as shown inFIG. 16BorFIG. 16C.

In one such toe-heel technique, a toe stroke may be a first stroke and a heel stroke may be a second stroke. For example, the toe may be positioned for a first stroke as shown inFIG. 16B or 16C, and then the heel may be positioned for a second stroke as shown inFIG. 16A. Possible foot positions are not limited to those described inFIG. 16BandFIG. 16C.

In some embodiments, a player may use pedal assembly110to generate triplets, or three consecutive drum beats. Triplets may be generated in any of various ways. For example, a player may simply repeat the foot movement mentioned above for generating a single drum beat three times. One advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is that it facilitates production of three consecutive drum beats in one foot motion cycle. When three consecutive beats are produced by one foot motion cycle, very rapid consecutive beats may be easily achieved. Furthermore, such a foot motion cycle may be repeated as many times as desired to generate more than three consecutive beats.

It was unexpectedly found by the present inventor that pedal assembly110comprising curved pedal130makes it possible to easily combine heel-toe techniques (or toe-heel techniques) with sliding techniques for easy generation of triplets, for example.

In accordance with such a combined technique, a player may first depress curved pedal130with his or her toe to generate a first stroke, tilt his or her toe down, depress curved pedal130with his or her toe to generate a second stroke, slide his or her foot in length direction132, and then depress curved pedal130again with his or her toe to generate a third stroke. For example, a foot may be positioned for a first stroke as shown inFIG. 16A, then for a second stroke as shown inFIG. 16B, and then for a third stroke as shown inFIG. 16C. Alternatively, a foot may be positioned for a first stroke as shown inFIG. 16A, then for a second stroke as shown inFIG. 16C, and then for a third stroke as shown inFIG. 16B. Possible foot positions are not limited to those described inFIG. 16AthroughFIG. 16C.

One advantage of at least some embodiments of the present invention is that curved pedal130may make generating triplets easier and less tiring as compared with a conventional flat pedal.

Presence of first convexity140, first concavity150, and/or second convexity160at curved pedal130may facilitate utilization of various sliding and/or heel-toe techniques.

Furthermore, actuatable region135of curved pedal130may be longer than the corresponding length in a conventional flat pedal. Where this is the case, the greater length of curved pedal130may provide space sufficient to allow a player's foot to perform ankle tilting and/or foot sliding motions in sequence, allowing greater degrees of freedom in combining toe-heel techniques and sliding techniques, and making it possible to more easily generate triplets, for example.

Although various foot positions have been shown inFIGS. 16A through 16B, there is of course no limitation on the manner in which curved pedal130or pedal assembly110is used, the exact foot positions with respect to curved pedal130for generation of one or multiple drum beats being freely chosen depending, for example, on the player's preference, the player's foot shape and/or size, whether or not the player is wearing socks, shoes, and/or or other such foot coverings or is playing with bare feet, for example.

Where pedal assembly110is used to play high-hat cymbals104, there is no particular limitation on the manner in which this may be carried out; for example, use of pedal assembly110to play high-hat cymbals104may be generally similar to use of pedal assembly110to play a drum103as described above.

Because bass drum103in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may permit faster playing than would be possible with a conventional flat pedal, this may allow more versatility in playing than was conventionally possible.

For example, whereas with a conventional flat pedal a player might have been forced to employ two pedals on one drum to achieve a certain degree of frequency of repetitions in striking the drumhead, curved pedal130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may allow such a player to achieve comparable frequency of repetitions with a single curved pedal130, thus freeing up the other foot to play another drum103and/or high-hat cymbals104. An arrangement suitable for such manner of playing is shown inFIG. 17, which shows a drum set100similar to that ofFIG. 1except that drum set100ofFIG. 17contains two bass drums103, each of which has an independent pedal assembly110as described above.

Note that a singled curved pedal130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be used to play multiple instruments through use of a pedal assembly110in combination with various linkages may permit tandem and/or parallel playing. Similarly, multiple curved pedals130in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be used in pedal assemblies110in combination with various linkages to strike the same and/or different instruments. One such arrangement is shown inFIG. 18, but it should be understood that all such variations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Note that curved pedal130and pedal assembly110are not limited to employment in bass drums103, percussion instruments102, drum sets100, or musical instruments, but may be applied for use in any of a wide variety of applications where dexterity, responsiveness, and comfort are desired, especially when a pedal is to be operated for an extended period of time. Curved pedals130and pedal assemblies110in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention are particularly useful for generating rapid and/or repeated mechanical motions.

In some embodiments, such mechanical motion may be employed for playing a percussion instrument or non-percussion musical instrument. In one embodiment, such mechanical motions may be transmitted to an instrument directly when part of a pedal assembly physically comes in contact with an instrument. In another embodiment, such mechanical motions may be transformed into another form of signal, for example an electrical signal, and transmitted to an instrument indirectly.

In some embodiments, such mechanical motion may be employed to operate any of various devices and/or machines. Devices and/or machines in which curved pedals130and pedal assemblies110in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may be employed include, without limitation, musical instruments, games, video games, toys, playground equipment, automobiles, helicopters, airplanes, backhoes and other such vehicles, construction equipment, and/or heavy equipment, looms, sewing machines, treadles, knitting machines, saws and/or mills, lathes, pumps, and/or other such manufacturing equipment and industrial apparatuses, as well as any of various devices employed in agriculture, forestry, robotics, and/or aerospace, for example. Regardless of field in which the present invention is applied, mechanical motion of foot-actuated curved pedal130may be transmitted by way of an assembly similar to pedal assembly110to a target device or machine directly or indirectly. Indirect transmission may include, without limitation, electrical transmission. Although the various embodiments of the present invention have been described in terms of an example in which the operator of curved pedal130is human, there is no particular limitation to use of curved pedal130or to pedal assembly110by a non-human, such as a pet or other animal, or by a non-animal such as a robot, for example.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, modes of carrying out the present invention are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, a great many further variations being possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.