Apparatus and method for offsetting and tilting hi-hat cymbals

The invention is an adjustable cymbal device that is mountable onto a standard hi-hat cymbal. The adjustable cymbal device operatively connects a primary actuator rod connected to the foot pedal on the standard hi-hat cymbal stand to a secondary actuator rod upon which a set of cymbals has been mounted. To allow for adjustment of the adjustable cymbal device in relation to the standard hi-hat stand and to the desired playing position of a percussionist, the adjustable cymbal device provides the ability to adjust the length of travel of the upper cymbal, the tilt and offset of the adjustable cymbal device, the rotational angle of the adjustable cymbal device, and the tilt between the lower cymbal relative to the upper cymbal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, hi-hat percussion instruments include a pairing of two cymbals that come together to make a clashing cymbal sound by action of a foot pedal. Most often, the upper cymbal is connected to the foot pedal by an actuator rod passing through the stand with a biasing element in the stand adjacent to the pedal to bias the upper cymbal up and away from the fixed lower cymbal. In previous inventions, the center of the cymbal is directly in line with the center of the stand and is not significantly adjustable. Therefore, previous designs do not allow performers to position the cymbals relative to the performer in a proper ergonomic arrangement to achieve the proper response from the hi-hat.

The hi-hat can be played by striking it with a drumstick or brush with the cymbals brought together (“closed”), or apart (“open”), or by using the pedal to forcefully bring the cymbals together. When struck closed or played with the pedal, the hi-hat gives a short, dry percussive sound. Adjusting the gap between the cymbals can alter the length of travel required by the foot to close the cymbals.

Previous designs of hi-hat devices provide a means of opening and closing the cymbals with a flexible member connecting the cymbals to the foot pedal. Unfortunately, the flexible members result in sloppier and slower response of the closing motion between the cymbals. In fact, there are no presently known commercially available hi-hat devices that offer any offset or tilting capabilities that do not depend upon the sloppier action of cable mechanisms. In addition, while some standard hi-hat stands that are now commercially available offer the ability to tilt the upper cymbal in relation to the lower cymbal, there are no hi-hat devices that allow for the tilt of both the upper and lower cymbal together.

Therefore, what is needed is a hi-hat device with greater adjustability to allow performers to position the cymbals to achieve a the proper ergonomic relationship relative to the performer. In addition, a hi-hat device with a rigid mechanical connection between the foot pedal and cymbals is needed to achieve a quick and smooth response.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers a unique device for positioning hi hat cymbals. More specifically, the present device provides tilting capabilities, offset capabilities, and the capability of rotating the cymbals around the primary vertical axis of a standard hi-hat stand.

A brief analysis of the playing position of a percussionist using a normal hi-hat device will highlight the benefit of the present invention. For example, a percussionist is in the normal position for playing a hi-hat when the percussionist sits upright in a hard chair, with the percussionist's left leg below the knees hanging straight downward. As the percussionist plays the hi-hat, all of the motion used to operate the hi-hat should come from the ankle—not the hip of the percussionist. It is noted that it is the weight of the percussionist's leg that provides the force to close the hi-hat cymbals with a sharp “chik” sound. In positioning the left arm of the percussionist to play the hi-hat, the left arm of the percussionist should be initially positioned with the left arm hanging straight down, and relaxed. Then, the elbow should be bent about 90 degrees and the left hand of the percussionist should rest slightly above the percussionist's kneecap. The percussionist is now in an optimum starting position for playing the hi-hat cymbals.

From this starting position, if the percussionist holds a drumstick in the left hand, the reach of the percussionist would be extended about 10-12 inches beyond the foremost part of the percussionist's left hand. The left foot extends about 7-8 inches beyond the front of the percussionist's leg, and the primary upright tube of the hi-hat device extends vertically from the position just above the tip of the percussionist's toe. In this position, if the left arm of the percussionist is to hang in a relaxed, vertical position, the playing spot on the hi-hat cymbals, must be moved away from the percussionist's left hand—not toward the percussionist's left hand as required by other presently available hi-hat tilting devices. Other previous devices used in the past work incorrectly by causing the cymbals to move toward the percussionist when the tilt angle of the cymbals is adjusted, and thus fails to allow a percussionist to tilt the cymbals while still maintaining the best overall orientation of the percussionist's playing position and the hi-hat being played.

In contrast to the above described previous devices, the present invention allows the percussionist to tilt the hi-hat device without compromising of the best optimum playing position for the percussionist. Additionally, the design of the present invention provides these benefits to left or right handed percussionists. Also, the unique mechanical design of the present invention offers a significant mechanical operating advantage when compared to other hi-hat devices. The present design offers improved sensitivity and better response due to the 2 to 1 ration in the lever action design of the actuator links in the present invention. This increased mechanical advantage offers the percussionist a greater degree of playing flexibility, while also decreasing the effort expended by the percussionist during a performance.

While one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the above referenced drawings and in the following description, it is understood that the embodiment shown is merely one example of a single preferred embodiment offered for the purpose of illustration only and that various changes in construction may be resorted to in the course of manufacture in order that the present invention may be utilized to the best advantage according to circumstances which may arise, without in any way departing from the spirit and intention of the present invention, which is to be limited only in accordance with the claims contained herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now toFIG. 1andFIG. 6, a preferred embodiment of the present invention of an adjustable cymbal device A is shown. In this particular embodiment, a hi-hat percussion instrument is assembled by mounting one embodiment of the adjustable cymbal device A to a generally standard cymbal stand5. The standard cymbal stand5is not part of the present invention and is of a type commonly known in the art. The standard cymbal stand5includes legs7that are mounted to a hollow primary support shaft9. A height adjustment clamp11is located at the upper end of the hollow primary support shaft9for securing an extendable tube12. The standard cymbal stand5also includes a foot pedal13at a lower end operatively connected to the preferred embodiment of the adjustable cymbal device A.

The adjustable cymbal device A is mounted onto the standard cymbal stand5using a rectangular mounting block19and fasteners20. As shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 5, the rectangular mounting block19is substantially in the form of a rectangular box having a rectangular opening on its bottom that receives the extendable tube12. The extendable tube12is secured within the opening in the bottom of the rectangular mounting block19by two fasteners20. In the present embodiment, each of the fasteners20has a threaded rod21with a wing nut22attached to an external end and a V-shaped clamp23pivotally attached to an internal end. It is appreciated that other types of fasteners may be used as long as the fastener selected is capable of moving the V-shaped clamps23to capture the extendable tube12. The V-shaped clamp23allows the fasteners20to engage various sizes of extendable tubes12so that the rectangular mounting block19of the adjustable cymbal device A is almost universally adaptable and can attach to almost any standard cymbal stand5.

The rods21engage with threaded bores24located on each end of the rectangular mounting block19, so that the fasteners20are rotated to advance the fasteners inwardly until the two V-shaped clamp23contacts the extendable tube12to secure the extendable tube between the two V-shaped clamps. The fasteners20are rotated in an opposite direction to move the V-shaped clamps away from the extendable tube12to release the rectangular mounting block19from the extendable tube. It is appreciated that the rectangular mounting block19and fasteners20of the present embodiment are shaped and sized to accommodate the most common shape and size extendable tubes12commonly found on a standard cymbal stand5. However, it is understood that the rectangular mounting block19and fasteners20can be made from other shapes and sizes to accommodate any shape and size cymbal stand while still remaining within the scope of the present invention.

A biasing element10(FIG. 1) is connected to the primary actuator rod25and the foot pedal13. The primary actuator rod25is operatively connected to the foot pedal13, and the biasing element10acts to bias the toe end of the foot pedal13and the primary actuator rod25upward. Such biasing elements are well known to those skilled in the art and almost any type of biasing element may be used in the standard cymbal stand5and still allow the current embodiment of the present invention to function properly.

Referring now toFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 4, the foot pedal13of the standard cymbal stand5is connected to a primary actuator rod25that passes upwardly through the hollow support shaft9, the extendable tube12, and a bushing26installed into the rectangular mounting block19. After passing through the bushing26, the upper end of the primary actuator rod25passes through the primary clamp27and adjustably secured within the primary clamp27with a fastener28. It is appreciated that other types of appropriate fasteners such as bolts and thumbscrews may also be used. In the preferred embodiment, the opening in the bushing26through which the primary actuator rod25is passed is between about 0.28 inch and about 0.29 inch in diameter. It will be appreciated, however, that the opening in the bushing26may be sized as needed to fit the primary actuator rod25of any cymbal stand5and still remain within the scope of the present invention.

It is noted that the remainder of the components of the adjustable cymbal device A are substantially suspended from the primary clamp27and the rectangular mounting block19. More specifically,FIG. 2andFIG. 6show two tilting links29that are attached to the rectangular mounting block19. One end of each of the two tilting links29is connected to one of the threaded rods33of the rectangular mounting block19at an axis A by a nut33A and a washer62. The nut33A captures one end of each of the two tilting links29between the outer surface of the rectangular mounting block19and the washer62. Each of the other ends of the two tilting links29is attached to two flanges38of a secondary rod guide assembly31at axis B by means of threaded rods63(FIG. 9) that extend from the two flanges38of the secondary rod guide assembly31, and by a nut33B (FIG. 2andFIG. 6) that captures the end of each of the two tilting links29between one flange38and one washer62.

Referring now toFIG. 9, the secondary rod guide assembly31comprises a vertical tube70, two circular flanges38, two tabs37, two friction washers (not shown), a bushing36, an upper flange35, and two threaded rods63. The two tabs37are attached to the vertical tube70near one end of the vertical tube and at about a 90 degree angle with the vertical tube such that the two tabs are generally parallel with each other. The two circular flanges38are positioned in general alignment with the two tabs37such that the flat surfaces of the two circular flanges38are generally parallel with the flat surfaces of the two tabs37. Each tab37has a friction washer positioned between each circular flange38and its related tab37. While the friction washer may be made of any material, in the present embodiment, the friction washer is made of rubber. A threaded rod63protrudes from the center of each of the two circular flanges38. It is understood that the two threaded rods63are in axial alignment. The bushing36is sized to allow the bushing to be inserted into the vertical tube70while still allowing the secondary rod41(FIG. 2) to easily slide within the bushing. In the present embodiment, the bushing36(FIG. 9) is made from nylon and has an inside diameter of about 0.28 inch and an outside diameter of about 0.38 inch.

As shown inFIG. 2, an adjustment screw51is threaded through the flange35to engage the adjustment washer45. A nut80is attached to the underside of the upper flange35to receive the adjustment screw51and allow for the threaded adjustment of the adjustment screw. A compression spring52is used in combination with the adjustment screw51to prevent the adjustment screw51from backing out as a result of the vibration of the cymbals15and17when they are struck by the percussionist.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 6, two actuator links53are slideably attached to a nut and bolt55on the primary clamp27at axis C. The two actuator links53are also attached to a secondary clamp43at an axis D, and to an extension link39at axis E. The actuator links53in the present embodiment are obtusely angled plates rigidly fixed at a predetermined obtuse angle. An opening81is located near the apex of the obtuse angle of each actuator link53. One end of each of the two actuator links53has a slot57that allows each actuator link to reciprocate around the bolt and nut55. The other end of each of the two actuator links53has two openings72and74aligned long the longitudinal axis of the actuator link and spaced a distance apart. One end of the extension link39(FIG. 2A) is attached to the two actuator links53with a pin73and two snap rings71. The other end of the extension link39(FIG. 2andFIG. 6) is attached to the two tabs37of the secondary rod guide assembly31with a pin90and two snap rings91.

The actuator links53transmit the movement of the primary actuator rod25to a secondary actuator rod41. This transfer of motion moves the upper cymbal17toward or away from the lower cymbal15from an open position to a closed position to cause the cymbals to create musical sounds. More specifically, the actuator links53connect to the bolt and nut55by way of slots57and the secondary clamp43connects at the elbow of the actuator links53. The use of rigid mechanical connections between the primary actuator rod25and the secondary actuator rod41provide an accurate and sensitive response between the foot pedal13and the cymbals15and17.

FIG. 2andFIG. 3show additional details of the secondary actuator rod41. The secondary actuator rod41has a cap47on one end, and includes a threaded portion82that extends downwardly from beneath the cap47. During assembly, the upper cymbal17is attached to the secondary actuator rod41prior to the installation of the secondary actuator rod into the other components of the adjustable cymbal device A. More specifically, one felt pad49is installed between the cap47and the upper cymbal17. It is noted that the felt pad49has an opening in its center that allows the threaded portion82of the secondary actuator rod41to be inserted through the felt pad. The secondary actuator rod41is then inserted through the upper cymbal17and a second felt pad49is positioned on the secondary actuator rod beneath the upper cymbal17. A first nut48is then installed onto the secondary actuator rod41by screwing the first nut onto the threaded portion82of the secondary actuator rod. A second nut83is then installed onto the secondary actuator rod41in the same manner. The second nut83acts as a jamb nut to ensure that the first nut48is not loosened by the vibration of the cymbals15and17when they are played by a percussionist.

This subassembly of the upper cymbal17and the secondary actuator rod41is then inserted through the lower cymbal15, the adjustment washer45, the bushing36of the secondary rod guide assembly31, and through the secondary clamp43. The secondary actuator rod41is adjustably secured within the secondary clamp43by the thumbscrew42(FIG. 2A). The secondary clamp43has a pin81(FIG. 2) protruding from each side of the secondary clamp43. The protruding pins81pivotally engage into openings81in each of two actuator links53.

The adjustment washer45includes rubber isolation pads50on its top face upon which the lower cymbal15rests. The bushing36of the secondary rod guide assembly31extends through the center of the adjustment washer45to isolate the vibrations of the cymbals15and17, and to stabilize the position of the lower cymbal15. The rubber isolation pads50are small to reduce the contact area between the isolation pads and the lower cymbal17to thereby reduce any potential muting effects on the lower cymbal17.

It should be noted that the secondary actuator rod41does not extend past the top surface of the upper cymbal17. This unique feature of the present invention substantially reduces the interferences that usually exists with other cymbals stands. These interferences exists because the actuator rod in those stands protrudes extensively above the upper surface of the upper cymbal. This protrusion results in interference between the striking ends of the drumsticks and the protruding actuator rod when the percussionist is playing the cymbals. The design of this embodiment of the present invention eliminates that interference by using a cap47on the top of the upper cymbal17that results in no protrusion at all of any part of the secondary actuator rod41.

Adjustment of the Present Embodiment of the Invention

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable cymbal device A comprises a number of elements as described in the preceding paragraphs that operatively and mechanically connect the foot pedal13of the standard cymbal stand5to a set of hi-hat cymbals that include a lower cymbal15and an upper cymbal17. In addition, these elements provide the ability to adjust a number of positional relationships between the cymbals and the performer including:1) the length of upper cymbal travel (“UCT” as shown inFIG. 2);2) the tilt (“T” as shown inFIG. 6) of the entire adjustable cymbal device A;3) the offset (“OFS” as shown inFIG. 2) of the entire adjustable cymbal device A;4) the rotational angle (“RA” as shown inFIG. 10) of the entire adjustable cymbal device3; and5) the tilt (“CT” as shown inFIG. 6) of the lower cymbal15relative to the upper cymbal17.

These relationships will be described in further detail below. It is important to note that each of these positional relationships is adjustable to provide ergonomic benefits and accommodate the playing needs of the percussionist.

As shown inFIG. 10, the rectangular mounting block19can be attached to the standard cymbal stand5at any rotational angle RA relative to the foot pedal13. This feature allows the performer to position the adjustable cymbal device A in a wide range of positions that will best suit the desired playing position or playing style of the percussionist.

The position of the primary clamp27(FIG. 2) is vertically adjustable along the primary actuator rod25to provide for adjustment of the length of travel UCT of the upper cymbal17. The upper cymbal travel UCT is relative to the length of the travel FPT (FIG. 1) of the foot pedal13. Therefore, the length of the UVT increases as the primary clamp27(FIG. 2) is adjusted upward along the primary rod25. Oppositely, by adjusting the primary clamp27downwards along the primary rod25, the length of the UCT decreases. In this way, the upper cymbal travel UCT may be adjusted by the percussionist to fit the specific needs of the playing style desired by the percussionist. It is also important to note that once the UCT has been adjusted and set by the percussionist, the offset OFS, the tilt T, and the rotational angle RA of the current embodiment of the present invention are not substantially affected. This ability to set the length of the upper cymbal travel UCT at all rotational angles, tilt, and offset positions greatly benefits the playing style of the percussionist and increases the range of cymbal effects available to the percussionist.

The two tilting links29(FIG. 2andFIG. 6) act to provide control over the general tilt T of the current embodiment of the present invention. The offset OFS and the tilt T of the present embodiment of adjustable cymbal device A is determined by the angle the two tilting links29make with the longitudinal axis of the primary actuator rod25which is normally in general axial alignment with the support shaft9of the standard cymbal stand5. For purposes of this embodiment, the “Offset” is defined as the horizontal distance between the longitudinal axis of the stand5and the center of the upper cymbal17. The “Tilt” is defined as the angle between the longitudinal axis of the standard cymbal stand5and the longitudinal axis of the secondary actuator rod41.

To adjust the Offset of the adjustable cymbal device A, the four nuts33A and33B are loosened and the two tilting links29are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around axis A to adjust the tilt and Offset of the entire adjustable cymbal device A. As the secondary actuator rod guide assembly31is tilted during adjustment, extension link39pivots around nuts and bolts33B attached to tabs37. Adjusting the two tilting links29to a more horizontal position locates the secondary actuator rod41in a more vertical position and thus increases the Offset.

FIG. 2shows the two tilting links adjusted in a way that allows for a greater Offset. It is noted that in this position, the secondary actuator rod41is generally parallel to the primary actuator rod25. When adjusted in this manner, the upper cymbal17and the lower cymbal15are located further away from the percussionist than if the cymbals15and17were mounted directly to the standard cymbal stand5. In contrast, adjusting the two tilting links29to a more vertical position locates the secondary actuator rod41in a more tilted position and thus decreases the Offset.FIG. 6shows the two tilting links29adjusted in a way that allows for smaller Offset. It is noted that in this position, the secondary actuator rod41is no longer generally parallel to the primary rod25, but is instead at an angle.

In the present embodiment, the two tilting links29provide a angular range of adjustment between the primary actuator rod25and the secondary actuator rod41of between about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. Once the desired position is achieved, the four nuts33A and33B are tightened to secure the two tilting links29in the Offset position desired by the percussionist.

It will be readily appreciated that the effect of the two tilting plates29is to provide the percussionist with a simple method of adjusting the Offset OFS and the tilt T of the adjustable cymbal device A. This offers the percussionist a wide range of adjusting the cymbals that will allow the cymbals to be positioned in at a variety of different angles, offsets, and heights.

While the positioning of the two tilting links29serves to adjust the Offset and the tilt of the adjustable cymbal device A, an additional tilt adjustment is also available to allow for the independent adjustment of the tilt of the secondary actuator rod41in relation to the primary actuator rod25. This additional tilt adjustment is accomplished by first removing the two snap rings71(FIG. 7&FIG. 2A) from the pin73that holds the extension link39in position between the two actuator links53. The actuator links53have two openings72and74into which the pin73may be inserted. When the pin73is inserted into the openings74, the position of the secondary actuator rod41is placed into a less vertical position. When the pin73is inserted into the opening72, the position of the secondary actuator rod41is in a more vertical position. Thus, placement of the pin73in one of the openings72or74allows the percussionist to independently position the general tilt of the secondary actuator rod41. Because the upper and lower cymbals,17and15respectively, are directly mounted onto the secondary actuator rod41, changing the tilt of the secondary actuator rod41allows the percussionist to change the tilt of the upper and lower cymbals. When the percussionist has selected the desired tilt of the cymbals15and17by insertion of the pin73into one of the openings72or74, the two snap rings71are reinstalled onto the pin73to retain the pin in the actuator links53.

Because the secondary clamp43is a rectangular block that is secured to the secondary actuator rod41with a nut42, such as a wing nut or square headed nut, the secondary actuator rod41is adjustable, thereby, providing for further adjustment of the upper cymbal travel UCT (FIG. 2). By adjusting the secondary actuator rod41upward, the upper cymbal travel UCT increases. Oppositely, by adjusting the secondary actuator rod41downward, the upper cymbal UCT decreases.

Operation of the Present Embodiment of the Invention

In operation, the percussionist presses his foot down on the foot pedal13(FIG. 1), which in turn lowers the primary actuator rod25and attached primary clamp27. As the primary actuator rod25lowers, the primary clamp27pulls downwards on the two actuator links53at axis C. This pivots the actuator links53downward (clockwise inFIG. 7-8) about axis E. The downward rotation of the actuator links53pulls downward on the secondary clamp43that is attached to the secondary rod actuator41at axis D. As the secondary clamp43is pulled downward, the secondary actuator rod41is also pulled resulting in the downward motion of the upper cymbal17attached to the upper end of the secondary actuator rod41. The downward movement of the upper cymbal17continues until the upper cymbal strikes the lower cymbal15.

It is appreciated that the sliding connection between the slots57of the actuator links53and the pins55allow the actuator links53to pivot along a radius about axis E while retaining a constant planar relationship between the primary actuator rod25and the secondary actuator rod41(FIG. 8).

When the percussionist lifts his foot up the motion reverses. The biasing element10moves the foot pedal13upward, which in turn raises the primary actuator rod25and the attached primary clamp27. As the primary actuator rod25raises, the primary clamp27pushes upward on the actuator links53at axis C, thereby pivoting the actuator links53upwards (counterclockwise inFIGS. 7-8) about axis E. The upward rotation of the actuator links53pushes upward on the secondary actuator rod41at axis D to move the upper cymbal17upward and away from the lower cymbal15. As before, the sliding connection between the slots57and the pins55allow the actuator links53to pivot along a radius about axis E while retaining a constant planar relationship between the primary actuator rod25and the secondary actuator rod41.

While the above description describes various embodiments of the present invention, it will be clear that the present invention may be otherwise easily adapted to fit any configuration where an adjustable cymbal device is required. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, while certain types of fasteners are described herein for the embodiment shown, various other type of fasteners may be used and remain within the scope of the present invention as long as the fasteners selected perform the same or similar function as the fastener that is being replaced.