Snare bridge apparatus

A snare positioner configured to extend proximate a drum head comprising an elongated bar means having a length to extend crosswise of the head, first and second holders proximate opposite ends of the bar means, snare wires having opposite ends connected to the holders, the first holder integral with the bar means, the other holder slidably connected to the bar means, and first adjuster means associated with the other holder and bar means for adjusting the position of the other holder lengthwise of the bar means, to adjust the tension of the snare wires.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to drum snare adjustment, and more particularly to snare wire protection as well as improvements in adjustment of snare wires.

There is need for improvements in snare wire positioning, both lengthwise and also spacial adjustment toward and away from drum heads. There is also need for the structural apparatus enabling such positioning and adjustments, as disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a major object of the invention to provide improvements as referred to. Basically, the invention is embodied in a snare wire positioner structure configured to extend proximate a drum head, and that comprises

a) an elongated bar means having a length to extend crosswise of the head,

b) first and second holders proximate opposite ends of the bar means,

c) snare wires having opposite ends connected to the holders,

d) the first holder integral with the bar means,

e) the other holder slidably connected to the bar means,

f) and first adjuster means associated with the other holder and bar means for adjusting the position of the other holder lengthwise of the bar means, to adjust the tension of the snare wires.

As will be seen, the bar means typically comprises two parallel bars, and the holders extend in bridging relation to the bars.

Another object is to provide the adjustable means in the form of a slider extending in sliding relation to a holder, and an adjuster carried by that holder and slider to be rotatably adjusted for variably stretching the snare wires.

A further object comprises provision of clamping structure to clamp the bar means to drum hoop structure proximate the drum head. That clamping structure may advantageously comprise a tether or tethers adjustably and flexibly retaining an end or opposite ends of the bar means to the drum structure, proximate the drum head or heads. Such tether or tethers may comprise retainer wires whose effective positions may be adjusted. Such adjustment may include wire effective length adjustment, as well as wire bodily positioning adjustment, as by operation of a throw-off device.

Yet another object includes provision of suspension elements for flexibly suspending opposite ends of the bar means to drum structure that extends about a drum head. Such elements may include suspension wires, the effective length of at least one of such wires being adjustable, whereby the suspension spacing of the bar means related to the drum head is adjustable.

Yet another object is to provide a protector or protectors carried by drum structure and projecting to engage a surface, to protect said bar means against surface engagement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, they show a preferred form of the apparatus, which generally includes a snare positioner10configured to extend proximate the head11of a drum12. The positioner includes:

a) elongated metallic bar means13having a longitudinal length to extend crosswise of the drum head11;

b) first and second holders14and15, in bridge form, proximate opposite ends13aand13bof the bar means, and associated therewith;

c) multiple snare wires16having opposite ends, as at16aand16b, connected to the holders14and15;

d) the first holder14typically integral with or connected to the bar means;

e) the other holder15slidably connected to the bar means, to adjustably slide generally longitudinally;

f) and adjusting means17associated with the other holder15, and the bar means, for adjusting the position of holder15, lengthwise of the bar means, to adjust the tension of the snare wires.

When the drum is inFIGS. 1,4and6position, i.e. drum head11facing downwardly, the snare wires are carried as at20and21with their ends16aand16b, held elevated above the bar means13, by Z brackets20aand21awhich typically include two laterally spaced, and longitudinally extending metal bars13cand13d, in all up-down positions of the bars, for protection. A throw-off lever25, at the drum side25a, is pivotable between up position, as exists inFIGS. 4 and 6, with snare wires adjacent the head11, and down position as seen inFIG. 2in which the bar means and snare wires are lowered to space the wires below and out of head striking position. See broken lines16cand10ainFIG. 4.

Attached to the lever25is a clamp27, to which the ends of suspension wire28are attached. That wire extends downwardly to pass through an opening or openings29in drum annulus or hoop30, and then to attach to the end portion13eof the bar means as seen inFIG. 4. When the throw-off lever is lowered, the wire28lowers the connection13ewhich lowers the bar means13and the snare wires16, away from the drum head11, the wires16remaining protected by the bar means13from engagement with any structure below the bar means. Protectors32and33, attached to the drum, project downwardly below all levels of the bar means, to further support and protect the bar means and wires11when the drum is placed downwardly as on a support surface engaged by projecting lower ends of the protectors.

Reference is now made to adjustable tensioning of the snare wires, as by longitudinal adjustment as for sliding of the position of the wire holder15lengthwise with respect to holder14.

Referring toFIGS. 4,6and7, holder15is horizontally slidably connected to the bar means wing flange35, the latter adjustably extending between holder surfaces15aand15b. The holder is connected via bracket21ato the snare wire connection at16a. Fastener37connects21ato15, as shown, adjustably connects15to35, and holds bracket21ain position. Bracket end21aaslides on the bar means, as at13aa.

A first adjuster39is associated with the elements15and35for adjusting the position of the holder15lengthwise of the bar means, to adjust the tensioning of the snare wires. Adjuster39includes two laterally spaced and independently adjustable fasteners40and41. As the heads40aand41aof those fasteners are rotated, their threaded shanks lengthwise adjust in threaded openings15cin15, the ends of the fasteners transmitting force to flange35aof the bar means. SeeFIG. 7. This longitudinally adjusts the holder or bridge15, relative to bar13.

Referring toFIGS. 8-10, the heads of fasteners40and41have peripheral protrusions53that forcibly engage in slots54of in annular elastomer insert55, slightly deflecting the insert, and acting to prevent the heads from rotating out of position due to vibration existent during drum playing. This prevents loosening of the selected tension exerted on the drum strands, acting to “tune” the strands.FIG. 10shows side flats55aof the insert extension55bfitting in recess56in15, preventing rotation of the insert55out of position. The two fasteners40and41are independently adjustable to adjust skewing of the holder or bridge15relative to the bar flange35, to control or adjust skewed tensioning of the snares, for further tuning effect.

FIGS. 11 and 12show similar attachment of the strand ends to the holder or bridge14, as via bracket20aattached by fastener71to the bridge, but without provision for adjustment. Note also mounting of suspension wire72attached to73to the opposite end of the bar means, and at74to the clamp75at the side of the drum. That wire passes through an opening76in the drum hoop structure77. Wire72also provide a pivot for the bar means, as its first described end moves up and down due to operation of the throw-off lever.