Compressive cymbal mount

Cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a cymbal mounting apparatus for mounting a cymbal to a mounting post of a cymbal stand is provided. The apparatus comprises a cymbal mount that comprises an elongated flexible sleeve portion defining an inner cavity with a second diameter that is less than a first diameter of the mounting post such that the sleeve portion applies a compressive force thereto when installed thereon. The cymbal mount further comprises a cymbal support rim portion extend outwardly from the sleeve portion. The sleeve portion and the rim portion may be integral. The mounting post may define a first length extending between a shoulder portion and a free end thereof, and the sleeve portion may define a second length that is at least one half the first length such that the sleeve portions extends past the free end when installed thereon.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to mounts for cymbals, and more particularly to mounts for cymbals that mount a cymbal onto a mounting post of a cymbal stand.

BACKGROUND

Cymbals are a common percussion instrument played by a drummer. Cymbals typically consist of thin, normally round, thin plates of various metal alloys. The majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, but some designs sound a definite note. Cymbals are used in many ensembles ranging from orchestra, percussion ensembles, jazz bands, heavy metal bands, marching groups and other situations. For mounting purposes, most cymbals include a central circular mounting aperture that extends though the cymbals.

In use, cymbals are commonly mounted onto, and supported by, a cymbal stand via their mounting aperture. Some cymbal stands have legs which rest on the ground and a cymbal support shaft which extends upwardly therefrom. In some stands the support shaft extends substantially vertically, and in some other stands the support shaft extends angularly as a boom arm to position the cymbal closer to the drummer than the legs. Cymbal stands also typically include a mounting post or tilter peg that form a free end of the support shaft onto which a cymbal is mounted and coupled to. Many times the mounting post is vertically oriented, but may it may be orientated in any orientation. For example, a movable joint or “tilter” may orient or angle a mounting post with respect to a support shaft.

Mounting posts of typical cymbal stands include a cylindrical portion and a shoulder portion that defines a larger diameter or width than the cylindrical portion. In such embodiments, the cylindrical portion extends from the shoulder portion and defines a free end. The cylindrical portion also typically includes an externally threaded portion and a non-threaded portion extending between the shoulder portion and the externally threaded portion. The cylindrical portion of these mounting posts is sized to extend through the mounting aperture of a cymbal so the cymbal can be mounted or coupled to the thereto and thus supported by the cymbal stand.

More specifically, one conventional method of mounting a cymbal onto a cymbal stand that includes such a mounting post is to initially pass a first rigid washer over the cylindrical portion until it is rests on the shoulder portion (i.e., pass the first rigid washer over the mounting post past the threaded and onto non-threaded portion adjacent the shoulder portion). Once the first washer is in place resting on the shoulder portion, a cylindrical plastic sleeve is loosely slid over the cylindrical portion until it is rests on or is adjacent to the first washer. The cylindrical plastic sleeve may extend over the non-threaded-portion and potentially a portion of the threaded portion. A relatively thick first felt washer is then passed over the cylindrical portion and slipped over the plastic sleeve so that is sits on the first metal washer. The cymbal is then placed on the mounting post such that the mounting post extends through the mounting aperture and the cymbal rests on the first felt washer. The cylindrical plastic sleeve may also extend through the mounting aperture of the cymbal to protect the cymbal from the mounting post. A second relatively thick felt washer is then placed over the mounting post and on the cymbal, often followed by a second metal washer that sits of the second felt washer. Lastly, a wing nut or other internally threaded member is screwed down on the threaded portion and into abutment with the second metal washer to lock and/or clamp the cymbal onto the cymbal stand between the first and second felt washers and to prevent the cymbal from dismounting from the stand during a use of the cymbal. While a wing nut is the most typical member for locking down the cymbal or preventing the cymbal from dismounting from the stand during use of the cymbal, there are other mechanisms in use today. These types of mechanisms will be referred to herein as “affixing mechanisms.” Affixing mechanisms include, but are not limited to, threaded components, metal press clips, and spring loaded retention features. Typical affixing mechanisms currently employed are located above the cymbal after it has been placed on the stand over the mounting post.

Current methods and mechanisms currently used to mount cymbals to stands, such as to mounting posts thereof, have several disadvantages. For example, current mounting methods and systems are time consuming. Multiple component mounting systems take significant time to properly mount and affix each cymbal onto each stand. It also is time consuming to detach each mounted cymbal and properly store all the mounting components when tearing down each mounted cymbal after use. Because of the small nature of the many loose and separate parts involved of current mounting systems, parts frequently get misplaced, lost or stolen. Still further, components of current mounting systems are prone to breakage due to restriction or clamping against the cymbal, as well as from drum stick impact, for example.

Even further, while current mounting systems may provide some protection of the cymbal, they include components made from rigid plastics and metals. These rigid components of current mounting systems are typically located under and over the mounting aperture of the cymbal and, regardless of placement of the felt washers for example, frequently damage the cymbal resulting in failure of the cymbal to produce its intended sound(s). For example, the rigid components of current mounting systems often cause cracks or ruptures in the body of the cymbal adjacent its mounting aperture. These rigid components can also damage a drum stick if the drums stick strikes the components. Still further, the rigid components themselves often chip, crack or otherwise break from repetitive stress and/or drum stick strikes.

Yet another disadvantage of current mounting systems and methods is that they negatively impact the sound quality a mounted cymbal. As discussed above, many current mounting systems essentially sandwich a cymbal between rigid materials (e.g., rigid washers and/or a rigid washer and a shoulder portion of a mounting post) regardless of any soft members (e.g., felt washers) used in the mounting systems. Although some systems utilize soft members tightly sandwiched in the local area at the mounting aperture of the cymbal, they do not effectively dissipate the force stresses experienced by the cymbal from repeated impacts on the outside edge of the cymbal, for example. Further, existing mounting systems dampen the natural vibration of a cymbal, impact tonal quality and reduce the overall length of cymbal vibrational sound output after being struck. As noted above, the systems also often lead to cymbal damage which significantly impacts sound quality.

The present disclosure provides improved cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and methods that overcome one or more of these disadvantages of the state of the art.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure, Applicant in no way disclaims these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed inventions may encompass one or more conventional technical aspects.

SUMMARY

Briefly, the present disclosure satisfies the need for improved cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and methods that may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the present disclosure may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed inventions and present disclosure should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a cymbal mounting apparatus for mounting a cymbal to a mounting post of a cymbal stand. The cymbal mounting apparatus comprises a cymbal mount. The cymbal mount comprises an elongated flexible sleeve portion defining an inner cavity with a second diameter that is less than a first diameter of the mounting post of the cymbal stand such that the sleeve portion applies a compressive force to the mounting post when installed thereon. The cymbal mount further comprises a cymbal support rim portion extend outwardly from the sleeve portion.

In some embodiments, the sleeve portion and the rim portion are integral. In some embodiments, the cymbal mount is elastomeric. In some embodiments, the mounting post and the cavity of the sleeve portion are cylindrical, and wherein cavity extends axially through the sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion is cylindrical, and wherein the rim portion extends circumferentially about and radially outwardly from the sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the rim portion defines a third diameter of about 1.5 inches.

In some embodiments, the cavity of the sleeve portion is non-threaded. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cavity of the sleeve portion is threaded. In some embodiments, the second diameter of the cavity of the sleeve portion is about 10% undersized of the first diameter of the mounting post. In some embodiments, the second diameter of the cavity of the sleeve portion is about 7.1 mm.

In some embodiments, the mounting post defines a first length extending between a shoulder portion and a free end thereof, and wherein the sleeve portion defines a second length that is at least one half the first length. In some such embodiments, the second length of the sleeve portion is greater than the first length of the mounting post. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion defines an axial length of about 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the cymbal defines a mounting aperture of a fourth diameter, and wherein the sleeve portion is cylindrical and the exterior surface thereof defines a fifth diameter that is less than the fourth diameter. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion is cylindrical and the exterior surface thereof defines a diameter of about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the cymbal mounting apparatus further comprises a washer configured to be positioned on an upper surface of the support rim and extend at least partially about the sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the cymbal mount further comprises a liner portion extending from an upper portion of the rim portion about at least a portion of the sleeve portion, wherein the liner portion is more flexible than at least the rim portion.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a cymbal stand for supporting a cymbal. The cymbal stand comprises a support arm including a mounting post defining a free end and a first diameter. The cymbal stand further comprises a cymbal mount that comprises an elongated flexible sleeve portion defining an inner cavity with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter of the mounting post such that the sleeve portion applies a compressive force to the mounting post. The cymbal mount further comprises a cymbal support rim portion extending outwardly from the sleeve portion.

In some embodiments, the cymbal mount is of one-piece construction. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion of the cymbal mount extends past the free end of the mounting post.

Certain embodiments of the presently-disclosed cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and methods have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and methods as defined by the claims that follow, their more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section of this specification entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the various embodiments disclosed herein provide a number of advantages over the current state of the art.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present disclosure and certain features, advantages, and details thereof are explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools, processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure in detail. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific example(s), while indicating embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or arrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

The present disclosure provides cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and related methods for mounting a cymbal to a mounting post of a cymbal stand. The cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and related methods make use of a cymbal mount. The cymbal mount may be a single unitary component (i.e., of one-piece construction). In some embodiments, the cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and related methods make use of a cymbal mount and at least one washer, such as a single felt washer.

The cymbal mount of the present disclosure may be a single component molded out of a flexible, yet durable polymeric material. The cymbal mount may define or include a cavity with a diameter specifically designed to squeeze fit over a support post of a support arm of a cymbal stand (i.e., apply a compressive force thereto). The cymbal mount may also include or define a length specifically designed to extend a minimum distance beyond a free end or top of the mounting post. The squeeze fit feature and the extended length feature may combine to prevent a cymbal from dismounting from the cymbal mount and the cymbal stand during use.

In some embodiment, the cymbal mount may mount a cymbal on a threaded end of a mounting post of a cymbal stand that locates, supports and maintains the cymbal on the cymbal stand throughout use. The cymbal mount may be a single component, such as made from an elastomeric material, with a sleeve portion and an outwardly projecting rim portion at one end of the sleeve portion. The sleeve portion may be configured to be press fit over the free end of the mounting post such that the sleeve portion extends at least over a threaded portion of the mounting post. The cavity may include or define a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of the mounting post to affix the sleeve portion to the mounting post, such as for the life of the cymbal mount. The sleeve portion may extend above or beyond the free end of the mounting post when seated on the mounting post, such as when partially and/or fully seated on the mounting post. A cymbal may be placed directly over the sleeve portion via a mount aperture of the cymbal such that the cymbal rests on the on the rim portion. In one embodiment, if desired, a washer, such as a circular felt washer, may be slipped over the sleeve portion and be seated on the rim portion so that the cymbal rests on the washer. In another embodiment, the cymbal mount may include a liner portion extending from an upper portion of the rim portion about at least a portion of the sleeve portion. The liner portion may be more flexible than at least the rim portion. For example, the liner portion may be a softer material, such as a softer more flexible elastomer material, as compared to the material of the rim portion and/or the sleeve portion.

The compressive or squeeze fit feature of the sleeve portion of the cymbal mount may allow for the cymbal mount to remain attached to the cymbal permanently, thereby eliminating the need to tear down and set up a mounting system for each performance or use and preventing loss of components from handling and storage. The flexible nature of the cymbal mount (e.g., due to its elastomeric composition), in on embodiment, may protect a cymbal installed thereon against cracking and breakage, and thereby extend cymbal life and eliminate unwanted background noises from movement of the cymbal against the hard rigid materials used in conventional mounting systems. The flexible nature (e.g., elastomeric composition) of the cymbal mount may also absorb drum stick strikes, and thereby prevent drum stick damage as well as damage that typically occurs to rigid components in conventional mounting systems.

The extended sleeve length of the cymbal mount, in some embodiments, may eliminate the need for an affixing mechanism above the cymbal, eliminate unwanted noise from striking the affixing mechanism above the cymbal, and allow the cymbal to ring freely without vibration dampening. Due to the extended length of the sleeve, a cymbal may be prevented from dismounting from the stand/mount during use or play, and therefore there is no need for any additional parts to secure the cymbal to the cymbal stand or to protect the cymbal from a mechanical locking mechanism.

As noted above, cymbal mount may include a liner portion extending from an upper portion of the rim portion about at least a portion of the sleeve portion. The liner portion may be more flexible than at least the rim portion. For example, the liner portion may be a softer material, such as a softer more flexible elastomer material, as compared to the material of the rim portion and/or the sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the liner portion may be an integral soft segment over-molded onto the elastomeric support rim portion and/or the elastomeric sleeve portion to eliminate any need for a washer for resting the cymbal on the mount, if desired. In such an embodiment, the cymbal mount may thereby be a single unitary component solution that remains attached to a cymbal stand and/or support post for the life of the elastomeric cymbal mount.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments the cymbal mounting apparatuses, systems and related methods of may include a cymbal mount10for mounting a cymbal12to a mounting post14of a cymbal stand16. However, it will be understood that the mount10could be used to mount any other suitable percussive instrument onto a stand16. Further, the stand16may be any stand of any configuration or design. For example, the cymbal12and the stand16may be conventional items. As shown inFIG. 1, the cymbal16may include a circular mounting aperture18in the center of the cymbal. So that a cymbal16can mount to the mounting post14, the mounting post14may be a cylindrical portion at the top end of the cymbal stand16configured to extend through the aperture18.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 7-9, the mounting post14may include a shoulder portion20. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the mounting post14may include a cylindrical connecting portion22extending from the shoulder portion20that defines a free end or top24. As also shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the cylindrical portion22may include a threaded portion26proximate to the free end24, and a non-threaded portion28proximate to the shoulder portion20. However, other mounting post14may be configured differently, such as not including the shoulder portion20, not including the non-threaded portion28, including multiple non-threaded portions28and/or threaded portions26, etc.

As shown inFIG. 7the cylindrical connecting portion22of the mounting post14may define a diameter D1. The diameter D1may be any size. In some embodiments, the diameter D1of the cylindrical portion22of the mounting post14may be within the range of 6-9 mm. In the exemplary illustrative embodiment, the diameter D1of the cylindrical portion22of the mounting post14is about 8 mm. As also shown inFIG. 7, the cylindrical portion22of the mounting post14may define an axial length L1measured from the upper edge or end of the shoulder portion20to the free end24. The axial length L1may be any length. In the exemplary illustrative embodiment, the length L1of the cylindrical portion22of the mounting post14is about 2 inches.

As shown inFIGS. 1-10, the cymbal mount10may include an elongated flexible sleeve portion30and a cymbal support rim portion32extending outwardly from the sleeve portion30. As shown inFIGS. 1-10, the sleeve portion30of the mount10may be cylindrical, and the rim portion32may extend circumferentially about and radially outwardly from the sleeve portion. The exterior surface of the sleeve portion30may define a diameter D2. The diameter D2of the exterior surface of the sleeve portion30may be any size. In some embodiments, the diameter D2of the exterior surface of the sleeve portion30may be smaller than the diameter of the mounting aperture18of a cymbal12. For example, in embodiments wherein the diameter of the mounting aperture18of a cymbal12is 7/16 inch or 11 mm, the diameter D2of the exterior surface of the sleeve portion30may be 10 mm. The diameter D2of the exterior surface of the sleeve portion30being smaller than the diameter of the mounting aperture18of a cymbal12may allow the cymbal12freely swing during use (a thick diameter, which may be utilized, could impede the swinging motion of the cymbal12leading to premature breakage thereof).

As shown inFIGS. 1-10, the rim portion32may extend circumferentially about and radially outwardly from a lower end or portion of the sleeve portion30. The outwardly projecting rim portion32may have sufficient rigidity for the cymbal12to be supported thereon with minimal deflection of the rim portion32. The rim portion32may define an outer diameter D3. The diameter D3of the rim portion32may be any size. In some embodiments, the diameter D3of the rim portion32may be within the range of 3 inches to ½ inch. In the exemplary illustrative embodiment, the diameter D3of the rim portion32of the cymbal mount10is about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the portion32of the cymbal mount10may be at least about 3 mm thick. In some embodiments, the portion32of the cymbal mount10may be within the range of about 3-7 mm thick. In some embodiments, the portion32of the cymbal mount10may about 3 mm thick, or about 6 mm thick. As noted above, the rim portion32(and/or the sleeve portion30) may be made from an elastomer.

As shown inFIGS. 3-7, the sleeve portion30and the rim portion32of the cymbal mount10may be integral. In some embodiments, the cymbal mount10may be of one-piece construction or a unitary single component. The sleeve portion30may be cylindrical and the rim portion32may be a circular disc shape. The sleeve portion30and the rim portion32may be aligned along a common axis. In this way, the top or upper surface of the rim portion32may be oriented 90 degrees to the exterior surface of the sleeve portion30. The rim portion32may extend outwardly from the sleeve portion30.

As shown inFIGS. 3, 5A-7 and 9, the sleeve portion30may define or include an inner cavity40with a fourth diameter D4. In some embodiments, cavity40may extend axially through the sleeve portion30and the rim portion32, as shown inFIGS. 5A-7. In some embodiments, the connecting portion22of the mounting post14and the cavity40of the sleeve portion30may be cylindrical. As noted above, the inner cavity40may define or include a fourth diameter D4. As shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the fourth diameter D4of the inner cavity40may be less than the first diameter D1of the connecting portion22(e.g., cylindrical connecting portion22) of the mounting post14of the mount10so that the sleeve portion30applies a compressive force to the mounting post14when installed thereon. In some embodiments, the fourth diameter D4of the cavity40of the sleeve portion30is at least about 5% undersized of the first diameter Dlof the mounting post14. In some embodiments, the fourth diameter D4of the cavity40of the sleeve portion30is within the range of about 5% to about 20% undersized of the first diameter Dlof the mounting post14. In some embodiments, the fourth diameter D4of the cavity40of the sleeve portion30is about 10% undersized of the first diameter D1of the mounting post14. For example, in embodiments wherein the first diameter D1of the connecting portion22(e.g., cylindrical connecting portion22) of the mounting post14of the mount10is about 8 mm, the fourth diameter D4of the cavity40of the sleeve portion30may be about 7.1 mm.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 9, the sleeve portion30may extend over or about the non-threaded portions28and/or the threaded portion26. For example, the mount10may be placed over at least a portion of the threaded portion26of the mounting post14and press fit in place. The undersize of the diameter D4of the sleeve portion30of the mount10with respect to the first diameter D1of the mounting post14, and the flexible, elastic or elastomeric properties/nature of the sleeve portion30/mount10, may apply the compressive forces to the mounting post14to secure the mount10to the mounting post14. For example, the elastomeric properties of the sleeve portion30may be configured to allow the sleeve potion32to stretch over the mounting post14providing a tight squeeze fit of the sleeve potion32onto mounting post14to lock or fix the mount10to the mounting post14, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9.

As shown in FIG,5A, in some embodiments the interior surface of the sleeve portion30of the mount10that defines the cavity40may be entirely or at least partially non-threaded such that they define or include a substantially smooth wall surface. However, in alternative embodiment of a cymbal mount110, as shown inFIG. 5B, the sleeve portion132that defines the cavity140may be entirely or at least partially threaded such that they define or include an internally threaded wall surface. In such embodiments, the internal threads may engage the threaded portion26of the mounting post14, which may aid in securely affixing the mount10to the post14.

In some embodiments, the sleeve portion30of the mount10may be slid over the mounting post14until the sleeve portion30engages or abuts the shoulder portion20, as shown inFIG. 7. However, the sleeve portion30of the mount10may be slid over the mounting post14to a positon where the sleeve portion30is spaced away from the shoulder portion20. The sleeve portion30may define an axial length L2that is at least one half the axial length L1of the mounting post14. In some embodiments, the length L2of the sleeve portion30is greater than the first length L1of the mounting post14, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 9. In some embodiments, the length L2of the sleeve portion30/mount10may be about 2.5 inches.

In some embodiments, the length L2of the sleeve portion30/mount10may be configured such that when the mount10is installed on/over the mounting post14at least a portion of the sleeve portion30may extend past the free end24of the mounting post14. For example, the length L2of the sleeve portion30/mount10may be configured such that when the mount10is installed on/over the mounting post14at least half way down the mounting post14to the shoulder portion20at least a portion of the sleeve portion30may extend past the free end24of the mounting post14. However, the sleeve portion30may not extend past the free end24of the mounting post14. For example, the sleeve portion30may extend to or even with the free end24of the mounting post14. In other embodiments, the free end24of the mounting post14may extend past the sleeve portion30. The length L2of the sleeve portion30/mount10may be purposefully designed to extend beyond the end of the free end24of the mounting post14to further prevent the cymbal12from dismounting during use and/or to protect drum sticks from striking the mounting post14and/or for appearance. The squeeze fit feature and the extended length feature may combine to prevent the cymbal12from dismounting from the mounting post14during use.

As shown inFIGS. 3-7, the cymbal mount10may include a chamfer or radius42extending between the sleeve portion14and the rim portion16. The chamfer or radius42may provide support strength to the rim portion18for the support of a cymbal12on the rim portion16and/or to help prevent the sleeve portion14and the rim portion16from separating from each other.

As discussed above, the cymbal mount10may be formed of elastomer or be elastomeric. The cymbal mount10may entirely be elastomer or elastomeric. In some embodiments, the sleeve portion30and/or the rim portion32may be elastomer or be elastomeric. As noted above, the compressive force or press fit nature of the sleeve portion32to the mounting post14may be provided, at least in part, by the elastomer or elastomeric material. The cymbal mount10(e.g., the sleeve portion30and/or the rim portion32) may be an elastomer, such as a polymer with viscoelasticity (having both viscosity and elasticity) and very weak inter-molecular forces, generally having low Young's modulus and high failure strain. The elastomer or elastomeric material may be any of various elastic substances resembling rubber, for example. The elastomer or elastomeric material may be Shore A durometer or Shore D durometer material. The elastomer or elastomeric material may include high elongation and flexibility or elasticity, and avoid breaking or cracking during use. The elastomer or elastomeric material may be able to be stretched to many times its original length, and may be capable of bouncing back into its original shape without permanent deformation. In some embodiments, the elastomer or elastomeric material may be a thermoset elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the elastomer or elastomeric material may not be melt-able (e.g., passed directly into a gaseous state), may swell in the presence of certain solvents, may be generally insoluble, may be flexible and elastic, and/or include relatively lower creep resistance. Examples of elastomer or elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, polyurethanes, polybutadiene, neoprene, and silicone.

As shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 9, the cymbal mount10may include be utilized with a washer50configured to be positioned on an upper surface of the support rim portion32and extend at least partially about the sleeve portion30. The washer50may be placed onto the support rim portion32followed by the cymbal12, which is quickly mounted by simply placing it over the support rim portion32and resting it on the washer50, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9. In some embodiments, the washer50may be relatively thick. In some embodiments, the washer50may be relatively soft and/or flexible. For example, in some embodiments the washer50may be softer and/or more flexible than the rim portion32and/or the sleeve portion30. In some embodiments, the washer50may be formed of felt or another similar material. However, as discussed above, a washer50may not be utilized and a cymbal12may be positioned directly on the support rim portion32. In such embodiments, the support rim portion32may be at least 3 mm thick, such as 6 mm thick.

In another alternative embodiment as shown inFIG. 10, the cymbal mount210may include a liner portion260extending from an upper portion of the rim portion232about at least a portion of the sleeve portion230. In some embodiments, the liner portion260may be relatively soft and/or flexible. For example, in some embodiments the liner portion260may be softer and/or more flexible than the rim portion232and/or the sleeve portion230. In some embodiments, the liner portion260may be formed of an elastomer or be elastomeric. As shown inFIG. 10, the liner portion260may be over-molded onto the rim portion232of the mount210. In some embodiments, the liner portion260may be formed of a second softer elastomer over-molded onto a first elastomer of the rim portion232and/or the sleeve portion230of the mount210. In this way, the mount2210and the liner portion260may be combined into a single finished molded component, as shown inFIG. 10. As also shown inFIG. 10, a cymbal212may be placed over the liner portion260and may rest upon, or be directly supported by, the liner portion260. The relatively soft liner portion260may allow the cymbal212to rest comfortably on the rim portion232in the same manner as the washer250, but be an integral part of the mount210and remain affixed to the mounting post214at all times.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “has,” “including,” “containing,” and other grammatical variants thereof encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

The phrase “consisting essentially of” or grammatical variants thereof when used herein are to be taken as specifying the stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof but only if the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed compositions or methods.

Any and all publications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference herein as though fully set forth.

Subject matter incorporated by reference is not considered to be an alternative to any claim limitations, unless otherwise explicitly indicated.

Where one or more ranges are referred to throughout this specification, each range is intended to be a shorthand format for presenting information, where the range is understood to encompass each discrete point within the range as if the same were fully set forth herein.

While several aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects and embodiments may be affected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, this disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover all such further and alternative aspects and embodiments as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.