Abstract:
A drum seat and methods of use including, in general, a circular cushion with a center hole supported by a washer shaped platform and covered by a cover, a quick connect collar having a tightening mechanism, a pillar bracket assembly to connect the underside of the washer shaped platform and the quick connect collar and, thus, functions to easily integrate with existing drum seat support structures, provides ventilation, and reduces the drummer&#39;s pants from bunching up in the drummer&#39;s buttocks and crotch while drumming.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    To the full extent permitted by law, the present United States Non-provisional Patent application, is a Continuation-in-Part of, and claims benefit of United States Non-provisional application entitled “Drum Seat and Methods of Use,” having assigned Ser. No. 14/701,251, filed on Apr. 30, 2015, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates generally to chairs and seats and, more particularly, the disclosure relates to a drum seat for a drummer. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A drum seat is used when a drummer is performing on a drum set and ordinarily includes a simple design so as not to interfere with the drummer movement since the drummer may move rapidly or jerky while playing the drums. One such drum seat includes a continuous surface area cushioned seat. One disadvantage of a drum seat with a continuous surface area cushioned seat is that the drummer&#39;s pants tend to bunch up in the drummers buttocks and crotch while drumming due to buttocks movement back and forth across the continuous surface area cushioned seat. 
         [0004]    Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognized unmet need for a drum seat for a drummer and methods of use that easily integrates with existing drum seat support structures, provides ventilation, and reduces the drummer&#39;s pants from bunching up in the drummer&#39;s buttocks and crotch while drumming. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Briefly described, in example embodiment, the present apparatus overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meets the recognized need for a drum seat and methods of use including, in general, a circular cushion with a center hole supported by a washer shaped platform and covered by a cover, a quick connect collar having a tightening mechanism, a pillar bracket assembly to connect the underside of the washer shaped platform and the quick connect collar and, thus, functions to easily integrate with existing drum seat support structures, provides ventilation, and reduces the drummer&#39;s pants from bunching up in the drummer&#39;s buttocks and crotch while drumming. 
         [0006]    In a preferred exemplary embodiment, a drum seat including a seat plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a coupling device positioned below the seat plate, the coupling device connected to the lower surface of the seat plate by one or more brackets, and a seat cushion having a top surface, a sidewall, a bottom surface, and an inner cushion, wherein the bottom surface is in contact with the lower surface, and the top surface and the inner cushion are configured having a seat hole positioned therein. 
         [0007]    In still a further exemplary embodiment of a drummer chair, the drummer chair including a drum seat having a seat plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, a coupling device positioned below the seat plate, the coupling device connected to the lower surface of the seat plate by one or more brackets, a seat cushion having a top surface, a sidewall, a bottom surface, and an inner cushion, wherein the bottom surface is in contact with the lower surface, and the top surface and the inner cushion are configured having a seat hole positioned therein, a seat base, the seat base includes a tube having a first tube end and a second tube end, a height adjustment shaft having a first shaft end and a second shaft end, wherein the first shaft end is positioned in the coupling device and the second shaft end is positioned in the vertical tube. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, a feature of the drum seat and methods of use is the ability to integrate with the base of original equipment manufacturer drum seats making it universally adaptable to current drum seat stands. 
         [0009]    Another feature of the drum seat and methods of use is the ability to provide ventilation of drummer&#39;s buttocks. 
         [0010]    Still another feature of the drum seat and methods of use is that it is the ability to provide a circular cushion with a center hole (flattened doughnut or toroid or flattened toroid) that functions to prevent the drummer&#39;s pants from bunching up in the drummer&#39;s crotch while drumming. 
         [0011]    Yet another feature of the drum seat and methods of use is the ability to provide circular cushion with a center hole (flattened doughnut or toroid or flattened toroid) with no front to the seat so that when a drummer pops up and down or off the seat the drummer may return to the seat without having to locate the front of the seat, since the drum seat turns 360 degrees in continuous motion with the drummer. 
         [0012]    Yet another feature of the drum seat and methods of use is the ability to reduce the surface area of seat top that can grip drummer&#39;s pants and thus, prevent the drummer&#39;s pants from bunching up in the drummer&#39;s buttocks and crotch. 
         [0013]    Yet another feature of the drum seat and methods of use is the ability to provide a cavity or hole for when a drummer&#39;s pants do bunch up and provides room a drummer&#39;s pants to bunch up. 
         [0014]    Yet another feature of the drum seat and methods of use is the ability to provide a drum chair where the performer can perform pleasantly and in a stable posture, with the annoyance of pants riding up even during a long performance. 
         [0015]    These and other features of the drum seat and methods of use will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following Detailed Description of the Embodiments and Claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The present drum seat and methods of use will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of drum seat and base structure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of drum seat shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of drummer chair and base structure, universal shaft adapter, and seat base; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of drummer chair and base structure, height adjustment connector, and seat base, shown assembled for use; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a drummer&#39;s chair, shown in use. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of drum seat and support structure  10 . Preferably drum seat and support structure  10  includes seat cushion  12  and support structure  14 . Seat cushion  12  preferably includes seat surface, seat support or seat structure, such as seat sidewall  12 . 1 , seat surface, such as seat top surface  12 . 2 A and seat bottom surface  12 . 2 B, and seat cavity, seat open center, or aperture, such as seat hole  12 . 3  positioned therein seat top surface  12 . 2 A. It is recognized herein that seat cushion  12  with seat sidewall  12 . 1 , seat top surface  12 . 2 , and seat hole  12 . 3  is preferably configured as a circular shaped cushion with a hole (seat hole  12 . 3 ) disposed proximately centered (the appearance of a flattened doughnut, top view as a washer, or toroid or flattened toroid); however, seat cushion  12  may be configured as a square, a triangle or other polygon configuration with seat hole  12 . 3  positioned therein. 
         [0025]    Support structure  14  preferably includes a seat support surface or plate, such as seat plate  14 . 1  formed with upper surface  24 . 1  and lower surface  24 . 2 , preferably in contact with seat bottom surface  12 . 2 B, a collar, coupling device, or connection device, such as quick connect  14 . 3  positioned proximately centered and below seat plate  14 . 1 , and one or more support or arm assemblies, such as one or more bracket(s)  14 . 2 A,  14 . 2 B,  14 , 2 C fixedly and spatially positioned between quick connect  14 . 3  and lower surface of seat plate  14 . 1  to connect theretogether and support seat plate  14 . 1 . Moreover, quick connect  14 . 3  may include a hollow configuration or passageway therethrough and a stop positioned at an upper end of quick connect  14 . 3 , such as end plate  14 . 5  configured to close off a top end of quick connect  14 . 3 . Furthermore, quick connect  14 . 3  preferably includes one or more holes, such as aperture  14 . 6  to accommodate or receive a tightening bolt or position locking screw, such as locking device  14 . 4 . It is contemplated herein that locking device  14 . 4  may include a bolt, bolt and nut, pin, pin and clasp or cotter key, screw, thumb screw and the like to enable quick removal of seat cushion  12  and support structure  14 . 
         [0026]    Support structure  14  is preferably constructed of metal, as metal offers a variety of forms, shapes, and strength; however, other suitable materials such as plastic, wood, aluminum, alloys, or the like, can be utilized, provided such material has sufficient strength and/or durability as would meet the purpose described herein. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional view of seat cushion  12 . Seat sidewall  12 . 1  of seat cushion  12  preferably includes inner cushion, such as cushion material  22  to provide a cushioning effect for a person sitting on seat cushion  12  and outer cover  21 , having a covering material forming one or more surfaces, such as outer cover surface  21 . 1 ,  21 . 2 ,  21 . 3 ,  21 . 4  to cover cushion material  22 , for providing a cushioning effect, like urethane, foam, sponge or the like. Moreover, outer cover surface preferably is in contact with upper surface  24 . 1  of seat plate  14 . 1  and may be permanently or removeably affixed thereto seat plate  14 . 1  by screw, adhesive, hook and loop or the like. It is contemplated herein that upper surface  24 . 1  of seat plate  14 . 1  may be configured as a flat surface or with a hole or aperture, such as plate hole  23  therein similar to and/or aligned with seat hole  12 . 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of drummer chair and base structure  10 , height adjustment shaft, such as universal shaft adapter  30 , and seat base  40 . Preferably seat base  40  includes a conduit preferably vertical, such as vertical tube or tube  41 , having first tube end  41 . 1  and second tube end  41 . 2 , supported by one or more legs or leg assemblies  42 . Leg assemblies  42  preferably include one or more horizontal support arms  42 . 2  and legs, such as one or more angled support arms  42 . 1 . Moreover, one or more horizontal support arms  42 . 2  may include first horizontal end  42 . 2 . 1  pivotably affixed thereto second tube end  41 . 2  and second horizontal end  42 . 2 . 2  may be pivotably affixed thereto first horizontal end  42 . 2 . 1  of angled support arms  42 . 1  and/or foot  43 . Preferably first angled end  42 . 1 . 1  of angled support arms  42 . 1  may be pivotably affixed thereto second horizontal end  42 . 2 . 2  and/or foot  43 . The other end of angled support arms  42 . 1 , second angled end  42 . 1 . 2  of angled support arms  42 . 1  may be pivotably or slidably affixed thereto first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41 . It is recognized herein that tube  41  may include one or more straps, such as first band  44  and second band  45 , wherein first band  44  may be affixed to second tube end  41 . 2  and second band  45  may be slidably affixed between first tube end  41 . 1  and second tube end  41 . 2  to enable fold and transport of seat base  40 . It is contemplated herein that seat base  40  may include different setup or configurations of tube  41 , leg assemblies  42 , and foot  43  to support seat cushion  12 . 
         [0029]    Preferably universal shaft adapter  30  includes a rod, shaft, linkage, or pin having first shaft end  30 . 1  and second shaft end  30 . 2 . First shaft end  30 . 1  may include an enlarged collar  31  configured to i) insert or slide therein quick connect  14 . 3  until contact with end plate  14 . 5  and ii) to be sufficiently large or oversized so as to act as a stop when second shaft end  30 . 2  is inserted in or descends therein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41 . Moreover, second shaft end  30 . 2  is preferably configured or sized to enable second shaft end  30 . 2  to fit or freely slide therein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41 . Locking device  14 . 4  extends through first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  to press against second shaft end  30 . 2  to hold or lock drum seat and base structure  10  in a selected position. Moreover, quick connect  14 . 3  may be connected or coupled to first shaft end  30 . 1  by insert or slide therein until contact with end plate  14 . 5  and second shaft end  30 . 2  may be insert or slide therein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  wherein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  may be slide therein and function to removeably affix drum seat and support structure  10  to seat base  40 . 
         [0030]    Alternatively, quick connect  14 . 3  may be connected or coupled to first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  wherein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  may be slide therein quick connect  14 . 3  until contact with end plate  14 . 5  to removeably affix drum seat and support structure  10  to seat base  40 . 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of drum seat and base structure  10 , universal shaft adapter  30 , and seat base  40 , shown assembled to form drummer chair  100  with seat hole  12 . 3  for use by a drummer performing on a drum set. Moreover, drum seat and base structure  10  may be adjusted or telescoped to a selected height or total height, such as height H utilizing height locking screw  47  positioned therein second band  45  or integral with first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  enabling second shaft end  30 . 2  of universal shaft adapter  30  to slide and height adjust therein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  and to lock second shaft end  30 . 2  of universal shaft adapter  30  therein first tube end  41 . 1  of tube  41  at a desired height H. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 5  there is illustrated exemplary embodiment of a drummer chair  100 , shown in use. In use, drummer D performs on a drum set and ordinarily the drummer may move rapidly or jerky while playing the drums and such movement causes drummer&#39;s pants P tend to bunch up B in the drummers buttocks and crotch C while drumming due to the drummer&#39;s buttocks moving back and forth across prior art continuous surface area of old drum seat. However, seat hole  12 . 3  of seat top surface  12 . 2 A enables two characteristics i) reduces the surface area of seat top surface  12 . 2 A that can grip drummer&#39;s pants P, and thus, prevents drummer&#39;s pants P from bunching up in the drummers buttocks and crotch C, and ii) if drummer&#39;s pants P do bunch up, seat hole  12 . 3  of seat top surface  12 . 2 A provides a cavity or pocket for pants P to bunch up or gather. 
         [0033]    The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present invention has been described in detail; it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.