Abstract:
A cover system for a percussion striking device allows drummers and percussionists to removably cover their existing sticks, mallets, and beaters of their preference with a light weight, durable fabric to produce benefits including: reducing volume during practice sessions, resulting in less ear fatigue, maintaining as true of a response as possible (“feel”) of the playing surface while working techniques used to enhance actual performance, and/or reducing wear on drumsticks, mallets, and beaters and all playing surfaces it is used on, as well as other benefits.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/482,025, filed May 3, 2011, which prior application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part hereof. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to covers for striking devices for use in striking percussion instruments. Certain aspects of this invention relate to a flexible, removable cover that can be positioned over at least a striking tip of a percussion striking device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Drummers and other percussionists often practice and work on their technique to improve at playing their desired instruments. Percussionists (like all instrumentalists) also often practice a piece of music repetitively until it is ready to be performed. Many percussionists are very particular about the size, shape, weight, feel, balance, and response of the drumstick, mallet, beater, or other striking device they choose to use in a given performance for optimum feel and satisfaction in sound quality. Percussionists may find their practices to be more effective when they are using a striking device that has the same size, shape, weight, feel, balance, and response as the striking device they use to play music in their performances. However, practicing can often pose problems for a percussionist. As one example, percussion instruments often produce loud and/or sharp noises that can be an unwelcome distraction to family, neighbors, and other people in the vicinity. These noises can also damage the hearing of the percussionist over time. As another example, repeated practice with the same striking device can cause wear and damage to the striking device and/or the instrument, even to the point of breakage. As a further example, practicing by striking certain surfaces, such as a table or desk top, can damage the surfaces. 
     Existing striking devices and accessories do not adequately address these issues. For example, percussion sticks designed for practicing currently exist, however such practice sticks typically do not have the same characteristics as the percussionist&#39;s preferred sticks. As another example, percussion sticks have been coated at least partially with rubber or similar material to reduce playing volume and/or to provide protection. However, such coatings are permanent, preventing the sticks from being used in normal performances, and may also add significant weight to the sticks. As another example, percussionists may cover the instrument itself with a covering, such as a towel or a specially-designed instrument cover. Such coverings dampen the response of the instrument, however, and do not permit the percussionist to feel the response of the instrument accurately. 
     The present device and method are provided to address the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior percussion striking devices, instruments, and accessories. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below. 
     Aspects of the invention relate to a cover for a percussion striking device having a shaft and a striking portion configured for striking a percussion instrument. The cover includes a body defining an internal cavity with an opening providing access to the internal cavity, where the cover is configured to be removably connected to the percussion striking device such that at least a portion of the percussion striking device is received within the internal cavity through the opening and the striking portion is covered by the body. The body may be made of a multi-layer flexible material including a smooth fabric layer on an inner surface facing the internal cavity, a durable fabric layer on an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a flexible cushioning layer between the smooth fabric layer and the durable fabric layer. The body may also be formed of one or more pieces of the flexible material stitched together along at least one seam to define the internal cavity. The cover is configured to be removed from the percussion striking device by removing the at least a portion of the percussion striking device from the internal cavity by passing the percussion striking device through the opening. The body may also be configured to cover at least a portion of the shaft of the device. 
     According to one aspect, the flexible cushioning layer includes a compressible polymer material (e.g. an elastomeric material and/or a material with a foam or other cellular structure), the smooth fabric layer includes a light nylon fabric, and the durable fabric layer includes a heavy nylon material (e.g. Cordura or other heavy nylon material). 
     Additional aspects of the invention relate to a cover for a percussion striking device having a shaft and a striking portion configured for striking a percussion instrument. The cover includes a body made of a flexible material and defining an internal cavity, where the cover is configured to be removably connected to the percussion striking device such that at least a portion of the percussion striking device is received within the internal cavity and the striking portion is covered by the flexible material. 
     According to one aspect, the flexible material is a multi-layer material including a smooth fabric layer on an inner surface facing the internal cavity, a durable fabric layer on an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a flexible cushioning layer between the smooth fabric layer and the durable fabric layer. The flexible cushioning layer may include a compressible polymer material (e.g. an elastomeric material and/or a material with a foam or other cellular structure or another sound absorbent and/or energy absorbent material. The three-layer material may have a thickness of between about 1-3 mm. 
     According to another aspect, the body is formed of a sleeve having an opening for access to the internal cavity, and the cover is configured to be removably connected to the percussion striking device by inserting the at least a portion of the percussion striking device through the opening and into the internal cavity. The cover may have an elastic portion around the opening that permits the opening to expand to be configured to receive an enlarged head of the percussion striking device therethrough. 
     According to a further aspect, the body includes a first piece and a second piece that are separate from each other and are connected by at least one elastic strap, wherein the cover is configured to be connected to an enlarged head of the percussion striking device such that the first and second pieces are positioned on opposite sides of the head. The first and second pieces may be cup-shaped and each have an internal cavity configured to receive a portion of the head of the percussion striking device. 
     According to yet another aspect, the cover is configured to be removed from the percussion striking device by removing the portion(s) of the percussion striking device from the internal cavity. 
     According to still a further aspect, the body may have at least one customizable graphic feature. 
     Further aspects of the invention relate to an assembly that includes a percussion striking device having a shaft and a striking portion configured for striking a percussion instrument, and a cover as described above being removably connected to the percussion striking device such that at least a portion of the percussion striking device is received within the internal cavity and the striking portion is covered by the body. 
     According to one aspect, the percussion striking device further includes a second striking portion, and the assembly further includes a second cover. The second cover includes a second body made of the flexible material and defining a second internal cavity, the second cover being removably connected to the percussion striking device such that at least a second portion of the percussion striking device is received within the second internal cavity and the second striking portion is covered by the second body. 
     Still further aspects of the invention relate to a kit or assembly that includes two covers as described above, both configured for removable connection to a percussion striking device to cover two different striking portions of the percussion striking device. 
     Other aspects of the invention relate to methods that include connecting a cover or covers as described above to a percussion striking device. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To allow for a more full understanding of the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of an existing percussion striking device; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a cover for a percussion striking device according to aspects of the present invention, configured for use with the striking device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 2  disposed on the percussion striking device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of an existing percussion striking device; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover for a percussion striking device according to aspects of the present invention, configured for use with the striking device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 5  disposed on the percussion striking device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of an existing percussion striking device; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a head of the percussion striking device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover for a percussion striking device according to aspects of the present invention, disposed on the striking device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the cover of  FIG. 9  disposed to cover at least a portion of the head of the percussion striking device as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 11-14  are plan views of illustrative embodiments of blanks that may be used to construct covers according to aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a percussion striking device as shown in  FIG. 1 , having another illustrative embodiment of a cover according to aspects of the present invention connected to the percussion striking device; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of a percussion striking device as shown in  FIG. 1 , having another illustrative embodiment of a cover according to aspects of the present invention connected to the percussion striking device; 
         FIGS. 17-26  are plan views of illustrative embodiments of blanks that may be used to construct covers according to aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27A  is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover for a percussion striking device according to aspects of the present invention, configured for use with the striking device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 27B  is a perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 27A  disposed on the percussion striking device of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover according to aspects of the present invention, disposed to cover at least a portion of the head of the percussion striking device as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom-front perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom-front-right perspective view of the cover of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom-front perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover according to aspects of the present invention, configured to cover at least a portion of the head of the percussion striking device as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of a head of a striking device as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover according to aspects of the present invention, configured to be removably connected to the head of the percussion striking device of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a side view of another illustrative embodiment of a cover according to aspects of the present invention, configured to be removably connected to a shaft of the percussion striking device of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of the percussion striking device of  FIG. 32  having the covers of  FIGS. 33 and 34  removably connected to the percussion striking device; and 
         FIG. 36  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a multi-layer material configured for use in a cover of a percussion striking device according to aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     It is understood that the relative sizes of the components in these Figures may be exaggerated in order to show relevant detail. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     In general, aspects of the invention relate to a cover for use with a percussion striking device, which can be disposed on and/or attached to the striking device to cover at least a portion of the striking device and is removable from the striking device. In one exemplary embodiment, the cover is configured to cover a striking portion of the percussion striking device that is configured for striking the percussion instrument. As used herein, a “percussion striking device” or “striking device” refers to any device configured for use in striking a percussion instrument, including drumsticks or other sticks, mallets, beaters, etc. Such striking devices can be configured for use in striking any type of percussion instrument, including pitched/tuned or untuned instruments, such as various membranophones (e.g. drums), cymbals, chimes, bells, keyed instruments (e.g. xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel, etc.), unconventional instruments (e.g. buckets), etc. It is understood that many percussion striking devices may be used in pairs. 
     Referring now to the Figures, and initially to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a percussion striking device  10  in the form of a drumstick. The device  10  generally includes a shaft  11  with a head or striking portion  12  disposed on one end of the shaft  11 . The head  12  has a narrowed tip  1   a , and is configured for striking a percussion instrument. The device  10  has a butt if opposite the tip  1   a , with the shaft having a neck  1   c  and a grip portion  1   e  configured for gripping by the percussionist. A shoulder  1   b  narrows the cross-section of the device  10  from the neck  1   c  to the tip  1   a . The device  10  also has a balance point  1   d  that may be proximate the center of gravity of the device  10 . Generally, the shaft  11  and the head  12  are formed of rigid materials in this embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one embodiment of a cover  20  configured to be used in connection with the device  10  of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3  illustrates the cover  20  disposed on the device  10  of  FIG. 1 . This embodiment of the cover  20  includes a front piece  2   a  for covering a portion of the device  10  including the head  12 , and a rear piece  2   b  for covering the butt  1   f . The front piece  2   a  and the rear piece  2   b  may alternately be considered to be two different covers as described herein. In this embodiment, the cover  20  has a body that takes the form of a sleeve of material that includes an internal cavity or cavities  21  configured to receive a portion or portions of the device  10  therein. Both the front piece  2   a  and the back piece  2   b  have openings  22  leading to the respective internal cavities  21 . The front piece  2   a  in this embodiment covers the entire head  12  including the tip  1   a , and also covers the shoulder  1   b  and at least a portion of the neck  1   c . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the front piece  2   a  covers approximately ⅔ of the length of the device  10 . Both pieces  2   a ,  2   b  of the cover  20  in this embodiment are fitted closely to the device  10  to provide friction to secure the cover  20  to the device  10 . The grip portion  1   e  and the balance point  1   d  of the device  10  are left uncovered, to permit the percussionist to grip the device  10  as he/she normally would during actual playing/performance. In other embodiments, the front piece  2   a  and/or the rear piece  2   b  may cover a different portion of the device  10 , and the grip portion  1   e  and/or the balance point  1   d  may be covered by the front piece  2   a  and/or the rear piece  2   b . It is understood that the cover  20  or a similar cover can be used in connection with other drumsticks or other percussion striking devices having similar shapes, designs, and/or dimensions as the device  10  of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     The front piece  2   a  of the cover  20  provides a soft and/or resilient surface on the head  12  that can absorb sound and/or energy to reduce or muffle sound created when striking a percussion instrument, such as a drum. This permits a percussionist to practice for long periods of time without creating excessive noise that may distract others and/or damage the percussionist&#39;s hearing. The cover  20  also resists wear and damage to the device  10  and/or the percussion instrument, and permits the percussionist to strike surfaces other than a percussion instrument (e.g. a desk or table top) without damaging the surface or the device  10 . Further, the cover  20  permits the percussionist to practice with his/her preferred striking device to be used in performances. The cover  20  can be made of a light-weight material that does not significantly affect the weight or balance of the device  10 , allowing the percussionist to experience the accurate feel and balance of the device  10  during practice using the cover  20 . The gap in the cover  20  that leaves the grip portion  1   e  uncovered also assists with transmitting accurate feel to the percussionist. Still further, the cover  20  does not significantly affect the response of the device  10  when striking the chosen percussion instrument, allowing the percussionist to experience the accurate response that would occur during performance using the instrument. These benefits can be useful in all types of practicing, including when practicing new or unfamiliar striking techniques, where experiencing the accurate balance, feel, and response of the device  10  can enhance development and improvement. The cover  20  is designed so that it can be removed from the device  10  when normal playing of the instrument is desired, such as for performances. The skills developed using the cover  20  will translate well to playing with the uncovered device, for the reasons described above. Still other benefits and advantages are readily recognizable to those skilled in the art. 
     The rear piece  2   b  similarly protects the butt if of the device  10 , in case the percussionist wishes to strike the instrument using the butt  1   f  rather than the head  12  (as in the case where a “back stick” stroke is used and the butt  1   f  also becomes a striking portion). The rear piece  2   b  may also provide some weight balance, depending on the weight of the material used for the cover  20 . In other embodiments, the rear piece  2   b  may be omitted. It is understood that other portions of the device  10  may be considered to be striking portions, such as the shaft  11 , as described below in connection with  FIGS. 34 and 35 . 
     The cover  20  may be made from a variety of different materials, or a combination of materials. In one embodiment, the cover  20  may be made of a material that is light weight and has at least some degree of elasticity, allowing the cover  20  to stretch to allow the device  10  to be inserted into the cover  20  and to also provide some grip or friction on the device  10  once it is inserted. In another embodiment, the cover  20  may additionally or alternately include a fastening mechanism, such as a strap, a fastener (button, snap, etc.), a drawstring, a zipper, a clamp, or other such fastening mechanism. In a further embodiment, the cover  20  may include a friction-enhancing material on the inside, to enhance gripping of the cover  20  onto the device  10 . Such a friction-enhancing material may include a gripping substance, such as an adhesive, or a surface treatment on the inside of the cover  20  to increase the friction, such as through roughening the surface or making the surface tacky. In yet another embodiment, the cover  20  may include a rigid portion and may additionally include an elastic portion. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the cover  20  is made from a neoprene material, and may have a nylon or spandex backing on one or both surfaces. The cover  20  may have a material thickness of 1-3 mm. Other examples of materials that can be used for the cover  20  include various polymers and copolymers, including polyurethanes, silicones, nylon, spandex, other natural or synthetic elastomer/rubber materials, as well as various fabrics, including fabrics made from such polymers and/or other materials. As described above, the cover  20  may be made from a polymeric material, such as an elastomer, with a coating or backing of a fabric or another polymer. To decrease weight, at least a portion of the cover  20  may be formed of a foamed material, such as foamed neoprene or polyurethane. Such materials may be formed using any known technique, including various types of molding (including injection molding) or other polymer production techniques, as well as sewing, weaving, stitching, and other fabric production techniques, as well as other techniques. The material may also be connected to itself or other materials of the cover  20  by connecting techniques such as stitching, welding, bonding (e.g. adhesives), or other techniques, to achieve the desired shape. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 36 , the cover  20  is formed of a multi-layer material that includes an outer fabric layer  24 , an inner fabric layer  25 , and a flexible cushioning layer  26  positioned between the inner and outer layers  24 ,  25 . The outer fabric layer  24  may be made from a durable fabric material, such as a heavy nylon material (including Cordura in one example), to sustain impacts with the percussion instrument with limited or no damage. The inner fabric layer  25  may be made from a low-friction fabric material, such as a light nylon material, to ease insertion of the device  10  into the cavity  20 . The cushioning layer  26  may be formed of an elastomeric or other flexible polymer material, including neoprene, polyurethane, and other such materials, which may have a foam or other cellular configuration. The cover  20  may be constructed so that the inner fabric layer  25  forms an inner surface of the cover  20  and lines the inner cavity  21 , and the durable outer fabric layer  24  forms the outer surface of the cover  20 . It is understood that any and all of the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80 ,  90 ,  100  or any other covers within the scope of the present invention may be made from a material as described above and shown in  FIG. 36 . 
     The cover  20  may have one or more graphic features thereon, including one or more colors, patterns, or indicia such as a logo, label, name, initials, etc. In one embodiment, the cover  20  may be customizable graphically. For example, the cover  20  could be provided in a variety of colors or color combinations that can be selected by the user, such as school or team colors, and may likewise be available with selectable patterns and/or indicia. As another example, the cover  20  may have luminescent (e.g. glow-in-the-dark) or other stylistic indicia, patterns, or coloring. The cover  20  may be manufactured to include these graphic features, or the graphics may be applied after manufacturing, such as through paints, inks, coatings, dyes, labels, monograms, embroidering, etc. The material may be any color of choice to satisfy the look and also achieve satisfactory results for performance (i.e. stick height adjustments for drumlines, school colors, flashiness of soloists etc.). 
     The cover  20  may be provided in different material thicknesses to change the resulting effects. For example, thicker covers  20  may produce more muffled sound and more resistance to response, and thinner covers  20  may produce sound and feel that is closer to the full sound and feel of the uncovered device  10 . Damage and wear resistance may also be affected by the thickness of the cover  20 . 
     As described above, different embodiments of covers may be provided for different types of percussion striking devices, in addition to the cover  20  in  FIGS. 1-3  that is configured for covering a drumstick  10 .  FIGS. 4-10  illustrate other embodiments of percussion striking devices  30 ,  50  and covers  40 ,  60  configured for covering the devices  30 ,  50 . 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate a percussion striking device  30  in the form of a yarn mallet or beater, such as for striking a marimba, vibraphone, or other key instrument. The device  30  of  FIGS. 4-6  includes a shaft  4   b  and a striking portion in the form of an enlarged head  4   a  at one end of the shaft  4   b . In this embodiment, the head  4   a  is formed of tightly wrapped yarn, and the shaft  4   b  is formed from wood or other rigid material. Other types of striking devices with enlarged heads  4   a , having heads  4   a  and/or shafts  4   b  made from different materials, may be utilized in connection with the invention. For example, other mallets or beaters may have heads made from or including rubber or felt. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a cover  40  configured to be used in connection with the device  30  of  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 6  illustrates the cover  40  disposed on the device  30  of  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the cover  40  has a body that takes the form of a sleeve of material that includes an opening  42  that leads to an internal cavity  41  configured to receive a portion or portions of the device  30  therein. The cover  40  in this embodiment covers the entire head  4   a  of the device  30 . The shaft  4   b  of the device  30  is left substantially uncovered in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the cover  40  may cover a different portion of the device  30 , and a greater portion of the shaft  4   b  may be covered. The cover  40  also includes an elastic portion  43 , such as an elastic band, connected around the opening  42 . The elastic portion  43  is able to expand to allow the head  4   a  to be inserted into the opening  42 , and then contracts to secure the cover  40  in place on the head  4   a . In other embodiments, the cover  40  may include a different fastening structure for this purpose, such as a cinch, clamp, drawstring, etc. The cover  40  provides a soft and/or resilient surface on the head  4   a , conferring some or all of the benefits described above with respect to the cover  20  in  FIGS. 1-3 . Any of the additional or alternate features described above with respect to the cover  20  of  FIGS. 1-3  can be used in connection with the cover  40  of  FIGS. 5-6 . For example, a second piece to cover at least a portion of the shaft  4   b  may be provided. It is understood that the cover  40  of  FIGS. 5-6 , or a similar cover, can be used with other types of mallets, beaters, or other striking devices having heads that are enlarged relative to the shaft. 
       FIGS. 7-10  illustrate a percussion striking device  50  in the form of a foot pedal beater, such as for striking a bass drum or similar percussion instrument. The device  50  of  FIGS. 7-10  includes a shaft  51 , a striking portion in the form of an enlarged head  52  at one end of the shaft  51 , a stand  53  configured to support the shaft  51 , and a pedal  54  operably connected to the shaft  51  and the stand  53 . The pedal  54  is configured to be actuated by the user&#39;s foot, to cause the shaft  51  to swing and/or pivot on the stand  53  to move the head  52  to strike the percussion instrument. In this embodiment, the shaft, the stand, and the pedal  54  may be made of metal or another rigid material, and the head  52  may be made from a combination of materials, including metals, polymers, and fabrics such as felt. The head  52  in this embodiment has a generally cylindrical shape, with a rounded or cylindrical portion  55  and less rounded or flattened ends  56  on one or both ends of the cylindrical portion  55 . The ends  56  of the head  52  may be considered striking portions, as the ends  56  are configured for striking the instrument. Other types of mechanically actuated striking devices with enlarged heads  52 , or striking devices with substantially cylindrically-shaped heads  52 , may be utilized in connection with the invention. Such other striking devices may be differently configured and/or made at least partially from different materials. 
       FIGS. 9-10  illustrate one embodiment of a cover  60  configured to be used in connection with the device  50  of  FIGS. 7-8 , in a position disposed on the device  50 . In this embodiment, the cover  60  has a body that takes the form of two pieces or end caps  61  that each cover a portion or portions of the device  50  and receive portions of the device  50  therein. As shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , each piece  61  covers one of the two ends  56  of the head  52  of the striking device  50 , and each piece  61  is cup-shaped with a cavity  63  that receives a portion of the respective end  56  of the head  52 . Elastic straps  62  connect the two pieces  61 . The straps  62  are able to expand to allow the pieces  61  to be stretched over the ends  56  and then contract to apply tension between the pieces  61  to secure the pieces  61  in place on the head  52 . By covering both ends  56  of the head  52  of the device  50 , the cover  60  does not need to be adjusted if the device  50  is reversed by the performer, as the other end  56  remains covered. In other embodiments, the cover  60  may cover a different portion of the device  50 , such as by having larger or smaller pieces  61 . In one embodiment, the cover  60  may not include straps  62 , and may have one or more openings and/or slits that allow the cover  60  to be inserted over the head  52 . The cover  60  may include an elastic portion in this embodiment as well. In further embodiments, the cover  60  may cover only one end  56  of the head  52 , or may cover the entire head  52 . The cover  60  provides a soft and/or resilient surface on the head  52 , conferring some or all of the benefits described above with respect to the cover  20  in  FIGS. 1-3 . In the embodiment shown, the pieces  61  of the cover  60  are formed of a flexible material such as neoprene, similar to the cover  20  of  FIGS. 1-3 , however other materials can be used in other embodiments. Any of the additional or alternate features described above with respect to the cover  20  of  FIGS. 1-3  can be used in connection with the cover  60  of  FIGS. 9-10 . It is understood that the cover  50  of  FIGS. 9-10 , or a similar cover, can be used with other types of mechanically actuated striking devices with enlarged heads  52 , or striking devices with substantially cylindrically-shaped heads  52 . 
     In one embodiment, a cover as described herein may be formed of one or more pieces of a flexible material that are connected together to define the body of the cover, such as by stitching, adhesive, or other technique. Blanks of the flexible material may be used to form such covers.  FIGS. 11-14  illustrate examples of blanks  71  that may be used to form covers similar to the cover  20  of  FIGS. 2-3 . The blanks  71  of  FIGS. 11-14  are configured for use with different size devices  10 , decreasing in size from largest ( FIG. 11 ) to smallest ( FIG. 14 ).  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate examples of covers  70  formed using these blanks  71 . Each of the blanks  71  of  FIGS. 11-14  is configured to be wrapped to form an internal cavity  75  of the cover  70 , and has connection sides  72  that are configured to be connected to each other (e.g. by stitching). The seams  76  formed by these connection sides  72  are illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The blanks  70  also have free ends  73  that are not configured to be connected, forming the opening  74  of the cover  70 . The blanks  71 A are configured for forming the second piece or second cover  70 A as shown in  FIG. 15 . The covers  70 ,  70 A of  FIGS. 15-16  generally include other structural features that are the same or similar to the structural features of the cover(s)  20  of  FIGS. 2-3 , and such shared structural features are not described herein for the sake of brevity. 
       FIGS. 17-18  illustrate examples of blanks  81  that may be used to form covers such as the cover  80  shown in  FIGS. 28-31 .  FIGS. 33 and 35  also show embodiments of this cover  80 . The cover  80  of  FIGS. 28-31  is configured for use with a striking device  50  as shown in  FIG. 7  and described above. The cover  80  in this embodiment has a body that takes the form of a sleeve of material that includes an opening  82  that leads to an internal cavity  83  configured to receive a portion or portions of the device  50  therein. The cover  80  in this embodiment covers the entire head  52  of the device  50 . The shaft  51  of the device  50  is left substantially uncovered in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the cover  80  may cover a different portion of the device  50 , and a greater portion of the shaft  51  may be covered. The cover  80  may also include an elastic portion  84 , such as an elastic band, connected around the opening  82 , such as shown in  FIG. 31 . The elastic portion  84  is able to expand to allow the head  52  to be inserted into the opening  82 , and then contracts to secure the cover  80  in place on the head  52 . In other embodiments, the cover  80  may include a different fastening structure for this purpose, such as a cinch, clamp, drawstring, etc. The cover  80  provides a soft and/or resilient surface on the head  52 , conferring some or all of the benefits described above with respect to the cover  20  in  FIGS. 1-3 . Any of the additional or alternate features described above with respect to the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60  as described above can be used in connection with the cover  80  of  FIGS. 28-31 . For example, a second piece to cover at least a portion of the shaft  51  may be provided. It is understood that the cover  80  of  FIGS. 28-31 , or a similar cover, can be used with other types of mallets, beaters, or other striking devices having heads that are enlarged relative to the shaft. As one specific example, the cover  80  may be used in connection with a beater that has a shaft  51  and head  52  similar to the device  50  of  FIG. 7 , but having a hand-held configuration. The covers  80  of  FIGS. 28-31  may include other structural features that are the same or similar to the structural features of the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60  described above, and such shared structural features are not described herein for the sake of brevity. 
     As described above, the blanks  81  of  FIGS. 17-18  may be used to form a cover  80  as shown in  FIGS. 28-31  or a similar cover. The blanks  81  in this embodiment include two side pieces  85 , which may be circular ( FIG. 18 ), oval ( FIG. 17 ), or another shape, and a central piece  86  connected to the two side pieces  85 . The central piece  86  includes two connection sides  87  for connection around at least a portion of the perimeters of the side pieces  85 , and ends  88  that are configured to form the opening  82 .  FIGS. 28-31  illustrate one such configuration, with seams  89  at the connections between the side pieces  85  and the central piece  86 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , at least a portion of the ends  88  and/or the edges of the side pieces  85  may be connected to the elastic portion  84  in one embodiment. In one example embodiment, the central piece  86  in  FIG. 17  may have a length (along connection sides  87 ) of 5½″ and a width (along ends  88 ) of 2″. In one example embodiment, the central piece  86  in  FIG. 18  may have a length (along connection sides  87 ) of 4¾″ and a width (along ends  88 ) of 2″, and the side pieces  85  may have diameters of 1 9/16″ each. It is understood that these embodiments are examples, and any desired sizes may be used for such components. 
       FIGS. 19-25  illustrate examples of blanks  91  that may be used to form covers such as the cover  90  shown in  FIGS. 27A-B . The cover  90  of  FIGS. 27A-B  is configured for use with a striking device  30  as shown in  FIG. 4  and described above, or another device with a similarly shaped head (e.g. a tympani or bass drum beater). The cover  90  in this embodiment has a body that takes the form of a sleeve of material that includes an opening  92  that leads to an internal cavity  93  configured to receive a portion or portions of the device  30  therein. The cover  90  in this embodiment covers the entire head  4   a  of the device  30 . The shaft  4   b  of the device  30  is left substantially uncovered in this embodiment. In other embodiments, the cover  90  may cover a different portion of the device  30 , and a greater portion of the shaft  4   b  may be covered. The cover  90  may also include an elastic portion  94 , such as an elastic band, connected around the opening  92 . The elastic portion  94  is able to expand to allow the head  4   a  to be inserted into the opening  92 , and then contracts to secure the cover  90  in place on the head  4   a . In other embodiments, the cover  90  may include a different fastening structure for this purpose, such as a cinch, clamp, drawstring, etc. The cover  90  provides a soft and/or resilient surface on the head  4   a , conferring some or all of the benefits described above with respect to the cover  20  in  FIGS. 1-3 . Any of the additional or alternate features described above with respect to the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80  as described above can be used in connection with the cover  90  of  FIGS. 27A-B . For example, a second piece to cover at least a portion of the shaft  4   b  may be provided. It is understood that the cover  90  of  FIGS. 27A-B , or a similar cover, can be used with other types of mallets, beaters, or other striking devices having heads that are enlarged relative to the shaft. The covers  90  of  FIGS. 27A-B  may include other structural features that are the same or similar to the structural features of the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80  described above, and such shared structural features are not described herein for the sake of brevity. 
     As described above, the blanks  91  of  FIGS. 19-25  may be used to form a cover  90  as shown in  FIGS. 27A-B  or a similar cover. The blanks  91  in this embodiment include an end piece  95 , which may be circular or another shape, and a sleeve piece  96  connected to the end pieces  95 . The sleeve piece  96  includes an end connection side  97 A for connection around the perimeter of the end piece  95 , connection sides  97 B configured for connection to each other to form a cylindrical sleeve, and an end  98  that is configured to form the opening  92 .  FIGS. 27A-B  illustrate one such configuration, with seams  99  at the connections between the end connection side  97 A and the end piece  95 , and at the connection between the connection sides  97 B of the central piece  86 . As shown in  FIGS. 27A-B , at least a portion of the end  88  may be connected to the elastic portion  94  in one embodiment. 
     In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 19  may be used to make a cover for a bass drum beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 19  having a length (along end  98 ) of 6⅛″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 2″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 2″ or 1⅞″. In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 20  may be used to make a cover for a tympani beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 20  having a length (along end  98 ) of 5″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 1⅜″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 1 9/16″. In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 21  may be used to make a cover for a marimba or other yarn beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 21  having a length (along end  98 ) of 4¼″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 2″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 1⅛″ or 1¼″. In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 22  may be used to make a cover for a percussion beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 22  having a length (along end  98 ) of 5″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 1½″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 1 9/16″ or 1½″. In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 23  may be used to make a cover for a yarn beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 23  having a length (along end  98 ) of 4½″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 1½″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 1 7/16″ or 1⅜″. In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 24  may be used to make a cover for a percussion beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 24  having a length (along end  98 ) of 4⅛″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 1⅛″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 1⅛″. In one example embodiment, the blank  81  of  FIG. 25  may be used to make a cover for a percussion beater, with the central piece  96  in  FIG. 25  having a length (along end  98 ) of 5¾″ and a width (along connection sides  97 B) of 1¾″, and with the side piece  95  having a diameter of 1½″ or 1¾″. It is understood that these embodiments are examples, and any desired sizes may be used for such components. 
       FIG. 26  illustrates an examples of a blanks  101  that may be used to form covers such as the cover  100  shown in  FIGS. 34-35 . The cover  100  of  FIG. 26  is configured for use with a striking device  50  as shown in  FIG. 7  and described above, but could be used to cover a portion of the shaft of any percussion device if appropriately dimensioned. The cover  100  in this embodiment has a body that takes the form of a sleeve of material that includes two end openings  102  that lead to an internal cavity  103  configured to receive a portion or portions of the shaft  51  of the device  50  therein and to cover a portion of the shaft  51  the device  50 . In other embodiments, the cover  100  may cover a different portion of the shaft  51 , such as the entire shaft  51 . The cover  100  may also include an elastic portion (not shown), such as an elastic band, connected around either or both openings  102 . In other embodiments, the cover  100  may include a different fastening structure for this purpose, such as a cinch, clamp, drawstring, etc. The cover  100  provides a soft and/or resilient surface on the shaft  51 , conferring some or all of the benefits described above with respect to the cover  20  in  FIGS. 1-3 , and further provides cushioning for the shaft  51  during rim strikes or other strikes on the shaft  51  of the device  50 . The cover  100  may include an outer surface that is made from a material with very high durability, such as Cordura (as described above with respect to  FIG. 36 ), as the cover  100  may sustain significant stresses during use. Any of the additional or alternate features described above with respect to the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80 ,  90  as described above can be used in connection with the cover  100  of  FIGS. 34-35 . For example, the cover  100  may be used in conjunction with a second piece to cover at least a portion of the head  52 .  FIGS. 33 and 35  illustrate the use of the cover  100  with a cover  80  as shown in  FIGS. 28-31  covering the head  52 . It is understood that the cover  100  of  FIGS. 34-35 , or a similar cover, can be used with other types of mallets, beaters, or other striking devices. The cover  100  of  FIGS. 33-34  may include other structural features that are the same or similar to the structural features of the covers  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80 ,  90  described above, and such shared structural features are not described herein for the sake of brevity. 
     As described above, the blank  101  of  FIG. 26  may be used to form a cover  100  as shown in  FIGS. 33-34  or a similar cover. The blank  101  in this embodiment connection sides  105  configured for connection to each other to form a cylindrical sleeve, and ends  106 ,  107  that are configured to form the openings  102 .  FIGS. 33-34  illustrate one such configuration, with seams  108  at the connections between the connection sides  105 . In one embodiment, the blank  101  of  FIG. 26  may have a trapezoidal shape, with the end  106  having a larger dimension than the opposite end  107 . In an example embodiment, the blank  101  of  FIG. 26  may have one end  106  with a length of 2¾″ and the opposite end  107  with a length of 2⅜″. It is understood that this embodiment is an example, and any desired sizes may be used for such components. 
     Further embodiments of striking devices may be used in connection with the covers described herein, and similar or different covers may be designed for such other striking devices. It is understood that some embodiments of striking devices may not include an identifiable head and, for example, may have a portion of a shaft serving as a striking portion, such as a straight cylindrical stick or rod. The covers  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80 ,  90 ,  100  described above, and other embodiments of covers, can be constructed or modified to cover any size, type, or configuration of percussion striking device, in accordance with aspects of the invention. In creating such additional embodiments or configurations, several components, options, or features of the embodiments described above may be combined or modified to adapt to the particular configuration of the striking device desired to be covered. Any and all such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.