Patent Abstract:
A percussion instrument includes a stand, an operating rod defining a first axis, a foot pedal operably associated with the operating rod for permitting movement of the operating rod along the first axis, and a pair of movable arms coupled to the stand. A first rigid vibrator is disposed on one of the arms and a second rigid vibrator is disposed on the other of the arms. A clutch is coupled to the arms for governing movement thereof, wherein the arms are rotatable toward each other and toward the first axis.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The benefits of Provisional Application No. 60/621,538 filed Oct. 25, 2004 are claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), and the entire contents of this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a percussion instrument. More particularly, the invention relates to pivotably supported cymbals. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A hi-hat is a popular percussion instrument that has found acceptance in a wide variety of musical applications including jazz and rock and roll and in a variety of venues including concert halls and marching band events. The hi-hat includes a pair of cymbals that are movable with respect to each other, with movement controlled by actuation of a foot pedal. A drumstick or brush often is used in conjunction with the cymbals to create a desired sound. 
     A prior art hi-hat stand  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . Stand  10  has an upper movable cymbal  11 , a lower stationary cymbal  11   a , an internal, longitudinally movable support pipe  12  that supports the lower stationary cymbal  11   a , and an external stationary tube  14  around the pipe  12  and supported on a tripod  13 . A foot pedal  16  is connected to the lower end of an operating rod  17 , which in turn is connected to upper cymbal  11 . Pedal  16  moves operating rod  17  and upper cymbal  11  up and down. Operating rod  17  is coaxially and internally disposed with respect to support pipe  12  as well as slidable with respect thereto. Thus, foot pedal  16  operates movable cymbal  11  against stationary cymbal  11   a . A cymbal receiving support  20  for stationary lower cymbal Ha is provided on top of pipe  12 . Lower stationary cymbal  11   a  is maintained to face open upward while upper movable cymbal  11  faces open downward and opposes stationary lower cymbal  11   a . Upper movable cymbal  11  may be urged away from lower stationary cymbal  11   a  by a spring (not shown) on or near to and connected to operating rod  17 . 
     A clutch may be used to control the height of the upper cymbal coupled to the operating rod. 
     A variety of devices are known for linking foot pedal  16  to upper cymbal  11 , as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,565 and 6,747,200 B2. As explained therein, operating rod  17  may be directly connected with foot pedal  16  using a chain, or alternatively operating rod  17  and foot pedal  16  may be connected using a rotary member that utilizes a differential lever operation principle. 
     Many other devices are known for operably associating a pair of cymbals. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 238,465 to White is directed to a toy cymbal in which a pair of miniature cymbals are strung or mounted loosely on a cord attached to a handle. When the handle is shaken, the cymbals contact one another by sliding on the cord. Other hand-held or hand-actuated cymbal pairs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 792,080, U.S. Pat. No. 1,643,553 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,939. Another device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,613,978 to Berton includes a floor engaging base section having a cymbal mounted on an upper surface thereof, a treadle hingedly connected in overlying relation to said base section and having a cymbal mounted on its under surface, and a foot strap secured to the treadle for movement of the cymbals with respect to one another. Yet another instrument design incorporating a pair of cymbals is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,810 to Crigger directed to an angularly adjustable cymbal mounting. 
     Despite these developments, there remains a need for a percussion apparatus in which a pair of cymbals are supported in a pivotable manner and may be actuated by a foot pedal. There further remains a need for a pair of cymbals that may be supported in a generally vertical manner and at a substantial height above a foot-actuated pedal. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a percussion instrument that includes a stand, an operating rod defining a first axis, a foot pedal operably associated with the operating rod for permitting movement of the operating rod along the first axis, and a pair of movable arms coupled to the stand. A first rigid vibrator is disposed on one of the arms and a second rigid vibrator is disposed on the other of the arms. A clutch is coupled to the arms for governing movement thereof, wherein the arms are rotatable toward each other and toward the first axis. 
     The rigid vibrators may be pivotable to contact each other proximate the first axis, and the first axis may be generally vertical. Also, the rigid vibrators may be mounted proximate ends of the arms. The clutch may be demountably attached to the operating rod, and the clutch may be movable along the first axis to permit the arms to pivot with respect thereto. The arms may be coupled to the stand with elastic members that may be elastic cords. In some embodiments, the arms may be coupled to the operating rod with rigid members. In addition, the stand may include a tube through which the operating rod is received, and the movable arms may be coupled to the tube. In some embodiments, the rigid vibrators may be cymbals. 
     The invention further relates to a percussion instrument that includes a stand, an operating rod defining a generally vertical first axis, and a foot pedal operably associated with the operating rod for permitting movement of the operating rod along the first axis. A pair of movable arms may be coupled to the stand, with a first cymbal disposed on one of the arms and a second cymbal disposed on the other of the arms. A clutch may be coupled to the arms for governing movement thereof, and the arms may be pivotable toward each other and toward the first axis so that the cymbals are permitted to engage each other proximate the first axis. 
     A first elastic member may be provided for resisting movement of one of the movable arms toward the first axis and a second elastic member may be provided for resisting movement of the other of the movable arms toward the first axis. In addition, the stand may include a tube through which the operating rod is received. A support may be fixed to the tube, wherein the arms are pivotable with respect to the support. The arms may include first and second portions, with the first portion pivotably coupled to the support and the second portion generally perpendicular to the first portion. The clutch may include at least one pivot axis and at least one arm may be pivotable with respect to the at least one pivot axis. 
     Moreover, the invention relates to a percussion instrument including a floor stand, an operating rod defining a first axis, a foot pedal for actuating movement of the operating rod along the first axis, a pair of pivotable arms supported by the floor stand, and a cymbal coupled to each arm, wherein the arms are coupled to the operating rod and pivotable toward each other and toward the first axis so that the cymbals are permitted to engage each other. The foot pedal may be operable in a first direction for moving the operating rod to move the cymbals toward one another, and the foot pedal may be movable in a second direction opposite from the first direction for moving the operating rod to move the cymbals away from one another. The arms may be biased away from each another. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Preferred features of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a prior art hi-hat assembly; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of a first embodiment of a cymbal assembly according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows the connection of a support to a tube of  FIG. 2 , including ( 3 A) a front view thereof, ( 3 B) a back view thereof, and ( 3 C) a U-bolt for use therewith; 
         FIG. 4  shows a clutch assembly of  FIG. 2 , including ( 4 A) a front view, ( 4 B) a top view, and ( 4 C) a partial front perspective view; 
         FIG. 5  shows the mounting of a cymbal on an arm of  FIG. 2 , including ( 5 A) a side view, ( 5 B) a top view, and ( 5 C) a side view without a cymbal retained on an L-bracket; and 
         FIG. 6  shows a second embodiment of a cymbal assembly according to the present invention, including ( 6 A) a front view, ( 6 B) a partially exploded perspective view of a support, ( 6 C) a partial perspective view of a clutch assembly, and ( 6 D) a side view of a cymbal mount without a cymbal retained thereon. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a preferred exemplary embodiment of a cymbal assembly  100  according to the present invention is shown. Assembly  100  includes a stand  102  which may be in the form of a tripod, with an external stationary tube  104  coupled thereto. A foot pedal  106  is connected to the lower end of an operating rod  108 , as known in the prior art and previously described. Operating rod  108  is coaxially and internally disposed with respect to stationary tube  104  as well as longitudinally slidable therein. Pedal  106  moves operating rod  108  up and down. A support  110  is coupled to stationary tube  104 , and preferably is generally V-shaped and attached to tube  104  with a plurality of U-bolts  112 . A pair of arms  114 ,  116  are pivotably associated with support  110 , as will be described below. Arms  114 ,  116  are disposed in a generally vertical fashion. Cymbals  118 ,  120  are coupled to arms  114 ,  116 , respectively, proximate free ends thereof. Also, a coupling portion  122  is associated with arms  114 ,  116  and operating rod  108  to permit movement of cymbals  118 ,  120  with respect to each other. Elastic retaining members  124 ,  126  further couple pivot portions  128 ,  129  to support  110 , and bias pivot portions  128 ,  129  in a pivot position on support  110  such that cymbals  118 ,  120  do not contact one another. 
     In one preferred exemplary embodiment, assembly  100  preferably has a width W of between about 35 inches and about 50 inches, more preferably between about 40 inches and about 46 inches, and most preferably about 43 inches. Furthermore, in one preferred exemplary embodiment assembly  100  preferably has a height H of between about 60 inches and about 90 inches, more preferably between about 70 inches and 82 inches, and most preferably about 76 inches. Also, pivot portions  128 ,  129  each preferably are disposed at fixed angles β 1 , β 2  with respect to arms  114 ,  116 , respectively. Angles β 1 , β 2  preferably are about 90°, although in alternate embodiments angles β 1 , β 2  may not be the same and may be set at angles other than 90° such as between about 80° and 110°. Brackets  128   a ,  129   a  may be used to secure pivot portions  128 ,  129  to arms  114 ,  116 , respectively. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the connection of support  110  to tube  104  will be described along with a preferred sizing of support  110 . As previously discussed, a pair of U-bolts  112  retain support  110  against tube  104 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , rounded U-bolts  112  include threaded end portions  112   a  that threadably receive nuts  112   b , along with a bracket  112   c . The threaded end portions  112   a  of each U-bolt  112  extend through support  110 , so that brackets  112   c  may be fixed against support  110  by pressure applied by nuts  112   b . Preferably, U-bolts  112  are disposed along a central axis  130  of support  110 . In one exemplary embodiment, 2.5 inch U-bolts  112  are employed. 
     A pivot hole  132 ,  134  is provided in support  110  for each pivot portion  128 ,  129 , and eyebolts  136 ,  138  also may be used for attachment to retaining members  124 ,  126 , respectively. Preferably, eyebolts  136 ,  138  are spaced at least 0.5 inch from the perimeter of support  110 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIG. 2 , pivot portions  128 ,  129  may be pivotably coupled at holes  132 ,  134  of support  110 , such as by smooth bolt connections extending through like-aligned holes in pivot portions  128 ,  129 . 
     Dimensions of an exemplary preferred embodiment of support  110  are as follows: a of about 17 inches, b of about 13.75 inches, c of about 5.5 inches, d of about 5 inches, e of about 3.25 inches, f of about 4 inches, and g of about 7.5 inches. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A to 4C , the coupling of pivot portions  128 ,  129  to operating rod  108  will be described. Typically, in a hi-hat stand as previously described, a clutch is used proximate the top end of operating rod  108  to permit adjustment of the top cymbal. In the present invention, however, a clutch  140  is used to couple pivot portions  128 ,  129  to operating rod  108 . In particular, a block or bar  142  with a central hole  142   a  therein is mounted between a pair of upper threaded washers  144  and a lower threaded washer  146  disposed on a threaded rod portion  147  of clutch  140 . A first wing nut  148  may be threadably associated with threaded rod portion  147  and along with threaded washer  146  provides a lower boundary for bar  142 . A thumb screw  150   a  is used for height adjustment of clutch  140  on operating rod  108 . Preferably, sleeve  150   b  is threadably associated with threaded rod portion  147 , and the threaded shaft of thumb screw  150   a  is threadably received in a circumferential hole in sleeve  150   b  and an end of the shaft may thus bear against operating rod  108 . In particular, operating rod  108  is received in a through hole in clutch  140 , and thus clutch  140  may be releasably fixed to operating rod  108 . 
     Eyebolts  152 ,  154  are coupled to pivot portions  128 ,  129  by screwing threaded shafts of the eyebolts therein. The eyebolts  152 ,  154  are retained on bar  142 , such as with another U-bolt  156  and nuts  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c ,  156   d . Eyebolts  152 ,  154 , however, may freely rotate on U-bolt  156 , so that when operating rod  108  moves downward along with bar  142 , as accomplished for example by depressing pedal  106 , the eyebolts  152 ,  154  may move downward with operating rod  108  while simultaneously rotating to bring arms  114 ,  116  closer together and thus crash cymbals  118 ,  120  into each other. U-bolt  156  is received in holes  156   e ,  156   f . A one-quarter inch gap, for example, may be provided between nuts  156   a ,  156   b  and bar  142 . to permit free rotation of eyebolts  152 ,  154  on U-bolt  156 . It should be understood, however, that both eyebolts  152 ,  154  instead may be pivotable about a single pivot axis, such as defined by a shaft of a single bolt that may be coupled to bar  142 . 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 5A to 5C , the mounting of a cymbal  120  is shown, although the mounting also applies to cymbal  118 . In particular, cymbal  120  is coupled to arm  116  using an L-bracket  160 . Screws  162  may be used to fixedly attach a first extension of L-bracket  160  to arm  116 . The cymbal  120  itself is coupled to a second extension of L-bracket  160  via a bolt  164  extending through a hole in the center of the cymbal. Cymbal  120  rests on a rubber washer  166 . A felt washer  168  abuts a surface of the cymbal, and a metal washer  170  abuts the felt washer  168  so that the assembly is held together by nut  172  threadably engaged with bolt  164 . 
     In one preferred embodiment, elastic retaining members  124 ,  126  are elastic bungee cords that are about 13 inches in length and about ⅜ inch in diameter. Support  110 , for example, may be formed of 11/16 inch plywood. 
     In use, when pedal  106  is depressed by a user, operating rod  108  translates downward along axis  130 , causing pivot portions  128 ,  129  to pivot with respect to support  110  and thus drawing cymbals  118 ,  120  toward one another to create a crash. When pressure is released from pedal  106 , operating rod  108  may translate upward along axis  130 , and elastic retaining members  124 ,  126  may cause pivot portions  128 ,  129  to rotate on support  110  so that cymbals  118 ,  120  are drawn apart. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 6A-6D , another preferred exemplary embodiment of a cymbal assembly  200  according to the present invention is shown. Assembly  200  includes a stand  202  which may be in the form of a tripod, with an external stationary tube  204  coupled thereto. A foot pedal  206  is connected to the lower end of an operating rod  208 , as known in the prior art and previously described. Operating rod  208  is coaxially and internally disposed with respect to stationary tube  204  as well as longitudinally slidable therein. Pedal  206  moves operating rod  208  up and down. A support  210  is coupled to tube  204   a  which telescopes in stationary tube  204  for adjusting the height of the apparatus, and in which operating rod  208  also is partially disposed. Collar  204   b  may be loosened or tightened to releasably set the height. Support  210  preferably is formed of a pair of generally rectangular shaped crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  that are coupled to each other with threaded bolts extending through aligned holes  211   a ,  211   b , respectively, four of which have been generally centrally located in each crossbar. Crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  are coupled to tube  204   a  proximate an upper end thereof, and may be releasably and adjustably fixed thereto by compressing crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  toward each other while tube  204   a  is disposed therebetween as shown in  FIG. 6A . In some embodiments, threaded bolts and wingnuts (not shown) may be used. In alternate embodiments, if crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  are formed of metallic material, they may be welded or otherwise metallically integrated with tube  204   a.    
     A pair of arms  214 ,  216  are pivotably associated with support  210 , as will be described below. Arms  214 ,  216  are disposed in a generally vertical fashion. Cymbals  218 ,  220  are coupled to arms  214 ,  216 , respectively, proximate free ends thereof. Also, a coupling portion  222  is associated with arms  214 ,  216  and operating rod  208  to permit movement of cymbals  218 ,  220  with respect to each other. 
     Coupling portion  222  is in the form of a clutch block, similar to clutch  140 . In particular, clutch  240  is used to couple pivot portions  228 ,  229  to operating rod  208 . In particular, a block or bar  242  with a central hole  242   a  therein is mounted between a pair of upper threaded washers  244  and a lower threaded washer  246  disposed on a threaded rod portion  247  of clutch  240 . A first wing nut  248  may be threadably associated with threaded rod portion  247  and along with threaded washer  246  for example may be used to provide a lower boundary for bar  242 . A thumb screw  250   a  is used for height adjustment of clutch  240  on operating rod  208 . Preferably, sleeve  250   b  is threadably associated with threaded rod portion  247 , and the threaded shaft of thumb screw  250   a  is threadably received in a circumferential hole in sleeve  250   b  and an end of the shaft may thus bear against operating rod  208 . In particular, operating rod  208  is received in a through hole in clutch  240 , and thus clutch  240  may be releasably fixed to operating rod  208 . 
     Pivot portions  228 ,  229  are pivotably connected to bar  242  proximate a free end of each pivot portion and may freely rotate about the smooth connection provided by a shaft running through bar  242 . Pivot portions  228 ,  229  also are pivotably connected to arms  214 ,  216  by smooth connections at locations  251 ,  252 , respectively, for example with bolts, as shown in  FIG. 6A . When operating rod  208  moves downward along with bar  242 , as accomplished for example by depressing pedal  206 , pivot portions  228 ,  229  may move downward with operating rod  208  while simultaneously rotating to bring arms  214 ,  216  closer together and thus crash cymbals  218 ,  220  into each other. In one preferred exemplary embodiment, pivot portion  228  is formed of a pair of parallel segments  228   a ,  228   b  that are disposed on either side of bar  242  and pivotably associated therewith as by a bolt connection through coaxial holes at location  256 . Similarly, pivot portion  229  is formed of a pair of parallel segments  229   a ,  229   b  that are disposed on either side of bar  242  and pivotably associated therewith as by a bolt connection through coaxial holes at location  257 . Locations  256 ,  257  are proximate free ends of bar  242 . 
     In order to provide stability to arms  214 ,  216  and to limit travel thereof, arms  214 ,  216  are pivotably connected by smooth connections proximate ends of support  210  at locations  210   c ,  210   d . Coaxial hole pairs  212   a ,  212   b  and  212   c ,  212   d  may be provided in crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  for this purpose. In particular, arms  214 ,  216  may be disposed between crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  and pivotably coupled thereto. A bolt may run through hole pair  212   a ,  212   b  and a hole proximate an end of arm  214 , and another bolt may run through hole pair  212   c ,  212   d  and a hole proximate an end of arm  216 . 
     When pedal  206  is not depressed, the rigid but pivotable coupling of arms  214 ,  216  to operating rod  208  is such that arms  214 ,  216  remain spaced and biased apart from one another such that cymbals  218 ,  220  do not contact one another. 
     In some embodiments, the connections at holes  211   a ,  211   b  may be made for example using ¼-20×1.5 inch partially threaded hex head bolts and ¼-20 wingnuts, while the connections at locations  210   c ,  210   d  may be made for example using ¼-20×1.5 inch partially threaded hex head bolts and ¼-20 nylon insert lock nuts. 
     In some embodiments, crossbars  210   a ,  210   b  are formed of H.R. steel stock with a length of about 12 inches, a height of about 2 inches, and a thickness of about ⅛ inch. Arms  214 ,  216  may be formed of ¾ inch steel square tubing, 16 gauge, with a length of about 30 inches and a hole spacing m of about 10.5 inches. Bar  242  may be formed of ¾ inch steel square tubing with a length of about 4 inches, while pivot portions  228 ,  229  may be formed of H.R. steel stock with a length of about 6 inches, a height of about ¾ inch, and a thickness of about ⅛ inch. 
     Finally, as shown in  FIG. 6D , another preferred exemplary cymbal mount  260  of the present invention is shown. In particular, a bolt  262  extends through each arm  214 ,  216 . In some embodiments, bolt  262  is a ¼-20×2 inch partially threaded hex head bolt. A pair of ¼ inch felt washers  264  are disposed on bolt  262  and spaced by a latex rubber sleeve  266  also disposed on bolt  262 . A ¾ inch washer  268  and a ¼-20 wingnut  270  are disposed at the threaded end of bolt  262 . Thus, a cymbal  218 ,  220  may be centrally supported on sleeve  266  on bolt  262 , and releasably secured thereon by tightening wingnut  270 . 
     While various descriptions of the present invention are described above, it should be understood that the various features can be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the specifically preferred embodiments depicted herein. 
     Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. For example, elastic retaining members  124 ,  126  may be springs. In addition, although only two cymbals are shown in cymbal assembly  100 ,  200  other embodiments may include two or more pairs of cymbals which may be supported by arms  114 ,  116  or arms  214 ,  216 , respectively, so that a greater “crash” sound may be created. Alternatively, pedal  106  or  206  may be linked such that multiple pairs of arms each disposed on a separate support  100  or  200 , respectively, may be operated simultaneously. In some embodiments, linkage to activate cymbal movement may be disposed in aligned fashion with stationary tube  104 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , or alternatively may be disposed remote from tube  104 , known in the art as a remote control pedal. This similarly applies to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A-6D . Moreover, although each assembly  100 ,  200  supports a pair of cymbals as shown herein, each assembly  100 ,  200  instead may support other idiophones such as claves, sticks, a mallet or hammer and wood block, bell, or gong, or other pairs of objects that may be struck against one another. Preferably, the objects are rigid vibrators. In addition, although each assembly  100 ,  200  includes a stand  102 ,  202 , respectively, in the form of a tripod, other support bases may be provided such as a wheeled base for permitting easy movement of assembly  100 ,  200  for example for use with a marching band. Accordingly, all expedient modifications readily attainable by one versed in the art from the disclosure set forth herein that are within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6