| |
| United States Patent
|
6,471,078 |
| Pyle |
October 29, 2002 |
Mobile percussion instrument field rack system
Abstract
A mobile percussion-instrument field rack that holds a
multiplicity of percussion instruments such that one or more
percussionists can play at the same time. The field rack is foldable
and easily transported, preferably in between the seats of a bus. It
has large wide wheels attached to a center portion of the rack with
a fixed stable wheelbase which is independent of swinging and
height-adjustable side wings of the rack. It is exceptionally stable
and comprises a distinct upper and lower framework which utilizes a
two-point clamping system for improved securing of the instruments.
| Inventors: |
Pyle; Mark C. (Peoria,
AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/782,978 |
| Filed: |
February 13, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.6 |
| Current
International Class: |
G10D
13/00 (20060101); A47F 007/00 () |
| Field of
Search: |
211/85.6,13.1,85.7,85.8 84/421,402,723 280/79.3 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Chin-Shue; Alvin
Assistant Examiner: Purol; Sarah
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile percussion rack system comprising, in combination: a) a
rack structured and arranged to support a plurality of percussion
instruments; b) wherein said rack comprises a
substantially-longitudinal first arrangement; c) wheels, having
axles, structured and arranged to stably support said rack when said
axles are in a transverse position; and d) a rotator structured and
arranged to rotate said axles into a longitudinal position in-line
with said rack; e) wherein a narrow package for non-use transport of
said rack system may be provided when said rack comprises said first
arrangement and said axles are rotated into said longitudinal
position; f) wherein said positions of said axles can be arranged
either to stably support said rack or to compactly transport said
rack, independently of rack arrangement.
2. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 1 wherein said rack
further comprises end elements structured and arranged to place said
rack in a non-longitudinal second arrangement.
3. A mobile percussion rack system comprising, in combination: a) a
rack structured and arranged to support a plurality of percussion
instruments; b) wherein said rack comprises a
substantially-longitudinal first arrangement; c) wheels, having
axles, structured and arranged to stably support said rack when
said-axles are in a transverse position; and d) a rotator structured
and arranged to rotate said axles into a longitudinal position
in-line with said rack; e) wherein a narrow package for non-use
transport of said rack system may be provided when said rack
comprises said first arrangement and said axles are rotated into
said longitudinal position; f) wherein said rack further comprises
end elements structured and arranged to place said rack in a
non-longitudinal second arrangement; g) wherein said rack further
comprises a center section having: i) at least one first upper bar;
and ii) at least one first lower bar.
4. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 3 wherein said end
elements further comprise: a) a right section comprising i) at least
one second upper bar, and ii) at least one second lower bar; and b)
a left section comprising i) at least one third upper bar, and ii)
at least one third lower bar.
5. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 4 further comprising
at least one height adjuster structured and arranged to adjust the
height of said center section.
6. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 5 further comprising
at least one height adjuster structured and arranged to adjust the
height of a) said left section, and b) said right section.
7. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 4 further comprising a
vertical bracket attachable to both one said upper bar and one said
lower bar, wherein said vertical bracket is structured and arranged
to assist attachment of percussion instruments to said vertical
bracket.
8. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 4 further comprising a
horizontal bracket attachable at two places to one said upper bar,
wherein said horizontal bracket is structured and arranged to assist
attachment of percussion instruments to said horizontal bracket.
9. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 4 wherein said center
section, said left section and said right section are structured and
arranged to provide two-point support of the percussion instruments.
10. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 2 wherein said
rotator comprises: a) a right corner assembly; and b) a left corner
assembly; c) wherein said right corner assembly is structured and
arranged to allow said right section to swivel in either direction
such that said right section may be placed adjacent to and in about
a longitudinal alignment with said center section; and d) wherein
said left corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow said
left section to swivel in either direction such that said left
section may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal
alignment with said center section.
11. The mobile percussion rack, system of claim 1 wherein: a) said
wheels further comprise four individual wheels, separated into a
first two-wheel assembly and a second two-wheel assembly, each
two-wheel assembly having a first independent rotating vertical axle
and each wheel having a second independent vertical rotating axle;
b) one of each respective said first independent rotating vertical
axles is attached to a respective said corner assembly; c) said
right corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow said first
independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in either direction
such that said two-wheel assembly may rotate a full 360 degrees; and
d) said left corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow
said first independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in either
direction such that said two-wheel assembly may rotate a full 360
degrees; and e) said second independent vertical rotating axle is
structured and arranged such that said wheels may rotate a full 360
degrees; f) whereby said two-wheel assemblies may be i) rotated to
be transversely positioned to said center section for stably
supporting said rack system or ii) rotated to be longitudinally
positioned to said center section to facilitate a narrow package for
non-use transport of said rack system.
12. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 11 further comprising
at least one brake structured and arranged to block said wheels from
moving.
13. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 10 wherein said end
elements may be rotated outward to allow more room for multiple
musicians to utilize the rack system without affecting the rack
system wheelbase.
14. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 13 further comprising
a bass drum holder structured and arranged to: a) be placed on the
rack system at about a 45-degree angle; b) have an adjustable
cross-bar structure; and c) allow said bass drum to rest flat
against said cross-bar structure.
15. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 1 further comprising
a plurality of percussion instruments attached to said rack.
16. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 1 wherein: a) said
rack further comprises: i) a center section, ii) a right section,
iii) a left section, iv) a right corner assembly, v) a left corner
assembly, vi) a left wheel assembly, and vii) a right wheel
assembly; b) said right wheel assembly comprises said right corner
assembly and said left wheel assembly comprises said left corner
assembly; c) said center section is attached to said right corner
assembly and said left corner assembly; d) said right section is
attached to said right corner assembly; e) said left section is
attached to said left corner assembly; f) said right corner assembly
is structured and arranged to allow said right section to swivel in
either direction such that said right section may be placed adjacent
to and in about a longitudinal alignment with said center section;
and g) said left corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow
said left section to swivel in either direction such that said left
section may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal
alignment with said center section.
17. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 16 wherein; a) said
left corner assembly further comprises at least one locking bolt
structured and arranged to stop swivel movement of said left
section; and b) said right corner assembly further comprises at
least one locking bolt structured and arranged to stop swivel
movement of said right section.
18. A mobile percussion rack system comprising, in combination: a) a
rack structured and arranged to support a plurality of percussion
instruments; b) wherein said rack comprises a
substantially-longitudinal first arrangement; c) wheels, having
axles, structured and arranged to stably support said rack when said
axles are in a transverse position; d) a rotator structured and
arranged to rotate said axles into a longitudinal position in-line
with said rack; e) wherein a narrow package for non-use transport of
said rack system may be provided when said rack comprises said first
arrangement and said axles are rotated into said longitudinal
position; f) wherein said rack further comprises end elements
structured and arranged to place said rack in a non-longitudinal
second arrangement; g) wherein said rack further comprises a center
section having i) at least one first upper bar, and ii) at least one
first lower bar; h) wherein said end elements further comprise i) a
right section comprising (1) at least one second upper bar, and (2)
at least one second lower bar, and i) a left section comprising (1)
at least one third upper bar, and (2) at least one third lower bar;
j) at least one height adjuster structured and arranged to adjust
the height of said center section; k) at least one height adjuster
structured and arranged to adjust the height of i) said left
section, and ii) said right section l) a vertical bracket attachable
to both one said upper bar and one said lower bar, wherein said
vertical bracket is structured and arranged to assist attachment of
percussion instruments to said vertical bracket; and m) a horizontal
bracket attachable at two places to one said upper bar, wherein said
horizontal bracket is structured and arranged to assist attachment
of percussion instruments to said horizontal bracket; n) wherein
said center section, said left section and said right section are
structured and arranged to provide two-point support of the
percussion instruments; o) wherein said rotator comprises i) a right
corner assembly, and ii) a left corner assembly; p) wherein said
right corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow said right
section to swivel in either direction such that said right section
may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal alignment with
said center section; q) wherein said left corner assembly is
structured and arranged to allow said left section to swivel in
either direction such that said left section may be placed adjacent
to and in about a longitudinal alignment with said center section;
r) wherein said wheels further comprise four individual wheels,
separated into a first two-wheel assembly and a second two-wheel
assembly, each two-wheel assembly having a first independent
rotating vertical axle and each wheel having a second independent
vertical rotating axle; s) wherein one of each respective said first
independent rotating vertical axles is attached to a respective said
corner assembly; t) wherein said right corner assembly is structured
and arranged to allow said first independent rotating vertical axle
to swivel in either direction such that said two-wheel assembly may
rotate a full 360 degrees; u) wherein said left corner assembly is
structured and arranged to allow said first independent rotating
vertical axle to swivel in either direction such that said two-wheel
assembly may rotate a full 360 degrees; and v) wherein said second
independent vertical rotating axle is structured and arranged such
that said wheels may rotate a full 360 degrees; w) whereby, said
two-wheel assemblies may be i) rotated to be transversely positioned
to said center section for stably supporting said rack system or ii)
rotated to be longitudinally positioned to said center section to
facilitate a narrow package for non-use transport of said rack
system; and x) wherein said end elements may be rotated outward to
allow more room for multiple musicians to utilize the rack system
without affecting the rack system wheelbase.
19. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 18 further
comprising, a) at least one brake structured and arranged to block
said wheel s from moving; and b) a bass drum holder structured and
arranged to i) be placed on the rack system at about a 45 degree
angle, ii) have an adjustable cross-bar structure, and iii) allow
said bass drum to rest flat against said cross-bar structure.
20. The mobile percussion rack system of claim 19 further comprising
a plurality of percussion instruments attached to said rack.
21. A mobile percussion rack system comprising: a) a bass drum
holder structured and arranged to hold a bass drum and further
comprising i) a folding cross-bar structured and arranged to be
adjustable in width to hold said bass drum; ii) two mounting
brackets structured and arranged to hold said bass drum holder at a
45-degree angle away from the user; iii) rubber tubing structured
and arranged to cove ends of said cross-bar to cushion said bass
drum; and iv) a tightening element structured and arranged to clamp
said cross-bar to said mounting brackets; and b) at least one clamp
element structured and arranged to connect said bass drum holder to
the mobile percussion rack system.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to mobile music racks of the type that
transport and hold percussion instruments such as drums, cymbals,
bells, xylophones, chimes, gongs, etc.
Typically, mobile field racks are used by marching bands and other
musicians on marching fields at sporting or other such events. Some
of these racks have been made so that they would be stationary and
some have had wheels. Typically, users of the wheeled models have
had problems transporting them to the place where the game is being
played, as for use on the field during a halftime band performance.
The racks are too wide and clumsy to handle to be transported
easily, for example, in a school bus, even with a rear loading door.
Another problem has been that the stands holding the percussion
instruments do not typically attach firmly enough to the rack system
and tend to loosen, etc. And there have been further problems
attaching and using specific instruments, e.g., bass drums.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
an improved system for a mobile field rack that holds a multiplicity
of percussion instruments. It is a further object and feature of the
present invention to provide such a system that permits a number of
percussionist to play at the same time. It is still another object
and feature of the present invention to provide such a system which
is easily transported. It is yet another object and feature of the
present invention to provide such a system which is stable and
comprises a distinct upper and lower framework which may be
independently adjusted. It is an even further object and feature of
the present invention to provide such a system which utilizes a
two-point clamping system for improved securing of the instruments.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it
provides a mobile percussion rack system comprising, in combination:
a rack for supporting a plurality of percussion instruments; wherein
such rack comprises a substantially-longitudinal first arrangement;
wheels, having axles, for stably supporting such rack when such
axles are in a transverse position; a rotator structured and
arranged to rotate such axles into a longitudinal position in-line
with such rack; wherein a narrow package for non-use transport of
such rack system may be provided when such rack comprises such first
arrangement and such axles are rotated into such longitudinal
position. And it provides such a system wherein such rack further
comprises end elements structured and arranged to place such rack in
a non-longitudinal second arrangement. It further provides such a
system wherein such rack further comprises a center section having:
at least one first upper bar; at least one first lower bar.
In addition, it provides such a system wherein such end elements
further comprise: a right section comprising at least one second
upper bar and at least one second lower bar; a left section
comprising at least one third upper bar and at least one third lower
bar. And it provides such a system further comprising at least one
height adjuster for adjusting the height of such center section.
Also, it provides such a system further comprising at least one
height adjuster for adjusting the height of such left section and
such right section. And it provides such a system further comprising
a vertical bracket attachable to both one such upper bar and one
such lower bar, wherein such vertical bracket is structured and
arranged to assist attachment of percussion instruments to such
vertical bracket. It also provides such a system further comprising
a horizontal bracket attachable at two places to one such upper bar,
wherein such horizontal bracket is structured and arranged to assist
attachment of percussion instruments to such horizontal bracket.
Moreover, this invention provides such a system wherein such center
section, such left section and such right section are structured and
arranged to provide two-point support of the percussion instruments.
And it provides such a system wherein such rotator comprises: a
right corner assembly; a left corner assembly; wherein such right
corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow such right
section to swivel in either direction such that such right section
may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal alignment with
such center section; wherein such left corner assembly is structured
and arranged to allow such left section to swivel in either
direction such that such left section may be placed adjacent to and
in about a longitudinal alignment with such center section. It
further provides such a system wherein: such wheels further comprise
four individual wheels, separated into a first two-wheel assembly
and a second two-wheel assembly, each two-wheel assembly having a
first independent rotating vertical axle and each wheel having a
second independent vertical rotating axle; wherein one of each
respective such first independent rotating vertical axles is
attached to a respective such corner assembly; wherein such right
corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow such first
independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in either direction
such that such two-wheel assembly may rotate a full 360 degrees; and
wherein such left corner assembly is structured and arranged to
allow such first independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in
either direction such that such two-wheel assembly may rotate a full
360 degrees; and wherein such second independent vertical rotating
axle is structured and arranged such that such wheels may rotate a
full 360 degrees; whereby, such two-wheel assemblies may be rotated
to be transversely positioned to such center section for stably
supporting such rack system or rotated to be longitudinally
positioned to such center section to facilitate a narrow package for
non-use transport of such rack system.
Even in addition, it provides such a system further comprising at
least one brake for blocking such wheels from moving. And it
provides such a system wherein such end elements may be rotated
outward to allow more room for multiple musicians to utilize the
rack system without affecting the rack system wheelbase. It also
provides such a system further comprising a bass drum holder
structured and arranged to: be placed on the rack system at about a
45 degree angle; have an adjustable cross-bar structure; and allow
such bass drum to rest flat against such cross-bar structure. Also,
it provides such a system further comprising a plurality of
percussion instruments attached to such rack. And it provides such a
system wherein: such rack further comprises a center section, a
right section, a left section, a right corner assembly, a left
corner assembly, a left wheel assembly, a right wheel assembly,
wherein such right wheel assembly comprises such right corner
assembly and such left wheel assembly comprises such left corner
assembly; wherein such center section is attached to such right
corner assembly and such left corner assembly; wherein such right
section is attached to such right corner assembly; wherein such left
section is attached to such left corner assembly; wherein such right
corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow such right
section to swivel in either direction such that such right section
may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal alignment with
such center section; and wherein such left corner assembly is
structured and arranged to allow such left section to swivel in
either direction such that such left section may be placed adjacent
to and in about a longitudinal alignment with such center section.
It also provides such a system wherein: such left corner assembly
further comprises a locking bolt structured and arranged to stop
swivel movement of such left section; and such right corner assembly
further comprises a locking bolt structured and arranged to stop
swivel movement of such right section.
Even moreover, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this
invention provides a mobile percussion rack system comprising, in
combination: a rack for supporting a plurality of percussion
instruments; wherein such rack comprises a
substantially-longitudinal first arrangement; wheels, having axles,
for stably supporting such rack when such axles are in a transverse
position; a rotator structured and arranged to rotate such axles
into a longitudinal position in-line with such rack; wherein a
narrow package for non-use transport of such rack system may be
provided when such rack comprises such first arrangement and such
axles are rotated into such longitudinal position; wherein such rack
further comprises end elements structured and arranged to place such
rack in a non-longitudinal second arrangement; wherein such rack
further comprises a center section having at least one first upper
bar, at least one first lower bar; wherein such end elements further
comprise a right section comprising at least one second upper bar,
at least one second lower bar; a left section comprising at least
one third upper bar, at least one third lower bar; at least one
height adjuster for adjusting the height of such center section; at
least one height adjuster for adjusting the height of such left
section, and such right section; a vertical bracket attachable to
both one such upper bar and one such lower bar, wherein such
vertical bracket is structured and arranged to assist attachment of
percussion instruments to such vertical bracket; and a horizontal
bracket attachable at two places to one such upper bar, wherein such
horizontal bracket is structured and arranged to assist attachment
of percussion instruments to such horizontal bracket; wherein such
center section, such left section and such right section are
structured and arranged to provide two-point support of the
percussion instruments; wherein such rotator comprises a right
corner assembly, and a left corner assembly; wherein such right
corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow such right
section to swivel in either direction such that such right section
may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal alignment with
such center section; wherein such left corner assembly is structured
and arranged to allow such left section to swivel in either
direction such that such left section may be placed adjacent to and
in about a longitudinal alignment with such center section; wherein
such wheels further comprise four individual wheels, separated into
a first two-wheel assembly and a second two-wheel assembly, each
two-wheel assembly having a first independent rotating vertical axle
and each wheel having a second independent vertical rotating axle;
wherein one of each respective such first independent rotating
vertical axles is attached to a respective such corner assembly;
wherein such right corner assembly is structured and arranged to
allow such first independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in
either direction such that such two-wheel assembly may rotate a full
360 degrees; wherein such left corner assembly is structured and
arranged to allow such first independent rotating vertical axle to
swivel in either direction such that such two-wheel assembly may
rotate a full 360 degrees; and wherein such second independent
vertical rotating axle is structured and arranged such that such
wheels may rotate a full 360 degrees; whereby, such two-wheel
assemblies may be rotated to be transversely positioned to such
center section for stably supporting such rack system or rotated to
be longitudinally positioned to such center section to facilitate a
narrow package for non-use transport of such rack system; and
wherein such end elements may be rotated outward to allow more room
for multiple musicians to utilize the rack system without affecting
the rack system wheelbase.
Additionally, this invention provides such a system further
comprising: at least one brake for blocking such wheels from moving;
and a bass drum holder structured and arranged to be placed on the
rack system at about a 45 degree angle, have an adjustable cross-bar
structure, and allow such bass drum to rest flat against such
cross-bar structure. And ti provides such a system further
comprising a plurality of percussion instruments attached to such
rack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mobile percussion instrument
field rack system in an extended position according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile percussion instrument
field rack system in a folded transporting position according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the swivel
parameters of the mobile percussion instrument field rack system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view, partially in section, of the
wheel base stems and corner sub-assemblies of the mobile percussion
instrument field rack system according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view through section 6--6 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view through section 7--7 of FIG.
4.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the field rack tilting bass drum
holder of the mobile percussion instrument field rack system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a front view of the field rack tilting bass drum holder of
the mobile percussion instrument field rack system, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through section 10--10 of FIG. 9
illustrating the tilting bass drum holder hinge.
FIG. 11 is a side view, partially in section of the mounting bracket
of the field rack tilting bass drum holder of the mobile percussion
instrument field rack system, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of the mounting bracket of
the field rack tilting bass drum holder of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the crash
cymbals holder along with a preferred embodiment of a vertical
mounting bracket of the mobile percussion instrument field rack
system, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the vertical
mounting bracket illustrated in FIG. 13 of the mobile precussion
instrument field rack system, according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mobile percussion instrument
field rack system 18 in an extended position according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The mobile precussion
instrument field rack system 18 is intended to be used at such
musical field events as, for example, football half-time
band-playing events and other such field events. These types of
field events have unique problems in providing percussion instrument
support and transport. The mobile percussion instrument field rack
system 18 solves many of these problems as were described above in
the background and as will be described further below. Preferably,
the mobile percussion instrument field rack system 18 consists of an
upper metal framework sub-assembly 20. The upper metal framework
sub-assembly 20 is connected to wheelbase sub-assemblies 22 and 24
by swivel corner sub-assemblies 26 and 28. These corner
sub-assemblies 26 and 28 will be discussed in greater detail with
regards to FIGS. 4-8 below. Preferably, the upper metal framework
sub-assembly 20 is comprised of three horizontal double-bar tubing
sections 30, 32 and 34 as shown. Preferably, the double-bar tubing
sections 30, 32 and 34 (embodying herein wherein such center
section, such left section and such right section are structured and
arranged to provide two-point support of the percussion instruments)
are comprised of two horizontal sections of one-inch square tubing
36, an upper section 37 (embodying herein an upper bar) and a lower
section 39 (embodying herein a lower bar). The tubing 36 is
preferably weldably connected such that there are no protrusions
that might interfere with the function of the mobile percussion
instrument field rack system 18. Other methods of. firm connection
may be employed by those knowledgeable in the art in appropriate
circumstances. Preferably, section 32 is about six feet in length
and sections 30 and 34 are each about two feet in length.
Preferably, the horizontal one-inch tubing 36 is connected together
by welding vertical support pieces 38 and one-inch tubing vertical
end pieces 40, as shown (see also FIG. 8), such that the tubing is
separated by about four and one-half inches in space 42. The support
pieces 38 are preferably one-half inch round solid metal. Steel or
anodized aluminum are preferred, but materials that would perform
the intended functions with the intended durability may be employed
by those knowledgeable in the art in appropriate circumstances.
Preferably the use of the smaller diameter vertical support pieces
38 allows for increased flexibility when placing the musical
instrument mounting brackets 44 and 46, which will be described in
further detail in reference to FIGS. 11, 14 and the description
below.
As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile percussion instrument
field rack system 18 comprises multiple musical instruments.
Illustrated for representation of some of the possible instruments
available are: base drum 48, cymbals 50, xylophone 52, and a trap
table 54 (which may hold small items such items as a tambourine 56,
or bells or other hand-held percussion instruments). Each of the
above-described instruments is attached to the upper metal framework
sub-assembly 20, as shown, by combination of each instruments
standard instrument supports and the specialized mounting brackets
44 and 46, which are adaptable to the standard instrument supports
(this arrangement embodying herein a plurality of percussion
instruments attached to such rack).
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile percussion instrument
field rack 60 (embodying herein a rack for supporting a plurality of
percussion instruments) in a folded transporting position according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment the field rack 60 is illustrated in a folded position
(this arrangement embodying herein wherein a narrow package for
non-use transport of such rack system may be provided when such rack
comprises such first arrangement and such axles are rotated into
such longitudinal position). Further illustrated by FIG. 3 is a
diagrammatic plan view illustrating the swivel parameters of the
mobile percussion instrument field rack system 18. The wheelbase
sub-assemblies 22 and 24,swivel such that they are in an adjacent
longitudinal alignment with the center portion 62 of the upper metal
framework sub-assembly 20, as shown. In addition, the wheels 58 each
have a vertical axle facilitating a 360 degree swivel and each wheel
subassembly 22 and 24 has a vertical axle facilitating a 360 degree
swivel. This arrangement provides that both the wheels 58 and wheel
subassembly 22 and 24 may be aligned in a position substantially
longitudinal to the center portion 62. There are preferably four
wheels 58, two on each wheel subassembly 22 and 24 (this arrangement
embodying herein such wheels further comprise four individual
wheels, separated into a first two-wheel assembly and a second
two-wheel assembly, each two-wheel assembly having a first
independent rotating vertical axle and each wheel having a second
independent vertical rotating axle). The wheels are preferably about
ten inches in diameter, which raises the wheelbase crossbar member
82 to a preferable height of twelve inches above the ground.
Preferably, each of the wheels 58 have a brake mechanism 63 which
allows each individual wheel 58 to be locked into position or
unlocked for movement and swivel purposes (embodying herein at least
one brake for blocking such wheels from moving). Both side portions
64 and 66 also swivel and fold such that they are substantially
adjacent and in about a longitudinal position to the center portion
62. In this folded position the field rack 60, may be transported
and stored in between the seats of a bus or other such transport
vehicle (not shown). Another advantage of the capability of field
rack 60 to swivel is that the field rack 60 may be opened up to a
wide length, in the preferred embodiment, of about twelve feet or as
small as about six feet, with two side portions 64 and 66
perpendicular to the center portion 62, or, a variety of other
combined positions. This multiplicity of positioning allows for one
or several musicians to use the field rack 60 at any given musical
event (embodying herein wherein such end elements may be rotated
outward to allow more room for multiple musicians to utilize the
rack system without affecting the rack system wheelbase).
The unique ability of the mobile percussion instrument field rack
system 18 to swivel is accomplished in part by the swivel corner
sub-assemblies 26 and 28 (embodying herein a right corner assembly
and a left corner assembly). FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view,
partially in section, of the wheel base stem 69 and corner
sub-assemblies 26 and 28 of the mobile percussion instrument field
rack system 18 according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The corner sub-assemblies 26 and 28 are substantially
similar with respect to their function and differ in their
respective position as being left or right oriented to the center
portion 62 (embodying herein wherein such right section is attached
to such right corner assembly and wherein such left section is
attached to such left corner assembly). FIG. 4 is shown with the
center portion 62 to the left of the wheel base stem 69 indicating
it is corner sub-assembly 28 (embodying herein wherein such center
section is attached to such right corner assembly). The center
portion 62 is preferably connected to the corner sub-assembly 28 by
means of a flat, preferably three-eighths-inch-thick steel bar 68
which is preferably welded to both pieces, as shown in both FIG. 4
and FIG. 5. FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 illustrate the corner sub-assembly 28
further. Bar 68 is preferably part of sub-assembly 70 illustrated in
FIG. 5. Preferably, sub-assembly 70 is comprised of an upper pipe
portion 74 and a lower pipe portion 75 connected together by bar 68,
as shown, such that both upper pipe portion 74 and lower pipe
portion 75 share the same central axis. Preferably, both upper pipe
portion 74 and lower pipe portion 75 are comprised of at least
one-quarter-inch-thick steel pipe. The sub-assembly 70 is preferably
mounted such that it fits over inner pipe element 80, thereby
encircling inner pipe element 80 and having substantially the same
central axis as upper pipe portion 74 and lower pipe portion 75.
Preferably, inner pipe element 80 is at least
three-eighths-inch-thick steel. In addition, upper pipe portion 74
and lower pipe portion 75 each have a single threaded aperture 78
and 79, respectively, into which a matching respective threaded bolt
76 and 77 will threadably insert into. Preferably, inner pipe
element 80 is weldably attached by weld 81 to crossbar member 82, as
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4.
As inner pipe element 80 is preferably stationary, subassembly. 70
and sub-assembly 72 may rotate around the pipe element 80 (embodying
herein wherein such right corner assembly is structured and arranged
to allow such right section to swivel in either direction such that
such right section may be placed adjacent to and in about a
longitudinal alignment with such center section; and wherein such
left corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow such left
section to swivel in either direction such that such left section
may be placed adjacent to and in about a longitudinal alignment with
such center section). Preferably, sub-assembly 70 may be tightened
into a fixed position around the pipe element 80 by tightening bolts
76 and 77 in well known ways. Preferably, sub-assembly 72 may be
tightened into a fixed position around the pipe element 80 by
tightening bolts 84 and 85 in well known ways (embodying herein such
left corner assembly further comprises a locking bolt structured and
arranged to stop swivel movement of such left section; and such
right corner assembly further comprises a locking bolt structured
and arranged to stop swivel movement of such right section). Those
skilled in the art will recognize that there may be other means
suitable for such tightening in appropriate circumstances.
Preferably, sub-assembly 72 comprises a single pipe portion 82 which
preferably has the same pipe diameter as upper pipe portion 74 and a
lower pipe portion 75 such that, when placed over pipe element 80,
both sub-assembly 70 and sub-assembly 72 share the same central axis
and may rotate around the pipe element 80 with preferably minimal
space between the pipe portions 74 and 75 and pipe element 80. As
previously stated, sub-assembly 72 may be tightened into a fixed
position around the pipe element 80 by tightening bolts 84 and 85 in
well known ways. Preferably, sub-assembly 72 is tightened into a
fixed position around the pipe element 80 by tightening bolts 84 and
85 when the side portion 64 (or 66 on the opposite side) is
positioned (e.g. swung open such as in FIG. 1) to be used by the
musician.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view through section 6--6 of FIG.
4. FIG. 6 further illustrates corner sub-assembly 28 and the
preferred positioning between sub-assembly 70, sub-assembly 72 and
pipe element 80. FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred relationship
described above wherein both sub-assembly 70 and sub-assembly 72
share the same central axis and rotate around the pipe element 80
with, preferably, minimal space between the pipe portions 74 and 75
and pipe element 80. Also shown is wheelbase sub-assembly 24 which
rotates by rotating wheel base stem 69 around pipe element 80. This
arrangement allows for a full 360 degrees of rotation for the
wheelbase sub-assemblies 22 and 24 (embodying herein wherein such
right corner assembly is structured and arranged to allow such first
independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in either direction
such that such two-wheel assembly may rotate a full 360 degrees; and
wherein such left corner assembly is structured and arranged to
allow such first independent rotating vertical axle to swivel in
either direction such that such two-wheel assembly may rotate a full
360 degrees). As stated previously, the opposite wheelbase and
corner sub-assembly, wheelbase sub-assembly 24, and corner
sub-assembly 28 operate in a similar manner. FIG. 6 also illustrates
the tightening bolts 84 and 85 as they would appear in a tightened
mode. As tightening bolts 84 and 85 are pressed against pipe element
80 they produce a friction "clamp" on the pipe element 80 such that
movement of the side portion 64 (in this illustration) is
frictionally held from moving around pipe element 80.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view through section 7--7 of FIG.
4. FIG. 71 illustrates the preferred relationship described above
wherein both sub-assembly 70 and sub-assembly 72 share the same
central axis and rotate around the pipe element 80 with preferably,
minimal space between the pipe portions 74 and 75 and pipe element
80. Although only sub-assembly 72 is visible in this illustration,
the preferred spacing for sub-assembly 70 is similar. Also
illustrated are tightening bolt 76 and tightening bolt 84. Only
tightening bolt 84 is shown in a tightened position against pipe
element 80. In the illustrated position sub-assembly 72 would be
tightened such that side portion 64 is perpendicular to center
portion 62.
Reference is now made to both FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. FIG. 8 is a
perspective view of the field rack tilted bass drum holder 90
(embodying herein a bass drum holder) of the mobile percussion
instrument field rack system 18 according to a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front view of the field rack
tilting bass drum holder 90 of the mobile percussion instrument
field rack system 18, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, a tilted bass drum holder 90
is provided with two adaptive clamps 92 for attachment to the mobile
percussion instrument field rack 60 at about a 45 degree angle
(embodying herein a bass drum holder structured and arranged to be
placed on the rack system at about a 45 degree angle). The tilting
bass drum holder 90 comprises a folding X-frame 94, as shown
(embodying herein a cross-bar structure). In addition, the folding
X-frame 94 comprises two mounting brackets 96 and 98. Mounting
brackets 96 and 98 will be discussed in greater detail in FIG. 11
and FIG. 12 below. Preferably, the X-frame 94 is made from one-inch
square tubing. Preferably, the top leg 100 of the X-frame 94
consists of a straight portion 102 that is perpendicular to the top
rail 104 of the mobile percussion instrument fieldirack 60.
Approximately six and one-half inches from the bottom 106 of the
straight portion 102, the top leg 100 bends at an angle 108 of 45
degrees inward towards the other bottom leg 110, as shown.
Preferably the top leg 100 extends about two and one-half feet past
the bend 112 (may be variable, depending on the drum size that one
expects to accommodate). Preferably, a round rubber tubing 114 is
applied over the one-inch square tubing at the end portion 116 of
the top leg 100. Preferably, the rubber tubing 114 is at least
one-quarter inch thick soft rubber tubbing. Those knowledgeable in
the art will be able to select an acceptable soft tubing without
undue experimentation. The rubber tubing 114 is used to cushion the
base drum 48 (see FIG. 1) when it is placed onto the tilted bass
drum holder 90. Preferably, the round rubber tubing 114 extends
about 16 inches from the end 115 of the top leg 100.
The bottom leg 110 also consists of a straight portion 118 that is
perpendicular to the top rail 104 of the mobile percussion
instrument field rack 60. Approximately six and one-half inches from
the bottom 120 of the straight portion 118, the bottom leg 110 bends
at an angle 122 of 45 degrees inward towards the top leg 100, as
shown. Preferably the bottom leg 110 extends about two and one-half
feet past the bend 124 (made variable to depend on the drum size
that one expects to accommodate); however, the bottom leg 110 is
split approximately four inches past the bend 124. Preferably, a
separate one and one-half foot piece of one-inch square tubing is
added to the top 125 of the bottom leg 110, overlapping the four
inch protrusion and thereby allowing the base drum 48 to set on the
tilted bass drum holder 90 in a single flat plane (embodying herein
such bass drum to rest flat against such cross-bar structure).
Preferably, a round rubber tubing 126 is applied over the one-inch
square tubing at the end portion 128 of the bottom leg 110.
Preferably, the round rubber tubing 126 extends about 16 inches from
the end 130 of the bottom leg 110.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through section 10--10 of FIG. 9
illustrating the hinge attachment 132 of the tilting bass drum
holder 90. Preferably, the top leg 100 and bottom leg 110 are
connected together by hinge attachment 132. Preferably, hinge
attachment 132 is a single attachment comprising a two and one-half
inch long, three-eighth-inch thick machine bolt 134. Machine bolt
134 preferably has a hex head 136 on one end and a threaded bolt 138
on the other end, as shown. Preferably, the machine bolt.134 is
placed through a pre-drilled hole 140, which extends through both
the top leg 100 and bottom leg 110. Preferably a one inch steel
washer 142 is placed onto the machine bolt 134 and placed between
the top leg 100 and bottom leg 110 as shown. A nut 144 is then
preferably threaded onto the bolt 134 and tightened such that the
top leg 100 and bottom leg 110 are pressed together. The nut
tightening may be adjusted, in well known ways, such that the top
leg 100 and bottom leg 110 will be able to be moved at the hinge
attachment 132.
FIG. 11 is a side view, partially in section, of the two mounting
brackets 96 and 98 of the field rack tilting bass drum holder 90 of
the mobile percussion instrument field rack system 18, according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a
perspective exploded view of the mounting brackets 96 and 98 of the
field rack tilting bass drum holder 90 of FIG. 11. Preferably,
mounting bracket 96 comprises a short piece 146 of one inch square
tubing, approximately three and one-half inches in length, which is
weldably attached perpendicular to the lower end of the top leg 100.
Piece 146 is then covered with round rubber tubing 152 (similar to
that shown in FIG. 12). A separate short piece 150 of
one-inch-square tubing, approximately three and one-half inches in
length, is weldably attached onto the back side 154 of the top leg
100 (represented by dotted lines in FIG. 12). Preferably, mounting
bracket 98 comprises a short piece 158 of one-inch-square tubing,
approximately three and one-half inches in length, which is weldably
attached perpendicular to the lower end 160 of the bottom leg 110.
Piece 158 is then covered with round rubber tubing 152. A threaded
bolt 162 with a handle tightening cap 164 attached is threaded into
an aperture 166 which will allow the bolt 162 to be tightened
against rod 168 which is attached to adaptive clamp 92 as shown in
FIG. 12. Preferably, rod 168 is a solid one-half inch steel rod
which is bent in a 45 degree angle. Preferably, rod 168 is weldably
attached to adaptive clamp 92, which is clamped to field rack 60.
Preferably, the one-inch-square tubing on the bottom leg 110 is open
at the lower end 160. The opposite short piece 150 of
one-inch-square tubing attached onto the back side 154 of the top
leg 100 is also open at the lower end such that the X-frame 94 will
slide over the two rods 168, thereby holding the tilting bass drum
holder 90 at a 45-degree angle on the field rack 60.
This configuration, as described above, with one mounting bracket 96
having a extra short piece of tubing 150 along the back and one
mounting bracket 98 having the extra piece of tubing 150 in the
front, combined with the off-set tubing on the bottom leg 110,
allows for the base drum 48 to sit firmly in a plane as it rests on
the tilting bass drum holder 90.
Reference is now made to the adaptive clamp 92 (embodying herein a
horizontal bracket attachable at two places to one such upper bar,
wherein such horizontal bracket is structured and arranged to assist
attachment of percussion instruments to such horizontal bracket)
shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Preferably, adaptive clamp 92 is
comprised of a single one-quarter-inch piece of round steel bent
into a U-shape 174, such that the clamp will fit over one-inch
square tubing 176, as shown in FIG. 11, and threaded at both open
ends 170 and 172. Preferably, each threaded end 170 and 172 has a
threaded nut 178 which may be tightened by hand or wrench. In
addition, a one-quarter-inch steel plate 180 (see FIG. 8)
approximately one inch wide by two and one-half inches long is
placed between the clamp and the one-inch-square tubing 176 to
further stabilize the tilting bass drum holder 90 on the field rack
60. Adaptive clamp 92 may be used to attach any of the musical
instruments holders in a horizontal manner on the upper section 37
of the field rack 60 (also shown in FIG. 1). Another example of a
horizontal musical instruments holder attached by the adaptive clamp
92 is the xylophone 52. The xylophone 53 used two pieces of opposing
right-angled steel brackets 182 and 184 to hold the xylophone 52
flat. By connecting adaptive clamps 92 to these brackets 182 and
184, the standard xylophone brackets 182 and 184 may be adapted for
use on the field rack 60.
Reference is now made to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. FIG. 13 is a
perspective view, partially in section, of crash cymbals holder 185
along with a preferred embodiment of a vertical mounting bracket 188
of the mobile percussion instrument field rack system 18, according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a
perspective view, partially in section, of the mounting bracket
illustrated in FIG. 13 of the mobile percussion instrument field
rack system 18, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Several types of percussion instruments use a telescopic
vertical rod 186 to hold the instruments, including the crash
cymbals holder 185, as shown. The mobile percussion instrument field
rack system 18 provides a vertical mounting bracket 188 (embodying
herein a vertical bracket attachable to both one such upper bar and
one such lower bar, wherein such vertical bracket is structured and
arranged to assist attachment of percussion instruments to such
vertical bracket) for use with the telescopic vertical rod 186 and
double-bar tubing section 187 (comprising two horizontal sections of
one-inch-square tubing, an upper section 189 and a lower section
191). Preferably, vertical mounting bracket 188 comprises two
U-shaped clamps 190 and 192. Both U-shaped clamps 190 and 192 are
comprised of a single one-quarter inch round piece of steel bent
into a U-shape such that the clamp will fit around vertical mounting
bracket 188, as shown in FIG. 14. Preferably, both ends 196 and 197
of the U-shaped clamp 190 and ends 198 and 199 of the U-shaped clamp
192 are threaded such that they will receive threaded nuts 200.
Preferably, a one-quarter inch thick steel plate 205 approximately
two inches wide by seven inches long is provided with apertures 202
formed such that each end 196 and 197 of the U-shaped clamp 190 and
ends 198 and 199 are inserted through the apertures. Preferably, the
telescopic vertical rod 186 is slidably inserted through the
U-shaped portion 204 of clamps 190 and 192, as shown in FIG. 14, and
the steel plate 205 is placed on the opposite side of the double-bar
tubing section 187 as shown. U-shaped clamps 190,and 192 are then
tightened, drawing the U-shaped portion 204 tight against the
telescopic vertical rod 186 and both the upper section 189 and lower
section 191 of double-bar tubing section 187. The vertical mounting
bracket 188 provides a stable and constant force on the vertical rod
186 (solving a described problem in the prior art).
In operation, and represented by FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the mobile
percussion instrument field rack system 18 functions, in one
preferred embodiment, as follows. The field rack 60 is opened up by
swiveling the wheelbase sub-assemblies 22 and 24 to a preferred
position perpendicular to the center portion 62, also shown as
horizontal double-bar tubing section 32. The field rack 60 is then
further opened up by loosening bolts 84 and 85 on sub-assembly 72
and swiveling side portions 64 and 66, also shown. as horizontal
double-bar tubing sections 30 and 34, out to the desired field
playing position to allow a multiple of musicians to utilize the
field rack 60, which, for purposes of explanation, will be as shown
in FIG. 1. After the horizontal double-bar tubing sections 30 and 34
are set to the desired field playing position, bolts 84 and 85 on
sub-assembly 72 are tightened. Preferably, the musical percussion
instruments that are to be played using the rack are then installed
on the field rack 60 in the desired position. For example, FIG. 1
illustrates the base drum 48 installed on the field rack tilting
bass drum holder 90, which is mounted on-horizontal double-bar
tubing section 30. The cymbals 50 and xylophone 52 are mounted on
center tubing section 30. The cymbals 50 are mounted to the
horizontal double-bar tubing using mounting bracket 188. The
xylophone 52 is mounted using two pieces of opposing right angled
steel brackets 182 and 184 to hold the xylophone 52 flat and then
utilizing adaptive clamps 92 connected to these brackets 182 and 184
and attaching to the upper section 189 of double-bar tubing section
187. Trap table 54 which holds small items such items as a
tambourine 56, or bells (not shown) or other hand-held percussion
instruments is shown attached to horizontal double-bar tubing
section 34. Preferably, the trap table 54 is also attached to the
horizontal double-bar tubing using mounting bracket 188 as shown in
FIG. 1.
Each of the above-described instruments is attached to the upper
metal framework sub-assembly 20. This sub-assembly 20 may be further
adjusted in height, if desired, by raising the entire sub-assembly
20 at each of the corner sub-assemblies 26 and 28 This arrangement
embodying herein at least one height adjuster for adjusting the
height of such center section; and at least one height adjuster for
adjusting the height of such left section; and such right section).
As each corner sub-assemblies 26 and 28 is raised by lifting the
assembly up on pipe element 80 and tightening all the associated
bolts 76, 77, 84 and 85, the entire sub-assembly 20 may be raised.
Although not shown, the pipe element 80 may be lengthened in height
to allow for an increased height adjustability, if so desired.
After all of the instrument placements have been made, the
instruments may be removed, leaving the various mounting brackets
and clamps in place as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, in this manner,
the instruments can be carried or transported in their normal manner
and the field rack 60 may be folded by reversing the opening up
process described above. That is, loosening the corner
sub-assemblies 26 and 28 bolts and folding the horizontal double-bar
tubing sections 30 and 34, also shown as side portions 64 and 66,
inwards toward the center portion 62, also shown as double-bar
tubing sections 32 and swiveling the wheelbase sub-assemblies 22 and
24 to a preferred position in an adjacent longitudinal alignment
with the center portion 62 of the upper metal framework sub-assembly
20, as shown. In addition the wheels 58 also swivel and may be
aligned in a position substantially longitudinal to the center
portion 62. The field rack 60 is now in a position to be stored and
transported in a minimal amount of space as may occur when
transported between the seats of a school bus.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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