Interchangeable triangle beater

Abstract

A triangle beater having interchangeable and detachable heads. A triangle beater for striking a percussion instrument is described. The triangle beater has a shaft with a grip end having a grip thereon, and a working end. The working end includes a connector assembly. A detachable beater head is provided. The beater head extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. The beater head further includes a connector assembly receiver. The connector assembly receiver and the connector assembly are configured with at least some components use ferromagnetic material, so that when they are juxtaposed by bringing the connector assembly and the connector assembly receiver together into a working position, the connector assembly receiver and the connector assembly are magnetically secured together for striking a percussion instrument such as a triangle. The connector assembly and connector assembly receiver are separable by manually urging them apart and overcoming magnetically attractive force therebetween.

Claims

1. A triangle beater for striking a percussion instrument, comprising: a grip; a shaft, the shaft having a grip end and a working end, wherein the grip is attached to the grip end, and wherein the working end further comprises a connector assembly; a beater head, the beater head extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, the beater head further comprising a connector assembly receiver; wherein the connector assembly receiver and the connector assembly are configured with at least some components comprising ferromagnetic material that when juxtaposed by bringing the connector assembly and the connector assembly receiver together into a working position, the connector assembly receiver and the connector assembly are magnetically secured together for striking a triangle, and wherein the connector assembly and connector assembly receiver are separable by manually urging them apart and overcoming magnetically attractive force therebetween.

2. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector assembly comprises a cap, and wherein the cap is affixed to at least a portion of the working end of the shaft.

3. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 2, wherein the cap is provided in a cup shaped configuration, and wherein the cup is sized and shaped for secure interfitting engagement with the working end of the shaft.

4. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 3, wherein the working end of the shaft comprises a cylinder having an outer diameter OD, and wherein the cup comprises an interior hole having an inner diameter ID, and wherein the outer diameter OD and the inner diameter ID are each sized and shaped for secure interfitting engagement.

5. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 2, wherein the cap comprises a ferromagnetic material.

6. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 2, wherein the ferromagnetic material comprises steel.

7. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connector assembly receiver comprises, at the proximal end of the beater head, an interior chamber axially oriented and extending inwardly along the longitudinal axis.

8. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 7, wherein the interior chamber is defined by cylindrical interior chamber sidewalls having a diameter ICD.

9. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 8, wherein the connector assembly receiver further comprises an inner sleeve, and wherein the inner sleeve is located within the interior chamber, for secure interfitting engagement therewith.

10. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 9, wherein the inner sleeve comprises a cylindrical tube having a proximal end and a distal end.

11. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a magnet, the magnet affixed at the distal end of the inner sleeve, and wherein when the magnet is brought into proximity to the cap, the connector assembly and the connector assembly receiver are securely affixed one to the other.

12. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 11, wherein the magnet comprises a neodymium magnet.

13. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 12, wherein the magnet has a pull force of about 1.56 pounds force, and wherein the pull force is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the beater head.

14. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 12, wherein the magnet is cylindrical in shape.

15. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 14, wherein the magnet has a diameter MD of about two tenths ( 2/10) of an inch.

16. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 15, wherein the magnet has a thickness T of about one eighth (⅛) of an inch.

17. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 11, wherein the inner sleeve comprises a ferromagnetic material, and wherein the magnet has a magnetic field which, when located in the inner sleeve, does not extend outward from the beater head with sufficient strength to magnetically attract a triangle, when the triangle comprises steel.

18. A triangle beater as set forth in claim 1, wherein the beater head comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, wood, and plastic.

19. A kit of a plurality of beater heads for a striking a percussion instrument, the kit comprising: a plurality of detachable beater heads, each of the detachable beater heads adapted for interchangeable use on the triangle beater of claim 1.

20. A kit as set forth in claim 19, further comprising a container, the container adapted for secure storage of a plurality of interchangeable beater heads.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The present invention(s) are described herein by way of exemplary embodiments, using for illustration the accompanying drawing in which like reference numerals denote like elements in the various figures of the drawing, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is an exemplary side elevation view of a prior art device for securing a triangle beater below a triangle, for operation by a percussionist during a musical performance, showing a prior art triangle beater in place, supported by a pair of grommets, and ready for operation.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exemplary side elevation view of a prior art triangle beater, as may be used in a handheld fashion for use in a musical performance.

(4) FIG. 3 is a partial side elevation view of a triangle beater shaft and attached beater head, and showing in partial cross section the interior structure for a connector assembly on the shaft and a connector receiving assembly within the proximal end of the beater head, showing the shaft, a cap on the shaft, and a tubular S cylindrical sleeve within the proximal end of the beater head, wherein the tubular cylindrical sleeve includes a small button type neodymium magnet press fit at the distal end thereof.

(5) FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view, taken across line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the shaft, a cap on the shaft, and a tubular cylindrical sleeve in the proximal end of the beater head.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing manual detachment of an interchangeable beater head as described herein from a shaft, so that a different beater head may be installed on the shaft, showing in partial cross section the interior structure for a connector assembly on the shaft and a connector receiving assembly within the proximal end of the beater head, showing the shaft, a cap on the shaft, and a tubular cylindrical sleeve within the proximal end of the beater head, wherein the tubular cylindrical sleeve includes a small button type neodymium magnet press fit at the distal end thereof.

(7) FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a triangle beater with an interchangeable beater head as described herein, showing the various components which may be included in an embodiment, including a shaft having a ferromagnetic cap thereon, top form a connector assembly, and a connector receiving assembly within the proximal end of the beater head, showing a tubular cylindrical sleeve within the proximal end of the beater head, wherein the tubular cylindrical sleeve includes a small button type neodymium magnet press fit at the distal end thereof.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment for an interchangeable triangle beater, showing in hidden lines an embodiment for a connector assembly receiving structure at the proximal end of the beater head, showing a tubular cylindrical sleeve within the proximal end of the beater head, wherein the tubular cylindrical sleeve includes a small button type neodymium magnet press fit at the distal end thereof.

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment for an interchangeable triangle beater, showing in hidden lines an embodiment for a connector assembly receiving structure at the proximal end of the beater head, showing a tubular cylindrical sleeve within the proximal end of the beater head, wherein the tubular cylindrical sleeve includes a small button type neodymium magnet press fit at the distal end thereof.

(10) FIG. 9 shows a plurality of interchangeable triangle beater heads as described herein, as may be supplied in a kit.

(11) The foregoing figures, being merely exemplary, contain various elements that may be present or omitted from a particular final configuration for an embodiment of an interchangeable triangle beater head for use in a triangle beater. However, there is no intention to limit the claimed invention to any particular size or dimensional data, and any suggestion provided by any of the drawing figures of this specification are exemplary rather than mandatory. Thus, the interchangeable triangle beater head components used therein may be provided sized up or down from any dimensions depicted, without affecting the scope of the appended claims. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of exemplary interchangeable triangle beater heads for use with a triangle beater, and particulars may be varied for specific situations.

(12) It should be understood that various features may be utilized in accord with the teachings hereof, as may be useful in different embodiments, depending upon the specific requirements such as spacing, magnetic strength, and materials, all within the scope and coverage of the teachings herein as defined by the claims. Further, like features in various embodiments for an interchangeable triangle beater head may be described using like reference numerals, or other like references, without further mention thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) Attention is directed to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, where exemplary design elements for a triangle beater with interchangeable beater heads is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, a triangle beater 32 may be provided for striking a triangle (e.g., see triangle 14 in FIG. 1). The triangle beater 32 may include a shaft 34 having a grip 36 (shown in hidden lines in FIG. 5) attached at a grip end 38, and a working end 40. In an embodiment, the working end 40 may further include a connector assembly 42. A beater head 44 is magnetically affixed to the connector assembly 42, at a connector assembly receiver 46 located at and extending axially inwardly from a proximal end 48 of the beater head 44. The connector assembly receiver 46 and the connector assembly 42 are configured with ferromagnetic components that when juxtaposed by bringing the connector assembly 42 and the connector assembly receiver 46 together into a working position (see FIG. 3), the connector assembly receiver 46 and the connector assembly 42 are magnetically secured together for striking a triangle (e.g. triangle 14). Further, as taught herein, the connector assembly 42 and connector assembly receiver 46 are separable by manually urging them apart (see FIG. 5, where a left hand HL and a right hand HR pull shaft 34 and connector assembly 42 away from beater head 44 and connector assembly receiver 46), and overcoming the magnetically attractive force therebetween. Yet, as further described herein below, in an embodiment, a magnet 80 may be provided in which the magnetic field does not extend outward with sufficient strength outward from the beater head 44 to magnetically attract a triangle (e.g., triangle 14) when the triangle is provided in a ferromagnetic materials such as steel. In an embodiment, this result may be achieved by using a steel or other ferromagnetic material for an inner sleeve 70 into which a magnet 80 is pressed, so that the inner sleeve 70 modifies the available magnetic field.

(14) In an embodiment, a shaft 34 has a cap 54 affixed to the working end 40 of shaft 34 to form at least a portion of the connector assembly 42. In an embodiment, the cap 54 may be provided in a generally cup shaped structure for secure working engagement with the working end 40 of shaft 34. In an embodiment, the shaft 34 may be provided, at least in part, in the shape of a tubular cylinder element having an outer diameter OD, and a closed end 55. In such an embodiment, the cap 54 may include an axially extending interior hole defined by sidewalls 56 having an inner diameter ID. In such embodiments, the outer diameter OD and the inner diameter ID are each sized and shaped for secure interfitting engagement of the shaft 34 with the cap 54. In an embodiment, the cap 54 may be supplied using a ferromagnetic material. In an embodiment, the ferromagnetic material may be steel.

(15) At the beater head 44, the connector assembly receiver 46 may be configured, at the proximal end 48 of the beater head 44, using an interior chamber 60 axially oriented and extending inwardly along the longitudinal axis 62 of beater head 44. This may be better seen in FIG. 6, the connector assembly receiver 46 is located at and extends axially inwardly from a proximal end 48 of the beater head 44. As also seen in FIG. 6, the interior chamber 60 may be defined by cylindrical interior chamber sidewalls 64 having an interior chamber diameter noted by reference character ICD.

(16) In an embodiment, the beater head 44 may include a connector assembly receiver 46 that further includes an inner sleeve 70. The inner sleeve 70, when assembled, is located within the interior chamber 60, for secure interfitting engagement therewith. In an embodiment, the inner sleeve 70 may be configured as a cylindrical tube having a proximal end 72 and a distal end 74. The inner sleeve 70 has an inner sidewall 76. The inner sidewall 76 is size and shaped for interfitting mating engagement with the outer sidewall 78 of cap 54 of the connector assembly 42.

(17) As seen in FIG. 6, a magnet 80 may be affixed at the distal end 74 of the inner sleeve 70. In an embodiment, magnet 80 may be provided in a cylindrical shape, and may be press fit into the distal end 74 of the inner sleeve 70. In an embodiment, the magnet 80 may be provided in the form of a neodymium magnet. I have found that, in an embodiment, it may be advantageous to use a model DH22 neodymium magnet from K&J Magnetics, Inc., with an address of 18 Appletree Ln., Pipersville, Pa. 18947, US, and having an internet store address at: https://www.kjmagnetics.com/. In an embodiment, the magnet 80 may be provided in a cylindrical shape, having thickness T about one eighth (⅛) of an inch, and a diameter MD of about two tenths ( 2/10) of an inch. In an embodiment, the magnetic field is located along an axis extending along the longitudinal axis 62 of the beater head 44. In an embodiment, the magnet 80 may be provided having a pull force of about 1.56 pounds force. As just noted above, in an embodiment, the pull force, i.e. the magnetic field, may be oriented along the longitudinal axis 62 of the beater head 44.

(18) In an embodiment, when the magnet 80 is brought into proximity to the connector assembly 42, and more specifically cap 54, the connector assembly 42 and the connector receiver 46 are securely affixed each to the other. However, I have found it useful to provide a magnet sized, shaped, and with a magnetic force and field orientation so that the magnetic field does not extend outward with sufficient strength outward from the beater head 44 to magnetically attract a triangle 14, when the triangle 14 is provided in a ferromagnetic materials such as steel.

(19) Attention is directed to FIG. 7, where a perspective view of an embodiment for an interchangeable triangle beater head 90 is provided. With details similar those shown in FIG. 6, the interchangeable triangle beater head 90 shown In FIG. 7 also utilizes a connector assembly receiver 46 and an inner sleeve 70 at and extending outward from the proximal end 48 of the beater head 44. In this embodiment, a tubular cylindrical inner sleeve 70 is used, which further includes a small button type neodymium magnet 80 which has been press fit at the distal end 74 thereof.

(20) Similarly, FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of yet another embodiment for an interchangeable triangle beater head 92, showing in hidden lines an embodiment for a connector assembly receiver 46 at the proximal end 48 of the beater head 44. This view shows use, in hidden lines, of tubular cylindrical inner sleeve 70 at and extending outwardly from the proximal end 48 of the beater head 44. Also shown within the distal end of the tubular cylindrical inner sleeve 70 is a small button type neodymium magnet 80 press fit therein. Also in FIG. 8, a substantially spherical beater head 44.sub.S may be provided.

(21) FIG. 9 shows a plurality of interchangeable beater heads 44.sub.1, 44.sub.2, 44.sub.3, to 44.sub.N, etc. in a plurality of beater heads 44, where N is a positive integer, as may be provided in a kit 100 containing a plurality of interchangeable beater heads 44. The kit 100 may include a container for securely holding the plurality of interchangeable beater heads for storage and shipping. In various embodiments, a beater head may be provided in a selected material, such as aluminum, bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, wood, or plastic.

(22) The simple design as just described provides significant flexibility for a percussionist during a musical performance, since it provides for quick changes of beater heads for playing a triangle, and thus allows for various sounds to be produced as desired, without having to maintain a variety of triangle beaters, or setups for triangles and fixed triangle beaters. Accordingly, the designs provided afford a new setup for musicians, and is a significant advance in the art. Additionally, those of skill in the art may recognize that the instrument described herein as a triangle beater with interchangeable beater heads may also be used for playing other instruments, such as a cowbell or a wood block, and thus the apparatus as described herein may be used for such purposes, and the claims directed to triangle beater shall be equally applicable for coverage of cowbell beaters or wood block beaters, without the need for further mention thereof.

(23) Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawings and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing in this detailed description. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of percussion instruments that the details as described herein may be useful in reducing overall costs for triangle beater collections, and as such may be modified from those embodiments provided herein, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided.

(24) The aspects and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention(s) may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Thus, the scope of the invention(s), as set forth in the appended claims, and as indicated by the drawing and by the foregoing description, is intended to include variations from the embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad interpretation and range properly afforded to the plain meaning of the claims set forth below.