Tunable musical instrument e.g. kettle-drum - using pedal-operated mechanical linkage to increase, reduce or maintain tension on vibrating medium

摘要

The kettledrum (1) is supported in a ring (4) mounted on legs (3). The skin (6) is stretched between tensioners. Vertical pull rods (7) are connected by bell cranks (8) to further pull rods (9) linked to either end of a horizontal bar (10). This moves vertically within a cylindrical guide (11). Moving the push rod (15) to the right causes a wedge-shaped cam and roller to push the bar down to tighten the skin and raise its tone. The pedal (20) controls the position of the push rod. The locking mechanism (30) served by the smaller pedal (45) holds a given tension.