HK1188667B - A microphone mounting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Microphone mounting device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of sound production, and more particularly, to the field of sound production using one or more microphones. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a mounting arrangement for placing a microphone adjacent to a musical instrument or other sound source.

Background

Configuring the microphones for the drum set (often referred to as "set-up drum set microphones") is often a complex task for audio or sound engineers in a recording studio or venue. Typically, when an audio engineer records or provides amplification for a musical performance, he must position microphones adjacent to various other sound sources in addition to the drum set. Thus, the engineer may need to "microphone" various instruments and sound sources, including vocals, loudspeakers, acoustic instruments, brass and woodwind instruments, and the like. In this case, the audio engineer typically has to configure various microphones next to or near such sound sources. This may include mounting or attaching the microphone to various surfaces and hardware, including microphone stands, drum hardware, speakers, music stands, etc., or other clamping surfaces. Furthermore, the audio engineer may have time constraints in installing and/or adjusting such microphones to properly position them for optimal amplification. Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-functional, multi-purpose microphone base that is quick and easy to use and adjust.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of several aspects. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents a number of concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a microphone may be mounted to a mounting device to receive sound from a sound source (e.g., a musical instrument). The mounting device can firmly mount different microphones to various musical instruments and other sound sources. For example, the mounting device may be used for drum and percussion applications. The mounting device can be used to mount a microphone directly to a drum rim, hand percussion, drum and percussion hardware, and a microphone stand. Although the mounting device may be used with drums and percussion instruments, the mounting device may also be applied to speakers, piano frames, and other mounting surfaces where microphones may be used.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting device incorporates a dual jaw design to allow easy, quick, and secure mounting to a variety of clamping surfaces of various geometries, including drum rims, hand-percussion lever, percussion hardware, and microphone mounts.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting device supports quick release adjustment to easily and quickly engage and disengage the dual clamping jaws, thereby reducing the time required to securely clamp and remove the mounting device with the clamping surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a microphone clip can receive various microphone mounting accessories, thereby providing compatibility for many types of microphones.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a mounting device includes a pair of jaws for attaching the mounting device to a clamping surface and a jaw stud for adjusting the pair of jaws. The mounting device may have a release mechanism coupled to the jaw stud, wherein when the release mechanism is depressed, the release mechanism releases one of the jaws allowing the jaw to slide freely along the jaw stud to open or close the pair of jaws on the clamping surface. The release mechanism engages the threaded portion of the jaw stud when the release mechanism is not depressed, thereby allowing the first pair of jaws to clamp onto the clamping surface when the jaw stud is rotated in a first direction along the threaded portion. The mounting device includes a microphone clamp to hold a microphone mounting accessory or microphone.

With respect to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting device also includes a second pair of jaws for attaching the mounting device to a clamping surface. The second pair may be oriented at a fixed angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the other pair of jaws.

With respect to another aspect of the present disclosure, the release mechanism includes a dowel release having an aperture through which the jaw stud is positioned. The bore has two curved surfaces, wherein the second curved surface is threaded to engage along the threaded portion of the jaw stud and the first curved surface is smooth to allow the dowel release to move along the jaw stud. The jaw stud is located proximate the first curved surface when the dowel release is depressed and the threaded portion of the jaw stud engages the second curved surface when the dowel release is not depressed. When the jaw stud is positioned within the first curved surface, one of the jaws may be moved without rotating the jaw stud.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a drum set of microphones that may be configured for by a microphone mounting device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A-2B show a microphone mounting device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A-3B show top and bottom views of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A-4B show side views of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A-5B show an upper jaw frame of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6A-6C show a lower jaw of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 shows the jaw studs of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8A-8B show a jaw knob of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a releaser dowel of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 illustrates a microphone clamp bolt of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11A-11B show a clamp knob of the microphone mounting device of fig. 2A-2B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12A-12B show a knob cover for the knob of fig. 11A-11B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 illustrates a microphone mounting accessory that may be secured by the clamp of the microphone mounting of fig. 2A-2B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 shows another microphone mounting accessory that may be secured by the clamp of the microphone mounting of fig. 2A-2B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 shows yet another microphone mounting accessory that may be secured by the clamp of the microphone mounting of fig. 2A-2B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 shows yet another microphone mounting accessory that may be secured by the clamp of the microphone mounting of fig. 2A-2B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Fig. 17 shows yet another microphone mounting accessory that may be secured by the clamp of the microphone mounting of fig. 2A-2B according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

A more complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a microphone may be mounted to a mounting device to receive sound from a sound source (e.g., a musical instrument). The mounting device can firmly mount different microphones to various musical instruments and other sound sources. For example, the mounting device may be used for drum and percussion applications. The mounting device may be used to mount a microphone directly to a drum rim, hand percussion, drum and/or percussion hardware, and a microphone stand. Although the mounting device may be used with drums and percussion instruments, the mounting device may also be applied to speakers, piano frames, and other mounting surfaces where microphones may be used.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting device incorporates a dual jaw design to allow easy, quick, and secure mounting to a variety of clamping surfaces of various geometries, including drum rims, hand-percussion lever, percussion hardware, and microphone mounts.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting device supports quick release adjustment to easily and quickly engage and disengage the dual clamping jaws, thereby reducing the time required to securely clamp and remove the mounting device with the clamping surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a microphone clip can receive various microphone mounting accessories, thereby providing compatibility for many types of microphones.

Fig. 1 shows a drum set 100 that may be configured in accordance with a microphone mounting device 200 of aspects of the present disclosure. The drum set 100, which may be referred to as a drum kit, includes a collection of drums, cymbals, and other commonly used percussion instruments such as bells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines configured for convenient personal (drummers) performance.

The individual instruments of the drum set are struck by various tools (including sticks, brushes and mallets) held in the drummer's hand. Two notable exceptions include the bass drum 101 (played with foot-operated pedals) and the foot cymbal 102 (which can be struck together with a foot pedal in addition to playing with a stick or brush). Although pedals can be used to play other instruments, the feet are typically occupied by the bass drum 101 and cymbal 102 and thus the drummer typically plays in the seat position. The drum set 100 includes a bass drum 101, a ground drum 103, a snare drum 104, tambourine drums 105a, 105b, and various cymbals including a pedal cymbal 102, a high-stand cymbal 106, and a double-sided cymbal (not explicitly shown), and may also include additional percussion instruments. Drums, such as the floor drum 103, tambourine drums 105a, 105b, snare drum 104, and bass drum 101, have one or more collars or rims that may hold the head to the body of the drum. The drum rims 107 to 111 are generally metal strips having an annular shape and a generally elongated cross-section and are generally located at the ends of the drums, near the top end of the drum where the drum head is located. In some embodiments, the drum edges 107-111 have a generally rectangular cross-section. The drum rims 107-111 may be adjusted by various mechanical means to adjust the pitch, tuning and response of the drum head.

Various genres of music are often incorporated into the use of drum kits as appropriate for the genre. For example, in most forms of rock music, bass drum 104, cymbal 102, and snare drum 104 are the primary instruments used to produce drum hits, whereas in jazz music, overhead cymbal 106 and snare drum 104 are becoming more prevalent.

Fig. 2A-2B show a microphone mounting device 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A shows a front view of device 200, while fig. 2B shows an isometric view of device 200. The device 200 may be used as a multi-function drum clamp, although some embodiments may be applicable to other musical instruments.

Some or all of the components of the device 200 may be formed by machining or casting techniques. With respect to some embodiments, non-metallic materials may be used in some or all of these components.

The mounting device 200 can support quick/fine clamp adjustment of the lower jaw 201 and the upper jaw 203. The lower jaw 201 and lower jaw 203 typically grip a clamping surface on or near an instrument to secure the microphone mounting apparatus 200 so that the microphone or microphone mounting accessory (not expressly shown) may be secured by the microphone clamp 206. The quick/fine clamping adjustment allows the lower jaw 201 and upper jaw 203 to be first adjusted to quickly close on the clamping surface and then further clamp the lower and upper jaws 201, 203 on the clamping surface by fine adjustment. For some embodiments, the quick adjustment is accomplished by depressing the release mechanism 209 on the lower jaw 201, releasing the release mechanism 209 and allowing the lower jaw 201 to move upward so that the lower and upper jaws quickly close on their intended clamping surfaces. Once in contact with the clamping surface, the release mechanism 209 may be released and the knob 205, in conjunction with the screw 204 (corresponding to the jaw stud 704 shown in fig. 7), may grip to allow the lower jaw 201 and/or the upper jaw 203 to more tightly clamp against the clamping surface. Conversely, the release member 209 additionally allows for quick release of such jaws 201, 203 by depressing the release member 209 and separating the jaws 201, 203 from one another. Once the microphone or microphone mounting accessory grips the clamping surface, it can be mounted on the mounting device 200. Thus, the mounting device 200 provides the ability to quickly grip, clamp and position a microphone (e.g., the drum set 100 as shown in fig. 1) and the ability to quickly release and remove the mounting device 200.

With respect to some embodiments, the device 200 may support two pairs of jaws. As shown in fig. 2A and 2B, the first pair of jaws includes a lower jaw 201 and a lower jaw 203. The second pair of jaws includes a lower jaw 241 and an upper jaw 243, as shown by jaws 441, 443 in fig. 4A and 4B. The two pairs of jaws may be oriented approximately 90 degrees from each other; however, some embodiments may be oriented at different angles or in other configurations.

With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lower jaw 201 and the upper jaw 203 have two curved notches, with notches 212 and 214 having a larger radius and notches 211 and 213 having a smaller radius. The various sizes of the curved recesses 211-214 may provide the ability to grip a thicker radius bar (e.g., a microphone stand or drum stand) via the larger radius recesses 212, 214 and a thinner radius bar via the smaller radius recesses 211, 213. Typically, the second pair of jaws 241, 243 are intended to grip the metal drum rim. However, non-metallic materials may be used for the drum rim. The second pair of jaws 241, 243 may also be used to clamp the apparatus 200 to any other elongated surface (although the first pair of jaws 201, 203 are provided primarily for clamping objects having a circular cross-section). In the embodiment shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the second pair of jaws 441, 443 includes a plurality of recessed notches 444, 445, 446 to accommodate the surface of the drum rim. In detail, the upper clamping jaw 443 has only one drum rim curved surface 444 and the lower clamping jaw 441 has two drum rim curved surfaces 445, 446, thus providing various ways to attach the device 200 to drum rims of various sizes and shapes.

Once the device 200 has been secured to the clamping surface, the microphone clamp 206 may be adjusted to hold and support a microphone or microphone mounting accessory (e.g., a microphone clamp that may secure a microphone), as will be discussed further. For example, the microphone clips 1600-1700 shown in fig. 16-17 and the mounting accessories 1300-1500 shown in fig. 13-15, respectively, can all be mounted in the microphone clip 206 of the device 200. The microphone clamp 206 comprises two clamp jaws 261, 262. In some embodiments, the microphone clip 206 may include a collar 220. The collar 220 may be a separate component through which a clamp bolt (not shown) passes or the collar 220 may be integrally formed or connected with the clamp jaws 262 of the microphone clamp 206.

The microphone clamp 206 may be moved along the slot 210 and rotated to position the microphone relative to the instrument or sound source. When the microphone clamp 206 has been adjusted, the microphone clamp 206 may be clamped around the microphone mounting accessory by turning the clamp knob 207. For some embodiments, the knob 207 is fastened to a clamp bolt (not explicitly shown in fig. 2 and 3, but corresponding to clamp bolt 1001 in fig. 10) by a snap ring and covered by a cover 208 (corresponding to knob cover 1201 in fig. 12A and 12B). The clamp bolt passes through the clamp jaws 261, 262 and the collar 220 of the microphone clamp 206 and is secured on opposite sides of the slot 210. Thus, loosening the clamp knob 207 allows the microphone clamp 206 to traverse the length of the slot 210 and rotate about an axis passing through the center of the clamp knob 207. Specifically, the collar 220 of the microphone clip 206 slides along the slot 210. Conversely, clamping the clamp knob 207 positions and secures the microphone clamp 206 at a desired position along the length of the slot 210 and at a desired angle about an axis passing through the center of the clamp knob 207.

For some embodiments, the jaw frame 230 includes an elongated frame body in which the upper jaws 203, 243 and the slot 210 are formed.

Fig. 3A-3B show top and bottom views of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure. For some embodiments, microphone clamp 306 includes clamp jaws 361 and 362. Once the device 200 has been clamped to a surface by the upper and lower jaws 203, 243, 201, 241 and the microphone clamp 306 has been adjusted by sliding the collar 320 along the slot 210, a microphone accessory (e.g., a "microphone clamp") may be installed in the device 200 by sliding the microphone accessory in the opening 364. In some embodiments, collar 320 is integral with microphone clip 362. A clamp rod (e.g., clamp bolt 1001 as shown in fig. 10) fits through slot 210 to secure microphone clamp 306 to jaw frame 230.

Knob 307 may be loosened and the microphone accessory may be slid vertically within the slot to a desired position. Additionally, the clamp jaws 361, 362 may be rotated 360 degrees about an axis passing through the center of the knob 307. Thus, the microphone mounting accessory held within the opening 364 of the clamp jaws 361, 362 can be rotated about an axis passing through the center of the knob 307. In addition, a microphone mounting accessory held within the opening 364 may be rotated 360 degrees about an axis passing through the center of the opening 364. This configuration allows maximum flexibility in positioning the microphone mounting accessory relative to the device 200. With some embodiments, pins (not expressly shown) inherently positioned between clamp jaw 361 and clamp jaw 362 limit relative rotation between jaws 361, 362 such that clamp jaws 361, 362 rotate together. The pin may be affixed to one of the clamp jaws 361, 362 and engaged to a recess (not shown) in the other of the clamp jaws 361, 362. In some embodiments, the pins and notches are positioned on corresponding inner surfaces that contact each other when the microphone clamp 306 is clamped. The knob 307 may then be clamped when the microphone mounting attachment is in the desired position. This capability may provide substantial flexibility when positioning the microphone relative to where the device 200 is mounted.

Fig. 4A-4B show side views of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure. As previously discussed, the device 200 may include a second pair of jaws having a lower jaw 441 and an upper jaw 443. In addition, the microphone clamp 206 can be moved up or down in the slot 410 to adjust the microphone clamp.

Fig. 5A-5B show a jaw frame 530 (corresponding to the jaw frame 230 shown in fig. 2A) of the microphone mounting apparatus 200 in fig. 2A-2B, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The jaw frame 530 includes upper jaws 503, 543 (corresponding to the upper jaws 203, 243 shown in fig. 2A and 2B). As depicted, the jaw 530 includes an elongated slot 510 through the body of the jaw frame 530. The slot 510 may further include a concave portion (not explicitly shown in fig. 5 but shown as concave portion 431 in fig. 4) wherein the collar (corresponding to collars 220, 320 in fig. 2-3) slides as the microphone clamp 206 moves along the slot 510. The jaw frame 530 further includes a pair of concave rails (shown as rails 432a, 432b in FIG. 4, where rail 432a corresponds to rail 532a in FIG. 5) on opposite sides of the slot 510. The rails 432a, 432b provide a surface against which the lower jaw 601 (see figure 6) rides as the lower jaw 601 moves along the jaw frame 530.

Fig. 6A to 6C show a lower jaw 601 of the microphone mounting device 200 in fig. 2A to 2B (corresponding to the lower jaw 201 shown in fig. 2A and 2B). As previously described, the lower jaw 601 has two curved notches 613 and 614 (corresponding to notches 213 and 214 as shown in fig. 2A and 2B) to facilitate mounting of the device 200 to a curved or circular clamping surface.

The lower jaw 601 contains a cylindrical cavity 650 in which a releaser dowel 901 (shown in figure 9) is located. The cavity 650 generally has a larger diameter than the releaser dowel 901 so that the dowel 901 may travel freely with the desired amount of play. The releaser dowel 901 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9.

Lower clamp 601 further includes a tunnel 660 and a pair of rails 661a, 661b that guide lower jaw 601 as it travels along jaw frame 530. Specifically, the rails 661a, 661B travel along the rails 432a, 432B of the jaw frame 530 (corresponding to the rails 532a, 532B described in fig. 5A-5B) while the tunnel 660 receives a projection of the body of the jaw frame 530 that receives the slot 510. Again, as seen in FIG. 6C, a cavity 650 in the lower jaw 601 receives a dowel 901, as described. In some embodiments, the cavity 650 can include a spring wall 650a against which a selective spring bears to bias the dowel outward, as further described herein.

Fig. 7 shows the jaw stud 704 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B (corresponding to the screw 204 shown in fig. 2A and 2B). The jaw stud 704 is threaded along the threaded portion 704a and has a key 704b to which the knob 205 can be securely attached. The jaw stud 704 may also include a guide slot 704c to receive a stop (e.g., a snap ring) to limit removal of the lower jaw 201 from the clamp stud 704. The guide slots 704d receive stops to limit the jaw studs 704 from being within the upper jaw 203 when the jaw studs are rotated. Thus, when dowel 901 is released by depressing dowel 901, the detent may prevent jaw stud 704 from separating from mounting device 200 or being removed from mounting device 200.

Fig. 8A to 8B show a jaw knob 805 (corresponding to the knob 205 shown in fig. 2A and 2B) of the microphone mounting device 200 in fig. 2A to 2B. As described, rotation of the jaw knob 805 will impart rotation to the jaw stud 704 to cause the lower jaw 201 to move relative to the upper jaw 203 to clamp or unclamp the jaws 201, 203 relative to a clamping surface.

Fig. 9 shows a releaser dowel 901 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B. As previously described, the release dowel 901 fits within the cavity 650 as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the dowel 901 may include a spring surface 901e against which a spring (not shown) positioned within the cavity 650 abuts, as described later herein.

Holes 901a are formed through the lateral direction of the releaser dowels 901. The hole 901a includes a threaded curved surface 901b and a smooth (unthreaded) curved surface 901 c. The releaser dowel 901 is positioned in the cavity 604 such that the jaw stud 704 fits within the hole 901 a. When jaw stud 704 is within threaded curved surface 901b, threaded portion 704a engages the threads of threaded curved portion 901 b. Thus, when the jaw stud 704 is rotated by the knob 805, the jaw stud 704 rides along the thread to clamp or unclamp the jaws 201 and 203 depending on the direction in which the jaw stud 704 is rotated. However, when the jaw stud 704 is against or near the smooth curved surface 901c (and is not constrained by the threaded curved surface 901 b), the jaw stud 704 is free to move up or down without turning the jaw stud 704 due to the lack of engagement between the threads on the jaw stud 704 and the threads on the threaded curved surface 901 b. Thus, the jaws 201 and 203 are quickly adjustable relative to each other so that they can easily and quickly clamp or release the jaws 201, 203 to or from a surface.

For some embodiments, a spring (not shown) is positioned between the releaser dowel 901 and the cavity 650 (as shown in FIG. 6C). Specifically, the spring can be positioned between the spring wall 650a of the cavity 650 and the spring surface 901e of the dowel 901 such that the spring can apply pressure against the dowel 901. In this manner, the spring can bias the dowel 901 outward relative to the cavity 650. The outward biasing force of the spring causes the threaded curved surface 901b to engage the threaded portion 704a of the jaw stud 704 when the dowel 901 is not depressed. However, when dowel 901 is pressed inward (against the force of the spring and into cavity 650), threaded portion 704a of jaw stud 704 disengages from threaded curved surface 901 b. When the jaw stud 704 is free of the constraint of the threaded curved surface 901b and is located adjacent to the smooth curved surface 901c, the lower jaw 201 can slide freely along the jaw stud 704 thereby enabling quick adjustment of the jaws 201, 203.

While the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9 utilizes dowel 901 as the release mechanism, some embodiments may also use a different release mechanism. For example, the mounting device 200 may utilize a linear ratchet mechanism in which a pawl (in one example, located within the lower jaw) travels along teeth formed on or within the jaw frame 530. In this embodiment, the pawl and ratchet mechanism may be used for quick adjustment while the jaw stud may continue to function for the purpose of fine adjustment of the jaws as described herein. In one embodiment of this pawl mechanism, the pawl may engage one or more of the teeth. However, when the ratchet release mechanism is properly depressed, the pawl can disengage the teeth so that the lower jaw can move along the jaw stud without rotating the jaw stud.

Fig. 10 shows a microphone clamp bolt 1001 of the microphone mounting device 200 in fig. 2A to 2B. As previously described, clamp bolt 1001 as shown in fig. 10 passes through both clamp jaws 261, 262 of microphone clamp 206, collar 220 and slot 510 to secure microphone clamp 206 to jaw frame 230. In an embodiment, the clamp bolt 1001 has a bolt head 1002, the bolt head 1002 fitting into the slot 510 on the interior of the jaw frame 230 and specifically following the concave portion 531 of the slot 210. Clamp bolt 1001 is threaded along threaded portion 1003 so that clamp knob 207 can be tightened to close the jaws 201, 202 of microphone clamp 206. Guide slots 1004 are located at the opposite end of bolt head 1002 to secure a retainer (e.g., a snap ring) to prevent removal of clamp knob 207 from clamp bolt 1001 when clamp knob 207 is turned to move away from bolt head 1002.

Fig. 11A-11B show the clamp knob 1107 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B (where the clamp knob 1107 in fig. 11A-11B corresponds to the clamp knob 207 of fig. 2A-2B and the clamp knob 307 of fig. 3A-3B), according to aspects of the present disclosure. For some embodiments, hole 1107a is threaded to engage with threaded portion 1003 of microphone clamp bolt 1001 to clamp microphone clamp 206. Additionally, threaded recess 1107B may receive knob cover 1201 (as shown in fig. 12A and 12B) such that the end of clamp bolt 1001 may be covered to be hidden.

Various microphone mounting accessories may be used with the microphone device 200 and inserted into the microphone clip 206 of the device 200 and supported by the microphone clip 206 of the device 200. The mounting accessories may include a microphone clip support (e.g., fig. 13), a gooseneck microphone support (e.g., fig. 14), a threaded microphone clip adapter (e.g., fig. 15), and various different sized microphone clips (e.g., fig. 16-17).

Fig. 13 shows a microphone mounting accessory that is a microphone clip support 1300. The free end 1303 of the microphone clip support 1300 may be secured by the microphone clip 206 of the microphone mounting apparatus 200 (as described with reference to fig. 2A-2B). In one embodiment, the microphone clip support 1300 generally has an "L" shaped configuration formed by an upper portion 1301 and a lower portion 1303, the lower portion 1301 fitting into the microphone clip 206. End 1302 extends from upper portion 1301. End 1302 includes two opposing externally threaded ends that can receive a standard microphone clip (not shown) having internal mating threads. For example, having an inner threaded portion with a diameter of 5/8 inches (27 threads per inch)The Model A25D microphone clip can be screwed onto one of the threaded ends of the end 1302. One embodiment of the Microphone clip support 1300 is for a Model A56D Microphone Drum MountPart No.90A4646L-Adapter Extension。

Fig. 14 shows a microphone mounting attachment as a gooseneck microphone support 1400. The gooseneck microphone support 1400 includes a rigid portion at the free end 1401 that can be secured by the microphone clamp 206 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B. The gooseneck microphone support 1400 further includes a flexure 1402 connected to a mounting section 1403, the mounting section 1403 being secured by clamping a set screw against the microphone body1404 and the microphone (not shown) is fixed. For example, can beA Model Beta98/S Instrument Microphone was mounted in the mounting section 1403 of the gooseneck support 1400. An embodiment of the gooseneck microphone support 1400 is forModel A98D gooseneck adapter from Microphone Drum Mount. The flexure 1402 allows a user to adjust the positioning of the microphone in the mounting section 1403 by bending the flexure 1402 as desired.

Fig. 15 shows a microphone mounting accessory, shown as a threaded microphone clip adapter 1500, which may be secured by the microphone clip 206 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B. The threaded microphone clamp adapter 1500 includes a threaded stud 1501, a locking ring 1503 and a mounting stem 1505. In one embodiment, the threaded rod 1501 is threaded along its entire length or any relevant portion thereof. The lock ring 1503 may be threaded to mate with threads on the threaded stud 1501, thereby allowing the lock ring 1503 to move along the length of the threaded stud 1501. With other microphone mounting attachments, the threaded stud 1501 can be configured to receive a standard microphone clip (not shown) having internal mating threads. For example, having an inner threaded portion with a diameter of 5/8 inches (27 threads per inch)A Model a25D microphone clip can be screwed onto the threaded stud 1501. Once the microphone clip is attached, the locking ring 1503 may be supported and clamped against the bottom end of the microphone clip, thereby creating a friction fit between the microphone clip and the locking ring 1503 and preventing the microphone clip from loosening or rotating about the threaded stud 1501. The mounting stem 1505 can be inserted into and clamped within the microphone clamp 206 of the microphone apparatus 200. Further, the mounting bar 1505 includes an enlarged end 1506. The enlarged end 1506 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the mounting rod 1505 toThe threaded microphone clamp adapter 1500 is prevented from disengaging the clamp jaws 261, 262 of the microphone clamp 206.

Fig. 16 shows a microphone mounting accessory of a small microphone clip 1600 that can be secured by the microphone clip 206 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B. The small microphone clip 1600 includes a mounting stem 1605. The mounting rod 1605 is inserted into and clamped in the microphone clamp 206 of the microphone apparatus 200. Further, the mounting rod 1605 includes an enlarged end 1606. The enlarged end 1606 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the mounting rod 1605 to prevent the threaded microphone clamp adapter 1600 from disengaging from the clamp jaws 261, 262 of the microphone clamp 206. The miniature microphone clip 1600 is typically used to secure a microphone having a smaller diameter (e.g., for a condenser drum microphone). For example,a Model PG81Instrument Microphone may be held by a small Microphone clamp 1600.

Fig. 17 shows a microphone mounting accessory of a large microphone clip 1700 that may be secured by the microphone clip 206 of the microphone mounting device 200 of fig. 2A-2B. The large microphone clip 1700 includes a mounting bar 1705. The mounting bar 1705 is inserted into and clamped in the microphone clamp 206 of the microphone apparatus 200. Further, the mounting bar 1705 includes an enlarged end 1706. The enlarged end 1706 has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the mounting bar 1705 to prevent the threaded microphone clamp adapter 1700 from disengaging from the clamp jaws 261, 262 of the microphone clamp 206. The large microphone clip 1700 is typically used to secure microphones (e.g., dynamic instrument microphones) having a larger diameter. For example,the ModelSM57Instrument Microphone can be held by a large Microphone clamp 1700. With the small and large microphone clips 1600, 1700, the mounting rods 1605, 1705 can be attached to the clip body or can be integrally formed therewith.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various microphone mounting accessories may be used with the microphone mounting device 200 described herein. For example, any accessory that includes a mounting bar (similar to the mounting bars 1505, 1605, 1705 described herein with reference to fig. 15-17) may be supported by the microphone mounting device 200 by inserting the mounting bar into its microphone clamp 206 and clamping the clamp jaws 261, 262 via the clamp knob 207. Further, while certain exemplary dimensions and pitches are described herein, it should be understood that such dimensions and pitches are merely examples and that any suitable size and configuration may be used.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be many variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Aspects of the present invention have been described in terms of illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the present invention will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps illustrated in the illustrative figures and one or more of the steps illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure may be performed in an order different than the order illustrated.

Claims (25)

1. An apparatus for mounting a microphone in proximity to a sound source, comprising:

a first pair of jaws configured to be attached to a clamping surface proximate the acoustic source;

a jaw stud connecting the first pair of jaws, the jaw stud having a threaded portion;

a release mechanism coupled to the jaw stud, wherein a first jaw of the first pair is free to slide along the jaw stud to open or close the first pair of jaws when the release mechanism is depressed, wherein the release mechanism engages the threaded portion of the jaw stud when the release mechanism is not depressed, thereby allowing the first pair of jaws to clamp onto the clamping surface when the jaw stud is rotated in a first direction along the threaded portion;

a microphone clamp configured to hold a microphone mounting accessory associated with the microphone; and

a dowel release having a hole through which the jaw stud passes, the hole having a first curved surface and a second curved surface, the second curved surface being threaded to engage the threaded portion of the jaw stud, the first curved surface being smooth to allow the dowel release to move along the jaw stud, wherein the jaw stud is located proximate the first curved surface when the dowel release is depressed and the threaded portion of the jaw stud will engage the second curved surface when the dowel release is not depressed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pair of jaws release from the clamping surface when the jaw stud is rotated in the second direction along the threaded portion while the release mechanism is not depressed.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pair of jaws configured to attach to a second clamping surface.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second pair of jaws is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the first pair of jaws.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a jaw frame including a second jaw of the first pair of jaws, the jaw frame having an elongated slot therein; and

a clamp bolt passing through the slot and the microphone clamp securing the microphone clamp to the jaw frame.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the clamp bolt and microphone clamp are positionable along the slot.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the slot is oriented parallel to a length of the jaw stud.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the microphone clamp comprises:

a pair of clamp jaws, each clamp jaw having a hole, the clamp bolt passing through each hole to secure the microphone clamp to the jaw frame, the pair of jaw clamps rotatable about the clamp bolt.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:

a pin coupled between the pair of clamp jaws, limiting rotation of the pair of clamps together about the clamp bolt.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, the clamp bolt having a bolt head that fits over an inner surface of the slot, the bolt head being movable along the slot to adjust a position of the microphone clamp within the slot.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a clamp knob coupled to the clamp bolt such that when the clamp knob is rotated in a direction, the microphone clamp clamps around the microphone mounting accessory.

12. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the microphone clamp further comprises:

a collar abutting an outer surface of the slot, the clamp bolt passing through the collar.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the slot includes a concave portion, wherein the collar is at least partially positioned within the concave portion of the slot when the microphone clamp is clamped onto the microphone mounting accessory.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each jaw of the first pair of jaws has a first notch of a first radius and a second notch of a second radius, and wherein the first radius and the second radius are different.

15. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the jaws of the second pair of jaws has curved notches.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the microphone mounting accessory comprises a microphone clip.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the microphone mounting accessory is selected from the group consisting of a microphone clip support, a gooseneck microphone support, and a threaded microphone clip adapter.

18. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first and second pairs of jaws is configured to engage a drum rim.

19. An apparatus for mounting a microphone in proximity to a musical instrument, comprising:

a first jaw of the jaw pair;

a jaw frame including a second jaw of the jaw pair, the jaw frame having an elongated slot therein;

the pair of jaws configured to attach to a clamping surface associated with the instrument;

a jaw stud connecting the pair of jaws, the jaw stud having a threaded portion;

a release mechanism coupled to the jaw stud, wherein the first jaw is free to slide along the jaw stud toward or away from the second jaw when the release mechanism is depressed, wherein the release mechanism engages the threaded portion of the jaw stud when the release mechanism is not depressed, thereby allowing the first and second jaws to clamp onto the clamping surface when the threaded portion of the jaw stud is rotated in a first direction; and

a microphone clamp configured to hold a microphone mounting accessory associated with the microphone, the microphone clamp comprising:

a clamp bolt passing through the slot to secure the microphone clamp to the jaw frame;

a pair of jaw clamps, each jaw clamp having a hole, the clamp bolt passing through each hole to secure the microphone clamp to the jaw frame, the pair of jaw clamps being rotatable about the clamp bolt; and

a clamp knob connected to the clamp bolt, the microphone clamp being clamped around the microphone mounting accessory when the clamp knob is rotated in a direction.

20. The device of claim 19, the release mechanism comprising:

a dowel release having a hole through which the jaw stud passes, the hole having a first curved surface and a second curved surface, the second curved surface being threaded to engage the threaded portion of the jaw stud, the first curved surface being smooth to allow the dowel release to move along the jaw stud, wherein the jaw stud is located proximate the first curved surface when the dowel release is depressed and the threaded portion of the jaw stud will engage the second curved surface when the dowel release is not depressed.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the slot includes a concave portion, wherein the microphone clamp further comprises a collar through which the clamp bolt passes, wherein at least a portion of the collar is positioned within the concave portion of the slot when the microphone clamp is clamped to the microphone mounting accessory.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the clamp bolt is slidable along a length of the slot to allow the microphone clamp to be positioned in various positions along the slot and relative to the jaw frame.

23. An apparatus for mounting microphones proximate to a plurality of sound sources, comprising:

a first pair of jaws comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, and a second pair of jaws comprising a third jaw and a fourth jaw, the third jaw connected to the first jaw, the fourth jaw connected to the second jaw, the first jaw having a cylindrical cavity;

a jaw frame connected to the second jaw, the jaw frame having an elongated slot therein;

the first pair of jaws configured to attach to a first clamping surface associated with a first acoustic source;

the second pair of jaws configured to attach to a second clamping surface of a second sound source;

a jaw stud connecting the first pair of jaws, the jaw stud having a threaded portion;

a dowel releaser positioned within the cylindrical cavity, the dowel releaser having a hole through which the jaw stud passes;

a spring positioned within the cylindrical cavity and in contact with the dowel release to bias the dowel release outwardly from the cylindrical cavity, wherein the dowel release is movable from a first depressed position and slidable along the length of the jaw stud when in the first depressed position in which the dowel release is not engaged with the threaded portion and is movable along the length of the jaw stud only by rotating the jaw stud about its longitudinal axis when in a second released position in which the dowel release is engaged with the threaded portion; and

a microphone clamp configured to secure a microphone mounting accessory associated with the microphone, the microphone clamp comprising:

a clamp bolt passing through the slot to secure the microphone clamp to the jaw frame;

a pair of jaw clamps, each jaw clamp having a hole, the clamp bolt passing through each hole to secure the microphone clamp to the jaw frame, the pair of jaw clamps rotatable about the clamp bolt; and

a clamp knob coupled to the clamp bolt, the microphone clamp gripping around the microphone mounting accessory when the clamp knob is rotated in a direction.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein one of the first or second pair of jaws comprises a plurality of curved recesses, wherein the first clamping surface comprises a microphone or drum stand member having a generally circular cross-section, wherein the member is positionable within the plurality of curved recesses.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the other of the first or second pair of jaws comprises a plurality of recessed notches, wherein the second clamping surface comprises a drum rim having a generally elongated cross-section, wherein the drum rim is positionable within the plurality of recessed notches.