The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 61/837,388 filed on June 20, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent application serial number 61/871,023 filed on August 28, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to drumsticks with grooves carved into the fulcrum points, providing a more efficient and ergonomic drumstick for a drummer. In addition, the present invention allows for additional grooves to be carved into the drumsticks in order to provide a customized grip. The customized grip is individual to a drummer's personalized specifications. Furthermore, the present invention allows for a series of small holes drilled into the elongated annular body of the stick in which weighted inserts can be placed, changing the mass of the stick. The customized weight distribution is individual to a drummer's personalized specifications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Playing drums is a very physically demanding activity. As the drummer strikes the drum the opposite force exerted on the drumstick travels in the form of vibration up into the users hands and arms and depending on where the drumstick is held that force can vary. These impacts often result in the drumstick shifting in the drummer's hand. As a result, a drummer may end up holding the drumstick in a less than optimal position due to the movement of the drumstick during playing. Ideally, a drumstick would provide an ergonomic grip to better support a drummer's hands and maintain the correct grip even during intense playing. However, similar to fingerprints, each drummer has an individual grip and style, such that providing a single ergonomic grip usable by all drummers is infeasible. Therefore, in addition to the need for an improved ergonomic drumstick, there exists a need for various methods of customizing said improved ergonomic drumstick to account for physical variations in anatomy and grip from drummer to drummer.

Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide an ergonomic and comfortable drumstick with customizable grip which uses grooves and/or weighted inserts for helping to position and support fingers and other strategic parts of the hand in the correct location on the drumstick. The fulcrum point is the support about which a lever pivots, and in the case of a drumstick it provides the optimal and most natural rebound when the tip of the drumstick strikes the drum head. The fulcrum point provides a natural movement which can greatly reduce fatigue and increase performance for drummers, potentially translating into better technique or faster drumming speed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a standardized double fulcrum groove drumstick. FIG. 2 is a rear view of a standardized double fulcrum groove drumstick.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a customized double fulcrum groove drumstick with auxiliary grooves.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a customized double fulcrum groove drumstick with auxiliary grooves.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a single fulcrum drumstick with weight holes and inserts.

FIG. 6 is a rear view showing a single fulcrum drumstick with weight holes and inserts.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is an ergonomic drumstick with grooves to improve the playing experience for a drummer. The present invention also provides a method for customizing the ergonomic drumstick to individual drummers. The present invention also provides a method for adding weighted inserts into holes positioned on the elongated annular body of the stick customizing the mass distribution of the drumstick. The present invention is an improvement upon traditional drumsticks, which could also serve as a great training and re-training tool for both new and experienced drummers. The design of the present invention encourages proper grip, muscle development, muscle memory, and personalized mass distribution.

The ergonomic drumstick comprises an elongated annular body, as seen in FIG. 1

- FIG. 6. The elongated annular body comprises a grip and a tip, which are positioned opposite each other along the elongated body. The grip comprises a first fulcrum groove and a second fulcrum groove. The first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove are positioned opposite each other around the elongated annular body. The first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove cut into the elongated annular body, creating a cavity which is shaped to fit the fingers of a drummer's hand. The tip comprises a bead, which has a spherical shape and is the part of the drumstick designed to strike the flexible membrane (drumhead) of a drum. In alternative embodiments, the tip shape is selected from the group consisting of a barrel, an acorn, a sphere, or an oval, although the tip shape may be of any other suitable shape. The drumstick material is wood in the preferred embodiment, or in alternative embodiments, any other suitable material for a drumstick. The tip material is wood, nylon, or any other suitable material.

The exact positioning of the first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove depends on the grip type the drumstick is designed for, the number of weights, and the positions of the weights. If the pair of drumsticks is designed for matched grip use, where the left hand and the right hand use the same grip, then the first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove are designed to receive the thumb and the index finger. Since the first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove are mirrored through the elongated cylindrical body, they may interchangeably receive the thumb and the index finger. That is, the thumb may be placed on the first fulcrum groove or the second fulcrum groove, just as the index finger may simultaneously be placed on the second fulcrum groove or the first fulcrum groove. The first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove are positioned at an optimal position that provides the most bounce of the drumstick. Ideally, this is at a distance of two thirds the length of the drumstick, as measured from the tip.

If a traditional grip is used, then a pair of drumsticks will have different positioning of the first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove. In a traditional grip, one drumstick will have the fulcrum groove layout used with the drumsticks from a set designed for matched use. For this first drumstick, one fulcrum groove is designed to receive the thumb, while the other fulcrum groove is designed to receive the index finger. For the second drumstick of a pair designed for traditional grip, the first fulcrum groove and the second fulcrum groove are designed to receive the thumb and the middle finger or ring finger, respectively. In order to receive the middle finger or ring finger, the second fulcrum groove is positioned adjacently above the first fulcrum groove along the elongated annular body.

The ergonomic drumstick may be provided in a number of embodiments. In one embodiment, the second fulcrum groove may be omitted from the grip, resulting in a single fulcrum groove embodiment, as opposed to the previously described double fulcrum groove embodiment. Potentially, auxiliary grooves may be utilized for the single fulcrum groove embodiment as well as the double fulcrum groove embodiment. These auxiliary grooves are not designed to act as fulcrum points. Instead, they function to provide a more ergonomic support for the drummer's non fulcrum fingers, resulting in a better and more comfortable grip for the drummer.

To enable additional flexibility for a drummer, both the single fulcrum groove embodiment and the double fulcrum groove embodiment can be provided with adjustable weights. In each embodiment, the body of the drumstick comprises a plurality of weight holes positioned on the elongated annular body of the drumstick. These weight holes are oriented perpendicular to the radial axis of the drumstick and are designed to receive weight inserts. In the preferred embodiment, there are two rows of weight holes. A first row of four weight holes is positioned along the drumstick coincident with the fulcrum groove. A second row of weight holes is a row of three and rotated 90 degrees about the axis of the drumstick. Similar to the first row, the weight holes of the second row are positioned lengthwise along the body of the drum stick. In an embodiment of the present invention, the elongated annular body comprises a distal end and the plurality of weight- receiving holes traversing the distal end. In an alternative embodiment where the elongated annular body is up to 17.5 inches long, the extra length when compared to the traditional length of a standard drumstick provides the user with space to add up to 4 more weight-receiving holes. The result is an elongated body having from 7 to 11 holes depending on the length of the said elongated annular body, although the length can be of any suitable length. The weight-receiving holes traverses the elongated annular body a distance wherein the distance being the entire diameter of the stick or a portion thereof such as ¾ of the diameter.

A plurality of weight inserts are provided selected from the group consisting of rods, balls, wire, or any other suitable weight. Each of the plurality of weight inserts is sized to fit into the weight holes provided in the drumstick. The mass distribution and resulting balance of the drumstick can be adjusted by filling different combinations of the weight holes with the weight inserts, allowing a drummer to adjust the balance of the drumstick to meet their personal preference. To provide even more customization, the weight inserts can be made from materials with different density, allowing for a larger number of variations in possible weight distribution. While the weight holes and weight inserts are described as being used with single and double fulcrum groove embodiments (as seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6), they can also be integrated into customized embodiments utilizing auxiliary grooves. It is noted that in the case of a customized drumstick there is less room for weight inserts due to the auxiliary holes, which show only four weight holes rather than the preferred seven of the preferred embodiment. In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of weight inserts is wire, such as but not limited to, solder wire. The weight-receiving holes are formed by drilling through the entire diameter of the stick. The solder wire is inserted into the weight-receiving hole and glued into position traversing the elongated annular body. After the glue tries, the extra protruding ends of the solder- wire are trimmed down to the surface of the drumstick. Finally, the protruding ends are hammered down to form a flat or mushroom-like surface. The result is a surface formed by the solder-wire weight inserts that creates a unique sound when contact is made with drums and symbols. The plurality of weight insets may be exposed or concealed with a concealer after insertion into the plurality of weight- receiving holes.

In addition to being used as ergonomic supports, the fulcrum grooves and auxiliary grooves can function as reference points on the drumstick. For example, a drummer who finds their grip is closer to the bottom of the drumstick, away from the optimum bounce point, will be able to use the grooves as reference points. Sometimes a drummer's grip may slip due to a weak grip or due to strong impacts of the drumstick on the drum. In this scenario, the grooves again serve as reference points, reminding the drummer of the proper grip. By ensuring their fingers rest in the appropriate grooves, the drummer improves their grip, with the drumstick being supported at the optimum bounce point.

Though the present invention describes grooves, a drummer does not need to utilize the grooves if not desired. By twisting the drumstick 90 degrees a drummer will be able to grip the drumstick as if it were a regular drumstick without grooves. This provides flexibility to the drummer, who may choose whether or not take advantage of the grooves without the need for switching to a non-grooved pair of drumsticks.

While the present invention describes a drumstick construction that comprises fulcrum grooves, a process for customization is necessary as drummers come in all shapes and sizes, utilizing a variety of unique grips that would be difficult to account for using a one-size-fits-all approach. In order to customize the drumsticks of the present invention for individual consumers, the following method is provided. The method consists of the general steps of obtaining a pair of drumsticks and then providing personal measurements which are used to customize the pair of drumsticks. Differences between a standardized drumstick without auxiliary grooves and a customized drumstick with auxiliary grooves are comparable between FIG. 1 - FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 - FIG. 4,

respectively.

First, a pair of Single and/or Double Fulcrum drumsticks with small holes and weighted inserts must be purchased, with prepositioned fulcrum grooves of a single fulcrum groove embodiment, or of a double fulcrum groove embodiment. Then a consumer must identify whether they want traditional grip drumsticks or matched grip drumsticks. This selection may be accomplished over the internet, such as by using an order form or online storefront, or through traditional brick- and- mortar retail channels. If the consumer finds the prepositioned groove of the single fulcrum groove or the second fulcrum groove embodiments to be comfortable, they do not need to proceed with the customization process. However, if a consumer feels the positioning of the fulcrum grooves needs adjustment, desires additional grooves for the their other fingers and/or other parts of the hand, wishes to change the mass distribution of the sticks by adding any combination of weights provided, or is for any other reason unsatisfied with the positioning of the grooves, they may proceed with the customization process.

To continue on with the customization process, consumers must create an online account with a website provided for the customization process. After creating an account, the consumer may print out a measuring template to place upon the sticks. Marks would be made on the measuring template to indicate desired additions or modifications, such as adding or changing a fulcrum groove, adding an auxiliary groove, or even adding decorative prints. A visual aid showing the anatomy of the hand may also be provided, allowing consumers to mark their grip by labeling the positioning of anatomical parts of the hand. Features such as the fingers, creases, hand segments, the radial border, and the ulnar borders can be indicated.

To aid a consumer in customizing the positioning of the fulcrum point, a single fulcrum groove drumstick or double fulcrum groove drumstick, as described earlier, can be used.

Provided for the weight holes are a corresponding plurality of weight inserts. Each weight insert is selected from the group consisting of rods, balls, wire, or any other suitable weight that is sized to fit into one of the weight holes. By placing one or more of the weight inserts into the weight holes, a consumer can change the mass distribution and resulting fulcrum point of the drumstick. This allows a consumer to experience how the drumstick performs with the fulcrum point at different positions, finding one that best suits their individual grip and physical characteristics, as demonstrated by the following example of customizing a single or double fulcrum groove embodiment drumstick. By providing a plurality of weight-receiving holes, a large number of mass distributions are made possible. This allows for a more precise customization and personalization of a fulcrum point for an individual consumer. For example, a consumer might feel that with the three center weight holes filled the fulcrum point is almost perfect. To fine tune this, several options are available. They could add a fourth weight to the holes on either side of the filled holes, or they could remove one of the weights from a proximal weight hole and shift it up to a distal weight hole. This example illustrates the level of fine tuning provided by the present invention. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate an example of the weight holes and weight inserts, with four of the seven weight holes being filled with inserts. After a consumer finds an ideal fulcrum position by using the weight inserts, the manufacturer can use this data to better manufacture a personalized custom drumstick.

After recording their personal anatomical traits and/or weight insert placement(s), the consumer may then submit this information to the website, either online or through physical postal mail. Once the website has received this information, as well as payment for the modifications, a customized pair of drumsticks will be sent to the consumer. The customized pair of drumsticks will be personalized to the consumer, having been modified based on the provided consumer information. If a user receives their personally customized drumsticks and is still unhappy, they may proceed to engage in further customization, repeating the process of taking measurements of their hand anatomy and/or add, delete, or change the placement of any number or weighted inserts and furthermore submit the updated information to the website. Similar to having a suit fitted, several adjustments might be required to obtain a perfect fit, but once a perfect fit is achieved the corresponding design can be saved to the consumers profile on the website. By saving the personalized drumstick design to the consumer's profile, additional drumsticks may be ordered without the need to engage in the customization process.

The customization process is not limited to the above described embodiment. For example, in real world locations, such as conventions or physical retailers, imprints of a drummer's grip could be taken, such as by a mold, and then used to customize a pair of drumsticks to that drummer's specific grip. The data from these physical imprints could then be uploaded to the website, allowing for future custom drumstick orders, eliminating the measurement step for these future orders. Another possibility of the customization step is the addition of personalized writing, logos, colors, or any other examples of visual designs that might be desired by the consumer. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred

embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.