Dismountable flamenco box drum

Abstract

 The invention discloses a dismountable flamenco box drum (1) which, starting from a basic configuration comprising only a frame (2) and a front or hanging sheet (4), may adopt different configurations having different sound features depending on the parts added to said basic configuration; optionally, the box (1) may also comprise a device for tuning or tightening the guitar strings (3) from the outside of the box (1), as well as an opening (16) at its bottom sheet (6i) which allows for obtaining further combinations between low and acute tones.

Description

[0001] The object of the present invention is a flamenco box drum which can be dismantled or disassembled such that, starting from a basic version formed only by a frame and a front or banging sheet, the box has different possible configurations depending on the parts added to said basic version, each of the configurations having different sound features.

[0002] Additionally, the flamenco box drum of the Invention may comprise a device for tuning or tightening from outside the box the guitar strings usually comprised in conventional flamenco box drums, as well as an opening on its bottom sheet which allows for obtaining different sound combinations between low and high pitched tones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An instrument known as flamenco box drum, having Peruan origin and known in Spain since a long time ago, has become an essential instrument in concerts and recordings of a number of types of Spanish traditional music, such as "flamenco", "rumba" or "sevillanas-" The flamenco box drum is a percussion instrument consisting basically on a wooden box having a front or banging sheet where the musician, usually sitting on the box, bangs with his own hands for obtaining the sounds. The box is usually dosed, and it frequently houses a number of guitar strings intended to provide the sound with an extra vibration.

[0004] However, a drawback of the known flamenco box drum is that it is not possible to modify the tone of the sound, since the resonance characteristics of the box are constant. Even though there exist boxes which are designed to obtain low tones, the solution simply consists of increasing the volume of the resonance box, and thus also increasing the volume of the whole flamenco box drum. The greater volume of the resonance box causes, indeed, a lower pitch of the sound obtained. Nevertheless, the big size of the box represents a main drawback of this solution because the box becomes too cumbersome to handle and transport, and even sometimes there is not enough space on stage for the box.

[0005] Another known drawback is related with the tuning of the guitar strings located inside the box. Nowadays, the musician must bend down and introduce a hand through the opening in the back sheet of the box in order to tighten/untighten the strings. Another option requires that at least one of the sheets or faces of the box be removable, in which case the guitar strings would become visible. In any case, the musician must stop the music every time he/she wants to tune the strings, since it is currently Impossible to do it while the musician is seating on the box.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention solves the above drawbacks by means of a dismountable flamenco box drum which is easier to transport and which, depending on the parts mounted on a basic configuration comprising a frame and a banging sheet, allows for obtaining different configurations having different sound features.

[0007] Accordingly, the invention describes a Flamenco box drum comprising the following parts:

a) A rectangular frame comprising two vertical ribs, a horizontal top rib and a horizontal bottom rib to which a front or banging sheet is fixed, the frame also comprising a number of guitar strings intended to provide an extra vibration to the sound. It is understood that the frame may be formed according to other different structures, although it must always be limited on its bottom, top and sides by the "ribs" referred to in the present application, to which the banging sheet is fixed. The connection between the frame and the banging sheet can be made in a number of different ways, for example by means of spikes, screws, glued, etc.

b) A pair of side sheets configured for connecting to the vertical ribs of the frame. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side sheets are connected to the frame by means of hinges provided on the vertical ribs, although it could be possible to connect them using other means. For example, screws could be used for allowing the side sheets to be connected and disconnected without affecting the frame.

c) Top and bottom sheets configured for connecting to the horizontal ribs of the frame. Although this connection could be carried out in different ways, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention threaded rods passing totally or partially through the top and bottom sheets are used, the rod being fixed to holes provided on the horizontal ribs of the frame. The bottom sheet may also comprise silicon or rubber pads for uncoupling the box from the ground in order to obtain a better quality sound.

d) A back sheet configured for connecting to the frame. The connection is carried out preferably by means of the same threaded rods employed for connecting the top and bottom sheets. Additionally, an intermediate horizontal rib can be provided in the frame for allowing an additional threaded rod to connect the back sheet to the frame.

[0008] Thus, the flamenco box drum described has three different sound configurations depending on the parts connected to the basic configuration:

• If only the frame having the guitar strings and the front sheet are employed, an acute or high-pitched configuration is achieved. This configuration not only allows the musician to obtain more acute tones in comparison to a conventional flamenco box drum, but it also has a small size that makes It suitable for playing In reduced places, for example on a table. The musician no longer must seat on top of the box.
• If, in addition to the frame having the strings and the front sheet of the acute configuration, the box has also the side sheets and the top and bottom sheets connected to the trame in a perpendicular fashion, a middle configuration is achieved. In this case, the musician may sit on the box, the sound obtained containing the acute, high-pitched tones of the previous acute configuration, as well as a lower middle tone.
• If, in addition to the parts of the middle configuration, the back sheet is connected to the frame, a low configuration is obtained which contains the previous acute and middle tones, as well as new low tones. This configuration has the usual sound ot conventional flamenco box drums.

[0009] It is obvious from this description that, in addition to the advantages regarding flexibility and size, the box being dismountable provides also an important advantage as to its transport

[0010] The dismountable flamenco box drum of the invention preferably comprises also a device for tuning the guitar strings, usually named direct tension device. It is understood that this direct tension device may be installed not only in the dismountable flamenco box drum, but also in any conventional flamenco box drum. In the following, the direct tension device is described with reference to a generic flamenco box drum.

[0011] The direct tension device comprises two external controls allowing the musician to tune the guitar strings from the outside, the controls being usually located close to the front top edge of the box (that is, the corner of the box located between the legs of the musician, and where his/her wrists rest while playing), o else being located hidden from the public on the back sheet of the box. The musician can thus adjust the tone in just seconds, without having to get down from the box, even in the middle of a song. He/she needs only to move his/her hands lightly for turning the controls in order to tighten or untighten the strings.

[0012] Generally speaking, a flamenco box usually comprises a frame located in the front side (behind the front or banging sheet), the frame comprising two horizontal ribs (top and bottom) and two vertical side ribs. The front sheet is fixed to the frame, the rest of sheets forming the box (top, bottom, side and back sheets) being directly or indirectly connected to the frame.

[0013] Accordingly, in the direct tension device a first end of the guitar strings is fixed to a horizontal top rip of the frame, while the second end of the strings is fixed to a floating piece located adjacent the horizontal bottom rib of the frame, the strings thus being parallel to the front sheet, very close thereto. Additionally, a tightening rod having a first inside end threaded to the floating piece and a second outside end projecting outside through the box is provided, such that turning the second outside end of said at least one tightening rod causes the displacement of the floating piece to which the strings arc attached, thus tightening or untightening the strings.

[0014] According to another preferred embodiment, the second outside end of the tightening rod protrudes through the horizontal top rib of the box, next to the front top edge of the box, thus being easily accessible for the musician: just a slight movement of his/her hands while in the playing position would be enough for accessing said second outside end. In another embodiment, the tightening rod protrudes through the back sheet of the box, next to its back bottom edge. This configuration keeps the second outside end of the rod hidden from the public, although the musician would only need to lean backwards in order to reach it.

[0015] Usually, the second outside end of the tightening rod located outside the box comprises means for allowing the musician to grab it. For example, the rod may have a flat screw head, an allen screw head, or a wingscrew head. Thus, in the specific case of a tightening rod having a wingscrew head, if the musician is seating in the usual playing position, the wings would be close to his/her hands, at the top edge of the box. A slight movement of his/her hands would then be enough for turning the wings, which in tum would cause the fluating piece to move, tightening or untightening the strings of the box.

[0016] In still another preferred embodiment, the dismountable flamenco box drum of the invention further comprises an opening in its bottom sheet, preferably at the front part of said bottom sheet. Note that this opening may be employed not only in the dismountable flamenco box drum described in the present application, but generally speaking in any conventional) flamenco box drum In the following, this novel feature is described with reference to a generic flamenco box drum.

[0017] The opening in the bottom sheet allows air to escape from the resonance box through said bottom sheet of the box instead of escaping through the back sheet, as is usual in conventional flamenco boxes. The effect of this change Is that the tones obtained are much lower without the need to increase the size of the resonance box, and therefore the size of the whole flamenco box drum.

[0018] In addition, in order to provide this configuration with improved versatility, the flamenco box drum further comprises closing means configured for closing the opening in the bottom sheet Accordingly, when the opening in the bottom sheet is completely closed the sound of the box drum is the conventional one. In a still more preferred embodiment, said closing means are configured for gradually closing the opening, thus allowing the musician to graduate the low frequencies as desired, since the tone obtained changes with the size of the opening of the bottom sheet.

[0019] In principle, these closing means may be designed in several different ways as long as a gradual closing of the opening of the bottom sheet can be achieved. However, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the closing means comprise a runner closure which can be actuated from the outside of the box, more preferably by means of a closing rod having an end connected to the back sheet of said box and the opposite end connected to tho runner closure by means of a threaded block, such that when the closing rod is turned from the outside of the box, the runner closure is caused to slide, opening or closing the opening.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the box further comprises legs configured for separating the bottom sheet from the ground on which the box rests. In the present document, the term "legs" aims to make reference both to commonly known legs as well as to any other structure able to maintain the bottom sheet of the box separated from the surface on which said box rests with the purpose preventing the bottom opening from being blocked, such that air can always escape from and enter to the resonance box.

[0021] Accordingly, the described flamenco box drum not only has the size of a conventional flamenco box, but the gradual closing means allow the tone tu be modified as desired.

[0022] Furthermore, with the object of providing the box with still further versatility, it may comprise a second opening on its back sheet. This opening is conventionally employed in flamenco box drums, usually circular and located at the central upper portion of the back sheet of the box. The box may also comprise a cover configured for blocking said second opening

[0023] Accordingly, the second opening and the cover provide the box with a number of modes of operation:

• As an adjustable low sound box when the bottom opening is open (completely or partially) and the second back opening is dosed.
• As a conventional box when the bottom opening is completely closed and the second back opening is open.
• As a combination of both when the bottom opening is open (totally or partially) and the second back opening is open.

[0024] It is easy to appreciate the great versatility of this box, which at the same time keeps its conventional size. Finally, an additional advantage is that microphones can be installed in two different locations of this box, namely at its bottom opening (the exit for low frequency sounds) or at its second back opening (conventional location).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] 

Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a dismountable flamenco box drum according to the present invention.

Fig 2 shows a perspective view of the acute configuration of the dismountable flamenco box drum of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the middle configuration of the dismountable flamenco box drum of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the low configuration of the dismountable flamenco box drum of rig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a flamenco box drum having a direct tension device.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the flamenco box drum of Fig. 5 when mounted.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a conventional flamenco box drum.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an exemplary box drum having an opening in its bottom sheet.

Figs. 9a-c show perspective views of the flamenco box drum of Fig.8 with the front and top sheet taken out in order to show the closing means; the bottom opening is respectively open, half-open and closed.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The following lines disclose an example of the invention with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of the dismountable flamenco box (1) where the different component parts can be seen. The frame (2) is formed by two horizontal ribs (2hi, 2hs) and two vertical ribs (2v), as well as by an intermediate horizontal rib (2i) for achieving a better fixation of the back sheet (7). The frame (2) also has a number ot guitar (3) strings provided between the top and bottom horizontal ribs (2hs, 2hi) for obtaining a more lasting sound. All other sheets making up the box (1) are also represented: the front or banging sheet (4), two side sheets (5), the bottom and top sheets (6i, 6s) and the back sheet (7).

[0027] In this exemplary embodiment, the side (5) sheets are connected to the frame (2) by means of hinges (8), while the top and bottom sheets (6s, 6i) may be fixed to the frame (2) by means ot two pairs of threaded rods (9), one pair passes through the top sheet (6s) and is fixed to the horizontal top rib (2hs) while the other pair passes through the bottom sheet (6i) and is fixed to the horizontal bottom rib (2hi). An additional threaded rod (9a) is used in the present example for coupling the back sheet (7) to the intermediate horizontal rib (2i), thereby providing its connection with improved strength

[0028] Therefore, when a more acute sound is desired, or else when there is not enough space for playing the complete flamenco box drum (1), the acute configuration of Fig. 2 is employed. Although in the exemplary embodiment shown by Fig. 2 the acute configuration has the side sheets (5) connected to the frame (2) by means of hinges (8), it must be understood that should different connecting means be employed, a complete disconnection of the side sheets (5) from the frame would not affect the sound.

[0029] In case a middle sound containing the above acute sounds is desired, the middle configuration of Fig. 3 could be employed; in this configuration, the side sheets (5) have been folded in their normal perpendicular position and the top and bottom (6s, 6i) sheets have been coupled to the frame (2) by means of the threaded rods (9).

[0030] Thirdly, when the musician desires a low sound which contains the above middle and acute sounds, he/she must only add the back (7) sheet. In order to do that, he/she should remove the threaded rods (9) and then connect them again making them pass through said back sheet (7), through the top and bottom (6s, 6i) sheets, and finally screwing them to the horizontal ribs (2hi, 2hs); also, the additional threaded rod (9a) must be installed and fixed to the intermediate horizontal rib (2i) Of the frame (2).

[0031] On the other hand, Fig. 5 shows a direct tension deice mounted on the frame (2) of a conventional flamenco box drum (Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the box), although it is understood that its configuration would be equivalent in case the direct tension device was mounted in the dismountable flamenco box drum (1) of the invention. Fig. 5 shows the guitar strings (3) having a first end fixed to the horizontal top rib (2hs) of the frame (2), while the second end is fixed to a floating piece (10) located adjacent the horizontal bottom rib (2hi) of the frame (2). In this configuration, the guitar strings (3) are situated in parallel to the front or banging sheet (4) of the box, very close thereto.

[0032] Two tightening rods (11) are used in this example, said rods (11) having one end threaded to the floating piece (10) and extending in parallel to the strings (3), the opposite end passing through the horizontal top rib (2hs) of the frame (2) and projecting above it This top end is provided with means (12) for allowing the musician to grabbing or holding, said means (12) being in this example the wings of a wingscrew. Thus, when the musician turns the wings of the wingsecrew, the tightening rods (2) turn causing the floating piece (10) to move vertically downwards or upwards, respectively tightening or untightening the strings (3), and therefore changing the tone of the drum.

[0033] It is understood that the strings (3) may be fixed to the floating piece (10) in many different ways, for example by means of spikes, screws, glue, etc, o by making them pass through holes in the floating piece (10). However, in this example the strings (3) are merely hooked around the ends of the tightening rods (11), this solution being one of the simplest and easiest to perform.

[0034] Additionally, although not disclosed in the drawings, it is understood that it would also be possible con configure one or more tightening rods (11) next to the bottom sheet (6i) of the box in parallel in respect thereto, said rods (11) having a first inside end threaded to the floating piece (10) and a second outside end protruding through the lower portion of the back shoot (7) of the box. The wings of the wingscrews would therefore be located hidden from the public behind the flamenco box drum, the operation of the direct tension device being otherwise equivalent to that explained above.

[0035] Lastly, a flamenco box drum provided with a bottom opening for low tones is described, although it is understood that it would also be possible to provide such an opening in the dismountable box disclosed above Fig. 7 shows the back of a flamenco box drum according to the prior art where the top sheet (6s), the bottom sheet (6i), the front or banging sheet (4) and the back sheet (7) can be seen. The back sheet (7) has a conventional opening (13) allowing the air to escape from the resonance box.

[0036] On the other hand, Fig. 8 shows an example of a flamenco box drum provided with a bottom opening (16) and having also a second opening (13, shown in Figs. 9a-9c) through which air escapes from the resonance box in conventional flamenco box drums. In this case, the second opening (13) is drawn In broken line because the cover (14) is blocking said second opening (13), and therefore the box must be in its low configuration. The bottom portion of the box discloses legs (15) providing a separation between the bottom sheet (6i) of the box and the surface on which it rests, for example the ground, in order to allow for the exit of air from the resonance box.

[0037] Figs. 9a-9b discloses the box of Fig. 8 having the front (4) and top (6s) sheets taken out for showing the inside features of the box Particularly, the opening (16) In the bottom sheet (6i) is visible, as well as the closing means (17): runner closure (17a), closing rod (17b) and block (17c). An end or the closing rod (17b) is coupled to the back sheet (7) of the box, while the opposite end is connected to the runner closure (17a) by means of the block (17c) having a threaded orifice. Accordingly, simply by turning the closing rod (17a), for example by means of a wing type control located on the outside of the back sheet (7) of the box, the runner closure (17a) is caused to slide for gradually opening or closing the opening (16). Figs. 9a-9c show respectively the bottom opening (16) completely open (Fig. 9a), the bottom opening (16) partially closed (Fig. 9b) and the bottom opening (16) completely closed (Fig. 9c). The musician can thus control the tone in a fast and simple way.

Claims

1. Flamenco box drum (1) characterized by comprising:

- a rectangular frame (2) comprising two vertical ribs (2v), a horizontal top rib (2hs) and a horizontal bottom rib (2hi) to which a front sheet (4) is fixed, the frame (2) having comprising guitar strings (3);

- a pair of side sheets (5) configured for coupling to the vertical ribs (2v) of the frame (2);

- a top sheet (6s) and a bottom sheet (6i) configured for coupling to the horizontal ribs (2hi, 2hs) of the frame (2); and

- a back sheet (7) configured for coupling to the frame (2).
the flamenco box drum (1) having three sound configurations:

- an acute configuration comprising the frame (2) with the strings (3) and the front sheet (4);

- a middle configuration further comprising the side sheets (5) and the top (6s) and bottom (6i) sheets coupled perpendicularly to said frame (2); and

- a low configuration further comprising the back sheet (7) coupled to said frame (2).

2. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 1, where the coupling between the side sheets (5) and the frame (2) is carried out by means of hinges (8).

3. Flamenco box drum (1) according to any of the previous claims, where the coupling between the top (Gs) and bottom (6i) sheets and the frame (2) is carried out by means of threaded rods (9).

4. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 3, where the coupling between the back sheet (7) and the frame (2) is carried out by means of said threaded rods (9).

5. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 4, where the frame (2) additionally comprises a horizontal intermediate rib (2i) to which an additional threaded rod (9a) is coupled for fixing the back sheet (7).

6. Flamenco box drum (1) according to any of the previous claims, further comprising a device for tuning the guitar strings (3) from the outside where;

- a first end of the strings (3) is fixed to the horizontal top rib (2hs) of the frame (2), while the second end of the strings (3) Is fixed to a floating piece (10) provided next to the horizontal bottom rib (2hi); and

- at least a tightening rod (11) has a first inside end threaded to the floating piece (10) and a second outside end protruding through the box (1) such that, upon turning said second outside end of the tightening rod (11), the floating piece (10) is displaced for tightening or untightening the strings (3).

7. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 6, where the second outside end of the tightening rod (11) protrudes through the horizontal top rib (2hs) next to the front top edge of the box (1).

8. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 6, where the second outside end of the tightening rod (11) protrudes through the back sheet (7), next to the bottom back edge of the box (1).

9. Flamenco box drum (1) according to any of the previous claims, which further comprises an opening (16) in the bottom sheet (6i).

10. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 9, where said opening (16) is located at the front portion of the bottom sheet (6i).

11. Flamenco box drum (1) according to any of claims 9-10, further comprising closing means (17) configured for blocking said opening (16).

12. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 11, where the closing means (17) are configured for blocking said opening (16) gradually.

13. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 12, wherein the closing means (17) comprise a runner closure (17a) configured for being actuated from the outside of the box (1).

14. Flamenco box drum (1) according to claim 13, where the closing means (17) further compnse a closing rod (17b) having an end coupled to the back sheet (7) of the box (1) and the opposite end connected to the runner closure (17a) by means of a threaded block (17c), such that turning the closing rod (17b) from the outside of the box (1) causes the runner closure (17a) to move.

15. Flamenco box drum (1) according to any of claims 9-14, further comprising legs (15) configured for separating its bottom sheet (6i) from the surface it rests on.

Drawing