Illuminated drumsticks

• US 4,226,163 A
• Filed: 02/27/1979
• Issued: 10/07/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: James D. Welcomer
• Original Assignee: James D. Welcomer
• Inventors: Welcomer, James D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Franklin, Lawrence R.
• Application Number:
  US06/015,817
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 84/422 S, 84/477 B, 362/102, 362/800
• US Class Current: 84/422.4
• CPC Class Codes: G10D 13/12 Drumsticks; Mallets pedals for beaters G10D13/11
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A drumstick comprises a tip, a shank and a cap. The tip includes a light emitting diode and electrical leads connect the diode to a power source housed in a cavity formed between the shank and the cap. Threading the cap onto the shank effects a completed circuit including the power source and the diode. The motion of the lit stick tip enhances the rhythmic feelings contributed by the drummer to a musical group.

Claims

1. In a slender striking device having an elongated shank for use with a percussion instrument the elongated shank having a circumference which is small relative to its length throughout its length, the combination comprising:

an impact resistant tip means for striking said percussion instrument, said tip means comprising an epoxy lens and continuing the slender striking device, said tip means having a circumference which is substantially equal to the circumference of the elongated shank,

light emitting diode means within said tip for illuminating said tip,

protection means for said light emitting diode, said protection means comprising a clear epoxy potting compound filling a space between said light emitting diode and said lens, said lens, potting compound, and light emitting diode comprising a solid tip which is free of voids allowing said striking device to be used as a drumstick for repeatedly striking a percussion instrument,

a power supply for said light emitting diode,

a bore in said shank and conductive means in said bore for coupling said power supply to said light emitting diode, and

means for selectively connecting said power supply to said light emitting diode.

2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising:

a cap, and

means in said bore for receiving said cap, wherein said cap comprises the means for selectively connecting the power supply to the light emitting diode and said bore is enlarged to receive said power supply.

3. The combination of claim 1 further comprising:

a threaded portion on said tip and on said shank, whereby said tip is removable from said shank.

4. The combination of claim 1 further comprising:

a strobe circuit, said strobe circuit comprising circuit means for altering the operation of the light emitting diode.