Check out these patent documents for the snare drum strainer. This patent was filed by inventor Ellwood E. Fry in 1888 and later issued in 1889.

Fry details the purpose for the strainer concept in his patent filing:

"The object of my invention is to so construct a snare-strainer for drums as to provide for the ready stretching of the snares, and also their ready release when it is desired to allow them to shrink, further objects of the construction being to avoid strain upon the parchment of the drum-head and to prevent accidental catching of the strainer upon the clothing of the drummer"