Capo Tastos Patents (Class 84/318)
  • Patent number: 11900899
    Abstract: A capo device for stringed instruments, comprising: a substantially J-shaped main body having an elongate arm and a short arm, a pivot arm pivotally coupled with said short arm of said J-shaped main body, an elastomeric component pivotally and compressably coupled between a portion of said elongate arm of said J-shaped main body and a proximal end of said pivot arm and a main arm pivotally coupled with said pivot arm and said main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventors: David Adam, James A. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 11398209
    Abstract: The present application discloses a clamping mechanism for a guitar capo, including an upper clamp (1) and a lower clamp (9). A slider rail (2) is fixedly installed inside the upper clamp (1), a rebound torsion spring fixing pin (3) is fixedly installed inside the slider rail (2), and a rebound torsion spring (4) is fixedly installed inside the slider rail (2) by the rebound torsion spring fixing pin (3). A crank hinge (6) is fixedly installed inside the slider rail (2). The clamping mechanism of the guitar capo is provided with the lower clamp (9), and the cam structure on the right side of the lower clamp (9) is stuck and cannot move the self-locking slider (7) in the opposite direction, thus the lower clamp (9) cannot rotate in the opposite direction, thereby achieving locking effect and completing locking and clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Wei Li
  • Patent number: 11367419
    Abstract: A capo-light system is disclosed herein. The capo-light system includes a capo device and an electronic handheld device. The capo device is coupled at a defined portion of a stringed instrument. Additionally, the capo device includes a clamp member configured to be coupled to strings of stringed instrument at defined portion. A light source is positioned at an end of a retractable arm attached to clamp member and configured to provide a first set of functionalities. Furthermore, a microphone is positioned at the clamp member and configured to provide a second set of functionalities. An electronic handheld device is coupled to capo device via a communication network and is configured to control the first set of functionalities associated with the light source and the second set of functionalities associated with the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Brett Ettinger
  • Patent number: 11138958
    Abstract: A capo for a musical instrument includes a yoke with a center section and two opposed branches. A clamping bar, pivotally connected to one yoke branch, includes an engaging boss which fits into a machined notch of a second yoke branch, to releasably lock the clamping bar between the branches of the yoke. A resilient, string-contacting member is located on the main body of the clamping bar. The yoke's center section has a central bore therein with a non-circular cross section which may be X-shaped, and also has a hollow passage extending in a direction which is perpendicular to an axis of the central bore. A saddle member has a central stem extending through, and configured to slidably fit into the yoke's central bore, and a seat is attached to the stem. An adjustment member is provided for adjusting a position of the saddle member on the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Bryan Paige
  • Patent number: 11069329
    Abstract: A pitch adjusting device, such as a capo, and a method for adjusting the pitch for a stringed instrument that comprises a neck. The capo comprises at least one string actuating member that is an elongated member held to the capo by a biasing means such that the string actuating member extends along the extension direction of the neck when the capo is attached to the stringed instrument. The string actuating member is adjustable in a linear direction along said extension direction at the biasing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Joakim Eckerström
  • Patent number: 11037534
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capo, or a fretpad for a capo, for use with a stringed musical instrument. The fretpad is manufactured from a pliable material that mimics the compression of a human finger, and which prevents the instrument from going out of tune prematurely. The fretpad insert is radiused and configured to be insertable into a frame, which may be detachably connected to a capo body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bradley, Daniel William Cornish, Alan Scott Crarer
  • Patent number: 10839775
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a capo for a fretted instrument with a plurality of strings. The capo base having been bent into a u-shape, with a barrier of Velcro on the bottom side where the capo contacts on the strings, protecting them, also said Velcro will not let the strings move laterally, out of tune. Having also Velcro on the inside of the rear of the capo to protect the finish on the instruments' side. The capo covers two adjacent frets, pressing the body of the capo to the frets and not to the fretboard, eliminating excessive string sharpness. The capo having a thumbnut on the bottom to tighten the capo down on the strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: David Warren McClary
  • Patent number: 10810975
    Abstract: A capo for a musical instrument includes a yoke having two opposed branches. A clamping bar, connected to one yoke branch, includes an engaging boss which fits into a machined notch of a second yoke branch, to releasably lock the clamping bar therein. The clamping bar pivots around a retaining shaft, and is also slidably movable by a length of a slot formed therein. A saddle member has a central stem, a seat attached to the stem, and an adjustment member for tightening the saddle member on the yoke. A resilient, tubular biasing member surrounds a main body of the clamping bar. Pressing a free end of the clamping bar compresses the biasing member, and slides the engaging portion of the clamping bar out of the machined notch of the yoke, to allow pivotal movement of the clamping bar and removal of the capo from the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Bryan Paige
  • Patent number: 10810976
    Abstract: Disclosed is a locking tool for guitar strings and associated use methods. One embodiment provides a string locking device having a base affixed to a neck of the guitar. The base includes a compression bed bordered by proximal and distal sets of string channels, where the strings enter through the proximal channels, extend across the compression bed, and exit through the distal channels. The locking device also includes a press that is rotatively coupled to the base and a fastening mechanism configured to secure the press in a closed position relative to the base. The press may pivot between an open position in which the press is offset from the base and a closed position in which the press is secured against the compression bed such that the strings are secured between the press and the compression bed, preventing the strings from detuning during play. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Leigh Augustine
  • Patent number: 10540947
    Abstract: Embodiments of a capo and fretting component are described. In certain embodiments, the fretting component is threaded onto a crossbar configured to overlie the instrument strings when in use and to pivot with respect to the crossbar so as to contact and press the strings against a fret on the instrument neck. The fretting component is offset with respect to the attachment mechanism of the capo, allowing the attachment mechanism to be offset on the neck of the instrument from where it would normally be positioned to achieve a comparable fretting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Daniel Curtis Blacker, Matthew Carroll, John Vinson Jaggers
  • Patent number: 10297236
    Abstract: A universal capo for use with a variety of stringed instruments and with a variety of gauged strings has an upper rigid arm extending longitudinally. A core block made from an elastomer with a first durometer is mounted to the rigid arm. A wrap layer made from an elastomer with a second durometer cradles the core block on the bottom and lateral sides and can extend over the top of the rigid arm. The second durometer hardness is at least 1.5 times the first durometer hardness and the core and wrap have thicknesses collectively contributing to a substantially even pressure on strings of varying gauges to effectively clamp the strings to the neck of an instrument without application of undue pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: D'Addario & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ned Steinberger
  • Patent number: 10229660
    Abstract: A capotasto C includes a clamp 100 and a lever 400. The clamp 100 includes a supporting bar 200 and a string pressing bar 300. The lever 400 is engaged with the supporting bar 200 and with the string pressing bar 300. In a condition in which the clamp 100 has a neck 1 of a guitar between the supporting bar 200 and the string pressing bar 300, when the lever 400 is pushed to the neck 1, the clamp 100 is closed, and a pressing pad 332 of a string pressing part 330 of the clamp 100 presses strings 3 onto a surface 1a of the neck 1. When the lever 400 is pulled out, the clamp 100 is opened by a biasing force of an open spring 120 of the clamp 100, and the capotasto C can be removed from the neck 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignees: GOTOH GUT CO., LTD, HIROSHI MIYAJIMA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Miyajima
  • Patent number: 10147404
    Abstract: A curvature adaption mechanism to be incorporated with a capo (10) for use with a guitar includes a cam surface (16, 17, 19) and associated cam follower surface (12) located behind a string contact surface (11). A curvature of the guitar fingerboard and strings can be adopted by the string contact surface (11) by virtue of cams engaging and providing a feedback force (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: C7th Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas John Campling
  • Patent number: 10008189
    Abstract: A guitar clamp is disclosed that can be used to secure the neck portion of a guitar within a guitar case. The guitar clamp includes a base component that has a guitar neck support surface; a left side that is contiguous with the support surface; and a right side that includes a first wall, which protrudes outward from the support surface. The guitar clamp further includes a top component that has a clamp surface that is configured to rest adjacent to a set of strings of the guitar neck; a right side that is contiguous with the clamp surface; and a left side that includes a second wall, which protrudes outward from the clamp surface. The base component is configured to be combined with the top component, such that the base component and top component securely surround a portion of the guitar neck. Guitar cases that include such guitar clamps are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Jay Baldemor
  • Patent number: 10008186
    Abstract: In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a capo configured for use with a stringed instrument includes a frame, a mounting member, and a plurality of individually selectable toggle members. The mounting member is connected to the frame and configured to secure the frame to the musical instrument. The plurality of individually selectable toggle members are retained by the frame. A plurality of feet are provided on the toggle members, and the feet have differing widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Kinney
  • Patent number: 10002593
    Abstract: A guitar capo applicable to different kinds of guitars, having upper shell silica gel fixed onto an upper shell; lower shell silica gel fixed onto a lower shell; a groove provided at a center position of each of the upper shell silica gel and the lower shell silica gel; a raised platform positioned at a periphery of each groove; a connecting end of the upper shell sleeving a connecting end of the lower shell; the connecting ends of the upper shell and the lower shell connected and fixed via the double rivet; a spring mounted on the double rivet; an end of an arm of the lower shell connecting to the upper shell being connected with the screw. The upper shell silica gel is applicable to an acoustic guitar. The lower shell silica gel is applicable to a classical guitar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Tao Hu
  • Patent number: 9978347
    Abstract: The invention provides an integral spring-hidden capo comprising a U-shaped capo skeleton, wherein a capo skeleton rotating shaft hole is arranged at an end at an opening of the U-shaped capo skeleton, the capo skeleton rotating shaft hole is equipped with an integral push-pull handle component, one end of a power unit is located above the capo skeleton rotating shaft hole of the U-shaped capo skeleton, and the other end of the power unit is hidden inside the integral push-pull handle component. The invention has the following beneficial effects: the capo can be stably and portably operated by two fingers, and has high integrity and a simple process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN MUZITECH TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jian Liang
  • Patent number: 9953622
    Abstract: A capo (10) suitable for a twelve string guitar, where string pairs of different gauges are used. The capo (10) includes a clamp arm (11) with a contact surface (12) for contacting the strings that includes a plurality of inclined portions (18) relative to a lateral extent of the clamp arm (11). The nature of the inclined portions (18) is such that adjacent strings (1st to 6th) of different gauges can be contacted with relatively even pressure upon the fingerboard (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: C7th Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas John Campling
  • Patent number: 9899009
    Abstract: Described herein is a combination guitar capo with universal electronic device mount for placement onto a guitar. The mount allows a user to view the attached device while playing the guitar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Ernie Chak-Tin Ng
  • Patent number: 9786257
    Abstract: Embodiments of a capo and fretting component are described. In certain embodiments, the fretting component is threaded onto a crossbar configured to overlie the instrument strings when in use and to pivot with respect to the crossbar so as to contact and press the strings against a fret on the instrument neck. The fretting component is offset with respect to the attachment mechanism of the capo, allowing the attachment mechanism to be offset on the neck of the instrument from where it would normally be positioned to achieve a comparable fretting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Daniel Curtis Blacker, Matthew Carroll, John Vinson Jaggers
  • Patent number: 9761208
    Abstract: A musical instrument accessory with a capo carrying an adjustable connector in turn carrying a screen receiving fixture. When the capo is clamped to the neck of a guitar at a first position, the screen receiving fixture may be arranged and oriented for convenient viewing of a screen carried therein by the guitar musician. When moved to second position, viewing the screen necessitates re-orientation of the screen receiving fixture to accommodate geometry of the second position, which re-orientation is conveniently carried out by re-orientation of the adjustable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Jerome Klick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9754563
    Abstract: The present utility model discloses a force adjustable spring-clamp capo, comprises a string-engaging arm and a damping arm, the string-engaging arm and the clamping arm are hinged together by a composite pressing rivet, wherein a pressure adjustment mechanism is further arranged in a middle of the clamping arm, including: a pressure spring, a regulation screw and a regulation nut, by the pressure adjustment mechanism, a collapsing length of the pressure spring is adjusted, making the force of the spring change (Hooke's law), which makes the clamping force of the capo adjustable, it can also be operated by a single hand of a player as the spring-damp capo, thus owns a simple and easy operation, making a player be able to adjust to a best clamping force according to a requirement of the instrument thereof, to achieve a role of a tune transfer assistance perfectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: AROMA MUSIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haihua Chen
  • Patent number: 9741320
    Abstract: A capo for a stringed musical instrument is clamped on the neck of the instrument and has a flexible portion that is pressed against the strings between frets to change the tone of the instrument. The flexible portion may comprise various materials including a vessel wall structure filled with a fluid. Also, the flexible portion may comprise a silicone rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Stromberg
  • Patent number: 9711115
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capo for use with a stringed musical instrument and which is engaged from the bottom portion of the neck of the musical instrument. The capo has a generally L-shaped frame connected to a lever and a pincher configured so that pressure applied to the lever causes the pincher to move toward the lever, allowing the space between the pincher and free end portion of the frame to receive the neck of the musical instrument. The exterior of the frame is configured to received interchangeable inlays, and the free end portion of the frame is configured to receive changeable neck pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Thalia Capos LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bradley, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, Jeffrey Alan Tilley, Thalia Roze Bradley
  • Patent number: 9495946
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a tuning device on a headstock of a string instrument and a bracket-mountable tuning device are disclosed. A primary arm with a plate attaches to a spring arm with a clamping arm by a releasable ratchet engagement. The clamping arm is reciprocable to the plate. A tuner attaches in a rotatable engagement to the plate opposite a mounting surface. An instrument headstock can be positioned between the plate mounting surface and clamping arm and the clamping arm moved toward the plate to a clamping position with the headstock trapped therebetween with substantially constant pressure on the headstock. The tuner is substantially hidden from the front view of the headstock. The clamping arm is maintained in the clamping position by the ratchet engagement until the ratchet engagement is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: D'Addario & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Richard N. Steinberger
  • Patent number: 9454946
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capo for use with a stringed musical instrument and which is engaged from the bottom portion of the neck of the musical instrument. The capo has a generally L-shaped frame connected to a lever and a pincher configured so that pressure applied to the lever causes the pincher to move toward the lever, allowing the space between the pincher and free end portion of the frame to receive the neck of the musical instrument. The exterior of the frame is configured to received interchangeable inlays, and the free end portion of the frame is configured to receive changeable neck pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Thalia Capos LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bradley, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, Jeffrey Alan Tilley, Thalia Roze Bradley
  • Patent number: 9368091
    Abstract: A capo for use with a stringed instrument, said capo comprising: an upper arm member including an upper handle having a dimension W2, an upper connection part, and a string press bar with an attached upper pad for engaging the strings of a stringed instrument, the string press bar having a dimension W4, W4 being greater than W2; a lower arm member including a lower handle at one end, a securing bar to engage a neck of a stringed instrument at a second end, and a lower connection part between the one end and the second end, the upper connection part connected to the lower connection part; and a spring disposed between said upper arm member and said lower arm member, said spring biasing the spring press bar and the securing bar toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Grover Musical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dann W. Skutt
  • Patent number: 9361863
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a capo for a raised string instrument. The capo has a base having a channel on its upper side for receiving a slidable wedge arm therein which slidable wedge arm has an upper sloped surface thereon. A cap disposed on an upper end of a lift pin rides on the upper sloped surface of the slidable wedge arm so that the cap and lift pin along with a string tension rod connected to the lift pin are raised or lowered as the wedge arm is moved along the channel. The action of the string tension rod being raised secures the strings between the string tension rod and the bottom of the base. Also, cushion tubes are installed on each end of the tension rod to assist in compressing the strings against the bottom of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Forrest McClary
  • Patent number: 9343045
    Abstract: A capo system includes a stringed instrument that has a neck, a fret board and a plurality of strings. A housing is removably positioned at a desired location along the fret board. A plurality of engaging units is provided and each of the engaging units is positioned within the housing. Each of the engaging units is positioned within an associated one of the channels. Each of the engaging units is positionable between an engaging position having each of the engaging units selectively depressing associated ones of the strings onto the fret board. Each of the engaging units is positionable in a releasing position having each of the engaging units being spaced from the associated string such that the associated string is spaced from the fret board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Kennamore, Ashley Kennamore
  • Patent number: 9293120
    Abstract: An inventive set of small devices (‘capo elements’) to mechanically secure a string or strings of a guitar or other fretted stringed instrument at selected fret positions in order to selectively vary the string vibrational length and pitch when the string is plucked. This plurality of capo elements comprises a series of individual rectangular shaped blocks having formed on their upper portions a groove running parallel to the strings so shaped as to secure the string using an interference fit, thus preventing vibration at the distal end of the string and changing its pitch when plucked. Said capo elements feature a lip in the underside of the proximal portion of each capo element, so shaped as to overhang the raised fret, to ensure correct positioning of the capo element, and to secure the string at the same length as would otherwise have been achieved by fretting the string in the regular manner. Said capo elements have an adhesive bottom surface to secure them temporarily to the instrument fretboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan Charles Devlin West
  • Patent number: 9257102
    Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a musical instrument is provided. The apparatus includes a clamp, a plurality of string-contacting members, and a string-contacting member spacing adjustment mechanism. The clamp removably attaches to a desired longitudinal position on the instrument's neck. Each member is rotatably supported by the clamp and rotates thereon independently of the other members. Each member also adjustably impinges upon and urges a given string or course thereof on the instrument toward a user-selectable one of three different longitudinal positions on the neck's front surface, these positions including a home position, a home?1 position, and a home+1 position. The mechanism allows a user to adjust the location of the members as a group on the clamp so as to substantially center the plane of rotation of each member over a different string or course thereof, and to maintain substantially equal spacing between each different adjacent pair of members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Ryan
  • Patent number: 9196231
    Abstract: A capo for an instrument having a plurality of strings elevated above a fretboard such as a dobro, slide guitar, Hawaiian guitar, or similar raised stringed instrument. This capo uses a sliding wedge adjuster that is installed in the upper milled slot of bar member. The sliding link assembly is installed thru the sliding wedge adjuster slot, into the hole in the center of bar member aligned properly. The string tension bar is installed in sliding link assembly hole and cushion tubes are installed on tension rod, each side of sliding link assembly. The sliding wedge adjuster raises the sliding link assembly as sliding wedge adjuster is pushed inward into bar member. This action compresses the strings to bottom of bar member. This sliding wedge function is unique to this improved capo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Forrest McClary
  • Patent number: 9190033
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capo for use with a stringed musical instrument and which is engaged from the bottom portion of the neck of the musical instrument. The capo has a generally L-shaped frame connected to a lever and a pincher configured so that pressure applied to the lever causes the pincher to move toward the lever, allowing the space between the pincher and free end portion of the frame to receive the neck of the musical instrument. The exterior of the frame is configured to received interchangeable inlays, and the free end portion of the frame is configured to receive changeable neck pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Thalia Capos LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bradley, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, Jeffrey Alan Tilley, Thalia Roze Bradley
  • Patent number: 9035161
    Abstract: A capo for use with a stringed instrument that includes a first arm 11 configured to, in use, extend laterally across a finger board and strings. A second arm is configured to, in use, abut against the back of a neck of the instrument to, in cooperation with the first arm, provide a clamping force over the strings. The first arm includes an adjustable tensioning means, e.g. a truss rod 14 or band, acting in a lengthwise direction, such that a contacting face can adapt to the curvature of the finger board. Adjustment is effected by a knob 15 or like device which tensions the truss rod or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: C7TH LIMITED
    Inventor: Nicholas John Campling
  • Publication number: 20150128784
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capo for use with a stringed musical instrument and which is engaged from the bottom portion of the neck of the musical instrument. The capo has a generally L-shaped frame connected to a lever and a pincher configured so that pressure applied to the lever causes the pincher to move toward the lever, allowing the space between the pincher and free end portion of the frame to receive the neck of the musical instrument. The exterior of the frame is configured to received interchangeable inlays, and the free end portion of the frame is configured to receive changeable neck pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Bradley, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, Jeffrey Alan Tilley, Thalia Roze Bradley
  • Publication number: 20150128783
    Abstract: An inventive set of small devices (‘capo elements’) to mechanically secure a string or strings of a guitar or other fretted stringed instrument at selected fret positions in order to selectively vary the string vibrational length and pitch when the string is plucked. This plurality of capo elements comprises a series of individual rectangular shaped blocks having formed on their upper portions a groove running parallel to the strings so shaped as to secure the string using an interference fit, thus preventing vibration at the distal end of the string and changing its pitch when plucked. Said capo elements feature a lip in the underside of the proximal portion of each capo element, so shaped as to overhang the raised fret, to ensure correct positioning of the capo element, and to secure the string at the same length as would otherwise have been achieved by fretting the string in the regular manner. Said capo elements have an adhesive bottom surface to secure them temporarily to the instrument fretboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan Charles Devlin West
  • Publication number: 20150107436
    Abstract: A capo device for selectively altering the pitch range of a stringed instrument, the capo device being adapted to engage a variety of stringed instrument neck sizes and/or geometries while maintaining desired sound and pitch quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: James Andrew Dunlop, Jeff Burnham, Jim Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20150107437
    Abstract: The invention comprises a capo for fretted stringed instruments. The capo comprises a string pressure plate sized and shaped to cover two adjacent frets and simultaneously press strings of the fretted stringed instrument into contact with the two adjacent frets of the fretted stringed instrument. The capo also comprises an attachment mechanism that attached the string pressure plate to a fretboard of the fretted stringed instrument. A method of using the capo is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: James L. Cannon
  • Patent number: 8962958
    Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a musical instrument is provided. The instrument includes a neck having a front surface over which a plurality of strings is stretched. The apparatus includes a clamp and a plurality of string-contacting members. The clamp is adapted to removably attach to a desired longitudinal position on the neck. Each of the members is rotatably supported by the clamp and is adapted to rotate on the clamp independently of the other members, this rotation occurring along a plane which is substantially parallel to either a given string or course of strings. Each of the members is further adapted to adjustably impinge upon and urge the given string or course of strings toward a user-selectable one of three different longitudinal positions on the front surface, these positions including a home position, a home?1 position, and a home+1 position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20150013520
    Abstract: A capo for use with a stringed instrument that includes a first arm 11 configured to, in use, extend laterally across a finger board and strings. A second arm is configured to, in use, abut against the back of a neck of the instrument to, in cooperation with the first arm, provide a clamping force over the strings. The first arm includes an adjustable tensioning means, e.g. a truss rod 14 or band, acting in a lengthwise direction, such that a contacting face can adapt to the curvature of the finger board. Adjustment is effected by a knob 15 or like device which tensions the truss rod or cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas John CAMPLING
  • Patent number: 8878035
    Abstract: A string depressing device is useable to fret at least one string of a stringed musical instrument. The string depressing device includes a frame that, when adjacent to a fingerboard of the stringed musical instrument, extends both along and across the fingerboard and above the strings. A plurality of protruding compressible resilient members extend from the frame toward the fingerboard. When the frame is pressed against the fingerboard, each protruding member sufficiently depresses an underlying string to fret that string. In an operative position, some of the protruding members are positioned over corresponding strings at desired positions along the fingerboard. A capo can be placed around the neck of the stringed instrument and over the frame to press the frame towards the fingerboard. This presses at least some protruding members against corresponding strings, and effectively frets those strings against the fingerboard at the desired positions to form a musical chord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Stenbroten
  • Patent number: 8809655
    Abstract: A capo apparatus for use on a stringed instrument comprising a capo body comprising a first leg having a first leg width thereacross, and an attachment extending from the capo body comprising an attachment body having an attachment first width associated with a vertical portion thereof and an attachment second width associated with a horizontal portion thereof, the attachment second width being greater than the first leg width. The attachment may be removably engaged with capo body or be integral therewith. A power source and a light source may be operably installed within the capo apparatus for selectively lighting at least a portion of the attachment body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Warwick
  • Patent number: 8779260
    Abstract: A guitar capo device utilized by a user on a guitar fret board that includes a casing that includes a generally rectangular portion and a side attachment portion that runs across the guitar fret board, a roller that is disposed underneath the generally rectangular portion of the casing and a clamp lever to secure the guitar capo device to the guitar fret board that is integral to a spring that is housed in the casing. The device includes a felt contact pad that is disposed on the clamp lever and has direct contact with the guitar fret board to secure the device to the guitar fret board and a relief lever that is depressed to release pressure against the spring to open and loosen the clamp lever against the back of the guitar fret board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio Acosta
  • Patent number: 8779261
    Abstract: A device for converting a conventional Spanish guitar into an instrument which can be played like a Hawaiian guitar and/or used to modify the tone, pitch, key, timber and/or chord of a stringed instrument by selectively engaging the strings of a stringed instrument and selectively raising and/or lowering such strings relative to a fret board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Dunlop
  • Patent number: 8779262
    Abstract: A spring operated capo that includes two jaws with graspable handles and a spring that urges the two jaws to close on the neck of a stringed musical instrument. The spring exerts a force on the two jaws with a lever arm that decreases as the jaws open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Ned Steinberger
  • Patent number: 8759651
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tensioning apparatus for a string of a stringed instrument, the apparatus including a supporting body portion for releasable engagement between a string and a surface of the neck of the stringed instrument at a fret on the fret board, thereby to raise the string relative to the fret on the fret board; the apparatus further including a biasing element by which lateral tension may be applied to the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: EKFG Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Leonard Kosharek
  • Publication number: 20140060283
    Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a musical instrument is provided. The instrument includes a neck having a front surface over which a plurality of strings is stretched. The apparatus includes a clamp and a plurality of string-contacting members. The clamp is adapted to removably attach to a desired longitudinal position on the neck. Each of the members is rotatably supported by the clamp and is adapted to rotate on the clamp independently of the other members, this rotation occurring along a plane which is substantially parallel to either a given string or course of strings. Each of the members is further adapted to adjustably impinge upon and urge the given string or course of strings toward a user-selectable one of three different longitudinal positions on the front surface, these positions including a home position, a home?1 position, and a home+1 position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin B. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8642862
    Abstract: A mechanical pitch shifter for changing the pitch of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The mechanical pitch shifter engages the musical instrument string between the end of operational length and point of string termination. This device comprises a base clamp 1 and thumbscrew 2 to attach to the musical instrument. This devise comprises a top bar 6 and cam 8 to engage and disengage the musical instrument string. Reaction force of the string is opposed by the thumbscrew 2. Fine tuning of the string pitch is achieved by turning a thumbwheel 3 thus changing the displacement between top bar 6 and base clamp 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Derrick Lynn Baird
  • Patent number: 8642863
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capo for use with a stringed instrument. In one aspect, the capo can comprise at least one string compressor, a frame having a longitudinal axis, and a means for individually moving the at least one string compressor that is configured to allow for the individual movement of contact portions of the at least one string compressor from a raised position to a depressed position, which is at a predetermined depth from a bottom surface of the frame. This movement of the string compressor allows for the selective application of pressure to at least one string on the instrument so that, in the depressed position, the contact portion of the selected string compressor presses a selected string among the at least one strings against the fretboard of the stringed instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Del Capo Company
    Inventors: Andy Del Priore, Steven C. Pfister
  • Publication number: 20140013924
    Abstract: A capo, which can be manufactured at relatively low cost, comprised a top arm configured to extend across the strings of a musical instrument, with a side arm extending, in use, laterally of the instrument neck. A lower arm having one end pivotally attached to the side arm at a pivot point provides an adjustable clamping function by virtue of an adjuster mechanism. A resilient material is provided on a string facing side of the top arm that extends from the top arm onto the side arm, toward the location of the pivot point. The material includes an enlarged portion that provides a biasing force against an end of the lower arm away from the back of the neck, such that an additional metal spring or the like is not necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Nicholas John Campling