Picking Devices Patents (Class 84/320)
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Patent number: 7459620Abstract: The guitar pick is formed of flexible sheet material and has a central opening therein, which is slotted open. The guitar pick is formed of flexible synthetic material and has a pick point for picking the guitar strings. The body of the guitar pick is sufficiently large to hold between the thumb and forefingers for its manipulation. The body has a central opening which is slotted away from the pick point. The central opening and the slot, together with the flexibility of the pick is sufficient to permit it to be snapped onto and off of pegs and posts on the guitar for storage and retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Inventor: James B. Kester
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Patent number: 7435889Abstract: A drumstick tether is disclosed for rotatably securing a drumstick to a finger of a drummer comprising a first elongate strip of flexible material adapted to wrap around the finger of the drummer and a second elongate strip of flexible material adapted to wrap around the drumstick. The first elongate strip of flexible material is secured to a first swivel part of a swivel member for securing the drumstick tether to the finger of the drummer. The second elongate strip of flexible material is secured to a second swivel part of the swivel member for securing the drumstick tether to the drumstick. The swivel member has a transverse swivel length greater than an axial swivel length for positioning the drumstick in close proximity to the finger of the drummer for enabling a closed hand of the drummer to hold the drumstick in a conventional manner and for enabling an opening hand of the drummer to theatrically twirl the drumstick about the swivel member.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Inventor: Erik Heidt
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Patent number: 7427705Abstract: The invention disclosed herein comprises a guitar pick with a built-in recorder and playback device. The invention allows guitarists to record an audio sample into the recorder, then play it back directly through an amplified guitar or microphone.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Inventor: Richard Rubens
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Publication number: 20080178725Abstract: The present invention includes a supplemental gripping means for a guitar pick. The gripping means includes a resilient material formed in a C-shape and adapted to selectively couple to a pick body. An arcuate arm of the C-shaped gripping means adapts to enable a musician to slide a finger through an opening. The opening is sized to provide comfortable yet snug fit with the finger or thumb, thus allowing the pick to stay attached to the musician. Alternative embodiments of the present invention include the gripping means with various combinations of pick bodies and strike heads to provide new methods of guitar play.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Bradley C. Goad
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Publication number: 20080163737Abstract: An improved guitar pick is flat metal stock of an oval shape, having a ridge of a rounded cross-section on one side near the leading edge, and preferably decorative and/or informative designs or words permanently imprinted on the top and/or bottom. The metal stock is preferably an alloy of primarily zinc material of about 0.020 inches thick and the ridge thickness a maximum of about 0.014 inches. The guitar pick can be made by deforming a conventional penny into an elongated, and depositing metal material near the leading edge to form the ridge and optionally imprinting the side(s) of the elongated. The penny is preferably deformed to a maximum length of about 1.4 inches and a maximum width of about 0.8 inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Adam Grant
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Publication number: 20080148920Abstract: The invention described serves the stringed musical instrument player as a chord player (multiple notes at one time) and a rigid holding device for the guitar pick, for playing single notes at a time, with greater control, tone, and powerType: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Emily Serena Graves
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Patent number: 7375268Abstract: A machine for placement on the fingertips of players of stringed instruments with which the strings will picked or plucked. Designed as a set, the two picks do not collide as the musician moves his or her fingers to pick the stringed instrument, The abrasion of the interior of the picks, prevents pick slippage, even when worn comfortably loose, The forefinger pick is designed with a unique diagonal wrap that may be adjusted to fit a range of finger sizes, The middle finger pick is designed with wings that provide a gap which allows the adjacent pick to touch the skin of the middle finger instead of allowing metal to touch metal, The forefinger wrap is placed to avoid the metal of the middle finger pick and instead touch the skin of the middle finger, and The shank (the tip portion) may be adjusted or bent to the conformation desired by any given musician.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Inventor: Horace G. “Rusty” Thornhill
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Publication number: 20080110319Abstract: A musical instrument double plectrum is formed by providing a double coated adhesive spacer. A plate is adhesively detachably mounted to each side of the spacer so that each of the two plates functions as a plectrum. Preferably, the plates are mounted in a staggered fashion. A cutout is preferably formed in each plate to expose the adhesive and provide the player with a grip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: B. Scott Morris
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Patent number: 7371950Abstract: A plectrum holder and a plectrum in the form of a ring comprising catching means. The ring is placed on the index finger of a user and is embodied in such a way as to retain the plectrum against a planar surface located on the outer rim of the ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventors: Yacine Benyahia, Carmelo Tosto
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Patent number: 7312386Abstract: A resilient band holds a pick for a stringed musical instrument securely in contact with a thumb or finger of the instrumentalist. In one aspect this device appears as a ring that has been slit along its center line over a portion of its circumference, the slit then being separated to produce a Y-shape. The two arms and leg of the Y provide the pick with a three-point support that maintains stability of the pick against a finger in both strumming and plucking modes over a wide range of attack angles. The resiliency of the band serves to adapt to various fingers as well as to a variety of conventional picks according to the preferences of the user, including flat picks, thumb picks, and finger picks. Methods of manufacture are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Grip Guitar Picks, Inc.Inventors: Drayth S. Sielaff, Rollie W. Sielaff
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Patent number: 7312387Abstract: A shaped pick with a siliconized acrylic adhesive coating providing a tacky pick surface for the musician's thumb and finger to grip.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Inventor: Eric D. Shaw
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Patent number: 7285709Abstract: A modular automated assistive guitar is described comprising a base assembly, a pick assembly, a strumming mechanism and a fretting mechanism which, in combination with a standard guitar or similar stringed musical instrument (e.g., banjo, steel guitar, ukulele), forms a musical device that can be played by an individual with a range of independence, cognitive and physical abilities. The base assembly accepts, positions, and secures a standard guitar. The pick assembly includes quick attach and spring-loaded features for attaching and detaching picks, in addition to flexibility for smooth interaction with the guitar strings. The strumming mechanism provides cyclic motion and speed control to create pleasant and variable rhythm from the mounted guitar. The fretting mechanism allows a user to change chords and tone. An unmodified, traditional guitar is preferably used in the musical device. The guitar is easily interchangeable with another guitar or other stringed instrument, at the convenience of the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Inventors: Christina Kay White, Atif Muzaffar Qureshi, Vikramjit Singh, Jarden Ellison Krager, Jennifer Elizabeth Porlier, Kristin Lee Wood, Richard Haygood Crawford, Jr.
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Patent number: 7265285Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus, device or method for manufacturing a grip plectrum or pick formed from a first material (such as, for example, plastic or like material), the plectrum having in one embodiment a generally triangular shaped body with a broad top portion, an intermediate portion, and a narrow bottom portion, with the top and intermediate portion being substantially covered with a second material that has a greater degree of grip than the first material. The plectrum has a generally triangular (and preferably tear-drop) shaped body being made from a first material. A top and intermediate portion of the plectrum are substantially or completely covered by a second material on all four sides (front surface, back surface and both side surfaces) and is adapted to be gripped by the user between the thumb and index finger, with a bottom portion being used to pluck the instrument strings. In one embodiment, the second material is preferably a non-slip material such as rubber or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Inventor: David Charles Storey
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Patent number: 7256337Abstract: A one piece combination guitar string pick and shoulder strap lock that engages and retains a guitar shoulder strap upon one or more anchor posts affixed to the guitar. The combination pick and strap lock is not a part of the shoulder strap, and is used after the shoulder strap is affixed to the guitar body using standard shoulder strap clasps. The present invention then slides over the anchor post head using the clasp arm assembly and pressing the anchor post past the clasp assembly pinch point until the anchor post head snaps against the back of the anchor post channel in the body member and the anchor post stem is then held firmly by the clasp arm assembly. Another embodiment of the invention supports adding decorative figurines for novelty. Another embodiment supports semi-permanently affixing the present invention to the anchor post with a bolt extension.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventor: Timothy John Walker
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Patent number: 7238869Abstract: A multi-function plectrum includes a substantially triangularly shaped body. The body includes a first leg, a second leg and a third leg. The first leg includes a rounded edge. The second leg includes a rounded edge. One end of the first leg is joined to one end of the second leg. A picking projection extends from the other end of the second leg. The picking projection comes to a substantial point and tapers gradually to meet a thickness of the body. A taping projection extends from the other end of the second and third legs. Material is removed from substantially a middle of the body on at least one side to create a cavity for a finger or thumb. The body is fabricated from a non-flexible material, such as glass, porcelain, stone, granite resin composite, a gemstone, steel, synthetic polymer resin or any other suitable material.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: David H. Kleckzka
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Patent number: 7186908Abstract: A conventional guitar pick is retrofitted with a special adhesion material covering a selected surface region of the pick so as to enhance gripping between thumb and finger for playing and to provide convenient temporary storage, when not in use for playing, by temporary attachment onto a nearby object such as the body of the guitar. The adhesion material, specially structured to utilize suction to grip onto any smooth surface without leaving marks or residue when removed, is adhesively attached to the pick in the form of a tape or film to provide a suction gripping surface formed by special structure ranging, from multiple articulated suction cups integrally molded from rubber-like material in a uniform grid pattern, to foam-like material with a random pattern of suction pores of size ranging down to microscopic.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventors: Mitchell J. Hodesh, Timothy W. Aaron
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Patent number: 7157635Abstract: A thumb pick comprises a pick body for a guitar and a belt body which fixes the pick body to a finger. The pick body is extended integrally with a protruding portion for picking the strings from a base end portion made into contact with the thumb. The belt body is separately formed from the belt body. Both end portions of the belt body is adjustably connected to the pick body. There is provided a cut bent from the protruding portion to the base end portion of the pick body, a substantially tongue-like connecting piece is formed within the cut, and the connecting piece and the one end portion of the belt body 2 are detachably connected. with such construction, a disadvantage of displacing the position of the thumb pick by heat generation and perspiration of the fingers during a performance is solved, and picking suitable for each kind of performing method becomes possible.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Shinjo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Sogabe
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Patent number: 7145066Abstract: An apparatus to improve gripability of stringed instrument picks which have a gripping portion on a first surface, including a material that is appliable to the gripping portion, and the material having properties that resist sliding and promotes gripability by human fingers. In one aspect of the invention, the material can be removable and reappliable by cohesive resurface tension forces. Optionally the material can be applied to another gripping portion on another surface of the pick.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: R. Payson Moreland
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Patent number: 7067729Abstract: The present invention relates to a plectrum (1) having two portions (10, 12) being offset transversely but connected integrally by a stepped member (14). One portion (12) may have a tear-drop shaped playing edge (112), while the other portion may have a pointed edge (114) at one corner and another short pointed edge (118) at the second corner. A scallop playing edge (116) is typically joined to the short pointed edge (118). The stepped edge (14) is preferably in the shape of an arc. Other embodiments of the present invention include a plectrum (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) having a planar body (20) with a tear-drop shaped playing edge (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d), a pointed playing edge (114a, 114b, 114c, 114d) and a short pointed edge (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d). A scallop shaped edge (116a, 116b, 116c, 116d) may be joined to the short playing edge (118). On the faces of the plectrum is preferably a ridge (201), a groove (202) or a combination of a ridge (201) and a groove (202) on the same or opposed face.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Weng Onn Leong
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Patent number: 7060882Abstract: The present invention is a multi-contact pick for either stunning or articulated picking of a stringed musical instrument. The pick is formed with one or more cuts in close proximity to the apex of the pick contact. The cuts are formed in the pick such that the contacts resulting are slightly fanned across the thickness. Optionally, a stress relief hole may also be formed at the end of each cut to increase the life of the pick. The pick may come in many shapes and configurations. For example, a multi-lobed pick may have a standard single contact for one lobe and a cut multi-contact array for a second lobe.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Ken Greenwald
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Patent number: 6977330Abstract: Herein disclosed is a finger ring interconnected to a pick in combination, each of which may be removably yet fixedly interconnected together by a tether. We provide various embodiments and/or accessory options, including use of a magnet for attaching the device onto a metallic surface when not in use and/or the tether is retractable within the ring if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Paul A. Squillante
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Patent number: 6949700Abstract: The adjustable thumb pick for stringed musical instruments includes a thumb retainer with a band member that forms a thumb passage. The band member has band ends and a band slot. A pick includes an intergral post. The integral post is received in the band slot. An enlarged free end of the post permits the post to rotate relative to the slot. The post can also slide into two or more positions within the slot.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Fred Kelly
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Patent number: 6933430Abstract: In one illustrative example, a guitar pick holder is made of a thin, flat, and visually appealing flexible magnet which adheres to a front outside surface of a guitar. A guitar pick which is used with the holder is made of a synthetic material but also includes a magnetically receptive material (e.g. iron) formed on or within the synthetic material. The guitar pick is magnetically held against a front magnetic surface of the flexible magnet and is thereby carried with the guitar, even when it is subject to relatively strong forces of accelerative motion (i.e. when the guitar is physically handled or shaken).Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: John Jeffrey Oskorep
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Patent number: 6930231Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of using a punch for cutting one or more guitar picks directly from an identification card. The punch includes a holding portion positioned on one side of the identification card and a die or blade portion aligned with the held identification card. The die or blade portion has the shape of a guitar pick. The holding portion has a corresponding recess formed therein in the shape of a guitar pick. When the punch is aligned with the recess in the holding portion and the two halves are brought together with an identification card therebetween, a guitar pick is punched out of the identification card material. The identification card may be positioned such that the resultingly produced guitar pick prominently displays a portion of the identification card logo (i.e. Visa®, Mastercard®, or the like), includes the security hologram, includes the name of the card holder, etc. In this way, the guitar pick may be customized or made to have a pleasing design element.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: William Von Luhmann
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Patent number: 6903256Abstract: A pick-handle is attached to the to the “rear” edge of a conventional pick via a metal shaft. The handle portion is made to be comfortably grasped in the palm of the player's hand while the pick is held in the normal manner between the thumb and forefinger. Stringed instrument playing technique is enhanced by improved control over the pick and increased volume capability due to the increased mass effectively transmitted to the pick from the hand, wrist and arm of the player. Additionally, the invention reduces the strain on the thumb and forefinger by allowing the other fingers to supplement the grip, and also reduces the risk of the pick slipping out of playing position or totally escaping from the thumb/finger grasp. Attachment of the pick to the shaft may be implemented by a spring clip that allows easy removal of the pick and replacement by practically any commonly available pick of the player's choice.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventors: Richard Aspen Pittman, Steven L. Fishman
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Patent number: 6891095Abstract: A rhythm multi-pick apparatus comprising a member holder having a plurality of spaced-apart pick members, a first lift end having a curved shape attached on a first end of the member holder, a second lift end having a curved shape attached on a second end of the member holder, and a holder arm attached between the first lift end and the second lift end. A handle having grooves for two fingers is attached to the holder arm opposite the member holder. The pick members are cylindrical shape and may be made from different materials resulting in ratings of soft, medium, and hard for producing different tones. The multi-pick apparatus may have various embodiments, each embodiment having a different number of pick members held by the member holder. Another embodiment comprises the multi-pick apparatus without a handle which is held by a user by gripping a continuous holder arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Inventor: William J. Charters
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Patent number: 6846977Abstract: Magnetically receptive guitar pick stickers are disclosed. These stickers can be adhered to synthetic guitar picks so that the picks can be magnetically held against an object, such as a thin magnet. Each sticker is sized to fit within a perimeter of a guitar pick and is relatively thin so as to be mostly unnoticeable when the guitar pick is gripped. A sticker sheet includes an adhesive backing sheet on which the stickers may be initially carried. Each sticker has a magnetically receptive layer (such as metal) and an adhering layer formed between the magnetically receptive layer and the adhesive backing sheet. Advantageously, a guitar player's preferred guitar picks may be magnetically carried by the thin magnet which is attached to a guitar or a guitar case.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: John Jeffrey Oskorep
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Patent number: 6835881Abstract: A guitar pick having a key ring hole for selective attachment to a key ring, and also having a centrally-located disc constructed from non-slippery material, in order to prevent the pick from slipping from a user's fingers while the pick is being used to play a guitar. The key ring hole is lined on both the front and rear surfaces of the pick with a raised bushing, in order to prevent the key ring hole from cracking or splitting after repeated use. When not being used to play a guitar, the guitar pick may be stored upon the key ring, in order to prevent the pick from becoming misplaced.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Inventor: Donald Jackson
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Publication number: 20040187668Abstract: A rhythm multi-pick apparatus comprising a member holder having a plurality of spaced-apart pick members, a first lift end having a curved shape attached on a first end of the member holder, a second lift end having a curved shape attached on a second end of the member holder, and a holder arm attached between the first lift end and the second lift end. A handle having grooves for two fingers is attached to the holder arm opposite the member holder. The pick members are cylindrical shape and may be made from different materials resulting in ratings of soft, medium, and hard for producing different tones. The multi-pick apparatus may have various embodiments, each embodiment having a different number of pick members held by the member holder. Another embodiment comprises the multi-pick apparatus without a handle which is held by a user by gripping a continuous holder arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: William J. Charters
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Patent number: 6797871Abstract: A pick apparatus is adapted for use by a player having a thumb with a meatus, to strum/pick strings of a musical instrument. The apparatus includes a pick adapted to be held by the player and to be moved in a contacting and strumming relationship with the strings of the musical instrument. A sleeve is provided for disposition on the thumb of the player. Attachment means are contemplated to releasably attach the pick to the sleeve with the pick being movable between an extended position facilitating strumming/picking, and a retracted position facilitating finger picking of the strings. The pick and attachment means can be disposed exteriorly of the sleeve, or interiorly of the sleeve with a portion of the pick extending through an opening in the sleeve. A pivot pad having an axis includes a first surface having a first taper along the axis and a second taper transverse to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Inventor: Greg M. Atkin
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Patent number: 6791017Abstract: Methods of making guitar pick holders from flexible magnetic materials are described. In one illustrative example, a magnetic side of a flexible magnetic sheet is laminated with a vinyl sheet which provides a coloring and/or design. The side opposite this magnetic side is laminated with a static cling vinyl sheet, after text is reverse-printed on its non-static cling side. Coloring, design, and/or text may also be printed on the vinyl sheet. The laminated flexible magnetic sheet is then die cut to simultaneously form a plurality of guitar pick holders of a predetermined shape. Other methods are described, including methods of individually making custom guitar pick holders.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: John Jeffrey Oskorep
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Patent number: 6777602Abstract: The present invention is an improved plectrum for use with a stringed musical instrument, having a substantially planar central gripping portion and three or more substantially planar picking wing portions peripherally extending one each in a respective different longitudinal direction from the central gripping portion, such that only one of the wing portions may be used at any one time, such that the wing portion, and wherein each of the wing portions is of a different relative thickness, so as to produce a different relative tone when each is respectively used.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventors: Glenn J. Hautamaki, Raymond R. Lyell
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Publication number: 20040074368Abstract: Methods of making guitar pick holders from flexible magnetic materials are described. In one illustrative example, a magnetic side of a flexible magnetic sheet is laminated with a vinyl sheet which provides a coloring and/or design. The side opposite this magnetic side is laminated with a static cling vinyl sheet, after text is reverse-printed on its non-static cling side. Coloring, design, and/or text may also be printed on the vinyl sheet. The laminated flexible magnetic sheet is then die cut to simultaneously form a plurality of guitar pick holders of a predetermined shape. Other methods are described, including methods of individually making custom guitar pick holders.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: John Jeffrey Oskorep
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Publication number: 20040031372Abstract: The Floating Blade Plectrum is a general purpose plectrum suitable for all types of acoustic guitar playing. It eliminates all the disadvantages of conventional plectra. It comprises a relatively short thick plastic ‘blade’ connected by a ‘non-rigid attachment’ to two ‘rigidity layers’ made of soft flexible rubber. These are enclosed between two ‘grip layers’ made of soft, flexible, non-slip rubber. Between the ‘rigidity layers’ and the ‘grip layers’ are two ‘moment plates’ made of thin rigid material. The plectrum is held in a pen-holding grip between the thumb and first finger. The grip remains constant, the rigidity of the plectrum is altered by varying the grip pressure. The presence of the ‘moment plates’ increases the sensitivity of the plectrum such that for a similar increase in grip pressure the rigidity of the plectrum is greater; the minimum rigidity is unaltered but the maximum rigidity is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventor: Peter John Glyde
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Patent number: 6639136Abstract: A pick holder that is secured in the strings of a stringed instrument, specifically a guitar. The pick holder includes an elongated attaching base that is inserted between two of the stings of the instrument. The base of the pick holder is placed between the two strings, and the pick holder is then rotated so that the base is secured between the strings and the upper end of the neck of the guitar, above the first fret. The main body of the pick holder includes a plurality of tapered slots to hold picks. An upper wedge of the main body provides a securing pressure against lower retaining portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Brian Judd
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Patent number: 6528711Abstract: An improved capo for use with various stringed instruments, such as for example a guitar, for fastening over the fingerboard or fret board to shorten the strings uniformly and facilitate a change of key. The capo includes a pair of normally closed spring biased jaw members and integral lever members operative to open the jaw members for movement along the length of fret board for selectively retaining all of the strings in abutting relation to the fret board. The improved capo is formed of spring stock to facilitate the attachment and positioning of the capo along the fret board.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventor: Bryan R. Paige
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Publication number: 20030033924Abstract: The pick-can is made using CNC machines and machine code programming along with sheet metal stamping to produce the slide plate and back plate. The pick-can is used to hold guitar picks so the player always has one when needed. The fact that the pick-can is crush proof makes it ideal for the guitar player who plays live in front of a large group of people.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2002Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Wayne Arthur Glover
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Patent number: 6417431Abstract: A guitar pick or plectrum used for playing stringed musical Instruments. The pick has a generally oval triangular configuration. The pick grip pattern consists of a grip at the top of the pick which is a trademark that protrudes above the surface of the pick. The pick also incorporates a circular bevel region surrounding a center hole with a plurality of grip protrusions protruding from the bevel region. The flexibility of the pick may be adjusted by the material injected in a liquid injection mold manufacture process in conjunction with overall pick thickness.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: Clark Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6346662Abstract: Embodiments of an ergonomic stringed instrument pick are shown and described. The pick includes curved or depressed surfaces generally conforming to the shape of the thumb and index finger that grasp the pick. Preferably, the pick includes a depressed area on one side of the pick near the front tip of the pick for receiving the tip of the index finger, and includes a hump rearward of that depressed area for contacting the first joint area of the index finger. Preferably, the opposite surface of the pick includes a depressed area near the rear end of the pick for receiving the pad of the thumb, and includes a hump nearer the tip or the pick against which the thumb, in effect, pushes or braces. These features preferably take the form of a generally S-curved pick, with both the bottom surface and the top surface making two curves to form the desired shape, which reduces hand and wrist strain due to the increased comfort, and provides a more sure grip of the ergonomic shape.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Drayth S. Sielaff
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Patent number: 6342661Abstract: A device for plucking the strings of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The device includes two thin, planar picking members and one thin, planar picking/grasping member. The picking members and the planar/grasping member are joined at their base. The device allows the user to simultaneously pluck two strings of an instrument or, alternatively, to pluck a single string.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventor: Brent Flamm
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Patent number: 6335477Abstract: Securable instrument picks for uses as thumbpicks (10) and/or fingerpicks (10) providing a string-actuating tip (20) to the side of a distal phalange (14) for a conjoined engagement of the string-actuating tip and the distal phalange against a string (42). The actuating tips may be off-set cantilevered in the character of their securement to the distal phalange, whereby a pressure resulting from an up- or downstroke upon the string is carried through the pick and delivered against the upper or lower pads, respectively, of the distal phalange. The provided picks facilitate a novel method of use in which the fingertip-flesh of the distal phalange and the string-actuating tip may be conjoined together in a stroke against the string. The provided picks also facilitate a method of producing flatpicking-type musical effects by up- and downstrokes of a single finger, tilted sideward toward the strings.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Inventor: Frederic Smith Miller
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Patent number: 6259009Abstract: A combination strap lock and pick storage device includes a pair of arms each having a free end and an opposite end forming a ring defining a passage therethrough. The arms may be forced toward each other to expand the cross-sectional area of the passage sufficiently to allow passage therethrough of an enlarged head of a peg attached to a musical instrument. The arms may then be released so that the passage resumes its original cross-sectional area and engages a shaft portion of the peg. The device thus secures a support strap, previously mounted to the peg, to the musical instrument. Each arm additionally defines a channel along an inside surface thereof, wherein the opposing channels are configured to receive a flat pick therein. The device is configured such that one or more picks may be easily advanced into, or retrieved from, the channels defined in each of the arms. The arms may further define lobes adjacent to the channels for guiding picks within, and from, the channels.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: BoloPickInventor: Robert T. Bolo, III
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Patent number: 6245977Abstract: A plectrum having a pair of contact points for double striking the strings to achieve a fuller sound. The plectrum having a pair of contact points includes a panel. The panel has substantially planar front and back surfaces. The panel has a top edge and two side edges. The side edges taper to an outer point positioned distal of the top edge. The panel has a proximal portion adjacent to the top edge and a distal portion adjacent to the outer point. A slit is in the distal portion. The slit is pointed and has two legs extending away from a point of the slit. The point of the slit is located generally adjacent to the outer point defined by the two side edges. The legs of the slit extend toward the proximal portion. An inner point of the distal portion is defined by the slit. The outer and inner points both strike the strings of an instrument when the plectrum is brought across the strings.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Thomas M. Byrns
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Patent number: 6245976Abstract: A plectrum holding device for playing the guitar or the like string musical instruments comprises a handle-like casing unit (12, 14, 16) configured to be gripped by the player, with a mounting (18) for attaching a plectrum (20) in an operable playing position. Body portion (12) is provided with controls such as switching pad (22) with push buttons (24) and trackball (26), for remotely operating a variety of musical devices (A, B, C, D) such as synthesizers, VCRs, multi-effect producers, etc. In the example illustrated, the push buttons (24) and the trackball (26) are accessible by the thumb of the user, adapted to actuate infrared emitters (28, 29, 30).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Pro Music Developments Ltd.Inventor: Noam Sander
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Patent number: 6242677Abstract: A plectrum holding device for playing the guitar and the like string musical instruments, comprising an elongated body member (12), a butt-like rear member (14) mounted to one end of the body member (12) and configured to rest against the thumb root of the player, a trigger-like front member (16) mounted to the other end of the body member (12) and configured to be gripped by a forefinger phalanxankle of the player; and a mounting (18) for plectrum (20) in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of rear and front members (14; 16) within reach of the player's thumb on one side and the tip of the player's forefinger on the other side of the plectrum mounting (18).Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Pro Music Developments Ltd.Inventor: Noam Sander
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Patent number: 6225539Abstract: A compressible pick for playing a stringed musical instrument. The compressible pick generally includes a compressible body having at least two adjoined striking surfaces on one end and a variable thickness user grip on an opposing end. The compressible body may further include at least one stiffening member to alter the stiffness and acoustic properties of the compressible pick. The compressible pick may also include frictional features that provide an improved grip. Additionally, the compressible pick may include ornamental features.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: J. Kirk Freeman
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Patent number: 6215052Abstract: The present guitar pick holder comprises a housing formed of a front half and a back half. A plurality of slots are arranged on the front half for receiving guitar picks. The slots are positioned very close together and staggered for compactness, but still enable the picks to be easily gripped. The picks may be randomly selected and removed from any slot. Each slot includes a beveled first edge for aiding pick insertion. A resilient tab projects into the slot from the first edge for securing the pick in position. A plurality of ramps are attached to the interior of the back half of the housing and aligned behind the slots. When a guitar pick is inserted into a slot, it is biased by the resilient tab against a second edge of the slot to an angled position relative to the surface of the housing for being easily gripped. The angle is limited by the ramp which engages the inner end of the pick. A clip on the back half of the housing is for clipping to a guitar strap or belt.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventors: Michael Giddens, Raymond Dickinson, Wolfgang Ott
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Patent number: 6169238Abstract: A combination strap lock and pick storage device includes a pair of arms each having a free end and an opposite end forming a single ring defining a passage therethrough. The arms are biased away from each other such that the passage has a predefined cross-sectional area. The arms may be forced toward each other to thereby expand the cross-sectional area of the passage sufficiently to thereby allow passage therethrough of an enlarged head of a peg attached to a musical instrument. Thereafter, the arms may be released so that the passage resumes its predefined cross-sectional area and engages a shaft portion of the peg, wherein the shaft has a cross-sectional area that is less than that of the enlarged head. The device thus secures a support strap, previously attached to the peg, to the musical instrument. Each arm additionally defines a channel along an inside surface thereof, wherein the opposing channels are configured to receive a flat pick therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: BoloPickInventor: Robert T. Bolo, III
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Patent number: 6140564Abstract: A semi-rigid, plastic retainer clip for temporarily receiving and gripping a plurality of guitar pics. The retainer clip is U-shaped and includes a pair of L-shaped clip members for removably securing the retainer clip to the supporting strap of the guitar. This conveniently positions the pics for the guitar player.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Inventor: Richard A. Pia
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Patent number: 6130374Abstract: A guitar pick for more accurately plucking the strings of a musical instrument having generally a main body or support member with cavities embedded therein allowing a player to obtain a more secure grip. A frustoconical section having a base side and a pointed side is affixed to one side of the main body whereby the tip of the cone is used to pluck the strings of the guitar. The frustoconical end is either rigidly affixed or removable affixed to allow different cones to be installed for different style play. Different angled tips of the cones produce different sounds for different styles of play. Grooves running parallel or perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the cone also can produce different sounds.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Inventor: Anthony Polidori