Abstract:
A pick device for playing a stringed musical instrument is taught. The pick device includes a center portion, wherein the center portion is configured to be positioned about a tip of a finger or thumb of a player in a ring-like configuration. The pick device also includes a head or first end portion coupled to the center portion, wherein the head portion is suitable for strumming and plucking/picking strings of the instrument, and a tail or second end portion coupled to the center portion. The pick device further includes a receiving slot disposed within the center portion, wherein the receiving slot is configured to adjustably receive the tail or second end portion. The player can rapidly transition between use of the head or first end portion and tail or second end portion when playing the instrument by repositioning the center portion about the tip of the finger or thumb.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a pick for a stringed musical instrument. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pick for a stringed musical instrument that has a center portion configured to be positioned about the tip of a player&#39;s finger and one or two end portions, optionally including a thin head and a thick head, suitable for selectively strumming or plucking strings of the instrument. 
     2. Background Information 
     Players of stringed musical instruments, such as acoustic guitars, electric guitars, acoustic bass guitars, electric bass guitars, banjos, and the like, typically use a pick or plectrum to strum or pluck the strings of their instrument. A conventional pick or plectrum is typically a small, thin piece of plastic or another material having a generally triangular shape. The pick or plectrum is pressed between a player&#39;s thumb and their adjacent index finger, with a pointed end of the pick or plectrum extending downwardly to strum or pluck the strings of the instrument. The need to maintain constant pressure between the thumb and the index finger can be exceedingly fatiguing, particularly over long musical sets. The pick or plectrum can also be displaced, dislodged, or dropped. 
     To remedy these problems, a number of picks or plectrums have been designed with a ring-like portion configured to be positioned about the tip of a player&#39;s finger. In one example, a ring-like device configured to releasably and adjustably position a pick or plectrum in one of the habitually familiar playing positions relative to the fingers of a player. The pick or plectrum is secured to the ring-like device by a nut. In another example, a pick or plectrum fits about the finger of a player, with the position of the pick or plectrum maintained by an elastic band extending about the finger. 
     In a further example, a harness for securely holding a pick or plectrum in firm engagement with a player&#39;s thumb is taught. The harness consists of a simple, flexible, and resilient strap configured to fit about the thumb in advance of the player&#39;s first knuckle. The harness includes a central portion that is slit to receive and hold the pick or plectrum firmly against the undersurface of the thumb, with the pointed end of the pick or plectrum protruding through the slit into a playing position. 
     In yet another example, a pick or plectrum includes a ring-like element having a boss with a recess in the lower portion thereof that is dimensioned and configured to support therein a player&#39;s finger adjacent to that finger wearing the ring-like element. A stud element projects upwardly from the boss for mounting the pick thereon. 
     In one example, a thumb pick or plectrum is provided that has a an integral main, body portion that has straps for selectively defining a thumb-receiving passageway. Finally, in another example, a pick or plectrum is self-secured to a player&#39;s thumb, and can be utilized in either an upstroke or a downstroke without the aide of another finger. The tip that strokes the string is secured to the band that fits around the thumb by inserting it into a slot. 
     Although various of the above-described pick or plectrum designs reduce the likelihood of displacing, dislodging, or dropping the pick or plectrum while playing an instrument, none are properly and automatically positioned with respect to a player&#39;s fingers, none allow for a rapid change in rigidity, and none become unobtrusive or “float” during finger picking. Further, none of the picks or plectrums have a head that can be adequately customized with respect to shape. Thus, what is needed is a pick or plectrum that is properly and automatically positioned with respect to a player&#39;s fingers, that allows for a rapid change in rigidity, and that becomes unobtrusive or “floats” during finger picking. Further, what is needed is a pick or plectrum that has a head that can be adequately customized with respect to shape. Accordingly, the pick or plectrum should be able to be cut without splitting or cracking. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a pick that remedies the above-described problems. In addition, the pick of the present invention can be positioned about the tip of any finger, requires a relatively low pressure to hold, allows for a rapid transition between strumming or plucking and finger picking, and can be attached to the strings of an instrument when not in use. The pick of the present invention also has an adjustable flex point, providing consistent pick-to-string contact, and can be made of a self-lubricating material, providing relatively low string wear and relatively high pick life. These and other advantages and features of the pick of the present invention will be described in greater detail herein below. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a pick device for playing a stringed musical instrument includes a center portion, wherein the center portion is configured to be positioned about a tip of a finger of a player in a ring-like configuration. The pick device also includes a head portion coupled to the center portion, wherein the head portion is suitable for strumming and plucking/picking strings of the instrument, and a tail portion coupled to the center portion. The pick device further includes a receiving slot disposed within the center portion, wherein the receiving slot is configured to adjustably receive the tail portion. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a pick device for playing a stringed musical instrument includes a center portion, wherein the center portion is configured to be positioned about a tip of a thumb of a player in a ring-like configuration. The pick device also includes a first end portion coupled to the center portion, wherein the first end portion is suitable for strumming and plucking/picking strings of the instrument, and a second end portion coupled to the center portion, wherein-the second end portion is suitable for strumming and plucking/picking strings of the instrument. The pick device further includes a receiving slot disposed within the center portion, wherein the receiving slot is configured to adjustably receive the first end portion. The player can rapidly transition between use of the first end portion and the second end portion when playing the instrument by repositioning the center portion about the tip of the thumb. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the pick of the present invention for use as a floating pick; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of the pick of the present invention for use as a floating pick; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of another embodiment of the pick of the present invention for use as a thumb pick; and 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of the pick of the present invention for use as a thumb pick. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, the floating pick  10  has a first elongate portion  12 , including a head portion  14 . The head portion  14  has a rigidity that makes it especially suitable for strumming and/or plucking/picking the strings of an instrument. The head portion  14  has a substantially triangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. The shape of the head portion  14  preferably contributes to its rigidity. The head portion  14  can have a substantially uniform thickness or, alternatively, can taper along its length and/or width. The first elongate portion  12  has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. 
     The floating pick  10  also has a second elongate portion  16  that has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. The second elongate portion  16  is configured to be positioned about the tip of a player&#39;s finger and, accordingly, includes a receiving slot  18 . The receiving slot  18  is operable for receiving a tail portion  20  of the floating pick  10 , forming a ring-like portion (not shown) configured to be positioned about the tip of the player&#39;s finger. The tail portion  20  has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. A tapering portion  22  of the floating pick  10 , disposed between the second elongate portion  16  and the tail portion  20 , is preferably sufficiently flexible that the tail portion  20  can be twisted or cammed and inserted in and through the receiving slot  18 . Preferably, the tapering portion  22  tapers width-wise from the second elongate portion  16  to the tail portion  20 . The receiving slot  18  includes a plurality of notches  24 , allowing the diameter or size of the ring-like portion to be adjusted such that the ring-like portion can be positioned about the tip of any player&#39;s finger. The tail portion  20  includes a tab  26  operable for securing the tail portion  20  in the receiving slot  18 . Advantageously, the configuration of the tail portion  20  and the receiving slot  18 , and their engagement method, allow the ring-like portion to snugly engage any finger upon which the floating pick  10  is positioned when the strings of the instrument are strummed, plucked, or picked. 
     The first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can be separate components fixedly attached to one another, or they may be integrally formed. The first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can be made of a self-lubricating material. The first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can have a thickness of between about 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, however, other suitable dimensions can be utilized. 
     Advantageously, the ring-like portion of the floating pick  10  allows the floating pick  10  to be held with a relatively low pressure. The ring-like portion also allows the floating pick  10  to be attached to the strings of an instrument when not in use, such that it will not be lost. The floating pick  10  has an adjustable flex point, providing consistent pick-to-string contact, and can be made of a self-lubricating material, providing relatively low string wear and relatively high pick life. Optionally, a conventional pick or plectrum can be fixedly attached to the head portion  14  of the floating pick  10 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, in another embodiment of the present invention, the floating pick  10  has a first elongate portion  12 , including a head portion  14 . The head portion  14  has a rigidity that makes it especially suitable for strumming and/or plucking/picking the strings of an instrument. The head portion  14  has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. The head portion  14  can have a substantially uniform thickness or, alternatively, can taper along its length and/or width. Advantageously, the head portion  14  can be trimmed by a player or customized with respect to shape. The eventual shape of the head portion  14  preferably contributes to its rigidity. 
     The floating pick  10  also has a second elongate portion  16  that has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. The second elongate portion  16  is configured to be positioned about the tip of a player&#39;s finger and, accordingly, includes a receiving slot  18 . The receiving slot  18  is operable for receiving a tail portion  20  of the floating pick  10 , forming a ring-like portion (not shown) configured to be positioned about the tip of the player&#39;s finger. The tail portion  20  has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. A tapering portion  22  of the floating pick  10 , disposed between the second elongate portion  16  and the tail portion  20 , is preferably sufficiently flexible that the tail portion  20  can be twisted or cammed and inserted in and through the receiving slot  18 . Preferably, the tapering portion  22  tapers width-wise from the second elongate portion  16  to the tail portion  20 . The receiving slot  18  includes a plurality of notches  24 , allowing the diameter or size of the ring-like portion to be adjusted such that the ring-like portion can be positioned about the tip of any player&#39;s finger. The tail portion  20  includes a tab  26  operable for securing the tail portion  20  in the receiving slot  18 . Advantageously, the configuration of the tail portion  20  and the receiving slot  18 , and their engagement method, allow the ring-like portion to snugly engage any finger upon which the floating pick  10  is positioned when the strings of the instrument are strummed, plucked, or picked. 
     The first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can be separate components fixedly attached to one another, or they may be integrally formed. The first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can be made of a self-lubricating material. The first elongate portion  12 , the head portion  14 , the second elongate portion  16 , and the tail portion  20  can have a thickness of between about 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, however, other suitable dimensions can be utilized. 
     As described above, the ring-like portion of the floating pick  10  allows the floating pick  10  to be held with a relatively low pressure. The ring-like portion also allows the floating pick  10  to be attached to the strings of an instrument when not in use, such that it will not be lost. Again, the floating pick  10  has an adjustable flex point, providing consistent pick-to-string contact, and can be made of a self-lubricating material, providing relatively low string wear and relatively high pick life. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the thumb pick  40  has a center portion  42  and two end portions  44 , including a thin head  46  and a thick head  48 . The thin head  46  has a relatively low rigidity, making it especially suitable for strumming the strings of an instrument. The thick head  48  has a relatively high rigidity, making it especially suitable for plucking or picking the strings of the instrument. The thin head  46  has a substantially triangular shape and the thick head  48  has a substantially rounded shape, although other suitable shapes can be utilized. The shapes of the thin head  46  and the thick head  48  preferably contribute to their rigidity. The thin head  46  and the thick head  48  can have a substantially uniform thickness or, alternatively, can taper along their length and/or width. 
     The center portion  42  has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. The center portion  42  is configured to be positioned about the tip of a player&#39;s thumb and, accordingly, includes a receiving slot  50 . The receiving slot  50  is operable for receiving the thin head  46  of the thumb pick  40 , forming a ring-like portion (not shown) configured to be positioned about the tip of the player&#39;s thumb. A neck portion  52  of the thumb pick  40 , disposed between the center portion  42  and the thin head  46 , is preferably sufficiently flexible that the thin head  46  can be twisted or cammed and inserted in and through the receiving slot  50 . Preferably, the neck portion  52  tapers width-wise from the center portion  42  to the thin head  46 . The receiving slot  50  includes a plurality of notches  54 , allowing the diameter or size of the ring-like portion to be adjusted such that the ring-like portion can be positioned about the tip of any player&#39;s thumb. The thin head  46  includes a tab  56  operable for securing the thin head  46  in the receiving slot  50 . Optionally, the center portion  42  of the thumb pick  40  also includes a plurality of tension slits  58 , enhancing the ring-like portion&#39;s ability to engage the player&#39;s thumb when positioned thereupon. Advantageously, the configuration of the thin head  46  and the receiving slot  50 , and their engagement method, allow the ring-like portion to snugly engage any thumb upon which the thumb pick  40  is positioned when the strings of the instrument are strummed, plucked, or picked. 
     The center portion  42 , the thin head  46 , the thick head  48 , and the neck portion  52  can be separate components fixedly attached to one another, or they may be integrally formed. The center portion  42 , the thin head  46 , the thick head  48 , and the neck portion  52  can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the center portion  42 , the thin head  46 , the thick head  48 , and the neck portion  52  can be made of a self-lubricating material. The center portion  42 , the thin head  46 , the thick head  48 , and the neck portion  52  can have a thickness of between about 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, however, other suitable dimensions can be utilized. 
     Advantageously, the ring-like portion of the thumb pick  40  allows the thumb pick  40  to be held with a relatively low pressure. The ring-like portion also allows for a rapid transition between strumming with the thin head  46 , plucking or picking with the thick head  48 , and finger picking. Specifically, the thumb pick  40  may be spun about the tip of the player&#39;s thumb, or removed and repositioned about the tip of the player&#39;s thumb. The ring-like portion also allows the thumb pick  40  to be attached to the strings of an instrument when not in use, such that it will not be lost. As described above, the thumb pick  40  has an adjustable flex point, providing consistent pick-to-string contact, and can be made of a self-lubricating material, providing relatively low string wear and relatively high pick life. Optionally, a conventional pick or plectrum can be fixedly attached to the thin head  46  and/or the thick head  48  of the thumb pick  40 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4, in a further embodiment of the present invention, the thumb pick  40  has a center portion  42  and two end portions  44 , including a thin head end  60  and a thick head end . 62 . The thin head end  60  has a relatively low rigidity, making it especially suitable for strumming the strings of an instrument. The thick head end  62  has a relatively high rigidity, making it especially suitable for plucking or picking the strings of the instrument. The thin head end  60  and the thick head end  62  have a substantially rectangular shape, although other suitable shapes can be utilized. Advantageously, the thin head end  60  and the thick head end  62  can be trimmed by a player or customized with respect to shape. The eventual shapes of the thin head end  60  and the thick head end  62  preferably contribute to their rigidity. The thin head end  60  and the thick head end  62  can have a substantially uniform thickness or, alternatively, can taper along their length and/or width. 
     The center portion  42  has a substantially rectangular shape, although another suitable shape can be utilized. The center portion  42  is configured to be positioned about the tip of a player&#39;s thumb and, accordingly, includes a receiving slot  50 . The receiving slot  50  is operable for receiving the thin head end  60  of the thumb pick  40 , forming a ring-like portion (not shown) configured to be positioned about the tip of the player&#39;s thumb. A neck portion  52  of the thumb pick  40 , disposed between the center portion  42  and the thin head end  60 , is preferably sufficiently flexible that the thin head end  60  can be twisted or cammed and inserted in and through the receiving slot  50 . Preferably, the neck portion  52  tapers width-wise from the center portion  42  to the thin head end  60 . The receiving slot  50  includes a plurality of notches  54 , allowing the diameter or size of the ring-like portion to be adjusted such that the ring-like portion can be positioned about the tip of any player&#39;s thumb. The thin head end  60  includes a tab  56  operable for securing the thin head end  60  in the receiving slot  50 . Optionally, the center portion  42  of the thumb pick  40  also includes a plurality of tension slits  58 , enhancing the ring-like portion&#39;s ability to engage the player&#39;s thumb when positioned thereupon. Advantageously, the configuration of the thin head end  60  and the receiving slot  50 , and their engagement method, allow the ring-like portion to snugly engage any thumb upon which the thumb pick  40  is positioned when the strings of the instrument are strummed, plucked, or picked. 
     The center portion  42 , the thin head end  60 , the thick head end  62 , and the neck portion  52  can be separate components fixedly attached to one another, or they may be integrally formed. The center portion  42 , the thin head end  60 , the thick head end  62 , and the neck portion  52  can be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the center portion  42 , the thin head end  60 , the thick head end  62 , and the neck portion  52  can be made of a self-lubricating material. The center portion  42 , the thin head end  60 , the thick head end  62 , and the neck portion  52  can have a thickness of between about 0.01 inches and 0.10 inches, however, other suitable dimensions can be utilized. 
     As described above, the ring-like portion of the thumb pick  40  allows the thumb pick  40  to be held with a relatively low pressure. The ring-like portion also allows for a rapid transition between strumming with the thin head end  60 , plucking or picking with the thick head end  62 , and finger picking. Specifically, the thumb pick  40  may be spun about the tip of the player&#39;s thumb, or removed and repositioned about the tip of the player&#39;s thumb. The ring-like portion also allows the thumb pick  40  to be attached to the strings of an instrument when not in use, such that it will not be lost. Again, the thumb pick  40  has an adjustable flex point, providing consistent pick-to-string contact, and can be made of a self-lubricating material, providing relatively low string wear and relatively high pick life. 
     Although the pick of the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments and examples thereof, other embodiments and examples can achieve the same results. Variations in and modifications to the pick of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and the following claims are intended to cover all such equivalent embodiments and examples.