Abstract:
A thumb pick is provided that includes a harness and plectrum. The harness is provided for securely holding the plectrum in firm engagement with a guitar player&#39;s thumb. The harness includes a strap contoured to fit around the thumb in advance of the first knuckle. The harness has a central portion with a slot therein to receive and hold the plectrum firmly against the undersurface of the thumb with the pointed end of the plectrum protruding through the slot in a playing position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part patent application which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/072,924, filed Nov. 6, 2013, the disclosures of which being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to guitar playing equipment and, more particularly, to a novel plectrum and harness combination for attaching said novel plectrum to a player&#39;s thumb as employed in playing guitar. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Conventional plectrums for playing stringed instruments are commonly a thin piece of flexible plastic, generally triangular in shape that is grasped between the thumb and index finger. The plectrum is moved over the strings of a stringed instrument such as a guitar, bass, ukulele, or the like, to create sound. Such plectrums are generally comprised of the cut or cast plastic materials such as nylon, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, or other flexible polymers. Plectrums are typically the cut from a sheet or injection molded. Grasping a plectrum between the thumb and forefinger can cause fatigue that can lead to dropping the plectrum during performance. Such grasping can also reduce the flexibility of the plectrum. Means of attaching a plectrum to the thumb have been developed to mitigate such drawbacks and are referred to as thumb picks. 
         [0004]    Accordingly, it is an object of the disclosed embodiment to provide a comfortable means of engaging a replaceable plectrum with a thumb, further providing a tactile engagement between said harness and plectrum, further providing engagement with the thumb allowing for appropriate flex of the plectrum. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an example embodiment  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a flexible body  130  is comprised of a resilient material and although may be made of leather or textile materials, the preferred embodiment is comprised of a castable elastomer that may be any of a number of polyurethanes, silicones or vinyls. Appropriate castable elastomer shore-durometer measurements for some embodiments are between Shore-00 rating between 30 and 80 and Shore-A rating between 0 and 40. 
         [0006]    In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an example harness and plectrum combination is provided that includes a semi-rigid molded harness that provides specific tactile means of engagement with the root of the thumb nail, the thumb tip and the thumb pad. The semi-rigid molded harness is affixed to the thumb with a strap that is received by a channel with molded engagement means to hold the strap. A slot in the harness is provided that receives a replaceable plectrum. A replaceable plectrum comprises a substantially curved surface that engages with both the harness and with the surface of the thumb for tactile engagement with the plectrum. A groove and flare engage the plectrum with the slot in the harness. 
         [0007]    These and other non-limiting features or characteristics of the present disclosure are further described below. Features are provided from the following description are achieved in accordance with the present invention by providing a harness consisting of a castable elastomer form contoured to fit the thumb with tactile engagement with the root of the thumb nail, the tip of the thumb and the thumb pad and which has a portion dimensioned to provide an area that receives and hold a contoured pick such a plectrum providing a surface that sits firmly against the surface of the thumb with the substantially pointed end of the plectrum protruding through said slit into playing position. 
         [0008]    Any combination or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purposes of illustrating the disclosure set forth herein and not for the purposes of limiting the same. Example embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that the various features and combinations of features described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed systems, assemblies and methods, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a front, left perspective view of an example thumb pick according to the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front, right perspective view of an example thumb pick according to the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective, exploded view of an example thumb pick according to the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective, exploded view of an example thumb pick according to the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front, left perspective view of a thumb pick according to the present disclosure in a semi-closed position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front, left perspective view of a thumb pick according to the present disclosure in a closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a front, left perspective view of a thumb pick according to the present disclosure in a closed position over a thumb. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a front, right perspective view of an embodiment of a thumb pick according to the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the thumb pick according to  FIG. 8 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a front, left perspective view of the embodiment of the thumb pick according to  FIG. 8 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the thumb pick according to  FIG. 8 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective, exploded view of the embodiment of the thumb pick according to  FIG. 8 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective, exploded view of the embodiment of the thumb pick according to  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The example embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of advantageous features and functions for an improved harness and plectrum combination providing comfort and tactile engagement with both the harness and plectrum. A more complete understanding of the components, processes, and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to demonstrate the present disclosure and are not intended to show relative sizes and dimensions or to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments. In particular, the figures provided herein are not necessarily to scale and, in certain views, parts may be exaggerated for purposes of clarity. 
         [0024]    Although specific terms are used in the following description, these terms are intended to refer only to particular structures in the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function. 
         [0025]    The terms “about” or “approximately” when used with a quantity include the stated value and also have the meaning dictated by the context. For example, they include at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity. When used in the context of a range, the terms “about” or “approximately” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the range “from about 2 to about 4” or “from approximately 2 to approximately 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4”. 
         [0026]    Example embodiments include, but are not limited to, a molded elastomeric harness having tactile engagement with the root of the thumb nail, the tip of the thumb and the pad of the thumb. The molded harness further provides a slot for engagement with a replaceable plectrum. The replaceable plectrum includes a portion for interacting with the strings of a stringed instrument and a surface that is in contact with the surface of the thumb, thus providing the user with the feel of the contact of the plectrum with the strings. 
         [0027]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 2  front, left and front right perspective views respectively of an example embodiment of a thumb pick  100  of a harness and plectrum combination is shown. The harness  130 , comprised of a castable elastomer as previously described. The harness comprises a strap  116  having a plurality of protrusions  114  and spaces between protrusions  118 . The strap is enjoined with a mid-section  122  that has a slot  120  for a plectrum  110 . A curve in the surface provides a stop  129  that rests on the tip of the thumb preventing the harness from sliding along the long axis of the thumb. A slot  118  receives the strap  116 . Spaces  124  and ridges  128  engage with protrusions  114  and the spaces between protrusions  119  respectively. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , rear and front exploded, perspective views are shown. The plectrum  110  is removed from the slot  120 . Seen in this view is a textured surface  126  on the inferior of the harness  130 . The textured surface  126  provides proper engagement between the harness  130  and the thumb. 
         [0029]    The plectrum  110  comprises a substantially pointed portion  109  for engaging with the strings of a stringed instrument. The plectrum further comprises a rear surface  111  and tabs  113  that engage with a recess  119  in the harness  130  and also engages with the surface of the thumb. Proper engagement with the surface of the thumb provides a means of transferring the vibration that occurs as the playing portion  109  of the plectrum  110  makes contact with a string(s) of a stringed instrument. In this manner, the harness  130  does not interfere with the tactile sensation on the thumb of the plectrum  110  on the strings. The plectrum  110  engages with the harness  130  being fitted through the slot  120 . The plectrum  110  can also comprise a recess  117  that is of a similar dimension to the width of the slot  120  and a flared portion  115  that is wider than the slot  120 . As the harness  130  is comprised of an elastomeric material, the slot  120  is able to flex sufficiently to receive the flared portion  115 . Once through the slot the flared portion  115  rests on the outer surface of the harness  130  thus keeping the plectrum in place. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 7  front perspective views of the harness  130  and plectrum  110  combination is illustrated with the harness  130  flexed.  FIG. 7  illustrates the harness  130  flexed and worn on a thumb  140 . The strap  116  is received by the slot  118  and protrusions  114  secure the strap in place by residing between the ridges  128 . In other words, a plurality of protrusions  114  and spaces  119  between protrusions  114  engage respectively with spaces between ridges  124  and ridges  128  to provide adjustability in the diameter of the harness  130  to fit various size thumbs  140 . The textured portion  126  of the harness  130  resides against the pad of the thumb. The stop  129  can be seen in  FIG. 7 , resting against the tip of the thumb  141 . A curved surface  112  rests against the root of the thumb nail  143  providing a tactile location of the harness with the thumb nail root  143 . 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 8-13 , another embodiment of a thumb pick, generally designated  200 , for engaging with strings of a stringed instrument is provide. As with the thumb pick  100  described above in  FIGS. 1-7 , the thumb pick  200  shown in  FIGS. 8-13  can comprise a flexible harness  210  having a first side  212  and a second side  214  and a strap  220  extending from the first side  212  of the harness  210 . The thumb pick  200  can also comprise a groove  216  in an outer surface  218  of the second side  214  of the harness  212  for receiving the strap  220 . The harness  210  can also comprise a middle section  213  between the first side  212  and the second side  214  of the harness. The middle section  213  can include a stop  215  at an outer end of the middle section  213 . In particular, the stop  215  can be a protrusion that can be formed by the outer end of the middle section  213  being curved upward. In use, the tip of the users thumb can rest against the stop  215 , similar to the stop  128  shown in  FIG. 7 , to prevent the harness  210  from sliding along the users thumb. 
         [0032]    The thumb pick  200  can further comprise a plectrum  230  with a substantially planar portion  232  that comprises a playing portion  234  of the plectrum  230  for contacting strings of a stringed instrument. The plectrum  230  can also comprise a substantially curved portion  236  that has a rear surface  238  at an end  232 A of the planar portion  232 . The curved portion  236  and the rear surface  238  can extend outward above opposing sides of the planar portion  232  of the plectrum  230  so that the substantially curved portion  236  is transverse to the substantially planar portion  232 . For example, the substantially curved portion  236  can be about perpendicular to the substantially planar portion  232 . 
         [0033]    The harness  210  can further comprise a vertical slot  240  for receiving the plectrum  230 . The harness can also comprise a recess  242  proximal to the slot  240 . For example, the slot  240  and the recess  242  can reside in the middle section  213  of the harness  210 . The slot  240  can engage the substantially planar portion  232  of the plectrum  230  and the recess  242  can engage the substantially curved portion  236  of the plectrum  230 , such that at least a portion of the substantially curved portion  236  of the plectrum  230  resides in the recess  242 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the plectrum  230  can comprise a recess portion  243  and a flared portion  244  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In some embodiments, the flared portion  244  can reside on the substantially planar portion  232  proximal to the end  232 A with the recess portion  243  above the flared portion  244  on the substantially planar portion between the flared portion  244  and the curved portion  236  of the plectrum  230 . In such embodiments, the flared portion  244  is wider than the slot  240  that flexibly receives the flared portion  244 , so that, once through the slot  240 , the flared portion  244  rests on the outer surface  218  of the harness  210  to keep the plectrum  230  in place, while the recess portion  243  rests within the slot  240 . Thereby, the recess portion  243  serves as an inset for receiving the edges of the middle section  213  of the harness  210  that form the slot  240 . Additionally, the curved portion  238  of the plectrum  230  can comprise tabs  246  mat extend outward from the curved portion  236  on either side of the planar portion  232  of the plectrum  230  and fit within the recess  242  in the interior surface of the harness  210  when the planar portion  232  is inserted through the slot  240  in the harness  210 . By having the tabs  246  of the curved portion  236  of the plectrum  230  residing in the recess  242  of the harness  210 , the plectrum  230  can have added stability when the thumb of the user resides against the curved portion  238  when the strap  220  is secured within the groove  216  on the second side  214  of the harness  210  snugly around the thumb. 
         [0035]    Like the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and described above, the thumb pick  200  can comprise a fastener device  250  for securing the strap  220  within the groove  216  of the harness  210  as shown in  FIGS. 8-13 . For example, the fastener device  250  can comprise a first portion  252  that can be secured to the strap  220  and a second portion  254  that can be secured within the groove  216  of the harness  210 . The first portion  252  can be configured to matingly engage the second portion  254  to hold the strap  220  within the groove  216 . As shown in  FIGS. 8-13  in some embodiments, the fastener device  250  can comprise a hook and loop fastener, such as those fasteners sold under the brand name Velcro™. In some embodiments, the first portion  252  of the fastener device  250  can comprise a hook section and the second portion  254  of the fastener device  250  can comprise a loop section. In some embodiments, the first portion  252  of the fastener device  250  can comprise a loop section and the second portion  254  of the fastener device  250  can comprise a hook section. 
         [0036]    The hook and loop fastener  250  can increase the ease of affixing the pick  200  to the thumb. The user can simply wrap the strap  220  around the thumb as snugly as needed or desire and place the strap  220  in the groove  216  to attach the two sides  252 ,  254  of hook and loop fastener  250  together. The fastener device  250  can firmly hold the strap  220  in the groove  216  of the harness  210  and not have a tendency to work loose during the playing of a stringed instrument with the thumb pick  200 . In addition, the fastener device  250  will stay locked at the same size at which it was attached which allows the end user to slide the pick  200  off and on at will without having to readjust it for every use. The pliable nature of the harness material can have a high coefficient of friction with skin and permit this slide on and slide off feature. Thereby, the hook and loop fastener  250  can permit a faster fit and can be much easier to attach and adjust. Additionally, the hook and loop fastener  250  can provides a tighter fit that can provide improved stability during play while also providing improved comfort. Further, the hook and loop fastener  250  can provide easier reuse through the ability to slide the pick  200  on and off after being fit, while also providing a greater size range. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, other fastener devices can be used. For instance, the fastener device can be one or more snap fasteners. For example, the fastener device that can comprise first and second portions that can be male and female connector portions of one or more snap fasteners that can matingly engage to fasten the strap in the groove of the harness. For example, the first portion can be a male connector secured to a strap and the second portion can be one or more female connectors within the groove of the harness for receiving the male connector of the first portion on the strap. If two or more female connectors are secured in a row in the groove, then the male connector can be secured in different female connectors to more securely fit the size of the user&#39;s thumb to allow the strap/harness connection to be adjustable. Similarly, if two or more snap fasteners are present the harness can also be adjustable. 
         [0038]    As with the embodiments described above, the harness  210  can comprise a tactile texture  260  in an interior surface  262  of the harness  210  for engaging with a pad of a thumb of a user on which the thumb pick  200  is placed. The tactile texture  260  in the interior surface  262  of the harness  210  can be shaped protrusions. For example, the tactile texture  260  in the interior surface  262  of the harness  210  can be disc shaped protrusions as shown in  FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 8-12 . The tactile texture  260  in an interior surface  262  of the harness  210  can be a variety of different shaped protrusions as long as the protrusions aid in creating a fractional engagement to hold the pick  200  on the thumb once the strap  220  is secured to the groove  216  in the harness  210  snugly around the thumb. 
         [0039]    The harness  210  of the thumb pick  200  can also comprise a protrusion, or stop  215  for engaging with a tip of the thumb of the user and a curved portion  217  for engaging with a root of the thumb nail similar to the protrusion  129  and curved portion  112  of the thumb pick  100  shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, the curved portion  217  can engage with a surface of the thumb of the user. As with the early described embodiments, in some embodiments, the harness  210  can be formed of rubber or rubber-like material having a shore-A rating between 0 and 40. In some embodiments, the harness  210  can be formed of rubber or rubber-like material having a shore-00 rating between 30 and 80. 
         [0040]    Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to example embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to such example embodiments and or implementations. Rather, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are susceptible to many implementations and applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompasses such modifications, enhancements and or variations of the disclosed embodiments. Since many changes could be made in the above construction and many widely different embodiments of this disclosure could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the drawings and specification shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.