Motorized instrument strummer

A hand-held strumming device includes a hollow body, a power source, a motor, a regulator, and a strummer. The power source is disposed in the hollow body. The motor is in electrical communication with the power source. The regulator is in electrical communication with both the motor and the power source. The regulator is configured to selectively adjust a rotational speed of the motor. The strummer is rotatably disposed on the disk. The strummer is configured to be presented to strings of a stringed instrument upon rotation of the motor to strum the strings.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to stringed instruments and, more particularly, to a device used for strumming stringed instruments.

BACKGROUND

The beginning phase of learning a stringed instrument can be troublesome due to having to learn different concepts simultaneously. In particular, novice musicians can struggle with the guitar due to the need to focus on strumming and fretting simultaneously. This split focus results in a longer learning process.

In addition, disabled or elderly musicians may find strumming and fretting simultaneously difficult based on physical discomfort or lack of mental agility. Undesirably, this can lead to disabled or elderly musicians not participating in the music industry.

Automating the strumming of stringed instruments is known, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,330 to Cooper. However, the Cooper device is large and unwieldy, complicated to use, expensive, and can be cumbersome by restricting a musician's range of motion.

There is a continuing need for a handheld, user-friendly, and inexpensive device and method for automating strumming of stringed instruments. Desirably, the device allows the musician to have a full range of motion while playing.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a handheld, user-friendly, and inexpensive device and method for automating strumming of stringed instruments, and which allows the musician to have a full range of motion while playing, has been surprisingly discovered.

In one embodiment, a hand-held strumming device includes a hollow body, a power source, a motor, a regulator, and a strummer. The power source is disposed in the hollow body. The motor is in electrical communication with the power source. The regulator is in electrical communication with both the motor and the power source. The regulator is configured to selectively adjust a rotational speed of the motor. The strummer is rotatably disposed on the disk. The strummer is configured to be presented to strings of a stringed instrument upon rotation of the motor to strum the strings.

In another embodiment, a method of playing a stringed instrument includes the first step of providing the abovementioned hand-held strumming device. Then, providing a stringed instrument. Next, the hand-held strumming device is presented to the strings of the stringed instrument. Then, the stringed instrument is strummed automatically with the hand-held strumming device. Next, the stringed instrument is fretted while the musician is able to focus solely on fretting due to the automation of the strumming.

In a further embodiment, a hand-held strumming device, includes a hollow body, a rechargeable battery, a direct current (DC) motor, a regulator, a disk, a strummer, a port, a plectrum, and a power switch. The rechargeable battery is disposed in the hollow body. The DC motor is in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery. The DC motor has a shaft. The regulator has a rotatable manual adjuster. The regulator is in electrical communication with both the DC motor and the rechargeable battery. The regulator is configured to selectively adjust a rotational speed of the DC motor. The rotatable manual adjuster is disposed on an outer surface of the hollow body. The rotatable manual adjuster is textured and facilitates a gripping of the manual adjuster by a musician. A position of the manual adjuster allows a thumb or index finger of the musician to selectively adjust the rotational speed of the DC motor while the musician holds the hollow body. The disk is attached to the shaft of the DC motor. The disk is configured to rotate via the DC motor. The disk includes an aperture and a fastener. The aperture is formed on the disk adjacent a perimeter of the disk. The fastener is disposed on the disk and removably secures the disk to the shaft of the DC motor. The strummer is rotatably disposed on the disk. The aperture of the disk removably receives the strummer. The strummer is configured to be presented to strings of a stringed instrument upon rotation of the disk to strum the strings. The port is disposed through the hollow body and is in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery. The plectrum is disposed on the hollow body. The plectrum permits for a picking of individual strings of the stringed instrument. The power switch is in electrical communication with both the rechargeable battery and the DC motor. The power switch is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the DC motor.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hand-held strumming device includes a hollow body, a cylindrical housing that includes a direct current motor, a potentiometer, a power source, a rotatable spindle, and a wire attached to the rotatable spindle. The power source powers the direct current motor, which rotates the rotatable spindle. This rotation causes the wire to be presented to the guitar strings in such a way as to strum the guitar without the transverse hand and lower arm movement associated with a normal strum. The potentiometer acts as a variable resistor and varies the voltage from the power source. The musician can adjust the potentiometer causing the direct current motor to go faster or slower, directly impacting the strumming speed.

Additionally, the hand-held motorized guitar strummer can include a conventional guitar pick affixed to the cylindrical housing.

Automating the strumming allows a novice to focus more on fretting without the challenge of strumming the strings at the same time. In addition, this may allow a disabled guitarist to play the guitar easier.

A non-limiting example of a potentiometer has the dimensions of 1.2 inches by 0.6 inches by 0.3 inches. The potentiometer acts as a variable resistor for the power source. The guitarist can adjust the potentiometer causing the direct current motor to go faster or slower which directly impacts the strumming speed.

A non-limiting example of a direct current motor has the dimensions of 24 mm by 12 mm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, is not necessary or critical unless otherwise disclosed.

As shown inFIG. 1-4, a hand-held strumming device100includes a hollow body102, a power source104, a motor106, a regulator108, and a strummer110. The hollow body102has a size and shape that permits the hollow body102to be held in one hand. In particular, within 10 inches on all sides, more particularly within 7 inches and most particularly within 4 inches. Advantageously, this allows a musician to only need one hand to use the hand-held strumming device100, while allowing the other free hand of the musician to fret a stringed instrument101(shown inFIG. 4). It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select different dimensions of the hollow body102that allow it to be used with one hand within the scope of this disclosure.

The shape of the hollow body102may also be ergonomic. For example, the shape is designed to be ergonomic to ensure comfortable play sessions. In particular, the hollow body102may be substantially cylindrical or ovoid in shape. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may select different ergonomic shapes for the hollow body102within the scope of this disclosure.

The power source104is in electrical communication with the motor106and the regulator108. In certain examples, as shown inFIG. 3, the power source104disposed within the hollow body102. The power source104has an electrical storage capacity sufficient to supply the motor106with power for an adequate amount of time to accommodate multiple play sessions.

In some embodiments, the power source104is a battery. Desirably, the battery allows a musician to not be restricted by a power cable, and further allows the musician to benefit from the hand-held nature of the device100. In some instances, the battery is rechargeable. The rechargeable battery conveniently allows the musician to recharge the device instead of having to buy replacement batteries. In other instances, the battery may be removable from the hollow body102, which permits it to be replaced as needed.

In a specific embodiment, the power source104is a 5.6-volt battery. It should be appreciated that although this power source104has shown to be useful, other suitable power sources104may also be selected by a person skilled in the art within the scope of this disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the motor106is in electrical communication with both the power source104and the regulator108. For example, the motor106may be disposed within the hollow body102. In addition, the motor106is configured to provide sufficient revolutions per minute (rpm), in order to adequality mimic the maximum strum rate of the musician. It should be appreciated that the maximum strum rate is variable and depends on the specific musical application.

In some embodiments, the motor106is a direct current (DC) motor. As a nonlimiting example, the motor106may be a 3-volt electric motor capable of producing 3,500 rpm. It should be appreciated that, although the 3-volt electric motor has been shown to be useful as the motor106, other suitable types of motors may also be selected by the skilled artisan, as desired.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 3, the regulator108is in electrical communication with both the motor106and the power source104. Also, the regulator108is configured to selectively adjust the rotational speed of the motor106, which in turn directly correlates to the strum rate. Thus, the regulator108allows the musician to adjust the strum rate according to the musician's needs.

In certain embodiments, the regulator108is a resistor with an adjustable tapping point that slides along the resistance element. In other embodiments, the adjustable tapping point is adjustable by the rotation of a post. In particular embodiments, the regulator108is a potentiometer. It should be appreciated that a one skilled in the art may use other methods to adjust the rotational speed of the motor106within the scope of this disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the regulator108is connected to at least one manual adjuster111. The manual adjuster111allows the musician to more easily control the rotational speed of the motor106. Nonlimiting examples of the manual adjuster111may include tactile sensors, push buttons, dials, levers, and knobs.

Desirably, the positioning of the manual adjuster111allows the musician to adjust the rotational speed of the motor106simply by using the musician's thumb or index finger of the same hand holding the hand-held strumming device100, for example, as shown inFIG. 4. Moreover, in some instances the manual adjuster111is textured in such a way that provides more traction for the musician's thumb or index finger.

It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may apply different types of textures or grips to the regulator108to provide better traction within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, a skilled artisan may also select different types of the manual adjuster111to allow the musician to more easily control the rotational speed of the motor106within the scope of this disclosure.

In a particular embodiment, the regulator108is a potentiometer with a post connected to a knob. The potentiometer functions as a variable resistor to adjust the rotational speed of the motor106by varying the voltage from the power source104. As a nonlimiting example, the potentiometer is a 5,000 Ohm potentiometer. It should be appreciated that, although this potentiometer has shown to be useful, other suitable potentiometers of different resistance ranges may also be selected by one skilled in the art, as desired.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2-4, the strummer100is configured to be presented to the strings of the stringed instrument101upon rotation of the motor106to strum the strings. For example, the strummer110is rotatably disposed on the motor106. Advantageously, the strummer110automates the strumming of the stringed instrument101, allowing the musician to focus solely on fretting. It is believed that this increased focus allows the musician to learn to fret more rapidly than when required to strum and fret simultaneously.

It should be appreciated that the strummer110is thin, sufficiently stiff, and of a length sufficient to contact and strum the strings of the stringed instrument101. In particular nonlimiting examples, the strummer110may include one of a cord and a wire. The cord or wire may further be enclosed in plastic or paper, in order to minimize the potential for damage to the strings of the stringed instrument101. In a particular embodiment, the strummer110is a 30-gauge wire. It should be appreciated that although the 30-gauge wire has shown to be especially useful, other suitable strummers110may also be selected by a person skilled in the art, as desired.

Alternative embodiments of the hand-held strumming device100can further include one or a combination of the following features or structure: a disk112; a plectrum114; a display116; a speaker118; a port120; at least one switch122; and a force feedback unit124. Other suitable features or structure of the device100may also be employed within the scope of the disclosure.

With reference toFIGS. 2-4, the disk112is configured to rotate the strummer110, for example, via its own rotation by the motor106. Favorably, the disk112allows the strummer110to have an increase range and militates the strummer110from being entangled around a shaft107of the motor106. In particular, the disk112may be rotatably disposed on a shaft107of the motor106. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select different sizes and materials for disk112within the scope of this disclosure.

In certain examples, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the disk112has at least one aperture126. The at least one aperture126is formed in the disk112adjacent a perimeter edge of the disk and is configured to receive the strummer110. This allows the strummer110to be easily tied or affixed to the disk112via the aperture126, instead of having to dispose the strummer110through the shaft107of the motor106. In such case, the tying or affixing, for example, by mechanical or chemical fasteners, will militate against an undesirable rotation of the strummer110to a position adjacent the disk112where the strummer110cannot be presented to the strings of the stringed instrument101. It should also be understood that the at least one aperture126may include more than one of the aperture126through which the strummer110is disposed, in order to also militate against the undesirable rotation. Other means for militating against the undesirable rotation of the strummer110to a location that does not permit presentation to the strings may also be employed, as desired.

Moreover, the location of the aperture126allows the musician to easily remove and replace existing strummers110as they become unusable from wear and tear. In addition, the musician can remove and replace existing strummers110with different strummers110depending on the application or the stringed instrument101being used. For example, a steel-string guitar may require a firmer and more ridged strummer110.

The device100may further include at least one fastener127. The fastener127is disposed adjacent the disk112and is configured to removably secure the disk112to the shaft107of the motor106. The fastener127is disposed on the disk112and is configured to prevent the disk112from dislodging from the shaft107of the motor106. In a particular embodiment, the fastener127may be a nut that is threadably attached to the shaft107disposed through a center hole113of the disk112. Alternatively, the fastener1127may be pinched or otherwise connected manually to the shaft107in order to affix the disk112to the shaft107. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may employ different types of structure or materials to connect the disk112to the motor106, as desired.

In a particular embodiment, the disk112has the dimensions of 24 mm by 2 mm. It should be appreciated that although these dimensions have been shown to be useful, other suitable dimensions may also be selected by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosure.

As depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3, the plectrum114may be disposed on a side of the hollow body102. More specifically, the plectrum114may be positioned to allow for a picking of individual strings of the stringed instrument101. This conveniently allows the musician to switch between automatically strumming and manually strumming without having set aside the hand-held strumming device100.

In certain embodiments, the plectrum114is made up of a nylon material and is 0.73 mm in length. It should be appreciated that, although the plectrum114having these materials and dimensions has shown to be useful, other suitable materials and dimensions for the plectrum114may also be selected by the skilled artisan, as desired.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 4, the display116may be configured to show a musician different values and outputs. For example, the display116may output the current rotational speed of the motor106. Advantageously, this allows the musician to narrowly tailor the current strum speed according to the current application or stringed instrument101. In particular, the display116may be disposed on the hollow body102in a position that allows the musician to view it while holding the hand-held strumming device100. For example, the display116may be disposed adjacent to the manual adjuster111so that the display116is otherwise visible between the thumb and index finger of the musician while gripping the device100.

In particular embodiments, the display116is a light emitting diode (LED) display. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan many select different, positions, sizes, and types of the display116within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now toFIG. 1, the speaker118is in electrical communicate with the power source104. In some examples the speaker118is disposed within the hollow body102. The speaker118may be configured to provide audio cues, such as a sound to designate that the device has been activated or deactivated. It should be appreciated that other audio cues may be used within the scope of this disclosure. Also, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select different types and sizes of the speaker118within the scope of this disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the port120is in electrical communication with the power source104. The port120is configured to receive electricity from a cable to recharge the power source104, in instances wherein the power source104is a rechargeable battery. As mentioned previously, this allows a musician to recharge the hand-held strumming device100without needing to purchase replacement batteries. In certain examples, the port120is disposed through and end or side of the hollow body102. A nonlimiting example of the port120is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. However, other suitable types of the port120for supplying power to the power source104may also be employed.

In further embodiments, the port120is further configured to transfer and receive data. Non-limiting examples include transferring set strum rates and information necessary to facilitate a connection to a software application. The set strum rate could be a single predetermined value or be a plurality of values, capable of recreating the strumming of an entire song.

Also, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may include additional types of data and data transmission means within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the device100may further include a wireless transceiver (not shown) that permits for wireless communication of the data to another device or computer running a suitable software application. Moreover, a skilled artisan may tailor the software application to be a web application or as a mobile application, as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the at least one switch122may be configured to activate or deactivate the hand-held strumming device100. For example, the at least one switch122may be a power switch. The at least one switch122may be disposed on the hollow body102in a location that militates against it being inadvertently activated or deactivated while the device100is being gripped by the musician in operation. For example, the at least one switch122may be disposed on an end of the hollow body102opposite the end of the hollow body102where the strummer110is otherwise disposed.

Non-limiting examples of the at least one switch122include tactile sensors and push buttons. It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art may select different sizes, types, and locations of the at least one switch122within the scope of this disclosure

With reference toFIG. 1, the force feedback unit124may be disposed within the hollow body102. The force feedback unit124may be configured to provide tactile cues, such as a vibration, in order to designate that the device100has been activated or deactivated. It should be appreciated that other suitable tactile cues may be used within the scope of this disclosure.

It should be understood that each of the abovementioned additions, such as the display116, the speaker118, and the force feedback unit124, may further require a microcontroller128disposed within the hollow body104. The microcontroller128may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory includes a tangible, non-transitory computer readable medium with processor-executable instructions stored thereon. The microcontroller128is configured to control the display116, speaker118, and the force feedback unit124, and permit them to operate in accordance with the processor-executable instructions. Other suitable means for controlling the display116, the speaker118, and the force feedback unit124may also be employed, as desired.

As shown inFIG. 5, a method200for playing a stringed instrument101includes a first step202of providing the hand-held strumming device100. In a step204, providing a stringed instrument101. It should be appreciated that the playing of the stringed instrument101may be performed as a learning or practice exercise, or may be otherwise performed during a performance with the stringed instrument101.

In a step206, the hand-held device is presented to the strings of the stringed instrument101. Then, in a step208the stringed instrument101is strummed automatically with the hand-held strumming device100. Next, in a step210, the stringed instrument101is fretted while the hand-held strumming device100automatically strums the stringed instrument101. Then, in a step212, the musician can adjust the rate of the strumming by manually adjusting the hand-held strumming device100.

Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that the method200of the present disclosure allows a novice musician to solely focus on fretting while playing the stringed instrument101. This singular focus allows the novice musician to more quickly learn fretting, so they can eventually learn how to fret and strum simultaneously. Moreover, it is believed that the method200is also suitable for some disabled musicians, such as musicians with arthritis, allowing them to strum the stringed instrument101better.

In an alternative embodiment, the device100may also have a metronome mode that permits for the device100to be used as a metronome. For example, the motor106may be configured to periodically sway the strummer110back-and-forth at a predetermined beats-per-minute. This allows the musician to use the hand-held strumming device100both as an automatic strummer and also as a metronome. Conveniently, this means the hand-held strumming device100not only helps musician to learn fretting, but that it can also be used to improve their timing, especially the ability to stick to a tempo.

In operation, the musician uses the hand-held strumming device100as a metronome by putting the device on a flat portion130(shown inFIG. 3) of the hollow body102. Then, the musician is able to visually see the current beats-per-minute via the strummer110swaying back-and-forth.

In addition, the display116may be further configured to output values to the musician to assist with using the hand-held strumming device100as the metronome. For example, the display116may be used as a meter to actively show the current beats-per-minute when using the hand-held strumming device100as the metronome. This allows for more fine tuning of the current beats-per-minute value.

In particular embodiments, the speaker118can be further configured to periodically emit a sound to a predetermined beats-per-minute. Advantageously, this allows the hand-held strumming device100to function as an audible metronome. The audible metronome benefits visually impaired musicians and also allows musicians to use the hand-held strumming device100as the metronome without having position device100on its flat portion130.

In further embodiments, the force feedback unit124may be configured to periodically emit vibrations according to the predetermined beats-per-minute. This allows the hand-held strumming device100to function as a tactile metronome. Thus, the musician can have the functionality of a metronome without having to rely on sight or sound. In addition, this allows the musician to continue using the hand-held strumming device100as an auto strummer while also using it as a metronome. Moreover, unlike an audible metronome, the sound from the stringed instrument101will not interfere with the metronome functionality.

In an alternative embodiment, the hand-held strumming device100may further comprise a microphone, not shown, in order to have a tuning mode that permits the device100to function as a tuner for the stringed instrument101. The microphone is configured to receive sound emitting from the stringed instrument. In some examples, the microphone is in electrical communication with the microcontroller128. Upon, receiving the sounds emitting from the string instrument, the display116is configured to notify the musician if the string instrument101is in tune. Some examples may include configuring the speaker118to emit a noise notifying the musician if the string instrument101is in tune. Further examples may include configuring the force feedback unit124to emit a vibration to notify the musician if the string instrument101is in tune.

Nonlimiting examples of the notification include: showing a specific color, if the stringed instrument101is in tuned; or showing a pulsing light if the stringed instrument101is out of tune. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select different ways of notifying the musician that the stringed instrument is in tune or out of tune.

Advantageously, the device100described hereinabove is handheld, user-friendly, and inexpensive. The device100and the associated method200for automating strumming of stringed instruments101further allows the musician to have a full range of motion while playing.