Abstract:
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. The device is configured such that the pick may be easily advanced into, or retrieved from, the channels defined in each of the arms.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to accessories for musical instruments, and more specifically to such accessories operable to maintain connection of a strap to the musical instrument and to further provide a pick storage structure for a stringed instrument in particular. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Heretofore, musicians and musical instrument designers have adapted their instruments and devised various devices to enable the instruments to be played in a variety of different positions. For example, many stringed instruments such as guitars, mandolins, banjos and the like include one or more pegs affixed thereto for engaging a support strap, whereby the instrument may be suspended by the strap from the musician&#39;s body to enable mobile playing thereof. 
     Typically, the one or more pegs affixed to the stringed instrument include an enlarged head portion having a reduced diameter shaft or shank extending therefrom wherein the free end of the shaft is affixed to the instrument by various known means. Conventional support straps define an aperture therethrough adjacent at least one end thereof, wherein the aperture typically includes a slit extending therefrom. The aperture of the strap is forced over the head of a corresponding peg and onto the shaft to thereby connect the support strap to the instrument. In this process, the slit is generally operable to separate as the aperture is forced over the head, thereby effectively enlarging the aperture opening sufficiently to allow passage of the enlarged head therethrough. 
     The regions of the support strap defining the above-described aperture/slit configuration are typically formed of a semi-flexible material such as leather, vinyl or the like. Such materials are known to stretch and/or deform through repeated engagement and disengagement with the instrument peg, and support strap apertures thus tend to become enlarged and the slits overly flexible through normal use. Accordingly, there exists an ever-increasing possibility that the strap aperture may slip over the enlarged head of the peg, thereby disengaging the instrument from its wearer. Potential damage to, or destruction of, the instrument could result. 
     The foregoing problem associated with the above-described instrument/strap attachment structures has been addressed heretofore, and a number of strap locking and/or latching devices have been devised to ensure secure attachment of the support strap to the instrument. One approach to such a strap locking device includes modifying the instrument peg to include a strap locking feature. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,894,464, 4,014,240, 4,028,981, 4,144,794, 4,274,181, 4,291,822, 4,592,266, 4,843,943 and 4,901,900. While such devices are generally operable to provide adequate strap locking capabilities, they have certain drawbacks associated therewith. For example, the disclosed strap locking devices are designed to replace existing instrument pegs, and the mounting of such structures typically requires modifications to the instrument itself. Many musicians, particularly those who own and routinely play vintage or collectable instruments, desire to maintain the originality of their instruments and therefore will not use such devices. Moreover, many of these peg replacement devices are complicated and cumbersome to use. 
     Another known approach to strap locking devices includes modifying the strap to include a strap locking feature. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,688,012, 4,188,851, 4,271,999, 4,370,040 and 4,993,127. While such devices are generally operable to provide adequate strap locking capabilities, they have certain drawbacks associated therewith. For example, such devices are typically complicated and expensive to manufacture. Moreover, many musicians prefer to use customized straps that may not include, and may not be modifiable to include, such strap locking features. 
     Yet another known approach to strap locking devices includes providing a locking structure that is independent of both the strap and the instrument peg. An example of one such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,357,063 and includes a pair of juxtaposed disk-like structures each defining an aperture therethrough. The disks are rotatably connected such that the two apertures align in one position to allow passage therethrough of the enlarged head of the instrument pin. With the device apertures positioned about the reduced diameter shaft of the pin, one disk is rotated relative to the other such that the two apertures align in a second position having a diameter that is smaller than the head of the instrument pin. While this device overcomes some of the drawbacks of the above-described strap locking devices by providing a strap locking structure that is independent of both the support strap and the instrument pin, it has its own drawbacks associated therewith. For example, the dual-disk structure is complicated in its manufacture and assembly, and is further cumbersome and difficult to operate. 
     Another problem associated with the mobile playing of an instrument, and particularly of a stringed instrument, is the ready availability to the musician of needed musical accessories. For example, many guitar and mandolin players use flat picks, which may easily slip from the player&#39;s grasp when strumming or picking the strings. For this reason, designers of stringed instrument accessories have designed various structures for storing picks within ready access of the musician. One particular type of known pick storage structure includes a pick housing or holding structure that is affixable to the surface of the instrument and is configured to hold a number of picks. Examples of this type of pick storage structure are disclosed in U.S. Pat, Nos. 4,135,431, 4,785,708, 5,488,892, 5,796,021 and 5,847,299. While such pick holding structures are typically effective at accomplishing their intended purpose, such structures are generally undesirable from a musician&#39;s perspective because they involve either modifying the instrument body or affixing a structure to the instrument body in such a manner that may adversely affect the instrument tone/sound or that may damage the instrument finish. 
     Another known type of pick storage structure includes a pick housing or holding structure that may be affixed or attached to an instrument support strap or to the musician. Examples of such pick storage structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,779,778, 5,299,485, 5,413,020, 5,739,445, Des. 309,674 and Des. 362,264. Such pick storage structures are generally undesirable as cumbersome and/or as requiring modifications to the support strap or other structure. 
     Yet another known type of pick storage structure includes a housing or holding structure that may be detachably affixed to a portion of the instrument or to one of the instrument accessories. Examples of such pick storage structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,067,255, 5,651,468, Des. 393,362 and Des. 355,667. Most of these pick storage structures present a drawback in that the picks are located remote from the musician and are therefore difficult to store/retrieve. Des. 393,362, on the other hand, discloses a pick storage pouch that includes an aperture suitable for connection to an instrument strap pin. However, the position of the pouch does not appear to be adjustable relative to the strap pin, and the configuration of the pin storage area is such that storage and retrieval of a pick is difficult and cumbersome. 
     What is therefore needed is a combination instrument strap locking and pick storage device that overcomes the drawbacks associated with the above-described devices. Such a combination strap locking and pick storage device should ideally be simple in its design, manufacture and use, and should further be independent of the instrument, support strap and musician. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a strap lock device comprises first and second arms, and a ring defined between each of the first and second arms. The first and second arms are biased away from each other to define a passage through the ring having a first cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area defines an inner ring surface adapted to engage a shaft of a support strap attachment peg of a musical instrument. The first and second arms are biasable toward each other to temporarily increase the first cross-sectional area to a second larger cross-sectional area, wherein the second larger cross-sectional area is adapted to receive a head of the support strap attachment peg therethrough, and wherein the head has a larger cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the shaft. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a pick storage device for a stringed musical instrument comprises a first arm having a free end and an opposite end, a second arm having a free end and an opposite end, and a ring defined at the opposite ends of the first and second arms, wherein the ring is adapted to engage a support strap attachment peg of a musical instrument. The first and second arms define opposing channels therein extending from the free ends thereof toward the ring, wherein the channels are adapted to receive opposite edges of a flat pick therein for storage between the first and second arms. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a combination strap lock and pick storage device comprises a first arm having a free end and an opposite end, a second arm having a free end and an opposite end, and a ring defined at the opposite ends of the first and second arms. The ring defines a passage therethrough, and the passage defines an inner ring surface adapted to engage a support strap attachment peg of a musical instrument. The first and second arms define opposing channels therein extending from the free ends thereof toward the ring, wherein the channels are adapted to receive opposite edges of a flat pick therein for storage between the first and second arms. 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a strap lock device for a musical instrument, and for a stringed musical instrument in particular. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a pick storage device attachable to a support strap peg of a stringed musical instrument. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combination strap lock and pick storage device for a musical instrument, and for a stringed musical instrument in particular. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a combination strap lock and pick storage device for a stringed musical instrument that is attachable to a support strap peg of the instrument to thereby secure the support strap to the support strap peg while also providing a storage location for an auxiliary flat pick. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a combination strap lock and pick storage device, in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 as viewed along section lines  2 — 2 . 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strap supporting a guitar with the combination strap lock and pick storage device of FIGS. 1 and 2 attached thereto in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a magnified view of a portion of FIG. 3 illustrating attachment of the combination strap lock and pick storage device of FIGS.  1 - 3  to a guitar peg having a strap fastened thereto. 
     FIG. 5 is a magnified view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the combination strap lock and pick storage device of FIGS.  1 - 4  attached to the guitar peg in a strap locking position. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the guitar, strap, peg and combination strap lock and pick storage device of FIG. 5 viewed along section lines  6 — 6 . 
     FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a combination strap lock and pick storage device, in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a guitar having a strap attached thereto illustrating an alternate or additional location of one of the combination strap lock and pick storage devices of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one preferred embodiment of a combination strap lock and pick storage device  10 , in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Device  10  includes a first arm  12   a  and a second arm  12   b,  each having a free end and an opposite end forming a single ring  14  defining a passage  16  therethrough. In one embodiment, the ring  14  is preferably annular in shape and forms a substantially circular passage  16  therethrough, although the present invention contemplates that the ring  14  may be any desired shape forming a passage  16  therethrough having any desired configuration as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Ring  14  defines an inside face  28   a  which itself defines the configuration of passage  16 , a rear surface  28   b  and an opposite front surface  28   c.    
     Each arm  12   a  and  12   b  further includes a corresponding protrusion  18   a  and  18   b  extending from corresponding front and rear faces  19   a  and  19   b  thereof adjacent to the ring  14 . In one preferred embodiment, protrusions  18   a  and  18   b  are positioned in slidable contact with an outer surface of the ring  14 , although the present invention contemplates other configurations of protrusions  18   a  and  18   b,  wherein the purpose of any such protrusions  18   a  and  18   b  will be described in detail hereinafter. 
     Arm  12   a  of device  10  defines an outside face  20   a  and an opposite inside face  22   a,  and arm  12   b  similarly defines an outside face  20   b  and an opposite inside face  22   b.  Faces  22   a  and  22   b  each define a channel therein  24   a  and  24   b  respectively. In one preferred embodiment, channels  24   a  and  24   b  are identically configured, and each extend into faces  22   a  and  22   b  respectively to define arcuate-shaped channel surfaces  26   a  and  26   b  respectively as most clearly shown in FIG. 1, although the present invention contemplates other configurations of channel surfaces  26   a  and  26   b  as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     In one embodiment, the combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  of the present invention is composed of a formable medium disposed about a steel or other metallic wire  30  as most clearly shown in FIG.  2 . In one embodiment, device is formed of a plastic material, although the present invention contemplates constructing device  10  from other moldable materials such any of a variety of plastic resin materials, nylon, epoxy, or the like. Wire  30  is preferably included to provide device  10  with greater strength and further to bias arms  12   a  and  12   b  away from each other in a position similar to that shown in FIG. 1, although the present invention contemplates substituting other stiffening and biasing materials for wire  30 . Alternatively still, the present invention contemplates omitting wire  30  altogether and constructing device  10  of a formable medium having sufficient strength and resilience to bias arms  12   a  and  12   b  away from each other in a position similar to that shown in FIG.  1 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, a guitar  32  is shown having a peg  34  securely affixed to a surface  33  thereof and a support strap  36  attached to the peg  34 , whereby the guitar  32  may be suspended by the strap  36  from an individual as shown. A combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  of the present invention is shown positioned about the peg  34  and over the strap  36  to thereby maintain connection of the strap  36  to the peg  34  as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     Device  10  is illustrated in FIG. 3 as having a guitar pick  38  of known construction disposed within channels  24   a  and  24   b  of arms  12   a  and  12   b  respectively. The device  10  is preferably rotatably positionable about peg  34  as shown graphically by arrows  40  and  42 . The term “rotatably positionable” as used with respect to device  10  should be understood to mean that device  10  may be rotated about peg  34  to thereby orient pick  38  in any desired position relative to the guitar  32  as indicated by arrows  40  and  42 , wherein the device  10  is configured to maintain the desired position indefinitely. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a magnified representation of region  50  of FIG. 3 is shown illustrating one preferred procedure for attaching device  10  to peg  34 . As shown in detail in FIG. 4, strap  36  defines an aperture  44  of conventional design therethrough, wherein aperture  44  includes a hole  48  having a slit  46  extending therefrom. Peg  34  is also a conventional design having an enlarged head  54  extending from a shaft  52  having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than that of head  54 . The opposite end of the shaft  52  is securely affixed to, or into, surface  33  of guitar  32 . As is known in the art, the strap  36  is attached to the peg  34  by forcing aperture  44  over the head  54  of peg  34  and onto the shaft  52 . As discussed in the BACKGROUND section, aperture  44  of strap  36  will eventually become enlarged due to deformation as a result of normal use thereof, wherein the cross-sectional area of head  54  may no longer be large enough to maintain the aperture  44  disposed about the shaft  52 . The aperture  44  of strap  36  may thus slip over the head  54  and thereby disengage the strap from the peg  34  and guitar  32 . 
     To combat this potentially dangerous condition, the combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  of the present invention is configured such that inner surface  28   a  of ring  14  may be temporarily increased, thereby enlarging the cross-sectional area of passage  16 , in order to pass over head  54  of peg  34 , and then returned to its original size to thereby engage shaft  52  about a substantial portion of its surface. To accomplish this, pressure is applied to each of the outer faces  20   a  and  20   b  of arms  12   a  and  12   b  respectively, as shown by arrows  56  and  58 , such as by pinching arms  12   a  and  12   b  between a thumb and forefinger, so that arms  12   a  and  12   b  are biased toward each other. This inward biasing action of arms  12   a  and  12   b  causes protrusion  18   a  to move toward arm  12   b  and protrusion  18   b  to move toward arm  12   a,  which effectively increases the surface area of inner surface  28   a  and resultantly expands passage  16  to a cross-sectional area sufficient to pass over head  54  of peg  34 . Without protrusions  18   a  and  18   b,  arms  12   a  and  12   b  may be over-biased toward each other in the above-described process to the extent that deformation of device  10  may result, and in this respect, protrusions  18   a  and  18   b,  or structural equivalents thereof, are preferably included to provide a positive stop to the inward biasing of arms  12   a  and  12   b  toward each other. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention contemplates constructing device  10  of a material or materials having sufficient strength and resiliency so that such deleterious effects of over-biasing are no longer present or possible and, in this case, protrusions  18   a  and  18   b  may be omitted. 
     With the inner surface  28   a  positioned about shaft  52 , the pressure on outer faces  20   a  and  20   b  of arms  12   a  and  12   b  respectively is released, and the natural outward bias existing between arms  12   a  and  12   b  causes arms  12   a  and  12   b  to draw away from each other and return substantially to their original positions (see FIG.  1 ), thereby returning the surface area of the inner surface  28   a  of ring  14  to its original dimension and the cross-sectional area of opening  16  to its original cross-sectional area. Preferably, device  10  is configured so that the original cross-sectional area of opening  16  (i.e., with no external pressure applied to arms  12   a  and  12   b ) is sized such that the inner surface  28   a  of ring  14  contacts a substantial area of shaft  52  thereabout so that the device  10  may be rotatably positioned about shaft  52  as described hereinabove. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape and configuration of the ring  14  and opening  16  will generally be dictated by the corresponding shape and configuration of the shaft  52  and head  54  of the peg  34 , although all such structures are illustrated in the drawings as having generally circular cross-sections. 
     In any event, the front and rear faces  28   c  and  28   b  respectively of ring  14  are preferably sized such that the entire ring  14 , when affixed to shaft  52 , is larger in cross-sectional area than the head  54  of peg  34  as shown in FIG.  5 . The ring  14  is thus preferably sized to add sufficient cross-sectional area about shaft  52  so that the aperture  44 , even though possibly enlarged due to repeated forcing of aperture  44  over head  54 , will not pass over ring  14 . In this manner, device  10  provides a strap locking feature when positioned about shaft  52  of peg  34  between head  54  and aperture  44  of strap  36 . 
     As most clearly shown in FIG. 5, and as described hereinabove, inner faces  22   a  and  22   b  of arms  12   a  and  12   b  each define channels  24   a  and  24   b  therein, wherein such channels are preferably configured to receive first and second opposite edges of a conventional guitar pick therein, and retain the pick between arms  12   a  and  12   b.  In one preferred embodiment, and as described with respect to FIG. 1, the channel surfaces  26   a  and  26   b  are arcuate-shaped. Preferably the arcuate shape of channel surfaces  26   a  and  26   b  in this embodiment is complementary to first and second opposite edges of a conventional guitar pick configuration to thereby facilitate advancement and retrieval of a pick  38  within and from channels  24   a  and  24   b  as shown by the bi-directional arrow  64  of FIG.  5 . It is to be understood, however, that channel surfaces  26   a  and  26   b  may alternatively be configured complementary to corresponding edges of any desired pick configuration to facilitate advancement and retrieval of any such pick configuration. In any case, and with further reference to FIG. 5, channel surfaces  26   a  and  26   b  preferably extend within inner surfaces  22   a  and  22   b  respectively of arms  12   a  and  12   b  to define a distance therebetween that is slightly narrower than the width of pick  38 . Insertion of the pick  38  within channels  24   a  and  24   b  thus preferably causes a slight outward biasing of arms  12   a  and  12   b  away from each other, as illustrated graphically by biasing arrows  60  and  62 , thereby causing a further reduction in the cross-sectional area of passage  16  to a cross-sectional area slightly less than that established by the natural outward biasing of arms  12   a  and  12   b  as described hereinabove. As a result, the inner surface  28   a  of ring  14  fits securely about shaft  52  of peg  34 , yet the entire structure (device  10  with pick  28  inserted therein) is roatably positionable about shaft  52  as described hereinabove. This supplemental biasing of arms  12   a  and  12   b,  while not required, thus facilitates the ability to fixedly locate device  10  at any desired position relative to the guitar  32  and/or strap  36 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-section of device  10 , strap  36 , peg  34  and guitar  32 , viewed along section lines  6 — 6  of FIG. 5, is shown illustrating another preferred feature of device  10 . In particular, arms  12   a  and  12   b  are preferably disposed at an acute angle relative to a first axis perpendicular to a second axis defined through a center of opening  16  in ring  14 . As shown in FIG. 6, arms  12   a  and  12   b  are disposed at an acute angle  66  relative to a vertical axis normal to a horizontal axis defined longitudinally through the center of the peg  34 , to thereby provide some clearance between the arms  12   a  and  12   b  and the support strap  36 . Preferably, sufficient clearance is provided to allow a finger or thumb to slide between the strap  36  and a pick  38  stored within channels  24   a  and  24   b  to thereby facilitate advancement and withdrawal of the pick  38  within and from device  10 . Preferably, arms  12   a  and  12   b  are angled from the free ends thereof to approximately the locations of protrusions  18   a  and  18   b,  although the present invention contemplates angling or bowing any portion of arms  12   a  and  12   b  to thereby provide some clearance between the back faces  19   b  thereof and the strap  36 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, an alternate embodiment  10 ′ of a combination strap lock and pick storage device, in accordance with the present invention, is shown. Device  10 ′ is identical in many respects to device  10  illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 6  with at least two exceptions. First, the front face  28   c ′ and back face  28   b ′ of ring  14 ′ are extended to form a flange rather than a ring-like structure as shown in FIG.  1 . The flange formed by faces  28   b ′ and  28   c ′ is intended to illustrate that ring  14  may be sized to form any desired outer diameter for any correspondingly sized peg  34  and/or for increased strap locking capability. Second, arms  12   a ′ and  12   b ′ have been reconfigured to provide for a pair of wing-like structures  68   a  and  68   b  extending at least partially along one edge of corresponding channels  24   a ′ and  24   b ′ to act as guides for facilitating advancement of a pick  38  within channels  24   a ′ and  24   b ′. Preferably, the wing-like structures  68   a  and  68   b  extend along only a portion of channels  24   a ′ and  24   b ′ near the free ends of arms  12   a ′ and  12   b ′, although the present invention contemplates other configurations of wing-like structures  68   a  and  68   b.    
     Referring now to FIG. 8, a front perspective view of another guitar  70  is shown illustrating the location of a rear peg  34 ′ that is conventionally affixed centrally to the bottom  72  of the guitar  70 . As with the front peg  34  illustrated in FIGS.  3 - 6 , the rear peg  34 ′ includes an enlarged head  54 ′ having a shaft  52 ′ extending therefrom wherein the shaft  52 ′ defines a cross-sectional area that is less than that of head  54 ′. The free end of peg  34 ′ is typically affixed to, or within, the bottom  72  of the guitar  70 . The strap  36  likewise defines a second aperture  44 ′ therethrough similar to the first aperture  44  defined at the opposite end, including an opening  48 ′ having a slit  46 ′ extending therefrom. The strap  36  may be connected to peg  34 ′ in a manner similar to that described with respect to peg  34 , whereby a combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  or  10 ′ of the present invention may be attached to peg  34 ′ in an identical manner to that described with respect to peg  34 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  or  10 ′ of the present invention may be used strictly in its capacity as a strap locking device wherein one such device may be attached to peg  34  or  34 ′ to thereby secure the strap  36  to a guitar  32  or  70  at a location that has a tendency to become unconnected in the normal course of use, or wherein two such devices may be attached to pegs  34  and  34 ′ to thereby cheaply, easily and securely lock a strap  36  to a guitar  32  or  70 . Alternatively, the combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  or  10 ′ of the present invention may be used strictly in its capacity as a pick storage device wherein one or more such devices  10  or  10 ′ may be attached to a peg  34  or  34 ′, with or without a strap  36  connected thereto, to provide for one or more easily accessible surplus of picks. Alternatively still, the combination strap lock and pick storage device  10  or  10 ′ of the present invention may be used in its dual capacity as a strap locking device and pick storage device wherein one or more such devices  10  or  10 ′ may be attached to an appropriate peg  34  or  34 ′ to thereby secure a support strap  36  to a guitar  32  or  70 , and wherein a pick may be stored within each such device  10  or  10 ′ to thereby provide one or more easily accessible surplus of picks. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. For example, while the device  10  or  10 ′ of the present invention has been shown and described for use with a guitar  32  or  70 , those skilled in the art will recognize that either device  10  or  10 ′ may alternatively be used in its capacity as a strap locking device, pick storage device, or both, with a variety of other stringed instruments or other portable accessories. Examples of such other stringed instruments or other portable accessories may include, but are not limited to, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, accordions, portable keyboards, portable cameras, portable video equipment, and the like.