Patent Publication Number: US-9418632-B2

Title: Speed pick, associated systems and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/983,793 filed Apr. 24, 2014 and entitled “Speed Pick,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant application encompasses various embodiments relating to improved apparatus, systems and methods in music. More specifically, this disclosure is directed toward an improved plectrum for playing a stringed musical instrument, and the associated systems and methods. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosure relates to various embodiments of an apparatus, systems and method for use in the playing of a stringed musical instrument by way of a plectrum, or “pick.” 
     The use of plectra on stringed instruments dates back at least a thousand years. Over that period, however, relatively little improvement has guitar picks have been developed over the years. 
     Guitar players who want to produce different sounds from a single instrument often keep an assortment of picks to choose from during a music session. 
     The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being limited in application, being limited in adaptability, being expensive, being nondurable, being flimsy, being heavy, being inconvenient and being difficult to use. 
     There is thus a need in the art for an improved plectrum. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Discussed herein are various embodiments of devices, systems and methods for a speed pick. 
     In Example 1, a guitar pick comprises a generally flat, triangular body portion having first and second sides, the body portion further comprising a generally flat central thumb portion further comprising a pad. 
     In Example 2, the guitar pick of Example 1, wherein the body portion is substantially an acute isosceles triangle comprising a first and second equal corners and an acute corner. 
     In Example 3, the guitar pick of Example 2, wherein the body portion further comprises a plurality of grooves in at least one of the first and second sides. 
     In Example 4, the guitar pick of Example 2, wherein the body portion further comprises a plurality of inlets. 
     In Example 5, the guitar pick of Example 3, further comprising an opening disposed near the acute corner. 
     In Example 6, the guitar pick of Example 4, further comprising an opening disposed near the acute corner. 
     In Example 7, guitar pick comprising a generally flat, triangular body portion having first and second sides, a plurality of edges and an acute corner, at least one central contoured portion and at least one groove radiating from the contoured portion to the edge of the body. 
     In Example 8, the guitar pick of Example 7, further comprising a pad. 
     In Example 9, the guitar pick of Example 8, wherein the pad is substantially circular. 
     In Example 10, the guitar pick of Example 7, further comprising an opening disposed near the acute corner. 
     In Example 11, the guitar pick of Example 7, further comprising a surface texture. 
     In Example 12, the guitar pick of Example 11, wherein the surface texture is located near the acute corner. 
     In Example 13, a method of playing a stringed instrument, comprising providing a guitar pick comprising a flat acute isosceles triangle-shaped body comprising, edge portions, first and second sides, rounded corners, a pad and at least one a plurality of grooves or a plurality of inlets; and playing a stringed instrument with the guitar pick. 
     In Example 14, the method of Example 13, wherein the guitar pick further comprises providing an opening. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the speed pick. As will be realized, the speed pick is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of the speed pick, according to one exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a perspective view of the speed pick, according to a further exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the speed pick, according to a further exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the speed pick, according to yet another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of the speed pick, comprising at least one proximal groove  5 A, and at least one distal groove  5 B. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a top view of a further alternative embodiment of the speed pick wherein the grooves are rounded. 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a top view of a further alternative embodiment of the speed pick featuring a plurality of side inlets. 
         FIG. 4D  depicts a top view of a further alternative embodiment of the speed pick with a pad. 
         FIG. 4E  depicts a top view of a further alternative embodiment of the speed pick with texture. 
         FIG. 4F  depicts a top view of a further alternative embodiment of the speed pick having an alternative configuration of radial inlets. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the speed pick further comprising a plurality of contoured grooves. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the pick showing the pad and grooves. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the acute corner of an alternative embodiment of the speed pick having tip texture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed herein, it is a principle object of the disclosed apparatus, system and methods (collectively the “speed pick”) to provide an improved plectrum for the playing of a stringed instrument so as to improve sound and tone as well as feel and touch. While the term “speed pick” is used throughout for brevity, in no way does this limit the disclosed embodiments to a specific modality. 
     As used herein, “guitar” will be used to mean any stringed instrument which can be played with a corner of a flat pick, and whose sound can be modified by using picks of different gauge, and can include acoustic and electric versions of the guitar, bass guitar, banjo, lute, mandolin and the like. “Pick” will be used to mean any form of plectrum, including a flat style guitar pick having a generally triangular shape and a plurality of corners, as well as other similar devices as would be apparent. “Corner” can include rounded, flattened (truncated), or sharp ends or edges. 
     As discussed elsewhere herein, the various embodiments of the speed pick can include what are known as the equilateral pick, the “shark&#39;s fin” pick, and the sharp edged pick, all of which are known in the art. These picks consist of wood, plexiglass, plastic, nylon, celluloid, acetal, ultem, lexan, acrylic, delrex, rubber, felt, tortoiseshell, metal, glass, tagua, stone, or some other such material. Further, the disclosed embodiments further comprise the method of playing a stringed instrument with such pick as well as methods of producing such picks. 
     When playing the guitar or other stringed instrument, the pick is typically gripped between the player&#39;s thumb and forefinger and used to strike the strings of the instrument to generate sound. Increasing the speed or tempo of the striking requires an increase in the pressure applied between the player&#39;s fingers to maintain a tight grip on the pick maintain control, so as to allow the player to produce the desired sound by way of proper pick alignment and playing stroke execution. Frequently, intense, high tempo guitar playing, for example, results in the unwanted movement or “walking” of the pick around in the user&#39;s fingers, thereby increasing errors and requiring the user to readjust the grip. The presently disclosed speed pick features several novel improvements over traditional designs which afford the user greater control and dexterity with the pick, and can create improved or varied sounds when used on the strings of the stringed instrument. In certain embodiments, the speed pick is improved so as to be less flexible and afford more grip and control for the user, so as to allow the pick to glide over the surface of the strings in a distinct manner with improved control and acoustic results, such as to glide over the strings and produce, for example, a “brighter” sound quality. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the pick features an opening and center grip, or pad, such that it is hard to drop. In certain embodiments, the pick is comprised of materials which are impervious to changes in temperature or humidy, and are designed so as to be easy to grip despite wetness from sweat or rain. In certain embodiments, the pick features two grooves which are oriented in a proximal direction, and three on each side oriented distally, which provide the user with a tactile cue as to the orientation of the pick. 
     Turning to the figures in detail,  FIGS. 1-7  depict exemplary embodiments of the speed pick  10 . In exemplary embodiments, the speed pick comprises a generally flat body portion which is generally in the form of an acute isosceles triangle having generally straight or curved side portions between the corners. In certain exemplary embodiments, the corners of the speed pick will be rounded, though this is not necessary in all implementations. Other configurations are possible, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. As depicted in the drawings, these exemplary embodiments of the speed pick comprise various improvements over prior art picks, including the addition of pads, grooves and openings which facilitate improved play, sound, and speed. There are acoustic and dexterous advantages present in the various embodiments of the speed pick. Players using the various embodiments of the speed pick report improvements in sound, control, and dexterity related to the use of the pad and/or grooves or inlets described herein. There are certain ergonomic and other advantages which are introduced by this configuration. In certain embodiments, the speed pick allows the player to change and hold the tone to be darker, or higher in pitch. In further embodiments, the countoured tip allows the player to perform certain music faster and more accurately. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the speed pick  10 . In exemplary embodiments, the pick  10  comprises first  10 A and second (not shown) substantially flat surface portions, which taper in overall body thickness to the edges and corners, so as to create the surrounding edges, as is shown generally in  FIG. 1B  at  9 . In these embodiments, the pick  10  comprises a generally acute isosceles triangle body  12  having two substantially equal corners  1 ,  2  and a third, acute corner  3 , which in certain embodiments is contoured so as to allow for specific striking of the strings, in certain embodiments, the third corner or acute corner  3  is contoured into a rounded tip, as would be apparent from the drawings to one of skill in the art. In these embodiments, the third corner  3  is the corner utilized for directly striking the strings of the instrument (not shown), as would be well known in the art. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 1A-1B , exemplary embodiments of the speed pick  10  further comprise a generally circular pad  4 . The pad  4  is structurally integrated onto or into the body  12  of the pick  10  and can be comprise a sandpaper-like texture, or other established means of increasing the friction between the player&#39;s finger and the pick itself, such as rubber or other synthetics. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , certain embodiments further comprise a plurality of notches or grooves  5 , which generally radiate from the central pad region out to the edges of the side portions, or edges, so as to be capable of being in contact with the portions of the user&#39;s thumb and/or other fingers during use. These grooves can be arranged in a variety of patterns, both for aesthetic and performance reasons; and may be generally round or rectangular in the various embodiments. 
     In certain embodiments, the pad assists the player by eliminating or reducing humidity or moisture and improving the player&#39;s grip on the pick. In certain embodiments, the pad is placed on opposite sides of the speed pick, in others the pad may only be present on one of the two flatted sides. In certain embodiments, the triangular body  12  features certain concaves or contours  8  in the center of either flat side so as to further accommodate the mounting of the pad  4 , as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     In yet additional embodiments, an opening  6  may be introduced into the third corner  3 , wherein this opening provides additional acoustic or dexterous advantages to the player. Embodiments featuring the grooves  5  and/or opening  6  provide certain advantages to certain players seeking to increase the speed of the strumming, such as “shredders.” Further, these grooves can provide certain advantages for those seeking to “airplane.” There is improved feel and control of the pick, which allows the user to have greater sensation relating to the exact location and orientation of the pick. Further embodiments feature the notches or grooves but do not feature the pad  4 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the speed pick  10  featuring grooves  5  and an opening  6  near the third corner  3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments the grooves may pass completely through the body  12  of the pick  10  from the first side to the second side, so as to create radial openings, or inlets  7  around the first  1  and second  2  corners, such that they pass through from the first to second substantially flat surface portions. In certain embodiments, these grooves can give the user further benefits in terms of dexterity and the ability to strike or otherwise manipulate the strings of the stringed instrument. In further embodiments, the pad  4  may further comprise a logo or other aesthetic feature. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a top view of an alternative embodiment of the speed pick, comprising at least one proximal groove  5 A, and at least one distal groove  5 B.  FIG. 4B  depicts a top view of a further alternative embodiment of the speed pick wherein the grooves are rounded, and the proximal groove  5 A or grooves are disposed at a greater radial distance distance from the distal groove  5 B or grooves, as opposed to the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
       FIG. 4C  depicts an embodiment featuring a plurality of side inlets  7 A.  FIG. 4D  depicts an embodiment of the pick  10  comprising only the pad  4 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4E , the pick  10  further comprises further body texture  12 A, such as hatching or roughness. In these embodiments, the first and/or second sides of the pick  10  are not smooth, but rather hatched, cross-hatched, scored, or otherwise treated or formed so as to give them a texture for increased grip and control. 
       FIG. 4F  depicts an embodiment of the speed pick  10  comprising an alternative configuration of radial inlets  7 B. Other configurations are possible, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of the speed pick further comprising a plurality of contoured grooves  5 C, such that the texturing is relatively subtle, but still discernible to the user. In these embodiments, the speed pick may further comprise the pad  4  and/or opening  6 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the pick  10  comprising the pad  4  and grooves  5 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the an alternative embodiment of the speed pick  10  wherein the acute corner  3  further comprises cross-hatching and further texture so as to enhance the acoustics and/or feel of the pick. 
     In various embodiments, the speed pick can be molded out of one or more plastics, such as plexiglass, acylic, celluloid, delrex, nylon, ultem, acetal, lexan, and the like, whether alone or in combination, and whether extruded, layered or prepared by some other means. In further embodiments, metal can be utilized, such as aluminum, brass, steel, or solid copper so as to introduce certain harmonic advantages. In yet further embodiments, the speed pick may be hewn or carved from any type of wood, such as pine, oak, maple, cedar, and the like, or more exotic woods such as African Blackwood, Bocote, Cocobolo, Lignum vitae, Rosewood, or Zebrawood. Certain embodiments will be comprised of glass, or other clear, hard materials. Further embodiments may consist of agate, composite, carbon fiber, stone, felt, tortis, tagua, PHD, high pressure laminate, or other such materials. Thicknesses of any length between 0.4 mm-10 mm can be utilized, though in certain preferred embodiments the thickness is greater than 1.5 mm, greater than 2.5 mm, 5 mm or more. In certain embodiments, the pick may be ⅛th to ¼” thick, or more. As would be apparent to one of skill in the art, many configurations are possible, and exemplary embodiments of the speed pick may be thicker than industry standard picks, which typically range from 0.4 mm-1.5 mm, and are typically flexible. Exemplary embodiments are accordingly less flexible than industry standard picks. 
     In certain embodiments, the speed pick disclosed herein is larger than the industry standard pick. In certain exemplary embodiments, the pick is more rigid than the industry standard pick. In certain exemplary embodiments, plexiglass or wood is used for the body of the pick. In certain embodiments, a pad is provided, which is generally round and fixedly attached to the body of the pick. In certain embodiments, the pad is set into a recess on the surface of the pick. In certain embodiments, the body of the pick is otherwise contoured. 
     Although the disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.