PLECTRUM HOLDING DEVICE

Abstract

DEVICE FOR HOLDING A PLECTRUM Device for holding (1) a plectrum (2), the holding device (1) comprising: - a plectrum holder (3) comprising engagement means (4) capable of receiving a user's finger, and comprising a plate (5) with a receiving surface (5a), - a fixing plate (16) comprising a first main surface of the fixing plate shaped to be attached and fixed against the plectrum (2), - magnetic retention means (6) comprising at least two first permanent magnets (7a, 7b) secured to the plate (5) and at least two second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) secured to the fixing plate (16). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR HOLDING A PLECTRUM TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of music, and more particularly relates to a device for holding a plectrum, said plectrum being intended to set the strings of a stringed instrument such as a guitar or a mandolin into vibration.

[0002] When playing the guitar, it is possible to play "with your fingers", that is, by making the strings vibrate by rubbing your fingers directly on the strings or by plucking the strings with your fingers. For different sounds, it is also possible to strum or pluck the strings using a "plectrum" (also called a "pick").

[0003] Musicians may sometimes use both methods during the same piece of music, and must therefore perform the gripping or release of the plectrum during playing.

[0004] When not in use, the plectrum unnecessarily encumbers the musician who stores it between his lips or inside his hand, which causes difficulty in breathing or limits his dexterity. And picking up or putting back the plectrum most often causes a downtime, the length of which depends on how quickly the musician retrieves and correctly orients his plectrum before resuming play.

[0005] To limit these drawbacks, document US 9,135,897 B2 describes a device for vibrating the strings of a stringed instrument, comprising: - a plectrum comprising a first main surface and comprising a second main surface opposite the first main surface, - a plectrum holder comprising engagement means capable of receiving a user's finger, and comprising a plate with a receiving surface, - means for retaining the plectrum by magnetization along its second main surface on the receiving surface.

[0006] Such a device allows the plectrum to be held by magnetization on the hand of the user for quick recovery.

[0007] To further facilitate the retrieval of the plectrum and accelerate its orientation by the musician who picks it up, document WO 2007 / 003931 A1 provides for retaining the plectrum on the plectrum holder in a predetermined position by means of two permanent magnets, namely a first permanent magnet on the plectrum holder and a second permanent magnet on the plectrum. The arrangement of the south and north poles of the two permanent magnets, both arranged simultaneously flush with the surface of the plectrum holder for one of the magnets and flush with the surface of the plectrum for the other of the magnets, is supposed to orient the plectrum in a single predetermined position. If the orientation If the relative orientation of the plectrum and the plectrum holder is correct (i.e. in or close to the said predetermined position), attraction occurs. If the relative orientation of the plectrum and the plectrum holder is incorrect, repulsion may occur.

[0008] Reliable retention of the plectrum requires the use of permanent magnets with good magnetic strength. As a result, if the plectrum and the plectrum holder are in an incorrect relative orientation when the plectrum is returned to the plectrum holder, an equally high repulsion force is produced. However, the plectrum is generally very light. Thus, in the context of the device of document WO 2007 / 003931 A1, an incorrect relative orientation of the plectrum and the plectrum holder may excessively hinder the return of the plectrum to the plectrum holder to the point of hindering the musician or even causing the plectrum to accidentally fall out of the user's hand.

[0009] Finally, musicians using a plectrum are often accustomed to the shape and mechanical characteristics (flexibility in particular) of the plectrum they are using, so they are often reluctant to change plectrum model. Statement of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to solve in whole or in part the problems of the prior art.

[0011] A problem proposed by the present invention is to provide a plectrum holding device limiting the risks of discomfort, or even loss, when the musician replaces the plectrum on the plectrum holder.

[0012] Simultaneously, the present invention aims to provide a plectrum holding device allowing a plectrum to be reliably received and held on the plectrum holder in at least one predetermined position to facilitate gripping and replacement.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present invention aims to provide a plectrum holding device which can be easily used with a majority of the plectrums present on the market.

[0014] To achieve these and other objects, the invention provides a device for holding a plectrum, said plectrum comprising a first main surface and comprising a second main surface opposite the first main surface, said plectrum being intended to set the strings of a stringed instrument into vibration, the holding device comprising: - a plectrum holder comprising engagement means capable of receiving a user's finger, and comprising a plate with a receiving surface, - means for retaining the plectrum by magnetization on the receiving surface; according to the invention, the means for retaining by magnetization comprise: - a fixing plate comprising a first main fixing plate surface and comprising an opposite second main fixing plate surface to the first major fixing plate surface, the first major fixing plate surface being shaped to be attached and fixed against one of the first and second major plectrum surfaces, - at least two first permanent magnets secured to the plate, said at least two first permanent magnets each having their magnetic pole of a first and same polarity oriented towards the receiving surface, - at least two second permanent magnets secured to the fixing plate, said at least two second permanent magnets each having their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the same main surface of the fixing plate, the second polarity being the opposite of the first polarity, so that said at least two second permanent magnets secured to the fixing plate can be respectively attracted by said at least two first permanent magnets secured to the plate.

[0015] The fixing plate can be attached and fixed along its first main surface against a plectrum, for example by gluing, which allows use of the holding device with the majority of plectrums present on the market. A layer of adhesive can be provided for this purpose on the first main surface of the fixing plate, protected by a peelable cover intended to be removed before attaching and gluing the plectrum to the fixing plate.

[0016] In the holding device according to the invention, the magnetic retaining means provide at least one predetermined relative orientation in which the fixing plate (therefore the plectrum) is received and retained on the plectrum holder, and there is systematically an effect of relative attraction of the fixing plate (therefore of the plectrum) when the user places the fixing plate (carrying the plectrum) on the plectrum holder. No repulsion can occur. This limits the risks of discomfort, or even loss, when the musician replaces the fixing plate and the plectrum on the plectrum holder.

[0017] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, said at least two second permanent magnets can advantageously have their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the first main surface of the fixing plate. The fixing plate is then intended to be attached and fixed to the plectrum which itself comes into direct contact with the plectrum holder. The fixing plate thus forms an excess thickness on the plectrum which facilitates its gripping by the user when he takes the plectrum from the plectrum holder or brings the plectrum back onto the plectrum holder. The plectrum slides easily, along its main face without a fixing plate, on the inside of the user's hand.

[0018] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, said at least two second permanent magnets can advantageously have their pole magnetic of a second and same polarity oriented towards the second main surface of the fixing plate. The fixing plate is then intended to be attached and fixed to the plectrum so as to come into direct contact with the plectrum holder (by being inserted between the plectrum holder and the plectrum). The fixing plate thus provides a slight elevation of the plectrum on the plectrum holder, which facilitates gripping by the user when taking the plectrum from the plectrum holder or bringing the plectrum back to the plectrum holder. Furthermore, such a relative arrangement of the fixing plate and the plectrum makes it possible to keep unchanged the main surface of the plectrum intended to come into contact with the user's thumb, which is thus not disturbed in its touch when taking the plectrum, playing with the plectrum or putting the plectrum back.Finally, such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the air gap between the first and second permanent magnets, and therefore to reduce their size and cost.

[0019] Preferably, the turntable and the mounting plate may each have only two permanent magnets. This provides the mounting plate with only two predetermined relative orientations in which it is received and retained on the pick holder, so that the musician can place it on the pick holder and pick it up more easily. These two predetermined relative orientations are arranged 180 degrees apart. In practice, only one predetermined relative orientation is used by the musician. In addition, having only two permanent magnets allows for compatibility with the size and bulk of the pick, and the need for the pick to maintain a moderate weight despite the addition of the mounting plate.

[0020] Advantageously, the first permanent magnets secured to the plate can be housed in the plate, having their magnetic pole of a first polarity arranged flush with the receiving surface.

[0021] Advantageously, the second permanent magnets secured to the fixing plate can be housed in the fixing plate, having their magnetic pole of a second polarity arranged flush with the main surface of the fixing plate towards which the magnetic poles of a second and same polarity of the second permanent magnets are oriented. This limits the air gap between the first and second permanent magnets when the fixing plate is retained on the plectrum holder, so that the first and second magnets can have smaller dimensions while ensuring good orientation and good retention of the fixing plate on the plectrum holder.

[0022] For even greater reliability in the relative positioning of the fixing plate (therefore of the plectrum) and the plectrum holder, and in the retention of the fixing plate (therefore of the plectrum), the magnetic poles of first polarity of the first permanent magnets can advantageously have the same spacing and the same section transverse than the second polarity magnetic poles of the second permanent magnets.

[0023] Advantageously, the receiving surface may be covered with a layer of a fibrous material, preferably felt. Such a layer makes it possible to effectively dampen the noise (clacking) which may occur when the second main surface of the fixing plate comes into contact with the receiving surface of the pick holder, while promoting the sliding of the fixing plate on the pick holder when the user takes it from or places it back on the pick holder. In practice, the felt has provided excellent results.

[0024] Advantageously, the fixing plate may have a thickness of between 1.5 mm and 3 mm. Such a thickness makes it possible to accommodate the second permanent magnets while allowing the musician to grip the fixing plate and the plectrum well when using the plectrum to strum the strings.

[0025] Advantageously, the engagement means may comprise a ring, preferably of adjustable size, and most preferably of adjustable size by a radial slot provided in the ring.

[0026] Preferably, it can be provided that: - the engagement means generally extend in a first plane, - the plate extends in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane and extends predominantly or completely on a first side of said first plane.

[0027] Such an arrangement of the plate makes it possible to limit the discomfort that the plate could cause when the user bends his finger engaged in the engagement means.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly for vibrating the strings of a stringed instrument, comprising: - a plectrum holding device as described previously, - a plectrum, attached and fixed against the first main surface of the fixing plate.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a holding device or assembly for vibrating the strings of a stringed instrument as described above, in which the user carries the plectrum holder on his finger with the plate arranged on the inside of his hand. Such use makes it possible to reduce the risks of accidental loss of the plectrum when the musician removes the fixing plate (and the plectrum) from the plectrum holder or replaces it on the plectrum holder. Indeed, the closed hand makes it possible to hold the plectrum (and its fixing plate) if it begins to slip out. And the musician can easily take the subassembly formed by the fixing plate and the plectrum by applying his thumb to said subassembly, then sliding said subassembly onto the plectrum holder and his fingers towards the free ends of his fingers, and can easily perform the reverse movement to replace said subassembly on the plectrum holder.

[0030] Preferably, to limit the discomfort that the plate could cause when the user bends his finger engaged in the engagement means, the user wears the plectrum holder on his finger so that the plate develops predominantly or completely in the direction of the free end of his finger. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following description of a particular embodiment, made in relation to the attached figures, among which:

[0032] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a top view of an example of a plectrum holder of a device of holding according to the invention;

[0033] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of the plectrum holder of [Fig.l];

[0034] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a top view of a fixing plate of a device of held according to a first particular embodiment of the invention, said fixing plate being attached and fixed to a plectrum;

[0035] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of the fixing plate of [Fig.3];

[0036] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a top view of a holding device according to the first particular embodiment of the invention, comprising the plectrum holder of [Fig.l] and the fixing plate of [Fig.3];

[0037] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view of the device of [Fig.5];

[0038] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a top view of the plectrum holder of [Fig.l] on the finger of a user ;

[0039] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a top view of the holding device of [Fig.5] on a user's finger;

[0040] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a top view of a fixing plate of a holding device according to a second particular embodiment of the invention, said fixing plate being attached and fixed to a plectrum;

[0041] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a bottom view of the fixing plate of [Fig.9];

[0042] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a top view of a holding device according to the second particular embodiment of the invention, comprising the plectrum holder of [Fig.l] and the fixing plate of [Fig.9]; and

[0043] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a side view of the device of [Fig. 11]. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] When identical reference numerals are used in several embodiments of the invention or figures, these reference numerals designate identical or similar elements in each of the embodiments or figures.

[0045] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a first particular embodiment of a holding device 1 according to the present invention, for holding a plectrum 2. The holding device 1 comprises a plectrum holder 3 (Figures 1 and 2) and a fixing plate 16 (Figures 3 and 4). With the plectrum 2, the holding device 1 forms an assembly 100 (Figures 5 and 6) for setting the strings of a stringed instrument into vibration.

[0046] The plectrum holder 3 comprises engagement means 4 capable of receiving a user's finger. The engagement means 4 here comprise a ring 4a whose size can advantageously be made adjustable, for example by means of a radial slot.

[0047] The plectrum holder 3 also comprises a plate 5 with a receiving surface 5a. The receiving surface 5a is substantially flat.

[0048] The plectrum 2 comprises a first main surface 2a (visible in [Fig.3]) and comprises a second main surface 2b (visible in [Fig.4]) opposite the first main surface 2a.

[0049] The fixing plate 16 comprises a first main fixing plate surface 16a and comprises a second main fixing plate surface 16b opposite the first main fixing plate surface 16a. The first main fixing plate surface 16a is shaped to be attached and fixed against one of the first 2a and second 2b main plectrum surfaces 2. In this case, in the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the first main fixing plate surface 16a is attached and fixed against the first main plectrum surface 2a.

[0050] The fixing plate 16 is attached and fixed along its first main surface 16a against the first main surface of plectrum 2a, preferably by gluing, which allows use of the holding device 1 with a majority of the plectrums 2 present on the market. In the present case, a layer of adhesive 17 is provided on the first main surface of fixing plate 16a. This layer of adhesive 17 is initially protected by a peelable cover (not shown) which is removed by the user to attach and glue the plectrum 2 of his choice on the fixing plate 16.

[0051] Magnetic retaining means 6 make it possible to retain the fixing plate 16 on the receiving surface 5a.

[0052] More specifically, the magnetization retaining means 6 comprise: - at least two first permanent magnets 7a and 7b (here only two) secured to the plate 5, said at least two first permanent magnets 7a and 7b each having their magnetic pole of a first and same polarity oriented towards the receiving surface 5a, - at least two second permanent magnets 8a and 8b (here only two) secured to the fixing plate 16, said at least two second permanent magnets 8a and 8b each having their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the same (first) main surface of fixing plate 16a, the second polarity being the opposite of the first polarity, so that said at least two (here only two) second permanent magnets 8a and 8b secured to the fixing plate 16 can be respectively attracted by said at least two (here only two) first permanent magnets 7a and 7b secured to the plate 5.

[0053] According to a first possibility, the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b are oriented with their south pole directed towards the receiving surface 5a. In this case, the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are oriented with their north pole directed towards the first main surface 16a.

[0054] According to a second possibility, the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b are oriented with their north pole directed towards the receiving surface 5a. In this case, the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are oriented with their south pole directed towards the first main surface 16a.

[0055] In all cases, the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b are thus capable of attracting and retaining the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b to attract and retain the fixing plate 16 (and therefore the plectrum 2 secured to said fixing plate 16) on the plate 5, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0056] The first permanent magnets 7a and 7b are housed in the plate 5, preferably having their magnetic pole of a first polarity arranged flush with the receiving surface 5a. In practice, the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b can be attached by any means (gluing, force-fitting, etc.) in two corresponding housings provided in the receiving surface 5a of the plate 5.

[0057] The second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are housed in the fixing plate 16, preferably having their magnetic pole of a second polarity disposed flush with the first main surface of the fixing plate 16a. In practice, the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b can be attached by any means (gluing, force-fitting, etc.) in two corresponding housings provided in the first main surface of the fixing plate 16a.

[0058] The first polarity magnetic poles of the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b have the same spacing and the same cross-section as the second polarity magnetic poles of the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b. The first permanent magnets 7a and 7b can thus be arranged in exact correspondence with the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b when the fixing plate 16 is received on the plate 5 ([Fig.5]).

[0059] Preferably, the receiving surface 5a may be covered with a layer of a fibrous material, preferably felt. The layer of fibrous material is then located between the plectrum 2 and the plate 5 to dampen the noise when the plectrum 2 comes into contact with the plate 5 under the effect of the magnetic retention means 6, and also promotes the sliding of the plectrum 2 on the plate 5.

[0060] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the plectrum 2 has a substantially triangular shape (almost like a "water drop"), with a first vertex 9a intended to scratch the strings, with an opposite edge 10, and with first and second lateral edges 11a and 11b adjacent to the first vertex 9a. The first lateral edge 11a connects the first vertex 9a to a second vertex 9b. The second lateral edge 11b connects the first vertex 9a to a third vertex 9c. The edges 10, 11a and 11b may be straight or curved (convex and / or concave).

[0061] The second permanent magnets 8a and 8b of the fixing plate 16 are closer to the opposite edge 10 than to the first vertex 9a.

[0062] We see more particularly in figures 1, 4 and 5 that: - the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are offset towards one end of said opposite edge 10 (here towards the second vertex 9b), - the engagement means 4 (here the ring 4a) generally extend in a first plane PI, - the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b, and the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b, are respectively arranged on the plate 5 and on the plectrum 2 (by means of the fixing plate 16) so that, when the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are retained by the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b, the plectrum 2 is oriented with its second lateral edge 11b substantially parallel to said first plane PL

[0063] The orientation of the second lateral edge 11b is here identified by the broken line LDI passing through the vertices 9a and 9c.

[0064] By substantially parallel is meant an orientation of the second lateral edge 11b relative to the first plane PI at an angle Al (positive or negative) of at most 15 to 20 degrees. Here, the angle Al is 13 degrees. The angle Al is preferably closest to 0.

[0065] Such an arrangement makes it possible to limit the risks that the first peak 9a intended to scratch the strings (which is generally quite pointed) bothers the user when he bends his fingers and / or injures the inside of the user's hand when he places the plectrum 2 there and bends his fingers.

[0066] According to another definition, we consider that: - the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are offset (by means of the fixing plate 16) towards one end of said opposite edge 10 (here towards the second vertex 9b), - the engagement means 4 (here the ring 4a) generally extend in a first plane PI, - the first permanent magnets 7a and 7b are aligned in a first direction II substantially parallel to said first plane PI, - the second magnets 8a and 8b are aligned in a second direction II-II substantially parallel to the second lateral edge 11b.

[0067] The orientation of the second lateral edge 11b is here again identified by the broken line LDI passing through the vertices 9a and 9c.

[0068] Such an arrangement makes it possible to limit the risks that the first peak 9a intended to scratch the strings (which is generally quite pointed) bothers the user when he bends his fingers and / or injures the inside of the user's hand when he places the plectrum 2 there and bends his fingers.

[0069] Good results have been obtained with an orientation of the second lateral edge 11b relative to the first plane PI at an angle Al (positive or negative) of at most 15 to 20 degrees. The angle Al is preferably closest to 0.

[0070] Here, the first direction II is parallel to the first plane PI (and therefore forms a zero angle with the first plane PI), while the second direction ILII forms an angle A2 of 13 degrees with the second lateral edge 11b. As a result, when the plectrum 2 is held on the plectrum holder 3 ([Fig.5]), the second lateral edge 11b forms an angle Al of 13 degrees with the first plane PL

[0071] For a good grip by the musician when playing with the plectrum 2, and to house the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b, the fixing plate 16 has a thickness E of between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0072] The first main surface 2a of the plectrum 2 and / or the second main surface 16b of the fixing plate 16 may have an adhesion and / or a roughness and / or a texturing by reliefs which is greater than that(s) of the second main surface 2b of the plectrum 2. This makes it easier for the musician to take the plectrum 2 from the plectrum holder 3 by sliding it onto the plectrum holder 3.

[0073] We see more particularly in [Fig.6] that: - the engagement means 4 (ring 4a) generally extend in a first plane PI, - the plate 5 extends in a second plane P2 substantially perpendicular to the first plane PI and extends predominantly or completely on a first side of said first plane PI (in the direction defined by the arrow 12).

[0074] When a musician uses a plectrum 2 carried by the holding device 1 according to the present invention, he engages the ring 4a around one of his fingers D (preferably the middle finger or the ring finger) of his hand M intended to strum the strings.

[0075] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the user wears the plectrum holder 3 on finger D (here the middle finger) with the plate 5 arranged on the inside of his hand M.

[0076] When the plate 5 extends predominantly or completely on a first side of said first plane PI, the user wears the plectrum holder 3 on the finger D so that the plate 5 develops predominantly or completely in the direction of the free end EL of his finger D (as illustrated in [Fig.7]). This limits the discomfort that the plate 5 could cause when the user bends his finger D engaged in the engagement means 4 (here the middle finger) according to the metacarpophalangeal joint 13.

[0077] The orientation of the second lateral edge 11b (here at an angle Al of 13 degrees with the first plane PI) makes it possible to make it substantially parallel to the proximal interphalangeal joint 14 of the finger D carrying the device 1 (here the middle finger) to limit the discomfort of the user when he uses this proximal interphalangeal joint 14.

[0078] When playing with his fingers, the user keeps the plectrum 2 (by means of the plate of fixing 16) on the receiving surface 5a of the plectrum holder 3, as illustrated in [Fig.8],

[0079] When he wishes to use the plectrum 2, the user places his thumb on the first main surface 2a of the plectrum 2 and / or on the second main face of the fixing plate 16b, and pushes the subassembly constituted by the plectrum 2 and the fixing plate 16 towards the free end EL of his finger D according to a movement illustrated by the arrow 15.

[0080] The layer of fibrous material (felt in particular) and / or the adhesion and / or the roughness and / or the texturing of the first main surface 2a (and / or of the second main face of the fixing plate 16b) facilitate(s) sliding to detach the plectrum 2 from the plate 5.

[0081] Once the plectrum 2 (with the fixing plate 16) has reached the level of the free end EL of his finger D, the musician pinches the subassembly constituted by the plectrum 2 and the fixing plate 16, close to the opposite edge 10, between his thumb and his finger D (middle finger) or between his thumb and another finger (most often index finger).

[0082] Picking up the plectrum 2 is quick, reliable and is carried out using a very simple movement.

[0083] When the musician wishes to return to finger playing, he moves the plectrum 2 (with the fixing plate 16) by means of his thumb towards the plate 5 in a reverse movement of the arrow 15 by sliding it substantially over and along his finger D. Due to its orientation for playing with the plectrum, the plectrum 2 and the fixing plate 16 arrive on the plate 5 in an orientation substantially identical to that illustrated in [Fig.8], and the first 7a and 7b and second 8a and 8b permanent magnets then cooperate to receive and retain the fixing plate 16 (and the plectrum 2 attached thereto) on the plate 5 in the predetermined position illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0084] In the case where, during the approach by the plectrum 2 of the plate 5, the plectrum 2 is in a slightly different orientation from that illustrated in [Fig.8], the first 7a and 7b and second 8a and 8b permanent magnets then cooperate (without repulsion) to reorient it correctly then receive it and retain it on the plate 5 in the predetermined position illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0085] The musician can then continue playing with his fingers without worrying about the plectrum 2 which is reliably held in the hollow of his hand on the plectrum holder 3 thanks to the fixing plate 16, and can even bend his finger D according to its metacarpophalangeal 13 and proximal interphalangeal 14 joints with very limited discomfort.

[0086] The replacement of the plectrum 2 on the plate 5 is quick, reliable and is carried out using a very simple movement.

[0087] In the use illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the ring 4a is engaged on the finger D up to the immediate vicinity of the metacarpophalangeal joint 13 and the plate 5 extends over the first phalanx. The ring 4a could however be arranged on the finger D in the immediate vicinity of the proximal interphalangeal joint 14 while the plate 5 extends over the second phalanx.

[0088] In Figures 1, 2 and 9 to 12 is illustrated a second particular embodiment of a holding device 1 according to the present invention, for holding a plectrum 2. The holding device 1 comprises a plectrum holder 3 (Figures 1 and 2) and a fixing plate 16 (Figures 9 and 10). With the plectrum 2, the holding device 1 forms an assembly 100 (Figures 11 and 12) for setting the strings of a stringed instrument into vibration.

[0089] The second embodiment of holding device 1 differs from the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 in that the first main surface of fixing plate 16a is attached and fixed against the second main surface of plectrum 2b. An adhesive layer 17 is preferably provided for this purpose on the first main surface of fixing plate 16a.

[0090] In other words, the second embodiment of holding device 1 comprises a fixing plate 16 intended to be inserted between the pick holder 3 and the pick 2.

[0091] To do this, the magnetic retention means 6 comprise: - at least two first permanent magnets 7a and 7b (here only two) secured to the plate 5, said at least two first permanent magnets 7a and 7b each having their magnetic pole of a first and same polarity oriented towards the receiving surface 5a, - at least two second permanent magnets 8a and 8b (here only two) secured to the fixing plate 16, said at least two second permanent magnets 8a and 8b each having their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the same (second) main surface of fixing plate 16b, the second polarity being the opposite of the first polarity, so that said at least two (here only two) second permanent magnets 8a and 8b secured to the fixing plate 16 can be respectively attracted by said at least two (here only two) first permanent magnets 7a and 7b secured to the plate 5.

[0092] The second permanent magnets 8a and 8b are housed in the fixing plate 16, preferably having their magnetic pole of a second polarity arranged flush with the second main surface of the fixing plate 16b. In practice, the second permanent magnets 8a and 8b can be attached by any means (gluing, force-fitting, etc.) in two corresponding housings provided in the second main surface of the fixing plate 16b.

[0093] The use and operation of the second embodiment of holding device 1 are comparable to the use and operation of the first embodiment of holding device 1 which have been explained previously (in particular in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variations and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Claims Holding device (1) for a plectrum (2), said plectrum (2) comprising a first main surface (2a) and comprising a second main surface (2b) opposite the first main surface (2a), said plectrum (2) being intended to set the strings of a stringed instrument into vibration, the holding device (1) comprising: - a plectrum holder (3) comprising engagement means (4) capable of receiving a finger (D) of a user, and comprising a plate (5) with a receiving surface (5a), - means for retaining the plectrum (2) by magnetization (6) on the receiving surface (5a), characterized in that the magnetic retaining means (6) comprise: - a fixing plate (16) comprising a first main fixing plate surface (16a) and comprising a second main fixing plate surface (16b) opposite the first main fixing plate surface (16a), the first main fixing plate surface (16a) being shaped to be attached and fixed against one of the first (2a) and second (2b) main plectrum surfaces (2), - at least two first permanent magnets (7a, 7b) secured to the plate (5), said at least two first permanent magnets (7a, 7b) each having their magnetic pole of a first and same polarity oriented towards the receiving surface (5a), - at least two second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) secured to the fixing plate (16), said at least two second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) each having their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the same main surface of the fixing plate (16a, 16b), the second polarity being the opposite of the first polarity, such that said at least two second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) secured to the fixing plate (16) can be respectively attracted by said at least two first permanent magnets (7a, 7b) secured to the plate (5), in which: - the means of engagement (4) generally extend in a first plane (PI), - the plate (5) extends in a second plane (P2) substantially perpendicular to the first plane (PI) and extends predominantly or completely on a first side of said first plane (PD-

2. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least two second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) have their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the first main surface of the fixing plate (16a).

3. Holding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least two second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) have their magnetic pole of a second and same polarity oriented towards the second main surface of the fixing plate (16b).

4. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plate (5) and the fixing plate (16) each have only two permanent magnets (7a, 7b; 8a, 8b).

5. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first permanent magnets (7a, 7b) integral with the plate (5) are housed in the plate (5), preferably having their magnetic pole of a first polarity arranged flush with the receiving surface (5a).

6. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) integral with the fixing plate (16) are housed in the fixing plate (16), preferably having their magnetic pole of a second polarity arranged flush with the main surface of the fixing plate (16) towards which the magnetic poles of a second and same polarity of the second permanent magnets (8a, 8b) are oriented.

7. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the magnetic poles of first polarity of the first permanent magnets (7a, 7b) have the same spacing and the same cross-section as the magnetic poles of second polarity of the second permanent magnets (8a, 8b).

8. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the receiving surface (5a) is covered with a layer of a fibrous material, preferably felt.

9. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fixing plate (16) has a thickness of between 1.5 mm and 3 mm.

10. Holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the engagement means (4) comprise a ring (4a), preferably of adjustable size, and most preferably of adjustable size by a radial slot provided in the ring (4a).

11. Assembly (100) for vibrating the strings of a stringed instrument, comprising: - a device (1) for holding a plectrum (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - a plectrum (2), attached and fixed against the first main surface (16a) of the fixing plate (16).

12. Use of a holding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or of an assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the user wears the plectrum holder (3) on the finger (D) with the plate (5) arranged on the inner side of his hand (M).

13. Use according to claim 12 of a holding device (1) according to claim 10 or of an assembly (100) according to claim 11 comprising a holding device (1) according to claim 10, in which the user wears the plectrum holder (3) on the finger (D) so that the plate (5) develops predominantly or completely in the direction of the free end (EL) of his finger (D).

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