Thumb mounted pick

Abstract

A thumb-mounted pick that includes a sleeve made of a first material and a pick made of a second material. The pick is essentially planar and configured to protrude from the sleeve via a slot in the sleeve that is configured to accept the pick. An adhesive may permanently bond the pick to the sleeve. The pick may have a backing plate which may include an extension for gripping between thumb and index finger. The sleeve may be elastic, form a full revolution, and have ventilation holes. Alternately, the sleeve may be an open segment that wraps around a thumb and fastens, for example with hook-and-loop materials. The sleeve may include an elastomeric portion and a hook-and-loop fastener portion and be a one-size-fits-all, thumb-mounted pick.

Description

THUMB MOUNTED PICKCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 672,917, titled Thumb and Finger Plectrums, filed July 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to methods of playing stringed musical instruments, such as guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles, and involves the use of guitar picks. The new thumb-mounted pick aims to address common challenges faced by players when using traditional flat picks, thumb picks, or fingerstyle play.BACKGROUND

[0003] Guitar picks have a picking surface and tip that contact the string of an instrument. They come in various forms, including flat picks and thumb-mounted picks. They are essential tools for guitarists and other stringed instrument players. Many players adopt fingerstyle techniques, using their fingers directly on the strings without a pick. Each different form of pick has its unique advantages and challenges.

[0004] Flat Picks: flat picks are commonly flat and often triangular shaped and are typically held between the thumb and index finger with the pick extending beyond the bottom of the thumb that is used to play the strings. Characteristics and challenges include:• Tonal Quality and Dynamic Volume Range: Flat picks are popular for their tonal qualities, timbre, clarity and greater dynamic volume range compared to fingers. The broad range of materials and tip shapes provide the broad range of tonal qualities.• Stable Grip and Control: Maintaining a stable grip is difficult, especially for players with conditions like arthritis, where the pick slips or rotates between the thumb and index finger, or the player drops the pick. Holding the flat pick also creates tension in the hand complicating the learning process since instructors typically recommend a relaxed hand to help in achieving smooth, even strumming and to reduce fatigue during playing.• Hybrid Picking or Pick Palming: Accomplished flat pick players typically also learn one of these difficult and complex techniques to play multiple simultaneous notes, making it challenging to learn.• Potential Medical Issues: The tension and repetitive movements in flat pick use can cause carpel tunnel syndrome or exacerbate arthritis, especially with age, inhibiting the ability to play.

[0005] Thumb Mounted Picks: thumb mounted picks, or thumb picks, attach to the thumb. Some thumb picks lay flat against the bottom of the thumb just like a flat pick and extend beyond the thumb that is used to contact the strings. The two big advantages are that you don’t have to hold them, and your other fingers are well positioned to play other strings. Challenges include:• Up strokes: Some thumb picks are designed only for downstrokes, or down strums or plucks, as the string presses the pick into the thumb. With up strokes, the string pulls the pick away from the thumb, which often loosens the thumb pick such that it can fall off the thumb or a string can get caught between the thumb pick and finger. This limits its versatility and ability to be used like a flat pick. While it is possible to develop techniques to do up strokes with a thumb pick, these are difficult to learn.• Fit and Comfort: Many thumb picks are made of hard plastic that secure to the thumb, and it can be difficult to find one that fits securely but doesn’t squeeze the thumb so much that it hurts.• Non-Optimal Pick Placement: When the thumb pick was invented, the inventor placed the pick on the same thumb location with the same tilt and angle flat pick players use, the easiest location to hold the pick, rather than considering where the pick would be best located to learn and play. Because of this, existing thumb picks do not present the picking surface at the easiest to learn and play location, tilt, and angle for the thumb and fingers.

[0006] Finger-mounted picks are very different structurally than thumb-mounted picks due to the dynamics of their use. Characteristics and challenges include:• Volume and Tone: Finger-mounted picks provide a larger dynamic volume range and brighter tonal quality than fingernails alone, provide a larger dynamic volume range and brighter tonal quality,.• Impact Issues: Many finger-mounted picks wrap around the tip of the finger to be secured, and they inhibit free movement as the picks rub against each other.Finger-mounted picks have very different structural configurations than thumb-mounted picks.

[0007] Fingerstyle: fingerstyle playing uses fingers directly on the strings, typically with the thumb plucking three of the strings, and the index, middle and ring finger each plucking a string, so all six strings are assigned to a finger, though there are exceptions. Characteristics and challenges include:• Freedom Of Movement: All fingers are placed where it is easiest for them to pluck the strings and are free to play individually or simultaneously without the tension from holding a pick.• Potential Abrasions: Risk of skin abrasions or nail wear from repeated string contact. Use of fingernails involves nail maintenance where chipped, broken or too short inhibits their use.• Tonal Quality and Volume Dynamics: Flesh produces a softer, warmer tonal quality with lower maximum volume than with a pick. Fingernails offer a brighter tone than flesh, but are less consistent than a flat pick, and volume depends on the strength of one’s nails.Finger style allows for the optional use of finger-mounted picks.

[0008] Given the challenges associated with traditional picks and playing techniques, there is a need for a new guitar pick design.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention addresses these difficulties by providing a thumb-mounted pick, placed where it is easiest to play the strings, including for the other fingers, rather than placed where the pick is easiest to hold. Also, you do not have to hold onto this pick, reducing tension and fatigue, and it strums up and down easily and evenly. Players may adjust the thumb-mounted pick by rotating or sliding it on the thumb to accommodate differences in anatomy. Furthermore, since the pick is attached to only the thumb, it enhances the ability to mute the strings using the player’s right side of their palm. It offers the flexibility of fingerstyle play, and the dynamic-volume and tonal-quality advantages of a pick. This design enhances control, comfort, and playing flexibility making it easier for players to learn and enjoy playing the guitar.

[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description.

[0011] The thumb-mounted pick is an innovative musical accessory designed to enhance the playing experience for guitarists and other string instrument players. It includes two main components: the sleeve and the pick, which are made of two dissimilar materials, and are permanently bonded together to create a unified, ergonomic device.

[0012] The sleeve is ideally made from a relatively soft elastomeric material, such as silicone elastomer with a Shore durometer range of 10-60A. This elasticity allows the sleeve to fit snugly around different thumb sizes while providing comfort during extended use. The sleeve's length can vary, potentially extending from the fingernail to the base of the thumb at the hand for maximum security and stability of the pick during use. The inner surface of the sleeve directly contacts the player's thumb, while the outer surface of the sleeve faces outward. The as-molded sleeve when not stretched over a thumb may be or approximate a revolved parabola in shape and may have a diameter at the center of the pick between 0.3 inch and 0.5 inch to allow for different sleeve sizes for different thumbs. The sleeve can be stretched over the thumb. The sleeve may have a thickness between 0.02 inch and 0.1 inch which allows for changes in durability and the force applied when stretched over the thumb.

[0013] The pick may be made from a relatively hard or stiff material, such as conventionally used for picks. Thus, the pick may be formed from plastic, wood, metal, bone, shell, stone, or hard composite materials.

[0014] A key feature of the design is the slot in the sleeve, which can either be an aperture or a blind slot depending on the embodiment. This slot accepts the thumb-mounted pick’s playing surface, allowing it to pass through or be securely attached to the sleeve. In the embodiment of a blind slot, ridges may be incorporated on one or both sides of the slot to provide additional surface area for adhesion and enhance structural rigidity.

[0015] A crucial aspect of the design is the positioning of the thumb-mounted pick relative to the thumb. The thumb-mounted pick has a junction with the sleeve called the pick root. The pick root is positioned below the plane of the fingernail when viewed head-on. At the pick root the outer surface of the sleeve defines a normal vector, which is the vector perpendicular to the outer surface at the root. The planar pick protrudes from the sleeve at a tilt that is different than the normal vector, which is defined as the pick tilt. The pick tilt should be between 5 and 40 degrees. It could be a positive or negative tilt depending on whether it is configured for left or right-handed players. Furthermore, there is a pick angle which is the angle of the planar pick relative to the axis of the thumb. The pick angle should be between 5 and 40 degrees. It could be a positive or negative angle depending on whether it is configured for left or right-handed versions of the thumb-mounted pick. This specific orientation aligns the pick approximately parallel to the guitar string with the other fingers in a neutral and optimal playing position facilitating easier access and improved playing for all the fingers of the hand.

[0016] A backing plate may be formed on the thumb-mounted pick that extends at a non-right angle or tilt from the pick. The pick may protrude from the backing plate at a tilt that is not a right angle to provide a pick tilt which is not normal to the outer surface of the sleeve, and which ensures both up and down strokes or strums are equivalent and easy to perform. The backing plate may conform to the thumb and may be approximated as a portion of a surface of a revolved parabola. This backing plate provides bonding area to glue the pick to the inner or outer surface of the sleeve. The backing plate enhances structural integrity, stability of the pick during use and helps distribute playing forces to achieve the tonal qualities and volume the player desires.

[0017] The bonding area of the sleeve is where the thumb-mounted pick is permanently attached using adhesive, overmolding, or the like. If the sleeve is made of silicone, this may typically involve applying a silicone primer followed by a thin layer of cyanoacrylate glue, ensuring a secure and long- lasting connection.

[0018] The design may include ventilation holes in the sleeve to address moisture accumulation during extended use, allowing sweat to escape and improving comfort.

[0019] The thumb-mounted pick’s design is significant because it addresses several limitations of flat picks, thumb picks and fingerstyle play. It provides consistent performance for both upstrokes and downstrokes, prevents accidental dropping, eliminates hand tension and offers improved control and comfort. The placement and angles of the pick approximates the natural contact point of a finger-style player's thumb, making it intuitive for players transitioning from fingerstyle techniques. It also allows flat pick players to place their index finger on the thumb-mounted pick so they can use flat pick techniques they have developed.

[0020] This design improves upon existing flat picks and thumb picks by offering a more secure attachment method and optimized pick positioning. Unlike some existing designs that use straps or mechanical attachments, this invention may utilize a permanent adhesive bond between the pick and sleeve. This may be more secure and easier to manufacture.

[0021] The specific location, tilt and angle of the thumb-mounted pick are also unique features that set this design apart from the prior art for traditional flat picks and thumb picks where the pick is placed on the flat bottom of the thumb, and the pick tilt is the tangent vector of the bottom of the thumb, while the Thumb-mounted pick root location is several mm up the side of the thumb, and the pick tiltis 5-40 degrees from the normal vector at that point, in an easier-to-leam and -play location, rather than the easy-to-hold location used for flat picks and conventional thumb picks.

[0022] The sleeve can have a sleeve length that is either short or long. The range of 0.25 to 2 inches worked well. The longer sleeve may be harder to manufacture but provides improved ability to stay securely on the thumb.

[0023] In summary, the thumb-mounted pick represents a significant advancement in pick design, offering improved ergonomics, playing consistency, and sound customization options while addressing common issues with traditional flat picks, conventional thumb picks, and fmgerstyle play. The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0024] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a first embodiment of a stretched thumb-mounted pick with dashed hidden lines, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the stretched thumb-mounted pick of FIG. 1 mounted on a thumb.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the stretched thumb-mounted pick of FIG. 1 showing angular relationships, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the stretched thumb-mounted pick of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the thumb-mounted pick of FIG. 1 in an unstretched configuration.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates the side view of the thumb-mounted pick of FIG 6 with dashed hidden lines.

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of the thumb-mounted pick in an unstretched position, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a pick with a different backing plate according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 9 illustrates the side view of a third embodiment of the thumb-mounted pick in an unstretched configuration utilizing the pick of FIG 8.

[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the thumb-mounted pick in use playing guitar strings.

[0035] FIG. 11A is a lower left perspective view of another embodiment of a pick according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 1 IB is a left side view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0037] FIG. 11C is an upper left perspective view of the pick of FIG. 11A.

[0038] FIG. 1 ID is a bottom view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0039] FIG. 1 IE is a front view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0040] FIG. 1 IF is a top view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0041] FIG. 11G is a lower right perspective view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0042] FIG. 11H is a right-side view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0043] FIG. 1 II is an upper right perspective view of the pick of FIG. 11 A.

[0044] FIG. 12A is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the thumb-mounted pick.

[0045] FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12A.

[0046] FIG. 12C is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 12A.

[0047] FIG. 12D is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12A.

[0048] FIG. 12E is a bottom view of the third embodiment in a spread open configuration.

[0049] FIG. 13A illustrates a fifth embodiment of the thumb-mounted pick in an open position.

[0050] FIG. 13B illustrates the fifth embodiment in a closed position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such a description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the presentdisclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein. Herein, it should be understood that various location or directional terms may be relative to the drawing being described and merely for convenience of description, and not meant to restrict or limit the orientation or use of the thumb pick. Also, “thumb-mounted” refers to the capability of being mounted on a human thumb, both here and in the claims. The thumb itself is not claimed.

[0052] FIG’s 1-6 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view with hidden lines shown as dashed lines of a thumb-mounted pick 100 in the stretched position with the thumb 115 removed from the view. The thumb-mounted pick 100 includes sleeve 101, pick 102, and slot 103 in the form of an aperture that communicates between inner surface 112 and outer surface 111 of sleeve 101. Pick 102 includes playing surface 121 and is mounted on backing plate 104 having a shape that contours with thumb 115 and to which the playing surface is joined. The plane of playing surface(s) 121 of the pick 102 extends from the backing plate 104 at a non-right angle, i.e., at an angle relative to the normal vector of the surface of the backing plate or the inner or outer surface of the sleeve, which will be called the tilt of the pick or the tilt angle herein. The plane of playing surface 121 also deviates from being parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the thumb 115 at an angle to be further defined below, in order to achieve a preferred placement of the pick’s playing surface relative to the instrument strings and a ready-to-play hand position.

[0053] The sleeve 101 may have an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 112. In some cases, the inner surface 112 is configured to directly contact a thumb 115, while the outer surface 111 faces outward. The sleeve 101 is designed to stretch over a thumb 115, conforming to its shape.

[0054] A pick 102 may protrude from the sleeve 101 through the slot 103. The slot 103 may form an aperture that communicates between the inner surface 112 and outer surface 111 of the sleeve 101. In some cases, the exposed portion of pick 102 which is the playing surface thereof, which may exhibit a spade shape 121, which may provide good interaction with guitar strings and is a standard shape for flat picks. Spade shape herein means the tip of the pick forms an angle (typically but not limited to an acute angle) with the two side edges convex outward, as illustrated by the spade shape 121. The tip of the pick may be a point, a sharp angle, or it may be rounded.

[0055] The backing plate 104 may be attached to the pick 102 and may be contoured to match the shape of a thumb 115. The configuration of the backing plate 104 may provide support and stability for the pick and help distribute forces during use of the thumb-mounted pick 100.

[0056] A thumb axis 107 is indicated to show the orientation of the thumb-mounted pick 100 when worn. Thumb axis 107 may serve as a reference for describing the positioning and angles of other components.

[0057] In some cases, the sleeve 101 may include one or more ventilation holes 114 distributed across its surface. These ventilation holes 114 may allow for airflow when the thumb-mounted pick 100 is in use, potentially improving comfort for the user.

[0058] The isometric view in FIG. 1 demonstrates how the components of the thumb-mounted pick 100 may be integrated together. The pick 102 may protrude through the slot 103, while the backing plate 104 may provide structural support within the sleeve 101 and allow for adhesive joining of the sleeve 101 and pick 102. This configuration may allow for secure attachment of the pick 102 to the sleeve 101 while maintaining flexibility and comfort for the user.

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a thumb-mounted pick 100 mounted on a thumb 115. The thumb-mounted pick 100 may include a sleeve 101 that stretches over and conforms to the thumb 115. A pick 102 may extend through a slot 103 in the sleeve 101. The slot 103 may form an aperture that communicates between the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve 101, allowing the pick 102 to protrude from the sleeve 101.

[0060] The pick 102 may extend from sleeve 101 at pick root 108, which is defined as the intersection of the pick’s playing surface 121 and the backing plate 104, which is also where the pick protrudes through the sleeve at slot 103. The pick is thus configured to touch the strings of the instrument as illustrated in FIG. 10. The orientation of the playing surface may be referenced relative to a thumb axis 107, which runs longitudinally along the length of the thumb 115, or alternately, a central, longitudinal, sleeve axis through the center of the sleeve 101 as is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG 7, and also relative to a normal vector from the sleeve surface or back plate surface.

[0061] The sleeve 101 may wrap completely around the thumb 115 while maintaining the pick102 in a specific position and orientation for optimal playing functionality.

[0062] The thumb-mounted pick 100 may include a backing plate (not visible in FIG. 2) that conforms to the thumb 115. In some cases, the sleeve, and also the backing plate, may be approximated as a portion of a surface of revolution of a parabola, i.e., a paraboloid, closely matching the contours of the thumb 115 for improved fit and comfort. This general shape provides for a larger sleeve opening at one end for inserting a thumb and a smaller opening at the other end to provide some ventilation, fit the thumb shape, and to limit the thumb position therein.

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a thumb-mounted pick 100 in the stretched configuration with the thumb not shown. The thumb-mounted pick 100 may include a sleeve 101, a pick 102, and a slot 103 in the form of an aperture that communicates between the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve 101. The visible portion of pick 102 may extend from a pick root 108, which may represent the junction where the pick 102 extends from the sleeve 101.

[0064] The front view of FIG. 3 demonstrates angular relationships between various components of the thumb-mounted pick 100. A normal vector 117 of the outer surface 111 originating at the pick root 108 is depicted. The tilt angle 109 is the deviation of the plane of the pick 102 from the normal vector 117. The tilt angle 109 may range between 2 and 40 degrees, or between 5 and 40 degrees, or between 3 and 15 degrees or between 5 and 10 degrees. The pick is therefore neither perpendicular to the thumb, nor tangent to the thumb.

[0065] A plane of the fingernail 118 may be illustrated in the front view. The pick root 108 may be positioned on the side of the thumb and below the plane of the fingernail 118 when viewed head-on. The pick root is positioned where the thumb touches the top of a string while the hand and other fingers are in a ready-to-play position.

[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a thumb-mounted pick 100 in the stretched configuration with the thumb removed. The thumb-mounted pick 100 may include a sleeve 101 and a pick 102. In some cases, the pick 102 may extend through a slot 103 in the form of an aperture that communicates between the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve 101. The view is in line with the plane of the playing surface of the pick 102. A sleeve length 113 is shown as a dimensional measurement along a thumb axis 107. The sleeve length 113 may vary to accommodate different thumb sizes and user preferences. In some cases, the sleeve length 113 may range from 0.25 to 2 inches.

[0067] The pick 102 may be oriented at a pick angle 110 relative to the thumb axis 107. the pick angle 110 of pick 102 relative to thumb axis 107 may be specified as an angular measurement. In somecases, the angle 110 of pick relative to thumb axis 107 advantageously ranges between -5 and 25 degrees, or between 0 and 15 degrees, or between 0.4 and 9 degrees. This specific range may allow for effective interaction with a musical instrument string.

[0068] The pick 102 thus protrudes from the sleeve 101 at a specific orientation, which is given by the tilt angle and the pick angle, as defined herein, and at a specific location on the side of a thumb. This configuration may contribute to the functionality of the thumb-mounted pick 100 by positioning the pick 102 at an optimal tilt and angle for plucking and / or strumming strings. Each aspect of the pick configuration makes an improvement over prior thumb pick designs. The tilt angle helps prevent catching the tip of the pick on a string and provides for both down- and up-stroke playing. The location on the side of the thumb improves over the thumb nail itself and may be easier for playing than a pick held between thumb and index finger. The pick angle is intended to further optimize the natural position of the pick with respect to a guitar string or other stringed instrument. The combination of parameters is believed to allow for optimal positioning of the pick 102 relative to the user's thumb 115 and the instrument strings and to allow for optimal positioning of the other fingers for playing the strings, resulting in improved contact with the instrument strings and enhancing the user's control over various plucking and strumming techniques.

[0069] The sleeve 101 may be configured to accommodate a thumb 115, though the thumb may not be shown in this view. The sleeve 101 may be designed to stretch and conform to various thumb sizes while maintaining the desired orientation of the pick 102.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates front view of the first embodiment of the thumb-mounted pick 100 in an unstretched configuration. A pick root 108 may be shown where a pick 102 connects to the backplate and protrudes through the sleeve 101. A normal vector 117 may extend from the outer surface 111 at the pick root 108. A tilt 109 between the pick 102 and the normal vector 117 is depicted. This tilt 109 may represent the tilt of the pick 102 relative to the normal vector of the outer surface at the root.

[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates the side view of a thumb-mounted pick 100 of FIG 5 and includes hidden lines and illustrates several dimensional aspects of the thumb-mounted pick 100. A thumb axis 107 may be shown extending through the center of the device. A sleeve length 113 is shown, which, as mentioned above, may range from 0.25 to 2 inches, preferably from 0.8 to 1.8 inches, and more preferably from 1.3 to 1.6 inches. A sleeve diameter 120 at the pick ranges from 0.3 inch to 0.75 inch..This range of diameters may allow for different sleeve sizes to accommodate various thumb sizes. The thumb-mounted pick diameter thus may vary in proportion to the intended thumb diameter.

[0072] The side view also shows the inner surface 112 and outer surface 111 of the sleeve with a sleeve thickness 119 between them. The sleeve thickness 119 ranges from 0.02 inch to 0.10 inch, preferably 0.03 to 0.08 inch and more preferably 0.04 to 0.05 inch. This range of thicknesses may allow for changes in durability, the material, and so the backing plate remains in contact across its surface with the thumb when force is applied to a string from the pick.

[0073] An angle 110 of the pick 102 relative to the thumb axis 107 is depicted in the side view. This angle 110 may contribute to the positioning of the pick 102 for optimal interaction with instrument strings.

[0074] In some cases, the sleeve may be made from silicone or other rubber or elastomeric material with a Shore-A durometer hardness in the range of 10 to 60A, preferably 20 to 50A and more preferably 25 to 30A and a relatively high elongation (greater than 100%). This material choice may provide a balance of flexibility and durability for the thumb-mounted pick 100 and allow for different sleeve materials and thicknesses.

[0075] The views in FIG. 5 and FIG 6 show the natural, as-molded shape of the sleeve, and in particular, how the sleeve may be defined by or approximate a fully revolved parabolic shape, with the pick 102 positioned at specific tilts 109 and angles 110 relative to the normal vector of the parabola surface and the thumb axis 107, respectively. These specific orientations may contribute to the functionality and ergonomics of the thumb-mounted pick 100 as well as ease of manufacturing.

[0076] In some cases, an adhesive bonding process may be used to attach the pick 102 to the sleeve 101. This process may involve applying a silicone primer to the sleeve 101 followed by a thin layer of cyanoacrylate glue. This bonding method may provide a secure and long -lasting connection between the pick 102 and the sleeve 101. The interior of the sleeve may include an indentation adapted to fit the backing plate to provide a smooth transition between sleeve and backing plate for a more comfortable fit on a user’s thumb. Other bonding methods may be used, such as overmolding with or without suitable adhesive on the pick or backing plate. These bonding methods can be applied to all embodiments.

[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of a thumb-mounted pick 200 shown in an unstretched position. The thumb-mounted pick 200 may include a sleeve 201 having aninner surface 212 and an outer surface 211. The sleeve 201 may incorporate a slot in the form of a blind slot 203 in the outer surface that may be configured to receive a pick 202.

[0078] The blind slot 203 may feature ridges or shoulders 206 positioned along one or both sides of the slot 203. These ridges 206 may provide additional structural support and increased surface area for adhesion. The sleeve may extend along a sleeve length 213, which may form a complete surface of revolution around its axis. This complete revolution may allow the sleeve to utilize hoop strength when positioned on a thumb.

[0079] The pick 202 may be positioned and oriented within the blind slot 203 as described for the first embodiment, with similar positioning relative a user’s thumb or thumbnail, and tilted and angled with respect to the sleeve normal vector and longitudinal axis, respectively. Materials of different compositions may be integrated into the pick and sleeve structure. For example, the pick 202 may be made from plastic, wood, metal, bone, shell, stone, or hard composite materials providing options for different tonal qualities or durability characteristics. Any known pick-manufacturing methods may be used, such as molding, stamping, machining, etc. It should be understood that the pick in any of the embodiments could also be made from one or more of the materials or methods listed here. The sleeve could be elastomeric or of a more rigid material such as plastic or composite, or a combination of materials which may comolded or bonded together with appropriate adhesives.

[0080] The full revolution of the sleeve 201, as indicated by the sleeve length 213, may contribute to the overall functionality of the thumb-mounted pick 200. This design may allow for even distribution of tension when the sleeve 201 is stretched over a thumb, potentially improving comfort and stability during use.

[0081] FIG 8 illustrates an isometric view of a pick 302 with a backing plate 304 having an extension 122 that allows the user to optionally and additionally hold the thumb-mounted pick with their index finger pressing it against the thumb by placing the index finger on the sleeve directly over the extension 122, which may have a width 125 that can be selected in combination with width 126. This extension provides maximum stability forthe pick and may facilitate existing flat pick players in transitioning their playing techniques to the thumb-mounted pick or other players desiring a more secure and stable picking experience. The backing plate 304 has a width 126 that may advantageously be between 0.3 and 0.7 inch, or between 0.4 and 0.6 inch, or between 0.4 and 0.5 inch, which was found to provide an easy location for the index finger to be placed to additionally secure the pick. Theextension 122 has a width 125 that may advantageously be between 0.0 and 0.9 inch, or between 0.4 and 0.75 inch, or between 0.5 and 0.7 inch.

[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates the side view of thumb-mounted pick 300 in an unstretched configuration utilizing pick 302 of FIG 8. In this view you can see that sleeve 101 is molded with an internal cavity 306 shaped to accommodate backing plate 304 and its extension 122. Also shown in this view are the specifics of the root 108 of the pick, which is defined as the intersection between a playing surface of pick 302 and the backing plate 304 which is where the pick 302 protrudes through sleeve 101. Root 108 is a curved line with two ends that is part of the parabolic shape of the sleeve residing in the plane of the pick 302 at the intersection of the backing plate 304. The apex 128 of the pick is positioned at a longitudinal distance 123 from the tip 129 of the thumb-mounted pick 300. The longitudinal distance 123 may be in the range from 0.05 to 0.50 inch, or 0.17 to .45 inch or from 0.20 to 0.40 inch, for ease in playing the instrument. Also shown is the pick height 124 which is the minimum distance from the root 108 to the apex 128 of the pick. The pick height 124 advantageously may range from 0.04 to 0.35 inch, or from 0.07 to 0.25 inch, or from 0. 10 to 0.20 inch. Also shown is a scalene triangle pick shape 127 with a rounded tip (i.e., apex 128) that was found in testing to be effective for the inventor when playing the instrument while a more pointed tip also worked with different tonal qualities. It should be understood that these dimensions and shapes may also be applied to any other of the pick embodiments described herein.

[0083] In other descriptive words, the pick 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, or 602 and the back plate 104, 304, etc., as well as the various sleeves, may resemble a misaligned fin, in particular a dorsal fin (i.e., the pick) on the back of a fish (i.e., the back plate or the sleeve) with the fin crossing the midline of the back at an angle (pick angle 110) and rising from the back with a tilt (tilt angle 109) as shown on FIG. 4 and FIG. 3 respectively.

[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a thumb-mounted pick with a sleeve 101 in the stretched configuration around a thumb 115 in use. The pick 102 can be seen playing a guitar string 116 in an upstroke with optimal placement for the other fingers.

[0085] FIG’s 11 A thru 111 shows nine views of pick 402. Pick 402 is similar to pick 302, but has a broader extension 422 on back plate 404. Nevertheless, the previous descriptions of the dimensions and angles of the picks apply equally here regarding dimensions 425 and 426, as well as the angles of the playing surface of pick 402.

[0086] FIG’s 12A thru 12E show five views of a fourth embodiment, thumb-mounted pick 500. Pick 502 is actually the same configuration as pick 402 of FIG. 11. It should be noted that any of the pick / backing plate embodiments can be used with any of the sleeve embodiments except for the second embodiment which has only a pick. The fourth embodiment incorporates a sleeve 505 that opens and closes with hook and loop fasteners so that it can be fitted to most any size of thumb. The sleeve 505 includes a lower portion 501 which includes the slot for pick 502 and makes up about half of the sleeve. The lower portion may also include cavity 506 to house backing plate 504. The top portion, or top half, includes two upper portions 510 and 511 which are attached to lower portion 501 along the left edge 512. This may be a permanent attachment. The two upper portions may be formed from a single piece of material as shown in the open view of FIG. 12E. After a thumb is placed into the sleeve, the two upper portions 510 and 511 may then be pulled up over the top of the thumb and fastened to the right edge 513 of the lower portion 501. One upper portion may be sufficient, but having two upper portions provides for better fitting to various sizes and shapes of thumbs and also may allow more freedom of movement of the thumb joint. Edge 513 may be lined with a hook material, while a portion or even all of the upper portions may be loop material, or vice versa, thus permitting reversable fastening of the sleeve around a user’s thumb. The hook and loop materials may be attached either on the outside of the sleeve lower portion 501 or on the inside, and either the left or the right side.

[0087] FIG. 13A and 13B show a fifth embodiment of thumb-mounted pick 600. Thumb-mounted pick 600 includes pick 602 with backing plate 604, consistent with previous pick embodiments, and sleeve 601, which is slit open at the top and is shown in the open position in FIG. 13 A and in the closed position in FIG. 13B. The two ends of the open or U-shaped sleeve are sufficiently long to wrap around a user’s thumb and overlap where hook and loop materials then can firmly but reversibly hold the sleeve together around the thumb. As shown, the left end 613 includes a hook material on the inside surface of the sleeve and the right end 610 includes a loop material on the outside of the sleeve. Of course, the hook and loop materials can be switched without affecting the function. Likewise, the left and right positions can be switched without affecting the function.

[0088] The first three embodiments could be made in a series of sizes to accommodate user’s with different thumb sizes. The fourth and fifth embodiments could be made in different sizes, but could also be made as “one-size-fits-all” thumb-mounted picks. For small thumbs, there could be excess material, which could be trimmed off as needed for better fit.

[0089] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A thumb-mounted pick, comprising: a sleeve made of a first material, the sleeve having an inner surface and an outer surface; a pick made of a second material different from the first material, the pick being essentially planar and configured to protrude from the sleeve; and a slot in the sleeve configured to accept the pick.

2. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1, wherein the pick is permanently bonded to the sleeve.

3. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1, wherein the first material is an elastomeric material.

4. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 3, wherein the sleeve shape is a surface of revolution.

4. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 4, wherein the first material is silicone rubber with a Shoredurometer hardness in the range of 10-60A and is stretchable over a thumb.

5. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 5, wherein the sleeve further comprises ventilation holes.

6. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1, further comprising a backing plate attached to a root of the pick so that the pick extends at a non-right, tilt angle from the backing plate.

7. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 6, wherein the backing plate comprises an extension configured to allow a user to grip the backing plate between a thumb and an index finger.

8. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 6, wherein the backing plate is permanently bonded to the inner surface of the sleeve, and the pick protrudes from the sleeve through the slot.

9. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1, wherein the pick has a shape of a scalene triangle.

10. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a sleeve length between 0.25 and 2 inches.

11. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1, wherein the pick is configured to protrude from the sleeve at a tilt angle of 5° to 40° relative to a normal vector to the outer surface of the sleeve at the root.

12. The thumb-mounted-pick of claim 11, wherein the pick is configured to be angled 5° to 40° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

13. The thumb-mounted-pick of claim 1, wherein the slot communicates from the inner surface of the sleeve to the outer surface.

14. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises an open segment with ends configured to wrap around and fasten together around a thumb.

15. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 14 comprising hook-and-loop materials adapted to do the fastening.

16. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 15 further comprising a backing plate attached to a root of the pick so that the pick extends at a non-right, tilt angle from the backing plate.

17. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 16, wherein the backing plate comprises an extension configured to allow a user to grip the backing plate between a thumb and an index finger.

18. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 16, wherein the backing plate is permanently bonded to the inner surface of the sleeve, and the pick protrudes from the sleeve through the slot.

19. The thumb-mounted pick of claim 16 wherein the pick is configured to protrude from the sleeve at a tilt angle of 5° to 40° relative to a normal to the outer surface of the sleeve at the root.

20. The thumb-mounted-pick of claim 19, wherein the pick is configured to be angled 5° to 40° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

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