Stringed instrument pick and holder

Abstract

A system and method for retaining a guitar pick on a stringed instrument. The system includes a guitar pick embedded with two magnets and a holder containing corresponding magnets that is attachable to the instrument, guitar strap, capo or other instrument accessory. The holder can be attached using adhesive backing or a detachable clamp mechanism. The holder is constructed from a non-magnetic material to reduce interference with the magnetic fields of the holder magnets. The method involves embedding magnets within the guitar pick and holder, attaching the holder to the instrument, and aligning the magnets to facilitate magnetic attachment of the pick to the holder.

Description

STRINGED INSTRUMENT PICK AND HOLDERPAUL EFRON, ZACHARY REESE AND JIM JINDRICK CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 693,053 titled "Dual Magnet Stringed Instrument Pick and Holder" and having a filing date of September 10, 2024, all of which is incorporated by reference hereinFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field pertains to an accessory for stringed musical instruments, specifically focusing on systems for securing and retrieving guitar picks and even more specifically involving attachment methods, and materials designed to offer enhanced accessibility and functionality for musicians, especially during performances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Guitarists and other stringed instrument players often face the challenge of managing their guitar picks while playing and where to store them when not playing. The pick or plectrum, a small, thin piece of material used to pluck or strum the strings, can easily slip from the player's grip during a performance. When not playing or when finger plucking and the pick isn’t being used, there is currently not a convenient place to store the pick. There is not a quick way to go from finger plucking back to having a pick back in their hands, which can disrupt the flow of the music and cause inconvenience to the player. Many musicians put their pick in their mouth when finger plucking or tapping, but this can’t be done if the musician wants to sing at that time as well. Storing picks in their mouths has the obvious potential to be unhygienic. Famous guitarist Eddie Van Halen claims that using metal picks and storing them in his mouth was the cause of his mouth cancer and partial removal of his tongue. Anyone that has done the laundry of a guitar playerknows of finding picks in the dryer. Guitar picks with single magnets are currently available, however a ferrous or magnetic holder on the guitar would not guarantee that the pick will be orientated properly when retrieved for playing. Various solutions have been proposed to address these issues, such as using pick holders that secure the pick with springs and friction or guitar straps with small pockets. However, these solutions often fall short in terms of convenience and ease of use. For instance, having the pick on the mic stand can interrupt the flow of music if having to move back to the stand to grab or put down a pick, or having the pick in a pocket on the guitar strap can be inconvenient because the pick may not easily and quickly slide back into its slot. The need for efficient handling and storage of guitar picks during performances is a consistent concern among musicians, particularly in live settings where swift retrieval is crucial.

[0004] Existing technologies in the realm of pick holders and retention systems present numerous shortcomings that hinder optimal user experiences. Conventional pick holders are often simplistic in design, relying on basic clips or slots that attach to music stands or the instrument itself. These solutions do not have quick pick storage and retrieval. Additionally, traditional systems may not adequately account for varied instrument designs and player preferences, posing challenges for musicians who switch between different picking techniques.

[0005] Augmenting the shortcomings, conventional attachment solutions often struggle with flexibility and adaptability across various string instruments. Many pick holding mechanisms involve permanent or semi -permanent adhesives, limiting their repositionability and reusability. Attempts to use stronger adhesives for better attachment often compromise the ability to detach the pick holder without damaging the instrument surface. Poor resistance to environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations and humidity, further exacerbates these limitations, particularly for musicians performing in diverse conditions.

[0006] What is needed is a solution that provides secure, adjustable, and environmentally resistant pick retention suitable for a range of string instruments and playing styles. Such a system would offer magnetic retention to repeatedly store and retrieve a pick near the musician’ s fingertips, while maintaining flexibility with different instrument types. It should employ materials resistant to environmental degradation and facilitate non-permanent installation, allowing musicians to reposition or remove the holder as necessary without damaging their instruments or leaving any residue.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a retainer for retaining a guitar pick, comprising a guitar pick having a first side and a second side and a thickness, with a first pick magnet having a first pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick and a second pick magnet having a second pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick. The system can further include a holder configured for attachment to a surface, the holder comprising a first holder magnet having a first holder polarity configured to attract the first pick magnet and a second holder magnet having a second holder polarity configured to attract the second pick magnet.

[0008] The holder can be configured to attach to the surface using adhesive backing or a detachable clamp mechanism. The surface can be a guitar, guitar strap, capo, or mic stand. In preferred embodiments, the first pick magnet and the second pick magnet can be neodymium magnets, and the first holder magnet and the second holder magnet are embedded within the holder. The first pick magnet and the second pick magnet can be arranged such that their polarities create a balanced magnetic attraction with the corresponding holder magnets to prevent rotation of the pick when retained. The holder may be adjustable to allow positioning on different areas ofthe stringed instrument. The guitar pick may include a protective coating over the embedded pick magnets to resist slipping. The holder may be covered with a sound dampening surface or fabric.

[0009] The holder can be constructed from a non-magnetic material to reduce interference with the magnetic fields of the holder magnets. The thickness of the guitar pick can be configured to accommodate the embedded magnets without altering the standard feel or usability of the pick. The holder can be configured to store multiple guitar picks with corresponding magnets. The first and second pick magnets can be arranged in parallel alignment within the pick. The holder can be shaped to align with the contour of the stringed instrument's body. The magnetic strength of the first and second pick magnets and the first and second holder magnets are selected to provide secure retention while allowing easy removal of the guitar pick during use.

[0010] The first holder magnet and the second holder magnet can be adjustable in spacing to accommodate different sizes or shapes of guitar picks. The magnetic connection between the pick and the holder is configured to prevent detachment during vigorous playing. The guitar pick may be configured for a stringed instrument selected from the group consisting of electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and ukuleles, and the configuration of the magnets can be based on the stringed instrument type.

[0011] The invention can also have a method for retaining a guitar pick on a surface, comprising embedding two magnets of opposing polarities within the guitar pick, embedding two first holder magnets of opposing polarities within a first holder, embedding two second holder magnets of opposing polarities within a second holder, configuring the assembly so the first holder is magnetically coupled to the second holder through a surface such as a guitar strap, and aligning the magnets of the guitar pick with the magnets of the holder to facilitate magnetic attachment of the guitar pick to the first holder or the second holder. The method may further comprise coatingthe magnets with a corrosion-preventive layer. The first holder and second holder may comprise a non-slip surface having a plurality of spikes, ridges, hook and loop, or microfiber surface to enhance grip and retention to the thin material such as a guitar strap.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment includes a holder assembly to selectively connect a pick to a thin material such as a guitar strap, the pick having a first pick magnet having a first pick magnet polarity and a second pick magnet having a second pick magnet polarity that is the opposite of the first pick magnet polarity. The assembly comprises a first holder coupled to a second holder with a flexible material wherein each of the first holder and the second holder has at least one first magnet having a first polarity and at least one second magnet having a second polarity allowing the first holder to attract the second holder with the thin material sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder.

[0013] The flexible material can be thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, nitrile rubber or other flexible material. The thin material can be a guitar strap. The first holder and the second holder may have neodymium magnets embedded within the holders. The first holder can be coupled to the second holder by a flexible material such that the flexible material folds allowing the first holder to attract the second holder with the thin material sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder. The first holder and second holder may comprise a non-slip surface having a plurality of spikes, ridges, hook and loop, or microfiber surface to enhance grip and retention to the thin material.

[0014] Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully awarethat they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors’ intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

[0015] The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

[0016] Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1 12 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . .”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, evenwhen the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . “ or “step for performing the function of . . . if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S. C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S. C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the instrument pick and holder with pick shown on an instrument in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the instrument holder with pick in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the instrument holder with pick in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a back isometric view of the pick in accordance to one or more embodiments without any coating that would otherwise conceal the internal magnets;

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a back view of the pick in accordance to one or more embodiments without any coating that would otherwise conceal the internal magnets;

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a back view of the holder in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the holder in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a back view of the holder in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0026] FIG. 9 shows an isometric front view of the holder of another embodiment in accordance to one or more embodiments without any cover that would conceal the internal magnets;

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the holder of another embodiment in accordance to one or more embodiments without any cover that would conceal the internal magnets;

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a back view of the holder of another embodiment in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0029] FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the pick and holder in accordance to one or more embodiments with a pick magnetically attached;

[0030] FIG. 13 shows a back view of another embodiment of the pick and holder in accordance to one or more embodiments with a pick magnetically attached;

[0031] FIG. 14a shows a front view of another embodiment of the holder and magnetically attached pick in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0032] FIG. 14b shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 14a of another embodiment of the pick and holder in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0033] FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the holder assembly in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0034] FIG. 16a shows a front view of another embodiment of the holder assembly in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0035] FIG. 16b shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 16a of another embodiment of the holder assembly in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0036] FIG. 17 shows the side view of another embodiment of the holder assembly folded over and sandwiching the edge of a guitar strap in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0037] FIG. 18 shows a back view of another embodiment of the holder assembly in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0038] FIG. 19 shows a side view of another embodiment of the pick and holder coupled to a strap holding a pick in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0039] FIG. 20a shows a side view of another embodiment of the holder in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0040] FIG. 20b shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 20a of another embodiment of the holder in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0041] FIG. 21 shows a back view of another embodiment of the pick in accordance to one or more embodiments;

[0042] FIG. 22a shows a side view of another embodiment of the pick in accordance to one or more embodiments; and

[0043] FIG. 22b shows a cross-section view of FIG. 22a of another embodiment of the pick in accordance to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.LISTING OF REFERENCE ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGSDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0045] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0046] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 - 8, a system for retaining a guitar pick on a surface is shown generally at 10 attached to a ukelele wherein a ukelele is just one example embodiment where the system can be coupled to a guitar, bass guitar, guitar strap, capo, mic stand or the like. The system 10 can comprise a guitar pick 12 and a holder 30. The guitar pick 12 can have a first side 13 and a second side 14 and a thickness 16 wherein a first pick magnet 18 and a second pick magnet 20, each having a distinct polarity, can be coupled to the first side 13 of the guitar pick. The first pick magnet 18 and second pick magnet 20 can be arranged in parallel alignment on the guitar pick 12.The first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can be such as, for example, neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, alnico magnets, or the like. In certain embodiments, the thickness 16 of the guitar pick is configured to accommodate the embedded magnets without altering the standard feel or usability of the pick. The thickness can vary such as, thicker on the magnet end and thinner on the playing end or in other embodiments the pick can have varying thickness wherein the thicker portion is where the magnets are embedded, and the thinner portion is the playing portion of the pick as shown in FIG. 21 - 22b.

[0047] In embodiments, the first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can have the same magnetic pole or individual poles which enables the magnet to interact dynamically with its surroundings wherein the magnets can have a north pole and a south pole. The first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can be arranged such that their polarities are in opposite directions with the corresponding magnets on the holder also having their polarities in opposite directions. This very innovate approach allows the desired end of the pick to always be orientated toward the musician regardless of which side of the pick is facing out. Having the arrangement of two magnets instead of a single magnet on the pick and holder creates a balanced magnetic attraction preventing rotation of the pick when retained. The magnetic strength of the first pick magnet 18 and second pick magnet 20 can selected to provide secure retention while allowing easy removal of the guitar pick during use.

[0048] The guitar pick 12 can be such as, for example, standard pick, teardrop pick, jazz pick, triangular pick, shark fin pick, thumb pick, finger pick, or the like and can be made from such as, for example, plastic, metal, wood, stone, bone, felt, carbon fiber, acrylic, nylon, celluloid, Delrin, Tortex, polyoxymethylene, polyoxymethylene with matted surface, or the like. The guitar pick 12 can be coupled to the first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 by adhesive such as, forexample, nano tape, epoxy, super glue, double sided tape, or the like or be embedded inside the pick. The guitar pick 12 thickness can be such as for example, ,38mm to 2mm and even more preferably ,6mm to 1.2mm and still more preferably ,7mm to 1mm. This thickness can be consistent throughout the pick or vary to be thicker at the back end where the magnets are embedded. The back end of the pick can be coated with an anti-slip surface. The first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can be coupled to the first side 13 and / or the second side 14 of the pick. In certain embodiments, the guitar pick 12 can have at least one slot in to retain the first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 wherein the first pick magnet and the second pick magnet can be recessed within the first surface 13 and / or second surface 14.

[0049] In embodiments, the guitar pick 12 can be any suitable shape or size such as, for example, tear drop, circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or the like and can be such as, for example, 10mm to 50mm, and still more preferably 20mm to 40mm and even more preferably the very common tear drop shape 25mm wide by 30mm long. The first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can have a diameter or perimeter of such as, for example, 1mm to 10mm diameter and still more preferably 3mm to 8mm diameter and even more preferably 5mm to 6mm diameter. In certain embodiments, the guitar pick 12 can include a protective coating over the embedded pick magnets to resist slipping. The pick magnets can have a thickness as available in ,3mm to 3mm, preferably ,7mm to 1mm thick.

[0050] In embodiments, the holder 30 can be coupled to a surface 82 of the stringed instrument 80 and can comprise a first holder magnet 32 and a second holder magnet 34 and can be flexible around and between the magnets to allow the holder to bend to align with the contour of the stringed instrument’s body 80. The holder 30 can have an instrument side 36 and a pick side 38 wherein the first holder magnet 32 and the second holder magnet 34 can be attached to theinstrument or encased in a housing that is attached to the instrument with, for example, nano tape, epoxy, super glue, double sided take, detachable clamp mechanism. The holder, holder magnets and or holder magnets encased in a housing can be covered with a material such as felt or fabric to dampen and prevent any clicking sound created when the pick snaps quickly and becomes magnetically attached to the holder. In one embodiment, the first holder magnet 32 and the second holder magnet 34 can be embedded in the holder 38, covered with sound dampening fabric and coupled to the instrument side with peal and stick nano tape adhesive layer 40 as shown in FIG. 14b

[0051] The first holder magnet 32 can be configured to attract the first pick magnet 18, and the second holder magnet 34 can be configured to attract the second pick magnet. The first holder magnet 32 and the second holder magnet 34 can be such as, for example, neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, alnico magnets, or the like. The first holder magnet 32 and the second holder magnet 34 can be adjustable in spacing to accommodate different sizes or shapes of guitar picks. The magnetic connection between the pick and the holder can be configured to prevent detachment during vigorous playing.

[0052] The instrument side 36 can be coupled to the string instrument 80 by adhesive 40 which can be such as, for example, nano tape, epoxy, super glue, double sided tape, detachable clamp mechanism or the like. The holder 30 can be made from such as, for example, felt, hook and loop material, fleece, foam, wool, plastic, metal, silicone or the like or in other embodiments, the holder can be constructed from a non-magnetic material to reduce interference with the magnetic fields of the holder magnets. The holder 30 can be larger than the guitar pick 12, as shown in FIG. 1, or can be smaller than the guitar pick creating a ledge for the user to press down on the guitar pick allowing the back edge to lift up making it easier to grab as shown in FIG. 12. The holder 30 canbe any suitable shape or size such as shown in FIGS. 6 - 8 and 9 - 11 and in other embodiments it can be such as, for example, triangular, square, polygonal, rectangular, or the like. The holder 30 can be adjustable, allowing it to be positioned on different areas of the stringed instrument 80.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the holder 30 can be configured to store multiple guitar picks 12 with corresponding magnets such as for example, having more than two magnets even spaced for more than one guitar pick 12 to be coupled to the instrument 80. The holder 30 can store multiple guitar picks vertical and / or horizontally on the instrument. In other embodiments, the holder 30 can have at least one holder magnet coupled to and the guitar can have at least one pick magnet coupled to at least one of its sides. The magnets can be replaced with hook and loop fastener on both the guitar pick 12 and the holder 30. Alternatively, extra magnetic picks can be stored on the instrument in a separate dispenser, on a spring loaded device that clips onto the instrument such as a standard capo that contains associated magnets, or a device that clips onto a microphone stand that contains associated magnets, or a device that can be incorporated into, clipped onto, or attached to a guitar strap by other means.

[0054] The method for retaining a guitar pick on a stringed instrument involves embedding two magnets composed of neodymium material within the guitar pick, embedding corresponding magnets within a holder, attaching the holder to a surface of the stringed instrument, and aligning the magnets of the guitar pick with the magnets of the holder to facilitate magnetic attachment of the guitar pick to the holder. The magnets and the guitar pick can further be coated with an antislip layer to minimize dropping the pick.

[0055] In another embodiment, a retainer for retaining a guitar pick can comprise a guitar pick 12 that can have a first side 13 and a second side 14 and a thickness 16. A first pick magnet 18 can have a first pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick. A second pick magnet 20 can havea second pick polarity embedded in the first side 13 of the pick wherein the first pick magnet 18 and second pick magnet 20 are configured to couple to a surface. The surface can be such as, for example, a guitar, guitar strap, capo, mic stand, or the like. The first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can be such as, for example, neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, alnico magnets, or the like. The first pick magnet 18 and the second pick magnet 20 can be embedded within the pick.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 15 - 18, another embodiment for a holder assembly 100 for retaining a guitar pick which can be attached to a guitar strap 120. The holder assembly 100 can comprise a first holder 104 and a second holder 106 connected by a flexible material 102 or in other embodiments the flexible material can be omitted and can be two separate pieces with a first holder and a second holder, as shown in FIG. 19 - 20b. The first holder and the second holder can be coupled together with a thin material 120 between the holders or can be coupled directly to a string instrument surface. The first holder 104 contains at least one first magnet 108 having a first polarity and the second holder 106 can have at least one second magnet 110 having the second polarity. The flexible material 102 can be formed as a continuous piece with the first holder 104 and second holder 106, creating a unitary assembly. This flexible material 102 allows the holders to fold toward each other, bringing their respective magnetic surfaces into contact with opposite sides of a thin material 120, such as a guitar strap wherein the backside 114 of the holder assembly 100 contacts the thin material. The first holder 104 and the second holder 106 can comprise a non-slip surface having such as, for example, a plurality of spikes, ridges, hook and loop fastener, microfiber surface, or the like.

[0057] In embodiments, the at least one first magnet 108 and the at least one second magnet 110 can be positioned such that when the holders are folded together, magnets of opposite polarityalign with each other, creating strong magnetic attraction across the thin material 120. This arrangement ensures secure attachment of the holder to the thin material while allowing for easy removal when desired. The first holder 104 and the second holder 106 can have at least one tab 112 extending outwardly from the first holder 104 and the second holder 106 allowing the user to easily grip and separate the first holder 104 and the second holder 106 from each other.

[0058] The flexible material 102 connecting the holders can be formed from such as, for example, a durable, flexible polymer or elastomer that maintains its properties over repeated folding cycles such as, for example, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polypropylene (PP), nitrile rubber, fabric such as fabric side of hook and look fastener or the like. The first holder 104 and the second holder 106 can be formed from the same material as the flexible connector or can be made from a more rigid polymer to provide structural support for the embedded magnets such as, for example, polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-density polyethylene, or the like. The thin material 120 to which the holder attaches is typically a guitar strap, though the invention may be used with other thin materials of similar thickness, such as, for example, clothing, belts, equipment bags, or the like.

[0059] In operation, the user positions the holder assembly 100 with the first holder 104 on one side of a guitar strap and the second holder 106 on the opposite side. The flexible material 102 can bend around the edge of the strap, and the magnetic attraction between the holders secures the holders in place. The user can then place the pick 12 against either the first holder 104 or second holder 106, where it is held securely by magnetic attraction between the pick magnets and the corresponding magnets in the holder. When the pick is needed, the user simply pulls it away from the holder with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction. After use, the pick can bereturned to the holder, where magnetic attraction guides it into proper position and holds it securely until needed again.

[0060] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and / or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

[0061] Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A retainer for retaining a guitar pick, comprising: a guitar pick having a first side and a second side and a thickness; a first pick magnet having a first pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick; a second pick magnet having a second pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick; a holder configured for attachment to a surface, the holder comprising; a first holder magnet having a first holder polarity configured to attract the first pick magnet; and a second holder magnet having a second holder polarity configured to attract the second pick magnet.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is configured to attach to the surface using adhesive backing or a detachable clamp mechanism3. The system of claim 2, wherein the surface is a guitar, guitar strap, capo, or mic stand.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pick magnet and the second pick magnet are neodymium magnets.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first holder magnet and the second holder magnet are embedded within the holder.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first pick magnet and the second pick magnet are arranged such that their polarities create a balanced magnetic attraction with the corresponding holder magnets to prevent rotation of the pick when retained.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is adjustable to allow positioning on different areas of the stringed instrument.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the guitar pick includes a protective coating over the embedded pick magnets to resist slipping.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is constructed from a non-magnetic material to reduce interference with the magnetic fields of the holder magnets.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the guitar pick is configured to accommodate the embedded magnets without altering the standard feel or usability of the pick.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is configured to store multiple guitar picks with corresponding magnets.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second pick magnets are arranged in parallel alignment within the pick.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the holder is shaped to align with the contour of the stringed instrument’s body.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic strength of the first and second pick magnets is selected to provide secure retention while allowing easy removal of the guitar pick during use.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the first holder magnet and the second holder magnet are adjustable in spacing to accommodate different sizes or shapes of guitar picks.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic connection between the pick and the holder is configured to prevent detachment during vigorous playing.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the guitar pick is configured for a stringed instrument selected from the group consisting of electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and ukuleles, and the configuration of the magnets is based on the stringed instrument type.

18. A method for retaining a guitar pick on a surface, comprising:embedding two magnets of opposing polarities within the guitar pick; embedding two first holder magnets of opposing polarities within a first holder; embedding two second holder magnets of opposing polarities within a second holder; configuring the first holder to magnetically couple to the second holder through a surface; and aligning the magnets of the guitar pick with the magnets of the holder to facilitate magnetic attachment of the guitar pick to the first holder or the second holder.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising coating the magnets with a corrosionpreventive layer.

20. A retainer for retaining a guitar pick, comprising: a guitar pick having a first side and a second side and a thickness; a first pick magnet having a first pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick; and a second pick magnet having a second pick polarity embedded in the first side of the pick wherein the first pick magnet and second pick magnet are configured to couple to a surface.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the surface is a guitar, guitar strap, capo, or mic stand.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the first pick magnet and the second pick magnet are neodymium magnets.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the first pick magnet and the second pick magnet are embedded within the pick.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein the surface is a guitar, guitar strap, capo, or mic stand.

25. A pick holder to selectively connect a pick to a thin material, the pick having a first pick magnet having a first pick magnet polarity and a second pick magnet having a second pick magnet polarity that is the opposite of the first pick magnet polarity, the holder comprising:a first holder coupled to a second holder wherein each of the first holder and the second holder has at least one first magnet having a first polarity and at least one second magnet having a second polarity allowing the first holder to attract the second holder with the thin material sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the flexible material is thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, or nitrile rubber.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the thin material is a guitar strap.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the first holder magnet and the second holder magnet are neodymium magnets.

29. The system of claim 25, wherein the first holder and the second holder are embedded within the holder.

30. The system of claim 25, wherein the first holder is coupled to the second holder by a flexible material such that the flexible material folds allowing the first holder to attract the second holder with the thin material sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein first holder and / or second holder is directly coupled to a stringed instrument surface.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein first holder and second holder comprise a non-slip surface having a plurality of spikes, ridges, hook and loop, or microfiber surface.

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