Fingerpick

Abstract

A fingerpick according to the present invention comprises: a first wire member in which an arc-shaped playing part is formed by curving a single wire; and a second wire member which is joined to the first wire member. Thus, a space that exposes the raised portion of the fingertip is formed, and the finger is pressed against and held from three directions. Because the wire is flexible and can be freely adjusted in accordance with the shape of the user's finger, the feeling when worn is excellent, and it is possible to achieve a natural touch when playing without using the fingernail.

Description

Finger Pick

[0001] The present invention relates to a finger pick used when playing a plucked string instrument such as a guitar.

[0002] A finger pick is different from the generally triangular thin pick used for guitar playing, and is also different from a thumb pick that is attached only to the thumb. It is an instrument that is attached to the four fingers excluding the little finger with the same structure to assist performance, and may be used in combination with these picks.

[0003] Conventionally, it has been common to use one's own nails when playing plucked string instruments such as guitars. However, there are also users who cannot grow their nails for various reasons, and various finger picks have been devised and sold for this reason.

[0004] However, conventional finger picks have various problems, and there is still no product that can replace nails.

[0005] US Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0304711 (Figure 10)

[0006] https: / / soundville.net / 2022 / 02 / 06 / alaska_pik / (Problem to be Solved by the Invention)

[0007] The conventional finger pick described in the above

[0004] has the following problems. That is, since the finger does not directly touch the string, the player cannot tell which string is being plucked. Noise is generated when a hard member comes into contact with a vibrating string. The finger pick slips during performance. Since sizes are only available in stepped increments, there is no finger pick that fits perfectly. It is necessary to grow the nail to fix it to the finger. In addition, since the width of the finger pick exceeds the width of the finger, adjacent finger picks may come into contact with each other.

[0008] Conventionally, the finger pick disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is known. This finger pick solves the problems of difficulty in string identification due to fingers not directly touching the strings, noise generation caused by contact of hard members, and the need to grow nails to a certain extent.

[0009] However, the finger pick disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a wide and thick finger-fitting component, which can easily cause discomfort and prevent stable fixation. Furthermore, its thickness may cause contact with the components of adjacent fingers. Additionally, the straight tip of the playing part increases the contact area with the strings, leading to a problem of snagging.

[0010] Furthermore, the so-called Freedom Fingerpicks and Alaska Picks described in Non-Patent Document 1 above have several drawbacks, including the fact that they are only available in a limited range of sizes, they tend to slip during playing, and users need to grow their fingernails to secure them to their fingers.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to eliminate all the problems described in

[0007] ,

[0009] and

[0010] above and to provide a finger pick that can be played without any discomfort.

[0012] (Means for solving the problem) To achieve the object of the present invention, the finger pick of the present invention is worn on the finger of a user and used when playing a stringed instrument, and comprises a first wire member having a single arc portion formed from a flexible metal or resin wire member, extensions extending from both ends of the arc portion, and at least one second wire member connected to the first wire member. Both the first wire member and the second wire member are flexible.

[0013] Here, "flexibility" refers to the property of being able to be bent in any direction to conform to the shape of the user's finger without requiring heat treatment or special processing, and being able to maintain that shape. This configuration allows for an easy fit to the finger and provides a stable wearing experience.

[0014] A "linear member" refers to a long, slender member made of metal or resin, with a cross-sectional shape that can be circular, square, or flattened. Linear members can be formed from a single material or from a combination of different materials.

[0015] The "first wire member" is positioned on the user's fingertip side and is the main component that contacts the strings to play the instrument. The first wire member comprises an "arc portion" that contacts the strings and "extension portions" that extend backward from both ends thereof. The arc portion is preferably formed in a substantially semicircular shape to smoothly contact the strings, but it can be formed in various shapes depending on the application.

[0016] The "second wire member" is connected to the first wire member and positioned along the outer circumference of the user's finger. The second wire member is formed to wrap around the finger and has a structure for locking the finger pick. The second wire member can be straight, curved, or bent, and multiple second wire members can be joined to the first wire member as needed.

[0017] A space is formed between the arc portion of the first wire member and the second wire member, in which the tip of the user's fingertip is exposed. This configuration allows the fingertip to directly touch the strings, enabling the user to perceive the string position by touch, thus improving touch control during playing.

[0018] The aforementioned wire member can be freely deformed according to the shape of the finger and can maintain its shape without requiring heat treatment. Therefore, the user can fine-tune it to fit their finger, and it is less tiring to wear for extended periods.

[0019] When the finger pick of the present invention is attached, the arc portion of the first wire member is positioned on the fingertip side to form the playing part, and the second wire member forms a structure that presses from three directions: the fingertip side, the side, and the back side. This makes it possible to securely fasten the pick while keeping it lightweight.

[0020] When the aforementioned finger pick is attached, the fingertip is exposed, and the fingertip makes contact with the string first, followed by the arc portion of the first wire member making contact with the string. This contact sequence results in a natural sound attack and a soft tone.

[0021] Furthermore, the finger pick can be positioned diagonally or laterally relative to the central axis of the finger when worn on the finger. This allows for optimal picking depending on the player's playing technique and angle to the strings.

[0022] In the finger pick of the present invention, both the first and second wire members are made of a flexible material. This material can be a resin material such as nylon, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or polyacetal, or a flexible metal wire such as phosphor bronze, brass, or aluminum alloy. This allows the entire wire member to easily deform according to the shape of the finger, providing an excellent fit when worn. Furthermore, the sound quality and playing feel can be adjusted by the choice of material; using a metal wire yields a clear and hard tone, while using a resin material yields a soft and warm tone.

[0023] The first wire member and the second wire member are joined and fixed by welding, crimping, bonding, brazing, winding, screwing, integral molding, or a similar method. This enables a strong bond and stable shape retention.

[0024] Furthermore, the surface of the wire member can be treated with a resin coating, oxide film treatment, anti-slip treatment, or a similar surface treatment. This improves the fit and prevents corrosion and wear.

[0025] The fingerpicks of the present invention can also be configured as a set of multiple fingerpicks, each having a wire member of a different size or shape, and shaped to accommodate multiple fingers. This configuration provides an optimal fit for each finger and enhances the sense of unity in playing.

[0026] (Effects of the Invention) In this invention, since linear members are used, they can be bent in any direction and thus conform to the shape of each individual's finger. As a result, the finger is exposed through the gaps in the U-shaped members and touches the string, thus suppressing the noise mentioned above. Furthermore, since a large area of ​​the finger is not covered, it is possible to play with a feeling similar to that of the finger or fingernail.

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a finger pick that can be naturally attached to the user's finger and allows for stable playing even when plucking the strings without using fingernails.

[0028] Furthermore, by constructing both the first and second wire members from flexible wires, they can be freely deformed to conform to the shape of the user's finger, ensuring a secure fit regardless of individual differences. In addition, they provide a comfortable fit with minimal pressure and good breathability even during prolonged use.

[0029] Furthermore, because the finger pick of this invention has a wire structure that does not cover most of the finger, everyday fine motor skills such as typing, writing, or grasping small objects like paper or coins can be performed naturally while wearing it. Therefore, there is no need to remove it before or after playing, and it feels comfortable even when worn continuously.

[0030] Furthermore, by creating a space between the arc-shaped section and the second linear member that exposes the tip of the user's fingertip, a feeling of direct contact with the strings via the fingertip is obtained. This configuration enables delicate touch control that was not possible with conventional picks, improving the precision of volume and tone adjustment.

[0031] Furthermore, because the second wire member has a structure that presses from three directions—the fingertip side, the side, and the back—it can securely lock despite its lightweight design, effectively preventing slippage or detachment during playing. In this case, it is preferable, but not limited to, that the second wire member locks near the base of the fingernail.

[0032] Furthermore, in the aforementioned fingerpick configuration, the pad of the finger is exposed, the fingertip makes contact with the string first, and then the curved portion makes contact, resulting in a natural feel on the string and a smooth attack of sound. This allows for a tone similar to fingerpicking without the need to grow fingernails. Moreover, when actually playing a guitar or similar instrument, the fingertip first makes contact with the string and absorbs its vibration, and then the curved portion plucks the string to produce sound, thus reducing the noise that would otherwise be generated if a hard object touched the vibrating string.

[0033] Furthermore, by designing the device to be attached at an angle or to the side relative to the central axis of the finger, it is possible to freely adjust the direction and touch of the picking according to the player's playing technique and angle to the strings.

[0034] Furthermore, since flexible resin or metal wire can be selected as the material used, the sound quality and fit can be optimized according to the performer's preference. Resin provides a soft and warm tone, while metal provides a clear and sharp tone.

[0035] Furthermore, by joining the first and second wire members by welding, crimping, bonding, brazing, winding, screwing, integral molding, etc., a simple structure with high strength can be achieved, and it can withstand long-term use.

[0036] Furthermore, applying a resin coating, oxide film treatment, or anti-slip treatment to the surface of the wire components improves corrosion resistance and wearing comfort, and prevents deterioration due to sweat and abrasion. This ensures that stable sound quality and fit are maintained even under long-term use conditions.

[0037] Furthermore, the finger picks of the present invention can also be provided as a set with sizes or shapes to accommodate multiple fingers, allowing for a uniform fit for all fingers and improving the precision and sense of unity of movement during playing.

[0038] Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a practical and comfortable finger pick that eliminates the problems of "slippage," "contact interference," "noise generation," and "the need for fingernails" that existed in conventional finger picks, and enables stable playing without impairing the sense of touch in the fingertips.

[0039] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the single structure of the first wire member according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the single structure of the second wire member according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention bent to fit the shape of a finger. This is a side view showing the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention worn on a user's finger. This is a plan view showing the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention worn on a finger, as seen from the pad of the finger. This is a plan view showing the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention worn on a finger, as seen from the fingernail. This is a plan view showing the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention worn on the thumb. This is a diagram showing the finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention worn on multiple fingers. This is a diagram showing a modified example of the first wire member according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing variations in the shape of the arc portion. This is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional finger pick (prior art example) worn on a user's finger and actually touching a guitar string. This is an explanatory diagram showing a finger pick according to one embodiment of the present invention (inventive example) worn on a user's finger and actually touching a guitar string.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the fingerpick 1 of this embodiment is constructed by joining a first wire member 2, which is made by bending a single wire to form a single arc and two lines extending from both ends thereof, with a second wire member 3. The arc-shaped bent portion of the first wire member 2 constitutes the playing portion 4, and the second wire member 3 constitutes the portion that engages with the finger. The tip of the finger is exposed, raised, from the space 5 surrounded by the first wire member 2 and the second wire member 3. The dimensions of the first wire member 2, the material of the second wire member 3, and the joining method are as described in

[0022] to

[0024] above. The fingerpick 1 of this embodiment is made from commercially available wire, and its cross-section is circular, but as long as it is flexible, the cross-sectional shape is not limited to circular, and can be square, flat, etc. Also, the structure of this embodiment is simple, and manufacturing costs can be kept low.

[0042] The first wire member 2 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is formed by bending a single wire into a U-shape.

[0043] The second wire member 3 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 3 is formed in a substantially linear shape.

[0044] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where the finger pick 1 of the present invention is bent to fit the shape of a user's finger. Since the entire wire has flexibility, stepless adjustment can be performed according to the finger shape of an individual user.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a side view of the finger pick 1 worn on a finger 6. The raised part 7 of the finger is exposed through the space 5, allowing a tactile feel to be obtained through direct contact with the strings. In addition, since the second wire member 3 can be freely bent, it can be wound around the finger 6 while avoiding the nail 9. The second wire member 3 acts to dig into the finger, maintaining a reliable locked state. Furthermore, the dig-in 10 into the finger can also be observed.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a state where the finger pick 1 is worn on the finger 6 from the pad side. Since it does not cover most of the finger, it is lightweight and excellent in air permeability.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a state where the finger pick 1 is worn on the finger 6 from the nail side. The playing part 4 slightly protrudes from the fingertip 7, enabling playing without relying on the nail 9.

[0048] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a state where the finger pick 1 of the present invention is worn on the thumb 11. Unlike other fingers, the thumb 11 plucks strings not at the fingertip 7 but at the midpoint 12 between the fingertip and the side surface, so the finger pick 1 is attached in an oblique direction. Similarly, for other fingers, the finger pick can also be attached offset from the central axis or in an oblique direction.

[0049] Fig. 9 shows a state where the finger picks 1 are worn on four fingers excluding the little finger 13. Normally, they are worn on fingers other than the little finger, but in the case of playing styles that use the little finger 13, they can also be worn on the little finger.

[0050] Figure 10 is a plan view showing modified examples of the first linear member 2. From left to right, it shows a U-shaped bend 2a, a vertically elongated loop shape 2b, and a round-bottom flask cross-section 2c. All shapes are functional, but the U-shape 2a is the simplest and most aesthetically pleasing.

[0051] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional fingerpick 14 attached to a finger and placed against a guitar string 15. In the conventional structure, the fingerpick 14 is interposed between the fingertip 8 and the string 15, so the fingertip cannot directly touch the string, making it difficult to identify the string, and noise is generated when a hard material touches the vibrating string.

[0052] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the finger pick 1 of the present invention attached to a guitar string 15. Unlike conventional examples, the finger-shaped protrusion 7 directly touches the string 15, thus providing a tactile sensation.

[0053] The following describes an example of actually creating, wearing, and playing with the finger pick of the present invention.

[0054] First, in creating the finger pick of the present invention to be worn on the ring finger, a first wire member 2 (hereinafter referred to as "A") and a second wire member 3 (hereinafter referred to as "B") were prepared, which were formed by bending a single wire to create a single arc and two lines extending from both ends thereof. Both A and B were stainless steel wires with a diameter of 0.5 mm, with the length of A being 58.0 mm and the length of B being 46.0 mm. The circumference of the thickest part of the inventor's ring finger was 50.0 mm, the length from the fingertip to the first joint was 25.0 mm, and the maximum finger width was 17.0 mm.

[0055] The shaft of a screwdriver was placed at a point that bisects A and bent into a U-shape. The width of the U-shape was 8.0 mm, and the distance from the center of the line connecting the two ends to the apex of the U-shape was 20.0 mm. The diameter of the screwdriver shaft was 5.0 mm.

[0056] Next, at the point where B is divided in two, A was superimposed so that the centers between the two lines of A coincided. At this time, the distance from both ends of A to B was 5.0 mm. In this case, the centers do not necessarily coincide.

[0057] These were placed on firebricks, a folded tissue paper was used as a base, a special adhesive was applied to the intersections, and then the joints were heated with a burner to perform the brazing.

[0058] The brazing process resulted in some slight lumps at both joints, but the joint was completed with sufficient strength.

[0059] When attaching the ring, I lightly bent both ends of B inward and temporarily secured it to the ring finger, adjusted its position, then firmly wrapped B around the finger, and finally bent A to match the shape of the fingertip and make it fit snugly. This resulted in a stable fit without any discomfort. The lumps caused by the soldering mentioned above did not pose any problems during actual use.

[0060] Next, the inventor made four of the finger picks of the present invention and attached them to four fingers, excluding the little finger, and actually played a musical instrument.

[0061] As a result, I was able to clearly feel my fingertips touching the strings, and no noise was produced. The playing feel was comparable to using my own fingernails, and I was able to reproduce various playing techniques such as arpeggios, tremolos, and rasgueados without any problems.

[0062] Furthermore, typing and writing were possible even while wearing the fingerpicks, and there was no interference with everyday fine motor skills. This meant there was no need to remove the pick between practice sessions or performances, significantly improving portability and convenience.

[0063] Furthermore, B could be easily inserted and removed without deforming it. Once the shape was adjusted, no significant reshaping of A and B was required. This is because the elasticity of the skin can absorb minute size changes. Therefore, there is little concern about fracture due to metal fatigue or other factors.

[0064] The inventor's fingers are slightly larger than the average Japanese woman's, but their length and thickness are similar to those of a typical Japanese adult. Therefore, the dimensions based on the inventor's data can be considered standard values ​​applicable to the general Japanese population.

[0065] Based on the above dimensional data, the general dimensional range suitable for the present invention can be calculated as follows: The width of the U-shape of A (first wire member) is 8.0 to 10.0 mm, and the length from the center to the apex is 20.0 to 25.0 mm. The length of B (second wire member) is 50.0 to 55.0 mm, the joining position of both members is in the range of approximately 13.0 to 17.0 mm from the apex of the U-shape, and the wire diameter is preferably 0.5 to 0.7 mm considering flexibility, but is not limited to these values.

[0066] Furthermore, considering global body size data, the average Japanese physique is in the middle range compared to the rest of the world, and the above dimensional range is quite applicable globally.

[0067] 1. Finger pick of this embodiment 2. First wire member 2a. Bent into a U shape 2b. Long loop shape 2c. Shape of a cross-section of a round-bottom flask viewed from the side 3. Second wire member 4. Playing part 5. Space 6. Finger 7. Finger protrusion 8. Fingertip 9. Nail 10. Digging into the finger 11. Thumb 12. Midpoint between fingertip and side 13. Little finger 14. Conventional finger pick 15. Guitar string

Claims

1. A finger pick worn on the user's finger and used when playing a stringed instrument, comprising: a single arc portion formed from a flexible metal or resin wire member; a first wire member having extensions extending from both ends of the arc portion; and at least one second wire member connected to the first wire member, wherein both the first wire member and the second wire member are flexible.

2. The finger pick according to claim 1, characterized in that a space is formed between the arc portion of the first wire member and the second wire member, in which the tip of the user's fingertip is exposed.

3. The finger pick according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wire member is deformable according to the shape of the finger and has flexibility that allows it to maintain its shape without requiring heat treatment.

4. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the finger pick is attached, the arc portion of the first wire member is positioned on the fingertip side to constitute the playing part, and the second wire member forms a three-way pressing structure on the fingertip side, finger side and finger back side to constitute the locking part.

5. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when the finger pick is attached, it is configured such that the fingertip is exposed, the fingertip makes contact with the string first, and then the arc portion of the first wire member makes contact with the string.

6. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the finger pick is worn on a finger, it is positioned diagonally or laterally with respect to the central axis of the finger.

7. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first wire member and the second wire member are made of a flexible material, and the material can be a resin material such as nylon, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or polyacetal, or a flexible material such as a metal wire such as phosphor bronze, brass, or aluminum alloy.

8. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first wire member and the second wire member are fixed together by welding, crimping, bonding, brazing, winding, screwing, or a similar joining method.

9. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the surfaces of the first wire member and the second wire member are finished by resin coating, oxide film treatment, anti-slip treatment, or a surface treatment equivalent thereto.

10. The finger pick according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the finger pick is formed to accommodate multiple fingers and constitutes a set of multiple finger picks, each having a wire member of a different size or shape.

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