GB2347550A

GB2347550A - Plectrum devices

Info

Publication number: GB2347550A
Application number: GB9904715A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alistair Mcerlaine; Alistair Manson Mcerlaine
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-03-03
Filing date: 1999-03-03
Publication date: 2000-09-06
Also published as: GB9904715D0

Abstract

A variety of plectrum devices for playing stringed instruments are disclosed, including: ```devices having a handle to be grasped in the user's fist and a grip to be grasped between the thumb and forefinger; ```devices having a plurality of user-selectable pick portions; ```devices having variable flexibility; ```devices having differential flexibility in opposite directions of bending; ```devices having tapered wedge or fin formations; ```devices having at least one auxiliary pick portion on the palm side of the user's hand.

Description

"Device for Playing a Stringed Instrument" The present invention relates to devices for strumming and picking the strings on a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar.

A variety of devices are known for use in picking and strumming the strings of musical instruments, including plectrums and picks. Such devices are generally grasped between the forefinger and thumb, as in the case of conventional, generally planar plectrums, or fitted to the ends of the fingers, acting as extensions of the finger nails ("finger-picks"). Plectrums are also known which wrap around the end of the thumb, with a pick portion projecting at an angle comparable to a conventional planar plectrum when grasped as described above.

The present invention seeks to provide improved plectrum devices for playing stringed instruments which extend the range and type of musical sounds which can be achieved by the player.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum device comprising a plectrum holder adapted to extend around at least one finger of a user's hand and having at least one plectrum member mounted on said holder.

Preferably, the holder includes a grip portion extending from the holder and adapted to be grasped between the thumb and index finger of the user's hand, said plectrum member extending from said grip portion.

Preferably, the holder extends around at least the index finger of the user's hand. Alternatively, the holder extends around at least the middle finger of the user's hand and the grip portion extends from the holder around the index finger.

In certain embodiments of this first aspect of the invention, the holder has a palm-side and the device includes at least one plectrum member extending from said palm side of the holder.

Preferably, the plane of said at least one plectrum member intersects an outer surface of said palm-side of the holder along a first axis disposed at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the holder.

Preferably also, the plane of said at least one plectrum member is disposed at an angle to said outer surface.

The device may include at least one additional plectrum member projecting from said palm-side of the sleeve-like portion. Preferably, such additional plectrum members are spaced along said outer surface between first and second longitudinal ends of the palmside of the holder. Preferably also, said first and additional plectrum members are oriented substantially parallel to one another.

Preferably, the holder is adapted to fit around at least the index finger of the player's hand.

Preferably, said outer surface is adapted to extend across the index, middle and third fingers of the player's hand.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holder may comprise a generally planar band formed into a loop to extend around said at least one finger. The inner surface of the band may be contoured to match the contours of the fingers enclosed by the band or may be divided into a plurality of individual sleeves for each finger, interconnected along said palm-side. The band may have a discontinuity on the reverse side thereof opposite the palm-side and may include elasticated material in said reverse side.

Said first and any additional plectrum members may be formed integrally with said holder. Alternatively, said first and any additional plectrum members may be formed separately from said sleeve-like portion and may be adapted to be removable and/or interchangeable. In this case, the palm-side of the sleeve-like portion may be provided with one or more slots for receiving said first and any additional plectrum members, allowing one or more plectrum members to be fitted at one or more selected locations between said first and second end portions.

In a preferred modification of this aspect of the invention, the device includes a further plectrum member which is connected to said holder at a first longitudinal end portion thereof, said further plectrum member projecting towards the reverse side of said holder portion opposite said palm-side thereof.

Preferably, said further plectrum member is located and oriented relative to said sleeve-like member such that, when the player's hand is closed in use of the device, said further plectrum member extends from between the thumb and index finger of the hand in the manner of a conventional plectrum grasped between the thumb and index finger.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum-mounting device comprising a sleeve-like portion in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and including means for detachably mounting said first and any additional plectrum members thereon.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum member having an outer end and an inner end, said inner end being provided with mounting means adapted to co-operate with the mounting means of a plectrum-mounting device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum device comprising a handle portion adapted to be grasped in a user's fist and having a grip portion extending from the handle portion and adapted to be grasped between the thumb and forefinger of the user's hand, and a plectrum member extending from said grip portion.

Preferably, the handle portion comprises a generally planar, elongate member, and said grip portion comprises an extension of said handle member extending at an angle thereto. The handle portion may comprise a single planar limb, or may comprise a V-shaped member having two planar limbs, the grip portion extending from a free end of one of said limbs.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a plectrum device comprising a grip member and a plectrum member secured to said grip member, said plectrum member having a plurality of different tip portions extending radially outwards from the centre of said grip portion.

The plectrum member may be fixed to the grip member, with the entire device being rotated in the user's hand to select one of said tip portions for use.

Alternatively, the plectrum member may be rotatably mounted to the grip member, the plectrum member being rotated relative to the grip member to select one of said tip portions for use.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum device comprising a grip portion and a plectrum member, said plectrum member being coupled to said grip portion via a coupling member of resilient material. Preferably, the resilient material comprises an elastomeric material such as rubber.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum device comprising a grip portion and a plectrum member, and including means for varying the flexibility of the plectrum member.

In one embodiment, the plectrum member is slidably mounted relative within the grip member with a tip of the plectrum member extending from the grip portion, the flexibility of the plectrum member being varied by varying the distance by which the plectrum member extends from the grip portion.

In another embodiment, the plectrum member is connected to the grip portion and the device further includes a sleeve member which is slidable relative to the plectrum member and the grip portion such that a tip of the plectrum member extends from one end of the sleeve portion, the flexibility of the plectrum member being varied by varying the position of the sleeve member relative to the tip of the plectrum member.

In a variation of this embodiment, the plectrum member is coupled to the grip portion by a resilient coupling member, as in the fourth aspect of the invention, and the sleeve member is slidable relative to the coupling member to vary the flexibility thereof.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum device comprising a grip portion and a plectrum portion, wherein the plectrum portion is connected to the grip portion in such a manner that the plectrum member is more flexible in a first direction than in a second direction.

This differential flexibility may be achieved in any one of a number of ways.

In certain embodiments, a plectrum member is connected to the grip portion by a resilient coupling member, as in the fourth aspect of the invention, and the resilient member is connected to the grip portion in such a manner that it is more freely deformable in said first direction than in said second direction.

In other embodiments, the plectrum member is connected directly to the grip portion in such a manner that it is more freely deformable in said first direction than in said second direction.

In still other embodiments, the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention are combined so that the device provides variable flexibility and also differential flexibility. This may be achieved by means of a slidable sleeve portion, as in certain embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention, the sleeve being split into upper and lower halves each of which is slidable relative to the grip and plectrum portions independently of the other. Such embodiments may also incorporate resilient coupling members between the plectrum member and the grip portion.

Differential flexibility may also be incorporated into multi-tip plectrum devices in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a plectrum device including a plectrum member, a grip portion and a resilient coupling member connecting the plectrum member to the grip portion, the plectrum member having a tip and including a wedge or fin formation formed on at least one surface thereof and extending in a longitudinal direction towards said tip, said wedge or fin formation being tapered in the direction towards said tip.

It will be understood that the third to seventh aspects of the invention may be combined in a variety of ways in a single plectrum device and may be incorporated into plectrum devices in accordance with the first and second aspects of the invention. It will be further appreciated that the various aspects of the invention include plectrum holders and/or handles and/or grip members for use with detachable and/or interchangeable plectrum members, and detachable and/or interchangeable plectrum members for use with various holders, handles and grips.

The plectrum holders, handles and grips and plectrum members in accordance with the various aspects of the invention may be formed, at least partially, from rigid, semi-rigid, flexible or resilient materials, such as plastics materials. The sizes, shapes, materials and characteristics such as flexibility and resilience of the plectrum members may be varied according to need or taste.

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings which are by way of example only, and in which: Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a plectrum holder forming part of a plectrum device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a plectrum member for use with a plectrum holder according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 2B is a side view of the embodiment of Fig 2A.

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 3C is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 3D is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 4B is an end view of the embodiment of Fig 4A.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig 4A showing how a user might hold the device in a first "slamming"mode of use.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig 4A showing how a user might hold the device in a second "conventional"mode of use.

Figs. 7A to 7F are perspective views of a further plectrum devices embodying the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 8A is a perspective view showing how a plectrum member may be attached to a grip, handle or holder in accordance with various aspects of the invention.

Figs. 8B to 8D are perspective views illustrating the configuration and manner of use of a further embodiment of a plectrum device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figs. 9A to 9C are perspective views illustrating the configuration and manner of use of still a further embodiment of a plectrum device according to the first aspect of the invention.

Fig. 10A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a plectrum device according to the second aspect of the invention.

Fig. lOB is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a plectrum device according to the second aspect of the invention.

Figs. 10C and 10D are perspective views illustrating the of use of the embodiment of Fig. 10B.

Figs. 11A to 11C show perspective views of plectrum devices embodying the third aspect of the invention.

Fig. 12A is a perspective view of a plectrum device embodying first and fourth aspects of the invention.

Fig. 12B is a side view of the device shown in Fig.

12A.

Fig. 13A comprises a plurality of perspective views illustrating one embodiment of a plectrum device in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention.

Fig. 13B shows a perspective view of a plectrum device embodying the first and fifth aspects of the invention Figs. 14A to 14C are perspective views of further plectrum devices embodying the fifth aspect of the invention, the device of Fig. 14B further incorporating the fourth aspect of the invention.

Fig. 14D to 14E show side views of components of the device showing in Fig. 14C.

Fig. 15A is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of a plectrum device embodying the first, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of the invention.

Figs. 15B to 15E are side views illustrating the use of the device shown in Fig. 15A.

Fig. 16A is a perspective view of a plectrum device embodying the sixth aspect of the invention.

Figs. 16B to 16C are side views of the device shown in Fig. 16A.

Fig. 16D is a side view of a plectrum device embodying the fourth aspect of the invention.

Fig. 17A shows a perspective of several plectrum members in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention.

Figs. 17B and 17C show side and end views of the various plectrum members of Fig. 17A.

Fig. 18A illustrates a further embodiment of a plectrum device embodying the sixth aspect of the invention.

Figs. 18B and 18C illustrate further embodiments of plectrum devices in accordance with the third and sixth aspects of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, the first aspect of the invention concerns a variety of types of holders for supporting plectrum members in use thereof. The first examples are particularly concerned with plectrum devices for supporting one or more plectrum members on the palm-side of the player's hand.

Referring to Fig. 1A, there is illustrated a device 1 which comprises a holder or sleeve 2 which has a first outer side (or"palm-side") 3 which when used by a player will be on the palm side of a strumming hand and a second outer side 4 which is on the back side of the hand. A slit 5 is provided on the first outer side 3 and is orientated according to a preferred manner of use. The slit 5 enables a plectrum-like member (illustrated in Fig 1B) to protrude from the first side 3 of the sleeve at a first end portion'A', which extends around the side of the finger (s) closest to the player's thumb. At the distal end of the sleeve from the player's thumb is a second end portion'B'.

Fig. 1B illustrates a suitable plectrum 6 for use with a device according to the Fig. 1A. The playing component 7 of the plectrum may be simply slid through the walls of the sleeve to create a plectrum-like member 9 (Fig 2A) and is retained in position by retaining component 8 of the plectrum (in conjunction with the digits of the user and the inner wall of the sleeve). Further fixing means (not shown), for example adhesive or snap-fittings etc., may be used to hold the plectrum in position.

Fig. 2A shows a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the sleeve 2 has a plectrum member 9 protruding from end'A'of the palm-side 3. The plectrum 9 is angled with respect to the edge of the sleeve such that the plectrum member 9 can strike the strings of a musical instrument according to a preferred manner of use. Normally, the preferred manner of use enables the strings to be struck evenly when the device is attached to the user. Fig. 2B is a side view of the device shown in Fig. 2A when located on three fingers of the playing hand of a user.

The plectrum member 9 may comprise a separate plectrum 6 secured to the sleeve-device 1 or the plectrum member 9 may alternatively be an integral component of the sleeve, and for example, be moulded out of the same suitable material.

Fig. 3A shows a second embodiment of the present invention in which three plectrum members 9 project from the palm-side 3. The interior the sleeve-like device is formed to follow the contours of the three fingers to be inserted in the sleeve.

Fig. 3B shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which the sleeve 1 is divided internally into compartments which ring individual fingers.

Fig. 3C illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention which has two plectrums 9 and in which the sleeve is formed of a suitably rigid material. The second (back) side of the sleeve is open such that the sleeve as a whole can flex when attached to the user.

Fig. 3D illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which the sleeve is partially formed of a suitably rigid material on the palm-side and partially formed on the second (back) side of an elasticated strap, webbing or other suitably resilient material.

In this particular illustration, four plectrums 9 are provided.

Fig. 4A illustrates a sixth embodiment in which the plectrum member 9 is on the palm-side 3 of the sleeve 2 as before and a further plectrum member 10 is attached to the sleeve 2 at end'A'and projects towards the second (back-hand) side 4.

Fig. 4B is an end view from end'A'of the sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate perspective views of this embodiment in use.

Fig. 5 shows how the palm-side plectrum 9 may be used in an"open-palm"method. In this mode of use, the player's fingers remain straight and the palm open facing the strings to be played. The player uses the plectrum member 9 to"slap","slam"or"strum"the strings of a guitar or other musical instrument and so cause the plectrum member 9 to engage with the strings.

Alternatively, a more controlled application of this device in the open-palm mode could enable the string (s) to be selectively"picked"or"plucked". A variety of musical sounds can thus be produced using the device according to the manner in which the plectrum engages with the strings.

Fig. 6 shows how a player can use the back-side plectrum 10 according to a conventional method of use.

Here the plectrum 10 is held between the player's thumb and end"A"of the sleeve 2. According to this mode of use, the plectrum 10 can again be used to"strum", "pick", or"pluck"certain strings of a guitar or other instrument.

Referring now to Figs. 7A to 7E, there are shown further examples of plectrum devices in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

A plectrum device 11 includes a plectrum 10 connected to a grip portion 13 of a holder or sleeve 12. The sleeve 12 defines an aperture 12a which substantially encircles the index finger of a player (see Fig. 7D).

The grip portion 13 is located at end'A'of the sleeve 12 and extends substantially at right-angles to the rest of the sleeve 12 so that the grip 13 extends over the top of a player's index finger and is held between a player's thumb and index finger when the device 11 is used to play an instrument.

In Figs. 7A to 7C, the device 11 is shown with the plectrum 10 attached to the portion of the sleeve 12 forming the aperture 12a. The plectrum 10 protrudes from the knuckle-side of a player's hand. The size of the plectrum 10 and the angle the plectrum 10 makes with the axis A-B of the sleeve 12 varies in each of the examples of Figs. 7A to 7C.

Referring now to Fig. 7D, the device 11 is illustrated with the plectrum 10 attached at end'A'of the sleeve 12 to the edge of the grip portion 13. In Figs. 7D, 7E and 7F, the plectrum 10 is positioned so that it is orientated substantially in the same plane as that of the grip portion 13, and extends the grip portion 13 of the sleeve 12 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grip portion 13.

Figs. 7E and 7F show how a player would use the device 11 by wearing the sleeve 12 so that the plectrum 10 protrudes on the knuckle-side of the player's hand.

The sleeve 12 is preferably constructed from a rigidly flexible material which substantially encircles the player's index finger; flexibility is provided by the sleeve 12 not being completely closed (see Figs. 7D, 7E and 7F). Figs. 7E and 7F show how the sleeve 12 is held by a player in use.

The plectrum 10 can be constructed from various materials and may be attached to the sleeve 12 by a variety of suitable means, which may be resilient to provide additional flexibility when strumming. For example, the plectrum 10 may be formed integrally with the sleeve 12 or grip 13, attached directly or indirectly to the sleeve 12 or grip 13, or attached by a resilient coupling to the sleeve 12 or grip 13, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention and as described in more detail below. For example, the sleeve 12 may be provided with a groove and the plectrum 10 sandwiched into the groove, or alternatively the sleeve 12 may be formed from at least two layers of material and the plectrum 10 sandwiched between two of said layers. The plectrum 10 can be attached so that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grip portion, or alternatively may be positioned so that it is angled to the axis of the grip portion 13, or tilted with respect to the plane of the grip portion 13.

Referring now to Figs. 8A to 8C, there are illustrated several views of a further example of a plectrum device 15 embodying the first aspect of the invention. Fig.

8A shows in detail the plectrum 10 attached to a groove 14 formed across edges X-X'of the grip portion 18 of a holder or sleeve 16.

Fig. 8B shows a perspective view of the device 15. The device 15 includes the plectrum 10 connected to the grip portion 18 of the sleeve 16. The sleeve 16 defines an aperture 17 which substantially encircles the first finger of a player's hand and the index finger of the player's hand rests on top of the portion of the sleeve 12 forming aperture 17 when the device 15 is in use.

The grip portion 18 is located at end'A'of the sleeve 15 and extends substantially at right-angles to the rest of the sleeve 16 so that the grip 18 extends over the top of a player's index finger and is held between a player's thumb and index finger when the device 15 is used to play an instrument. Grip portion 18 thus provides means for a player to grip the device 15 between the thumb and index finger of a player, as is shown in Figs. 8B and 8C such that the plectrum 10 may be positioned for playing an instrument.

Figs. 9A to 9C illustrate another example of a plectrum device 19 embodying the first aspect of the invention.

The device 19 includes the plectrum 10 connected to a grip portion 22 of a sleeve 20. The sleeve 20 defines an aperture 21 which substantially encircles the first and second fingers of a player's hand and the index finger of the player's hand rests on top of the portion of the sleeve 20 forming aperture 21 when the device 19 is in use.

The grip portion 22 is located at end'A'of the sleeve 20 and extends substantially at right-angles to the rest of the sleeve 20 so that the grip 22 extends over the top of a player's index finger and is held between a player's thumb and index finger when the device 19 is used to play an instrument. Grip portion 22 thus provides means for a player to grip the device 19 between the thumb and index finger of a player, as is shown in Figs. 9B and 9C such that the plectrum 10 may be positioned for playing an instrument.

Figs. 10A to lOB illustrate examples of plectrum devices embodying the second aspect of the invention.

Fig. 10A shows a device 23 which includes the plectrum 10 connected to a handle or support 24. Support 24 provides means for a player to grip the plectrum 10.

The support 24 includes a grip portion 25, a finger rest portion 26, and a palm rest portion 27. The support 24 is substantially concavely arcuate along the finger rest portion 26, so that a player's fingers rest comfortably against the support 24. At end'B'of the support 24 the support 24 is bent through an acute angle away from the arcuate finger rest portion 26 and bends towards end'A'to form the palm rest portion 27.

The support thus has a V-shape comprising two limbs, with a plectrum grip extending from the free end of one of the limbs.

The palm rest portion 27 is resiliently flexible and acts as a brace for the support 24 between the fingers of the player and the palm of the player's hand. When the player's hand closes about the support 24, the palm rest portion 27 provides resistance against the closing action of the player's hand which helps stabilize the player's grip on the grip portion 25.

The grip portion 25 is located at end'A'of the sleeve 24 and extends substantially at right-angles to the rest of the sleeve 24 so that the grip 25 extends over the top of a player's index finger and is held between a player's thumb and index finger when the device 23 is used to play an instrument. Grip portion 25 thus provides means for a player to grip the device 23 between the thumb and index finger of a player, as is shown in Fig. 10C such that the plectrum 10 may be positioned for playing an instrument.

Fig. lOB shows another example of the second aspect of the invention. A device 28 includes the plectrum 10 connected to the support 24 which supports the index, first and second fingers and provides means for a player to grip the plectrum 10. The support 24 includes a grip portion 25, a finger rest portion 26.

Figs. 10B and 10C show how the device 28 may be held by a player.

Figs. 11A to 11C illustrate examples of plectrum devices 29 embodying third aspect of the invention.

In Fig. 11A, the device 29 includes a plectrum base 30 and a plectrum member having a plurality, for example four, plectrum tips 31a to 31d. The plectrum base 30 is suitable for use on its own or for attachment to any of the devices according to first and second aspects of the invention. The four plectrums 31a to 31d, may be of a variety of different shapes and/or may be constructed with a variety of different materials and are all attached to the base 30. The device 29 is attached to the grip portion of the sleeve of any suitable version of the aforementioned devices by a pivotable fixing means, for example a nut 33 and bolt 34 (see Fig. 11B), which enables the base 30 to pivot about the fixing means. A player can then pivot base 30 about the fixing means 33,34 to select a suitable plectrum for use with the device.

Fig. 11B shows the plectrum base 30 attached the grip portion 22 of the sleeve 20 of the device 19. The base 30 is attached to the grip portion 22 the nut 33 and the bolt 34. Referring now to Fig. 11C, there is shown a perspective view of the device 29 attached to the grip portion 13 of the sleeve 12 of device 11. The devices of Figs. 11B and 11C combine the first and third aspects of the invention.

Figs. 12A and 12B show an example of a plectrum device embodying the first aspect of the invention and incorporating the fourth aspect of the invention. A plectrum member 10 is attached to holder or sleeve 19 by means of a resilient coupling member 36. In this embodiment, the plectrum 10 is attached by means of a resilient coupling 36 to the grip portion 22 of the sleeve 20. Alternatively, the resilient coupling 36 can be used to modify any device according to the various other aspects of the invention.

Fig. 12A shows how the grip portion 22 is modified to include means, for example a protrusion 37, whereby the sleeve 22 can engage the resilient, for example rubber, coupling member 36. The protrusion 37 protrudes from the edge of the grip portion 22, substantially in the same plane as the grip portion 22, and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of grip portion 22.

The plectrum 10 is attached to the coupling 36 by me by the type of resilient material of which the coupling 36 comprises; for example, some types of rubber are more rigid than others. The stiffness of the coupling and the overall range of movement which the plectrum 10 is capable of affect the acoustic qualities of the device 35. The flexible coupling enables a plectrum 10 to be formed from a material and/or have a configuration or shape which would otherwise be too rigid for playing a musical instrument.

Figs. 13A and 13B illustrate a plectrum device in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention. The device 43 provides a plectrum 44 having variable flexibility.

Fig. 13A, shows a housing 45 which includes the variably flexible plectrum 44, an upper casing 46 and a lower casing 47. Upper casing 46 includes an aperture 48. Lower casing 47 includes a grooved portion 49. A handle 50 is attached to the plectrum 44. Plectrum 44 may include an aperture 51 into which a protrusion 52 of handle 50 fits to fix the handle 50 to the plectrum 44. The plectrum 44 sits in the grooved portion 49 of lower casing 47, and is retained in the grooved portion 49 by upper casing 46. Handle 50 protrudes through the aperture 48 of upper casing 46.

By moving the position of handle 50, the extent to which the plectrum 44 protrudes from the housing 45 is varied. The protruding portion 53 of the plectrum 44 is able to flex. By pushing the handle 50 towards the protruding portion 53, more of the plectrum 44 is protruded from the housing 45 and the protruding portion 53 increases thus increasing the flexibility of the protruding portion 53. Thus the device 43 provides a variably flexible plectrum.

The device 32 can be attached to another device according to the first and second aspect of the invention. In Fig. 13B, the housing 32 is attached to device 19 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Figs. 14A to 14E illustrate further examples of plectrum devices in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention. In Fig. 14A, the device 54 includes a plectrum 55 attached to a grip 57. A sleeve or casing 56 is slidably moveable with respect to the plectrum 55 and grip 57. Plectrum 55 is attached to grip 57 by a protrusion 55a engaging with a slot 59 of the grip 57.

The grip 57 is provided with a handle 58. The casing 56 moves parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X'of the device 54. The plectrum 55 is restricted from flexing when the casing 56 covers a portion of the plectrum.

The amount that the plectrum can flex is determined by the extent to which the casing 56 covers the flexing portion of the plectrum. Alternatively, the casing 56 may be provided with an aperture through which the handle 58 of grip 57 protrudes, and the casing and grip move slidably to determine the extent to which the plectrum 31 protrudes from the casing 56.

Figs. 14B to 14C alternative versions of devices according to this aspect. In Fig. 14B the device 54 further includes a resilient coupling member 60, in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, to connect the plectrum 55 to the grip 57. In this case, the flexibility of the plectrum depends on the extent to which the casing 56 covers the resilient coupling 60. In Fig. 14C, the casing 56 contains an aperture 61, and the grip 57 has an handle 62 which extends through the aperture 61, so that the grip 57 and the plectrum 55 move together relative to the casing 56.

Fig. 14D is a side view of the casing 56, and Fig. 14E is a side view of the device 54 according to Fig. 14A or Fig. 14C.

Figs. 15A to 15E illustrate an example of a plectrum device which combines the first, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of the invention. The device 63 includes a grip 64. The grip 64 can form part of a device according to the first aspect of the invention, or alternatively, according to the second aspect of the invention. The grip 64 has grooves 65 which engage with an upper sleeve or casing 66 half and a lower sleeve or casing half 67, and means to connect the grip 64 to a resilient coupling member 68. The coupling 68 is attached to the grip 64 at one end and is attached to a plectrum 69 at another end.

The plectrum 69 includes a protrusion 69a with engages with a slit 69a formed in the coupling 68. The coupling 68 can connect to the grip 64 by means of a protrusion (not shown) engaging with slot 70.

The coupling 68 is provided with grooves 71 which engage with the upper casing 66 and lower casing 67, such that the upper and lower casings 66 and 67 can move slidably relative to the grip 64 and the coupling 68.

The grooves 65 provide the grip 64 with means to engage slidably with the upper and lower casings 67 and 68.

Grooves 72,73 on the upper and lower casings 67 and 68 engage slidably with the grooves 65 on the grip 64 and also to engage slidably with the grooves 71 on the coupling 68.

The upper and lower casings 66 and 67 can be slid relative to the coupling 68 so that the coupling 68 can protrude to a greater or lesser extent from the upper and lower casings 66 and 67 and thus the plectrum 69 can flex more or less. The upper casing 66 and lower casing 67 may restrict the flexibility of the plectrum 69 in both directions equally, or the flexibility can be made different in one direction by moving the upper casing 66 relative to the lower casing 68 and vice versa. That is, the device provides"variable flexibility"in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention and"differential flexibility"in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention.

Figs. 15B to 15E, Fig. 15B shows a side view of the device 63 in which the movement of the coupling 68 is the same in the direction indicated in Figs. 15B to 15E by'A'and'B'. The movement of the coupling 68 is unrestricted by the casing 66 and 67 in Fig. 15B. Fig.

15C shows the device 63 with the upper casing 66 and lower casing 67 partially covering the coupling 68, thus restricting the flexibility of the coupling 68 equally in both directions'A'and'B'.

Fig. 15D shows the device 63 with the upper casing 66 restricting the flexibility of the coupling 68 more on side A. The upper casing 66 overlaps the casing 68 more than the lower casing 67 overlaps the casing on side B.

Fig. 15E shows the device 63 with the lower casing 67 restricting the flexibility of the coupling 68 more on side B. The lower casing 67 is overlaps the casing 68 more than the upper casing 66 overlaps the casing on side A.

Referring now to Figs. 16A to 16D, there is shown a further example of a plectrum device embodying the fourth and sixth aspects of the invention. The device 74 includes a grip 75 connected to a resilient coupling member 76, which is connected to a plectrum 77. The grip 75 is provided with grooves 78 so that a first side A of the grip 75 overlaps a second side B of the grip 75. The coupling 76 is attached to the grip 75 so that it can flex more away from the plane of the grip on side B than it can on side A, thus providing a higher degree of flexibility on side B than on side A.

Figs. 16B and 16C show the device 74 in use. When the plectrum 77 is used to strum a string in a first direction, for example in the direction A-B as is shown in Fig. 16B, the plectrum 77 is less flexible, due to the movement of the rubber coupling 76 being restricted by the overlapping edge on side A of the grip 75. When the plectrum 77 is used to strum a string in the other direction, for example in the direction B-A as shown in Fig. 16C, the plectrum 77 is more flexible when striking the string due to the movement of the rubber coupling 76 being less restricted by side B of the edge of the grip 75.

Fig. 16D shows a variation of this device 74, with a resilient coupling according to the fourth aspect of the invention but without the differential flexibility provided by the sixth aspect of the invention. The grip 75 has grooves 78 which provide an equal overlap on side A to side B. The coupling is attached to the grip 75 so that it can flex equally on side A and side B.

Figs. 17A to 17D illustrate plectrum members 80,81, 82 and 84 in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention. The plectrums 80 to 84 are for use with any of the aforementioned devices which include a resilient coupling. The use of a resilient coupling (not shown) to attach the plectrums 80 to 84 to a supporting grip (not shown) enables the plectrums 80 to 84 to have a shape and configuration which would not otherwise be suitable for playing an instrument, on account of being too small and/or too rigid.

For example, a very thick plectrum 82,83 can be used but still a sufficient degree of flexibility is provided by the resilient coupling. A very small plectrum 83 can be used as there is no longer a requirement for the plectrum itself to be held by the thumb and index finger.

In particular, Figs 17A to 17D show plectrums which can be formed with tapered wedges or fin-like elements 85.

The fins 85 reduce the drag and friction of the plectrums 80 to 83 so that the movement of the plectrum is substantially smoother when it is being moved over the strings of an instrument. The tips of the plectrums 80 to 83 are flat to enable the strings to be plucked. The plectrums are not playable on their own due to the stiffening effect of the fins 65 unless attached to a resilient coupling. The inclining angled fins 85 assists in moving the plectrum 80 to 83 at high speed over the strings of an instrument due to the angled fins 85 guiding the strings down to the tip of the plectrum 80 to 83.

Fig. 17B shows side views of the four plectrums shown in Fig. 17A, and Fig. 17C shows views from end X'of the plectrums shown in Fig. 17A.

Figs. 18A to 18C show further examples of plectrum devices in accordance with the sixth and/or third aspects of the invention.

In Fig. 18A, the device 90 includes a plectrum 91 attached to a grip plate 92. The plectrum 91 includes a first unbonded, flexing portion 93 and a second bonded portion 94. Bonded portion 94 is attached, preferably by adhesive, on side'A'to the plate 92.

The bonded portion 94 attached to the plate 92 is unable to flex as much as the unbonded portion 93 when the plectrum 91 strikes a string in the direction A-B as is shown in Fig. 18A. However, when the plectrum 66 strikes a string in the direction B-A, the plate does not have such a severe effect on the flexibility of the plectrum 91. That is, the device exhibits differential flexibility in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention.

The extent to which the plate 92 reduces the flexibility of the plectrum 91 depends on the extent to which the plectrum 91 is bonded to the plate 92.

Referring now to Fig. 18B there is shown a variant of the above embodiment, having multiple plectrum tips in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. A device 100 is provided which includes a plectrum member having several plectrum tips lOla to lOld attached to a circular plate 102, which functions to restrict the flexing of the plectrums lOla to lOlb in a first direction A. The plectrums are partially bonded or otherwise secured to the plate as described hereinabove, and thus are able to flex more in a second direction B. Fig. 18B also shows a side view of the device 100, illustrating the differential flexibility of the plectrum tips lOla to lOld. The plectrum lOla is partially attached to the plate 102 by fixing means, for example a nut 103 and a bolt 105, fitted with a washer 104.

Fig. 18C shows a further variant of the device, in which a triangular device 110 is provided a plectrum member having three plectrum tips llla to lllc, all partially attached to a plate 112 on a side A, which restricts the flexing of the plectrums llla to lllc in a first direction A. Fig. 18C further shows a side view of the device 110, illustrating the differential flexibility of the plectrum tips llla to lllc in a manner similar to the previous example. In this case, the plectrum member is simply bonded to the plate 112 by suitable bonding means, such as an adhesive.

Many modifications to and combinations of the various aspects of the invention are possible. For example, the plectrum may be an integral part of a holder, handle or grip, or alternatively may be a changeable component so that the user can select the type and number of plectrums fitted to a holder, handle or grip and can select their position thereon.

In particular, plectrum members may be moulded integrally with the holder, handle or grip, or could comprise a separate component which is connected to the sleeve by any suitable fixing arrangement. Such fixing means may be permanent or semipermanent. For example, they could comprise suitably interlocking parts of the sleeve/plectrum design or be glue, rivets, or velcro for instance. In some cases a plectrum member can be held in position relative to a holder, handle or grip simply by the pressure of the user's hand/digits.

The invention thus provides a variety of plectrum devices and various features of such devices which may be employed in a variety of different combinations.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art once given this disclosure that various modifications, changes, improvements and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A plectrum device comprising a handle portion adapted to be grasped in a user's fist and having a grip portion extending from the handle portion and adapted to be grasped between the thumb and forefinger of the user's hand, and a plectrum member extending from said grip portion.
2. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the handle portion comprises a generally planar, elongate member, and said grip portion comprises an extension of said handle member extending at a angle thereto.
3. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the handle portion comprises a single planar limb.
4. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the handle portion comprises a V-shaped member having two planar limbs, the grip portion extending from a free end of one of said limbs.
5. A plectrum device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the handle portion is attached to a plectrum holder adapted to extend around at least one finger of a user's hand.
6. A plectrum device as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the plectrum member has a plurality of different tip portions extending radially outwards from the centre of said grip portion.
7. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the plectrum member is fixed to the grip portion, and wherein the entire device is capable of being rotated in the user's hand to select one of said tip portions for use.
8. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the plectrum member is rotatably mounted to the grip member, the plectrum member being rotated relative to the grip portion to select one of the said tip portions for use.
9. A plectrum device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plectrum member is coupled to said grip portion via a coupling member of resilient material.
10. A plectrum device as claimed in any preceding claim, further including means for varying the flexibility of the plectrum member.
11. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the plectrum member is slidably mounted within the gril member with a tip of the plectrum member extending fror the grip portion, the flexibility of the plectrum member being varied by varying the distance by which the plectrum member extends from the grip portion.
12. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the plectrum member is connected to the grip portion and the device further includes: a sleeve member which is slidable relative to the plectrum member and the grip portion such that a tip oJ the plectrum member extends from one end of the sleeve portion, the flexibility of the plectrum member being varied by varying the position of the sleeve member relative to the tip of the plectrum member.
13. A plectrum device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the plectrum member is coupled to said grip portion via a coupling member of resilient material and further including means for varying the flexibility of the plectrum member, wherein the plectrum member is connected to the grip portion and the device further includes: a sleeve member which is slidable relative to the plectrum member and the grip portion such that a tip of the plectrum member extends from one end of the sleeve portion, the flexibility of the plectrum member being varied by varying the position of the sleeve member relative to the tip of the plectrum member, wherein the plectrum member is coupled to the grip portion by the resilient coupling member and the sleeve member is slidable relative to the coupling member to vary the flexibility thereof.
14. A plectrum device as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 13, including the resilient coupling member connecting said plectrum member to the grip portion, wherein the plectrum member has a tip and includes a wedge or fin formation formed on at least one surface thereof, said plectrum member extending in a longitudinal direction towards the tip, said wedge or fin formation being tapered in the direction towards said tip.
15. A plectrum device comprising a grip portion and a plectrum portion including a plectrum member, wherein the plectrum portion is connected to the grip portion in such a manner that the plectrum member is more flexible in a first direction than in a second direction.
16. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the plectrum portion includes a plurality of plectrum members and wherein at least one of said plectrum members is more flexible in a first direction than in a second direction.
17. A plectrum device as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein one or more plectrum members are connected to the grip portion by a resilient coupling member and the resilient member is connected to the grip portion in such a manner that they are more freely deformable in said first direction than in said second direction.
18. A plectrum device as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 17, wherein one or more plectrum members are connected directly to the grip portion in such a manner that they are more freely deformable in said first direction than in said second direction.
19. A plectrum device as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 18, further including a resilient coupling member connecting said plectrum member to the grip portion, wherein the plectrum member has a tip having a wedge or fin formation formed on at least one surface thereof and extending in a longitudinal direction towards the tip, said wedge or fin formation being tapered in the direction towards said tip.
20. A plectrum device substantially as described herein with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.