GB2581949A - Strumming device for conditioning stringed instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for accelerating the conditioning process and sound quality improvement of a wooden stringed instrument by strumming the instrument comprises a strap 21, 22, and a motorised arm 3. The motorised arm is attached to a strings-contacting part and moves the strings-contacting part across the strings. A support structure 10 connects the strap to the motorised arm. Preferably the support structure is shaped to allow continuous rotational movement by the motorised arm and the attached strings-contacting part. The motorised arm and the attached strings-contacting part may move across the strings with a reciprocating motion. The angle and position of the strings-contacting part may be adjustable in relation to the longitudinal axis of the instrument. Preferably the device may be used with a capo system.

Description

STRUMMING DEVICE FOR CONDITIONING STRINGED INSTRUMENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] This present invention relates to a strumming device for accelerating the conditioning process of a stringed musical instrument such as an electrical or acoustic guitar to improve the quality of sound produced by the instrument when played and maintain the quality of sound of stringed instruments

BACKGROUND

[2] It is known among musicians, luthiers, manufacturers and users that the more a stringed instrument is used, the more responsive and resonant it becomes producing a better sound. It is generally accepted that, the sound of a wooden stringed instrument will improve the more the instrument it is played.

[3] The reasons for sound characteristics improvement with use of a wooden stringed instrument has been a subject of debate over years. It is believed, that as a wooden stringed instrument is being played, the wood fibers settle somewhat due to vibrations causing the wood to become stiffer, more stable and more resonant, improving the overall sound quality of the instrument. It is believed that the wood in a stringed instrument vibrated repeatedly when the strings of the instrument are vibrated, results over time in the instrument being more responsive and resonant while its tone develops and a more uniform and often brighter and richer sound is produced. Older instruments which have settled will usually be more stable than new ones [4] While the precise changes taking place as a result of such vibrations may be a subject to debate, it is generally believed that the more a stringed instrument is subjected to vibrations such as when the instrument is used, the more resonant it becomes producing a better sound.

[5] It is also believed that other materials, glue or finishes such as lacquers on the instrument may also gradually relax at a molecular level due to vibrations the more the instrument is being played or conditioned, contributing to quality of sound improvements.

[6] To accelerate the conditioning process of a stringed instrument or maintain the stringed instruments sound quality, different methods or devices have been developed, however, despite existing devices and methods, these are limited in many ways [7] Therefore, a need exists for a device that will enable users to accelerate the breaking in, aging or conditioning process of their stringed instruments such as an acoustic or electric guitar so that the instrument becomes more responsive or resonant, producing richer, more uniform and overall improved sound when played and maintain and further improve the quality of sound of such stringed instruments. There is also a need for the device to allow the strings of the instrument to vibrate freely when used, particularly with respect to acoustic or electric guitars, it is desirable that the stringed instrument can be conditioned or vibrated in a manner that is approximately comparable to actual strumming of the instrument when played by a user. Further, the device needs to be easy to attach to the instrument, setup and use including at home, in a studio or while travelling. Still further, the device needs to be easy to transport, lightweight and inexpensive. In addition, it is desirable for the device to be able to be securely attached on a stringed instrument and operate while the instrument is transported and moved. Finally, it is desirable for the device to be energy efficient, and alternatively be able to be operated by using a portable electrical power source.

[8] In order to overcome these, the present invention proposes a motorised strumming device for conditioning stringed instruments such as an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar with attachment means for attaching the strumming device to the instrument.

[9] Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INTTATTION

[10] The present invention proposes a strumming device for conditioning or accelerating the "break in" process of stringed instruments with attachment means for attachment of the strumming device to the body of the instrument. The strumming device of the present invention preferably comprises a support structure provided with adjustable straps comprising length adjustment elements and quick release locking elements for attachment to the instrument, which support structure is configured with a motor connected to a strumming arm, which strumming arm is moved in a circular motion by the motor when electricity is applied, causing a strings contacting piece adjustably attached to the strumming arm to repeatedly contact and vibrate the strings of the instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIM WiNGS

[11] A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarised above may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the device elements and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict a preferred embodiment of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly [12] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a strumming device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[13] Figure 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the strumming device of Figure 1 according to the various embodiments of the present invention [14] Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the strumming device of Figure I according to the various embodiments of the present invention, attached to an acoustic guitar.

[15] Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the strumming device of Figure 1 according to the various embodiments of the present invention, attached to an electric guitar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[16] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" and/or "configured" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[17] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs Tt will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein [18] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and elements are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques and elements of each or all of the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual configurations in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[19] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details.

[20] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[21] The present invention is directed to a device for accelerating the aging process and conditioning of a stringed instrument such as an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar and improving the quality of sound through continual playing of such instrument, through which by using such a device the strings of the instrument are strummed or plucked and vibrated, which vibrations are transferred to the wooden body and components of the instrument during the conditioning process.

[22] The manufacturing process of a quality wooden stringed instrument such as an electric guitar, acoustic guitar or violin may not involve exposing each instrument to a prolonged conditioning treatment, which may impact on the possibility to offer a good quality instrument at an affordable or competitive price. Therefore, there is a need for a device that users and owners of stringed instruments of various qualities and values can use to accelerate the aging process or conditioning of their stringed instruments, so that such instruments produce a richer tone, improved resonance and a better overall sound quality when played [23] It is known that the stringed instruments need to be frequently played in order to maintain and further improve their achieved quality of sound and resonance. Acknowledging such need, the author of the present invention has developed a practical and economical motorised strumming device that can be used with stringed instruments of different sizes such as an electric guitar or acoustic guitar to continuously vibrate the strings of the instrument by plucking or strumming the strings with a strings contacting piece, with strings vibrations being continuously transmitted to the instrument body.

[24] In any of the embodiments of the present invention, during the conditioning process, the strumming device may be left operating for extended periods of time, on each case for as long as is desired, during which entire time the strings of the instrument will be contacted by a strings contacting piece discontinuously and repeatedly over a period determined by the apparatus on a regular cycle when electric power is applied, and the vibrations caused by the strings will be transferred to the wooden body and elements of the stringed instrument.

[25] Figure 1 illustrate a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a strumming device 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention comprising a support structure 10, which support structure 10 is configured with a top segment 11, two lateral segments 12, two base segments 13 and two final segments 14 A motor housing 9 is shown connected at a central location at the top segment 11 for supporting motor 2, which motor 2 is operably connected to strumming arm 3 through an opening in the top segment 11. A strings contacting piece 5 is shown adjustably attached to strumming arm 3 by screw clamping means, so that as electricity is supplied through a cable 30 to the motor 2 as further explain below, the rotating arm 3 is moved by the motor 2 over the strings of a guitar or other stringed instrument in a rotational motion, causing the strings contacting piece 5 to repeatedly contact the strings of the instrument and vibrate them, which vibrations will be transmitted to the instrument's body.

[26] The strumming device 1 is shown in Figure 1 with attachment means comprising straps 21 and 22 adjustably connected at attachment openings 15 of the support structure 10 and a quick release attachment male element 24 configured to insert and engage into an opposing quick release attachment female element 23.

[27] As shown in Figure 1 and perhaps further in Figure 2, the screw clamping means may preferably comprise a screw protruding through a hole in a clamping plate 4 and then through a hole in the strumming arm 3, and may be secured with a wing nut 8, while the strings contacting piece 5 may be made preferably of a nylon string folded to create a pointing section at the middle with both ends passing through two holes in a grip piece 6 and permanently secured inside two holes in a grip piece 7, which grip piece 7 may be used for sliding the strings contacting piece 5 to adjust its position in relation to the strings of the instrument while loosening up the wing nut 8, which wing nut 8 is then tighten back when the desired position of the strings contacting piece 5 in relation to the strings of the instrument is achieved. Grip piece 6 may also be permanently attached on the strings contacting piece 5 and used for adjustment.

[28] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the strumming arm 3 may be preferably made of a material such as plastic, wood, metal, aluminium, or other suitable material for the presented purposes. The clamping plate 4 that may be made of the same material as the strumming arm 3, may preferably comprise a silicon pad or other soft material on the face towards the string contacting piece, while the opposing section of the strumming arm 3 may also comprise a similar soft padding for protection and a better fixing of the strings contacting piece 5. The grip piece 6 and grip piece 7 may be made of the same material as the rotation arm 3 or other suitable material.

[29] Alternatively, the screw clamping means and adjustment of the strings contacting piece 5 may be replaced by a spring clamp or other suitable or known in the prior art systems or elements that may comprise other adjustments such as tilt and rebound.

[30] In other embodiments, a plectrum may be used to contact and strum or pluck the strings of the instrument, which plectrum may be inserted into a spring clamp, screw clamp or other suitable holding apparatus which may allow adjustment of position and secure fixing in the optimum position during the conditioning process.

[31] In further embodiments, the strumming device of this invention may be configured with at least one strings contacting piece that may be formed or moulded from any suitable material such as plastic, metal, wood, nylon, in various shapes such as cylindrical, pointed, flat and may be used interchangeably with other elements that may be suitable for the presented purposes.

[32] In still further embodiments, the strings contacting piece may be moulded or formed as part of the strumming arm from a single piece of a suitable material, for example when the adjustment of the strings contacting piece in spatial relation to the strings of the instrument may be achieved by other elements or parts of the strumming device as explained further below.

[33] In some further embodiments of the current invention, a linkage assembly of a type known in the prior art for converting the rotary motion into an oscillating or reciprocating type motion may be used, so as an assembly that may comprise an arm transferring the movement to a strings contacting piece may be moved in a side-to-side or back and forth motion only within a limited circle sector towards one end of the strings, preferably the upper end of the instrument neck, so a strings contacting piece may travel within a section of a circle path long enough to touch and vibrate each of the instrument strings and for change of travel direction either side of the strings. A reciprocating type linkage assembly may allow the support structure to be constructed or moulded without the need to have base segments lower than strings height as shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention for the base segments 13 described herein.

[34] In still other further embodiments, a different linkage assembly may be used for transferring the rotational movement from the motor 2 to the strings contacting element 5 [35] The lateral segments 12 of the support structure 10 are shown in Figure 1 connecting the top segment 11 with the base segments 13, and may be dimensioned to create enough space between the motor housing 9 and any of the strings of the instrument and between each one of the lateral segments 12 and the closest instrument strings when the device is attached to be used. The base segments 13 of the support structure are shown connecting the lateral segments 12 with the final segments 14, and preferably comprising padding elements 18.

[36] Base segments 13 may have an uneven or raised underside surface towards one side in relation to one or the other end of the instrument strings when the strumming device 1 is used, so that the whole support structure 10 is inclined together with the strumming arm 3 making the strings contacting piece 5 to be lower while moving during the conditioning process in relation to one end of the strings, preferably towards the neck of the instrument so it may only contact the strings on that area.

[37] Base segments 13 may comprise a small height distance gap under the strings level when the strumming device 1 is attached on the instrument body and used for conditioning process, so that the strings contacting piece 5 rotates above the base segments 13 without touching these or other elements of the support structure preferably. Still referring to Figure 1, lateral segments 12 are shown angled slightly inwardly towards the top segment 11 joining them, while the final segments 14 are shown angled slightly outwardly to increase the stability of the support structure and clearance in relation to strings contacting piece 5 or other alternative strings contacting piece when this is rotated during the conditioning process.

[38] Final segments 14 of the support structure 10 are shown in Figure 1 comprising attachment openings 15 perhaps better illustrated in Figure 2, where straps 21 and 22 preferably made of a fabric material may be adjustably connected. By adjusting the straps 21and 22 to create an amount of tension, the final segments 14 may flex slightly outwardly to provide a continuous tensioning effect of the attachment assembly for improved stability of the strumming device 1 when used to condition a stringed instrument.

[39] Alternatively, straps elements may be of an elastic nature for a continuous tensioning of the attachment assembly or other suitable tensioning means or known in the prior art may be used.

[40] The support structure 10 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 may be constructed, bent or moulded from a single piece of a suitable material such as aluminium, polycarbonate, plastic, steel, wood, metal or any other suitable type of material. Alternatively, the support structure may be formed from a plurality of individual pieces which are joined together either by gluing or other suitable means. In other embodiments, the support structure may incorporate position or length adjustment elements, for example top segment 11 may be adjustably connected to the lateral segments 12 so it may be slightly rotated, lowered or raised generally to adjust the position of the strings contacting piece 5, by using screws and nuts elements or other elements or systems or known in the prior art as suitable for the purposes presented.

[41] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, padding elements 18 may be made from a cushioning material such as rubber, silicon or similar to prevent the instrument being scratched In addition, the padding and cushioning material may be a non-slip material and so will aid in preventing the device from moving, or "slipping" on the surface of the instrument during the conditioning process. Alternatively, the base segments 13 or other component segments may be configured with systems known in the prior art to adjust the position including inclination and height. In other embodiments, adjustment means to modify the spatial relation between the strings contacting piece and the strings of the musical instrument when the strumming device is used may comprise additional elements known in the prior art as suitable for the presented purposes such as screw type elements, that may be inserted through threaded holes in the base segments of the support structure, which screw elements when rotated clockwise or anticlockwise may adjust the height or tilt of the whole support structure with attached elements as described. In further embodiments, systems such as screw, twist, slide or other suitable system to adjust the spatial relation between the strumming device and the stringed instrument or between some of the components of the strumming device and the stringed instrument including inclination and height may be used [42] Motor housing 9 is shown in Picture 1 attached to support structure 10 preferably using screws and nuts and may be constructed or moulded by using the same material as the support structure 10. Alternatively, other attachment means may be used such as glue, rivets or other means or systems known in the prior art as being suitable for the present purposes. In other embodiments, parts of motor housing 9 and support structure 10 may be moulded or formed from a single piece of a suitable material, for example where motor 2 may be inserted through an opening at the opposite side of top element 11 and preferably a bottom plate may be attached to the motor housing once motor 2 is connected. Motor 2 is shown in dashed line in Figure 1 as located inside motor housing 9.

[43] Referring to Figure 1, a cable 30 is shown permanently secured inside a tubular element 16, which tubular element 16 may be incorporated or fixed to the support structure 10 at one of the final segments 14.

[44] Referring now to Figure 2, cable 30 may comprise electrical wires routed through a channel connected to the tubular element 16 then at one side of one of the final segments 14, one of the base segments 13, one of the lateral segments 12, then connected to an opening at the top segment 11 to connect the electrical power supply at the motor 2, which channel containing electrical wires may be covered with a suitable capping element 17 preferably manufactured of the same material as the support structure 10.

[45] Alternatively, the electrical wires may be routed along the segments of the support structure 10 and attached or glued to the support structure or incorporated inside the support structure 10 when this is constructed or moulded.

[46] In other embodiments, additional wires may be included for different functions and options such as variable voltage, speed control, switching, display info, LED, indicators.

[47] In further embodiments, an electrical connector may be fixed on or near the strumming device support structure 10, such as a female connector where a cable such as cable 30 with a male connector may be configured to insert and engage into the female connector for electricity supply and other functions.

[48] In still further embodiments, a source of electrical power such as rechargeable accumulators or batteries may be attached near motor 2, such as inside motor housing, which accumulators or batteries can be recharged or replaced when the strumming device is not used for the conditioning process of a stringed instrument and may not require the integration or routing of electrical wires and connectors through the support structure 10 as explained herein.

[49] The stringing device is shown in Figure 1 with attachment means comprising straps 21 and 22 adjustably connected to the support structure at attachment openings 15, which straps 21 and 22 are configured with a quick release attachment male element 24 configured to insert and engage into an opposing quick release attachment female element 23. The straps may be inserted into adjustment openings at the quick release elements, which quick release elements 23 and 24 are preferably made of a plastic material and may be of a type known in the prior art as suitable for the presented purposes. To accommodate different sizes of guitars or other stringed instruments, combined length of straps may be adjusted according to requirements and generally will be dimensioned to ensure the straps are sufficiently long to accommodate a varied range of acoustic or electric guitars or other stringed instruments [50] Alternatively, only one strap may be used, which strap may be configured with a length adjustment element such as a ladder buckle or ladder lock buckle.

[51] In other embodiments, strap ends may be adjustably connected at the support structure on one or both sides using one or more quick release and adjustment elements such as a hook in, slide in, male/female quick release attachment elements or other suitable or known in the prior art elements.

[52] In further embodiments, the support structure of the stringing device of the present invention may be configured with other types of adjustment or quick release systems for different attachment purposes, known in the prior art as being suitable for the present purposes.

[53] In still further embodiments, the attaching means may also be provided by other systems or devices such as adjustable clamping elements, screw clamping, spring clamping or other types of quick release, attachment and adjustment apparatuses or systems known in the prior art as being suitable for the present purposes.

[54] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, motor 2 may be of any type known in the prior art as being suitable for the presented purposes, and preferably may be a small electric motor comprising a gear box to reduce the speed and increase the torque, configured with a drive shaft with a threaded hole, which drive shaft may protrude through a hole in the top segment 11 at a central location to connect into strumming arm 3 using a suitable screw for the threaded hole of the shaft.

[55] Alternatively, motor 2 may be a stepping motor instead of a gear motor or other type of apparatus known in the prior art as being suitable for the presented purposes.

[56] In other embodiments, the strumming device of this invention may be configured without a motor housing such as motor housing 9, and motor 2 may be directly attached to the support structure 10 using glue or other attachment elements, such as screws attaching into threaded holes in the motor case or other known suitable attachment systems such as screws protruding through threaded or unthreaded holes in the motor case and secured with nuts [57] Figure 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of a strumming device of this invention, according to various embodiments of the present invention attached to an acoustic guitar G. The continuous use of the strumming device 1 of the invention will necessarily cause the vibrations of the strings of the conditioned instrument such as an acoustic guitar G, where, if the tension of each of the guitar G strings is correctly adjusted, the resulting sounds are musical tones. For example, when the strumming device of the invention is used for conditioning acoustic or electric guitars, a guitar capo C can be attached on the guitar fingerboard to obtain different musical tones by modifying the length of the strings at different accessible frets at desired intervals of time or other types of capo or systems may be used for a greater range or combination of musical tones.

[58] The device may be fitted on an electric guitar or acoustic guitar as depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4 to vibrate the chords repeatedly when the device is in operation. The device may also be used on other stringed instruments, generally with making length adjustments of the attachment straps and position of the strings contacting element as described herein. Alternatively, segments of the support structure or other component parts of the strumming device may be adjustable or dimensioned when created to accommodate different instruments.

[59] During the conditioning process, an electric or acoustic guitar or other stringed instrument may be placed in a suitable support such as a floor support or a wall mounted support. The strumming device 1 of the present invention is depicted in Figure 4 attached to an electric guitar E which is placed in a guitar support S as an example. A guitar or other stringed instrument with the strumming device of the present invention attached and during the conditioning process, may be placed in any suitable positions without the use of any other devices while it will be preferred that the instrument strings or strumming device movable parts may not be restricted by being in contact with any surfaces unnecessarily.

[60] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, as a further improvement, the present inventor will provide a case in which the conditioned stringed instrument such as an electric guitar together with the strumming device of the present invention attached can be placed including preferably during conditioning process. The case may comprise openings for

H

a cable to electrical motor of the strumming device and for ventilation. Alternatively, the case may comprise space for a portable power supply such as rechargeable accumulators or batteries to use the conditioning device in different situations, for example while travelling The case will preferably be soundproof and may include transparent or semitransparent materials in the area where the conditioning strumming device is located to determine if the strumming device is operating.

[61] Cable 30 may be of any type known as suitable for the present purposes, preferably comprising electrical wires and configured with a connector such as USB to supply electricity to the strumming device motor as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. Alternatively, cable 30 may be configured with a jack connector or other type of suitable connectors. In other embodiments, cable 30 may be connected to a transformer, battery, accumulators, power source or other apparatus or device known in the prior art as suitable for the presented purposes and may include other known devices such as switches, potentiometers, timers for additional functions.

[62] While preferred materials for elements and components have been described, the device is not limited by these materials. Wood, plastic, carbon fiber, rubber, plywood, foam, metal alloys, aluminium, fabric, resin, and other materials may comprise some or all of the elements of the device in various embodiments of the present invention [63] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results All such equivalent embodiments and examples are contemplated thereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (7)

1. CLAIMS1. A strumming device for accelerating the conditioning process and for quality of sound improvement of a wooden string instrument comprising: ( a) strap type adjustable attaching means for removable attachment of the strumming device on the stringed instrument; and (b) a motorised arm for holding a strings contacting piece and moving the strings contacting piece across the instrument strings to create vibrations, which motorised arm is connected to the said attaching means with a support stnicture.
2. 2. A strumming device according to claim 1 in which the said support structure is shaped to allow the continuous rotational movement of the motorised arm with the strings contacting piece.
3. 3. A strumming device according to claim 1 in which the motorised arm and strings contacting piece are moved across the strings in a reciprocating motion.CD
4. C\I 4 A strumming device according to any of the preceding claims in which the attaching means is including but not limited to using a clamping system attached to the supporting structure.
5. O 5. A strumming device according to any of the preceding claims, in which the angle and position of the strings contacting piece in relation to the longitudinal axis of the instrument CD strings is adjustable.
6. 6. A method to accelerate the conditioning process and for improvement of the quality of sound in wooden string instruments by using the strumming device according to any of the preceding claims.
7. 7. A method to accelerate the conditioning process and for improvement of the quality of sound in wooden string instruments by using the strumming device according to claim 6 with modifying the length of the vibrating strings sections varying the musical tones range and combinations of vibrations frequencies by using capo systems.