WO2007040299A1

WO2007040299A1 - Device for learning to grip a bow of stringed instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2007040299A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/004628
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hye-Yong Kim
Original assignee: Hye-Yong Kim
Priority date: 2005-10-04
Filing date: 2005-12-29
Publication date: 2007-04-12
Also published as: KR100646804B1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a bow grip-learning device for a stringed instrument, constructed so that the grip-learning device, into which fingers are inserted, is firmly locked to a bow, thus allowing a user to more easily learn and correct the method of gripping the bow. The device includes a locking body (10) provided on a handle (30a) of the bow (30), and a plurality of support rings (20) integrally formed on an outer circumferential surface of the locking body. A user's fingers are inserted into the support rings so that the user corrects and acquires a proper method of gripping the bow. The device corrects and maintains the position of the fingers gripping a bow, thus allowing a user to more stably and correctly grip the bow, and allowing even a person who grips the bow for the first time to easily acquire the proper method of gripping the bow.

Description

DEVICE FOR LEARNING TO GRIP A BOW OF STRINGED

INSTRUMENT

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to stringed instruments and, more particularly, to a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument, constructed so that the grip-learning device, into which fingers are inserted, is firmly locked to a bow, thus allowing a user to more easily learn and correct the method of gripping the bow. Background Art

[2] Stringed instruments mean musical instruments in which taut strings produce musical tones or sounds. Stringed instruments are classified into plucked stringed instruments, rubbed stringed instruments, and struck stringed instruments, according to the playing technique. The plucked stringed instrument produces sounds by plucking strings of the instrument using fingers, nails, or a pick. The rubbed stringed instrument produces sounds by rubbing strings with a bow. The struck stringed instrument produces sounds by striking strings with a stick or a similar device.

[3] Among them, a representative rubbed stringed instrument includes a violin, a viola, a cello, a contrabass, etc.

[4] Since these instruments produce sounds using a bow, it is very important to correctly grip the bow so as to produce proper sounds or achieve excellent performance.

[5] However, it is very difficult to acquire the method of correctly gripping the bow, despite the importance of a correct grip. Thus, it is problematic in that it is not easy to produce correct and consistent sounds. Especially, it may take several months for a beginner who is poor at playing the stringed instrument to acquire the dexterity to properly grip the bow. Further, the beginner may give up learning the stringed instrument in frustration without finishing a whole course.

[6] Moreover, if a person rudimentally learns to play the stringed instrument but does not correctly learn the proper bow-gripping position, his or her playing skills will not improve quickly. Even if he or she continues practicing the instrument, his or her playing skills may not improve at all.

[7] In order to solve the problem, Korean U.M. Registration No. 20-313672 has been proposed, which is titled "bow grip-learning device for stringed instruments". As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional bow grip-learning device includes a first locking unit 40 and a second locking unit 50.

[8] In a detailed description, the first locking unit 40 includes a first locking part 42 having a circular ring shape. A clamp 44 is provided on one side of the first locking part 42 so that the first locking unit 40 is fitted over and locked to a stick 31. Further, a finger support ring 46 is provided on the other side of the first locking part 42 so that a player's index finger is inserted into the finger support ring 46 to be supported by the finger support ring 46.

[9] Further, the second locking unit 50 includes a second locking part 42 having a circular ring shape. A clamp 44 is provided on one side of the second locking part 42 so that the second locking unit 50 is fitted over and locked to the stick 31 while being spaced apart from the first locking unit 40 by a predetermined distance. A finger seat 56 having a bowl shape is provided on the other side of the second locking part 42 so that the player's little finger is seated on the finger seat 56.

[10] Thus, the player inserts his or her index finger into the finger support ring 46 and seats the litter finger on the finger seat 56. In such a state, the player grips a bow 30 and plays the stringed instrument.

[11] However, the conventional bow grip-learning device for stringed instruments is problematic in that it is constructed so that only the index finger is inserted into the device, so that it is difficult to learn the correct position of the thumb and the third finger. Thus, a beginner has difficulty in using the bow grip-learning device.

[12] Particularly, according to the prior art, the first locking unit for guiding the position of the index finger and the second locking unit for guiding the position of the little finger are individually fitted over the stick. Thus, a beginner may not know the proper interval between the index finger and the little finger, that is, the proper interval between the first and second locking units, so that it is difficult to use the bow grip- learning device.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[13] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument, constructed so that the grip learning device, into which fingers are inserted, is firmly locked to a bow, thus allowing a user to more easily learn the method of gripping the bow.

[14] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument, which is intended to correct the finger position of a person who has learned an incorrect method of gripping a bow, thus allowing him or her to make remarkable progress in playing the stringed instrument.

Technical Solution

[15] In order to accomplish the object, the present invention provides a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed he bow, including a locking body provided on a handle of the bow; and a plurality of support rings integrally formed on an outer circumferential surface of the locking body, a user's fingers being inserted into the support rings so that the user corrects and acquires a proper method of gripping the bow. Advantageous Effects

[16] As described above, the present invention the present invention provides a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument, which is constructed so that the fingers are inserted into a plurality of support rings which are integrally provided on the device, thus correcting and maintaining the position of the fingers gripping a bow, therefore allowing a user to more stably and correctly grip the bow, and allowing even a person who grips the bow for the first time to more easily acquire the proper method of gripping the bow.

[17] Since the bow grip-learning device is used until a beginner who is poor at playing the instrument is accustomed to gripping the bow, the bow grip-learning device serves as a training means that teaches the beginner to naturally and correctly grip the bow, thus maximally shortening a period which is spent on acquiring the proper method of gripping the bow.

[18] Further, the bow grip-learning device is used for persons who acquire the incorrect method of gripping the bow, thus correcting a wrong finger positioning, therefore improving a user's playing skill. Brief Description of the Drawings

[19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument;

[20] FIG. 2 is a view showing the use of the conventional bow grip-learning device;

[21] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument, according to the present invention;

[22] FIG. 4 is a view showing the use of the bow grip-learning device, according to this invention;

[23] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a locking body, according to the present invention;

[24] FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views showing another embodiment of a locking body, according to the present invention; and

[25] FIGS. 8 and 9 are sectional views showing a further embodiment of a locking body, according to the present invention. Mode for the Invention

[26] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[27] FIGS. 3 to 9 show a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument. The bow grip-learning device includes a locking body 10 and a plurality of finger support rings 20.

[28] The locking body 10, having a cylindrical shape, is provided on a handle 30a of a bow 30. The finger support rings 20 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the locking body 10.

[29] Such a locking body 10 is formed into a single structure having a pipe shape, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The locking body 10 is fitted over the handle 30a of the bow 30. Preferably, the locking body 10 is press-fitted over the handle so as to be firmly locked to the bow 30.

[30] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one side of the locking body 10 may be longitudinally opened so as to lock the locking body 10 to the bow 30. To this end, slitted parts 11 are formed longitudinally along the locking body 10, and a foldable part 14 is provided at a predetermined position on the locking body 10 to be opposite the slitted parts 11. Further, a locking means is provided at a position on the locking body 10 adjacent to each slitted part 11, and is operated to open the locking body 10 or lock the locking body 10 to the bow 30.

[31] In this case, according to the preferred embodiment of the locking means, a protrusion 12 is provided at a position on the locking body 10 adjacent to each slitted part 11. A fastening hole 13 is formed in the protrusion 12. A bolt and a nut are inserted into the fastening holes 13 so that the locking body 10, opened through the slitted parts 11, is fastened to the bow 30.

[32] Herein, the locking body is locked to the bow using the bolt and the nut, which are one embodiment of the locking means. However, the present invention includes the application of another locking means having a fastening force similar to that of the bolt or nut.

[33] Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking body 10 may be locked to the bow

30 through the elastic expansion and contraction of the locking body 10. To this end, a slitted part 11 is formed longitudinally along the locking body 10, with an opening slit 15 formed on the slitted part 11.

[34] In order to permit the elastic expansion and contraction of the locking body 10 through the opening slit 15, the locking body 10 is made of an elastic material. Through such an action, the locking body 10 may be locked to the handle 30a of the bow 30 or, conversely, be opened.

[35] Meanwhile, the finger support rings 20 are fitted over a user's fingers to correct or teach the proper finger position of a player who grips the bow 30. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of support rings is integrally formed on the outer circumference of the locking body 10.

[36] The support rings 20 comprise a thumb support ring 20a, an index finger support ring 20b, and a little finger support ring 20c. The thumb support ring 20a is integrally formed on a side of one end of the locking body 10 so that the thumb is inserted into the thumb support ring 20a.

[37] Further, the index finger support ring 20b is integrally formed on a side of the locking body 10 opposite the thumb support ring 20a, so that the index finger is inserted into the index finger support ring 20b. The little finger support ring 20c is integrally formed on the other end of the locking body 10 in such a way as to be parallel to the index finger support ring 20b, so that the little finger is inserted into the little finger support ring 20c.

[38] That is, the thumb, index finger, and little finger support rings 20a, 20b, and 20c are integrally formed on the outer circumferential surface of the locking body 10, thus allowing a user to easily correct or acquire his or her proper finger position while he or she grips the bow 30 correctly.

[39] In this case, the locking body 10 and the finger support rings 20, which are integrally formed, may comprise an elastic material, such as rubber or soft PVC. Further, it is obvious that the locking body 10 and the finger support rings 20 may be manufactured using a soft nonmetal or other materials having the same or similar elastic modulus.

[40] The operation and operational effects of the present invention constructed as described above will be described in detail below.

[41] When a user desires to acquire the correct position of fingers gripping the bow 30 using the grip learning device for bows of stringed instruments according to this invention, the locking body 10 is fitted to be locked to the handle 30a of the bow 30.

[42] In the case where the locking body 10 has a pipe shape, as shown in FIG. 5, the locking body is press-fitted over the bow 30. Meanwhile, when the locking body 10 is shaped to be opened or locked as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the locking body 10 is fastened to the handle 30a of the bow 30 through the locking means. Further, when the locking body 10 is shaped as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the locking body 10 is locked to the handle 30a of the bow 30 through the elastic expansion and contraction by the elasticity of the locking body 10.

[43] The opening and locking operation of the locking body 10 using the locking means will be described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the locking body 10 is opened through the slitted parts 11 of the locking body 10. In such a state, the handle 30a of the bow 30 is positioned into the locking body 10.

[44] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking body 10 is rotated about the foldable part 14, and thereafter, the bolt and the nut are inserted into the fastening holes 13 of the protrusions 12 to fasten the slitted parts 11 to each other. Thereby, the locking body 10 is firmly locked to the handle 30a of the bow 30.

[45] Further, the opening and locking operation using the elasticity of the locking body

10 will be described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, a finger is inserted into the opening slit 15 of the locking body 10, forcing the locking body 10 to open. Since the locking body 10 is made of an elastic material, the locking body 10 is expanded in a circular form.

[46] Thereafter, the handle 30a of the bow 30 is positioned in the locking body 10, and a finger force pressing the opening slit 15 is relaxed. At this time, the locking body 10 expanded by its own elastic force is contracted, and simultaneously, is securely affixed to the handle 30a of the bow 30. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the locking body 10 is firmly locked to the handle 30a of the bow 30.

[47] As such, after the locking body 10 is locked to the handle 30a of the bow 30, the thumb, the index finger, and the little finger are inserted into the thumb support ring 20a, the index finger support ring 20b, and the little finger support ring 20c, respectively. In such a state, the user grips the bow 30. Thus, the user can more stably and correctly grip the bow 30.

[48] Moreover, the bow grip-learning device of this invention can be used until a beginner is accustomed to gripping the bow 30. Thus, the bow grip-learning device serves as a training means that teaches a beginner to naturally and correctly grip the bow 30, thus maximally shortening a period which is spent on acquiring the proper method of gripping the bow 30.

[49] Further, the bow grip-learning device of this invention is used for persons who learn an incorrect method of gripping the bow 30, thus correcting wrong finger positioning, therefore improving a user's playing skill.

[50] Furthermore, unlike the conventional bow grip-learning device, the bow grip- learning device according to this invention is constructed so that each support ring 20 is integrally formed, and the support ring comprises a plurality of support rings. Thus, it is very convenient to correctly position the fingers, and persons who grip the bow 30 for the first time can more easily acquire the proper method of gripping the bow 30.

[51] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Industrial Applicability

[52] As described above, the present invention provides a device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument, which is constructed so that the fingers are inserted into a plurality of support rings which are integrally provided on the device, thus correcting and maintaining the position of the fingers gripping a bow, therefore allowing a user to more stably and correctly grip the bow, and allowing even a person who grips the bow for the first time to more easily acquire the proper method of gripping the bow.

[53] Since the bow grip-learning device is used until a beginner who is poor at playing the instrument is accustomed to gripping the bow, the bow grip-learning device serves as a training means that teaches the beginner to naturally and correctly grip the bow, thus maximally shortening a period which is spent on acquiring the proper method of gripping the bow.

[54] Further, the bow grip-learning device is used for persons who acquire the incorrect method of gripping the bow, thus correcting a wrong finger positioning, therefore improving a user's playing skill.

Claims

[1] A device for learning to grip a bow of a stringed instrument which produces sounds by rubbing a string with the bow, comprising: a locking body provided on a handle of the bow; and a plurality of support rings integrally formed on an outer circumferential surface of the locking body, a user's fingers being inserted into the support rings so that the user corrects and acquires a proper method of gripping the bow.

[2] The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is formed to a single structure having a pipe shape, and is press-fitted over the handle of the bow.

[3] The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking body comprises a slitted part and a foldable part which are formed in a longitudinal direction and symmetrical with respect to each other, with locking means being provided on the slitted part to lock the locking body to the handle or, conversely, to open the locking body.

[4] The device according to claim 3, wherein the locking means comprises: a protrusion provided at a portion of the locking body which is opened by the slitted part, and having a fastening hole, a bolt and a nut being inserted into the fastening hole to lock the locking body to the handle or, conversely, to open the locking body.

[5] The device according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is made of an elastic material, with a slitted part being formed longitudinally along the locking body and having an opening slit, so that the locking body is locked to the handle or is opened by elastic expansion and contraction of the locking body through the opening slit.

[6] The device according to claim 1, wherein the support rings comprise: a thumb support ring into which a thumb is inserted; an index finger support ring into which an index finger is inserted; and a little finger support ring into which a little finger is inserted.