WO2023173187A1

WO2023173187A1 - Improvement in a chord-forming device for stringed instruments

Info

Publication number: WO2023173187A1
Application number: PCT/BR2023/050073
Authority: WO
Inventors: Octavio Telles Junior; Emerson ROBERTO DA SILVA
Original assignee: Tóquen Indústria E Comércio De Instrumentos Musicais Ltda - Me
Priority date: 2022-03-14
Filing date: 2023-03-03
Publication date: 2023-09-21
Also published as: BR102022004657A2

Abstract

The present invention patent application relates to a chord-forming device (1) for stringed instruments, said device comprising a body (2) in the shape of a parallelepiped with rounded edges and corners, having a top layer (3) provided with holes for the passage of buttons (4) and a second, lower layer (5) for receiving chord shoes (6). The chord-forming device (1) has a bifurcated shaft (7) for producing a C chord, a bifurcated shaft (12) for producing a G chord, a bifurcated shaft (17) for producing A, D7+ and D minor chords, a bifurcated shaft (21) for producing A minor and E chords, a bifurcated shaft (25) for producing an E7 chord, a bifurcated shaft (29) for producing a D chord, a C-shaped bifurcated shaft (37) for producing an A minor chord, a C-shaped bifurcated shaft (41) for producing a D7- chord, and a bifurcated shaft (45) for producing extensions and E and F chords, wherein the bifurcated shaft (7) for producing a C chord can be combined with the bifurcated shaft (12) for producing a G chord.

Description

“IMPROVEMENT IN A DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS ON STRING INSTRUMENTS”

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] This patent application relates to an improvement in a device for forming chords on stringed instruments, which is aimed at the field of stringed musical instruments, such as acoustic guitars, electric guitars and similar stringed instruments. The present invention is a device that can be used by people without prior knowledge to play stringed instruments, for example, a guitar, as well as for people who have little skill in changing chords. In this way, the device, the present invention, aims to provide instant ease and practicality so that anyone can play a string instrument, quickly and intuitively, just by pressing some buttons available on the device, which have different colors that represent the natural guitar chords, among other chords. Thus, when the buttons are pressed, they produce the chord desired by the user during the performance of a song. The present invention, the device, can be moved on the neck of the instrument, gaining more chords and thus providing greater musical autonomy, among other exclusive features.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] Currently, people interested in learning to play string instruments can take classes via YouTube, courses or face-to-face classes with teachers at music schools and/or private individuals. However, it is known that playing a string instrument, such as the guitar, for example, requires time, which can take months and/or years, yet it also requires investment, assiduous dedication and patience in the learning process.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[003] However, the market offers some devices in an attempt to solve these problems. However, existing devices still present deficient points, such as:

- Do not allow visually impaired people to play string instruments;

- They do not have a mechanism capable of covering all natural chords, that is, the chords, A, B, C, D, E, F, G; - Do not cover sharp chords and flat chords;

- They are extremely complex;

- They have a complex and robust architecture, which makes the product more expensive;

- To compose complex chords or even simple ones, you need to press three keys, to obtain just one chord in some models;

- Does not fit all instrument necks, if limited to a specific guitar model;

- It does not have any technical assistance or website with in-depth teaching materials;

- The fixing system on the instrument is very robust, controversial or irregular;

- The Devices are presented only as a learning accessory.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

[004] Given the above, the inventor in question, researcher and scholar in the area, developed a device for forming natural, dissonant, sharp and flat chords, in which the device is fitted and fixed to the neck of the string instrument, so that, when pressing a button and/or more buttons in a mixed way, the internal mechanisms of these buttons press certain regions and strings of the instrument, imitating the formation of chords performed by human fingers, while the user obtains natural chords, sharps and/or flats.

[005] This device will preferably be used by people who do not know how to play the guitar and/or other stringed instruments and who do not have the time or patience to learn to play a stringed instrument through online and/or in-person classes, or even even for people who already know how to play and see the device as a different experience for playing the instrument. However, it is useful for cases in which the strings hurt the musician's fingers, since in the present application, the device for forming chords on a string instrument only requires pressing the buttons to produce the sound of the chords, these being rubberized buttons, which prevents calluses and pain in your fingertips.

CURRENT STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[006] However, it is known from the current state of the art some patent documents that describe devices to aid learning and how to play the neck string instruments, such as document US4545281, filed 10/8/1985, which describes a device for adjusting chords on string instruments, wherein elements for effectively reducing the musical length of a string are arranged on the instrument to assume the anterior function of the fingering hand for use in playing chords or tones. The desired chords are stored electrically and are read back by operating programmable and interchangeable memory elements by pulses to the corresponding string shortening elements so that the pitch of the strings is changed and thereby the desired chord is set in the instrument. Operating elements enable the selection of chords and their variations, and chord sequences can be adjusted by pressing a simple button. A display is provided to make it easier for the musician to select the various programs and to understand how the chord was selected. Means are also provided for damping the strings so that rhythm effects can be obtained.

[007] The foregoing describes a device with a series of buttons, with an electronic system, which teaches about obtaining memories from which chords or tones can be activated by means of control elements, as well as by control elements, furthermore, that memories can be programs. Therefore, although one of the objectives of the anteriority is to bring practicality and ease to beginners who wish to play string instruments, such as a guitar, for example, the anteriority reveals an extremely robust, complex system, given that it involves a series of buttons, as well as an electronic system, which constantly makes the product more expensive, impacting the final cost, in addition to not being at all intuitive for the user, that is, it comes up against one of the objectives solved by the present invention, which is exactly to propose a device which can be used in minutes, without the use of any complex electronic system.

[008] Document US3837255, filed 09/24/1974, describes a portable guitar chord device using battery-powered logic and selection circuits, which are provided to produce desired chords on a conventional guitar or other musical instruments of strings. Furthermore, it is composed of two sets of switches, a set of key signatures and a set of chord types operated by one hand, which activate the logic circuit to cause the selection of appropriate interposer selector bars, by the interaction of electromagnets with permanent magnets carried in the interposer. It also has string depression plungers that are mechanically moved from a position away from the strings to a position toward the strings by the depression of a plate member articulated by this same hand. However, only the string fret locations at which the interposer selector means are activated by the logic circuit cause actual string depression.

[009] The above describes a device for guitars, which is composed of a series of buttons so that it is possible to reach a chord table, each button of which has a mechanic formed by a pressure plunger, with pressure spring, screw , shaft, magnet, electromagnet that is energized by direct current through a logic circuit. Therefore, it is easy to see that the former has a complex system, which even involves an electromagnet and elements that require a robust and complex architecture and mechanics, which makes its production more expensive and, consequently, its final cost, in addition to not providing speed and intuitiveness. to the user so that they can finally play an instrument and strings quickly and effectively.

[010] Document US3851558, filed on 12/03/1974, which describes a mechanical fret device that is detachably placed over a predetermined number of frets and extends across all strings of the digital panel of a guitar or other fretted instrument with strings. It comprises a card that contains slots, which determine which strings must be activated with each fret to determine a chord, with different cards being used for different chords. The user can press a single button with his fingers and move a lever with his wrist, so that when he strikes the strings with his other hand in the conventional way, the chord is played.

[011] The above anteriority, like the previous ones mentioned, have several buttons, whose architecture is complex, which requires time and training from the user, so that they can handle the device, the anteriority. However, the previous mentions an element composed of a rod and a pressure spring. However, the button precedes a single spring-loaded rod above, at no point does anteriority teach about a forked rod, or one that derives up to three or more string fastener projections, such that, by means of a single button, With a single press, the user can obtain a chord and/or more chords, as claimed in this application, which proves the extreme efficiency, intuitiveness, agility, in the instant learning method and in obtaining the chords to play a song.

[012] Document US4061069, filed on 12/06/1997, which describes a device mounted on the guitar neck of a stringed musical instrument for quickly locating and playing simple and complex chords. The device includes a keyboard with a plurality of reciprocating buttons arranged in adjacent rows along the frets on the strings of the instrument and reciprocating keys extending longitudinally in contact with a button in adjacent rows. Pressing individual buttons and keys with the fingers allows different simple and compound chords to be quickly located and played on the instrument by the contact of axes on the pressed buttons with the strings in different individual and combined locations on the fretboard.

[013] The above describes a keyboard that is mounted on the neck of the instrument, which is composed of buttons that each comprise a dependent axis, being supported by a helical spring, so that, when pressed, the dependent axis holds the string on the instrument neck. However, at no time does the foregoing teach about one or more forked rods that derive up to three or more string clamps, such that, by means of a single button, a single press, the user can obtain a chord and/or more chord, as claimed in this application, which proves the extreme efficiency, intuitiveness, agility, in the instant learning method and in obtaining the chords to play a song.

[014] Document US4204454 filed on 05/27/1980, which describes a keyboard adapted to be attached to the neck of a stringed instrument. The keyboard comprises a platform that supports a plurality of plungers or keys Pressable strings lined up in rows and positioned directly above the strings that run along the neck of the stringed instrument. At least four adjustable legs support the keyboard platform above the neck of the instrument and elastic means urge the legs into contact with the neck. An instruction card having a facing surface with printed instruction signs and slots adapted for recording the rows of plungers is attached by a hinge to the keyboard platform. In a first hinge position, the face surface of the card abuts the plate in a position away from the rows of pistons. In a second position of the hinge, the face surface of the instruction card is exposed and the slots provided on the card are registered with the rows of plungers.

[015] The foregoing describes a mechanism completely different from the present invention, therefore, it is cited only to compose the current state of the art.

[016] Document BR202019023801 -7, deposited on 11/12/2019, is an application made by the applicant himself, which describes a device for stringed instruments activated by mechanical pressure through a micromechanism, composed of a main body in parallelepiped shape with rounded edges and corners, made of plastic or similar material, internally comprising two main layers, a superficial layer being the distribution of the chord keyboards, composed of the buttons or chord keys with as many of them as possible of ten or more chords, preferably 12 chords, containing elastic return elements in conjunction with pins or trigger pads coupled to buttons or keys; and the second lower layer being the distribution of the chord pads that activate and press the strings of the instrument to be played, with through holes for them; where the elements are buttons or keys, pins or actuation paddles, and chord shoes conjugated and arranged in the same piece; said main body of the chord device for string instruments having a front panel that presents the chord keyboard, formed by buttons or keys in different colors and may have grooves or Braille prints, and presents on the back the support profile composed of elements support and adjustable fastening elements. [017] However, the present application is an improvement in relation to the number of chords, as well as the mechanism for forming the chords, whose mechanism proposed here involves bifurcated rods and which derive three and/or more string fasteners, from in such a way that, through a single button, a single press, the user can obtain a chord or more chords, promoting extreme efficiency, intuitiveness and agility in the user's learning method and in obtaining the chords to play a song.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[018] The present invention has advantages related to making it easier to follow the lyrics of a song for those who do not know chords. It is a device that can be used by people suffering from hand atrophy and people with visual impairments, as it has Braille keys. The invention has extremely effective mechanisms, which facilitate learning and the easiest way to change a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, cavaquinho, Ukulele guitar, among other instruments composed of a neck with strings, for example. Furthermore, it aims to help, encourage and encourage people to learn to play string instruments. It is a device that can serve as a permanent accessory for those who just want to have fun or play their favorite songs without worrying about learning to play in the conventional way. The device, according to the invention, does not require the user to learn to play the guitar with their fingers on the strings, which, as mentioned earlier, this type of learning process requires time, which can take months and/or years, investment, assiduous dedication and patience. The device for forming chords on string instruments, according to the invention, can be used by different age groups. Furthermore, it is a device that stimulates the therapeutic sense, as it can be used by anyone with no ability and/or minimal ability to play a string instrument and can also be used by teachers, among other professionals for pedagogy, andragogy, among others. Finally, the device in question gives the user the power to play different songs, due to the fact that it plays a large number of chords, that is, all natural, dissonant, sharp and/or flat chords, thus providing more autonomy music, as well as being a compact device. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] To aid understanding, the following illustrations are attached:

[020] Fig. 1: front view of the bifurcated axis for the C chord;

[021] Fig. 2: front view of the bifurcated axis for the G chord;

[022] Fig. 3: front view of the bifurcated axis for the A, D7+ and D Minor chords;

[023] Fig. 4: front view of the bifurcated axis for the A Minor and M chord,

[024] Fig. 5: front view of the bifurcated axis for the E7 chord;

[025] Fig. 6: front view of the bifurcated axis for the D chord;

[026] Fig. 7: front view of the bifurcated axis for the chord, A minor;

[027] Fig. 8: front view of the bifurcated axis for the RE7- chord;

[028] Fig. 9: front view of the bifurcated axis for the Ml and FÁ chord

[029] Fig. 10: shows the side view of the device for forming chords;

[030] Fig. 11: shows the schematic view of the device for forming chords.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[031] The “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS ON STRING INSTRUMENTS” refers to a device for forming chords (1) on string instruments, which comprises a body (2) in parallelepiped shape with edges and corners rounded, also having a surface layer (3) equipped with holes for passing buttons (4) and a second lower layer (5) for accommodating chord shoes (6).

[032] However, the device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 1, has a bifurcated axis (7) equipped with an upper central stepped projection (8), which receives a button (4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3), also comprises a lower stepped projection (9) and a lower stepped projection (10), which are located in the left third part of the bifurcated axis (7). Furthermore, it comprises a lower stepped projection (11) at the opposite end, so that said projections go beyond the second lower layer (5) to receive chord shoes (6). In this way, when the bifurcated axis (7) is pressed by the button (4), through its upper central stepped projection (8), the other projections, such as the lower stepped projection (9), the lower stepped projection (10) and the lower stepped projection (11), together with the chord pads (6), press the guitar strings, creating the C chord.

[033] Furthermore, the device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 2, comprises a bifurcated axis (12) equipped with an upper stepped projection (13) located in the upper third of the bifurcated axis (12), the which receives a button (4) together with a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3), furthermore, it comprises a lower stepped projection (14), a lower stepped projection (15) located close to the lower central part of the bifurcated axis ( 12) and a lower stepped projection (16) at the opposite end. Said projections go beyond the second lower layer (5) to receive chord shoes (6). In this way, when the bifurcated axis (12) is pressed by the button (4), through its upper stepped projection (13) located in the upper third, the other projections, such as the lower stepped projection (14), the stepped projection bottom (15) and the bottom stepped projection (16), together with the chord shoes (6), press the guitar strings, making the G chord.

[034] The device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 3, has a bifurcated axis (17) equipped with an upper stepped projection (18), which receives a button

(4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3), it also has a lower left stepped projection (19) and a lower right stepped projection (20) equidistant and close, which go through the second lower layer

(5) to receive chord shoes (6). In this way, when the bifurcated axis (17) is pressed by the button (4), through its upper scaled projection (18), the other projections, such as the lower left stepped projection (19) and the lower right stepped projection (20) ), together with the chord pads (6), press the guitar strings on parallel frets, creating the A, D7+ and D Minor chords.

[035] The device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 4, has a bifurcated axis (21) equipped with an upper stepped projection (22), which receives a button (4) together with a helical spring, which goes through the superficial layer (3), also has a lower left stepped projection (23) and a lower right stepped projection (24), which are equidistant and further apart than seen on the axis bifurcated (17), which go through the second lower layer (5) to receive chord shoes (6). In this way, when the bifurcated axis (21) is pressed by the button (4) through its upper scaled projection (22), the other projections, such as the lower left stepped projection (23) and the lower right stepped projection (24) , together with the chord shoes (6), press the guitar strings in parallel frets, creating the A Minor and E chords.

[036] The device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 5, also has a bifurcated axis (25), equipped with an upper staggered projection (26), which is displaced to the third part right of the bifurcated shaft (25), to receive a button (4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3). The bifurcated axis (25) also comprises a lower left stepped projection (27) and a lower right stepped projection (28). In this way, when the bifurcated axis (25) is pressed by the button (4) through its upper scaled projection (26), the other projections, such as the lower left stepped projection (27) and the lower right stepped projection (28) , together with the chord pads (6), press the guitar strings on parallel frets, creating the E7 chord.

[037] However, the device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 6, has a bifurcated axis (29) equipped with an upper stepped projection (30), which receives a button (4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3). From the upper staggered projection (30), an angle of 90° is formed, which extends to a lower staggered projection (32), from which an internal 90° angle is derived, so that it projects in the center right of the bifurcated axis (29) a central right stepped projection (31), which fits into a central hole (34) of a bifurcated axis (33) in “C”, which derives a lower left stepped projection (35) and a lower right stepped projection (36). In this way, the lower scaled projection (32) of the bifurcated axis (29) and the lower left stepped projection (35) and lower right stepped projection (36) of the bifurcated axis (33) in “C” shape, cross the second lower layer ( 5) to receive chord shoes (6). In this way, when the bifurcated axis (29) is pressed by the button (4) through its upper stepped projection (30), the axis bifurcated (33) in “C”, and the other projections, together with the chord pads (6), press the guitar strings on parallel frets, creating the D chord.

[038] Furthermore, the device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 7, has a bifurcated axis (37) in “C” shape, equipped with an upper stepped projection (38), which receives a button (4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3). The bifurcated axis (37) in “C” has a stepped lower left projection (39) and an elongated lower right projection (40). In this way, the lower left stepped projection (39) and the elongated lower right projection (40) pass through the second lower layer (5) to receive chord shoes (6). Thus, when the bifurcated axis (37) is pressed by the button (4) through its upper stepped projection (38), the bifurcated axis (37) in “C”, and the other projections, together with the chord shoes ( 6), press the guitar strings on parallel frets, creating the A minor chord.

[039] Furthermore, the device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 8, has a bifurcated axis (41) in “C” shape, equipped with an upper staggered projection (42), displaced to the left third of the axis bifurcated (41) in “C”, which receives a button (4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3). The bifurcated axis (41) in “C” has a stepped lower left projection (43) and an elongated lower right projection (44). In this way, the lower left stepped projection (43) and the elongated lower right projection (44) pass through the second lower layer (5) to receive chord shoes (6). Thus, when the bifurcated shaft (41) in “C” is pressed by the button (4) through its upper stepped projection (42), the bifurcated shaft (41) in “C” and the other projections, together with the shoes of chords (6), press the guitar strings on parallel frets, creating the RE7- chord.

[040] Finally, the device for forming chords (1), as shown in Fig. 9, has a bifurcated axis (45) equipped with an upper staggered projection (46), which receives a button (4) next to a helical spring, which goes through the surface layer (3). The bifurcated shaft (45) has an elongated lower projection (47). In this way, the elongated lower projection (47) passes through the second lower layer (5) to receive chord shoes (6). Thus, when the bifurcated shaft (45) is pressed by the button (4) through its upper stepped projection (46), the elongated lower projection (47) together with the chord shoe (6), it presses the guitar strings, effecting the chord extension, as well as the Ml and Fá chords.

[041] The device for forming chords (1) in string instruments, the present invention, can perform on average twenty-one “21” chords, for example, the bifurcated axis (7) responsible for the C chord, and the axis bifurcated (12) responsible for the G chord, can be combined with each other in order to generate more chords and so on, as extension chords that can be combined with the support of the finger outside the device for forming chords ( 1 ).

Claims

1) "IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS ON STRING INSTRUMENTS" refers to a device for forming chords (1) on string instruments, which comprises a body (2) in parallelepiped shape with rounded edges and corners, also having a surface layer (3) equipped with holes for passing buttons (4) and a second lower layer (5) for accommodating the chord shoes (6), characterized by having a bifurcated axis (7) to carry out a C chord, a bifurcated axis (12) to perform a G chord, also, a bifurcated axis (17) to perform the A, D7+ and D Minor chords, a bifurcated axis (21) to perform the A Minor and E chords, also having a bifurcated axis (25) to perform the E7 chord, a bifurcated axis (29) to perform the D chord, as well as a bifurcated axis (37) in “C” to perform the A minor chord, a bifurcated axis (41 ) in “C” to perform the RE7- chord, a bifurcated axis (45) to perform extensions and the Ml and FÁ chords; You can also combine the bifurcated axis (7) of the C chord with the bifurcated axis (12) for the G chord.

2) "IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS ON STRING INSTRUMENTS" according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (7) provided with an upper central stepped projection (8), furthermore, by comprising a stepped projection lower (9) and a lower stepped projection (10), which are located in the left third of the bifurcated axis (7); furthermore, as it comprises a lower stepped projection (11) at the opposite end.

3) "IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS" according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (12) provided with an upper stepped projection (13) located in the upper third of the bifurcated axis ( 12); further, it comprises a lower stepped projection (14), a lower stepped projection (15) located near the lower central part of the bifurcated axis (12) and a lower stepped projection (16) at the opposite end. 4) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS ON STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (17) equipped with an upper stepped projection (18), in addition, it has a lower left stepped projection (19) and a lower right stepped projection (20) equidistant and close.

5) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (21) equipped with an upper stepped projection (22), furthermore, by having a lower stepped projection left (23) and a lower right stepped projection (24), which are equidistant and apart.

6) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (25) equipped with an upper stepped projection (26), which is displaced towards the right third of the bifurcated axis (25); by the bifurcated axis (25) comprising a lower left stepped projection (27) and a lower right stepped projection (28).

7) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (29) equipped with an upper stepped projection (30), from which an angle of 90° that extends to a lower scaled projection (32), from which an internal 90° angle is derived, so that a right central scaled projection (31) projects in the right center of the bifurcated axis (29). , which fits into a central hole (34) of a bifurcated axis (33) in “C”, which derives a lower left stepped projection (35) and a lower right stepped projection (36).

8) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (37) in “C” shape equipped with an upper stepped projection (38), furthermore, by having a lower left stepped projection (39) and an elongated lower right projection (40). 9) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (41) in “C” provided with an upper stepped projection (42) displaced to the third part left of the bifurcated axis (41) in “C”; Furthermore, due to the bifurcated axis (41) in “C” it has a stepped lower left projection (43) and an elongated lower right projection (44).

10) “IMPROVEMENT IN DEVICE FOR FORMING CHORDS IN STRING INSTRUMENTS” according to claim 1, is characterized by having a bifurcated axis (45) equipped with an upper stepped projection (46), in addition, by the bifurcated axis (45) have an elongated lower projection (47).