WO2007056809A1

WO2007056809A1 - Exerciser device

Info

Publication number: WO2007056809A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001715
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Farrugia
Original assignee: David Farrugia
Priority date: 2005-11-16
Filing date: 2006-11-16
Publication date: 2007-05-24

Abstract

A device for exercising and strengthening muscles used in playing stringed instruments, the device comprising: (a) an elongate base comprising a fingerboard for location of a user's fingers and a backing means for location of a user's thumb, and (b) a biasing means associated with the fingerboard and backing means, such that in use, movement of the user's fingers on the fingerboard simulates the feel of fingering the neck of a full sized stringed instrument.

Description

EXERCISER DEVICE Field of the invention

The invention relates to an exercise device. More particular, it relates to a device and method for exercising and strengthening muscles used to play stringed instruments. The device is a useful and novel device for exercising Fingers, hands and arms used in playing stringed instruments.

Background of the invention

In this specification, unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of , knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

While the present invention will be described with reference to musicians and musical instruments, the relevantly skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not so limited but can be applied by operators and in circumstances not related to musicians and musical instruments.

In particular, while the present invention will be described with references to guitars and violins, the relevantly skilled person will appreciate that the invention is not so limited but can be applied to other types of stringed instruments, both Eastern and Western in style.

Stringed instruments are commonly used in the music industry. In particular, guitars and violins are popular amongst people seeking to learn how to play a stringed instrument. In practicing such instruments, the beginner is required to develop and strengthen muscles in their fingers, hands and arms so to become more skilled and proficient. Moreover, the beginner is required to develop greater dexterity and flexibility in their fingers so to isolate particular notes and chords associated with the instrument. Strength, flexibility and dexterity are not only required by those beginning to play stringed instruments, these attributes are also sought by trained musicians who seek to improve their ability and proficiency with the instrument.

It is also known that developing calluses on a musician's fingers are important in playing stringed instruments. Calluses, for example, allow the musician to press strings against the fret board of a guitar while minimising the pain exerted on the finger. Minimising such pain allows the musician to play for extended periods of time.

It is commonly known that practising the stringed instrument is considered the primary means to develop the above attributes. Practising also assists in developing calluses. Despite this, practising a stringed instrument has certain deficiencies. These include the fact that noise is amplified when the instrument is played, thus disturbing other people. Further, instruments are relatively bulky. Carrying a stringed instrument can be impractical due to its size and thus, preferably, only practised in specific environments. These environments tend to exclude public spaces, such as public transport.

Various devices are available to exercise and strengthen muscles used in playing stringed instruments. One such device has been marketed under the trademark 'Grip Master'. This device fits within the palm of the hand. The user tries to close their hand to form a fist against the resistive force of the Grip Master. While such a device provides some resistance to several muscle groups in fingers, hands and arms, the tension in each spring is not adjustable. Moreover, while the device is useful for strengthening the muscle groups of the hands, fingers and arms does not allow simulation of the use and fingering of a stringed instrument.

Another finger strengthening device is described in United States patent application no. 6450924. The device includes a glove-like member which is adapted to enclose an operator's hand. The glove-like member is capable of receiving elastic members at locations generally corresponding to the location of the operator's fingers. During operation of the device, the elastic members are stretched. The muscles in the fingers and hands are then forced to move against the resistive force of the elastic members, hence exercising the muscles. While the elastic member can be adjusted on the glove-like member, the device fails to simulate the use of a stringed instrument.

Another device of the prior art for exercising fingers and hand muscles is through squeezing a small rubberised ball. When placed in the hand and squeezed, the ball collapses slightly thus providing a resistive, force against the hand muscles. This prior art device, however, does not provide adjustable resistance, is not adaptable for targeting Fingers and does not simulate the use of a stringed instrument.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device having adjustable resistance which can be used to strengthen fingers, hands and arms. Moreover, there is a need that the device be practical and provide minimal noise when used, yet simulate a stringed instrument so to maximise dexterity through use of the device.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a device to exercise and strengthen muscles used in playing stringed instruments, the device comprising:

(a) an elongate base comprising a fingerboard for location of a user's fingers and a backing means for location of a user's thumb, and

(b) a biasing means associated with the fingerboard and backing means,

such that in use, movement of the user's fingers on the fingerboard simulates the feel of fingering the neck of a full sized stringed instrument.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the finger board and the backing means are separate units, with the biasing means located intermediate the two units. The biasing means may be located so as to allow compression, and longitudinal and lateral movement of the user's fingers relative to the thumb.

The biasing means may be any type of spring well known to the skilled person and include compression springs and return springs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the fingerboard and backing means are separated by one or more spring loaded ball bearings. In use the spring is located in a recess in the backing means and the ball bearing impinges on the lower surface of the fingerboard. This biasing means allows some compression of the user's fingers relative to the thumb.

This embodiment typically also includes biasing means, such as coil springs, located intermediate adjacent ends of the backing means and fingerboard. These biasing means allow some degree of lateral and longitudinal movement of the user's fingers relative to their thumb.

In a further embodiment, the biasing means comprises one or more strings of adjustable tension adjacent the fingerboard, preferably adjacent the entire length of the fingerboard.

Specifically, in this embodiment the device of the present invention further comprises:

(c) at least one attachment means adjacent a first end of the elongate base,

(d) at least one adjustment means;

the biasing means comprising at least one string attached between the first end and a second end of the elongate base, and adjacent the fingerboard, and wherein the tension in the string(s) can be altered using the adjustment means.

Thus the string(s) resist the compressive force between the user's fingers and thumb, yet also allow some lateral movement to thus simulate the feel of fingering the neck of a real stringed instrument. The adjustment means is useful as it allows the musician to alter the tension of the strings. Therefore, as the musician's finger, hand and arm muscles are strengthened using the invention, the strings can be tightened to provide greater resistance. Greater resistance thus causes the musician to press harder against tightened strings thereby allowing for gradual improvement of the finger, hand and arm muscles.

Typically, in this embodiment the elongate base, first end and second end are of unitary construction. Alternatively, the first end and second end may be removably attached to the elongate base, for example, by glue or screws. In another embodiment of the invention, the elongate base will be ergonomically designed to fit more snugly against the thumb and palm of the hand. Preferably, the elongated base and ends will be made of wood, steel or a synthetic material.

In a preferred embodiment the first end is integral with the elongate base. Typically, the second end includes a plate that can be loosened from the elongate base to reduce tension on the springs and allow the strings to be attached or detached from the first end and the second end. In this embodiment of the invention, the plate may be loosened by operation of the adjustment means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment means comprises a nut and bolt inserted into the elongate base with the head of the bolt external to the second end. In this embodiment of the invention, the bolt can be unscrewed to allow displacement of the plate from the second end. In another embodiment of the invention, several adjustment means may be attached to first end or the second end. Each adjustment means can then be used to individually set the tension of each individual string. Increasing the tension of each string allows the musician to strengthen their fingers with respect to each of the individual strings.

In another embodiment of the invention, the adjustment means may be semicircular in shape. The adjustment means are grooved at the top and the bottom. In this embodiment, the adjustment means may sit beneath the strings. This ensures the adjustment means can fit snugly under the string (s) and over the fret member, respectively. This serves the function of tightening the strings, thus providing greater resistive force.

The attachment means are used to attach the strings to either the first end, the second end or both ends. The attachment means may be of any convenient shape or conformation. For example they may comprise pegs, such as the pegs used on acoustic guitars to attach either end of a guitar string to the guitar frame. In another embodiment the attachment means comprise metal rings to which the strings are attached. Alternatively, the strings can be attached by tying the strings to the first end and second end, respectively.

Typically, the string(s) are made of wire, cat gut or any synthetic material that is routinely used for the manufacture of strings for musical instruments. Typically the device of the present invention has four strings however, it will be readily appreciated by the skilled person that the invention may comprise of more than four strings or less than four strings.

In one embodiment of the invention, the string can be attached to the attachment means of the first end by threading the string through a hole in the first end and tying the string around the attachment means. Typically, a string is attached to attachment means of the second end by loosening the adjustment means and tilting the second end toward the first end so to provide sufficient slack in the strings to be attached to the second end. Preferably, a string is attached by threading the string through a hole in the second end, which is then tied to the attachment means._. Once the string(s) are attached, the adjustment means can be tightened, hence securing the second end_^snugly to the elongated base. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device has four strings, either end of each string being attached to the first end and the second end respectively. While four individual strings can be tied to the first end and second end, it is also possible that four strings may be formed using a single piece of wire. In one embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by threading the single piece of wire through the four holes at the first end and the second end. Once the threading through both ends is achieved, the end of the single piece of wire can then be secured to either the first end or the second end, respectively.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a sensor (eg a microphone) may be located adjacent to the strings to detect the note being caused by vibration of one or more of the strings. The note may then be amplified and/or transferred to a hearing device, for the musician. In this way the musician will be able to hear the tone and/or strength of the note being generated.

The invention can be simply and economically manufactured. Typically, the elongated base may comprise of two pieces of wood (an upper piece and a lower piece) which are glued together. The join between the two pieces is further supported by screws inserted through the lower piece into the upper piece. Alternatively, the elongated base, first end and second end can be unitary. Typically, the first end is joined to the elongated base by inserting screws through the first end into the elongated base. The second end piece is secured to the elongated base by the adjustment means, being, preferably, a nut and bolt. In this embodiment of the invention, the nut and bolt are inserted into the elongated base, with the head of the bolt external to the second end. Strings can be attached to the attachment means of the first end by threading the string through a hole in the first end and tying the string around the attachment means.. Typically, a string is attached to the attachment means of the second end by loosening the adjustment means and tilting the second end toward the first end. This provides sufficient slackness in the strings to permit them to be attached to the second end. Preferably, a string is attached by threading the string through a hole in the second end, and then tied to the attachment means. Once the strings are attached, the adjustment means can be tightened, hence securing the second end snugly to the elongated base.

In one embodiment of the present invention includes frets. Stringed instruments such as guitars have frets, while orchestral instruments such as violins, violas, cellos and double bases do not. Frets are desirable as they allow the musician to isolate notes and chords which, for example, simulate use of a guitar. Frets can be fixed to the fingerboard of the elongated base and may, preferably, be 0.5-4 mm in height. In another embodiment of the invention, the height of the frets can be adjusted. Alternatively, the frets may be drawn on the Fingerboard.

Frets on acoustic guitars are widely spaced at one end of the guitar neck and closely spaced at the other. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention the location of the frets along the fingerboard can be altered, typically by sliding each fret along the fingerboard and 'clicking' it into place by virtue of interference fit in a recess or slot in the fingerboard. This allows the us.er to adjust the device so that they may practice fingering at any position on the guitar neck. Typically the fingerboard will include 6 frets, the middle two being fixed, while the location of the other two pairs of frets is adjustable.

Typically, the invention will be small in size relative to other stringed instruments. For example it may be a fraction of the length of the neck of a guitar, double bass, violin and the like. In contradistinction to the devices of the prior art the device of the present invention provides a compact and practical means to practice a stringed instrument.

It will be readily appreciated that the present invention can be used when travelling on transport or watching television while not disturbing other people. Further, the use of strings and fret members in the invention, when compared with other finger strengthening devices, allows the musician to simulate use of stringed instruments. This not only improves strength and dexterity in the fingers, but assists in developing calluses on the tips of fingers. This allows the musician to build endurance and thus play the stringed instrument for extended periods of time. Examples

The present invention allows the musician to practice the instrument by either pressing or strumming against the strings. Moreover,, as the elongated base is fitted with fret members, the musician can practise the correct fingering in order to produce a note or chord from a stringed instrument. Preferably, the invention will have three fret members, meaning there will be four spaces between the first end and the second end. One method that can be used to practice the invention is by pressing the musician's fingers in the four spaces between first end and the second end.

For example, the following methods can be used in conjunction with the invention in order to practice a stringed instrument. The methods are based on the premise that each of the musician's fingers are numbered 1-4. The method involves pressing down on the elongated base, between the fret members, using the musician's fingers in the following patterns:

Method One: 1-2-3-4/4-3-2-1

Method Two: 1-3-2-4/4-2-3-1

Method Three: 1-4 -2 -3 /3 -2 -4-1

Method Four: 3-2-4-1/1-4-2-3

Method Five: 1-3-2-4/3-1-4-2

Method Six: 2-4-1-3/4-2-3-1

Each of the above methods can be repeated. This improves the strength and dexterity in the musician's fingers.

While these methods are described in this specification, they do not limit the numerous methods that can be Used in conjunction with the invention. Drawings

Various embodiments/aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

• Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the present invention.

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• Figure 3 is a further view of one embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 1 showing the adjustment means extended so that the strings can be attached to the attachment means.

• Figure 4(a) is a further view of one embodiment of the present invention depicted in Figure 1 illustrating two adjustment means, one being semicircular in shape.

• Figure 4(b) is a side view of an adjustment means that is semicircular in shape and sits below the strings.

• Figure 5(a) is a side view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

• Figure 5(b) is a view of the invention through AA'.

• Figure 6 is a side view of a further embodiment of the present invention incorporating the adjustment means depicted in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Figure 1 is a drawing of one embodiment of the present invention. The elongated base 1 is clearly visible being attached to the first end 5. The elongated base 1 is, typically, perpendicular to the first end 5. In this embodiment of the invention, the second end 10 is illustrated as being secured to the elongated base 1 by the adjustment means 15. In figure 1, the elongated base 1 is, typically, perpendicular to the second end 10. It is noted that the second end may move from the perpendicular position to allow for attachment of the strings 20 (see figure 3). String(s) 20 are also clearly illustrated being attached to the attachment means 25 of the first end 5 and the second end 10, respectively. The string(s) 20 are threaded through the first end 5 and the second end 10 as indicated by the dashed lines. The string(s) 20 are then wound around the attachment means 25. In this embodiment of the invention, the fret member(s) 30, fixed to the elongated base 1, are depicted below the strings 20. The fret members 30 may, alternatively, be drawn onto the elongated base 1 and would be configured in the same position as the fret members 30 shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention from a different perspective. From this perspective, the elongated base 1 is illustrated being attached to the first end 5 and secured snugly against the second end 10 by the adjustment means 15. In this embodiment of the invention, four string(s) 20 are shown above the elongated base 1. The string(s) 20 are attached to the attachment means 25 of the first end 5 and the second end 10, respectively. The string(s) 20 are threaded through the first end 5 and the second end 10 as indicated by the dashed lines. The string(s) 20 are then wound around the attachment means 25, which secures the string(s) 20. The fret member(s) 30 are also clearly shown from this perspective being fixed to the elongated base 1. Typically the outer frets 30 of the frets 30 shown will be adjustable/movable longitudinally to either increase or decrease the distance between frets 30. This enables the player to exercise the top of the instrument where the frets are more spaced apart and the fingers of the player need to stretched further and the bottom of the neck of the instrument where the frets are closer together.

Figure 3

Figure 3, again, illustrates the present invention from a horizontal view. The elongated base 1 is clearly visible being attached to the first end 5. The elongated base 1 is, typically, perpendicular to the first end 5. The string(s) 20 are threaded through the first end 5, which is illustrated by dashed lines. In this embodiment of the invention, the second end 10 is illustrated as tilting towards the first end 5. The adjustment means 15, in this embodiment of the invention, comprises a nut and bolt inserted in to the elongated base 1 , with the head of the bolt extending out of the second end 10. A hole is cut into the second end 10 to allow the bolt to fit within the second end 10 and tilt freely towards the first end 5. A proportion of the bolt partially remains within the elongated base 1 to hold the second end 10 in place. The string(s) 20 are depicted as providing sufficient slack to allow the string(s) to be threaded through the second end 10. This is indicated by the dashed lines at the second end 10. The string(s) 20 are attached to the attachment means 25 of the first end 5 and the second end 10, respectively. This string(s) 20 are then wound around the attachment means 25, which secures the string(s) 20.

In this embodiment of the invention, the fret member(s) 30, fixed to the elongated base 1, are depicted below the strings 20. The fret members 30 may, alternatively, be drawn onto the elongated base 1 and would be configured in the same position as the fret members 30 shown in Figure 3.

Figure 4(a)

Figure 4(a) is a drawing of one embodiment of the present invention. The drawing illustrates two adjustment means. The elongated base 1 is clearly visible being attached to the first end 5. The elongated base 1 is, typically, perpendicular to the first end 5. In this embodiment of the invention, the second end 10 is illustrated as being secured to the elongated base 1 by one of the adjustment means 15. In this drawing, the elongated base 1 is, typically, perpendicular to the second end 10. It is noted that the second end may move from the perpendicular position to allow for attachment of the string(s) 20 (see figure 3). String(s) 20 are also clearly illustrated being attached to the attachment means 25 of the first end 5 and the second end 10, respectively. The string(s) 20 are threaded through the first end 5 and the second end 10 as indicated by the dashed lines. The string(s) 20 are then wound around the attachment means 25. In this embodiment of the invention, the fret member(s) 30, fixed to the elongated base 1, are depicted below the strings 20. The fret members 30 may, alternatively, be drawn onto the elongated base 1 and would be configured in the same position as the fret members 30.

In this embodiment, a second adjustment means 35 is fitted snugly underneath the string(s) 20. This adjustment means 35 is semicircular in shape and is grooved at the top and the bottom. In this embodiment, the adjustment means 35 sits beneath the strings and over the fret members.

Figure 4(b)

Figure 4(b) is the adjustment means 35 detached from the elongated base 1 and the string(s) 20. The adjustment means 35 are semicircular in shape and grooved at the top and the bottom.

Figure 5(a)

Figure 5 (a) is a view of a further embodiment of the invention. In this view it is possible to see the elongated base comprising a finger board 40 and backing means 42 including a moulding 43 for location of the user's thumb.

Intermediate the fingerboard 40 and backing means 42 are spring loaded ball bearings 45, 46, the springs being located in a recess in the backing means, the ball bearing- impinging on the lower surface of the fingerboard. The spring loaded ball bearings are retained within the recess by small plates 50,51 attached to the finger board so as to allow for some compression of the user's fingers relative to their thumb.

Coil springs 55, 56 are located between adjacent ends of the backing means and finger board. These biasing means allow some degree of lateral and longitudinal movement of the user's fingers relative to their thumb. Figure 5(b)

Figure 5(b) is a cross section view of the device of Figure 5(a) through AA'. In this view the fingerboard 40, backing means 42, spring loaded ball bearings 45a, 45b and retainer plates 50, 51 are clearly seen.

Figure 6

Figure 6 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the invention. This view shows the elongated base comprising a finger board 55 and backing means 56 including a thumb rest 58 for location of the user's thumb.

Intermediate the fingerboard 55 and backing means 56 is a leaf spring 60. The ends of the leaf spring are attached by coil springs 62, 63, thus allowing compression, and lateral and longitudinal movement of the user's thumb relative to their fingers. In this embodiment the thumb rest 58 is pivotally articulated relative to the backing means 56, the coil springs 68, 69 permitting movement of the thumb rest.

This embodiment also incorporates the string adjustment means depicted above at Figure 1. Specifically the device includes strings 20, and frets 30. The strings 20 are threaded through the first end.5 and the second end 10 as indicated by dashed lines. The adjustment means 15 operates as shown in Figure 3 to allow removal or attachment of strings and adjustment of their tension.

The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A device for exercising and strengthening muscles used in playing stringed instruments, the device comprising:

(a) an elongate base comprising a fingerboard for location of a user's fingers and a backing means for location of. a user's thumb, and

(b) a biasing means associated with the fingerboard and backing means,

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the biasing means is located intermediate the fingerboard and backing means.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 which further comprises

(c) at least one attachment means adjacent a first end of the elongate base, and

(d) at least one adjustment means

the biasing means comprising at least one string attached between the attachment means adjacent the first end first end and a second end of the elongate base and a adjacent the fingerboard and wherein the tension in the string can be altered using the adjustment means.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the second end includes a plate that can be loosened from the elongate base to reduce tension on the springs, the plate being loosened by operation of the adjustment means.

86₅₅739 2.doc

5. A device according to claim 3 which comprises two or more adjustment means associated with two or more strings, each adjustment means being associated with, and capable of adjusting the tension in an individual string.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means is chosen from the group comprising coil springs, compression springs and leaf springs.

7. A device according to any one of the previous claims that allows compression of the fingerboard relative to the backing means.

8. A device according to claim 5 wherein the biasing means allows compression of the fingerboard relative to the backing means.

9. A device according to any of the previous claims that allows lateral movement of the fingerboard relative to the backing means.

10. A device according to any one of the previous claims that allows longitudinal movement of the fingerboard relative to the backing means.

11. A device according to any one of the previous claims wherein the fingerboard and backing means are of unitary construction.

12. A device according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.