Speed tracker

Abstract

The present invention is a device for measuring and displaying the speed, force, rate and/or frequency that an object or a body part strikes a target. The present invention includes an impact sensor, transmitter, computer and display. The sensor includes layers of alternating conductive and non-conductive material that are wrapped around the target. The conductive layers of fabric generate electrical impulses when they come into contact with each other through perforations in the non-conductive material. These signals are interpreted by the computer to derive information about the speed of the strike against the target.

Claims

1. An impact measuring device for measuring the impact of an object striking a target, including: a. a sensor for generating impact data mounted on a target, the sensor including at least a first, second and third layer of conductive fabric separated from each other by non-conductive layers of fabric having one or more openings in the fabric, the distance between the conductive layers being known; b. a computer in electric communication with the conductive layers of fabric for receiving and analyzing impact data; c. a display device in communication with the computer for displaying analyzed impact data; d. whereupon the impact of an object striking the sensor causes the first conductive layer of fabric to contact the second conductive layer of fabric through an opening in the first non-conductive layer of fabric, transmitting a start signal to the computer, and subsequently the first or second conductive layer of fabric to contact the third conductive layer of fabric through an opening in the second non-conductive layer of fabric, transmitting a stop signal to the computer, an algorithm being applied to the start and stop times and known distance between the second and third conductive layers to obtain relevant information about the impact for display on the display device.

2. The impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the algorithm derives one or more of the speed, force, rate and frequency of the impact.

3. The impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the impact measuring device automatically resets in preparation for the next strike after the fabric signals are sent.

4. The impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the non-conductive fabric is interchangeable to permit application of different widths of non-conductive fabric.

5. The impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the display device is a cell phone.

6. The speed of impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the display device is a personal computer.

7. The speed of impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the sensor computer is mounted away from the strike zone of the fabric.

8. The speed of impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein more than one display can be synchronized with the sensor to display the impact data in a desired form.

9. The speed of impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein impact data can be organized and saved in the computer or display device for future reference.

10. The speed of impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein data for each trainee can be organized to provide desired reports.

11. The speed of impact measuring device of claim 1 wherein the fabric signals are transmitted to the display and the display interprets the data and displays the impact information.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

(2) FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the general components and operation of the prior art;

(3) FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the general operation of the prior art;

(4) FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the general components and operation of one embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the alternating layers of conductive and non-conductive material utilized in the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the non-conductive fabric of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating how signals generated by striking an object are transmitted from a sensor to a CPU where the signals are algorithmically interpreted and the resulting data is wirelessly transmitted for display on a display device;

(8) FIG. 7 is a table of specifications of preferred electrically conducive fabrics;

(9) FIG. 8A is a table illustrating the design performance and characteristics of one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIG. 8B is a continuation of the table of FIG. 8A; and

(11) FIG. 9 is a table showing characteristics of one preferred embodiment of a fabric utilized in the present invention,

APPLICANT'S PRIOR ART

(12) Applicant developed a prior art device for measuring the speed of a kick against a training bag, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This device includes the use of a strike target 1, two opposing laser transmitters/receivers 2, WIFI or other wireless connection 3 and a display device (computer 4 or phone 5).

(13) Each laser device includes a transmitter/receiver in spaced relation that corresponds with a receiver/transmitter on the other laser as shown in FIG. 2. Each transmitter sends a signal to the receiver on the opposing laser, creating two spaced constant signals.

(14) In operation, a trainee kicks target 1 between the lasers 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the kick in the direction of arrow 6 breaks the first signal, causing one of the lasers to send a first message to the microcomputer. As the kick progresses in the direction of arrow 6, the second signal is broken, causing one of the lasers to send a second message to the microcomputer. At the microcomputer, an algorithm is applied, based on the distance between the first and second laser signals and the time differential measured between the breaking of the first and second signals, to calculate the speed of the strike.

(15) The prior art device has a number of disadvantages. The lasers are quite expensive and heavy and require constant adjustment and calibration since people of different sizes and shapes strike the target at different heights. (Each participant may strike the target at a different height throughout training as well.) This results in poor measurements or non-measurements of the strike. Additionally, the lasers, if struck by a trainee, can be damaged or cause harm to the trainee.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) In contrast to the prior art, the present invention 10 requires less equipment, dramatically reduces the weight and cost of the system, requires no calibration or adjustment, does not present any obstacles that could harm a trainee and improves the ease of moving the system.

(17) Instead of the heavy, high maintenance and expensive lasers, the present invention utilizes a sensor attached to the target to measure speed, force and rate of a strike. In one preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the present invention includes a sensor 12 attached to target 20. The sensor is in electrical (wireless) communication with a computer/wireless transmitter 14 which communicates with display 16 (desktop or laptop computer 16A or cell phone or other portable display device 16B) having a wireless receiver. The sensor can also be hard wired to the display.

(18) Sensor 12 consists of layers of alternating conductive and non-conductive material or fabric as diagramed in FIG. 4. The layered fabric is attached to, wrapped around or forms the skin of the target 20. (As illustrated, the fabric covers a significant portion of the bag 1 so that people of all sizes are likely to strike the fabric portion of the bag on each hit or strike.)

(19) Referring to FIG. 4, in one preferred embodiment, the layered fabric of sensor 12 includes a first conductive fabric, cloth or foam layer 24, a second conductive layer 28 and a third conductive layer 32. The first and second conductive layers are separated by a first non-conductive, perforated layer 26 and the second and third conductive layers are separated by a second non-conductive perforated layer 30 (shown in side view in FIG. 5).

(20) When the sensor is struck, the conductive layers make contact through the perforations in the nonconductive layers. This contact generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to the computer and serve as data points that are interpreted by the computer to derive information about the strike against the target.

(21) In one embodiment, the first conductive layer has a reference signal always connected. When an object strikes the first conductive fabric layer, the first layer is pushed through the perforations or openings in the first non-conductive layer into contact with the second conductive layer. When the first conductive layer contacts the second conductive layer, a start signal is generated. The force of the striking object subsequently forces portions of the first or second layer, or both, through the perforations in the second non-conductive layer into contract with the third conductive layer. When the third layer is touched by the first or second conductive layers, a stop signal is generated.

(22) The distance between the conductive layers is defined by the width of the non-conductive fabric. In one preferred embodiment, the non-conductive fabric is interchangeable to permit application of different widths of non-conductive fabric. The width of the non-conductive layer of fabric 26 can be pre-established to assist in the measurement of the time between contact with the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer.

(23) Since the distance between the second and third conductive layers is known, an algorithm is applied to these signals/data, dividing the distance between the second and third conductive fabric layers by time (between the start and stop signals) to determine the speed, force and/or rate of the strike (and such additional information as can be derived using the fabric and computer of the present invention). This information is then transmitted to and displayed on a display device. Such impact information/statistics can be displayed in any desired units, i.e. miles per hours or kilometers per hour for speed.

(24) Additional layers of alternating conductive and non-conducting fabric can be utilized with multiple data points (signals from the conductive fabric layers in response to the strike) to confirm or enhance the accuracy and completeness of the information obtained from the device.

(25) One preferred fabric is Statfree® Conductive Foam identified by characteristics identified in FIG. 7 and below. However, the present invention is not limited to such characteristics or fabric.

(26) Product Trade Name: Statfree® Conductive Foam

(27) Chemical Family: Polyolefin

(28) Chemical Name: Polyethylene Foam

(29) Other Names: LD Conductive (CN) or Static Dissipative (SD) Grades

(30) CAS Name & Number: Polyethylene CAS 9002-88-4; Carbon Black CAS 1333-88-4

(31) Composition

(32) Crosslinked polyethylene: 90-93%

(33) Carbon black: 7-10%

(34) Physical Data

(35) Density: 0.92 g/cc (polymer)

(36) Bulk Density (kg/m.sup.3): Nominal densities vary from 30 Kg/m.sup.3 to 50 Kg/m.sup.3

(37) Some preferred functionality of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, but again, such functionality is not limiting, only exemplary.

(38) Strike target 20 shown in the drawings is a training bag, but there is no limitation on the strike targets to which the fabric (sensor) can be attached. The impact sensor may be mounted to impact devices or structures such as a punching bag, football blocking sled to measure player speed of impact with the sled, baseball backstops to measure the speed of a pitch, a tennis practice wall to measure the speed of a serve or return, among other possibilities.

(39) In one preferred embodiment, the sensor computer/transmitter is mounted away from the strike zone of the fabric to protect it from damage and the trainee from harm.

(40) In one preferred embodiment, more than one display can be synchronized with the sensor to display the impact data in a desired form.

(41) In one preferred embodiment, the measuring device automatically resets in preparation for the next strike after the fabric signals are sent.

(42) In one preferred embodiment, impact or strike data can be organized and saved in the computer/transmitter or display device for future reference and the data for each trainee can be organized to provide desired reports to trainees, instructors, observers and record keepers.

(43) In one preferred embodiment, the sensor sends raw signals to the display and the display interprets the data and displays the strike information.

(44) Application of the technology of the present invention is not limited to sports. It is anticipated that the present invention is useful in any situation where it is desirable to know the speed, force, rate, frequency or other information regarding the impact of an object or body part against a target.

(45) Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.