Athletic or Rehabilitative Force Registering Device

Abstract

A graspable handle which incorporates a force indicator with attachment to secure said device to provide resistance for purposes of exercise.

Claims

1. A force registering device comprising: a graspable handle incorporating an indicator configured to register and indicate forces; an attachment as a means to anchor or secure said handle to provide resistance; and a sensor configured to vary an electrical signal to the indicator in response to a force applied by a user thereto; wherein said force registering device may be used in athletic or rehabilitative applications.

2. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is contained in the graspable handle, the data from which sensor is transferred or transmitted to the indicator in the handle.

3. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is contained in the attachment means, the data from which is transferred or transmitted to the indicator in the handle.

4. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator visually indicates the force level being expressed.

5. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator audibly indicates the force level being expressed.

6. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator audibly indicates when a target level of force has been attained or exceeded.

7. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator audibly indicates when a target level of force has been attained or exceeded, for a predetermined period of time.

8. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator calculates, records and displays maximum forces attained during use.

9. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator calculates, records and displays average forces attained during use.

10. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the indicator records training variables such as forces used, training time, volume, and calendar date.

11. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is secured to a footplate.

12. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means comprises a length of flexible material.

13. The force registering device according to claim 12, wherein the length of flexible material is centrally connected to the said handle.

14. The force registering device according to claim 12, wherein the length of flexible material comprises twin components or groups of components connected non-centrally to the said handle.

15. The force registering device according to claim 12, wherein the length of flexible material is adjustable.

16. The force registering device according to claim 12, wherein the length of flexible material is additionally connected to the footplate via a spring.

17. The force registering device according to claim 12, wherein the length of flexible material comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a chain, an elastic resistance band, a fabric rope, a webbing strap, a cable and a combination thereof.

18. The force registering device according to claim 12, wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of flexible lengths of material.

19. The force registering device according to claim 18, wherein the second or further flexible lengths of material comprise one or more material selected from the group consisting of a chain, an elastic resistance band, a fabric rope, a webbing strap, a cable and combinations thereof.

20. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a planar bending load cell secured to the graspable handle.

21. The force registering device according to claim 1, wherein the location and/or angle of the indicator is adjustable relative to the handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a top view of the handle portion of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a side view of the handle portion of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the present invention. This is the preferred embodiment. The athletic force registering device comprises a graspable handle (1) incorporating an indicator (2) configured to register and indicate forces, also an attachment to anchor said handle and provide resistance, consisting of a length of flexible material, namely a chain (3), connecting to a footplate (4).

[0038] Connected to the bottom of the graspable handle is a central, vertical, metal loading ring (5). A carabiner, or snap-hook (6) attaches the loading ring to the top of the length of chain. The metal footplate has a vertical O-ring connected to it, near its centre. This is attached to the bottom end of a heavy-duty tension spring (7). The top end of the spring is in turn attached to another carabiner, which connects it to a lower point in the chain. Excess chain (8) is allowed to trail down onto the footplate. Optionally, the chain links may be numbered or alphabetised, to allow for precision length adjustments.

[0039] The indicator in the graspable handle indicates forces registered by a sensor within the handle which is configured to vary an electrical signal in response to the forces applied to the handle. The sensor itself is of a load cell type. There are various potential placements of such a load cell, all of which act as electrical transducers in response to deformation via external forces. For example, the sensor might comprise a planar bending load cell attached to the bar or a component of the bar. As the handle is pulled against the fixed chain, the bending moment of the load cell registers the force, with the load cell acting as an electrical transducer. Alternatively, a tension load cell can be attached between the handle and the loading ring; as the handle is pulled against the fixed chain, the deformation of the load cell registers the force, with the load cell acting as an electrical transducer. In either case, the resulting information is transmitted to, and calculated by, a CPU, and indicated on the indicator. The CPU also includes a tare calculation, to approximately remove the weight of the length of chain from the final feedback.

[0040] The presence of the carabiners allows the user to attach the lower or upper portion of chain to the spring or loading ring through various different links in the chain, thus adjusting the length of the usable chain. This allows the athlete to perform numerous isometric hold techniques at different heights; for example, deadlifts, various rows, shrugs, curls, front squats, presses, etc. In addition, the athlete can perform the same isometric drill at multiple points in the potential range-of-motion (for example, presses off the chest; presses at eye level; overhead press lockouts, etc).

[0041] The presence of the tension spring attached to the footplate allows the athlete some small amount of motive resistance during each drill, as the spring extends slightly under force. This is a step towards mimicking live loads. There is some anecdotal evidence that isometric holds which include this live (e.g., actively resisting) element engage a physiological loading reflex which relaxes cortical inhibition and results in a greater neurological recruitment of muscle fibres, and therefore, greater strength. Isometric exercises which lack this element of active resistancesuch as pushing against a solid wall, for exampleappear to recruit fewer fibres.

[0042] Given this embodiment, an athlete could stand on the footplate and push or pull the handle in a vertical plane with potentially large amounts of isometric force. The indicator would indicate these forces in real time, visually and via audio, giving feedback to the athlete. FIG. 2 depicts a side-view of an athlete performing an isometric curl drill. It can be seen from this drawing how the chain, spring and footplate act as an anchor to secure the handle and provide resistance.

[0043] The footplate in the preferred embodiment is metal, however in alternative embodiments it may be high density plastic, or any other durable material.

[0044] FIG. 3 depicts the top view of the graspable handle (1) portion of the first embodiment of the present invention. The indicator (2) is present at the centre of the handle, for easy viewing. The digital indicator visually displays and auditorily indicates forces as weight, this being the traditional form of measurement in strength athletics. Weight can be toggled from pounds to metric via a weight selection button (9). A power on/off button is located centrally (10).

[0045] During use, the user can see force levels during their training fluctuate in real time via the indicator. This is the default function, if no other modes are selected. If a user wishes to enter a target force level (as weight) for a drill, they may select a target-force mode via a button (11). After this mode is selected, they use an up button (12) and a down button (13) to select a target force level (as weight). Near the centre of the handle, to prevent accidental coverage by the user's hands, a small speaker is located (14), as well as a volume on/off button (15). This small speaker is a component of the indicator. During target-force mode, the speaker will beep, or buzz, or let off some audible noise to let the user know that they have reached or exceeded their target force level. In alternative embodiments, the speaker may indicate force levels using a speech program, or similar means.

[0046] Just as users can select a target force via a button, so they can select a customised target training time via the timed mode button (16). This sets a period of time for drills, anywhere from a second or so up to several minutes. After this mode is selected, the user presses the up button (12) and a down button (13) to select a target training time. When the user reaches their target force, the speaker will sound once every second, with the sound becoming higher each second: the final sound being prolonged to inform the athlete that the selected target training time has been met and his or her drill is completed. Modes which utilise the speaker for feedback are particularly useful for drills where the athlete cannot see the indicator (for example, during overhead presses). Timed mode also has the benefit that an athlete does not require an extra clock or timepiece to regulate their drills. Should the user not wish to customise training time, the indicator's default training time is set as six seconds, an ideal time for isometric holds, according to studies.

[0047] After any drill is completed, the athlete can press a button (17) to obtain a maximum force level achieved during the drill, or press a different button (18) to attain an average force level for the drill. Both of these values are calculated by the internal computer in the handle. The CPU can also store previous values, for review later. Any of these buttons can variously function as initiations or resets for new drills, or to access the CPU memory.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, the internal computer in the invention could transfer information to a computer, smart device or headphones, either via wires or wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WAP, infrared, radio, or similar distance-based means of data transfer. This would allow the user to record and track or graph the forces in their training via software programs which would allow for more sophisticated data analysis. The receiving computer or smart device could even relate feedback, such as visual display of forces used, or audio feedback comprising various sounds or even numerical or vocalised feedback (statements of forces expressed, time target information, time remaining, or associated training variables). Similarly, target force, time, or other training variables could be inputted to the device via an external computer or smart device.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the handle also features a removable panel on the handle (19) for the insertion of batteries, but a wired utility plug for direct energy or recharging is equally viable. The wired plug could be detachable.

[0050] FIG. 4 depicts the side view of the graspable handle (1) portion of the first embodiment of the present invention. Also visible is the loading ring (5) located directly below the top of the handle. (The carabiner/chain are not attached in this image.) The indicator (2) is located at the top of the handle. In this embodiment, the indicator is angled 45 degrees towards the user. A perfectly horizontal indicator, while easy to view while below eye-level (during exercises such as curls) would be impossible to see when the bar is at eye-level (during exercises such as presses). The angle of the indicator is optionally adjustable, and a milder angle would allow for visibility of the digital indicator at more variable relative heights.

[0051] In alternative embodiments, a central flexible attachment to anchor the handle to the footplate does not necessarily need to be a chain and spring combination. The attachment can be a chain, or chains, and can equally be a rope, cable, or webbing strap. These can be adjustable in length. The attachment can also be an elastic resistance band. Increased resistance can be achieved by adjusting the band, using a larger/denser band, or by using multiple bands. This latter embodiment would make the device capable of dynamic (i.e., moving) drills, the forces of which could all be registered in real time by the indicator. A geared mechanism with the cable/s threaded therethrough it can also be utilised to allow for dynamic movement. This latter design can be adjusted to make for different difficulty levelslower or higher gears would require the user to apply a different force to the handle to move the cable through, etc.

[0052] In all alternative embodiments, the flexible attachment to anchor the handle to the footplate can be composed of various materials or combinations; elastic cables, webbing straps, ropes, chains, chains and springs, etc. Such attachments can include some kind of non-slip strap slider, buckle, latch, or related component to allow for a rapid adjustment of the length of the strap, to accommodate different training drills which require differing lengths of strap.

[0053] In all alternative embodiments, the flexible attachment can include a rotating ring or swivel joint, perhaps attached by links or carabiners, which would protect the loading ring (or rings) from excess torque when the attachment is placed under significant tension. Conversely, the loading ring (or rings) may be capable of revolving, to accommodate torque. Alternatively, the loading ring (or rings), or the sensor, may be capable of rotating or flexing in multiple directions, to accommodate various angles of force.

[0054] FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates that the attachment to anchor the handle to the footplate need not be singular and centrally located. In this embodiment, the flexible material attachment comprises twin components, in this case, elastic cables (20), one connected to either side of the handle (1) and footplate (4), respectively. In place of the preferred embodiment's central sensor, this embodiment can have twin sensors, load cells located either externally or internally at either end of the bar. The graspable handle (1) incorporates an indicator (2) configured to register and indicate forces. Again, in alternative embodiments the twin flexible attachments to anchor the handle to the footplate can be composed of various materials or combinations; elastic cables, webbing straps, ropes, chains, chains and springs, etc. These twin components can include some kind of non-slip strap slider, buckle, latch, or related component to allow for a rapid adjustment of the length of the strap, to accommodate different training drills which require differing lengths of strap. The twin components can also include a numbering or alphabetical system or marks or lines, to help the user adjust them to equal predetermined points.

[0055] FIG. 6 depicts a third embodiment of the present invention, with differing materials used on the flexible material attachment and footplate. In this embodiment, the flexible attachment is formed from a length of strap (21). This strap can be synthetic webbing, or some similar light, strong, durable material. The footplate is comprised of high-density plastic (22). The webbing strap is doubled over to allow for the presence of a non-slip buckle (23), which allows the user to rapidly adjust the length of the webbing attachment to perform different drills. The top of the webbing loops through a triangle carabiner (24). Alternatively, could the top of the webbing can loop first through a rotating joint intended to reduce potential torque to the loading ring; in this case, a regular carabiner is required to attach the swivel joint to the loading ring. Equally, the strap can loop directly through a loading ring or loading rectangle large enough to accommodate the strap. The bottom of the webbing can loop down through twin slots in the footplate; down through one slot, under the footplate, then up through another. Alternatively, the slots can attach to a link connected to the footplate. The synthetic webbing has been marked with a series of numbered (or alphabetised) horizontal lines (25), which allow users to more precisely adjust the strap to the desired length. The mild elastic properties of the synthetic webbing material allow for a very slight give when under tension, and for this reason the embodiment does not require a spring attached to the footplate. Equally, a spring could be attached if so desired. Because of the lighter materials, this embodiment would be lighter and more portable than the primary embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 7 depicts a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The attachment to anchor the handle may not require a footplate if some alternative secure pre-existing external attachment point exists. In this embodiment the handle (1) is centrally connected to a length of strap (21). This strap could be nylon webbing, or some similar light, strong, durable material. This strap could include some kind of non-slip strap slider, buckle, latch, or related component to allow for rapid adjustments of the length of the strap, to accommodate different training drills which require differing lengths of strap. This strap (21) is wound around an external pole and connected to itself via a carabiner (6) or similar connector. An embodiment of device such as this can be secured to vertically deployed bases such as poles or columns, or to items on the ground, or to items on the ceiling or roof, such as rafters or horizontal bars, to provide different angles of resistance during exercises. The device can also be attached to planks or similar items to make ad hoc footplates. Note that the preferred embodiment can equally function in this manner by simply unclipping the lower carabiner from the tension spring. Once more, in alternative embodiments the central attachment may be composed of various materials or combinations; elastic cables, webbing straps, ropes, chains, chains and springs, etc.

[0057] In alternative embodiments, not illustrated, there is no requirement for the sensor to be connected to the handle, or internally located within the handle. A load cell or load cells may be located on or in the flexible attachment, where the footplate connects to the flexible attachment, or anywhere else along the line or lines of tension. The information provided by the sensor/s can be transmitted to the handle's CPU via wires, or wirelessly.