GB2584759A

GB2584759A - Training apparatus for measuring force applied to training equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2584759A
Application number: GB2003603.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ladha Cassim
Original assignee: CASCOM Ltd
Current assignee: CASCOM Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-15
Filing date: 2020-03-12
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-12
Also published as: GB202003603D0; GB201903590D0; GB2584759B; GB2584759A8

Abstract

A training apparatus 100 for measuring force comprises a structure 102 arranged to enable training equipment 105 to be secured thereto; the training apparatus further comprises a force sensing apparatus 103 coupled to the structure 102 such that the force sensing apparatus can measure the total force and the lateral bias of force applied to the structure 102. The apparatus may include at least one beam that rotates around a pivot to allow force detection and the lateral bias of force may be detected by an accelerometer. The training equipment 105 may be a finger board for rock climbing hang training.

Description

TRAINING APPARATUS FOR MEASURING FORCE APPLIED TO TRAINING

EQUIPMENT

Technical Field

The invention relates to training apparatus for measuring force applied to training equipment.

Background

In rock climbing, finger strength is critical to performance (Jiri Balas et al., Hand-arm strength and endurance as predictors of climbing performance, European Journal of Sport Science, 12:1, 16-25). As such, it is very common for athletes participate in specific training regimes to strengthen their muscles, tendons and ligaments. Specifically, training exercises often include repeatedly hanging from a hold for a set period with rests in between each hang. For elite climbers, weight is added to further increase the exercise intensity. Research into optimal configuration of hang-time, number of repetitions, rest interval between sets and number of sets is currently a debated topic (David Giles et al., The determination of finger flexor critical force in rock climbers, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, December 2018).

When training muscle groups such as biceps or latissimus-dorsi, exercises consist of eccentric-concentric movements and typically last a second. In contrast, when training the forearms and fingers, exercises last for typically around seven seconds and ideally there is no body movement during the exercise. In this second case, mental stamina of the athlete is important as there is no movement to concentrate on. For this reason it has been hypothesized that the addition of an external feedback could improve protocol adherence as it provides a focal point for athletes attention (Anderson et al., Force-Sensing Hang-Board to Enhance Finger Training in Rock Climbers, Proceedings 2018, 2, 227).

Traditionally, training the fingers for rock climbing in the aforementioned way has been done on an apparatus called a fingerboard (sometimes called a hang-board or training board). Such apparatus have been around for decades and early examples such as the "simulator" product distributed by Metolius Inc (Oregon, USA) have been in existence since 1988. More recently, innovations have included improving the ergonomics of such fingerboards (Anderson et al., An innovative hang-board design to improve finger strength in rock climbers, submitted to 11th conference of the International Sports Engineering Association, ISEA 2016) and experimenting with materials. Anderson's manuscript illustrates how an iterative design process yielded a grip shape that was more comfortable, did not damage the skin and could have its dimensions altered to best fit the athlete's proportions.

In terms of instrumentation of the fingerboard design, work in this area has been relatively limited.

EP 3060320 Al (VERTICAL-LIFE SRL) describes an arrangement that includes a fingerboard that can detect when it is in use and thus provide a coarse mechanism for counting aggregated use-time. However, this arrangement does not provide the granularity of data required for certain training protocols nor does it afford anything more than a binary (in-use versus not-in-use) feedback display or any information pertaining to lateral-bias of force information.

Anderson et al., Force-Sensing Hang-Board to Enhance Finger Training in Rock Climbers, Proceedings 2018, 2, 227 describes an arrangement of sensing elements that is suitable to facilitate real-time feedback as well as providing estimates of the athlete's weight and hang symmetry (imbalance in lateral-bias). However, this arrangement is heavily dependent on a specific fingerboard design that exists as a combination of two-half decoupled pieces. In addition, the assembly of sensors must be mounted linearly in a horizontal plane that is parallel to the ground. Such an arrangement is not well suited in a typical gymnasium environment whereby the preferred mounting surface would be a supporting wall lying in a perpendicular plane to the ground (a vertical surface).

It is an object of the invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the above described disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a training apparatus for measuring force applied to training equipment secured thereto. The training apparatus comprises a structure arranged to enable training equipment to be secured thereto. The training apparatus also comprises force sensing apparatus coupled to the structure such that the force sensing apparatus can measure the total force and the lateral bias of force applied to the structure.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus comprises at least two laterally spaced apart force sensors coupled to the structure.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus comprises at least one further force sensor located between the at least two force sensors and coupled to the structure.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a first beam connected to or integrally formed with the structure.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a pivot about which the first beam is arranged to rotate.

Optionally, the first beam is coupled to force sensors of the force sensing apparatus and the force sensors that are coupled to the first beam are arranged to measure lateral bias of force applied to the structure as the first beam rotates about the pivot.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a second beam coupled to the force sensors that are coupled to the first beam, the second beam also coupled to the pivot.

Optionally, the second beam is coupled to one or more further force sensors of the 30 force sensing apparatus, the one or more further force sensors arranged to measure the total force applied to the structure.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus comprises at least one sensor that is arranged to measure rotation of the structure to determine the lateral bias of force applied to the structure.

Optionally, the at least one sensor that is arranged to measure rotation of the structure is an accelerometer.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a housing securable to a supporting structure.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a face plate enclosing a region of the housing adjacent to the structure arranged to enable training equipment to be secured thereto.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a mounting attachment arranged to hold a user device.

Optionally, the mounting attachment comprises an articulating arm.

Optionally, the mounting attachment is connected to the apparatus such that lateral force applied to the structure causes corresponding lateral tilt of a user device held by the mounting attachment.

Optionally, the force sensing apparatus further comprises a processor unit arranged 25 to receive and process data from the sensors of the force sensing apparatus.

Optionally, the force sensors are piezoelectric strain gauge sensors.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a fingerboard attached to the structure.

Optionally, the structure comprises a surface that is coupled to the force sensing apparatus to distribute force applied to the structure over the force sensing apparatus.

Optionally, the structure is a plate.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention provide a combination of sensors arranged and configured to provide an improved training tool for athletes. The sensors can be coupled with peripheral measurement circuitry and encapsulated in a housing that is mounted to a supporting structure such as a wall and provides a surface to attach a training aid such as a fingerboard.

The sensing components are in an arrangement that gives a symmetry bias (lateral 10 force bias) between left and right arms as well the aggregate weight of the climber (including any additional added weight to increase exercise intensity).

In certain embodiments, under use, the resulting assembly is capable of simultaneously supplying real-time data pertaining to a lateral bias (the inequality of weight distribution across the athletes supporting limbs) as well as total aggregate weight. Such data can be updated several times per second (e.g. at 60 or 100 Hz). Such data is suitable for development or evaluation of training protocols as well as inclusion in a feedback display during training activity. The configuration provides a data granularity that enables highly engaging feedback applications to be developed for example games, competitive leader-boards and personal analytics packages.

The term "force sensor" (sometimes abbreviated to "sensor") is used herein to include any suitable electro-mechanical component that is capable of producing an output proportional to a force being exerted onto it. This includes but is not limited to piezoelectric strain gauges and load cells.

Embodiments of the invention are compatible with a generic-design fingerboard without modification of the fingerboard. Embodiments of the invention are suitable for mounting on a vertical supporting structure such as a wall or door frame.

Advantageously, athletes already accustomed to training on a fingerboard of a certain design at home can continue to use such a design. Additionally, training facility owners can integrate the arrangement into their gymnasium without significant effort. As embodiments are compatible with all or a significant majority of traditional fingerboard designs, the activity of objectively comparing the same training protocol across multiple fingerboards is possible. This is an active topic of research amongst sports scientists.

Embodiments of the invention provide data that is accurate, calibrated and highly reproducible. This is particularly useful for developing new training protocols or measuring adherence. Current practice in this field is to use a stopwatch or athlete provided self-reports (training diaries). The invention provides clear benefit and convenience over such methods.

Sampling of sensor components can be done at a sub-second interval (typically 60 or 100 Hz) and so results can be fed back to the athlete in real time and/or logged and included in a retrospective analysis format. In embodiments where the sensors are sampled many times per seconds, the sensor data can be output to an exer-gaming application whereby the game score or progress is linked directly to the performance of athlete. Such gam ification of exercises is of growing popularity and has been shown to increase attention stamina and or provide additional motivation through inclusion of various competition (or leader-board based) features.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention enable fingerboard training protocols to be developed, tested and objectively evaluated. In particular, a real time lateral bias output in addition to total weight can be provided. Lateral bias is of importance when training on a fingerboard because protocols often include hangs on both arms simultaneously and there is a tendency to favour a particular side (usually the dominant).

As the outputs can be provided in real time, this gives scope for specific training applications (such as "excer-games") to be developed that motivate the athlete and improve mental stamina as well as fine tune their posture during exercise. These help to achieve a more symmetrical arm loading. In addition, since many exercises on a fingerboard are designed around repetitive sets of hangs for a duration of time, when fatigue occurs, there is a tendency to finish the repetition early.

Having a real-time output available, there is an opportunity to design applications to motivate the user to try and complete each repetition to entirety (and to be able to retrospectively measure adherence).

Embodiments of the invention have several advantages over existing arrangements including those of the type disclosed in Anderson et al. (2018). Firstly, embodiments of the invention can be directly mounted on any suitable vertical supporting structure (such as a wall). Advantageously, this can improve the ease of installation. In contrast, arrangements of the type disclosed in Anderson et al. require the sensors to be in such a configuration that their arrangement must be mounted on a horizontal surface (albeit which in turn could be mounted to a vertical surface). Secondly, embodiments of the invention can be compatible with suitable traditional fingerboard designs. In contrast, arrangements of the type disclosed in Anderson et al. (2018) require the fingerboard to be constructed from two horizontally mirrored and non-connected portions.

Various further features and aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which:

S

Figures la and lb provide simplified schematic diagrams of a training apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention; Figures 2a to 2c provide schematic diagrams of a further training apparatus in to accordance with further embodiments of the invention; Figures 3a and 3b provide schematic diagrams of a further training apparatus in accordance with further embodiments of the invention; and Figure 4 provides a simplified schematic diagram of a printed circuit board showing a circuit arrangement for a training apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figures la and lb provide simplified schematic diagrams of a training apparatus 100 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Figure la shows a side view of the apparatus 100 and Figure lb shows a front view. Both Figure la and lb show the apparatus 100 in cross-section.

The apparatus 100 includes a housing 101. The housing 101 is arranged to enclose other parts of the apparatus 100. In use, as shown in Figure 1a, the housing 101 is secured to a supporting structure 102 such as a wall.

The apparatus 100 includes force sensing apparatus 103. The apparatus 100 also includes a structure arranged to enable training equipment to be secured to it. In this embodiment, the structure is a plate 104.

The force sensing apparatus 103 is coupled to the plate 104 to support the weight of the plate 104. As shown in Figure 1 a, when the apparatus 100 is secured to a supporting structure, the weight of the plate 104 and any items secured to it (or hung from it) is transferred through the force sensing apparatus 103 and to the housing 101. In this way, the plate 104 is held by the force sensing apparatus 103.

In this embodiment, the force sensing apparatus 103 includes first, second and third force sensors 103a 103b 103c laterally spaced apart from each other. The force sensing apparatus 103 is secured to an inside surface of the housing 101.

The plate 104 includes a surface to which training equipment, such as a climbing fingerboard, can be attached. The surface is typically substantially planar. The surface typically includes several fixing receiving apertures which can be used to removably attach training equipment to the plate 104.

Figures la and lb show a fingerboard 105 attached to the surface of the plate 104.

As noted above, the plate 104 is held along a surface by the force sensors 103a 103b 103c of the force sensing apparatus 103. The force sensing apparatus 103 is coupled to the plate 104 along an extending portion of a surface of the plate 104. Forces applied to the plate 104 are thereby laterally distributed over the force sensing apparatus 103.

In this embodiment, the plate 104 includes a surface that rests directly on the force sensors 103a 103b 103c. However, in other embodiments, intermediate components such as one or more beams can be used to transfer forces from the plate and distribute them over the force sensing apparatus. Advantageously, using beams in this way can improved the accuracy of sensor readings by providing improved rigidity and/or stiffness.

The apparatus 100 also includes a processor unit 106. One suitable configuration of a circuit arrangement for the processor unit 106 is depicted in and described with reference to Figure 4. The processor unit 106 is typically located inside the housing 101.

The processor unit 106 is adapted to collect sensor data from the force sensing apparatus 103. The processor unit 106 is further adapted to process the sensor data to calculate a total force and a lateral force bias of forces applied to the plate 104. Suitable techniques for calculating the total force and lateral force bias are discussed below.

It will be understood that lateral bias of force is typically represented as a difference in the magnitude of force applied to the left and right sides of the plate 104. As described herein, lateral bias of force can be determined based on force sensor measurements from force sensors holding the plate 104 and/or based on tilt measurements from one or more sensors measuring a degree of lateral tilting experienced by the plate 104.

The processor unit 106 can also include suitable hardware and/or software signal processing components for processing data from the sensors.

In this embodiment, the processor unit 106 is adapted to calculate the total force by aggregating the forces measured by all the force sensors 103a 103b 103c. The processor unit 106 is adapted to calculate the lateral force bias by calculating the difference between the forces measured by the two outer force sensors 103a 103c. It will be understood that other suitable techniques could be used.

The processor unit 106 is further adapted to establish a wired or wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) data communication link with an external device such as a smartphone or tablet. The data communication link can be used to exchange data with such a device. This data can include real-time or near real-time force data measured by the force sensing apparatus 103. This data can also include control data or user input data such as commands for operation of the apparatus (power on, power off, standby mode etc.).

The training apparatus 100 also typically includes an onboard power source for supplying power to the processor unit 106 In use, a user begins a training protocol by hanging from the fingerboard 105 using both hands. This causes a force to be transferred via the plate 104 to the force sensors 103a 103b 103c of the force sensing apparatus 103.

Typically, uneven forces will be applied to the fingerboard 105 by the user's left and right hands. This can be due to various factors including differences in physical 20 strength between the user's left and right limbs or intentionally performing asymmetrical training exercises.

The force applied to the plate 104 is distributed over the force sensing apparatus 103. The force sensors 103a 103b 103c experience different levels of force depending on the degree of total force and lateral force imbalance applied to the plate 104.

The processor unit 106 samples the sensor data at regular intervals and calculates the force measurements using a suitable technique such as discussed above. Typically, the processor unit 106 exchanges this data with the user's smartphone or table device to provide real-time or near real-time feedback for the user's training session.

In particular, the total force data can be used to count reps and/or hang time. The lateral bias force data can be used to provide feedback about strength imbalances between the user's left and right limbs In certain embodiments, lateral bias can be calculated as the imbalance between the central 103b and first outermost 103a sensor and the central 103b and second outermost 103c sensor (typically after calibration).

Lateral bias can be expressed as a percentage of the total force applied to the sensing apparatus 103 or in units of mass such as Kilograms.

In certain embodiments, only two outermost sensors are provided (i.e. central sensor 103b is not present). In such embodiments, readings of lateral bias can be provided when a user hanging from the fingerboard has both hands placed equidistant from a horizontal centreline on the apparatus.

In certain embodiments, the force sensing apparatus 103 can include other sensors, for example a tilt sensor such as an accelerometer. The tilt sensor can be used to measure a degree of tilt (rotation) of the plate 104.

The processor unit 106 is arranged to process the tilt data to estimate the degree of lateral force imbalance applied to the plate 104. This data can be used by the processor unit 106 as an alternative or additional way of inferring the lateral force imbalance.

In this embodiment, the force sensing apparatus 103 is secured to the bottom surface of the housing 101 in use (i.e. when the housing 101 is secured to supporting structure 102) such that the plate 104 is held from underneath by the force sensing apparatus 103. However, in other embodiments, the force sensing apparatus 103 can be secured to another part of the housing 101. For example, in certain embodiments the force sensing apparatus 103 is secured to a top surface of the housing 101. In such embodiments, the plate 104 is arranged to be held by hanging from the force sensing apparatus 103.

In this embodiment, as noted above, the structure to which training equipment is secured is a plate 104. The central region of the plate 104 is substantially flat and provides a planar surface for securing items to it. However, it will be understood that the structure can take various shapes and configurations providing it still enables training equipment to be attached to it.

It will be understood that the force sensing apparatus 103 can be coupled to the plate 104 using any suitable technique. For example, the force sensing apparatus 103 can be bolted to the plate 104.

Figures 2a to 2c provide schematic diagrams of a further training apparatus in accordance with further embodiments of the invention. The training apparatus of Figures 2a to 2c substantially corresponds with that Figures 1a and lb except as otherwise described below. Figure 2a shows the training apparatus in an assembled configuration. Figures 2b and 2c show exploded views of the training apparatus.

The training apparatus 200 includes a housing 201 and a plate 202. A surface of the plate 202 arranged to enable training equipment to be secured to it is shown. The training apparatus 200 also includes a processor unit (not shown).

The plate 202 includes an aperture 203. The aperture 203 is a cut out region that improves wireless signal propagation between the inside and outside of the housing 201 as well as providing service access to the processor unit.

The plate 202 typically also includes fixing receiving apertures (not shown) that can be used to secure training equipment, although it will be appreciated that other techniques can be used to secure training equipment to the plate 202.

The training apparats 200 includes a face plate 204. The face plate 204 includes a portion of material that encloses the housing 201 adjacent to the plate 202.

Figure 2b shows the training apparatus 200 with the face plate 204 removed.

The training apparatus 200 includes force sensing apparatus including first, second and third force sensors 205a 205b 205c located within and secured to a surface of the housing 201. The force sensors 205a 205b 205c are piezoelectric strain gauge sensors, although other sensors could be used.

The force sensors 205a 205b 205c are coupled to the plate 202 and are positioned to hold the weight of the plate 202 and any items secured to it or hanging from it. In this embodiment, the plate 202 is a substantially flat and includes two folded regions at opposing ends of the plate 202 that extend in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the remainder of the plate 202.

The force sensors 205a 205b 205c hold the plate 202 along one of the end regions of the plate 202. In this manner, forces applied to the plate 202 are laterally distributed across the force sensors 205a 205b 205c.

In this embodiment, the second force sensor 205b is positioned so that it is in contact with the centre of the plate 202 and thereby acts as a pivot.

Figure 2c shows the training apparatus 200 with the face plate 204, plate 202 and 20 force sensors 205a 205b 205c removed from the housing 201.

A processor unit (not shown) is typically located within the housing 201 behind the plate 202.

The training apparatus 200 can also include a mounting attachment such as an articulating arm arranged to hold a user device in a position to provide real-time feedback to the user during use. The mounting attachment can be connected to the apparatus such that lateral force applied to the plate causes corresponding lateral tilt of the mounting attachment.

Figures 3a and 3b depict a training apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the plate is held by an arrangement of beams to which force sensing apparatus is coupled.

The lateral force bias is measured by force sensors that are coupled to a first of the beams which is arranged to pivot about a pivot-point.

The total force is measured by force sensors coupled to a second of the beams which itself is coupled to the pivot and the force sensors that are coupled to the first beam.

This arrangement is described in more detail below.

Figure 3a is a perspective view of an assembled embodiment of the invention. In the figure, a smart phone 302 is mounted above the assembly such that it can be viewed while training. A fingerboard 303 is mounted to a supporting surface 307 behind a front plate 306 which is exposed from within the encapsulating enclosure 304. The entire assembly is mounted to a vertical plane such as a supporting wall structure 305 that is capable of bearing the load of the athlete (plus any additional weight they might carry).

The apparatus of Figure 3a includes an enclosure 304 (also referred to herein as a housing). The enclosure may be constructed from folded sheet metal (such as aluminium or steel). Those skilled in the art will understand the enclosure could also be formed from any number of suitable materials and constructed in any number of manufacturing processes.

In the example embodiment, the enclosure fastens to a supporting surface 305, such as a wall or door frame. On the front face of the enclosure is face-plate 306 which has a hole that exposes a surface to which a fingerboard 303 (or any other attachment for the purpose of hanging from e.g. holds/blocks/ropes/gymnastic rings) may be fastened. The face-plate 306 is directly connected to the outer enclosure using removable fixings such as bolts 313a 313b 313c 313d 313e 3131 Suitable configurations for the fingerboard are well-known. The enclosure dimensions 30 may be defined so to support a wide variety of fingerboards. The fingerboard would usually have one or more surfaces that are suitable to hang from or perform pull-up exercises on and the enclosure is designed such to not encumber the user from doing SO.

In the example embodiment a mounting mechanism 302 is placed at the top of the enclosure for holding a smart phone. In this example embodiment, the smart phone provides a convenient display for real-time feedback when using the apparatus. Those skilled in the art will understand the smart phone is only one such example of a display and a number of other options for this component are available.

Also attached to the enclosure is a compartment 301, for housing circuit boards, batteries and buttons that are used to control the operating mode invention (on, off, standby). Those skilled in the art will note that the function of the invention is not dependent of the exact position of this compartment, its shape or the material from which it is constructed. The compartment may also be incorporated into the enclosure without affecting the operation of the device.

Figure 3b is an exploded view of the apparatus from a frontal elevation. Here, four sensors 310 312 316 318 are used. Two sensors 312 316 are configured in a balance beam 309 component that is resting upon a pivot 315 and their readings are used to determine lateral force bias between left and right hands. Two further sensors 310 316 are used in a load sensing configuration and their output is proportional to the aggregate force being applied to the balance scale sub-assembly; usually the athlete's weight including any additional load they are carrying. The sensor arrangement is encapsulated in outer casing 304 and mounted to a supporting wall 305 using secure fixings such as screws or bolts.

In the figure, a supporting surface 307 is visible to which a fingerboard 303 may attached using fixings such as screws. The supporting surface is also securely attached to a load transfer beam 308 using fixings such as screws. When the example embodiment of the invention is assembled, the face plate 306 is attached to the enclosure 304 using screws at points 313a 313b 313c 313d 313e 313f. The face plate is not fastened to the supporting surface in any way but does have the function of holding the sub-assembly of fingerboard, supporting surface and transfer beam within the confines of the enclosure.

When the apparatus is assembled, the transfer beam is positioned directly on-top of a balance beam 309. Any load placed onto the fingerboard is directly applied through the support-surface and transfer beam sub-assembly onto the balance beam. The balance beam is positioned on-top of a pivot component 315, which is itself fixed securely to a support beam 311. In the example embodiment, the centre of the pivot point is aligned with the centre of the horizontal axis of the fingerboard (horizontal axis being defined as parallel with the ground).

In the example embodiment, two load sensors 312 316 are positioned on-top of the support beam and under the end of the balance beam. These load sensors are used to detect lateral imbalance in load applied to the fingerboard. When a zero-load or load to with equal lateral bias is applied to the fingerboard, a zero-reading is given from sensors 312 316. Conversely, when an imbalanced load is applied to the fingerboard, lateral bias is determined as the difference between the force readings on sensors 312 316. In this example embodiment, the pivot height can be adjusted so that a zero reading is recorded on sensors 316 312 when no load is applied to the fingerboard.

In the example embodiment two sensors 318 310 are securely fixed to the outer enclosure. The sub-assembly containing support beam and pivot is then supported on-top. This arrangement of components enables calculation of an aggregate force applied to the fingerboard through summation of the output of sensors 310 318.

In this example embodiment, sensors are all fixed using bolts but those skilled in the art will understand that any method of fixing would be suitable provided that it provides a stable fastening. In the example embodiment, the sensors used are of a piezoelectric strain gage design. A manuscript by Jayant Sirohi et al (Jayant Sirohi et al., Fundamental Understanding of Piezoelectric Strain Sensors, Submitted in April 2000 to Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures 11(4):246-257. 8) details the principle of operation in more detail. In such sensors, output is proportional to a moment around a pivot point. To create such a moment, in the example embodiment all sensors are mounted on-top of a thin metal plate which provides an edge for a moment to be generated over.

Figure 4 shows a printed circuit board 324 with several sub-circuits. The circuit board 324 can comprise part of a processor unit that controls the functioning of the apparatus.

The circuit board 324 includes a power supply circuit 319. The circuit board 324 also includes interfacing circuitry to condition the raw signals from the sensors 310 312 316 318.

In this embodiment the power source is from batteries and thus the power supply circuit includes voltage step-down components and battery level detection components. Those skilled in the art will understand the power supply could be replaced with a direct current or alternating current supply which would impact the components required in the power supply circuit but would not impact the principle of operation of the invention.

The circuit board 324 includes a signal conditioning circuit 320. In this example embodiment the force sensors depicted are piezoelectric strain gages. Their output is a change in resistance proportional to the load applied as a bending moment. To interpret this signal effectively, the signal conditioning circuit incorporates a Wheatstone amplifier. Depending on the exact model or type of force sensors, the signal conditioning circuit may also include Bessel filters to smooth the output of the sensors and an analogue to digital converter circuit.

The circuit board 324 includes a user input circuit 321. In the example embodiment it includes a switch component for that controls power to the power supply circuit and also a button that is application configurable. In the example embodiment a push of the button is linked to placing the Bluetooth transceiver circuit 322 into pairing mode.

The circuit board 324 includes a Bluetooth transceiver circuit 322. Those skilled in the art will understand that although the example embodiment features a Bluetooth radio, the precise protocol used in this circuit could be any wireless protocol (e.g. IEEE802.11.x) or wired protocol (e.g. RS232) without impacting the mode of operation of the invention. The primary function of the transceiver circuit is to communicate processed data to a real-time application. The secondary function of the Bluetooth circuit is to receive commands from any controlling device (e.g. a smart phone) and communicate these to the microcontroller circuit. Commands from a controlling device maybe issued to place the invention in various modes such as on, off, standby.

The circuit board 324 includes a microcontroller circuit 323 that is responsible for sampling the sensors; managing power circuit events such as battery low-level; determining the mode of operation of the invention (such as on, off, standby) determined in part by commands issued over the transceiver circuit but also the user input circuit. The microcontroller circuit may also perform mathematic manipulations on the sensor data. One such manipulation would be a to convert the raw sensor data into units of force. In the example embodiment, the force sensors used are piezoelectric strain gages. These sensors produce a non-linear response to applied load. However, the response can be broken into linear sections such that it becomes easy to use; a process sometimes referred to as calibration. Those skilled in the art will recognize if the type of sensor type is changed then the processing steps performed inside the microcontroller will undoubtedly also be different. However, this does not change the underlying principles of operation.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the principle of being able to detect lateral bias and aggregate weight may also be achieved through incorporating the force sensors into the outer casing or making either the support or balance beam part of the enclosure.

Certain embodiments include two sensors to calculate aggregate force. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other example embodiments exist where one or more than two sensors are used.

In the example embodiment, the pivot height is fixed at point of assembly such that a zero lateral-bias reading is reported when no load or a balanced load is applied to the fingerboard. In certain embodiments, an adjustment mechanism is included for adjusting the pivot height so that this condition could be achieved at any point, for example after installation.

Further examples of embodiments of the invention are described in the following numbered clauses.

1. One or more sensors in an arrangement with a balance beam and pivot such that when the beam experiences a force, a lateral bias reading proportional to the imbalance around the pivot is accomplished and that such force transferred on to the balance beam through an arrangement of components including a fingerboard or hangboard.

2. One or more sensors in an arrangement with a supporting beam, load transfer beam and fingerboard components such that when a force is applied to the fingerboard, the aggregate output of the sensors, is proportional to the load applied to the fingerboard.

3. One or more sensors according to clause 1 and/or clause 2, that are encapsulated in an outer enclosure that is suitable for mounting to a supporting structure and that exposes a surface to attach a hangboard, fingerboard or other apparatus that a user might hang from for training purposes.

4. One or more sensors according to clause 1 and/or clause 2 that incorporates a signal conditioning circuit and includes a microcontroller circuit, power circuit, and optionally a user input circuit and transceiver circuit.

5. An arrangement described in clause 3 that incorporates a mounting attachment whereby a smart phone or other display can be mounted.

6. One or more sensors as described in clause 1 and/or clause 2, wherein the sensors used are of piezoelectric strain guage type.

7. One or more sensors as described in clause 1 whereby a height adjustment is incorporated into the pivot such that a zero lateral bias reading is recorded when no load or a load with equal lateral balance is applied to the fingerboard.

8. An arrangement as described in clause 1, wherein the sensors are integrated into the load transfer beam, balance beam or support surface to which the fingerboard is mounted onto.

9. An arrangement as described in clause 2, wherein the sensors are integrated into the support beam, load transfer beam or outer enclosure.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A training apparatus for measuring force applied to training equipment secured thereto, the training apparatus comprising: a structure arranged to enable training equipment to be secured thereto; and force sensing apparatus coupled to the structure such that the force sensing apparatus can measure the total force and the lateral bias of force applied to the structure.
2. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the force sensing apparatus comprises at least two laterally spaced apart force sensors coupled to the structure.
3. A training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the force sensing apparatus comprises at least one further force sensor located between the at least two force sensors and coupled to the structure.
4. A training apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a first beam connected to or integrally formed with the structure.
5. A training apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a pivot about which the first beam is arranged to rotate.
6. A training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first beam is coupled to 25 force sensors of the force sensing apparatus, the force sensors that are coupled to the first beam arranged to measure lateral bias of force applied to the structure as the first beam rotates about the pivot.
7. A training apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a second beam coupled to the force sensors that are coupled to the first beam and coupled to the pivot.
8. A training apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second beam is coupled to one or more further force sensors of the force sensing apparatus, the one or more further force sensors arranged to measure the total force applied to the structure.
9. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein the force 5 sensing apparatus comprises at least one sensor that is arranged to measure rotation of the structure to determine the lateral bias of force applied to the structure.
10. A training apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor that is arranged to measure rotation of the structure is an accelerometer.
11. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, further comprising a housing securable to a supporting structure.
12. A training apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a face plate enclosing a region of the housing adjacent to the structure arranged to enable training equipment to be secured thereto.
13. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, further comprising a mounting attachment arranged to hold a user device.
14. A training apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the mounting attachment comprises an articulating arm.
15. A training apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the mounting attachment is connected to the apparatus such that lateral force applied to the structure causes corresponding lateral tilt of a user device held by the mounting attachment.
16. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, further comprising a 30 processor unit arranged to receive and process data from the sensors of the force sensing apparatus.
17. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein the force sensors are piezoelectric strain gauge sensors.
18. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, further comprising a fingerboard attached to the structure.
19. A training apparatus according to any previous claim, wherein the structure comprises a surface that is coupled to the force sensing apparatus to distribute force applied to the structure over the force sensing apparatus.
20. A training apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the structure to is a plate.