Sports apparatus comprising guy and measuring device attached to guy

Abstract

The sports equipment comprises a cable (2) to which a mechanical tension is applied, and the cable (2) ensures the stability or rigidity of the sports equipment. The sports equipment comprises a measuring device (3) fixed to the cable (2) such that cable tension is applied to the measuring device (3). The measuring device (3) comprises a sensor adapted to transmit an electrical signal corresponding to representative information representative of the tension of the cable. The measuring device is always attached to the guy so that representative information representative of the tension of the guy can be obtained at any time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of equipment for performing sports. Specifically, this application relates to gymnastics equipment. This application is particularly applicable to sports equipment that provides stability or rigidity to the sports equipment by means of one or more cables tensioned between the equipment and a fixed point, or between components of the equipment, the fixed point being, for example, on the ground.

[0002] More specifically, this application relates to sports equipment including a cable to which a measuring device is attached. Background Technology

[0003] Sports equipment refers to any facility configured for performing sports.

[0004] Traditionally, some sports equipment includes cableways that can perform various functions. Cableways are used to provide stability between different components of the sports equipment, and also to ensure that the equipment is anchored to the ground.

[0005] The term "tension" generally refers to a cable, chain, or rope that is under tension, as well as equipment used for holding and reinforcing.

[0006] Regardless of the function of the cables in sports equipment, it is important to ensure that the cables are properly tensioned. This is because the cables affect the balance and stability of the equipment, and therefore the safety of the user.

[0007] The tension of a cable refers to the tensile stress experienced by the cable when it is subjected to two outward forces pointing in the direction of its extension at its end; that is, the two forces tend to stretch the cable. The tension of a cable is usually expressed in Newtons (N).

[0008] As is known in the prior art, tension testing devices can be mounted on the surface of the tension cable of sports equipment to measure tension, and then removed once the measurement has been taken. The disadvantages of this approach are its difficulty to implement and the inability to check the tension cable at all times. Therefore, user safety cannot always be guaranteed. Furthermore, if the testing device is too heavy, it may lead to inaccurate measurements of the tension cable.

[0009] In addition to safety considerations, users of exercise equipment may wish to adjust the cable tension as needed, for example, based on the exercise being performed or the goals being pursued. Indeed, the tension applied to the cable alters the dynamic response of the equipment and thus changes the user's perception during exercise. Furthermore, it is desirable to reliably adapt the tension to the user's posture. However, existing devices make tension checks difficult and complex, especially when users frequently need to adjust the cable tension or when multiple users use the equipment sequentially.

[0010] Therefore, a simple solution is needed that enables the easy, quick, and accurate acquisition of representative information about the tension of the cable. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This application aims to address at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0012] Therefore, this application relates to sports equipment including a tension cable, applying mechanical tension to the tension cable, and the tension cable ensuring the stability or rigidity of the sports equipment. According to this application, the sports equipment includes a measuring device attached to the tension cable such that tension is applied to the measuring device, the measuring device including a sensor adapted to transmit an electrical signal corresponding to representative information representing the tension of the tension cable.

[0013] Because the measuring device is always attached to the cable, representative information about the cable's tension can be obtained at any time. This allows the user to freely adjust the cable tension while ensuring their safety. Furthermore, since tension is applied directly to the measuring device, the latter can provide reliable information about that tension.

[0014] The measuring device may include a display arranged to indicate representative information representing the tension of the cable.

[0015] The display integrated into the measuring device allows users to quickly obtain representative information about the tension of the cable.

[0016] The measuring device may include a connection port that enables connection to a display arranged to indicate representative information representing the tension of the cable.

[0017] The measuring device may include a wireless transmission system for wirelessly transmitting representative information representing the tension of the cable to a display.

[0018] The exercise equipment may include a display that communicates with the measuring device to indicate representative information representing tension.

[0019] The inclusion of connection ports and an integrated wireless transmission system significantly increases the possibilities for the types of displays that can be used with measuring devices. This enables users to have measuring devices that are configured and configurable to meet their needs, such as the type of representative tension information they wish to obtain.

[0020] The wireless transmission system also enables the simultaneous or alternating display of information for multiple measuring devices on the same display.

[0021] The display can be configured to provide values ​​for the tension of the cable.

[0022] The measuring device may include a data storage device arranged to store representative information representing the tension of the cable.

[0023] Storing representative information allows users to utilize measurement data later, for example, for statistical purposes or to ensure proper anchoring of the sling.

[0024] The measuring device may include an alarm device arranged to issue an alarm signal when the tension of the cable exceeds a predetermined range.

[0025] The alarm signal, such as a visual or audible signal, provides an early warning to the user when the tension of the cable exceeds a predetermined range. According to the standards used to define the tension range, this feature can ensure the safety of the user or simply provide the user's desired comfort.

[0026] The measuring device may include at least one battery that ensures the operation of the measuring device, and the measuring device includes a light-emitting diode arranged to indicate the state of the at least one battery.

[0027] Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) provide signals that users can quickly notice, thus avoiding the need for users to periodically check the battery status of measuring devices.

[0028] This application also relates to sports equipment comprising multiple bands and measuring devices such as those used for each band as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features and advantages of this application will be described in the following description.

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of non-limiting examples: Figure 1 A view of an uneven bars bar equipped with tension cables and a measuring device fixed to one of the tension cables is shown, thereby constituting a sports apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 Show Figure 1 Detailed view of the measuring equipment; Figure 3 Showing something similar Figure 2 Detailed views of a measuring device according to another embodiment of this application; and Figure 4 Showing something similar to Figure 2 and Figure 3 A detailed view of a measuring device according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 The illustration shows sports equipment 1, namely, gymnastic uneven bars, which includes tension cables. Of course, the application of this invention, when implemented on uneven bars, is equally effective for any other type of sports equipment having at least one tension cable.

[0032] Here, the high / low bar 1 includes a lower bar 10 and an upper bar 11. Two lower posts 101 and 102 and two upper posts 111 and 112 are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the lower bar 10 and the upper bar 11. The lower posts and upper posts support the lower bar 10 and the upper bar 11.

[0033] To ensure the stability of the uneven bars 1 and proper anchoring to the ground, the tension cables are attached to the lower posts 101, 102 and the upper posts 111, 112. Of course, the uneven bars 1 can also be pulled by tension cables with other configurations.

[0034] The following part is described as being attached to the cable 2 of the lower column 101.

[0035] Measuring device 3 is attached to cable 2. Measuring device 3 is adapted to provide information related to cable tension. The information provided can be any information representing cable tension. This information is relevant to the user of the exercise equipment in performing his or her exercise. Therefore, the representative information may include the precise value of cable tension, information about the tension value being within a predetermined range, an indication of the cable tension state (tight, slack), an indication of the anchoring and / or stability of the exercise equipment, or any other information about the tension in the cable.

[0036] Of course, since measuring device 3 can provide several pieces of information about cable tension simultaneously or sequentially, the use of singular “representative information” should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0037] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the tension cable 2 includes a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 each include a first attachment point 210 and a second attachment point 220 at one of their ends. The measuring device 3 is fixed to the first portion 21 of the tension cable 2 at the first attachment point 210 and to the second portion 22 of the tension cable 2 at the second attachment point 220. Therefore, the tension of the tension cable 2 is applied to the measuring device 3; that is, the pulling force or tension applied to the sports equipment by the tension cable 2 is directly applied to the measuring device 3.

[0038] Compared to existing measuring devices mounted on a tension cable, the measuring device 3 is readily available and applicable to any type of sports equipment, including tension cables. For example, the measuring device 3 can be used with sports equipment having tension cables covered by a sheath, without affecting measurement accuracy. In fact, because the measuring device 3 is not mounted on the sheathed tension cable but attached to it, the tension of the tension cable is directly and completely applied to the measuring device, thus allowing tension measurements to be performed without affecting measurement accuracy.

[0039] Of course, the measuring device 3 can be attached to the cable 2 in another different way. For example, the cable 2 can be composed of a single component, and then the measuring device can be attached to one end of the cable. Thus, the measuring device can be attached to both the cable and the anchor or fixing point, thereby enabling the cable to be anchored to the ground. Alternatively, the measuring device can be attached to both the cable 2 and the lower post 101 (or more generally, directly to the point of connection with the sports equipment).

[0040] The measuring device 3 includes a sensor adapted to transmit a raw electrical signal representing the tension of the cable 2. As an example, the electrical signal includes a number of physical quantities whose values ​​or variations can reflect the tension of the cable, specifically: voltage, current, or frequency variations in the case of signal discontinuity.

[0041] In the electronic measuring device shown in the embodiment of the accompanying drawings, the sensor (not shown) can be a force sensor arranged to convert the tension of the cable into an electrical signal. The force sensor can be a strain gauge, also known as a strain meter. The raw electrical signal from the sensor can be acquired by a microcontroller or any other processing device adapted to read the raw electrical signal from the force sensor to generate an output signal. The output signal corresponds to representative information representing the tension of the cable. To simplify signal processing, a regulator can be used between the force sensor and the processing device.

[0042] The electronic characteristics of this device ensure a compact measuring apparatus. In fact, compared to mechanical measuring apparatuses that typically require components such as springs, measuring apparatus 3 is compact and small in size, and its dimensions remain unchanged regardless of the mechanical tension applied to it, while the spring length varies according to the tension applied to it. This makes measuring apparatus 3 compact and space-saving.

[0043] Furthermore, since the measuring device 3 is an electronic device, that is, the measuring device 3 has sensors arranged to transmit electrical signals, the represented information will be more accurate compared to mechanical measuring devices.

[0044] The apparatus described herein includes a display 4 arranged to receive an output signal corresponding to information relating to the tension in the cable, and an indication of representative information representing the tension of the cable 2. "Display" refers to any device capable of displaying information about the tension of the cable, including the examples mentioned below.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment illustrated here, the measuring device 3 includes a button 30. Here, button 30 is an on / off button arranged to turn the measuring device 3 on and off. When button 30 is pressed, the sensor, microcontroller, and display are activated, and the tension of the cable can be measured, then displayed for at least a certain period of time.

[0046] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the display 4 is integrated into the measuring device 3. Here, the display 4 includes a screen 41 arranged to display representative information representing the tension of the cable 2. The displayed information may be numerical values, indications of states such as "tight" or "slack," codes, meaningful colors (e.g., green indicates a properly tensioned cable, orange indicates low or high tension, and red indicates an under-tensioned or over-tensioned cable), a graphical representation of the tension within the permissible tension range, etc., wherein the codes indicate to the user whether the cable is sufficiently or insufficiently tensioned relative to a standard or relative to the user's previous settings. The screen 41 is preferably large enough to ensure simple and quick reading of information about the tension of the cable 2.

[0047] The electronic characteristics of this device enable the acquisition of highly diverse representative information of the transmitted type through the same measuring equipment, such as the measurement of cable tension, the tension state of cable 2 (e.g., properly tensioned, untensioned), etc.

[0048] Furthermore, measuring device 3 is ergonomic because the user obtains relevant and immediately interpretable representative information on the display. "Interpretable" means information that can be interpreted beyond simply reading representative information without requiring extensive calculations or evaluations by the user (which is typically necessary for mechanical measuring devices).

[0049] Of course, several alternatives can be considered for the display 4. The display could be an analog-dial display or a digital display such as a fluorescent display, or a display with segments, or a display with light-emitting diodes, etc.

[0050] Figure 3 A second embodiment according to this application is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the measuring device 3 includes a connection port, and a display 4a is arranged to be connected to the connection port.

[0051] The display 4a can be a conventional display, such as the display mentioned for the display 4 integrated in the measuring device. Alternatively, the display 4a can be an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet. If multiple cables of the same type of sports equipment or several types of sports equipment are equipped with tension measuring devices, this makes it possible to read the tension in each cable through continuous connection with said measuring device. This improves the compactness and flexibility of the components and reduces the overall cost of the equipment used for the cables.

[0052] According to another embodiment that may replace or supplement the foregoing embodiments, the measuring device 3 includes a wireless transmission system.

[0053] Figure 4 One embodiment is shown in which the measuring device 3 and the display 4b communicate solely via a wireless network. The wireless transmission system is arranged to send representative information about the tension of the cable 2 to the display 4b. The wireless transmission system is any system that communicates over a distance using, for example, a known technology such as Bluetooth. TM ZigBee TM Wi-Fi TM Or any other suitable wireless communication protocol.

[0054] The display 4b includes a corresponding receiving device that enables the acquisition of representative information representing the tension of the cable 2, which comes from one or more measuring devices.

[0055] As in Figure 3 In the context of wired communication in this implementation, communication can be bidirectional because the display can send parameterized information to the measuring device. Parameterization may include defining the permissible tension range.

[0056] Display 4b can be a dedicated device or such as a tablet computer (e.g.) Figure 4 The device is a mobile device, such as a computer or smartphone, as shown in the example. The device is controlled by a user, who can parameterize it, for example, through a software application.

[0057] Regardless of the display and communication mode between the measuring device 3 and the display 4, the device allows the user to select a preferred tension range or even a preferred tension before triggering an alarm signal, select the possible error range for the preferred tension range or preferred tension, select the unit used to read the tension, etc., wherein the preferred tension range or preferred tension includes, for example, a reference tension according to a standard. For this purpose, the device may be equipped with controls, such as sliders or knobs on the display, or physical or virtual controls on the display.

[0058] Additionally, multiple displays 4, 4a, 4b (connection port, wireless transmission, integrated display) of different types that communicate differently from the measuring device can be used on the same cable. In this case, the representative information items indicated by the displays can be similar or different, and can be indicated simultaneously or sequentially.

[0059] The operation of the electronic measuring device 3 requires at least one energy source. Specifically, a battery can be used. Therefore, a power supply port is provided to supply power to the battery. Thus, the measuring device 3 has autonomy related to the battery capacity, which allows the measuring device 3 to operate without a continuous supply of current.

[0060] according to Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, display 4a includes a light-emitting diode (LED) 5. The LED 5 is adapted to indicate the state of the battery of the measuring device 3. When the battery level drops below a certain threshold, for example, below 10%, the LED lights up to indicate to the user that he or she must charge the measuring device 3. When the battery level reaches a very low threshold, for example, 2%, the LED flashes. Of course, depending on the display technology employed, low battery information can be indicated in various ways: a pictographic appearance, a visible indicator such as color, or the triggering of an audible signal, wherein the triggering of the audible signal is implemented when the display or measuring device has an audio transmitter. Additionally, when the display used is, for example, a smartphone or tablet, information about the battery level can be indicated directly on the display screen, for example, by indicating a percentage or by displaying icons such as charging and maximum autonomy levels. In addition to the low battery indicator as described above, information about the battery level can also be indicated on the display screen.

[0061] The sports equipment of this application may include a data storage device (not shown), which includes an electronic memory arranged to store representative information representing the tension of the cable 2. This allows the representative information about the cable tension to be retained in the memory so that the information can be retrieved later.

[0062] The data storage device may be integrated into the measuring device or included in the display, for example, in a device such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet computer that can be associated with the measuring device.

[0063] Therefore, for example, the tension of the cable 2 can be stored in memory so that the state of the cable 2 can be evaluated over time, and thus, for example, its replacement can be determined. The storage of data on the cable tension can also be used for statistical purposes, such as to evaluate the lifespan of the cable.

[0064] Typically, the display and / or data processing device can be connected to the measuring equipment via wired or wireless means. Therefore, data regarding cable tension can be processed, displayed, stored, and shared. Data can be combined. Data can be displayed in various ways.

[0065] The measuring device used in this application enables the transmission of different types of information according to the user's wishes. The use of dedicated equipment, and specifically programmable software applications, provides flexibility for the user. This makes it possible to obtain relevant information configurable to each user's requirements.

[0066] This instruction manual is for measuring devices attached to cables. Of course, for sports equipment projects that include multiple cables, the measuring device can be attached to each cable.

[0067] When multiple measuring devices are attached to multiple tension cables, a common display for all measuring devices can be used. The common display can be linked to the measuring devices via a wired link or a wireless communication system. The user can, for example, select the specific tension cable for which they wish to obtain a specific tension. The common display also allows selection of several tension cables, and thus comparison of different tensions. The display may include an interface that displays the tension of the different tension cables on a single screen.

[0068] It is particularly advantageous if the stability of the equipment is controlled by a third party other than the user, such as a dedicated display or other electronic device, where the third party is, for example, a person responsible for inspecting all the equipment in the sports venue. This enables rapid and reliable measurement and control.

[0069] Of course, this application is not limited to the embodiments described above. Specifically, the functions of the measuring device specifically associated with the display and the dedicated device are not limited to those functions previously described.

[0070] As a non-limiting example, the measuring device may include an alarm device arranged to issue an alarm signal when the tension value of the cable exceeds a predetermined range. The predetermined range may be selected by the user or set by a default value determined by a standard. The predetermined range depends, for example, on the arrangement of the cable.

[0071] Alarm signals can be audible or visual. Therefore, when the tension of the cable exceeds a predetermined range, an activated LED or an audible buzzer can alert the user. The alarm signal can be an electronic signal sent to a display (integrated, wired, or wirelessly connected), causing the display to emit a visual or audible signal.

[0072] To conserve battery power for the measuring equipment, it can automatically shut down after a certain period of time, such as 30 seconds after the tension value of the cable has been displayed.

[0073] This application describes the equipment as a set of uneven bars connected to the ground or a fixed point, such as a ballast (e.g., a concrete or metal pillar) laid on the ground. The rigidity of the equipment can also be ensured by using cables to connect different points of the components. For example, cables can prevent excessive deformation of the components constituting the equipment.

[0074] On a non-limiting basis, the following sports equipment may be listed as applicable: gymnastics equipment (parallel bars, uneven bars, gate frame for stationary rings, pommel horse, arch), track and field jumping equipment, equipment for certain team sports (basketball hoops, volleyball nets, tennis nets), or any other sports equipment whose size or construction requires the use of cables.

[0075] Therefore, this application provides sports equipment including at least one cable and a measuring device that enables the simple and rapid transmission of representative information representing the tension of the cable.

[0076] The resulting measuring device is lightweight, allowing it to be attached to the cable without twisting the tension measurement or significantly affecting the dynamic behavior of the motion device equipped with it. The electronic measuring device used in this application can be small in size and has very low mass, without interfering with the cable's mechanical response.

[0077] This application is particularly advantageous for athletes who wish to reproduce specific exercise conditions, such as those who train under the same conditions several times, i.e., by adjusting the tension of the cable to ensure that the exercise conditions are always identical. Specifically, the user of the exercise equipment according to this application can associate it with a user curve that includes the desired tension values ​​in the cable, so as to adjust these tensions according to the curve.

[0078] This application is also particularly advantageous for gymnastics equipment with cables, where it is important to maintain the tension of the cables, which makes training suitable for gymnasts while ensuring their safety.

[0079] Due to the electronic characteristics of the measuring device, the motion equipment according to this application can provide many services: storing the measurements performed in memory; defining user curves; allowing frequent, rapid, and reliable inspection of the equipment including the measuring device; enabling remote display or even multiple sensors sharing a display; and low operating costs.

Claims

1. A gymnastics apparatus, comprising a tension cable (2), to which a mechanical tension is applied, and wherein the tension cable (2) ensures the stability or rigidity of the gymnastics apparatus. Its features are, The gymnastics equipment includes a measuring device (3) permanently fixed to the cable (2) such that the tension of the cable is directly transmitted to the measuring device (3). When mechanical tension is applied to the measuring device (3), the dimensions of the measuring device (3) do not change. The measuring device (3) includes a force sensor configured to transmit a raw electrical signal corresponding to representative information representing the tension of the cable. The measuring device (3) also includes: A signal processing apparatus configured to generate the representative information from the original electrical signal; and An alarm device is provided, which is arranged to issue an alarm signal when the tension value of the cable (2) exceeds a predetermined range. The force sensor, the signal processing device, and the alarm device are integrated into the measuring device (3).

2. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The force sensor is a strain gauge.

3. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The measuring device is configured to allow the user to select a tension range or tension, and the error margin for a preferred tension range or preferred tension, before triggering the alarm signal.

4. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The measuring device (3) includes a display (4) arranged to indicate representative information representing the tension of the cable (2).

5. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The displays (4, 4a, 4b) are arranged to provide the value of the tension of the taut cable (2).

6. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The measuring device (3) includes a connection port for connecting a display (4a) arranged to indicate representative information representing the tension of the cable (2).

7. The gymnastics apparatus of claim 5, comprising displays (4a, 4b) communicating with the measuring device to indicate representative information representing the tension.

8. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device (3) includes a system for wirelessly transmitting representative information representing the tension of the cable (2) to a display (4b).

9. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The displays (4, 4a, 4b) are arranged to provide the value of the tension of the taut cable (2).

10. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device (3) includes a data storage device arranged to store representative information representing the tension of the cable (2).

11. The gymnastics apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a data storage device, the data storage device including at least one user curve associated with the user gymnastics apparatus, the at least one user curve including a required tension value in the cable.

12. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring device (3) includes at least one battery that enables the measuring device (3) to operate, and the measuring device (3) includes a light-emitting diode (5) arranged to indicate the state of the at least one battery.

13. The gymnastics apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of ropes (2) and a measuring device (3) for each rope (2).

14. The gymnastics apparatus of claim 13, comprising a common display (4) for all measuring devices (3) and configured to indicate representative information representing the tension of the plurality of cables (2).

15. The gymnastics equipment according to claim 14, wherein, The public display includes an interface that displays the tension of the plurality of tension cables on a single screen.

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