Physical training aid device

Abstract

Physical training aid device (1) comprising: - a rigid housing (10) made of electrically insulating material defining a housing (11), including a dome-shaped cover (12) and a base (14), - a plate (20) made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material resting on the cover (12) and conforming to its shape, provided with a grid of studs (22), - a dome-shaped shell (30) made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material, located above and completely covering the plate (20), with a free space separating it from the plate (20), a free edge (32) of the shell being attached to the housing, the plate (20) and the shell (30) defining a pressure sensor (100) capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the shell, - an electronic management system (40) for the pressure sensor (100) located inside the housing (11) and connected to the pressure sensor (100). Figure from the summary: Fig.1

Description

Title of the invention: Physical training aid device Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a physical training device for measuring effort when pressure is applied to its external surface. State of the art

[0002] In recent years, more and more people have decided to exercise at home by following various programs or videos found on the internet. As a result, numerous devices have been developed to help users engage in physical activity at home, whether for rehabilitation, training, or even play. Users can thus adapt their space with existing devices and receive guidance during their workout.

[0003] For example, there are sets of interactive units configured to communicate with a mobile application during a training session. The interactive units are separate and detect an action by the player when they apply pressure to them with their hand or foot. An example of interactive units is shown in document WO2017025972. The units described in this document include a base and a stand forming a housing. The housing includes a pressure sensor and a Bluetooth® transmitter to send the information measured by the sensor. All the information is sent to a receiver and a mobile application, which analyzes the data and presents the information to the user.

[0004] Although practical, existing interactive units include a hard base which presents safety issues and can lead to user injuries, particularly if the unit tips over. Furthermore, the sensors used are relatively expensive to manufacture, which increases the unit's production cost.

[0005] The applicant has developed a compact training aid device that allows pressure to be applied by the hands and feet without risk of injury while protecting the electronic system during user training. This device, described in document FR3136679, comprises: - a rigid base defining a first housing closed by a lid, - a base made of an elastic polymer material resting on and fixed to the base, the base having, on the side opposite the base, a support wall forming a drive surface, the support wall defining with the rest of the base a second housing located above the first housing and separated from it by the cover of the base, - a pressure sensor located inside the second housing in contact with the base's support wall, the pressure sensor being capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the wall, - an electronic pressure sensor management system located inside the first housing and connected to the pressure sensor.

[0006] The present invention aims to improve existing training aid devices, particularly in terms of sensitivity to support forces, ease of manufacture, sealing, stability, and functionalities offered. To this end, the sensor is no longer enclosed within a housing but forms an external part of the device, which also increases the sensor's surface area.

[0007] The invention thus relates to a device to aid physical training comprising:

[0008] - a rigid housing made of electrically insulating material defining a housing, the housing comprising a dome-shaped lid and a base attached to the lid; optionally, the casing consists of the lid and the base.

[0009] - a plate made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material resting on the a dome-shaped cover conforming to its shape, said plate being provided with a mesh of studs on its face opposite the housing,

[0010] - a shell made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material having a dome-shaped, located above the plate and covering it entirely, with a free space between the shell and the plate, and a free edge of the shell being attached to the rigid casing, the plate and the shell defining a pressure sensor capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the shell, in particular a signal proportional to the force exerted on the shell,

[0011] - an electronic pressure sensor management system located inside the housing and connected to the pressure sensor.

[0012] The aid device according to the invention has the advantage of being simple to make, with a reduced number of parts.

[0013] In addition, the presence of a grid of pins on the sensor plate and the fact that the sensor forms the outer surface of the device, improve the detection sensitivity of the sensor, and consequently of the device.

[0014] Furthermore, the general dome shape of the aid device according to the invention promotes its flatness on the ground and its stability, as well as the return of the shell to its initial shape in the absence of pressure exerted.

[0015] By way of example, good stability of the aid device according to the invention can be obtained with a ratio of housing height to maximum housing dimension of 10 to 40%, preferably 15 to 25%, the height being measured perpendicular to a lower face of the case and the maximum dimension corresponding to the maximum dimension of this lower face of the case, on which the case rests on a flat surface (ground or other).

[0016] Finally, due to its structure, the training aid device is sufficiently flexible, particularly because the polymer sensor forms the top of the device and typically represents more than 90% of its external surface area, to allow for pressure from the hands and feet without risk of injury. The rigid housing also protects the sensor's electronic control system without affecting the sensitivity of the sensor located above it. The training aid device is also compact, making it easy to move and position even in confined spaces.

[0017] Generally, the housing cover and the shell can have radii of curvature chosen such that the distance separating the shell from the plate resting on the cover is constant over their entire surface. In this way, each vertex of a pin on the plate, whose shape matches that of the cover, can be located at the same distance from the shell. The sensitivity of the sensor is then identical at every point on its external surface.

[0018] Advantageously, for improved stability, an external lateral surface of the base can extend into the continuation of the sensor housing. The entire drive device according to the invention then has a dome shape.

[0019] The housing (cover and base) is made of electrically insulating material, preferably a polymer material. Typically, an electrically insulating polymer material has an electrical resistivity of at least 1080 hm·cm.

[0020] The housing of the device according to the invention is rigid. Advantageously, the cover and at least part of the base can then be made of a rigid material, preferably a rigid polymer material. By "rigid polymer material" is meant a non-deformable material. This type of material typically has a Shore D hardness of 40 to 80 points measured according to ISO 48-4:2018.

[0021] In particular, the stabilized Shore D hardness can be measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, after 3 seconds of force application. It should be noted that Shore D hardness is a measurement scale from 0 to 100, with values ​​typically ranging from 25 to 95 points.

[0022] Non-limiting examples of usable rigid polymers include racrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), racrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), or any other material exhibiting a hardness Shore D of 40 to 80 points measured according to ISO 48-4:2018.

[0023] The base can be made entirely of rigid polymer material.

[0024] However, in an advantageous embodiment, the base may have a portion, preferably an inner portion, made of rigid polymer material and another portion, preferably an outer portion, made of elastic polymer material. The elastic polymer material may typically have a Shore A hardness, measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, of 50 to 90 points.

[0025] By "elastic polymer material" is meant an elastic material capable of returning to its original shape following deformation. Typically, a material is said to be elastic when it retracts in 1 minute to less than 1.5 times its original length after being stretched at room temperature (18 to 29 °C) to twice its original length and held for 1 minute before release.

[0026] Thus, in one embodiment, the base may have a first part made of rigid polymer material and a second part made of elastic polymer material, the second part covering at least a portion of an underside of the first part intended to rest on a flat surface and / or a lateral face of the first part extending from the sensor housing. Such a base can, on the one hand, further absorb shocks to the housing and, on the other hand, limit the device's slippage on a hard surface.

[0027] Preferably, the second part covers at least part of a lower face for better adhesion of the assistive device according to the invention to the surface on which it rests. More preferably, this second part covers at least part of the lower face of the first part intended to rest on a flat surface and of the lateral face of the first part. This second part can then form an external lateral surface of the base extending in line with the sensor housing. The external surface of the entire assistive device according to the invention can thus be made of an elastic material, which can help prevent injuries and improve the overall appearance of the device.

[0028] Advantageously, the free edge of the housing can be pinched between the base and the cover of the housing. This allows for a simple sealing of the housing at the junction between the base and the cover, notably without having to add a sealing element. Typically, this free edge extends towards the housing, parallel to a lower face of the aid device. The pinching can then be carried out essentially in a direction perpendicular to the lower face, in particular along the direction in which the base is attached to the housing.

[0029] Advantageously, the aid device according to the invention may include fastening means removably attached to the base, on an underside of the base intended to rest on a surface. This removable fastening may be achieved by Reversible fastening elements, such as male and female parts capable of cooperating through rotation, translation, or a combination thereof to achieve reversible fastening, are provided on the underside of the base and on the fastening means. The fastening means may, for example, include a plate removably attached to the underside of the base, for example, by reversible fastening elements. The plate may include one or more fastening components, such as a hanging hole, a hook, a magnetic component, a Velcro® strip, a suction cup, etc. Alternatively, these fastening means may include one or more fastening components equipped with reversible fastening elements capable of cooperating with corresponding reversible fastening elements attached to the underside of the base.

[0030] The constituent elements of the sensor used in the present invention, namely the casing and the plate, are made entirely of electrically conductive elastic polymer material. This allows for simplicity of manufacture while offering an economic advantage compared to conventional pressure sensors using metal inserts.

[0031] The shell can advantageously be made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material having a Shore A hardness, measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, of 50 to 90 points, preferably 60 to 85 points, typically 70 to 80 Shore A.

[0032] The plate may be made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material having a shore A hardness, measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, of 50 to 90 points, preferably 60 to 85 points, typically 70 to 80 Shore A.

[0033] In particular, the stabilized Shore A hardness can be measured according to ISO 48-4:2018, after 3 seconds of force application. It should be noted that Shore A hardness is a measurement scale from 0 to 100, with values ​​typically ranging from 25 to 95 points.

[0034] Advantageously, the electrically conductive elastic polymer material used to make the plate and the shell can comprise a matrix of electrically insulating elastic polymer material to which a conductive charge has been added.

[0035] The electrically insulating elastic polymer material of the matrix can be chosen from natural rubber (NR), synthetic rubber such as, for example, an ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (also called "EPDM" for "Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer"), butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers, also called "nitrile rubbers" (NBR), butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBR), polychloroprene (CR), polyisoprene (IR), polyurethane (PUR), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS), poly(styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene) (SEBS), polybutadiene (BR); or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0036] A thermoplastic elastomer can be a physical mixture of polymers or Another block copolymer (polyamides, polyether esters, polystyrenes, polyurethanes) is thermoplastic elastomers, which are physical mixtures of polymers. These can be polyolefin blends, such as PP / EPDM blends (PP: polypropylene), styrene block copolymers (TPS), or dynamically vulcanized blends (TPV, "Thermo Plastic Vulcanizates"). Thermoplastic elastomers that are block copolymers can be styrene block copolymers (SBC), polyamide / elastomer block copolymers (COPA), polyether ester / elastomer block copolymers (COPE), and polyurethane / elastomer block copolymers (TPU).The elastomer component can be polybutadiene, poly(ethylene-co-alkene), polyisobutylene, poly(oxyethylene), poly(ester), polysiloxane or any elastomer, while the rigid (thermoplastic) component can be polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), urethane, poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) ionomer (sodium, Mg or Zn salt), ethylene-propylene-diene monomer and fluoropolymers.

[0037] The conductive filler incorporated into the electrically insulating elastic polymer matrix may comprise powders and / or fibers, which may be metallic or contain (or be composed of) carbon (carbon black, graphite, or similar). The proportion of conductive filler in the electrically insulating polymer matrix may be chosen to obtain an electrically conductive polymer material with a sufficiently low electrical resistivity to ensure proper operation of the sensor and sufficiently high to allow detection of a change in voltage or resistance caused by a variation in the contact area between the conductive parts (the plate and the casing). Typically, the conductive polymer material used for the plate and the casing may have an electrical resistivity of at most 10⁶ Ohm·cm and at least 10² Ohm·cm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the base may be made of translucent or transparent polymer material. The aid device may then include at least one light source, typically at least one light-emitting diode (LED), connected to the electronic control system and located inside the housing and / or integrated into the housing. When at least one light source is located inside the housing, it may be positioned as close as possible to the base in order to illuminate it, with the base acting as a light guide. Alternatively or in combination, at least one light source may be integrated into the housing, and in particular into the base, for example, embedded in the base material, overmolded with the base, particularly between a rigid and an elastic part of the base, or housed in a groove provided for this purpose in the base or the cover.

[0039] The management system can in particular be configured to control at least one light source so as to emit light in response to pressure This pressure is applied to the casing or in response to another signal received by the management system. A visual signal from the device can be provided to the user, indicating, for example, that the device needs to be pressed or that the sensor has detected pressure. This visual signal may include a change in color and / or intensity.

[0040] The transparent or translucent polymer material constituting the base can be chosen from any transparent or translucent polymer known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of transparent or translucent polymers that can be used to make the base, and in particular the rigid and elastic parts of the base, include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0041] Advantageously, the pins of the plate can have any shape. However, for simplicity of manufacture and for better sensitivity, a shape of revolution with axial symmetry may be chosen, for example from a conical, frustoconical and pyramidal shape, preferably a conical shape.

[0042] Advantageously, for uniform detection, the pins can be identical. Alternatively, or in combination, they can advantageously be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the plate, in particular with identical spacing between the peaks of adjacent pins.

[0043] The plate can advantageously be fixed to the lid. This fixing can be achieved by applying glue or, preferably, by overmolding the plate and the lid.

[0044] The spacing between the spikes can vary depending on the desired detection sensitivity. As a non-limiting example, a spacing of approximately 10 mm between adjacent spikes ensures the detection of a child's finger pressing the case. Those skilled in the art can adjust this distance according to the required sensitivity.

[0045] As already mentioned, a free space is provided between the shell and the plate when no external pressure is exerted on the shell. The tip of each stud is thus located at a distance from the shell when no external pressure is exerted on the latter. A person skilled in the art can determine this distance according to the desired sensitivity through testing, taking into account various parameters such as the thickness of the shell, the dimensions of the studs, the hardness of the materials used, etc.

[0046] By way of non-limiting example, the distance separating each peak of a stud from the shell, in the absence of external pressure on the latter, can be from 1 to 4 mm, ideally 2 mm, particularly for a shell with a thickness of 1 to 4 mm, studs of 1 to 4 mm high, and a plate 1 to 4 mm thick.

[0047] The training aid device may advantageously include an electrical circuit electrically connected to the plate, the shell and the electronic management system.

[0048] Typically, this electrical circuit is closed and generates a signal when the plate and the shell are in contact, and is open when the plate and the shell are not in contact. Preferably, this signal can be proportional to the force exerted on the sensor.

[0049] This electrical circuit may, for example, include conductive wires electrically connected to the parts to be connected. However, in a preferred embodiment, this electrical circuit is integrated into an electronic board, also referred to as a printed circuit board in this application. An electronic board typically includes an insulating plate on which various electronic components are mounted, including electronic chips, resistors, capacitors, connectors, etc.

[0050] Thus, in one embodiment, the electrical circuit may include electrical connectors integrated into a printed circuit board, said printed circuit board being positioned between the base and the cover of the case, and having at least one first electrical connector in contact with the edge of the case and at least one second electrical connector in contact with the plate.

[0051] This simplifies the implementation of the sensor.

[0052] Advantageously, for simple implementation of electrical contacts with the casing and the plate, the printed circuit board may have one or more of the following characteristics: - a peripheral area of ​​the printed circuit board is pinched between the edge of the casing and the base, and at least one first electrical connector is located partly within this peripheral pinched area, - at least one second electrical connector is in contact with the plate (i) via a metal spring one end of which is in contact with the plate and the other end in contact with at least one second electrical connector or (ii) with a finger made of material with the plate and extending from it to at least one second connector, the cover having at least one corresponding opening for the passage of the spring or finger.

[0053] In particular, the finger or spring may be positioned at a central point on the plate, substantially perpendicular to the underside of the base. Regardless of the embodiment, the cover may have a cylindrical or frustoconical spacer extending the entire height of the cover around the opening for the finger or spring and receiving the finger or spring.

[0054] Advantageously, the training aid device may further include a An audible device capable of generating sound, connected to the control system and located inside the housing. The control system can be configured to control the audible device so that it emits a sound in response to pressure applied to the housing or in response to another signal received by the control system. This allows for audible signaling of the device to the user, for example, to indicate that the device needs to be pressed or that the sensor has detected pressure. Such audible signaling can be combined with the visual signaling mentioned above.

[0055] Advantageously, the management system may include a power supply device, a signal processing system generated by the sensor, and optionally at least one of the following: a remote communication system with a computer, mobile phone, watch or tablet; a battery charging system.

[0056] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the following figures:

[0057] [Fig-1] is a cross-sectional view of the training aid device according to one embodiment.

[0058] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the plate provided with studs of the device re presented [Fig.1].

[0059] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the housing of the device shown [Fig.1].

[0060] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the shell of the device shown [Fig.1].

[0061] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the rigid support of the device shown [Fig.1].

[0062] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of the device management system training.

[0063] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of the training aid device according to another method of implementation.

[0064] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of the training aid device according to yet another another method of implementation.

[0065] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the device shown [Fig.8].

[0066] In the figures, similar elements are designated by the same references.

[0067] Figure 1 represents a training aid device 1 whose general shape is similar to a dome, with a flat lower face 2 intended to rest on a flat support (floor, wall, window, etc.) and a curved, dome-shaped external upper face 3. The shape of the device, here similar to a portion of a sphere with a circular lower face, is not, however, limited to this example and can take an ovoid shape, for example.

[0068] The training aid device 1 makes it possible to measure the effort when exercising Pressure can be applied to its outer surface 3 with the hand or foot, but also with any other part of the body such as the elbow and knee. The device can also measure the effort when pressure is applied with a training accessory such as a racket, a bicycle, or any other accessory.

[0069] The device 1 comprises a rigid housing 10, a plate 20 of electrically conductive elastic polymer material, a deformable shell 30 of electrically conductive elastic polymer material and a management system 40 shown schematically [Fig. 1].

[0070] The rigid housing 10 defines a housing 11 and includes a dome-shaped cover 12 and a base 14 attached to the cover 12.

[0071] By "dome-shaped," we mean a part having a curved, convex shape, which may be a portion of a sphere or any other curved surface, provided that the part has a curved shape whose convexity is directed outwards from the device. The general appearance of the device according to the invention is thus a convex shape, similar to a flying saucer, thereby limiting the device's tendency to tip over.

[0072] The rigid housing 10, and in particular its cover 12, is preferably made of a rigid, electrically insulating polymer material. By way of non-limiting example, suitable materials include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). However, any other rigid, non-deformable polymer material may be considered.

[0073] The housing 10 can be made in a very simple way. In the example shown, it comprises the base 14 having the flat lower face 2 which can be placed on a surface, and the dome-shaped lid 12 fixed to the base.

[0074] In this example, the cover 12 is provided with a plurality of vertical walls 13, for example arranged in a star pattern as shown in [Fig. 3], and extending substantially over the height of the cover (measured perpendicular to the flat underside 2). These vertical walls 13 thus allow the housing 11 to be divided into several compartments that can contain components of the device, such as the control system 40 and other components. These vertical walls 13 also provide structural reinforcement to the housing, and in particular to the cover 12. The invention is, of course, not limited by the number of vertical walls 13 and / or by their arrangement.

[0075] In the example, the cover 12 is fixed to the base 14 by a plurality of screws 15 distributed around the periphery of the base 12. For greater robustness, these screws 15 are located here at the level of the vertical walls 13.

[0076] The invention is not limited, however, by the method of attaching the cover to the housing and attachment by clipping or by fitting can be envisaged.

[0077] In the example shown, the base 14 has an external lateral surface 14a located in the extension of the external upper face 3 of the aid device, as seen [Fig. 1]. The entire device thus has a dome shape, the external face of which is continuous.

[0078] The base 14 has, on the side opposite the housing 10, a bottom wall 14b whose lower face is designed to rest on a flat surface (floor, wall, window) and whose upper face receives the cover 12 and the edge 32 of the shell 30. This bottom wall 14b is bordered by a frustoconical annular rim that extends from the shell 30 and forms the external lateral surface 14a. The bottom wall 14b is pierced by a central opening 14c and a plurality of peripheral openings 14d for the passage of the fixing screws 15. The central opening 14c provides access to the compartment 11 or accommodates a battery charging system. Alternatively, this central opening 14c could be omitted, in which case access to the housing would require dismantling the base 14.

[0079] The plate 20, made of electrically conductive polymer material, rests on the cover 12 and conforms to its shape. This plate 20 is typically made of an electrically conductive elastic polymer material, for example, selected from the electrically conductive polymers described above.

[0080] This plate 20 is provided with a grid of pins 22 on its face 21 located on the side opposite the housing 10. These pins 22, formed from the material with the plate 20, thus protrude from the face 21 substantially perpendicularly to it. Preferably, as shown in this example, the pins 22 are identical and evenly distributed over the entire surface of the face 21 of the plate. The apexes of adjacent pins are then separated by the same distance, which can be chosen according to the desired sensitivity. Preferably, the pins 22 can have a shape of revolution with axial symmetry having an apex, such as a cone, a truncated cone, or a pyramid. Here, the pins 22 are conical.

[0081] By way of non-limiting example, conical pins 22 may have a height of 1 to 4 mm, for example 2 mm, and a base with a diameter of 4 mm. The spacing between the apexes of adjacent pins may be 1 cm.

[0082] The invention is not limited by these dimensions, shapes, density of pins, etc., however, and a person skilled in the art will be able to determine by tests the most appropriate dimensions, shapes and distributions to obtain the desired sensitivity.

[0083] The plate 20 can be made by molding, or overmolding with the lid 12, so that it has a curved shape following the shape of the lid 12.

[0084] The plate 20 can optionally be attached to the cover 12, for example by gluing, interlocking or other, or by overmolding onto the latter.

[0085] The shell 30 is also made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material and has a dome shape. Due to the elastic nature of the polymer constituting it, the shell 30 is deformable under the effect of external pressure, its dome shape facilitating its return to an initial position in the absence of external pressure. It is located above the plate 20 and completely covers it, a free space 25 being provided between the shell 30 and the plate 20, a free edge 32 of the shell 30 being attached to the rigid housing 10. This free space 25, and in particular the distance separating the top of each pin 22 of the shell 30, can be defined by those skilled in the art through testing, depending on the desired sensitivity, the dimensions of the drive aid device 1, and the materials chosen for the shell and the plate.

[0086] By way of non-limiting example, for a circular housing of 14 to 16 cm in diameter, an EPDM plate 20 with a Shore A hardness of 75 ± 5 points provided with conical studs 22 of 1 to 4 mm in height and an EPDM shell with a Shore A hardness of 75 ± 5 points with a thickness of 1 to 4 mm, the distance separating the tops of the studs from the shell can be 1 to 4 mm.

[0087] This distance can advantageously be constant over the entire surface of the plate 20, as shown. The plate 20 (and consequently the cover 12) and the shell 30 are then dome-shaped with radii of curvature adapted to maintain this constant distance.

[0088] In the example shown, the training aid device 1 also includes a spacer 50 made of rigid material and a rigid support 60. The spacer 50 is positioned between the base 14 and the cover 12, at the height of the edge 32 of the shell 30. It allows control of the crushing of the edge 32 between the rim 16 and the base 14, for better support.

[0089] The rigid support 60 is positioned under the base 14 of the housing. In the example, it is an annular plate on which the screws 15 are positioned. It can be used to reinforce the attachment of the base to the cover.

[0090] The rigid support 60 can be made of polymer or metallic material. It is equipped with a plurality of holes 61 for the passage of screws 15. It also has a central hole 62, which corresponds to the hole 14c of the base 14 when mounted. In this example, it thus takes the form of an annular plate. The invention is, of course, not limited by a specific shape; in particular, the hole 62 could be absent.

[0091] This rigid support 60 is positioned against an underside of the bottom wall 14b of the base 14, as shown [Fig. 1], with the openings 61 and 62 corresponding to the openings 14d and 14c of the base 12, respectively. Screws 15 inserted from the underside of the device thus pass through the openings 61 and 14d to the cover 12. Note that these screws are the same as the screws 15 used to attach the cover 12 to the base 14. The cover 12 and the base 14 may have threaded holes to retain the screw, or the screws used may be self-tapping screws screwed directly into the housing material. Alternatively, different sets of screws may be used to attach the rigid support to the housing and the housing components to each other, although this is not preferred.

[0092] Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, the base 14 is sandwiched between the rigid support 60 and the cover 12 (see [Fig. 1]). Furthermore, the free edge 32 of the shell 30 curves back towards the center of the shell at the height of the bottom wall 13 of the housing and fits vertically between a flange 16 of the cover and the base 14. In other words, the free edge 32 of the shell extends substantially parallel to the lower face 2 of the device and fits between the cover 12, more precisely its flange 16, and the base 14, being pinched between them in a direction perpendicular to the lower face 2. This ensures a secure fit and also guarantees the housing is watertight. When all the elements 10, 20, 30, 60 are assembled, the device presents an outer face in the shape of a dome without discontinuity.

[0093] The rigid support 60 may also be provided with fastening means (not shown) allowing it to be fixed, preferably temporarily, to a flat surface (glass, wall, floor). These means may be as described with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0094] The invention is not limited to this embodiment, however, and the training aid device 1 could comprise only the housing 10, the plate 20, the shell 30 and the management system 40.

[0095] The housing 11 of the casing may include other elements, such as for example at least one light source 70, for example of the light-emitting diode type, and / or at least one sound device 72 connected to the management system 40.

[0096] When one or more light sources are present, a transparent or translucent polymer material will then be chosen for the base 14. The base material can then form a light guide for the emitted light.

[0097] The plate 20 and the shell 30 define a pressure sensor 100 capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the shell 20.

[0098] The training aid device 1 also includes an electronic management system 40 connected to the pressure sensor 100 by an electrical circuit 110. As shown in [Fig. 1] and 6, the management system 40, located within the housing 11, for example in one of the compartments, includes a power supply device 41 and a signal processing system 42 generated by the sensor 100.

[0099] The electrical circuit 110 is electrically connected to the conductive parts of the sensor 100, namely to the plate 20 and to the shell 30. This electrical circuit 110 is thus closed and generates a signal when the conductive parts 20, 30 are in contact (following the exercise of pressure in a direction bringing the shell closer to the plate until they touch) and open when the conductive parts 20, 30 are not in contact.

[0100] In the example shown in Figures 1-6, the electrical circuit 110 typically comprises three electrically conductive wires: two conductive wires 111, 112 each connected to one of the conductive parts 20, 30, one of which is a conductive wire 111 connected to the positive terminal of the power supply of the power supply device 41 and the other is a conductive wire 112 connected to the negative terminal of the power supply of the power supply device 41. The electrical circuit includes a third measuring conductive wire 113 which connects one of the conductive parts, here the plate 20, to the management system 40, which is also connected to the negative terminal of the power supply of the power supply device 41 by a conductive wire 114.

[0101] The power supply device 41 can be, for example, a battery. A 3.7 V, 250 mAh lithium-ion battery could be used, for example. Battery charging is typically managed by an electronic board (not shown) with a micro USB connector, for example, or via a wireless charging system, for example, by induction.

[0102] The signal processing system 42 can be a processor or a microcontroller that will manage all the peripherals. For example, an ESP32® microcontroller could be used. The signal processing system 42 is connected to the pressure sensor 100 by the electrical circuit 110. For this purpose, the housing 10 may have openings allowing the wires 111, 112, 113 to pass through. The signal processing system 42 can be powered by the battery 41, for example after converting the voltage from 3.7 Volts to 5 Volts by a converter 43. The power supply device 41 can also power at least one light-emitting diode (LED) 70 and / or a sound device 72, using, if necessary, a second voltage converter 44 converting, for example, from 3.7 V to 12 V (or from 5 V to 12 V) by connecting the converter 44 to the converter 43).

[0103] The processing system 42 can, for example, operate as follows. It measures the response of the pressure sensor 100 on one of the inputs of the analog-to-digital converter (12-bit ADC = 4096 values) and controls the inputs of the LED 70 and / or the sound device 72 via a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal sent to transistors. In particular, an ADC with a higher or lower resolution can be used for a greater or lesser measurement sensitivity. For example, a 12-bit ADC can provide a digital signal from 0 to 2¹² = 4095. When the The ADC measures a maximum input voltage; the digital signal emitted by the ADC will be 4095. For any intermediate voltage value entering the ADC, the emitted digital signal will therefore have a value between 0 and 4095. The voltage measured by the ADC will be higher the larger the contact area of ​​the conductive parts.

[0104] The electrical circuit 110 generates a signal (i) representing the value of a voltage measured between the conductive parts or a signal (ii) representing the value of a resistance measured between the conductive parts. This signal is detected by the processing system 42, in particular by an analog-to-digital converter integrated into the processing system. Specifically, when the conductive parts come into contact with each other, the intensity of the signal generated by the electrical circuit will increase as the contact area between the conductive parts (the casing and the plate) increases. In other words, the signal intensity is proportional to the contact area of ​​the conductive parts and consequently to the voltage measured between the conductive parts of the pressure sensor.This relationship between the intensity of the generated signal and the contact area of ​​the conductive parts results from the fact that the conductive parts have a sufficiently high electrical resistivity for the voltage change caused by a variation in the contact area between the conductive parts to be detected by the processing system. Conductive polymer materials generally have a volume resistivity of 10⁶ Ohm·cm or less. Conductive polymer materials usable in the present invention may have a volume resistivity of 10² Ohm·cm to 10⁶ Ohm·cm.

[0105] The processing system 42 can thus be configured (programmed) to:

[0106] (a) receive the signal generated by electrical circuit 110 and determine a value measured (i) voltage, and optionally the measured value (ii) resistance, and

[0107] (bl) determine, from the measured value (i) voltage or (ii) resistance, whether pressure is being applied to sensor 100, and then generate a pressure detection signal when pressure is applied, or

[0108] (b2) determine, from the measured value (i) of voltage or (ii) of re resistance, an amplitude information of the pressure exerted on sensor 100, then generate a signal representative of the pressure amplitude information.

[0109] Determining the measured resistance value during step (a2) may involve using a reference resistor, which is a real physical resistance 115 of known value mounted in the electrical circuit 110 between the positive terminal of the power supply device 41 and one of the conductive parts, here the casing 30. This resistor may also be positioned between the negative terminal of the power supply device 41 and a measurement connector (PIN) of an electronic board on which the electrical circuit 110 is integrated. The measured resistance value Rm (which corresponds to the re The resistance of the conductive part to which the measuring conductor is connected is then determined from the measured voltage value Ui of the electrical circuit (voltage between the measuring conductor 113 and the negative terminal of the power supply device 41), a supply voltage U (measured between the conductor 111 and the conductor 112), and the resistance Rf of the reference resistor 115. Using the formula for a voltage divider bridge Ui = U . Rm / (Rm + Rf), Rm can then be determined.

[0110] Step (bl) is generally implemented by comparing the measured voltage or resistance value with a threshold value. This threshold value can be determined experimentally, depending on the desired detection threshold, which may vary depending on the use of the drive device. It should be noted that this threshold depends in particular on the conductivity of the sensor materials: the higher the conductivity, the lower the threshold and the more sensitive the sensor. It is thus understood that by choosing appropriate materials and pin spacing, those skilled in the art can produce sensors with different detection thresholds.

[0111] The processing system 42 is then configured to determine that pressure is exerted on the sensor 100 when the measured value is greater than the threshold value.

[0112] Step (b2) is generally implemented by comparing the measured voltage value or the measured resistance value with a plurality of reference values, each reference value corresponding to a measured voltage, or a measured resistance, for an applied pressure of a predetermined amplitude. The processing system is then configured to determine the amplitude information of the applied pressure.

[0113] A database of these reference values ​​can be established beforehand, typically through experimentation. This database can, for example, be established during a calibration operation in which the signals generated by the sensor are recorded for different pressure amplitudes applied to the sensor. Thus, the database associates each pressure amplitude with a signal generated by the electrical circuit. The processing system 42 is then configured, in particular programmed, to extract information on the amplitude of the pressure applied from this database.

[0114] This database may in particular be established by the user.

[0115] Alternatively, the control system may include a signal processing system 42 directly connected to the electrical circuit 110, and comprising an operational amplifier that will only allow current to flow when the voltage between the conductors to which it is connected (conductor wire 114 and measuring conductor wire 113) is greater than a threshold value. In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide an actual physical resistance 115 in the electrical circuit.

[0116] Optionally, the management system 40 also includes a remote communication system 45 with an external device 46 such as a computer, mobile phone, watch, or tablet. The communication system 45 can be any wireless radio communication system. Preferably, it will be a Bluetooth® system. The external device 46 advantageously includes an application for managing the training device (turning it on and off), selecting the desired training session, and displaying data transmitted by the remote communication system of the management system. The remote communication system 45 is controlled by the signal processing system 42.

[0117] In the case of a training session, the user can use several training devices communicating with, for example, a mobile phone through a dedicated application.

[0118] With the training devices spaced apart within a user-defined area, each training device can be configured to: provide a light and / or sound signal detectable by the user, receive instructions from the application prompting the user to engage in physical activity or exercise, and transmit signals in response to user actions during physical activity, and possibly based on pressure applied to the device. Physical activity includes, for example, one or more of the following: running, jumping, or touching one or more training devices with the feet or hands.

[0119] In one embodiment, the training devices can be adapted to communicate with each other. One training device can be designated as the main device and the others as affiliated devices. Its management system can then be configured to receive signals from all the affiliated devices and transmit information to the application. If this device runs out of battery, another training device can take over.

[0120] The training aid device shown [Fig.7] differs from that described with reference to Figures 1-6 essentially by the shape of the base 14 and the arrangement of the electrical circuit of the sensor.

[0121] In this embodiment, the base 14 comprises a first part 140 made of rigid polymer material and a second part 142 made of elastic polymer material. In this example, the second part 142 covers at least a portion of the lower face of the first part 140, corresponding to the lower face 2 of the device, and also covers a lateral face 140a of the first part 140 extending from the sensor housing 30.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sensor's electrical circuit is integrated into a printed circuit board 80 positioned between the base 14 and the cover 12. In general, as shown here, the printed circuit board can rest on the base 14 and have openings for the passage of parts of the cover 12 resting on the base 14. This helps to limit the physical stresses exerted on the printed circuit board.

[0123] As shown, a peripheral area 80a of the printed circuit board 80 is pinched between the edge 32 of the shell and the base 14. A first electrical connector 80b is located partly in this peripheral pinched area, in contact with the edge 32 of the shell 30.

[0124] A second electrical connector 80c is in contact with the plate 20, here via a metal spring 82, one end of which is in contact with the plate 20 and the other end is in contact with the second connector 80c. In the example shown, this second electrical connector 80c is positioned in the center of the printed circuit board 80. The spring 82 extends along a vertical axis, perpendicular to the lower face 2 of the device, to the plate 20. For better support of the spring, the plate 20 has a recess 23 receiving the end of the spring 80. Furthermore, the cover 12 is pierced with an opening 12a for the passage of the spring 82. In addition, the cover 12 has a cylindrical or frustoconical spacer 12b extending over the entire height of the cover 12 (and here to the base 14) around the perimeter of the opening 12a for the passage of the spring 82 and receiving the spring.This keeps it in a position ensuring good electrical contact with plate 20 and printed circuit board 80.

[0125] Thus, in this embodiment, the electrical wires 111, 112, 113, are replaced by several electrical connectors 80b and 80c which are connected by electrically conductive tracks (for example in copper) to the management system 40. A conductive track not shown replacing the wire 114.

[0126] In general, the printed circuit board can integrate the electrical circuit components described with reference to the embodiment of Figures 1-6, and in particular the converters described, the resistor 115; and / or the management system components, and in particular the signal processing system 42, the power supply device 41, the remote communication system 45; one or more light sources 70, one or more sound devices 72; and / or a battery charging system.

[0127] It should be noted that the base 14 also has on its face opposite the cover, a housing 144, here of annular shape and positioned under the printed circuit board 80, which can receive a battery charging system, such as a wireless charging system, by induction, or any other charging system.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, several light sources 70, typically LEDs, are positioned under the printed circuit board 80, here at the level from the peripheral zone 80a of the board to be as close as possible to the external lateral surface 14a of the base and better diffuse the light outwards. It should also be noted that the base 14, here the rigid part 140 of the base, has a groove 141 receiving the LEDs 70. The invention is not, however, limited to such an arrangement of the LEDs, which could be positioned in another location on the printed circuit board, or be embedded in the material of the base, or be housed in the groove 141 of the base, in contact with an electrical connector of the printed circuit board.

[0129] Finally, the lower face 2 of the device shown [Fig.7] has female fixing elements 2a, which can receive male fixing elements not shown for the reversible fixing of fixing means, as described for example in more detail with reference to [Fig.8].

[0130] In this [Fig. 8], the spring 82 is replaced by a finger 26 formed from the material along with the plate 20. This finger 26 has a frustoconical shape to facilitate its production by molding. However, the invention is not limited to a particular shape of the finger 26. The spacer 12b of the lid has a similar shape, with a space separating it from the finger 26 to facilitate the demolding of the two parts when they are overmolded.

[0131] In this embodiment, the base's fastening elements 2a cooperate reversibly with complementary shaped elements 92 attached to a plate 94. The underside of this plate is shown [Fig. 9]. The plate 94 includes a keyhole-shaped opening 96 for attaching the device to a hook or similar device, and an internal cavity 98 (also visible [Fig. 8]) with openings 98a, 98b, for example, for the passage of a strap (not shown). The elements 96, 98, 98a, and 98b form fastening members as defined in the invention. The plate 94, together with the fastening members, forms fastening means 90 as defined in the invention. Other types of fastening members can be attached to the plate (suction cup, etc.). These fastening members could also be directly and reversibly attached to the base's fastening elements 2a.

[0132] The support device described with reference to Figures 1-5 could include fastening means of the type described with reference to Figures 7-9. Furthermore, the spacer 50 present in the embodiment of Figures 1-5 could be replaced by a printed circuit board of the type described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the electrical contact with the edge 32 then being made via the ends of this edge. One or more springs 82 or fingers 26 can then be provided to connect the plate to the printed circuit board.

[0133] In embodiments of figures 7 and 8, one or more springs 82 or fingers 26 may be provided to connect the plate to the printed circuit board.

[0134] Finally, the male-female fastening elements described with reference to [Fig. 8] and 9 The two parts could be reversed, as the base has male components. Any type of male-female connector commonly used to reversibly assemble two pieces can be used.

[0135] The training aid device according to the invention, used alone or in association with other devices, thus makes it possible to use different senses of the user (hearing, touch, sight) and to stimulate the user's reflexes, in particular when it is equipped with both light sources and sound devices.

Claims

Demands

1. A physical training aid device (1) comprising: - a rigid housing (10) made of electrically insulating material defining a housing (11), the housing (10) comprising a dome-shaped cover (12) and a base (14) attached to the cover (12), - a plate (20) made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material resting on and conforming to the shape of the dome-shaped cover (12), said plate (20) being provided with a grid of studs (22) on its face (21) opposite the housing, - a dome-shaped shell (30) made of electrically conductive elastic polymer material, situated above and completely covering the plate (20), a free space being provided between the shell (30) and the plate (20), a free edge (32) of the shell being attached to the rigid housing, the plate (20) and the shell (30) defining a pressure sensor (100) capable of generating a signal in response to a force exerted on the hull,- an electronic management system (40) for the pressure sensor (100) located inside the housing (11) and connected to the pressure sensor (100).

2. Aid device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an external lateral surface (14a) of the base (14) extends in the continuation of the shell (30) of the sensor.

3. Aid device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base (14) has a first part (140) of rigid polymer material and a second part (142) of elastic polymer material, the second part (142) covering at least a part of a lower face (2) of the first part intended to rest on a flat surface, and / or of a lateral face (140a) of the first part in the extension of the shell (30) of the sensor.

4. Aid device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the free edge (32) of the shell is pinched between the base (14) and the cover (12) of the housing (10).

5. Aid device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises fastening means (90) removably fixed to the base (12), on an underside (2) of the base intended to rest on a surface.

6. Support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plate (20) comprises one or more of the following characteristics: - the studs (22) have a shape of revolution with axial symmetry, optionally chosen from a conical, frustoconical and pyramidal shape, - the studs (22) are identical, - the studs (22) are regularly distributed over the entire surface of the plate - the plate (20) and the cover (12) are overmolded parts.

7. Aid device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an electrical circuit electrically connected to the plate (20) and the shell (30) and to the management system, and in that the electrical circuit comprises electrical connectors (80b, 80c) integrated into a printed circuit board (80), said printed circuit board being positioned between the base (14) and the cover (12) of the housing, and having at least one first electrical connector (80b) in contact with the edge (32) of the shell and at least one second electrical connector (80c) in contact with the plate (20).

8. Aid device according to claim 7, characterized in that the printed circuit board (80) has one or more of the following features: - a peripheral area (80a) of the printed circuit board is pinched between the edge (32) of the shell and the base (14), and at least one first electrical connector (80b) is located partly in this peripheral pinching area, - at least one second electrical connector (80c) is in contact with the plate (20) (i) via a metal spring (82) one end of which is in contact with the plate (20) and the other end in contact with at least one second electrical connector (80c), or (ii) with a finger made of material with the plate (20) and extending from it to at least one second connector (80c), the cover (12) having at least one corresponding opening (12a) for the passage of the spring or the finger.

9. Assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises a sound device (72) capable of generating a sound, connected to the management system (40) and disposed inside the housing.

10. Support device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: - the base (14) is made of translucent or transparent polymer material, and - the aid device (1) includes at least one light source (70) connected to the electronic management system (40) and disposed inside the housing and / or integrated into the housing.

11. Assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the management system (40) comprises a power supply device (41), a signal processing system (42) generated by the sensor, and optionally at least one element selected from a remote communication system (45) with a computer, mobile phone, watch or tablet; a battery charging system.

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