Grip Pressure Sensor
First Claim
1. The grip pressure sensor device in the preferred embodiment described here is in the form analogous to a wrist watch. This multi-function swing monitor is cinched tightly on the inside of the wrist in the pulse point area of the wearer by a stretchable band fastened by say, hook and loop velcro. On the back of the watch casement or housing is a domed shaped thin, pliable metal alloy plate which is, as noted, held in contact with the pulse points of the wearer by the watch strap/band. A highly sensitive pressure sensor strip, for example a Tekscan FlexiForce A201 Sensor, detects very subtle changes in grip pressure as the person wearing the device swings a golf club, baseball bat or some other mode of hand held equipment. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons in the wearer'"'"'s wrist is detected, converted in to a digital value and can be saved in the memory of the swing monitor. Grip pressure values from subsequent swings can be compared with that value SAVED in memory. Should a deviation in grip pressure be detected, an audible signal is activated, alerting the user they have failed to replicate the grip pressure on the SAVED or benchmark swing. This biofeedback is a time honored method of training and conditioning muscle memory.
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Abstract
Grip pressure is monitored by a collection of battery powered components embodied in an assembly analogous to an ordinary wrist watch, that is a watch housing or casement and a stretchable band. The system, which we shall refer to as a swing monitor, is worn on the wrist and deployed in such a way that the back of the housing or casement is cinched securely to the back or underside of the wrist. A pressure plate on the back of the watch makes contact with the pulse region of the wrist. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons of the wearer is read by an electronic pressure sensing device, a piezo sensor. A tighter grip will register greater pressure and a looser grip, less pressure. The device records grip pressure associated with the swing of a golf club, tennis racquest or baseball bat, among other articles of sports equipment meant to be swung. The grip pressure determined to be optimal, that is giving the desired result, can be SAVED in the memory of the swing monitor system. Subsequent swings and their associated grip pressures are compared with the SAVED value of the optimal or best swing. An audible signal alerts the wearer if the grip pressure departs from that registered on the optimal or best swing.
54 Citations
12 Claims
- 1. The grip pressure sensor device in the preferred embodiment described here is in the form analogous to a wrist watch. This multi-function swing monitor is cinched tightly on the inside of the wrist in the pulse point area of the wearer by a stretchable band fastened by say, hook and loop velcro. On the back of the watch casement or housing is a domed shaped thin, pliable metal alloy plate which is, as noted, held in contact with the pulse points of the wearer by the watch strap/band. A highly sensitive pressure sensor strip, for example a Tekscan FlexiForce A201 Sensor, detects very subtle changes in grip pressure as the person wearing the device swings a golf club, baseball bat or some other mode of hand held equipment. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons in the wearer'"'"'s wrist is detected, converted in to a digital value and can be saved in the memory of the swing monitor. Grip pressure values from subsequent swings can be compared with that value SAVED in memory. Should a deviation in grip pressure be detected, an audible signal is activated, alerting the user they have failed to replicate the grip pressure on the SAVED or benchmark swing. This biofeedback is a time honored method of training and conditioning muscle memory.
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10. The device recited in claim 10 wherein,
said switch means includes reset switches connected to said electronic monitoring circuit and to said display means.
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12. A self contained golf or any swing training device including,
a WATCH or swing monitoring system adapted to be worn inside the wrist of the user, or at the pulse pressure point of the wearer, piezo pressure sensor, means mounted in said WATCH, means to measure the grip pressure exerted on said golf club, bat, racquet etc., during said swing.
Specification