Isometric Strength Training Device with Load Cell, Adjustable Grip, Haptic Feedback and Wireless Commnuication

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable, handheld strength training device. The handheld unit comprises a handle, a load sensor, a vibratory feedback mechanism, and an attachment point for selective connection to a stationary anchor point. The load sensor is connected to a microcontroller, which through a connected transceiver communicates load force measurement data to a mobile software application running on a separate device, typically a smartphone. The handle is adjustable to accommodate a variety of hand sizes and grip positions. User-applied load force is measured in real-time, and the vibrations provides haptic feedback and start and stop signals to the user. The software receives the data and provides additional real-time feedback during strength training exercises, and records and saves performance data from the completed exercises. The handheld device is small and lightweight, making it easy to use anywhere the user wants to train.

1 . A strength training device comprising:
 a handheld unit comprising:
 a handle for gripping ; 
 an attachment point connected to the handle and selectively and removably couplable to a static anchor point; 
 a load sensor carried by the handle and configured to measure a load force exerted isometrically on the handle by a user with the attachment point coupled to said static anchor point; 
 a microcontroller carried by the handle and operably connected to the sensor to derive load force measurement data based on readings of said load sensor; and 
 a wireless transmitter carried by the handle, and operably connected to the microcontroller to wirelessly transmit at least some of the load force measurement data to a separate electronic device of physically unconnected relation to said handheld unit. 
   
     
     
         2 . The strength training device of  claim 1  in combination with said separate electronic device, wherein said separate electronic device comprises a mobile communications device executing a software application through which the user interfaces with both the device. 
     
     
         3 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein said handheld unit further comprises a wireless receiver carried by the handle, connected to the microcontroller and operable to receive incoming wireless signals from the separate device, including parameter data for an exercise routine to be performed. 
     
     
         4 . The strength training device of  claim 3  wherein said one or more parameters include at least one of a targeted load force value and one or more targeted load tolerance values. 
     
     
         5 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the microcontroller and the wireless transmitter are configured to transmit said at least some of the load force measurement data, to said separate electronic device, in real-time. 
     
     
         6 . The strength training device of  claim 2  wherein the microcontroller and the wireless transmitter are configured to transmit said at least some of the load force measurement data, to said separate electronic device, in real-time, and the software application is configured to update a real-time exercise feedback display of a graphical user interface of the software application based on said at least some of the load force measurement data. 
     
     
         7 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the handheld unit further comprises a feedback indicator carried by the handle and operably coupled to the microcontroller for actuation thereby, and the microcontroller is configured to compare load force measurements against a starting threshold, and activate said feedback indicator when said load force measurements exceed said starting threshold. 
     
     
         8 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the handheld unit comprises a feedback indicator carried by the handle and operably coupled to the microcontroller for actuation thereby, and the microcontroller is configured to modify an operating parameter of the activated feedback indicator in response to change in the load force measurements during an exercise rep. 
     
     
         9 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the handheld unit comprises a feedback indicator carried by the handle and operably coupled to the microcontroller for actuation thereby, and the microcontroller is configured to, during an exercise rep, compare load force measurements against a targeted load force, maintain the feedback indicator one operational state as the load force measurements approach the targeted load force, and switch the feedback indicator into a different second operational state once said targeted load force is reached. 
     
     
         10 . The strength training device of  claim 9  wherein the first and second operational states are, respectively, an activated state during said approach of the targeted load force, and a deactivated state once said targeted load force is reached. 
     
     
         11 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the microcontroller is configured to, during at least part of an exercise rep, monitor for fluctuation of the load force measurements outside a tolerance range of the targeted load force, and trigger one or more alarm signals upon detection of said fluctuation outside the tolerance range. 
     
     
         12 . The strength training device of  claim 11  wherein said one or more alarm signals comprise an over-target alarm signal triggered by increase of the load force measurements beyond an upper limit of the tolerance range, and an under-target alarm that is distinct from the overstrength alarm and triggered by drop of the load force measurements below a lower limit of the tolerance range. 
     
     
         13 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the microcontroller is configured to trigger a rep-completed signal, notifying the user of completion of an exercise rep, in response to expiration of a hold-duration timer or receipt of a rep-completed signal. 
     
     
         14 . The strength training device of  claim 13  wherein the microcontroller is configured trigger a starting signal, notifying the user of start of another exercise rep, in response to expiration of a subsequent rest duration timer or a subsequent next-rep start signal that follows said expiration of the hold-duration timer or the rep-completed signal. 
     
     
         15 . The strength training device of  claim 7  wherein the feedback indicator comprises a vibrator operable to impart vibration to the handle. 
     
     
         16 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein said attachment point comprises a ring, hook or clip. 
     
     
         17 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein said handle comprises a finger slot into which the user's fingers are insertable to grip said handle. 
     
     
         18 . The strength training device of  claim 1  wherein the handle comprises an adjustable grip that is user-adjustable to vary at least one physical characteristic of said adjustable grip. 
     
     
         19 . The strength training device of  claim 18  wherein said at least one physical characteristic comprises at least one of:
 a degree to which a grip surface of the adjustable grip is exposed and therefore accessible for a user's finger placement onto said grip surface; and 
 a slot depth of a finger slot into which the user's fingers are insertable to grip the handle. 
 
     
     
         20 . A method of using the strength training device of  claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
 coupling the attachment point to the static anchor point;   isometrically gripping the handle and thereby applying the load force to the load sensor;   through cooperative use of the microcontroller and the load sensor, measuring the load force applied to the handle in real-time with the load cell sensor and transmitting at least some load force measurement data to the separate electronic device of physically unconnected relation to said handheld unit.