GRIP STRENGTH TRAINING AND MEASURING DEVICE

Abstract

A grip strength training and measuring device includes a main body configured for fingers to abut against and press, a penetrating hole penetrating through the main body to define a accommodating space, a pressure sensor arranged in the accommodating space and including a pressure sensing unit to detect a pressure magnitude and a pressing time transmitting from the main body to the pressure sensor when fingers press the main body and to output pressure measurement data, a processor electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit to receive the pressure measurement data, and a feedback device electrically connected to the processor to generate a first feedback, under a control of the processor, when the pressure measurement data does not reach a predetermined value, and to generate a second feedback differing from the first feedback, under the control of the processor, when the pressure measurement data reaches the predetermined value.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

This non-provisional application claims benefit of Taiwan Patent Application No. 112146675 filed on Nov. 30, 2023. The contents thereof are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a pressing training device, particularly to a training device configured for training fingers to perform pressing movements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand grippers are commonly used in fitness training. A typical hand gripper, such as the one disclosed in Taiwanese Patent Publication No. M626451, includes a spring configured between two handles. The hand gripper is configured to train the muscles, grip strength, and to improve reaction speed of hands through repetitive pressing movements. This type of hand gripper typically has one handle abutting against the palm of the hand, and the other handle may be pressed by the four fingers, other than the thumb, to perform the pressing training. However, this type of the hand gripper may not fully train the thumb and can only train the pressing movements. It cannot measure whether the force and duration of pressing are sufficient or not. Thus, it cannot ensure the effectiveness of the training. In view of the above problems, there is a need for a device that can effectively train the grip strength of fingers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is to provide a device capable of training the grip strength effectively.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a grip strength training and measuring device including: a main body configured for at least one finger to abut against and press; a penetrating portion penetrating through the main body to define an accommodating space within the main body; a pressure sensor detachably configured in the accommodating space, wherein the pressure sensor includes: a pressure sensing unit configured to detect a pressure magnitude and a pressing time, transmitting from the main body to the pressure sensor when the finger presses the main body, and to output pressure measurement data; a processor electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit to receive the pressure measurement data; and a feedback device electrically connected to the processor to generate a first feedback, under a control of the processor, when the pressure measurement data does not reach a predetermined value, and to generate a second feedback, under the control of the processor, when the pressure measurement data reaches the predetermined value, wherein the second feedback differs from the first feedback.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measuring device further includes at least one groove configured on the main body; and at least one resistance adjusting pad correspondingly disposed with the at least one groove to selectively configured into the at least one groove to adjust the resistance when the at least one finger presses the main body.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measuring device further includes a display panel configured on one side of the pressure sensor and connected to the pressure sensing unit to receive the pressure measurement data and display values of the pressure measurement data.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measurement device further includes at least one abutting portion configured on the main body for the at least one finger to place correspondingly; at least one vibrator arranged on the main body and correspondingly positioned with the at least one abutting portion to selectively contact the at least one finger and to transmit vibrations to the at least one finger; and a perception training unit configured in the pressure sensor and electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit to selectively control the vibrator to vibrate, causing the at least one finger to transit from a pressing state to a relaxed state, or to transit from the relaxed state to the pressing state, to process pressure sensing information obtained by the pressure sensing unit, and to output a perception training result.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measuring device further includes at least one finger sleeve ring arranged near the main body, wherein the finger sleeve ring is configured for the finger to place; at least one through hole penetrating from an outer side of the main body towards the accommodating space and correspondingly disposed with the at least one finger sleeve ring; at least one elastic band, wherein one end of the elastic band is connected to the finger sleeve ring and the other end threads through the through hole to connect to the pressure sensor; and a tension sensor arranged in the pressure sensor and correspondingly positioned with the elastic band, wherein when the finger moves away from the main body together with the finger sleeve ring, the tension sensor is configured to detect tension of the finger and output tension measurement data.

Preferably, the processor selectively receives and executes a sensing instruction, and the sensing instruction comprising the following steps: receiving the pressure measurement data from the pressure sensor; determining whether the pressure measurement data is greater than a pressure threshold value, if yes, proceeding to next step, if no, sending a reminder and recording number of reminders sent, then re-entering the determining step after a first delay time, wherein, if the number of reminders sent is greater than a default number, sending a replacement instruction reminding the resistance adjusting pad need to be replaced or removed, and re-entering the determining step after a second delay time; measuring pressing time of the pressure sensor, emitting a notice when the pressing time is greater than a preset time, calculating an effective pressing count based on the number of the notice sent, if the number of the effective pressing count is less than a preset threshold value, returning the determining step, if the number of the effective pressing count is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, terminating the process and sending a detection report based on the pressure measurement data.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measuring device further includes a first coupling portion arranged on the main body and contacting the accommodating space; and a second coupling portion arranged on the pressure sensor, wherein the first coupling portion is correspondingly disposed with the second coupling portion and selectively connects to the first coupling portion.

Preferably, connecting means between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion comprises screwing, magnetic attraction, buckling, pivoting and tongue-and-groove structure.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measuring device further includes a pattern arranged on an outer circumference, relative to the accommodating space, of the main body.

Preferably, the pattern includes a plurality first patterns and a plurality of second patterns, and the first patterns and the second patterns are alternately arranged and equidistantly positioned on the main body.

Compared to the prior art, the advantage of the present disclosure lies in that the traditional fitness gripper can only provide functionality of pressing by four fingers, it cannot ensure the adequacy of pressure and time for each press, thus it is not able to effectively train the grip strength. The main body of the grip strength training and measuring device provided in the present disclosure can be directly gripped by the fingers to apply pressure on it. Thereby the grip strength training and measuring device in the present disclosure can evenly perform the press training on each finger. Furthermore, by the feedback device, the grip strength training and measuring device can analyze whether the fingers press with sufficient pressure and for an adequate duration each time, and the grip strength training and measuring device can monitor the “effective press” in order to enhance the efficiency of the grip strength training. Additionally, this disclosure is suitable for rehabilitation training for hands or muscle-related diseases. The required pressure, pressing time, and the number of effective presses per training session can be individually adjusted for each finger, based on the different strength of fingers, to assist patients in self-care and expedite recovery. In addition, the disclosure can train finger response ability and gradually guide the users to restore normal body functionalities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structural features of the grip strength training and measuring device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structural features of the grip strength training and measuring device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded three-dimensional diagram illustrating the connecting structure between the groove and the resistance adjustment pad in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the pressure sensor having a display panel in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural features of the grip strength training and measuring device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structural features of the grip strength training and measuring device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of the processor executing the sensing instructions.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the main body and the pressure sensor.

FIG. 9 is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the structural features of the patterns on the main body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to make the aforementioned and/or other purposes, benefits, and features of the present disclosure clearer and more understandable, the following detailed description is provided, using preferred embodiments as examples.

The present disclosure provides a grip strength training and measuring device 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, including a main body 2 selectively configured for at least one finger to abut against and press, a penetrating portion 3 penetrating through the main body 2 to define an accommodating space 4 within the main body, and a pressure sensor 5 detachably configured in the accommodating space 4. The pressure sensor 5 includes a pressure sensing unit 6 configured for sensing the magnitude of the pressure and the pressing time, wherein the pressure is applied by at least one finger to the main body 2 and is transmitted to the pressure sensor 5, and the pressure sensor 5 is configured to output the pressure measurement data. The grip strength training and measuring device 1 further includes a processor 7 and a feedback device 8. The processor 7 is electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit 6 to receive the pressure measurement data. The feedback device 8 is electrically connected to the processor 7 to generate a first feedback when the pressure measurement data does not reach a predetermined value, and to generate a second feedback when the pressure measurement data reaches the predetermined value, wherein the second feedback differs from the first feedback. In one embodiment, to enable the fingers to transmit the pressure to the pressure sensor 5, the main body 2 and the pressure sensor 5 can be made from latex, silicone, or rubber. The main bodies 2 with different pounds can be replaced to adjust the needed resistance when pressing the main body 2 with the fingers. In another embodiment, to enhance the accuracy and stability of sensing for the fingers, the penetrating portion 3 passes through the center of gravity of the main body 2 to make the main body 2 form a ring-shaped structure. When the pressure sensor 5 is combined with the main body 2, the center of gravity of the pressure sensor 5 coincides with the center of gravity of the main body 2. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined value may include an expected pressure magnitude and an expected pressing time, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Preferably, to adjust the resistance needed to overcome when pressing the main body 2 with the fingers to adapt to the training of individuals with different physical conditions, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one groove 9 is configured on the main body 2 and at least one resistance adjusting pad 10 is arranged and correspondingly disposed into the groove 9. The resistance adjusting pad 10 is selectively configured into the groove 9, such that the resistance of the main body 2 can be adjusted for the fingers to press. In one embodiment, the thickness of the resistance adjusting pad 10 is in a range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and the resistance adjusting pad 10 can be made from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin, carbon fiber, or glass fiber, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the groove 9 is arranged on one side of the main body 2 and extends from one side of the main body 2 to the other side.

Preferably, to intuitively display the results of finger pressing of the subjects, as shown in FIG. 4, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 further includes a display panel 11 configured on one side of the pressure sensor 5 and connected to the pressure sensing unit 6 to receive the pressure measurement data and display its value on the display panel 11. In one embodiment, the pressure measurement data may be the pressing strength of the fingers, pressing time, pressing frequency, pressing rate, response time after the finger feels the vibration, or whether fingers tremor or not. It can be understood that one or more fingers, including the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, or little finger, can be selectively measured, and the training goals can also be selectively adjusted with respect to each finger. In another embodiment, the display panel 11 can be flat or curved, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Preferably, to enhance the sensitivity of finger response and to prevent the occurrence of hand or muscle-related diseases, as shown in FIG. 5, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 further includes at least one abutting portion 12, at least one vibrator and a perception training unit 14. The abutting portion 12 is configured on the main body 2 for the finger to place correspondingly. The vibrator 13 is arranged on the main body 2 and is correspondingly arranged in the abutting portion 12. The vibrator 13 may selectively contact and transmit the vibration to the finger. The perception training unit 14 is configured in the pressure sensor 5 and is electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit 6 to selectively control the vibration of the vibrator 13. The finger may receive the vibration and perform the following actions. In action A1, transiting the at least one finger from a pressing state to a relaxed state, or in action A2, transiting the at least one finger from the relaxed state to the pressing state, processing the pressure sensing information obtained by the pressure sensing unit 6, and outputting a perception training result. In one embodiment, the perception training result may include the response time of pressing or releasing after the finger receives the vibration, or the average pressing strength of the finger each time, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Preferably, to simultaneously detect and train the tension strength of the finger expansion, as shown in FIG. 6, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 further includes at least one finger sleeve ring 15, at least one through hole 16 and at least one elastic band 17. The finger sleeve ring 15 is arranged near the main body 2 and is selectively configured for the finger to place. The through hole 16 penetrates through the main body 2 from the outer side of the main body 2 toward the accommodating space 4 and corresponds to the finger sleeve ring 15. One end of the elastic band 17 connects to the finger sleeve ring 15, and the other end threads through the through hole 16 and connects to the pressure sensor 5. A tension sensor 18 is configured in the pressure sensor 5 and corresponds the elastic band 17. When the finger moves away from the pressure sensor 5 together with the finger sleeve ring 15 relative to the main body 2, the tension of the finger may be detected, and the tension sensor 18 is configured to output tension measurement data.

Preferably, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 can be controlled via a mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, or network server to provide instructions for the user to perform self-training. Specifically, the processor 7 selectively receives and executes sensing instructions, as shown in FIG. 7, the sensing instructions includes the following steps. In step S1, receiving the pressure measurement data from the pressure sensor 5. In step S2, determining whether the pressure measurement data is greater than a pressure threshold value. If yes, proceeding to step S3. If no, sending a reminder and recording the number of reminders sent, then re-entering step S2 after a first delay time. Wherein, if the number of reminders sent is greater than a default number, sending a replacement instruction to remind the user to replace or remove the resistance adjusting pad 10, and re-entering step S2 after a second delay time. In step S3, measuring the pressing time of the pressure sensor 5, emitting a notice to remind the user to relax the finger when the pressing time is greater than a preset time, and calculating an effective pressing count based on the number of the notice sent. If the number of the effective pressing count is less than a preset threshold value, returning to step S2. If the number of the effective pressing count is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, terminating the process and sending a detection report based on the pressure measurement data.

Preferably, to align the main body 2 with the pressure sensor 5 and to avoid different pressure measurement data being obtained each time when the fingers are placed on the main body 2 at the same position, as shown in FIG. 8, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 further includes a first coupling portion 19 and a second coupling portion 20. The first coupling portion 19 is arranged on one side of the main body 2 in contact with the accommodating space 4. The second coupling portion 20 is arranged on the pressure sensor 5. The first coupling portion 19 is correspondingly positioned with and selectively connects to the second coupling portion 20. In one embodiment, the connecting means between the first coupling portion 19 and the second coupling portion 20 may include screwing, magnetic attraction, buckling, pivoting and tongue-and-groove structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 further includes an alignment mark configured on the main body 2, such that the finger can be correspondingly placed on the alignment mark. In yet another embodiment, the alignment marks may include a first alignment mark for the thumb to place, a second alignment mark for the index finger to place, a third alignment mark for the middle finger to place, a fourth alignment mark for the ring finger to place and a fifth alignment mark for the little finger to place.

Preferably, to provide an anti-slip effect and to prevent the fingers from displacement when pressing the main body 2, as shown in FIG. 9, the grip strength training and measuring device 1 may further include a pattern 21 arranged on the outer circumference, relative to the accommodating space 4, of the main body 2. In one embodiment, the pattern 21 may be recessed or protruded from the main body 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the pattern 21 may include a plurality of first patterns 22 and a plurality of second patterns 23, and the first pattern 22 and the second pattern 23 are alternately arranged and equidistantly positioned on the main body 2. In yet another embodiment, the pattern 21 may be mesh grids, parallel lines, or dot particles, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Compared to the prior art, the advantage of the present disclosure lies in that the traditional fitness gripper can only provide functionality of pressing by four fingers, it cannot ensure the adequacy of pressure and time for each press, thus it is not able to effectively train the grip strength. The main body 2 of the grip strength training and measuring device 1 provided in the present disclosure can be directly gripped by the fingers to apply pressure on it. Thereby the grip strength training and measuring device in the present disclosure can evenly perform the press training on each finger. Furthermore, by the feedback device 8, the grip strength training and measuring device can analyze whether the fingers press with sufficient pressure and for an adequate duration each time, and the grip strength training and measuring device can monitor the “effective press” in order to enhance the efficiency of the grip strength training. Additionally, this disclosure is suitable for rehabilitation training for hands or muscle-related diseases. The required pressure, pressing time, and the number of effective presses per training session can be individually adjusted for each finger, based on the different strength of fingers, to assist patients in self-care and expedite recovery. In addition, the disclosure can train finger response ability and gradually guide the users to restore normal body functionalities.

However, the above-described embodiments are only exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited thereby. Generally, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made within the scope of the patent application and the content of the invention disclosure are still within the scope of the patent coverage of the present invention. Additionally, any embodiment or patent application scope of the present invention does not need to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed herein. Furthermore, the abstract and title are only used to assist in patent document searching and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the first, second, etc., terms mentioned in the specification are only used to indicate the names of components and not intended to limit the upper or lower limits of the number of components.

Claims

1. A grip strength training and measuring device comprising: a main body configured for at least one finger to abut against and press;a penetrating portion penetrating through the main body to define an accommodating space within the main body;a pressure sensor detachably configured in the accommodating space, wherein the pressure sensor comprises: a pressure sensing unit configured to detect a pressure magnitude and a pressing time, transmitting from the main body to the pressure sensor when the finger presses the main body, and to output pressure measurement data;a processor electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit to receive the pressure measurement data; anda feedback device electrically connected to the processor to generate a first feedback, under a control of the processor, when the pressure measurement data does not reach a predetermined value, and to generate a second feedback, under the control of the processor, when the pressure measurement data reaches the predetermined value, wherein the second feedback differs from the first feedback.

2. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the main body is made from latex, silicone, or rubber.

3. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the penetrating portion passes through a center of gravity of the main body.

4. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the grip strength training and measuring device further comprises: at least one groove configured on the main body; andat least one resistance adjusting pad correspondingly disposed with the at least one groove to selectively configured into the at least one groove to adjust the resistance when the at least one finger presses the main body.

5. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 4, wherein a thickness of the resistance adjusting pad is in a range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

6. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 4, wherein the resistance adjusting pad is made from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, epoxy resin, carbon fiber, or glass fiber.

7. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the grip strength training and measuring device further comprises: a display panel configured on one side of the pressure sensor and connected to the pressure sensing unit to receive the pressure measurement data and display values of the pressure measurement data.

8. The grip strength training and measurement device of claim 1, wherein the grip strength training and measurement device further comprises: at least one abutting portion configured on the main body for the at least one finger to place correspondingly;at least one vibrator arranged on the main body and correspondingly positioned with the at least one abutting portion to selectively contact the at least one finger and to transmit vibrations to the at least one finger; anda perception training unit configured in the pressure sensor and electrically connected to the pressure sensing unit to selectively control the vibrator to vibrate, causing the at least one finger to transit from a pressing state to a relaxed state, or to transit from the relaxed state to the pressing state, to process pressure sensing information obtained by the pressure sensing unit, and to output a perception training result.

9. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the grip strength training and measuring device further comprises: at least one finger sleeve ring arranged near the main body, wherein the finger sleeve ring is configured for the finger to place;at least one through hole penetrating from an outer side of the main body towards the accommodating space and correspondingly disposed with the at least one finger sleeve ring;at least one elastic band, wherein one end of the elastic band is connected to the finger sleeve ring and the other end threads through the through hole to connect to the pressure sensor; anda tension sensor arranged in the pressure sensor and correspondingly positioned with the elastic band, wherein when the finger moves away from the main body together with the finger sleeve ring, the tension sensor is configured to detect tension of the finger and output tension measurement data.

10. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the processor selectively receives and executes a sensing instruction, and the sensing instruction comprising: receiving the pressure measurement data from the pressure sensor;determining whether the pressure measurement data is greater than a pressure threshold value, if yes, proceeding to next step, if no, sending a reminder and recording number of reminders sent, then re-entering the determining step after a first delay time, wherein, if the number of reminders sent is greater than a default number, sending a replacement instruction reminding the resistance adjusting pad need to be replaced or removed, and re-entering the determining step after a second delay time;measuring pressing time of the pressure sensor, emitting a notice when the pressing time is greater than a preset time, calculating an effective pressing count based on the number of the notice sent, if the number of the effective pressing count is less than a preset threshold value, returning the determining step, if the number of the effective pressing count is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, terminating the process and sending a detection report based on the pressure measurement data.

11. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the grip strength training and measuring device further comprises: a first coupling portion arranged on the main body and contacting the accommodating space; anda second coupling portion arranged on the pressure sensor, wherein the first coupling portion is correspondingly disposed with the second coupling portion and selectively connects to the first coupling portion.

12. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 11, wherein connecting means between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion comprises screwing, magnetic attraction, buckling, pivoting and tongue-and-groove structure.

13. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 11, wherein the grip training and measuring device further comprises an alignment mark configured for the finger to correspondingly place on.

14. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 1, wherein the grip strength training and measuring device further comprises: a pattern arranged on an outer circumference, relative to the accommodating space, of the main body.

15. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 14, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality first patterns and a plurality of second patterns, and the first patterns and the second patterns are alternately arranged and equidistantly positioned on the main body.

16. The grip strength training and measuring device of claim 15, wherein the pattern is recessed or protruded from the main body.