GB2552347A

GB2552347A - Horse jump device

Info

Publication number: GB2552347A
Application number: GB1612540.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcgeever Ross
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-20
Filing date: 2016-07-20
Publication date: 2018-01-24
Also published as: GB201612540D0

Abstract

The automated jump device comprises two uprights 3, each comprising a cup assembly (5, figure 9) and a base unit 4. A horizontal jump pole 2 is supported between the uprights 3, wherein a flexible rope 7 extends from either end of the pole 2 through the cup assembly (5, figure 9), down the uprights 3 to the base unit 4. The arrangement is such that a knocked down pole 2 may be detected and automatically replaced in the cups 9 following activation of the motor (12, figure 5) to wind in the rope 7 on spool (11 figure 5) and activation of motor (8a, figure 2) to rotate the cup 9 into a position to receive the pole 2. The jump bar 2 may be remote controllable via an app. Also disclosed is a method to replace the fallen bar 2.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Ross McGeever

Oldcastle, Meelick, Swinford, County Mayo, Ireland (72) Inventor(s):

Ross McGeever (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Bayview IP

134 Hollybrook Park, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland (51) INT CL:

A63K 3/04 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

CN 202822804 U SE 000456968 B

US 7785233 B1 US 20130174794 A1

KR 1020140104137 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA63F, A63K Other: WPI and EPODOC (54) Title of the Invention: Horse jump device

Abstract Title: Automatically resettable hurdle (57) The automated jump device comprises two uprights 3, each comprising a cup assembly (5, figure 9) and a base unit 4. A horizontal jump pole 2 is supported between the uprights 3, wherein a flexible rope 7 extends from either end of the pole 2 through the cup assembly (5, figure 9), down the uprights 3 to the base unit 4. The arrangement is such that a knocked down pole 2 may be detected and automatically replaced in the cups 9 following activation of the motor (12, figure 5) to wind in the rope 7 on spool (11 figure 5) and activation of motor (8a, figure 2) to rotate the cup 9 into a position to receive the pole 2. The jump bar 2 may be remote controllable via an app. Also disclosed is a method to replace the fallen bar 2.

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Fig. 2

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Fig. 6

Fig. 8

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Fig. 10

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Fig. 11 “Horse Jump device”

Introduction

The invention relates to a device which allows a horse rider to replace a knocked or fallen jump pole back into position without dismounting.

Horse jumping is a well-known equestrian sport where riders on horses jump over barriers, or horse jumps, of varying height. Jumps generally comprise a horizontal cross bar or jump pole supported between vertical supports, standards or uprights. The horizontal jump poles are usually supported on jump cups attached to the uprights. The jump cups are typically adjustable vertically on the uprights in order to raise and lower the cross bar or jump pole to a desired height.

When jumping and a pole is knocked down the rider conventionally has to dismount and replace the pole in the jump cups attached to the uprights. For many riders the tedious routine of constantly replacing fallen poles is an un -avoidable but necessary task.

There is a need for a system which allows fallen jump poles to be replaced without requiring the rider to dismount from their mount.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided an automated jump device comprising two opposing uprights each comprising a cup assembly and a base unit; and at least one horizontal jump pole supported between the uprights;

wherein a flexible rope extends from either end of the horizontal jump pole through the cup assembly, down the uprights to the base unit.

In one embodiment of the invention the cup assembly comprises a rotary cup, a sensor, a roller device and a motor.

In one embodiment of the invention the sensor on the cup assembly communicates with the rotary cup to rotate in an opposite direction to the direction the jump pole has fallen.

In another embodiment of the invention the device comprises a ball and socket connection at either end of the horizontal jump pole connecting the flexible rope to the jump pole. Preferably the flexible rope is permanently attached to the arm of the socket.

In one embodiment of the invention the base unit comprises a receiver, a controller, a power source, a motor and a spool system. Preferably the spool system comprises a clutch and drive shaft for winding the flexible rope onto the spool.

In one embodiment of the invention the device comprises a remote control activation means.

In another embodiment of the invention the device comprises an app to control and activate the device.

According to the invention there is also provided a method of replacing a fallen pole remotely using the jump device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the steps of;

transmitting a signal to the sensor on the cup assembly when a jump pole has been knocked;

the sensor transmitting a signal to the rotary cup to rotate and relaying a signal to the receiver and controller in the base unit; and the controller activating the motor and drive shaft in the base unit to wind the flexible rope back onto the spool drawing the fallen pole up and back into position on the rotary cups.

In one embodiment of the invention the sensor on receiving a signal causes the rotary cups to rotate on the uprights so the horizontal pole can be drawn up to the cup assembly. Preferably when the horizontal jump pole is drawn up above the cup assembly the rotary cups are rotated back to support the jump pole.

Brief Description of the Invention

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a horse jump according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the automated horse jump device of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the base unit of the device of the invention;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the ball and socket connection of the device of the invention between the jump pole and the rotary cup;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the motorised unit of the device of the invention;

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the motorised unit of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the horse jump of Fig. 1 with the jump pole knocked from the uprights;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the horse jump of Fig. 7 with the pole fallen to the ground;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the horse jump of Fig. 7 with the fallen pole drawn back up to the cup assembly on the uprights;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the horse jump of Fig. 7 with the fallen pole on back in position on the cup assembly on the uprights; and

Fig. 11 is a schematic of the different positions of the rotary cup on the uprights of the device of the present invention as the pole falls and is drawn back up onto the cup assembly.

Detailed description

When practising horse jumping a rider may be jumping overjumps numerous times in one riding session. If the rider is knocking a lot of the jump poles it can be a tedious but necessary task to have to dismount each time to replace the knocked poles. In addition the poles can be awkward enough for a small or young rider to return to their position on the uprights especially when they don’t have any help on the ground. Some cross bars or jump poles can be very long and weigh quite a bit and can be difficult and cumbersome to replace on the uprights. In addition a lot of time can be wasted getting on and off replacing fallen poles.

The present invention provides a device which allows a rider to stay mounted while remotely replacing a fallen jump pole or poles. The device of the present invention significantly reduces the time typically wasted by a horse rider when they are practising and their horse knocks off one or more of the horizontal poles on a jump or a number of jumps. The present invention provides a system whereby the rider can return the fallen poles to rebuild the jump(s) without having to repeatedly stop and dismount from their horse.

The automated horse jump device of the present invention is a jump which looks and acts just like a conventional jump. However, in contrast to a conventional jump, when the rider knocks a pole the rider is able to remotely using a wireless controller replace the fallen jump pole back into position.

The automated horse jump device of the present invention comprises a motorised base unit located in the stand supporting a vertical upright on a jump. The motorised unit is connected to a cup assembly on the vertical upright and the horizontal pole on the jump. Each of the two vertical uprights on a jump supporting the horizontal jump pole has a separate motorised unit in the base of its stand.

As shown in Fig. 1 a horizontal cross bar or pole 2 is supported between the vertical uprights 3. The vertical uprights 3 are supported by a stand 4. The horizontal pole 2 rests on cup assemblies 5 located on each upright 3. The cup assembly 5 comprises a rotary cup 9, a sensor 6, a roller 8 and a motor 8a. The pole 2 has a thin flexible rope 7 which extends from either end of the pole 2. The thin flexible rope 7 extends from either end of the pole 2 and connects the pole 2 with the uprights 3 and the automated device of the invention. A ball and socket connection is used to attach the flexible rope 7 at a central position at the end of the pole. The ball 17 is permanently attached centrally to the end of the pole 2. A socket 18 is attached to the ball 17 with the flexible rope 7 permanently attached to the arm 19 of the socket as shown in Fig. 4. The rotary cups 9 on the uprights 3 support the horizontal pole by supporting the ball ends of the jump pole and socket connection at either end of the pole.

The ball and socket connection ensures the safety of the system. When a jump pole is knocked by a horse the flexible rope 7 extends freely as the pole drops to the ground. However if there is any resistance in the rope 7 the ball 17 will disengage with the socket 18 and the pole 2 will fall safely to the ground.

The other end of the flexible rope 7 is connected to each upright 3 though the cup assembly 5 and extends down the upright 3 to the motorised base unit in the stand 4 of each upright 3. The roller 8 on the cup assembly 5 ensures that the flexible rope 7 is not twisted as it extends or is wound in.

The motorised unit performs a winding operation in respect of the flexible rope 7. The rotary cups 9 which support the horizontal poles 2 on each upright each have a sensor 6. The sensor receives a signal from a remote control operated by the horse rider or other user. The sensor has two functions when a fallen pole needs to be returned to position on the uprights. On receipt of a signal from the remote controller when a jump pole is knocked from the rotary cups 9 the sensor 6 detects the direction in which the pole has fallen and causes the rotary cup 9 to rotate in the opposite direction. The sensor 6 also communicates a signal to a receiver and controller in the base unit of the stand 4 to replace the fallen jump pole 2.

The motorised unit comprises a power source 10, a spool 11 around which the flexible rope 7 is wound and a motor 12 which drives the spool 11 through a shaft. The power source may be selected from any one or more of a battery which is either rechargeable or non-rechargeable, mains power or a solar powered battery system. Any other suitable power source may also be used. Separating the motor 12 and the spool 11 is a clutch 13 allowing the spool 11 to turn freely thereby allowing the flexible rope 7 to flow freely with the falling pole 2 without resistance as it falls. When the clutch 13 is engaged the motor 12 and spool 11 are connected allowing the motor 12 to turn the spool 11, which in turn feeds and winds the flexible rope 7 back onto the spool 11. In this way the fallen jump pole is drawn up and lifted back into position. As the rotary cups 9 have been rotated the pole 2 is drawn up to a position slightly higher than its resting position. The rotary cups are then rotated back to their original position under the raised horizontal jump pole 2, the tension on the rope 7 released lowering the jump pole slightly onto the rotary cup 9 returning it into position.

The spool 11 and clutch 13 are located within a housing 14. A receiver 15 and controller 16 receive the wireless signal from the sensor 6 and control the motorised unit.

The flexible rope 7 starts at the spool 11, extends through a slot in the base of the upright 3, up along the inside of the upright 3 to the bottom of the cup assembly 5. The flexible rope 7 extends out the side of the cup assembly 5 where it is attached to one end of the horizontal pole 2. The roller 8 ensures that the rope is not twisted. A rope 7 may be retrofitted to existing jump poles by attaching a ball to the end of the pole for a ball and socket connection.

The support assembly comprises the two uprights 3 on each side of the jump pole 2 and the rotary cups 9 fixed to the uprights 3. The ends of the horizontal jump pole 2 rest on the rotary cups 9 and fall off easily as with a conventional jump when struck as a horse is jumping. This basic set up is used all around the world however conventionally when the pole is struck and falls to the ground it has to be lifted manually and placed on its original position siting on the cups.

When using the device of the present invention and the horizontal jump pole 2 is knocked from the uprights 3 the pole is free to fall in the normal fashion however with the flexible rope 7 attached. The flexible rope 7 attached to each end of the pole 2 extends allowing the pole 2 to fall without resistance as if the thin flexible rope 7 was not there. The ball and socket connection provides a strong connection yet also ensures that if the rope does not extend properly the ball disengages from the socket allowing the pole 2 to fall as usual. The fallen pole 2 with the flexible rope attached at either end does not interfere in any way with the horse jumping.

The wireless controller may be a small hand held remote with activation means. The automated device of the present invention may alternatively be linked and activated by a smart phone containing an app which activates the device.

Upon operation of the remote controller by the horse rider or another operator the sensors 6 on the cup assembly 5 rotate the rotary cups 9 and feedback information to the receiver 15 and control unit 16 in the motorised unit at the base of each upright 3. Activation results in the motors 12 activating and the extended flexible ropes 7 attached to the fallen horizontal pole(s) 2 being rewound so that the pole 2 is returned to its resting/sitting position on the cup 9 on the upright 3.

When a pole has been knocked and the device of the present invention operated the following steps occur as shown in particular in Figs. 7 to 10 to replace the pole on the jump. As shown in Figs. 7 to 11 the rotary cups 9 on each upright are rotated in a direction opposite to that in which the pole 2 has fallen. The rotary cups may rotate up to 180 degrees on the uprights. The sensors 6 on each cup detect which way the pole is falling and cause the rotary cups 9 to rotate the opposite way to which the pole fell. In this way even if the poles falls diagonally across between the uprights the sensors 6 detect the direction of drop and cause the cups 9 to rotate accordingly. The sensors also activate the motorised spool in the stand 4 to rewind the flexible rope 7 returning and lifting the pole 2 up until it is positioned just above the cups 9. The rollers 8 on the cup assembly 5 ensure that the flexible rope 7 is not twisted as it is wound in. Once the pole has been raised up the rotary cups 9 are rotated back around the upright and repositioned under the pole 2. The flexible rope 7 is slackened slightly and the pole 2 drops to rest on the rotary cups 9 thus resetting the jump.

The flexible rope may be of any suitable material. The rope needs to be durable, flexible and lightweight. Suitable materials such as nylon or Spectra or Dyneema may be used.

The automated horse jump device of the present invention may comprise more than one horizontal poles supported between two uprights. Each of the poles is connected by a flexible rope to the base unit. For each pole a separate motorised rewinding unit would be required, therefore for two horizontal poles there would be two systems in each upright, for three horizontal poles there would be three motorised rewinding units in each upright etc. Each of the devices may be linked for remote control purposes.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

1. An automated jump device comprising two opposing uprights each comprising a cup assembly and a base unit; and at least one horizontal jump pole supported between the uprights;

2. An automated jump device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cup assembly comprises a rotary cup, a sensor, a roller device and a motor.

3. An automated jump device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sensor on the cup assembly communicates with the rotary cup to rotate the cup in an opposite direction to the direction the jump pole has fallen.

4. An automated jump device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a ball and socket connection at either end of the horizontal jump pole connecting the flexible rope to the jump pole.

5. An automated jump device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the flexible rope is permanently attached to the arm of the socket.

6. An automated jump device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the base unit comprises a receiver, a controller, a power source, a motor and a spool system.

7. An automated jump device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the spool system comprises a clutch and drive shaft for winding the flexible rope onto the spool.

8. An automated jump device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a remote control activation means.

9. An automated jump device as claimed in claim 8 comprising an app to control and activate the device.

5 10. A method of replacing a fallen pole remotely using the jump device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the steps of;

10 the sensor transmitting a signal to the rotary cup to rotate and relaying a signal to the receiver and controller in the base unit; and the controller activating the motor and drive shaft in the base unit to wind the flexible rope back onto the spool drawing the fallen pole up and back into position on the rotary cups.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein on receiving a signal the sensor causes the rotary cups to rotate on the uprights so the horizontal pole can be drawn up to the cup assembly.

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12. A method as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein when the horizontal jump pole is drawn up above the cup assembly the rotary cups are rotated back to support the jump pole.

13. An automated jump device substantially as hereinbefore described with

25 reference to the drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

GB1612540.3

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