TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a means to automatically adjust the height of an obstacle or platform, such as equipment used in equestrian events. In particular, the present invention provides a system for adjusting the height of a jump.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Many equestrian sports involve a horse and a rider jumping over a fence or barrier, commonly referred to as a jump. The existing jumps typically used in equestrian sports generally consist of multiple parts, including a pair of standards, being vertical posts on each side of the jump, the rails, which extend between the standards, and jump cups, which fix onto each standard at various heights, and support an end of the rail.

[0003] Each jump cup is releasably attached to the standard and require manual adjustment when the height of the rail needs to be changed. Two typical types of jump cups are a “key hole” type jump, as shown in figure 2a, and a “cup and pin” type jump cup, as shown in figure 2b.

[0004] Equestrian jumping requires the horse and rider to jump over the rails of a series of jumps without knocking the rail off the jump cup. Equestrian jumping is a niche sport, with horses and riders competing all over the world at all ages. Competitions vary from local pony clubs to global events, such as the Olympics and the World Cup. In order to compete at high levels and to achieve performance success at competitions, both horse and rider undertake many hours of training.

[0005] Training and competing in equestrian jumping regularly requires the height of the jump to be adjusted throughout the duration of a ride. Typically, the jumps are initially set at a relatively low height to enable both horse and rider to warm up and gain confidence. Throughout the duration of the ride, the height of each jump is raised to achieve a height at which both horse and rider should be training/competing. To adjust the height of the jump, the rider must dismount and adjust each jump cup, while holding the horse. Alternatively, another person must be in the arena to adjust the height of the jump for the rider. This is disruptive and time consuming, impacting upon the effectiveness of the training for horse and rider, as well as reducing the amount of effective training time.

[0006] Further, a rider will often train or compete using multiple jumps, set up in a course. The jumps can be set up in various ways, with multiple rails, or multiple standards with multiple rails to be jumped as one jump (referred to as a “spread” or “oxer”, as shown in figure 1. Each rail extends between the standards with each end resting on a jump cup. In order to adjust the height of a jump, each jump cup must be moved individually. A course of jumps could contain anywhere from 8 to 30 jumps. As such, manually adjusting each individual jump cup is very time consuming.

[0007] At a competition, there are a variety of classes competitors can compete. These classes are based on the height of the jumps. During competitions, the height of each jump must be adjusted for each class according to the competition schedule. Given the number of jump cups to adjust manually, many staff members are required on competition days to assist in changing the height of the jumps according to the class. As a result, there are often extensive delays between classes in a competition.

[0008] The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] It is an object that this invention ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0010] While the present invention is discussed with particular emphasis on equestrian applications, the present invention is equally applicable to other applications where the height of an obstacle/jump is required to be adjusted, for example hurdles at an athletics/track competition. These other applications are considered to be incorporated within the present invention, as would be understood by the person skilled in the art. [0011] The present invention provides a jump for use in equestrian events, the jump comprises: at least two standards; at least one rail spanning between the at least two standards, wherein the at least one rail is supported by a pair of jump cups, such that respective ends of the at least one rail is supported by a respective one of the pair of jump cups, each jump cup being releasably secured to a respective standard; an adjustment system to adjust the height of the at least one rail, whereupon operation of the adjustment system causes synchronise movement of both of the at least one jump cups to adjust the height of the rail to a desired height, whereby the rail maintains a substantially horizontal orientation during operation of the adjustment system.

[0012] The adjustment system may be operated from a control device. The control device may be in the form of a remote control, an application on a phone/tablet/computer, and/or a display device on one of the at least one jump cup in an equestrian ring.

[0013] The display device may be in the form of a digital display incorporated in the one of the at least one jump cup, or may be in the form of one or more switches thereon.

[0014] The control device may communicate with all jump cups in the equestrian ring, and/or with a sub-group of jump cups.

[0015] With this arrangement the height of each jump can be adjusted automatically, negating the need for manual adjustment. The control device may be used to adjust the height of each jump at the same time, or can be set to adjust the height of a predetermined set of jumps.

[0016] The jump may have more than one rail extending between the standards. [0017] The present invention provides a jump cup assembly comprising two jump cups and an adjustment assembly to adjust the height of each jump cup, each jump cup comprising: a support portion to support an end of a rail of a jump; wherein adjustment of the jump cup assembly causes synchronise adjustment of both jump cups such that the rail maintains a substantially horizontal orientation during operation of the adjustment assembly.

[0018] The adjustment assembly may comprise at least one gear and a track adapted to be fitted to a standard of the jump. The at least one gear may engage with the track provided on the standard of the jump when the jump cup is installed on the standard.

[0019] The track may be in the form of an elongate element which may be secured to the standard, or may be integrally formed therewith. Preferably when the track is installed a large section of the track is spaced from the standard such that a gap is formed between the track and the standard. The track may extend along the longitudinal extent of the standard such that when the jump is assembled the track is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0020] The adjustment assembly may also comprise a motor for selective operation of the gear whereupon operation, the gear travels along the track to adjust the height of the rail.

[0021] The present invention provides a jump cup assembly comprising two jump cups, a track and an adjustment assembly which co-operates with the track to adjust the height of each jump cup, each jump cup comprising: a support portion to support an end of a rail of a jump; wherein adjustment of the jump cup assembly causes synchronise adjustment of both jump cups such that the rail maintains a substantially horizontal orientation during operation of the adjustment assembly. [0022] The present invention provides a jump cup which is incorporated in a jump to support a rail, the jump cup can be selectively operated to adjust the height of the rail of the jump, the jump cup comprises: a support portion to support an end of the rail; an adjustment assembly to adjust the height of the rail; wherein adjustment of the jump cup causes synchronise adjustment of at least one further jump cup, wherein the one further jump cup supports an other end of the rail.

[0023] The present invention provides a jump cup assembly which is incorporated in a jump, and is selectively operated to adjust the height of a rail of the jump; the jump cup assembly includes two jump cups, wherein each jump cup supports respective ends of the rail, each jump cup comprising: a support portion to support an end of the rail; an adjustment assembly to adjust the height of the rail; wherein adjustment of the jump cup assembly causes synchronise adjustment of both jump cups such that the rail maintains a substantially horizontal orientation during operation of the adjustment assembly.

[0024] In one arrangement the support portion provides a support surface upon which the end of the rail is supported. The support surface may have a concave profile such that the end of the rail is supported at a lower part of the concave profiled.

[0025] In another arrangement the support portion is in the form of a channel which passes through the jump cup. The channel may allow the end of the rail to be received therein, and to pass freely therethrough if the rail is hit, such as by a horse jump over the jump. [0026] In another arrangement the support portion is in the form of a magnetic arrangement. The magnetic arrangement co-operates with the end of the rail to releasably secure the rail relative to the support portion. The magnetic arrangement may release the end of the rail if the rail is hit, such as by a horse jumping over the jump.

[0027] In another arrangement the support portion is in the form of a mechanical apparatus. The mechanical apparatus co-operates with the end of the rail to releasably secure the rail relative to the support portion. The mechanical apparatus may release the end of the rail if the rail is hit, such as by a horse jumping over the jump.

[0028] In one aspect of the invention the adjustment assembly comprises at least one gear, wherein the at least one gear engages with a track provided on a standard of the jump when the jump cup is installed on the standard.

[0029] The track may be in the form of an elongate element which may be secured to the standard, or may be integrally formed therewith. The track extends along the longitudinal extent of the standard such that when the jump is assembled the track is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0030] The adjustment assembly may also comprise a motor for selective operation of the gear whereupon operation, the height of the rail can be adjusted.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention the adjustment assembly comprises at least one wheel, wherein the at least one wheel engages with a guide provided on a standard of the jump when the jump cup is installed on the standard.

[0032] The guide may be in the form of an elongate channel which may be secured to the standard, or may be formed therein. The guide extends along the longitudinal extent of the standard such that when the jump is assembled the guide is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0033] The adjustment assembly may also comprise a motor for selective operation of the wheel whereupon operation, the height of the rail can be adjusted. [0034] In yet another aspect of the invention the adjustment assembly comprises at least one pulley, whereupon assembly of the jump, the pulley of the adjustment assembly is connected to at least one pulley on the standard via a belt.

[0035] The adjustment assembly may also comprise a motor for selective operation of the pulley, whereupon operation, the height of the rail can be adjusted. In an alternative arrangement, the motor may be incorporated on the standard to selectively operate the at least one pulley on the standard.

[0036] The jump cup may comprise a housing.

[0037] The jump cup may incorporate communication means for receiving and/or transmitting signals for operating the adjustment assembly. The communication means may utilise radio frequencies, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a combination of these or any other communication means as readily known to a person skilled in the art.

[0038] The jump cup may comprise a display device. The display device may be in the form of a digital display incorporated in the housing, or may be in the form of one or more switches supported by the housing. The display device may be operated to activate the adjustment assembly to adjust the height of the jump cup, as well as any other jump cup to which it is in communication.

[0039] The communication means may be housed in the housing.

[0040] The jump cup may comprise a power source to operate the motor as well as any other components of the jump cup requiring power, such as the communication means. The power source may be in the form of a rechargeable battery. The battery may be recharged from a variety of power sources including, a conventional plug in power source, solar panels, wind turbine or a wireless recharging device. The solar panels/wind turbine may be incorporated in the jump.

[0041] In one aspect of the invention, the support portion for supporting the end of the rail is integral with the housing.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention the support portion may be removably secured to the housing and may, for instance be removably secured to the housing in a key hole system or a hole and pin system. [0043] Preferably the jump cup is removably installed on the standard. The housing may move between an open condition wherein the housing may receive a portion of the track, and a closed condition wherein the portion of the track is encapsulated therein. When received in the housing the elements of the adjustment assembly of the jump cup (gear/wheel/pulley) may mesh/align with their corresponding components on the standard (track/guide/pulley and belt).

[0044] In one aspect of the invention the jump cup comprises one or more lock bars which extends across the standard when the jump cup is fitted thereto. The standard may be located between the one or more lock bars and the adjustment assembly of the jump cup when the jump cup is fitted to the standard. The standard may be clampingly engaged between the one or more lock bars and the adjustment assembly. The standard may be clampingly engaged between the one or more lock bars and the gear of the adjustment assembly. The clamping action will assist in retaining the jump cup in place when fitted to the standard, and ensure the operation of the adjustment assembly.

[0045] In another aspect of the invention the housing of the jump cup is configured to snugly receive a portion of the track. A top wall and a bottom wall of the housing may each have a cut-out which receives the portion of the track. Once the portion of the track is received in the cut outs, a panel may be slidingly received through a first opening in the housing, through a space formed between the track and the standard, and a second opening in the housing. With this arrangement the housing is releasably secured relative to the standard such that the housing is unable to rotate relative to the standard ensuring the adjustment assembly remains operational.

[0046] The jumping cup may comprise a locking device, whereupon the jumping cup reaching its required position on the standard, moves to a locked condition to lock the jump cup in position. The locking device may move to a released condition when the adjustment assembly is activated.

[0047] The locking device may be in the form of a braking system.

[0048] The jump cup may comprise one or more sensors to detect if the rail resting thereon is caused to move. The one or more sensors may communicate with the communication means and send signals to a central control device when movement of the rail is detected. [0049] The jump cup may comprise one or more sensors to monitor the height of the rail. The one or more sensors may communicate with the communication means and send signals to the central control device regarding the height of the rail.

[0050] The one or more senses may also collect data associated with battery life, faults, communication channel or frequency, spatial locations, display data, sport specific analysis, grouping with other jump cups and 3D position.

[0051] The present invention further provides a jump cup as herein described.

[0052] The present invention further provides an equestrian ring comprising a plurality of jumps incorporating jump cups as herein described.

[0053] The present invention further provides a jump comprising a plurality of jump cups as herein described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out herein. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a common type of jump used in equestrian applications, according to the prior art;

Figure 2a is a side view of a standard of a jump having two jumping cups secured there to using a key hole arrangement, according to the prior art;

Figure 2b is a front perspective view of two jumping cups having a cup and pin arrangement, according to the prior art;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a jump used in equestrian applications according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a close up view of section ‘A’ in figure 3; Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of figure 4 with the rail removed;

Figure 6 is a side view of figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a jumping cup shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a side perspective view of a jumping cup according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the jumping cup is being fitted to a standard;

Figures 9 to 11 are various perspective views of the jumping cup of figure 8 once fitted to standard.

[0054] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Prior art figures 1 , 2a and 2b show a typical equestrian jump 11 set up in a “spread” or “oxer” formation. This type of jump comprises two vertical jumps in a side by side, spaced apart relation. The jump 11 comprises a set of standards 13, between which rails 15 extend. Each end of each rail 15 is supported in position on jump cups 17. Each jump cup 17 is releasably secured to the respective standard 13 before one of the rails 15 is placed thereon. In order to adjust the height of the jump, the rail 15 is removed, and each of its associated jump cups 17 is manually positioned at the required height before the rail 13 is placed on the adjusted jump cups 17. This takes place for all rails 15.

[0056] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a remotely operated jump cup, which travels vertically along a track that is fitted to new or existing standards. Each jump cup is capable of being integrated into a network of jump cups, to allow operation of a group of jump cups or a sub-group of a group of jump cups within the network. With this system a rider, for example, can program which jump cups are to move in synchronisation. [0057] Each jump cup is independently powered so that there are no wires or cables which could cause hazards within the equestrian environment. The rider can quickly and easily adjust all programmed jump cups by using a remote, or a control panel/centralised computer system, which can be accessed from horseback, without the need for the rider to dismount. Each jump cup can be easily programmed to communicate with any number of jump cups that the rider identifies. As such, if multiple riders are using the ring, or if a single rider wants to utilise different jumps for different training exercises in the areas, the jumps cups can be programmed to work in groups.

[0058] The present invention enables riders to maximise their training by eliminating the need to dismount or arrange for an assistant to be in the arena. Further, a huge amount of time can be saved by enabling all jumps to be adjusted simultaneously. This is also important for competition settings, as the entire ring can be adjusted to suit the competition level, avoiding the time spent for each jump to be manually adjusted.

[0059] Embodiments of the present invention include a track secured to or integral with the standard, and to which the jump cup can be fixed. The track is specifically designed to enable the jump cup to be hooked onto the track at any height, from which the jump cup can then travel up or down. The track can be custom ordered to be any length, to suit the rider. The track can be retrofitted onto any existing standard, thus avoiding the need for a rider or barn to replace their existing equipment.

[0060] Each jump cup is made of a strong external housing, protecting the internal components from weather and falls. The housing provides a support portion which is shaped to support an end of the rail. On the housing, there is a channel selector, which enables the rider to select which jump cups are to be moved simultaneously.

[0061] Within the housing of the jump cup, there is an independent power source, which powers a motor, as controlled by a communication system. The motor rotates a wheel/gear to travel up and down the track to the desired height.

[0062] Referring to figures 3 to 7, the invention according to the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 3 shows a jump 111 which is similar to the jump 11 of figure 1 but is now fitted with a system according to the first embodiment wherein the system provides means for automatic adjustment of the height of the jump 111. [0063] The jump 111 comprises a set of standards 113 between which rails 15 (also commonly referred to as posts) extend. Each end of each rail 15 is supported in position on jump cups 117. Each jump cup 117 is releasably secured to the respective standard 113 before one of the rails 15 is placed thereon. In order to adjust the height of the jump 111 , each jump cup 117 is activated to move synchronically with at least the jump cup 117 supporting the other end of the same rail 15. Activation of each jump cup 117 can be initiated remotely. This negates the need for manual adjustment of each rail 13. It is to be noted that the jumps may be further decorated with other components, such as advertising, fake walls.

[0064] Each jump cup 117 comprises a support portion 119 which supports one of the ends of the rail 15. The support portion 119 provides a support surface 121 upon which the end of the rail is supported. The support surface 121 has a concave profile such that the end of the rail 15 is supported at a lower part of the concave profiled.

[0065] Each jump cup 117 also comprises an adjustment assembly 123 which can be activated to adjust the height of the rail 15. The adjustment assembly 123 comprises a gear 125. When the jump cup 117 is installed on the standard 113, the gear 125 meshes with a toothed track 127 secured to the standard 113 of the jump 111.

[0066] The track 127 is in the form of an elongate element which is secured to the standard 113 so that it spans at least across the distance the rail 15 needs to be adjusted. The track 127 extends along the longitudinal extent of the standard such that when the jump is assembled the track is in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0003] The adjustment assembly 123 also comprises a motor 129 for selective operation of the gear 125 whereupon operation, the height of the rail 13 is adjusted.

[0067] Each jump cup 117 has a housing 131. The housing 131 houses the gear 125 and the motor 129. It also houses a power source such as a rechargeable battery 133, and a communication means 135 for receiving and/or transmitting signals for operating the adjustment assembly 123.

[0068] The battery 133 is recharged using a conventional plug in power source (not shown) via charging port 137. [0069] The communication means 133 enables signals to be received and transmitted from each jump cup 117. As a result the jump cups 117 can be arranged in a network and can be controlled from a single control device.

[0070] Different groupings of the jump cups 117 can be arranged and allocated a communication channel. Each jump cup 117 has a display device in the form of a switch 139 which can be operated to designate a desired channel for that particular jump cup 117.

[0071 ] Each jump cup 117 is removably installed on the standard 113. When positioned on the standard the gear 125 meshes with the track 127. When the adjustment assembly 123 is activated, the motor causes the gear 125 to rotate, wherein the direction of rotation depends on whether the height of the jump is to increase or decrease.

[0072] To ensure the gear 125 remains meshed with the track 127 the jumping cup 117 provides a lock bar 141. The lock bar 141 is movable between an open position which is spaced away from the gear 125 to allow the jump cup 117 to be installed on/removed from the standard 113, and a locked position wherein the lock bar 141 extends radially across the standard 113 such that the standard 113 is positioned between the gear 125 and the lock bar 141. When the lock bar 141 is in the locked condition the gear 125 remains in mesh with the track 127 and the jump cup 117 cannot be removed from the standard 113.

[0073] In operation the remotely operated and simultaneously adjustable wireless equestrian jump cups 117 are fitted onto the track and fixed with the lock bar 141 . The rails 15 extend between the standards 113, resting on the support surface 121 of each remotely operated and simultaneously adjustable wireless equestrian jump cup 117.

[0074] A further embodiment of the jump cups 217 is shown in figures 8 to 11. For convenience features of the jump cups 217 that are similar or correspond to features of the jump cups 117 as described above, have been referenced with the same reference numerals. [0075] The jump cup 217 of this embodiment provides a display device in the form of a digital display 239 incorporated in the housing. The digital display 239 enables greater control of the system and ease of use by an operator (not shown). The display device can be operated to activate the adjustment assembly to adjust the height of the jump cup, as well as any other jump cup to which it is in communication.

[0076] The jump cup 217 provides a housing 231 which has an open condition wherein the housing 217 receives a portion 243 of the track 127 , as shown in figure 8, and a closed condition wherein the portion 243 of the track 127 is encapsulated therein, as shown in figure 9. When received in the housing 231 the gear 125 of the adjustment assembly 123 meshes with the track 127 which is secured to the standard 113 (not shown)

[0077] A top wall 245 and a bottom wall 247 of the housing 231 each have a cut-out 249 formed therein. Each cut-out 249 is similar in shape as the cross sectional portion 243 of the track 127 such that when the jump cup 271 is positioned thereon, the portion 243 of the track 127 is received in the cut outs 249 .

[0078] Once the jump cup 217 is placed on the standard, and the portion 243 of the track 127 is received in the cut outs 249, a panel 251 is slidingly received through a first opening 253 in the side of the housing, through a space 255 formed between the track 127 and the standard, and a second opening 257 in the other side of the housing 231. With this arrangement the jump cup 217 is releasably secured relative to the standard whereupon the jump cup 217 is unable to rotate relative to the standard. This ensures the gear 125 remains meshed with the track 127 and the adjustment assembly is able to function effectively when activated.

[0079] Embodiments of the present invention provide a remotely controlled, battery operated jump cup which can be networked with other jump cups, by dialling each cup onto the same channel/frequency, i.e. by radio frequency, RFID tag, or Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or remote, or a combination of these.

[0080] If a rider wants all jumps to be raised or lowered simultaneously, all of the cups can be dialled into the same channel. Then as the rider needs to raise or lower the jump, the rider can use the control device (e.g. an app on their phone) to activate the adjustment assembly to move the jump cups to the required height without having to dismount, walk to each jump and manually adjust the height of each jump cup.

[0081] Further, if multiple riders are using the ring, or if a single rider wants to utilise different heights for different jumping exercises in the ring, selected jump cups can be programmed to different channels.

[0082] This will enable riders to maximise their training time by eliminating the need to dismount or arrange for an assistant to be in the ring. Further, a significant amount of time can be saved by enabling all jumps to be adjusted simultaneously. This also is beneficial during competitions, as the entire ring can be adjusted to suit the competition level, without requiring time out of the competition to allow for each jump to be manually adjusted.

[0083] Most competitions have various classes, determined by the height of the jump. The present invention will significantly reduce the time between classes and avoid the need for additional staff to be hired to adjust jumps.

[0084] The design can be retrofitted onto any existing standard, thus avoiding the need to entirely replace existing jumps.

[0085] Embodiments of the present invention include: a track which will be retrofitted onto existing standards. The track is specifically designed to enable the jump cup to be hooked onto the track at any height, from which it can then travel up or down. The track can be custom ordered to be any height, pending the need of the user; a jump cup for each end of each rail incorporated in the jump; a housing, which fits onto the track and is shaped to hold the rail.

[0086] The housing may provide a rechargeable battery pack (which can also be solar power assisted when in outdoor environments). The battery pack powers a pre- programed/programmable circuit system to drive the motor, which rotates a wheel/gear to travel up and down the track to the desired height. [0087] The housing also provides a display device which includes a channel selector, which enables the jump cups to be I in ked/synched/comm unicate with one another by radio frequency, on board switch, smart coding (such as RFDI tag), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a combination of the above.

[0088] Further provided is a remote control / control panel from which the rider can raise or lower the jump cups.

[0089] Further provided may be a charging device from which the jump cups can be charged.

[0090] Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a system which incorporates a control device, such as a remote control, or an application on a phone/tablet/computer, wherein the control device instructs a series of spaced apart mechanical devices, such as spaced apart pairs of jump cups incorporated in a series of equestrian jumps. The control device instructs the mechanical devices to position themselves relative to one another so as to recognise their spatial position relative to each other in the field.

[0091] Both the mechanical device and control device are in communication with each other, such as through wireless communication. The system may use a communication means in the form of a local network connection, Bluetooth connection, remote frequency connection, mesh network connection and/or other forms of wireless transmission.

[0092] Each mechanical device has an on board channel selector (frequency) that can be set and recognised by the control device.

[0093] Using the control device, an operator can lift, lower or adjust height of the mechanical device, or multiple mechanical devices at the same time.

[0094] In the case of equestrian jumps, grouping a pair of jump cups together enables the pair to be synchronically operated by a control device, ensuring a rail extending between the two jump cups maintains a substantially horizontal orientation as the height of the jump cups is adjusted. [0095] Grouping mechanical devices, such as jump cups, enables grouped mechanical devices to be operated simultaneously by the control device once the control device is set to the same frequency/channel as the mechanical devices. In the case of an equestrian ring, this allows the height for those jumps with grouped jump cups to be adjusted simultaneously. This saves significant resources in terms of labour as well as time.

[0096] The control device can simultaneously control as many mechanical devices that are within the network. More than one control device may be used to control the same group of mechanical devices. Alternatively, to prevent unauthorised access to the mechanical devices a lockout feature may be incorporated wherein only one or a set of authorised control devices are able to access the system.

[0097] The mechanical devices are also aware of their physical location relative to other mechanical devices, including their height, whether it be on even or uneven terrain. The network of mechanical devices may use mesh networking, ensuring that the transmission of data and/or the ability to receive instruction is not lost due to distance from the control device. In the case of jump cups, as all jump cups relay instructions to each other, data, including instructional data can be transmitted over the entire equestrian ring.

[0098] The mechanical devices have built in proximity sensors, as well as unique digital addresses. This helps to minimise the chance of fingers becoming jammed as the jump cup adjusts, as well as avoiding collision when in close proximity of another moving mechanical devices. In equestrian applications this could take place where a jump comprises more than one rail, and the respective pair of jumping cups of each rail have not been correctly grouped.

[0099] The system allows for new mechanical devices to be added to the network at any time without having to pre-code, whereby the new (added) mechanical devices are integrated into a local network of other mechanical devices, enabling seamless expansion and scaling of the system live. For example, this will allow the rapid addition of additional jumps to provide a new jumping set out. [00100] The control device allows for mechanical devices to be grouped and allows for secure lockout features to prevent hacking or interference from other “non permitted” users or other mechanical devices or control devices.

[00101] The mechanical devices have in built, on board upgradable algorithms to allow users to upgrade software or add additional features such as bug fixes.

[00102] Each mechanical device can be fitted with a speaker, lights, buttons, transmitters, batteries, keypads, displays, laser sensors and other sensors that are used to capture information needed by the user/s setting up the system and provide live feedback as to the health of the mechanical device and control device as well as date needed such as battery life, height, faults, channel or frequency, locations, notifications, display data, sport specific analysis, grouping and 3D position.

[00103] An app may be linked to the system to provide subscribers with relevant information. In the case of an equestrian event this information may include:

- Smart draw area;

- Live mechanical device grouping;

- Feedback on times (seconds) between live use of each mechanical device (speed of horse between mechanical devices);

- Online store;

- Social groups;

- Event dates;

- Integration with other company related items;

- Other promotional items;

[00104] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention can be readily modified to provide a platform having a platform surface which may be readily adjusted.

[00105] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[00106] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[00107] Reference to positional descriptions and spatially relative terms), such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[00108] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[00109] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[00110] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[00111] The processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[00112] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “engaged”, "connected" or "coupled" to another element/layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element/layer or intervening elements/layers may be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements/layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between”, “adjacent”). As used herein the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.