U.S. patent application number 11/294334 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for horse simulator.
Invention is credited to William Ronald Greenwood.
Application Number | 20060147887 11/294334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34073235 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060147887 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greenwood; William Ronald |
July 6, 2006 |
Horse simulator
Abstract
The present invention relates to a simulator for simulating the
movement of a horse comprising: a base; a body portion for receipt
of a rider and having a longitudinal axis corresponding to the
simulated forward and backward movement of a horse; a first linkage
extending between said body portion and said base; a second linkage
extending between said body portion; and a mechanism capable of
providing vertical and horizontal movement to the longitudinal axis
of the body portion. The present invention also relates to a kit of
parts for producing the simulator. The simulator is particularly
useful as a training aid for people to ride horses, in addition to
improving stamina and general fitness.
Inventors: |
Greenwood; William Ronald;
(Cheshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL, LLP
1850 M STREET, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
34073235 |
Appl. No.: |
11/294334 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/247 ;
472/104 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 19/0038 20130101;
A63G 19/20 20130101; G09B 9/00 20130101; A63B 69/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/247 ;
472/104 |
International
Class: |
A63G 13/08 20060101
A63G013/08; A63B 69/00 20060101 A63B069/00; G09B 19/00 20060101
G09B019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2004 |
GB |
04 26734.0 |
Claims
1. A simulator for simulating the movement of a horse comprising:
(a) abase; (b) a body portion for receipt of a rider and having a
longitudinal axis corresponding to the simulated forward and
backward movement of a horse; (c) a first linkage extending between
said body portion and said base; (d) a mechanism capable of
providing vertical and horizontal movement to the body portion with
respect to said base; and (e) a second linkage extending between
said body portion and said mechanism.
2. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second
linkages comprise elongate members.
3. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mechanism is
driven by a motor.
4. A simulator as claimed in claim 3, wherein the said motor drives
a first pulley connected to a first crank which in turn is
pivotally connected to the second linkage so as to effect a
vertical movement of said body portion.
5. A simulator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the motor further
drives a second pulley connected to a second crank which in turn is
pivotally connected to a middle portion of the second linkage so as
to effect a generally horizontal movement of said body portion.
6. A simulator as claimed in claim 5, comprising gearing means
located between said motor and said first pulley and/or second
pulley.
7. A simulator as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second pulley is
connected to a clutch and/or a brake for selectively preventing or
allowing the rotation of the crank.
8. A simulator as claimed in claims 7, comprising a sensor for
sensing attached thereto to sense the rotational speed and/or
position of a crank.
9. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body portion is
in the shape of a horse.
10. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mechanism is
controlled by a central processing unit.
11. A simulator as claimed in claim 10, wherein the information
from the sensors is relayed to the central processing unit.
12. A simulator as claimed in claim 11, wherein a pre-determined
rotation speed of the second pulley determines whether a clutch is
engaged to rotate the crank.
13. A simulator as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensor is used
to synchronise the cranks prior to engagement or disengagement of
the clutch/brake.
14. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the action of said
mechanism is controlled by a control panel.
15. A simulator as claimed in claim 14, wherein the control panel
is located on the simulator.
16. A simulator as claimed in claim 14, wherein the control panel
is located remotely from the simulator.
17. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the action of said
mechanism is controlled by controlling sensors located within said
body portion.
18. A simulator as claimed in claim 17, wherein said controlling
sensors located within said body portion correspond to locations on
a horse used to control a real horse.
19. A simulator as claimed in claim 18, comprising controlling
sensors located in portions of said body portion corresponding to
the stirrup and rein area of a horse.
20. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said body portion
has a seating portion for receipt of a rider and/or a saddle to be
placed thereon.
21. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulator
further comprises an override switch which stops said
mechanism.
22. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the simulator is
operated with a key.
23. A simulator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the simulator can
simulate a walk, a trot, a canter, a gallop and a halt and
intermediate speeds thereof.
24. A simulator as claimed in claim 23, wherein an individual
controls the speed of and the type of walk, trot, canter, gallop
and halt and intermediate speeds thereof.
25. The use of a simulator as claimed in claim 1 for training
individuals for horse riding.
26. A kit of parts for producing a simulator for simulating the
vertical and horizontal movements of a horse, the kit comprising:
(a) a base; (b) a body portion adapted for receiving an individual;
(c) two or more linkage arms; and (d) a mechanism for providing
movement to said linkage arms.
27. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 26, wherein said kit further
comprises a motor.
28. A kit of parts as claimed claim 26, wherein said kit further
comprises at least one pulley and at least one crank, wherein the
said pulley is capable of being connected to said crank and the
said crank is adapted to be connected at least one linkage arm.
29. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 28, wherein the kit further
comprises one or more sensors for use in sensing the position said
linkage arms and/or said pulley and/or said crank.
30. A kit of parts as claimed in claim in claim 26, wherein said
body portion is in the shape of a horse.
31. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 26, wherein said mechanism
is controlled by a central processing unit.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to horse simulators and in
particular, but not exclusively, to simulators which confer a
realistic motion of a horse that a rider may experience.
[0002] Horse simulators can be used for a number of applications,
such as sports training for equestrian sports, assisting people
with co-ordination difficulties and novelty fun rides, to name a
few. Whilst there are a number of horse simulators currently
available, their motion is often unlike that of a true horse and
they are therefore not a true representation on which how a rider
should position himself or herself.
[0003] The horse simulators that are currently available rely upon
hydraulics to actuate the various movements of the horse body. The
hydraulics can be controlled by a central processing unit (CPU)
which actuates a pre-programmed movement of the horse and such
movement is controlled by an operator. A number of problems are
associated with such simulators, for example the hydraulic rams
have a limited life span, resulting in a potential leakage of
fluid. These simulators therefore require an extensive servicing
regime. DE199112281 discloses a riding simulator relying upon a
pneumatic system which removes the risk of fluid leakage, although
the pneumatic rams also have a limited life span. In addition, both
simulators tend to have a disjointed motion which is unlike a real
horse due to the number of rams involved.
[0004] A number of other `hobby horse` type simulators have also
been disclosed (such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,444 and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,264,569), although they do not provide enough variation in
movement to simulate the difference between walking, trotting or
cantering. WO 01/89649 discloses a more complicated racing horse
simulator, but again it is not able to simulate the different
motions of the horse and only simulates the motion of a horse
galloping.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
alleviate one or more of the problems associated with the prior art
simulators. It is also an object of the present invention to
provide a horse simulator that simulates a realistic motion of a
horse for an individual. Furthermore, it is another object of the
present invention to provide a simulator that is capable of
simulating a number of different movements of a horse, such as a
walk, a trot and a canter and for the smooth sequential transition
from one movement to another.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a simulator for simulating the movement of a
horse comprising:
[0007] (a) a base;
[0008] (b) a body portion for receipt of a rider and having a
longitudinal axis corresponding to the simulated forward and
backward movement of a horse;
[0009] (c) a first linkage extending between said body portion and
said base;
[0010] (d) a mechanism capable of providing vertical and horizontal
movement to the body portion with respect to said base; and
[0011] (e) a second linkage extending between said body portion and
said mechanism.
[0012] The present invention therefore provides for a simple
mechanism which may be employed to provide a simulator that has a
number of effective and realistic movement. Such a simulator will
be applicable in a number of applications, such as a training
individuals to ride a horse and for experienced riders to further
develop their riding skills and/or stamina. The simulator may also
be used to assist those recovering from injury and/or muscular
diseases, but may equally be used as a novelty simulator.
[0013] The said first and second linkage may comprise elongate
members and such members may be arms produced from a suitably rigid
material such as metal. Preferably, the mechanism is driven by a
motor which is electric, although the mechanism could also be
driven manually or powered by a number of sources. Should an
electric motor be used, it is preferred that the motor is of a size
in the region of 1.5 kW and is powered by mains electricity. The
mechanism may also employ electromagnetic actuators or
hydraulic/pneumatic rams if required.
[0014] The said motor may drive a first pulley connected to a first
crank which in turn is pivotally connected to the second linkage so
as to effect a vertical movement of said body portion. Furthermore,
the motor may further drive a second pulley connected to a second
crank which in turn is pivotally connected to a middle portion of
the second linkage so as to effect a horizontal movement of said
body portion. The mechanism therefore provides for the movement
required by the body portion so as to simulate the movement of a
horse.
[0015] A gearing means may be located between said motor and said
first and/or second pulley and it will be apparent to one skilled
in the art that such a gearing will allow the rotation of the
pulley (and therefore cranks) to be controlled, in addition to the
use of a motor of a reduced size. The first pulley and/or the
second pulley may be driven from the engine by means of toothed
belt, although a smooth drive belt, chain or direct drive may also
be employed. The second pulley may be connected to a clutch and/or
a brake for selectively preventing or allow the rotation of the
crank. The engagement of the clutch or brake may be actuated
automatically when different movements of the body portion are
required. When the crank attached to the second pulley is static,
the body portion can only move in a vertical manner, simulating a
walk or a trot. Whereas when the crank is rotating, the body
portion can move in a vertical and horizontal manner in order to
mimic a canter and/or a gallop. Additionally, the crank may have a
sensor attached thereto to sense the rotation and/or rotation speed
of the crank in addition to the position of the crank. The sensing
means can be used to assess when and when not to allow rotation of
the crank attached to the second pully, so as to allow for a smooth
transition between movements.
[0016] A covering may be placed over the body portion, which may be
in the shape of a horse. The covering may be constructed out of a
number of materials, such as fibreglass and other composite
materials. Preferably, the covering also has a portion
(corresponding to the back of a horse), which may be used for an
individual to be seated and may also comprise or allow for a saddle
to be placed thereon. The simulator may also allow for the covering
and/or the covering to lean either to the left or the right so that
an individual can also use the simulator to practice riding when
cornering etc. Alternatively, the whole simulator may be able to
lean.
[0017] The action of the mechanism may be controlled by a central
processing unit (CPU). The CPU may have any number of input and/or
output sensors, such as a sensor located near to a crank and/or
pulley to assess the rotation speed. The information from the
sensors can then be relayed to the central processing unit. The CPU
may control the engagement of the clutch and/or the brake of the
crank attached to the second pulley so as to allow the differential
movement between a trot and a canter. Alternatively, a
pre-determined rotation speed of the second pulley may determine
whether a clutch (such as a centrifugal clutch) is engaged to
rotate the crank. The speed of the cranks can therefore be
controlled and the movement of the simulator controlled
accordingly. The position of the cranks may be synchronised
relative to one another prior to engagement or disengagement of the
clutch and/or brake. Preferably, the cranks will synchronise at a 3
o'clock position prior to engagement or disengagement. It is also
preferred that when the clutch is disengaged, that a brake is
applied so as to steady the second linkage. The action of the
mechanism may be controlled by a control panel and such a control
panel may be located on the simulator or located remotely from the
simulator.
[0018] The action of the mechanism may also be controlled by
controlling sensors located within the body covering and such
sensors may correspond to locations in a horse that are used to
control a real horse. For example, the sensors may be located in
portions of the covering corresponding to the stirrup and rein area
of a horse and a canter may be induced by an individual digging
their heel into the stirrup area of the covering. Therefore, a kick
sensor in the stirrup area of the covering may be used by an
individual to increase the speed of the mechanism, whilst a pull
sensor in the reins may be used by an individual to decrease the
speed of the mechanism (or indeed to stop it). The kick sensor may
also be able to determine whether the individual wishes to go
faster, such as a constant pressure applied by the heels, or
whether to change from a walk to a trot, such as by means of a
kick.
[0019] So as to prevent the simulator from causing injury or an
inexperienced rider not being able to control the simulator, an
override switch may also be provided which stops the mechanism.
Such a switch may also be provided so as to automatically sense if
an individual is no longer seated. The simulator may also be turned
on or off by means of a key, so that unauthorised use of the
simulator is prevented.
[0020] The simulator can therefore simulate a walk, a trot, a
canter, a gallop and a halt by varying the speed of the crack
attached to the first pulley and whether or not the crank attached
to the second pulley is rotating. Furthermore, the simulator can
also operate at intermediate speeds so as to simulate a slow trot,
a rising trot, a slow canter and a fast canter, for example.
[0021] The present invention also provides for a kit of parts for
producing a simulator for simulating the vertical and horizontal
movements of a horse, the kit comprising:
[0022] (a) a base;
[0023] (b) a body portion adapted for receiving an individual;
[0024] (c) two or more linkage arms; and
[0025] (d) a mechanism for providing movement to said linkage
arms.
[0026] The kit of parts may also comprise a motor for attachment to
at least one linkage arm. The kit may also be used to produce a
simulator as hereinabove described.
[0027] By way of example only, a specific embodiment of the present
invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of horse simulator in
accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cut-away side view of the horse simulator of
FIG. 1; and
[0030] FIG. 3 is a cut-away rear view of the horse simulator of
FIG. 1.
[0031] With reference to the Figures, a horse simulator 10
comprises a moulded glass fibre or plastics shell 12, having the
shape of the exterior of the upper portion of a horse, which is
supported on a frame 14 which rests on the ground G (or other
surface). FIG. 1 also shows a saddle 16, stirrups 18 and reins 19
attached to the horse-shaped shell 12. As will be explained, the
horse-shaped shell is movable with respect to the support frame 14,
which allows a rider seated on the saddle to experience realistic
simulated horse movements.
[0032] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the supporting frame
comprises a fixed frame portion 20 which rests on the ground and a
movable frame portion 22 which is connected to the horse-shaped
shell 12 and which is movably connected to the fixed frame portion
20.
[0033] The fixed frame portion 20 comprises two vertical, parallel
front frame members 24 and two vertical, parallel rear frame
members 26. The upper ends of the front frame members 24 and the
upper ends of the rear frame members 26 are interconnected by a
cross-beam 28 and two parallel longitudinally extending side frame
members 30 extend between the front and rear frame members 24, 26
parallel to, and just above, the ground G.
[0034] The movable frame portion comprises two parallel, elongate,
longitudinally extending frame members 31 which are interconnected
at their front and rear ends by cross-members 32. Downwardly
extending frame members 34 extend from the ends of the longitudinal
frame members.
[0035] The fixed frame portion 20 and the movable frame portion 22
are connected together in several ways.
[0036] Firstly, a first connecting bar 36 is pivotally connected at
pivot 38 to one of the longitudinally extending frame members 31 of
the movable frame portion 22, about two-thirds along its length
from front to rear, and is also pivotally connected at a pivot 40
to a mounting lug 42 projecting rearwardly from one of the front
upstanding frame members 24 of the fixed frame portion.
[0037] A second connecting bar 44 extends downwardly from one of
the longitudinally extending frame members 31 of the movable frame
portion 22. The upper end is fixedly secured to the frame member 31
and extends perpendicularly from it at a point just to the rear of
the pivotal mounting 38 of the first connecting bar. The opposite
end of the second connecting bar is pivotally connected at crank
pin 46 to a first crank 48 which rotates with a first pulley 50
mounted on a further cross-member 52 extending between the two
longitudinal side members 30 of the fixed base frame portion. The
first pulley 50 is rotatable by means of an electric motor 54
mounted on the pulley housing 55.
[0038] The rotation of the first pulley 50 is transferred by means
of a drive belt 56 to a second pulley 58 which is mounted on a
further cross-member 60 extending between the front upright frame
members 24 of the fixed frame portion. The output of the second
pulley 58 in housing 59 is connected to a second crank 62. A third
connecting bar 64 is rotatably mounted at one end to the crank by
means of a pivot 66 and is pivotally mounted at the other end to
the second connecting bar 44 about one-third of the way from its
lower end by means of a pivot pin 68. The second pulley 58 has an
associated combined brake/clutch 70 within the housing 59 of the
second pulley, which either allows the second crank 62 to rotate or
be stationary. A flag or marker 72,74 is also provided on each
crank 48,62 which allows a reactive sensor 76,78 (e.g. a magnetic
proximity sensor) to determine the position and speed of the cranks
in addition to whether or not they are moving.
[0039] In use, an individual would mount the horse simulator 10 and
sit on the saddle 16 of the horse shaped shell 12 which is made
from a fibre glass or similar durable material. The shell 12 also
provides a realistic representation of a horse in size, dimensions
and feel so as to provide the most realistic simulation as possible
to the rider.
[0040] The simulator is controlled by controls which are either
located upon the shell 12 (such as areas corresponding to the
stirrup and reign) or at a position remote from the simulator such
that an individual who is not seated on the simulator may operate
it. The simulator can be made to simulate a range of different
movements that a horse may make when being ridden, such as walking,
trotting or cantering.
[0041] In order to actuate the simulator into simulating the horse
which is walking, the motor 54 is switched on, which in turn
rotates the first pulley 50 and the crank 48, resulting in
reciprocating movement of the second connecting bar 44 up and down
in a generally vertical direction, as indicated by arrows 80. If
the simulator is to simulate a trot, the electric motor 54 is
separated at a higher speed, which causes the first crank 48 to
rotate at an increased velocity. During the time that the simulator
is simulating a walk or a trot, the second crank 62 is held
stationary by operation of the combined brake/clutch 70.
[0042] For the simulator to simulate a canter, the initial rotation
of the first crank 48 is maintained. However, the drive belt 56 is
allowed to rotate the second crank 62 by operation of the combined
brake/clutch 70. Rotation of the second clutch 62 results in
reciprocating movement of the third connecting bar in a generally
horizontal manner, as shown by arrows 82. The deployment of both
cranks 48, 62 also allows the simulator to simulate a gallop by
further increasing the speed of the motor 54. The sensors 76,78
allow the speed/position of the cranks 48,62 to be assessed and
relayed to a central processing unit 100 in order to determine the
correct speed required for both cranks so as to produce the correct
motion.
[0043] The speed/position flags or markers 72,74 allow the second
crank 62 to be engaged and disengaged (by means of the brake/clutch
70) at a pre-determined point relative to the first crank 48. For
example, the second crank 62 may only be allowed to engage or
disengage when the first crank 48 is at the 3 o'clock position.
Thus, the transition between the vertical movement and the
incorporation of a horizontal movement can be brought about in a
smooth and controlled manner. The brake/clutch 70 controls the
engagement/disengagement of the second crank 62 and can be
electrically controlled. Whilst only a clutch may be used to
disengage and engage the second crank 62, the addition of a brake
when the clutch has been disengaged further stabilises the crank
and ensures that the body portion moves in only the desired
manner.
[0044] Whilst the simulator may be controlled by either controls
106 located on the horse shaped shell 12 and connected to the
central processing unit 100, it may also be controlled by means of
a remote device 108, that can either be connected to the central
processing device 100 by means of an antenna 110, or a cable 112.
Sensors may also be deployed at various points in the shell 12 so
as to replicate those signals an individual would use in practice
upon a horse in order to invoke a canter for example after a walk.
The shell 12 therefore contains a stirrup sensor 102 and a rein
sensor 104 for receiving inputs from the rider. The simulator can
automatically change from a trot to a canter just by kicking of the
leg in the stirrup area of the shell. As with a real horse, the
simulator will go faster with applied pressure from the heels. The
first kick will make the simulator simulate a walk, a second kick
will result in simulation of a trot and a further kick will result
in simulation of a cantering action. The simulator also steadies or
stops with a pull on the reins, as with a real horse. There can
also be an override switch/button which an individual may deploy if
he or she is unable to control the simulator by using the controls
alone. A key can be used to activate the simulator and to prevent
unauthorised use, if desired.
[0045] The simulator can be used in a number of applications, such
as used for training purposes for the general riding of horses,
polo training and horse racing etc. The simulator could equally be
used in order to help those with co-ordination difficulties or as
therapy for muscular and skeletal complaints, but could also be
used as a novelty simulator. By attaching a calorie counter and
other associated fitness measuring devices (such as heart beat
monitor), the simulator could also be used as a fitness
machine.
* * * * *