U.S. patent application number 12/286715 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for exercise simulator and method for encouraging exercise.
Invention is credited to William Carter, Lawrence Labedz, Patricia Venetucci.
Application Number | 20100081548 12/286715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42058073 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100081548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Labedz; Lawrence ; et
al. |
April 1, 2010 |
Exercise simulator and method for encouraging exercise
Abstract
An exercise simulator and a method of encouraging exercise are
disclosed. The exercise simulator has a steering component
including a user-movable element and a steering sensor. The sensor
outputs a sensor signal indicative of the amount of movement of the
user-movable element to provide steering input to a computer. The
computer has a program and data for providing a visually
displayable simulated environment. The visually displayable
simulated environment is navigable by user input comprising
movement of the user-movable element. The visually displayable
simulated environment can be part of a computer animated game.
Inventors: |
Labedz; Lawrence;
(Naperville, IL) ; Carter; William; (Dyer, IN)
; Venetucci; Patricia; (Hawthorn Woods, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYNDAK & SURI LLP
200 W. MADISON STREET, SUITE 2100
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
42058073 |
Appl. No.: |
12/286715 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 ; 482/146;
482/148; 482/57; 482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0087 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 2022/0652 20130101; A63B 2024/0096
20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B
2220/40 20130101; A63B 69/0093 20130101; A63B 2220/34 20130101;
A63B 2071/0644 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 ; 482/8;
482/57; 482/146; 482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise simulator comprising a steering component including
a user-movable element and a steering sensor for outputting a
sensor signal indicative of the amount of movement of the
user-movable element to provide steering input to a computer; the
computer comprising a program and data for providing a visually
displayable simulated environment, the visually displayable
simulated environment being navigable by user input comprising
movement of the user-movable element, the computer configured to
receive the sensor signal.
2. The exercise simulator of claim 1 further comprising a display
for displaying the visually displayable simulated environment to
the user.
3. The exercise simulator of claim 1 wherein the user-movable
element comprises a user-rotatable element and the user input
comprises rotation.
4. The exercise simulator of claim 3 wherein the steering sensor is
mechanically linked to the steering component so that rotation of
the user-rotatable element rotates the steering sensor.
5. The exercise simulator of claim 4 wherein the steering sensor
comprises an accelerometer.
6. The exercise simulator of claim 1 further comprising an
electronic circuit capable of converting the sensor signal into a
digital signal.
7. The exercise simulator of claim 6 wherein the electronic circuit
is capable of converting the sensor signal into a mouse format.
8. The exercise simulator of claim 1 further comprising a seat and
a speed component including user-rotatable cranks.
9. The exercise simulator of claim 8 further comprising a speed
sensor for outputting a speed signal indicative of the speed of
rotation of the user-rotatable cranks to provide a speed input to
the computer.
10. The exercise simulator of claim 8 wherein the user-movable
element of the steering component comprises a handlebar.
11. The exercise simulator of claim 10 wherein the steering
component further comprises a non-horizontal steering shaft, the
steering shaft attached to the handlebars.
12. The exercise simulator of claim 11 further comprising a sensor
platform rotatable around a substantially horizontal axis, the
steering sensor attached to the sensor platform, the steering shaft
connected to the sensor platform so that rotation of the steering
shaft causes rotation of the sensor platform around the horizontal
axis.
13. The exercise simulator of claim 12 wherein the steering
component further comprises a flange, the flange attached to the
steering shaft and connected to the sensor platform by a length
adjustable connection member, wherein adjustment of the length of
the connection member allows the rotational relationship between
the sensor platform and the steering shaft to be calibrated.
14. The exercise simulator of claim 13 further comprising a frame
and two springs attached to the flange and the frame for centering
the steering component.
15. The exercise simulator of claim 1 further comprising a user
platform for supporting the weight of a user.
16. The exercise simulator of claim 15 further comprising a base
wherein the user platform is flexibly attached to the base so that
the user platform may be tilted.
17. The exercise simulator of claim 16 wherein the sensor is an
accelerometer attached to the user platform.
18. The exercise simulator of claim 16 wherein the user platform is
flexibly attached to the base by two or more aligned fasteners, the
fasteners inside flexible bushings.
19. A method of encouraging exercise by simulating an environment
comprising sensing the movement of a user-movable element;
transmitting a sensor signal indicative of the amount of movement
of the user-movable element; receiving the sensor signal by a
computer comprising a program and data for providing a visually
displayable simulated environment; and displaying a simulated
environment based on the data and the sensor signal, the simulated
environment being navigable by user input comprising movement of
the user-movable element.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to an exercise simulator for
encouraging people, in particular, younger children, to exercise.
The exercise simulator and method for encouraging exercise are
particularly suitable for use indoors at quick-service restaurants
and other locations frequented by younger children.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The fitness and health of children has been declining for
several decades. A decline in exercise has contributed to declining
fitness and health. Thus, there is a need to encourage exercise
among children.
[0003] While many adults frequent indoor gyms to exercise, such
gyms are generally not fun for children. Indoor exercise for
fitness is often tolerable for adults but generally not tolerable
for younger children. Thus, there is a need to make indoor exercise
fun for children.
[0004] Traditionally, younger children obtained much of their
exercise by playing games outside. However, conditions may not
always be suitable for playing outdoor games. For example, it may
be too dark, hot, cold, rainy, and even too dangerous to play
outside. Also, outdoor play is often inconvenient when traveling
close or far. Thus, there is a need to make exercise more
convenient and more suitable during adverse weather and
environmental conditions. There is also a need for simulating an
environment, which may be an outdoor environment, while exercising
indoors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise simulator is
provided. In various embodiments the exercise simulator is
especially suitable for use by children. The exercise simulator has
a steering component including a user-movable element and a
steering sensor for outputting a sensor signal indicative of the
amount of movement of the user-movable element. The purpose of the
sensor is to provide steering input to a computer. The computer has
a program and data for providing a visually displayable simulated
environment. The visually displayable simulated environment is
navigable by user input including movement of the user-movable
element. The computer is configured to receive the sensor signal.
As used herein, the term "exercise simulator" includes an exercise
device or devices for exercising. Such devices may include a
component or components that display a visually simulated
environment, which may be an outdoor or a virtual environment.
[0006] The exercise simulator may also include a variety of
optional components. For example, the exercise simulator may
include a display for displaying the visually displayable simulated
environment to the user. The user-movable element may include a
user-rotatable element and the user input may include rotation. The
sensor may be mechanically linked to the steering component so that
rotation of the user-rotatable element rotates the sensor. The
sensor may be an accelerometer. The exercise simulator may also
include an electronic circuit capable of converting the sensor
signal into a digital signal. The electronic circuit may be capable
of converting the sensor signal into a mouse format.
[0007] In one embodiment, the exercise simulator has a speed
component. The speed component may include user-rotatable cranks.
The exercise simulator may include a seat and a speed sensor for
outputting a speed signal indicative of the speed of rotation of
the user-rotatable cranks to provide a speed input to the computer.
The user-movable element of the steering component may include a
handlebar, a non-horizontal steering shaft attached to the
handlebars, a sensor platform rotatable around a substantially
horizontal axis, and a sensor attached to the sensor platform. The
steering shaft is connected to the sensor platform so that rotation
of the steering shaft causes rotation of the sensor platform around
the horizontal axis. The steering component may include a flange
attached to the steering shaft. The flange is connected to the
sensor platform by a length adjustable connection member.
Adjustment of the length of the connection member allows the
rotational relationship between the sensor platform and the
steering shaft to be calibrated. The exercise simulator may include
a frame and two springs attached to the flange. One purpose of the
springs is to center the steering component.
[0008] In another embodiment, the exercise simulator also includes
a user platform for supporting the weight of a user. The exercise
simulator may also have a base wherein the user platform is
flexibly attached to the base so that the user platform may be
tilted. The sensor may be an accelerometer attached to the user
platform. The user platform may be flexibly attached to the base by
two or more aligned fasteners, the fasteners inside flexible
bushings.
[0009] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of encouraging
exercise by simulating an environment is provided. The method
includes sensing the movement of a user-movable element and
transmitting a sensor signal indicative of the amount of movement
of the user-movable element. The sensor signal is received by a
computer comprising a program and data for providing a visually
displayable simulated environment. A simulated environment is
displayed based on the data and the sensor signal. The simulated
environment is navigable by user input including movement of the
user-movable element. The simulated environment may be an outdoor
environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1-4 depict a bicycle embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 1 and 3 are perspective and side views, respectively, of the
bicycle embodiment with and without a cover, respectively. FIGS. 2
and 4 are perspective and elevation views, respectively, without
the cover of the steering component from the side and front,
respectively.
[0011] FIGS. 5-8 depict a skateboard embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective and side elevation views of the
skateboard embodiment, respectively. FIGS. 7 and 8 are exploded
views of the steering component and a centering component,
respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one aspect of the invention, an exercise simulator having
an input device and a computer is provided. A first embodiment of
the exercise simulator is a bicycle exercise simulator 10 as shown
in FIGS. 1-4. Bicycle exercise simulator 10 has a bicycle input
device 12 and a computer 90.
[0013] Bicycle Input Device
[0014] Bicycle input device 12 has a steering component 14, a seat
16, a speed component 18, and a cover 22. Cover 22 partially covers
steering component 14 and speed component 18 for safety
reasons.
[0015] Steering component 14 includes a user-movable element 24 and
a steering sensor 26. User-movable element 24 includes a
user-rotatable element 28, which includes handlebar 30. Handlebar
30 is attached at its ends to knobs 32. Alternatively handlebar 30
could have grips. (not shown) at its ends. Handlebar 30 is attached
by a stem 33 to a steering shaft 34. Steering shaft 34 is partially
contained within shaft housing 36.
[0016] Steering shaft 34 is mechanically linked to steering sensor
26. Steering sensor 26 may rotate around steering shaft 34 or may
rotate around a different axis as discussed below. A flange 38 is
at the end of shaft 34 opposite handlebar 30. Flange 38 is attached
to shaft 34 so that flange 38 rotates with shaft 34. The attachment
may include a key matched to a keyway. Flange 38 is attached by a
length adjustable connection member 38a to a sensor platform 40.
Sensor circuitry 42 including steering sensor 26 is mounted on
sensor platform 40. Alternatively steering sensor 26 may be mounted
to sensor platform 40 and sensor circuitry 42 may be mounted to a
stationary portion of bicycle input device 12. Sensor 26 senses the
rotation of user-rotatable element 28 and outputs a sensor signal
indicative of the amount of movement of user-movable element 24,
which may be user-rotatable element 28. The sensor signal output
from steering sensor 26 can be analog or digital. If the sensor
signal output is analog, sensor circuitry 42 transforms the analog
sensor signal into a digital sensor signal for computer 90. The
digital sensor signal may be in a format suitable for a parallel
port, serial port (e.g., RS-232), a USB port etc., for example. A
mouse format for input via a USB port is preferred for the digital
sensor signal. For purposes of this invention, the sensor signal
refers to both transformed and non-transformed sensor signals.
[0017] Flange 38 can also be used to provide a self-centering
capability to user-movable element 24. In particular, flange 38 is
attached to resilient members 46 and 47. Resilient members 46 and
47 preferably include springs 50 and 51 working in opposition to
return steering component 14 to its center when the user is not
providing input, e.g., return handlebar 30 to a horizontal position
when a user releases handlebar 30. Resilient members 46, 47 are
attached to a frame 52 via a bracket 53. Flange 38 may also have a
pair of resilient stops 54 located on the right and left sides of
flange 38 to prevent over-rotation of user-rotatable element 28
which could result in damage to springs 50 and 51 from
over-extension. One of the pair of stops 54 contacts a plate 60
when user-rotatable element 28 reaches its limit position. Plate 60
is attached to shaft housing 36 and a steering support 62.
[0018] Sensor platform 40 is mounted to bicycle input device 12 so
that it can rotate around an axis, preferably substantially
horizontal. A sensor cradle 64 provides horizontally aligned
mounting points for sensor platform 40 to have a substantially
horizontal axis. Sensor 26 is preferably a linear capacitative
accelerometer or mems inertial sensor. The accelerometer has an
inertial axis for which it measures acceleration or tilt. The
accelerometer axis is substantially perpendicular to the axis of
rotation of sensor platform 40.
[0019] The length of connection member 38a can be adjusted to allow
the rotational relationship between sensor platform 40 and steering
shaft 34 to be adjusted. Such an adjustment allows the sensor input
to be calibrated so that when steering component 14 has
successfully self-centered itself via resilient members 46 and 47,
the sensor input corresponds to zero user input. Both ends of
connection member 38a are disposed in a respective receiving member
39 in a threaded relationship to allow the length adjustment by
turning connection member 38a. Rotation of connection member 38a
translates angular movement to a vertical movement which, in turn,
results in tilting movement of sensor platform 40.
[0020] Seat 16 may be any kind of seat suitable for bearing the
weight of a user while the user uses exercise simulator 10. Seat 16
is supported by frame 52 having a seat support 68, a support 70 and
a base 72. Support 68 is connected to support 70, which provides
support to speed component 18. The distance between seat 16 and
speed component 18 may be adjustable to accommodate users of
different leg length. For example, seat 16 is shown at the end of a
base 72 in FIG. 1 while in FIG. 3 seat 16 is forward of the end of
base 72. The distance between seat 16 and speed component 18 may be
adjusted by raising a peg 74 having a knob 76 and further
withdrawing or inserting support 68 from support 70. Peg 74 fits in
holes (not shown) in support 68.
[0021] Speed component 18 has pedals 78 attached to user-rotatable
crank arms 80. Crank arms 80 are attached at opposite ends to a
spindle 82. A resistance mechanism (not shown) provides resistance
to pedaling. The resistance mechanism may be any suitable
resistance mechanism as known in the art for stationary bicycles,
and may be composed of friction plates, for example. A speed sensor
provides a speed signal indicative of the rate of pedaling. The
speed sensor is connected to sensor circuitry 42, which receives
the speed signal. The speed signal can be analog or digital. If the
speed signal is analog, sensor circuitry 42 can transform the speed
signal into a digital speed signal. Preferably sensor circuitry 42
combines the steering sensor signal and the steering signal into a
single digital sensor signal having a steering sensor signal
component and a steering signal component.
[0022] Computer
[0023] Computer 90 may be housed in a console 92 along with a
display 94, associated with a transparent portion 96, and speakers
98, associated with speaker openings 100. Computer 90 may be a
personal computer having a processor, USB ports, hard drive storage
for storing the program and data, internet access, graphics card,
etc. Computer 90 may be a general purpose computer or a specialized
computer having hardware specialized for the exercise simulator.
Computer 90 has a program and data, both for providing a visually
displayable simulated environment. The simulated environment is
displayed on display 94 and sounds for the simulated environment
are played through speakers 98. Computer 90 receives a sensor
signal from sensor circuitry 42. Based on the signal, computer 90
allows a user to navigate simulated environment based on the
program and data. For example, a user may be presented in the
simulated environment with a choice of going left or right. The
user can then turn handlebar 30 left to go left in the simulated
environment. In addition, the speed of movement in the simulated
environment may or may not be dependent on the speed signal. The
visually displayable simulated environment can be part of a
computer animated game.
[0024] Skateboard Input Device
[0025] A second embodiment of the exercise simulator is a
skateboard exercise simulator 110 as shown in FIGS. 5-8. Skateboard
exercise simulator 110 has a skateboard input device or steering
component 112 and computer 90. Skateboard input device 112 has a
non-slip surface 114, a platform 116, a mounting plate 118,
flexible supports 120 and 121, and a base 124. Surface 114 is a
surface that has good anti-slip properties to prevent a user from
slipping off skateboard input device 112 while standing on a
tilting skateboard input device 112. Any such suitable surface may
be used including a rubberized surface or a sandpaper-type surface.
Surface 114 is attached to platform 116. Platform 116 has upwardly
sloping ends 126 and 127 and is generally shaped like a skateboard.
Platform 116 is attached to mounting plate 118. Mounting plate 118
is attached to flexible supports 120 and 121, which are attached to
base 124. Base 124 may be attached to a platform or to a floor.
[0026] Flexible supports 120 and 121 as shown are identical,
although this is not necessarily required. Each flexible support
has a boot or cover 130 to cover a truck 132. Truck 132 has shoes
134 and 135. Shoe 134 has receiving portions 138 and 139 for
receiving middle bushings 142 and 143. Similarly, shoe 135 has
lower receiving portions 146' and 147' for receiving middle
bushings 142 and 143. Shoe 135 has upper receiving portions 146 and
147 for receiving outside bushings 150 and 151. Shoes 134 and 135
are held together by fasteners, illustrated as bolts 154 and 155,
washers 158 and 159, and nuts 162 and 163. Fasteners 154 and 155
can be any suitable fastener including bolts (as shown), screws or
rivets, for example. Preferably, trucks 132 are aligned so that the
four middle bushings and the fasteners contained within are
substantially aligned to provide a tilt axis for a user to tilt the
skateboard steering component 112. The number of middle bushings
and fasteners may be varied. Depending upon the number of
fasteners, the number of linearly aligned fasteners can be 2, 3, 4
or more.
[0027] A sensor platform 164 is attached to the under side of
mounting plate 118 between flexible supports 120 and 121. Sensor
circuitry 166 is supported by sensor platform 164. Sensor circuitry
166 is similar or identical to sensor circuitry 42. Sensor
circuitry 166 may not have conversion capabilities for a speed
signal as there generally is not a speed component for the
skateboard embodiment 110. Associated with sensor circuitry 166 is
sensor 168. Sensor 168 may be the same or similar to sensor 26.
Sensor 168 provides via sensor circuitry 166 a sensor signal to
computer 90.
[0028] Method of Encouraging Exercise
[0029] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of encouraging
exercise by simulating an environment is provided. The method
includes sensing the rotation of a user-movable element and
transmitting a first sensor signal indicative of the amount of
movement of the user-movable element. The sensor signal is received
by a computer comprising a program and data for providing a
visually displayable simulated environment. A simulated environment
is displayed based on the data and the sensor signal. The simulated
environment is navigable by user input including movement of the
user-movable element.
[0030] The method may also include adjustably linking the
user-movable element to a sensor so that rotation of the
user-movable element around one axis causes rotation of a sensor
around the same or a different axis. The sensor senses directly or
indirectly the rotation of the user-movable element and outputs a
sensor signal. The method may include transforming the sensor
signal into a second sensor signal having a different format such
as a digital format or a mouse format. The method may also include
sensing the movement of a speed component and transmitting a speed
signal indicative of the amount of movement of the speed component.
The speed signal is received by the computer. The speed signal may
be combined with the sensor signal to provide a second signal
having a sensor signal portion and a speed signal portion. While
the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred
embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it
is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous
changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes,
modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the
following claims.
* * * * *