U.S. patent application number 12/576226 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for exercise and video game chair.
Invention is credited to Benjamin Karl Broderick.
Application Number | 20110086747 12/576226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43855307 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110086747 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broderick; Benjamin Karl |
April 14, 2011 |
Exercise and video game chair
Abstract
A video game chair for enhancing the enjoyment of a video game
includes a chair member formed of a horizontal seat portion with a
backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. This is a chair
that utilizes arm movement, torso movement, leg movement and finger
movement to control video games. The chair's movement is under
resistance which is variable to suit the needs of the person
playing the game. This resistance allows for a video gamer to
benefit from extreme cardio and bodybuilding workouts while having
their mind "in the game". It is intended that this chair would be
compatible with multiple video game consoles and computers
Inventors: |
Broderick; Benjamin Karl;
(Kingman, AZ) |
Family ID: |
43855307 |
Appl. No.: |
12/576226 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 ;
463/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/1018 20130101;
A63F 2300/8005 20130101; A63B 2243/0037 20130101; A63F 13/816
20140902; A63F 2300/1043 20130101; A63F 2300/1068 20130101; A63B
2244/102 20130101; A63B 2244/19 20130101; A63B 2210/02 20130101;
A63B 23/00 20130101; A63F 13/23 20140902; A63B 22/00 20130101; A63F
13/24 20140902; A63B 2024/0096 20130101; A63F 2300/1025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 ;
463/47 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A63F 9/24 20060101 A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method for exercising and playing video games utilizing an
exercise and video gaming chair.
3. A chair for obtaining an optimal aerobic level of physical
exertion for cardiovascular conditioning while playing video games
comprising: a chair having a seat cushion and a back cushion; a
waist flexure means coupled to the seat cushion and the back
cushion wherein the waist flexure means provides universal joint
functioning with tension rubber or spring resistance as the back
cushion is moved forward, backward or in any direction relative to
the seat cushion; and a video gaming consol coupled to the chair
which connects to video games by the use of a multi-adapter plug
adapted to receive input signals from finger buttons, hand grips
and foot pads which activate game functions.
Description
PREVIOUS FILING
[0001] This application emanates from a previously filed
application Oct. 9, 2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a uniquely designed chair that
enhances the comfort and experience of a video game player
integrated in operation with a video game chair whereas movement of
the human body will control the video game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Home video game systems are more popular then ever. Modem
technological advancements in gaming systems have resulted in
literally hundreds of games with unprecedented depth and detail. As
these systems evolved, so has the demographic profile of those who
purchase and play them. No longer just for kids, these games appeal
to children and adults alike. The price of the most popular gaming
systems, such as Sony Playstation.TM., X-Box 360.TM. and Sega.TM.
have fallen in recent times making them even more common. All of
these facts have resulted in widespread use of such games and an
increase in our sedentary lifestyle. The only exercise that one
receives while using these video game systems is to the finger area
which is only a step above watching television. Accordingly, there
is a need for means by the playing of video games and physical
activity can be combined to provide not only entertainment but
exercise as well. The development of the present invention fulfills
this need. The present invention comprises an apparatus that allows
the control of a video game system by the user performing actions
or movements in a chair. The invention connects to commonly
available video games by the use of a multi-adapter plug. The
invention can be used by itself or with the use of a hand
controller as well. The chair resembles a cross between an office
chair and a weight bench. In this manner the user can activate game
functions by pressing or moving chair arms and/or foot supports.
Such movement would be governed by resistance mechanism and tension
bars in much the same manner as resistance type weight
machines.
[0004] Other game functions could be provided with conventional
pushbuttons located at the end of the arms or the foot support
mechanisms. It is envisioned that the invention would work
optimally with games that would simulate the motion of an athlete
such as boxing, skiing, basketball and the like. Additionally, new
software titles that would take advantage of the invention would be
usable as well. The use of the present invention provides not only
a new and unique method of playing video games, it also adds
movement and exercise to a pastime that has been plagued by the
lack of physical activity
[0005] The prior art includes many varieties of exercise machines:
exercycles, rowing machines, and weight-lifting machines found in
fitness centers. None of these has a video game which is connected
to the machine. There are a multitude of video games on the market
which incorporate randomly generated targets to be "destroyed" by
the operator by manipulation of hand controls by the operator. The
operation of these games is almost effortless, with respect to the
expenditure of physical energy by the operator; there are none that
can be employed to achieve an optimal aerobic level of physical
exertion for cardiovascular conditioning.
[0006] There are also known various monitor game machines which
simulate such activities as the flight of an airplane attacking
enemy bombers, driving a car at high speed through traffic or in a
race or obstacle course, and the like. These devices may employ a
video unit comprised of a computer, program, and video screen. The
cockpit or seat of the operator typically will tilt, rotate, or
otherwise move in response to controls manipulated by the operator.
The object of these inventions is to provide realism to video
games. Two such inventions are U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,470 Astroth,
dated Jul. 24, 1984, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,407, Manabe, dated
Oct. 23, 1984. However, the prior art does not include a simulator
which provides the opportunity for strenuous exercise by the
operator.
[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present
invention is to provide a lithium-ion battery which retains high
safety while having high capacity and high power.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0009] The present invention relates to a chair specifically
designed to enhance the experience of a video game player. The
device comprises a chair member including a horizontal seat portion
with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. Both the
seat portion and backrest portion are preferably encapsulated with
a padded foam material for enhanced comfort.
[0010] This is a chair that functions as a video game controller
utilizing movement of the human body to control the video game.
Movement of the human body is under resistance when using this char
to control the video game, thus allowing for a form of entertaining
physical exercise.
[0011] This invention replaces the common hand held controller used
for controlling video game consoles. Various forms of controllers
have been made to control video games. This chair is designed to
replace the majority of the different styles from the following
list: joystick, keyboard, hand held, etc.
[0012] This is a chair that utilizes arm movement, torso movement,
leg movement and finger movement to control video games. The
chair's movement is under resistance which is variable to suit the
needs of the person playing the game. This resistance allows for a
video gamer to benefit from extreme cardio and bodybuilding
workouts while having their mind "in the game". It is intended that
this chair would be compatible with multiple video game consoles
and computers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood 20 with reference to the following more
detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with
like symbols, and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the exercise and video
game chair 10, according 25 to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention; and,
[0015] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the exercise and
video game chair 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTIVE KEY
[0016] exercise and video game chair handgrip [0017] handgrip
sensor finger button foot sensor footpad [0018] leg waist flexure
headrest cushion seat cushion back cushion torso speaker [0019] 43
electrical box [0020] 44 sound jack [0021] 45 multi-adapter plug
[0022] 46 power cord [0023] 47 sound and control pad [0024] 48
headrest speaker [0025] 49 wiring [0026] 50 input/data module
[0027] 51 audio module [0028] 60 torso restraint [0029] 80 game
console
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention describes an apparatus and method for
an exercise and video game chair (herein described as the
"apparatus") 10, which provides a means for an exercise chair which
interfaces with a video game console 80 using a multi-adapter plug
45. In this manner the user can activate game functions by pressing
finger buttons 22, moving handgrips 20, and pressing footpads 31.
The user's movements are to be governed by resistance mechanisms in
much the same manner as resistance type weight machines. It is
envisioned that the invention 10 would work optimally with games
that would simulate the motion of an athlete such as boxing,
skiing, basketball and the like. The invention 10 provides a sound
system 51 with various controls 47 and can be either used as a
stand-alone exercise machine or used with the aforementioned game
console 80 interface.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of the
apparatus 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises a seat cushion
40, a back cushion 41, a headrest cushion 39, a pair of handgrips
20, a pair of foot sensors 30, a pair of footpads 31, four (4) legs
32, a waist flexure 33, and an electrical box 43.
[0032] The apparatus 10 provides a chair means similar to a typical
office chair including a seat cushion 40, a back cushion 41, a
headrest cushion 39, and four (4) legs 32, and is envisioned to be
made using standard materials such as ploy-foam filled cushions 39,
40, 41 and coverings made using materials such as cloth, leather,
vinyl or the like. The aforementioned chair sections 39, 40, 41 may
be provided in a variety of materials, styles, and designs and as
such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present
invention 10.
[0033] The apparatus 10 further comprises a pair of headrest
speakers 48 located in the headrest cushion 39 and four (4) torso
speakers 42, a pair of each located on opposite sides of the back
cushion 41. The speakers 42, 48 are envisioned to provide grills
which are integral to the back cushion covering 41 and are
envisioned to provide various speaker types such as woofer,
mid-range, tweeter, and the like, thereby accurately reproducing
the audio portion of the game or to broadcast music. The back
cushion 41 further comprises a locking torso restraint 60 similar
to those used on roller coasters providing control of the shoulder
and chest area of the user, thereby enabling both forward and
backward motion of the back cushion 41 via the waist flexure 33.
The waist flexure 33 provides a flexible panel positioned between,
and connected to, the seat cushion 40 and the back cushion 41. The
waist flexure 33 is envisioned to be made of a rugged and flexible
material such as fiberglass, plastic, urethane rubber, or the like,
thereby providing a resistance motion to enhance the exercise
function. The waist flexure 33 is further envisioned to provide an
electrical input signal to the electrical box 43 when flexed. The
seat cushion 40 provides an attachment means to four (4) legs 32 to
stabilize and support the apparatus 10 during use.
[0034] The legs 32 are envisioned to be made using rugged materials
such as metal, wood, fiberglass, or the like and are designed to
extend outward from the center of the apparatus 10 forming a wide
base, thereby supporting vigorous motions resulting from exercise
and gaming activity. The legs 32 provide an attachment means to a
sound and control pad 47, a pair of hand sensors 21, and a pair of
foot sensors 30.
[0035] The sound and control pad 47 is envisioned to provide a
control means including speaker volume control, game functions, and
the like. The sound and control pad 47 is envisioned to be located
generally at a top-front location along a leg 32 being easily
accessed by the user while actively engaged in a game or exercise
activity. The sound and control pad 47 is envisioned to be attached
to said legs 32 either as an integrally molded part or fastened
thereto using screws, rivets, or the like.
[0036] The handgrips 20 further comprise a pair of handgrip sensors
21 and a pair of finger buttons 22. The handgrips 20 are envisioned
to be similar to typical gaming grips common in the industry,
thereby providing input signals to the game console 80 from a pair
of integral handgrip sensors 21 and a pair of finger buttons 22.
The handgrips 20 are envisioned to be made using flexible injection
molded plastic parts, thereby providing a resistance motion to
enhance the exercise function.
[0037] The footpads 31 further comprise a pair of foot sensors 30.
The footpads 31 are envisioned to function in a similar manner to
the handgrips 20, thereby providing input signals via the foot
sensors 30 to said game console 80 as the user moves his/her feet.
The footpads 31 are envisioned to provide foot straps to secure the
user's feet to said pads 31. The footpads 31 are envisioned to be
made using flexible injection molded plastic parts, thereby
providing a resistance motion to enhance the exercise function.
[0038] The electrical box 43 provides an enclosure means for a
variety of electrical and electronic components required to operate
the apparatus 10. The electrical box 43 also comprises sound jacks
44, a power cord 46, and a multi-adapter plug 45. The electrical
box 43 is envisioned to be a box shaped enclosure made using
materials such as plastic, metal, or the like. The electrical box
43 is envisioned to be located under the seat cushion 40 being
affixed thereto using screws, rivets, and the like. The wiring 49
is envisioned to be routed internally within the legs 32 and
cushions 39, 40, 41 from said input devices and speakers 42,
48.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of the
apparatus 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of
input devices such as a pair of handgrip sensors 21, a pair of
finger buttons 22, a waist flexure 33, a pair of foot sensors 30,
and a sound and control pad 47. Said input devices are to be
connected internally to the electrical box 43 via wiring 49 being
routed to an input/data module 50 located therein said electrical
box 43. The apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of speakers
48, 42 being connected to an audio module 51 also contained within
the electrical box enclosure 43 via wiring 49.
[0040] The apparatus 10 further comprises a 110-volt power cord 46,
a multi-adapter plug 45 to communicate signal data to a game
console 80, and a pair of sound jacks 44 enabling interface with
the game console sound system 80.
[0041] It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the
present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of
the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall
be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and
not by way of limitation of scope.
2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
[0042] The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be
utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with
little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the
apparatus 10, it would be installed as indicated in FIG. 1. The
method of installing and utilizing the apparatus 10 may be achieved
by performing the following steps: positioning the apparatus 10 in
front of, and at a desired distance, from a television; connecting
the multi-adapter plug 45 into the game console 80; routing and
plugging speaker cables from the game console 80 into the audio
jacks 44 located thereon the electrical box 43; plugging the
110-volt power cord 46 into an available electrical outlet;
activating the game console 80 and loading the desired game; making
necessary adjustments and selections using the sound and control
pad 47 such as sound volume, game mode, and the like; initiating
the game sequence using the sound and control pad 47; and, enjoying
the enhanced gaming and exercise experience while using the
apparatus 10.
[0043] Another alternate embodiment of the present invention 10
comprises the addition of a game console 80 built integrally into
the apparatus 10 perhaps being located adjacent to, or incorporated
into the electrical box 43 portion.
[0044] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *