EXERCISE CONTROL DEVICE FOR VIDEO GAMES

• US 20110143839A1
• Filed: 02/10/2011
• Published: 06/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thomas Mclaughlin
• Original Assignee: Thomas Mclaughlin
• Inventors: McLaughlin, Thomas
• Application Number:
  US13/024,399
• Publication Number:
  US 20110143839A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/0411 Squatting exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0647 Visualisation of executed movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00047 Exercising devices not moving during use benches A63B21/4029; isometric exercising devices A63B21/0023; step exercisers A63B23/0458; walk exercisers A63B23/0464
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/803 Motion sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1227 Dips, i.e. push-ups in a vertical position, i.e. eccentric movement, e.g. between parallel bars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1236 Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1281 primarily by articulating the elbow joint
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

An exercise control device adapted to be activated by vigorous exercises such as push-ups and leg squats comprises a joystick having electronic outputs for controlling the movement of an element of a video game. An elongated tether is connected at one end to the joystick and at its opposite end to the body of a user whereby lateral movements of the user'"'"'s body cause movement of the video game element dependent on the direction of such lateral movement. Movement of the user'"'"'s body transverse to such lateral movements controls switches in the joystick whereby both lateral and transverse movements of the user can be used to play the video game. A pair of controlled input devices produce signals which can also be used in playing the video games. Such devices may be operated by the user'"'"'s hands or feet.

Claims

1. An exercise control device adapted to be activated by vigorous exercises such as push-ups and leg squats for playing video games, comprising a joystick having electronic outputs for controlling the horizontal and vertical movements of a cursor on a video display, an elongated member connected at one end to said joystick and adapted to be connected at its opposite end to the body of a user whereby lateral movements of the user'"'"'s body cause movement of the cursor on the screen dependent on the direction of such lateral movement, and means for sensing movement of the user'"'"'s body transverse to such lateral movements, said means for sensing being connected to said joystick whereby lateral and transverse movements of the user can be used to position the cursor on the video display.

2. An exercise control device according to claim 1, including at least one manually controlled input device for producing signals for display on the video display independent of the display produced by movements of the user'"'"'s body.

3. An exercise control device according to claim 2, wherein at least two of said input devices are provided.

4. An exercise control device according to claim 3, wherein said input devices each include a rotatable member and the signals produced by the input devices are dependent on the angular position of said rotatable members.

5. An exercise control device according to claim 1, wherein said elongated member comprises an elastic tether.

6. An exercise control device according to claim 5, including at least one manually controlled input device for producing signals for display on the video display independent of the display produced by movements of the user'"'"'s body.

7. An exercise control device according to claim 6, wherein at least two of said input devices are provided.

8. An exercise control device according to claim 7, wherein said input devices each include a rotatable member and the signals produced by the input devices are dependent on the angular position of said rotatable members.

9. An exercise control device according to claim 8, wherein said elongated member comprises an elastic tether.