Handgrip exercising, computer game controller

• US 4,558,864 A
• Filed: 06/13/1984
• Issued: 12/17/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marion C. Medwedeff
• Original Assignee: Marion C. Medwedeff
• Inventors: Medwedeff, Marion C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pinkham, Richard C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Brown, Scott L.
• Application Number:
  US06/620,384
• Time in Patent Office: 552 Days
• Field of Search: 273/148 B, 273/DIG. 28, 200/157, 200/329, 200/52 R, 272/67, 272/68
• US Class Current: 273/148.00B
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/023 Wound springs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0455 having torsion element around its longitudinal axis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4047 Pivoting movement weight pivoting A63B21/0615
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/16 Angular positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03508 For a single arm or leg, A63B21/0726 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/245 specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/812 Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/8011 Ball
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/02 Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 having computer circuitry

Abstract

A computer input device used simultaneously for amusement, physical exercise and strength measurement. The device consists of handgrips separated by a metal spring, a system of levers, a variable electrical resistor (potentiometer), conductor wires and a plug designed for insertion into the game controller socket of a home or arcade computer. The operator or player grasps and squeezes the handgrips of the device causing the levers to move the control arm of the potentiometer. The electrical resistance is varied an amount proportional to the amount of squeeze. The computer will run programs which "read" the potentiometer'"'"'s resistance values and use these values to control the movement of graphic symbols on the computer'"'"'s video display. For example, the operator will squeeze the handgrips to "throw", "hit" or "kick" a ball (for a distance and speed proportional to the squeeze) from one location of the computer'"'"'s video display screen to a designated target at another location on the screen. The computer program will also measure, record and monitor the amount of physical exercise. The device in conjunction with a computer will provide exercise in a way that amuses and entertains the operator thereby promoting adherence to an otherwise boring program of physical therapy or development.

Claims

1. A computer game and control device and exercise apparatus which comprises:

a pair of elongated handles to be gripped by the hand throughout the width of the hand,

means mounting the handles together for movement of the handles toward each other in pivotal movement about a pivot axis that is disposed longitudinally beyond the handles whereby the whole body of the hand grip is disposed beyond the pivot axis,

the mounting means including spring means biasing the handles apart and yielding to enable the handles to be moved toward each other and the spring means being of sufficient strength whereby the handles can be moved in contact with each other only by exerting the full strength of the hand,

an electrical switching device mounted in one of the handles,

means mounted on the handles for actuating said switching device when said handles are pressed towards each other,

a signal transmission means coupled with said switching device to transmit a signal from said switching device to a computer, so that when the handles are moved towards each other a signal proportional to the distance between the handles may be transmitted from the handles to a computer.

2. A computer game control and exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spring means is a torsion spring.

3. A computer game and exercise device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said actuating means mounted on said handles constitute a series of levers.

4. A computer game control and exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said switching device is a potentiometer.

5. A computer game control and exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said means to transmit a signal is an electrical cord connected to said device and having a plug, on the end, capable of mating with a computer.