Device controller with conformable fitting system

• US 8,708,825 B2
• Filed: 04/18/2012
• Issued: 04/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rhode Island Hospital
• Original Assignee: Rhode Island Hospital
• Inventors: Crisco, Joseph John III
• Primary Examiner(s): Rowland, Steve
• Application Number:
  US13/449,988
• Publication Number:
  US 20120270655A1
• Time in Patent Office: 741 Days
• Field of Search: 463/37
• US Class Current: 463/37
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/212 using sensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat or leg activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/24 Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1043 being characterized by constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1062 being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission

Abstract

A controller with a conformable fitting system is configured for controlling a device, such as a toy or game, is pliable, flexible and cushioning to provide a custom fit of the device controller to the body part of the patient or user. The device controller spans across a joint, such as a wrist, and includes a pivot between preferably two main portions. The rotation axis of the device controller is aligned with the pivot axis of the joint to receive the physical therapy. A sensor, such as a digital encoder, is located proximal thereto to determine the relative positioning of the main portions to each other. The sensor electronically communicates with the device, such as a toy or game, to serve as a controller therefor.

Claims

1. A controller for controlling a device by a user, comprising:

a first housing;

a first member connected to the first housing;

the first member being conformable about a first body part of a user;

the first member including a first bendable member core and a first cushioning outer layer surrounding the bendable member core;

the first bendable member core being made of metal;

the first member directly encircling the first body part of the user;

a second housing movably connected to the first housing;

a second member connected to the second housing;

the second member being conformable about a second body part of the user;

the second member including a second bendable member core and a second cushioning outer layer surrounding the bendable member core;

the second member directly encircling the second body part of the user; and

whereby movement of the first body part of the user relative to the second body part of the user moves the first housing relative to the second housing.

2. The controller of claim 1, further comprising:

means for sensing and measuring movement of the first housing relative to the second housing.

3. The controller of claim 2, further comprising:

means for outputting a value corresponding a position of the first housing relative to the second housing to a device.

4. The controller of claim 1, wherein the second bendable member core is made of metal.

5. The controller of claim 1, wherein the first cushioning outer layer is made of foam.

6. The controller of claim 1, wherein the second cushioning outer layer is made of foam.

7. The controller of claim 3, wherein the device is a toy.

8. The controller of claim 3, wherein the device is a game.

9. The controller of claim 3, wherein the value is configured for use by a game system.

10. The controller of claim 3, wherein the value is configured for use by a toy system.

11. The controller of claim 2, wherein the means for sensing and measuring movement of the first housing relative to the second housing is a digital encoder.

12. The controller of claim 1, wherein the first housing and the second housing are rotationally connected to each other.