WO2009095036A1

WO2009095036A1 - Sports and therapy equipment or toys

Info

Publication number: WO2009095036A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/000794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick David
Original assignee: Patrick David
Priority date: 2008-01-31
Filing date: 2008-01-31
Publication date: 2009-08-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to sports and therapy equipment and to toys with an actuating element, especially with a hand or foot control arm, as well as with a superstructure, which is connected with the actuating element, with at least one resistance element, which, when the actuating element and/or the superstructure is moving, exerts a force counter to the movement, as well as with a bearing, which is not formed by one of the resistance elements and by means of which the superstructure is supported movably.

Description

31/01/2008 03139-07 Hey / it

Patrick David D-89134 bluestone

Sports, therapy or play equipment

The invention relates to an interactive sports, therapy or game device.

The immobility of activities in the industrialized nations, coupled with an increasing pressure of work and information, which affects humans, leads to an increased need for recovery. To meet this need, however, usually lacks the time, which leads to so-called diseases of civilization, such as Übergeweicht, depression, stress, etc.

Recreation can be divided into three main areas:

Rest, so reduction of physical and / or mental activities, sports and mental distraction or amusement.

Only when all three areas are perceived in a combined need-based manner is far-reaching regeneration possible.

Since, as described above lack of exercise, lack of time and mental pressure represent the main problems for humans, it is important in as short as possible Time to experience as much physical activity as possible, as well as mental distraction.

Another difficulty in everyday life is motivating oneself to do sports after a hard day's work or week.

Therefore, an average person of an industrialized nation spends much of his free time in front of the television or in front of the computer. A solution to the above-mentioned problems is to intensify the recreational value, that is to temporally compress, by creating a combination of physical exercise and mental distraction. There are a variety of physical enhancement products on the market today and an even greater number of products that provide mental distraction. However, there is hardly any indoor product that allows both physical stress and mental distraction at the same time. Even more limited is the range of indoor products that combine both mental distraction with sport and a low motivational threshold. This sector includes sports and entertainment equipment in which the user is physically operated while the apparatus transforms the user 's movements into signals that are used to communicate with an interactive entertainment program. Thus, the user is caused to perform defined movements to obtain a corresponding result, e.g. to reach the screen. That is, the user receives the result or the reward of his efforts almost at the same time in the moment when he needs the highest motivation to put his inertia into effort. Such interactive products that combine time-saving sport and conservation with a low motivational threshold are a solution to improve the health of our society.

There are interactive exercise equipment known. For example, US Pat. No. 6,918,860 describes an interactive fitness device in the form of a stationary bicycle which, connected to a computer, allows the user to travel through virtual landscapes. However, this device allows the user only typical bicycle movements and thus trained mainly the lower body of the user. The patent US 4,660,828 describes a device in which the user, when standing, moves a lever against a resistance to communicate with the computer, such as a joystick. This lever is connected via a compression spring and a connecting element to the ground. The connecting element protrudes through a rotatably mounted on the ground platform through into the ground. The arrangement allows the user to tilt the lever in any direction and to turn it by a two-handed operation on an upper cross-beam, the lever limited to its own axis. In addition, he can rotate the rotatable platform he is standing against his upper body movement with his legs. This device requires the user, through the standing position a full body use to operate the lever. A disadvantage of this invention is that the suspension of the lever does not allow a precise detection of the rotation about the vertical axis by simple means and that a complex construction, for example, for the bottom plate is necessary, which must be made very precise and costly to a high noise level avoid.

The patent application WO 2005/043322 A2 describes a device whose lever is mounted perpendicular to a ground platform. At the top of the lever there is a control unit in the form of buttons and switches, through which the user can communicate with a computer game. The lever is immovably mounted on the bottom plate and he user controls the game by applying pressure on the lever in the appropriate direction. The direction and intensity of the pressure is detected by sensors and converted into signals for the game.

A disadvantage of this invention is that the user can exercise because of the rigid lever no movement, but only force and that the development of such a sensor is particularly complex.

Hardly such a device is available on the market, although there is a need for it, because the requirements for such a product are high: High precision of application control, short response times and pleasant control behavior of the application, as many directions of movement for different applications and maximum physical effort, ease of use and low acquisition costs.

Object of the present invention is to provide an efficient, interactive movement device that is particularly robust and inexpensive and over the prior art especially, but not only, in standing posture a maximum degree of freedom of movement and body use, with pleasant and easy handling allows.

This object is achieved by devices having the features of the claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a first embodiment, the sports, therapy or play device comprises an actuating element, in particular a handlebar, as well as a superstructure associated with the actuating element. Furthermore, at least one resistance element is provided, which exerts a movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure of an opposing force. Another feature of the device according to the invention is a bearing that is not formed by any of the resistance elements and by means of which the superstructure is movably mounted. In this case, one or more detecting means may be provided, which are designed such that they detect the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure and provide or transmit a signal representing the movement. The signal can be used, for example, to participate in a computer game. Due to the fact that the bearing is not formed by any of the resistance elements, the dimensioning, design and arrangement of the bearing on the one hand and the one or more resistance elements on the other hand independently possible, which increases the flexibility in the arrangement and selection of the bearings and the resistance elements accordingly ,

In a second embodiment, the sports, therapy or play equipment has an actuating element, in particular a handlebar, and a with the Actuator in connection with the superstructure, which is designed in several parts and / or is movably connected to the actuating element. Furthermore, at least one resistance element is provided, which exerts a movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure opposing the force. Another feature of the device according to the invention is a bearing by means of which the superstructure is movably mounted. In this case, one or more detecting means may be provided, which are designed such that they detect the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure and provide or transmit a signal representing the movement. Due to the multi-part of the superstructure and the mobility of the superstructure relative to the actuator a high degree of flexibility in the choice of various possible movements of the device or the superstructure and the arm arranged thereon can be realized.

According to a third embodiment of the sports, therapy or game device is provided that this has an actuating element and a related to the actuator superstructure. Furthermore, at least one resistance element is provided, which exerts a movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure opposing the force. Another feature of the device according to the invention is designed as a universal joint bearing, by means of which the superstructure is movably mounted. The term "universal joint" is understood to mean any arrangement that has two non-parallel pivot axes.The arrangement can be constructed from one part, such as a cardan joint, or from two or more parts, each of which has a pivot axis One or more detecting means are provided which are adapted to detect the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure and to provide or transmit a signal representing the movement The use of a universal joint is a particularly robust and reliable way of supporting the superstructure whose movements by means of sensors are relatively easy to detect.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, a sports, therapy or play equipment is provided with at least a first part and at least a second part, the are movable relative to each other, wherein one or more elastic elements are provided, which are arranged such that they oppose the relative movement of the two parts to each other a counter force. The elastic elements may for example be arranged in a housing and undergo deformation during the relative movement of the two parts. It is conceivable for the housing to have a cavity in which one or more of the elastic resistance elements and a portion of the first or second part are arranged such that movement of the section, for example rotation, leads to deformation of the elastic resistance element (s), whereby a counterforce is built up.

The embodiments of two or more of claims 1 to 4 can be combined with one another in any desired manner.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the resistance elements is connected to the lower end portion of the superstructure and movably supported so that it follows the movement of the lower end portion of the superstructure.

The term "substructure" or "superstructure" is to be interpreted broadly in the context of the present invention and is not limited to an element which is arranged in its position "below" or "above". The invention includes any arrangements of the device, such as the arrangement on the ground, on the ceiling, on a wall or on a frame.

The one or more resistive elements of the device according to the invention are preferably subjected to train, pressure and / or bending.

In principle, it is conceivable that one or more actuating elements are provided.

In principle, it can furthermore be provided that the resistance elements also consist of or have electric motors, for example with direct drive, and / or flywheel masses. A particularly great flexibility in terms of the mobility of the device is obtained if one or more further bearings are provided in an area above the bearing movable mounting the superstructure, by means of which the actuating element or components of the superstructure are movable. The other bearings can allow the mobility of these parts to each other in the case of a multi-part construction of the superstructure. It is also conceivable that the bearings allow the mobility of the actuator relative to the superstructure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention it is provided that the resistance elements are designed such that they have a force feedback and thus virtual event situations by force on the device or parts thereof can convey to the user, such as the virtual impact on an elastic obstacle the case may be. In this case, it may be provided that forces are generated which align or move the device or parts thereof opposite to the original direction of movement.

The device may comprise one or more detection means, which are designed such that they the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure or the first part and / or the second part and / or in the movement or actuation of the actuating element and / or detect the force occurring in the superstructure or the first part and / or the second part and provide or transmit a signal representing the movement and / or a force representing the force.

The device may have one or more load cells, by means of which in one or preferably acting in several directions forces can be detected. The detected forces can then be converted into signals representing the direction of movement.

It is conceivable that the device has one or more components which process the signal emitted by the detection means and which have one or more connections for connecting one or more screens to the component (s). The device may thus have onboard electronics connected to an external or on-screen monitor is connected or is. The processing of the signal or signals in this case thus takes place in the one or more components of the device.

It is also possible that the device has one or more transmission means which are designed such that they transmit the signal emitted by the detection means to a console. It is conceivable in this case that an external game console or a computer is provided, which is in connection with the one or more detection means and with a screen or has such.

It is also conceivable that the device has no electronics, by means of which the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure or the first part and / or the second part and / or in the movement or actuation of the actuating element and / or of the superstructure or the first part and / or the second part occurring force is detected and provide the motion and / or a force representing signal or transmit. In this case it can be provided that the detection of the movement by means of external, i. means not arranged on the device, for example by means of a camera, whereby the images captured by the external means or the like can be converted into signals which, for example, likewise serve to control an application which can be seen on a screen.

In order to be able to adapt the device to the individual needs of the users, it can be provided that the correlation between the signal detected or transmitted by the detection means or the processed signal and the actual movement or actuation can be changed. It is conceivable, for example, that the signal connected to a specific deflection of the actuating element is variable, so that a specific electrical signal is first correlated with a first deflection and after changing the correlation with a second, deviating from the first deflection deflection. The same can of course also apply to the force detected by means of a load cell when using the device. It can also be provided that the correlation between the actuating direction and the electrical signal is variable.

The invention further relates to a system with a device according to one of claims 1 to 35, having at least one screen and means for displaying an application on the screen, wherein the device is in communication with the means for displaying an application that the Application can be influenced by the operation of the device. It can be provided that the means for displaying an application are part of the device or are formed by one or more external elements.

The detection means need not necessarily be part of the device. It is also conceivable that the system comprises detecting means which are designed such that they detect the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure or the first part and / or the second part and a movement and / or a force representing Provide or transmit signal, wherein the detection means by one or more external elements, ie not belonging to the device elements are formed.

Finally, the invention relates to the use of software as driver software for the operation of a device according to one of claims 1 to 35 and / or a system according to one of claims 36 to 38.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the subclaims. The apparatus according to the present invention may be characterized by any one or more combinations of features of claims 1 to 46.

The advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the individual embodiments and combinations thereof, as explained below. The accompanying drawings, which are described below, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the descriptions set forth herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Showing:

Fig. 1: an illustration of the device according to the invention, together with

peripherals,

2 shows an illustration of the device according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 3: the "forward-backward movement ,, of the superstructure 20, so that

Tilting of the superstructure 20 about the x-axis, or transverse axis 17,

Fig. 4: the "sideways movement of the superstructure 20, so the tilting of the

Superstructure 20 about the y-axis, or longitudinal axis 21,

5 shows the combined movement of the superstructure 20 about both the X and the Y axis,

Fig. 6: a representation in which the handlebar 15 about its own vertical axis

22 or Z-axis was turned to the left,

Fig. 7: an illustration in which the handlebar 15 about its own vertical axis

22 or Z-axis was turned to the right,

Fig. 8: the tilting movement of the handlebar 15 about its own

Longitudinal axis or Y-axis,

9-11: the change in the length of the superstructure 20 in the direction of its own vertical axis,

12, 13: a detailed view of the superstructure (20) overlapping joint 11 in a position in which the superstructure 20 is inclined both about the transverse axis 17 and about the longitudinal axis 21, Fig. 14: a detailed view of the upper elements of the superstructure 20 and the

Elements of the handlebar 15,

Fig. 15: a detailed view of the upper elements of the superstructure 20 and the

Elements of the link 15 with axle locking bolts 32, 33,

Fig. 16: Details of a rotation of the handlebar 15 to its own

Vertical axis 22, as shown in FIG. 6,

Fig. 17: Details of a rotation of the handlebar 15 to its own

Vertical axis 22, as shown in FIG. 6, including the main bearing 11,

Fig. 18: Details of an inclination of the arm 15 about its own longitudinal axis

23, as shown in FIG. 8,

Fig. 19: Details of an inclination of the handlebar 15 about its own longitudinal axis

23, as shown in FIG. 8, including the main bearing 11,

20-25: Variants of resistive elements and their shoring,

FIG. 26 is an illustration of the possibility of installing vibration motors; FIG.

27-29: the movable arrangement of the superstructure on a plate by means of a universal joint and an embodiment of the resistance element as a spiral spring,

FIGS. 30-33 show different positions of the link with a resistance element arranged on a lever and running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the link

Fig. 34: perspective views of the device with elastic

Resistor elements with detail views, Fig. 35: a perspective view of an elastic resistance element.

Fig. 1 shows the conceptual representation of a device according to the present invention. The device 1 is used by the user 2 to communicate interactively with an electronic data processing device 3 and a display 4. Here, the movements described below, the user 2 performs with the handlebar 5, 15 against resistance, converted into electrical or optical signals that the device for electronic data processing 3 (hereinafter referred to as computer) transmitted and processed there by means of programs. The corresponding reactions of the program are displayed on the display 4, whereupon the user 2 can adjust the position and attitude of the handlebar 5, 15 accordingly.

The invention further includes an embodiment in which the computer and / or a display is arranged directly on the device 1.

In Fig. 2, the structure of this embodiment is presented according to the invention to illustrate the following description of the movements.

A mounted on the platform 6 main bearing support 7 opens into a main bearing support 10, in which the main bearing 11 is rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis 17. Through this main bearing 11 extends through the lower lever 12, which is rotatably mounted in this main bearing 11 at right angles to the axis 17. In this embodiment of the invention, the superstructure of a lower lever 12 and an associated upper lever 14th

The underside of the lower lever 12 is adjustable in length (reference numeral 26) connected to a resistance element 9 such that the resistance element 9 can take to the lower lever 12 at an arbitrary angle around the connection point around. The lower end of the resistance element 9 is connected in the same way to the resistance bearing 8, which in turn is height-adjustable connected to the platform 6. The lower lever 12 opens in its upper end on a guide member 13, which in turn is connected to the upper lever 14. This is height-adjustable attached to the guide member 13 to meet different body sizes of users. The upper lever 14 opens in the upper part in a bearing on which the handlebar 15 is rotatably mounted about two axes. A horizontally protruding from the upper lever 14 lever 18 forms the abutment to the resistance element 16, which is connected at its other end via a skew lever 19 with the handlebar 15.

In Figs. 3-11, the movements of this embodiment will be described. In Fig. 3, the "forward-backward movement ,, of the entire superstructure 20 is shown. In this case, the main joint 11 inclines parallel to the superstructure 20 about the transverse axis 17. In such a forward movement of the resistive element 9 which hereby stretched or claimed to train, the user trains both his front upper body muscles as his rear lower body muscles and the triceps.

In the backward movement shown in Fig. 3, especially the rear upper body muscles and the front lower body muscles, and the biceps are trained. If the program with which the device according to the invention communicates is a computer game, then the forward movement can, for. B serve to move forward or backward the character. Here, the user can control the acceleration of the character based on the inclination angle of the superstructure 20: the stronger the inclination the greater the acceleration or speed of the character in the appropriate direction. As the angle of inclination of the superstructure 20 increases, so does the resistance of the resistive element 9. Thus, if the user wants to move his character faster, he has to apply a higher level of force. Here he puts with his hands or feet back a correspondingly large way and since such a game usually requires very fast reactions, the user must perform the application of the force on the appropriate way in the shortest possible time. The user is thus demanded performance. This principle is for everyone describe in the following movement possibilities of the device according to the invention.

The advantage that results from the arrangement of the resistance elements and their load in each case in the pulling direction is that the increase in force due to the given leverage ratios in the middle range of motion, so close to the neutral position of the superstructure 20, is relatively low and thus easy, precise control in this area allows. The stronger rashes, where the force curve increases more significantly, serve greater accelerations in the game and require more effort from the user.

The user exercises both the performance of his entire musculature as well as his ability to coordinate and speed of reaction.

With common fitness equipment, a user has to focus on the movements themselves in order to train, mostly individual muscle groups. That training is the sole goal and therefore the sole motivation of his effort. In contrast, a device according to the invention offers a dual motivation: a varied whole-body training combined with freely selectable, interactive entertainment. This means that such a device combines the best of the two out of three recreational areas: entertainment and health / sports with the least amount of motivation.

In the following, the various possibilities of movement are illustrated by means of drawings and examples.

Fig. 4 illustrates the lateral inclination possibilities of the superstructure 20 about the longitudinal axis 21 and about the Y-axis, which in turn is pivotable about the axis 17. This movement, in conjunction with a computer game, can be used to move a character to the left or right. This type of exercise mainly trains the lateral body muscles of the user.

5 is an illustration of a possible, simultaneous inclination of the superstructure 20 about the transverse axis 17 or X-axis and about the longitudinal axis 21 of the main bearing 11, or about the Y-axis. In the course of eg a game, the user will constantly have to change the position of the handlebar 15 in order to follow the course of the game. Here, the most varied muscles are trained alternately without monotony arises.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of an apparatus according to the invention. Here it can be seen that the handlebar 15 has been hammered around its own vertical axis 22, or its own Z-axis, to the left. By this impact of the handlebar 15, the resistance element 16 between the oblique lever 19 and the lever 18 is stretched against force, i. claimed to train. This movement could be used in conjunction with a computer game to turn a character to the left. At the same time, this type of movement especially trains the oblique hip muscles, including the shoulders and back. The same applies to FIG. 7, in which the same movement type is only visible to the right instead of to the left.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of the possibility of the handlebar 15 as a steering wheel e.g. to use for car racing games. For this purpose, the link 15 can be rotated about its own longitudinal axis 23, or about its own Y-axis to the left and right. Here, similar to the lateral inclination of the superstructure 20 of FIG. 4, especially the lateral musculature of the user is trained, but due to the higher rotation point, the lateral trunk musculature of the user is trained accordingly.

9-11 represents a further direction of movement of a device according to the invention. This is a dynamic change of the distance between the upper lever 14 and the lower lever 12, both of which form the superstructure 20. This results in a change in the distance between the handlebar 15 and the main bearing 11. This movement is carried out against force. The resistance element 24 acts in both the compression and in the pulling direction, ie brings in both directions of movement of the respective movement opposing opposing force. The guide element 13 ensures that neither a relative change of the angular positions nor a rotation between the upper lever 14 and the lower lever 12 are possible. ie it ensures that only one degree of freedom is possible namely the movement along its own vertical axis. The Guide element 13 is height-adjustable connected to the upper lever 14 via a height adjustment 29. This height adjustment 29 serves to adapt the device to different body sizes of the users.

Thereby, e.g. to bring a character to duck or jump or be switched up or down in a car racing game of gear.

Fig. 9 illustrates the neutral position, ie the distance between the upper lever 14 and lower lever 12 when not in operation. Here is also the height sensor 25 can be seen, which measures the compression or extension between the upper lever 14 and lower lever 12 and passes on to the electronic data processing. The switching points for the motion signals are each adjustable, so that the sensor 25 responds either at low travel and low resistance or at high travel and high resistance. Furthermore, the length adjustment 26 of the lower lever 12 can be seen, with which the characteristic of the resistance profile can be adjusted to the angle of inclination of the superstructure 20 of FIG. At the lower end of the resistive element 9, the height-adjustable resistance bearing 8 can be seen, by the height adjustment, the bias of the resistive element 9, in the case of using a tension spring, changed and thus the basic level can be adjusted.

In Fig. 10, the compressed position of this movement is shown. This is achieved by exerting pressure on the handlebar 15, in the direction of the main bearing 11. Here, especially the muscles of the front upper body and the back of the lower body is trained.

11 illustrates the extended position of the movement between the upper lever 14 and the lower lever 12. In this case, the upper back muscles and the front muscles of the lower body are particularly trained.

Fig. 12 is a view of the main bearing 11 with its longitudinal axis 21 and its transverse axis 17, which is mounted in the main bearing carrier 10. This illustration is intended to illustrate the operation of the main bearing of a device according to the invention. The superstructure 20, which is connected via the longitudinal axis 21 with the main bearing 11 is shown here in a skewed position. That is, the superstructure 20 is inclined about the longitudinal axis 21, while the main bearing 11 is inclined at the same time about the transverse axis 17.

In Fig. 13, the rear view of Fig. 12, the Querachssensor 27 and the Längsachssensor 28 can be seen. The transverse axis sensor 27 detects the angle of rotation of the transverse axis 17 shown in FIG. 12. The longitudinal axis sensor 28 detects the angle of rotation of the longitudinal axis 21 shown in FIG. B. Potentiometer whose rotation axis are connected to the corresponding transverse or longitudinal axis. In Fig. 14 and 15, the operating functions, the resistance adjustment, and the Achsblockiermöglichkeiten the handlebar 15 are explained.

In Fig. 14, the length adjustment 30 of the lever 18 can be seen. This is used primarily to change the basic resistance level of the resistance element 16. The skew adjustment 31 of the inclined lever 19 is used to adjust the characteristic of the resistance course, both in rotation of the arm 15 about its own vertical axis 22 and when tilting the arm 15 about its longitudinal axis 23 steep angle of the inclined lever 19 of about 30 ° to 60 ° undergoes the resistance element 16 in both types of movement of the arm 15 an elongation, which sets it against resistance.

The upper end of the upper lever 14 is connected via the longitudinal axis 23 with the steering bearing 42 and this allows the tilt rotation about this axis. Through the upper lever 14 and the steering bearing 42 through a Achsblockierbolzen 33 is inserted, which fixes the two components immovably. This can be removed if necessary, as shown later.

On the steering bearing 42 is perpendicular to the height and not visible here, the vertical axis 22, which connects the handlebar 15 with the steering bearing 42 such that the handlebar 15 can rotate only about this axis. Through the link 15 and the steering bearing 42 through a Achsblockierbolzen 32 is inserted, the two of these Components fixed immovably with each other. This can also be plugged in or removed if necessary.

Pos. 34 represents an axle sensor, which serves to measure the angle of rotation of the arm 15 about its vertical axis 22. In Pos. 35, such an axle sensor for the steering shaft 23 can be seen. Both sensors can be potentiometers whose axes of rotation are connected to the corresponding vertical or longitudinal axis. Further to be seen in Fig. 14, the two controls switch 36 and switch 37 can be seen. The handlebar 15 can be equipped with a plurality of switches and buttons which are arranged correspondingly ergonomically, the extended operation of a computer 3 (Fig. 1) are used. Thus, in Fig. 15, the Pos. 40 and 41 provided areas for other controls. Fields 38 and 39 are also designated areas for buttons and switches and for a touch-sensitive area to replace a computer mouse. Depending on the equipment, the user can thus operate the computer completely and without further equipment standing. Furthermore, it is shown in Fig. 15 as the Achsblockierbolzen 32 and 33 are designed in this embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a rotation of the link 15 about its vertical axis 22. In this case, the axle locking bolt 33 is plugged in order to prevent a tilting rotation from taking place about the longitudinal axis 23. This configuration may be useful if it is important to avoid overlapping of movement of the two rectified longitudinal axes 23 and 21 (FIG. 17) and the movement about the longitudinal axis 21 (FIG. 17) is preferred by the user for the corresponding game. Then arise movement possibilities as shown in Fig. 17: the superstructure 20 is skewed about the transverse axis 17 and the longitudinal axis 21, wherein at the same time the handlebar 15 is rotated about its vertical axis 22. This can e.g. be useful in a game when the character is guided by the movements of the superstructure 20 in their movement, while the handlebar 15 is used to and at the same time to change the direction of view.

Fig. 18 illustrates a rotation of the link 15 about its longitudinal axis 23. In this case, the Achsblockierbolzen 34 is plugged to prevent that a rotation of the arm 15 about its vertical axis 22 can take place. This is useful if the user z. B operates a car racing game and wants to use the handlebar 15 according to the movement of a car steering wheel. For this purpose, he could speed up or slow down his car by forward and backward movement 15 of the handlebar 15, while he determined with the handlebar 15, the direction. In this case, as in

Fig. 19, an interaction of the two rectified longitudinal axes 23 and 21 would be avoided, in which the Achsblockierbolzen 43 is additionally inserted. This prevents a lateral inclination of the superstructure 20 about the longitudinal axis 21 of the main bearing eleventh

In Fig. 20, an alternative construction of the resistance elements is shown. Here, the resistance element 9 is fixed on one side in the lower lever 12 and connected via a flexible tension element 44, which is guided over the Umlenkrollenpaket 45, with the resistance bearing 8 (FIG. 9) or directly to the platform 6 (FIG. By changing the angle of the lower lever 12, the resistance element 9 is stretched over the flexible tension member 44, whereby the resistance increases in the case of a tension spring. The advantage of these arrangements of the resistance elements lies in the more compact design.

Fig. 21 illustrates one way of carrying out a resistive element in which e.g. an electric drive 50 via a tension member 51 which is connected at its upper end to the lower lever 12, an electronically controlled force or resistance increase applied to the lower lever 12. For this purpose, the tension member 51 via a Umlenkrollenpaket 52 on a spool 53, which via e.g. an electric drive

50 is driven, up or unwound. This type of resistance element offers the advantage of a program-controlled resistance profile. Also, in this case, the resistance can be controlled so that it serves as force feedback, d. h, that if e.g. In a car racing game the vehicle drives along a guardrail, the forces acting virtually on the steering are converted into real, user-perceivable forces.

Fig. 22 illustrates another variant in which e.g. the resistance element 9 consists of a tension spring, to the parallel or successively connected a tension element

51 runs, which between the lower lever 12 and the electric drive 50th is attached. In this case, the electrically operated auxiliary resistance device serves to increase the resistance in the event of a program-controlled force feedback.

FIG. 23 shows a further embodiment of a resistance element of a device according to the invention. This is a magnetic cylinder, which consists of a coil cylinder 54, in which a core piston 55 is mounted in the bobbin 54 so that it can move in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The coil of the coil cylinder 54 is under program control applied with electric current, which causes a force acting on the core piston 55 in the direction of its longitudinal axis. By appropriate control of the coil cylinder 54, which is angularly movably mounted on the platform 6 (FIG. 2), a tensile force is thus transmitted to the core piston 55, which in turn is angularly movably mounted with the lower lever 12.

FIG. 24 shows a further variant of a resistance element of a device according to the invention. This is a bending spring 56 with e.g. circular cross-section. This is firmly connected at its upper end to the lower lever 12. The lower end is connected via a height-adjustable roller package 57 with the platform 6 such that, when the lower lever 12 inclines, the bending spring 56 can bend in the corresponding direction and thus opposes the movement of the link 15 a resistance.

Fig. 25 illustrates a deflection of a resistive element according to Fig. 24. The lower lever 12 is tilted by force on the handlebar 15 against the platform 6, so that the bending spring 56 bends accordingly.

All variants of the opposing element presented here, or their type of installation and modes of operation, can occur both individually and in combinations in all the resistance elements of a device according to the invention. The respective execution is determined by arguments of economy and the scope of functions. Shown in Figure 26 are two vibratory motors 48 and 49 which may be incorporated in the handlebar 15 to make a game "tangible." Such devices are commonplace in today's game consoles and joysticks and serve to alert the user when vibration occurs, for example Such vibration or imbalance motors can also be installed elsewhere in the device and can serve to reinforce the sport effect in strenuous positions, wherein the vibration of the unbalance motor is transmitted by the actuating element to the user If an isometric exercise is performed on the device and the user applies a high level of force over a certain period of time, the controlled frequency unbalance motor (s) can be switched on in order to provide the muscles with an increased training stimulus Trainings and thus to a Tra iningsdauerverkürzung.

In principle, the vibration or recirculation motors in the context of the present invention can be designed such that they are adjustable in their amplitude and / or frequency.

Fig. 27 shows the lower portion of the superstructure, which is connected via a universal joint 100 with a plate or platform which carries the superstructure and on which the user of the device can stand as needed. Within the hollow superstructure is the bending spring 110, the z. B. can be designed as round steel. The reference numeral 120 denotes a bending spring joint, the z. B. can be designed as a ball joint or elastomer joint. At position 130, the bending spring 110 is firmly clamped in the plate.

Fig. 28 shows the inclination of the superstructure relative to the plate to the side and Fig. 29 shows the inclination simultaneously to the side and to the front. Regardless of which axis of the universal joint 100 of the superstructure is pivoted, the bending spring 110 exerts a counteracting the movement counteracting force.

Compared with the arrangement shown in Fig. 27, the bending spring joint 120 and the fixed clamping 130 may also be reversed, d. h The spiral spring could be fixed to the superstructure and hinged to the plate. It is particularly advantageous if either the joint 120 or the fixed clamping 130 are designed such that they allow a displacement of the bending spring 110 in the axial direction, which occurs during the bending. The spring 110 may optionally be clamped firmly in the joint 120, z. B. Shrunk.

The spiral spring joint can be adjusted in height in the tube of the superstructure or on the superstructure, in order to change the force level. Lowering the joint leads to a stiffer behavior of the spring 110 and thus to an increase in the force level.

In addition to the rectangular profile of the superstructure shown here, of course, any other profile, such as a round profile conceivable.

Fig. 30 shows the handlebar 5, which has in each case a handle 150 in its two end regions. Between the handles 150 extends the handlebar longitudinal axis in or parallel to which the resistance element 160 is located. The resistor 160 is connected to a lever 170, which is fixed to the superstructure. The lever 170 extends from the superstructure to the longitudinal axis of the link 5 and is connected to the resistance element 160 either via a spring joint or via a fixed clamping e.g. connected in the case of a spiral spring. The same applies to the connection between resistance element 160 and handlebars 5.

In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 26, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 30 to 33 the resistance element is arranged in the longitudinal axis of the handlebar or at least substantially parallel to it.

Fig. 30 shows the resistance element 160 in its shortest, that is straight position. The resistance element 160 can be designed as desired, for example as a tension or bending spring.

Fig. 31 shows a position in which the handlebar 5 is pivoted about the Y-axis 180 in a clockwise direction. As can be seen in FIG. 31, this expands Resistance element 160 in the case of a tension spring or bends in the case of a spiral spring and thus counteracts the steering movement counterforce.

Fig. 32 shows in a view from above the handlebar 5 in its neutral position. Fig. 33 shows a position in which the handlebar 5 is rotated about the Z-axis 190 in the counterclockwise direction. Also in this case, the resistance element 160 expands in the case of a tension spring or bends in the case of a spiral spring.

In addition, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to a device that can only be operated standing up. Basically, it is possible to operate the device while sitting, this can be a seat / chair, for example, connected to the ground platform or placed on it.

The device itself may have an electronic display unit for setting the device.

Furthermore, the arrangement of a bending spring shown in FIG. 24 can also be used in the handlebar or in the actuating element.

In principle, it should also be pointed out that all resistance elements can also be used several times in a joint in order to save space, for example, by using a plurality of small elements. Here, both a parallel arrangement of, for example, tension or bending springs is possible as well as a separate arrangement, for example, a mirror image arrangement of the force elements in both halves of the actuating lever.

All shown resistance elements can also be installed upside down or in reverse order.

It is also conceivable that the invention can be fastened both at the bottom and head-over or in any arbitrary angle therebetween in order, for example, to be able to offer a special leg training for therapeutic purposes. This means that the resistance elements also before, behind or above the / Actuator (s) can be located. For example, in such a case, the actuator of the so-called "superstructure" would hang down over the head and be operated with the feet, resulting in increased leg and hip muscle training.

The bottom plate shown in the drawings is not necessarily part of the device. Especially in the commercial sector, a direct floor mounting can be conceivable.

The so-called driver software, which serves to enable communication between the electronics of a device according to the invention, ie the controller 1 (FIG. 1) and a computer 3 (FIG. 1), has the following properties in a preferred embodiment of the invention:

First of all, it tells the computer which port is assigned to which key, that is, e.g. the connection number 008 is a simple switch, an analog controlled sensor, an electric drive or a display.

Furthermore, the driver software continuously communicates the signal states and signal changes between the computer and the electronics of the device.

Optionally, the driver software provides a configuration window on the display of the computer, which allows the user to assign the individual control elements in each case to different functions for a game program, for example. Furthermore, it allows the user to determine the maximum angular deflection that he performs against the mechanical resistance at the various joints and thus adjust the game control to him personally. The user can also configure a distance or angle-dependent sensor in such a way that it is assigned different functions in different, defined positions. Thus, for example, the angle-dependent sensor of the Vor-back movement of the main bearing 11 of FIG. 3, be configured so that it at a deflection forward within the first 10 ° of the inclination, the function "walking ,, and from an angle of 15 ° the Function "race ,, assigned. The driver software makes it possible to edit, save and activate user-specific settings, such as maximum angular deflection,

Function assignments of controls and zero settings on a data carrier.

FIG. 34 shows the device according to the invention with a plurality of resistance elements 610, which are arranged in a housing 600 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the housing 600. The housing 600 communicates with a first part, for example with a frame. In the housing 600 is further a portion of a second part, for example an actuating element, relative to which the first part is movable. By operating the portion of the second part in the housing 600, the resistance elements made of rubber, for example, are deformed and exert a force opposing the movement. FIG. 34 shows these resistance elements in pairs as universal joints in the area between the handlebar and the superstructure and between the superstructure and the floor plate or floor.

The resistance elements 610 may be arranged, for example, in the corners of the hollow interior of a polygonal cross-section housing. In this may also be a portion of a first or second part, which relative to the housing 600 undergoes a relative movement, whereby the resistance elements 610 are deformed, resulting in a relative movement of opposing counterforce.

Figure 35 shows the embodiment of an elastic resistance element 610 as a rubber block, in which a frame bar 611 is cast. Such a resistance element can be introduced particularly advantageous in the platform 6 of the device 1. The frame bar 611 can be moved in the x and y directions, wherein a corresponding opposite counterforce is exerted by the resistance element 610.

Claims

31.01.2008 03139-07 / esPatrick David D-89134 BlausteinSport, therapy or play equipmentPatent claims

1. sports, therapy or play equipment (1) with an actuating element, in particular with a hand or Fußlenker (5, 15), and with an associated with the actuating element superstructure (20), with at least one resistive element (9, 16, 24, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 110, 160, 600), which exerts on movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure (20) a force directed counter to the movement, as well as with a bearing (11) is not formed by any of the resistance elements and by means of which the superstructure (20) is movably mounted.

2. sports, therapy or play equipment (1) with an actuating element, in particular with a hand or Fußlenker (5, 15), as well as with an associated with the actuating element superstructure (20), the multipart and / or such is carried out that the actuating element is movable relative to the superstructure (20), with at least one resistance element (9, 16, 24, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 110, 160, 600), the movement of the actuating element and / or the Superstructure (20) exerts a force opposing the movement, with a bearing (11), by means of which the superstructure (20) is movably mounted,

3. sports, therapy or play equipment (1) with an actuating element and with an associated with the actuating element superstructure (20), with at least one resistance element (9, 16, 24, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 110, 160, 600), which exerts on movement of the actuating element and / or of the superstructure (20) a force directed counter to the movement, and with a designed as a universal joint bearing (11), by means of which the superstructure (20) is movably mounted.

4. sports, therapy or play apparatus (1) having at least a first part and at least one second part, which are movable relative to each other, characterized in that one or more elastic resistance elements (610) are provided, which are arranged such that they oppose the relative movement of the two parts to each other an opposing force.

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic resistance element (610) comprises rubber or consists of rubber.

6. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the elastic resistance element (610) is a rubber spring element which has a single or polygonal inner axis in a single or polygonal casing over one or more rubber elements, mainly only the own longitudinal axis rotatable, is stored.

7. Device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that one of the parts by an operable by a user of the device actuator, in particular by a hand or Fußlenker (5, 15), by a superstructure (20). or is formed by a stationary part of the device or is directly or indirectly in connection with this.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that it is the first or second part of a superstructure (20) of the device (1), which directly or indirectly with an actuating element, in particular with a Handlebar (5, 15) of the device (1) is in communication.

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that it is the first or second part to a stationary part, in particular a bottom plate or a frame of the device (1).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the device (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 3.

11. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the bearing (11) is a universal joint.

12. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the superstructure (20) is constructed in several parts.

13. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the bearing (11) is not formed by one of the resistance elements (9, 16, 24, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 110, 160).

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the resistance elements (9, 51, 54, 55, 56, 57, 110) is connected to the lower end portion of the superstructure (20) and mounted so movable is that it follows the movement of the lower end portion of the superstructure (20).

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device in one area above the superstructure (20) movably overlapping bearing (11) one or more further Bearing (42), by means of which the actuating element or components of the superstructure (20) are movable.

16. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the superstructure (20) is constructed at least in two parts and an upper lever (14) and an adjoining lower lever (12) and that by means of the bearing (11) of Lower lever (12) is mounted.

17. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar (5, 15) via switches, sensor elements and / or controls has the user of the device (1) further functionalities, such as menu controls and trigger buttons or Trigger functions, can call or trigger.

18. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing (11) is designed such that the superstructure (20) is limited to both its transverse axis (17) and about its longitudinal axis (21) pivotally.

19. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handlebar (15) about its own vertical axis (22) rotationally fixed or via a steering bearing (42) rotatably mounted on the superstructure (20).

20. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arm is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis (23) and / or its transverse axis and / or its horizontal axis and / or about one or more axes lying between these axes.

21. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two-part superstructure (20) consists of an upper lever (14) and an adjoining lower lever (12) and that between the upper lever (14) and the lower lever ( 12), a guide element (13) is present, which is a preferably non-rotatable change in length of the Oberbaus (20) allows the user as a fixable height adjustment, in particular to adapt to its body size, and / or a resistance element (24), which opposes a change in length between the superstructure (14) and the base (12) an opposing force and / or which has at least one sensor whose signal can be used as another interactive control signal.

22. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) via the bearing (11), which supports the superstructure (20) movably, via a main bearing carrier (10) connected to a platform (6) is such that the main bearing carrier (10) and platform (6) form a rigid unit, wherein the platform (6) is preferably designed as a footing for the user and / or as a mounting element for wall or ceiling mounting.

23. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the directions of movement of the user counteracting resistors, the intrinsic resistances of the moving parts and / or the sensors, in particular potentiometers, of the device (1), and / or additional resistance elements , preferably inductive resistors, spring resistors, or are resistors combined from the resistors just mentioned, which may preferably have different resistance characteristics, which are weakest especially near the neutral starting point of a movement possibility and progressively increase with increasing distance from the neutral starting point.

24. Device (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that the resistance characteristics are adaptable to application-specific needs.

25. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resistance elements via a force feedback and thus can convey virtual event situations to the user by applying force to the device (1) or parts thereof.

26. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the handlebar (15) and / or on the superstructure (20), preferably in the vicinity of the handlebar and / or in the platform (6), one, two or more than two vibrators are arranged, which indicate special event situations, and / or which serve to increase the efficiency of the training by the sport effect in strenuous positions is amplified, the vibration by means of unbalance motors by the handlebar (15) and / or by the superstructure and / or the platform (6) is transmitted to the user.

27. Device (1) according to any one of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that the force feedback or the vibrators, an interactive interaction of several participants in a computer game, therapy or sports program allow.

28. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable supports described in the claims also with one or more loosely supplied or already installed on a controller part or parts, preferably Achsblockierbolzen (32, 33) to one or several degrees of freedom can be blocked freely selectable.

29. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing (11) of the superstructure (20) with its transverse axis with the main bearing support (10) is rotatably connected, and about the longitudinal axis (21) with the superstructure (20). 20) is also rotatably connected, wherein the sensors for detecting movement are preferably rotation angle-dependent sensors whose axes of rotation correspond to the respective axis of movement or parallel to this.

30. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises one or more detection means which in such a way are executed, that they the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure (20) or the first part and / or the second part and / or in the movement or actuation of the actuating element and / or the superstructure (20) and Detecting the first part and / or the second part occurring force and provide the movement and / or a force representing signal or transmit.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the device has one or more components which process the signal emitted by the detection means and which have one or more terminals for connecting one or more screens to the one or more components.

32. Apparatus according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the device has or can be connected to one or more transmission means, wherein the transmission means are designed such that it outputs the signal emitted by the detection means to a console or to a computer transfer.

33. Device according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the device has no detection means which are designed such that they the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure (20) or the first part and / or the second Part and / or detect the force occurring during the movement or actuation of the actuating element and / or the superstructure (20) or the first part and / or the second part and / or provide the movement and / or a signal representing the force or to transfer.

34. Apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that the correlation between the detected by the detection means or transmitted signal and / or the signal processed by the component and the actual movement or actuation is variable.

35. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the correlation between the detected by the detection means or transmitted signal and / or the signal processed by the component and the direction or the extent of the actual movement or actuation is variable.

36. System with a device according to one of claims 1 to 35, with at least one screen and with means for displaying an application on the screen, wherein the device is in communication with the means for displaying an application that the application by the operation of the device can be influenced.

37. System according to claim 36, characterized in that the screen and / or the means for displaying an application are part of the device or are formed by one or more external elements.

38. System according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the system comprises detecting means which are designed such that they detect the movement of the actuating element and / or the superstructure (20) or the first part and / or the second part and a signal representing or transmitting the movement and / or the force, wherein the detection means are part of the device or are formed by one or more external elements.

39. Use of software as driver software for the operation of a device according to one of claims 1 to 35 and / or a system according to one of claims 36 to 38.