FR2951957A1 - Accessory for load sensor integrated control device utilized with video game to simulate e.g. snowboarding, has receiving support freely displaced with respect to device, when locking unit is in unlocked position - Google Patents

Abstract

The accessory (1) has locking unit for locking a receiving support to a load sensor integrated control device (2). The receiving support is locked in the control device so that the receiving support is not displaced in longitudinal and vertical translation with respect to the device, when the locking unit is in a locked position. The receiving support is freely displaced with respect to the control device, when the locking unit is in unlocked position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to accessories for load-sensing control devices for use with video games. 2. BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY A charge sensor control device is a device adapted to detect an effort applied to this device by a user, with a view to providing a video game, with a command thus enabling this user to interact with a video game. the video game. Such a known device is for example the board Wii FitO marketed by the company Nintendo0. Such a device allows, in connection with a specific video game, to simulate the use of a skateboard, a snowboard, etc. and allows the user to test his balance. It is known to the users of this control device that to reinforce the feeling of actually being practicing one of the aforementioned sports activities, it is advisable to arrange a board directly on the load-sensing control device.

One of the disadvantages of this accessory is the instability of the latter when it is placed directly on the control device with load sensors. In addition, such an arrangement is not without risk of causing irreversible damage to the control device with load sensors and damage to the floor (for example, floorboards).

Another disadvantage is the poor distribution of loads so that the user's movements on the board are not properly transmitted to the load-sensing controller. Another disadvantage of this accessory is the lack of realism of the movements, in particular the rolling effect which is not sufficiently perceptible by the user so that the latter really has the feeling of being practicing surfing. snowshoeing, skateboarding, sledding, canoeing or equivalent activity. 3. Objectives of the invention Therefore, the invention aims to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of accessories of the state of the art. In particular, the invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an accessory for a load-sensing control device intended to be used with video games, which makes it possible to improve the sensations of the user when he uses this accessory mounted on the device.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an accessory that is not dangerous for the user. The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an accessory that can be easily secured to the load sensor control device.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an accessory that allows a good transmission of the forces of the accessory to the control device. The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an accessory that recreates the roll movements simulated activities.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, an inexpensive accessory whose repair is simple. 4. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION To this end, the invention relates to an accessory for a load-sensing control device intended to be used with video games, said accessory comprising a support for receiving forces produced by a user, said support extending along a longitudinal direction, characterized in that it comprises means for locking said receiving medium to said control device adapted to present: D a first position, said locked position, wherein said support of reception overcomes said control device and is locked to the latter so that it can not be moved in translation longitudinally and vertically with respect to said device, said reception support being adapted in this position to be rotated around a axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, and for transmitting to said control device by a user actuating said accessory, 0 a second position, said unlocked position, wherein said receiving medium can be freely moved relative to the control device. An accessory according to the invention therefore comprises locking means which can occupy two positions: a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the accessory overcomes the load-sensing controller so that it can not be moved longitudinally and vertically relative to the device. Therefore, in this position, the accessory is secured at least in the longitudinal and vertical directions, which limits the risk of stall between the accessory and the control device with load sensors. In addition, in this position, the accessory is secured relative to the control device in a transverse direction. An accessory according to the invention is not dangerous for a user. In particular, a user can stand on the accessory without the risk of seeing the accessory shirking under his feet. In addition, in the locked position, the accessory can transmit forces generated by a user to the controller. A user can therefore stand on the accessory and its movements are transmitted to the control device, which allows the user to interact with a video game controlled by the control device. An accessory according to the invention can therefore be used with balance games or video games simulating an activity requiring the use of a receptacle for receiving the user, for example said receptacle may consist of a board, such as a skateboard, a snowboard or a surf of the sea. The receptacle could be a canoe-kayak or the cockpit of a bobsleigh. In addition, in the locked position, the support may be rotated about a pivot axis extending substantially along the longitudinal direction. An accessory according to the invention thus makes it possible to simulate the rolling effect. The locking means can be of any type. Thus, these locking means may comprise toggle locks, clamp systems, mobile jaw and worm gear mechanisms, magnet systems, and any equivalent means.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, said locking means comprise at least one locking hinge comprising a jaw mobile in rotation about a substantially transverse axis adapted to cooperate with said control device in said locked position. According to this variant, the accessory comprises at least one locking joint comprising a jaw mobile in rotation about an axis orthogonal to the direction along which the support extends. In the locked position, this jaw cooperates with the control device, that is to say in particular that the jaw contributes to locking in longitudinal, transverse and vertical translation of the support relative to the locking device in the locked position. This jaw is movable in rotation about a substantially transverse axis to move the locking joint from the locked position to the unlocked position by pivoting the jaw around this substantially transverse axis. In addition, in the locked position, the support can be rotated around this transverse axis. An accessory according to the invention thus makes it possible to simulate the pitching effect. According to an advantageous variant, the width of the end of the movable jaw which cooperates with the control device is substantially equal to the width of the housing of the control device where this end penetrates so that a transverse translation of the movable jaw is impossible. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, at least one locking articulation, in particular each locking articulation, comprises a longitudinal shaft carrying said movable jaw and defining the axis of pivoting of said support in said locked position. According to an advantageous variant, at least one locking articulation, in particular each locking articulation, comprises at least one ball joint comprising at least two ball elements: a head mounted at one end of said longitudinal shaft and a cup carried by said support, said head being able to pivot in said cup to allow, in said locked position, the rotation of said support about said pivot axis.

The ball may indifferently be arranged at one or other of the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal shaft. According to one variant, a ball joint is arranged at each of the longitudinal ends of the longitudinal shaft. In a preferred embodiment, a jaw movable in rotation about a substantially transverse axis is arranged at each end of the support. Thus, the pitching effect is completely reproduced by a possible tilting on each side of the support. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, at least one locking articulation, in particular each locking articulation, further comprises conjugated reversible engagement members carried respectively by one end of said longitudinal shaft and by said receiving support, said reversible interlocking members. being nested in said locked position, and disengaged in said unlocked position, said interlocking members being pivotable relative to each other about said pivot axis in the locked position.

Preferably, the cup has a recess in which can move a portion of the longitudinal shaft in the unlocked position. Said recess allows the longitudinal shaft to pivot about a substantially transverse axis and intersecting said pivot axis at the center of the ball joint, to move from the locked position (the interlocking members are then engaged) to the unlocked position, and move from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Preferably, said longitudinal shaft has an opposite end to said ball adapted to form with a receiving part of said support, said reversible interlocking members. An accessory according to this variant has at least one locking joint provided with reversible interlocking members formed by an end of the longitudinal shaft opposite said ball joint and a receiving part of the support. These reversible interlocking members make it possible to secure the longitudinal shaft and the receiving support by interlocking the longitudinal shaft in the receiving part of the support. Therefore, when the interlocking members are nested one inside the other, the locking joint can be in the locked position, while allowing the pivoting of the support about said pivot axis, the interlocking members being able to rotate relative to each other. To do this, according to one embodiment, a user pivots the movable jaw about a substantially transverse axis carried by the longitudinal shaft so that it cooperates with the support. It can then fit the organs into each other, which keeps the joint in the locked position. Similarly, the disengagement of the bodies from each other allows to switch the locking joint in the unlocked position.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the longitudinal shaft comprises a radial tenon extending from the longitudinal shaft and forming a gripping handle to allow a user to disengage the shaft of said receiving member from said support by actuating this handle. This radial tenon may be arranged at any point along the longitudinal shaft. Nevertheless, and preferably, this radial tenon extends facing the longitudinal end of the longitudinal shaft opposite the ball joint. In particular, this arrangement makes it possible to maximize the lever arm during traction on this post by a user. According to a variant of the invention, each of the lateral walls of the radial tenon (the walls located on each side of the direction of the pivot axis) can abut against the support to limit the amplitude of the roll movement. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the accessory comprises two locking hinges arranged respectively at each longitudinal end of said receiving support.

Preferably, each articulation comprises a longitudinal shaft defining the pivot axis and a ball joint itself comprising a cup carried by the support and a head carried by one end of the longitudinal shaft. Such an accessory thus allows a realistic simulation of roll and pitch effects.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the receiving support is surmounted by a receptacle adapted to receive the user (examples: a receptacle adapted to receive the feet of the user if the latter is standing, or a receptacle adapted to receive his body lying on his stomach for a sledge simulation, or a receptacle adapted to receive his body lying on his back for a simulation of bobsleigh, or a receptacle adapted to receive his legs if the user sits for a simulation of canoeing, etc.), the movements of the user placed in or on this receptacle (or displacements of the center of gravity of the user) generating forces transmitted to said control device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving support is surmounted by a board having an upper surface adapted to receive the feet of the user, the movements of the user placed on this upper surface (or the movements of the center of gravity of the user) generating forces transmitted to said control device.

According to a variant of the invention, at least a lower portion of the support may come into contact with the control device (that is to say, abut against the upper surface of the control device) to limit the roll of the accessory in locked position. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the accessory comprises projecting force transmission pads under the support, when it overcomes the control device in the locked position, each pad being adapted 7 to transmit the forces of the user to said controller. These transmission pads can be of all types. These transmission pads are elastic members. These members could consist for example of coil springs (which could for example be arranged in line and be coated so as not to damage the control device). Preferably, they are elastomer pads based on natural or synthetic rubber. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the accessory comprises support gear projecting pads, when it overcomes the control device in the locked position, each pad being adapted to transmit the efforts of the user said control device. The pads are formed under the support, considering that the support overcomes the control device, in the locked position. These load pads therefore make it possible to transmit the forces applied by a user to the support, in particular upward vertical forces resulting from the weight of the user standing on the receiving support, towards the control device arranged under the support. . The transmission pads can be arranged between the support and the control device by all types of means. For example, according to one embodiment, the pads can be glued under the support. However, preferably and according to an advantageous variant of the invention, the support has a plurality of cavities formed under the support, when it overcomes the control device, each cavity being adapted to receive a transmission pad. According to this variant, the transmission pads are not glued to the support but housed in a cavity formed under the support. This allows easy change of the pads in case of wear. This cavity is for example a receiving housing in which the pad is housed in force to prevent it from dislodging when the support is not locked to the control device. This cavity may also be closed by a removable cover made of rubber or deformable plastic to hold the pad in the cavity while allowing compression and expansion of the transmission pad. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the accessory comprises power transmission pads provided under the board, when it overcomes the control device in the locked position, each pad being adapted to transmit the forces of the user to said controller. The pads are arranged under the board, considering that the board overcomes the control device, in the locked position. These effort pads thus make it possible to transmit the forces applied by a user to the board, including vertical forces up and down resulting from the weight of the user standing on the board, to the control device arranged under the board. The transmission pads can be arranged between the board and the control device by all types of means. For example, each transmission pad has a base. When the support is fixed to the board (for example, thanks to screws and / or to a pair formed of a bolt and a nut), the cavities of the support surround these said pads without exerting force on their sides. so that only the base of the transmission pads is clamped between the board and the support. The cavities of the support allow precise positioning of the pads. The transmission of forces can be carried out directly between the lower surface of the board and the control device (for a very good compression and relaxation of the transmission pad). This embodiment also makes it possible to change the transmission pads and prevents any risk of said pads becoming detached.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, at least two cavities are arranged on either side of the pivot axis so that the transmission pads formed in these cavities can limit the roll of the accessory in position. locked. The limitation of the amplitude of the roll is advantageously obtained by the arrangement of transmission pads on either side of the pivot axis, these pads being adapted to block the rotation of the support around the pivot axis. In particular, during the rotation of the support around the pivot axis, the pad is compressed at the end of travel between the support and the control device, which limits the rotation of the support. These transmission pads located on either side of the pivot axis also contribute to the protection of the control device against sudden roll movements. The amplitude of the roll is determined in particular by the distance between the support of the control device, once the locking means in the locked position, by the location of the pads, by the thickness of the pads, by the shape of the surface. top of the control device, by the dimensions and shape of the lower surface of the support, and by the density of the pads. Preferably, these characteristics are chosen so that the amplitude is of the order of 20 °. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, at least one cavity is arranged centrally with respect to the axis of pivoting so that the transmission pad formed in this cavity serves as support for the pitching motion in position. locked. Preferably, at least two cavities are centrally arranged and extend transversely with respect to the axis of pivoting so that the transverse transmission pads formed in these cavities transmit the rolling movements and that each they serve as support for the pitching motion in the locked position. Preferably, the transverse transmission pads, that is to say those which are central with respect to the pivot axis, are of a thickness substantially equal to the distance which separates the lower surface of the receptacle (the receptacle being a board, for example) of the upper surface of the control device. The thickness of these transverse transmission pads may be slightly greater because of a minimal compression of the pad. According to an advantageous variant of the invention, at least two pads have different thicknesses and / or densities from one another. Preferably, the transverse pads, that is to say those that are central to the pivot axis, are thicker than the pads arranged in the vicinity of the lateral edges of the support (that is, the transverse pads are more salient than the longitudinal pads). According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the accessory further comprises fixed stops extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at each of the longitudinal ends of the support, between the receiving support and the vicinity of the ground to prevent a tilting of said support reception when a force is applied to one or the other of the longitudinal ends of the support.

According to another variant of the invention, the radial pin perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is placed on the longitudinal shaft near the longitudinal end of the receiving support, and forms a stop extending between said support and the vicinity of the ground to prevent a tilting of the support when a force is applied to this longitudinal end of the support.

These stops prevent the tilting of the support when the user exerts a force near a longitudinal end of the support, which secures the use of the accessory. The invention also relates to an accessory for a charge sensor control device for use with video games characterized in combination by all or some of the features mentioned above or below. 5. List of Figures Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given solely by way of non-limiting example and which refers to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view In perspective from above of an accessory according to an embodiment of the invention mounted on a load-sensing control device, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view from below of an accessory according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view from below of an accessory according to one embodiment of the invention and of a control device on which the device can be mounted. mounted this accessory, Figure 4 is the schematic perspective view from below of Figure 2 on which the control device is not shown, Figure 5 is a schematic view in perspective from below a longitudinal end of an accessory according to one embodiment of the invention and a portion of a control device on which this accessory can be mounted, Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a movable jaw of a locking articulation of an accessory according to an embodiment of the invention. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In the figures, the scales and the proportions are not strictly adhered to for purposes of illustration and clarity. Throughout the following detailed description with reference to the figures, unless otherwise indicated, each part of the accessory is described as it is arranged when the accessory is mounted on a load sensing device, itself laid horizontally. on a flat support. This arrangement is shown in particular in Figure 1. Thus, in Figure 1, the accessory 1 extends horizontally above the control device 2. The terms "upper" and "lower" are used with reference to this arrangement. Thus, in FIG. 2, the upper surface of the accessory 1 is not visible while a portion of the lower surface 7 of the accessory 1 is visible. Throughout the following description, the accessory is described in connection with a control device 2 for which it is intended. That being so, this control device does not form part of the invention. An accessory according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a support 3 for receiving forces produced by a user. This support 3 extends along a longitudinal direction. This support 3 can be D D D D consists of several pieces fixed relative to each other. As shown in the figures, this support 3 is preferably surmounted by a board 5 having an upper surface 6 adapted to receive the feet of a user, opposite a lower surface 7. This board 5 can be of all types. For example, it may be a wooden board or synthetic material having the general shape of a skateboard. The fixing of the board 5 on the support 3 of reception can be carried out by various known means, such as screws, adhesive means, clipping, and any equivalent means.

An accessory according to the invention further comprises means for locking the receiving support 3 to a control device 2 adapted to present a first position, said locked position, in which the receiving support 3 overcomes the control device 2 and is locked to the latter so that it can not be moved in translation longitudinally, transversely and vertically relative to said device. This position is represented in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this position, the receiving support 3 is adapted to be rotated about an axis, called the pivot axis 4, which extends substantially along the direction longitudinal.

These locking means are also adapted to present a second position, called unlocked position, in which the receiving support 3 can be freely moved relative to the control device 2. This position is shown in particular in Figure 5. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise at least one locking joint. Preferably, the locking means comprise two locking hinges, one at each longitudinal end of the support 3. Each locking hinge comprises, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, a jaw 8 movable in rotation around a substantially transverse axis 9. This jaw is adapted to cooperate with the control device 2 in the locked position. This movable jaw 8 is carried by a longitudinal shaft 10 which defines the pivot axis 4 of the support 3. As shown for example in FIG. 5, the shaft 10 is generally cylindrical and has two generally cylindrical portions orthogonal to the pivot axis 4 and extending diametrically with respect to the shaft. A diametral bore extends transversely to the shaft and to the two generally cylindrical portions. As shown in FIG. 6, the movable jaw 8 has two flanges 11 parallel to each other, each flange 11 having an opening 22 allowing the passage of an axis that may be, for example, a screw or a cylindrical rod mounted by force, and extending between the two wings 11 and through the diametrical bore of the longitudinal shaft 10, so as to define the axis of rotation of the movable jaw 8. The axis can be tightened diametrically in the bore of the longitudinal shaft (forcibly mounted in this shaft) and free in the bore of flanges 11, and vice versa (that is to say force-fitted in the wings and free in the tree). According to a preferred embodiment, this axis is formed by a bolt, two washers are placed on each side of the longitudinal shaft, each washer being placed between a wing and the flat end of one of said generally cylindrical portions, and a nut. just tighten the bolt. In the unlocked position, the longitudinal shaft 10 can pivot about a substantially transverse axis and intersect the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal shaft at the center of the head 14 by means of a recess in the cup 15 which allows a portion the longitudinal shaft to enter said recess for pivoting. In the unlocked position, the movable jaw 8 and the longitudinal shaft 10 can pivot relative to each other about the transverse axis 9 (transverse to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal shaft). The longitudinal shaft 10 can move (pivoting) between the wings 11. The movable jaw 8 further comprises a plate 23 extending substantially horizontally in a locked position, and an end having a right angle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this right angle end has two portions a straight portion and right angle portion. The first straight portion extends in the extension of the plate 23 while the second portion 13, 90 ° relative to the first portion, away from the plate 23. This second portion 13 is intended to be housed in a housing 12 shaped and conjugate formed in the control device 2. This second portion comprises a tooth 25 extending in a transverse direction. This tooth 25 can be housed under a transverse section of the housing 12 of the control device 2, this section being thus maintained between this tooth 25 and the lower surface of the plate 23 of the movable jaw 8 so that the end of the movable jaw 8 forms a transverse hook which cooperates with the housing 12 of the control device 2 and prevents a vertical translation of the end of the movable jaw 8. The first straight portion serves to facilitate manipulation of the movable jaw 8 to move from the unlocked position to the locked position. More specifically, it facilitates the positioning of the right-angled end against the controller (this portion can be pinched between the thumb and forefinger of one hand to keep the jaw pressed against the control device 2 while the Another hand actuates the tenon 17 of the longitudinal shaft 10, it being specified that a tightening performed by a bolt-nut couple arranged along the axis 9 reduces the usefulness of this straight portion). The jaw is for example manufactured Delrin0 to benefit from the good mechanical properties of this material. According to other embodiments, the movable jaw 8 can cooperate with a control device 2 via other structures. Preferably, at least one hinge, in particular each hinge, comprises at least one hinge comprising at least two hinge elements: a head 14 mounted at one end of the longitudinal shaft and a cup carried by the support 3. Preferably, to facilitate the mounting of the locking joint, and if necessary, the replacement of parts, the cup 15 is composed of two half-cups: a half-cup formed in the support 3 and a removable half-cup attached to the support 3 by fastening means such as screws, for example. The head 14 can pivot in the cup 15 to allow, in the locked position, the rotation of the support 3 about the pivot axis 4. The cup can for example be made of polycarbonate and the head of Delrin0 ball. Preferably, the cup 15 has an opening 26 whose width is smaller than the diameter of the head 14 to retain the latter in the cup. In both the locked position and the unlocked position, the head 14 can not leave the cup. Preferably, the cup 15 also has a recess in which a portion of the longitudinal shaft can be housed in the unlocked position. The longitudinal shaft 10 has at one end the head 14 of the ball and at the other end a shape adapted to allow at least a linear annular connection with the support 3. To do this, the support 3 has a receiving part 16 arranged at a longitudinal end of the support having a conjugate shape and shaped at the end of the longitudinal shaft 10 opposite to the head 14 of the ball joint. This receiving member 16 forms a bearing of the longitudinal shaft 10 so that the longitudinal shaft 10 is pivotable relative to the receiving member 16. Thus, according to the embodiment of the figures, the longitudinal shaft has at one end a non-releasable ball joint connection and at the other end an annular linear connection. The support 3 can therefore pivot around the longitudinal shaft 10 which forms the axis 4 of pivoting.

According to another embodiment, the longitudinal shaft 10 may have a ball joint connection at each of its ends. According to another embodiment, the longitudinal shaft has at one end a ball joint and at another end a sliding pivot type connection. According to the embodiment of the figures, the longitudinal end of the longitudinal shaft opposite the ball is adapted to fit into the receiving part 16, in the locked position, and disengaged from this receiving part in the unlocked position. The longitudinal shaft 10 comprises a radial pin 17 extending from the longitudinal shaft 10 and forming a gripping handle to allow a user to disengage the longitudinal shaft of the receiving part 16 of the support 3 by actuating this handle.

Before locking, it is necessary to turn the accessory 1, the upper surface 6 of the board 5 must be placed on a horizontal plane support and the control device 2 must be placed in its longitudinal direction, its upper face against the support 3 on and in the center of the accessory. The end of the longitudinal shaft 10 opposite to the ball head 14 is not then nested in the receiving part. Preferably, a portion of the longitudinal shaft 10 is positioned abutting in the recess of the cup 15. The locking of a joint is achieved by firstly rotating the movable jaw 8 in rotation about the axis 9 transverse so that the right-angle portion of the movable jaw 8 cooperates with the housing 12 formed in the control device 2. The tooth 25 of the transverse hook located at the end of the movable jaw 8 is positioned under a transverse profile of the housing 12 of the control device 2 and prevents a vertical translation of the end of the movable jaw 8. In a second step, the longitudinal shaft 12 can pivot about the ball joint so that the opposite end of the shaft can be nested in the receiving portion 16 of the support. When the portion 13 of the jaw 8 is housed in the housing 12 of the control device, it is possible by exerting a thrust on the pin 17 in the direction of the part 16 receiving the support 3, to rotate the longitudinal shaft 10 around of the ball joint so that the longitudinal end of the longitudinal shaft 10 opposite the ball joint comes to fit into the receiving part 16 of the support 3 to lock the joint. To completely attach the accessory 1 to the control device 2, this unlocking process must be repeated for each articulation. To use the accessory 1, then simply return together the accessory 1 and the control device 2 and place the assembly on the ground. When each of the two joints at each end of the support are locked, the support 3 can pivot about the pivot axis 4, thanks to the ball joint and the annular linear connection between the longitudinal shaft and the support. This pivoting thus makes it possible to simulate a roll motion. In addition, the support may have oscillations of the longitudinal ends of the support, thanks to the presence of the movable jaws 8 respectively relative to a transverse axis 9, which allows to simulate a pitching motion. Before unlocking, it is necessary to turn the accessory 1 and the control device 2 together, and to place the assembly on a horizontal support, the upper surface of said control device 2 then being in contact with said horizontal support. Unlocking a hinge is achieved by first rotating the longitudinal shaft about the ball joint so that the end of the longitudinal shaft opposite the head 14 can be disengaged from the portion 16 receiving the support 3 by pulling the post 17. In a second step, the movable jaw 8 can be rotated about the transverse axis 9 so that the right-angle portion of the movable jaw 8 leaves the housing 12 formed in the control device 2. The transverse hook located at the end of the movable jaw 8 can be released from the housing 12, by this rotation of the movable jaw 8. When the end of the longitudinal shaft opposite the head 14 is released from the receiving portion 16 of the support 3, the longitudinal shaft 10 can pivot through the head 14 about a transverse axis, a portion of the shaft 10 then enters the recess of the cup 15 carried by the support 3. It is then easy to pull the right portion located at the end of the movable jaw 8, to rotate the movable jaw 8 about the axis 9, and raise this end so that the movable jaw 8 out of the housing 12 of the control device 2. To completely release the control device 2, this unlocking process must be repeated for each articulation.

Preferably, the pin 17 has at its end opposite the head 14 a cavity for introducing a lever to facilitate the disengagement of the joint by a lever effect. If the user finds it difficult to disengage the end of the longitudinal shaft that is nested in the receiving part, then it suffices to insert the end of a lever (for example, the end opposite to the point of a pencil) in this cavity, then to press the lever against the fixed stop 20 which is in the immediate vicinity and to exert a force near the other end of the lever (for example two centimeters from the pencil tip) in the opposite direction to the desired movement to the longitudinal shaft. According to the embodiment of the figures and as shown in particular in Figure 4, the accessory comprises skids 18, 19 transmitting special forces protruding under the support 3. Each pad 18, 19 transmission is adapted to transmit the the user's efforts at the control device. These pads 18, 19 of transmission are preferably made of elastomer based on natural or synthetic rubber.

According to the embodiment of the figures, the accessory comprises six transmission pads: two pads 19 extending transversely and four pads 18 extending longitudinally. The transverse pads 19 cut the pivot axis. The longitudinal pads 18 extend in the vicinity of the lateral edges of the support 3.

The longitudinal shoes 18 are preferably arranged on either side of the pivot axis, so that they can limit the roll of the accessory. The lateral edges of the support 3 can also come into contact with the control device 2 when the compression of the longitudinal shoes 18 is maximum. This limitation of the roll is obtained by the mechanical blocking of the support against the control device. The difference between the thickness of the transverse pads 19 and the thickness of the longitudinal pads 18 defines the amplitude of the roll. The elasticity of the pads (the density of the elastomer pads also influences the amplitude of the roll, ie at equal density of the pads, if the difference in thickness is small (especially if the longitudinal pads 18 are slightly thinner than the transverse pads), the roll will be small because a slight rotation of the support 3 about the axis 4 of pivoting will lead to the almost immediate abutment of the longitudinal pads 18 against the control device 2. On the contrary, a difference of greater thickness (the longitudinal pads must be thinner than the transverse pads) will increase the amplitude of the roll.A different density of the pads, the difference in thickness will be less important if the longitudinal pads 18 are of a density much lower than that of the transverse pads 19. According to a preferred embodiment, the support 3 comprises a plurality of cavities formed under the support, each e cavity being adapted to receive a shoe 18, 19 of force transmission. This cavity is for example a receiving housing in which the pad is housed in force to prevent it from being dislodged when the support is not locked to the control device. This cavity can also be closed by a removable cover made of rubber or deformable plastic to hold the pad in the cavity while allowing compression and relaxation of the effort pad. According to the embodiment of the figures and as shown in particular in Figure 3, each pad 18, 19 transmission comprises a base. When the support 3 is fixed to the board 5, the cavities of the support surround said pads without exerting force on their sides so that only their base is clamped between the surface 7 of the board 5 and the support 3. According to a mode preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two pads have thicknesses and densities different from each other. The transmission pads 19 are of a thickness substantially equal to the distance between the lower surface 7 of the board 5 and the upper surface of the control device 2. According to the embodiment of the figures and as shown in particular in Figure 6, the accessory comprises two fixed stops 20 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at each of the longitudinal ends of the support 3, between the support 3 and the vicinity of the ground. Preferably, for aesthetic reasons, so that board 5 hides the stops 20 fixed to the user who is placed on the board, the width of these fixed stops 20 is equal to or less than the width of the board 5 at the place where they are placed (said place being preferably located near a longitudinal end of the board).

These fixed abutments 20 make it possible to prevent tilting of the support 3 when a force is applied to one or the other of the longitudinal ends of the support. Thus, a user who is standing on the board 5 and exerts a force in the vicinity of one of the longitudinal ends of the accessory is not likely to tilt forwards or backwards of the accessory. As shown in the figures, the entire mechanical system - locking joints, transmission pads, anti-tip fixed stops is below the board 5, which allows to hide it from the user using the accessory. An accessory according to the invention can be used with all types of charge sensor control device. An accessory according to the invention is nevertheless particularly adapted to be mounted on a Wii FitO board marketed by the Nintendo company, for use with the video games Shaun White Snowboarding, Mario & Sonic at the Olympics, Family Ski & Snowboard, Skate It0, Skate City Heroes0, and equivalent games as well as with balance games.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, an accessory according to the invention may comprise other means for transmitting forces between the support and the control device. 25

Claims (14)

REVENDICATIONS1. Accessory for a load-sensing control device for use with video games, said accessory comprising a user-generated force receiving medium, said carrier extending along a longitudinal direction, characterized in that it comprises means for locking said reception support to said control device adapted to present: a first position, said locked position, in which said reception support overcomes said control device and is locked to the latter so that it can not be moved in translation longitudinally and vertically with respect to said device, said receiving support being adapted in this position to be rotated about an axis, said pivot axis, extending substantially along the direction longitudinal, and to transmit to said control device efforts produced by a user t said accessory, - a second position, said unlocked position, wherein said receiving medium can be freely moved relative to the control device. 2. Accessory according to claim 1, characterized in that said locking means comprise at least one locking joint comprising a jaw movable in rotation about a substantially transverse axis adapted to cooperate with said control device in said locked position. 3. Accessory according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one locking joint comprises a longitudinal shaft carrying said movable jaw and defining said pivot axis of said support in said locked position. 4. Accessory according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one locking articulation comprises at least one ball joint, said ball comprising at least two ball elements: a head mounted at one end of said longitudinal shaft and a cup carried by said support said head being pivotable in said cup for allowing, in said locked position, the rotation of said support about said pivot axis. 5. Accessory according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least one joint further comprises conjugated reversible interlocking members carried respectively by an end of said longitudinal shaft and said receiving medium, said bodies of reversible interlocking being interlocked in said locked position, and disengaged in said unlocked position, said interlocking members being pivotable relative to each other about said pivot axis in the locked position. 6. Accessory according to claims 3 and 5 taken together, characterized in that said longitudinal shaft has an end opposite said ball adapted to form with a receiving member of said support, said reversible interlocking members. 7. Accessory according to claim 6, characterized in that said longitudinal shaft comprises a radial pin extending from the longitudinal shaft and forming a gripping handle to allow a user to disengage the longitudinal shaft of said receiving part of said support by actuating this handle. 8. Accessory according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that it comprises two locking joints arranged respectively at each longitudinal end of said support. 9. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said support is surmounted by a receptacle adapted to receive the user, the movements of the user on this receptacle generating forces transmitted to said control device. 10. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises support projecting load bearing pads, when it overcomes the control device in the locked position, each pad being adapted to transmit the efforts of the user to said control device. 11. Accessory according to claim 10, characterized in that said support has a plurality of cavities formed in the support, when it overcomes the control device, each cavity being adapted to receive a force transmission pad. 12. Accessory according to claim 11, characterized in that at least two cavities are arranged on either side of said pivot axis, so that the pads formed in these cavities can limit the roll of the accessory by locked position. 13. Accessory according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least two pads have different thicknesses from each other. 14. Accessory according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises fixed stops extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at each of the longitudinal ends of the support, between the support and the vicinity of the ground for prevent a tilting of said support when a force is applied to one or other of the longitudinal ends of the support.