GB2406504A - Vibrating gaming chair - Google Patents

Vibrating gaming chair Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2406504A
GB2406504A GB0322833A GB0322833A GB2406504A GB 2406504 A GB2406504 A GB 2406504A GB 0322833 A GB0322833 A GB 0322833A GB 0322833 A GB0322833 A GB 0322833A GB 2406504 A GB2406504 A GB 2406504A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
rumble
chair
bar
wheel
assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0322833A
Other versions
GB0322833D0 (en
Inventor
Margaret Kerr
Kenneth Kerr
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KERR, KENNETH
KERR, MARGARET
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0322833A priority Critical patent/GB2406504A/en
Publication of GB0322833D0 publication Critical patent/GB0322833D0/en
Publication of GB2406504A publication Critical patent/GB2406504A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06BMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/10Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of mechanical energy
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/24Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/25Output arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/28Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
    • A63F13/285Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/90Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
    • A63F13/98Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09BEDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B9/00Simulators for teaching or training purposes
    • G09B9/02Simulators for teaching or training purposes for teaching control of vehicles or other craft
    • G09B9/04Simulators for teaching or training purposes for teaching control of vehicles or other craft for teaching control of land vehicles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1037Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1043Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being characterized by constructional details

Abstract

A chair 20 for use with an electronic games console comprises a vibration generating mechanism 10 which is actuated by an output of the games console. The chair may be converted into a saddle mode, e.g. for simulating a motorbike, by pivoting a backrest 28 forward to overlie a seat portion 30. A skateboard or snowboard can be attached to the chair when in the saddle mode. The vibrations are generated when the protrusion 26 on a motorised wheel 26 strike against a bar 14 mounted to the underside of the seat portion 30. The vibrations increase the user's enjoyment of the electronic game.

Description

A Rumble Assembly The present invention relates to a rumble assembly, in
particular a rumble assembly suitable for use with a games console chair.
It is known for games consoles to include a games console chair and a handset. Such handsets are generally operatively connected to the games console such that at certain stages of the game, the handset vibrates. For example, a driving game is often designed to provide a vibrating sensation to the handset when the car being driven in the game goes off the road. This vibrating sensation is provided in accordance with signals provided by the games console.
According to the present invention there is provided a rumble assembly comprising a rumble bar mountable to an underside of a chair; a rumble wheel having an outer surface adapted to abut against at least a portion of the rumble bar; the assembly being arranged such that actuation causes the rumble wheel to rotate, the outer surface of the rumble wheel being shaped and dimensioned to cause the rumble bar to vibrate when the wheel is actuated, thereby causing the chair to vibrate.
Preferably, the outer surface includes one or more protrusions arranged to knock against the rumble bar as the rumble wheel rotates.
Preferably, the protrusions are substantially wedge-shaped.
Preferably, the rumble assembly further includes an axle secured along its length to the underside of the chair, the axle being pivotable such that the chair may rock from side to side.
Preferably, the rumble wheel is biased against the rumble bar.
Further preferably, the biasing means is a spring.
Preferably, the rumble assembly is actuated by means of a power supply, including a motor or the like.
According to the present invention, there is provided a games console chair which includes a seat portion, and a rumble assembly as hereinbefore defined, mounted to an underside of the seat portion.
Referring now to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of
A_
the present invention will now be described, in which: Figure 1 is a partially cut-away side schematic view of a rumble assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rumble assembly shown to be housed within a support for a chair; Figure 2 is a partially cut-away front schematic view of the rumble assembly, chair and support of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of the chair, wherein a backrest portion of the chair is folded down so as to be flush with a seat portion of the chair; Figure 4 is a perspective schematic view of components of the rumble assembly, the components including a rumble wheel, a rumble bar and a rumble bracket; Figure 5 is an enlarged front schematic view of a portion of the rumble bar and the rumble bracket of the rumble assembly; Figure 6 is an enlarged front schematic view of a portion of the rumble wheel and rumble bar; and Figure 7 is an enlarged side schematic view of the rumble wheel and rumble bar of Figure 6.
Referring now to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a rumble assembly generally indicated as 10. The rumble assembly 10 is housed within a support 22 located underneath a games console chair 20. The rumble assembly 10 comprises a rumble wheel 12 adapted to abut against at least a portion of a rumble bar 14. The rumble bar 14 is preferably mountable to an underside of the chair 20. Thus, in use, actuation of the rumble assembly 10 causes the rumble wheel 12 to rotate against the adjacent rumble bar 14 thereby causing the chair 20 to vibrate. The vibrating motion of the chair is designed to increase a user's enjoyment of the game, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the chair 20 comprises a backrest portion 28 extending from a seat portion 30. A substantially planar support element 18 extends across the underside of the seat portion 30, upon which support element 18 the seat portion 30 is mounted. An axle 16 is provided between the rumble bar 14 and the support element 18. Thus, in use, the vibrations of the rumble bar 14 are preferably transferred to the chair 20 through the axle 16 and the support element 18. The configuration and operation of the axle 16 will be described in more detail later.
An outer surface of the rumble wheel 12 preferably includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 26 forming a crenate or bumpy outer surface. The protrusions 26 are preferably susbtantially wedge-shaped, as shown in Figure 7 for example, but it will be appreciated that the shape of the protrusions 26 is not limited thereto. A biasing means 34 is provided such that the rumble wheel 12 is biased against the rumble bar 14.
The biasing means 34 is preferably a spring or the like, although any other suitable means (not shown) may be used. The rumble wheel 12 is operatively associated with a power supply 36 or any alternative actuator (not shown).
The rumble bar 14 is preferably substantially cuboid and substantially elongate. A rumble bracket 38 is provided at one side of the support 22. The rumble bracket 38 is adapted to engage one end of the rumble bar 14, the other end of the rumble bar 14 engaging the rumble wheel 12. Thus, as shown in Figure 2, the rumble bar 14 is preferably substantially horizontally disposed and extends from one side of the support 22 to the other side.
The axle 16 preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rumble bar 14 i. e. in a direction from the front to the back of the support 22, and is also preferably horizontally disposed. The axle 16 is preferably secured along its length to the underside of the chair 20, and is also preferably integrally formed with a bracket 24. The bracket 24 preferably comprises two substantially U-shaped elements 42 affixed to the support element 18 of the chair 20.
A support column 32 is preferably centrally positioned below the chair 20, perpendicular to the support element 18, the support column 32 being substantially vertically disposed.
One end of the support column 32 is adapted to engage the axle 16, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the support column 32 may be provided with a U-shaped recess (not shown) lO adapted to receive a portion of the axle 16. A bearing (not shown) is preferably provided between the axle 16 and support column 32 to enable the axle 16 to pivot relative to the support column 32. Since the bracket 24 and axle 16 are affixed to the support element 18, the axle 16 is pivotable IS relative to the support column 32 such that the chair 20 may rock from side to side. This pivoting movement is preferably caused by a user (not shown) sitting on the chair 20 simply rocking from side to side. In this manner, the axle 16 of the rumble assembly 16 is used to further increase a user's enjoyment of the game.
It will be appreciated that springs 58 are preferably provided within the support 22, abutting the underside of the chair 20.
The springs 22 are preferably provided at least adjacent a portion of the front, back and sides of the chair 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 for example. The springs 22 enable the chair 20 to rock from side to side as described above.
Although not shown in the drawings, a restraining bracket may be provided at each side of the support 22 provided at a distance away from the support element 18, for example at the otherwise free end of the springs 22. The restraining brackets would prevent the chair 20 from overextending in any direction, to prevent the chair 20 from toppling over. As shown in Figure 2, the chair 20 is preferably pivotable through an angle A of approximately 45 to each side from the vertical.
Referring now to Figures 4 - 7, the rumble bar 14 is shown to abut the rumble wheel 12 towards one end, and the rumble bracket 38 at the opposite end. The rumble bracket 38 is generally a substantially C shaped bracket, including a number JO of ridges 40 on an internally facing surface 39 thereof. The rumble bar 14 may be hollow, so that as the rumble bar 14 is urged towards the rumble bracket 38, as shown for example in Figure 5, the end of the rumble bar 14 is adapted to receive one of the ridges 40. In this way, the rumble bar 14 may be IS adjusted to different heights on the rumble bracket 38. The rumble bracket 38 therefore enables the amplitude of vibration of the rumble bar 14 to be adjusted, thereby adjusting the vibrating sensation to the user sitting on the chair 20. For example, the rumble bar 14 which is normally substantially horizontally disposed can be moved so that it engages the lowest ridge 40 of the rumble bracket 38. The rumble bar 14 will then be angled downwardly towards the rumble bracket 38, which will have the effect of changing the vibrations felt by the user as the rumble bar 14 vibrates. It will also be appreciated that the end of the rumble bar 14 not engaged by the rumble bracket 38 may also be raised and lowered as desired by any suitable means (not shown).
An adjustment member 60 is preferably connected to the rumble bracket 38. The adjustment member 60 preferably enables the rumble bracket 38 to be tightened or loosened as required, in accordance with the configuration of the rumble bar 14.
Furthermore, the adjustment member 60 may also be provided with biasing means such as an elastic member or the like, to enable the rumble bracket 38 to move in accordance with the vibration of the rumble bar 14, if desired.
Thus, in use, the rumble assembly 10 is operable as follows.
The power supply 36 is preferably operated by certain signals coming from the games console (not shown). The power supply 36 preferably includes a motor (not shown) which causes the lO rumble wheel 12 to rotate. The rumble wheel 12 is urged towards and against the rumble bar 14 by the biasing means 34.
Rotation of the rumble wheel 12 therefore urges the protrusions 26 to knock against the rumble bar 14, thus causing the rumble bar 14 to vibrate. The rotational motion of the rumble wheel 12 thus translates into vibrating motion of the rumble bar 14. The vibrating rumble bar 14 in turn causes the axle 16 and the supporting element 18 to vibrate.
In this manner, the rumble bar 14 is indirectly mounted to the underside of the chair 20, and indirectly causes the chair 20 to vibrate. This quivering or vibrating motion is then felt by the user sitting in the chair 20. Thus, the rumble assembly 10 of the present invention enables the user to experience a vibrating sensation which adds to the experience of playing a particular game.
It will be apparent that the power supply 36 may be adapted as desired so that the rumble wheel 12 may be rotated at a number of different speeds. In this manner, the rumble assembly 10 may be adapted to produce a variety of vibration sensations, from a slow pulsing motion to a faster, stronger vibration.
The user could then conveniently set the speed of the rumble wheel 12 and consequently the intensity of vibration of the rumble assembly 10. The vibrating sensation will generally be different according to the game being played. For example, a driving game will tend to provide different signals to the rumble assembly 10 (via the power supply 36) at different times than a combat game.
It will be further apparent that the rumble wheel 12 may be interchangeable with a number of suitably dimensioned wheels (not shown) having differently shaped and sized protrusions, in order to produce a different vibration effect. By adjusting the size and shape of the protrusions present on the wheel, it will be apparent that the user can tailor the rumble effect to suit the game he or she is playing.
Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, a steering wheel 48 is shown mounted to the support 22 by fixing means 50. A steering wheel mount 52 is affixed to a rod 53 which connects the steering wheel 48 to the support 22. The fixing means 50 and/or the rod 53 may include a plurality of co-axial cylindrical portions (not shown) so as to form a telescopic arrangement, if desired. Thus, the steering wheel 48 may be extended and retracted as desired, to suit the height of the user sitting on the chair 20. The steering wheel 36 may be connected to the power supply 36. In this manner, the power supply 36 could be adapted to actuate the steering wheel 48 by the same signals that come from the games console to rotate the rumble wheel 12.
The backrest portion 28 of the chair 20 may conveniently be folded down so as to be flush with the seat portion 30, by using a lever 54 for example. As shown in Figure 3, the backrest portion 28 is conveniently narrower in width than the q seat portion 30. The user is then free to straddle the folded down backrest portion 28 in the same way as one would straddle a motorcycle seat (not shown). It will be apparent that the chair 20 may be adapted in a number of other ways to provide the user with a number of options when using the games console chair 20. For example, when the backrest 28 portion is flush against the seat portion 30, a board (not shown) capable of withstanding the weight of the user, may be fitted to the backrest portion 28 to give the effect of standing on a skateboard or snowboard (not shown), depending on the game being played. In this manner, the games console chair 20 and associated rumble assembly lo can conveniently be adapted for use according to the user height, and according to the game being played.
It will be apparent that the details of the features of the rumble assembly lo may be changed as desired. In particular the features of the rumble bracket 38 and associated adjustment member 60 may be modified as desired.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein which may be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (3)

  1. (:LAIMS 1 The scat includes a rumble mechanism which is linked to an
    output of The games console in older to cause the seat to vi'oale in cspouse to celtah events in a game being played.
  2. The seat is operable between a "chair" mode in which this seat has a seat base and a backrest and a "saddle" mode, in which the backrest is folded down onto the scat base and the rear of the backrest is shaped to serve as a saddle.
  3. 3 A snowboard/skateboard attachment may, be mounted on (he seat when in the saddle mode.
GB0322833A 2003-09-30 2003-09-30 Vibrating gaming chair Withdrawn GB2406504A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0322833A GB2406504A (en) 2003-09-30 2003-09-30 Vibrating gaming chair

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0322833A GB2406504A (en) 2003-09-30 2003-09-30 Vibrating gaming chair

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0322833D0 GB0322833D0 (en) 2003-10-29
GB2406504A true GB2406504A (en) 2005-04-06

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0322833A Withdrawn GB2406504A (en) 2003-09-30 2003-09-30 Vibrating gaming chair

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2406504A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7297060B2 (en) * 2004-05-12 2007-11-20 Mattel, Inc. Transportable apparatus for a game system
FR2947940A1 (en) * 2009-07-08 2011-01-14 Thierry Viglieno Support for seat of car drive simulator in home, has lockable hinged arm system and slide for retracting steering console and pedal console into space under support, respectively, where slide is mounted at lower part of space
WO2011060331A1 (en) * 2009-11-14 2011-05-19 Wms Gaming, Inc. Actuating gaming machine chair
US7976385B2 (en) 2004-05-11 2011-07-12 Mattel, Inc. Game controller with sensitivity adjustment

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109172318B (en) * 2018-09-28 2023-09-29 福建沃豪科技集团有限公司 Chair with fat function gets rid of

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0649671A1 (en) * 1992-06-29 1995-04-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken Chair for game machine
WO1996035494A1 (en) * 1995-05-08 1996-11-14 Sports Sciences, Inc. Riding board game controller
WO1999030532A1 (en) * 1997-12-08 1999-06-17 Bsg Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus for the creation of a desirable acoustical virtual reality
EP0970730A1 (en) * 1997-11-07 2000-01-12 Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Game machine
JP2001346658A (en) * 2000-06-07 2001-12-18 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Chair capable of use for easy chair and correction of sitting posture

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0649671A1 (en) * 1992-06-29 1995-04-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Ace Denken Chair for game machine
WO1996035494A1 (en) * 1995-05-08 1996-11-14 Sports Sciences, Inc. Riding board game controller
EP0970730A1 (en) * 1997-11-07 2000-01-12 Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Game machine
WO1999030532A1 (en) * 1997-12-08 1999-06-17 Bsg Laboratories, Inc. Apparatus for the creation of a desirable acoustical virtual reality
JP2001346658A (en) * 2000-06-07 2001-12-18 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd Chair capable of use for easy chair and correction of sitting posture

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7976385B2 (en) 2004-05-11 2011-07-12 Mattel, Inc. Game controller with sensitivity adjustment
US7297060B2 (en) * 2004-05-12 2007-11-20 Mattel, Inc. Transportable apparatus for a game system
FR2947940A1 (en) * 2009-07-08 2011-01-14 Thierry Viglieno Support for seat of car drive simulator in home, has lockable hinged arm system and slide for retracting steering console and pedal console into space under support, respectively, where slide is mounted at lower part of space
WO2011060331A1 (en) * 2009-11-14 2011-05-19 Wms Gaming, Inc. Actuating gaming machine chair
US9685029B2 (en) 2009-11-14 2017-06-20 Bally Gaming, Inc. Actuating gaming machine chair

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0322833D0 (en) 2003-10-29

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Legal Events

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COOA Change in applicant's name or ownership of the application

Owner name: KERR, KENNETH

Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): KERR, MARGARET

Owner name: KERR, MARGARET

Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): KERR, MARGARET

WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)