GB2620728A

GB2620728A - Double-faced computer controller and balancing device

Info

Publication number: GB2620728A
Application number: GB2209204.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Olowu Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-06-23
Filing date: 2022-06-23
Publication date: 2024-01-24
Also published as: GB202209204D0

Abstract

A balance device comprises a platform including two footsteps 3,3a on which the user stands to operate the device and a pivot 1,2 mounted to at least one side of the device. A detachable electronic device holder 7 which can accommodate an electronic devices such as a mobile phone is provided on the device. The balance device may be double-faced with a barrel shaped pivot 1 positioned on one side of the device and a dome shaped pivot 2 positioned on an opposite side of the device. The barrel shaped pivot only allows the device to roll from side–to-side; whereas the dome pivot allows the device can swivel and pivot in all directions. The dome pivot may be changeable to various curvatures. The balancing device may include means to detect orientation such as a computer or gyroscope within the electronic device mounted to holder 7. As such the device may control a computer that is running an application such as a balance trainer/analyzer or video game. Further disclosed is a balance device including expansion joints (see figure 6) which enable the entire body weight of the user to be carried by an internal support beam (16) which spans almost the entire length of the device. Also disclosed is a balance device including a display screen (17, figure 8).

Description

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates a double-faced computer controller, and balancing device Though balance is one of our most important senses it is often taken for granted. Most physical activity is reliant on our sense of balance, but it is usually only when something goes wrong, or we start to lose it due to aging that we realize it's importance. This invention sets out to bring about an improvement to our overall balance in a rather unique and fun way. It combines the physical act of balancing with task-oriented play and computer analysis, enabling the development of multiple balancing skills which are transferable to a vast number of sporting activities. Provided with means to gradually train the user to balance in several gradual stages, it aims to smoothly transition the user from beginner to advanced. This device is double faced which provides two distinct balancing experiences. The beginner's side of the device balances on a barrel shaped pivot and so is only able to roll from side to side; Left or Right. Placed on the opposite side, the device balances on a dome shaped pivot enabling it to swivel and pivot in all directions, and is more difficult for the user to stay balanced. This more difficult side is better suited to the advanced user. To switch between beginner and advanced balance training modes, simply flip the device over. Though this invention sets out to improve the balancing skills of the user through training, it also serves as a computer/electronic device controller. As the device includes means to detect orientation, it can also control a computer running an application such as a balance trainer/analyzer or video game. The invention includes two footsteps set on either side which the user stands on and uses to control the device. Leaning forwards, backwards or from side to side, the user changes the orientation of the device which is detected and used to control a computer. Also included is a detachable electronic device holder which can accommodate a wide range of electronic devices such as a mobile phone. Included also is an expandable grip which is designed to hold an electronic device securely. This device is double-faced; placed on the barrel shaped pivot side, the device is only able to roll from side to side, whereas placed on the opposite side the pivot is dome shaped which enables it to swivel and pivot in all directions. The dome shaped pivot is changeable so that various degrees of curvature can be fitted. Included also on each side of the device are expansion joints which enable the entire body weight of the user to be carried by an internal support beam which spans almost the entire length of the device. Integral to the structure of the invention is a central hub to which the footsteps are fixed jutting straight out on opposite sides adjacent to each other. The central hub also supports both pivots set on opposite ends; top and bottom.

In an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention the device may be constructed wherein the barrel shaped pivot is able to rotate by 90 degrees to facilitate switching between a side-to-side rolling motion and a forwards or backwards pitching motion.

In an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention the device can include a built-in orientation detector which is not user detachable.

In an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention the device can include a built-in computer and/or electronic device plus battery power supply and display screen which are not user detachable.

In an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention the device can be constructed such that it does not include an electronic device holder, nor any means to compute or detect orientation wherein its primary purpose is for physical exercise and balance training.

In an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention the device may be only one sided, wherein it is provided with either a dome shaped pivot or a barrel shaped pivot.

In an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention the device may not be facilitated with any changeable pivots. In such an embodiment its pivot or pivots will be of a fixed curvature.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front diagonal view of the invention wherein it is standing on the side which utilizes the dome shaped pivot, and also shown attached to the invention is its electronic device holder which is detachable, shown also is the central hub, Figure 2 shows a rear diagonal view of the invention wherein the electronic device holder is attached to the front, and also shown are the left and right footsteps on which the user stands, Figure 3 shows a rear diagonal view of the invention wherein the changeable dome shaped pivot has been removed from the central hub, and also shown is one of the two provide electronic device holder attachment sockets, Figure 4 shows a detachable part of the invention which holds an electronic device, it also shows the expandable grip which has been removed for a clearer view, Figure 5 shows a front overhead view of the invention wherein it is standing on the side which utilizes the barrel shaped pivot, and also shown are the two expansion joints situated on either side of the invention which enable the entire body weight of the user to be carried by an internal support beam, shown also is a clear view of one of the electronic device holder sockets, Figure 6 shows a partially internal view of the invention wherein one of the expansion joints has been opened sufficiently to expose the internal support beam, Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention which is only able to pivot on one side of the device, and wherein means is provided to hold an electronic device on the top side, Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention wherein a battery powered electronic device with a visual display screen is integrally built-in as a part of the alternative invention, In Figure 1, a double-faced computer controller and balancing device which includes two selectable pivot types; a barrel pivot number 1, and a dome pivot number 2. Included also are two footsteps numbers 3 and 3a, which include embossed grips numbers 4 and 4a. The footsteps are double sided, enabling the device to be flipped over and still remain operable after selecting the desired pivot type. Shown also are the expansion joints numbers 10 and 10a, which enable the entire body weight of the user to be carried by an internal support beam. Included also as a part of the invention is a removable electronic device holder numbers 5, 6 and 7, which connects to the device via an attachment plug number 9, this plug is situated at the foot of the holder and fits firmly into either one of the available attachment sockets number 8, provided on opposite sides of the device. The electronic device holder has four constituent parts; the attachment plug number 9, the trunk number 5, the protector cage number 6, and the expandable grip number 7, shown also is the central hub number 18, to which the footsteps are fixed jutting straight out on opposite sides adjacent to each other. The central hub also supports the two pivots set on opposite ends of it, one on top and the other at the bottom.

Figure 2, shows a rear diagonal view of the invention including two footsteps numbers 3 and 3a, on which the user stands in order to operate the device. The user controls the orientation of the device by leaning forwards, or backwards, or from side to side. The invention is shown in this view standing on the dome shaped pivot number 2, whereon it is able to swivel and pivot in all directions making it more difficult to maintain balance, but facilitates greater orientation control. Shown also are the expansion joints numbers 10 and 10a, which enable the entire body weight of the user to be carried by an internal support beam which spans almost the entire length of the device.

Figure 3, shows a rear diagonal view of the invention wherein the user changeable dome pivot number 2, has been lifted out of its locking position. A changeable dome pivot provides a means of altering the level of difficulty experienced by the user when balancing on this side of the device. The difficulty level varies in accordance with degree of curvature provided on the dome pivot which is attached to the device. Shown also are the pivot bolt number 13, and pivot nut housing number 12, which hold the dome pivot in place. Included also in the center of the dome pivot is an access hole number 11, which facilitates access to the dome pivot locking nut which is not in view.

Figure 4, shows the electronic device holder numbers 5, 6 and 7, which connects to the invention via the attachment plug number 9. This detachable part of the invention is designed to hold an electronic device securely and safely. The expandable grip number 7, detaches from the rest of the holder and provides a firm grip on the electronic device by wrapping around the under surface and sides of the device. Also, shown is the expandable grip's locking clip number 14, which fits and clips firmly into the clip socket number 15, when pushed into place. Included also is the device protector cage number 6, in which the electronic device sits protected by firm armet like edges.

Figure 5, shows a front overhead view of the invention wherein it is standing on the side which utilizes the barrel shaped pivot number 1. Balancing on the barrel side of the device which facilitates only side-to-side motion is simpler, but drastically limits orientation control, and as such better suited to the novice user. Also shown in clear view is one of the two electronic device holder sockets number 8, which is currently vacant as the electronic device holder is not attached. Using the invention without an electronic device attached is advisable for the novice user as it is easier like this to concentrate solely on learning to balance.

Figure 6 shows a partially internal view of the invention wherein one of the expansion joints number 10, has been sufficiently opened in order to expose the internal support beam number 16, which spans almost the entire length of the invention. The internal support beam is integral to the design of the invention as it supports the entire body weight of the user.

Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention wherein the device is not double sided, and as such can only be mounted and used facing one way up. Also shown is the expandable electronic device holder number 7, which is located on top of the central section number 19, set between the two footsteps numbers 3 and 3a. Also shown is the changeable dome pivot number 2. This dome pivot is user-changeable and provides a means of altering the level of difficulty experienced by the user when balancing on the device. The difficulty level varies in accordance with degree of curvature provided by the dome pivot attached.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment provided by the current invention wherein the device is not double sided, and as such can only be mounted and used facing one way up. Also shown is the visual display screen number 17, of the built-in electronic device, which is located on top of the central section number 19, set between the two footsteps numbers 3 and 3a. Aso shown is the changeable dome pivot number 2, which is user-changeable and provides a means of altering the level of difficulty experienced by the user when balancing on the device. The difficulty level varies in accordance with degree of curvature provided by the dome pivot attached. Also built into the device but hidden from view by the display screen is a battery power supply unit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A computer controller and balancing device which is double-faced comprising; a central hub, two footsteps fixed on opposite sides of the central hub set adjacent to each other, two pivots set on opposite ends of the central hub one on top and the other at the bottom, attachment means for an electronic device such as a mobile phone which is also capable of detecting orientation, and wherein the operator stands on the device controlling its orientation by foot.
2. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 1, wherein the means provided to support an electronic device is user detachable.
3. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 1, further comprising an internal support beam, and two expansion joints which enable the body weight of the user to be carried by the internal support beam.
4. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 1, wherein one of the pivots is barrel shaped, and the other is dome shaped.
5. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 1, wherein one of the pivots is a fixed barrel shape, and the other is dome shaped and also detachable so that various dome curvatures can be used with the device.
6. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 1, wherein one of the pivots is barrel shaped and can rotate by 90 degrees to facilitate switching between a side-to-side rolling motion and a forwards or backwards pitching motion.
7. A balancing device comprising; a central section, two footsteps fixed on opposite sides of the central section set adjacent to each other, a pivot which is set at the bottom of the central section, a display screen set on top of the central section, a battery power supply, an electronic device, orientation detection means, and wherein the operator stands on the device controlling its orientation by foot.
8. A balancing device comprising; a central section, two footsteps fixed on opposite sides of the central section set adjacent to each other, a pivot which is set at the bottom of the central section, attachment means for an electronic device such as a mobile phone which is also capable of detecting orientation, and wherein the operator stands on the device controlling its orientation by foot.
9. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 7, wherein the pivot can be changed.
10. A computer controller and balancing device according to claim 8, wherein the pivot can be changed.
11. A balance training device which is double-faced comprising; a central hub, an internal support beam, two expansion joints set on either side of the device, two footsteps fixed on opposite sides of the central hub set adjacent to each other, two pivots set on opposite ends of the central hub one on top and the other at the bottom, and wherein the user stands on the device.
12. A balancing device according to claim 11, further comprising removable attachment means for an electronic device which is also capable of detecting orientation such as a mobile phone, and wherein the operator stands on the device controlling its orientation by foot.