070439.00766

MANUAL MANIPULATION APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus that which may be used for purposes of exercise, measurement, or entertainment. In particular, the present invention provides a means whereby a frame assembly may glide, tilt, and be guided along a surface. The apparatus may also provide a means for attaching a computerized device to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include force means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Prior art game accessories, sometimes called game wheels, steering wheels, game grips, or stands are known to those skilled in the art. For example, a game wheel may typically be used to hold a cell phone while the user plays a game that demands movement of the phone.

[0003] A problem with this technology is that it is not easily extended to larger and heavier smart devices, such as tablets, due to the fact that, because of their size and weight, they are more prone to dropping and breakage.

[0004] Another problem with this technology is that these devices may not easily lend themselves to use by disabled persons.

[0005] Yet another problem with this technology is that control of movement may be less precise than is desired for some applications.

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[0006] Yet another problem with this technology is that is does not provide for the use of manual force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides a means by which an apparatus, comprising a frame assembly and attachments, may be directed to tilt, to glide along a surface, to be lifted, pulled, or pushed, and to be guided along prescribed pathways, an optional means for attaching a

computerized device to the frame assembly, and an optional means to enable the application and measurement of force.

[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the manual manipulation apparatus includes a frame assembly, at least one handle associated with frame assembly, a mounting structure configured for mounting of a computer device relative to the frame assembly, and a glide base connected to the frame assembly wherein the glide base defines an area of reduced friction.

[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a manual manipulation assembly including a manual manipulation apparatus and a guide defining a prescribed path of movement of the manual manipulation apparatus. The manual manipulation apparatus includes a frame assembly, at least one handle associated with frame assembly, a mounting structure configured for mounting of a computer device relative to the frame assembly, and a glide base connected to the frame assembly wherein the glide base defines an area of reduced friction. The guide may be implemented with one or a combination of graphics, rails, or applications within an associated computer device.

[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a manual manipulation apparatus including a frame assembly and at least one handle associated with frame assembly.

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The at least one handle assembly includes a fixed handle member and a second handle member moveable relative to the fixed handle member, a biasing member positioned between the fixed handle member and the second handle member which biases the second handle member to an initial position, and a force indicator configured to indicate a force applied to the handle members as the second handle member moves from the initial position toward the fixed handle member. A glide base is optionally connected to the frame assembly and defines an area of reduced friction. Sensed force may be registered electronically, sent to an associated computer device, displayed on said device, and used as additional input to the programmed application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain features of the invention. In the drawings:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a manual manipulation apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with an exemplary computer device attached thereto and supported on a non-tilting glide base.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the manual manipulation apparatus of Fig. 1 with the computer device removed.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the manual manipulation apparatus of Fig. 1 with a multi-directional tilting glide base.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary computer device mounting member.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a side elevation view of the mounting member of Fig. 4.

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[0017] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary plug.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-directional glide base with the bearing removed.

[0019] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the multi-directional tilting glide base of Fig. 7 with a ball bearing positioned therein.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of an exemplary non-tilting glide base with the bearings removed.

[0021] Fig. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the non-tilting glide base of Fig. 9 with the ball bearings removed.

[0022] Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the non-tilting glide base of Fig. 9 with ball bearings positioned therein.

[0023] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a manual manipulation apparatus in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a manual manipulation apparatus in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention with a non-tilting glide base attached thereto.

[0025] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the manual manipulation apparatus of Fig. 13 with a single tilt axis glide base in a first orientation.

[0026] Fig. 15 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 14 with the single tilt axis glide base in a second orientation.

[0027] Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a portion of one of the grip handles of the manual manipulation apparatus of Fig. 1.

[0028] Fig. 17 is a side elevation similar to Fig. 16 with the grip handle viewing cover removed.

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[0029] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view, partially exploded, of one of the grip handles of the manual manipulation apparatus of Fig. 1.

[0030] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 18 illustrating the grip handle in an initial position.

[0031] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 18 illustrating the grip handle in a compressed position.

[0032] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a manual manipulation apparatus in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a manual manipulation apparatus in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a manual manipulation apparatus in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention with the computer device positioned in a first orientation.

[0035] Fig. 24 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 23 with the computer device positioned in a second orientation.

[0036] Fig. 25 is a plan view of an exemplary guide configuration.

[0037] Fig. 26 is a plan view of another exemplary guide configuration.

[0038] Fig. 27 is a perspective view illustrating the manual manipulation apparatus of Fig. 1 positioned on an exemplary guide mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention.

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The following describes presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited by the preferred embodiment described herein.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 1-11 and 16-20, a manual manipulation apparatus 10 in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. The manual manipulation apparatus 10 of the present embodiment generally comprises a frame assembly 20, a glide base 50 and a pair of handles 80. The frame assembly 20 includes first and second outer frame members 22, 32 connected to one another by a central frame member 38. The outer frame member 22 has an arcuate body extending between opposed ends 23 and 25. The outer frame member 32 has an arcuate body extending between opposed ends 33 and 35. The central frame member 38 is a linear member which connects at a central region 24, 34 of each outer frame member 22, 32 with the inner arcuate surfaces facing one another and the ends 23, 33 aligned and the ends 25, 35 aligned. A handle 80 extends between ends 23 and 33 and a second handle 80 extends between the ends 25 and 35. In the present embodiment, each of the handles 80 is rotatably connected to the respective ends 23, 33 and 25, 35 such that the handles 80 may rotate relative to the frame assembly 20. The ends 23, 25, 33, 35 may be provided with a scale indicator 26 which aligns with a pointer 119 on the handle 80 to indicate the amount of relative rotation. As will be described in more detail below, the handles 80 are configured as gripping handles which allow application and measurement of force.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the frame assemblies 20', 20" of manual manipulation apparatuses 10' and 10" will be described. In each of these embodiments, the frame assembly 20', 20" includes outer frame members 22', 22" and 32', 32" connected by a central frame member 38', 38". In these embodiments, the central frame member 38', 38" includes a plate

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070439.00766 portion 39 with legs 49 extending therefrom. The legs 49 connect near the ends 23', 23", 25', 25", 33', 33", 35', 35" such that the plate portion 39 is supported between the outer members 22', 22" and 32', 32". The mounting structure 40 is provided on the plate portion 39 and may take any form of the mounting structure 40 described herein. In the manual manipulation apparatus 20', the handles 80' are linear members which extend between the ends 23', 33' and 25', 35', respectively. The handles 80' are not rotatable relative to the frame assembly 20' and are not gripping handles. In the manual manipulation apparatus 20", the handles 80" are gripping handles, similar to the handles 80, which extend between the ends 23", 33" and 25", 35", respectively, but are not rotatable relative to the frame assembly 20". Each of the manual manipulation apparatus 10', 10" are useable with a desired glide base 50 as will be described hereinafter.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 21, the frame assembly 20"' of manual manipulation apparatus 10"' will be described. The frame assembly 20"' includes outer frame members 22"' and 32"', however, the frame assembly 20"' does not include a central frame member. Each outer frame member 22"' and 32"' includes a hollow tube with open ends 23"', 25"' and 33"', 35"' which are configured to receive projections 117 extending from the handles 80"' . The mounting structure 40 is provided on the outer frame member 22"' and may take any form of the mounting structure 40 described herein. As illustrated, the mounting structure 40 includes a mounting plate 46 with an adhesive area 148 which may releasably secure the computer device 15. The outer frame member 22"' is preferably rotatably adjustable relative to the projections 117 such that the orientation of the mounting plate 46 may be adjusted. The handles 80"' are not rotatable about their own axis, but otherwise are gripping handles, similar to the handles 80. The handles 80"' include covers 100' which include force markings 101 on the surface of the cover, otherwise the

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070439.00766 handles 80"' are generally the same as the handles 80 described in detail below. The outer frame member 32"' includes a projection which is configured to connect with a desired glide base 50 as will be described hereinafter.

[0043] Referring again to Figs. 1-3, the frame assembly 20 includes a mounting structure 40 configured to support a computer device 15, for example but not limited to, a tablet computer or a smart phone. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, the mounting structure 40 includes an area of hook and loop fastener 42. The computer device 15 has a complementary area of hook and loop fastener material (not shown) secured directly to it or to a case or the like in which the computer device 15 is positioned.

[0044] Other mounting structures 40 may be utilized. For example, Figs. 4 and 5 show an exemplary mounting member 44 which is connectable with the frame assembly 20. The

mounting member 44 includes a connection portion 45 configured to be received in bore 27 along the outer surface of outer member 22. In Fig. 2, the bore 27 is shown closed by a plug 70 similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 6. The plug 70 includes a cylindrical body 72 with a grip section 74 at one end thereof. The cylindrical body 72 of the plug 70 fits into the bore 27 to close such when not being utilized. The grip section 74 allows the plug 70 to be pulled from the bore 27 when it is desired to use the bore 27.

[0045] Referring again to Figs. 4 and 5, a bridge portion 47 extends from the connection portion 45 to a mounting plate 46. When the connection portion 45 is positioned in the bore 27, the mounting plate 46 is maintained relative to the frame assembly 20. In the illustrated

embodiment, the mounting plate 46 is parallel to the connection portion 45, however, the bridge portion 47 may be configured such that the mounting plate 46 is at a different orientation.

Additionally, adjustment means may be included such that the orientation of the mounting plate

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46 relative to connection portion, and thereby the frame assembly 20, may be adjusted. The mounting plate 46 includes a suction cup 48 which may releasably secure the computer device 15. The mounting plate 46 may include alternative means of securing the computer device 15, for example, straps, clips, walls, grooves or other desired structures.

[0046] The outer frame member 32 includes a bore 37 in its outer surface configured to connect a desired glide base 50 to the frame assembly 20. As with the bore 27, a plug 70 may be positioned in the bore 37 when not in use. Alternatively, the frame assembly 20 may be provided without a bore if the manual manipulation device 10 is to be used without a glide base. The glide base 50 may take various configurations, exemplary configurations are described below, but in each case provides a reduced friction gliding area. The reduced friction gliding area may be a function of the structure, e.g. ball bearing, the shape, e.g. semi- spherical, the material, e.g. non- friction, Teflon™ coated material, or a combination of these features or other features which facilitate such reduced friction.

[0047] Referring to Figs. 3, 7 and 8, an exemplary multi-direction glide base 52 will be described. The glide base 52 includes a connection portion 54 configured to be received in the bore 37, preferably with a friction fit, to secure the glide base 52 relative to the frame assembly 20 as shown in Fig. 3. A head portion 56 extends from the connection portion 54 and defines a bearing chamber 55 configured to receive ball bearing 58 with a portion of the ball bearing 58 extending from the head portion 56. A bushing 57 or the like may be utilized to retain the ball bearing 58 in position. The ball bearing 58 allows the manual manipulation apparatus 10 to easily glide relative to a surface upon which it is placed. Additionally, since the ball bearing 58 has a spherical surface and extends from the head portion 56, the frame assembly 20 may be tilted in any direction over a given range until the head portion 56 contacts the surface. If desired, a

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070439.00766 cylindrical bearing could be used instead of a ball bearing, whereby the frame assembly would only be tiltable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical bearing.

[0048] Fig. 12 illustrates an alternative multi-direction glide base 52' which includes a head 56' formed integral with a semi- spherical bearing surface 58'. The bearing surface 58' is made from a material which will slide relative to a generally smooth surface, for example, a plastic or polymer alone or treated with Teflon™ or the like. In all other respects, the glide base 52' works the same as described above. While the bearing surface 58' is defined as semi-spherical, it may have other shapes or configurations, for example, a conical or truncated-conical shape, semi- elliptical, or any other desired configuration which provides a reduced friction surface.

[0049] Referring to Figs. 1 and 9-11, another form of glide base 50, namely a non-tilting glide base 60, will be described. The glide base 60 includes a connection portion 62 configured to be received in the bore 37, preferably with a friction fit, to secure the glide base 60 relative to the frame assembly 20 as shown in Fig. 1. A cross shaped body portion 64 extends from the

connection portion 62 with opposed longitudinal portions 61 and opposed lateral portions 63. A bearing chamber 65 is defined in the lower surface of each of the longitudinal portions 61 and lateral portions 65. Each bearing chamber 65 is configured to receive a ball bearing 58a-58d with a portion of the respective ball bearing 58a-58d extending from the body portion 64. A bushing 57 or the like may be utilized to retain each ball bearing 58a-58d in position. The ball bearings 58a-58d allow the manual manipulation apparatus 10 to easily glide relative to a surface upon which it is placed, however, because ball bearings 58a and 58c oppose each other in the

longitudinal direction and ball bearings 58b and 58d oppose each other in the lateral direction, the glide base 60 prevents tilting of the frame assembly 20.

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[0050] Referring to Fig. 13, an alternative non-tilting glide base 60' is illustrated. In this embodiment, the body portion 64' has a rectangular configuration and a semi-spherical bearing surface 58' extends from each corner of the body portion 64' . Again, the bearing surface 58' is made from a material which will slide relative to a generally smooth surface, for example, a plastic or polymer alone or treated with Teflon™ or the like. In all other respects, the glide base 60' works the same as described above. It is noted that the body portion 64, 64" in these

embodiments may have any desired configuration and the number of ball bearings 58 or bearing surfaces 58' may be other than four provided the glide base 60, 60' prevents tilting of the frame assembly 20. For example, the body portion 64, 64' may have a triangular configuration with three ball bearings 58 or bearing surfaces 58'.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, another form of glide base 50, namely a limited tilt glide base 70, will be described. The glide base 70 includes a connection portion 72 configured to be received in the bore 37, preferably with a friction fit, to secure the glide base 70 relative to the frame assembly 20". A longitudinally extending body portion 74 extends from the connection portion 72. A pair of semi-spherical bearing surfaces 58' extends from opposed ends of the body portion 74 to define a linear bearing axis BA. With this configuration, the glide base 70 limits tilting in a direction perpendicular to the bearing axis BA. The glide base 70 may be connected to the frame assembly 20" in a desired orientation to achieve a desired tilting capability. For example, Fig. 14 illustrates the glide base 70 connected with the bearing axis BA parallel with the outer frame members 22", 32" such that the frame assembly 20" may be tilted forward and backward while Fig. 15 illustrates the glide base 70 connected with the bearing axis BA

perpendicular to the outer frame members 22", 32" such that the frame assembly 20" may be tilted side to side.

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[0052] Referring to Figs. 1-3 and 16-20, an exemplary handle 80 which functions as a grip handle will be described. Each handle 80 includes a fixed handle portion 82 extending between a first housing 84 and a second housing 86. The first housing 84 is a generally hollow structure with an opening 86 at one end and an open slot 88 facing toward the opposite housing 85.

Similarly, the second housing 85 is a generally hollow structure with an opening 87 at one end and an open slot 89 facing toward the opposite housing 84. Each housing 84, 85 houses a force indicator 90 with a rod portion 92 thereof extending out of the respective opening 86, 87. A moving handle portion 83 is connected between the force indicators 90 and is positioned to move in the two slots 88, 89. A spring 99 is positioned about each rod portion 92 and abuts against a shoulder 91 of the force indicator 90.

[0053] A cover 100 is configured to be attached to each housing 84, 85 over the respective opening 86, 87. The cover 100 has body 102 defining a hollow chamber with an opening 104 at one end. The opening 104 is configured for passage of the rod portion 92 therethrough such that the rod portion 92 may be moved at least partially into the hollow chamber. A shoulder 106 is provided adjacent the opening 104 and is configured to engage and compress the respective spring 99 when the cover 100 is attached to one of the housings 84, 85. When the cover 100 is removed as indicated in Figs. 17 and 18, the spring 99 may be switched to change the biasing force to a desired level. Each force indicator 90 is biased away from the cover 100 and into its respective housing 84, 85 as indicated in Fig. 19. A user may grip the fixed handle 82 and the moving handle 83 and apply a force to move the moving handle 83 toward the fixed handle 82 as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 20.

[0054] The force indicator 90 preferably provides a visible indication of the amount of force applied to the handle 80. In one aspect, the rod portion 92 includes areas 93, 95, 97 of distinct

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070439.00766 indicators, for example, different color areas, and the cover 100 is transparent. As such, as force is applied to the handle 80, the rod portion 92 of the force indicator 90 moves into hollow

chamber of cover 100 and the last indicator area 93, 95, 97 visible within the chamber indicates the applied force. Additionally, or alternatively, a force indicating slot 114 may be provided through each housing 84, 85, with a force indication strip 118 applied to the external surface adjacent the slot 114. A projection 116 extends from the force indicator 90 into the slot 114. The position of the projection 116 relative to the force indication strip 118 indicates the applied force.

[0055] Additionally, or alternatively, a force sensor 110, for example a piezoelectric strain gage, may be provided within one of the housings 84 and configured to sense a force upon movement of the moving handle 83 relative to the fixed handle 82. The force sensor 110 is connected to a transmitter 112 which is configured to transmit the sensed force to the computer device 15, for example, through a bluetooth connection. Other wireless and wired communication means may be utilized. The computer device 15 may be used to display, store or otherwise use the force data, for example, via an application stored on the computer device 15.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 22, a manual manipulation apparatus 10 ^v which is an embodiment of the invention will be described. The manual manipulation apparatus 10 ^v generally comprises an independent handle 80 ^v which is generally the same as the handle 80, but the housings 84' and 85' are not configured for attachment to a separate frame member. Instead, the housing 84' has a closed surface where the connection would have otherwise been and the housing 85' has on opening (not shown) configured for connection of a glide base 50. The housing 85' serves as the frame assembly 20 ^v of the present embodiment. The glide base 50 can take the form of any of the glide bases described herein. The independent handle 80 ^v allows a user to glidingly manipulate the handle 80 ^v , for example along one of the guides described herein, as well apply and observe a

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070439.00766 gripping force. A computer device is not utilized with the illustrated independent handle 80 ^v , however, a mounting structure could be provided. Similarly, each of the manual manipulation apparatuses described herein may be utilized without a computer device and may not include a mounting structure if not intended to be used with a computer device.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 23 and 24, a manual manipulation apparatus 10 ^1V embodiment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention will be described. The manual

manipulation apparatus 10 ^1V includes a frame assembly 22 ^1V including a longitudinally extending frame member 38 ^1V . A longitudinal groove 138 extends along a surface of the frame member 38 ^1V . A pair of side frame members 22 ^1V and 32 ^1V are received in the groove 138 and extend

perpendicularly to the frame member 38 ^1V . Each of the frame members 22 ^1V and 32 ^1V is

longitudinally adjustable along the groove 138 but is laterally locked into the groove 138. Each frame member 22 ^1V and 32 ^1V includes an inwardly facing groove 122, 132. The grooves 122, 132 and 138 are configured to receive and retain the computer device 15 and define the mounting structure 40 of the present embodiment. Each frame member 22 ^1V and 32 ^1V also includes an outwardly extending fixed handle 80 ^1V which facilitates manipulation of the frame assembly 20 ^1V . The longitudinal extending frame member 38 ^1V includes a bore (not shown) or the like for connection of a glide base 50. The manual manipulation apparatus 10 ^1V is illustrated with a multidirectional glide base 52, however, it may be utilized with any of the glide bases 50 described herein.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 3 and 25-27, the manual manipulation apparatuses 10-10 ^v may be utilized with guides 150 which may take the form of a game, a map, a maze, a puzzle, a target or any other desired format. The guide 150 may be a two-dimensional graphic or it may be a three dimensional structure with rails, ramps, walls or the like. Fig. 25 illustrates a guide 150 which

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070439.00766 includes a plurality of linear 152 and arcuate 154 paths. Instead of providing paths, the arcuate 154 portions may represent instruction to tilt the manual manipulation apparatus 10- 10 ^v as indicated. The guide 150' of Fig. 26 includes a plurality of linear paths 152 and a plurality of target zones 155. While the paths 152, 154 are shown as linear and arcuate, they can take any desired form. Fig. 27 illustrates the guide 150 applied to a mat 160 which may positioned on a table or other work surface. Fig. 3 illustrates a virtual form of the guide 150 which is displayed on the computer device 15. An indicator 156 on the screen represents the virtual position of the manual manipulation apparatus 10- 10 ^v on the guide 150. As the manual manipulation apparatus 10-10 ^v is moved, the GPS, gyroscope , camera and/or accelerometer or the like in the computer device recognizes the movement and moves the indicator 156 along the guide 150. In an

exemplary game application, the guide 150 may take the form of a road and the indicator 156 may take the form of a vehicle.

[0059] These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

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