BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to virtual reality systems and, more particularly, to an outfitting system for user-worn virtual reality equipment.

Description of Related Art

In order to participate in a modern virtual reality experience, a prospective user is often required to don several components associated with user- worn virtual reality equipment, including for example, a head- mounted virtual reality display, a back-mounted computer device, arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices, leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices. In some instances, the prospective user may also be required to have a handheld controller and/or a handheld tool to participate in the virtual reality experience. While participating in the virtual reality experience, the user may have personal items that may need to be temporarily stored. Once participation in the virtual reality experience is completed, the user will then have to remove the several components of the virtual reality equipment and stow the handheld controller / handheld tool for the next user. Between users, the several components of the virtual reality equipment will need to be cleaned, have applicable battery packs charged, and repaired/adjusted as necessary.

However, not all prospective users may have the physical dexterity to don/remove the several components of the virtual reality equipment without assistance. This often necessitates one or more attendants trained with the system to assist the user with these tasks. This additional labor may be undesirably costly and/or cost inefficient. Moreover, in order to clean the equipment between users, change out and recharge battery packs, and/or make any repairs to the equipment, the attendant may often need to go to one or more remote spaces to retrieve the necessary tools and supplies, and will have to return those tools and supplies once the task is completed.

As such, there exists a need for system arranged to assist a user in donning/removing the several components associated with user-worn virtual reality equipment, which accommodates and ergonomically assists users in the task, particularly users with limited dexterity or mobility. Such a system should also desirably be arranged to accommodate multiple users at one time. In this manner, the number of attendants or other required labor may be minimized. Moreover, such a system should desirably include

accommodations for allowing the attendant(s) to clean the virtual reality equipment between users, allow parts or tools to be readily accessible, and/or to recharge any necessary battery packs between users or virtual reality experience sessions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The above and other needs are met by the present disclosure which, in one aspect, provides a system arranged to facilitate outfitting of a user with user-worn virtual reality equipment, to allow the user to participate in a virtual reality experience. Such a system includes a platform adapted to receive a user in a seated position on a seating surface thereof; and a support member extending upwardly from the platform, the support member cooperating with the platform and being arranged with respect thereto to support one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment, each of the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment being supported in ergonomic alignment with a corresponding portion of the user in the seated position on the seating surface.

The present disclosure thus includes, without limitation, the following embodiments:

Example Embodiment 1 : A system arranged to facilitate outfitting of a user with user-worn virtual reality equipment to allow the user to participate in a virtual reality experience, the system comprising a platform adapted to receive a user in a seated position on a seating surface thereof; and a support member extending upwardly from the platform, the support member cooperating with the platform and being arranged with respect thereto to support one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment, each of the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment being supported in ergonomic alignment with a corresponding portion of the user in the seated position on the seating surface.

Example Embodiment 2: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment include a head- mounted virtual reality display, a back-mounted computer device, arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices, leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices, a handheld controller, and a handheld tool.

Example Embodiment 3: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the support member comprises a virtual reality display support disposed upward of a head of the user in the seated position and within arm’s length of the user, the virtual reality display support being arranged to support the virtual reality display when engaged therewith, to allow the virtual reality display to be moved onto the head of the user when removed therefrom, and to receive and support the virtual reality display upon removal from the head of the user.

Example Embodiment 4: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the virtual reality display support is laterally offset with respect to the support member from a shoulder of the user.

Example Embodiment 5: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a power charger engaged with or disposed in proximity to the virtual reality display support, the power charger being arranged to charge a power source associate with the virtual reality display, upon the virtual reality display being received by the virtual reality display support.

Example Embodiment 6: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the back-mounted computer device includes opposing shoulder straps, and wherein the support member comprises a computer device support arranged to support the computer device such that the shoulder straps are laterally spaced apart at least equal to a width of the shoulders of the user. Example Embodiment 7: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the computer device support comprises a ledge disposed on or upward from the seating surface.

Example Embodiment 8: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a power charger engaged with or disposed in proximity to the computer device support, the power charger being arranged to charge a power source associate with the computer device, upon the computer device being received by the computer device support.

Example Embodiment 9: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the support member comprises and defines a computer support guide arranged to locate the computer device into an engagement position with respect to the user for donning and removing the computer device.

Example Embodiment 10: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the support member comprises a virtual reality display support disposed upward of a head of the user in the seated position and within arm’s length of the user, the virtual reality display support being arranged to support the virtual reality display when engaged therewith, to allow the virtual reality display to be moved onto the head of the user when removed therefrom, and to receive and support the virtual reality display upon removal from the head of the user, wherein the support member comprises a computer device support arranged to support the computer device such that the shoulder straps are laterally spaced apart at least equal to a width of the shoulders of the user, and wherein the support member comprises a wire support arranged to receive and support a wire connected between the virtual reality display and the computer device such that the wire is spaced apart from the user in the seated position.

Example Embodiment 11: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the support member comprises or defines a storage compartment disposed upward of a head of the user in the seated position.

Example Embodiment 12: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising spaced-apart arm rest members extending upwardly from the platform about opposing lateral sides thereof, the arm rest members each having an upper extremity mount engaged therewith, the upper extremity mount being disposed adjacent to an upper extremity of the user in the seated position with the upper extremity resting on the arm rest member.

Example Embodiment 13: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the arm members is removable to accommodate a wide user.

Example Embodiment 14: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices each comprise a fastenable strap arranged to secure the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking device to the upper extremity of the user, and wherein the upper extremity mount is arranged to support the arm-mounted or hand- mounted tracking device so as to allow the user to insert and remove a hand or arm of the user with respect to the fastenable strap and to fasten and unfasten the fastenable strap with another hand of the user.

Example Embodiment 15: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising an accessory mount engaged with one of the arm rest members, the accessory mount being configured to receive and support the handheld controller or the handheld tool.

Example Embodiment 16: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a power charger engaged with or disposed in proximity to the accessory mount, the power charger being arranged to charge a power source associate with the handheld controller or the handheld tool, upon the handheld controller or the handheld tool being received by the accessory mount.

Example Embodiment 17: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a platform support member engaged with and supporting the platform, and having a lower extremity mount engaged therewith, the lower extremity mount being disposed adjacent to a lower extremity of the user in the seated position with the lower extremity adjacent to the platform support member.

Example Embodiment 18: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices each comprise a fastenable strap arranged to secure the leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking device to the lower extremity of the user, and wherein the lower extremity mount is arranged to support the leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking device so as to allow the user to insert and remove a leg or foot of the user with respect to the fastenable strap and to fasten and unfasten the fastenable strap with a hand of the user.

Example Embodiment 19: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the platform defines an interior compartment having a pivotable lid, a sliding lid, or a removable lid defining the seating surface, or having a fixed lid defining the seating surface with the fixed lid being disposed over a movable drawer or a pivotable door.

Example Embodiment 20: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the interior compartment is arranged to receive a power source, spare parts for the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment, cleaning supplies, or tools applicable to the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment.

Example Embodiment 21: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a power charger disposed within the interior compartment, the power charger being arranged to receive and charge the power source.

Example Embodiment 22: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising a ventilation arrangement engaged with and arranged to ventilate the interior compartment.

Example Embodiment 23: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, comprising two or more adjacently -arranged stations, each of the two or more stations including the platform and the support member arranged to support each of the one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment in ergonomic alignment with a corresponding portion of the user in the seated position on the seating surface.

Example Embodiment 24: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein each of the two or more stations comprises a unique identifier associated therewith, the unique identifier corresponding to and being associated with the one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment assigned to each of the two or more stations.

Example Embodiment 25: The system of any preceding embodiment, or any combination of preceding embodiments, wherein the platform or the support member is comprised of a nonporous material.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended, namely to be combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

It will be appreciated that the summary herein is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example aspects so as to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated that the above described example aspects are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential aspects, some of which will be further described below, in addition to those herein summarized. Further, other aspects and advantages of such aspects disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system / station arranged to facilitate outfitting of a user with user- worn virtual reality equipment, according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a plurality of systems / stations shown in FIG. 1, adjacently -arranged so as to facilitate simultaneous outfitting of a plurality of users with user-worn virtual reality equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all aspects of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system 100 arranged to facilitate outfitting of a user with user- worn virtual reality equipment 200 to allow the user to participate in a virtual reality experience. In one aspect, such a system 100 comprises a platform 300 adapted to receive a user in a seated position on a seating surface 350 of the platform 300. A support member 400 extends upwardly from the platform 300, wherein the support member 400 cooperates with the platform 300, and is arranged with respect to the platform 300, to support one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200. In particular aspects, each of the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 is supported in ergonomic alignment or in an ergonomic disposition with a corresponding portion of the user in the seated position on the seating surface 350. In other particular aspects, at least the platform 300 and/or the support member 400 are comprised of a non-porous material such as, for example, a polymer/plastic or a polymer / plastic laminate. Such materials may be desirable, for example, for durability, to facilitate cleaning between users, and to prevent or minimize damage from accidental spills or soiling.

In particular aspects, the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 include a head- mounted virtual reality display 210; a back-mounted computer device 220; arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices 230, 240; leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260; a handheld controller; and/or a handheld tool 280.

As such, in some aspects, the support member 400 may comprise, for example, a backrest attached to the platform 300, with the platform 300 having the seating surface 350. In other instances, the support member 400 may comprise, for example, a wall adjacent to the platform 300, or a board member attached to a wall adjacent to the platform 300. In such instances, the support member 400 is adjacent to but not necessarily engaged with the platform 300, though one skilled in the art will appreciate that any such arrangement may be considered substantially similar in relation to the overall arrangement of the disclosed system 100.

Accordingly, in some instances, the support member 400 comprises a virtual reality display support 500 arranged to support the head-mounted virtual reality display 210 when engaged therewith, such that the virtual reality display 210 is disposed upward of a head of the user in the seated position on the seating surface 350 of the platform 300 and within arm’s length of the user. In some aspects, the virtual reality display support 500 may also be laterally offset from the seated user such that, for example, the virtual reality display 210 may be supported adjacent to or above a shoulder of the user. In this manner, the user can comfortably and ergonomically reach across a shoulder or above their head to engage and grasp the virtual reality display 210 with their hands, wherein the virtual reality display support 500 is arranged to allow the virtual reality display 210 to be moved onto the head of the user when removed therefrom, and to receive and support the virtual reality display 210 upon removal from the head of the user. In some instances, the virtual reality display support 500 may be configured and arranged to support different types / configurations of virtual reality displays 210. In other instances, the virtual reality display support 500 may be removable (modular) such that the selected virtual reality display support may be configured and arranged to support a particular type/configuration of a virtual reality display 210.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 may comprise the back-mounted computer device 220 which further includes opposing shoulder straps or loops 225 A, 225B. In such instances, the support member 400 may also comprise a computer device support 600 disposed upward of the seating surface 350. For example, the computer device support 600 could comprise a ledge disposed on or above the seating surface 350 adjacent to the support member 400. The computer device 220 is configured or arranged such that, when supported on the computer support device (e.g., ledge) 600, the shoulder straps 225A, 225B are laterally spaced apart at least equal to a width of the shoulders of the user. For example, the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B may be engaged with the computer device 220 in a similar manner to the shoulder straps of a backpack, and further arranged such that, in a normal resting position, the shoulder straps 225A, 225B are urged to the laterally spaced apart position, and particularly laterally spaced apart by a width at least equal to a width of the shoulders of the user.

Accordingly, in order to facilitate the user donning the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B engaged with the computer device 220, it may be advantageous for the computer device support 600 to support the computer device 220 with the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B in a laterally spaced-apart relationship such that the user in a seated position on the seating surface 350 can pivot in alternate directions about a vertical axis so as to insert one upper extremity (arm) into one of the shoulder straps 225 A when pivoting in one direction, and then insert the other upper extremity (arm) into the other should strap 225B when pivoting in the opposite direction. The implementation of the computer device support (e.g., ledge) 600 may be desirable, for example, in instances where the user is an adult and requires the computer device 220 to be supported at a higher vertical level to allow the user to more easily don and remove the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B associated therewith. The computer device support 600 may be removable or not provided, for example, in instances where the user is a child or person of smaller stature. In such instances, the computer device 220 may be supported directly by the platform 300 / seating surface 350.

The insertion of the user’s arms into the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B while seated thus presents a favorable ergonomic process for the user to don the computer device 220 on the user’s back, particularly while the computer device 220 remains supported by the computer device support 600 (e.g., ledge) or the platform 300. The user then moves away from the support member 400 on the seating surface 350 and/or begins to stand up in order for the computer device 220 to be removed from the computer device support 600 or the platform 300 such that the computer device 220 is borne by the user’s shoulders/back.

Removing the computer device 220 for the user’s shoulders/back generally entails a reversal of the donning procedure, with the computer device 220 first being engaged with the computer device support 600 (i.e., resting on the ledge) such that the computer device support 600 first bears the weight thereof. The lateral separation of the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B upon unfastening of the same by the user (back to the normal laterally spaced apart position or, in some instances, facilitated by the computer device support 600), thereafter allows the user to remove their arms/shoulders from the shoulder straps 225 A, 225B by the reverse of the pivoting procedure previously described, with the computer device 220 thereafter being supported by the computer device support 600 (e.g., ledge).

In some aspects, the support member 400 comprises and/or defines a computer support guide 410 arranged to locate the computer device 220 into an engagement position with respect to the user for donning and removing the computer device 220. For example, the computer support guide 410 may include two vertically -extending panels 410a, 410b extending in a divergent manner from the support member 400. Accordingly, when the user having the computer device 220 mounted on their back becomes seated on the seating surface 350 and leans back toward the support member 400, the converging panels 410a, 410b of the computer support guide 410 will locate (e.g., center) the computer device 220 with respect to the support member 400 and thereby ascertain that the user is seated in the proper position to remove the back-mounted computer device 220. The computer support device 410 may be removable from the support member 400.

In other instances, the configuration/arrangement of the computer support guide 410 (converging panels 410a, 410b) may be configured and arranged, as necessary or desired, such that the computer support guide 410 is adaptable to different styles/types of computer devices 220.

In some particular aspects of the disclosure, the virtual reality display 210 (e.g., headset) may be connected to and in communication with the back-mounted computer device 220 via one or more wires 215, such as a power transmission wire, a data transmission wire, or the like. In such instances, the support member 400 may also comprise an optional wire support 217 arranged to receive and support the one or more wire 215 connected between the virtual reality display 210 and the computer device 220 such that the one or more wires 215 is spaced apart from the user in the seated position. For example, the wire support 217 may be vertically position at least at the level of the computer device support 600, vertically between the computer support device 600 and the virtual reality display support 500, or vertically above the virtual reality display support 500. In some instances, the wire support 217 may be laterally offset with respect to the center of the support member 400. The wire support 217 receiving and supporting the one or more wires 215 thus keeps the one or more wires 215 out of the user’s way as the user is donning / removing the virtual reality display 210 and/or the computer device 220. One skilled in the art will appreciate that, in some instances, the one or more wires 215 may be of sufficient length in comparison to the distance between the computer support device 600 and the virtual reality display support 500 that the wire support 217 may not be necessary. In other instances, the virtual reality display support 500 may be arranged to function as the wire support. In still other instances, the wire support 217 may be removable (modular) as necessary or desired.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the support member 400 may be configured, arranged or otherwise adapted to accommodate various needs. For example, in some instances, the support member 400 comprises or defines a storage provision 460 disposed upward of a head of the user in the seated position, such as a compartment, a shelf, or any other suitable arrangement.

In other aspects of the present disclosure, spaced-apart arm rest members 700 may extend upwardly from the platform 300 about opposing lateral sides thereof (i.e., elevated arm rests on either side of the seating surface 350). In such instances, the arm rest members 700 may each have an upper extremity mount 725 engaged therewith, wherein the upper extremity mount 725 may be disposed adjacent to an upper extremity (e.g., arm or hand) of the user in the seated position with the upper extremity resting on the arm rest member 725. Such an arrangement may facilitate the user donning/removing components of the user- worn virtual reality equipment 200, such as arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices 230, 240. For example, in some aspects, the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices 230, 240 may each comprise a fastenable strap 235 arranged to secure the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking device 230, 240 to the upper extremity of the user. In such aspects, the upper extremity mount 725 may be arranged to support the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking device 230, 240 so as to allow the user to insert and remove a hand or arm of the user with respect to the fastenable strap 235 and to fasten and/or unfasten the fastenable strap 235 with another hand of the user. In some instances, the fastenable strap 235 may comprise, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, or a friction fastener, or may otherwise comprise an elastic strap having a tension-increasing mechanism for fastening the strap. The user may thus use one or both hands to fasten the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking device 230, 240 to the other hand or arm, via the fastenable strap 235, while the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking device 230, 240 is supported by the upper extremity mount 725.

In particular aspects, the arm rest members 700 may be optional. In other aspects, at least one of the arm members 700 is removable as necessary or desired, for example, to allow the platform 300/seating surface 350 the necessary width to accommodate a wide user. In other aspects, the arm members 700 are comprised of a non-porous material such as, for example, a polymer/plastic or a polymer/plastic laminate, for example, for durability, to facilitate cleaning between users, and to prevent or minimize damage from accidental spills or soiling.

In some aspects, an accessory mount 750 may also be engaged with one (either or both) of the arm rest members 700. In such instances, the accessory mount 750 may be configured to receive and support a handheld controller and/or a handheld tool 280 implemented by the user in the virtual reality experience.

The accessory mount 750 may be further arranged so as ergonomically facilitate the user grasping and removing the handheld controller and/or handheld tool 280 therefrom, after the arm-mounted or hand- mounted tracking devices 230, 240 are donned and the user rises from the seated position to begin the virtual reality experience. The accessory mount 750 may be further arranged so as ergonomically facilitate the user stowing the handheld controller and/or the handheld tool 280, upon completion of the virtual reality experience and removal of the arm-mounted or hand-mounted tracking devices 230, 240.

In particular aspects, the handheld controller and/or the handheld tool 280 may be electrical- powered devices including a power source (e.g., a battery pack) 775. In such aspects, a power charger (e.g., a battery charger) 800 may be engaged with or disposed in proximity to the accessory mount 750. In such an instance, the power charger 800 may be arranged to interact with and charge the power source 775 associated with the handheld controller and/or the handheld tool 280. That is, upon the handheld controller or the handheld tool 280 being received by the accessory mount 750, the power charger 800 is arranged to operably connect with the power source 775 associated with the handheld controller and/or the handheld tool 280 such that the power source 775 is charged, whether through a wired or hard connector interface, or via a wireless charging arrangement. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that, in other aspects of the present disclosure, virtual reality display 210 and/or the computer device 220 may be electrical-powered devices, each including a power source (e.g., a battery pack) 775. In such aspects, a power charger (e.g., a battery charger) 800 may further be engaged with or disposed in proximity to the virtual reality display support 500 and/or the computer device support 600, wherein the power charger 800 may be arranged to interact with and charge the power source 775 associated with the virtual reality display 210 and/or the computer device 220. That is, upon the virtual reality display 210 and/or the computer device 220 being received by the virtual reality display support 500 and/or the computer device support 600, the power charger 800 is arranged to operably connect with the power source 775 associated with the virtual reality display 210 and or the computer device 220 such that the power source is charged, whether through a wired or hard connector interface, or via a wireless charging arrangement.

In further aspects, the system 100 may additionally comprise a platform support member 900 engaged with and supporting the platform 300, with a lower extremity mount 925 engaged therewith. In particular instances, the lower extremity mount 925 may be disposed adjacent to a lower extremity of the user in the seated position, wherein the lower extremity is disposed adjacent to the platform support member 900 (e.g., a leg of a chair or base of a bench).

Such an arrangement may facilitate the user donning/removing components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200, such as leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260. For example, in some aspects, the leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260 may each comprise a fastenable strap 265 arranged to secure the leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260 to the lower extremity of the user. In such aspects, the lower extremity mount 925 may be arranged to support the leg- mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260 so as to allow the user to insert and remove a leg or foot of the user with respect to the fastenable strap 265 and to fasten and/or unfasten the fastenable strap 265 with a hand of the user. In some instances, the fastenable strap 265 may comprise, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, or a friction fastener, or may otherwise comprise an elastic strap having a tension- increasing mechanism for fastening the strap. The user may thus use one or both hands to fasten the leg- mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260 to the leg or foot, via the fastenable strap 265, while the leg-mounted or foot-mounted tracking devices 250, 260 is supported by the lower extremity mount 925.

In still further aspects, the platform 300 may further define an interior compartment 950 having a pivotable lid, a sliding lid, or a removable lid (each being represented by the platform 300) defining the seating surface 350, or having a fixed lid (also the platform 300) defining the seating surface 350 with the fixed lid being disposed over a movable drawer or a pivotable door (not shown). In some instances, the lid, drawer, and/or door may include a latch appropriately configured and arranged to latch or lock the lid, drawer, and/or door in a locked and secured position. Essentially, the interior compartment 950 provides a convenient proximal storage element integrated into the system 100. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that other elements of the system may be configured and arranged to provide other storage options. For example, the support member 400 and/or the arm rest members 700 may also be configured and arranged to provide convenient proximal storage options. In such aspects, the interior compartment 950 and/or the other storage options may be arranged to receive elements necessary or desired for operation and maintenance of the system 100 and/or the components of the user- worn virtual reality equipment 200 supported thereby. For example, the interior compartment 950 and/or the other storage options may be configured and arranged to receive a power source (e.g., a spare power source), spare parts for the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200, cleaning supplies, or tools applicable to the components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200, or the like. In such instances, the system 100 may also include a power charger disposed within the interior compartment 950 and/or the other storage options, wherein the power charger is arranged to receive and charge the power source (e.g., the spare power source). Associated cabling, etc. for powered components and/or communication components may also be included within the interior compartment 950. In some aspects, a ventilation arrangement 975 may be engaged with and arranged to ventilate the interior compartment 950, for example, to remove fumes from the compartment and/or provide cooling for the power charger/power source. Such a ventilation arrangement 975 may include, for example, a fan with or without ductwork.

In still other aspects, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2, two or more of the stations / systems 100 may be adjacently -arranged, wherein each of the two or more stations/systems 100 includes one of the platform 300 and one of the support member 400 arranged to support each of the one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 in ergonomic alignment with a corresponding portion of the user in the seated position on the seating surface 350 (i.e., each station 100 may be configured and arranged to receive and support the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 for a single user in the manner previously disclosed. In such instances, for example, each of the two or more stations 100 may comprise a unique identifier 975 associated therewith, wherein the unique identifier 975 may correspond to and be associated with the one or more components of the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 assigned to each of the two or more stations 100. In this manner, the user-worn virtual reality equipment 200 can be better inventoried and tracked in relation to the outfitting (i.e., gearing up and gearing down) of the various users for the virtual reality experience.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these disclosed embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the disclosure. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various steps or calculations, these steps or calculations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one operation or calculation from another. For example, a first calculation may be termed a second calculation, and, similarly, a second step may be termed a first step, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, the term“and/or” and the“G symbol includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises”, “comprising”,“includes”, and/or“including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Therefore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.