Patent Application
20100120587
The present invention relates to exercise games and especially exercise games requiring a participant to jump while improving the participant's speed, agility, and jumping height.
Exercise equipment is well-known in the art and is widely used for improving or maintaining a participant's health and fitness. However, often such equipment is used regularly for a brief period after purchase, only to sit idly thereafter. Further, games and devices for increasing speed and agility are well-known in the art and are often used in competitive play. For example, plyometric boxes constructed of plastic or foam are commonly used to increase the speed and agility of the user by, for example, jumping from a standing position onto the box. However, know methods and devices do not provide for a means of measuring the user's improvement in speed and agility in an entertaining and efficient manner.
The present invention is a plyometric jumping exercise game apparatus and method of use. The apparatus is adapted to provide a challenging game for a participant that causes the participant to jump from a first location to a second location in response to predetermined signals. Unlike other known devices, the apparatus of the present invention provides for timed score keeping by use of a load sensor and may be used by a single individual or by groups of individuals in competitive play. While use of the apparatus is entertaining for the participant, it also improves the participant's jumping ability, speed, reaction time, and physical endurance.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a plyometric jumping exercise game apparatus comprises a base platform, a plurality of target platforms of various heights, a plurality of load sensors, a plurality of lights, at least one scoreboard, and at least one central processing unit (CPU). The target platforms are connected to the base platform. At least one light is mounted to the base platform, and at least one light is mounted adjacent to each target platform. The scoreboard is also mounted to the base platform, and the CPU is mounted within the scoreboard. Furthermore, the CPU is electrically connected to the sensors, lights, and scoreboard. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a speaker which is electrically connected to the CPU. The target platforms may be connected to a periphery of the base platform. The target platforms may be comprised of metal or steel. The apparatus may also comprise a plurality of pedestals, wherein each target platform is positioned on a top portion of a respective pedestal. In a particular embodiment, the pedestals comprise cylindrical columns of various heights. Alternatively, the pedestals may comprise a box-type form. The lights mounted adjacent to each target platform may be mounted to either the target platform or to a periphery of the base platform. Lastly, the apparatus may further comprise safety handrails associated with each target platform.
The apparatus may be operated by illuminating the light mounted to the base platform, and, then, extinguishing that light once a user has been positioned on the base platform. A first light mounted adjacent to a first target platform is illuminated, and, then, the first light is extinguished when the user has jumped from the base platform to the first target platform. A score is assigned to the user's jump from the base platform to the first target platform, and the score is displayed on the scoreboard. The light on the base platform is illuminated again, and, then, the light on base platform is extinguished once the user has jumped from the first target platform back onto the base platform. Additionally, a second light mounted adjacent to a second target platform may be illuminated, wherein the described process is repeated. A second score is assigned associated with a user's jump onto the second target platform. The second score is added to the first score, and a total score is then displayed on the scoreboard. In an additional embodiment, the score associated with the user's jump is based on an amount of time taken for the user to jump from the base platform to the target platform.
A method of playing a plyometric game comprises providing the plyometric jumping exercise game apparatus, and jumping from the base platform to a first target platform when a first light associated with the first target platform is illuminated. The method may further comprise the steps of jumping from the first target platform to the base platform upon illumination of the at least one light mounted to the base platform and jumping to a second target platform associated with a second light upon illumination of the second light.
In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are included to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
Referring now to
The base platform 12 defines a generally large flat platform and is preferably of a large enough size that a person standing on the base platform 12 may take at least one step from a standing position and still remain on the base platform 12. The base platform 12 is preferably of rugged construction to withstand the loading and abuse of a person jumping on the base platform 12 without damage to or failure of the base platform 12, while a top surface of the platform 12 is pliable enough to absorb the energy of a person jumping on the base platform 12.
The base light 22 defines a lightable light that is readily commercially available such as an incandescent or light emitting diode (LED) type of light.
The target platforms 18 are generally small flat platforms and are preferably of a size that a person may stand comfortably on the target. The target platforms 18 are preferably of rugged construction to withstand the loading and abuse of a person jumping on the target platform without damage to or failure of the target platform 18, while a top surface of the target platform 18 is pliable enough to absorb the energy of a person jumping on the target platform 18. The general shape of the pedestals 16 and the platforms 18 may take the form of plyometric boxes.
The target lights 20 define lightable lights that are readily commercially available such as incandescent or light emitting diode (LED) type of lights.
Optionally, the speakers define common speakers that are readily commercially available and that emit a sound such as a simulated or recorded voice sound in response to predetermined electrical signals.
The scoreboard 35 defines a scoreboard preferably having an LED, LCD, or other like display system for displaying at least a score and an elapsed time. The scoreboard is further constructed so as to provide for a CPU retention cavity.
The CPU (not shown) is preferably adapted to monitor and respond to sensory input and to process game functions while keeping a game score and an elapsed time. The CPU may comprise a commercially available CPU.
The apparatus 10 is assembled such that the base light 22 is connected to the base platform 12 and such that the base light 22 is visible to an apparatus user when the user is standing on the base platform 12 or a target platform 18. The plurality of pedestals 16 are connected to a portion of the periphery of the base platform 12 and are preferably substantially equal widths. Each of the pedestals 16 includes a target platform 18 positioned on a top portion of the pedestal. The base platform 12 and each target platform 18 includes a load sensor (not shown) mounted to the respective platforms 18 such that the load sensor is capable of sensing a load that is applied to the platform 18. Preferably, the load sensor is embedded within the platform 18 approximately one inch below a top surface of the platform 18. Further, a target light 20 corresponds to each respective target platform 18. The target light 20 is connected to either the periphery of the base platform 12 or the pedestal 16 such that the target light 20 is visible to an apparatus user when the user is standing on the base platform 12 or the target platform 18 and such that the target light 20 is associated with a single target platform 18. At least one speaker (not shown) is mounted to the base platform 12.
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in
In practice, a user stands on the base platform 12 and initiates the game. The apparatus illuminates a first target light 20 and the user jumps to the target platform associated with the illuminated first target light 20. The apparatus senses the load of the user jumping on the target platform 18 associated with the illuminated first light and then extinguishes the illuminated first target light 20 and illuminates the base light 22. Upon the extinguishment of the first illuminated target light 20 and the illumination of the base light 22, the user jumps from the first target platform 18 back to the base platform 12. The apparatus 10 senses the load of the user jumping on the base platform 12 and then extinguishes the illuminated base light 22 and illuminates a second target light 20. The user then jumps from the base platform 12 to the second target platform 18 associated with the second illuminated target light 20. A score is earned by jumping on an indicated target platform 18 within a predetermined or preferably user adjustable elapsed time. For example, if a user jumps on the indicated target platform 18 within one second, the user is awarded five points, if the user jumps on the indicated platform within two seconds, the user is awarded four points, if the user jumps on the indicated platform within three seconds, the user is awarded three points, and so on. The described process is repeated for a random or predetermined set and order of target platforms 18 for a predetermined time, the predetermined time optionally being set by the user prior to use, or until a predetermined score is achieved. The apparatus may also provide audible indications for a user to jump and, in addition to a score and elapsed time being displayed on the scoreboard 35, the apparatus 10 may also audibly provide a running score, a completed score, and an elapsed time value.
Optionally, as best illustrated in
In another embodiment, the pedestals 16 define cylindrical columns of various heights with target platforms 18 attached to a top of the cylindrical columns, unlike the block type target pedestals and platforms illustrated in
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/104,759, filed Oct. 12, 2008, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61104759 | Oct 2008 | US |
