Patent Abstract:
A controller with a conformable fitting system is configured for controlling a device, such as a toy or game, is pliable, flexible and cushioning to provide a custom fit of the device controller to the body part of the patient or user. The device controller spans across a joint, such as a wrist, and includes a pivot between preferably two main portions. The rotation axis of the device controller is aligned with the pivot axis of the joint to receive the physical therapy. A sensor, such as a digital encoder, is located proximal thereto to determine the relative positioning of the main portions to each other. The sensor electronically communicates with the device, such as a toy or game, to serve as a controller therefor.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/478,715, filed Apr. 25, 2011, the entire contents thereof is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The device controller with conformable fitting system relates generally to device controllers, such as toy and game controllers. More specifically, the system relates to an interface between a person, such as a child, and a game. The present invention has particular use as a tool to embrace play as a motivator for the participation in physical therapy. 
     It is well known in the art that the neuromuscular dysfunction can occur from a variety of causes including Cerebral Palsy (CP), stroke and trauma. Neuromuscular dysfunction results in a progressive cycle of loss of motor control, loss of function, and muscular contractures. Physical therapy has been well established as a potential benefit that can slow and even stop the progressive loss of function and the development of soft tissue contractures. However, physical therapy is usually limited to a few hours a week at an outpatient setting for most adult and pediatric populations. Outside this time, children engage in a variety of activities, of which play is the most common. Incorporating therapy into a game play encourages such therapy and makes the child more apt to participate in therapy. 
     There are a number of problems typically associated with prior art. Controllers for devices, namely, games are typically devices of a fixed or universal configuration. For example, an Xbox or Wii controller for video games or a hand-held remote for a radio controlled (RC) car are of a standard configuration and are not customizable to provide a fit specific to the person using it. Also, the game and toy controllers of the prior art are not well-suited for use in physical therapy because they are usually simply held in the hand and are manipulated with the fingers and, most importantly, do not span across joints. The fact that prior art controllers do not span across the user&#39;s joints and are not customizable make them poorly suited for physical therapy purposes. 
     In the prior art, attempts have been made to use different devices, such as toys and games, as approaches for physical therapy. This concept embraces play as a motivator for the participation in the therapy. When the prescribed therapy targets specific joints and specific motions, the toy and game controllers are typically strapped or buckled across the joint (such as a knee joint, elbow joint or wrist). In practice, these controllers resemble braces and, as result, typically have a complex and uncomfortable fitting system. This is very undesirable and can discourage child participation. 
     There has been little effort in the prior art to provide a device controller, namely a toy or game controller that is both customizable and well suited for physical therapy. In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the industry to make use of a child&#39;s interest in gaming as an opportunity to engage the child in physical therapy. Moreover, there is a need for a device controller that includes a conformable fitting system that has an improved interface and is well-suited for use as a toy and game controller to enable a customizable yet easily conformable fit for the patient. There is a need for such a device controller with conformable fitting system to be able to permit exercises to be carried out for physical therapy purposes. For example, the device controller, via its fitting system, must be able to span across a patient&#39;s joint, such as a wrist, to render the desired physical therapy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art device controllers, such as controllers for toys and games, for providing a conformable and customized fit therefor. In addition, it provides new advantages not found in currently available device controllers and overcomes many disadvantages of such currently available device controllers. 
     The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique device controller, which may be used to control toys and games, for example that includes a conformable fitting system. The present invention is particularly well suited for use as a controller for toys and games. The device controller of the present invention includes a unique conformable fitting system. The device controller of the present invention provides a fitting system that is pliable and flexible to provide a custom fit of the controller to the body part of the patient or user. The controller, with its conformable fitting system, spans across a joint, such as a wrist, and includes a pivot point between preferably two main portions. The pivot point of the controller is aligned with the pivot axis of the joint to receive the physical therapy. A sensor is located proximal thereto to determine the relative positioning of the main portions to each other. The sensor electronically communicates with the device, such as a toy or game, to serve as a controller therefor. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and novel device controller with a conformable fitting system. 
     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a new and novel device controller with a conformable fitting system. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a conformable device controller with a fitting system that is well suited for use as a toy or game controller. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device controller with a conformable fitting system that is customizable. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device controller with a conformable fitting system that is comfortable to the user. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a device controller with a conformable fitting system that has an improved interface to make using the controller more enjoyable to encourage its use for physical therapy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention&#39;s preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the device controller of the present invention employing the conformable fitting system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a sketch of the device controller of the present invention illustrating its modularity; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the device controller of the present invention installed on a patient and custom fit thereto using the conformable fitting system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the device controller installed on a patient of  FIG. 4 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the device controller of the present invention in the process of controlling a device, namely a toy or game. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As seen on the attached figures, the present invention is well suited to serve as an interface between a patient  14  and a device  12 , such as a toy or game. It should be understood that the device controller  10  can be used in connection with and adapted to any device  12  and is not limited to use with a toy or game device  12 . The invention herein will be described in connection with the user  14  in connection with a toy or game device  12  but the controller  10  of the present invention is not intended to be limited to such a type of device  12 . 
     The controller  10  of the present invention promotes specific relative joint movements by providing physical therapy through play. The present invention elicits specific relative joint movements, such as wrist extension and forearm supination, two joint movements that are commonly affected by muscular contractures. The benefit of a toy or game device  12  that can also provide physical therapy through a unique controller  10  is that it can engage a child user  14  for long periods of time, thus increasing the time the child user  14  is actually receiving therapy. The controller  10  may be adapted to other types of devices  12  that may be of interest to other types of patients  14 . Therefore, a key aspect of the present invention is to provide a conformable device controller  10  but also one that is easily customized to the patient  14 . 
     By way of example, as seen in the drawings, the controller  10  of the present invention is shown used in connection with a toy device  12  that is in the form of a radio controlled (RC) car. It should be understood that this is just one example of the toy or game with which the controller  10  and fitting system of the present invention can be used. In general, it is preferred the device  12  to be controlled is one that is electronically controlled. RC cars and their controllers are so well known in the art that they need not be discussed in detail herein. Generally, for example, a radio controlled (RC) car wirelessly receives signals from a hand held controller, which correspond to actions that the user would like the car to take. For example, the physical press of a certain button on the hand held remote causes the car to go forward while the physical press of another button causes the car to turn to the right and another causes the car to the turn to the right, and the like. Each button triggers the transmission of a distinct signal to cause the car to act as desired. 
     The device controller  10  of the present invention similarly transmits a desired signal  16 , either wirelessly or via wire  34 , to a device  12  so that device carries out the desired corresponding action. The transmission of such a signal  16  is triggered not by a button press but by the patient  14  moving one body part  14   a  relative to another body part  14   b . The resultant relative movement is sensed and the appropriate signal  16  is transmitted as a result. Thus, the controller  10  of the present invention converts a physical action into an electrical signal  16  for appropriate use in a device  12 , such as a toy or game. 
     Turning first to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , details of the construction of the controller  10  of the present invention is shown. The device controller  10  employs a unique conformable fitting system. As best seen in  FIG. 1 , a first housing  18  is movably connected to a second housing  20 . Preferably, the first housing  18  is rotationally connected to the second housing  20  about axis A. This is just one, but preferred, configuration of the movable connection of the first housing  18  to the second housing  20 . For example, although not shown, the first housing  18  may be hingedly connected to second housing  20 . Still further, the first housing  18  may be linearly connected to the second housing  20 . These alternative configurations may be employed for other type of body movement. 
     Emanating from the first housing  18  is a first conformable member  22  while a second conformable member  24  emanates from the second housing  20 . It is preferred that both of the first conformable member  22  and the second conformable member  24  can conform about a body part  14   a ,  4   b  of the user/patient, can be easily moved into place, will stay in place after positioned and have cushioning therein for added comfort. Preferably, the first conformable member  22  and the second conformable member  24  each have a bendable member core  26 , which is preferably made of a malleable or pliable metal, such as sculpting wire. Any other type of material can be employed as the member core  26  to provide this function. One or both of the members  22 ,  24  can be conformable as in certain situations this may be more desirable for the patient  14 . 
     While the member core  26  is bendable, it is preferred that, once bent, it stays in place, namely, in the desired position about a body part  14   a ,  14   b  of the user  14 . A layer of soft cushioning foam  28  is also preferably provided for added comfort for the patient/user. Such cushioning foam  28  may be a sleeve of foam that is slid over the member core  26 . Alternative constructions of the first conforming member  24  and the second conforming member  26  are envisioned. For example, the cushioning layer  28  may be soft rubber or plastic that is deposited or overmolded about the member core  26 . Such alternative constructions are considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , the first conformable member  22  and the second conformable member  24  have been positioned into place and stay at that location until later moved. It is preferred, although not required, that the first conformable member  22  and the second conformable member  24  form a loop that can be custom formed into any shape desired. Such a loop shape enables a wide array of shapes to be formed for each of the conformable members  22 ,  24 . Also, it is possible that the conformable members  22 ,  24  can be each single linear members instead of loops. Thus, the length, size and configuration of the conformable members  22 ,  24  can be modified to suit the patient  14  and application at hand. Fitting of the controller  10  to a patient  14  will be shown in detail and discussed in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5  below. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , a sensor  30  is positioned to sense the movement of the first housing  18  relative to the second housing  20  and thus the movement of a first body part  14   a  relative to a second body part  14   b  respective secured within the first conformable member  22  and the second conformable member  24 . In the preferred embodiment shown in the  FIG. 1 , a rotation sensor  30 , in the form of a digital encoder, is placed at the axis A of rotation of the first housing  18  and the second housing  20 . Rotational digital encoders are very well known in the art but, generally, they include an array of contacts or indicia on one surface that are exposed to a detector (not shown). As a result, the position of the first housing  18  relative to the second housing  20  can be determine and then translated to a electrical signal  16  with a given value. This signal  16  could be voltage or a digitally encoded signal. The range and gain of the sensor  30 , triggered by the movement of the first housing  18  and the second housing  20  related to each other from body movement, for calibration and fine-tuning. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , a wired connection from the sensor encoder  30  is provided to route the desired positional value of the first housing  18  and the second housing  20  to a transmission unit  32 . The transmission unit  32  is either wirelessly or connected by wire  34  to the device  12  to be controlled, such as a game or toy. The transmission unit  32  may be attached to the user&#39;s belt or about their waist, for example. It is also possible that the transmission unit  32  is miniaturized and incorporated directly into the controller  10  itself. 
     In connection with  FIGS. 3 and 4 , installation and use of the controller  10  with fitting system of the present invention will be shown and described in connection with a controller  10  that spans across a wrist joint  36 , which is the preferred configuration and use of the present invention. The controller  10  with the conformable fitting system of the present invention also permits varying the orientation and location of the invention such that various single directions of joint  36 , such as wrist, motion or simultaneous multiple directions of wrist motions can be sensed. It should be understood that a controller  10  for a different part of the body and other joints would be installed and used in a very similar or analogous fashion. It is envisioned that the present invention can be installed about any joint or body part. 
     In  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and example installation is shown for treatment of wrist joint  36  of a patient. For wrist treatment, the sensor  30  is placed at the rotation point of the wrist with one conformable members  24  secured to one housing  20  and the forearm  14   b  of the patient  14  secured with the users  14  hand  14   a  secured to conformable member  22  and housing  18 . The conformable members  22 ,  24  can be shaped as desired to carry this out. In this example, the first conformable member  22  is preferably bent and positioned into an “L” shape to enable it to sit proximal to the palm of the patient  14  for easy gripping. The second conformable member  24  is bent to spiral about the forearm  14   b  of the patient  14  to secure it in place. Uniquely, the conformable members  22 ,  24  can be adjusted and moved as needed to provide a custom fit to the specific patient  14  being fitted for the device controller  10 .  FIG. 3  shows one type of wrapping configuration of the device  10  while  FIG. 4  shows a slightly modified configuration to best suit the patient  14 . The malleable member  26 , such as a wire, with foam cover  28  is bent and conformed in place thereon while ensuring that it is snug enough to avoid slippage yet still being loose enough for comfort for the patient  14 . 
     Regardless of the configuration, the rotational sensor  30  is fixedly located through an axis A of rotation of the wrist joint  36 . As a result, physical rotational location of the wrist can be translated to a value, which can be used by a device  12 , such as a toy or game. 
     The above described installation of the device controller  10  of the present invention preferably includes two housings  18 ,  20 , one located on one side of a joint  36  and another located on the other side of the joint  36  for purposes of treating that joint  36 . It is possible that multiple joints may be treated in a single device controller  10  of the present invention (not shown). A larger controller  10  can be provided with more one sensor  30  and more than two conformable members  22 ,  24  to respectively secure to more than two body parts  14   a ,  14   b . For example, an entire leg controller is possible with a sensor  30  located at the knee and ankle with conformable members at the thigh, shin and foot. In this example, the sensor  30  at the knee can provide a first signal corresponding to knee movement while a second sensor at the ankle can provide a second signal corresponding to ankle movement. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , use of the controller  10  of the present invention, using the conformable fit system, provides a custom fit to a patient  14  to control a device  12  in similar fashion to a RC car. In this example, the controller  10  is shown used to control a toy vehicle. For example, movement of the hand  14   a  about the wrist joint  36 , in turn, rotates the first housing  18  relative to the second housing  20  to send rotational data via signal  16  over wire  34  to the toy vehicle device  12 . That rotational data is be translated, using the appropriate software, to software instructions to control the speed of the vehicle device  12 . For example, more rotation of the wrist  14   a  upwardly causes the vehicle device  12  to travel faster. Opposite movement of the wrist  14   a  downwardly can be programmed to cause the vehicle device  12  to travel slower. Any desirable control of the game or toy device  12  can be carried out using the controller  10  of the present invention. 
     It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0