Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to animated figurines and more particularly pertains to a new animated workout simulating figurine for simulating a workout routine as an example that can be followed by a user. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   The use of animated figurines is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,428 describes a device that is interactive using a microcontroller to control movement of a human form toy. Another type of animated figurine is U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,352 disclosing a talking doll with animated features. U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,693 discloses an entertainment system that includes an animated figurine controllable by a user. 
   While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for an animated device that provides a workout routine that can be followed as an example of proper technique and balanced combinations of particular exercises. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention meets the needs presented above by providing an animated figurine that is jointed and controlled by microcontroller to perform pre-programmed workout routines. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new animated workout simulating figurine that has audio playing capability to match the workout routine. 
   To this end, the present invention generally comprises a jointed figurine that performs a workout routine that may then be followed as an example. Optionally, the animated figurine may have multiple selectable pre-programmed routines for variety or working particular muscle groups. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a new animated workout simulating figurine according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 2  thereof, a new animated workout simulating figurine embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 2 , the animated workout simulating figurine  10  generally comprises an automated figurine  20  that is jointed such that the figurine  20  is movable into exercise positions. The automation is provided using currently known technology and robotics. A microcontroller  24  is operationally coupled to the automated figurine  20  for positioning the figurine  20  into a series of pre-determined positions corresponding to a workout routine. Thus, a person can use the figurine as a guide or inspirational tool during exercise. Additionally, the movements of the figurine should be programmed to be sufficiently precise to demonstrate proper exercise form for each particular exercise movement. 
   A base  26  is coupled to the automated figurine  20 . A plurality of buttons  28  are positioned on the base  26 . The buttons  28  are operationally coupled to the microcontroller for programming the microcontroller. 
   The plurality of buttons  28  includes a start button  30  coupled to the base  26 . The start button  30  is operationally coupled to the microcontroller  24  to initiate the series of pre-determined positions upon depression of the start button  30 . 
   The buttons  28  are most preferably designed as follows to provide simplified programming of a customized exercise workout routine. A program button  32  is coupled to the base  26  and a position button  34  is also coupled to the base  26 . The position button  34  is operationally coupled to the microcontroller  24  for successively positioning the figurine  20  in each of the pre-determined positions upon successive pressing of the position button  34 . The program button  32  is operationally coupled to the microcontroller  24  for programming a current position of the figurine  20  into a programmable series of exercise positions. The figurine is positioned in the desired position using the position button, the program button is pressed to introduce that position into the workout routine, the figurine is positioned in the next desired position using the position button, the program button is pressed again to place the new position into the workout routine, and so on. Thus, the microcontroller  24  is programmed to use a customized series of exercise positions using the position button  34  and the program button  32 . 
   A repetition number button  36  is also coupled to the base  26 . The repetition number button  36  is operationally coupled to the microcontroller  24  for inputting a number of times the figurine  20  is to be placed into a programmed exercise position to simulate repetitions of an exercise. For example, to program ten knee bends, the figurine is positioned in the knee bend position using the position button, the program button is pressed, and then the repetition number button is pressed until the desired number of repetitions is achieved. Alternately, the position may be determined, then the number of repetitions, and then the program button is pressed to set the exercise and number of repetitions in the workout routine. 
   A music playback mechanism  38  is coupled to the base  26  to provide additional motivation and/or enjoyment for the exerciser. 
   Storage memory  40  is operationally coupled to the microcontroller  24  for storing a plurality of pre-programmed workout routines for the figurine  20  to simulate. Thus, routines may be saved and re-used multiple times without having to reprogram the microcontroller  24 . 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 1