Cross trainer

Abstract

The invention is an effort-measuring apparatus for extending the capabilities of a balance-and-weight sensing platform, such as the Wii Balance Board. The apparatus has a base unit configured to securely hold a balance and weight sensing platform and has anchor point to which a resistance mechanism is attached. A user positioned on the secured balance and weight sensing platform may exert a force on a resistance mechanism that will be sensed by the balance and weight sensing platform, along with any apparent shift in a center of balance occasioned by the force. These measurements are wirelessly transmitted to a computer and used to integrate the user's exertions into a game or an exercise routine. The effort measuring support may include anchor extensions that serve both as an anchor points for the resistance mechanism and as legs to provide additional stability.

1 . An effort measuring support for a balance and weight sensing platform, comprising:
 a base unit, said base unit configured in size and shape to securely and stably hold said balance and weight sensing platform;   at least one anchor point disposed on said base in a vicinity of a terminal end of said base unit; and   a resistance mechanism attached at a first end by a fastener to said anchor point such that when a user positioned on said balance and weight sensing platform exerts a force on a holding loop attached to a second end of said resistance mechanism said balance and weight sensing platform senses said exerted force and said balance and weight sensing platform senses an apparent shift in a center of balance occasioned by said exerted force.   
     
     
         2 . The support device of  claim 1  wherein said sensed exerted force and said apparent shift in a center of balance are wirelessly conveyed to a computer using a BlueTooth compatible wireless protocol. 
     
     
         3 . The support device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one anchor extension, said anchor extension being attached to said base, and said anchor extensions being capable of multiplicity of positions. 
     
     
         4 . The support device of  claim 2 , wherein said anchor points are disposed on said anchor extension. 
     
     
         5 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein said resistance mechanism is at least one elastic cord. 
     
     
         6 . The support device of  claim 5 , wherein said holding loops attach to said clamp, said clamp capable of slidebly affixing to said cord. 
     
     
         7 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein said resistance mechanism is at least one resistance tube, said resistance tube made of a stretchable polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The support device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two immobilizing recess, said immobilizing recesses being sized and space for immobilizing said balance and weight sensing platform. 
     
     
         9 . The support device of  claim 1 , wherein said base unit is foldable. 
     
     
         10 . The support device of  claim 1 , further comprising a bar, said bar capable of attaching to said resistance mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The support device of  claim 5 , further comprising a bar, said bar capable of being mounted between two said holding loops. 
     
     
         12 . The support device of  claim 2 , wherein said anchor extensions are capable of detaching from said base. 
     
     
         13 . A support device comprising:
 a base unit;   at least two anchor extensions, said anchor extensions being removably attached to said base unit, and said anchor extensions being capable of being removable attached in a multiplicity of orientations with respect to said base unit;   said anchor extensions sized and shaped to hold a balance and weight sensing platform;   at least one anchor point disposed in a vicinity of a terminal end of on of said anchor extensions;   a resistance mechanism, removably attached at a first end by a fastener to said anchor point; and   at least one holding loop, said holding loop attaching to said resistance mechanism at a second end.   
     
     
         14 . The support device of  claim 13 , wherein said holding loop is capable of attaching to a clamp, said clamp slidadly connected to said resistance mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The support device of  claim 13 , wherein said resistance mechanism is at least one elastic cord, said elastic cord having a first end and a second end, said first end having a fastener for connecting to said plurality of attachments, said second end disposed within said clamp. 
     
     
         16 . The support device of  claim 13 , further comprising a bar, said bar attaching to said resistance mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The support device of  claim 16 , wherein said bar is attaching to two holding loops.