U.S. patent application number 09/911405 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for mogul skiing simulating device.
Invention is credited to Creelman, Kevin, Jacobs, Terry G..
Application Number | 20030022762 09/911405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25430183 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030022762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacobs, Terry G. ; et
al. |
January 30, 2003 |
MOGUL SKIING SIMULATING DEVICE
Abstract
A mogul skiing simulating device having a floating platform
riding bearings on crank pins of two crankshaft assemblies while
accommodating the changing distance between the two crankshaft pins
during their rotation. The leader crankshaft assembly is about 30
to 35 degrees ahead of the follower. The platform is tethered by
springs to its central support to maintain the platform in the
correct relation to both pairs of crankshaft assemblies. The
springs pull from a plastic bushings on each crankshaft pin toward
the center of the platform. The tilt of the entire machine is
higher in the rear to simulate downhill skiing. Cams may be
attached to the front and rear crank journals which act upon the
ends of a leaf spring to store and release energy. The crankshafts
are turned by and electrically powered "V" drive. Railing allows
the user to vary hand placement and body position.
Inventors: |
Jacobs, Terry G.; (Moses
Lake, WA) ; Creelman, Kevin; (Kodiak, AK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
P.O. Box 15035
Arlington
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
25430183 |
Appl. No.: |
09/911405 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 21/0421 20130101; A63B 2022/0033
20130101; A63B 2022/0629 20130101; A63B 69/18 20130101; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101;
A63B 2022/0617 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/51 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An exercise device for simulating alpine mogul skiing
comprising: a) a base having a left side and a right side and at
least one cross piece; b) a first crank assembly having first left
and right parallel cranks, a first crank pin, and a first pair of
left and right journals, said first cranks being separated by said
first crank pin, said first pair of journals being supported by
said base, said first crank assembly being rotatable through a
complete circle about a first axis of rotation; c) a second crank
assembly spaced from said first crank assembly having second left
and right parallel cranks, a second crank pin and a second pair of
left and right journals, said second cranks being separated by said
second crank pin, said second pair of journals being supported by
said base, said second crank assembly being rotatable through a
complete circle about a second axis of rotation, said first axis of
rotation being parallel to said second axis of rotation and spaced
therefrom such as to allow independent rotation of each of said
first and second crank assemblies; d) said first crank pin having
first left and right bearings mounted for rotation thereon,
adjacent to and inward from said first left and right cranks, and
said first crank pin having a first plurality of spring mounting
bushings mounted for rotation thereon and spaced between said first
left and right bearings; e) said second crank pin having second
left and right bearings mounted for rotation thereon, adjacent to
and inward from said second left and right cranks, and said second
crank pin having a second plurality of spring mounting bushings
mounted for rotation thereon and spaced between said second left
and right bearings; d) a generally rectangular platform having a
first end portion and a second end portion, and a central portion,
said first end portion being supported by and free to ride in a
reciprocal manner on said first left and right bearings, said
second end portion being supported by and free to ride in a
reciprocal manner on said second left and right bearings; e) spring
mounting means located in said central portion for tethering said
platform for retention in a range of locations relative to said
crank pins; f) a prime mover supported by said base; and g) a power
transmitting element connecting said prime mover to at least one
each of said first and said second crank journals so as to impart
rotation of said first and second crank assemblies.
2. The device of claim 1, said platform further comprising: a) a
spring anchor fixedly located within said rectangular platform
central portion; b) a plurality of extension springs individually
mounted between said spring anchor and said first plurality of
spring mounting bushings; and c) a plurality of extension springs
individually mounted between said spring anchor and a first group
of said second plurality of spring mounting bushings.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said first crank assembly and
said second crank assembly rotate at the same speed and in a
clockwise direction relative to said left side of said base, and
said first crank assembly precedes said second crank assembly by
about 30-35 degrees.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said prime mover is an electric
motor and associated drive.
5. The device of claim 4 further comprising a control pad and means
connected with said control pad to selectively control the torque,
speed, and related parameters of said drive.
6. The device of claim 5 further comprising a brake for dissipating
electrical power developed upon the downward stroke of said first
and second crank assemblies, and for precision or emergency
stopping of the exercise device.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein moving mechanical parts are
enclosed by at least one housing.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising a railing attached to
said base and extending around said left side, front, and right
side of said base at a height such that a user standing on said
platform may easily grasp said railing to maintain balance during
operation of the device.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein said railing has low degrees
forward pitch portions along its left and right side at a first
level, high degrees forward pitch portions extending upward from
said horizontal portions, and a horizontal front cross portion
connecting said high pitch portions at a second level, said high
degree of pitch being comparable to the pitch of ski poles used on
a steep slope.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein said control pad is located on
said horizontal front portion of said railing and said control pad
features an emergency off switch actuated by a lanyard connected to
the user so as to be activated upon the falling of the user.
11. The device of claim 5 wherein said motor drive is "V" drive
comprising a driver located between and below said first and second
crank assemblies, a double sprocket driven by said driver, separate
chains driven by said double sprocket, and a sprocket drive located
on each crankshaft assembly and driven by one of said separate
chains.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein said drive system is operable by
connection to a 120-volt outlet and operates to convert 120-volt
single-phase current to 230-volt three-phase current to power said
motor.
13. The device of claim 12 further comprising a first pair of left
and right journal bearings and a second pair of left and right
journal bearings wherein said first pair of left and right journals
turn in a first pair of left and right journal bearings, and said
second pair of left and right journals turn in a second pair of
left and right journal bearings, respectively.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein said first pair of journal
bearings and said second pair of journal bearings are supported by
left and right forward sloping rectangular frames, each said frame
comprising a front stanchion, a rear stanchion, a mounting wall and
a lower member, said front and rear stanchions being connected by a
mounting wall and a lower member, said first pair of journal
bearings being mounted in a front upper portion of each of said
mounting walls of said left and right frames, said second pair of
journal bearings being mounted in a rear upper portion of each of
said mounting walls of said left and right frames along a line
parallel to said forward sloping frame, such that said first pair
of journal bearings are located below said second pair of journal
bearings, resulting in said floating platform being biased
forward.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein said motor and drive is mounted
on said right forward sloping lower member.
16. The device of claim 14 further comprising front and rear idler
sprocket drives attached to said respective left front and rear
crank journals, front and rear journal bearings mounted on said
left frame mounting wall for said respective left front and rear
crank journals, an idler chain rotating with said front and rear
idler sprocket drives, and a tensioner for adjustably tensioning
said idler chain.
17. The device of claim 14 further comprising a leaf spring having
a front end portion, a rear end portion and a central portion, and
a centrally located leaf spring support mounted and spaced outward
from said left frame, and front and rear cams mounted on said left
front and rear crank journals, respectively, said front and rear
cams bearing on said leaf spring front end and rear end portions
such that when the cranks of said front and rear crank journals are
pointed downward the front and rear cams bend the respective
portions of said leaf spring downward, thus storing energy which is
released when said cranks are rotating upward, assisting in
rotating said cranks and said floating support upward.
18. The device of claim 2, wherein said rectangular platform
comprises a frame and a cover, said frame comprising a front end
member defining said front end portion, a rear end member defining
said rear end portion, a central member parallel with and centered
between said front end member and said rear end member and defining
said central portion, a left side member, and a right side member,
said left side member and said right side member having grooves
defining tracks located in their respective undersides for
receiving said left front and left rear support bearings and said
right front and said right rear support bearings, respectively.
19. The device of claim 18 wherein said spring anchor is said
central member.
20. The device of claim 19 further comprising a depending support
located at each corner of said rectangular frame, said depending
supports supporting a retainer strip spaced from each of said left
side member and said right side member for maintaining said
platform on said support bearings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to ski simulators and
exercisers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
alpine mogul skiing simulator and exerciser.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Exercising devices for conditioning muscle groups are well
known. Typically, exercise devices include elemental components
dimensioned and configured to interact together to encourage a
particular movement of one or more muscle groups. Alpine mogul
skiing has become a competitive sport in recent years. During this
event the skiers are subjected to substantial repetitive vertical
motion combined with differing slope angles which are mainly
absorbed by bending of the legs at the knees. It would be desirable
to provide an alpine mogul skiing simulator which would assist in
training and exercising the muscle groups associated with alpine
mogul skiing.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,935, issued Aug. 27, 1974, to Hofle,
describes a movable platform exercising device having two crank
arms attached to a frame. The double crank arms revolve about a
horizontal axle. The inner arms of the double crank are connected
to at least one movable platform upon the frame. Handle bars are
pivotally attached to the outer arms of the double cranks. In
operation a user stands on the platform, grasping the handle bars.
By shifting his or her weight, the platform is caused to move in a
circular motion. As the platform rises, the handle bars lower, and
vice versa. The motion of the platform is opposed by a plurality of
springs which tend to maintain the platform in a horizontal
attitude as it moves vertically.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,760, issued Jan. 14, 1969, to Freeman,
Jr. describes a foot exerciser with platforms for each foot having
a network of springs to resist and counterbalance both the forward
motion of the foot as well as the angle of the foot during forward
motion.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,033, issued Sep. 9, 1977, to Palmer,
describes a ski simulating exercise machine in which the force and
motion of the legs are opposed by platforms for each foot. The
platforms are suspended by a system of hydraulic cylinders which
move the foot platforms in a diagonal or "X" pattern.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,260, issued Oct. 14, 1975, to Rice
describes a downhill skiing simulator which includes a structural
frame bearing a ski pole simulator and a turntable which is
hydraulically rotatable, back-and-forth in a horizontal plane and a
rocker pivotal about a horizontal axis, also hydraulically
actuated. The pivotal rocker carries a carriage to which is
attached a ski mounting means. The carriage slides by gravity from
one end of the rocker to the other, as the rocker and turntable are
pivoted by motive means, while the skier grasps handles of the ski
pole simulator and performs various ski simulating maneuvers. The
device simulates lifting a skier to the top of a slope and then
simulates allowing him to descend the slope. During the descent, he
is rotated or pivoted so that he must simulate the body movements
required of a skier while making a turn.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,029, issued Nov. 10, 1992, to Gerard
describes a simulated ski slope of the type having and an inclined
deck and a continuous belt of material formed in a closed loop
around rollers at the top and bottom of the slope. A mogul
simulator may be attached to the continuous belt.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,225, issued Jul. 16, 1996, to Neuberg et
al. describes a ski training and exercise system providing both
stepping action and swinging action combined in various ways and
providing drag or braking action through cables to springs or
braking devices. Mogul skiing simulation is provided by allowing
tandem operation of the foot supports with drag provided by
springs.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,856, issued Mar. 25, 1997, to Hoover,
describes a support allowing a person to practice ski turns while
wearing his or her own skis. A base unit is provided which may
include an upper sheet supported by resilient material such as
high-density closed cell foam. The upper sheet may also be
supported by springs or a continuous ribbed belt. Turns may be
executed on the upper sheet.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,358, issued Nov. 30, 1999, to Gureghian
et al. describes a treadmill with adjustable bound and rebound.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,484 B1, issued May 15, 2001, to Gordon,
describes an snow skiing simulator exercise machine.
[0014] Elongated foot support arms, the front ends of which are
pivotally connected to a tubular frame for multiple axes rotation
and are interconnected by a tie bar for coordinated movement.
Handle bars on a post pivotally attached to the frame and a tie bar
creates a lateral motion of the handle bars oppositely timed with
the foot support arms for upper body balance and conditioning.
Damping cylinders add variable resistance during a workout.
[0015] Japanese Patent No. 9-671, published January 1997 describes
a body weight shifting exercise simulating skiing movement by
providing a frame with a handle bar and a shifting main shaft and
spring stabilized foot seats. The machine is operated by the user's
shifting of his body weight.
[0016] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant
invention as claimed. Thus, a mogul skiing simulating device
solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention is a device which simulates mogul
skiing and is an improvement of the present inventors' U.S. Pat.
No. 5,484,363. Mogul skiing conditions are simulated using a
floating platform that rides on bearings on the crank pins of two
crankshaft assemblies of equal size to accommodate the changing
distance between the two crankshaft pins during their rotation. The
changing distance is achieved by the positioning a leader
crankshaft assembly about 30 to 35 degrees ahead of a follower
crankshaft assembly. The platform is tethered by springs to its
central support to maintain the platform in the correct relation to
both pairs of crankshaft assemblies. The springs pull from a
plastic bushings on each crankshaft pin toward the center of the
platform. The crankshaft pins rotate within these bushings as the
crankshafts turn during operation. The opposing pulling forces keep
the platform centered between the two pairs of crankshafts as the
distance changes. The tilt of the entire machine is preferably
higher in the rear to simulate downhill skiing. Cams may be
attached to the front and rear crank journals which act upon the
ends of a leaf spring which stores energy upon the downward travel
of the crankshafts which is released by assisting in the upward
movement of the crankshafts, resulting in lower electrical power
requirements.
[0018] Plastic coverings are used on the surfaces to protect the
operator from mechanical parts and to enhance the appearance of the
device. In the stationary/rotary interface, the inside flat portion
is plastic or other material and includes circular cutouts for the
radius of the crankshaft travel. Disks of plastic or other material
are attached to the respective crankshaft assemblies and are
approximately the same size and have the same center as the cutouts
in the flat portions.
[0019] Railing is provided for safety and to allow the user to vary
hand placement and body position. A front crossing portion connects
steep, nearly vertical front inclined portions, simulating the
angle of ski pole grips, which are connected to mildly forward
tilting parallel portions extending to nearly vertical rear
portions attached to the rear of the device housing.
[0020] A motor drive provides variable speed, fulfills machine
requirements, and connects to a 120-volt outlet. The motor drive
converts 120-volt single-phase current to 230-volt three-phase
current to power a 230-volt motor. The drive allows the user to
control the torque, speed, and related parameters by means of a
control key pad located on the forward railing. The brake module
dissipates the electric energy generated on the downward part of
the crankshaft rotation cycle. The brake module also provides
precision and emergency stopping capabilities. The motor is located
between the two crankshaft assemblies. The motor drives a double
sprocket, driving separate chains to each crankshaft assembly.
[0021] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide an exercise apparatus which closely simulates alpine mogul
skiing.
[0022] It is another object of the invention to provide a power
drive exercise apparatus including a pair of rotational components
operative linked to one another and a platform supported by the
pair of rotational components especially suitable for simulating
alpine mogul skiing conditions.
[0023] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
exercise apparatus as above wherein the disposition of the platform
varies in accordance with the rotational displacement of the pair
of rotational components.
[0024] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus as above wherein the platform assumes an
inclined orientation at the top of the rotation of the leading
rotational component and a declined orientation at the bottom of
the rotation thereof.
[0025] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an exercise apparatus which is power driven at a variable speed and
that provides controls and a safety element for interrupting the
operation of the apparatus.
[0026] It is still another object of the invention to provide a
housing to protect the user from moving parts.
[0027] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which
is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its
intended purposes.
[0028] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a mogul
skiing simulating device according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a prior art mogul skiing
device.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an environmental perspective view of the device of
FIG. 1, showing a user having positioned himself by a grip of the
mid-portion of the railing, the floating platform being near the
bottom of its travel.
[0032] FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view of the device of
FIG. 1, showing a user having positioned himself forward by
gripping the front portions of the railing, the floating platform
being in a forward tilted position as it is starting downward from
the top of its travel.
[0033] FIG. 5 is an environmental perspective view of the device of
FIG. 1 showing a user having positioned himself in traverse
position by gripping a front railing portion with his right hand
and gripping a railing mid-portion with his left hand, the floating
platform being in a forward tilted position as it is starting
downward from the top of its travel.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the control keypad of the
present invention as it is mounted on the front crossbar of the
railing.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a detail view of the platform support of the
present invention with the cover of the platform removed.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view of the "V" drive
system of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view of the present
invention with the housing removed.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the floating
platform as it moves relative to the front and rear axles as they
rotate through 360 degrees.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a floating
platform as above with the platform at its bottom position.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic plan view of the floating platform
of FIG. 11.
[0041] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the present
invention illustrating support elements with the floating platform
located at its bottom position.
[0042] FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic sectional side view of the present
invention with the left side removed illustrating the movement of
the various elements of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side detail view illustrating the
energy-storing cam and leaf spring of the present invention.
[0044] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The present invention is a device which simulates mogul
skiing and is an improvement of the present inventors' U.S. Pat.
No. 5,484,363, issued Jun. 16, 1996 to Creelman et al. as depicted
in FIG. 2. This device provides a platform which is secured at its
rear end to a rear crank pin of a crank assembly and travels in a
circular motion around the horizontal axis of the crank journals.
The front crank pin of a similarly disposed crank assembly is
slidingly attached to the front of the platform as it rotates
around its respective crank journals. The front crank assembly
rotates about 20 degrees ahead of the rear crank assembly resulting
in an alternating upward and downward slant of the platform
rotating around the rear crank pin.
[0046] It would be desirable to have a system where the entire
platform is raised or lowered and slanted the same amount and at
the same angles at all parts of the platform so alpine mogul skiing
conditions are simulated at all points on the platform.
[0047] The prior patent also only has hand holds simulating
parallel ski poles. It would be desirable if a variety of handholds
were provided to provide alternative skiing stances. It would also
be desirable if provision was made to tilt the entire simulator
forward to further simulate downhill skiing. It would also be
desirable to provide a more compact drive design and provide
protective housings for moving parts. Provision for storing energy
developed upon descent of the platform for use when raising the
platform would also be desirable.
[0048] In the present inventive device, the above-mentioned desired
characteristics are provided while mogul skiing conditions are
simulated using a floating platform that rides on bearings on the
crank pins of two crankshaft assemblies of equal size to
accommodate the changing distance between the two crankshaft pins
during their rotation. The changing distance is achieved by the
positioning a leader crankshaft assembly about 30 to 35 degrees
ahead of a follower crankshaft assembly. The platform is tethered
by springs to its central support to maintain the platform in the
correct relation to both pairs of crankshaft assemblies. The
springs pull from a plastic bushings on each crankshaft pin toward
the center of the platform. The crankshaft pins rotate within these
bushings as the crankshafts turn during operation. The opposing
pulling forces keep the platform centered between the two pairs of
crankshafts as the distance changes.
[0049] This spring system may be used in conjunction with springs
or bumper cushions which push away from the ends of the platform to
reduce any impact of crankshaft pins with platform ends. The need
for these springs or bumper cushions may be eliminated by employing
variable tension tether springs which increase in resistance as
they are extended.
[0050] The tilt of the entire machine is preferably higher in the
rear to simulate downhill skiing. Cams may be attached to the front
and rear crank journals which act upon the ends of a leaf spring
which stores energy upon the downward travel of the crankshafts
which is released by assisting in the upward movement of the
crankshafts, resulting in lower electrical power requirements.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3-5, there is shown an
environmental perspective view of the present invention and views
of the inventive device in an upward position, a forward position,
and a traverse position. Mogul simulation device 10 features left
side housing 12 having crank covers (not shown) and right side
housing 14 which includes right front crank cover 16 and right rear
crank cover 18. Hand rail 24 includes rear rail upright portions
26, side rail parallel portions 28, rail front inclined portions
30, and front rail cross portion 32. The rail may be at least
partially covered with rail grip material 33(see FIG. 6).
[0052] Rail touch control pad 34 is preferably located on front
rail cross portion 32 and includes emergency stop switch 36
activated by stop switch lanyard 38 which may be attached to the
user and activated if the user falls. Stanchions 40 support hand
rail 24 at a point between the rail inclined portions 30 and rail
parallel portions 28 and rest on the front portions of left and
right side housings 12 and 14, respectively.
[0053] Left side housing 12 includes left housing base 42, left
housing top 44, left housing front 46, and left housing rear 48,
which bears left housing rail support 50 for supporting hand rail
24 at its respective rear upright portion 26. Right side housing 14
includes right housing base 52, right housing top 54, right housing
front 56, and right housing rear 58, which bears right housing rail
support 60 for supporting hand rail 24 at its respective rear
upright portion 26. The 120 volt AC plug outlet 62 provides
electrical power to power cord 64, ultimately providing the energy
to move floating platform 65 having cover 66 and support frame
68.
[0054] The user U as shown in FIG. 3 stands relatively upright on
platform 65 with his feet nearly even and his left hand LH and
right hand(not shown) gripping the mid-portions of parallel rail
portions 28, simulating skiing on a relatively gentle slope. This
position is useful for warmup or general aerobic exercise. The user
U as shown in FIG. 4 is positioned in a forward position on
platform 65 with his feet nearly even and his left hand LH and
right hand(not shown) gripping the front inclined portions 30,
simulating skiing on a relatively steep slope. The user U as shown
in FIG. 5 stands in a traverse position with feet spaced along the
platform 65 at a large angle, his body twisted to a substantially
forward position in the upper trunk, his left hand LH gripping the
respective rear portion of parallel rail portion 28 and his right
hand RH gripping a lower portion of respective front inclined
portion 30, simulating snow boarding.
[0055] As is seen in FIG. 6, touch control pad 34 features
emergency stop switch 36 activated by stop switch lanyard 38 and is
mounted on rail front cross portion 32. Touch control pad 34
includes readout display 70 and control buttons 72. Readout display
70 may display such information as machine speed and buttons 72 may
control machine speed, torque, or other parameters.
[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art mogul skiing simulator
invented by the instant inventors. Referring to FIG. 7 is a detail
view of the platform frame as supported on front and rear
crankshaft bearings and pins. Platform frame 68 is generally
rectangular in form and includes rear cross member 74, front cross
member 76, center cross member 78, right side member 80, and left
side member 82. Frame 68 is supported by left front platform
support bearing 84, left rear platform support bearing 86, and
right front and rear platform support bearings 85 and 87,
respectively (See FIG. 12). Left support bearings 84 and 86 are
free to travel within left side member 82 in an underside
groove(not shown) along the length of side member 82. Right support
bearings 85 and 87 are free to travel within right side member 80
in an underside groove(not shown) along the length of right side
member 80.
[0057] Platform frame 68 is tethered by tension springs 100 to
center cross member 78 to maintain frame 68 in the correct relation
to front crank pin 92 and rear crank pin 94. A desired number of
springs 100 are connected with front crank pin 92 by means of front
spring bushing mounts 96. Springs 100 are connected with rear crank
pin 94 by means of rear bushing mounts 98. The number and angle of
attachment of springs 100 are selected to maintain floating
platform 65 in desired positions during operation of the inventive
device. Platform frame 68 has depending supports 104 located at
each corner which support limit bars 102 which are located parallel
with and underneath respective right side member 80 and left side
member 82 so spaced therefrom that frame 68 is retained upon undue
lifting above left support bearings 84 and 86 and right support
bearings 85 and 87.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a detail view of
the "V" drive as mounted and a perspective view of the overall
mogul skiing device with walls and crank covers removed,
respectively. "V" drive 110 includes rear drive sprocket 112 driven
by rear drive chain 114 having rear chain tensioner 118, drive
sprocket 112 thereby turning right rear crank journal 116, Rear
chain tensioner 118 is adjustably mounted on rear chain tensioner
bracket 120. Chain drive unit 122 rotates driver shaft 184 by means
of drive sprockets 186 mounted for rotation thereon. Front drive
sprocket 124 is driven by front drive chain 126 having front chain
tensioner 130, drive sprocket 124 thereby turning right front crank
journal 128. Front chain tensioner 130 is adjustably mounted on
front tensioner bracket 132.
[0059] Right frame sloping member 140, right frame front stanchion
142, mounting flange 144 of right mounting wall 146, and right rear
stanchion 172 form a frame for supporting "V" drive 110 and drive
unit 122. Mounting flange 144 of right mounting wall 146 is mounted
to right front stanchion 142 by front mounting flange tab 148 and
to right rear stanchion 172 by similar means(not shown). Front
journal bearing support 152 is fastened to right mounting wall 146
by bolts 154. A rear bearing support(not shown) is similarly
fastened.
[0060] Front right crank 160 rotates with right front crank journal
128. Left front crank 162 rotates with left front crank journal
163. Right rear crank 164 rotates with right rear crank journal
116. Left rear crank 166 rotates with left rear crank journal 165.
Front crank pin 92(see FIG. 7) connects right front crank 160 and
left front crank 162 and supports the front portion of floating
platform 65 by means of bearings 84 and 85 as previously described.
Rear crank pin 94 connects right rear crank 164 and left rear crank
166 by means of bearings 86 and 87 as previously described. The
free portions of front cranks 160 and 162 extending away from crank
pin 92, and the free portions of rear cranks 164, and 166 extending
away from crank pin 94, respectively, serve no function other than
to assist in mounting the crank covers.
[0061] Left frame sloping member 178, left frame front stanchion
174, left mounting wall 188, and left rear stanchion 176 form a
frame for supporting idler chain 180 rotating with idler front
sprocket wheel 181, idler rear sprocket wheel 182 and idler chain
tensioner 183. The idler sprocket wheels and chain help maintain
the front and rear crank pins 92 and 94 in the proper angular
relationship and is made up of a front sprocket wheel mounted to
front left crank journal 163, a rear sprocket wheel mounted to rear
left crank journal 165 a driving chain rotating with the front and
rear sprocket wheels, and a tensioner to adjust tension on the
driving chain. Frame cross member 179 extends between left housing
base 42 and right housing base 52 and helps support left frame
sloping member 178 and right frame sloping member 140. Right frame
sloping member 140 also supports the assembled drive unit 122,
electric motor 170, and electric power converter 171 as seen in
FIG. 9.
[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of the floating
platform as it moves relative to the front and rear axles as they
rotate through 360 degrees. Left front crank 162 rotates with left
front crank journal 163, and left rear crank 166 rotates with left
rear crank journal 165 about 30-35 degrees behind left front crank
162. The positions of floating platform 65 are shown by dotted
lines as cranks 162 and 166 rotate through 360 degrees. It can be
appreciated that a user standing on floating platform 65 and facing
forward(toward the left of the figure) would experience the
simulation of transitioning from a downhill position at the bottom
to an uphill position as the cranks rotate in the direction of the
arrows. Upon further radial travel, the user experiences a
steepening attitude until transitioning back to a downward attitude
at the top of radial travel, the user then assumes a descending
attitude as the platform travels downward to complete the 360
degrees of travel. This simulates the skier's motion during the
negotiation of moguls.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 there is shown a diagrammatic
elevation view of the floating platform at its bottom position, and
a diagrammatic plan view of the floating platform of FIG. 11. FIGS.
11 and 12 illustrate how frame 68 of floating platform 65(see FIG.
1) is tethered by springs 100 to crank pins 92 and 94. As is seen,
center cross member 78 has spring center mounts 190 distributed to
receive one end of each of springs 100, along its under side, while
front pin bushing spring mounts 96 receive the other end of the
front mounted springs, and rear pin bushing spring mounts 98
receive the other end of the rear mounted springs.
[0064] As can be envisioned, floating platform frame 68 is free to
move relative to bearings 84 and 85 and to bearings 86 and 87 as
crank pins 92 and 94 move relative to each other, but the frame is
tethered by the springs 100 to maintain the platform in a
relatively centered position during operation of the inventive
device. This spring system may be used in conjunction with springs
or bumper cushions (not shown) which push inward, away from the
ends of the platform to reduce any impact of crankshaft pins with
platform ends 74 and 76.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a diagrammatic front
elevation view of the present invention with the platform in its
lowest position and illustrating the leaf spring energy saving
feature wherein floating platform cover 65 is supporting the left
leg LL and the right leg RL of the user U. The front portion of the
platform is supported by bearings 84 and 85 mounted on front crank
pin 92. Front crank pin 92 separates right front crank 160 and left
front crank 162, which are attached to right front crank journal
128 and left front crank journal 116 to form an integral front
crank assembly.
[0066] Left crank cover 17 is shown as attached to left front crank
162 by connectors 210 which may employ any desired attachment means
such as adhesive or screws. It is noted that the upper portions of
cranks 160 and 162, as shown, serve only to provide support for the
crank covers. Right front crank journal 128 turns in right front
journal bearing 208 supported on the frame as represented by right
front frame stanchion 142. Left front crank journal 116 turns in
left front journal bearing 206 supported on the frame represented
by left front frame stanchion 174. The drive for right crank
journal 128 is front drive sprocket 124, driven by front drive
chain 126 driven by front driver sprocket 186 on driven shaft
184.
[0067] Cam assembly support 200 supports leaf spring 202 as cam 204
bears against it, storing energy as floating platform 65 travels
downward to supplement the "V" drive system in raising platform 65
and user U when traveling upward.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 14 there is shown a diagrammatic sectional
side view of the right side of the inventive device with the left
side removed, illustrating the movement of the various elements of
the present invention. The right boot RB of the user U is shown on
platform cover 65 in the upper position, resting on front right
support bearing 85 connected with front crank pin 92 which is
connected to right front crank 160, and on rear right support
bearing 87 connected with rear crank pin 94 which is connected to
right rear crank 164. (Elements are shown in dashed lines to
illustrate the device in the highest position)
[0069] As shown in solid lines, platform 65 is shown in the lower
position, resting on front right support bearing 85 connected with
front crank pin 92 which is connected to right front crank 160, and
on rear right support bearing 87 connected with rear crank pin 94
which is connected to right rear crank 164. Front right crank
journal 128 turns in a clockwise direction (as shown) in right
front journal bearing 208 and is turned by front drive sprocket 124
of "V" drive 110. Rear right crank 116 turns in right rear journal
bearing 212 and is turned by rear drive sprocket 112. Front drive
chain 126 transfers power to front drive sprocket 124 from driver
sprockets 186, and rear drive chain 114 transfers power to rear
drive sprocket 112 from driver sprockets 186.
[0070] The "V" drive and crank journal bearings are supported by a
frame comprising right frame sloping member 140, right mounting
wall 146, right front stanchion 142 and right rear stanchion 172.
The cranks as shown are rotating in the direction of the
arrows.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 15 there is shown a diagrammatic elevation
detail view of the left side of the invention illustrating the
energy-storing cam and leaf spring of FIG. 13. Floating platform 65
is supported by front left bearing 84 and rear left bearing 86.
Front left bearing 84 is mounted on front crank pin 92 attached to
left front crank 162 rotated by left front crank journal 163. Rear
left bearing 86 is mounted on rear crank pin 94 attached to left
rear crank 166 rotated by left rear crank journal 165.
[0072] As shown in solid lines front cam 204 is attached to and
rotated by left front crank journal 163 and shown in the up
position exerting no force on front end portion 224 of leaf spring
202. Also, rear cam 226 is attached to and rotated by left rear
crank journal 165 and shown in the up position, exerting no force
on rear end portion 228 of leaf spring 202. This position is
assumed when the floating platform 65 is in the upper position.
Leaf spring 202 is supported at the center by block 230 which is
supported by cam assembly support 200.
[0073] Upon rotation of left front crank 162 and left rear crank
166 to the downward position with floating platform 65 traveling to
its lower position, front cam 204 forces front end portion 224 of
leaf spring 202 into a loaded downward position(shown in dashed
lines) and rear cam 226 forces rear end portion 228 of leaf spring
202 into a loaded downward position. Leaf spring apex 232 is
located over the center of block 230. The energy stored in the leaf
spring 202 is transferred by front cam 204 and rear cam 226 to left
front crank 162 via crank journal 163, and by rear cam 226 to left
rear crank 166 via crank journal 165 as they begin their upward
stroke, thus assisting the electric motor(see FIG. 9) in raising
floating platform 65 and the user(not shown).
[0074] The inventive device may be constructed of appropriate
materials such as plastic and metals for the various parts.
[0075] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *