U.S. patent number 3,582,066 [Application Number 04/781,661] was granted by the patent office on 1971-06-01 for ski trainer and exerciser.
Invention is credited to Horace Theodore Keryluk.
United States Patent |
3,582,066 |
Keryluk |
June 1, 1971 |
SKI TRAINER AND EXERCISER
Abstract
A ski-simulating device which includes an inclined base having a
platform mounted for rotation thereon. A pair of foot pedals are
tiltably mounted on the platform about an axis parallel to their
lengths, and situated with the axis of rotation of the platform
located within the area defined by and between the pedals (so the
center of gravity of the person standing thereon is distributed
generally over said axis). Preferably spring means urge the pedals
against being tilted inwardly toward one another. They also can be
independently slidable in the lengthwise direction to allow either
foot to advance slightly beyond the other to simulate the parallel
ski technique, and/or angularly movable with respect to each other
to allow "stemming."
Inventors: |
Keryluk; Horace Theodore
(Boulder, CO) |
Family
ID: |
25123499 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/781,661 |
Filed: |
September 27, 1968 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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494380 |
Oct 11, 1965 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/71;
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
69/18 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
69/18 (20060101); A63b 069/18 (); A63b
023/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/57 (B)/ |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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902,675 |
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Aug 1962 |
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GB |
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632,029 |
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Dec 1961 |
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CA |
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832,295 |
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Dec 1938 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: Pinhkam; Richard C.
Assistant Examiner: Dror; Richard
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 494,380
filed Oct. 11, 1965 now abandoned.
Claims
I claim:
1. A ski apparatus comprising a platform, rotatably mounted on a
base in a plane inclined to the horizontal, a pair of opposed
elongated foot pedals, each tiltably mounted on, affixed to and
directly carried entirely by said platform about an axis parallel
to the lengthwise direction thereof, the axes of said pedals lying
in a plane parallel to said inclined plane, the axis of rotation of
said platform being generally perpendicular to the axes of said
pedals and being located within the area defined by and between
said pedals and substantially at the center of gravity of a person
standing on said pedals.
2. A ski simulator apparatus comprising an inclined base, a
platform mounted for rotation on and in a plane parallel to that of
said inclined base, a pair of opposed elongate pedals, each
tiltably mounted on said platform about an axis parallel to the
lengthwise direction thereof, said pedals being independently
slidable in said lengthwise direction, and spring means interposed
between each pedal and the platform, laterally offset with respect
to said axis toward the opposite pedal, said springs urging the
pedals against being tilted inwardly toward one another.
3. A ski simulator apparatus comprising an inclined base, a
platform mounted for rotation on and in a plane parallel to that of
said inclined base, a pair of opposed elongate pedals, each
tiltably mounted on said platform about an axis parallel to the
lengthwise direction thereof, said pedals being independently
slidable in said lengthwise direction, and spring means interposed
between each pedal and the platform, laterally offset with respect
to said axis toward the opposite pedal, said springs urging the
pedals against being tilted inwardly toward one another, said
pedals also being independently angularly movable with respect to
each other.
4. A ski simulator apparatus comprising a platform rotatable in an
inclined plane, two pair of opposed spaced upwardly extending
brackets mounted on said platform, a support shaft extending
through and between the brackets of each pair, each of said shafts
having a foot pedal supported thereon through a pair of downwardly
extending brackets mounted on the underside of the pedal and
journaled on said shaft between said upwardly extending brackets,
the distance between said downwardly extending brackets being less
than the distance between said upwardly extending brackets whereby
said foot pedals can independently slide forwardly and rearwardly
on said shafts, spring means urging said pedals to a rearward
position, a tilt spring affixed to the underside of each pedal
offset from its support shaft laterally toward the other pedal,
said tilt springs resisting inward tilting of said pedals on said
shafts.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the downwardly extending
brackets mounted adjacent the rear of the pedals are laterally
slotted to permit the support shafts independently to slide therein
angularly with respect to each other.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foot pedals are disposed
beneath the axes about which they are tiltably mounted.
Description
The present invention relates to apparatus for exercising,
training, and coordinating body movements. In particular, the
device concerns simulated ski apparatus for training and developing
body movements and skill in ski techniques.
The desirability of employing ski-simulating apparatus in
exercising and in teaching skiing has long been recognized: see for
example Ravoire U.S. Pat. No. 2,573,808, granted Nov. 6, 1951. A
number of training devices have been suggested in the prior art
more or less designed to meet this end. See Scriver U.S. Pat. No.
2,455,274, granted Nov. 30, 1948; Denim U.S. Pat. No. 2,657,055,
granted Oct. 27, 1953, the Ravoire patent aforesaid, and, more
recently, Palmer et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,021,137 granted Feb. 13,
1962. Other exerciser devices on which a person stands and performs
various body movements have also been described which do not
concern, and which are not particularly useful or helpful in,
developing proficiency in skiing: see, for example, Swisher U.S.
Pat. No. 3,107,914, granted Oct. 22, 1963, and Conn et al. U.S.
Pat. No. 3,134,591 granted May 26, 1964.
The prior art has numerous drawbacks in providing a realistic ski
simulator exercising apparatus. While numerous of such prior art
generally concerns an apparatus having a platform on which the feet
are positioned and which rotates either on a level or on an incline
(to simulate the slope of a ski hill), it is incomplete in the
necessary and important body movements. Unless proficiency is
simultaneously developed in foot or ski position, including the
movements in "edge control" (i.e. tilting the feet and skis with
respect to their longitudinal direction), ostensible skill acquired
in body balance and rotational movements can be deceiving, and may
not in fact be present when attempted under actual skiing
conditions. As in many physical exercises involving coordination in
body movement, the ability to perform one movement may diminish or
disappear when attempted simultaneously and in coordination with
other different movements.
Insofar as I am aware, no one heretofore has provided a
mechanically simple, and safe, ski simulator exercise device
wherein a person can simultaneously practice the necessary and
important movements, in skiing, of foot (ski) position, including
"edge" control, provided by the coordinated movement of knees,
feet, and ankles (an important aspect of all techniques of skiing),
and body rotation and balance, all at the same time and at various
degrees of simulated inclination or slope.
The present invention provides such a novel apparatus on which
nearly every type of ski technique can be employed, and in which
foot position and edge control can be practiced and perfected along
with developing balance during the rotational movements involved in
making proper turns on skis.
The manner in which these and other advantages accrue from the
present invention will be apparent from the description which
follows, taken in conjunction with the appended drawing showing an
illustrative preferred apparatus, wherein like reference characters
refer to corresponding parts in the several views, and in
which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment wherein
skiing by the parallel technique is simulated;
FIG. 2 is a plan or top view of the apparatus or device of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a modified device wherein skiing by
techniques involving "stemming" or "snow plowing" is simulated;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view in perspective of the device of FIG. 4,
useful also in appreciating certain aspects or parts in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1--3;
FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative pedal mounting assembly;
and
FIG. 7 is a section view taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 6.
Referring now to FIGS. 1--3 of the drawings, a continuous tubular
frame 10 consists of opposed L-shaped sides having horizontal legs
11 and vertical legs 12, respectively joined at their outward ends
by crossmember 13 and support bar 14. Supported on the frame is
inclined base 15, held at its lower end to crossmember 13 by clamp
16, and at its upper end by bolts 17 which pass through vertical
legs 12. Wingnuts 18 hold the legs tightly against the base.
A generally rectangular platform 19 is mounted on the base 15 about
its rotative axis A, through bolt 20. Interposed between the rotary
platform 19 and the upper surface of base 15 is a bearing washer
(or washers) 21, to reduce friction therebetween as the platform
rotates.
Affixed to the platform are two sets of upwardly extending mounting
brackets 22 and 23 and 22' and 24', in which are disposed shafts 24
and 24', respectively. Situated above these shafts are left and
right elongate foot pedals 26 and 26', which are respectively
supported on the shafts through downwardly extending brackets 28
and 28' and 30 and 30' affixed on the underside of the pedals 26
and 26' near the ends thereof and between brackets 22 and 23 and
22' and 23'.
The downwardly extending brackets 28 and 28' are positioned near
the heel ends 29 of their respective pedals 26 and 26', while the
toe end brackets 30 and 30', are positioned slightly more centrally
of the pedals, the resulting distance between brackets 28 and 30
(and 28' and 30' ) being less than the distance between brackets 22
and 23 (and 22' and 23' ). Compression springs 31 are journaled on
shafts 24 and 24' between brackets 22 and 28, and 22' and 28',
respectively, thus normally urging the pedals to a rearward
position with brackets 30 and 30' against brackets 23 and 23', but
allowing the pedals to slide forwardly against springs 31 when
forces are appropriately applied. Additionally, the pedals tilt by
rotation about the shafts 24 and 24' on axes parallel to the
lengthwise direction of said pedals.
Coiled compression springs 32 and 32' are disposed generally midway
between the ends of foot pedals 26 and 26', but offset laterally
inwardly from shafts 24 and 24'. Said compression springs are
fastened to the underside of the pedals, and serve yieldably to
urge the pedals against pressure exerted by the feet tending to
tilt the pedals inwardly (i.e. toward one another).
To assist in holding the feet in place, an upwardly extending side
plate 34 extends along the outer edge, and toe plate 36 along the
toe end of each pedal 26 and 26'. Also, for the same general
purpose, the upper surfaces of the pedals are provided with
resilient treading 38, or other antislip surfacing.
Stops 40 are mounted on inclined base 15 slightly below (downhill
of) rotatable platform 19. In order that platform 19 will clear
these stops during rotation thereof, the forward corners 41
(adjacent pedal toe plates 36) are bevelled, as shown. As the
platform rotates through an angle slightly more than 90.degree. in
either direction from the central (or downhill) position shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the rearward corners 42 come to bear against one or
the other of the stops 40, as indicated in the positions of the
platform 14 shown by broken lines in FIG. 2. The platform
accordingly can rotate through an angle somewhat greater than
180.degree..
In use, my ski simulator operates as follows: The platform 19 is
first preferably positioned with footrests 26 and 26' extending
perpendicularly with respect to the direction of inclination of the
base 15, this direction corresponding with the line of "traverse"
on a ski hill, and being also the direction in which skis normally
are placed at the outset. For example, the platform is rotated
counterclockwise from the position shown by full lines in FIG. 2,
so that the right foot pedal 26' represents the "downwhill" pedal.
The trainee then grasps the standard 38 with his left hand, and
steps with the right foot on the lower pedal 26', applying pressure
on the instep, i.e. toward the inside of the pedal, so as to tilt
the same against the spring 32 more or less to a horizontal plane.
Generally at the same time the left foot is placed on pedal 26
which generally maintains itself in more or less of a horizontal
plane, due to the combined action of spring 32' and the natural
tendency to turn the left foot and ankle to the outside. This
position simulates standing on skis in the position of traverse
with the skis "edged" into the hill.
While supporting himself with the aid of the support bar 14 of
frame 10, and with the weight distributed primarily on the
"downhill" pedal 26, the center of gravity of the trainee will be
distributed generally over the axis A and a position will be
assumed whereby he can slowly release his hands from the standard
and no movement will take place. However, upon rotation of the body
such as occurs in recognized ski-turning techniques, the body and
feet of the trainee will rotate toward the "downhill" position. In
early stages the trainee does this by lightly pushing on support
bar 14 with the left hand, while holding on with this hand to
steady himself. When correctly performed, the pedals will "unedge"
and tilt toward the parallel with respect to the slope of base 15
as the direction of inclination or "fall line" of the base is
approached. At this point the left hand is released and the trainee
reaches back with the right hand to grasp the support bar, and
pulls slightly thereon. As rotation continues, when correctly
performed, the pedals "edge" or tilt to a horizontal plane "into
the hill," with the weight shifting to the new "downhill" footrest,
and with the right (uphill) pedal 26' pushing against its spring 31
to a position forward of left pedal 26.
As proficiency is achieved, turning movements can be achieved
without necessity for the trainee to support himself with the
support bar 14, simply by employing proper rotational movements,
proper edging and positioning of the foot pedals, combined with
proper body balance.
In any attitude, or angle, the rotatable platform 19 can assume a
stationary position as the center of gravity of the trainee becomes
generally aligned with the axis.
It is apparent that to operate my device, many of the muscles
actually employed in skiing must be used and coordinated. Thus, my
device is highly useful as a conditioner, as well as a training
device.
In the device shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pedals not only can be
tilted and pushed forwardly and rearwardly, but also can be
approved angularly with respect to one another by use of heel
thrust in simulating "stemming" of the skis, as occurs in stem
turns and "snow plowing." Thus, inclined base 60, supported on side
members 61, is provided with a rotatable platform 62 pivotably
mounted on bearing washers 64 about shaft 66. Alternatively in this
embodiment, the rotation of the platform 62 is restricted by
follower 68, extending downwardly from platform 62 into arcuate
guide slot 70 in the base.
A pair of upwardly extending brackets 71 and 72 and 71' and 72' are
mounted on platform 62, brackets 72 and 72' being wide and having
laterally extending arcuate slots. To the underside of foot pedals
73 and 73' are respectively mounted downwardly extending forward
brackets 74 and 74' and rear brackets 76 and 76'. Shaft 77 extends
through the brackets 71, 72, 74, and 76, and shaft 77' extends
through brackets 71', 72', 74', and 76'.
Rotatable bearing wheels 78 and 78' are mounted on shafts 77 and
77' between the rear brackets (72 and 76, and 72' and 76' ). Said
wheels assume the load exerted on the pedals, which otherwise would
be carried by the rear brackets. Thus, the shafts 77 and 77' can
move by pivoting about forward brackets 74 and 74' and sliding
within the slots of the rear brackets 76 and 76', rolling as they
do so on the bearing wheels 78 and 78'. As they move, of course,
pedals 73 and 73' are carried with them.
Springs 79 are journaled on the shafts 77 and 77' between foot
brackets 71 and 74, and 71' and 74'. Said springs urge the pedals
to their rearward positions. Also, foot pedals 73 and 73' have
compression tilt springs 80 and 80' affixed to the respective
undersurfaces thereof midway between their ends, offset laterally
inwardly with respect to shafts 73 and 73'. Being thus affixed, the
springs travel with the pedals as they are moved.
It will thus be seen that, upon application of heel thrust in a
lateral direction by the trainee, foot pedals 73 and 73' will move
angularly with respect to one another, rolling on wheels 78 and
78', and pivoting about brackets 71 and 71'. Stemming thereby
occurs.
This embodiment otherwise operates as described in connection with
FIGS. 1--3. However, in some respects a greater degree of
proficiency is required in simulating the parallel technique since
the foot pedals will be allowed to diverge from the parallel unless
kept in the proper position by the trainee.
It will be apparent that variations can be visualized without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example,
where desired, the base can be so constructed on the supporting
frames so that the angles or angle of inclination thereof is
adjustable. And where desired, compression springs can be located
on each side, rather than just on the inside, of each of the foot
pedals 26 and 26'.
Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pedals can be
positioned so as to simulate conditions encountered in edging of
the skis without employing tilting springs. In such embodiment,
upwardly extending brackets 90 and 91 mounted upon the rotary
platform extend higher than corresponding brackets 22 and 22', 23
and 23' (previously described), with brackets 92 and 93 attached to
the pedal 94 being short and upwardly extending. Thereby the pedal
is slung below the shafts 95 and 96, two of which are employed at
the front and rear of the pedal, rigidly cantilevered from brackets
92 and 93, and rotatably extending through brackets 90 and 91.
Spring 97, interposed between brackets 90 and 92 about shaft 95,
urges the pedal 94 rearwardly. A study of the vector forces
demonstrates that when slung in the foregoing fashion, forces must
be applied at the inside and outside lateral edges of the pedal to
tilt it, without need of compression tilt springs.
It is not necessary that the rotatable platform be fixedly mounted
on a base. It can be mounted in an elongate tortuous guide slot in
a very large incline base, such as a long table whereby the trainee
actually can move on the platform in a downhill direction while
simulating ski turns. Or, alternatively, the platform can be
mounted on rollers or casters, and thus move freely on surfaces
such as inclined hills, and the like.
Having described my invention, it is to be understood that I do not
intend to be limited by the illustrative structures shown herein,
but only by the specification taken as a whole, including the
appended claims.
* * * * *