Alpine ski training apparatus

• US 7,198,590 B1
• Filed: 09/28/2005
• Issued: 04/03/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Nicholas
• Original Assignee: John Nicholas
• Inventors: Nicholas, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow; Stephen R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lewin; Allana
• Application Number:
  US11/236,955
• Publication Number:
  US 20070072745A1
• Time in Patent Office: 552 Days
• Field of Search: 482/71, 482/79, 482/80, 482/146, 434/253
• US Class Current: 482/71
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/003 the movement path being perpendicular to the body-symmetrical-plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0053 each support element being cantilevered by a parallelogram system
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/14 Platforms for reciprocating rotating motion about a vertical axis , e.g. axis through the middle of the platform
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0057 Means for physically limiting movements of body parts A63B23/0211 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/18 for skiing

Abstract

A ski training apparatus is provided that simulate movement similar to alpine skiing. A pivoting arm is mounted at the base of the front vertical post and carries a parallelogram linkage assembly, with two flanged wheels mounted on the linkage assembly. A guide swivel is mounted on the floor base underneath the flanged wheels. Two horizontal and parallel foot platforms are mounted on the linkage assembly for rocking motion about vertical parallel axes. The pivoting arm, foot platforms, flanged wheels and guiding swivel constitute a low friction mechanism that provides the compound motion similar to that of alpine skiing. A holding bar and a padded lower back rest will maintain the body properly positioned.

Claims

1. A ski training apparatus comprising:

floor positioned modular support frame, the aforementioned frame including a modular base, a front vertical post, and a rear vertical post, with a handle bar mounted on the aforementioned front post and a padded lower back rest mounted on the aforementioned rear vertical post;

a pivoting arm mounted on the aforementioned front vertical post for horizontal pivotal movement on the aforementioned front vertical post about a vertical axis;

the aforementioned pivoting arm carrying a parallelogram linkage assembly, two flanged wheels mounted on the aforementioned linkage assembly and a resistance adjustment and control system also mounted on the aforementioned arm and linkage assembly;

a guiding swivel mounted on the aforementioned floor base underneath the flanged wheels;

two horizontal and parallel foot platforms mounted on the abovementioned linkage assembly for rocking motion about vertical parallel axes;

whereby a user stepping on the foot platforms applies pressure to one of said foot platforms thereby causing compound lateral and vertical motion of the platforms.

2. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 has an H shape modular horizontal floor base comprised of two parallel members and a transversal beam.

3. The ski training apparatus according to claim 2 has four eccentric end caps mounted at the ends of parallel members.

4. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said handlebar is a holding bar mounted at an upper portion of said front vertical post and said holding bar having rubberized hand grips.

5. The ski training apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the position of said holding bar is adjustable.

6. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 has an integrated monitoring system mounted on said front post.

7. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said lower back rest is mounted at an upper portion of said rear vertical post.

8. The ski training apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the position of said lower back rest is adjustable.

9. The ski training apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said pivoting arm is mounted on said front vertical post below said hand grips and above said transversal beam.

10. The ski training apparatus according to claim 9 wherein a vertical mounting position of said pivoting arm is height adjustable.

11. The ski training apparatus according to claim 2 has a swivel guiding system mounted underneath said flanged wheels for pivotal movement on said transversal beam about a vertical axis.

12. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 all pivoting points have low friction bushings.

13. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 has a resistance adjustment and control system mounted on said linkage assembly with a hand adjustment mounted on said pivoting arm.

14. The ski training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said foot platforms have non skid top surfaces.