US20030022762A1 - Mogul skiing simulating device - Google Patents
Mogul skiing simulating device Download PDFInfo
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- US20030022762A1 US20030022762A1 US09/911,405 US91140501A US2003022762A1 US 20030022762 A1 US20030022762 A1 US 20030022762A1 US 91140501 A US91140501 A US 91140501A US 2003022762 A1 US2003022762 A1 US 2003022762A1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/023—Wound springs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/18—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for skiing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0025—Particular aspects relating to the orientation of movement paths of the limbs relative to the body; Relative relationship between the movements of the limbs
- A63B2022/0033—Lower limbs performing together the same movement, e.g. on a single support element
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
- A63B2022/0611—Particular details or arrangement of cranks
- A63B2022/0617—Particular details or arrangement of cranks with separate crank axis for each limb, e.g. being separately adjustable or non parallel
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
- A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
- A63B2022/0611—Particular details or arrangement of cranks
- A63B2022/0629—Particular details or arrangement of cranks each pedal being supported by two or more cranks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0407—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus
- A63B21/0421—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus the ends moving relatively by a pivoting arrangement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
- A63B22/0056—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
Definitions
- the present invention relates to ski simulators and exercisers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an alpine mogul skiing simulator and exerciser.
- Exercising devices for conditioning muscle groups are well known.
- 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.
- 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.
- a user stands on the platform, grasping the handle bars.
- the platform By shifting his or her weight, the platform is caused to move in a circular motion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- a base unit 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- plastic coverings are used on the surfaces to protect the operator from mechanical parts and to enhance the appearance of the device.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a mogul skiing simulating device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a depiction of a prior art mogul skiing device.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 7 is a detail view of the platform support of the present invention with the cover of the platform removed.
- FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view of the “V” drive system of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view of the present invention with the housing removed.
- 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.
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a floating platform as above with the platform at its bottom position.
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic plan view of the floating platform of FIG. 11.
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the present invention illustrating support elements with the floating platform located at its bottom position.
- 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.
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side detail view illustrating the energy-storing cam and leaf spring of the present invention.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art mogul skiing simulator invented by the instant inventors.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- V drive 110
- “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 .
- 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.
- 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 serve no function other than to assist in mounting the crank covers.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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)
- 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
- rear drive chain 114 transfers power to rear drive sprocket 112 from driver sprockets 186 .
- V 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the inventive device may be constructed of appropriate materials such as plastic and metals for the various parts.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to ski simulators and exercisers. More particularly, the present invention relates to an alpine mogul skiing simulator and exerciser.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- 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.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,935, issued Aug. 27, 1974, to Höfle, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,358, issued Nov. 30, 1999, to Gureghian et al. describes a treadmill with adjustable bound and rebound.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,484 B1, issued May 15, 2001, to Gordon, describes an snow skiing simulator exercise machine.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus which closely simulates alpine mogul skiing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- It is still another object of the invention to provide a housing to protect the user from moving parts.
- 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.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
- FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a mogul skiing simulating device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a depiction of a prior art mogul skiing device.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 7 is a detail view of the platform support of the present invention with the cover of the platform removed.
- FIG. 8 is an environmental perspective view of the “V” drive system of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view of the present invention with the housing removed.
- 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.
- FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a floating platform as above with the platform at its bottom position.
- FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic plan view of the floating platform of FIG. 11.
- FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic front view of the present invention illustrating support elements with the floating platform located at its bottom position.
- 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.
- FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic side detail view illustrating the energy-storing cam and leaf spring of the present invention.
- Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 leftside housing 12 having crank covers (not shown) andright side housing 14 which includes right front crankcover 16 and right rear crankcover 18.Hand rail 24 includes rear railupright portions 26, side railparallel portions 28, rail front inclinedportions 30, and frontrail cross portion 32. The rail may be at least partially covered with rail grip material 33(see FIG. 6). - Rail
touch control pad 34 is preferably located on frontrail cross portion 32 and includesemergency stop switch 36 activated bystop switch lanyard 38 which may be attached to the user and activated if the user falls.Stanchions 40support hand rail 24 at a point between the rail inclinedportions 30 and railparallel portions 28 and rest on the front portions of left andright side housings -
Left side housing 12 includes lefthousing base 42, lefthousing top 44, lefthousing front 46, and left housing rear 48, which bears lefthousing rail support 50 for supportinghand rail 24 at its respectiverear upright portion 26.Right side housing 14 includesright housing base 52,right housing top 54,right housing front 56, and right housing rear 58, which bears righthousing rail support 60 for supportinghand rail 24 at its respectiverear upright portion 26. The 120 voltAC plug outlet 62 provides electrical power topower cord 64, ultimately providing the energy to move floatingplatform 65 havingcover 66 andsupport frame 68. - 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 ofparallel 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 onplatform 65 with his feet nearly even and his left hand LH and right hand(not shown) gripping the frontinclined 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 theplatform 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 ofparallel rail portion 28 and his right hand RH gripping a lower portion of respective front inclinedportion 30, simulating snow boarding. - As is seen in FIG. 6,
touch control pad 34 featuresemergency stop switch 36 activated bystop switch lanyard 38 and is mounted on railfront cross portion 32.Touch control pad 34 includesreadout display 70 andcontrol buttons 72.Readout display 70 may display such information as machine speed andbuttons 72 may control machine speed, torque, or other parameters. - 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 includesrear cross member 74,front cross member 76,center cross member 78,right side member 80, and leftside member 82.Frame 68 is supported by left front platform support bearing 84, left rear platform support bearing 86, and right front and rearplatform support bearings Left support bearings left side member 82 in an underside groove(not shown) along the length ofside member 82.Right support bearings right side member 80 in an underside groove(not shown) along the length ofright side member 80. -
Platform frame 68 is tethered by tension springs 100 to centercross member 78 to maintainframe 68 in the correct relation to front crankpin 92 and rear crankpin 94. A desired number ofsprings 100 are connected with front crankpin 92 by means of front spring bushing mounts 96.Springs 100 are connected withrear crank pin 94 by means of rear bushing mounts 98. The number and angle of attachment ofsprings 100 are selected to maintain floatingplatform 65 in desired positions during operation of the inventive device.Platform frame 68 has dependingsupports 104 located at each corner whichsupport limit bars 102 which are located parallel with and underneath respectiveright side member 80 and leftside member 82 so spaced therefrom thatframe 68 is retained upon undue lifting aboveleft support bearings right support bearings - 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” drive110 includes
rear drive sprocket 112 driven byrear drive chain 114 havingrear chain tensioner 118,drive sprocket 112 thereby turning right rear crankjournal 116,Rear chain tensioner 118 is adjustably mounted on rearchain tensioner bracket 120.Chain drive unit 122 rotatesdriver shaft 184 by means ofdrive sprockets 186 mounted for rotation thereon.Front drive sprocket 124 is driven byfront drive chain 126 havingfront chain tensioner 130,drive sprocket 124 thereby turning right front crankjournal 128.Front chain tensioner 130 is adjustably mounted onfront tensioner bracket 132. - Right
frame sloping member 140, rightframe front stanchion 142, mountingflange 144 of right mountingwall 146, and rightrear stanchion 172 form a frame for supporting “V” drive 110 and driveunit 122. Mountingflange 144 of right mountingwall 146 is mounted to rightfront stanchion 142 by front mountingflange tab 148 and to rightrear stanchion 172 by similar means(not shown). Frontjournal bearing support 152 is fastened to right mountingwall 146 bybolts 154. A rear bearing support(not shown) is similarly fastened. - Front right crank160 rotates with right front crank
journal 128. Left front crank 162 rotates with left front crankjournal 163. Right rear crank 164 rotates with right rear crankjournal 116. Left rear crank 166 rotates with left rear crankjournal 165. Front crank pin 92(see FIG. 7) connects right front crank 160 and left front crank 162 and supports the front portion of floatingplatform 65 by means ofbearings pin 94 connects right rear crank 164 and left rear crank 166 by means ofbearings front cranks pin 92, and the free portions ofrear cranks pin 94, respectively, serve no function other than to assist in mounting the crank covers. - Left
frame sloping member 178, left framefront stanchion 174, left mountingwall 188, and leftrear stanchion 176 form a frame for supportingidler chain 180 rotating with idlerfront sprocket wheel 181, idlerrear sprocket wheel 182 andidler 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 crankjournal 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 betweenleft housing base 42 andright housing base 52 and helps support leftframe sloping member 178 and rightframe sloping member 140. Rightframe sloping member 140 also supports the assembleddrive unit 122,electric motor 170, andelectric power converter 171 as seen in FIG. 9. - 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 crank162 rotates with left front crank
journal 163, and left rear crank 166 rotates with left rear crankjournal 165 about 30-35 degrees behind left front crank 162. The positions of floatingplatform 65 are shown by dotted lines ascranks 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. - 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 bysprings 100 to crankpins center cross member 78 has spring center mounts 190 distributed to receive one end of each ofsprings 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. - As can be envisioned, floating
platform frame 68 is free to move relative tobearings bearings 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. - 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 bybearings pin 92. Front crankpin 92 separates right front crank 160 and left front crank 162, which are attached to right front crankjournal 128 and left front crankjournal 116 to form an integral front crank assembly. - Left crank
cover 17 is shown as attached to left front crank 162 byconnectors 210 which may employ any desired attachment means such as adhesive or screws. It is noted that the upper portions ofcranks journal 128 turns in right front journal bearing 208 supported on the frame as represented by rightfront frame stanchion 142. Left front crankjournal 116 turns in left front journal bearing 206 supported on the frame represented by leftfront frame stanchion 174. The drive forright crank journal 128 isfront drive sprocket 124, driven byfront drive chain 126 driven byfront driver sprocket 186 on drivenshaft 184. -
Cam assembly support 200 supportsleaf spring 202 ascam 204 bears against it, storing energy as floatingplatform 65 travels downward to supplement the “V” drive system in raisingplatform 65 and user U when traveling upward. - 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 crankpin 92 which is connected to right front crank 160, and on rear right support bearing 87 connected withrear 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) - As shown in solid lines,
platform 65 is shown in the lower position, resting on front right support bearing 85 connected with front crankpin 92 which is connected to right front crank 160, and on rear right support bearing 87 connected withrear crank pin 94 which is connected to right rear crank 164. Front right crankjournal 128 turns in a clockwise direction (as shown) in right front journal bearing 208 and is turned byfront drive sprocket 124 of “V”drive 110. Rear right crank 116 turns in right rear journal bearing 212 and is turned byrear drive sprocket 112.Front drive chain 126 transfers power tofront drive sprocket 124 fromdriver sprockets 186, andrear drive chain 114 transfers power torear drive sprocket 112 fromdriver sprockets 186. - The “V” drive and crank journal bearings are supported by a frame comprising right
frame sloping member 140, right mountingwall 146, rightfront stanchion 142 and rightrear stanchion 172. The cranks as shown are rotating in the direction of the arrows. - 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 frontleft bearing 84 and rearleft bearing 86. Front leftbearing 84 is mounted on front crankpin 92 attached to left front crank 162 rotated by left front crankjournal 163. Rear leftbearing 86 is mounted on rear crankpin 94 attached to left rear crank 166 rotated by left rear crankjournal 165. - As shown in solid lines
front cam 204 is attached to and rotated by left front crankjournal 163 and shown in the up position exerting no force onfront end portion 224 ofleaf spring 202. Also,rear cam 226 is attached to and rotated by left rear crankjournal 165 and shown in the up position, exerting no force onrear end portion 228 ofleaf spring 202. This position is assumed when the floatingplatform 65 is in the upper position.Leaf spring 202 is supported at the center byblock 230 which is supported bycam assembly support 200. - Upon rotation of left front crank162 and left rear crank 166 to the downward position with floating
platform 65 traveling to its lower position,front cam 204 forcesfront end portion 224 ofleaf spring 202 into a loaded downward position(shown in dashed lines) andrear cam 226 forcesrear end portion 228 ofleaf spring 202 into a loaded downward position.Leaf spring apex 232 is located over the center ofblock 230. The energy stored in theleaf spring 202 is transferred byfront cam 204 andrear cam 226 to left front crank 162 viacrank journal 163, and byrear cam 226 to left rear crank 166 viacrank journal 165 as they begin their upward stroke, thus assisting the electric motor(see FIG. 9) in raising floatingplatform 65 and the user(not shown). - The inventive device may be constructed of appropriate materials such as plastic and metals for the various parts.
- 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.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (8)
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DE60237617T DE60237617D1 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-07-03 | SIMULATING DEVICE FOR SKIING ON THE BUCKLE PIST |
PCT/US2002/021138 WO2003009912A2 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-07-03 | Mogul skiing simulating device |
AU2002316542A AU2002316542A1 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-07-03 | Mogul skiing simulating device |
ES02746855T ES2355321T3 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-07-03 | BACHES SKI SIMULATOR DEVICE. |
AT02746855T ATE480307T1 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-07-03 | SIMULATING DEVICE FOR SKIING ON MOGS |
EP02746855A EP1418987B1 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2002-07-03 | Mogul skiing simulating device |
US10/347,242 US20030119633A1 (en) | 2001-07-25 | 2003-01-21 | Mogul skiing simulating device |
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- 2002-07-03 WO PCT/US2002/021138 patent/WO2003009912A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-07-03 EP EP02746855A patent/EP1418987B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-07-03 DE DE60237617T patent/DE60237617D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-07-03 AU AU2002316542A patent/AU2002316542A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-07-03 ES ES02746855T patent/ES2355321T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-07-03 AT AT02746855T patent/ATE480307T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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Cited By (11)
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US20080207410A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2008-08-28 | Enrico Tacconi | Device for Rehabilitation of the Limbs and of the Trunk |
US20070243979A1 (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2007-10-18 | Hand Richard A | Foot and leg exercising device providing passive motion benefits |
US7883451B2 (en) * | 2006-04-14 | 2011-02-08 | Treadwell Corporation | Methods of applying treadle stimulus |
US20090131227A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-05-21 | Stevenson Mark D | Exercise Apparatus with Coupled Motion Mechanism |
US20090131226A1 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-05-21 | Stevenson Mark D | Exercise Apparatus with Three Dimensional Motion |
US7625317B2 (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-12-01 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise apparatus with coupled motion mechanism |
US7666120B2 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2010-02-23 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise apparatus with three dimensional motion |
US20090156367A1 (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2009-06-18 | Z-Man Fishing Products, Inc. | Hand exerciser |
EP3628378A1 (en) * | 2018-09-28 | 2020-04-01 | Jian Ling Technology Co., Ltd. | Multifunctional balance exercise machine |
WO2022131902A1 (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2022-06-23 | Shop Latino Network S. De R.L. De C.V. | Resistance mechanism with improved stability for ski simulation equipment |
US11892409B1 (en) | 2022-10-25 | 2024-02-06 | Taiwan Redeye Biomedical Inc. | Discrete light detection device |
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ES2355321T3 (en) | 2011-03-24 |
US20030119633A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
EP1418987B1 (en) | 2010-09-08 |
EP1418987A4 (en) | 2008-05-21 |
WO2003009912A3 (en) | 2003-11-13 |
US6508746B1 (en) | 2003-01-21 |
EP1418987A2 (en) | 2004-05-19 |
AU2002316542A1 (en) | 2003-02-17 |
ATE480307T1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
DE60237617D1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
WO2003009912A2 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
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