Skate training exercise apparatus and method

Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Alpine or towed skiing

Patent

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Details

482 51, A63B 6918

Patent

active

057186588

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise devices and more particularly, an exercise device for simulating skating and strengthening muscles used therein. The invention also relates to a method for exercising muscles used in skating.
With the increasing popularity of skating, particularly in-line roller skating, there has become an increased demand for exercise apparatus and methods which would allow the user to more closely simulate skating action and exercise and strengthen muscles used in skating. There is also a need for a device which provides a cardiovascular or aerobic exercise while allowing a person to train for skating.
There are a number of prior art devices which attempt with varying degrees of success to simulate a skating motion while allowing the user to exert force and exercise and strengthen muscles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,214 to Schutzer discloses a training apparatus for skaters. The Schutzer apparatus is similar to the slideboard which is well known among serious skaters. The Schutzer device provides a lateral, inclined track which allows side-to-side motion and stretching of feet and legs. An upright at the center of the device helps to maintain the user's body in the correct position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,372 to McCormick and U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,941 to Elo, both disclose skating exercise devices which utilize a foot stirrup that moves along a linear track and is resisted by a weight stack. The track and stirrup are arranged to allow the user to be generally in a squatting position which attempts to simulate the skater's position. The track in each device is pivotable about a point in front of the user. The McCormick device appears to allow adjustment for pushing at different angles. The track of the Elo device also pivots in an attempt to simulate skating motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,373 to Walker discloses a further exercising machine for ice skating. The Walker device includes a bicycle-type saddle in the center, on which the user is seated in a crouching position. Foot stirrups ride in two triangular tracks on either side of the saddle, intended to approximate skating motion. A portion of each track is designated as a power section and is provided with means for creating drag on the stirrup as it passes therethrough, in order to require greater exertion of force by the user over that portion.
A further device, known as The Skating Machine.TM. by Sport Specific Inc. includes articulated arms with foot stirrups that pivot at two points in front of the user. Resistance is provided by adjustable fluid cylinders.
None of the devices discussed above closely simulates a natural and dynamic skating motion. Thus, in spite of the many different devices in the prior art, there is a need for an exercise apparatus which will allow close simulation of a natural and dynamic skating motion at both relatively high and low speeds while allowing strengthening or aerobic exercise. This need has not yet to date been met by the art.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for skate training exercise which closely simulates the natural and dynamic motion of a skater.
This and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by an apparatus for skate training exercise, comprising a frame with at least one arm having a first end pivotably mounted on the frame and a second end capable of movement between a first position and a second position along an arc defined by the arm. Mounted on the second end of the arm are means for securing the foot of a user, wherein said means is configured and dimensioned such that the user is positioned with the pivot point disposed behind the user. The apparatus also includes means for resisting movement of the arm from the first position to the second position and may further include means for returning the arm from the second position to the first position. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has first and second arms, wherein the arms are dispose

REFERENCES:
patent: 4744557 (1988-05-01), Smirmaul
patent: 4869496 (1989-09-01), Colombo

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