Undertaking
Patent
1987-08-31
1990-03-06
Crow, Stephen R.
Undertaking
272 97, A63B 6918
Patent
active
049059947
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to the field of recreational devices and more particularly to motor skill oriented devices of the type using a rotationally mounted table upon which the user stands. More particularly this invention concerns a floor supported rotationally mounted platform the rotational axis of which may be angled from the perpendicular so that the platform assumes an attitude not parallel to the floor or other surface supporting the device.
BACKGROUND ART
It is well known in prior devices to mount a platform as a support surface upon a bearing means so that the platform can rotate in a horizontal plane. The devices are used as exercise devices or playthings by a user standing on the rotationally mounted platform by swinging his or her arms and other body parts so that a swivel motion occurs. These devices have been touted as providing exercise simulating downhill skiing and as a means to provide body conditioning helpful for the downhill skier.
While simulating some of the movements encountered in downhill skiing, all but one of the devices do not provide any simulation of the downhill attitude assumed by skis in use. When one practices with most of the prior art devices and then indulges in alpine or downhill skiing activities, the practice on the prior art device induces muscular and balancing actions which cause the skis to point uphill rather than down the fall line as is desired. It is theorized that the configuration of the prior art device, being horizontal, conditions the user's muscles so that a natural response upon encountering an inclined surface is to cause the skis to be pointed around to the horizontal attitude. While the reason for this response is not fully understood it is noted that in all but one of the prior art devices, locating or shifting body weight to a location eccentric to the axis of rotation of the device does not induce a rotational moment about the axis.
In the one prior art device in which a shifting of body weight to a location eccentric to the axis of the rotation of the device induces a rotational moment about the axis, the members of the device which effectuate the angling of the rotational axis from the perpendicular are not capable of being locked together during use of the device and thus the angular adjustment may slip and change, and the entire device can come apart during vigorous use.
None of the prior art devices contain more than one bearing means to introduce an element of unpredictability to the rotation of the platform.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention differs from most of the prior art in that locating a weight eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotationally mounted platform of the invention causes a rotational moment to be applied to induce rotation of the platform and a user standing thereon.
The recreational device of this invention comprises a base member having means therein to mount a weight supporting bearing means which may be angled with respect to the horizontal. The bearing means carries a rotatable platform thereon and is adapted for rotation with respect to the base and may be angled so that the axis of rotation is non-vertical.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention this angle is variable so that a user may set the desired angle to suit his or her particular needs, be it for recreational gaming type use or serious exercise or in preparation for alpine or downhill skiing. Alternately, two or more users may set the angle needed and simultaneously use the device. In another mode of operation two or more users may each simultaneously use individual devices and compete or cooperate in games and exercises.
The angle is set in the preferred embodiment by manipulating elements of the base means so that the mount of the bearing is angled with respect to, but still in a weight supporting relationship with, the floor engaging lower surface of the base means. With the bearing and the platform mounted thereon thus angled, the device permits the user to induce rotational movement by deliberately shif
REFERENCES:
patent: D278924 (1985-05-01), Seel et al.
patent: 2351293 (1944-06-01), Saunders
patent: 3984100 (1976-10-01), Firster
patent: 4290601 (1981-09-01), Mittelstadt
patent: 4638996 (1987-01-01), Simjian
patent: 4679550 (1987-07-01), Quam et al.
Crow Stephen R.
Dwyer Patrick M.
Garrison David L.
LandOfFree
Tilting rotational recreational device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tilting rotational recreational device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tilting rotational recreational device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-42227