Abstract: An exercise machine that simulates the movements made during snow skiing to exercise the muscles used during such movements includes a pair of elongate foot support arms with foot support portions mounted for simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement with the vertical movement having opposite orientations for the same direction of horizontal movement. Thus, as the foot support portions of the foot support arms move in the same horizontal direction to one side or the other, one foot support portion moves vertically upwardly while the other moves vertically downwardly so that such movement generally defines an X pattern. Movement of the foot support arms is preferably coordinated so that the arms move together in a desired manner with resistance to movement of the arms preferably being adjustable by a user of the machine to adjust the strenuousness of the exercise performed.

Abstract: Sports apparatus having a variably tilting platform providing a continuously sloping surface. The platform is mounted to permit tilting in a plurality of planes. An actuating mechanism for tilting the platform includes at least two actuators and a fixed pivot or at least three actuators. The actuators may comprise rams or a crank mechanism. The actuators operate simultaneously and sequentially to cause a progressive and circulatory movement of the highest point of the tilting platform around the periphery of the platform. The sloping surface of the platform can be used for such sports activities as skiing, skateboarding and even hang gliding.

Abstract: A padded foot pedal assembly for exercise equipment is disclosed. The foot pedal assembly includes a platform, a side plate attached to one side of the platform, and various attachment guides for engaging the foot pedal assembly with a crank handle or other extension member of the exercise equipment. The disclosed embodiment of the side plate is attached to one side of the platform and has a flat surface disposed adjacent to and in a generally perpendicular orientation with the upper surface of the platform. The padded foot pedal assembly also includes a polyurethane foam pad removably shrouding the upper surface of the platform and a retaining shoulder extending upward from the upper surface of the platform opposite from the side plate such that the removable pad is laterally retained by the side plate and the retaining shoulder.

Abstract: A device allows a person to practice ski turns, while wearing his or her own skis, and to make the body movements required for turning. The device includes a base unit and an elevated support surface.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in combination with an incline adjustment mechanism having a support frame, a support rotatably associated with the support frame, a pawl positioned to interact with the support and a spring for urging the pawl into engagement with the support is disclose. The support defines a plurality of notches. The pawl is received into each resistive notch to form a detachable union of the pawl with the support. An engagement of the pawl with each notch orients the support in a predetermined position which corresponds to a respective incline for the exercise apparatus which is connected to the support frame.

Abstract: An exercise machine designed to condition the lower body comprising a pair of foot receiving platforms which may be established to travel along circular paths following coordinates in all three spacial dimensions--longitudinal, lateral, and vertical. The circular paths which the foot platforms travel along may also be established to be coplanar, inclined, counter rotating, and overlapping; while constraining the foot platforms which cyclically travel along the path to remain mutually parallel and at constant lateral separation. A flywheel and/or frictional resisting means may be incorporated as desired.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a base member having a plurality of supporting beams each having two distal ends. A plurality of rollers are each rotatably mounted on each of the two distal ends of each of the plurality of supporting beams. A rocking member is rotatably mounted on the base member and includes a plurality of arcuate tracks each rotatably mounted between the rollers on each distal end of a corresponding one of the plurality of supporting beams. A pedal board is fixedly mounted on the rocking member to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A system combining ski training and exercise includes side-by-side swing arms which are pivotally mounted on a frame with lower ends being free to swing through first and second arcs, respectively, resulting in both lateral and elevational travel of the lower ends. For receiving the associated foot of a subject, each swing arm has a foot platform mounted for elevational travel therealong as imparted by the subject between the upper and lower ends. The foot platforms are interconnected enabling the subject whose feet are received thereon to selectively cause the left foot platform and the right foot platform to travel elevationally and the left swing arm and the right swing arm to travel through first and second arcs, respectively, to thereby perform a series of successive stances and movements both laterally and elevationally which simulate a skiing run. The system of the invention may use ski boots and bindings, or other arrangements, for receiving the feet of the subject on the foot platforms.

Abstract: A downhill skiing/snowboarding/water skiing simulator and exerciser is disclosed, having an adjustable declined platform on which two simulated skis move, supported on rear wheeled trucks, sideways against tension type resistance riding back and forth its curved back track. Simultaneously with the rear movement, the ski tips or simulated snowboard pivot around the reduced lateral travel of the stacked swiveling, lateral moving front ski tip assembly, while the skis move between wedge and parallel positions freely. Independent height adjustments on either side of the back track allow changes from traversing directional simulations prior to the start of an actual stop movement. Outward angled standing bars provide pulling forces for the feel of the centrifugal force of a snow ski turn or water ski/snowboard turn. The forward end of each ski is capable of lateral and longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus especially suitable for simulating mogul skiing conditions. The apparatus may comprise a base which supports a rotatable component which, in turn, supports a platform for supporting a user. The rotational component includes a unidirectional element limiting the direction of rotation of the rotational component to a single direction. A biasing assembly assists and resists the movement of the rotational component and varies the speed of the rotational component in response to a displacement of the rotational component. An alternative exercise apparatus includes a pair of spaced rotational components driven by a prime mover via a power transmitting element. A platform is operatively connected to the pair of rotational components via a platform support assembly. One rotational element leads the other rotational element so as to vary the angular disposition of the platform throughout the rotation of the rotational elements. The prime mover is preferably a variable speed motor.

Abstract: A rowing exercise machine comprises a base, a first swinging member, a second swinging member, a seat tube, a seat, a third swinging member, a first pulley, a second pulley, a pull cable, a hand grip, and two pedals. A rowing exercise is brought about by a person sitting on the seat of the rowing exercise machine, with the person's feet pedaling the pedals and the person's hands holding the hand grip to pull rearwards the pull cable to cause the first swinging member and the third swinging member to move closer so as to actuate the seat tube to move upwards and rearwards. As the pull cable is relieved of the pressure exerting thereon, the seat tube is caused by the person's weight to move forwards and downwards so as to actuate the first swinging member and the third swinging member to move away from each other in opposite directions.

Abstract: A rocking pedal (10) essentially comprises a lower pedal frame (12) having a side fitting (14) for rotational adaptation to a bicycle crank (16). A lower hinge (18) uses hinge pin (21) to couple with an upper hinge (20) that is fixed to the bottom of upper pedal frame (22). Cushion pads (24) are inserted between lower pedal frame (12) and upper pedal frame (22) on each side of joined lower hinge (18) and upper hinge (20) to make rocking pedal (10) more comfortable.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus wherein a supporting base carries a rotatable platform oscillated by a drive from a hand held support that stabilizes the person exercising, characterized by an upstanding fence on the platform and over which the person jumps from side to side, the degree of rotation being variably controlled by the person.

Abstract: A mechanical surfing apparatus includes a board on which a rider can stand and a drive mechanism for cyclically varying the slope of the board to simulate the motions of a surfboard in waves. The board is supported at three support points spaced in the longitudinal direction of the board. Drive forces having differing frequencies are imparted to the board at two of the support points.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a-first track and handlebar assembly for simulation of cross-country skiing and a second track and handlebar assembly for simulation of downhill slalom skiing. The first track assembly has first and second elongate, parallel rails. A footpad engages each rail and is adapted to move along the length of its respective rail. A pair of handlebars are pivotally mounted at a location near one end of the first and second elongate rails. The second track has first and second arched rails. A platform is releasably mounted on said first and second arched rails and is adapted to move from one end of the rails to the other. A handlebar is provided for grasping during use of the platform for exercising. Resiliently flexible tension bands or chords are used to resist movement of both the first and second footpads and the platform.

Abstract: A training device is capable of simulating for a person being trained by the device the motion of a slalom or "wedeln" skiing. The device includes at least two rotating disks which are operatively connected to each other and rotate in opposite directions. The disks function as platforms for supporting a skier who is being trained by the device. The person being trained changes his or her position by jumping or stepping rhythmically from one platform to the other in simulation of wedeln and/or slalom and or wider downhill ski turns on parallel skis.

Abstract: A balancing sport including an elongated platform for receiving a participant. A lower surface of the platform is attached to two sectors which ate rotatable about two shafts positioned along a common horizontal axis of rotation. Each shaft is secured about a sector post anchored to a horizontal planar board. The lower surface of the board is attached to a pivot means with the board being pivotable about a vertical axis of rotation. The pivot means is attached to a rectangular plank movable along a linear horizontal axis. The lower surface of the plank includes attached axles with wheels attached. Each wheel is positioned within track rails projecting perpendicular and away from the bottom surface of the plank. Each track rail extends longitudinally parallel relative to one another and the linear axis.

Abstract: A new and improved stabilizer device for skiers having two skis, each of the two skis has an upper surface and a lower surface. Two front supports are secured to a corresponding upper surface of the two skis. Two back supports have a triangular support bracket theresecured. Each triangular support bracket is secured to a corresponding upper surface of the two skis. A U-shaped cross member has two convoluted end portions positioned to be secured to the two front supports and to the two back supports. Two brake handles, each of the two brake handles are secured to the U-shaped cross member. Two brake cables are secured to the corresponding brake handle and to the corresponding triangular support bracket of the back support. Two drag brakes are secured to the corresponding triangular support brackets and secured to the brake cables. Two spring mechanisms are secured to the triangular supports brackets and to the drag brakes.

Abstract: A new and improved snow ski enhancer comprised of a weighted base having a front side, a back side, a left sidewall, a right sidewall, an upper surface and a lower surface. The front side has a lower bottom edge and an upper top edge. The upper surface is concave. The upper concave surface has a height ranging between three and five inches at the left sidewall. A height ranging between three and five inches at the right sidewall. A height ranging between two and three inches therebetween. The front side of the weighted base is inclined from the lower bottom edge to the upper top edge. Two hollow cylindrical vertical extensions are integral with the back side of the weighted base. The device contains a foam cushion having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is secured to the upper concave surface of the weighted base. Three foot position markers are positioned on the top surface of the foam cushion. The foam cushion has a width ranging between two and three inches.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is used for leg exercises, and particularly for exercising the muscles used in ice skating. The apparatus has a frame with two four bar linkages arranged side by side. Each linkage carries a foot pad. A resistance unit is attached to each linkage to resist movement of the linkage in both directions. The resistance unit is preferably a double acting hydraulic cylinder connected to variable flow control valves to vary the resistance to linkage movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a frame that supports a pair of simulator skis above a floor surface. Rear ski ends are pivotally mounted to a rear ski support in rolling contact with a track surface on a rear frame portion. Front ski ends are pivotally mounted to a front ski support in rolling contact with the floor surface. Non-parallel, equal length bars are disposed on opposite sides of the pair of skis, extending from rear bar ends pivotally mounted to the base to front bar ends pivotally mounted to the front ski support.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus especially suitable for simulating skiing conditions. The apparatus comprises a base which supports a rotatable component which, in turn, supports a platform for supporting a user. The rotational component includes a unidirectional element limiting the direction of rotation of the component. A biasing assembly assists and resists the movement and varies the speed of the rotational component in response to a displacement of the same.

Abstract: A slalom water-ski training device comprising a main channel member having a vertical upright member that is rigidly mounted substantially perpendicular thereto at one end thereof. At least two auxiliary support braces are connected at one end to the vertical upright member and connected at their opposite end to the main channel member. At least one stabilizing member is rigidly connected to and in substantial coplanar relation with the main channel member a proximate predetermined distance from the vertical upright member. A ski rope is detachably and reattachably connected to the vertical upright member at a free end distal the main channel member. A ski board is slidably and swivelly mounted to the main channel member. A resilient sliding resistance means is attached to the main channel member distal the vertical upright member and the ski board for the purpose of applying a substantially elastic resistance to the sliding longitudinal displacement of the ski board.

Abstract: A pool for simulating water-skiing includes a pool body, a pumping plant which pumps water into the pool body as a stream just under the surface of the water in the pool body, a track supported above the periphery of the pool body, an automatic traveling member engaged with the track and capable of automatically traveling along the track, and a tow rope having one end attached to the traveling member. To practice standing up on water skis at the beginning of water-skiing, the traveling member is made to move along the track thereby pulling the skier from a remote position, for example, to a position in the stream of water injected into the pool. If kept at this position the skier can practice skiing with little difficulty. To simulate slaloming, the automatic traveling member can be controlled to travel back and forth along the track so that the skier's position relative to the stream of injected water is varied.

Abstract: Foot pads with foot straps are mounted to roller carriages which roll along a horizontal monorail with stationary middle supports and telescoping end supports. A rotatable shaft attached to one of the end supports is attached to an ergometric input-responsive variable resistance. Each of two cables wound around a spring-loaded retractable one-way clutch driver on the rotatable shaft connects to each of the foot pads. Stepper pedals hinged to the end support opposite the rotating shaft are each attached by a cable wound around the rotatable shaft. A long front rail with sliding hand grips and a short side rail are detachably mounted. A nordic double poling attachment may be mounted midway on the front rail with cables wound over pulleys and around the rotatable shaft. The platform is hinged in the center to fold in half for storage and transportation. A stationary foot pad is positioned adjacent to the hinges, and also serves as a stop for the moving foot pads.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus comprised of a rectangular base having a recessed seat, a rotating table fastened to the recessed seat for twisting the body and alternatively retained between a fixed position and a rotating position, an ergonomically engineered head rest fastened to the base at one end and adjusted to the desired angular position, collapsible stands fastened to the base at the four corners thereof by stand holders and alternatively locked between the operative vertical position and the non-operative horizontal position, and two ski poles fastened to two cross tubes at one end of the base by clamping devices and locknut devices and fixed in position according to the desired pitch between the ski poles.

Abstract: A waterski simulator is provided comprising a platform constructed and arranged to hold one practice skier and to rotate 180.degree. about a first pivot point, a pivoting arm constructed and arranged to rotate about 180.degree. about a second pivot point, the pivoting arm and the platform pivoting towards each other, a handle means connected to and extending from the pivoting arm and a resisting means associated with the pivoting arm providing resistance to the rotation thereof, said resistance being overcomeable by a practicing skier, whereby the practicing skier stands on the platform facing the pivoting arm and holds the handle means thereof, alternatively pivoting the platform and the pivoting arm, thereby simulating the movements associated with waterskiing.

Abstract: A tug of war machine is described which includes a belt loop which is pulled in a generally horizontal direction. The resistance placed on the loop can be selected to either provide a static pull or a hand-over-hand tug of war-type pulling exercise. Additionally, a treadmill may be used in conjunction with the tug of war loop cord to provide simultaneous exercise for the legs and the back. A monitor displays the performance of the user and compares this performance with the effort relative to a predetermined standard of reference.

Abstract: A downhill-ski training apparatus has a pair of like elongated ski beams each having a rear end carrying a respective foot pads and a front end connected to a stationary base at a swivel for movement of each the beams on the base about a respective vertical axis and a respective generally horizontal axis generally parallel to the respective beam so that each beam can be pivoted about its respective vertical axis from a center position with its rear end on a central region of a track to two flanking side positions with its rear end on side regions of the track. Respective elongated elastically extensible spring elements each have a rear end fixed to the rear end of the respective beam and a front end to the front side of the base and a middle part extending around a deflecting member that urges the beams toward the respective center positions and resists movement into the side positions with a force increasing as distance from the center position increases.

Abstract: A dry land snowboard training device is presented for simulating the balance and movement of a conventional snowboard on dry land, and in particular the balance and movement of a conventional snowboard on a wooden half pipe. The device comprises a unitary retrofit apparatus which can be mounted to a footboard or removably mounted to a conventional snowboard. The retrofit apparatus includes a frame, a support brace, and a series of housing assemblies which each contain a plurality of ball bearings. The device also incorporates a pair of inventive bindings which each comprise a hard plastic sole, with straps, and a support piece, with a strap, which is attached to the hard plastic sole with flexible cords.

Abstract: A skiing simulator is provided which includes a load adjusting mechanism controlled by a control console for adjusting the resistance exerted by the load adjusting mechanism on a belt drive system disposed about a pair of guide tracks. A pair of foot pedals slidably mounted on the guide tracks, and a tension adjusting mechanism for adjusting the slack in the belt drive system is further provided. The control console is positioned on the skiing simulator to allow the user to change the resistance of the load adjusting mechanism without interrupting an exercise routine being performed.

Abstract: An exercise device that simulates downhill skiing as well as thoroughly exercises one's body and cardiovascular system comprises a base support member that rests on the floor or ground. An elongate support member is pivotally attached to the base support member for pivotal, swaying movement about a longitudinal axis adjacent to the base support member. A biasing mechanism is associated with the elongate support member for exerting a biasing force to bias the elongate support member toward an upstanding position. A platform for supporting a person in a standing position thereon is pivotally attached to a distal end of the elongate support member. As the elongate support member sways back and forth, the platform moves in an arcuate, swinging motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for skate training exercise comprising arms of relatively long length pivotably mounted on a frame. The user's foot is secured in a stirrup on the arm opposite the pivot point. A resistance means is provided to provide resistance as the user pushes his foot away from the body along an arcuate path defined by the arm in simulated skating stroke. A return means is provided to assist the user in returning his foot along the arcuate path after predetermined angle is traversed. Various resistant means include electro-magnetic, fly wheel-fan and weight stack.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a post extended upward from a base, a track laterally supported on the base, a pair of foot pedals slidably disposed on the track, four pulleys disposed on the base, and an elastic band engaged over the pulleys and having two ends coupled to the foot pedals respectively. The foot pedals are movable sidewise against the elastic band in order to simulate skiing exercise.

Abstract: A load adjusting device for the ski stimulator, particularly to the magnetic load adjusting device which is mounted in the rear housing of the ski stimulator, commprises two guiding rollers installed on the front housing in front of the guiding track respectively, three timing wheels mounted in the same plane interconnected with a timing belt, a magnetic braking mechanism, a spindle, a hub member, a bearing and a one-way bearing. Wherein the guiding roller can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, and the timing wheels can only rotate one-way. The strap has at least one winding on the guiding roller to prevent any skip thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus particularly useful for exercising and toning the lower body which apparatus comprises an A-frame assembly defined by a pair of side members converging to an apex, the side members defining a pair of inclined planar surfaces. A foot rest is movably mounted on each inclined planar surface and means is provided to maintain each foot rest in reciprocal relationship to the other as they move along their respective inclined surface in response to the shift in weight of the person using the apparatus, as well as means to vary the resistance to movement of the footrests along said surfaces.

Abstract: A snow boarding training device includes a frame possessing a horizontal base and two spaced vertical posts. A tubular arcuate track extends between the posts and forms a segment of a circle lying in a plane inclined with respect to a horizontal plane at an angle between about ten and thirty degrees. An elongated support member formed in the shape of a snow board is secured adjacent a first, lower end to the base by a ball and socket mechanism. The support member is mounted for movement along the track by a guide roller assembly disposed on the bottom surface of the support member, adjacent a second opposite, upper end. The guide roller assembly includes two brackets mounting two pairs of rollers, with one roller of each pair positioned above the tubular track and having a concave surface conforming to the tubular track.

Abstract: A skiing simulator and training device has first and second bodies that each have a top surface sized and shaped to mate against the sole of a ski boot. Each of the bodies further includes an arcuate bottom surface. A connecting member movably connects the first and second bodies together and attaching brackets on the bodies connect the bodies to the sole of a ski boot. The bottom surfaces of the bodies are formed as tapering surfaces of rotation that are centered about an axis that is essentially parallel with a heel to toe axis of a ski boot.

Abstract: A physical exercise system uses conventional downhill or cross-country skis and poles in a skiing exercise system. An ski holder (elevated structure) is attached to the end of each of the pair of skis and a plug is attached to each of the pair of ski poles. The exercise may be performed in the living room environment on a residential carpet.When the skis are moved from a generally horizontal exercising position to a vertical position, for storage or display, the flat base of the ski holder provides for stable upward display and storage of the skis.An exercise method is disclosed which may provide the skier five aerobic points a day in a single twelve-minute exercise period.

Abstract: The hula chair includes an upper base (23) and an intermediate base (21). The bases (21 and 23) are linked together by the specially designed oversized universal joint which is combined by two components: the ring (16) and the plate/spacer (17). The plate/spacer (17) is connected to the upper base (23). The ring (16) is connected to the intermediate base (21) by the stud (19). The upper base (23), can swivel-rock individually from the intermediate base (21), because of a universal joint (16, 17, 19). Two sets of three cams (10a, 10b, 10c and 20a, 20b, 20c) are placed under the plate-spacer (17) and on the intermediate base (21). A block (6), which is positioned at the center of the intermediate base (21), can slide inside a slot (7). The crankshaft (9) goes through the block (6) and the intermediate base (21 ). Three arms (11a, 11b, 11c), can vertically slide on the top end of the crankshaft (9).

Abstract: A ski-deck adapted to be easily knocked down for storage or transport is provided by having telescoping side frames that secure rollers on bearings for a looped carpet over a ski deck and adjustable fitting on vertical support rails secured to horizontal support rails in order to adjust the height and slope of the ski deck. Horizontal safety rails are secured to vertical support rails for a waist belt and ski-grips with a safety switch that will stop the motor drive for the looped carpet. A motor speed control potentiometer is provided on top of a vertical support rail for the ski student's use in adjusting the simulated downhill skiing speed desired.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to allow the user to simulate the action of a snowboard during dryland training. The apparatus has a cylindrical roller that has tapered or angled surface at the outer portions of the roller. The tapered sections may have slots cut into them which would allow for a stepping effect from one tapered surface to the other. Attached to the lower surface of the receiving board are spacers. These spacers provide stability to the apparatus, while at the same time permitting unconventional radial, lateral and yaw motions to the receiving board and roller. The receiving board is attached to the lower surface of the upper deck by using vertical lifts attached between the receiving board and the upper deck. The receiving board may also include a gripping surface material between the lower surface of the receiving board and the roller. The upper surface or deck of the apparatus has a concave outer edge to provide increased surface contact with the feet of the user.

Abstract: A ski exercise device is provided having at least two parallel rails held in a fixed relationship by brace elements at the ends. A carriage is provided for riding along the rails, and a first resilient element provides a restoring force on the carriage directed toward the center of the rails. Platforms for a user's feet are pivotally attached to the carriage off-center from the centerline of the platforms so that the natural action by a user in shifting weight from one platform to the other platform in operation causes the respective platforms to pivot in the correct direction to simulate the action of parallel skiing. The first resilient element is fastened to the carriage at about a mid-point. One end of the first resilient element in the preferred embodiment passes around a roller attached to one of the end brace elements, extends back toward the middle of the rails, and is clamped at a clamp assembly attached to an additional brace element between the rails.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus comprising a support, arranged for supporting a standing person, and an axle including a guide roller, arranged for providing guided rolling support to the support, at least one wheel member and an axle support, wherein said apparatus further comprises an axle twisting member arranged to cause the axle to twist about a second axis, lying across a first axis disposed along the length of the axle, in response to rotation of the axle about the first axis, caused when the support is moved across the axle in guided rolling engagement with the guide roller.

Abstract: A ski training device includes: a ski having an upstanding elongate member attached thereto; and two handle means associated with the upstanding elongate member, one handle means for an inexperienced skier, and the other handle means for an experienced skier.