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: A sports training aid has a pair of foot sensors, insertable in a pair of shoes, which generate measurement signals indicative of weight applied to each of the foot sensors. The training aid compares the measurement signals with a specified range of values and produces audible sounds indicative of the relationship between those measurement signals and the specified range of values, thereby providing the training aid's user with immediate audible feedback regarding weight shifts. A grip sensing version of the sports training aid uses a grip pressure sensor which generates a measurement signal indicative of grip pressure applied to the handle of a swingable object, such as a golf club or baseball bat. When the user's grip pressure falls outside specified threshold values, audible tones are generated. In both versions, the user receives the audible feedback signals via a headset worn while using the sports training aid.

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: An apparatus for shifting the body weight of a skier from a skier's legs to the skis for enhancing the skier's performance and minimizing leg strain comprises a spring assembly including a loop of elastic rod-shaped material stretchable during crouching movement of a skier's legs between a standing position and a fully crouched position of the skier. A housing defining an elongated channel for enclosing a portion of the loop supports the stretchable material and parallel rod-shaped branches terminating in a base bend. The base bend is secured within one end of the housing. The housing also includes a socket for receiving rigid poles therein and supporting the poles in vertical positions above the skis. The top ends of the poles have pulleys therein over which a cord is fed extending from a top bend of the loop of elastic material to straps disposed about the thigh or thighs of the skier's legs.

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.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for a skater or similar athlete includes a flexible sheet having a smooth glide surface along which the feet of the exerciser can slide. Bumper assemblies are releasably connected with opposite ends of the flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is releasably clamped between a rigid base plate and a main section of a bumper assembly. A ramp section is releasably connected with the main section of a bumper assembly. A resiliently compressible bumper strip is provided on an upwardly sloping side surface of the ramp section to engage the foot of the exerciser. To further absorb forces resulting from enagagement of an exerciser's foot against the ramp section, a pad is provided between the ramp section and the main section of a bumper assembly. A mat extends beneath the flexible sheet and ramp section of a bumper assembly to stabilize the bumper assembly.

Abstract: A method for teaching children to ski uses a wide torso encircling band and two pairs of reins of different length. At an early stage of learning, the instructor straddles the child and uses short reins to directly control the speed and direction of the child and the pair of ski slowly. At a later stage of learning, the instructor backs away from the child and uses the long reins to directly control the child's speed and indirectly control the child's direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting the body weight of a skier from a skier's legs to the skis for enhancing the skier's performance and minimizing leg strain comprises a spring assembly including a loop of elastic rod-shaped material stretchable during crouching movement of a skier's legs between a standing position and a fully crouched position of the skier. A housing defining an elongated channel for enclosing a portion of the loop supports the stretchable material and parallel rod-shaped branches terminating in a base bend. The base bend is secured within one end of the housing. The housing also includes a socket for receiving rigid poles therein and supporting the poles in vertical positions above the skis. The top ends of the poles have pulleys therein over which a cord is fed extending from a top bend of the loop or elastic material to straps disposed about the thigh or thighs of the skier's legs.

Abstract: A closed-loop user interactive ski simulation system with a foot controlled ski input device is disclosed. The system includes a pair of skis and pressure sensors in association with the skis. The sensors generate an output voltage in response to force applied by a user to the skis. The output voltage is converted to digital format and fed into a computer that processes the information and provides a drive signal. The drive signal may be used to control a display system, a motion simulation system or both. The simulation system can be used for instructional purposes as well as for training, entertainment and exercise.

Abstract: A mirrored training device for attachment to a ridden board-type athletic device is disclosed. The training device comprises a convex mirror in a shockproof case having attachment means for securing the training device to the board surface. The mirror casing may be angled, or unequal length legs may be provided, so that the attached convex mirror is inclined towards the rider's normal board riding position to provide a full reflection thereof. Dividing lines are provided on the mirror surface as reference points for the posture of the athlete. In an alternative embodiment the mirrored device is built into the ridden-board-type device.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a carriage restrained by resilient elements to restore the carriage toward a middle position when displaced by a user simulating parallel skiing, and a single foot platform arranged on the carriage as a swing, so the force applied by a user causes the foot surface of the platform to swing to a position with the surface at substantially a right angle with the direction of the force.

Abstract: A ski slalom exerciser which includes a horizontal platform with a low friction top surface and a pair of sliders having low friction bottoms disposed on the platform for sliding movement thereon. This movement may also be guided by a pair of elongated guides slidably engaged to the sliders. The guides positioned and extending above the platform have their forward ends pivotally secured to a bracket positioned forwardly in variable distance from the platform. To stop this movement, the sliders have on their elongated lateral sides brakes operated by tilting the user's feet. A pair of upright adjustable poles are mounted to the front portion of the base in variable distance from the platform. A pair of stretchable straps may be used to compel the user to flex his legs. The straps are attached at one end to hooks at the front of the sliders, with the other end wrapped around the user's knees.

Abstract: As an aid for a novice skier, a close fitting fabric glove confines the forward portion of a pair of water-skis. The glove both prevents excessive lateral separation of the skis and maintains a desirable minimum separation--both features greatly assisting a novice, for example, in "getting up" from a deep water start and in his stability when waterborne. The greater planing area of the glove, compared with the ski portions it covers, and its buoyancy (from air entrapment), both help the skier to "get up" more quickly. Flexibility of the fabric of the glove permits substantially normal relative tipping and pitching of the skis for control purposes. The glove is secured to the skis by snap fasteners.

Abstract: An improved adjustable exercise machine for safe, smooth and comfortable aerobic conditioning has a frame assembly, a pair of foot skates with rollers attached to each skate permitting the skates to be movably mounted on the frame assembly and a pair of arm pole mechanisms attached to the frame assembly. The improvement comprises the frame assembly having two elongate parallel rails, suitably of extruded aluminum, each having sidewalls each with an elongate groove therein with recesses within the grooves thereby forming sidewall tracks. The rails each have a bottom with an elongate groove therein having elongate recesses within the groove thereby forming a bottom track. The rollers of each skate are adapted to be securely and movably mounted within the respective sidewall tracks of the rails to secure or fasten the skates to the rails. The skates have an inclined top surface sloping downwardly in a forwardly direction.

Abstract: An ice skater's exercise device which unrolls from a compact storage condition into an elongated rectangular plastic body or strip having a low friction surface for performing alternating side-to-side sliding movements thereon between a cooperating pair of raised and concave shaped stops, wherein the terminal portion of each slide is in a slightly ascending path which assists in terminating the directional nature thereof and causing a reversal therein.

Abstract: A device for use in aiding a snowboard trainee in practicing a variety of snowboard maneuvers is disclosed herein having an elongated platform conformal to and simulating a miniature snowboard, including a slightly up-curved tail and a more pronounced upwardly curved nose. The plateform nose and tail are integrally joined by a flat midportion carrying a pair of attachment pads on its upper surface adapted to be detachably connected with a pair of finger couplers carried on the fingertips of the user. Attachment devices releasably connect the finger couplers with the attachment pads.

Abstract: Muscle training apparatus allowing the user to exercise particularly his lower limbs as for training in sliding sports such as snow or water skiing, includes a base adapted to be anchored on a reference surface, the base having a arcuate shaped track formed of two concentric paths, each path having a curved concentric rail, and a pair of moveable carriages, each having grooved wheels for bearing on the concentric rails. Each carriage has a shoe connected to its upper part for articulation, the shoe being adapted to receive the foot of the user and to rotate about an axis parallel to a simulated direction of a ski. Each shoe includes a brake for blocking movement of the carriage over the track so as to a simulate an edge taking skiing technique by placing the user in a position corresponding to that actually taken during skiing.

Abstract: Apparatus for training skiers the apparatus including a frame mounting a pair of resilient cords which interconnect the frame and the tails of the individual skis for supporting the tails of skis in elevated relation, and pivot assemblies mounted on the tips of the skis and rested on a supporting surface and operable to allow a skier wearing the skis to swing the skis and pivot the skis about their respective longitudinal axes for purposes of simulating various ski maneuvers.

Abstract: An educational device particularly for use as a ski trainer comprising a rig consisting of a baseboard on which a person under instruction stands on a pair of skis mounted on sensors arranged on the baseboard, the sensors being responsive to the weight, pressure, or movement of the person to produce output signals therefrom which are converted and computed in a data processing unit to provide a simulated trace of the weight, pressure or movement of the person or a simulated trajectory representing his skiing track on the screen of a visual display unit.

Abstract: A skiing simulator which includes a platform formed by an annular peripheral frame defining an opening in which there is suspended a disc. The disc is suspended by tension springs extending between the edge of the disc and the peripheral frame. A pair of openings having parallel longitudinal axes are defined in the disc, and sole plates are adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axes in respective openings. A parallelogram linkage extends between the sole plates to control the parallel rotational movement therof, and a damper is connected between the disc and the linkage in order to provide resistance to the rotational movement of the sole plates. Ski boot bindings are fixed to each of the sole plates for receiving ski boots. A skier utilizing the skiing simulator can simulate forward and rearward tilting as well as translational lateral body movements of skiing.

Abstract: A piece of equipment for the simulation of skiing movements which comprises a basic structure which can be stably placed on the ground. An arm is hinged to the basic structure in a median position and is able to oscillate horizontally. The arm carries a pair of boards at its end. Feet are connected to the structure to incline it with respect to the ground. The arm is able to carry out a slight vertical oscillation. The boards are restrained to the arm so that they can rotate around their vertical and horizontal axes, the rotation around the vertical axis being limited by suitable means. Two rods overhang and are connected to the arm by pins. The rods are able to rotate around the vertical axis of these pins, such rotation being made synchronous with that of the boards. The rotation is opposite to the direction of oscillation of the arm.

Abstract: An exercise machine for simulating cross-country skiing is disclosed in which the poling action of the arms and the leg action both drive the same flywheel through a system of overrunning clutches. This provides a more realistic simulation of cross-country skiing than the prior art devices in which the arm motion was independent of the leg action.

Abstract: Two pairs of water skis are provided. A ski tow line has one end which is removably connectable to a main tow line and two connecting lines at the other end which are removably connectable to one pair of water skis. A sleeve is slideably located around the two connecting lines for movement toward or away from said one pair of water skis for adjustment of the allowable distance between the two skis of said one pair of skis. A training ski handle is provided with a tow line connected to the training ski handle and being removably connectable to the main tow line. An elongated ski handle is provided for use by the instructor and student. A tow line is connected to the elongated handle and is removably connectable to the main tow line.

Abstract: A training device for skiers includes an inverted V-shaped support defining an apex. One leg is rotatable about an upwardly inclined axis along a first angle and the other leg extends at a different angle from the apex. The free end of the other leg supports a platform for supporting the skier's feet. The other leg together with the platform swing in pendulum fashion about the apex and seek an equilibrium position under the action of gravity when the skier is not on the platform.

Abstract: A sailboard simulator has a movably supported simulated sailboard and devices for effective movement of simulation sailboard relative to its support. A mast extends upwardly from its sailboard and a wishbone is secured to the mast. The devices for effecting movement comprises of a pulling member flexibly connected to the mast at a point spaced from the mast and a device for displacing the pulling member to simulate the action of a sail on its mast.

Abstract: This disclosure shows a skating device designed to enable the user to perform the physical movements required when ice skating in artificial conditions, such as, for example, when there is no readily accessible ice rink or frozen lake. As such, the skating device can be used indoors at any time of the year. The device itself consists of a frame with a step for each foot on an approximately horizontal, pivotable guide. Each step is slidingly movable along its pivotable guide. Biasing force means, arising from the use of suitable weights, oppose the skating movements of the user and restore the parts of the skating device to their initial rest positions following these movements. The frame includes a horizontal pole, whose position is adjustable, for gripping by the user's hands.

Abstract: Apparatus for training skiers the apparatus including a frame mounting a pair of resilient cords which interconnect the frame and the tails of the individual skis for supporting the tails of skis in elevated relation and pivot assemblies mounted on the tips of skis and rested on a supporting surface and operable to allow a skier wearing the skis to swing the skis and pivot the skis about their respective longitudinal axes for purposes of simulating various ski maneuvers.

Abstract: An apparatus for training cross-country skiers and ice skaters has a frame having a center support and two bars, the rear ends of which are connected to said frame in such a manner as to be pivotable about vertical axes. The center support and the bars have respective standing surfaces with threaded bores of the attachment of cross-country ski bindings. The bars are held together by at least one spring and support rollers on their forward ends which rotate about horizontal axes. The hip muscles, thigh extensors and gluteal muscles can be exercised with this apparatus.

Abstract: A ski exercise device (20) includes a stationary mainframe (22) and an arcuate track (50) having first (50a) and second (50b) ends. The ends (50a, 50b) of the arcuate track (50) are connected to the stationary mainframe (22). A rail (70) having ends (70a, 70b) is provided. The rail (70) is pivotally mounted to the stationary mainframe (22) and includes a wheel (78) for engaging the arcuate track (50). The rail (70) moves along the arcuate track (50) between the ends (50a, 50b). Biasing structure (200) biases the rail (70) to the stationary mainframe (22) such that the rail (70) acts against the force created by the biasing structure (200) as the rail (70) moves along the arcuate track (50). Structure (90, 92) is provided which is mounted to the rail (70) for supporting the user of the ski exercise device (20) and which allows for longitudinal and rotational motion of the user's feet.

Abstract: A ski exercise device (500) includes a stationary mainframe (502) and an arcuate track (520) having first (520a) and second (520b) ends. The ends (520a, 520b) of the arcuate track (520) are connected to the stationary mainframe (502). A support platform (540) is slidably mounted to the arcuate track (520). The support platform (540) moves along the arcuate track (520) between the ends (520a, 520b). Biasing structure (720) biases the support platform (540) to the arcuate track (520) such that the support platform (540) acts against the force created by the biasing structure (720) as the support platform (540) moves along the arcuate track (520). The support platform (540) supports the user of the ski exercise device (500) and allows for rotational and vertical motion of the user's feet during movement along arcuate track (520).

Abstract: An athletic training device for restraining an athlete's legs in a proper position throughout a predetermined range of physical motions to reinforce the desired motion through repetitive practice. The training device includes a first elasticized or knee-encircling band having at least one pair of laterally extending straps. A second elasticized knee-encircling band is adapted to be secured about the opposite knee of the user. The ends of the restraining straps are securable to the second band so that the user is restrained in a proper position allowing forward and rearward motion of the knees restraining undesirable sideways motion or sway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski training device which comprises a generally horizontal support plate, oscillating about a principal axis of symmetry, and two sole plates on which rest the feet of a user, carried pivotally on the support plate respectively on one side and the other of a plane of symmetry passing through the principal pivoting axis of the support plate, about respective auxiliary axes generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the support plate. Alternating pivotings of the sole plates about their respective axes, induced by the user, are accompanied by an alternating rocking of the support plate about the associated principal axis.

Abstract: A ski steering apparatus (10) including a handlebar (11), a column (13) and telescoping member (15), fork (18) and pivotable and rotatable connector (20, 40) to each of a pair of skis (100) is described. The apparatus allows the skier to steer the skis by rotating the handle about the longitudinal axis of the support means. The connector preferably also allows the apparatus (10) to be positioned in front of the tips of the skis so that a trainer in front of the skier can guide the skier down a hill.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus for use by skiers to practice downhill runs, slalom runs and analogous types of runs has a main frame supporting a swaying frame which is turnable with reference to the main frame about two parallel horizontal axes extending longitudinally of the main frame. The movements of the swaying frame to either side of a central longitudinal vertical symmetry plane are opposed by strong coil springs whose bias is adjustable by a feed screw. The swaying frame carries a seesaw frame which is rockable with reference thereto about one or more horizontal axes disposed in the central longitudinal symmetry plane of the swaying frame.

Abstract: In appliances for practicing aquatic sports with water flowing upwardly over a sloping bottom surface a premature breakdown of the flow caused by the accumulation of portions of water slowed down by friction at the boundary faces is prevented by at least partially removing said portions of slowed down water. This can be done by sucking off at least the increasingly portions of slowed down water which are preferably refed to a return pipe of the appliance. A further possibility provides that portions of slowed down water are accelerated by supplying water at an increased flow rate. Suction of the portions of slowed down water as well as the supply of water at an increased flow rate is particularly effected through apertures in the bottom surface in the regions in which the portions of water are particularly slowed down, i.e. above all in the regions in the vicinity of an overflow at the upper end of the sloping bottom surface.

Abstract: A ski stress signaling device comprising a pair of strain gauges mounted on the top surface of each of a pair of skis with one strain gauge in front of the boot and the other strain gauge behind the boot. Each pair of strain gauges is connected by electrical conductor wires to a bridge circuit. The magnitude and polarity of the voltage output of the bridge circuit is determined by the amount of strain measured at the tops of the skis by the four gauges. The amplified output of the bridge circuit is used by a pair of LED (light emitting diode) drivers to control the illumination of two pluralities of LEDs mounted around the periphery of a pair of goggles worn by the skier.

Abstract: A ski training halter is adapted for positioning on a person below his or her waist and to extend across the person's front, lower abdominal region to the respective left and right hip regions of the student's body. The training halter also includes portions adapted to be positioned around the upper portions of the student's thighs and interconnected with the portions extending across the student's lower abdominal and hip regions. Adjustable and detachable fasteners are provided to maintain the training halter in proper, taut position on the person's body, and elongated reins are detachably connected to the training halter and extended to a location rearwardly of the person where another person can be positioned safely on skis to hold the reins and use them to exert restraining and turning forces on the training halter.

Abstract: A ski-training aid comprising a handlebar adapted to be held by a ski-instructor, having a pair of ankle straps connected to one end of the handlebar and a waist strap attached to the other end of the handlebar, the straps adapted to be attached to a trainee skier and with the ankle and waist straps being adjustable to fit various size trainee skiers and with the ankle straps being interconnected for simultaneous movement independently of movement of the handlebar.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a boat, comprising an elongated bar having one end pivotally mounted on the side of the boat, the bar extending from the boat side so that a skier may grasp the opposite end of the bar or may tie his ski rope thereto. The bar is braced by means of a cable secured to an intermediate part of the bar and connected to a forward part of the boat, such as to the deck cleat. A further cable has one end connected to the bar and its other end connected to an upright mast. The pivot connection for the one end of the bar is in the form of a mounting plate which is secured to the side of the boat. The mounting plate has spaced ears between which the bar end is disposed, and a pin is disposed through holes in the ears and the bar end to provide a horizontal pivot.

Abstract: A training apparatus for the sport of water skiing comprising, in combination: a pair of water skis; a first connection near the fronts of said skis and a second connection near the backs of said skis for maintaining the skis generally parallel with a predetermined mutual spacing; a handle rope fixed at one end to the first connection and having a gripping handle at the other end; and a towing rope connected to the first connection for providing forward impulsion to the skis.

Abstract: A lead line between at least two persons who are moving in a line, particularly on skis, in order to facilitate the movement of the person or persons at the rear; this device includes at least two harnesses, each adapted to be worn by one of the persons, and at least one towline which is made up of an elastic section and safety coupling adapted to be released when a predetermined tension on the towline is exceeded; each towline connects two consecutive harnesses by attachment inclined in the harnesses.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable ski deck is selectively downwardly or upwardly inclinable. A stand is pivotally connected to a frame, which frame rotatably supports a pair of belt rollers at either end thereof along a line transverse to the length of said frame. An endless belt is mounted around the two rollers, and is adapted to be moved in a single direction against the movement of a skier. A pair of slide tracks are formed within the belt to simulate a cross-country skiing path. Ski-on and ski-off ramps are provided at either end of the ski deck.

Abstract: A ski training halter is adapted for positioning on a person below his or her waist and to extend across the person's front, lower abdominal region to the respective left and right hip regions of the student's body. The training halter also includes portions adapted to be positioned around the upper portions of the student's thighs and interconnected with the portions extending across the student's lower abdominal and hip regions. Adjustable and detachable fasteners are provided to maintain the training halter in proper, taut position on the person's body, and elongated reins are detachably connected to the training halter and extended to a location rearwardly of the person where another person can be positioned safely on skis to hold the reins and use them to exert restraining and turning forces on the training halter.

Abstract: This is an exercising, skiing teaching and skiing simulating machine constructed for use at home, or in a ski shop or in any other place inside or outside of a building, at or away from the ski slopes. The machine has foot support surfaces on which a person stands which are suspended below horizontal axes of rotation. The foot support surfaces are suspended from arms pivotally mounted on a rotating platform which is supported in a floor-mounted frame. The pivots supporting the arms are vertical and are adjustable with relation to the axis of rotation of the platform. Stop pins are provided for limiting or locking rotation of the platform, and for limiting or locking the rotation of the arms. Elastic cords are also provided for applying biasing forces to the arms which create resistance to a person's motion. Sensors are also provided for sensing and signalling incorrect motions. The frame includes hand supports for the person's hands. The machine is useful for exercising and practicing skiing.

Abstract: A dry land trick ski trainer is disclosed comprising a circular platform disposed at 21/2 to 10 degrees attitude and rotatingly supported at its center on a base. The circular platform is provided with a ski boot and markings to show the proper placement of feet. A ski rope is provided, one end of which is attached through a pulley to a set of weights so as to simulate the pull of a boat.

Abstract: Ski training apparatus is provided which includes a base, and a pair of spaced and parallel horizontal bars supported on the base and displaced upwardly from the plane thereof in uniplanar relationship, and a third horizontal bar extending perpendicular to and traversing the pair of bars supported on the base and displaced up from the pair of bars. A first bushing is slidably supported on the third bar, and a pair of bushings are slidably supported on the pair of bars. An intermediate block is mounted between the pair of bushings, and it is pivotally coupled to the bushings for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axes of the pair of bars. A pair of ski-like boards are pivotally mounted at their front ends on the first bushing in spaced uniplanar relationship. A compression spring is mounted on the pivotal block, and it extends upwardly from the plane of the pair of bars, and a horizontal transverse strip member is mounted on the upper end of the spring, and it extends parallel to the second bar.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus including a transmitter portion, a receiver portion and a prompter portion, each of the portions being disposed in a separate self-contained unit, the transmitter portion being adapted to be worn on the head and including a peripheral band portion and a top connecting portion extending in an arcuate path between opposing sides of the peripheral band, a microphone disposed on the under side of the connecting portion intermediate the ends thereof for contact with the head, an antenna associated with the peripheral band portion, citizen's band transmitter mechanism located on the connecting portion, power supply member connected to the transmitter member, voice activatible actuating member connected to the transmitter member; the receiver portion being adapted to be worn on the head and including a peripheral band portion, transducer member disposed on the inside of the peripheral band portion, citizen's band receiver member connected to the transducer member, power supply member connected t