Exercise apparatus for simulating skating movement

Abstract

An exercise apparatus used to simulate skating or roller blading movement in a user includes a pair of sleds or shuttles which include a pedal adapted to suppor t the foot of a user standing thereon. The shuttles are movable along a respective guide assembly consisting of one or more rails which curve away from each other extending from proximate forwardmost ends, outwardly and rearwardly. The rail assemblies are provided in a substantiall y mirror arrangement and curve downwardly from their respective forwardmost ends to a lowermost distal portion. A guide member is provided to assist in positioning and maintaining the shuttles in sliding movement along each guide assembly, whereby the reciprocal slidin g movement of the shuttles along an associated guide assembly acts to guide the feet of the us er in skating or roller blade movement.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 909020, filed July 20, 2001, entitled "Practice Apparatus to Simulate Ice Skating Action," filed October 4, 2000 under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) Claimed priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 237387. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to exercise devices, and more particularly to devices for simulating in use the skating or roller skating motion of an athlete whereby the user's legs move laterally and backwards simultaneously. Background technique [0004] Exercise devices that simulate walking, running and stair climbing are well known. Running and walking exercise devices typically include an incline moving belt or treadmill on which a user walks and runs. Devices for climbing stairs or steps typically include a pair of articulated treads on which a user stands, wherein the treads are moved up and down by the user shifting her or his weight ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Conventional skating practice devices to date have additionally encountered the disadvantage that they are difficult to use to mimic the forward motion achieved in skating

In particular, while skating rigs as described in the prior art are adapted to provide lateral motion in a substantially horizontal plane, conventional skating practice rigs fail to account for the variations in leg and foot positions experienced by skaters during the actual forward motion

Additionally, conventional skating practice devices that only move in the horizontal plane as the user's legs move outward can cause stress on the user's Achilles and / or peroneal tendons

[0007] Furthermore, conventional skating practice devices have the disadvantage that their complex structure makes manufacture difficult, and the cantilevered arrangement of the user's support pedals is prone to premature wear and failure

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