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Acrobatic and gymnastic spotting apparatusAcrobatic and gymnastic spotting apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070287599, Acrobatic and gymnastic spotting apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/804,265, filed Jun. 8, 2006. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002]The present invention relates generally to athletic training equipment and, more particularly, to such equipment for training athletes in gymnastics, acrobatics, and like athletic movements. More specifically, the present invention relates to a spotting apparatus utilizing a transportable frame to support a spotting seat cage in a manner providing a user with one or multiple axes of rotation within the support frame. BACKGROUND ART [0003]The worldwide popularity of Cirque du Soleil productions harkens back to the days of the big top and the "Greatest Show on Earth." Acrobatic performers demonstrating advanced gymnastic procedures that communicate seemingly effortless artistry. Reality, of course, is quite different--the performers are highly skilled athletes that must continually train body and mind to accomplish the techniques required for a night's performance. [0004]Many of the audience favorites involve suspended artists performing maneuvers in an apparently weightless condition. While wires and harnesses are not new technology, these newer shows have placed requirements on this older technology that were never intended. In most cases, the performer pays the price, in terms of greater stresses placed on his/her body. [0005]In some cases, these stresses require the performer to limit his/her time in the harness or risk career-ending injuries. A need exists for a redesigned support harness that enables a performer to practice the performance maneuvers and perform them in an environment that is more physically comfortable without sacrificing safety and support. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [0006]An athletic trainer comprising: a support frame having a pair of lateral supports attached to one another in a spaced-apart manner, each of said pair of lateral supports having a base member and a lateral frame extending therefrom, said lateral frame comprising a pair of members attached to one another at a first end in a manner defining a pivotal support surface and each pair of members separately attached at a respective second end to said base member; and a spotting apparatus having a front brace and a rear brace, said spotting apparatus received in a caged manner by each of said pivotal support surfaces, whereby said pivotal support surfaces of said pair of lateral supports cooperatively define a first axis of rotation, about which said caged spotting apparatus may selectively rotate. [0007]According to aspects of embodiments of the present invention, an athlete in the athletic trainer is supported within the spotting apparatus by the support frame, which in turn is supported--not suspended. The support frame thus eliminates the requirement for rigging that is typically required to create this aerial state. The support frame also eliminates the requirement for a high-ceiling location, which is a requirement for rigging installations. [0008]Another aspect in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is the stabilization of the center of gravity. Once installed within the spotting apparatus, as supported by the support frame, the athlete is airborne, and the center of gravity becomes the point of rotation. Such rotational motion is initiated by muscle contraction by the athlete, and not by a motor or by a random momentum. The athlete has full control of the direction and speed of rotation. [0009]Another aspect in accordance with embodiments of the present invention relates to comfort and ease of adjustment. The spotting apparatus forms a rigid structure surrounding the waist of the athlete, and acts as a safety cage--the body of the athlete is not compressed. The rigid ledge seat in the spotting apparatus supports the buttocks and can easily be adjusted in height to fit children as well as tall adults. The shoulder support straps secure the position of the athlete in the upside down position. [0010]A still further aspect in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is about the ease with which the athletic trainer can be installed and re-located. The structure is exceedingly light and can easily be re-located--even when fully assembled. The design of the support frame makes it easy to assemble and tear down for storage. [0011]These and various other advantages and features of the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims. Reference should also be had to the drawings which form a further part hereof, as well as to the accompanying descriptive matter in which are illustrated and described in various examples of with the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spotting apparatus and supporting frame. [0013]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing an attachment of the spotting apparatus to the supporting frame. [0014]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the spotting apparatus. [0015]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the spotting apparatus. [0016]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view, partially in cross-section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, of the spotting apparatus. [0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a performer held within the spotting apparatus in an up-side down position relative to the supporting frame. [0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a performer held within the spotting apparatus in a right-side up position relative to the supporting frame. [0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention. Continue reading about Acrobatic and gymnastic spotting apparatus... Full patent description for Acrobatic and gymnastic spotting apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Acrobatic and gymnastic spotting apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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