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  Training apparatus simulating skiingUSPTO Application #: 20070287602Title: Training apparatus simulating skiing Abstract: A training apparatus contains a base, a sliding unit, a cranking unit, and a linking unit. The sliding unit contains two connecting strips with treadles at the back ends. A first flexible link and a second flexible link are arranged in parallel and connected to the two connecting strips. The cranking unit contains a wheel supported axially by an end of a crank arm which rotates synchronously with the wheel. The linking unit contains a third flexible link connected between the other end of the crank arm and the front end of one of the connecting strips. By the resilience provided by the third flexible link, the lateral and reciprocal motions of the sliding unit are prevented from getting stuck at the dead spots. (end of abstract)
Agent: Leong C Lei - Walnut Creek, CA, US Inventor: Bob Hsiung USPTO Applicaton #: 20070287602 - Class: 482 71 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070287602. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001]The present invention generally relates to training apparatuses for fitness, and more particularly to a training apparatus providing the simulation of skiing. (b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART [0002]Skiing machines are a type of training apparatus for exercising the muscles around a user's waist, hip, and legs. FIG. 1 shows such a training apparatus which is suggested by U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,032. The training apparatus contains a base 10 supporting a vertically erected frame 11 at an end of the base 10. Two elongated foot supporting means 13 are suspended between the frame 11 and the base 10 by two supporting means 12 respectively. At a back end of each foot supporting means 13, a treadle 14 is provided. A front end of each foot supporting means 13 is connected to an end of a crank arm 16 by a rigid link 17. The other end of the crank arm 16 is connected to an axle of a wheel 15. The wheel 15 is rotationally engaged by the crank arm 16 which is swung by the foot supporting means 13 via the links 17. The wheel 15 is chained to a fly wheel 20 by a belt 25 so as to provide resistance to the rotational movement of the wheel 15 for better exercising effect. An upright handle 18 is provided on top of the frame 11 which is pivotally connected to the axle of the wheel 15 by a connecting rod 19 and can be moved from side-to-side. [0003]Most of the existing skiing machines have a similar mechanism as described above which, by the side-to-side movement of the foot supporting means 13, drives the wheel 15 to spin via the rigid links 17 and the crank arm 16. The most significant characteristic of these skiing machines is that they are engaged in lateral and reciprocal motions, in contrast to the vertical and rotational motions of conventional exercise bikes. These lateral and reciprocal motions inevitably involve dead spots at the two sides as shown in FIG. 2 and, therefore, the two foot supporting means 13 have to be pushed and pulled together in overcoming these dead sports. [0004]However, as the foot supporting means 13, the rigid links 17, the crank arm 16, and the wheel 15 are all suspended, some discrepancy among them will develop after a period of usage. Therefore, during the exercise, the lateral and reciprocal motions might get stuck at the dead spots from time to time, causing unstable and staggering feeling to the user. The smoothness and safety of operating these skiing machines are thereby significantly impaired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005]The object of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus simulating the skiing which offers smooth and safe operation. [0006]The training apparatus contains a base, a sliding unit, a cranking unit, and a linking unit where the sliding unit engages the resistance-providing cranking unit via the linking unit. [0007]The base has a frame vertically positioned in the front where an upright rod with a handle at the top end is erected. Two pivots are interposed between the bottom edge of the frame and the base. [0008]The sliding unit contains two connecting strips with treadles at the back ends. The two connecting strips are pin-joined to the two pivots respectively. A first flexible link and a second flexible link are arranged in parallel and connected to the two connecting strips. [0009]The cranking unit contains a wheel supported axially by an end of a crank arm which rotates synchronously with the wheel. [0010]The linking unit contains a third flexible link connected between the other end of the crank arm and the front end of one of the connecting strips. [0011]By the resilience provided by the third flexible link, the lateral and reciprocal motions of the sliding unit are prevented from getting stuck at the dead spots. [0012]The foregoing objective and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts. [0013]Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional skiing machine. [0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the lateral motion of the conventional skiing machine of FIG. 1. [0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0017]FIG. 4 is a top view showing the training apparatus of FIG. 3. [0018]FIG. 5 is a front view showing the training apparatus of FIG. 3. [0019]FIG. 6 is a profile view showing the training apparatus of FIG. 3. [0020]FIG. 7 is a top view showing the training apparatus along the 7-7 plane of FIG. 5. Continue reading... Full patent description for Training apparatus simulating skiing Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Training apparatus simulating skiing 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. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Training apparatus simulating skiing or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Exercise machine with semi-dependent retraction system Next Patent Application: Apparatus for stretching hip adductor Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Training apparatus simulating skiing patent info. 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